MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING -BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday September 24, 2025

[City Clerk]

CITY OF JEANERETTE JEANERETTE, LA
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING -BOARD OF ALDERMEN Monday September 24, 2025
Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Jeanerette, State of Louisiana, at their Regular meeting place held Wednesday September 24, 2025 at the Public Hearing/Meeting at 5:30 p.m. The Mayor called the meeting to order and led the prayer. Alderman Duplechain led the pledge of allegiance. Those present were: Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Alderman Garland Bourgeois, Alderwoman Christia Simmons, Alderman Ray Duplechain, City Attorney Lucretia Pecantte and City Clerk Susan Colden. Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. determined that a quorum was present.
Continuation of item 10E. Alderwoman Moore motioned to withdrew her motion to have the City Clerk to give to the attorney her packets, Alderwoman Clay seconded. Roll call vote,
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
11. A. Proclamations National Night Out October 7, 2025, at King Joseph Recreation Center from 5-7 pm. Introduction by Mayor Bourgeois Jr., Motion by Alderwoman Clay to approve the Proclamation and second by Alderwoman Moore. Roll call vote,
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
12.A. Approval of Resolution 10 of 2025 Requesting Financial Assistance from the State of Louisiana Under the FY 2026-2027 Capital Outlay Program.
Special Public Meeting, Introduction by Nick Sonnier of Sellers and Associates who explained that this was a reapplication for the programs. Alderwoman Moore questioned the language that authorized the mayor to sign contracts, close out documents and change orders. Alderwoman Simmons agreed. There was a general discussion of the process and deadlines. Attorney Pecantte questioned the wording. Motion by Alderman Duplechain to table this Resolution and have Sellers amend the wording, motion seconded by Alderwoman Clay. Roll call vote,
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
14.Adjournment – Motion by Alderwoman Simmons and seconded by Alderwoman Clay, voice vote of all yea, no Nay and no Abstain to adjourn.
1.Call Special Meeting to Order by Mayor Bourgeois Jr., The Mayor then read a statement that expressing his concern over the loss of the $5 million in Water Sector grant funds. He stated those funds were needed to build a new sewer plant to replace the current plant that is old and obsolete. He is frustrated that we will have to look at using local funds to address the needs of the plant and not federal dollars and that the current board did not focus on the needs of the people. The City must plan for the matching funds when the opportunity arises. He asked for recommitment to serve needs of people. Alderwoman Simmons provided a response to say she had reviewed the past minutes and agendas and created a timeline for the project starting in 2024 to present. She went on to state that in March of this year the council had concerns if it was cheaper to fix the current plant rather than building the new plant because the new plant will require sewer rates to increase 62%. She felt that the council did their due diligence by comparing the costs of repairing the current plant to constructing a new plant. After much research, the council decided in June to go with the new sewer plant. She then pointed out that in July and August the plant was not on the agenda, and in September the council had expanded the agenda to include an update on the project. In August it was also noted that the City was in danger of losing the funds and that would not be another extension. In September the council was told that the DEQ loan was closed, which was one of the requirements from the Water Sector. The second requirement was a signed purchase agreement for the property. It was stated that the engineers and Mayor were meeting with the property owners the next day. On September 10th the engineers informed the council that the property owner wanted $50,000 more dollars, because the farmer planted his crop. This was not brought before the council. The Mayor responded going from one type of plant to another design and the constant examination of the budget caused the delays. He then added we need to move forward. The City will now reapply and hopefully we will receive those funds. Alderwoman Moore also pointed out that the wetlands design held up the project. As for how to move forward, Todd Vincent did address that the City could request additional funds from DEQ, and there would be some of the monies forgiven. There was a discussion on timing. Alderwoman Simmons suggested on splitting the project into two phases with the first phase addressing the repairs needed on the current plant to comply with DEQ requirements. Phase two could be a new plant or what else is needed at that time. Barry Segura stated that the test that the plant often fails is the TSS, total suspended solids. Alderwoman Simmons then said we could just start on the new plant with our 4.2 million from DEQ and hope that water sector awards us more money in the future. Todd Vincent also added that the City has a pending application with DRA that he has not heard if it is getting funded. Alderman Bourgeois said he still is in favor of rehabbing. Barry Segura reviewed what needs to be repaired and the estimated costs. There was a reference to the flood elevation, and if the DEQ funds can be used if the elevation is not addressed. Mr. Vincent will check with DEQ to see the requirements before the next meeting. He did encourage the council to request the additional funds from DEQ. Alderwoman Simmons made a motion to apply for the additional funding from DEQ with the 2 million forgiveness, and Alderwoman Clay seconded, roll call vote,
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Alderwoman Clay made a motion to apply for the next phase of Water Sector funding, and Alderwoman Moore seconded, roll call vote,
Yeas: Alderwoman Clay, Alderwoman Moore, Alderman Bourgeois, Alderwoman Simmons, Alderman Duplechain
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion Carried
Mr. Vincent then discussed the purchase of the property, the board stated that they did not wish to commit to the purchase the property until the answers to the funding questions we known.
Motion by Alderwoman Clay and seconded by Alderwoman Moore to adjourn, motion carried with a voice vote of all yea, no nay and no abstain.
7. Adjournment – Motion by Alderwoman Clay and seconded by Alderwoman Moore, voice vote of all yea, no Nay and no Abstain to adjourn.


________________/s/_______________
Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:


___________/s/_________________
Susan Colden City Clerk