TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 6, 2023
Golden Meadow Town Hall
107 Jervis Dr.
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
Mayor Joey Bouziga was present for the regular town meeting and called it to order on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM. He instructed everyone to refrain from cell phone use until the meeting adjourns.
Council Member Willis Toups led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Town Citizen Edward Louviere led everyone in prayer.
Town of Golden Meadow Council Members Present: Mike Billiot, Jody Cheramie, Laci Latiolais, Kip Plaisance, and Willis Toups
Town of Golden Meadow Council Members Absent: NONE
Others attending were: Joni Alario, Hardy Andrews, Ben Autin, Natalie Autin, Stephanie Bollinger, Marty Bradberry, Joseph Cehan, Marc Charpentier, Polly Cheramie, Tracee Cloutier, Wilbur Cloutier, Maureen Collins, Daphne Danos, Nicol Dufrene, Troy Dufrene, Brenda Gisclair, Walter Guidry, Morris Hunter, Mandy Hymel, Jeray Jarreau, Daniel Lorraine, Edward Louviere, Patricia Louviere, Perry Perrin, John Plaisance, Johnny Plaisance, Rachel Robichaux, Shane Rogers, McNeely Rome, Craig Stewart, Carroll Terrebonne, Farrell Trahan, Tom Watkins, and Kyle Williams.
A motion to approve the minutes of the Towns regular meeting from October 16, 2023, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
Mayors Report:
A motion to introduce an Ordinance to adopt the Combined Budget of Expenditures and Revenues for the Fiscal Year January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
A motion to authorize the Mayor to apply for the LGAP grant for a Handicap Parking Spot near the skate park, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Bouziga discussed with the Council about appointing a Chief of Police. Town Attorney Jeray Jarreau stated that if we wanted to appoint a Chief of Police instead of having an elected official, it would have to be passed by Ordinance by the Council with more than a two-thirds vote of all Council Members. There would then be a special election where the Town Citizens would ultimately decide by a majority vote if they wanted an elected Chief of Police vs. an appointed Chief of Police and that would not take effect until the end of the current Chiefs term. If it is passed, the Mayor would appoint the Chief and according to the current Attorney General opinions, the Chief would have to reside in the Town of Golden Meadow. Mayor Bouziga believes in the years to come, we may have to appoint someone that lives outside of Golden Meadow to be Chief of Police if there is no interest in Town. Town Attorney Jarreau is going to do more research on the issue. A motion to postpone the discussion until the 11/20/2023 meeting for the Town Attorneys to do more research, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Building Permits:
Board of Adjustments Chairman McNeely Rome advised Mayor Bouziga and the Council that they are recommending approving a 6 month 1.9 variance request to move the Bayou Ice Machine at Rouses from the back to the front of the parking lot to repair the cement. A motion to accept the Board of Adjustments recommendation, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais; NAYS: Billiot; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Occupational Licenses:
A motion to approve the occupational license for Kapsch TrafficCom USA, Inc. (formerly GeauxPass), as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Town Engineer John Plaisance presented the Project Status Report:
North Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrades-received the base bid of $304,490 from Shaw Construction Services, LLC. The state will pay $163,000 and the town will have to match 25% which will be about $140,000. A motion to award the bid pending Facility Planning to Shaw Construction Services, LLC, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Sewer Phase VII LCDBG-awaiting 2 servitude acquisitions. A motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a cash sale with Sunday & Cheramie for the acquisition of property for the Lift Station location, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Toups; ABSENT: NONE.
Mitigation Project (Seawall)-received GOSHEP approval and is under review by FEMA.
Infrastructure Grant applications (FMA)-Town Engineer Plaisance stated GIS is working on the next step which is providing a benefit cost ratio analysis.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund (Sewer Phase VIII)-loan approved.
o A motion to approve an Ordinance authorizing the issuance by the Town of Golden Meadow, State of Louisiana of its Taxable Excess Revenue Bond (DEQ), in an amount not to exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000), and providing for other matters in connection therewith, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
o A motion to authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment #1 to GIS Agreement for the rate study requested for the CWS, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Capital Outlay-Replacement of Sewer Lift Station behind Williams Road-contract comments received from Facility Planning on 10/11/2023. GIS is currently addressing the comments and the review should be received by the Town on 11/7/2023 and can be voted on at the 11/20/2023 meeting.
Capital Outlay-Armand/Alcide Area Drainage, Planning and Construction-contract comments received from Facility Planning on 10/11/2023 and the review was received by the Town on 11/6/2023. A motion to approve the reviews adjustments, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Drainage Canal Survey/Recon and Permitting-The scope was sent to FEMA for approval on 9/25/2023. Town Clerk Cloutier stated that this is progressing.
Town Engineer Plaisance advised that 9 Capital Outlay requests for the fiscal year 2024-2025 were submitted on 10/31/2023. A motion to approve sending the requests, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Town Attorney Jeray Jarreau presented the Attorneys Report:
1504 S. Bayou Dr. (Martin Perkins)-Condemnation hearing was 10/16/2023 and the Council gave 7 days to repair or demolish the building. Contractor Craig Stewart advised the Council that Walter Guidry has purchased the property and they have provided photos of the clean-up and repairs. Town Attorney Jarreau asked South Central Plannings Building Inspector Joseph Cehan to provide a property update. Mr. Cehan advised the Council that a lot of progress has been made-cleaning up, removing the 2nd roof, the storefront roof has new lumber on it, and some of the damaged bricks have been removed. A motion to remove 1504 S. Bayou Dr. from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. Council Member Cheramie retracted his second and Council Member Billiot retracted his first. A motion to give Mr. Guidry 30 days to continue repairs, with an update at the 12/4/2023 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Billiot. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE. Contractor Stewart requested that all of the pictures submitted be put on record.
Camper at the end of Anatole Ln-Camper has been removed and the property has been cleaned up. A motion to remove camper at the end of Anatole Ln, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Plaisance; ABSENT: NONE.
A motion to approve an Ordinance prohibiting the feeding of alligators in Oakridge Park and once approved to put up signs, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: Cheramie; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Curfew Discussion-Town Attorney Jarreau stated that a curfew is difficult because it can infringe on the residents rights, but there are some limitations that can be put. She believes that strengthening our juvenile curfew ordinance or approving a loitering ordinance could be helpful. Mayor Bouziga believes the loitering ordinance would help more. Town Attorney Jarreau will draft a loitering ordinance to introduce to the Council and have a public hearing on.
Chief of Police health insurance discussion-Town Attorney Jarreau stated that when Chief Dufrene retired from the Port Commission, he was entitled to health insurance as part of his benefits package. He was also entitled to health insurance from the town, but declined coverage when he was elected. He maintains the insurance from the Port Commission because it is a better policy. He is requesting that the town pay the premium for the Port Commissions insurance policy, since he was entitled to health insurance benefits from the town. A discussion was had between the Council and Town Attorney Jarreau. A motion to sponsor and present an ordinance for the town to pay Chief Dufrenes premium for his Port Commission health insurance policy, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Billiot; NAYS: Latiolais; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Chief Troy Dufrene presented the Police Business:
Update on Speed Humps-The assessments were completed for Ridgewood Blvd., Wilfred Duet St., and Callais Ln. and none of those streets qualified for speed humps according to the Parishs criteria.
Police Department Equipment-Chief Dufrene advised the body cameras are in use, but we have not received the dash cameras yet.
LPSO to put speed reader on North Bayou Drive-Chief Dufrene advised that we are waiting on an available reader.
Chief Dufrene asked the Council if he can advertise to hire a police officer. He wants to get some applications on file just in case the injured Police Officer cant come back when he is supposed to. A motion to authorize Chief Dufrene to advertise hiring a new police officer, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Old Business
Hurricane Ida repairs-Mayor Bouziga and Town Clerk Cloutier advised the Council that we are still going to meet to discuss some alternative ideas for the pool. The pumping station is being sandblasted and they are planning on putting the new fuel tanks in since hurricane season is over. We are waiting on some reports from FEMA and GIS for the drainage canal.
Lafourche Parish Hurricane Ida Recovery Grant-Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that there are no updates.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that we are still waiting for the contractor to begin work on the security lights and ceiling fans at the park pavilion.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that we are waiting on the parish to fix Ridgewood Blvd., Doucet Dr., and Norman St.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the playground equipment is on order and expected sometime in December.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that considering revising the Policies and Procedures-Part XV Traffic Tickets/Misdemeanor Summons will be postponed until the 11/20/2023 meeting.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that if we if there is some leftover money from the Recreation District, we can use our portion towards the Uline trash can purchase.
South Central Planning and Development Commissions (SCPDC) Tom Watkins presented the updates on the Condemnation Proceedings:
BC 1017-Structure 2 owned by Estate of Azenor Martin and Amelia Autin Martin-The bid for demolition was awarded on 10/16/2023 and we are awaiting for confirmation of notice given to Ad Hoc Attorney in order to schedule demolition.
BC 1022-213 N Bayou Dr.-Mae Malcomb Guilbeau, Malcom James Guilbeau, and Connie Elizabeth Guilbeau-The demolition is complete and the next action is for the attorney to file the lien. Mayor Bouziga advised that the property owner on the north side of 213 N. Bayou Drives property is damaged and not fixed to her standards so he asks for us to leave it on the agenda until this is fixed.
BC 1023-135 Pierce St.-Charles and Christina Battles. We are supposed to have the condemnation proceedings at the 11/20/2023 meeting but the Police Department has been unable to make service. Mr. Watkins stated we have until 11/10/2023 to get them served and if we are still unable to do so, we will have to postpone the hearing.
BC 1025-102 South Bayou Dr.-Tim Callais-Mr. Watkins advised the structure has been demolished and the debris has been removed. A motion to remove BC 1025 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
BC 1026-2216 South Bayou Dr.-Francis Plaisance (Plaisance Dragline & Dredging)-a condemnation order was issued for 30 days with a deadline of 11/20/2023.
BC 1028-805 South Alex Plaisance Blvd.-Ricky Louviere (L&S Rentals)-a condemnation order was issued for 30 days with a deadline of 11/20/2023.
New Business
Council Member Plaisance advised the Council that there was a boat broken into at the park. He asked that the Police patrol the public boat launch more.
A motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the Amendment to the DOTD Maintenance Agreement to increase the cutting cycles by 1, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
A motion to mail the owner of the Richard Green property at 2607 N Bayou Dr. a letter about the rotten tree on the property, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
A motion to appoint Joni Alario as the Clerk of Court and the authorized signer for the Community Family Fund account, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
A motion to remove All Saints Day as a paid holiday from the Town of Golden Meadow employees, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; but there was no second made, so therefore the motion failed.
South Central Planning and Development Commissions (SCPDC) Tom Watkins presented the new Condemnation Proceedings:
BC 1030-Tamplain Lane-Allen and Polly Cheramie-Condemnation Hearing 11/6/2023. Property Owner Polly Cheramie is present. Building Inspector Cehan stated there has been no change since the initial report. Since the Council doesnt have all of the pictures of the property, this matter will be postponed until the 11/20/2023 meeting. A motion to postpone this matter until the 11/20/2023 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
BC 1031-South Bayou Drive (corner of Chouest Lane and LA 1)-Total Wireline Services-Christine Ford and Perry Perrin-Condemnation Hearing 11/6/2023. Property Owner Perry Perrin is present. Building Inspector Cehan stated that since the 9/8/2023 inspection, there have been significant improvements and he recommends for them to continue to be able to show progression. A motion to give the property owners 30 days, with an update at the 12/4/2023 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Billiot. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Toups; ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Bouziga asked if there was any other business that needed to be brought up to the Council.
Council Member Jody Cheramie stated that trash is being picked up, but they keep skipping 3 places, so he is working to get this corrected.
Mayor Bouziga asked for audience comments.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn this meeting at 8:48 PM, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
MAYOR JOEY BOUZIGA
ATTESTED:
RACHEL ROBICHAUX
ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK
11/18/23 9529748