The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, June 14, 2024, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Donald Frazier and a roll call was taken as follows:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, Isaiah Ross, Isaiah Ross, Robert Charles Brown, Latasha Griffin, David Williams and Curt Collins
Commissioners absent: None
Other members present Executive Director Patrick Murphy & Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: Kayla Jacob- BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON, L.L.P, Cameron Murray, Cameron Murray & Associates and Katie Murray
Attorney Jacobs suggested opening public comments to allow Mr. Murphy to speak regarding his personal matters before going into Executive Session.
Attorney Murray stated that he would address the board on behalf of Mr. Murphy. He stated that he emailed a request on June 13, 2024, requesting that Mr. Murphy be placed on family medical leave. Murray stated that Mr. Murphy is still under the doctor’s care, he is receiving physical rehabilitation in addition to a home health nurse in the home. According to Murray, Mr. Murphy’s situation stemmed from a condition called Myasthenia gravis which causes balance issues. He added that at some point Mr. Murphy injured his leg which turned out to be a hematoma. The hematoma was mistreated by the hospital which caused a lot of his problems. Since then, he has been in and out of facilities and is currently confined to his residence. Murray stated it seems to him that the Port should be able to make some reasonable accommodations to accommodate his disability.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Griffin, to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Brown, to enter regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
President Frazier read a statement regarding the extended leave request received from Mr. Murphy on May 13 and June 13, 2024. It is in the best interest of the Port to place Mr. Murphy on a medical leave of absence. He is allowed to exhaust his remaining annual leave balance roughly 481 hours. He may apply for reinstatement to a position with the Port if and when he is able to do so.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to place Mr. Murphy on medical leave and allow the exhaustion of 481 hours of leave. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
YEA: 7
NAYS: 0
ABSENT:0
ABSTAIN:0
At the conclusion of the meeting President Frazier stated that since Mr. Murphy has retained counsel and the Port as counsel in these matters. It is his suggestion that all communications regarding the issues at hand should be discussed between the two counsels.
Attorney Murray stated that they did not object to anyone on the Board of Commissioners contacting Mr. Murphy.
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairman Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer President