The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Donald Frazier and a roll call was taken as follows:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, Jim Tucker, Robert Charles Brown, Isaiah Ross, and David Williams
Commissioners absent: Latasha Griffin and Executive Director Patrick Murphy
Other members present Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: None
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and Commissioner Brown on approving the previous meeting minutes for Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Epps provided information to the board concerning the closing of the fiscal year 2023. She added that the interest on the CD growth was an added increase from the previous year. In addition to the Professional budgeted item was a significant increase from the previous year due to several projects.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Ross, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
Epps informed the board that DRA issued a notice to proceed on the RAILCAR Co building project. She also stated that due to the cost estimate of additional repairs within the building she is conversations with DRA to acquire additional monies for the repairs. Epps stated that she would like for the board to allow a certain amount for match monies to support the grant of 1.8 million dollars for part 2 of the project. Commissioner Ross questioned the items in the grant that would cost the dollar amount stated. Epps provided the items listed for repairs and replacement cost of each item. Commissioner Williams added that the building is Port property and that we have to start somewhere to assist the tenant. Commissioner Brown & Tucker questioned the match dollar amount? Epps stated that the amount is correct.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to authorize the Secretary/Treasurer to provide DRA with a resolution providing the match monies for part 2 of the RAILCAR Co building project. Motion carried unanimously!
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
Secretary Epps provided the information to discuss the lease renewal for Terral River Service Lease. Epps informed the board that Murphy had been in negotiations with Terral River Service and the issues were resolved.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to approve the Terral River Service lease agreement! Motion carried unanimously!
Secretary Epps provided the information to discuss the lease renewal for CHS. Epps informed the board the CHS lease terms are listed for each term in the lease, the Port has to have an updated lease for each term.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to approve the CHS Lease agreement! Motion carried unanimously!
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
Secretary Epps provided pictures of the rail at the Port. Patriot rail provided the survey of the rail. The conditions of the track were deplorable. The rail has to be brought back to code for an operational track. She provided one quote to rehab the track however she stated that she requested a second quote and wanted to determine the best quote for the scope of work required. Commissioner Tucker questioned the age of the previous work in the curve on the levee. The previous work was completed several years ago. Commissioner Brown questioned the time of the bid that was currently viewed. The bid was obtained today!
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to approve the allotted state amount to repair the rail at the Port. Motion carried unanimously!
Public comments:
On motion given by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioners Tucker & Williams, to move into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to end the executive session and return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Williams to approve the RAILCAR Co lease with the current rates for the first two years and the third year comply with the CPI rates listed in the lease narrative. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairman Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps
Secretary/Treasurer
Donald Frazier
President