MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday March 10, 2025

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday March 10, 2025
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting place held Monday March 10, 2025 at for the Public Hearing/Meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Mayor called the meeting to order and led the prayer, Alderman Bourgeois. led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Alderwoman Mariah Clay, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderman Ray Duplechain City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte and City Clerk Susan Colden. Alderwoman Christia Simmons was absent
Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present. The Mayor offered condolences for Warren Smith, Oshaun Smith, Gerald Robertson, Mr. Jules Brignac, and Mr. Willie Wilson Jr..
For item 5, public comment, there were no public comments.
6.A. Approval of Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting Feb 10, 2025, motion by Alderwoman Clay and second by Alderman Bourgeois, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
B. Approval of the Minutes of the Last Special Meeting February 3, 2025, motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderman Bourgeois, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
C. Approval of Minutes of the Personnel and Policy Committee Meeting March 3, 2025 motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Clay, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
D. Approval of Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting March 3, 2025 motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Clay, there was discussion regarding the ARPA blighted properties fund, and the police vehicles and monies spent at the Cabot and the Mayor responded that there are areas such as the fence that needed repair. Alderwoman Moore asked about the DEQ inspection of Oct of 2024, and the violations were to be corrected by Feb 28 2025, and what has been done to correct these violations. The Mayor said Mr. Barry Segura with our Engineers created the report response and the Mayor signed and submitted it. Motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
E. Approval of Minutes of the Public Works and Safety Meeting March 3, 2025 by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
7.Correspondence by the Mayor-, the City received a check from the Chitimacha Tribal council for their portion of the sewer line relocation
8.Announcements by Mayor. none
9.Reports A Update from Statewide Electrical Services on Sewer and Water Operations Mr. Anderson stated The water plant is operating well, no problems. They are getting ready to add Zinc polyphosphate to coat the lines. They are rescheduling the city wide hydrant flushing. The Mayor asked about the brine, and they are getting 16 loads, at a cost of $26,000, delivered during the month to keep the manganese and hardness of the water down. Alderman Duplechain asked about getting that additional valve installed to relive the insertion valve and Anderson said Public works was getting prices. On the sewer operations, two of the aerators went down, they were able to get the floating aerator fixed and install an electric motor on the third aerator and it should be getting back online this week. Alderwoman Moore asked about the aerators and Anderson said it is a problem trying to keep them going. Alderwoman Moore asked if there were any orders to purchase new aerators and Anderson said no. The Mayor said that Barry Segura is researching cost effective alternative. Alderman Bourgeois asked if we were in compliance and Attorney Pecantte said that she went on the DEQ website and found that you can look up all the correspondence with the City. Alderman Duplechain said it frustrating to know we have it in the budget to purchase aerators and it is not happening. Alderwoman Moore said Barry Segura needs to come and speak since it is all pointing to him.
B. Update by Terrance Moore on 90-day crime statistics and law enforcement update. The changes that they are implementing are moving the department from reactive to proactive approaches. So, they were comparing last 90 days to 90 days prior to Dec 9 and making sure they are more productive. The responses are up in all categories, summons, citations, arrests and 25 guns were removed off the streets and seizure of drugs. Mr. Moore thanked the partners at Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office and the Jeanerette Marsal’s office, Baldwin Police department, Franklin City 3rd Ward Marshal’s office, Louisiana State Police and the Morgan City Police department. Mr. Moore also stated that they are changing uniforms for a more unified look, black pants and grey shirt. One dispatcher is out ill and another dispatcher lost her home to fire, people can donate to them at the department for Franklin Fire department. He also thanked Acadian Ambulance Franklin fire, District 11 Fire and Jeanerette Fire for their help in the homicide investigation. There will also be additional patrols from Louisiana State Police. Officer Tasheka Stevens was injured in the line of duty. Mr. Moore then address the area of the money in Police Protection for $70,000 for purchase/lease of vehicles. He is trying to find a good lease; he would like 8 vehicles but can make it work with 6. The current fleet is worn out. He is waiting on the quote to add the lights etc., and then he can give that to Ford Motor and get a total quote.
C. Sewer Treatment Plant update by Nick Sonnier from Sellers and Associates, Nick reviewed when this project started out it was to do wetland assimilation. So that started the processes to purchase the property and get it permitted was wetland with a 30/90 limit. The treatment system was going to be basic because the limits were higher. Then DEQ said the limits would be 30/30 so the plant was designed with the new limits. Comite resources did a feasibility study and submitted to DEQ. DEQ said they needed a letter from the property owners that they would sign off on the project. Then the permitting side of DEQ said they could not sign off until your baseline is done which takes a year. So that took the wetlands option off the table. So they are now recommending that a larger aeration basin be created to treat the sewer to the current 10/15 limits that are in the current permit. Alderwoman Moore asked how all of this affects the budget and the rate study? Mr. Sonnier replied that the project budget will not increase or decrease-the monies not spent on the purchase of the property will be used to enlarge the aeration basin with more blower units in a separate building. Alderwoman Moore asked why the whole board was not informed earlier? There was discussion concerning the change in scope from wetlands to larger aeration basin. Then Alderman Duplechain outlined the history starting at the previous administration regarding the upgrades to the current plant and how Mr. Gene Sellers found the information on the wetlands assimilation that would save money and get compliant. Alderman Duplechain did not feel it is starting over, and explained that the larger basin is needed due to the higher flows during rainy weather and that extra flow is hard on the pumps. Alderwoman Moore said the pumps are breaking because they are old. Alderwoman Clay questioned how can we move forward to build something new when the current plant is out of compliance, how do we know that the new one will work? Mr. Sonnier explained that the equalization basin will handle the large flows by holding the inflow until the plant can process it. The new plant will be by the current plant but the material taken for the aeration basin will be used to create the levee. The equalization basin will be the added benefit that you don’t have now Mr. Sonnier added. Alderman Bourgeois asked why do we need to spend money for a whole new plant why not just do the equalization basin? We just spent a lot of money on the current plant upgrades. Mr. Sonnier said that we have had a lot of issues with the current plant and you have an opportunity with this grant to get past this. Alderwoman Moore felt that it was just about spending the grant money and they need to keep in mind that the water bills are going to rise 40%.
10.Agenda Items A. Appointment of Police Chief. Terrance Moore applied for the position and addressed the board. The Mayor recommended the appointment of Terrance Moore as the Chief of Police in Jeanerette. Motion by Alderwoman Moore, second by Alderwoman Clay roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Approval of change in scope for new sewer project Motion by Alderwoman Clay, second by Alderwoman Moore roll call vote
Yeas: None
Nay: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois Alderman Duplechain
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons
Abstain: None
Motion Failed
11. Proclamations-
12. Resolutions- A. Resolution 3 of 2025 to Request Financial Assistance from Delta Regional Authority Program- Motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderwoman Clay roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Resolution 4 of 2025 Pertaining to the Environmental Audit Report- Introduction by Nick Sonnier Motion by Alderwoman Moore, second by Alderman Duplechain roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
C. Resolution 5 of 2025 Granting the Mayor the Authority to Sign a Juvenile Offender Housing Agreement With the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office-Attorney Pecantte noted that the contract did not specify the number of beds, and she outlined the costs. Chief Moore said he recommended reserving one bed. For violent crimes by a juvenile if the City Court Judge LeGros remands the youth to the custody of the Jeanerette Police Department then we have to find a bed and the period until they are brought to district court which has to be within 120 days attorney Pecantte outlined the process the judge and juvenile goes through for example it starts after they are picked up there is a 72 hour hearing. At this time the judge determines if there is probable cause to hold the individual then we need to find a bed. The holding period can be 30 to 60 days until it goes to district court. The board agreed the contract will name the Mayor as the representative for the City and will also specify to hold one (1) bed. Motion by Alderman Duplechain second by Alderwoman Clay to adopt this resolution, for discussion on motion. Alderman Duplechain then motioned an amendment for the document to have in paragraph one the Mayor represent the City, and in paragraph 4 to specify one (1) bed to be held and Alderwoman Clay seconded.
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Motion for approve the amendment roll call
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
13. Ordinances A. Adoption of Ordinance 2025-02A, to Amend the FY 2024-2025 Budget with Comparison. On motion by Alderwoman Clay and second by Alderman Bourgeois to leave regular session and enter public hearing. Motion carried and voice vote of all yeah.
On motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderwoman Clay, motion carried on voice vote of all yea. Hearing to comments or questions on motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderwoman Moore the public hearing ended and the meeting returned to regular session, motion carried on voice vote of all yeah. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-02A, to Amend FY2024-2025 budget by Alderman Duplechain and second by Alderman Bourgeois, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Simmons,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Introduction of Ordinance 2025-03 to Amend and Reenact Sec 4-1001 (c) (d) to add interim chief of police. Motion, to introduce by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Clay, motion carried on voice vote of all yeah.
14. Executive Session-Attorney Lucretia Pecantte-Attorney Pecantte said that she wanted the discussion concerning her to be in open session. Attorney Pecantte asked if any of the council requested that this item be placed on the agenda and they stated they did not and the Mayor stated he placed it on the agenda. The Mayor stated that there has litigation brought by the City Attorney against the Mayor. The Mayor stated that he intends to suspend our City Attorney pending action by the board of Aldermen. He stated that he has come to an impasse with this officer and does not feel that this individual holds the best interest of the City in their heart. The Mayor citied in Section 1-1002 where the City Attorney is given the title of Officer, Furthermore he cited in section 1-109, the Mayor has the authority to suspend any officer until the action of the board. He then stated that he wishes to suspend Attorney Lucretia Pecantte effective immediately because she has failed to perform her contractual duties. She did not provide the auditors with the requested information concerning current litigation. The Mayor also cited that there was also a request by David Thompson who is the accountant for CWSRF-LDEQ. In the annual reports it was noted that the City was named as a defendant in various lawsuits. The letter requested updates since the release of the 2021 audit. The Mayor then outlined that the City also received a request from our grant project manager, stating that a requirement of the 2024 LCDBG requires the City to review our ordinances and local regulations and policies and certify compliance with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022. This request was forwarded to Ms. Pecantte and she never responded. There was also a request for a Site Certificate for the DEQ loan for the sewer project. It was explained via email that this document is stating that a portion of the improvements will be built on the current sewer plant site and at the site of the current main lift station that the City owns and the existing right of way for the current force main that we are using and will continue to use. Ms. Pecantte stated that she will not sign because she does not know anything about the document. The City had to use another attorney to sign the document. The Mayor then went on to review that Ms. Pecantte has brought suit against the City in 16th judicial court due to failure to receive her check in what she felt was a timely manner and that she filed a $50,000 suit for damages the Mayor also cited her contract that provides payment 30 days after services rendered. The contract also states that the City may discharge the Attorney at any time. The Mayor then addressed the Board that he believes that these five noted claims gives him rights to suspend the services of Attorney Pecantte effective immediately. Ms. Pecantte stated that she didn’t have a job description, she was directed to speak to the former attorney Roger Hamilton. She also disagrees that she is an officer and feels she is a contractual employee. She outlined how traditionally the invoices are sent and paid. She then pointed to why now and then stated she did not file against the City but against the Mayor himself. She then stated that the allegations of refusal that she needed proof. Alderwoman Clay then stated to the Mayor that she would like to see the proof, and as a member of the personnel and policy committee she has never seen or heard any of these allegations. Alderwoman Moore motioned to table this item until the board can see proof of these allegations, Alderwoman Clay seconded. A lively discussion occurred the Mayor did not allow the vote and said they are out of order. Alderman Duplechain called for a point of order. He stated that the agenda called for Executive session, and although Attorney Pecantte wanted public session the Mayor may want executive session for his discussions. There was a lively discussion, Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Bourgois got up and left the meeting and the meeting lost it’s quorum.


_______________/s/__________________
Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:

____________/s/__________________
Susan Colden City Clerk