MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday August 12, 2024

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday August 12, 2024
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting place held Monday August 12th, 2024 at for the Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. The Mayor called the meeting to order and opened with a prayer. Alderwoman Simmons led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderwoman Mariah Clay, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderwoman Christia Simmons, Alderman Ray Duplechain City Attorney and Lucretia Pecantte. City Clerk Susan Colden was absent.
Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present. Before entering the public hearing the Alderman Duplechain motioned that the regular meeting agenda be expanded to include a discussion on the sewer line at the site of the new Raintree Market, Alderwoman Clay seconded, motion carried on voice vote of all yea, no nay. Regarding the hostage situation and shooting on July 25, the Mayor requested a moment of silence for fallen officer Corporal Segus Jolivette, and the injured officers; Corporal Gene Lipps, Officer Micheal Duchamp and Corporal Ricky Fontenot. The Mayor thanked Parish Council Lady Brown and Alderwoman Mariah Clay for organizing a prayer vigil. The Mayor had an opportunity to speak with the family that evening and to stop at the wake. The Mayor also expressed condolences to the family of our public works director Howard White to recognize the passing of his mother.
On motion by Alderman Bourgois, second by Alderwoman Simmons they left regular session and entered public hearing. Motion passed by voice vote of all yea, no nay. The Mayor read the millage rates to the public and there was a discussion on the reapportionment and the roll forward process as determined by the Sate and legislative auditor. The Iberia Parish Tax Assessor Ashlie Spiker was present and answered some general questions. On motion by Alderwoman Simmons and second by Alderman Bourgeois to close and adjourn the public hearing and return to regular session.
The Mayor asked if there were any public comments on agenda items 6-13.
5. Public Comments on items 6-13. No Comments
6. A. Approval of Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting July 8, 2024, approval on motion by Alderwoman Simmons, second by Alderwoman Clay, Motion carried on voice vote of all Yea, no Nay.
B. Approval of Minutes from Personnel Committee August 6, 2024 this meeting was cancelled for lack of quorum.
C. Approval of Minutes from Finance Committee meeting August 6, 2024, approval on motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderman Duplechain, Motion carried on voice vote of all Yea, no Nay.
D. Approval of Minutes from Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting August 6, 2024, approval on motion by Alderman Bourgeois, second by Alderwoman Clay, Motion carried on voice vote of all Yea, no Nay.
7. Correspondence by the Mayor- The Finance Manager, Christie Connor and the Mayor and his wife attended the LMA conference in Shreveport August 1-3, it was very informative and it was good to hear the changes going on. The next conference will be held in August in Lake Charles and the Mayor encouraged council members to attend. Next the Mayor announced early voting October 16-29 will now also be held at City Hall. Regarding the Love Louisiana Outdoor Project, the Mayor encouraged the citizens to pass by City Park and King Joseph Park and see all the improvement made possible through the efforts of the staff, engineers and the Park and Rec commissioners-notably recognizing Mr. John Boudreaux who really personalized the project.
8. Announcements by Mayor-
8A. The Mayor recognized Ashlie Spiker, current Iberia Parish Tax Assessor and running for re-election. Ashlie said she was born and raised in Iberia Parish and is a Jeanerette native. Married 23 years to Heath, owner of Spiker Masonry and mother of 4 children. She began her carrier two decades ago in real estate department processing real estate transfers, exemptions. She was then promoted to the mapping GIS and commercial departments. Ashlie then detailed all of the growth and knowledge gained to help her passing annal ratio studies and working with officials through numerous revaluations. She was appointed by Taylor Barras as his chief deputy, and achieved the designation of Certified Louisiana Assessor. She was sworn in as the Parish Assessor when Mr. Barras went to be a part of Governor Landry’s administration. She would like to continue serving Iberia Parish and the area in 2025.
Update on the sewer line relocation at the site of the new Raintree Market- The Mayor, has met with the Chairman of the Trible Council and they are still very committed to the project. Our engineers prepared some documents concerning the relocation of the sewer line. There will be a bid opening on Friday to determine who the contractor will be. There was discussion on the placement of the line and work required at the site.
9.Reports
A Update from Statewide Electrical Services on Sewer and Water Operations by Mr. Anderson Clay. On the water operations, the plant is back online and it is again able to backwash the filters. The staff is working to adopt new testing procedures. They flushed the hydrants in town over a two-night period, there were a few trouble areas identified, are there will be extra flushing there. Mr. Anderson then said because the filters had not been able to be flushed the buildup in the filters sends brown water into the storage tanks and then out into the system. There is also high levels of iron and manganese that causes buildup. The problems at the plant are getting addressed. There were a questions about the water supply pipes, Mr. Anderson said the most of the pipes are not that old. For the sewer operations, the second sludge pump is getting installed.
B. Discussion of rate study by Andrew Alleman of Waggoner Engineering – Alderwoman Simmons reviewed the different scenarios presented in the study, base increase to cover current water and sewer costs, if a DEQ loan is taken for a new sewer plant and if a Delta Reginal Authority grant is available to help fund the new sewer plant. During the discussion Alderwoman Simmons stated that it seems that the auditors and the study is pointing to the need for a $5.00 increase to have the City meet it’s expenses at present. She also went on to question the figures used in the rate study because it appeared that the budgeted yearly expenses were being amortized over a 3 year period. That part of the study needs more clarification. The proposed hours are 7 pm to midnight weekdays and 8 pm to 2 am on weekends.
10.Agenda Items
1 Approval of High alcohol content liquor license and Occupational License for Deep Rooted Jazz-Mr. Dean Hill Jr. addressed the council for Deep Rooted Entertainment. Mr. Dean started by saying that they intended to give to the community and noted that they have a farm and pending USDA approval they intended to have produce for sale during the day at the lounge as well as starting a recreational football and basketball program. Alderwoman Moore asked about the types of entertainment that the lounge will be featuring. Mr. Dean stated that different people will be coming in the evening to perform, host events and parties, and will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday will be an old school. There was discussion of the issues with the venue when it opened for one night a few year’s ago. There were questions concerning a partner, Mr. Johnson who Mr. Dean said should not have been in the packet of information. Alderman Duplechain toured the lounge and said he has concerns given the layout that it will be hard for officers to work in there should they be called in. There was also discussions about security and traffic flow. Alderman Duplechain motions to table the item, Alderman Bourgeois seconds, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons Alderman Duplechain
Nay: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore
Absent:
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
2. Approval of High alcohol content liquor license and Occupational License for the Dennn-Wayneisha Shaw, manager addressed the council. Alderman Bourgeois asked about the plan for the business. Ms. Shaw stated that it will be an R & B lounge/bar no rap, she is targeting older adults that want to relax and take a break. There are plans for poetry night and standup comedy. No food will be served. The fire Marshal set occupancy at 92/128. Weekday hours will be 6 pm to 10:15 pm. Alderwoman Moore motions to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Clay, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: Alderman Bourgeois
Absent:
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
3. Approval of salary adjustments-The Mayor is proposing an increase for the City Clerk, Alderman Duplechain motions to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
4. Approval of new Time and Attendance program-This system is used by Patterson, and the information will be downloaded into the payroll system and all departments will be using the same system, but there will be some adjustments for the Fire Department. Alderwoman Simmons motions to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
5. Approval of– Phase II 2023 Road Improvements PPE #1, for $114,749.83-Introduction by Nick Sonnier. Alderwoman Moore motioned to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Simmons, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
6. Approval of– Phase II 2023 Road Improvements PPE # 2, for $128,408.08 Introduction by Nick Sonnier. Alderwoman Simmons motioned to approve the item, second by Alderman Bourgeois, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
7. Approval of– Phase II 2023 Road Improvements PPE #3.for $194,264.05 Introduction by Nick Sonnier. Alderwoman Simmons motioned to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
8. Approval of PPE#11 for Water Plant project, 9327-07 to Frisco. This is to release retainage withheld in the amount of $57,822.91, Introduction by Nick Sonnier. Alderman Clay motioned to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Clay, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
Nick Sonnier also addressed the continued efforts on the blight program and the assistance from Iberia Parish Permit Office. The Mayor encouraged the council to look at their wards and write up and turn in to City Hall what you see. Next regarding the purchase agreements for the sewer plant project, Nick said that their office received a crop evaluation report from the LSU Ag Center, and that should provide the information for the loss of the crop.
11. Proclamations
12. Resolutions
1. Adopt Resolution 14 of 2024 to Adopt the Adjusted Millage Rates Alderman Simmons motioned to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
2. Adopt Resolution 15 of 2024 to set forth the Adjusted Millage Rates and roll forward to Millage rates not exceeding the Maximum authorized rates. Alderman Moore motioned to approve the item, second by Alderwoman Clay, roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried,
The Mayor recognized New Iberia councilwoman Deidra Ledbetter, Ms. Ledbetter has served as councilwoman for District 4 for two terms and is running for Mayor Pro Temp.
13. Ordinances –
14. Adjourn on motion by Alderman Duplechain and second by Alderman Bourgeois and a voice vote of all yea, no nay, no abstentions the meeting was adjourned.


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



___________/s/____________________
Susan Colden City Clerk