TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, December 4, 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, December 18, 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, Kip Plaisance, Laci Latiolais, and Willis Toups

Town of Golden Meadow Council Members Absent: NONE

Others attending were: Ben Autin, Bryce Autin, Corine Berthelot, Noel Camardelle, Joseph Cehan, Buffy Charpentier, Marc Charpentier, Tracee Cloutier, Troy Dufrene, Daniel Lorraine, Robbi Michel, Lisa Pitre, Wade Pitre, John Plaisance, Rachel Robichaux, Beverly St. Pierre, P.J. St. Pierre, Tom Watkins, and Kyle Williams.

A motion to approve the Towns Public Hearing #1 minutes from December 4, 2023, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Toups. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.

A motion to approve the Towns Public Hearing #2 minutes from December 4, 2023, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Billiot. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.

A motion to approve the Towns regular meeting minutes from December 4, 2023, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.

Mayors Report:

Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the LGAP application was submitted on 11/13/2023 and the results are expected July/August 2024.

Building Permits: NONE.

Occupational Licenses:

A motion to approve an occupational license for Lafourche Landing, LLC (Alicia Cheramie) at 409 N. Alex Plaisance, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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-A motion to authorize Mayor Bouziga to sign the Construction Contract with Shaw Construction (winning bidder for project), as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; 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.

Sewer Phase VII LCDBG-awaiting servitude acquisition (1 remaining). Town Engineer Plaisance advised that Ms. Sunday met with Greg today about signing the map for the lift station site.

Mitigation Project (Seawall)-received GOSHEP approval and is under review by FEMA.

Infrastructure Grant applications (FMA)-GIS is working on the next step.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (Sewer Phase VIII)-Plans and specifications are approved. A motion to authorize Mayor Bouziga to sign Amendment #1 to GIS Professional Services Agreement, 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.

Capital Outlay-Replacement of Sewer Lift Station behind Williams Road-the executed contract to Facility Planning on 12/14/2023 and advertising is expected to begin in January 2024.

Capital Outlay-Armand/Alcide Area Drainage, Planning and Construction-revisions were sent to Facility Planning on 11/7/2023 for review and advertising is expected to begin in February 2024. A motion to send a letter to the Lafourche Parish School Board Superintendent to coordinate drainage projects, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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 Plaisance will also reach out to the architect.

Drainage Canal Survey/Recon and Permitting-12/4/2023-Clean Water Act and Coastal Use Permits were applied for and awaiting approval.

Town Engineer Plaisance advised that 9 Capital Outlay requests for the fiscal year 2024-2025 were submitted on 10/31/2023 and we are waiting for them to go through the legislative process which will be in June 2024.

Interior Door in Town Hall-GIS is working with the contractor for the installation.

Town Engineer Plaisance advised that they are working on the replacement of the large tank in the chlorine contact chamber at the South Plant, with a quote expected at the end of January 2024.

Town Attorney Bryce Autin presented the Attorneys Report:

1504 S. Bayou Dr. (formerly John Parker)-Town Attorney Autin advised that we have not received service for the letter mailed to the new owner to appear at the 12/18/2023 meeting. SCPDC Building Inspector Joseph Cehan inspected the property today. Mr. Cehan stated there are multiple places on the back section with rotten wood and paneling on the roof. A motion to have South Central Planning prepare a new building inspection report and have a condemnation hearing at the 1/16/2024 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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.

A motion to reintroduce an Ordinance related to town payment of a portion of individual hospitalization, life, dental, vision and cancer insurance premiums for employees and certain elected officials of the Town of Golden Meadow, with the accurate information for Chief of Police family policy, and have a public hearing on 1/2/2024, 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.

A motion to reintroduce an Ordinance providing an exception to town payment of a portion of individual hospitalization insurance premiums for the town group insurance policy for the Chief of Police of the Town of Golden Meadow, with the accurate information for Chief of Police family policy, and have a public hearing on 1/2/2024, 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.

BC 1016 and BC 1018 Gloria Bouzigards Statement of Claim-Right to be heard. Ms. Bouzigards family members Lisa and Wade Pitre are here on her behalf and will speak to her to see how she wants to handle paying for the costs of demolition.

A motion to update the Policies and Procedures to include American with Disabilities Legislation that was passed in 2023 and changes to the Public Bid Law, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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.

Chief Troy Dufrene presented the Police Business:

Update on Speed Humps-As soon as the equipment is available, they will come out and reassess Cheramie Lane, Washington Street, and Dursette Street.

Police Department Equipment-Chief Dufrene advised the dash cameras are on order.

LPSO to put speed reader on North Bayou Drive-Chief Dufrene advised that we are still waiting on an available reader.

November Stats:

o 709 calls for service

o 229 violations

o 116 cases

o 5 arrests

Old Business

Hurricane Ida repairs:

Project 673219-Pump Station Building-Pending Initial Development-Project withdrawn due to 100% reimbursement from the Drainage District-the sandblasting is complete and tank installation to take place within the next couple of months.

Project 673191 (2371)-Pump behind Little Eagle and Flood Gate at Park-Obligated and funds received; work completion deadline is February 2024.

Project 673198 (2408)-Big Electrical Box at Pump Station-Obligated and awaiting funds; work completion deadline is February 2024.

Project 673187 (2454)-Street and Caution Signs-Obligated and awaiting funds; work completion deadline is February 2024.

Project 679655 (2523)-Lift Stations and Sewer Plants-Obligated and funds received; work completion deadline is February 2024.

Project 673210 (2472)-Town Hall and Fuel Canopies-Obligated and funds received; work completion deadline is February 2024.

Project 724905 (2520)-Pump Station Equipment Shed-Obligated and funds received; work completion deadline is February 2024.

Project 673226 (2753)-Basketball Pavilion and Canopy Next to Senior Citizens-Awaiting obligation.

Project 724904-Christmas Lights Inventory-Pending CRC Project Development.

Project 706063-Senior Citizens Craft Building-50% rule request. Pending PDMG Scope and Cost Routing.

Project 706065-Swimming Pool Pump Building-50% rule request. Pending FEMA Peer Review.

Project 673215-Swimming Pool Bath House Building-50% rule request. Pending CRC Project Development.

Project 715033-Le Petit Caporal Boat-Pending CRC Project Development.

Project 731342-Swimming Pool-50% rule request. Pending CRC Project Development.

Project 663139-Drainage Canal Debris Removal-Pending Initial Development.

Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that we are resubmitting new paperwork for the Lafourche Parish Hurricane Ida Recovery Grant when available and the deadline is 6/30/2024.

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 and it should take place around 12/11/2023, but they still have not started.

Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that we are waiting for the parish to fix Ridgewood Boulevard., Doucet Drive, and Norman Street.

Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the playground equipment arrived and installation is complete. The handicap swing installation is also complete. A motion to remove playground equipment and handicap swing from the agenda, 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.

Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that we are waiting on possible Recreation District funding to purchase Uline trash cans ($525 X 25 cans) for the park and this will be addressed in the 1st quarter of 2024.

Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the Recreation District will spend approximately $1.5 million in Oakridge Park field work and approximately $1.7 million in lights (to be split between Larose and Golden Meadow). A motion to remove this from the agenda, 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.

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-Demolition is complete and the attorney needs to file a lien. A motion to have the Ad Hocs opportunity to be heard on 1/2/2024, 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.

BC 1022-213 N Bayou Drive-Mae Malcomb Guilbeau, Malcom James Guilbeau, and Connie Elizabeth Guilbeau-The demolition is complete and the lien is filed. The property on the north side of 213 N. Bayou Drive property is still damaged, so we are keeping this on the agenda until it is fixed.

BC 1023-135 Pierce St.-Charles and Christina Battles. Condemnation hearing is scheduled for 1/2/2024.

BC 1026-2216 South Bayou Drive-Francis Plaisance (Plaisance Dragline & Dredging)-The demolition bid was awarded on 12/4/2023 and the Council gave additional time for repairs/demolition, with the next update on 1/16/2024.

BC 1029-Corner of South Bayou Drive-AMC Liftboats-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days and the deadline is 12/27/2023.

BC 1030-Tamplain Lane-Allen and Polly Cheramie-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days and the deadline is 12/27/2023.

BC 1031-South Bayou Drive (corner of Chouest Lane and LA 1)-Total Wireline Services-Christine Ford and Perry Perrin-On 12/4/2023, the Council gave 30 days for repairs with the next update on 1/2/2024.

BC 1033-2303 North Bayou Drive-Genevieve Dantin-Condemnation Hearing was 11/20/2023 and Council gave until 12/18/2023 to get the succession straight. Ms. Corine Berthelot advised that the succession is complete; they just need Stephen Dantins signature. A motion to appoint Ad Hoc Attorney Eugene Gouaux III to represent Stephen Dantin, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Toups; ABSENT: NONE. A motion to have a condemnation hearing at the 2/5/2024 meeting with the new owners, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Billiot. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: Toups; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1036-129 Summers Street-Warren and Robbi Michel-Homeowner Robbi Michel is present and she advised that they have listed the property for sale, but they will be repairing the roof so she is asking for 30 days to get a permit and repair the roof. A motion to issue a condemnation order and give the homeowners 30 days to make repairs, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; 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.

BC 1037-170 Pierce Street-Joycelyn Callais-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days and the deadline is 12/27/2023.

BC 1038-1841 South Alex Plaisance Boulevard-Thomassie Commercial Properties (Faith Filce, Agent)- On 12/4/2023, the Council gave 30 days for repairs with the next update on 1/2/2024.

BC 1039-114 St. Mary Street-Richard and Kiesha Plaisance-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days and the deadline is 1/6/2024.

BC 1040-113 North Bayou Drive-Brian Eymard- On 12/4/2023, the Council gave 30 days for repairs with the next update on 1/2/2024.

New Business

A motion to approve the November budget to actuals financial statements, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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 Mayor Bouziga to sign Amendment #1 to the CEA with SCPDC for Implementation of Building Codes to extend the agreement from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2026, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; 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.

South Central Planning and Development Commissions (SCPDC) Tom Watkins presented the new Condemnation Proceedings:

BC 1024-2124 South Bayou Drive-Noel Camardelle and Sidney C. Kelley-Condemnation hearing scheduled for 12/18/2023. A motion to issue a condemnation order and give Mr. Camardelle until 3/1/2024 to demolish the property, 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.

BC 1032-118 Cliff Lane-Land-Glo, LLC (Charles Michael Callais, agent). Condemnation hearing scheduled for 12/18/2023. Mr. Watkins advised we have service on both property owners. Mr. Cehan advised there have been no improvements since the previous inspection and he recommends proceeding with the condemnation. Town Clerk Cloutier advised the property owner could not appear tonight, but sent an email with pictures that is in all the Council Members binders. Council Member Billiot advised he spoke to the property owner and they are storing something for their employees and once they get that, they will either repair or tear down the building. A motion to issue a condemnation order and give the property owner 30 days to demolish or repair the property, 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.

BC 1041-137 Washington Street-Wilbert Collins Jr.-Condemnation hearing scheduled for 12/18/2023. Inspector Cehan advised that some demolition has been started. Town Clerk Cloutier advised that there are updated pictures from today in the Council Members binders. A motion to issue a condemnation order and give the property owner 30 days to demolish or repair 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.

BC 1042-106 Alario Lane-Alan and Evelyn France-Condemnation hearing scheduled for 12/18/2023. Mr. Cehan advised there have been no improvements since the previous inspection and he recommends proceeding with the condemnation. A motion to condemn the property, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A motion to give the homeowners 30 days, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Billiot. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Toups.

BC 1045-1812 South Bayou Drive-P.J. and Beverly St. Pierre-Condemnation hearing scheduled for 12/18/2023. Mr. Cehan advised there have been no improvements since the previous inspection and he recommends proceeding with the condemnation. The property owners are present. Mr. St. Pierre advised he paid someone to come pick up everything and they have yet to clean it up. A motion to give the property owner 30 days to repair or demolish the property and then give an update, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Toups.

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

A motion to add trash pickup to the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Toups. Council Member Cheramie stated that the trash is being picked up, but not as fast as he would hope.

A motion to add the town thefts to the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. Mayor Bouziga asked Chief Dufrene if there was an update on the boat stolen about a month ago and stated there was another one stolen last night. Chief Dufrene stated there was no update yet. The Mayor stated that we could possibly put cameras at the beginning and end of town.

Mayor Bouziga asked for audience comments.

Lafourche Parish Councilman advised that the $16.50 charge will be on the water bill for every water meter you have starting in January.

With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn this meeting at 8:21 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

9674275 12/30/23