The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 67, 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, Latasha Griffin and David Williams
Commissioners absent: Isaiah Ross and Executive Director Patrick Murphy
Other members present Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: None
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and Commissioner Griffin approving the previous meeting minutes for Tuesday, February 27, 2024. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Epps provided information that the Port is current on all contractual lease payments.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Griffin, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Epps informed the board that we are now applying for a second grant to assist RailCar Co. with the necessary repairs and upgrades for that facility. Epps met with Delta Regional Authority and Robbie Waxman concerning the additional monies requested in the grant application. Epps informed the Board of the cost of both projects that the Port is responsible for.
Epps presented the board with a contract for Waxman Consulting Firm. She informed the board that the Firm is acquired to complete the DRA application and work with Volkert Engineering Firm on the second grant.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to approve the proposal with Waxman Consulting Firm for the second grant application with DRA. Motion carried unanimously!
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
Secretary Epps presented a resolution of signing authority for the CIF grant. Adding that she will be the point of contact with the CIF grant and person of authority on in the absence of the Executive Director.
A motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown, to approve the Secretary/Treasurer to act on the behalf of the Executive Director in his absence with the CIF Grant. Motion carried unanimously!
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
Secretary Epps informed the board that we are waiting on materials to begin the work on the rail project. Epps stated that during the deferment there has been no usage of the rail. President Frazier questioned the nonuse of the rail. Epps stated that the rail is out of service and should the need arise, DSR would gage the rail and move the tenant cars to the desired location.
Public comments:
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to move into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion given by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to end the executive session and return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Epps questioned the board regarding the lease terms for RailCar Co. Chairman Frazier agreed to the lease terms of 5 years with the CPI rate increase.
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps
Secretary/Treasurer
Donald Frazier
President