The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 23, 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, Robert Charles Brown, David Williams, and Luther Love
Commissioners absent: Isaiah Ross, Latasha Griffin, and Curt Collins,
Other members present: Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Visitors: Neil Martin (Terral River Service) and Jerry Hicks (MP Police Juror),
Secretary Sterling provided an update on old business concerning the insurance coverages for RailCar Co. Sterling stated that RailCar insurance does cover the recent construction within the building.
Upon a motion presented by Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Brown, the minutes of Tuesday, August 26, 2025, meeting were approved without any corrections required. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling informed the board that the budget looks good. No issues currently.
Commissioner Williams moved to approve the financial reports, with Commissioner Love seconding; no corrections were needed. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 4
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 3
President Frazier asked for any questions or comments before taking roll call of the resolution to allow contract negotiation for Executive Director.
Commissioner Love and Commissioner Williams moved to proceed with contract negotiations, but the motion failed to pass unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 3
Nays: 1
Abstain: 0
Absent: 3
Commissioner Ross arrived at the conclusion of item B. The Board discussed the results of the votes and decided to revisit at the conclusion of the item F. Commissioner Williams made a motion to revisit item B and seconded by Isaiah Ross.
Secretary Sterling informed the board of the grant awarded by DRA. Sterling anticipates that the bidding process for Anderson’s Road will commence in late December. The process for the sewer lift station is expected to begin shortly.
Sterling informed the board of the request from Helena-Agri.to change the process of payments to the Port. Helena-Agri requested ACH information. Request approved by the board.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 5
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling provided information on the city-wide efforts. The attendees compiled and forwarded the information to Mayor Lewis, and she sent the information to State representative Thompson. Commissioner Ross questioned the safety at the Port with the increase of vehicles at the Port. Neil said an extra lane over the levee is still required. Sheriff Dept and State Troopers provided a presence and were effective in the providing safety at the Port and Hwy 65. Jerry Hicks stated that Richland Parish is having the same problem. Commissioner Williams inquired about the reimbursement procedures for private property owners regarding the use of their land for hauling and storage of products.
Secretary Sterling informed the board of a need to hire and purchase equipment to assist with the upkeep of the Port. Sterling expressed the importance of working together to achieve constant upkeep of the Port. The board discussed multiple types of equipment to get the work done. Juror Hicks informed the board of the necessary equipment that would be adequate for the Port. Commissioner Ross suggested having conversations with Mr. Hicks & Mr. Epps before purchasing the equipment. Commissioner Brown questioned the equipment and stated that no one wants to work without air conditioning.
On motion given by Commissioner Ross and Commissioner Brown to allow Secretary Sterling to speak with the Madison Parish Police Jury to assist with the efforts of the Port. The motion passed unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 5
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Commissioners Williams and Love moved to vote on contract negotiations, the motion passed unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 5
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Directors report: Sterling informed the board of the status of the dredging arriving at Madison. In addition to people on Port property selling lunch/dinner plates out of their vehicles. DSR is interested in subleasing a portion of their leased property.
Public comments: N/A
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
/s/Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer
/s/Donald Frazier, President
Published in the Madison Journal in Tallulah, Louisiana for a total cost of $194.26 on November 6, 2025
