The Madison Parish Port Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. Chairperson Donald Frazier called the meeting to order, and Secretary/Treasurer Annette Evers conducted roll call.
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, David Williams, Isaiah Ross, Wade Hargrave,
Commissioners absent: Curt Collins, Luther Love, Joy Jackson
Staff present: Kimmeka Sterling (Executive Director), Annette Evers (Secretary/Treasurer)
Visitors: Kevin Allen (Terral River Service), Timothy Holdiness (Madison Journal) Jerry Hicks (Madison Parish Police Jury)
Secretary/Treasurer Evers requested the following amendments to the agenda:
- Add a resolution regarding the appointment of a second check signer under Item D.
- Remove the wording under Item F, as it duplicated Item E.
- Discussion and consideration of Grow NELA membership and support to Item F.
Commissioner Ross motioned to amend Agenda to add second check signer to Item D, remove wording on F and to move discussion to approve Grow NELA to F, Commissioner Williams
Seconded. Modifications were made and the motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote: Yeas:4 Nays:0 Abstentions:0 Absent: 3
Commissioner Ross motioned to approve the financial report as printed, with any necessary corrections from the previous board meeting August 25, 2026. Commissioner Williams seconded. No corrections were requested. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote: Yeas: 4 Nays: 0 Abstentions: 0 Absent 3
Williams made motion to approve the financial report as printed with any necessary corrections with commissioner Ross seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote: Yeas: 4 Nays: 0 Abstentions: 0 Absent: 3
Executive Director Sterling presented a resolution authorizing the withdrawal of funds from the General Fund to establish a new Certificate of Deposit (CD). Secretary/Treasurer Evers advised the Board that Certificates of Deposit #2 and #3 had matured and were renewed at a rate of 3.78%. She further informed the Board that Guaranty Bank’s current rate for opening a fourth CD was 2.65%. Commissioner Hargrave expressed concerns regarding the proposed rate and suggested exploring other financial institutions to determine whether more favorable rates were available. Commissioner Hargrave moved to table the resolution authorizing the withdrawal of funds from Delta Bank and the establishment of a new CD pending further research of available interest rates. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote: Yeas: 4 Nays: 0 Abstentions: Absent: 3
Director Sterling discussed the resolution on amending the budget. Sterling stated that we are not over budget yet but have items pending in office supplies and in dues and subscriptions that will put us close to being over budget. Commissioner Williams made motion to amend budget with the necessary amount to keep us from going over budget, with Commissioner Hargrave seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote: Yeas 4 Nays: 0 Abstentions: 0 Absent: 3
Executive Director Sterling presented a resolution appointing Commissioner Joy Jackson as Vice-Chairperson and as an authorized second check signer for the Commission. Commissioners present inquired whether Commissioner Jackson had confirmed her willingness to serve in both capacities. Director Sterling confirmed that she had. Secretary/Treasurer Evers read the resolution aloud. Two separate roll-call votes were conducted: 1. Appointment of Commissioner Jackson as Vice-Chairperson. 2, Appointment of Commissioner Jackson as an authorized second check signer. Both motions carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: 4 Nays: 0 Abstentions: 0 Absent: 3
Executive Director Sterling reported that the dredging project had been successfully completed and closed out. She commended the contractor for maintaining excellent communication throughout the project and providing regular progress updates. Sterling advised the Board that she was completing the closeout process with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). While the final payment would be substantial, reimbursement funding would subsequently be received through the DRA grant.
Regarding the sewer project, Sterling reported that the project remained at an impasse. A new pump had been installed; however, inspection of the lift station revealed several mechanical issues. Sterling noted that two valves had not been opened during operation, which may have contributed to previous overflows and premature motor failures. Similar issues were identified on the affluent side of the system, and replacement parts had been expedited to address those concerns. Commissioners Williams and Ross asked questions regarding routine pump inspections and maintenance procedures. Sterling’s response was that the pumps are checked daily and that she was on site during the inspection and installation of new pump.
Executive Director Sterling presented information regarding Grow NELA, a nonprofit economic development organization that supports business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout Northeast Louisiana. Chairperson Frazier and Commissioners Ross and Williams asked questions regarding the organization’s structure, operations, and potential benefits to the Port. Sterling explained that Grow NELA has played a significant role in regional economic development and serves as an important liaison with Louisiana Economic Development (LED). She further stated that she has worked closely with Grow NELA over the past three years in marketing and business recruitment efforts and believes membership would benefit the Madison Parish Port by strengthening its visibility and regional partnerships. Following discussion, Commissioner Ross moved to approve support and membership participation with Grow NELA. Commissioner Hargrave seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: 4 Nays: 0 Abstentions: 0 Absent: 3
There were no public comments.
Commissioner Ross made motion to move into executive session, Commissioner Williams seconded.
Commissioner Ross made motion to exit executive session and return to regular session, Commissioner Williams seconded.
There being no further business, Chairperson Donald Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Annette Evers Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer Chairman