The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, July 23, 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, Robert Charles Brown, Latasha Griffin, David Williams and Curt Collins
Commissioners absent: Jim Tucker
Other members present Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: Marvin Collins, Terral River Service
Commissioner Williams arrived during the meeting minutes discussion.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and Commissioner Ross approving the previous meeting minutes for Friday, June 14, 2024, and Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Epps stated no changes to the financial report but added that the Restitution line items were more than the usual amount. Commissioner Collins stated that we should be receiving more taxes soon.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Williams, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Epps informed the board that she accepted a bid to complete the rail work at the crossing. Epps also stated that the Police Jury would assist with the cost of the repairs. Epps added that the road was overlayed between the rail and the road with extra asphalt. D & J Construction completed the area on Port Road that was damaged at the exit of the Port.
Epps informed the board that the dredge is scheduled for August 25, 2024, with a total of 5 days of dredging. She stated that should the date change, she will inform the board of the changes. Commissioner Collins questioned whether the river stages matter at the time of dredge schedule. Epps stated that it does have a factor, she stated that she receives the Harbor conditions and depth of the river that determines the levels. Commissioner Collins questioned if the river should get below a certain level would the dredge be halted? Epps stated that it could but dredging still could occur at 10-foot depth.
Epps stated that Complex Chemical’s legal counsel and the Port’s legal counsel are communicating with Center Point regarding the issues of the Pipeline. Epps stated that a letter was sent to CenterPoint regarding the necessary repairs to fix the pipeline.
Epps stated that Terral River Service has removed the existing scale and use the sand from the Port to fill in the area. Epps turned the meeting over to Marvin Collins to continue with the discussion of installation of the scale.
Marvin stated that the scale was delivered on Thursday and Terral would use their cranes to place the scale, and the remaining installation will take place. Terral will also run a conduit for the scale, the company will take care of the certification of the scale with the state, according to Marvin. He’s hoping that weighing can begin no later than Tuesday. Commissioner Collins questioned the name of the company that the scale was purchased from. Marvin stated that Michelli Scales is the company. Commissioner Ross questioned the wait time on the curing of the concrete? Marvin stated that the pour was done last week and giving it two three weeks and Terral will gravel the approach. Commissioner Griffin questioned will the Department of Agriculture certify the scale? Collins stated yes and Terral would receive a certificate of certification. Commissioner Collins questioned how long the concrete inside of the scale must cure before utilizing it? Marvin stated that he asked is Michelli could add something for the concrete to set quicker? Michelli will still have 28 days until. 70-inch solid steel deck scale is the type of scale installed. Marvin thanked the Port for working with Terral.
Epps informed the board of the status of funding from DRA. She stated that we will continue to work with DRA to cover the overages from the bids. DRA is behind on paperwork dealing with grants, etc. and Epps added that DRA requires a Participation Agreement as part of the grant process. Railcar Co. is pushing back with the terms of the agreement. If Railcar Co. doesn’t sign, we will lose the additional monies for the grant. DRA is suggesting that the Port sign a participation agreement in addition to Railcar Co.
Public comments: N/A
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer President