MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday May 9, 2022

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MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday May 9, 2022

Postby City Clerk » Fri May 27, 2022 7:34 am

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday May 9, 2022
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their regular meeting held Monday May 9, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Clarence Clark, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderman Willie Ward, and Alderman Louis Lancon, Also present: City Clerk Susan Colden, Police Chief Vallot and City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte.
Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr led in prayer and Alderman Lancon led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present. The Mayor asked the council to approve expansion and rearranging of the agenda to allow District Attorney Bo Duhe to present information, (item 6.F) and Resolution 6 to adopt 2022 Millage Rates (11A) and 9 F to Consider Change order #2 Sewer System Rehabilitation (phase 2) 8227-15. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Bourgeois to expand the agenda. . Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
The Mayor moved the Agenda items that Mr. Sellers is addressing up under item 6 to allow Mr Gene Sellers to deliver his information earlier.
5. Alderman Bourgeois moved and Alderwoman Moore seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting on April 11th, 2022 with all necessary corrections. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent.
Alderman Lancon moved and Alderman Ward seconded to approve Minutes of the Special Meeting on April 27th, 2022 with all necessary corrections. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent.
6A. Rate Study Report by Mr. Tony Sonnier and Mr. James “Tee” Ryder from Louisiana Rural Water Association. They began the report by stating that looking at the financials the Council, Mayor and City staff is doing an excellent job. The study was created using the last completed audit as well current income and expense information for the water system. Mr. Sonnier remarked that the when you compare water production versus sales the City has a significant water loss of 58%. Mr. Sonnier will return and conduct a water loss survey and if needed, a leak survey as well. It costs the City $3.90 to produce 1,000 gallons of water and the average residential customer uses 5,000 gallons. Our current rates gives the City a sustainability factor of 1.25, this number has to be 1.10 or above to qualify for any grants or loans. Our rates are typical with rates across the state and a rate increase is not recommended. The waste water side is in line as well with a 1.31 sustainability factor and no rate increase is recommended. Alderman Lancon commented that we are currently transferring from the 1973 sales tax towards operations, normally the City was budgeting $100K but now we are budgeting $125K so we will be using up that fund balance due to construction costs. The City should be good for a few years but this should be monitored so the fund is not depleted.
6B. Contract Change Order No 1, 2022 Street Improvements project (9445-01) by Gene Sellers, the project is complete and will be accepted tonight, but the price needs to be adjusted, even with Druilhet Street added to the project there was a reduction in cost of $20,951.49. Motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderman Lancon Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
C. Partial Pay Estimate No. 1, 2022 Street Improvements project (9445-01) at a cost of $196,331.52.
Motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
D. Notice of Acceptance and Resolution of Acceptance of Street improvements project
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
E. Consider approval of Contract Change Order No. 3 for the Hubertville Road Water Main Extension Mr. Sellers stated there were some extra items required by the railroad which totaled $11,385.60 and is listed in the change order.
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Bourgeois Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
F. Consider approval of Partial Payment Estimate No. 3 for the Hubertville Road Water Main Extension in the amount of $12,989.69.
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
G. Consider approval of Contract Change Order No. 2 for the Sewer Treatment Plant in the amount of $23,200.00.
Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
H. Cost estimate report to extend services residents on Canal Street closer to Admiral Doyle, water $22,100, sewer cost is $21,200. Alderman Clark liked the project,
I. Report by District Attorney Bo Duhe on need for updating the Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory that is located in Iberia Parish by the airport. This lab services the three Parishes in the 15th and the 3 Parishes in the 16th Judicial Districts, Vermillion, Lafayette, Acadia, Evangeline, St Landry, St Martin, St. Mary and Iberia. The building is outdated, in disrepair and too small to handle the needs. There is an opportunity to obtain Capital Outlay funds to build a new lab, 40,000 sq feet building. The lab originally put up the $250,000 match out of their fund balance, but $5 million of the $20 million required to complete the project has to come from matching funds. To obtain the match the group looked at the agencies that send evidence to the lab and this usage was used to determine the corresponding match for the agency, between Jeanerette Ward Marshal’s and the Jeanerette Police Department 55 cases were submitted. The percentage of our cases equals towards the suggested match would be $44,305.00. Bo Duhe then stated he would like a resolution of support and contribute up to the $44,305 match. This funding can be spread over a two year period. They have also reached out for additional funding through Senator Kennedy’s office, Congressman Higgins and private philanthropic individuals and that may reduce the amount of the City’s contribution. They are also trying to have the grant eliminated because it is an emergency. On motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Aldermen Clark to have the Mayor submit a letter of support until the Resolution of Support can be formally approved by the board. Motion carried by a voice vote of all yea.
7. Announcements. On May 5th the City observed a National Day of Prayer event put together by Ms. Teri Thompson and Reverend Wilfred Johnson that was well attended. The Mayor also wished everyone a happy Mother’s Day. On May 14 will be the Chitimacha on the Teche 10 mile race for kayaks and canoes from Jeanerette, to Charenton, start time 9 am. Jeanerette Senior High School graduation will be May 16th, starting at 6 pm. The Mayor also outlined the roofing projects that will be starting on the Fire Department and Public Works as well as efforts to address the blighted properties.
8A. Report from the Tuesday, May 3, 2022 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting Present -Present - Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Director of Finance Catherine Roy, City Clerk Susan Colden, Alderwoman Charlene Moore Alderman Louis Lancon and Calvin Bodin. The Sales Tax revenue is higher than last year and Utility payments are on par with a total of 2011 customers. We now have 55 customers paying by bank drafts and we are encouraging customers to sign up. Cash flow is on projection and the March and April transfers were posted this month. Aged payables are good, but we need to discuss the customer counts with waste connections. The City has a new A/P Clerk Jessica Reyes. The P & L is mostly within expectations with the proposed Budget Amendment. The expenditures and revenues should be at 83%. The Ad Valorem is at 99.17%, and the tax sale adjudicated property will be May 5. The Mosquito and Drainage payment from the parish was received. There was a rate study conducted by LRWA and will be presented at the May meeting but they said the City was in good standing. The Utility revenue is good. The quotes for the roofing project for Public Works and the Fire Department were reviewed and the quote from LA Classic Roofing was selected, the funds were previously approved from the ARPA designated funds. The bids from the surplus items sale was reviewed and will be approved by the Board. Ms Catherine Roy thanked the committee for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Finance. She is proud of the work that was done to bring the City to this point where it is financially healthy. She hopes everyone will support the new Finance Director and help the City stay fiscally strong with sound financial decisions. Without good oversight the financial picture can quickly fall apart. Alderman Lancon said we need to increase the monthly accounting budget and retain the services of Darnell Sikes until we have a new person hired and trained. There was some discussion of how to address the property taxes after Ms. Roy conducts the tax sale. With no other business to consider, the meeting was adjourned. Alderman Clark asked about the costs of the roofing projects for the Fire Department and Public Works. Alderman Lancon also commented on all the efforts that will be needed for keeping the accounting current and the taxes until a replacement for Ms. Roy can be found. Alderman Lancon will be recommending increasing the budget to accommodate these efforts.
8B. Report from the Tuesday, May 3, 2022 Policy and Personnel Committee Meeting Present- Susan Colden City Clerk, Finance Director Catherine Roy, and Alderwoman Charlene Moore, and Alderman Clarence Clark. The group reviewed the job description and proposed job description for the Finance Director. Ms. Catherine Roy thanked the committee for the opportunity to serve the City. After a brief discussion on various updates, the meeting was adjourned. Ms. Colden told the committee that the information was presented to Darnell Sikes who will be assisting the City locate a qualified candidate.
8C. Report from the Tuesday, May 3, 2022 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting Present- Alderman Butch Bourgeois, City Clerk Susan Colden, Finance Director Catherine Roy, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, Officer Marva Arceneaux, Public Works Director Howard White and Public Works Supervisor Wade Tillman, absent Willie “Poochie” Ward. Chief Landry reported 81 calls, 73 in the city and 8 auto aid. There was a small grass fire, grease/kitchen fire with injury and a trailer fire. There were in house training on 4/20 and a LSU training on 4/12-there will be another LSU training on May 24. Chief Landry said the structure fire on Washington St also damaged the house across the street. Supervisor Wade Tillman reported bulk trash was cleared from 34 streets, 23 areas were marked for Dottie requests, 6 water leaks were repaired, 11 sewer lines were cleared, and Main St. trash bags were changed. Grass was cut at 17 locations. The bids for the surplus sale was reviewed and will be presented to the Board. Officer Arceneaux had to leave for a call but the report for the department reported 174 total calls, 2 burglaries, 0 robberies, and on April 30th area departments combined for an operation takeback which resulted in seizing 12 guns, narcotics and 7 arrests. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
8D. Report from Statewide Electric Sewer and Water Operations by Neal Swain, On the water side good water is being produced, some leaking pneumatic valves need to be replaced and they are waiting on them being shipped. No complains and all of the water samples are passing the testing. Alderman Lancon asked about the valves. Alderman Lancon then asked about the status of the contract, Mr. Swain said the water contract expired in March 1. Alderman Lancon asked why there wasn’t a contract brought before the board. Alderman Lancon also asked when the sewer contract will expire and Mr. Swain said Sunday the 15th of May. After a lengthy discussion the board requested that the new contracts be presented at a special meeting of the board of Aldermen. Mr Swain then provided an update on the sewer system, the Mayor asked about the growth in the drying bed and Mr. Swain said that the vegetation is sprayed weekly. After a brief discussion the report was concluded.
9. Agenda Items
D. Appointment of Interim Treasurer/Tax Collector Susan Colden-Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
E. Approval of Bids from Surplus items sale Introduction by Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Alderman Clark questioned accepting bids under minimum. After a discussion, on motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to allow public comment and move to public hearing, motion carried with a voice vote of all yea. First speaker was Peter DeJean 2007 Church St. Jeanerette LA. Mr. DeJean stated that he called City Hall and asked if he could bid under the minimum bid and he was told that he could not. On motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to leave public hearing and return to regular session, motion carried with a voice vote of all yea. Motion by Alderman Clark second by Alderwomen Moore to only accept bids that were over the minimum amount so that would exempt 1, 2, 4, 5, 13, 17 & 18.
Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
10. Proclamations
A. DELTA SIGMA THETA Sorority Week-Mayor Bourgeois Jr. presented the information
11. Resolutions Resolution 6 of 2022 Adopting 2022 Millage rates, this item was originally discussed at the May 9, council meeting but needed to formally be part of the agenda. On motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to adopt the 2022 millage rates the roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.

12A. Adopt Ordinance 2022-01 To Sell by Sealed-Bid, Certain Adjudicated Properties Acquired by The City of Jeanerette
The Mayor introduced, motion by Alderman Bourgeois second by Alderwoman Moore to adopt the ordinance. Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
B. Adopt Ordinance 2022-03 To Amend Section 11-4007 Trash Fires motion by Alderman Bourgeois second by Alderman Clark to leave public session and enter public hearing. Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois second by Alderman Clark to leave public hearing and re-enter regular session. Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea motion by Alderman Clark second by Alderman Bourgeois to adopt the ordinance. Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
C. Adopt Ordinance 2021- An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget motion by Alderman Clark second by Alderman Bourgeois to leave regular session and enter public hearing. Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea. Motion by Alderman Clark second by Alderman Lancon to leave public hearing and re-enter regular session. Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea Alderman Lancon said this budget needs further amendment to address the changes needed to address Catherine’s departure. Alderman Lancon made a motion to change line 66504 in administrative expenses, monthly accounting from $20,000 to $50,000 and to add administrative expense Tax Collection Consultant for $10,000 motion by Alderman Lancon second by Alderman Clark to leave regular session and enter public hearing Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea. Motion by Alderman Lancon second by Alderman Clark to leave public hearing and re-enter regular session Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea. Motion by Alderman Lancon second by Alderman Clark adopt the ordinance. Roll Call Vote as follows:
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Ward, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Moore and Alderman Clark
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
D. Introduce Ordinance 2021- An Ordinance Adopting the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget
After a brief discussion on the layout and content on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to table the Ordinance. Motion carried with a voice vote of all yea.
13. Adjourn There being no further business to bring before the Board of Aldermen a motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to adjourn the meeting carried with a voice vote of all yea, no abstain no absent.




_____________/s/____________________

Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:



___________/s/_________________
Susan Colden City Clerk

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