Publication Date
2025-01-25
Subcategory
Police Jury Meeting, Police Jury Room
January 15, 2025
Abbeville, Louisiana
Minutes of a regular meeting of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury held on January 15, 2025, with President Mark Poche’ presiding.
The meeting was called to order by President Mark Poche’, who asked Mr. Chad Vallo to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, the President asked Mr. Ronald Darby for a moment of prayer or reflection. The President then reminded all present to turn all cell phones, pagers, etc. off or set to silent mode for the duration of the Police Jury Meeting.
The following members were present:
Mr. Shane Meaux Mr. Brent Landry
Mr. Ronald Darby Mr. Mark Poche`
Mr. Roy Keith Meaux Mr. Chad Lege
Mr. Ronald Menard Mr. Scott Broussard
Mr. Chad Vallo
Absent: Mr. Dane Hebert Ms. Liz Touchet
Mr. Errol J. Domingues Mr. Dexter Callahan
Mr. Brian Hollier
Guest: Mr. Kim Touchet Mr. Gene Sellers, Sr.
Mr. Todd Vincent
President Poche’ recognized the Election of Officers.
Upon motion by Mr. Roanld Darby, duly seconded by Mr. Chad Vallo, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to open nominations for President.
Upon motion by Mr. Brent Landry, duly seconded by Mr. Keith Meaux, and unanimously carried, Mr. Mark Poche’ was nominated for the position of President of the Police Jury.
Upon motion by Mr. Ronald Darby, duly seconded by Mr. Shane Meaux, and unanimously carried, nominations for the position of President of the Police Jury were closed, and Mr. Mark Poche’ was elected by acclamation.
President Poche’ continues to preside over the remainder of the meeting.
Upon motion by Mr. Ronald Menard, duly seconded by Mr. Brent Landry, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to open nominations for Vice-President.
Upon motion by Mr. Scott Broussard, duly seconded by Mr. Chad Lege, and unanimously carried, Mr. Chad Vallo was nominated for the position of Vice-President of the Police Jury.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly seconded by Mr. Ronald Menard, and unanimously carried, nominations for the position of Vice-President of the Police Jury were closed, and Mr. Chad Vallo was elected by acclamation.
President Poche’ recognized the 2025 Appointments of Standing Committees.
COASTAL PROTECTION &
RESTORATION COMMITTEE
Errol Domingues, Chairman
Chad Lege, Vice-Chairman
Ronald Darby
Brian Hollier
Scott Broussard
W.P. “Judge” Edwards
David Dronet
Billy Broussard
Charles Dill, Jr
Stephen Sagrera
Troy Dubois
John Trahan
Cobb LeBouef
Shannon Neveaux
Sherrill Sagrera-Advisory
Kimble Sagrera-Advisory
Mark Shirley-Advisory
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
COURTHOUSE/GENERAL NEEDS COMMITTEE
Chad Vallo, Chairman
Liz Touchet, Vice-Chairman
Dane Hebert
Shane Meaux
Brent Landry
Ronald Darby
Roy Keith Meaux
Errol Domingues
Chad Lege
Ronald Menard
Scott Broussard
Dexter Callahan
Brian Hollier
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Ronald Menard, Chairman
Brent Landry, Vice-Chairman
Ronald Darby
Errol Domingues
Dane Hebert
Chad Vallo
Liz Touchet
Dexter Callahan
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
PUBLIC ROAD COMMITTEE
Chad Lege, Chairman
Scott Broussard, Vice-Chairman
Errol J. Domingues
Liz Touchet
Brian Hollier
Brent Landry
Shane Meaux
Ronald Menard
Dane Hebert
Chad Vallo
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Brent Landry, Chairman
Ronald Darby, Vice-Chairman
Roy Keith Meaux
Errol Domingues
Liz Touchet
Chad Lege
Ronald Menard
Dexter Callahan
Scott Broussard
Jude Reese
Chris Gautreaux
Mathew Trahan
Taylor Mencacci
Doris Langlinais
Mike Kloesel
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
RABIES-ANIMAL-SUB-COMMITTEE
Dane Hebert, Chairman
Liz Touchet
Dr. Paul Whittington
Debbie Garrot, VPPJ Liaison
Tracey Davenport-McGraw
Kayla Wallace
Beth Trahan
Cindy Hunt
Ronald Menard
Tim Hebert
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
911 COMMITTEE
Dane Hebert
Shane Meaux
Brent Landry
Ronald Darby
Liz Touchet
Mark Poche’, Ex-Officio
Roy Keith Meaux
Errol Domingues
Chad Lege
Ronald Menard
Scott Broussard
Dexter Callahan
Brian Hollier
Chad Vallo
Upon motion by Mr. Ronald Darby, duly seconded by Mr. Chad Vallo, and unanimously carried, approved to leave the Standing Committees as is.
President Poche’ recognized a period for public comment on any agenda item to be considered.
No comments.
President Poche’ recognized Time on the Agenda.
President Poche’ recognized Reading or Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting - Special Budget Meeting of November 20, 2024 & Regular Meeting on December 18, 2024.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Vallo, duly seconded by Mr. Shane Meaux, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to dispense and approve the minutes from the Special Budget Meeting of November 20, 2024 & Regular Meeting on December 18, 2024.
President Poche’ recognized to consider action to amend the agenda to discuss and consider actions on any new items presented by Engineering and Architectural reports.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly seconded by Mr. Ronald Menard, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to amend the agenda to discuss and consider actions on any new items presented by Engineering and Architectural reports.
Mr. Todd Vincent, Sellers & Associates, Inc., presented the following:
Upon motion by Mr. Scott Broussard, duly seconded by Mr. Chad Lege, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved Partial Payment No. 8, Patriot Construction & Industrial, LLC – North Vermilion Bay Shoreline Protection Project (TV-0077), in the amount of $610,224.76.
Upon motion by Mr. Shane Meaux, duly seconded by Mr. Keith Meaux, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved a Change Order for Glenn Lege Construction, LLC - 2023 Road Improvements: Phase III, increasing the price $12,822.48.
Upon motion by Mr. Ronald Menard, duly seconded by Mr. Chad Lege, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved Partial Payment No. 5, Glenn Lege Construction, LLC - 2023 Road Improvements: Phase III, in the amount of $794,784.81.
President Poche’ recognized Report of Standing Committees, Coastal Protection/Restoration Committee.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly second by Mr. Ronald Menard, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to accept the Coastal Protection/Restoration Committee recommendations and authorize the appropriate officials to carry out the recommendations.
COASTAL PROTECTION & RESTORATION COMMITTEE
JANUARY 08, 2025
ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA
AS A RESULT OF A COASTAL PROTECTION & RESTORATION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 08, 2025, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED FOR THE JURY’S CONSIDERATION:
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to go with the five (5) offsets for the Cheniere au Tigre Gap Closure (TV-0096).
Respectfully submitted
Mr. Chad Lege
Vice-Chairman
President Poche’ recognized Report of Standing Committees, Courthouse/General Needs Committee.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Vallo, duly second by Mr. Keith Meaux, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved the Courthouse/General Needs Committee recommendations and authorize the appropriate officials to carry out the recommendations.
COURTHOUSE/GENERAL NEEDS COMMITTEE
JANUARY 08, 2025
ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA
AS A RESULT OF A COURTHOUSE/GENERAL NEEDS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 08, 2025, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED FOR THE JURY’S CONSIDERATION:
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to adopt the compliance questionnaire presented by Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC, related to the audit of the financial statements as of December 31, 2024, and for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 and authorize the President to sign the compliance questionnaire.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve Budget Amendment 25-01.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to add a new air conditioner at the Rabies Animal Control Center.
• It is recommended the Police Jury authorize The Sellers Group to request bids for the OEP & 911 Communications Center.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve Partial Payment No. 2 (Final), L&K Demolition, LLC – Demolition of Residence at 3028 Karl Street, Abbeville, in the amount of $1,432.80.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to allow the Town of Gueydan to pay as they go for the Gueydan Flood Protection.
• It is recommended the Police Jury authorize Legal Counsel to respond to the letter from DEQ regarding tire disposal, send a letter to the person in question and send a letter to the Sheriff to see if the person in question is disposing of tires without a license.
• It is recommended the Police Jury deny permission to feature the VPPJ logo as a valued partner on The Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana website, social media platforms, and/or materials such as capital campaign promotions and donation requests.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve payment of the following invoices from Minvielle & Associates, Inc:
• Invoice No. 4482, Act 776 of 2024 Line-Item Appropriation $100,000 – Two Drainage Districts: Prepared CEA & all required forms, dated December 18, 2024, in the amount of $453.75.
• Invoice No. 4483, Act 776 of 2024 Line-Item Appropriation $100,000 – Les Rois Road Improvements: Prepared CEA & all required forms, dated December 18, 2024, in the amount of $418.75.
• Invoice No. 4484, Act 776 of 2024 Line-Item Appropriation $50,000 – Bayou Queue de Tortue Drainage: Prepared CEA & all required forms, dated December 18, 2024, in the amount of $498.75.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve payment of Invoice No. 36-41390, Louisiana Testing & Inspection Inc – 2023 Rd Improvements: Phase III, dated November 30, 2024, in the amount of $554.50.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve the cost of the emergency repair of the Courthouse elevator in the amount of $230,586.29.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve payment of the following invoices from Sellers & Associates, Inc.:
• Invoice No. 27666, Project No. 9330-16, 2023 Road Improvements Phase III: Basic Engineering Services, dated December 26, 2024, in the amount of $1,924.06.
• Invoice No. 27667, Project No. 9330-19, 2023 Road Improvements Phase III: Resident Project Representative, dated December 26, 2024, in the amount of $6,175.20.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to re-appoint Cathy Burdette to the Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission Board, term to expire 01/01/2028.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to re-appoint Kelly Richard to the Southeast Waterworks District No. 2 Board, term to expire 02/05/2030.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve the re-appointment of the following:
HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 3
• Mona Simon, term to expire 02/06/2027
• Ronnie LeMaire, term to expire 02/06/2027
• Jamie Lounsberry, term to expire 02/06/2027
• Shelby Simon, term to expire 02/06/2027
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve the re-appointment of the following:
PECAN ISLAND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 16
• Eric Broussard, term to expire 02/06/2027
• John C. Choate, term to expire 02/06/2027
• Earl Harden, Jr., term to expire 02/06/2027
• Mike Broussard, term to expire 02/06/2027
• Alvin Neal Bourque, term to expire 02/06/2027
Respectfully Submitted,
Mr. Chad Vallo
Chairman
President Poche’ recognized Report of Standing Committees, Public Works Committee.
Upon motion by Mr. Brent Landry, duly second by Mr. Ronald Darby, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved the Public Works Committee recommendations and authorize the appropriate officials to carry out the recommendations.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
JANUARY 08, 2025
ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA
AS A RESULT OF A PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 08, 2025, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED FOR THE JURY’S CONSIDERATION:
• It is recommended the Police Jury authorize the President to execute the Geotechnical Investigation & Permitting Support Proposal with Fourrier & de Abreu Engineers, LLC for the expansion of the Solid Waste Plant.
• It is recommended the Police Jury authorize Sellers & Associates to issue the Request for Proposals for the Garbage Collection Transportation of Disposal.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve the usage of two (2) dumpsters for the Meaux Nunez VFD Fundraiser on January 17, 2025 located at the Meaux Nunez VFD, Abbeville.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve payment of Invoice No. WI010853, Terry’s Diesel Repair – Henry VFD Unit 1502 repair, dated October 29, 2024, in the amount of $1,337.92.
• It is recommended the Police Jury authorize the President to sign the agreement between VPPJ and the Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury Fire District 4 in regard to the purchase of the 2000 White International Tanker Truck.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve payment of Invoice No. 27665, Project No. 8937-32, Sellers & Associates, Inc – Vermilion Parish Solid Waste Plant: Hwy 699 Borrow Pit Survey, dated December 26, 2024, in the amount of $6,922.50.
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to send letters to all the fire departments requesting them to participate in the grant through the State Fire Marshall for free smoke alarms.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mr. Brent Landry
Chairman
President Poche’ recognized Report of Standing Committees, Public Road Committee.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly second by Mr. Chad Vallo, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved the Public Road Committee recommendations and authorize the appropriate officials to carry out the recommendations.
PUBLIC ROAD COMMITTEE
JANUARY 08, 2025
ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA
AS A RESULT OF A PARISH ROAD COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 08, 2025, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED FOR THE JURY’S CONSIDERATION:
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to request Vermilion Parish Solid Waste location signs at the intersection of LA Hwy 167 and LA Hwy 696. We also request solid lines near the entrance to the Landfill at the intersection of LA Hwy 696 and Birch Road to prevent passing at the intersection.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mr. Chad Lege
Chairman
President Poche’ recognized Report of Standing Committees, Finance Committee.
Upon motion by Mr. Ronald Menard, duly second by Mr. Brent Landry, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved the Finance Committee recommendations and authorize the appropriate officials to carry out the recommendations.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
JANUARY 08, 2025
ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA
AS A RESULT OF A FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 08, 2025, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED FOR THE JURY’S CONSIDERATION:
• It is recommended the Police Jury approve to hire the Law Office of Gray Sexton to represent Mr. Keith Frederick in the ethics complaint and authorize the President to sign a retainer agreement with Mr. Sexton’s office.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mr. Ronald Menard
Chairman
President Poche’ recognized New Business.
President Poche’ stated to consider action to amend the agenda to discuss and consider actions on any new items presented by the Parish Administrator.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly seconded by Mr. Keith Meaux, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to amend the agenda to discuss and consider actions on any new items by the Parish Administrator.
Mr. Keith Roy, Parish Administrator, presented the following:
• Provided to the Police Jurors is the Statement of Operations prior monthly budget-to-actual comparisons for all of the major funds of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury.
Upon motion by Mr. Ronald Darby, duly seconded by Mr. Shane Meaux, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to move the voting precinct from the Governmental Complex Building to the Vermilion Parish Library – Abbeville.
President Poche’ recognized New Business, Legal Counsel, Mr. Paul Moresi, III.
Mr. Paul Moresi, III, Legal Counsel, presented the following:
Upon motion by Mr. Shane Meaux, duly seconded by Mr. Scott Broussard, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury authorized the President to sign the Act of Cancellation of the Lease for the Sonnier Property.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly seconded by Mr. Scott Broussard, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to amend the agenda and authorize the President to sign a CEA with Vermilion Corporation and Ducks Unlimited, ED9, allowing the payment of funds when needed.
President Poche’ recognizes Police Juror President Business.
No business to be presented at this time.
President Poche’ recognizes Police Juror Business.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Vallo, duly seconded by Mr. Scott Broussard, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury authorized the Administrator to look for space for the VA office at the Health Unit.
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Lege, duly seconded by Mr. Scott Broussard, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury approved to allow Ms. Shannon a copy of the Youngs Coulee modeling (1st one).
Upon motion by Mr. Scott Broussard, duly seconded by Mr. Ronald Darby, and unanimously carried, the Police Jury authorized Legal Counsel to send a letter to Ryan Cox (8606 Meadow Lane, Abbeville).
Upon motion by Mr. Chad Vallo, duly seconded by Mr. Chad Lege, and unanimously carried, there being no further business to be presented, the meeting was duly adjourned.
______________________________ ______________________________
Parish Administrator President