Regular Meeting
Of the
Assumption Parish Police Jury
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
6:00 O’clock p.m.
1. The regular meeting of the Assumption Parish Police Jury was called to order by Police Jury President Leroy Blanchard in the Assumption Parish Police Jury Chamber located at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, Louisiana.
2. Police Jurors recorded as present were: Mr. Ron Alcorn, Ward 1; Mr. Jeff Naquin, Ward 2; Mr. Ira Patureau, Ward 3; Mr. Charles Breaux, Ward 4; Mr. Michael Dias, Ward 5; Mr. Chris Carter, Ward 6; Mr. Leroy Blanchard, Ward 7; Mr. Jamie Ponville, Ward 8; Mr. Myron Matherne, Ward 9
3. President Leroy Blanchard led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
4. Police Juror Ron Alcorn offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, “THAT, the jury accept any corrections and approval of minutes of the August 28, 2024 Regular Meeting.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
5. President Leroy Blanchard opened the meeting to the public for any public comments, questions or concerns regarding the items listed on the agenda. Following three (3) calls, there were no comments received.
6. President Leroy Blanchard recognized the Drainage Committee Chairman Jamie Ponville, who stated that the committee met and recommended the following matters: acknowledged bid date and authorized for bid for Bertrandville Drainage project; acknowledged bid date and authorized for bid for Belle Rose Lane Drainage project; culvert replacement at 250 Rue De Beauville in the amount of $5,328.00 (W1); requested cost estimates to establish a drainage ditch at 131 College Point Lane (W1); no action on Mae Street Drainage concerns; received an update on the following outfalls: to Bayou Lafourche from Cancienne Road, Oakley Road, from the bayou to the Supreme Mill; approved to clean out Pecan Subdivision to the outfall by 2410 Highway 10; culvert replacement at 4534 Highway 1 in the amount of $$7,763.00 (W5); discussed to remove trees from 996 outfall in the amount of $500.00 (W7); discussed Mike Street Levee project (W9); approved the purchase of excavator; and approved to extend long reach excavator rental for one (1) month to be funded through whatever project it is working on.
7. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the Drainage Committee report as presented.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
8. President Leroy Blanchard stated that the Finance committee met and recommended the following matters: approved to pay list of bills submitted through October 4, 2024; approved for Council on Aging to sell two (2) 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; approved to ratify Engineering invoice amount for Attakapas Landing for an additional $2,000 totaling $106,303.58, tabled to discuss General Fund; approved to accept NewGen Strategies & Solutions Wasterwaste Cost of Service and Rate Design Study; discussed Ward 1 Recreation Allocation with no action taken; had a discussion about FEMA removing debris from canals; and approved to send a letter to FEMA for purchase of Emergency vehicle with unspent FEMA emergency funds.
9. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Michael Dias, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the Finance Committee report as presented.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
10. President Leroy Blanchard recognized the Personnel Committee Chairman Michael Dias, who stated that the committee met and recommended the following matter: approved job title change for APCC Maintenance Supervisor to Equipment Operator 3B in addition to a change in his normal work hours to 4-10’s.
11. Police Juror Michael Dias offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jeff Naquin, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the Personnel Committee report as presented.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
12. President Leroy Blanchard recognized the Road and Bridge Committee Chairman Ron Alcorn, who stated that the committee met and recommended the following matters: received an update on the Road Overlay Program, approved the budget overage, no action on the status of LA 1 being repaved, and approved the survey on Cajun Street to be forwarded to the Assistant District Attorney to see how to move forward.
13. Police Juror Ron Alcorn offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Myron Matherne, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the Road and Bridge Committee report as presented.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
14. President Leroy Blanchard recognized the Engineering/Grants Committee Chairman Jeff Naquin, who stated that the committee met and recommended the following matters: received an update from GIS Engineering on Jolimar Street Drainage Project, Bertrandville Drainage Project, Belle Rose Lane Drainage Project, and Cancienne Canal Project; received an update from Duplantis Design Group (DDG) on Gerald Street Levee Project and Ring Levees in Pierre Part/Belle River; received an update from Infinity Engineering on Parish-wide Sewer Plant Improvements Project; approved for the President to sign the 2023-2024 LGAP Contract in the amount of $75,000 to purchase equipment; approved for the President to sign the survey of the Ewell-Virginia property; received an update from South Central Planning Development Commission; approved the resolution authorizing the resubmittal of 4 projects to the Louisiana Capital Outlay Portal with the noted changes to the 911 Call Center application; approved the President to sign a contract for the abstract of the Ewell-Virginia property for the Water Sector Sewer Improvements project; received an update on the Ag Center Roof Project; received an update on Courthouse Renovations Project; received an update on Fire Hydrants Project; received an update from DRC; and no update on Attakapas Landing Project.
15. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the Engineering/Grants Committee report as presented.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
16. A summary of the 2023 Audit was presented by Mrs. Tiffany Dorsa and Mrs. Suzanne Giroir with EAG Gulf Coast, LLC and was accepted by the Jury.
17. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Michael Dias, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to accept the report of audit findings as presented.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
18. President Leroy Blanchard requested to set Trick or Treat Hours for 2024. He stated that it was 5:30-8:00 p.m. last year.
19. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to set Trick or Treating hours on October 31, 2024 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
20. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval for The Assumption Foundation for the Arts to pay non-profit rental rates for the Assumption Parish Community Center for August 2, 2025.
21. Police Juror Michael Dias offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jeff Naquin, “THAT, the Police Jury approve The Assumption Foundation for the Arts to pay non-profit rental rates for the Assumption Parish Community Center for August 2, 2025.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
22. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval for free usage of the Assumption Parish Community Center for Ward 1 Recreation District/Ron Alcorn for October 11, 2024. Police Juror Michael Dias asked Police Juror Ron Alcorn why should he get it for free. Mr. Ron Alcorn stated that he thinks it should be free because it’s a fundraiser. Police Juror Michael Dias stated that if we allow free usage to Ward 1 then we will have to allow it to every other Ward that requests this. Police Juror Ron Alcorn stated that the funds will go back to the Biddy Basketball Program. Police Juror Jeff Naquin stated that he thinks Police Juror Ron Alcorn should have come to the Jury a couple months before asking for this, not the week of the event. Police Juror Jeff Naquin stated that if someone is asking for a $12 million dollar facility to be rented with free rental it should have come before the Jury before any advertisement went out. He stated that he doesn’t even have renters insurance and his opinion is that it is needed. Police Juror Ron Alcorn stated they do have an insurance policy for $1 million. The Secretary-Treasurer stated that the insurance certificate states Ward 1 with the Police Jury address so that policy was listed under the Parish. Police Juror Jeff Naquin stated that the Parish will be liable if something happens. President Leroy Blanchard stated that the issue he has with the free rental is it’s not free to use the facility. He stated that they still have electricity and the cost to clean up. Police Juror Michael Dias stated that it should be the same rental rate as the one approved before on the agenda for the non-profit rental rate. Police Juror Ron Alcorn stated that he will use the hall side and the admission to get in will be $5.00.
23. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, “THAT, the rental rate be 25% of the normal rental fee of the Assumption Parish Community Center for Ward 1 Recreation District for the event to be held on October 11, 2024.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
24. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval for the resolution approving the holding of an election in Bayou Pierre Part North Gravity Drainage District on March 29, 2025. President Leroy Blanchard stated that he doesn’t believe that this date is correct. He stated that the date was October 13, 2024 to get on the December 7, 2024 election. The Secretary-Treasurer stated that this is what was emailed to her about the election. President Leroy Blanchard stated that the March 29, 2025 election is a special election and will cost way more than they collect. He stated that we will approve the resolution but he will follow up on the date.
25. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Myron Matherne, “THAT the Police Jury approve the resolution approving the holding of an election in Bayou Pierre Part North Gravity Drainage District on March 29, 2025.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
26. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval of the following for the Assumption Council on Aging: Request approval of the resolution authorizing DOTD – 5311 Rural Transportation Operations/Capital Grant, request approval & authorization for the President to sign the Certifications & Assurances for the application, and request approval & authorization for the President to sign the Labor Warranty for the application.
27. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, second by Mr. Charles Breaux, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the following for the Assumption Council on Aging: Request approval of the resolution authorizing DOTD – 5311 Rural Transportation Operations/Capital Grant, request approval & authorization for the President to sign the Certifications & Assurances for the application, and request approval & authorization for the President to sign the Labor Warranty for the application.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
28. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval to appoint a replacement for the Board Member on the South-Central Louisiana Human Services Authority. President Leroy Blanchard stated that no action is taken on this due to us not having a name of the replacement.
29. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jamie Ponville, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to amend ordinance 24-15 to levy grass cutting charges totaling $2,741.00.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
30. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Myron Matherne, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to amend ordinance 24-16 to levy the removal and disposal of junk charges in the amount of $1,170.00.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
31. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval to reject bids due to a scope change and Police Juror granting an extension for the property located at 2478 Hwy 308 (W4). The Secretary-Treasurer stated that since the scoping one trailer was repaired, we are needing to reject the bids.
32. Police Juror Michael Dias offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jamie Ponville, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to reject bids due to a scope change and the Police Juror granting an extension for the property located at 2478 Hwy 308.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
33. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval of the 1st phase of the derelict structure procedure for dwelling located at 186 Hwy 1012 (W4).
34. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jamie Ponville, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the 1st phase of the derelict structure procedure for dwelling located at 186 Hwy 1012.” This motion was adopted with Charles Breaux opposing.
35. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval of the 1st phase of the derelict structure procedure for dwelling located at 101 Heather Street (W8). The Secretary-Treasurer stated that the trailer had electricity and residents residing there so this item has to be tabled at this time.
36. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval of the 2nd phase of the derelict structure procedure located at 332 Tigerville Lane (W7).
37. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jamie Ponville, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the 2nd phase of the derelict structure procedure located at 332 Tigerville Lane.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
38. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval of the 2nd phase of the derelict structure procedure located at 334 Tigerville Lane (W7).
39. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Michael Dias, “THAT, the Police Jury approve the 2nd phase of the derelict structure procedure located at 334 Tigerville Lane.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
40. President Leroy Blanchard requested approval for the following occupational licenses: Theriot’s Dozer Service, LLC (Pierre Part) and Jacob Alberes Lawn Care, LLC (Belle Rose).
41. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Myron Matherne, “THAT, the Police Jury approve Theriot’s Dozer Service, LLC (Pierre Part) occupational license.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
42. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, “THAT, the Police Jury approve Jacob Alberes Lawn Care, LLC (Belle Rose) occupational license.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
43. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jamie Ponville, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to deviate.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
44. President Leroy Blanchard stated this deviation is to send a letter to Corp of Engineers to review the Amelia Project. He stated that he needs to send a letter to the Coronel forcing the New Orleans District to request funding for the levee extension.
45. President Leroy Blanchard questioned if we had any public comments, questions or concerns regarding this item due to it being a deviation. Following three (3) calls, there were no public comments received.
46. Police Juror Jamie Ponville offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jeff Naquin, “THAT, the Police Jury approve to send a letter to Corp of Engineers to review the Amelia project.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
47. Police Juror Jeff Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, “THAT, there being no further business to come before the Regular Meeting, this meeting be adjourned.” This motion was unanimously adopted.
Kim M. Torres Leroy Blanchard
Secretary-Treasurer President
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On a motion by Mr. Jamie Ponville and seconded by Mr. Michael Dias, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and authorize the Council on Aging to authorize to sell and accept the high bidder of the following vehicles:
• 2013 Ford Econoline with 145,705 miles and a highest bid of $2,591.91
• 2016 Ford Econoline with 114,858 miles and a highest bid of $777.77
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Michael Dias, seconded by Mr. Jeff Naquin, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve the transfer of the APCC Maintenance Supervisor to the position of Equipment Operator 3B with a change in grade and work schedule to 4-10’s at a Grade 5 Step 39 to be effective October 18, 2024.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jeff Naquin, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and authorize South Central Planning Commission to submit an application for a ¾ ton truck through Public Works and one 7x16 enclosed trailer with A/C for the Special Programs Department.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jeff Naquin, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and authorize the President to sign the survey of the Ewell-Virginia property for the Sewer Improvements project.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jamie Ponville, seconded by Mr. Michael Dias, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve to accept NewGen Strategies & Solutions Waterwaste Cost of Service and Rate Design Study relative to the Sewer Plant Improvements project and authorize a monthly user fee of $33.00 per month per household effective January 1, 2025.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jeff Naquin, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and authorize the President to sign the Certifications & Assurances for the DOTD application for the Assumption Parish Council on Aging.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jeff Naquin, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and authorize the President to sign the Labor Warranty for the DOTD application for the Assumption Parish Council on Aging.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jeff Naquin, seconded by Mr. Ron Alcorn, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and set Trick or Treat hours as October 31, 2024 from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jeff Naquin, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
A Resolution Authorizing Staff and/or the South-Central Planning and Development Commission to Reapply for the Following Capital Outlay Projects:
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana complies a list of Capital Outlay Projects for review and approval by the State Legislature; and
WHEREAS, local jurisdictions and parishes must submit proposed projects to the Office of Administration for consideration in the forthcoming fiscal year Capital Outlay Program; and
WHEREAS, the Assumption Parish Police Jury had four (4) unfunded projects submitted during the 2023-2024 legislative session; and
WHEREAS, the Assumption Parish Police Jury wishes to reauthorize the submission of the following unfunded project applications to the 2024-2025 fiscal year Capital Outlay funding portal:
1. Multi-Agency Government Complex/Essential Employee’s Safe House
2. Elevation and Paving of Bayou Crab Road – Project ID 572809
3. Marias Park Planning and Construction – Project ID 572798
4. Grant Park Planning and Construction – Project ID 572804
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT Resolved that the Assumption Parish Police Jury hereby approves and authorizes the resubmission of the aforementioned projects to the Capital Outlay funding portal for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Michael Dias, seconded by Mr. Jamie Ponville, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve to reject the bids received on 2478 Highway 308 due to scope change and Police Juror granting a week extension to the resident.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jamie Ponville, and seconded by Mr. Michael Dias, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve to ratify the payment to the third-party engineer for Attakapas Landing for an additional $2,000 that was still owed under contract, totaling $106,303.58 to be allocated from GOMESA Bond.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Ron Alcorn, and seconded by Mr. Myron Matherne, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve the budget overage of $74,696.41 on the Road Overlay Program,
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
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On a motion by Mr. Jamie Ponville, seconded by Mr. Charles Breaux, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Assumption Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and authorize the Parish Manager to purchase a CX-75 Excavator with Steel Tracts out of the Road and Bridge Department at a total cost of $112,512.00.
Upon being placed to a vote, the above resolution was adopted as follows:
Yeas: 9
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
10.29