TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, May 20, 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 20, 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: Mike Billiot, Jody Cheramie, Laci Latiolais, Kip Plaisance, and Willis Toups

Town of Golden Meadow Council Members ABSENT: NONE.

Others attending were: Ben Autin, Bryce Autin, Stephanie Bollinger, Joseph Cehan, Tracee Cloutier, Wilbur Cloutier, John Cuneo, Troy Dufrene, Brian Eymard, Walter Guidry, Daniel Lorraine, Heather Martin, Johnine Rebstock, Rosalus Rebstock, Rachel Robichaux, Jeremiah St. Pierre, Craig Stewart, Tom Watkins, and Kyle Williams.

A motion to approve the towns regular meeting minutes from May 6, 2024, 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 rename Circle G near Ridgewood Blvd to Avenue Vu and have a Public Hearing on 6/3/2024 at 6:45 PM, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Building Permits: NONE

Occupational Licenses: NONE

Town Engineer John Plaisance presented the Project Status Report:

North Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrades-Work in progress and the deadline to complete is 5/31/2024. There is still some blasting and painting to do and once all is complete, they will have a walkthrough with the Maintenance Foreman, Council Member Plaisance, Mayor Bouziga, and any other Council Members who want to join.

Sewer Phase VII LCDBG (Terrebonne & Delgrandile)-On 4/2/2024, the contracts were executed. Contract time is 180 days estimated to be on or about 9/29/2024. They will have a preconstruction conference during the week and anticipate issuing a notice to proceed on 5/28/2024.

Mitigation Project (Seawall)-GOHSEP and FEMA did not approve; working with Representative Scalises and Senator Cassidys and Kennedys office to find funding.

Infrastructure Grant applications (FMA) (4 main drainage projects)-A motion to authorize Mayor Bouziga to hire South Central Planning & Development Commission for the procurement of Engineering Services, 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (Sewer Phase VIII (8)) (Cheramie)-Town Attorney Jarreau should have the appraisal work done. A motion to authorize Mayor Bouziga to sign the servitudes and related documents, 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Capital Outlay-Replacement of Sewer Lift Station behind Williams Road-Planning and Construction; 4/1/2024 FP&C approval was received and bids were opened 5/16/2024. A motion to award LA Contracting Enterprise the base bid for $293,094.00 pending facility planning approval, 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Capital Outlay-Armand/Alcide Area Drainage-Planning and Construction; plans came back too costly; GIS is still designing the pump station and the culverts going to the pump station and should have it done within the next couple of weeks.

Town Engineer Plaisance advised that 9 Capital Outlay requests for fiscal year 24-25 were submitted on 10/31/2024 for projects (Dursette-Pershing Drainage, Jefferson Street Drainage, Oakridge Park Drainage, Maintenance Building 30x80 Lean To (to replace Equipment Shed), Martinez Drainage and Culvert Cleaning Proposal with Atakapa Services) and results are expected June 2024.

Chlorine Contact Chamber at the South Plant will need to be replaced. Town Engineer Plaisance advised they received a budget number from STAT and they are trying to get them to finalize it. In the meantime, they are in the process of getting another quote.

Town Attorney Bryce Autin presented the Attorneys Report:

1504 S. Bayou Dr. (Walter Guidry Jr. and Martin Perkins)-Condemnation Order issued for Owner to repair or demolish the property by 5/20/2024. SCPDC Building Inspector Joseph Cehan advised they are doing a full walk through on 5/22/2024. Walter Guidry will come to the 6/3/2024 meeting to address the Council and see if the property can be taken off of the condemnation list.

Town Attorney Autin discussed the possibility of Tamplain Lane being turned back over to the Town with the Mayor and Council. ROW Documents have been drafted and waiting on GIS for plat and property description. Town Attorney Autin advised that they are still working on an agreement with the property owners to pay for services to move forward and will provide an update on 6/3/2024.

A motion to add the Grievance Policy and Hostile Work Environment Policy to the Town of Golden Meadows Policies and Procedures, 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

A motion to adopt the latest bid packet drafted by the Town Attorneys for demolition of condemned buildings, with the addition of informing where the debris will be dumped when they make the bid, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

A motion to adopt the Bereavement Leave Ordinance, with the removal of Section D and to also give the Mayor discretion to grant more time off as needed for the employees of the Town of Golden Meadow, 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Police Chief Troy Dufrene presented the Police Business:

Update on Speed Humps-Chief Dufrene advised that all assessments have been completed and the reports turned in except for Dursette (awaiting bridge repair completion). Cheramie Lane, Washington Street, and Oakridge Drive were assessed and none of the streets qualify for speed humps according to the criteria that needs to be met for Lafourche Parish. Chief Dufrene also advised he is waiting at Wilfred Duet Street in the mornings to catch citizens speeding towards the fire station on their way to school and he has been able to write tickets for speeding. A motion to remove Update on Speed Humps from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE. This will be added back to the agenda once the testing equipment is fixed and the Golden Meadow Bridge reopens.

Police Department Equipment-Chief Dufrene advised that they are still expecting the dash cameras this or next month.

April 2024 Police Stats:

o 623 calls for service

o 107 cases

o 77 citations

o 3 arrests

Old Business

Hurricane Ida Repairs:

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 $4,600.00 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. Mayor Bouziga advised that we are still trying to get the equipment shed moved to the maintenance building and are waiting on state approval, so the deadline might be amended for this project completion.

o Project 679655 (2523)-Lift Stations and Sewer Plants-Council to consider awarding bids received on 5/6/2024. Town Attorney Autin, Council Member Latiolais, and Council Member Plaisance met to discuss the bids received at the 5/6/2024 meeting. When the bids were requested, a list of locations were given with instructions to send the bids in a separate sealed envelope. Powehouse Construction submitted 8 individual sealed bids in 1 envelope and Picciola Construction submitted 1 total bid for 11 locations. According to Town Attorney Autin, it is fine that Powerhouse submitted the bids separately because state law doesnt cover bids under $250,000.00. A motion to award the following bids to 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-$24,050.00

? North Sewer Plant-$17,740.00

? Paul Street Lift Station-$4,300.00

? Callais Lane Lift Station-$3,450.00

? Ave E Lift Station-$6,220.00

and the following bid to Picciola Construction:

? Williams Road-$12,400.00,

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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

o Project 673210 (2472)-Town Hall and Fuel Canopies-Bid awarded to Powerhouse for the Town Hall repairs in the amount of $21,600.00 and Fuel Awning (Canopy) in the amount of $8,300.00 with work to be completed within 60 days of contract date.

o Project 715033-Le Petit Caporal Boat-Bid awarded to Gerard Ledet in the amount of $29,368.00 with work to be completed within 60 days of contract date.

o Project 663139-Drainage Canal Debris Removal-Bid awarded to Outer Limit Contractors in the amount of $48,000.00 with work to be completed within 60 days of contract date.

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.

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 5/13/2024 Amendment to DDD submitted 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. Town Clerk Cloutier advised that we will receive payments every quarter.

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 current status is that it is approved for Legislative Concurrence.

Cutting of trees behind the DMV-contract was awarded to SBL Construction for $20,917.50 and work is to be completed within 60 days of contract date.

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. SCPDCs Building Inspector Joseph Cehan advised that the property is demolished and the debris is in a dumpster on-site. A motion to remove BC 1023 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

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. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that there havent been any changes since the last inspection, though he talked to the party interested in buying the property today and they are planning to tear down the front part of the building. A motion to rescind the previous bid awarded and request new bids with different specs for the front part of the building, 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1030-127 Tamplain Lane-Allen and Polly Cheramie-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that they are making repairs and they stated it will no longer be condemnable by the end of this week. A motion to give them 14 days, with an update at the 6/3/2024 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 1032-118 Cliff Lane-Land-Glo, LLC (Charles Michael Callais, agent)-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised there havent been any changes since the last inspection. Mr. Callais called Town Clerk Cloutier today to let her know he is waiting on a sales agreement from the Parish who are purchasing both warehouses and tearing down the back one. A motion to give them 14 days, with an update at the 6/3/2024 meeting, 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 1033-2303 North Bayou Drive-Corinne Berthelot-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that the renovation work has begun since the last inspection and he recommends allowing them to continue the work. A motion to give them 30 days, with an update at the 6/17/2024 meeting, 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.

BC 1034-118 Griffin Lane-Dale Bouzigard and Edgar Bouzigard III-SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that the property is demolished and all of the debris is removed. A motion to remove BC 1034 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, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

BC 1036-129 Summers Street-Warren and Robbi Michel-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with next update due 5/20/2024. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that work is continuing since the last inspection and he recommends allowing them to continue the work. A motion to give them 30 days, with an update at the 6/17/2024 meeting, 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 1038-1841 South Alex Plaisance Boulevard-Thomassie Commercial Properties (Faith Filce, Agent)-Condemnation Hearing was scheduled for today, however we do not have proper service on the agent. A motion to give them 30 days, with an update at the 6/17/2024 meeting, 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, Billiot; NAYS: Latiolais; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE. The Council wants to have Mr. Thomassie appear at the 6/3/2024 meeting and are setting the Condemnation Hearing for 6/17/2024.

BC 1040-113 North Bayou Drive-Brian Eymard-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that work is continuing since the last inspection and he recommends allowing them to continue the work. A motion to give them 30 days, with an update at the 6/17/2024 meeting, 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.

BC 1041-137 Washington Street-Wilbert Collins Jr.-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that they are almost done taking the floor framing down. A motion to give them 30 days, with an update at the 6/17/2024 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.

BC 1044-130 Malgum Lane-Sean and Emily Bernard-Condemnation Order was issued on 4/15/2024 and demolition are bids due on 6/3/2024.

BC 1046-904 North Alex Plaisance Boulevard-Jeremiah St. Pierre-Condemnation order issued. On 5/6/2024, the demolition bid was awarded to Harris Construction of LA, LLC for $2,500.00-awaiting contract execution and notice to owner. Mr. St. Pierre is present and notified the Council that he is donating the building to someone. A motion to give them 30 days to have the donation complete and the building moved, 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. Mr. St. Pierre also wants the town to send a grass complaint letter to the neighboring property-108 St. Pierre Lane.

BC 1048-166 Jefferson Street-Kajun M Investments (Agent-Angie Matherne)-Condemnation Order issued for 5/20/2024. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised there havent been any changes since the last inspection so they recommend moving forward with the condemnation. A motion to go out for demolition bids, 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.

BC 1050-160 Jefferson Street-Rosalus and Edith Rebstock-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that they are continuing the interior demolition. A motion to give them 30 days, with an update at the 6/17/2024 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 1051-155 Jefferson Street-Charles Collier-Condemnation Hearing today with the Ad Hoc Attorney Eugene Gouaux III. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised there havent been any changes since the last inspection so they recommend moving forward with the condemnation. Ad Hoc Attorney Gouaux is present via Zoom. Ad Hoc Attorney Gouaux ran a couple of ads in the Daily Comet back in April with no response. He also mailed a certified letter to the last known address that came back returned. He hasnt heard from anyone associated with the property. Mr. Watkins recommends moving forward with the condemnation. A motion to issue a 14 day condemnation order, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Billiot. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

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.

New Business

A motion to move the 6/17/2024 meeting to 6/18/2024 due to the LMA District Meeting on 6/17/2024, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Billiot; NAYS: Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE. Motion denied.

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

A motion to add 1009 North Bayou Drive to the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Chief Dufrene asked the Council for guidance on what to do about 1009 North Bayou Drive. The house caught on fire on 4/11/2024. There is no running water, electricity, or gas. He has been in contact with DCFS because there are children involved. SCPDCs Building Inspector Cehan advised that they did an electrical inspection on the home 2 weeks ago. He stated that the inspection failed, and they have a lot of work to do before the electricity can be turned back on. Their neighbor stated they have people working on the home, but they are not sure if they are licensed contractors. Chief Dufrene is sending the Assistant Chief out to do a welfare check and make sure no one is staying in the house right now. A motion to start condemnation proceedings against 1009 North Bayou Drive, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

A motion to add Keep Lafourche Beautiful Committee to the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Toups. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

A motion to appoint Kyle Williams to the Keep Lafourche Beautiful Committee, as presented, was made by Council Member Cheramie; seconded by Council Member Billiot. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Toups, Plaisance, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.

Mayor Bouziga asked for audience comments.

With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn this meeting at 8:41 PM, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.

___________________

MAYOR JOEY BOUZIGA

ATTESTED:

___________________

RACHEL ROBICHAUX

ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK

10232403 6/4/24