Gov. Pub. MISC.

(Ran 5/5/22)

MINUTES

Cameron Parish Beachfront

Development District #1

Johnson Bayou • Holly Beach

The Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1 Commission met in regular session on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the Johnson Bayou Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Burbank, who led the pledge and prayer.

Commissioners present were Chairman Richard Burbank, Vice-Chairman Russell Badon, Michele Long, Mike Gaspard, and Secretary Cindy Snead. Nikki Norman was absent. Guests were Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson and Chief Chris Savoie.

On the motion of Russell Badon, seconded by Michele Long, and carried, the minutes for the March 14, 2022, meeting was approved as presented.

Old Business:

Mike Gaspard reported that the Holly Beach Ordinance for Zone 2 has been changed, allowing ATV/UTV/Side by Sides/Golf Carts) on the point 1⁄2 mile east of Barataria Boulevard to 1⁄2 mile west of Riviera Lane. The community is committed to assisting law enforcement by monitoring the beach and handing out leaflets and later pamphlets detailing the updated beach rules.

Mike Gaspard discussed the idea of adding larger more permanent beach signage at various Holly Beach entrances. They would need eleven 4’ X 8’ signs by Acme Sign Company at the cost of $4675. Russell Badon priced the posts and hardware needed for installation of these signs at approximately $4000. On the motion of Russell Badon, seconded by Michele Long, and carried, the board agreed to table ordering new signs in order to find outside funding for the project.

Michele Long gave an update of Cameron Parish West Beaches Pamphlet. The new Beach Rules as well as the photos of the new Causeway Bridge sign and the Holly Beach sign will be placed on the pamphlet. The pamphlets will be ordered this week.

Craig Broussard gave an update on the Causeway Boat Launch/Cheniere project. The project is ahead of schedule and below budget. The poles and security lights donated by Jeff Davis Electric have been installed, and the Causeway Boat Launch sign has been installed and landscaped. Also, the parish road crew assisted by picking up large debris, and the fire department completed a controlled burn of the dead brush. On Thursday, April 28, 2022, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the project. Parish and state officials have been invited to celebrate the remodeling of the boat launch area.

Richard Burbank updated the board regarding replacing the barricades along Hwy 82/MM22. Richard suggested the project be tabled until machinery is found to complete the project. Mike Gaspard reminded the board that the highway department has extra barricades they could donate to the project, but the parish would have to transport and put them in place.

Michele Long updated the board on the Oceanview/Little Florida dune project. The parish road crew moved donated rip rap from Crain Brothers to the west end of Beach Blvd. That area is now protected from high spring tides. The parish is continuing to search for more rip rap material to complete securing the remainder of Beach Blvd. Michele and Cindy Snead will meet with Shane Manuel, Roads Superintendent, on Thursday to discuss how to go forward with the project.

Mike Gaspard discussed leasing state property near Holly Beach so that the beach board can continue improving the area for tourists to recreate and enjoy the beach. He is working with the parish to identify nearby landowners to see if there needs to be discussion regarding placement of projects near their properties.

Mike Gaspard reported that the roll-off dumpster in Holly Beach is already full. Some of the trash is from the beach, but a majority is from residents. Mike will notify the parish and get the roll-off dumpster removed.

New Business:

Board members are to complete video trainings and send certificates to Braids LaBove, Human Resources, at the parish.

Michele Long discussed the use of a beach sweeper. Dustin Corner has expressed interest in working on the sweeper and utilizing it to keep the beach clean. If the beach sweeper can be fixed, he would volunteer his time, tractor, and gasoline in order to keep Holly Beach maintained. Craig Broussard suggested Dustin look over the sweeper to see if it can be fixed, and if so, the board could address the police jury to move forward with repairs.

Lauren Noble-NOAA Affiliate (Fisheries and Audubon’s Coastal Wildlife Network) will be conducting weekly or biweekly marine mammal surveys along Holly Beach. Utilizing either a F-350 truck or a UTV Kubota, her team will be conducting these surveys looking for marine mammals. If they come across a stranding, they will either collect the carcass whole to transport it back to their labs for necropsy or take samples and collect data on site. If anyone sees a trapped, injured, stranded, or out of habitat marine mammal, they are asked to not attempt to move, feed, or intervene in any way. There is a 24-hour hotline at 1-877-WHALEHELP. (1-877-942-5343).

The State Enforcement Mechanism and the Point of Contact regarding complaints of obstructions of Public Lands on Beach is (225) 342-4600. Les.Rosso@LA.GOV.

Open Session:

Mike Gaspard asked Sheriff Ron Johnson and Chief Chris Savoie what community members and the beach board can do to assist in keeping the beaches safe. Sheriff Johnson commended the board on being proactive and willing to help. He suggested the community help by reporting wreckless driving and littering to the department and gathering information such as video and detailed descriptions to aid deputies in issuing citations. Sheriff Johnson discussed creating a Beach Patrol for the Cameron Parish beaches and is working to purchase Seadoo jet-skis and side-by-sides to assist in protecting tourists and patrolling the beaches.

Payment of Bills:

Reimbursement to Gordon Long for landscape materials and mileage for the Welcome to the Holly Beach sign and the Welcome to the Causeway Boat Launch sign $2473.43.

The next meeting will be May 9, 2022.

There being no further business, on the motion of Russell, seconded by Michele Long, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

APPROVED BY:

RICHARD BURBANK,

PRESIDENT

ATTEST BY:

CINDY SNEAD, SECRETARY

RUN: May 5 (My 7)