The Tangi Times
September 4, 2026
Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the regular meeting place, Amite City Hall, Amite, Louisiana.
The Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana met on the above date in regular session and was called to order by the President, Mrs. Lori B. Petitto, at 8:30 a.m. o’clock instead of 4:30 p.m., with proper notification, with the following members present:
Present: Lori B. Petitto, Lafete Tucker, James C. Ricks
Absent: Kyle Warren, Lionel Sutton
The president called on Mr. Lafete Tucker to voice the invocation and the pledge.
The roll call showed a quorum to be present. Whereupon a motion was made by Mr. Ricks duly seconded by Mr. Tucker and unanimously carried that the reading of the minutes of the last regular meeting, dated July 27, 2026, be dispensed with and that they be adopted as of record and published in the official journal.
The secretary presented bills in the amount of $11,449.73 for canal maintenance, material, supplies, contract labor, printing, etc. Whereupon a motion was made by Mr. Tucker duly seconded by Mr. Ricks and unanimously carried that the payment of the bills be authorized and approved.
The financial report on the general condition of the district was given, and a motion was made by Mr. Tucker duly seconded by Mrs. Petitto and unanimously carried that the report of the treasurer be approved and accepted.
In attendance: Calvin Graham, J.D. Stevens, C.J. Pardue
Job discussions, as follows:
Update: Fluker, LA- blockage at bridge near Gwynette Dixon property (DOTD and the Railroad have been notified to further address and correct the issue). Before bidding out, Calvin Graham and his crew will clean out bottom of area and attempt to remove trees, leaving part of the roots (parish may need to assist). If there are too many trees, it will be bidden out. After visiting this area, the Parish Engineer, Angela Eymard, suggested that DOTD be asked for assistance with changing out the culvert as well.
Brickyard Road (Rosemary Lee property)
LaRock Road completed
Mr. J.D. Stevens and Mr. C.J. Pardue were in attendance to discuss and present plans for the upcoming Ruth Cutrer Reginal Fire Training Center on Robin Street in Amite, LA. They are trying to avoid digging a retention pond at the end of Robin Street; they prefer to be allowed to use the existing drainage ditch in place that currently flows into the No. 1 canal. Parish Engineer, Angela Eymard, has visited the location and feels that it should work, but an official plan for this lateral will be reviewed before final approval. They will gather on Friday to finalize details.
The president read aloud the following notice:
PURSUANT TO LA.R.S. 42:19.1
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF ACTION REGARDING AD VALOREM TAX
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana will meet on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at 212 E. Oak Street, Amite, Louisiana, at which time there will be consideration of action regarding calling an election for the renewal of the levy and collection of an ad valorem tax dedicated to maintaining, operating and constructing gravity drainage works in the District.
The president made known to the board that Mr. Chase McAlister with Freedom Homes in Hammond, LA contacted her concerning a possible drainage servitude amendment. The property is located at 11229 Holy Hill Road in Roseland, LA. After discussion, on motion by Mrs. Petitto duly seconded by Mr. Tucker and unanimously carried, the board agreed to allow for the 50 feet amendment at this location. Follow-up will be discussed with Kiley Bates if further action needs to be taken.
After discussion was held concerning the selling of the work truck that is no longer used or operable, the following action was taken: On motion by Mr. Ricks duly seconded by Mr. Tucker and unanimously carried, the board decided that the truck will not be sold at this time and instructed Mr. Calvin Graham to go pick the truck up from Mr. Mark Miller’s property and deliver it to Mrs. Petitto’s residence until further notice. Mrs. Laura Gray will be consulted on legal procedures regarding the selling of the truck, advertising for bids, etc.
After the time having arrived following Mr. Calvin Graham’s trial period advising the crew and working back in the areas of the district, discussion was held concerning his beneficial role in overall improvements, working arrangements, and pay. On motion by Mr. Ricks duly seconded by Mr. Tucker and unanimously carried, the following changes were considered and made effective September 1, 2026, as follows:
Mr. Calvin Graham was named Senior Foreman not to exceed a 34-hour work week at $16.25 per hour.
Mr. LaDarius Gordon was named Junior Foreman not to exceed a 32-hour work week at $16.00 per hour.
Mr. Dedrick Briggs continues as Saw Man not to exceed a 32-hour work week at $13.50 per hour.
Mr. Arthur Graham not to exceed a 32-hour work week at $12.50 per hour.
Mr. Calvin Graham will submit weekly fuel tickets with the payroll and be reimbursed at that time.
The President, Lori B. Petitto, will be reimbursed $100 monthly for personal fuel expenses.
No further business appearing, on motion by Mr. Tucker duly seconded by Mrs. Petitto and unanimously carried, the board adjourned.
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Lori B. Petitto, President
Attest:
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Mary Lynn Thompson, Secretary
Cost of notice: $80.00
Miscellaneous Notices