5724290 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMAN TAKEN AT A REGULAR TOWN MEETING HELD ON MAY 23, 2023, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE ARNAUDVILLE MEETING ROOM, 107 RUE DE JAUSIERS, ARNAUDVILLE, LA 70512 MAYORTodd Meche AldermanJamie Huval, Debbie Kidder, Kevin Robin, Suzanne Stelly, John R. Taylor Town ClerkDolores R. Quebedeaux Town AttorneyKay Theunissen Town Engineer Kenny Boagni Police ChiefChief Josh Ross Utility Superintendent Todd Abshire (Absent) Parks and RecreationZelma Jackson (Absent) Called to OrderMayor Meche PrayerSuzanne Stelly PledgeAll Old Business Approve April 25, 2023, Regular Town Meeting Minutes Mayor Meche Debbie Kidder moved to approve April 25, 2023, Regular Town Meeting Minutes seconded by Suzanne Stelly, motion passed. Approve Budget to Actual/Budget Comparison for April 2023Mayor Meche Debbie Kidder and John Taylor moved to accept the Budget to Actual/Budget Comparison for April 2023 seconded by Jamie Huval, motion passed. Utility ReportTodd Abshire (Absent) A report was handed to the Mayor and Board members prepared by Todd Abshire. April 2023 Water The entire water system was flushed during the month of April. The Town of Arnaudville Water System received its first annual Act 98 letter grade from LDH. The town's water system graded out at a 98-A. Congratulations to all involved, including the mayor, council, administration, and utility department for an outstanding job and lots of hard work over the past year to realize this grade. There aren't many water systems in our area that scored above a "B", much less an "A". The monthly Safe Drinking Water Act daily chlorine residual logs were verified by Todd Abshire and are on file in the utility office as required by law. Wastewater There aren't any major issues to report regarding the town's wastewater system. The monthly flow records were faxed to HoPak Laboratories to verify flow in accordance with our discharge permit, as well as all analytical results being examined, reported, and filed in the utility department files. Gas Pipeline Safety performed a "Comprehensive Inspection" on the entire gas system during the month of April. This "Comprehensive Inspection" included all paperwork involving the gas system as well as field inspections at the town's regulator stations, rectifier stations, and distribution system. There were no major violations noted during the inspection. The gas system is operating at nearly 40 pounds of inlet pressure at the Cypress Stations and 40 psi at the Koch Station. Mayor Meche explained that on the gas project they ran across a few problems that will cost about $7000.00 over the budget price. John Taylor moved to accept the Utility Report seconded by Debbie Kidder, motion passed. Police ReportChief Josh Ross As of May 23, 2023, the Arnaudville Police Department has responded to over 240 calls to service, beginning of the year, including several calls to assist other agencies like St. Landry and St. Martin. This month the Arnaudville Police Department has arrested seven (7) people for various felony charges including, the successful application for and service of a Search Warrant, which resulted in the recovery of an individual charged with several serious crimes, including Attempted First-Degree Murder, stemming from a shooting in Sunset. The Arnaudville Police Department has also issued several misdemeanor citations for violations such as, Possession of Paraphernalia, theft, and Trespassing. Other citations have been written for minor traffic offenses, including no insurance, speeding, and careless operation. The current state of the department is as follows: Investigations: The Arnaudville Police Department is currently in the process of investigating a couple of burglaries which occurred over the past three (3) weeks. I want to remind everyone that an unlocked vehicle is not the place for a gun. The Arnaudville Police Department also has some gun locks available should anyone in the public need one. Staffing: Currently the Arnaudville Police Department staff four (4) full-time Police Officers, of which, three (3) are P.O.S.T certified, and Officer Jarred Mouton is scheduled to start the P.O.S.T academy in August. Training Update: The Arnaudville Police Department Officers recently attended training with the St. Landry Parish District Attorney's Office, this was training specific to weapons related crimes, and the preservation of evidence. All the Officers will be attending various training classes this summer, including instructor level courses, which allow us to certify, and assist when needed. Vehicle Update: Nothing New. General Information: I would like to also thank the citizens for their cooperation and willingness to assist all Police Officers from the Arnaudville Police Department with various information pertaining to crimes in the area. As the police department continues to progress, the Arnaudville Police Department will continue to build rapport with the citizens and assist when needed. Community Concerns: **UPDATE** The annual Etouffee Festival went off with no major problems. I would like to thank my staff for all the hard work and hours they put into the event and would like to thank both Sheriff's Offices. I would also like to thank the Arnaudville Middle School Staff for their cooperation this year, and for instilling trust in the Arnaudville Police Department with issues as they arrive at the school. As a reminder to everyone, Hurricane Season is in just 8 days, and the Arnaudville Police Department is prepared, and we do have a plan in place to ensure the public safety sector of the town is ready to respond. In the event of a hurricane, we are also ready to assist the public in any way, including assisting with filling or delivering sandbags to those in need. Request: At this time, I would ask the council to approve the hiring of Kenneth Breaux and K-9 Diablo (Hiring packets were given to the Mayor and Board members). Kenneth, if hired, agrees to pay for complete care of Diablo, food for Diablo, and vet visits for Diablo. The only expense to the taxpayers of Arnaudville will be for training (approximately $900.00 a year), and personal police liability insurance, which a K-9 is covered, according to Patrick Cronin, director of RMI. Ms. Kay Theunissen and I spoke, and she will draft an agreement, stating such. A copy of a sample agreement drafted by Ms. Kay is attached for review. Jamie Huval motioned to hire Mr. Kenneth Breaux along with his K-9 Diablo as a full-time police officer at $17.00 per hour seconded by Debbie Kidder, motion passed. Parks and RecreationZelma Jackson (Absent) Mayor Meche stated that all is going well at the park. A Baseball Tournament will take place on May 27 Thru May 28, 2023. New Business Introduce Ordinance 05-2023 An Ordinance Amending the Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2022, ending June 30, 2023Mayor Meche Debbie Kidder Introduced Ordinance 05-2023 seconded by John Taylor, motion carried. Introduce Ordinance 06-2023 An Ordinance Adopting the Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2023, and Ending June 30, 2024Mayor Meche Jamie Huval Introduced Ordinance 06-2023 seconded by Debbie Kidder, motion carried. Schedule a Public Hearing for 5:45 p.m., June 27, 2023, for Ordinance 05-2023 and Ordinance 06-2023Mayor Meche Jamie Huval moved to have a Public Hearing on June 27, 2023, at 5:45 p.m. for Ordinance 05-2023 and Ordinance 06-2023 seconded by Suzanne Stelly, motion carried. Animal SolutionsJackie Cochran Ms. Cochran expressed her concern about what can be about the roaming (stray) cats and dogs. A Discussion was held, and several different views were discussed to help the prevention of stray dogs and cats. Up-DatesMayor Meche Mayor stated that he met with Chester Cedars and Mr. Cedars said that the pavilion near Myran's should be completed by June 1, 2023. He also said approximately 12 letters were sent out for blighted property. Citizens' Concern Adjourn Debbie Kidder moved to adjourn the May 20, 2023, meeting seconded by Suzanne Stelly and John Taylor, motion carried. Attest: Dolores R. Quebedeaux, Town Clerk Todd Meche, Mayor