MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday April 14, 2025

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday April 14, 2025
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting place held Monday April 14, 2025 at for the Public Hearing/Meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Mayor called the meeting to order and Benny Druilhet from OMCOR Sager Brown led the prayer, Alderman Bourgeois. led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderwoman Charlene Moore. Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderwoman Christia Simmons, Alderman Ray Duplechain City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte and City Clerk Susan Colden. Alderwoman Mariah Clay was absent.
Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present.
Alderwoman Simmons made a motion to expand the agenda to move the update from OMCOR Sager Brown to 9A from 9B. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderwoman Simmons, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Alderwoman Simmons then requested to add item 9C, Sellers and Associates in case the board had any questions for them. Motion by Alderwoman Simmons, second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
For item 5, public comment there were no comment cards.
6.A. Approval of Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting March 10, 2025, motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore, motion carried on voice vote of all yea
B. Approval of Minutes of the Last Special Meeting March 20, 2025, motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderwoman Simmons, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
C. Approval of Minutes of the Personnel and Policy Committee Meeting April 8, 2025 motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
D. Approval of Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting April 8 2025, Alderwoman Simmons mentioned to the Mayor that since the 25-26 budget and the amended 24-25 budget will be introduced at the next regular meeting, she would like to have a meeting with the department heads to review the proposed budget after Easter. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Simmons, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
E. Approval of Minutes of the Public Works and Safety Meeting April 8, 2025 motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore, motion carried on voice vote of all yea.
7.Correspondence by the Mayor-no correspondence, The Mayor reported that over the weekend the police department was involved in a pursuit of an individual with open warrants driving a stolen vehicle. The department did receive assistance from other agencies, but the individual remains at large and an appeal was put out on broadcast media and social media asking for the public’s help.
8.Announcements by Mayor-The Mayor wished everyone a happy Easter Holiday. There was a successful Love the Boot clean-up event on Martin Luther King to Pellerin along the newly established Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural District. Lady Brown was going to give an update.
9. Reports
A. Benny Druilhet, From OMCOR Sager Brown on Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) who is the assistant director of community outreach also in attendance was Jewthye Reaux who is the program administrator and one of the trainers. The facility is located in Baldwin and has been serving 158 years. There are individuals that come from all over to help assemble, cleaning kits, hygiene kits, building. The older adult’s technology program to help older folks learn about the smart phones.
The Mayor recognized Iberia Parish Council woman Lady Brown, who just came to the meeting. Ms. Brown first read a thank you note to the more than 50 volunteers for their efforts to make Jeanerette shine during a Love the Boot Week event, sponsored by Be the One To Help Someone, Saturday April 12. Next the council woman addressed the road tax that recently passed, and its impact on our area. Ms. Brown stated that her priority road was Monnot, so in October or November we should see some improvements to that road. The Mayor asked how much of the road would be getting repaired and Ms. Brown replied that she requested Admiral Doyle to Marting Luther King. She also commented that Delta Bio Fuel is operating and First Solar is hiring and Ms. Brown is trying to get a local job fair going. She also mentioned that the legislative session is starting in Baton Rouge and Representative Marcus Bryant should be able to come and update you on the discussions. Next Ms. Brown commented that there are positions available on Iberia Parish boards for Jeanerette residents to serve on, the Veterans Hall I and 2 have openings. Just recently the Veteran’s Hall on Martin Luther King had some renovations completed and Ms. Brown is going back to the Council for a phase 2 to address upgrading the ceiling tile, cabinets in the kitchen and restroom. Phase 1 addressed the paneling and the floor. So, if anyone is interested in joining either of these 2 boards, pick up an application with the Parish get it submitted. Ms. Brown also made a request with the State to address repairs to Hubertville Road. Council woman Brown also shared her cell phone number, 337-627-5348.
B. Update from Barry Segura of Statewide Electrical Services on Sewer and Water Operations-Mr. Segura addressed the at the water plant with Acadian Security having so many false fire alarms, they are looking into other vendors. The City wide flush was good. LDH did come out to the water plant and they noted a deficiency on the screens on the top of the ground storage tanks prompting a city-wide boil water advisory and that is fixed. Alderwoman Simmons asked if the amount of brine that is being used – will that remain at the same high level, Mr. Segura answered yes, that is keeping the filters and softeners working well. For getting the ground storage tanks back online after the screens were replaced the tanks had to be drained and chlorinated and then samples had to be pulled. Alderman Duplechain asked if the new valve was installed in front of the insertion valve. Mr. Segura asked if this part of a project and the Mayor said no, and Mr. Segura said it should take a few weeks to get in and should cost $4,000. On the sewer side the staff has been cutting grass around all the pump stations. Mr. Segura said the plant is passing the biomonitoring tests which is a 24-hour composite sample. He added that currently there is 2 fixed aerators and one floating aerator working and two service pumps that are aerating. The autosampler was damaged during bad weather, and the replacement part should be in this week. Alderwoman Moore asked what is the scum box and Mr. Segura said it is located inside the clarifiers, and there is an arm that skims the top of the fluid in the tank and collects the trash and guides it to this box. This material which is sludge and trash is pumped out to the drying beds. Next Alderwoman Simmons asked Mr. Segura concerning the current level of built-up sludge that has hardened in the aeration basin. She asked about the aerators, and Mr. Segura said of the 4 fixed aerators only 2 are working and he brought 1 floating aerator from his supply. Ms. Simmons then went on to ask if the sludge was removed from the aeration basin what would be our result. Mr. Segura went on to say that the Town of Henderson has these mixers that look like boat motors, with pvc pipes at the bottom connected to big blowers. The resulting flow is very turbulent and the solids can’t settle. He also spoke to the representatives to have them determine what the City of Jeanerette would need. If we wanted to do something like this the sewage from main station comes in to your headworks, would be bypassed and pumped into large aerator tanks while you are cleaning out your current aeration basin. From there the tanks would pump into your clarifier and contact chamber. Since the plant has never been cleaned it is really necessary to get that material out, and the basin pressure washed and then the new blower pipes and mixers can be installed. Then the flow from main station can be reinstalled into the headwork piping and back into the aeration basin. Alderwoman Simmons then asked if there was anything else in the plant that need to be fixed. Mr. Segura said the bar screen doesn’t work and they are manually cleaning the basin. The rest is good. Alderwoman Simmons then stated her concern that DEQ is giving us time to get a new sewer plant and she is concerned about the fines. So, then it was confirmed that the new and the old would have the same permit limits and both would discharge into the Delahoussaye Canal. Since there is a new generator and the office and chemical delivery systems have been redone, she was wondering if it made sense to utilize those items from the old plant since the cost of the new plant is 10 million dollars. There was discussion of the equalization pond, which Mr. Segura said is a good part of the new plant. Alderman Duplechain said so now if it raining hard, you slow the pumps down in the main station so you don’t flood the sewer plant, Mr. Segura agreed. Alderman Duplechain said so that causes pressure in the rest of the system. It was stated that the proposed equalization basin would be 12 acres under the plan from Sellers and Associates. There was a discussion regarding the property for the equalization basin. Alderwoman Simmons then recounted that she knows that the plant was voted down and there are some procedural rules to take and there still is the issues raised by DEQ compliance order. Alderwoman Simmons said she is concerned with satisfying DEQ and reducing the cost of the project. Mr. Segura said that Sellers would have to write a letter to DEQ and explain the change. Mr. Todd Vincent commented that the changes in the current plant do not allow for the elevation for the flood zone requirements. The new plant would be raised using the material from the equalization basin. Alderwoman Simmons then said for the DEQ loan we would be required to have flood protection and Sellers said yes. Alderman Duplechain reviewed the evolution of the project and what was voted on and eliminated and given the timelines how do they keep the grant and Mr. Todd Vincent of Sellers agreed. Alderman Duplechain told Sellers that they moved away from the wetlands assimilation project but did the council vote against it, the council voted against a proposed new plan. Mr. Vincent said since the property owners haven’t cooperated, the loan can’t be closed. Mayor Bourgeois Jr. asked Mr. Todd if when the last plant design was voted down did the city lose the 5 million grant? Mr. Vincent said no he did not think so. Mr. Nick Sonnier reviewed the evolution of the projects. He also outlined the increased capacity of the new plant. There were discussions on the plans and if the council voted. Alderman Duplechain asked if there is a way we can incorporate what Mr. Segura is talking about with some of your recommendations to save money? Mr. Vincent again pointed to the fact that the current plant is located in a flood zone and the current levee would need to be raised at least 4 feet. This is a requirement Mr. Sonnier feels that the army corps will require and will affect closing on the DEQ loan. To rehab and use the old plant Sellers estimated at 7 million dollars. Alderwoman Simmons asked if the equalization basin is what is causing all the additional expense? There was discussion regarding comparing budgets of wetlands vs new plant. Alderman Bourgeois asked what happens to the old plant and Mr. Vincent said it will be demolished. Alderwoman Simmons asked for a new budget.
C. Update from Sellers and Associate on Sewer Operations by Mr. Nick Sonnier. Mr. Sonnier outlined the work they performed on getting the extension from DEQ and mentioned the upcoming April 22 deadline with the Water Sector for proof of match. Mr. Sonnier reviewed the steps to closed the DEQ loan including the environment review and check on the property purchase. They are looking for the board to proceed. Alderman Duplechain asked if the Water Sector deadline could be extended and Mr. Todd said that they are getting down to the deadline because the funds have to be expended by the end of 2026. There was discussion on procedurally how to readdress issues at the sewer plant. There was a feeling that a special meeting needs to be called and someone who voted against the plant needs to re-introduce. The Mayor said they need to back in front of the water sector commission first to get the extension.
10.Agenda Items
A. Appointment of City Prosecutor Rebecca Catherine Ortego Motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderman Duplechain roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
11. Proclamations-
12. Resolutions-
A. Resolution 8 of 2025 to Proclaim April as Fair Housing Month. Motion by Alderwoman Simmons, second by Alderwoman Moore roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
13. Ordinances
A. Adoption of Ordinance 2025-03 to Amend and Reenact Sec 4-1001 (c) (d) to add interim chief of police. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderman Duplechain roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
14.Adjourn On motion by Alderman Duplechain and second by Alderwoman Moore, motion carried on voice vote of all yea




_____________/s/____________________
Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:



_____________/s/_________________
Susan Colden City Clerk