MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday August 8, 2022

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday August 8, 2022
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their regular meeting held Monday August 8, 2022 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 Ward 4 is vacant. Also present: City Clerk Susan Colden, and City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte. Treasurer Liz Verdun and Police Chief Vallot.
Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr led in prayer and Alderman Bourgeois led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present. The Mayor also recognized Mr. David Ditch, Iberia Parish Clerk of Court who will be officiating the swearing in of the new Alderman.
The Mayor appointed Alderman Clark to chair a special committee comprised of 2 Aldermen, 2 residents and 2 public officials to determine what to do with the buildings that the City owns on Main Street. The Mayor stressed the urgency to have this group review and report in the September meeting as well as the surplus items that the City will be bringing to surplus sale.
Motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to expand the agenda to add item 10E to Authorize Sellers & Associates, Inc. to submit an application to the Louisiana Water Sector Commission for Round 2 funding for Sewer System Improvements and to authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Sellers & Associates for this application and subsequent design if the project is funded, motion carried with voice vote of all yea, no nay and no absent. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Bourgeois to add item 10 F to approve the Mayor to sign the audit engagement letter for the year ended June 30, 2022 with Wright, Moore, DeHart, Dupuis & Hutchinson LLC, motion carried by a voice vote of all yea, and no nay.
5. Appointment of New Alderman for Ward 4 to fill term ending June 30, 2023-The Mayor recognized the citizens who expressed an interest in serving as the new Alderman. The Mayor then requested Mr Isaac Bowie first address the Board followed by Mr Ray Duplechain. On motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore to appoint Ray Duplechain as Alderman of Ward 4, roll call vote
Yeas:Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois and Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
At 6:45 pm, Mr. David Ditch, officiated the swearing in of Alderman Duplechain and he was seated at the Board.
6. Alderman Clark moved and Alderman Bourgeois seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting on July 11th, 2022 with all necessary corrections, Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent.
7. & 8. Correspondence and Announcements by the Mayor, Notice was received from the council on aging about their weekly program at King Joseph Recreation Center where they are feeding elderly individuals 60 and older starting at 10:30 am. Everyone must call a day ahead to register. On August 10th they will also be distributing grocery items. In the Daily Iberian the names of inactive voters to be purged was printed and Jeanerette had 332 names on that list. People can call Iberia Parish Registrar of Voters or online at Geaux Vote to update their information. There is a chance to open the Section 8 Vouchers to Jeanerette residents through the help of Iberia Section 8 office by Bernell Hebert. There are 2 different vouchers, site and choice. The choice vouchers can travel with the qualifying resident. There was a very successful program at Ward 8 where around 200 children, parents, area clergy, and barbers, came and the students received school supplies, free haircuts, and health information. The event was facilitated by Ms. Terri Thompson for a Youth Empowerment Program. The Mayor presented Resolution of Condolences to Catherine Roy’s for the death of her Grandmother Ms. Rosalie Broussard Roy. A Resolution of Condolences was also prepared to mark the death of Judge Gary LeGros mother.
9A Report from the Tuesday, August 2, 2022 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting Present - Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., City Clerk Susan Colden, Alderwoman Charlene Moore and Treasurer Liz Verdun. The Sales Tax report had not yet been sent to the City. Utility payments are on par with a total of 1977 customers and 66 customers are now using bank draft to pay. Bank balances are good and the Cash Flow Projections have been updated to reflect the new budget. The payables are inline. The P & L has not had all the requested changes completed yet by the accountants. The General Fund had been updated and was reviewed. The percentage should be at 8.3%. It was noted that the fuel and insurance categories need to be monitored. The franchise fees were received for AT&T, Cleco, Cox and the 2% Fire Insurance from the Parish. The Tractor and Side Boom is at PTI and will be inspected by Public Works and PTI and hopefully the City will take possession on Thursday. The Tractor will be paid out of Drainage and 1% funds. With no other business to consider, the meeting was adjourned. Alderman Clark questioned how a few line items in street and police and fire protection how were dedicated. After a brief discussion on funds and fund balances and how those funds can be used by the departments.
9B. Report from the Tuesday August 2, 2022 Policy and Personnel Committee Meeting Present- Susan Colden City Clerk, Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., and Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Clarence Clark and Treasurer Liz Verdun. Alderman Clark handed out a LA Rev Stat 44.3 for the group to review concerning records. The group discussed that there are several sections of the Cities’ Ordinance that need to be updated. Two areas are permit requirements for sheds and for contractor’s such as for Centerpoint when they cut into roadways. After a brief discussion on various updates, the meeting was adjourned.
9C. Report from the Tuesday, August 2, 2022 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Butch Bourgeois, Alderman Poochie Ward, City Clerk Susan Colden, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, Chief Dusty Vallot, Public Works Director Howard White Public Works Supervisor Wade Tillman, Neal Swain of Statewide Electric and Treasurer Liz Verdun. Chief Vallot reported 247 incidents with 32 arrests, 8 felony arrests, 20 citations issued, 24 misdemeanors, 2 vehicle pursuits. There was a discussion about security issues surrounding Deep Rooted Entertainment. There was also a discussion about the jail facility. Supervisor Tillman reported that Public Works department responded to 23 Dottie Markings, 5 sewer backups, cut grass, filled potholes, and sprayed 8 ditches and repaired 2 water leaks, picked up trees, roadkill, and bulk waste. The Department will be receiving a new tractor with a side boom that will be used for drainage work. The Mayor reported there are ongoing discussions with Jeff Pike concerning the work Centerpoint is doing to repair leaks and the impact on our roads. The Mayor also requested input from the Aldermen regarding the streets in their ward that need repair. A letter to the residents that will be affected by the change proposed for Flory Street will be hand delivered. Chief Landry reported in July there were 90 calls, 73 in the city and 17 auto aid. There were 2 structure fires one in the City and one autoaid. The Chief also reported that on June 23rd they hosted LSU ladders class. Both units E601 and E602 have needed repairs. Neal Swain reported that the pneumatic valve at the water plant was replaced but it did not solve the issue of water leaking. There was discussion of the items from a sanitary survey and the auto flushers. In the sewer plant there is no electrical power at this time while the contractor is working to install new wiring. The aerator is getting replaced, and the motor at King Joseph will be pulled and repaired. The Mayor said that DEQ had some questions concerning sludge removal. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned. Alderman Clark asked if the large potholes on Pellerin between Church to Main could get fixed. Alderman Bourgeois and the Mayor said that section would be on the next phase of road repair but until that project starts the Mayor said that public works would look at filling the holes.
9D. Report from Statewide Electric Sewer and Water Operations by Neal Swain, Mr. Swain stated that there are some power issues at the sewer plant and the contractors and engineers are trying to get that resolved as quickly as they can, there is a faulty transformer and disconnect. So, nothing has been running since the of July 10 or 12. The building still doesn’t have power but that could be from that transformer. The building is running 480V and the transformer steps it down to 120V for the controls. Since none of the pumps are operating, the only option for daily operation is to use a lot of chlorine. Aldermen asked about ramifications if tests failed because the aerators and clarifiers aren’t working. There should be power to certain areas coming shortly per Sellers. There was one complaint of sewerage back up related to the rain. All of the lift stations are running and working well. The motor that burnt at the King Joseph station was removed is in for repair. Mr. Swain did get a quote for the 3 soft starters at main station and they are $1,500 each. Alderman Clark asked Mr. Swain about the alternatives and then he inquired about how the road was holding up and Mr. Swain said there is about 150 feet by the curve going to main station that is really in tough shape. DEQ contacted the Mayor with a question about amount of sludge removed. The Mayor asked about the amount of sand left in the drying bed and Mr. Swain said that Southern Contractors removed the sludge. Alderman Bourgeois said that could be looked at during the monthly walk through. On the water side, the pneumatic valve was replaced but that did not stop the water leak in the backwash line-since there are 26 valves it is hard to isolate which valve has failed. Each valve could cost around $4,000 to replace. They completed the tie in of the new line under the railroad tracks on Hubertville. Alderman Bourgeois asked about the automatic flushers.
10. A. Approval of Change Order #4 for Sewer System Rehab Project Phase 2 project #8227-15 Introduction by Gene Sellers –the 4 Aerators and Clarifiers that have failed braces will be fabricated by the contractor and a motor needs replacement. The Motor can be ordered by PO and the contractor will install. Quote is $13,500 to repair all 4 units. On motion by Alderman Clark second by Alderwoman Moore to approve, motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent. Motion Carried
B. Approval of Pay Estimate No 3 for Sewer System Rehab Project Phase 2 Project #8227-15 Introduction by Gene Sellers. Project is 50% complete and is $14,000 over budget. Payment is $144,798.74. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois second by Alderman Clark to approve, motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no nay. Motion Carried
The Mayor then moved to item 10E. to Authorize Sellers & Associates, Inc. to submit an application to the Louisiana Water Sector Commission for Round 2 funding for Sewer System Improvements and to authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Sellers & Associates for this application and subsequent design if the project is funded, this will create a newer plant by the current, 5 million project and a 1.25 million match that will handle of 60% of flow-there was discussion about the road and retention pond. We have to list the sources that we can get the money. We will have more detailed information for the board to review later. Motion by Alderwoman Moore second by Alderman Ward to approve, motion carried by voice vote of all yea and no nay. Motion Carried.
C. Discussion of Deep Roots Entertainment The Mayor asked Fire Chief Landry to address issue of the business. Fire Chief Landry stated that the venue has applied with the state fire marshal but it has not been approved. They have not been approved by ATC, they did open one night and there were security issues. Alderman Clark, said they opened without the proper licensing from the state fire marshal they can be fined, arrested and prosecuted. The City can also issue their own cease and desist order. Alderman Ward also stated if they did get approval from the fire marshal that they have to have proper security.
D. Traffic Routes for Sugar Cane Trucks and Tractors-residents voiced concerns of area by post office and Jayden doughnuts for cane traffic and Alderman Clark said since 87 is shut down that will be an issue. There was some discussion if the City can regulate the trucks on a state highway. But the Mayor did state that our police can issue citations for exceeding weight restrictions, for example on MLK.
10 F To approve the Mayor to sign the audit engagement letter for the year ended June 30, 2022 with Wright, Moore, DeHart, Dupuis & Hutchinson LLC Motion by Alderman Clark second by Alderwoman Moore to approve, motion carried by voice vote of all yea, and no nay.
12 A. Adopt Ordinance 2022-07A An Ordinance to change Flory to a One-Way Street (Alderman Bourgeois) motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderwoman Moore to leave regular session and go to public session, with a voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent. The Mayor provided a brief introduction to the Ordinance and invited the public to step forward and comment. Ms. Jovana Jones of 202 Pellerin Street voiced her opposition to the proposed change to the Ordinance. Ms Jones said the change would affect 6 households. Ms. Jones really did not feel that this change was warranted since the traffic is very light. She also felt that cars go faster on a one way and two-way streets deter crime. Kristine Ghent of 111 Bracey spoke next and was in support of Ms. Jovana that the change is not necessary and she also asked if this was from a request from the public and Alderman Bourgeois said yes. Alderman Clark asked if we should poll the public and Alderman Bourgeois agreed. On motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to leave public session and return to regular session motion carried with a voice vote of all yeah, no nay and no abstain. Motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to table the Ordinance Roll call
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Duplechain, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
B. Adopt Ordinance 2022-07B An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 4-2002, 4-2003, 4-2004 Fire Protection (Alderman Clark) Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Bourgeois to leave regular session and go to public session, with a voice vote of all yea, no abstain and no absent motion carried. Alderman Clark reviewed the changes to the Ordinance. After no questions on motion by Alderman Bourgeois and second by Alderman Clark to leave public session and return to regular session motion carried with a voice vote of all yeah no abstain and no absent motion carried. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to adopt the changes, roll call
Yeas: Alderman Clark, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderman Ward
Nay: None
Abstain: Alderman Duplechain
Motion Carried-
C. Adopt Ordinance 2022-06B to Amend and Reenact sections 4-1003, 4-1004 and 4-1008 Police Protection (Alderman Clark).
Mayor Bourgeois Jr. reviewed his Veto of this Ordinance. Alderman Clark clarified his position and the discussion centered around chain of command. Alderman Duplechain requested to table this Ordinance since he is new. Attorney Pecantte said this was permissible since he just was sworn in. Motion by Alderman Duplechain and second by Alderwoman Moore to table the Ordinance motion carried with a voice vote of all yeah no nay and no abstain.
Adjourn There being no further business to bring before the Board of Aldermen a motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Bourgeois 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