The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 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, Jim Tucker,
Latasha Griffin, Harold Allen and Isaiah Ross
Commissioners absent: Robert Charles Brown
Other members present: Patrick Terry Murphy, Executive Director &
Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: Dino Trevino, DSR
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and Commissioner Tucker on approving the previous meeting minutes on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Director Murphy stated that he would like to use the monies in the Construction account for the Rail Project.
Allen arrived during the financial reports.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Ross, the financial reports were approved with no necessary changes. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Epps informed the board of the necessary paperwork for the Rail Project. The resolution approves the lowest bidder for the project in addition to the Port responsibility for overages of the cost of the project that was allocated. Murphy stated that he has reached out to the State Representatives for more monies. President Frazier questioned the cost of the project. Commissioner Allen questioned the amount the Port is responsible for. Secretary Epps explained the Port is responsible for $100,000.00 due to the rise of cost in materials and etc. Vice-Chairman questioned the amount of the grant that was received. Epps stated that the Port was awarded the shared monies not the grant monies requested. Commissioner Ross questioned the validity of depleting the Construction account. Epps stated that the monies can be moved from the different account to offset the depletion of accounts.
On motion given by Commissioner Allen and seconded by Commissioner Vining & Tucker, the financial reports were approved with no necessary changes. Motion carried unanimously.
Yea :6
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1
Secretary Epps informed the board that Mr. Whitaker requested an increase in salary, his job duties were discussed during the last board meeting. Epps stated that Whitaker is performing his job duties and more however the results of the waste lab analysis are at a very high level. The Port has obtained a company that has a better product to help aid the waste contaminants. At this time we are waiting on a response from Volkert Engineering to advise us on what the options are to alleviate the problems at the pump station.
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross to approved Whitaker Water Consult Services an increase of $150.00 more monthly, in addition to lawn care around the water tower. Motion carried unanimously.
Murphy updated the board on the Port Road Project in conjunction with the Police Jury. We are in getting ready to go out for bids in July however the discussion now is the cost of materials. It’s possible that we will be in the same situation with overages in bids due to material cost. Vice-Chair Vining stated that we will work with the monies granted to the Port.
Murphy inform the board on RailCar Co. startup operations. RailCar Co. is in the first stages of operation. The entity has obtained the bid from Minneapolis Transit System to repair 30 rail cars.
Murphy informed the board of the constant issues with the lift station. He contacted Chris Patrick (Volkert Engineering) about the issues with the lift station. Chris is going to send someone over to look at the lift station. Murphy stated that he has replaced several motors during his tenure. Vice-Chair Vining suggested asking Chris questions about the operation of the lift station and the dynamics of the motors.
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to move into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Allen and seconded by Vice-Chairman Vining, to end the executive session and return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Public comments: None
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairman Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer Chairman
