The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, October 23, 2023 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, Charles Vining, Robert Charles Brown, Isaiah Ross, Jim Tucker and David Williams
Commissioners absent: Latasha Griffin
Other members present: Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: Kevin Allen, Terral River Service
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to amend the agenda to add Item E Executive session. Motion carried unanimously
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and Commissioner Tucker on approving the previous meeting minutes on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Epps discussed the differentials of the lease payments to last fiscal year. Vice-Chairman Vining questioned the Legal & Professional budget. Epps explained the source of the expense of that item.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Epps explained the changes to the Open meetings Law. ACT 393 explains a policy accommodating members of the public who have a disability recognized by the ADA statues and/or their caretakers supporting those individuals. All board members were informed of the new laws and procedures.
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to approve the Act 393 Open Meetings Law Changes. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 6
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Abstain: 0
Secretary Epps discussed the DRA Award grant monies for RailCar Co. Vice-Chairman Vining questioned the information received from RailCar Co. Vining states that a sit down is required for a collaborative effort to get the necessary work done within the building. Epps stated that Volkert Engineering will be the firm used. Commissioner Ross questioned the 3rd party involved with the operations at RailCar Co. Epps explained how the 3rd party involvement came about in the grant process. Commissioner Williams questioned the efforts of the Port getting the building restored to its day one status. Epps stated that at this time electrical to the building is priority one and the roof. President Frazier questioned the start date of construction. Epps informed the board that after a meeting with DRA, Consultants and Engineers a timeline will persist.
Secretary Epps informed the board on the status of the dredging of the river at the Port. Due to the low river stages the dredge moved to another location.
Public comments: N/A
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to move into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to end the executive session and return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairman Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps
Secretary/Treasurer
Donald Frazier
President