The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Donald Frazier and the roll call was taken as follows:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, Robert Charles Brown, Isaiah Ross, David Williams, Curt Collins, and Luther Love
Commissioners absent: Latasha Griffin
Other members present Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Visitors: Marvin Collins (Terral River Service), Timothy Holdiness (Madison Journal) and Dan Militaru (RailCar Co)
Asst. Director Sterling requested an amendment to the agenda to add item G (Letter of Support for SB 146). Chairman Frazier also requested amendment to add item H (advertisement of Executive Director position).
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Commissioner Brown, to amend the agenda and add items G & H (LOS & advertisement) Motion carried unanimously.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and Commissioner Brown to approve the previous meeting minutes for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the minutes were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling informed the Board that Delta Regional Authority processed the last two invoices that were pending for the RailCar Co. building project.
The financial reports were approved on a motion by Commissioner Williams, seconded by Commissioner Brown, with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling informed the board of the renewal rates for the Port’s property insurance. The Board agreed to the terms of the policy.
On motion given by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Williams to approve the renewal rates for Port Insurance. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Sterling spoke about damages to Port Rd, newly built in 2023. Sterling said the damage may be due to a collapsed culvert and heavier-than-expected traffic on Port Road. Sterling informed the Police Jury about the damage the road has sustained, and the Police Jury agreed to purchase culverts with the Port sharing the cost. Sterling contacted Volkert to obtain bids to repair the damaged areas to the road. She will talk about the costs with the Police Jury after receiving them. Terral has agreed to allow the traffic on the West bound to go around the tank farm for constant flow of traffic. Commissioner Collins reported that he consulted with Pamela Grady regarding bonds with truckers, and she confirmed there were none. He mentioned complaints about road damage, with some entities asking Meta to cover repair costs. Collins stated that he would get the contact information.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Commissioner Williams, share the cost of the culverts with Police Jury. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling informed the board that Terral is requesting the use of the right of way to make a rock road and install a scale on the Terral new leased property. Marvin added that entering the access area would alleviate the track on the side of the rock piles and create an area for safety.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Collins, approving the right of way access to Terral River Service. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling presented the board with information to the Bar W Tin Food truck.
On motion given by Commissioner Love and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to allow Bar W Tin Food to place the Food truck at the Port. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Ross arrived on item G.
Sterling informed the board that the RailCar Co. project is nearing completion. She added that a slight problem occurred with RailCar Co. The issue was successfully addressed by Railcar Co. replacing the materials as Bannister installed them. Dan thanked Kimmeka for the work on the project and added that the building had lights on today. He is now working on the roof repairs.
Sterling provided each board member with a copy of the letter of support from East Carroll Parish. Commissioner Collins questioned why the board would allow it. Sterling stated that allowing this project would hamper the progression of the Port. Commissioner Ross questioned if the board lobby against it. Chairman Frazier stated that as of now Complex Chemical is the only tenant that uses the rail. Commissioner Brown stated that SB 146 will pass. The Commissioners suggested contacting Thompson & Jackson regarding the bill.
Chairman Frazier discussed advertising the Executive Director position. The board agreed to advertise the position on the website and in the Madison Journal.
On motion given by Commissioner Love and seconded by Commissioner Ross, to approve the advertisement of the Executive Director position. Motion carried unanimously.
Public comments: N/A
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer
Donald Frazier, President
