MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday November 13th, 2023

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday November 13th, 2023
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting held Monday November 13th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderwoman Christia Simmons, Alderman Ray Duplechain. and City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte. Alderwoman Mariah Clay was absent.
Marshal Fernest Martin led the prayer and Alderman Ray Duplechain led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present.
Alderwoman Moore offered motion to have the agenda expanded to add item 10 I, waiver of open container for Mardi Gras Parade on Sunday February 4, 2024 and second by Alderman Bourgeois. roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Alderman Bourgeois offered motion to have the agenda expanded to add item 12B, Requesting Financial Assistance From State of Louisiana Under the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Local Government Assistance Program and Community Water Enrichment Fund Program and second by Alderwoman Simmons. roll call vote
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
5. Public Comment on Agenda items 6-12- No comments
6.A. Approval of Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting October 9, 2023; on motion by Alderwoman Simmons and second by Alderman Bourgeois, voice vote of all yea, no nay: Alderwoman Clay absent and no abstain, motion carried.
B. Approval of Minutes of the Personnel and Policy Committee Meeting November 6, 2023 on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore, voice vote of all yea, no nay and no abstain, motion carried.
C. Approval of Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting November 6 2023 on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore, voice vote of all yea, no nay and no abstain, motion carried.
D. Approval of Minutes of the Public Works and Safety Meeting November 6 2023 by Alderwoman Simmons and second by Alderman Bourgeois, voice vote of all yea, no nay: Alderwoman Clay absent and no abstain, motion carried.
7. Correspondence by the Mayor-The Mayor asked for a moment of silence in memory of seven persons in the community that passed away recently Patrica Buteaux, William Campbell, TyAsia Smith, Raydall Williams, Vanssa Spencer Francis, Evangelist Davis Bernard Sr., Trevor Olivier and Ike Gardner. The Mayor shared a letter from someone who attended the French Bread Festival as well as a letter of thanks from Ms. Laura Brown to the Jeanerette police department for their assistance during the first International French Bread Festival a certificate was also given to the department. Next Item is from the Creole Committee and Beautification grant that they administered to the city in the amount of almost $10,000. They purchased Holly Elm trees, which have been planted along Main Street. The Crape Myrtle trees will be relocated throughout town. This is due to the efforts of Liz and Terry Creel, Janice Broussard, and Monica Duplantis.
8. Announcements by Mayor; The Mayor gave thanks to Iberia Parks and Rec along with the City of Jeanerette, our council members that could respond, others who helped for another successful community thanksgiving dinner. About 425 dinners were served. Our truck or treat event was held by the Marshal’s office and Ms. Sherry and the Jeanerette Fire Department, Chief Vallot Ms. Terri’s organization and council members who were on hand to make it a success. Next the Mayor recognized Mr. Barlow, and Ms. Freeman presented a Lending Library to be displayed at City Hall for the community to utilize. The Jeanerette High School Book Club set in motion the idea, and the students helped create the library. The Mayor then announced that Parks and Rec, lead by the efforts of Mr. Shawn Mouten, is starting a youth basketball league which will start in January 2024, registrations are open at King Joseph Recreation Center. The Mayor next reminded everyone to support the Yard Sale that is being held Saturday November 18 from 8-4 at St. John’s the Evangelist Parish Hall. Santa Sleigh Drive on Thursday December 7th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at King Joseph Recreation Center, the event will feature activities, door prizes and more. Lastly Mr. Mitch from the fire department reported on the toy giveaway and Christmas Parage sponsored by the Chamber, Fire Department, City, the Youth Athletic Association and the Youth Impowerment Program. This event will take palace Saturday December 16th at 6 pm The line-up will be at 5 pm on Main Street in front of the Sonic to Ward 8 Recreation Center, afterwards everyone is invited to the Pavillion for gumbo, hot chocolate, and toy distribution. There will also be dance groups, bands, firetrucks, festival queens and the Grand Marshal will be Ms. Darla Montgomery from Channel 10 and Miss Louisiana Ms. Sylvia Masters will also be in the parade. The Mayor noted that it has been almost 20 years since the Community had the Christmas Parade. Alderwoman Simmons asked if Chief Landry is accepting donations of unwrapped toys, and the Chief said yes, and if possible don’t forget the older children, 9-12 year olds, there is also an opportunity to help specific families so let them know what you are interested in. Alderman Duplechain asked who was the group YABTBAB Church outreach ministries in New Iberia that took out the insurance policy, and Mitch was not sure. The Mayor said he would check into it.
9. Reports
A. Update from Barry Segura of Statewide Electrical Services on Sewer and Water Operations Starting with the sewer operations, the sewer plant office was insulated and painted Nov 8 & 9th. So now we can get the office area put together. Everything is stable, no breakdowns. Going to water operations, the plant is still being renovated and a few times a week they have to turn the plant off to allow the contractors to work on areas, so Mr. Segura’s staff fills the tower early in the morning and turns off the auto flushers to make sure that the residents are not affected. The Mayor mentioned that there is come issues with the lighting on the water tower. Nick Sonnier from Sellers and Howard said that everyone is looking at it, it is only the beacon light and it should be repaired next week. The electrical work is finished at the tower and Mr. Segura thanked Mr. Howard and the public works staff for their help as well. We are still flushing hydrants and responding to any complaints, but the complaints are getting less. The Mayor and Mr. Segura commented about the drop in pressure resulting from Cabot filling their fire suppression system and how better communication will reduce the impact to the system.
B. Addressing violations of Section 8-2001 (Grass & Weed) and others, on 729 Kent, 737 Kent lots 17 & 18 by Debra Bouie-Ms. Bouie, had called the Mayor prior to the meeting and asked to have the item removed. Alderwoman Simmons called the attention to the failure to comply with 8-2001 as listed in 8-2002, “In default of the owner or person entitled to the use thereof to cut, destroy, or remove weeds or grass or deleterious, unhealthy growths, or other obnoxious matter, the mayor and board through any agency or agencies it may determine shall be authorized and empowered to cut, destroy or remove the weeds or grass, or deleterious unhealthy growths or other obnoxious matter at the owner's or user's expense and thereupon the clerk shall be authorized to prepare and file in the mortgage records of the parish, a certificate of the cost showing the name of the owner or person,” and she said she did not realize that the penalty involved the action by the Mayor and Board.
C. 2024 Renewal for BCBS with Stacey Bienvenu of Brown and Brown- Stacey told the board that the rate quoted by BCBS contains an 8.6% increase, which was lower that the 9% increase proposed last year. The plan quoted was the same as previous years as an 85/15 plan where the city pays 85% and the employees pay 15%. Unfortunately, when looking at the paid claims BCBS did incur a loss because they paid more in claims then they received in premiums, however the loss was less than last year. If the city simply renews the difference for the employee is an increase of $3.67 per pay check, with an annual increase to the city of $11,481.32. Ms. Bienvenu highlighted various changes the city such as changing the deductible and changing the splits between employee and employer. She also outlined the proposal from United Health Care. She noted that the proposal is completive but the employees often experience higher co-pays with specialists and pharmacy items. The policies through Lincoln for life and short-term disability will not change for the next year. The Mayor suggested that maybe the board convene a special meeting to look at insurance and the board agreed and a date will be decided. Ms Bienvenu said the information is not due until December 15th.
D. 2024 Renewal for General Liability, Auto, LWCC, VFIS Casualty with Coy Duplantis of Brown and Brown; Coy Duplantis directed the board to look at the first page of the packet which provides an overview of the lines of coverage showing current versus proposed for next year. Mr. Duplantis said for the property most carrier do not quote more than 30 days out so the commercial property premium is not yet in yet but it should be available soon. The rest of the coverage for general liability, public officials police professionals and auto liability were within a few thousand of last year’s levels. The deductible for police professional, which also applies to Marshal’s was quoted at $15,000 from $5,000. The next area is for the fire department, VFIS, and includes the portable equipment, general liability, management liability, auto liability and physical damage has a projected total increase of less than $1,000. The worker’s compensation through LWCC, the experience modification factor rose from .92 to 1.37, mainly from 2 claims, resulting in a proposed increase of $9,155. The crime, equipment and equipment breakdown increased slightly. Mr. Duplantis then introduced Mr. Mark Romero as well as Gabi McGee, who is the director of claims to the board and asked for any questions. The Mayor suggested to the board to have Mr. Duplantis come back when Ms Bienvenu returns, Alderman Duplechain agreed that until the information for the commercial property is known they really can’t make a decision yet.
10.Agenda Items
A. Approval to open new account at First National Bank to receive ACH Supplemental payments. Alderwoman Simmons motions to open the account second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Elevated Water Tower (9327-04), Notice of Acceptance, Nick Sonnier of Sellers and Associates asked to table this item because due to remaining work they are not ready to accept at this time. Alderwoman Simmons motioned to table and second by Alderman Bourgeois. Voice vote of all yea, no nay: Alderwoman Clay absent and no abstain, motion carried.
C. Water System Upgrades – Phase 1 (9327-06), approval of PPE#5 to Lemoine Company in the amount of $138,605.00 introduction by Nick Sonnier, Alderwoman Simmons asked why we have not used the $80,000 CWEF, and Mr. Sonnier will check with Mr. Minvielle. Alderman Bourgeois motions to approval of PPE#5 second by Alderman Duplechain, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
D. LLOP Park Improvements – Contract A (9418-04), approval of PPE#2 to E&L Construction in the amount of $17,673.00, Alderwoman Simmons motions to approve PPE#2 second by Alderman Bourgeois, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Nick Sonnier provided a quick update for the LCDBG, and your concern for the inflow and infiltration into your collection system. The board approved Sellers to prepare a project severity application to the state for sewer system rehabilitation and that was delivered to the state today. If the state ranks the project favorably then the city will receive the invitation to submit a full application. The Mayor said that there is some training available December 6 on how the capital outlay process works, and the Mayor encourages all of the Aldermen to learn more about this.
E. Approval of revision to Policy 6 to incorporate Policy #28 into Policy 6-Compensatory Time/Hours of Work & OT, introduction by Alderwoman Simmons. Alderwoman Moore motions to make the changes second by Alderman Duplechain, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
F. Approval of revision to Policy 26 to incorporate Policy 20 into Policy 26-Sexual Harassment, introduction by Alderwoman Simmons. Alderman Bourgeois motions to make the changes second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
G. Approval of Policy #10- City Holidays, introduction by Alderwoman Simmons. Alderman Duplechain motions to make the changes second by Alderman Bourgeois, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
H. Ratification intent to have the Mayor sign the MOU for Legacy House and ReachScale- Item failed for lack of motion.
I. To approve waiver of open container for Jeanerette Mardi Gras on Sunday February 4, 2024. Alderman Duplechain motions to make the changes second by Alderman Bourgeois, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
11. Proclamations-None
12. Resolutions-
A. Resolution of 13 of 2023 Acceptance Elevated Water Tower (9327-04)- Alderwoman Simmons motions to table the resolution second by Alderman Duplechain, voice vote of all yea, no nay and Alderwoman Clay absent, this item was tabled.
B. A. Resolution of 14 of 2023 Requesting Financial Assistance from the State under the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Local Government Assistance Program and Community Water Enrichment Fund Program. Introduction by Nick Sonnier, Alderwoman Simmons motions to approve, second by Alderwoman Moore, roll call vote:
Yeas: Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: Alderwoman Clay,
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Attorney Pecantte, commented that the group that provided the insurance for the Christmas Parade is not in good standing with the secretary of state. Attorney Pecantte was asked to get this researched
13. Ordinances
14. Adjourn –On motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Duplechain to adjourn carried on voice vote of all yea, no nay and no abstain.



____________/s/_______________________
Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:



_____________/s/__________________
Susan Colden City Clerk