LEGAL NOTICE

OFFICIAL

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA

JUNE 26, 2024

FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA

The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.

The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Olander and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Hill.

Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the First Regular Meeting, June 12, 2024; Special Session, June 12, 2024; and Special Session, June 18, 2024 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.

Terri Foulcard, Registrar of Voters and Raquel Baker, Chief Deputy, ap- peared before the Council to present the details of the new voting location for early voting at West St. Mary Civic Center for Districts 1, 2, 3, and At-Large. She stated that currently there is an early voting site in Morgan City and in Franklin.

Mrs. Foulcard informed of an additional proposed voting site at West St. Mary Civic Center. She stated that citizens can vote at any of the three locations during early voting. She also stated that this is a much needed service that will give voters residing in Sorrell, Four Corners, Glencoe, and Charenton the opportunity to have a closer early voting location. She in- formed that early voting for Presidential voting this year will be held for 10 days.

In response to several Council Members’ inquiries relative to cost, Mrs. Foulcard informed that they have eliminated several suggested items from the State’s list that are not needed. She also informed that the State pays 100 percent of the labor cost for commissioners and security forever. She further in- formed that the State’s small site estimated annual cost is $6,390 that the Secretary of State will pay in advance but the Parish’s reimbursement will be a quarterly payment plan. She also informed that the estimated startup cost is $4,200.

Mr. Ina requested to move up Item 13A, “Resolution approving and authorizing the Parish President to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between Louisiana Department of State, Office of the Secretary of State, St. Mary Parish Registrar of Voters, St. Mary Parish Council, and West St. Mary Civic Center relative to the use of new polling facility for early voting.”

In response to Mr. Hebert’s relative to funding, Finance Committee Chairman Rev. Mathews stated that the cost could easily be absorbed in the budget. Parish President Sam Jones stated that he has $5,000 benchmarked for this project and that it is important to make this available for citizens to vote.

In response to Dr. Rink’s inquiry, Mrs. Foulcard stated that Raquel Baker will work this location as a full time Chief Deputy.

Dr. Rink clarified that the maximum is $6,390 and that the cost could be lower than that.

Rev. Mathews moved that the following Resolution be adopted. Mr. Ina seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:

YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

RESOLUTION

A resolution authorizing Sam Jones, the President to execute a Memorandum of Understanding be- tween Louisiana Department of State, Office of the Secretary of State, St. Mary Parish Registrar of Voters, St. Mary Parish Council, and West St. Mary Civic Center relative to the use of new polling facility for early voting.

BE IT RE- SOLVED, that Sam Jones, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding be- tween Louisiana Department of State, Office of the Secretary of State, St. Mary Parish Registrar of Voters, St. Mary Parish Council, and West St. Mary Civic Center relative to the use of new polling facility for early voting, with said Memorandum of Understanding to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.

ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this 26th day of June 2024.

APPROVED:

S/G

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,

CHAIRPERSON

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

ATTEST:

LISA C.

MORGAN,

CLERK

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

Mrs. Hidalgo stated that Larry Aucoin phoned to inform that he will not be able to appear before the Council to discuss St. Mary Parish Boards and Commissions.

Darren J. Gussman appeared before the Council to discuss a drainage/pump issue at his property located on Lake Pa- lourde Road. He stated that he owns DJ’s Welding Service in Amelia, a marine business that needs access to the bayou. He informed that there is an overhead power line that runs across his property to service a drainage pump that has not worked in 14 years. He explain-ed that the power line interferes with the use of some of his heavy equipment. He stated that he has attended several Drainage Board meetings to voice his concerns and at first was told that the line could be run underground but later was told that Mr. Gussman’s would have to pay for it. His concern also is that the neighborhood has drainage problems and properties flood.

Mr. Duhon stated that he did not pull those pumps and loaned Mr. Gussman a 6 inch hydraulic pump several times. He stated that previous administration did install pipes behind Amelia Belle Casino and that he is trying to get the pump reinstalled. He also stated that the drainage district bought an auxiliary pump about two years ago that has never been install-ed.

Per Dr. Rink’s inquiry relative to the availability of GOMESA Funds or grant funding, Chief Administrative Officer, Paul Governale stated that there are some coastal funds that may be available, the GOMESA Funds have been spent, and he would have our Grant Administrator research information.

Mr. Duhon stated that he has been trying to have pumps installed for the last two years and that the drainage district has approximately $1.7 million dollars in the bank and can afford to install pumps.

Leroy Trim ap- peared before the Council to discuss St. Mary Parish Boards and Commissions and stated that he had been a member on the Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A Board for eight years and questioned why he was not informed nor reappointed to this board at the last Council meeting.

In response to Mr. Trim’s inquiry, Mr. Duhon stated that Mr. Davis made the motion for that appointment. He stated that Mr. Trim’s term was up and felt that a change was needed, as discussed earlier regarding pump issues. He expounded on issues with the pumps that had not worked in several years, drainage issues, and other issues in the area.

Roddie Matherne, CEO, Pelican Waste & Debris, LLC, District Manager Kuchonni Lewis, and Supervisor Marcus Jacquet appeared be- fore the Council to provide an update on the St. Mary Parish residential solid waste collection program.

Several Council Members informed of residents’ complaints relative to Pelican’s service and commended Pelican for a job well done to correct these issues.

Per President Jones’ inquiry, Mr. Matherne stated that there are8,000 bear carts in St. Mary Parish that costs approximately $350 each. He stated that drivers are paid approximately $19-$20 per hour and hoppers are paid approximately $14-$16 per hour.

Parish President, Sam Jones stated that the Cajun Coast Tourist Center has approximately $2.6 million in the bank and his concern is that the Parish is not getting proper cooperation with them. He stated that he will reach out to them to schedule a meeting to discuss issues.

President Jones expounded on projects, such as road overlays in the Parish.

In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, President Jones expounded on Capital Outlay regarding Fairview/Odyssey House, Morgan City Walking Trail, and resignations of four Fire District No. 7 Board members.

Several Council Members had lengthy discussion regarding their concerns with the resignations of four Fire District No. 7 Board members, offering training for these boards and commissions, and suggested President Jones include such issues in his report to inform the Council to help re- solve issues.

Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale stated that after a few Fire District No. 7 Board Members met with President Jones the first time, they decided not to re- sign and withdrew their resignations but did resign a few days later, after their next board meeting. He stated that he and newly appointed Finance Director, Desiree Gros have looked at some of the records that were turned in and everything looks good. He said he has been in touch with the bond attorney to obtain a debt schedule and informed that he can obtain the bank records once he is authorized to do so.

Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale submitted his re- port for a two (2) week period ending June 26, 2024.

Mr. Governale informed that the newly appointed Water & Sewer Commission No. 5 Board Members have filed their oaths of office and that normally their meetings are held on the second Monday of the month. He will reach out to them to try to schedule it for Monday, July 8, 2024. He stated that Legal Counsel, Eric Duplantis, has offered to train the board as to their responsibilities, posting agendas, taking minutes, and posting minutes.

Rev. Mathews stated that the meeting will be held at West St. Mary Civic Center, which is located in that district.

In response to Mr. Ina’s inquiry relative to the wage comprehensive study and organizational re- view study of Parish employees, Mr. Governale stated that he will follow up with McGriff, the firm that offered to conduct these studies at no charge. Mr. Ina requested that Mr. Governale include his findings in his CAO report at the next meeting.

Per Mr. Olan-der’s inquiry relative to replacing center section boards at Quintana Boat Landing, Mr. Governale stated that there are two slips to use, one is functional and the other is closed due to that portion of the landing being underwater. He stated that he will discuss this with the Public Works Director.

Mr. Duhon stated that he can tear down several derelict structures in Siracusaville but needs to contact Roddie Matherne, CEO, Pelican Waste & Debris for dumpsters and get permission to be on the property. Mr. Governale stated that he will talk to the Planning & Zoning Department to see if they have open files on these structures.

In absence of Planning & Zoning Director, Mandi LeBlanc, Mr. Governale presented the following item as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their June 17, 2024, Regular Meeting:

a. Recommend Preliminary & Final Subdivision Development Approval –

Name: Lynn Patrick Landry

Address: 854 Hwy. 318, Jeanerette, LA

Parcel Id# Parcel #1814921028.00- Sec. 5 T14S R8E - 16.15 Ac Tract Bd Lockett - Sorrel - Taylor - Jones (now Hwy 318) Acq 392 333679

Zoned: Agricultural (AG) Zoned District

PURPOSE: as shown on a plat titled “Plan of Land showing a portion of property of Lynn Patrick Landry, et al. as per COB 392, Entry 333,679 being Tract “BEFGB” to be acquired by St. Mary Parish Fire District No. 11 Situated in Section 5, T14S-R8E St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Southwestern Land District” as drawn by Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. Engineer & Land Surveyors, DWG. No. 14190-1 dated May 13, 2024.

Pending Board of Adjustments ap- proval, at the July 1, 2024, meeting.

Mr. Adams recommends that Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development be approved. Rev. Mathews seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Adams mov-ed that the reading of the Public Hearing Report – June 12, 2024 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.

Dr. Rink moved that the following Resolutions be adopted. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:

YEAS: Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, and Mathews

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

RESOLUTION

Resolution auth- orizing Sam Jones, the President to execute Maintenance Agreements with the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Office of Engineering relative to Mowing and Litter Pickup for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025.

BE IT RESOLV-ED, that Sam Jones, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Maintenance Agreements by and between the Department of Transportation and Development Office of Engineering, with said Maintenance Agreements to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.

ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this 26th day of June 2024.

APPROVED:

S/G

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,

CHAIRPERSON

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

ATTEST:

LISA C.

MORGAN,

CLERK

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

RESOLUTION OF

ACCEPTANCE

Resolution auth- orizing and directing the President to execute for and on behalf of the Parish of St. Mary, a Certificate of Substantial Completion from Otis Elevator Company relative to a new elevator at Fairview Treatment Center.

WHEREAS, Otis Elevator Company, 2000 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70005, has substantially completed the new elevator at Fairview Treatment Center.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Parish of St. Mary that the President be, and he is hereby em- powered, authorized, and directed to execute a Certificate of Substantial Completion for and on behalf of the Parish of St. Mary accepting the new elevator project at Fairview Treatment Center.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that he be authorized and directed to have a copy of said Certificate of Substantial Completion recorded in the mortgage records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.

ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of June 2024.

APPROVED:

S/G

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,

CHAIRPERSON

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

ATTEST:

LISA C.

MORGAN,

CLERK

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

In response to several Council Members’ inquiry, Mr. Governale stated that the elevator is near completion and will cost approximately $200,000.

RESOLUTION

Resolution providing for the approval and authorization for Change Order No. 2 relative to the Micro-Surfacing of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway Project.

WHEREAS, a certain contract has been entered into between the St. Mary Parish Council and Vance Brothers, Inc., P.O. Box 300107, Kansas City, MO 64113, to the Micro-Surfacing of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway Project, and

WHEREAS, the items as shown on Change Order No. 2 will result in a decrease of $87,955.55 in the contract price.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby approve the issuance of Change Order No. 2 covering a de- crease of $87,955.55 in the contract price for the Micro-Surfacing of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the President of St. Mary Parish, Sam Jones, be and he is hereby authorized to execute Change Order No. 2 on behalf of the St. Mary Parish Council.

ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of June 2024.

APPROVED:

S/G

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,

CHAIRPERSON

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

ATTEST:

LISA C.

MORGAN,

CLERK

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

RESOLUTION OF

ACCEPTANCE

A Resolution authorizing and directing the President to execute for and on behalf of the Parish of St. Mary, a Certificate of Substantial Completion from Vance Brothers, Inc. relative the Micro-Surfacing of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway Project.

WHEREAS, Vance Brothers, Inc., P.O. Box 300107, Kansas City, MO 64113, has substantially completed the Micro-Surfacing of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Parish of St. Mary that the President be, and he is hereby em- powered, authorized, and directed to execute a Certificate of Substantial Completion for and on behalf of the Parish of St. Mary accepting the Micro-Surfacing of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that he be authorized and directed to have a copy of said Certificate of Substantial Completion recorded in the mortgage records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.

ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of June 2024.

APPROVED:

S/G

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,

CHAIRPERSON

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

ATTEST:

LISA C.

MORGAN,

CLERK

ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Discussion and action relative to appointments to St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission (11 Board Members).

After Lisa Morgan explained the appointment process, Rev. Mathews moved that Baldwin Mayor, Clarence Vappie be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 1. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Ina moved that Dr. Gary Wiltz be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 2. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Olander moved that John Higdon be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 3. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Hill moved that Jeremy Ches-teen be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 4. Mr. Duhon seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Rulf moved that John Armato be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 5. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Hebert stated that he does not have a recommendation to appoint to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 6 and requested to place this item on the next agenda.

Mr. Davis stated that he does not have a recommendation to appoint to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 7 and requested to place this item on the next agenda.

Mr. Duhon mov-ed that Betty Cheramie Hicks be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent District No. 8. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.

Dr. Rink moved that Kenneth Perry, Jr. be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent At-Large District No. 9. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.

Mr. Adams mov-ed that Barry Dufrene be ap- pointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent At-Large District No. 11. Mr. Rulf seconded the motion, which carried.

Mrs. Hidalgo moved that John Trevino, Sr. be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission to represent At-Large District No. 10. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.

Lisa Morgan stated that Jeremy Chesteen will re- sign from the Planning & Zoning Commission in or- der to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission.

After discussion, Mr. Ina requested that the Home Rule Charter Commission’s first meeting be held on July 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., 5th Floor Courthouse, Franklin. Dr. Rink seconded the mo- tion, which carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:

Kemper Williams Park Advisory Committee – 3 Vacancies

No applications received.

Lisa Morgan in- formed that a late application was received after the deadline from present member David Bourdier, it will be placed this on the July 10, 2024 agenda.

Dr. Rink inform-ed that these vacancies are for the Franklin and Baldwin areas.

St. Mary Parish Library Board of Control (SMP except Morgan City) – 1 Vacancy

Adriane F. Kramer, Sherita Narcisse

Rev. Mathews moved that Sherita Narcisse be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Library Board of Control. Mr. Ina seconded the motion.

Mr. Hebert amended the motion to appoint Adriane F. Kramer to the St. Mary Parish Library Board of Control. Dr. Rink seconded the motion.

Several Council Members discussed the backgrounds of each applicant and appointment re- quirements.

Amended mo- tion to appoint Adriane F. Kramer to the St. Mary Parish Library Board of Control carried by the following 7-4-0-0 Roll Call vote:

YEAS: Olander, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo

NAYS: Hill, Duhon, Mathews, and Ina

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

The motion to appoint Adriane F. Kramer passed with a favorable vote. Rev. Mathews, Mr. Ina, and Mr. Hill voted no.

Recreation District No. 3 (Bayou Vista) – 1 Vacancy

Edward Gay VI – Present Member

Mr. Hill moved that Edward Gay VI be reappointed to Recreation District No. 3. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.

St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission (District 1, 2, & 3 (1 Vacancy), District 7, 8, and bordering 9 (1 Vacancy) and At-Large (1 vacancy)

Kimberly S. Walden (Dist. 1, 2, & 3) – Present Member, Keith Leonard (At- Large) – Present Member

Mr. Adams mov-ed that Kimberly S. Walden (Dist. 1, 2, & 3) and Keith Leonard (At- Large) be reappointed to St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.

Wards 5 and 8 Joint Sewer Commission – 1 Vacancy

No applications received.

St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 (Four Corners/Glencoe) – 1 Vacancy

Sandra E. Lockett – Present Member, Bettye J. Tillman, Virginia Sutton

Rev. Mathews moved that Sandra E. Lockett be reappointed to Water and Sewer Commission No. 5. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.

Waterworks District No. 5 – 2 Vacancies

Phelo J. Keller – Present Member

Mr. Olander moved that Phelo J. Keller be reappointed to Waterworks District No. 5. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.

There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.

S/G

GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO

Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,

Chairperson

S/G LISA C. MORGAN

Lisa C. Morgan,

Clerk

Adv. July 17, 2024