The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, October 25, 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, Robert Charles Brown, Isaiah Ross, Harold Allen and Latasha Griffin
Commissioners absent: Jim Tucker
Other members present: Patrick Terry Murphy, Executive Director &
Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: None
Secretary Epps explained the millage rates to roll forward to the board. Vice-Chairman Vining questioned whether the Secretary followed all the necessary steps for approval. President Frazier questioned the roll forward numbers. Epps explained the procedures and the roll forward numbers. Commissioner Allen confirmed the current rate to the roll forward rates.
On motion given by Commissioner Vining and Commissioner Allen on closing the discussions of the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing Adjourned!
Regular Session
On motion given by Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Griffin on approving the previous meeting minutes on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Epps provided the information on the accrual of accounts with the new CD accounts. Vice-Chairman Vining stated that it’s good to see the accounts finally earning monies.
On motion given by Commissioner Allen and seconded by Commissioner Brown, the financial reports were approved with no necessary changes. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to adopt the millage rate(s) at 2.81 mills. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 6
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Abstain: 0
On motion given by Commissioner Vining and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to set forward the adjusted millage rates and roll forward and not to exceed the maximum authorized rates.
Motion carried unanimously.
Director Murphy informed the board of the status of the Rail Completion. The project was funded by Facility Planning & Control along with the Port of Madison. The Project is in its final stages as Volkert Engineering is inspecting the project nearing completion.
Director Murphy stated Railcar Co has 10 railcars in the building. Currently has 15 employees. RailCar Co. has cars that the entity is working on restoring. The cars are brought in by trucks.
Director Murphy stated that Port Road Grant would go out for bids in March.
Director Murphy discussed the information of the river stages and the effects on the businesses at the Port. Several Congressional delegates came to view the river stages at the Port. Persons from the Corp of Engineers stated that the course of the river was changed due to the sand bars growing larger and larger leaving an issue of pass through for barges. At this time the only solution giving was more dredging on the Port side of the river.
Secretary Epps provided the information on a new food truck vendor. Vice-Chairman Vining questioned will the truck remain on the property? The food truck vendor will move each day. Murphy stated that the location will place them under the willow trees. Chairman Frazier questioned their insurance on hand and whether it’s suitable for the Port’s requirements.
On motion given by Vice-Chairman Vining and seconded by Commissioner Griffin, to allow the Food Truck Vendor to set up at the Port providing the necessary insurance requirements are met. Motion carried unanimously.
Public comments: None
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 Commissioners Allen & Brown, to end the executive session and return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Frazier offered a motion to table the employee increments until the next scheduled meeting. Vice-Chairman Vining stated that he agreed with the motion of tabling the employee increments.
On motion given by Commissioner Allen and seconded by Vice-Chairman Vining & Commissioner Ross, to table the employee increments until the next scheduled meeting. Motion carried unanimously
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairman Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps Secretary/Treasurer
Donald Frazier
Chairman
