TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 6, 2024
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, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM. He instructed everyone to refrain from cell phone use until the meeting adjourns.
Willis Toups led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Jody Cheramie led everyone in prayer.
Town of Golden Meadow Council Members Present: Jody Cheramie, Laci Latiolais, Kip Plaisance, and Willis Toups
Town of Golden Meadow Council Members Absent: Mike Billiot
Others attending were: Lanny Castagnetta, Joseph Cehan, Buffy Charpentier, Marc Charpentier, Tracee Cloutier, Wilbur Cloutier, Troy Dufrene, Morris Hunter, Jeray Jarreau, Uriah Lasseigne, Daniel Lorraine, Angie Matherne, Rachel Robichaux, McNeely Rome, Farrell Trahan, Tom Watkins, and Kyle Williams.
A motion to approve the towns regular meeting minutes from April 15, 2024, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
A motion to approve the towns special meeting minutes from April 30, 2024, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
Mayors Report:
A motion to authorize Mayor Bouziga to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Lafourche Parish Government for garbage and trash collection, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
A motion to authorize Mayor Bouziga to dedicate the 2 old Pump Station tanks as surplus junk and no longer needed for public purpose; and to auction them with the bids beginning at $400.00 each, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Building Permits: Chairman McNeely Rome from the Board of Adjustments advised that they recommend not approving Patsy Cheramies variance request, after discussing with the Board of Adjustments and Town Engineer John Plaisance. A motion to accept the Board of Adjustments recommendation, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: Cheramie; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Occupational Licenses: NONE
Because Town Engineer John Plaisance is absent, a motion to defer all items from the Project Status Report on the agenda, except for item number 7, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Capital Outlay-Armand/Alcide Area Drainage-Planning and Construction; plans came back too costly. A meeting was held on 4/9/2024 to discuss alternate options. A motion to authorize GIS to secure a servitude on the ditch that borders the town line near Armand St on behalf of the town, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Town Attorney Jeray Jarreau presented the Attorneys Report:
1504 S. Bayou Dr. (Walter Guidry and Martin Perkins)-Condemnation Order issued for Owner to repair or demolish the property by 5/20/2024.
Town Attorney Jarreau discussed the possibility of Tamplain Lane being turned back over to the Town with the Mayor and Council. She advised that they informed Mr. Cheramie that they cant move forward until they pay the GIS Engineering bill.
Town Attorney Jarreau advised that she, the Policy Committee, Town Clerk Tracee Cloutier, and Chief Troy Dufrene met to discuss the Communication Policy; and they decided to table changing the policy for now as the interior door solved some of the problems. A motion to remove Communication Policy from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Town Attorney Jarreau advised that she will email the Council the Grievance Policy and Hostile Work Environment Policy for the Council to review so they can be voted on at the next meeting.
Town Attorney Jarreau advised that she will email the Council the Bid Packet for Demolition draft.
A motion to introduce a Bereavement Ordinance, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
A motion to have a public hearing on 5/20/2024 at 6:45 PM to discuss the Bereavement Ordinance, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Police Chief Troy Dufrene presented the Police Business:
Update on Speed Humps-Chief Dufrene is still waiting on the reports and Dursette Street will be done once the bridge reopens.
Police Department Equipment-Chief Dufrene advised that they are still expecting the dash cameras this month.
LPSO to put speed reader on North Bayou Drive-Chief Dufrene advised that a speed reader was placed in the school zone. A motion to remove LPSO to put speed reader on North Bayou Drive, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
On 4/22/2024, the Police Employee Benefits Committee met to discuss the Police Employee Benefits. Although the Town would love to provide this benefit, the financial cost is too great at this time. A motion to remove Police Employee Benefits 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, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Council Member Plaisance asked about an abandoned car close to True Value. Chief Dufrene advised that we or the land owners would eventually end up towing the vehicle.
Council Member Plaisance asked that the Council be informed if there are any major issues, such as accidents in the town. Chief Dufrene advised that when the last accident happened, that Council Member Plaisance is referring to, that Assistant Chief Kevin Landry was off and the Lafourche Port Commission couldnt work that night. The Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office was answering calls and didnt inform Chief Dufrene of the accident. He advised he will inform the Council if something major happens in the town that he is made aware of.
Old Business
Hurricane Ida Repairs:
Project 673219-The Pump Station Building tank installation has been completed. A motion to remove Project 673219 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
The following projects have been obligated and received funding with a work completion deadline of February 2025:
o Project 673191 (2371)-Bid awarded to Powerhouse for Pump Behind Little Eagle in the amount of $6,380.00 and Flood Gate at Park in the amount of $4,600 with work to be completed no later than 6/2/2024.
o Project 673198 (2408)-Big Electrical Box at Pump Station-Bid awarded to Powerhouse in the amount of $9,140.00 with work to be completed no later than 6/2/2024.
o Project 673187 (2454)-Street and Caution Signs-Bid awarded to Powerhouse in the amount of $42,552.00 with work to be completed no later than 6/8/2024.
o Project 724905 (2520)-Pump Station Equipment Shed-Bid awarded to Powerhouse in the amount of $41,900.00 with work to be completed no later than 6/2/2024.
o Project 679655 (2523)-Lift Stations and Sewer Plants-out for bid. Bids due 5/6/2024. Bids Received:
? Picciola Construction-$133,900.00
? Powerhouse Construction:
- Ridgewood Boulevard Lift Station-$6,100.00
- St Louis Street Lift Station-$7,200.00
- Lefort Lane Lift Station-$12,000.00
- Theriot Street Lift Station-$6,350.00
- S Alex Plaisance Lift Station-$3,650.00
- South Sewer Plant-no bid
- North Sewer Plant-no bid
- Paul Street Lift Station-$4,300.00
- Callais Lane Lift Station-$3,450.00
- Ave E Lift Station-$6,220.00
Total of $49,270.00, but doesnt include South and North Sewer Plants. Mayor Bouziga asked Town Attorney Jarreau to check how we would handle the bids since he did not bid on all of the lift stations. A motion to establish a committee with Town Counsel, Council Member Latiolais, and Council Member Plaisance to decide how this is handled, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
o Project 673210 (2472)-Town Hall and Fuel Canopies-out for bid. Bids due 5/6/2024. Bids Received:
? Picciola Construction-$49,450.00
? Powerhouse Construction:
- Fuel Canopies-$8,300.00
- Town Hall-$21,600.00
Total of $29,900.00
A motion to accept the bid from Powerhouse Construction for the Fuel Canopies and Town Hall, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
o Project 715033-Le Petit Caporal Boat-out for bid. Bids due 5/6/2024. Bids Received:
? Picciola Construction-$34,200.00
? Gerard Ledet-$29,368.00
Town Clerk Cloutier advised the Council that we are only getting back $27,046.00 from FEMA. A motion to accept the bid from Gerard Ledet for the Le Petit Caporal Boat, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
o Project 724904-Christmas Lights Inventory-order was received. A motion to remove Project 724904 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
o Project 663139-Drainage Canal Debris Removal- out for re-bid. Bids due 5/6/2024. Bids Received:
? Outer Limits Contractors-$48,000.00
? Harris Construction of LA LLC-$84,000.00
A motion to accept the bid from Outer Limits Contractors for drainage canal debris removal, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: Cheramie; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Project 706063-Senior Citizens Craft Building-50% rule request; asbestos testing completed on 4/2/2024 and asbestos found; waiting on FEMA for project development. Town Clerk Cloutier advised that the additional requests documentation was submitted; they had a call last week and it is still under review.
Project 731342-Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Pump Building, Swimming Pool Bath House Building (combined into one project for possible alternate project)-50% rule request; Pending Initial Development; asbestos testing completed on 4/2/2024 and asbestos found; waiting on FEMA for project development; DDD signed and moving forward in the FEMA system.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that we received $11,042.76, so $195,345.07 is remaining of the $205,407.00 for the Lafourche Parish Hurricane Ida Recovery Grant. The deadline is 6/30/2024.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the Parish will request bids in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2024 to repair the asphalt on Ridgewood Boulevard, Doucet Drive, and Norman Street.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the LGAP application was submitted on 11/13/2023 and the results are expected July/August 2024.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that Mandatory Fuel Management has cleaned the fuel tank and it is being used by our vehicles with no issues so far. A motion to remove Mandatory Fuel Management from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
South Central Planning and Development Commissions (SCPDC) Tom Watkins presented the updates on the Condemnation Proceedings:
BC 1023-135 Pierce St.-Charles and Christina Battles. Condemnation Order issued 4/15/2024. Demolition bid was awarded to BM Construction in the amount of $2,550.00. The notice of demolition has been sent, has had proper service, and it should take place on 5/14/2024.
BC 1029-Corner of South Bayou Drive-AMC Liftboats-Demolition bid was awarded on 2/5/2024 for $14,500.00, however a party is interested in purchasing a portion of the building which will modify the bid dimensions. Next update is due 5/20/2024.
BC 1030-127 Tamplain Lane-Allen and Polly Cheramie-Condemnation Hearing scheduled 5/20/2024.
BC 1032-118 Cliff Lane-Land-Glo, LLC (Charles Michael Callais, agent)-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024.
BC 1033-2303 North Bayou Drive-Corinne Berthelot-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024. On 4/15/2024, the Council voted to have the front roof torn down.
BC 1036-129 Summers Street-Warren and Robbi Michel Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024.
BC 1038-1841 South Alex Plaisance Boulevard-Thomassie Commercial Properties (Faith Filce, Agent)-work is progressing with next update due 5/20/2024.
BC 1040-113 North Bayou Drive-Brian Eymard-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024.
BC 1041-137 Washington Street-Wilbert Collins Jr.-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024.
BC 1044-130 Malgum Lane-Sean and Emily Bernard-Condemnation Order was issued 4/15/2024. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that there havent been any changes since the previous inspection, so they recommend proceeding with the condemnation. A motion to go out for demolition bids, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
BC 1046-904 North Alex Plaisance Boulevard-Jeremiah St. Pierre-Demolition bids are due on 5/6/2024. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that there havent been any changes since the previous inspection, so they recommend proceeding with the condemnation. Demolition Bids Received:
Harris Construction of LA LLC-$2,500.00
A motion to accept the bid from Harris Construction of LA LLC for demolition of BC 1046, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
BC 1048-166 Jefferson Street-Kajun M Investments (Agent-Angie Matherne)-Condemnation Order issued for 5/20/2024. Ms. Matherne is present. Mr. Watkins advised Ms. Matherne that the building inspector will inspect the property before the next Council meeting.
BC 1050-160 Jefferson Street-Rosalus and Edith Rebstock-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024.
BC 1051-155 Jefferson Street-Charles Collier-The 2/20/2024 condemnation hearing was rescheduled to 5/6/2024 due to not getting proper service and having to appoint an Ad Hoc Attorney. The Ad Hoc Attorney has requested this hearing be reset to 5/20/2024.
BC 1058-South Bayou Drive-Lafourche Sports Complex-On 4/1/2024, the Council voted to appoint an Ad Hoc Attorney for the 6/30/2024 Condemnation Hearing.
BC 1062-132 Pierce St.-Leo Lopez-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with the next update at the 5/6/2024 meeting. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that the property is demolished and all of the debris is removed. A motion to remove BC 1062 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
New Business
A motion to execute the Maintenance Agreement including mowing and litter pickup with DOTD, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
A motion to approve the parade permit request for the Krewe des Couyons for 2/22/2025, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
A motion to approve the parade permit request for the Krewe des Lutins Irish-Italian parade for 3/29/2025, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Latiolais. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
A motion to approve the April 2024 Budget to Actuals Financial Reports, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the trees behind the DMV are tearing up the building and the fuel canopies. He stated that the Town requested bids to get the trees cut down. Bids Received:
Cut & Trim, LLC-$21,750.00
DTB General Contractors, LLC-$23,600.00
SBL Construction, LLC-$20,917.50
A motion to accept the bid from SBL Construction to cut the trees behind the DMV and pay for it from the DMV Building Fund, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: Billiot.
South Central Planning and Development Commissions (SCPDC) Tom Watkins presented the new Condemnation Hearings scheduled for 4/1/2024:
BC 1034-118 Griffin Lane-Dale Bouzigard and Edgar Bouzigard III-SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that the structure is torn down, but there is still material and 2 dumpsters on site. A motion to remove BC 1034 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Cheramie; but was then rescinded due to not being complete.
Mayor Bouziga asked if there was any other business that needed to be brought up to the Council.
Council Member Cheramie advised that the trash is getting picked up.
Mayor Bouziga asked for audience comments.
McNeely Rome advised the Council that there will be an Open Meetings seminar on 5/8/2024 at 6:00 PM at the Lafourche Parish Government Complex in Mathews.
Kyle Williams announced that the Lafourche Concert and Events Club will be hosting Mothers Day at the Park at Oakridge Park on 5/11/2024 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn this meeting at 8:19 PM, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
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MAYOR JOEY BOUZIGA
ATTESTED:
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RACHEL ROBICHAUX
ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK
10191379 5/18/24