MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday October 10, 2022

Meeting Minutes from Past Meetings
City Clerk
Site Admin
Posts: 252
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2018 12:54 pm

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday October 10, 2022

Postby City Clerk » Mon Oct 17, 2022 1:13 pm

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday October 10, 2022
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting held Monday October 10, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Clarence Clark, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderman Ray Duplechain and Alderman Willie Ward. Also present: City Clerk Susan Colden, and Treasurer Liz Verdun and Police Chief Vallot., Public Works Director Howard White and Fire Chief Sherry Landry
Bishop James Proctor led in prayer and Darin Charpentier led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present.
Motion by Alderman Duplechain and second by Alderman Clark to expand the agenda to add discussion of capital outlay grant suggestions. Mayor Bourgeois Jr. said there was something in motion, through Mr. Minvielle and he would be discussing it later in the meeting so it was not necessary to expand the agenda for this item.
5.Approval of Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting on September 12th Regular Meeting - Alderman Ward moved and Alderman Clark seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting on September 12th, Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain. Approval of the Minutes for the Last Special Meeting on September 20th Special Meeting Alderman Duplechain noted a correction for the minutes of the Special Meeting on September 20 that Alderman Ward had voted Yeah for item D, to advertise for bids for the buildings at 1324 and 1414 Main. Alderman Bourgeois moved and Alderman Clark seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Special Meeting on September 20rd with the noted correction, Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain.
6. Correspondence by Mayor-The Smile Community Action Agency under the direction of Craig Mathews and the Iberia Community Action Agency director Mr. Michael Sorrel are bringing to local communities a program entitled Low-Income Household Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This program is designed to assist household that are income eligible with payments on their utility (water) bill. The Mayor also announced that the City had received $500,000 through Act 170. These funds were made available to the City through the efforts of Senator Allain and will be used for the road infrastructure and a portion will be shared with the Marshal’s office.
7. Announcements by Mayor. This is Columbus Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Breast Cancer Awareness month. Also to observe National Disabilities Awareness Month the Mayor requested Mayor Pro Tempore Clarence Clark to attend an event Friday at the Baldwin Community Center 10 am which is sponsored by the group Community of Friends to focus on getting employment for individuals with special needs. Homecoming will be celebrated at Jeanerette Senior High October 27 and 28th and the Mayor encouraged everyone to support the school events and the Class of 1972 will be celebrating their 50th Class Reunion. The Mayor then addressed the visit made on September 20th by District 21 Senator Bret Allain, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and District 43 Representative Stuart Bishop who is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. These representatives brought the plans for Capital Outlay Requests to renovate City Hall, the Fire Hall, Public Works and some road work to really improve Jeanerette overall. Richard Minvielle will be processing this application. Finally on the November 8 election citizens will be able to vote on a number of Amendments, and Amendment #4 will allow the water purveyor to waive charges if a water leak is due to a problem with the Cities’ infrastructure.
8. A. Finance Committee Report from the Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Present - Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Ray Duplechain, Treasurer Liz Verdun and City Clerk Susan Colden. The bid tally for the sale of surplus vehicles was reviewed and every vehicle received a bid, The tally will be presented to the council for approval. Utility payments are on par with a total of 1967 customers and 66 customers are now using bank draft to pay. Collection of Utility payments is good. Sales tax is slightly lower than last year. Bank balances are good and the second ARPA payment for $966,516.80 was recieved. Cash Flow Projections was reviewed and it was noted August and September transfers from 1% was not yet needed. The payables are inline. The P & L for period ending 9/30/2022 was available and % used should be at or under 25%. The committee reviewed the P & L and noted a few areas that might need to be amended. Mr. Ken Nalar from AT&T addressed the committee regarding products and commitment. The Mayor explained a proposed Amendment 4, that would allow a local government to waive water billing charges if the issue involves public infrastructure. The Mayor also outlined a new program created by the Louisiana Housing Corporation entitled Low-Income Household Assistance Program. The program is designed to assist households that are income eligible with payments on their utility (water) bill. With no other business to consider, the meeting was adjourned.
B. Report from the Tuesday October 4, 2022 Policy and Personnel Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Clarence Clark, Susan Colden City Clerk, and Treasurer Liz Verdun. The group discussed several different personnel changes including the return of Chief Landry to light duty. The group discussed several upcoming events such as Homecoming and Halloween. The downtown properties were discussed and there is interest by some individuals to purchase and renovate, the deadline to submit bids is this Thursday. After a brief discussion on various updates, the meeting was adjourned.
C. Report from the Tuesday, October 4, 2022 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Butch Bourgeois, Alderman Poochie Ward, City Clerk Susan Colden, Chief Dusty Vallot, Public Works Director Howard White Public Works Supervisor Wade Tillman, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, and Treasurer Liz Verdun. Chief Landry is back on light duty and thanked Clarence Clark and District 11, the Jeanerette Fire Department volunteers, and Iberia Parish Fire for helping cover duties while Chief Landry was out. The Department recorded in September 75 calls, 67 in the city and 8 auto aid. There were 2 grass/tree fires. Chief Vallot reported 253 total calls 40 citations issued, 14 misdemeanors arrests, 4 felony arrests. The new computers are being installed and quotes are coming in for work to repair masonry and secure bunks in the jail. A new full-time dispatcher was hired. And a new radio base in the dispatch is getting installed. Supervisor Tillman reported that Public Works department repaired 8 potholes, one drainage area, and eight sewer backups. Seven water leaks were repaired and tress were cut and chipped on John Durocher Dr. and trees were picked up on Minvielle Blvd and Georgia St. Ditches were cut with the new side boom in 54 areas and trash bags were changed on Main St. Halloween the homecoming events were discussed. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned. The Mayor recognized the efforts of Public Works and also thanked Alderman Clark for his report on issues in his area. The Mayor also asked the public to let CLECO or the City know if there are street lights out.
D. Statewide Electric on Sewer and Water Operations-Neal Swain. On the Sewer side things lack of rain has been good. At the Sewer plant 2 of the 4 aerators and 1 of the two clarifiers are working, both clarifiers work but since only 2 aerators are working only 1 clarifier is needed. The lift stations are performing well. The Mayor addressed the proposed change in the drying beds to reduce the number from 4 to 3 and have 9 inches of sand in each bed, this will not affect the cost of the project. Alderman Clark asked how work was progressing on getting the power restored to all the areas. Mr. Swain said the work is going well and power is restored, there might be an interruption when they hook up the generator. The contractor is working on the bar screen area. On water side Mr. Garrigues Andres (whose company designed the PLC panel) came to the plant to look at the system. He is going to get with Sellers to make recommendations for system repair. After a brief discussion on the repairs, the Mayor reminded Mr. Swain we needed to get the city-wide flushing program started. Mr. Swain said he would get with public works.
E. Update on Port of Iberia by Simieon Theodile Sr. Mr. Theodile, reported that efforts were going on the $36 million the port canal dredging and fresh water bayou project. These projects will help the port attract the deep water projects in the gulf. Chart has 5 years projected for work for L&G Fabrication and should generate 160 new jobs. Chart signed a 10-year lease with the port, and will need additional buildings. Bayou piping is also doing a lot of work for L & G Fabrication as well to generate more business in the area. Aqua drill just signed a lease with the port, they do a lot of deep water drilling same as Seadrill. The big rigs are going up and doing well. Seadrill is also looking at getting more drill ships in the area. This will all have a positive impact on our economy. There are some renovations going on, but the switch from fabrication to deep water. There is a shift and not all the work is for oil and gas, there is interest in windmills. The Mayor expressed that he hopes local individuals who need training check on the programs offered through SLCC to get qualified, Mr. Theodile agreed that we need to look forward.
9.Agenda Items
Louisiana Youth for Excellence Program Grant by Dr. Ezora J. Proctor, Administrator-Dr. Ezora Proctor and Bishop James Proctor discussed the grant that was received for the First Church of God in Christ and Alpha Community Outreach Center Inc. This grant will allow the group to work with at risk youth ages 10-19 years. The area youth will be able to register and participate every Wednesday from 3:15 pm to 5:30 pm, at the First Church of God in Christ at 1901 Martin Luther King Drive, Jeanerette. “Making a Difference Curriculum” and other interactive learning experiences will be presented to help the person’s develop positive relationships. This curriculum will include goal setting, drug and alcohol and violence prevention, poverty prevention, sexual risk avoidance education, self-esteem building, and life skills. This program is open to citizens of Jeanerette as well as Iberia Parish and St. Mary parish. A snack will be served, and gift cards and transportation will be available. Families and concerned citizens are encouraged to participate and volunteer.
B. City of Jeanerette Halloween Activity October 31, 2022 Terri Thompson reported that there will be a Truck or Treat event on October 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Ward 8. This activity is sponsored by The City of Jeanerette and the Jeanerette Community Development & Empowerment Outreach Program and Iberia Parish Parks and Recreation. There was discussion how to respond to individuals who still wish to go door to door. After discussion with council and public it was on motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Ward that the City will not restrict other activities but strongly encourages in the interest of public safety, for everyone to attend the Trunk or Treat on October 31, from 6-8pm at Ward 8. Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
C. Mardi Gras by Krewe of Enzana – representative was not present
D. Gun Buy Back Initiative October 22, 2022-Donavan Davis, Mr Davis said this effort is pre-vigil and they are targeting troubled youth and buying the guns. This is a no name no blame initiative. The guns that are purchased are given to the police and then they can be destroyed. The event on October 22, 2022 from 12-5 will be a community event and everyone is encouraged to come, there will be food and music at the event as well as free COVID 19 testing.
E. Approval of surplus items sale The Mayor referred to the bid tally sheet, Alderman Bourgeois motioned for approval of the bid in the tally to highest bidder, second by Alderman Ward. Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
F. Approval of bids for Main St. properties The Mayor introduced and referred to the bid tally sheet, Alderman Clark motioned for approval of the bid for the property on 1324 Main to highest bidder for $3,500, second by Alderwoman Moore. Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
The Mayor introduced and referred to the bid tally sheet, Alderman Clark motioned for approval of the bid for the property on 1414 Main to highest bidder for $14,000, second by Alderwoman Moore. Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
11. Resolution 13 of 2022 To grant authority to the Mayor to sign necessary documents to apply for 2023-2024 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant up to $800,000 for roads and to commit to pay the engineering and grant administrative fees associated with the preparation of the application. This will allow the city to receive the four bonus points in the rating of the application.
Alderwoman Moore motioned for approval, second by Alderman Ward. Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
12A. Adopt Ordinance 2022-07A An Ordinance to change Flory to a One-Way Street (Alderman Bourgeois). This previously tabled Ordinance proposes to route the traffic one way from Bracy to Pellerin. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderman Clark to leave regular session and enter public hearing for both 12A and 12 B. Voice vote of all yeah, motion carried. Regarding Ordinance 2022-07A, Javon Jones came forward and presented traffic counts for a two week period and voiced her opposition to the Ordinance. Kristine Ghent of 111 Bracey also spoke against the Ordinance. For item 12 B, Alderman Clark introduced, Judge LeGros agreed to the need make the change to be consistent with state language. Motion by Alderman Clark, second by Alderwoman Moore to leave public session and re-enter regular session. Voice vote of all yeah, motion carried. Motion by Alderman Clark, second by Alderman Bourgeois to pull Ordinance 2022-09, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Adopt Ordinance 2022-09 To Amend and Reenact Section 11-5026.1 (a) Curfew for Minors (Alderman Clark) This Ordinance proposes to change the age of minors under the curfew Ordinance from 17 to 18 to comply with changes in the State of Louisiana statue. Motion by Alderman Clark, second by Alderman Duplechain to adopt Ordinance 2022-09, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried

Adjourn There being no further business to bring before the Board of Aldermen a motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to adjourn the meeting carried with a voice vote of all yea, and no abstain.






________________/s/_________________

Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:




___________/s/_________________
Susan Colden City Clerk

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 15 guests