Minutes from the Tuesday June 3, 2025 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee

[City Clerk]

Minutes from the Tuesday June 3, 2025 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgois Jr, Public Works director Howard White, LaWanda Robertson, Elizabeth Moore, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, Chief Terrance Moore, City Clerk Susan Colden, Finance Director Christie Conner. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor and he led the prayer. There was no public comment. Alderwoman Moore asked Chief Moore about the parade route ordinance and he said he would like the council to address this issue and he would like an ordinance that has all parades following the same route along Main Street. Alderwoman Moore said that the Policy committee could take that issue up at their next meeting. There was talk about hurricane preparedness and the new notification aps. Fire Chief Landry said for the month of May there were 67 callouts, 60 in the City. There was one structure fire that was arson, Chief Landry commented that she wanted to recognize the great work of her fire crew and the police department for stopping the fire and identifying the suspects quickly. There were 24 medical with 21 cancelled, 10 alarm investigations, 3 auto accidents, and 1 police assist with lights. The Chief also reported she completed a 50/50 matching grant for $31,068.00 for various replacement equipment, she should hear if the grant was awarded in September. The second preventive maintenance were done on the engines. The Durango and Ram had the oil changed. The fire drill for the end of school year was done. They attended a FETA training hosted by Chitimacha May 22 and also a training on May 27 at the Iberia Parish facility hosted by District 11. Chief Landry spoke to water operator Brandon about the hydrant painting. The Chief attended the Iberia Parish hurricane meeting. The Office of Emergency Preparedness is coming Friday morning to conduct training on new AP to allow our officials to request help quicker after a storm. There was a discussion about some hydrants. Police Chief Moore reported his department responded to 174 calls in the month of May. Last week they had grand jury on the homicide and they obtained indictments on the suspects. The other homicide is still being investigated and there is a main suspect. For traffic enforcement the department conducted 64 vehicle stops and issued 38 citations issued, 16 arrests were made for issues ranging from narcotics, illegal weapons violations or they were wanted by other agencies. There were 2 reported sounds of shots fired, one was on May 5 and caused in an auto accident and resulted in an arrest of a Franklin native. The other incident was on Canal Street. There was also an incident in the First Street trailer park but it was determined to be self-inflicted. There were zero burglaries, no armed robberies, no homicides, 8 thefts with 8 arrests, 5 juvenile complaints with a few arrests. Two deaths from natural causes, and 10 vehicle accidents. There was an aggravated rape that occurred on the 26th of May and the suspect was located and arrested with the assistance of New Iberia Police and was incarcerated in the New Iberia Parish jail. There was one aggravated arson that resulted in a multi-agency pursuit. This was approved by the Chief because the dispatcher was able to observe the suspect through the crime cameras to give officers vital information to locate and apprehend the suspects. There are a few events occurring this weekend, ballon release on Friday and stop the violence walk on Saturday, Chief has requested support for traffic control, it was reported there are 300 persons registered to walk. They will be attending a training on June 5 for digital evidence management. Today Chief Moore sent the patrol officers to firearm handling presented by US Attorney’s office in conjunction with ATF to make firearm cases more successful. The department entered into a MOU with a federal agency, the Department of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms for eTrace, to help trace the history of firearms to solve criminal cases across the country. Chief Moore then reviewed information on crime cameras that have ai technology and gunshot detection. Regarding new vehicles, no downpayment, 60-month lease, 6 to 8 Dodge Durango’s fully equipped with cameras (car and body) and lights, the cameras will automatically download. The cost for 8 vehicles is $7,800 monthly and is under state buying contract. They will keep just two of the old units to run. The vehicle base unit with the upgrades by premier bring the cost per unit to $50,000. Chief then went on to say that the new uniforms will all be a neutral grey shirts and black pants, this will avoid the fading and multiple colors of blue that was going on. The Mayor complimented on the quality of work and reports. There are 2 new part-time officer’s that have started, Officer Jamar Jackson and a post certified officer, McCloures Manuel. The some of the dispatchers have added responsibilities with the administrator on medical leave. Elizabeth Moore reported for public works that 3 Dotties were called in and they marked lines for 18 Dotties. They adjusted the flags damaged by the wind on Main Street. Drainage on St. Peter, Doll and other parts was cleaned. Trash on Church St. was picked up, and grass was cut throughout the town as well as the ditches. Sewer backup was cleared on 5 properties on city side. Potholes were filled with hot mix on St Germain St. and all-around town. The stop sign at Church and Canal was repaired and 4 water leaks were repaired. Alderman Duplechain who arrived late, asked public works if they remove any flags to please give them to him for proper disposal. Chief Moore asked if they see any illegal dumping occurring to let the police know so they can cite the individual. Anderson Clay with Statewide reported on water and sewer operations. The 2-inch diaphragm valve was ordered and should be in soon. The brine pump went out and they are using a replacement pump. All the materials are in for the 12-inch gate valve and will be changed out mid-June with the assistance of public works. Alderman Duplechain asked if the brine pump could be rebuilt and it could not. There was a discussion about hydrant flush, will be in July. On the sewer side a lightning strike knocked out the main lift station and sewer plant. Cleco came out and got it back online but it knocked out one of the aerators. At this time there are 2 aerators working. The lift stations are working well, a goal is to upgrade the City Park station since it only has one small pump. Barry is fabricating a couple of control panels to allow the stations to run on automatic. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
_____________/s/______________________ Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:

_____________/s/______________________
Susan Colden City Clerk