Page 1 of 1

September 13, 2021 regular meeting

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 7:00 am
by City Clerk
CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday September 13, 2021
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their regular meeting held Monday September 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Clarence Clark, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderman Willie Ward and Alderman Louis Lancon, Also present: City Clerk Susan Colden, Treasurer Catherine Roy, Chief Dusty Vallot, Chief Sherry Landry and City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte,
Mayor Carol Bourgeois lead in prayer a moment of silence was observed for the victims of 9/11 and Alderman Ward led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present.
5. Alderman Bourgeois moved and Alderman Clark seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting August 9th, 2021 with all necessary corrections. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent.
6 & 7. Correspondence and Announcements by the Mayor. Regarding the correspondence, the Mayor directed the Board review the letter from Mike Hefner a Demographer that the City has used in the past. It outlines the results of the census and some steps that the City will need to take towards redistricting. All of the Wards are in line except Ward 1 is outside slightly outside the 5% threshold. The Mayor also commented that many persons did not fill out the census and the City is 187 short of the 5,000 level required for the status of a City. The Mayor then went on to congratulate the many individuals who have contributed to the disaster relief efforts for folks impacted by Hurricane Ida. Alderman Bourgeois has prepared 1,600 meals and John McDaniel, owner and operator of Mac’s grocery store has contributed pallets of water, non-perishable foods and supplies, the Jeanerette Marshal’s office and Rev. Wilfred Johnson, has donated over 22 pallets of cleaning supplies and A New Chapter Push along with the Jeanerette Chamber and the City sponsoring another even on Saturday the 18th in Thibodeaux. Condolences offered to families of John Edward Cooper and Rorey Thomas Foco. The Mayor then called on Alderman Clark to recognize the passing of Mr. Titus Landry Jr. and Alderman Lancon recognized the passing of Mr. Robert L. Freshley. Also the mother of Jeanerette officer, Jacob Green, and prayers for another officer who experienced a stroke and who is being cared for in New Orleans at Ochsner’s.
8A Report from the Tuesday September7, 2021 Policy and Personnel Committee Meeting Alderwoman Charlene Moore. The group reviewed a proposed Policy 31 which states that the City will recognize the Federal Fair Standard and Labor Act and it’s amendments as it pertains to federal labor laws and will recommend the Board approve this new policy. The committee also discussed having the department heads identify the positions in their departments and then the job descriptions can be created. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
8B Report from the Wednesday September 8, 2021 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting Present - Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Treasurer Catherine Roy, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Louis Lancon, Calvin Bodin, John Caro and Samuel Sarpong. John Caro with Brown and Brown Insurance presented a policy extension so the City’s policy renewals can all have a 1/1 start date and to expect higher insurance premiums. Samuel Sarpong with Daylight Capital Advisors recapped the refinancing process of the USDA Bond, along with recommendation of Foley & Judel as bond counsel and Piper/Sandler as underwriter. Sales Tax revenue is up and Utility payments are on par. Cash flow is steady and LAMP and bank balances are healthy. The P & L is within projections, expenditures and revenues should be at 17%. The A/P cycle is working out well and the City continues to pay bills in a timely fashion. The committee reviewed New Iberia’s resolution on ARPA funds and will work together to produce something similar for Jeanerette. It was noted that broken meters in the City need to be replaced in alliance with its revised meter ordinance, cost should be recovered relatively quickly with accurate usage reading and billings. It was recommended that the committee begin a thorough rate study, that would include depreciation expense and full bulk waste costs in its billings. The cost and need for retaining Morrison Consulting and Redistricting services was discussed. With no other business to consider, the meeting was adjourned.
8C. Report from the Thursday, September 9, 2021 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting Present-Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Susan Colden City Clerk, Treasurer Catherine Roy, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, Officer Anthony Ligon, and Public Works Director Howard White. Officer Ligon reported 319 calls for August and beginning of September. 12 traffic attachment, 2 escort, 11 Auto crash, 49 misc. complaint, 14 medical assistance, 5 civil complaint, 9 juvenile complaint, 3 extra patrol, 1 warrant, 21 medical assistance, 1 missing person 1 deceased person, 1 homicide, 4 attempted suicide, 1 aggravated battery-cutting, 38 silent alarm, 1 business burglary, 2 residential burglary, 4 trespassing, 18 theft, 1 theft exterior of vehicle, 1 shoplifting, 11 illegal use weapon, 1 fireworks,1 wreakless operation, 4 hit and run, 1 cruelty to animals, 9 animal nuisance, 23 disturbance, 12 domestic disturbance, 4 fights, 8 loud music, 13 mental patient, 3 suspicious persons, 3 suspicious vehicle, 3 harassing phone calls, 4 hang up call, 1 private lot crash. Chief Landry reported the fire department responded to 94 calls in August, 82 in City and 12 auto aid. There was 2 LSU classes one in Jeanerette and the other in St. Mary. Staffing issues were discussed. Wayne Green passed EMR and there was 1 call out for hurricane Ida for a fire alarm at the High School. The Mayor told Chief Landry to work with Alderman Lancon to discuss upgrading the fire station. Public works reported patching of potholes on two streets. There was also drainage work and hazard mitigation ahead of hurricane Ida. Howard White will be working to secure vendors to purchase a tractor with a side-boom. Jamyric Sonnier from Waste Connections came to address concerns. Mr. Sonnier is the new Operations Supervisor and is working to improve operations and communications. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
8D. Status Report on Hubertville Road Water Main Railroad Crossing Project by Gene Sellers: The project needs to be partially completed by November to be able to use the CWEF funds to allow the City to qualify for other grants. We have the opportunity to get another $30,000 that would bring the total for this project to $140,000. The total estimated total project costs would be $141,366. Based on failure of Teche Construction to perform, Alderman Lancon moved and Alderman Clark second to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract with the second bidder RJ Broussard for $120,000 based on recommendation from Gene Sellers. Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
8E. Statewide Electric on Sewer and Water Operations: The Mayor summarized the reports, we are waiting for the new pumps on King Joseph station. The water system is operating really well with very little discoloration. We just submitted 22 samples for the annual Lead Cooper survey sample.
9. Agenda Items
A. Approval of Overtime for Ward Marshal during Hurricane Ida
Motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Lancon to approve the payment for overtime. After a brief discussion, roll Call Vote
Yea:, Alderman Lancon, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
B. Approval of VFIS Insurance contract
Introduction by Alderman Lancon. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore to approve new contract for the renewal. . Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
C. Authorization to Advertise for bids for Phase Two of project 50-ME2-20-01
Introduction by Gene Sellers during his report that the state has authorized to advertise for bids. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to approve Sellers and Associates to advertise for bids. Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Aldermen Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
D. Approval of salary increase for City Judge
After a brief discussion, motion by Alderman Ward and second by Alderman Bourgeois to approve salary increase. Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Aldermen Bourgeois,
Nay: Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion Failed.
D. Approval of salary increase for Ward Marshal
After a brief discussion motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Lancon to approve salary increase. Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Aldermen Bourgeois,
Nay: Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion Failed.
E. Approval of bids for Salt-Brine;
Cargill was the only bidder, price of .35 per gallon delivered motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Bourgeois to approve the bid.
Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Aldermen Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
G. Authorization of Sellers & Associates to prepare the Water Sector Program application.
Introduction by Mr. Gene Sellers in his report, new grants for water and sewer, this grant will be used towards water improvements for the water tower, valves, meters, and filter media motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore to authorize.
Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
H. Approval of Personnel Policy #31, adopting Federal Fair Standard and Labor Act.
Introduction by Alderman Clark in his report, motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark. Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
10. Proclamations
11. Resolutions
A. Resolution 9 of 2021, Preliminary Approval of Refunding Bonds, Making Application to State Bond commission, providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Introduction by JC Hardy of Foley and Judell and Samuel Sarpong of Daylight Capital Investors Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore. Roll Call Vote
Yea: Alderman Lancon, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward, Alderman Clark, and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
B. Resolution 10 of 2021, Authorization by and between Iberia Parish Government, City of Jeanerette and Hospital Service District No. 1 of Iberia Parish (Jeanerette Rural Health Clinic)
After a brief discussion that raised numerous questions, motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to table the resolution.
12. Ordinances
A. Adopt Ordinance 2021-08A Changes to Section 6-3006 (c) Quorum and Meetings Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Ward to leave regular session and enter public meeting. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. introduced the Ordinance. After no questions or further discussion, motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to leave public session and enter regular session. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Ward to Adopt Ordinance 2021-08A Changes to Section 6-3006 (c) Quorum and Meetings; Roll Call vote
Yea: Aldermen Lancon Ward, Clark and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: Alderman Bourgeois,
Absence: None
Motion passed.
B. Introduce Ordinance 2021-08B Changes to Section 2-2002 (b) Mayor Compensation
Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Ward to leave regular session and enter public meeting. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent. After no questions or further discussion, motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Lancon to leave public session and enter regular session. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent. Motion by Alderwoman Moore and second by Alderman Lancon to Adopt Ordinance 2021-08B Changes to Section 2-2002 (b) Mayor Compensation; Roll Call vote
Yea: Aldermen Lancon Ward, Bourgeois, Clark and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: None
Motion passed.
13. Adjourn There being no further business to bring before the Board of Aldermen, motion by Alderman Ward and second by Alderwoman Moore to adjourn the meeting carried with a voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent.




_______________/s/__________________

Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:




__________/s/__________________
Susan Colden City Clerk