Finance Committee Meeting

Of the

Assumption Parish Police Jury

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

4:45 O’clock p.m.

1. Committee members recorded as present were: Mr. Leroy Blanchard, Chairman; Mr. Myron Matherne, Mr. Ron Alcorn, Mr. Chris Carter, Mr. Jeff Naquin

Other Police Jurors recorded as present were: Mr. Jamie Ponville, Mr. Michael Dias, Mr. Charles Breaux, Mr. Ira Patureau

2. Committee member Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Chris Carter, “THAT, the committee approve to pay bills submitted through September, 2024.” This motion was unanimously adopted.

3. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested approval for the Council on Aging to sell two vehicles previously advertised: 2013 Ford Econoline, 145,705 miles – highest bid $2,591.91 and 2016 Ford Econoline, 114,858 miles – highest bid $777.77.

4. Committee member Chris Carter offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, “THAT, the committee approve the Council on Aging to sell two vehicles previously advertised: 2013 Ford Econoline, 145,705 miles – highest bid $2,591.91 and 2016 Ford Econoline, 114,858 miles – highest bid $777.77.” This motion was unanimously adopted.

5. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested approval to ratify the payment for the Engineering invoice amount for Attakapas Landing for an additional $2,000 totaling $106,303.58. The Secretary-Treasurer stated that there was a discrepancy with the $2,000 that was already owed and that this will be paid from GOMESA Bond.

6. Committee member Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, “THAT, the committee approve to ratify the payment for the Engineering invoice amount for Attakapas Landing for an additional $2,000 totaling $106,303.58 through GOMESA Bond.” This motion was unanimously adopted.

7. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested to discuss the General Fund – Transfer Out Summary. Committee member Ron Alcorn stated that he hasn’t had time to thoroughly look at this. He stated that he thinks this will call for a one-time special finance meeting. This item was tabled. No action was taken at this time.

8. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested approval to accept NewGen Strategies & Solutions Waterwaste Cost of Service and Rate Design Study. The Secretary-Treasurer stated that this is the rate study for the sewer project that needs to be approved so it can start on January 1, 2025.

9. Committee member Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Myron Matherne, “THAT, the committee approve to accept NewGen Strategies & Solutions Waterwaste Cost of Service and Rate Design Study with an increase in sewer charges to $33 per household to be effective 1/1/2025.” This motion was unanimously adopted.

10. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested to discuss the Ward 1 Recreation Allocation. Mr. Ron Alcorn stated that after the discussion with the Secretary-Treasurer he noticed that all of the legal fees were paid out of General Fund which is why Ward 1 shows a negative balance. Mr. Jeff Naquin gave a recommendation that he thinks for any event being held at any park the renter should carry their own insurance. No action was taken. The Jury will have more discussion on how to proceed by January 1, 2025.

11. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested approval to seek help from FEMA with the Himalya Canal and the Lower Texas Canal (W4). Committee member Leroy Blanchard stated that we have a contract with DRC to do waterway debris removal that comes at a cost of $35.50/per linear foot of the canal. He stated that after Hurricane Ida we had about $5,000,000 of debris in the canal and we couldn’t afford the match for the FEMA funds. He stated that this is a 75-25% match and we have to come up with 100% of those funds before they can even start. Committee member Leroy Blanchard recommended that the OHSEP Director get in touch with FEMA to let them know the circumstances. Committee member Leroy Blanchard stated that he recommends he follows up with the Corps on the current project he has to go out to bid due to these canals being in that project.

12. Chairman Leroy Blanchard requested authorization to submit a letter requesting FEMA’s approval of unexpected FEMA reimbursed funds for an alternative project. The OHSEP Director stated that for Hurricane Ida estimates were sent to FEMA from the Insurance company, then FEMA cut the check to complete the work needed. However, the contractor stated that some repairs were not needed. The OHSEP Director stated that $45,000 was not used and he tried to send it back to FEMA but they wouldn’t accept it due to it being a small project. So, he is asking that he purchase an emergency vehicle with the additional $45,000. He stated that his vehicle is 10 years old.

13. Committee member Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, “THAT, the committee approve the purchase of a $45,000 SUV under state bid with FEMA’s approval.” This motion was unanimously adopted.

14. Committee member Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, “THAT, there being no further business to come before the Finance Committee, the meeting be adjourned.” This motion was unanimously adopted.

Kim M. Torres Leroy Blanchard

Secretary-Treasurer Finance Committee Chairman

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