The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, December16, 2025, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. Chairperson Donald Frazier opened the meeting and proceeded with the roll call as listed below:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, Latasha Griffin, David Williams, Curt Collins and Luther Love
Commissioners absent: Robert Charles Brown and Isaiah Ross
Other members present: Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Visitors: Jerry Hicks(Police Jury), Marvin Collins(Terral) and Kevin Crosby(Lazenby & Associates)
Secretary Sterling requested an amendment to the agenda. To remove item C.-Cherry Ridge and add additional language to item F New consultant and Engineering firm.
Commissioner Williams motioned to amend the agenda by removing item C and adding language to item F. Commissioner Griffin seconded, corrections made, and the motion passed unanimously.
Upon a motion presented by Commissioner Griffin and Commissioners William, the minutes of Tuesday, November 10, 2025, meeting minutes were approved without any corrections required. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling provided the board with additional information regarding previous conversations concerning the FY 2026 Budget.
Commissioner Williams moved to approve the financial reports, with Commissioner Griffin seconding; no corrections were needed. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 5
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling informed the board of the awarded grant to dredge at the Port of Madison. Resolutions for both grants are required. SEDAP & CIF awarded resolutions were approved by the board.
Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the matching funds for SEDAP and CIF grants, which was seconded by Commissioner Love. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Williams moved to approve the resolution if there is an administration change at the Madison Parish Port, seconded by Commissioner Love. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 5
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Secretary Sterling provided potential information that could help with congestion on Port Road by using Anderson’s road and accessing the levee unloaded. Commissioners had conversations about how to alleviate the congestion but there was no real solution. Port road needs widening immediately. The board tabled item C.
Commissioner Williams moved to table item C for further levee access discussion; Commissioner Griffin seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Secretary Sterling provided information on the current millage rates. Sterling stated that no millage increases have taken place since 1966. The Port lost the authorized rate of 3 mills 20+ years ago. Sterling explained the process to take the millage to election. Commissioner Collins questioned the need to increase millage rates. Sterling stated that the increase would support the operating budget and on going projects. Collins questioned the rate of increase. Sterling stated she would like to increase to 4 to 5 mills. Commissioner Williams stated that something needs to be done. Sterling questioned the rate that the board would be comfortable with. The board agreed to request the increase of 4 mills.
Secretary Sterling updated the board regarding new grant opportunities that she intends to pursue. These grants are designated for the construction of an additional dock as well as improved road access, which will further support the development of the port’s infrastructure.
In addition, Sterling announced that she will be engaging a new consultant and engineering firm for these upcoming projects. She noted her previous experience working with Malmay & Associates on other initiatives and highlighted that, following a personnel change involving the port’s long-term engineer, Lazenby & Associates has been recommended to fill the engineering role due to their positive reputation and several endorsements.
Commissioner Collins made a motion to approve the proposals from both Malmay & Associates and Lazenby & Associates, which was seconded by Commissioner Williams. The motion passed unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 5
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Public comments: N/A
Commissioner Williams made a motion to enter executive session, Commissioner Love seconded.
Commissioner Williams made a motion to exit executive session, Commissioner Love seconded to return to regular session.
Commissioner Williams made a motion to accept the executive Director contract with the modification to the bereavement day changing from 5 days to 3 days, Commissioner Love seconded the motion. Motion was not carried unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 3
Nays: 2
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Sterling Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer Chairman