MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. MARTINVILLE, LOUISIANA HELD ON THE 4th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024.

The Mayor and City Council of the City of St. Martinville, Louisiana met in Regular Session on the 4th day of November 2024 at City Hall, their regular meeting place, pursuant to the call of the Mayor.

THERE were present: Jason Willis, Mayor, Carol Frederick, Councilman, Jonas Fontenette, Councilman, Janise Anthony, Councilman, Flo Chatman, Councilman, Allan L. Durand, City Attorney THERE were absent: Mike Fuselier, Councilman

Mayor Jason Willis presiding called the meeting to order.

Due to the absence of Lorrie M Poirier, Candy Bertrand substituted as Clerk of the Council.

It was moved by Janis Anthony duly seconded by Flo Chatman and unanimously carried that the minutes of the special meeting held October 16, 2024 and regular meeting held October 21, 2024 hereby be approved for publication in the Teche News, the Official Journal of the City of St. Martinville.

Mr. Bernard Mitchell voiced his concerns regarding the abandoned mobile home located in the 300 block of Honore Street without proper permits. Mr. Mitchell questioned why action was not taken to remove the dilapidated structure as the council had previously approved. Mayor Willis explained that he felt the structure would qualify for Clearance Grant funds to be used to remove the structure. Mayor Willis agreed to provide Mr Mitchell with a letter stating that if the Clearance Grant funds are not received before Christmas, the City will remove the dilapidated structure.

Upon request of Ms. Yvette Morris of New Commers Club, it was moved by Jonas Fontenette duly seconded by Flo Chatman and unanimously carried that Sunday, February 23, 2025 be reserved as the proposed date for a Mardi Gras Parade. The Club has filed the application to hold the parade with Chief Martin. Meetings will be held with City Official, Sheriff’s Department and New Commers Club members. Once Chief has performed an assessment of the proposed parade, it will be presented to the council for final approval.

It was moved by Jonas Fontenette duly seconded by Flo Chatman and unanimously carried that the City Council go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter regarding Troy Batiste.

The City Council reconvened after executive session upon motion of Carol Frederick duly seconded by Flo Chatman.

Following executive session and recommendation of Mayor Willis it was moved by Janise Anthony duly seconded by Flo Chatman and unanimously carried to terminate the employment of Troy Batiste for refusal to take a drug test.

Due to the absence of Charlotte Guidry Burdin of Girls Scout Troop #24 and CRT Director Danielle Fontenette, it was moved by Jonas Fontenette duly seconded by Carol Frederick and unanimously carried the request for use of Magnolia Recreation Center to hold events be tabled and revisited at a later date.

It was moved by Carol Frederick duly seconded by Janise Anthony and unanimously carried that Mayor Willis be hereby authorized to sign Amendment #1 to maintenance agreement with DOTD including mowing and litter pickup for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

It was moved by Janise Anthony duly seconded by Flo Chatman and unanimously carried that Mayor Willis be authorized to sign the MOU with SMPSO relating to the provision and use of the Public Safety Software Systems.

Mayor Willis stated that he attended a seminar provided by the La Legislative Auditors Office. A discussion was held regarding utility payment plans. More documentation will be provided at the next meeting for the council to consider adopting policies for payment plans.

Upon Chief Martin’s recommendation, it was moved by Flo Chatman duly seconded by Janise Anthony and unanimously carried that Quincy Castille be rehired as a Police Officer with a pay of $18.22/hr effective November 4, 2024.

It was moved by Carol Frederick duly seconded by Flo Chatman and unanimously carried that the implementation of a 3-year employment contract for non-post certified officers be table until the next meeting.

The agenda item to change the status of Mayor’s Court Clerk was tabled.

City Attorney Allan Durand exited the meeting.

Upon recommendation of Mayor Willis, it was moved by Flo Chatman duly seconded by Janise Anthony and unanimously carried that the employment status of Cashier Pamela Savoy (paygrade 110+2%/$12.00hr) be changed to Assistant Billing Supervisor with a pay grade of 109+8%(16.00/hr), effective November 6, 2024.

Upon recommendation of Mayor Willis, it was moved by Flo Chatman duly seconded by Janise Anthony and unanimously carried that Christina Labbe be hired as Cashier with a pay grade of 110+2% ($12.00/hr), effective November 8, 2024.

Mayor Willis gave a report on the following:

Acadiana Work Force is hold a hiring event for Solar Farm in New Iberia

Hometown Trick a Treat was a success

La Louisianne and UL Sneak peek in Adam Carlson was a success

Next Sneak Peak November 13th at Magnolia Park

Message on Main Street with Union Baptiste to be held 1st Sunday/month

Election Day, November 5th – Go Vote

There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Council, Mayor Willis adjourned the meeting upon motion of Janise Anthony and duly seconded by Flo Chatman.

JASON WILLIS, MAYOR

ATTEST:

LORRIE M POIRIER, CITY CLERK