Town of Golden Meadow

107 Jervis Drive

Golden Meadow, LA 70357

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Golden Meadow met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 7:00 P.M., at the Golden Meadow Town Hall, 107 Jervis Drive, Golden Meadow, LA 70357.

Those present were: Mayor Joey Bouziga

Councilman Mike Billiot

Councilman Jody Cheramie

Councilman Laci Latiolais

Councilman Kip Plaisance

Councilman Willis Toups

Those absent were:

Others attending were: Bryce Autin, Stephanie Bollinger, Ethel Boudreaux, Billy Joe Brunet, Jason Cheramie, Derek Christen, Tracee Cloutier, Wilbur Cloutier, Vivian B. Duet, Troy Dufrene, Brenda Gisclair, Darryl Gisclair, Stephanie Griffin, Steve Griffin, Dean Guidry, Morris Hunter, Daniel Lorraine, Michael Paradelas, Jody Pitre, John Plaisance, Johnny Plaisance, Rachel Robichaux, McNeely Rome, Farrell Trahan, and Tom Watkins.

Mayor Joey Bouziga called this meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Councilman Willis Toups presented a motion and Councilman Kip Plaisance seconded the motion to adopt the millage rates for the year 2023 as presented:

General Alimony 5.97 mills

Levee Maintenance 5.090 mills

Drainage Maintenance 5.090 mills

Street & Public Improvements 5.00 mills

The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Mayor Joey Bouziga instructed everyone to refrain from cell phone use until the meeting adjourns and asked that everyone sign the sign-in sheet.

Councilman Willis Toups led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Jody Cheramie led everyone in prayer.

Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Willis Toups seconded the motion approving the minutes of the Public Hearing #1 held on March 20, 2023 as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Councilman Laci Latiolais; ABSENT: NONE.

Councilman Willis Toups presented a motion and Councilman Kip Plaisance seconded the motion approving the minutes of the Public Hearing #2 held on March 20, 2023 as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Councilman Laci Latiolais; ABSENT: NONE.

Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Willis Toups seconded the motion approving the minutes of the Public Meeting held on March 20, 2023 as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Councilman Laci Latiolais; ABSENT: NONE.

Mayor Joey Bouziga stated there were no Building Permits submitted for approval.

Mayor Joey Bouziga stated there were no Occupational Licenses submitted for approval.

Town Engineer John Plaisance presented the project status report as follows:

North Sewer Plant Upgrades-State approved plans and specs; advertising began and pre-bid conference was on March 30, 2023 with 2 contractors there, with bids set to be opened on April 13, 2023

Sewer Phase VII LCDBG-awaiting servitude acquisition and subsequent advertising

Mitigation Project (Seawall)-met with Lafourche Parish Government on 1/17/2023; approved by the State and awaiting Federal approval

LGAP Grant application (Police Unit)-submitted on 11/21/2022 and is still under review

Infrastructure Grant applications-BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program submitted on 12/19/2022 and is still under review

Pre-Bid Application submitted to Clean Water State Revolving Fund on 3/31/2023 to seek loan information, terms and potential subsidy money for certain Sewer projects

Councilman Willis Toups asked if we had different bidders for the North Sewer Plant Upgrades this time and Town Engineer Plaisance advised that we did.

Town Attorney Bryce Autins Attorney Report:

Discuss Policy on New Hire Reimbursement (90-day clause) (Committee: Kip Plaisance/Willis Toups)-Town Attorney Autin hopes to have ready at the April 17, 2023 meeting

Discuss Remote Work Policy (for remote working during office hours) (Committee: Mike Billiot/Kip Plaisance)-Town Attorney Autin advised the Council that Assistant Town Attorney Jeray Jarreau will call another committee meeting and hopes to have ready at the April 17, 2023 meeting

Discuss GM Ordinance No. 437 regarding payment of health insurance premiums for certain retirees-no updates

Chief Troy Dufrenes Police Business:

Report on Speed Humps for Cheramie Ln, Washington St, and Dursette St- resolution sent to Lafourche Parish Council requesting that Road Sales Tax pay for the speed humps. Dursette Streets survey has been completed. The data is being downloaded and the equipment is being recharged to do the next street. Once all 3 streets are complete, we will get the completed report. Town Citizen Johnny Plaisance asked if there were any results yet, and Chief Dufrene stated that once all 3 streets are completed, we will get the reports.

Report on condemnation proceeding for 1504 South Bayou Drive (John Parker)-condemnation hearing held 2/6/2023; Council requested Mr. Parker appear at meeting on 3/6/2023 to provide an update; Will need to re-provide Mr. Parker with notice to appear on 4/17/2023. Town Attorney Bryce Autin advised Mayor Bouziga and the Council that we currently have a hearing set for April 17, 2023; and that we sent a certified letter the last week of March and so far, the delivery has been unsuccessful. Town Attorney Autin advised the Council to consider appointing an Attorney Ad Hoc, either Shaun George or Eugene Gouaux III, whomever would be available, and set a condemnation hearing for May 15, 2023. This will only be if the delivery of the certified letter is unsuccessful by April 7, 2023, therefore not allowing us to have his condemnation hearing on April 17, 2023. He also advised that The Council that if we do move forward with demolishing the building and wanted to add to the 2023 taxes, the deadline to turn into the Assessors Office is July. Councilman Jody Cheramie asked if the letter can be served to John Parkers son. Mayor Bouziga advised that we have been unsuccessful in the past when trying to communicate with him. Councilman Willis Toups presented a motion and Councilman Laci Latiolais seconded the motion to follow the recommendation of Town Attorney Bryce Autin as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Report on Hurricane Ida repairs-Oakridge Park, Pump Station, Streets, Lift Station, and FEMA report. Mayor Joey Bouziga advised the Council that FEMA will be here on April 4, 2023 for an onsite inspection of the different areas we have not touched. Mayor Bouziga advised that he met with the recreation department architect about the concession stand at the park and they are in the process of coming up with plans. Per FEMA, the concession stand will have to be 5 feet off of the ground. Councilman Laci Latiolais stated she keeps getting asked about the fences around the lift stations. Mayor Bouziga stated that we have 2 prices, but we are waiting on a 3rd since FEMA requires 3.

Report on 2213 North Bayou Drive (Jazlyn Geneve Lafont)-Board of Adjustments meeting scheduled for 1/17/2023; Notice of Violation issued 3/21/2023 and Board of Adjustments meeting scheduled for 4/3/2023. Stephanie Griffin was present to address Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council. She has a surveyor from Thibodaux coming within the month to complete her survey. Board of Adjustments Chairman McNeely Rome advised Mayor Bouziga and the Council that the Board of Adjustments met with Town Attorney Bryce Autin and Stephanie Griffin at 6:30 PM today, and since she has a surveyor coming within 30 days, they decided to give her until the May 1, 2023 meeting to have this completed. Councilman Jody Cheramie presented a motion and Councilman Kip Plaisance seconded the motion to give Stephanie Griffin until the May 1, 2023 meeting to get the survey completed as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Mayor Joey Bouziga advised the Council that we are waiting for prices to put the lights up at the Senior Citizen building.

Kyle Williams-proposal for future plans of the Ceramic Shop. Board of Adjustments Chairman McNeely Rome advised Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council that Kyle Williams had to work tonight, so he couldnt be here for the town meeting.

Report on condemnation proceeding for 162 Washington Street (Samuel and Allison Rankin)-scheduled condemnation hearing for 3/6/2023; Ad hoc attorney, Shaun George appeared, next step, Issued Condemnation Order on 3/20/2023 with 10 days to respond by 3/30/2023. Town Attorney Bryce Autin advised Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council that the next step would be to get 3 proposals for the demolishment. Councilman Laci Latiolais presented a motion and Councilman Jody Cheramie seconded the motion to move forward with getting the 3 prices for the demolishment as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Report on Lafourche Parish Hurricane Ida Recovery Grant-Town will be awarded $205,407 to be used by June 30, 2023 for building and property damage not covered by insurance or FEMA. Town Clerk Tracee Cloutier advised Mayor Bouziga and the Council that the Parish did send some FAQs out, but its not clear if the projects that were supposed to be covered by FEMA, but we went ahead and moved forward, will be covered.

Alan and Polly Cheramie-144 Cheramie Lane (for 137 Tamplain Lane)-grass cutting and debris clean up; sent certified letters on 3/9/2023 and signed for on 3/15/2023 and advertising ran on 3/23/2023 and 3/24/2024; must wait 5 days prior to doing the work which would be 3/29/2023. Councilman Jody Cheramie advised Mayor Bouziga and the Council that the property is cleaned up and they requested a trash pickup. Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Jody Cheramie seconded the motion to remove Alan and Polly Cheramie-144 Cheramie Lane (for 137 Tamplain Lane) off of the agenda and also add to cleanup cost to their 2023 tax bill as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Adam Cheramie-144 Cheramie Lane (for 132 Tamplain Lane)-grass cutting and debris clean up; sent certified letters on 3/9/2023 and advertising ran on 3/23/2023 and 3/23/2023; must wait 5 days prior to doing the work which would be 3/29/2023. Town Clerk Tracee Cloutier advised the Council that they requested the house to be boarded up. Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the house passed the building inspection. Town Attorney Bryce Autin advised Mayor Bouziga and the Council that the boarding of the house falls under our dangerous building ordinance, so we would either need to set a hearing or send a letter saying to board the window because the building inspector said to. Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Jody Cheramie seconded the motion to mail a letter to have the house boarded up within 10 days as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

David Cheramie-135 Cheramie Lane -grass cutting and trash complaint letter mailed 3/16/2023. Town Clerk Tracee Cloutier advised Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council that we have not received the signed card back yet.

The following received South Central Planning Development Commission (SCPDC) Notifications of hearings based on the Structural Analysis Reports to appear at 3/6/2023 meeting and below are next action items:

BC 1006-110 Pelican Lane-Estate of Faustin Borne/Marcess Calais Borne/Julie Borne Galiano; ad hoc attorney (Eugene Gouaux III) appointed for all 3 parties for hearing to be held on 4/17/2023.

BC 1007-2124 South Bayou Drive-Charles Plaisance/Phillip Plaisance/Kyle Plaisance/Tracy Huebel/Jesse Blaum Noggerath- issued Condemnation Orders on the 5 served for 30 days 4/6/2023 and will attempt re-service on David Plaisance and Melissa Fanguy. Councilman Willis Toups advised that the house is torn down. There is still some paperwork to file, so it will be left on the agenda for now. Councilman Jody Cheramie presented a motion and Councilman Willis Toups seconded the motion to mail a thank you letter to Charles Plaisance as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1008-153 Nichols Street-Jody Pitre/Monique Pitre-issued Condemnation Order for 90 days 6/5/2023 with a monthly update to be provided until the deadline. Jody Pitre is present to provide an update. Mr. Pitre has provided pictures of his progress so far. Councilman Jody Cheramie stated that the trash has been cleaned up. Mr. Pitre is still deciding if he wants to repair it or tear it down. Mr. Pitre asked to be taken off of the condemnation list. Mayor Joey Bouziga stated we will have to keep it on right now. Councilman Laci Latiolais asked if the inspection failed. SPCDC Michael Paradelas asked what his intentions are. Mr. Paradelas stated that if it is no longer in danger of collapse, then we can pass a structural analysis inspection. Councilman Laci Latiolais asked if he would be tearing down or fixing the house. SPCDC Tom Watkins stated the house has been condemned by the order of the Council, but Mr. Pitre was given the option to make repairs. Councilman Jody Cheramie stated that the building inspector explained how he can make it safer. Mr. Watkins stated he is not offering legal advice, but he doesnt want the building inspector to render an opinion on what might happen. He also stated that Mr. Pitre will have to request an inspector to come out and perform an inspection. Then the town will have the option to do an inspection and the matter can then be reconsidered. Mayor Bouziga stated there is still a lot of work to be done on the house and it needs to stay on the agenda. Mr. Pitre asked what kind of work. Councilman Mike Billiot stated we gave you 90 days in the faith that you wanted to fix it up. Councilman Kip Plaisance stated you have another 60 days to board it up and make sure your roof is good. Mr. Pitre asked if he has to put shingles on his roof. Mayor Bouziga stated we cant tell you what to do; we either want you to fix it or tear it down. If you fix it, we will send the building inspector to inspect it.

BC 1009-145 Terrebonne Lane-Marlene C Trahan, On Behalf of Earlia Trahan Arceneaux/Cheramie & Sunday, LLC, Jenna Cheramie as Agent and Managing Member-issued Condemnation Orders on the 3 served for 45 days 4.21.2023 and appointed ad hoc attorney (Eugene Gouaux III) for Earlia Arceneaux for a hearing on 4/17/2023.

BC 1010-212 Verret Street-Brenda Gisclair/Doris Guidry Gisclair-issued Condemnation Order for 90 days 6/5/2023 with a monthly update to be provided until the deadline. Brenda Gisclair is present to provide an update. Ms. Gisclair stated that her house was torn down by the C.A.R.E. group and has provided the Council with pictures. Mayor Joey Bouziga and Councilman Laci Latiolais thanked Ms. Gisclair. Councilman Jody Cheramie stated he talked to the Parish and they are going to pick up the trash. Councilman Willis Toups presented a motion and Councilman Kip Plaisance seconded the motion remove BC 1010-212 Verret St from the agenda as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1011-108 Henry Street-Erris LeBouef/Mark Plaisance-issued Condemnation Order for 90 days 6/5/2023, with a monthly update to be provided until the deadline. The owners are not present tonight, but they are making progress.

Town Citizen Billy Brunet addressed Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council about reopening the nursing home. Mr. Brunet put a letter together addressed to Governor John Bel Edwards, Senator Mike Fesi, and Representative Joe Orgeron and would like it to see it put into a resolution. Mayor Joey Bouziga stated he would like more information before passing a resolution.

Councilman Jody Cheramie advised Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council the trash was cleaned on B&R Lane and he had to go through a process to get the trash picked up on Vicks Lane. He stated he needs to get Mr. John Parkers phone number to be able to go on the property and get the trash picked up on Delgrandile Ln.

Councilman Jody Cheramie advised Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council that he got a tall grass complaint on Pelican Ln-there was no address on the Assessors website, but the former owners, who are both deceased, were Victor and Alice Boudreaux. Mayor Bouziga stated we will track them down and send a letter.

The following received South Central Planning Development Commission (SCPDC) Notifications of hearings based on the Structural Analysis Reports to appear at 4/3/2023 meeting and below are next action items:

BC 1013-137 Delgrandile Lane-Ethel Boudreaux. Ethel Boudreaux is present. The SCPDC Building Inspector Michael Paradelas has submitted an inspection report to the Town Council and has recommended condemnation. Ms. Boudreaux has made a lot of progress and only has the shed left to tear down. Councilman Jody Cheramie presented a motion and Councilman Kip Plaisance seconded the motion giving Ms. Boudreaux 30 days to finish cleaning up the property as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Councilman Mike Billiot; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1014-129 Fred Street-Dylan P Brown. The SCPDC Building Inspector Michael Paradelas has submitted an inspection report to the Town Council and has recommended condemnation. Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Willis Toups seconded the motion follow the SPCDC recommendation of condemnation of 10 days as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1015-124 Jefferson Street-Derek F Christen and Ashley V Christen. Derek Christen is present. SCPDC Building Inspector Michael Paradelas gave an update on the property-a roof was put on, the garage was boarded up, and he noticed the front wall was no longer attached to the foundation. Mr. Christen stated he is in the process of repairing it and he did frame it up behind the plywood. Mr. Paradelas recommends that the property not be condemned now. Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Jody Cheramie seconded the motion to remove BC 1015-124 Jefferson Street off of the agenda as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1016-110 Delgrandile Lane-Sherry Griffin Demere. SCPDC Tom Watkins stated we have not received service on this property yet. Owner Sherry Griffin Demeres father Steve Griffin is present. Town Attorney Bryce Autin stated the next step would be to have Ms. Demere served before the hearing. Mr. Griffin stated they were almost done fixing the house and he thinks they may have the wrong house. Mr. Watkins stated that the municipal addresses are messed up on the Accessors website and they are trying to establish ownership by looking at the Parcel ID, so there is a debate on the ownership of a lot of those houses. With respect to this property, the person they have as the owner is not here and they have not received service on that person yet, so they will have to re-notice it.

BC 1017-112 Delgrandile Lane-Donnie Sims and Monique Sims. SPCDC Tom Watkins stated they have Donnie and Monique Sims listed as the owners, but the Sims deny owning it, so we will have to find the correct owner.

BC 1021-148 Marshland Street-Vivian Bruce Duet. Vivian Bruce Duet is present. The SCPDC Building Inspector Michael Paradelas has submitted an inspection report to the Town Council and has recommended condemnation. Ms. Duet knows it needs to be torn down, but she cant do it and her husband is paralyzed. She has talked to the C.A.R.E. group, but hasnt heard back from them yet. Councilman Mike Billiot presented a motion and Councilman Willis Toups seconded the motion send a condemnation letter, so she can bring it to the C.A.R.E. group to try to get help faster as presented. Councilman Jody Cheramie presented a motion and Councilman Mike Billiot seconded the motion to give Ms. Duet 45 days to come back with an update. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented. Voting took place as follows: YEAS: Councilman Jody Cheramie, Councilman Kip Plaisance, Councilman Willis Toups, Councilman Laci Latiolais, Councilman Mike Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Mayor Joey Bouziga asked if there was any other business that needed to be brought up to the Council.

Mayor Joey Bouziga asked for audience comments.

Mr. Johnny Plaisance asked what the process is for getting trash picked up, curbside, down Dursette St. Councilman Jody Cheramie let him know he will turn it in.

Councilman Jody Cheramie wanted to thank the parish for putting the turf on the baseball fields.

Mr. Billy Brunet wanted to let everyone know that him wanting the nursing home is not self-motivated.

Mr. McNeely Rome asked how many houses South Central Planning Development Commission will be doing the condemnation process for. Mayor Joey Bouziga let him know there are 15 on the list right now.

Mr. Jason Cheramie asked about the houses that are already torn down and Councilman Jody Cheramie let him know that he is working on it.

Mr. Morris Hunter thanked Mayor Joey Bouziga and the Council for everything they do for the community and he wanted to remind the elected officials that they are having a Pastors prayer breakfast on Wednesday 4/19/2023 at 8:00 AM. He also asked if the $205,407 is to renovate peoples homes as well and Mayor Bouziga let him know thet it is just for the towns property.

Councilman Willis Toups asked Lafourche Parish Councilman Daniel Lorraine if it is true they will not tear down anymore commercial buildings and Mayor Joey Bouziga and Councilman Mike Billiot stated that was true.

Mr. Jason Cheramie asked about Golden Meadow getting a library and Mayor Joey Bouziga told him he questioned Lafourche Parish President Archie Chiaasson, but has not received an answer yet.

With no further business to discuss, Councilman Willis Toups presented a motion and Councilman Jody Cheramie seconded the motion adjourning this meeting at 8:14 P.M. as presented. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.

MAYOR JOEY BOUZIGA

ATTESTED:

RACHEL ROBICHAUX

ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK

4/19//23 8716914