The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Donald Frazier and the roll call was taken as follows:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, Robert Charles Brown, Latasha Griffin, David Williams and Curt Collins
Commissioners absent: Isaiah Ross and Luther Love
Other members present Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Visitors: Marvin Collins (Terral River Service)
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Collins to approve the previous meeting minutes for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Collins stated that he spoke with Delta Bank and due to public funds, the entity is not allowed to open a money market account. Sterling advised the board of commissioners that the budgeted item Maintenance & Repairs will soon require modification due to future expenses of continued projects. She also added that reimbursements from DRA are pending, and a conference call is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the pending funds.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Brown, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling reminded the board of the negotiations between Terral and MPPort on leasing terms for an additional land lease. The Board agreed to the terms of the contract. On motion given by Commissioner Griffin to approve the lease between Terral & MPPort on the date Terral signed the lease. Motion carried unanimously
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling explained the leasing terms between The Fosters & MPPort. Stating that the lease is up for renewal. The board agreed to the leasing terms of the contract. On motion given by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Griffin, to approve the leasing terms of the Foster Contract. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling informed the board of the required documentation for each project that the Port is pursuing through DRA. She presented 2 resolutions per project for the board’s approval. Commissioner Collins questioned the budgeted item to which the funds will be used to match the project. Sterling informed the board that the funds will be dispersed out of the general fund but budgeted under Maintenance and Repairs.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioners Griffin & Brown, approving the resolutions for Project #9691 for the CIF Grant through Delta Regional Authority.
Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling presented the resolution for the rail project at Complex Chemical, adding where the new rail will be placed. An easement is required for the project. Sterling is working on the easement for the project.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Commissioner Griffin, approving the resolutions for Project #9433 for the CIF Grant through Delta Regional Authority.
Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling informed the board of the Participation Agreement that it is required for each grant through Delta Regional Authority. Sterling explained that Port owns the rail, road and sewer system and is not leasing it so the Port would have to complete a PA. The PA is a safety net for Delta Regional Authority. Sterling reached out to each tenant for assistance with the PA but those entities would not complete the PA. Commissioner Collins questioned the literature and/or the document that DRA is requiring. PA is the document that makes each entity accountable for each project. Commissioner Collins stated the usage should result in the tenant paying for the road if the tenant damages it. Chairman Frazier stated that lease renewals for the road project, etc. must contain the literature stating the usage of the new road. Sterling agreed! Commissioner Williams stated the board should move forward for future expansion at the Port.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Commissioner Williams, for the Madison Parish Port to sign the Participation Agreement for Projects #9691 & 9433, Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling informed the board of the river stages at the Port. Currently the level is at 49.34. Chairman Frazier questioned the flood stages at the Port and the stages at Vicksburg. Sterling stated that 51.25 is a major problem at the Port. Marvin Collins agreed! Marvin stated that 68 trucks moved products yesterday.
Sterling informed the board that we are still waiting on the switch gear. Dan stated that he would like the board to use the old switch gear. The board contacted the attorney for advisement on using old with new material. The attorney advised against it due to warranty of the new materials.
Public comments: Marvin Collins stated that he would inform Neil to retro the payments to the date of the signed lease.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Commissioner Brown, to enter into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Sterling Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer President