Legal Notice
EVANGELINE PARISH POLICE JURY
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 4, 2024
The Police Jury met in regular session assembled with the following members present: Bryan Vidrine, Sidney Fontenot, Darion Arvie, Ryan Ardoin, Brent Guillory, Tim Causey, Keith Saucier, Daniel Arvie and Kevin Veillon. All members were present.
There were no comments from the public regarding the agenda items.
Motion was made by Sidney Fontenot and seconded by Tim Causey to approve the February 5, 2024 public hearing, committee and regular meeting minutes. Motion carried.
LGAP and CWEF grant applications were then discussed. $40,000 of grant funds will be used to replace water well controls and chlorination systems for existing water wells and $20,000 will be used for the expansion of the sewer treatment plant at Industrial Park.
Introduction and a Congratulations was given to the Sacred Heart Girls Basketball Program.
Motion was made by Kevin Veillon and seconded by Sidney Fontenot to approve the following changes to Cemetery Caretaker Contracts for 2024:
• Fontenot, Heritage Rd. Cemetery-Replace Heidi Bordelon with Jeremy Bourque to be paid overtime through payroll.
• Point Blue Cemetery – Change monthly rate from $150 to $250.
• Bieber Cemetery – Change monthly rate from $214 to $300.
• Zion Cemetery – Change monthly rate from $214 to $300.
• Church of Christ – Change monthly rate from $178 to $278.
• Perron Cemetery – Change monthly rate from $178 to $278.
• Carlton Rideaux – approve overtime pay for Cemetery Maintenance of Ardoin Cemetery and Old St. Ann Cemetery.
Motion carried.
The jury discussed equipment needed for parish wide grass cutting. Motion was made by Keith Saucier and seconded by Tim Causey to approve the purchase of equipment for parish wide grass cutting and approve a new hire for the grass cutting crew. Motion carried.
The jury discussed the creation of a Solar Panel Advisory Board which will consist of 7 members to obtain information and outside input for the future Solar Panel Farms. Motion was made by Kevin Veillon and seconded by Darion Arvie to approve moving forward with the creation of a Solar Panel Advisory Board which will consist of 2 jurors and 5 outside members. Motion carried.
Possible moratorium on future Solar Panel Farms was then discussed. A moratorium for the previous solar farms is not sufficient because of verbiage of the adopted solar farm ordinance. A resolution can be adopted by the Jury per legal counsel which would need to be clearly stated that the jury is adopting a moratorium on the issuances on permits for future solar panel projects.
Motion was made by Kevin Veillon and seconded by Keith Saucier approving to adopt a resolution to call for a moratorium on future solar farm projects until December 4, 2024 in order to find out more about solar farms and study how these solar farms are affecting the people, if these projects are an economic benefit. This study would also be sufficient in modifying the current solar farm ordinance. Motion carried.
Public Works Director stated to the Jury that 2 parish bridges are in non-compliant status for DOTD Off-system Bridge Program. A meeting will be set up with DOTD to further discuss this issue.
Nuisance and neglected properties were then discussed. The parish has $10,000 for each road district allocated for the demolition of these properties. A list will need to be obtained in order to move forward with the project. A meeting will also be scheduled with the Sheriff to discuss the violations and penalties related to any property where a nuisance is found to exist and who shall fail to comply.
Discussion was held regarding St. Matthew Cemetery which has been neglected and abandoned. This property is private therefore is not the responsibility of the Jury. It was stated that St. Matthew Church will provide maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery.
Agenda item #9 will be tabled at this time.
Motion was made by Kevin Veillon, seconded by Keith Saucier and unanimously adopted to amend the agenda to add the following items:
• Appointment of member to the Ward 4 Fire Department.
• Update on Insurance from Agent, Scott Soileau.
Scott Soileau addressed the Jury to discuss Property and Casualty Insurance for the Parish. Due to non-renewal with the parish’s current provider, other quotes and options from carriers are being obtained.
Motion was made by Keith Saucier and seconded by Tim Causey approving to appoint Mr. Kenneth Granger as board member for the Ward 4 Fire Department. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Sidney Fontenot and seconded by Keith Saucier authorizing payment of bills on file in the Police Jury Office. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Sidney Fontenot and seconded by Darion Arvie approving the jail supply list as submitted. Motion carried.
Public Works Director gave the following report
• Requesting approval for the purchase of equipment for District 4.
• Requesting purchase of rail car for District 4.
Motion was made by Darion Arvie and seconded by Brent Guillory to approve the purchase of equipment for District 4 in the amount of $49,500, to be paid out of Road District Four Funds. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Kevin Veillon and seconded by Darion Arvie to approve the purchase of a rail car for District 4 at approximately $16,800, to be paid out of Road District Four Funds. Motion carried.
• Approve transfer of Crooked Creek truck to Region A.
Motion was made by Kevin Veillon and seconded by Keith Saucier to approve the transfer of Crooked Creek truck to Region A in the amount of $15,000. Motion carried.
• Approve pay increase and change of status of road employees.
Motion was made by Ryan Ardoin and seconded by Brent Guillory approving a pay increase to Carlton Rideau in the amount of $15/hour and change of status for Nick Reed from part-time to full-time. Motion carried.
Parish Engineer gave the following reports:
• Wyble Sewer Project went for bids and was over budget in approximately $100,000. President has initiated a request to the Water Sector Board for their review which will be considered at their meeting this month.
Motion was made by Keith Saucier and seconded by Ryan Ardoin approving to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
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Bryan Vidrine, President
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Dirk Deville, Secretary-Treasurer
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