The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 26, 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, Robert Charles Brown, Jim Tucker and David Williams
Commissioners absent: Charles Vining, Isaiah Ross and Latasha Griffin
Other members present: Patrick Terry Murphy, Executive Director &
Kimmeka Epps, Secretary/Treasurer
Visitors: Kevin Allen, Terral River Service
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown, to amend the agenda to add 3rd check signer to item D. Motion carried unanimously
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and Commissioner Brown on approving the previous meeting minutes on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. The minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Epps discussed the payments of the road project. Commissioner Tucker questioned if additional income would persist for the remaining of the fiscal year. Epps informed that she is certain that the budgeted amount will not be met, due to lower river stages than normal and lease negotiations with tenants.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Director Murphy provided a bid from Gulf States Engineering to the board to replace the altitude valves. Commissioner Williams questioned the inspections of the water tower for proper notifications when something is an issue. Commissioner Williams stated being proactive in these situations will not put the tenants on hold or the Port. Director Murphy explained that work was done to the water tower prior to the new issue.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to approve the bid from Gulf States Engineering to replace the altitude valve. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Director Murphy informed the board that several areas of the track requires out immediate attention. Murphy has contacted an agency to fix the problem. Several tenants have complained about the issue. Murphy is waiting on an estimate to replace the issues at the track. Commissioner Williams questioned if forming a team would be beneficial to have inspections of the Port. Murphy stated that the tenants inform him when something is an issue.
Public comments: Kevin Allen (Terral River Service) thanked the Port for the construction of the new road.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to move into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown, to end the executive session and return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to remove Isaiah Ross as the 3rd Check signer and add David Williams as the 3rd Check signer.
Motion was carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 4
Nay: 0
Absent: 3
Abstain: 0
There being no further business brought before the board, Chairman Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Epps Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer President
