TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024

MATHEWS, LOUISIANA

STATE OF LOUISIANA

PARISH LAFOURCHE

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL, PARISH OF LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, WAS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M., HELD AT THE MATHEWS GOVERNMENT COMPLEX, 4876 HIGHWAY 1, MATHEWS, LOUISIANA AND LIVE-STREAMED ON LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENTS YOUTUBE LIVE CHANNEL.

The Lafourche Parish Council was duly convened as the Governing Authority of said Parish by Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, who then stated that the Lafourche Parish Council was ready for the transaction of business at 5:00 p.m.

Proceedings of the meeting were called to order with the following:

PRESENT: Mr. Mark Perque, Mr. Charles Rodrigue, Mr. Terry Arabie, Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, Mrs. DLynn Chiasson, Mr. Daniel Lorraine, Mr. Archie Chaisson, III, Parish President ABSENT: Mr. DeJae Broomfield, Mr. William T-Boo Adams, Mr. Aaron Bo Melvin, Vice Chair

Chairman Autin announced that the invocation would be led by Mr. Mark Perque. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Charles Rodrigue.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first item (1) on the agenda was a motion to accept the minutes of the May 28, 2024 Regular Session meeting. (Deferred from the June 11, 2024 and June 25, 2024 LPC Meetings)

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie to defer the May 28, 2024 Regular Session minutes, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

DEFERRED UNTIL THE JULY 23, 2024 LPC MEETING

The next item (2) on the agenda was a motion to accept the minutes of the June 11, 2024 Regular Session meeting. (Deferred from the June 25, 2024 LPC Meetings)

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie to defer the June 11, 2024 Regular Session minutes, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Admas, and Mr. Melvin.

DEFERRED UNTIL THE JULY 23, 2024 LPC MEETING

The next item from the floor was a motion to accept the minutes of the June 25, 2024 Regular Session meeting.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie to defer the June 25, 2024 Regular Session minutes, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Admas, and Mr. Melvin.

DEFERRED UNTIL THE JULY 23, 2024 LPC MEETING

STATE AND/OR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

The next item on the agenda was State and/or Federal Legislative Updates.

There was no one present to make a presentation at this time.

LAFOURCHE PARISH OUTSTANDING CITIZEN

The next item on the agenda was the Lafourche Parish Outstanding Citizen.

There were no recommendations at this time.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue, to enter into Executive Session for the following and carried by a vote (6) yeas, (0), nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

The next item (3) on the agenda was La. R.S. 42:17 A (2) Discussion on the following lawsuit: Dustin M. Tregre Vs. Matthew Angelo Angelette, et al File 0926.0067

It should be noted for the record that the full Council present, Parish President Chaisson, Parish Administrator Orgeron, and Mr. Mike Gee entered into Executive Session.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue, to reconvene the meeting, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

A motion was then made by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, to take the necessary actions regarding the matters discussed in the Executive Session, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

The next item on the agenda was any action to be taken from the executive session.

Chairman Autin said, We just took that action so Administration now has the approval to move forward.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The next item (4) on the agenda was La. R.S. 42:17 A (2) Discussion regarding the participation in the New National Opioids Settlement Reference No. CL-793197.

PULLED

ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

The next item (5) on the agenda was a resolution approving the participation in the New National Opioids Settlement; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said participation and release form and any and all relevant documents.

PULLED

PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES

The next item (6) on the agenda was the Parish President to recognize LPG Employee of the Month and/or WOW Employee(s) for the month of June, 2024.

PULLED

LEGAL ADVISOR REPORT

The next item on the agenda was the Legal Advisor Report.

No one requested to make a presentation at this time.

ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECT REPORTS

The next item on the agenda was a presentation of planned, presently on going, recently completed or other projects by appropriate engineering firms engaged by the Parish.

Mr. John Plaisance, GIS Engineering, 16878 W. Main Street, Cut Off, Louisiana, gave a report on the following projects: Butch Hill Pump Station, Valentine Pontoon Bridge, Grand Bayou Freshwater Reintroduction Project, Waste Collection Facility, Hurricane Ida Pump Station Rehabs, Eunice Allemand Pump Station Rehab, the Midway Drainage Study and Report, the Lockport Elevated Boardwalk, and the Ludevine Pump Station.

PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL (PUBLIC HEARINGS, AGENDA ITEMS, ETC.)

The next item (7) on the agenda was Ms. Janet Rhodus to address the Council regarding a pump below the floodgate which has not been replaced by the parish and has resulted in an inundation of mosquitoes due to the constant standing water.

Ms. Janet Rhodus, 21106 Highway 1, Golden Meadow, Louisiana, addressed the Council regarding a pump below the floodgate which has not been replaced by the parish. A brief discussion ensued.

See Exhibit A.

The next item on the agenda was Public Wishing to Address the Council (Public Hearings, Agenda Items, Etc.).

Mr. Tony Bourque, 21454 Highway 1, Golden Meadow, Louisiana, addressed the Council about water pumps that are needed to remove water from his property so that he can access it.

Mr. Reggie Pellegrin, 432 Texas Gulf Road, Bourg, Louisiana, addressed the Council about the flooding around and below Bouquet Street and asked if there any plans to fix the issue. A brief discussion ensued.

Ms. Charlene Rodriguez, P O Box 500, Raceland, Louisiana, stated that the commodities distribution for the Lafourche Council on Aging is being postponed till further notice due to a new contractor taking over.

See Exhibit B.

PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCES FOR RATIFICATION

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie, to open the Public Hearing, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

The next item (8) on the agenda was an ordinance approving NOLA Title Group, LLC and SRI Services, Inc. to publicly advertise and auction the adjudicated property located at 118 West 213th St., Galliano, LA 70354, Assessment No. 0102025900, with a minimum starting bid of $26,420.41; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine, seconded by Mr. Arabie. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. Hearing none, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

ORD. NO. 6940 APPROVING NOLA TITLE GROUP, LLC AND SRI SERVICES, INC. TO PUBLICLY ADVERTISE AND AUCTION THE ADJUDICATED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 118 WEST 213TH ST., GALLIANO, LA 70354, ASSESSMENT NO. 0102025900, WITH A MINIMUM STARTING BID OF $26,420.41

The next item (9) on the agenda was an ordinance approving a lease agreement between Anby, LLC and Lafourche Parish Government for leasing the premises located at 525 Justin St., Lockport, LA 70374 to house the Lafourche Parish Coroners Office; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. Hearing none, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

ORD. NO. 6941 APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ANBY, LLC AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR LEASING THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 525 JUSTIN ST., LOCKPORT, LA 70374 TO HOUSE THE LAFOURCHE PARISH CORONERS OFFICE

The next item (10) on the agenda was an ordinance providing for a 2024 Supplemental Appropriation (24-006) within the 2024 Operations and Maintenance Budget and Capital Outlay Budget increasing the budget for the Coroner, District Court, Head Start, Capital Projects and De-Obligate Culvert Project Buford and Market Street; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said transactions as provided for by Article VI of the Lafourche Parish Home Rule Charter.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue. There was an amendment from the floor offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue as follows:

Amendment:

Remove the language de-obligate Culvert Project Buford and Market Street throughout the ordinance.

Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the amendment to the ordinance. Hearing none, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote on the amendment to the ordinance, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

Chairman Autin then asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the ordinance as amended. Hearing none, and Chairman Autin asked if there was any discussion from the Council.

Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.

Mr. Arabie said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Looking through this ordinance and reading all the stuff that came with it in reference to the Coroners Office. Some of the changes that were making to the Coroners Office, I think was made a couple of months back. More or less the same changes, just adding a few more dollars to the salary and it was vetoed by the Parish President. If we vote for this thing tonight, will he veto it again?

Chairman Autin said, Only Mr. President can answer that. He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.

Parish President Chaisson said, So, its not this particular ordinance, I mean there is some stuff about the Coroners Office, but this has to do with moving some budgetary numbers. Its not necessarily the ordinance that fixes it, thats going to be Proposed #13. But I will say Mr. Chairman since I have the floor. I might veto the ordinance because of the amendment that was just added and only because, nothing against Councilman Arabie. The DPW Director and the Parish Administrator met with Mr. Arabie, we went to meet with some folks that he told us to go see to talk about the issue on Market Street. We were told that there was no issue on Market Street and Buford Street by the person we were told to go meet with, who is also a parish employee. There are a couple of low-lying houses that we have issues with, and so we were moving out of that project instead of wasting it on a project that were not going to have the ability to do anyway into fixing some pump stations. So, well see where that goes, but to answer your question about Item #13, Mr. Arabie, no I will not veto that one again.

Mr. Arabie said, I didnt think you would. I didnt think it would be vetoed at this time. But anyway, getting back to Market Street, Mr. Chaisson. I know who you talked to, and I know some of the employees yall talked to and we do have low-lying areas in that, all subdivisions, two of them. And you cant tell me another outlet to the reservoir canal coming straight off of Market Street is not going to help that water get out of there. Right now, that water has to make two 90 degree turns to get out, two 90 degree turns, not one. A straight shot is going to be a hell of a lot better than making two 90 degree turns. I dont know where you got your engineering degree at, but common sense tells me that if the water goes straight into the reservoir, itll be a hell of a lot quicker than making two 90 degree turns. Thank you.

Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote on the ordinance as amended, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

ORD. NO. 6942 PROVIDING FOR A 2024 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION (24-006) WITHIN THE 2024 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET INCREASING THE BUDGET FOR THE CORONER, DISTRICT COURT, HEAD START, CAPITAL PROJECTS AND DE-OBLIGATE CULVERT PROJECT BUFORD AND MARKET STREET

A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, to close the public hearing, and carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

PROPOSED ORDINANCES

The next item (11) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance approving NOLA Title Group, LLC and SRI Services, Inc. to publicly advertise and auction the adjudicated property located at 20644 Hwy 1, Golden Meadow, LA 70357, Assessment No. 0102155800, with a minimum starting bid of $11,962.14; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.

The next item (12) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance approving Amendment No. 1 to the lease agreement with JBon Properties, LLC to serve clients affected by the Opiod Epidemic; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said amendment and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.

The next item (13) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance amending and re-enacting Chapter 26 of the Lafourche Parish Code of Ordinances as it pertains to Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.

RESOLUTIONS

The next item (14) on the agenda was a resolution in support of rocking the Coastal Barrier Islands and rocking to narrow the island channels off the coast of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.

A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue.

Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Lorraine to have the floor.

Mr. Lorraine said, Yeah, if yall have been watching the news theyre talking about rocking everything from Louisiana to wherever, Florida, Mississippi, no Florida wont let you put no rocks.

Chairman Autin asked, Whos the funding source for that? This is the first I hear of it.

Mr. Lorraine said, No, what it is, is that they rebuilt the island, and that island protects Lafourche and Terrebonne, one of the barrier islands. And they came up with the idea of maybe rocking it.

Chairman Autin asked, Whos they though? Is that CPRA or something, who is that?

Mr. Lorraine said, CPRA.

Chairman Autin said, Who? He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.

Parish President Chaisson said, So, Chairman, one of Chairman Doves initiatives is to try to rock the coast from segmented breakwaters.

Chairman Autin said, So, its coming from CPRA.

Parish President Chaisson said, There is no funding for it though. So, I think if you watched the news article last night that was on Channel 8 theres differing opinions about whether or not it works in certain substrates, or certain substrates in the soil. I mean in some cases it works. I know Mr. Perque sees it all the time with the work its doing around Grand Isle. So, yeah, lets role with it.

Chairman Autin said, Okay. Thats the first I hear of it, thats why I asked. Good resolution. He then acknowledged for Mr. Lorraine to have the floor.

Mr. Lorraine said, They had pumped some sand on there, right Archie. That big island that theyre talking about.

Parish President Chaissons response was inaudible.

Mr. Lorraine said, Yeah, they had put a bunch of sand but then they dont have, if you remember Bird Island.

Chairman Autin said, I do. Been there many times.

Mr. Lorraine said, They had all of them rocks. You know how long it lasted, now its all gone. So, its just a thought. And then we might be able to get the money from Lafourche, you know, five million.

With no other discussion Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-216 IN SUPPORT OF ROCKING THE COASTAL BARRIER ISLANDS AND ROCKING TO NARROW THE ISLAND CHANNELS OFF THE COAST OF LAFOURCHE AND TERREBONNE PARISHES

The next item (15) on the agenda was a resolution requesting the Louisiana Attorney General to render an opinion as to whether Lake Boeuf Game and Fish Commission can be created and if so, may the Lafourche Parish Council create it; and secondly, will the commission be subject to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries control and if so, how does the commission go about obtaining the transfer of functions.

A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Lorraine.

Chairman Autin said, Anyone wants to discuss? I will tell you I talked to the District Attorney, and they are in favor of getting this opinion. He then acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.

Mr. Arabie said, And the reason why were doing this is that were getting some different replies, who has the authority to make this commission. And we approached the Assistant District Attorney, and she recommends that we get an Attorney Generals opinion so that we can get the right answer. So that if we decide to take action, or whoever has to take action to make this commission, if its made, well be on the right page. Thats the only reason why were doing it.

Chairman Autin said, Good deal, and I know when I talked to Secretary Jack, which I know hes a couple of Secretarys ago, but he was very much in favor of the locals controlling, having these commissions to help out with their water bodies. So, Im sure Wildlife and Fisheries will be on board, its just a matter of, how do you correctly go about doing it.

Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-217 REQUESTING THE LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL TO RENDER AN OPINION AS TO WHETHER LAKE BOEUF GAME AND FISH COMMISSION CAN BE CREATED AND IF SO, MAY THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL CREATE IT; AND SECONDLY, WILL THE COMMISSION BE SUBJECT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES CONTROL AND IF SO, HOW DOES THE COMMISSION GO ABOUT OBTAINING THE TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS

The next item (16) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one member to the Keep Lafourche Beautiful Committee representing Fletcher Technical Community College.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque to appoint Trey Clark, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-218 APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE KEEP LAFOURCHE BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE REPRESENTING FLETCHER TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The next item (17) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member on the Fire Protection District No. 3 Board representing the Town of Golden Meadow.

A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to reappoint Troy Dufrene, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-219 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 3 BOARD REPRESENTING THE TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW

The next item (18) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member to the Ambulance Service District No. 1 Board.

A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson to appoint Tad Lafont, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-220 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD

The next item (19) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member on the Fire Protection District No. 3 Board.

A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to reappoint Dean Savoie, seconded by Mr. Perque, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-221 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 3 BOARD

The next item (20) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member on the Fire Protection District No. 8-A Board.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque to reappoint Jonathan Cortez, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-222 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 8-A BOARD

The next item (21) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Fire Protection District No. 6 Board.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque to appoint Stephen Lindley, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-223 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 6 BOARD

The next item (22) on the agenda was a resolution approving to opt in allowing for expedited temporary housing assistance to the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP); and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said form and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-224 APPROVING TO OPT IN ALLOWING FOR EXPEDITED TEMPORARY HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO THE GOVERNORS OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (GOHSEP)

The next item (23) on the agenda was a resolution approving Change Order No. 3 for the project titled New Rodeo Arena & Miscellaneous Repairs to the Raceland Ag Facility increasing the contract price by $114,585.93 and adding 52 additional days; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said change order and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-225 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 FOR THE PROJECT TITLED NEW RODEO ARENA & MISCELLANEOUS REPAIRS TO THE RACELAND AG FACILITY INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE BY $114,585.93 AND ADDING 52 ADDITIONAL DAYS

The next item (24) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between the Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office and Lafourche Parish Government to provide food services at Lafourche Parish Head Start sites; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-226 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LAFOURCHE PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICES AT LAFOURCHE PARISH HEAD START SITES

The next item (25) on the agenda was a resolution approving Task Order No. 1 with La Terre Engineering for the removal of Marine Debris from Hurricane Ida Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Project; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said task order and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Rodrigue, seconded by Mr. Perque, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-227 APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 1 WITH LA TERRE ENGINEERING FOR THE REMOVAL OF MARINE DEBRIS FROM HURRICANE IDA BARATARIA-TERREBONNE NATIONAL ESTUARY PROJECT

The next item (26) on the agenda was a resolution approving Change Order No. 3 for the project titled Hurricane Ida Repairs Lafourche Government Complex Phase 1 Reroofing adding 60 days to the contract time; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said change order and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-228 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 FOR THE PROJECT TITLED HURRICANE IDA REPAIRS LAFOURCHE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX PHASE 1 REROOFING ADDING 60 DAYS TO THE CONTRACT TIME

The next item (27) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Lafourche Parish Government for the project titled Lafourche Parish Elevation Project 1; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-229 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNORS OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE PROJECT TITLED LAFOURCHE PARISH ELEVATION PROJECT 1

The next item (28) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development and Lafourche Parish Government for the project titled Westside Drainage Improvements; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Lorriane.

Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mrs. Chiasson to have the floor.

Mrs. Chiasson said, I would like to call on Dillon to explain whats going on here with these Westside Projects and whats all involved. Because were getting hit, both Archie and I, on drainage between the streets and going under 3235. So, if you could explain why we are doing this and how its going to help alleviate some of this.

Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Dillon Baronne, Public Works Director, to have the floor.

Mr. Dillon Baronne, Public Works Director, said, Ill be as brief as possible. Long story short, what were looking at here is eight different locations that we submitted to DOTD through the Statewide Flood Control Application. What we are looking to do here is ad additional culverts, not replace the culverts that are there, add additional culverts at a lower invert. What we believe is happening is some of these areas, and the model is showing it, the water is stacking up on the upstream side on 3235. And if we could lower it to a lower elevation in a pre-storm condition it could accept more water at that time. And then the culverts that are there would essentially be the high-water flow. So, money is going to dictate how many of these we can do, and were going to attack the worst ones first, but there are eight locations that are being studied, and they range from West 11th and 13th and all the way down to West 217th.

Chairman Autin said, Good enough. Thank you, Dillon, appreciate that.

Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent.

RES. NO. 24-230 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE PROJECT TITLED WESTSIDE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

The next item (29) on the agenda was a resolution accepting a grant from the Bayou Community Foundation in the amount of $13,000.00 for the Reverend Lloyd Wallace Community Center; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Perque, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-231 ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE BAYOU COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,000.00 FOR THE REVEREND LLOYD WALLACE COMMUNITY CENTER

The next item (30) on the agenda was a resolution accepting funding from the United States Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Voucher Rebate Program; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-232 ACCEPTING FUNDING FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY THROUGH THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY & CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT (EECBG) VOUCHER REBATE PROGRAM

The next item (31) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Thibodaux Soccer Association and Lafourche Parish Government for use of vacant property at Heros Park; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.

A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (0) nays, and (3) absent Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Melvin.

RES. NO. 24-233 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THIBODAUX SOCCER ASSOCIATION AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR USE OF VACANT PROPERTY AT HEROS PARK

PARISH PRESIDENT, DEPARTMENT HEADS, DIRECTORS OR MANAGERS REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES

The next item (32) on the agenda was a Department of Public Works representative to present a report.

Mr. Dillon Baronne, Director of Public Works, presented a report on the following projects: Boudreaux Lane, Madewood Place, 40 Arpent Road, Half Oak Drive, Zeller Pump Station, Choctaw Road, Smithwillow Drive, Sandy Lane, Hidden Acres Street, St. Charles Bypass Road, Marleen Street, Maxine Blvd. Outfall, Bayou Blue Bypass Road, Blanchard Canal @ Daisy Lane, Charles Avenue Right-of-Way, Market Street, Hodson Lane Outfall, Fir Street, Adams Street, Boulet North Outfall, Bouverans Circle, West 37th Street, West 79th Street, Leeville Fishing Pier, East 59th Street, West 157th Street Outfall, Tregre Lane, Cypress Street, Fir Street, Chestnut Ridge, LeBlanc Drive, Romy Drive, and East 175th Street. He then went over the work that was done in the office of the Department of Public works, which included the following: 1 Permanent Servitude Acquired, 1 Major Subdivision Inspection & 1 Major Subdivision Review, 3 Property Re-Division Reviews, 12 Culvert Permits & 1 Fence Permit Issued, 365 Work Request Received, 100 Permits Reviewed for Compliance, 7 Jobs Completed by Maintenance Contractor, 24 Projects in Design Phase, 8 Projects Under Construction, 1 Project Out for Bid, and 0 Projects Completed.

See Exhibit C.

QUESTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION

The next item on the agenda was of any Questions for the Administration.

There were no questions for the Administration at this time.

DISCUSSION

The next item on the agenda was of any discussion.

Chairman Autin said, I will say as yall saw earlier on the agenda they had Ms. Rhodus here. Im not sure why theres an ordinance that allows you to get on the agenda as just a Public Wishing, we already have Public Wishing. So, its just more data that is being put on paper and were having to publish it. So, I would recommend that we maybe remove that from the ordinance. If youre Public Wishing to Address, youre coming to address us anyway, you dont need to be on the agenda. So, at some point that was added years ago. The other thing is we probably need to come up with a policy in terms of electronic presentations from the public. My thoughts are it should be hard copy, which is what Ive asked of here. Because, whos going to vet any kind of electronic stuff, and then are we going to rely on the Administration to make that presentation. So, I just wanted to get yall input on what yall thought. I mean Im not trying to be a dictator here, I just, I think that the public is already addressing us. So, I dont think they need to be on the agenda unless yall see some other reason and the electronic side, I think itll be better to have hard copies, better for the minutes, for record keeping versus somebody having to vet whats going to be in that presentation, if yall follow me. So, maybe we can work towards an ordinance on that unless somebody objects or has some other ideas.

Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Lorraine to have the floor.

Mr. Lorraine said, I just think that if somebody wants to put something on the agenda, they are quite welcome to do it. This is a public meeting, this is not a private meeting, and they should feel free if thats what they want to do, do it. And if they dont show up, they dont show up.

Chairman Autin said, I think thats one of my biggest things is it seems like we keep putting stuff on the agenda and they dont show up.

Mr. Lorraine said, No, no I understand and thats your opinion. But I just think youre not being fair with the public, my opinion.

Chairman Autin said, But we have Public Wishing to Address the Council.

Mr. Lorraine said, I understand that but what if theyre running late or something, they decide they want to just put it on way ahead of time. Because when the lady came here tonight, I said you aint got to fill that out, youre already on the agenda. So, no big deal.

Chairman Autin said, I just, I know the last few meetings weve been having a lot where were publishing a lot of information and then theyre not showing up. Not only the public but even with some of the boards. Like maybe even that section too, it could just be open for boards and commissions to do a report. I dont know, I just, I think it would be a little more streamlined and a little less chaotic in my opinion and its already in the agenda, and were abiding by, you know the, what you call it, the open meetings laws, were abiding by it just by having a Public Wishing to Address.

Mr. Lorraine said, At least when its on the agenda you know theyre going, over here its cold turkey, you dont have time to research.

Chairman Autin said, And we could put it, at one time we did have Public Wishing to Address at the end. We could do that too if you think that, like somebodys going to be running late. Anyway, Im going to work towards an ordinance. We can keep it up, you know, and just see how it goes. But I just think, especially the electronic thing, I think that could be an issue with somebody coming in to present something that we maybe dont want to see on the screen. I dont know how you vet it; Im not vetting it. Anyway, that was just, thats the only discussion I had. If theres no other discussion, and it seems theres none, it brings us to Item R.

ADJOURNMENT

On motion by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no further business, the Lafourche Parish Council Meeting of July 9, 2024 adjourned at 1800 hours.

ARMAND NOONIE AUTIN, CHAIRMAN

CARLEEN B. BABIN, COUNCIL CLERK

RACHELE WHEATER

MINUTE CLERK

LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL

10419264 8/5/24