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MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday February 13, 2023

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:25 am
by City Clerk
CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday February 13, 2023
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting held Monday February 13, 2023 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.
Mayor Bourgeois Jr. led in prayer and Alderman Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present. – The Mayor requested to move item 10 to item 7A, moved by Alderman Clark, second by Alderman Duplechain, motion carried with a voice vote of all Yea, no Nay and no Abstain.
5. A Approval of Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting on January 9th, 2023- Alderman Clark moved and Alderman Duplechain seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting on January 9th, Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no nay and no abstain.
B Approval of Minutes of the Last Special Meeting on February 10, 2023- Alderman Clark questioned a reference, item will be delayed until next meeting.
6. Correspondence by Mayor-. A letter from the Govenor was received awarding the City a 5 Million Dollar Grant to improve the sewer system.
7. Announcements by Mayor. The Mayor recognized Ms. Tasha Senegal who address the board about Compassionate Care of Louisiana transportation service that offers services starting at $25 per trip. The Mayor also announced that the Iberia Parish Council on Aging is sponsoring a Mardi Gras Senior Party Thursday Feb 16th, 9:45-10:45 am at the King Joseph Recreation Center.
A. Proclamations-Recognition of City of Jeanerette Black History Makers-Ms. Laura Fontenette Brown, Rev Wilfred Johnson, Mr. Tredell “Trey” Rener, Mr Xavier “Shawn” Moten, Ms Terri Thompson, Mr. Willie “Pop” Wilson, Mr Charles “Charlie Brown” Williams, Sr. The Mayor presented awards to each individual. The Black history month program is on Tuesday February 28th at the King Joseph Recreation Center from 5-7 pm.
8. Reports A. Personnel Committee: Report from February Regular Meeting Present- Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Clarence Clark, Susan Colden City Clerk, and Treasurer Liz Verdun, and Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Some updates on Mardi Gras Parade were discussed, more details will be decided on Wednesday. The committee reviewed Vehicle Take Home policy, Council Pay Ordinance, and discussed compensation for officer’s and attorney. The committee will make recommendations to the finance committee after some review. The committee also discussed a request from the Jeanerette Mardi Gras Association to help defray security costs. After a brief discussion on various updates, the meeting was adjourned. Alderman Clark also outlined current compensation for the Aldermen and his proposed increase and pointed out that the council has not had a raise since 1991. Any increase will not apply to the next term. The Mayor said that will be good for the finance committee to review.
B. Finance Committee Report from February Regular Meeting Present - Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Ray Duplechain, Treasurer Liz Verdun and City Clerk Susan Colden and Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Some updates on Mardi Gras were discussed, more details will be decided on Wednesday. More details will be decided on Wednesday. The committee also discussed a request from the Jeanerette Mardi Gras Association to help defray security costs. This will be discussed at a special meeting on Friday February 10th, 2023. Utility Billing is on par with a total of 1934 customers and 75 customers are now using bank draft to pay. Collection of Utility payments is good and the City is following policies and collecting on bad debts. Sales tax is up from last month and down slightly from last year. Franchise payments were received from Cox, Cleco, Centerpoint telephone and beer tax. Bank balances are good. Cash Flow Projections were reviewed and it was noted that the November transfers were not yet needed. The payables are inline and the downpayments for the insurances were paid. The P & L for period ending 2/04/2023 was available and % used should be at or under 58%. The revenues are at or above budget. The committee reviewed the P & L and noted each department is within the percentages. With no other business to consider, the meeting was adjourned. The Mayor noted that the audit is nearly done, and everything is looking good so far and we are following procedures.
C. Public Works Committee Report from February Regular Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Butch Bourgeois, Alderman Poochie Ward, City Clerk Susan Colden, Public Works team lead Elizabeth Moore, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, Police Chief Vallot and Treasurer Liz Verdun. Some information regarding the Mardi Gras Parade was discussed and there will be a meeting on Tuesday February 7, to address various details concerning parking, traffic and more. Chief Vallot reported 174 total calls. There were 9 misdemeanors arrests, 7 felony arrests and 18 citations issued. January 20, 2023 a large amount of drugs, guns and cash was seized during the execution of a warrant for a felony fugitive. The Chief and Mayor heard reports on surveillance cameras for the Community. Chief Landry reported for the month there were 88 total calls, 78 city and 10 auto aid. There were 35 medical calls with 5 alarm investigations, 1 public service event, 1 auto accident, 1 grass fire, 1 powerline incident, and 35 calls cancelled by chief. 6 more air packs with 12 cylinders were ordered. The Durango went out of service on 1/19 and found out it needs major repairs; minor fixes were made and it will just run as is for now. 602 went out of service 1/30 and back in service the next day. The truck was running rough, and wouldn’t start. Mechanic made some adjustments. Ms. Moore reported 20 Dottie marking, replaced 3 signs, repaired 2 potholes and repaired entrance on city side to 9 driveways, there were 15 sewer backups and 4 water leaks, and to clear drainage, trash was removed from 51 ditches. The tops of 4 drainage boxes were cleaned, and trash was picked up at 9 locations and 2 road kills were cleared, and grass was cut at 2 locations. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned. The Mayor noted that public works was out cleaning up after the Mardi Gras parade.
D. Statewide Electric on Sewer and Water Operations Neal Swain-Mr. Swain reported for the water side the SCADA malfunctioned, this was due to AT&T cell service going down in the area when the line was cut by contractors installing a fiber optic line. The pump at the Canal station was pulled and there was a lot of trash clogging the pump, it was cleared and the pump was fine. The Mayor asked about the power use at the Canal station. Then the Mayor asked about the transfer pump at the sewer plant and if there is a clog in the pipe. Mr. Swain said since the bar screen has been bypassed for a number of months there is more trash getting into the system. Alderman Clark asked about the transfer pump and if the City needs to replace, Alderman Duplechain said the pumps are wore out and need to be replaced.
E. Jeanerette Chamber Commerce update by President Rev Wilfred Johnson- Rev Johnson handed the Board an informational packet. He stated that the Chamber has created their first newsletter and they intend to have it sent out monthly. The new board is inviting everyone the business luncheon on February 23 from 12-1 pm at the chamber office, to hear the Chamber’s projections to unite the community. Rev Johnson also reported that there will be an upcoming networking conference and they are gathering the resources for that event. The Chamber will also be hosting candidate forums for the upcoming election. Rev Johnson also recognized the efforts of Mr. Xavier Moten by awarding him the Chamber’s first Black History month award.
F. Iberia Parks and Rec update by Tammy Trahan – Ms. Trahan introduced the Chairwoman Commissioner Nell Gauthier, and Vice Chairman Commissioner John Boudreaux, Commissioner Leroy Jones and Mr. Xavier Moten. Ms. Trahan announced that the Capital Improvements 423 should kick off in the next two weeks weather permitting at Burleigh Park. The improvements will be two basketball courts and a badminton/tennis court. There will also be drainage work at King Joseph Recreation Center prior to painting. They also we be installing a slab at the Jeanerette Museum. Ms. Trahan announced that Terry Thompson has been hired to help Shawn plan programs at the King Joseph Center. On financial note, taxes collected are just below $149,000 and expenses paid was $330,000.
F. Community Surveillance Security Cameras by Chris Thibodeaux of Acadian Home Protection-Mr. Thibodeaux was not able to attend and a brief overview was given by Assistance Chief David Robertson. Mr. Robertson said there will be four cameras on each pole in each Ward, and there is a $55 per pole charge from Cox, and a $1,000 per pole one time fee from the electrician. The cameras will provide 24 hours a day-colored pictures with four weeks of storage. The cost of the 20 cameras will come from the ARPA funds.
G. Candidates for City-wide Elections, Mariah Clay candidate for Ward 1 Alderwoman, Ms. Clay introduced herself and provide a brief background as a coach and educator her passion is the youth. Next Ms. Monica Duplantis candidate for Ward 3 spoke and emphasized commitment to various projects. Treena Joseph also candidate for Ward 3 spoke about her passion to address violence particularly to save the children from violence and breast cancer awareness. Ms. Tia Simmons candidate for Alderwoman at large spoke of her past experience and said she missed serving and feels she can hit the ground running with her knowledge of finances, ordinances and political subdivisions. Finally, Alderman Clark, candidate for Mayor spoke of his vision to restore unity, and change.
9. A. Approval of Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for 2022 Audit on motion by Alderman Duplechain and second by Alderman Clark to approve, motion carried with a voice vote of all Yea, no Nay and no Abstain
B. Recommend award of the Love Louisiana Outdoors Program (LLOP) Contract A to the apparent low bidder E&L Construction Group contingent upon approval from the La Office of Community Development. Introduction by Nick Sonnier on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Duplechain to award, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
C. Recommend that the City reject the bid received for the LLOP Contract B contingent upon approval from the La Office of Community Development. Introduction by Nick Sonnier on motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to reject the bid, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
D. Request authorization to readvertise for bids for the LLOP Contract B, contingent upon the La Office of Community Development approval. Introduction by Nick Sonnier on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to authorize to readvertise, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
E. Consider Authorizing Sellers & Associates to rebid the Love LA Outdoors Program Park Improvements Project contract B. Introduction by Nick Sonnier on motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to rebid, 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 award of Phase 2 – Water Treatment Plant Improvements (renovation of water wells, filter media, brine tank and misc.) contingent to OCD approval. Introduction by Gene Sellers, on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to approve the base bid and alternate 1 award to Frisco Industrial, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
11.A. Resolution 1 of 2023 In Support of Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District-Presented by Judge Gary Legros on motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to approve, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Resolution 2 of 2023 to request financial assistance from LA DEQ Clean water state revolving fund – introduced by Gene Sellers on motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderman Duplechain to approve request, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
C. Resolution 3 of 2023 Notice of Intent Resolution to Issue Sewer Revenue Bonds -introduced by J. Hardy Andrews, of Foley & Judell LLP. Motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderman Clark to approve notice, Roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
The Mayor stated that a number of board members attended LMA Mid-Winter conference, attorney Lucretia Pecantte stated that the board needs to look at creating a committee to revise a number of the ordinances that are out of date.
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, and no abstain.





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Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:





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Susan Colden City Clerk