The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 18, 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, David Williams, Latasha Griffin and
Curt Collins
Commissioners absent: Isaiah Ross, Robert Charles Brown and Luther Love
Other members present Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Visitors: Marvin Collins & Neil Martin (Terral River Service) & Carlos Lee (RailCar Co)
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and Commissioner Williams on approving the previous meeting minutes for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling discussed the amounts for opening a money market account. Collins questioned the process of opening the money market account. He suggested tabling the subject until further notice.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Collins, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling stated the repairs are complete at RailCar that Entergy suggested. She added that hopefully the electrical project will be completed by the end of June.
Carlos Lee (RailCar Co) stated that Phil Clack passed. He also stated that the company is still working off a generator. He asked that Bannister connect the switch gear that RailCar purchased. Lee added that the roof is leaking and keeping the entity from working when it rains. He hopes that the Board will make some concessions to the entity. Lee stated that he was making some grievances about the company.
Sterling informed Lee that the Port is working towards completing the electrical project. She added that the Board is working on the other projects as well. Sterling stated to Mr. Lee that the Board accepts the grievances that he is disclosing.
Sterling provided information on the rail project with SEADD. Sterling added that an additional survey will be done to change the position of the rail that was presented to her. She stated that the current plans places the rail very close to back wash of the Mississippi river. She added the Port would have continuous repairs with the rail slopping due to the excess water in that area.
Sterling explained that the LGAP application was submitted and hope to hear from the entity shortly.
Sterling confirmed the amounts to which she had originally suggested to the Board, for the new lease with Terral River Service.
Neil Martin (TRS) added they have hired additional employees and will hire more. Neil added that he would like the leasing terms would be 3 years with options. He added that TRS is not selling products they are moving the tonnage. Marvin added that the business is there. Neil added they are constructing a road for two-way traffic in an area that is not lease. President Frazier and Commissioner Collins asked what other products will be moved across the dock. Due to NDA Neil couldn’t disclose the other items. Commissioner Griffin questioned the amount from Neil? He stated 6K is the number he was thinking about.
Sterling discussed the cost projections, road type and length of the construction for the Andersons’ Road project. She informed the board of the cost of the sewer project.
Sterling discussed the meetings in DC with the Senate and Congress staffers about the issues at the Port.
Public comments: N/A
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Sterling Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer President