PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMISSION OF THE PARISH OF LAFOURCHE,STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT THE MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2024.

The Board of Commissioners of the Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility, Thibodaux, Louisiana on March 20, 2024.

Present: President Damon Stentz, Commissioner Suzanne Howell, Commissioner Brooks Wallace, Commissioner Arthur Rice, Commissioner Roberta Dickerson

Absent: Commissioner Ray Bernard, Commissioner Dwayne Rebstock

President Stentz announced that a quorum was present, and the meeting was opened for public comment. No comment from the public was received.

On motion by Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Rice, the Commission approved the minutes of the January 17, 2024 meeting.

Executive Directors Report:

The Executive Director announced that Ms. Lynette Pierce, Detention Supervisor has retired. Ms. Campbell presented to the Commission the plan of the change of structure. She explained the roles of Executive Director Dawn Campbell, Program Director Aeriale Bias, Director of Facilities Obie Johnson. The Executive Director handed the Commission the Director of Facilities job description for their review. Ms. Campbell stated that they have identified a staff member on each unit that has been doing paperwork to help the supervisors and approached them to make that official. She also mentioned that there is a fourth staff member that would assist. She mentioned that the individuals had received an increase in salary. The Executive Director stated that an individual has been interviewed for the Social Service Director position. She mentioned that the staff members that were identified are Mr. Steven Stewart in Detention, Mr. Larry Mosely in Boys Unit, Ms. Kimberly Mitchell in Girls Unit, and Ms. Jennifer Chauvin as the fourth identified. Ms. Campbell talked about the responsibilities that the Evening Coordinator, Ms. April Williams has. The Commission agreed to move forward with the change of structure. The Executive Director gave the Commission an update on the facility. She stated that the facility had recently hired about six individuals in round one and are planning round two interviews. Ms. Campbell informed the Commission that the pipes have been repaired and the facility will be upgrading the server. The Commission asked how the facility teacher was doing and the Executive Director responded that she is working out well.

Presidents Report:

President Stentz recapped the visit from Sheriff Weber and District Attorney Kristine Russell. He mentioned to the Commission that District Attorney Russell called him to inform him that she had spoken with the Legislators and told them that the facility does a fine job but needs to be updated. President Stentz stated that the facilitys two main needs are updates in technology and staffing before the Commission can go into anything else. The Executive Director stated that the one need from law enforcement, which is written in the Childs Code, is the fulfillment of their responsibility to transport residents to court. Ms. Campbell mentioned that the facility is working on two grants, Mother Teresa Womens Giving Circle of the Catholic Foundation, and the Bayou Community Foundation Grant. The Executive Director stated next meeting date would be May 15, 2024.

New Business:

On motion by Commissioner Wallace, seconded by Commissioner Dickerson, the Commission approved the financial statement for the months of January and February 2024.

On motion by Commissioner Dickerson, seconded by Commissioner Rice, the Commission approved the proposed 7/1/24 6/30/25 Financial Budget along with Budget Message and approved to schedule a public hearing for the budget on May 15, 2024 at 1:45p.m.

There being no further business, on motion by Commissioner Wallace, seconded by Commissioner Howell, the meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

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Damon Stentz, President

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Brooks Wallace, Secretary-Treasurer