TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023
MATHEWS, LOUISIANA
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH LAFOURCHE
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL, PARISH OF LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, WAS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M., HELD AT THE MATHEWS GOVERNMENT COMPLEX, 4876 HIGHWAY 1, MATHEWS, LOUISIANA AND LIVE-STREAMED ON LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENTS FACEBOOK PAGE.
The Lafourche Parish Council was duly convened as the Governing Authority of said Parish by Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, who then stated that the Lafourche Parish Council was ready for the transaction of business at 5:00 p.m.
Proceedings of the meeting were called to order with the following:
PRESENT: Mr. Jerry Jones, Mr. William T-Boo Adams, Mr. Michael Gros, Mr. James Jim Wendell, Mr. Terry Arabie, Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, Mrs. DLynn Chiasson, Vice-Chair, Mr. Daniel Lorraine, Mr. Archie Chaisson, III, Parish President
ABSENT: Mr. Aaron Bo Melvin
Chairman Autin announced that the invocation would be led by Parish President Archie Chaisson. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. William T-Boo Adams.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The first item (1) on the agenda was a motion to accept the minutes of the January 24, 2023 Regular Session meeting.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Gros, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
STATE AND/OR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
The next item on the agenda was State and/or Federal Legislative Updates.
There was no one present to make a presentation at this time.
LAFOURCHE PARISH OUTSTANDING CITIZEN
The next item on the agenda was the Lafourche Parish Outstanding Citizen.
Mr. Danny Bourg was the recipient of the Lafourche Parish Outstanding Citizen Award. Six or eight years ago Mr. Bourg had concerns about the debris on the shoulders of the roads and the effects it had on the safety of motorist, anywhere from causing flat tires to auto accidents. Mr. Bourg has picked up buckets and buckets of things off of the side of the road such as wheel weights, nails, screws, broken tools, and other road hazards. He has graduated to larger impacts on the community such as highway cleanings, vegetation clearings, and drainage improvements made by him single handedly by removing trees, debris, asphalt, and scrap so water can drain.
Mr. Danny Bourg, 167 Zynn Street, Raceland, Louisiana, thanked the Council and stated that its not just the money that makes life, its love and sacrifice, and that he is going to keep on the path that he is doing.
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
The next item (2) on the agenda was Parish President Archie Chaisson to recognize John Deere Thibodaux for receiving their Community Impact Award.
Parish President Archie Chaisson recognized John Deere Thibodaux for receiving their Community Impact Award.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The next item (3) on the agenda was La. R.S. 42:17 (A) (10) Discuss legal matters related to:
Certain Underwriters at Lloyds, London
Indian Harbor Insurance Company
QBE Specialty Insurance Company
Steadfast Insurance Company
General Security Indemnity Company of Arizona
United Specialty Insurance Company
Lexington Insurance Company
Safety Specialty Insurance Company
HDI Global Specialty SE
Old Republic Union Insurance Company
DEFERRED TO THE FEBRUARY 28, 2023 LPC MEETING
ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
The next item on the agenda was any action from Executive Session.
DEFERRED TO THE FEBRUARY 28, 2023 LPC MEETING
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The next item (4) on the agenda was La. R.S. 42:17 (A) (10) Discuss FEMA lawsuit.
DEFERRED TO THE FEBRUARY 28, 2023 LPC MEETING
ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
The next item on the agenda was any action from Executive Session.
DEFERRED TO THE FEBRUARY 28, 2023 LPC MEETING
PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item (5) on the agenda was the Parish President to recognize LPG Employee of the Month and/or WOW Employee(s) for the month of January, 2023.
Ms. Joyce Crosby, who is a bus driver with Head Start, was recognized as the Lafourche Parish Government Employee for the month of January, 2023. Ms. Crosby has worked with Head Start since 1996 and has a special relationship with her families and children. After Hurricane Ida, the option for educating the South Lafourche children was at the Lockport site due to the damage at the Galliano Complex. Ms. Crosby along with the other staff visited and contacted each and every family to check on them. This year 43 children were bused, ages 3 and 4, to Lockport. She has been a huge part of the success of the continuing enrollment in the South Lafourche site, she greets every child by name and personalizes a comment when they get off the bus. Also, she is always willing to jump in the classroom and fill in as a meal tech or whatever is needed, and she demonstrates superior performance in her everyday roles for our children.
There was no one recognized as the Lafourche Parish Government WOW Employee for the month of January, 2023.
The next item (6) on the agenda was Mr. Wayne Gautreaux, General Manager of Lafourche Parish Water District No. 1, to present an annual report.
Mr. Wayne Gautreaux, General Manager of Lafourche Parish Water District No. 1, 1219 Crescent Ave, Lockport, Louisiana, presented the Water Districts 2022 annual report to the Council Members that included the total amount of gallons of water produced, which was approximately 3.3 billion gallons in 2022, roughly 9 million gallons a day. The Water District sold 326 million gallons of water to Fourchon; they are still their biggest purchaser of water. They currently have 67 full time employees on staff and at the end of 2022 they had 32,880 customers He also went over some of the projects that were completed, projects that are currently in progress, and some projects that they have planned. He then answered questions from Council Members.
See Exhibit A.
The next item (7) on the agenda was Mr. Cody Gray, President and CEO of Louisianas Cajun Bayou Tourism to present an annual report along with a slide presentation on what to expect in the Year 2023.
Mr. Cody Gray, President, and CEO of Louisianas Cajun Bayou Tourism, 4484 Highway 1, Raceland, Louisiana, presented an annual report and slide presentation that included the following: an overview of 2022 and what was achieved, 2022 hotel occupancies numbers, along with the marketing, sales, & outreach that was done. He also went over the projects and events that had taken place in 2022, how tourism impacts our area, the awards and recognition that they have received, and the 2023 travel outlook. He then answered questions from Council Members.
See Exhibit B.
LEGAL ADVISOR REPORT
The next item on the agenda was the Legal Advisor Report.
No one requested to make a presentation at this time.
ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECT REPORTS
The next item on the agenda was a presentation of planned, presently on going, recently completed or other projects by appropriate engineering firms engaged by the Parish.
Mr. John Plaisance, GIS Engineering, 18678 W. Main Street, Cut Off, Louisiana, gave a report on the following projects: Butch Hill Pump Station, Ludevine Pump Station, Valentine Pontoon Bridge Rehab, Grand Bayou Freshwater Reintroduction, Grand Bayou Emergency Dredging, Waste Collection Facility, Hurricane Ida Pump Station Rehabilitations, Eunice Allemand Pump Station Rehab, and the Lockport Elevated Boardwalk (Phase II & III). He then answered questions from the Council Members.
See Exhibit C.
PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL (PUBLIC HEARINGS, AGENDA ITEMS, ETC.)
The next item on the agenda was Public Wishing to Address the Council (Public Hearings, Agenda Items, Etc.).
Mr. Torrance Hampton, 146 Leonard Street, Raceland, Louisiana, addressed the Council in regard to the Recreation Center and speed bumps in the Raceland area. A brief discussion ensued.
Mr. Philip Gouaux, 1421 Highland Drive, Lockport, Louisiana, addressed the Council in regard to the Council on Aging and asked if there was an update about the space that they had before Hurricane Ida. A brief discussion then ensued.
COUNCIL REPORTS, NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next item on the agenda was any reports, news and announcements from the Council.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie said, Yes sir, Mr. Chairman. I had the honor of being invited to go to the Raceland Senior Citizens Carnival Ball this year. Also, Councilman Daniel Lorraine was also present at the time. And these ladies put on a very beautiful carnival ball, they worked hard to work to get it all well organized, and it was very well organized. And this years queen and king for the Racelands Senior Citizens Carnival Ball, was our Council on Agings Director, Ms. Charlene Rodriguez, and her husband, Mark Rodriquez, was the king. So, I want to congratulate them again tonight for being chosen the queen and king for the Raceland Senior Citizen Ball. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. Arabie. I just want to, I want to report that our Mardi Gras parade in the Town of Lockport will roll promptly at noon on Saturday, welcome everyone to come, please attend. Also, I know Ive been poked by many of you regarding the Coroners Office. As it currently states we are still awaiting an opinion from the State Attorney Generals Office. Were hopeful that opinion will be of some substance to allow us to move forward. I know that most of you are growing very impatient, I know we all are, I am in constant communication. Mitch, and I discussed also today, we know that our expenses are fixing to go through the roof because of the limitations we have while we wait that opinion. So, anyway thats where we state, if anyone wants to talk to me anymore about that or have any questions, please see me after the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCES FOR RATIFICATION
A motion was offered by Mr. Wendell, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, to open the Public Hearing, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
The next item (8) on the agenda was an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 6587 as it pertains to the installation of a Traffic Calming Device on Waverly Road to hereby increase the number of Traffic Calming Devices to be installed along with the appropriate signage (pending appropriate funding is available) as per the recommendation from the Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Offices report on Waverly Road, Thibodaux, Louisiana, Ward (1), District (1), Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana.
A motion was offered by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Adams. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
ORD. NO. 6732
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6587 AS IT PERTAINS TO THE INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICE ON WAVERLY ROAD TO HEREBY INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES TO BE INSTALLED ALONG WITH THE APPROPRIATE SIGNAGE (PENDING APPROPRIATE FUNDING IS AVAILABLE)
The next item (9) on the agenda was an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 6714 that adopted the 2023 Operations and Maintenance Budget and Capital Outlay Budget for the Lafourche Parish Council as well as setting the salaries of unclassified employees as provided for by Article V of the Lafourche Parish Home Rule Charter.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Adams. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
ORD. NO. 6733
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6714 THAT ADOPTED THE 2023 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET FOR THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL AS WELL AS SETTING THE SALARIES OF UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES AS PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE V OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH HOME RULE CHARTER
The next item (10) on the agenda was an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 6717 that recognized the Tacit Dedication of Warehouse Street (the entire length of 475, more or less, and the entire width of 40) off of Greenwood Plantation Road, Ward (1) (5), District (2), Thibodaux, LA into the Parish system and hereby placed onto the Lafourche Parish Government Public Street List; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Jones. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (1) nay Mr. Autin, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
ORD. NO. 6734
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6717 THAT RECOGNIZED THE TACIT DEDICATION OF WAREHOUSE STREET (THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF 475, MORE OR LESS, AND THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF 40) OFF OF GREENWOOD PLANTATION ROAD, WARD (1) (5), DISTRICT (2), THIBODAUX, LA INTO THE PARISH SYSTEM AND HEREBY PLACED ONTO THE LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT PUBLIC STREET LIST
A motion was offered by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Wendell, to close the public hearing, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
Chairman Autin relinquished the meeting to Vice-Chair Chiasson.
The next item (11) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance providing for a 2023 Supplemental Appropriation (23-003) within the 2023 Operations and Maintenance Budget increasing the budget for Act 167 that established the Hurricane Ida Recovery Grant Fund in the amount of $9,672,195.00; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said transactions as provided for by Article VI of the Lafourche Parish Home Rule Charter.
A motion was offered by Mr. Jones to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (12) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance providing for a 2023 Supplemental Appropriation (23-004) within the 2023 Operations and Maintenance Budget and Capital Outlay Budget increasing the budget for the West 11th Street Project; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said transactions as provided for by Article VI of the Lafourche Parish Home Rule Charter.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adams to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
Vice-Chair Chiasson returned the meeting to Chairman Autin.
RESOLUTIONS
The next item (13) on the agenda was a resolution to remove one (1) member from the Lafourche Parish Recreation District No. 11 Board at the request of the Board and requesting the Administration to advertise for the vacancy accordingly.
A motion was offered by Mr. Wendell, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-022
TO REMOVE ONE (1) MEMBER FROM THE LAFOURCHE PARISH RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 11 BOARD AT THE REQUEST OF THE BOARD AND REQUESTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO ADVERTISE FOR THE VACANCY ACCORDINGLY
The next item (14) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one member to the Lafourche Parish Community Action Advisory Board Public Official.
A motion was offered by Mr. Jones to appoint BuffyLynn Charpentier, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-023
APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COMMUNITY ACTION ADVISORY BOARD PUBLIC OFFICIAL
The next item (15) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one member to the Lafourche Parish Community Action Advisory Board Public Official.
A motion was offered by Mr. Jones to appoint Mayor Barry Plaisance, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-024
APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COMMUNITY ACTION ADVISORY BOARD PUBLIC OFFICIAL
The next item (16) on the agenda was a resolution appointing two (2) members on the Recreation District No. 2 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to appoint Courtney Smith and Jeffrey Ledet, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-025
APPOINTING TWO (2) MEMBERS ON THE RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 2 BOARD
The next item (17) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Fire Protection District No. 8-B Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adams to appoint Stacy Sanchez, seconded by Mr. Jones, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-026
APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 8-B BOARD
The next item (18) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Terrebonne Parish Fire Protection District No. 6 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Wendell to appoint Deme Naquin, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-027
APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE TERREBONNE PARISH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 6 BOARD
The next item (19) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Fifth Ward Gravity Drainage District No. 5 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Gros to appoint Nancy Oden, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-028
APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIFTH WARD GRAVITY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 5 BOARD
The next item (20) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Sewerage District No. 1 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Gros to appoint Rick Louque, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-029
APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE SEWERAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD
The next item (21) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Hospital Service District No. 2 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to appoint Charles Faucheux seconded by Mr. Wendell and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-030
APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 2 BOARD
The next item (22) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between the City of Thibodaux and Lafourche Parish Government for the construction of a new LWIN Radio Tower; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Gros, seconded by Mr. Wendell, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-031
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF THIBODAUX AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW LWIN RADIO TOWER
The next item (23) on the agenda was a resolution approving Amendment No. 5 to the agreement between Everbridge, Inc. and Lafourche Parish Government extending the high-speed notification system for one (1) additional year; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said amendment and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Wendell, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-032
APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVERBRIDGE, INC. AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT EXTENDING THE HIGH-SPEED NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL YEAR
The next item (24) on the agenda was a resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the agreement between the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Lafourche Parish Government for the Disaster Response Grant; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said amendment and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-033
APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE DISASTER RESPONSE GRANT
The next item (25) on the agenda was a resolution accepting a grant from the Office of Justice Program in the amount of $17,735.00; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said grant award and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Jones, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-034
ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,735.00
The next item (26) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and the Cut Off Youth Center to reimburse funds for operations, maintenance, and improvements; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Wendell, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, (1) absent Mr. Melvin, and (1) abstention Mrs. Chiasson.
RES. NO. 23-035
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND THE CUT OFF YOUTH CENTER TO REIMBURSE FUNDS FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The next item (27) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and the Bayou Civic Club to reimburse funds for operations, maintenance, and improvements; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-036
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND THE BAYOU CIVIC CLUB TO REIMBURSE FUNDS FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The next item (28) on the agenda was a resolution approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government to provide reimbursement for the cost of sweeping the Lafourche portion of St. Louis Bayou; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Gros, seconded by Mr. Arabie.
A brief discussion ensued that Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government is reimbursing Lafourche Parish for sweeping their side, which was already done by the maintenance contractor.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, (1) absent Mr. Melvin, and (1) abstention Mr. Wendell.
RES. NO. 23-037
APPROVING A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF SWEEPING THE LAFOURCHE PORTION OF ST. LOUIS BAYOU
The next item (29) on the agenda was a resolution accepting the work performed by Baker Pile Driving and Site Work, LLC in accordance with the Certificate of Final Acceptance for the Lafourche-Terrebonne Scenic Overlook Project (Project H.001461); and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Wendell, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Melvin.
RES. NO. 23-038
ACCEPTING THE WORK PERFORMED BY BAKER PILE DRIVING AND SITE WORK, LLC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CERTIFICATE OF FINAL ACCEPTANCE FOR THE LAFOURCHE-TERREBONNE SCENIC OVERLOOK PROJECT (PROJECT H.001461)
PARISH PRESIDENT, DEPARTMENT HEADS, DIRECTORS OR MANAGERS REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item (30) on the agenda was a Department of Public Works representative to present a report.
Mr. Dillon Baronne, Director of Public Works, presented a report on the following projects: Talbot Avenue, Winder Road, Leighton Quarters, Degravelle Ditch, Chackbay Water Tower Pump Station, Chackbay North Levee, Lawrence Canal/101 Pump Station, Bayou Blue By-Pass Road, Dovetail Drive, Aline Street, District 1 of 12 Pump Station, Forty Arpent Canal, Morristown By-Pass Road, Lake Drive Drainage Ditch, DArcangelo Outfall, Edgar Guidry Pump Station, North Carol Street, Mar Drive, North Willow Street, Lockport Boat Launch, West 133rd Street, West 64th Street, West 134th Place, Madio Drive, Grand Lakes Drive, Margie Street, and the Valentine Bridge. He then went over the work that was done in the office at the Department of Public Works for the month of January as follows: 1 Permanent Servitude Acquired, 1 Major Subdivision Inspection & 5 Property Re-Division Reviews, 17 Culvert Permits & 4 Fence Permits Issued, 287 Work Request Received, 60 Permits Reviewed for Compliance, 28 Projects in Design Phase, 11 Projects Under Construction, 2 Projects Out for Bid, and 1 Project Complete. Questions were then asked by Council Members and answered.
See Exhibit D.
The next item (31) on the agenda was Hilary Detillier, Animal Shelter Manager, to deliver a presentation.
Ms. Hilary Detillier, Animal Shelter Manager, 120 Katherine Street, Lockport, gave an annual report for 2022 to the Council Members. This report included the following information: they received 1,785 pets, of those pets they were able to place 747 for adoption, 69 pets were returned to their owners, 323 were transferred to other shelters and rescues, and 401 community cats were fixed and returned, which equates to a 86.3% live release rate for 2022. Out of the 1,785 pets that impounded, 624 of them were surrendered by their owners that live here in Lafourche Parish even though the parish is providing crates, food, spay, and neuter programs. She then went over the total expenses for 2022, with veterinary care being the highest, LPSO Animal Control services, and the spay/neuter program. Next, she talked about the grant funding that they have received and the plans for the new building, which should be going out to bid in May. Questions from Council Members were then answered.
DISCUSSION
The next item (32) on the agenda was of a discussion concerning Proposition No. 4 on the March 25, 2023 election ballot.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Lorraine to have the floor.
Mr. Lorraine said, Yes sir. First of all, I want to start off by saying in the early 70s, and the early 80s we were paying on the water bill the garbage fee, a property tax, 1985 we formed a district, Garbage District. Golden Meadow, Lockport, and the rest of the parish except Thibodaux, Thibodaux was excluded. That was a one cent sales tax. In 1996 we reduced it to seven-tenths, trying to pass a parish wide tax. So, we took three-tenths off and had a $20 million surplus and it lasted 20 years. So, when you come up with a proposition you put in the call what it is. The parish has three propositions coming up March 25th, and this one really gets me because theyre saying you want to give four-tenths to the school board but it doesnt say anything about a raise, it just says four-tenths to the school board. So, theres no raises for the teachers, theres no raises for the bus drivers, theres no raises for the cafeteria workers, theres no raises for nobody. It says, school board. But theres rumors going around that theyre going to give the teachers a raise. Its very clear, its not in there, it goes to the school board. But my biggest concern is, never had nothing against teachers, I would love to give them a raise every day, but garbage really concerns me. All you got to do is watch the news and see whats going on in New Orleans. But one of my biggest concerns is its very clear it doesnt say anything about a raise for nobody, nobody, and Thibodaux is not in this district. So, what are they going to pay if this would happen to pass? What is the City of Thibodaux going to, Im talking about the city, not talking about the outskirts. What are they going to pay? They are not even in this, theyre not in this. So, they dont have no teachers in Thibodaux? They dont have no schools in Thibodaux? I think the main office is in the City of Thibodaux. So, thats my two concerns. So, I dont know what theyre telling the school teachers that theyre getting all this raise when it doesnt even go to them, it goes to the school board to make that final decision.
Parish President Chaisson said, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Lorraine said, And thats it.
Chairman Autin said, Okay. That was the end of his discussion.
Parish President Chaisson said, I just want to, I want to let him know, and I would think that the multiple years of my life Ive lost at these Council meetings that he would actually pay attention when we talk. But, if you listen to the presentation we did for you guys, I dont know, three months ago now. If youve listened to the multiple television interviews weve done about it, I go on the radio show at least once a month, youd realize that there are six propositions on the ballot in March. We actually have four propositions, Mr. Lorraine, not three, theres four. Proposition No. 4 Mr. Lorraine is referring to is actually the reduction of the Solid Waste Sales Tax, from seven-tenths to three-tenths. Theres Proposition No. 5, which is the school boards proposition, that if you read it spells out that they are picking up the four-tenths that we are decreasing, and it goes to salaries and benefits of teachers. Youre welcome.
Chairman Autin said, Okay.
Mr. Lorraine said, All I want to say is that if you remember the Lotto, the lottery, the casinos, all the money was supposed to go to education. None of it went, it went in the general fund. So, just make sure you read all these propositions before you vote, because if you read them, you aint going to vote for none of it. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. Lorraine.
QUESTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
The next item on the agenda was of any Questions for the Administration.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Adams to have the floor.
Mr. Adams said, So, I was checking on some, I want some news on the T-Boos Fun Emporium Awesome Park.
Parish President Chaisson said, I knew it was coming. I just turned around and asked Mitch if we had any updates.
Chairman Autin said, Im sorry, can you please restate the comment, I dont think any of us understood that.
Mr. Adams said, The park, the Chackbay park.
Parish President Chaisson said, Yeah, commonly known as T-Boos Fun Emporium. I just, before we got to this point, I think when Dillon was still up there, I asked Mitch if weve gotten an update from the attorney, we havent. I will get that for you tomorrow and well forward that to you by email.
Chairman Autin asked, Any other questions for the Administration? He then acknowledged for Mr. Lorraine to have the floor.
Mr. Lorraine said, Yeah, you know anything about the nursing home in South Lafourche? I know that guy, Bob Dean, hes banned from everything.
Parish President Chaisson said, Yeah.
Mr. Lorraine said, And supposedly somebody wants to buy it, to open a nursing home, but then somebody said there werent enough people. So, I dont really know what you know about it, or where were at with this. And also, I have some people that are concerned about making sure if its reopened, its a nursing home, and its not a whatever. And I got an ordinance that was passed.
Parish President Chaisson said, We know about it.
Mr. Lorraine said, When Mr. LaFont was here. What was it, 5278, that it can only be opened for a nursing home.
Parish President Chaisson said, Yes. So, Councilwoman Chiasson and I had this discussion, thank you, Mr. Chairman, I dont know, before the holidays. All of Mr. Deans nursing facilities are for sale because of his legal trouble. They did have some people that were looking at it that was talking about making a kind of outpatient rehab facility. But when Councilwoman Chiasson brought to light the ordinance issue that says that it can only be a nursing home, it kind of squashed that pretty quick. I have not received any updates from anybody associated with the building lately about whats going to happen to it, all I know is that it is still for sale.
Mr. Lorraine said, But I was told somebody is interested in buying it and opening another nursing home.
Parish President Chaisson said, Yeah. They havent reached out.
Mr. Gros said, You just cant buy a nursing home. I mean you have to buy a certificate of need and theres only so many nursing homes that can be, beds of need in the state, the Parish of Lafourche, they can move it wherever.
Mr. Lorraine said, When they opened that, they had to do some legislation with the representatives and all.
Mr. Gros said, For the State of Louisiana, they base it on certificate of need. So, you can open up a nursing home if you want but you cant, I mean you got have beds.
Mr. Lorraine said, No, no, no, I understand that.
Mr. Gros said, So, that might be the issue if they dont have enough people that would want to go there. Youll see in a lot of parishes where theyll move. Lets say New Iberia has a dwindling population and theyll move closer to Broussard, to that line of the parish. So, hence why maybe they moved the first time to Lockport.
Chairman Autin said, He hasnt heard anything of yet though.
Mr. Lorraine said, Okay.
Chairman Autin said, Okay. Any other questions for Administration? Hearing none, Chairman Autin moved to the next item.
PARISH PRESIDENTS FINAL COMMENTS
The next item on the agenda was Parish Presidents Final Comments.
Parish President Chaisson said, Five minutes, Mr. Jones, is that what you said? Were trying to get out of here. So, just a heads up for next meeting, I know it was on the agenda summary, the Ida Recovery Grant Funds that was the proposed ordinance tonight. We had a meeting with all the agencies, that is part of a state package that the legislature set aside. Thanks to Representative Orgeron for helping make that go through, thats going to help the four Ida affected parishes. Therere about 17 entities in Lafourche that are going to receive some money. So, we just want to say thank you to our delegation for help pushing that through. If anybody is still working with Restore Louisiana, they are in the Larose area at the Larose Civic Center a couple of days a week. We are trying to find them a space where they can actually bring more people in. So, DLynn, I may be reaching out to you, if you have any availability, I doubt it. But we are going to try to find them some space. So, if anybodys having issues, Ive seen a few comments on Facebook about people having issues with the Restore Louisiana Fund. We do have a Small Business Development Forum Thursday night at the Lockport Community Center. So, any of our small businesses watching that want any guidance on how to crank up their business, how to go further with it, funding, that sort of stuff. Kristi has done a wonderful job with our Chambers to do that. I want to thank Rev real quick. I know we did a press release right before Christmas about the Gumbo Grant, that our Communications Director, Mr. Robbie Lee, worked on with them. As of last night, all of the homes in that area were finally hooked up with internet. I think thats Councilman Melvins district. But weve had a few doctors and lawyers who live in that area who could not really work if they werent at their offices because of lack of high-speed internet. So, thanks to the Gumbo Grant and the Sate of Louisiana for doing that. Ive got a couple of calls from you guys about demos and PPDR, we are still working with FEMA very diligently on those FEMA demo projects. We submitted about 150 packets, out of the 300 or so for people who applied back in May of last year. To date we only have about 30 of them that have been approved. So, we are trying to work through that process. Weve held back bringing back the debris guys back in until we get a larger chunk, so they can do more at one time, and we are not mobilizing and demobilizing them. And just so you guys know we met last week internally to start a solid waste ordinance review. Many of you guys have talked about the time it takes to actually get through the nuisance process and some other things. So, were trying to tighten that up. Mr. Orgeron, Mr. Baronne, Mr. Shanklin, and I met for a couple of hours last week and kind of came up with some ideas. So, we are going to float that to you guys and make some revisions to that ordinance. Other than that, if there arent any other questions, Mr. Chairman, thats all I got.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you very much Mr. President.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mrs. DLynn Chiasson, and with no further business, the Lafourche Parish Council Meeting of February 14, 2023 adjourned at 1833 hours.
ARMAND NOONIE AUTIN, CHAIRMAN
CARLEEN B. BABIN, COUNCIL CLERK
RACHELE WHEATER
MINUTE CLERK
LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL
8560854 3/14/23