Minutes Regular Meeting June 14, 2021

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday June 14, 2021
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their regular meeting held Monday June 14, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderman Clarence Clark, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Willie Ward and Louis Lancon, Also present: City Clerk Susan Colden, Treasurer Catherine Roy, Chief Dusty Vallot, and City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte. Absent was Alderman Garland Bourgeois,
Alderman Clark led in prayer and Alderwoman Moore led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present.
5. Alderwoman Moore moved and Alderman Clark seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Regular Meeting May 10th, 2021 with all necessary corrections. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent.
Alderman Lancon moved and Alderman Ward seconded to approve Minutes of the Last Special Meeting June 7th, 2021 with all necessary corrections. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent.
6 & 7. Correspondence and Announcements by the Mayor: New Chapter Push is sponsoring a Juneteenth event at the King Joseph Recreation Center from 1:00 pm-7:00 pm. This event will feature lots of activities and music. For more information contact Terri Thompson.
8A Report from the Tuesday June 8, 2021 Policy and Personnel Committee Meeting Present-Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Susan Colden City Clerk, Alderman Clarence Clark, and Alderwoman Charlene Moore. The committee reviewed the training policy and discussed block parties and large gatherings in and around businesses and streets. The committee also reviewed the current ordinance pertaining to abandoned and blighted vehicles and discussed possible enforcement. This item will be brought to council as part of a larger blight enforcement discussion. There was also a recommendation to have public works and safety committee address signage at the park to discourage swimming. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
8B. Report from the Wednesday June 9, 2021 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Treasurer Catherine Roy, City Clerk Susan Colden, and Alderwoman Charlene Moore and Alderman Louis Lancon. Also present was Calvin Bodin. Sales Tax revenue is up. The Utility payments are on par, and the City is submitting delinquent accounts to collections after 3 months overdue. Cash flow is within projections and transfers are less than projections. LAMP and bank balances are good. The P & L is at 91%, The City is waiting on the Fire Protection funds from Parish, which is usually received in June each year. Ad Valorem collections are good. At 2021 tax sale, one property was sold and 17 were adjudicated. An Ordinance will be introduced to take possession of three properties for non-payment of taxes. The Sales tax will be modified per amendment and the same level will be projected for next year. The expenses were reviewed and fire department, Court and police are slightly over projections. Street department is looking to hire three part time seasonal workers. Mr. Bodin suggested the City have an engineer evaluate our streets and assign costs to each section so when funds are available the City we can match roads funded projects. Alderman Lancon added that the City should also match drainage projects to street repairs. The Mayor reported he spoke to Ms. Deidra Druilhet (from (DOTD) concerning assistance repairing drainage issues. He will follow up with assistance from Mr. Sellers. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
8C. Report from the Thursday, Thursday, June 10, 2021 City of Jeanerette Public Works and Safety Committee Meeting Present-Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Susan Colden City Clerk, Alderman Butch Bourgeois, Fire Chief Sherry Landry, Public Works Foreman Wade Tillman, Chief Dusty Vallot and Alderman Clarence Clark. Wade Tillman reported on water distribution repairs, sewer tap installation, also the street repairs and drainage work. There was some discussion on upcoming culvert repair and road repair. Chief Landry reported the fire department responded to 80 calls in May, 70 in City and 10 auto aid. The Dodge (Chief’s unit) has the emergency lighting installed. The doors at the Church station is waiting for repairs. The department hosted a LSU class. The hydrant testing will begin after the July 4 holiday and the department is clearing around hydrants to prepare. Chief Landry is also arranging an annual servicing of the generators. Chief Vallot reported the department responded to 299 calls since May 10th. There were 55 traffic citations, 8 for loud music, 16 medicals, 26 alarms, 51 misc, 6 domestic, 17 disturbances, 13 accidents, 7 incidents with juveniles and 3 arrests. There are 2 new hires in the police department. There was discussion concerning the evidence room and more fully utilizing the Quick PD software for more detailed reporting. With no other business to consider the meeting was adjourned.
8D. Statewide Electric on Sewer and Water Operations Neal Swain: Aside from buckets of rain May was uneventful. In response to a call on Camelia Lane a few floats were changed out on the station. The station on Pellerin was re-wired and installed a 7 ½ HP pump so the station is not operating in bypass mode. The pump that is currently at Hon Iron will be moved to Pellerin as the second pump. The sewer project is going well and should be totally completed by mid-July. The project extended the force main on Church St from Hebert to Minville. St. Nicholas station is nearly complete. Main station is progressing, the third pump is installed and the electrical needs to be completed. The Hon Iron station is nearly done, just waiting on electrical. The Mayor asked what was the inflow capacity for the sewer plant and Mr. Swain replied that it is 1.32 million gallons, In dry weather the average is between 330,000 and 360,000 and after an inch of rain the flow increases to 3 million and 5-6 inches of rain increases the flow to 4 to 5 million gallons per day stays at that level for 5-6 days. On the water side, things are going well, minor complaints often result from hot water tanks that need to be flushed. The water that leaves the plant meets all of the requirements but if the hot water tank has buildup that can cause discoloration. Mr. Swain asked for the Aldermen’s help in filling 22 test bottles for the lead and copper testing due in September. John Boudreaux asked if any water operator was authorized to go door to door and take samples, the Mayor said they were not authorized.
8E. Update on Head Start Program at 600 Ira St, former Jeanerette Elementary by Stalanda Butcher, vice president of Head Start Services for Prime Time Inc. Prime Time Inc was created by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities LEH and offers a set of unique, humanities-focused, and outcomes-based programs designed to engage, support and educate underserved children and families including literacy, and a number of publications on the state level. Through a grant they are now offering head start and pre-head start in Acadiana at four and possibly five sites. They are now accepting applications for children 6 weeks to 5 years at the site of the former Jeanerette Elementary at 600 Ira St. They plan to open nine classes this fall, five head start classes and four early head start classes with 117 total slots to fill when school starts August 12th. Ms Butcher asked everyone to help get the word out that the group is actively enrolling now. To apply go to www.applyiberiaecnetwork.com, and the site will have staff there to answer questions.
8F. Report on Redistricting Services available from Data Center by Cedric Floyd, Mr. Floyd, President of Data Center, said that within the next 90 days the 2020 census data will be released. Since the 2010 census the City has seen individuals move in and out and these changes have not been equal among the four districts. This is why Mr. Floyd explained that redistricting is necessary to keep the population equal in each district as required by LA statue 33:382F. This must be done within 6 months after the release of the census and before the 2023 election and sent to the Secretary of State. Data Center has forty years’ experience and this is the fifth census redistricting and reapportionment for the firm. Mr. Floyd explained the background and strengths of his firm.
8G. Report from Sherry Guidry of Chez Hope. Ms. Guidry passed out information to the council to share with their constituents. Chez Hope is a non-profit organization serving victims of domestic violence in St. Mary, St. Martin, Assumption and Iberia Parish since 1982. They serve women, men and children to be able to live in an environment free of violence. The group provides a wide range of services, crisis intervention line, safety planning, emergency transportation, emergency food supply, legal advocacy, support groups and more. There is also an emergency shelter in Franklin. Donations appreciated at chezhope.org, or call their office.
9. Agenda Items A. Approve Permitting, Planning & Zoning Board Member, term ending June 26, 2025; Introduction by Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr.. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to re-appoint Ms. Lauren Brown as the Board Member for the Iberia Parish Planning & Zoning Board. Appointment passed on a voice vote of all yea with none abstain or nay and Alderman Bourgeois absent.
B. Discussion of City Blight. The Mayor told the council the City needs a plan to address blighted properties. Several locations look like a war zone, buildings have been torn down and not properly removed or the property has been allowed to deteriorate. The Mayor said our tax collector, Ms. Roy attended meetings in New Iberia and he felt we could model our plan after New Iberia’s efforts. The City could acquire the property and clean it and get it back into commerce. The Mayor asked the council to survey their districts. Alderman Lancon recounted that previously the City had a committee that looked specifically at the blighted homes and suggested the City create such a group again to examine any blighted properties. Alderman Clark questioned if the City needs to address the lack of zoning. For example, corner of Nolan Duchane and Trappey there owners have a lot of junk cars, and the blighted properties are attracting criminals. Alderman Clark said the citizens need to be involved to help identify persons. Mr. Grant addressed the board stating that he lives next to a blighted property and has rats, snakes and coons in his business and residence. Mr. Grant was looking for help, how soon can something be done? The Mayor said that he has reached out to the owners of the property and now with this discussion hopefully there will be more follow up. Alderman Clark inquired about if the City could clean the property and charge the cost on the taxes. Alderman Lancon stated that a lot of these properties have been adjudicated to the City for non-payment of taxes sometimes up to 10 to 15 years. After a lengthy discussion the Board of Aldermen agreed to look at the issues in their district and report.
10. Proclamations
11. Resolutions
12. Ordinances A. Adopt Ordinance 2021-04A Changes to Ordinance Sec. 6-3005. - Composition, membership, and vacancies. Jeanerette Historic Districts Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to suspend reading of the Ordinance. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Lancon to leave regular session and enter public meeting. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. introduced the Ordinance. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Lancon to leave public session and enter regular session. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent.
Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to Adopt Ordinance 2021-04A Changes to Ordinance Sec. 6-3005. - Composition, membership, and vacancies. Jeanerette Historic Districts; Roll Call vote
Yea: Aldermen Lancon, Ward, and Clark and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: Alderman Bourgeois
Motion passed.
B. Introduce Ordinance 2021-06B To Declare Full Ownership Of Certain Adjudicated Properties Ordinance was introduced by Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to suspend reading of the Ordinance except Section 2. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. read the section.
SECTION 2: The Jeanerette Board of Aldermen in due, regular and legal session convened does hereby declare its claim to full ownership of the following described properties:
Assessment Number: 0600184990
Physical Address: 1715 PEACH ST, JEANERETTE LA 70544-0000
Legal Description: 1-45 X 82 ITEM 2
WILES, 30'ROAD, MORESI MARK & MANUEL
1-45 X 82 ITEM 3
WILES, ROAD, LOUIS EST. BERRY
IMP (1715 PEACH ST) ITEM 1
Adjudicated: 2014
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Assessment Number: 0600185000
Physical Address: 520 PEACH ST, JEANERETTE LA 70544-0000
Legal Description: 1-86 X 125 ITEM 1
DUROCHER AVE., MORESI, DEPT OF HWY.,
MORESI
1-58 X 100 ITEM 3
LOT 10, PEACH ST, LOT 7, PEAR ST
BEING LOT 8, BLK E OF TRACT
IMP (520 PEACH ST) ITEM 2
Adjudicated: 2012
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Assessment Number: 0600375000
Physical Address: 827 MORRIS CHARLES ST, JEANERETTE LA
70544
Legal Description: 1-50 X 110
LOT 25, LOT 29, LANDRY & CANAL, MORRIS CHARLES AVE
BEING LOT 27, SUN VALLEY PARK SUB
IMP (827 MORRIS CHARLES ST)
Adjudicated: 2012
Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to Introduce Ordinance 2021-06B To Declare Full Ownership Of Certain Adjudicated Properties carried by voice vote of four Yea, no Nay no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent.
C. Introduce Ordinance 2021-06A Amending Sec. 7-1017 (e) Meters Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Ward to suspend reading of the Ordinance, motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Section (e) as follows:
(e)For meter installations which require that the main water line be tapped and extended to the customer's property line, the installation shall be a fixed fee as set from time to time by the board of aldermen and shall be based on the actual cost for the city to perform such work. User shall be assessed a fee for replacement and/or maintenance of the installed meter.
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore to Introduce Ordinance 2021-06A Amending Sec. 7-1017 (e) Meters, motion carried by voice vote of four Yea, no Nay no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent.
D. Adopt Ordinance 2021-05B An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Ward to suspend reading of the Ordinance. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore to leave regular session and enter public meeting. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Finance Chair Alderman Lancon and Treasurer Catherine Roy introduced the Ordinance. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Ward to leave public session and return to regular session. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to Adopt Ordinance 2021-05B An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget; Roll Call vote

Yea: Aldermen Lancon, Ward, and Clark and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: Alderman Bourgeois
Motion passed.
E. Adopt Ordinance 2021-05A An Ordinance Adopting the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Ward to suspend reading of the Ordinance. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderwoman Moore to leave regular session and enter public meeting. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Finance Chair Alderman Lancon and Treasurer Catherine Roy introduced the Ordinance. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Clark to leave public session and return to regular session. Motion carried by voice vote of all yea, no abstain and Alderman Bourgeois absent. Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore to Adopt Ordinance 2021-05A An Ordinance Adopting the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget; Roll Call vote
Yea: Aldermen Lancon, Ward, and Clark and Alderwoman Moore
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absence: Alderman Bourgeois
Motion passed.
13. Executive Session - Approval of Litigation fee for City Attorney
Motion by Alderman Clark and second by Alderman Lancon to leave regular session and enter executive session
Motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderman Ward to leave executive session and return to regular session
14.Adjourn There being no further business to bring before the Board of Aldermen, motion by Alderman Lancon and second by Alderwoman Moore to adjourn the meeting carried with a voice vote of all yea.


__________________/s/_______________

Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:


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Susan Colden City Clerk