TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 7, 2024
Golden Meadow Town Hall
107 Jervis Dr.
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
Mayor Joey Bouziga was present for the public meeting and called it to order on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 7:00 PM. He instructed everyone to refrain from cell phone use until the meeting adjourns.
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: Joni Alario, Ben Autin, Stephanie Bollinger, Chad Breaux, Marc Charpentier, Tracee Cloutier, Angela Curole, Paul Curole, Devin Dedon, Connie Demere, Nancy Filinich, Darryl Gisclair, Jeray Jarreau, Michelle Lafont, Tait Lafont, Uriah Lasseigne, Daniel Lorraine, Edward Louviere, Patricia Louviere, Angie Matherne, Dwayne Matherne, Rickey Messer, Stella Mobley, Keith Morvant, Rachel Robichaux, Peyton Rogers, McNeely Rome, Alexis Schwertz, Tom Watkins, Bobby Wescovich, and Kyle Williams.
Willis Toups led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Edward Louviere led everyone in prayer.
A motion to approve the towns regular meeting minutes from 9/16/2024, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Toups. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
Mayors Report:
A motion to approve the purchase of 2 generators for the lift station, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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.
Building Permits: Chairman McNeely Rome from the Board of Adjustments advised that they recommend approving the front and rear yard variance request for Rebecca Griffin at 135 Vics Lane. A motion to take the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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.
Occupational Licenses: Kenneth Aucoin-HGII-Relaxing (Air BnB) 2606 South Bayou Drive-Mayor Bouziga advised that after doing some research, this needs to go to the Zoning Committee because it is in an R2 Zone. A motion send this to the Zoning Committee, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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.
Project Status Report:
A motion to defer Items 1-9 from the Project Status Report to the 10/21/2024 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Town Attorney Jeray Jarreau presented the Attorneys Report:
Off Road Vehicle LA1 Legislation-Town Attorney Jarreau asked for the Council to review the draft before the next meeting and send any feedback to the Town Attorneys.
BC 1051-155 Jefferson Street Charles Collier-Demolition is Complete and Opportunity to Be Heard-Towns Cost we are seeking to be reimbursed is $4,264.88
BC 1044-130 Malgum Lane Sean and Emily Bernard-Demolition is Complete and Opportunity to Be Heard- Towns Cost we are seeking to be reimbursed is $5,210.53.
Town Attorney Jarreau advised that the notices for the above properties-BC 1051 and BC 1044 Opportunities to Be Heard were sent to the Ad Hoc Attorney Eugene Gouaux III on 9/16/2024 via email. On 10/7/2024, he emailed Town Attorney Jarreau, waiving his appearance at tonights hearing as he has no valid defense as to why the property owners should not be legally responsible for the monies spent on the demolition costs for the above properties. She and Town Attorney Autin are deciding if they will add the costs to the 2024 Ad Valorem Tax Bill or sue the landowners to have the property seized and sold at public sale. A motion to authorize the Town Attorneys to file a statement of claim in the mortgage records, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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.
A motion to introduce a revision to Ordinance 553 and schedule a Public Hearing on 10/21/2024, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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.
A motion to add Clerk of Court to the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Town Attorney Jarreau stated that Clerk of Court Annette Fontana asked her to let everyone know that Early Voting will be from 10/18/2024 to 10/29/2024 from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM at the Veterans Memorial Building on LA 3235, except on Sundays.
Chief Troy Dufrene presented the Police Business:
Status of Police Vehicle to be Sold at Auction-Chief Dufrene advised that Brennan Matherne emailed that the stickers are off of the vehicle and all of the equipment is disassembled. When he gets it back, he will clean it up, take pics, and give the information to Town Clerk Tracee Cloutier to list at auction.
Chief Dufrene presented Life Saving Awards to LPFD #3s Chief Devin Dedon and Town of Golden Meadow Police Officer Bobby Wescovich for saving citizens submerged in a vehicle in the bayou on 8/31/2024.
September 2024 Stats:
o 693 Calls for Service
o 142 Violations
o 116 Cases
o 4 Arrests
Chief Dufrene advised that Night Out Against Crime was held on Tuesday, 10/1/2024 and was a success. He thanked Bryan Fontenot-State Representative, Willis Toups, and Bryce Autin for their monetary donations. He also thanked Off the Bone Meat Market, Rouses, Wal-Mart, State Bank, Dollar General, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Lafourche Concert and Events Club, and the Baptist Church for donating items and Memaws Cajun Cuisine for making the chili. He also wanted to thank the Golden Meadow Police Department, Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office, Lafourche Parish Fire District #3, State Police, and Port Fourchon Harbor Police for participating. He also wanted to give a special thanks to the Town of Golden Meadows Maintenance Crew for keeping the park clean and the grass cut.
Old Business
Hurricane Ida Repairs:
The following projects have been obligated and received funding with a work completion deadline of October 2024:
o Project 673191 (2371)-Pump behind Little Eagle and Flood Gate at Park
o Project 673198 (2408)-Big Electrical Box at Pump Station
o Project 673187 (2454)-Street and Caution Signs
o Project 724905 (2520)-Pump Station Equipment Shed-This is complete. A motion to remove Project 724905 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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.
o Project 673210 (2472)-Town Hall and Fuel Canopies-The Fuel Canopies are complete, but we will keep this on the agenda as the Town Hall is not.
o Project 679655 (2523)-Lift Stations and Sewer Plants
Project 706063-Senior Citizens Craft Building-50% rule request; awaiting update from FEMA on next step.
Project 731342-Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Pump Building, Swimming Pool Bath House Building (for possible alternate project)-awaiting update from FEMA on next step.
Mayor Bouziga advised the Council that the Lafourche Parish Hurricane Ida Recovery Grants ($205,407.00) deadline is 6/30/2025. Town Clerk Cloutier advised that when they extended the date, they removed the restrictions where it had to be a FEMA project, so we are expecting to recoup the full amount.
Mayor Bouziga advised that the Parish is requesting bids this quarter to repair the asphalt on Ridgewood Boulevard, Doucet Drive, Norman Street, and South Henry Street. Council Member Cheramie advised that South Henry Street is fixed. A motion to remove South Henry Street from 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, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Bouziga advised that the LGAP application was submitted on 11/13/2023 and approved for $35,000. We received bids to cement the Skate Park parking lot with handicap parking:
Sealed bid received 10/3/2024 from Clarence Mart Contractors-$54,744.61
Emailed bid received 10/7/2024 from Damien Adams-$38,875.00
Emailed bid received 9/30/2024 from MJ Construction-$39,817.52
A motion to accept the bid from Damien Adams for $38,875.00, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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. A motion to pay the remaining balance not received from LGAP with ARPA funds, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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.
Speed Humps on Washington Street, Dursette Street, and Cheramie Lane-Council Member Cheramie is still working on the criteria. Town Attorney Jarreau advised that she contacted Traffic Logic to get a cost for speed humps and she will be sending that information to Council Member Cheramie.
Mayor Bouziga advised that Entergy has been contacted about trimming trees around the light poles and they have trimmed some.
South Central Planning and Development Commissions (SCPDC) Tom Watkins presented the updates on the Condemnation Proceedings:
BC 1029-Corner of South Bayou Drive-AMC Liftboats-SCPDC Building Inspector Keith Morvant advised that demolition is complete, but the back portion is a metal building with the front wall missing which needs to be repaired. Town Attorney Jarreau advised that she will reach out to Joey Rebstock. She also advised that a Notice to be Heard will need to be scheduled.
BC 1032-118 Cliff Lane-Lafourche Parish Government-SCPDC Building Inspector Morvant advised that demolition is complete and all materials have been removed from the property. A motion to remove BC 1032 from the agenda, as presented, was made by Council Member Latiolais; 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 1033-2303 North Bayou Drive-Corinne Berthelot-Condemnation Order issued with the next update due 10/21/2024.
BC 1036-129 Summers Street-Warren and Robbi Michel-Condemnation Order issued with the next update due 10/21/2024.
BC 1038-1841 South Alex Plaisance Boulevard-Thomassie Commercial Properties (Faith Filce, Agent)-Condemnation Order issued with the next update due 10/21/2024. Town Cletk Cloutier advised that they are making progress and there are updated pictures in the Councils binders.
BC 1040-113 North Bayou Drive-Brian Eymard-Condemnation Order issued with the next update due 10/21/2024.
BC 1048-166 Jefferson Street-Kajun M Investments (Agent-Angie Matherne)-On 6/17/2024, a demolition bid was awarded to BM Construction; on 9/3/2024, Council requested to move forward with demolition no earlier than 9/23/2024, but they werent able to get sufficient service. Angie Matherne is present. SCPDC Building Inspector Morvant advised that progress is ongoing and if it stops, we should move forward with the demolition. A motion to give Kajun M Investments 30 days with an update at the 11/4/2024 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. 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 with the next update due 10/21/2024.
BC 1053-142 Louviere Lane-Kyle Breaux and Chad Breaux-Condemnation Hearing today and Chad Breaux is present. SCPDC Building Inspector Morvant advised some of the vegetation has been removed from the property, but there havent been any changes to the structure since the previous inspection and they recommend moving forward with the condemnation. Mr. Breaux advised he wants to demo the structure, but needs to get some stuff out of it first. A motion to issue a 30 day Condemnation Order, with an update at the 11/4/2024 meeting, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; seconded by Council Member Cheramie. A roll call vote took place as follows: YEAS: Cheramie, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE.
BC 1054-120-B Malgum Lane-Betty Phares Orgeron and Jack Phares (all have a 10% interest)-Condemnation Order issued; Mary Brown Phares and Edward Verdin-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with an update at the 10/21/2024 meeting; Mary Phare Cox-Condemnation Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2024.
BC 1063-1009 North Bayou Drive-Brandy Alonzo-Condemnation Order issued and Council requested to go out for demolition bids due on 10/7/2024. SCPDC Building Inspector Morvant advised that there havent been any changes since the previous inspection and they recommend moving forward with the condemnation. A motion to open demolition bids, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; 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. Bids Received:
o DTB General Contractors-$5340.00
o BM Construction-$9,000.00
A motion to accept the demolition bid from DTB General Contractors, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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 1064-136 Dursette Street-Donna Terrebonne Bourg, Lorraine Lucille Dufrene Terrebonne, Estate of Nolta Joseph Terrebonne, Estate of Robert John Terrebonne, and Estate of Karen Terrebonne Callais-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with an update at the 10/21/2024 meeting; Charles Anthony Terrebonne and Lucas Bourgeois-Ad Hoc Attorney Appointed with Condemnation Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2024
BC 1065-138 Pelican Lane-Estate of Victor Boudreaux, Estate of Julia Borne Boudreaux and Estate of Victor Gabriel Boudreaux, Jr.-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with an update at the 10/21/2024 meeting; Alice Bruce Boudreaux-Ad Hoc Attorney Appointed with Condemnation Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2024
BC 1066-130 Pelican Lane-Estate of Athanas Borne and Estate of Earline Marie Cheramie Borne-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with an update at the 10/21/2024 meeting; Guldan LLC, Dylan Touchstone (Agent for Service of Process)-Condemnation Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2024
BC 1067-234 Rue Pouche Vide-Estate of Hilda Alario Turnage and Juanita Turnage Gogreve-Condemnation Order issued for 30 days with an update at the 10/21/2024 meeting; Euell Turnage-Ad Hoc Attorney Appointed with Condemnation Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2024
BC 1068-112 Marshland Street-Sybil Aupied Daigrepont-Condemnation Order issued. SCPDC Building Inspector Morvant advised that there havent been any changes since the previous inspection and they recommend moving forward 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, Plaisance, Toups, Latiolais, Billiot; NAYS: NONE; ABSTAINED: NONE; ABSENT: NONE. Town Attorney Jarreau advised that she will call Ms. Daigreponts daughter Valerie for an update.
BC 1071-400 North Alex Plaisance Blvd-The Vindez Corporation, Vince Diez, as Agent for Service of Process-Condemnation Hearing Scheduled for 10/21/2024.
New Business
A motion to approve the September 2024 Budget to Actuals Financial Statements, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; 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.
A motion to reappoint Mayor Bouziga to represent the Town of Golden Meadow to the Board of the Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority, as presented, was made by Council Member Billiot; 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.
A motion to request an inspection at 131 Dursette Street, as presented, was made by Council Member Plaisance; 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.
Council Member Latiolais advised that we are getting everything ready for Trunk or Treat. It should be beautiful weather and we have about 41 cars signed up. The park will be closed during the day on 10/11/2024 to prepare.
Mayor Bouziga asked if there was any other business that needed to be brought up to the Council.
Council Member Cheramie advised that trash is being picked up.
Mayor Bouziga asked for audience comments.
Kyle Williams advised that the Krewe Des Babettes Halloween Parade is 10/19/2024 at 7:00 PM, with a pre party at the Golden Meadow Oakridge Park from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Town Citizen Patricia Louviere stated she was happy to see the sign that we are getting a library.
Town Citizen Connie Demere announced she was running for Town Council.
Town Citizen Nancy Fillinich announced she was running for Town Council.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn this meeting at 8:05 PM, as presented, was made by Council Member Toups; seconded by Council Member Plaisance. The Council unanimously approved the motion as presented.
MAYOR JOEY BOUZIGA
ATTESTED:
RACHEL ROBICHAUX
ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK
10/19/24 10682387