MINUTES
POINTE COUPEE PARISH COUNCIL
January 14, 2025
The Pointe Coupee Parish Council met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Courthouse Annex in the Parish Council Meeting Room, New Roads, Louisiana.
Chairman Boudreaux called the meeting to order and directed Acting Clerk Jeanne Hendrix to call the roll:
PRESENT: Messrs. Sidney LaCoste, Edwin Soulier, Charles Watkins, Kurt Jarreau, Edward Bazile, Paul Bergeron and Dustin Boudreaux.
ABSENT: Mr. Jimmie Gaspard.
REORGANIZATION MEETING - ELECTION OF A CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
Chairman Boudreaux announced that nominations were in order for the election of a Chairman.
Mr. Bazile nominated Mr. Boudreaux for Chairman.
Motion by Mr. Soulier and seconded by Mr. LaCoste:
RESOLVED, That nominations for Chairman be closed.
Unanimously carried.
Mr. Boudreaux was declared nominated Chairman.
Chairman Boudreaux thanked the councilmembers for re-electing him Chairman of the Council.
APPROVE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 10, 2024 MEETING
Motion by Mr. Jarreau and seconded by Mr. LaCoste:
RESOLVED, That the minutes of December 10, 2024 regular meeting of the Parish Council be adopted as presented and published in the official journal.
Unanimously carried.
CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
There were no amendments to the agenda.
SPECIAL BUSINESS--PROCLAMATION DECLARING JANUARY 26 - JANUARY 31, 2025 AS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Motion by Mr. LaCoste and seconded by Mr. Bergeron:
PROCLAMATION
Catholic Schools Week 2025
WHEREAS, Catholic schools across the nation are celebrating Catholic Schools Week from Sunday, January 26 through Friday, January 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge evangelize hearts, educate minds, encourage talent and embrace the future; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools recognize the role of parents as the primary educators of their children, involve parents and communities in support of schools, and encourage local creativity and excellence in education; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools are committed to reaching out to all children regardless of heritage, religion, race or economic status, and indeed, have made this commitment part of their mission; and
WHEREAS, the Catholic schools of Louisiana and indeed of the entire nation, have traditionally provided an outstanding education to those attending them, thus contributing to the welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools have educated many of the leaders of the Catholic Church, civic community, state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools encourage the understanding that character is not measured by wealth or prominence but by integrity, compassion and concern for others; and
WHEREAS, both the Catholic community and all citizens of the city, parish, state and nation can share in the success achieved by the Catholic system of schools during the many years of service while remaining confident in its lasting endurance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DUSTIN BOUDREAUX, Chairman of the Pointe Coupee Parish Council, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Parish of Pointe Coupee and the State of Louisiana, do hereby proclaim January 26 - January 31, 2025 as CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK in Pointe Coupee Parish and urge all citizens to join us in recognizing the Catholic schools in our community.
Unanimously carried.
SPECIAL BUSINESS--EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARY SERVICE AWARD TO LORI ACHEE & MCKINLEY JACK
Chairman Boudreaux presented employee Lori Achee with an anniversary service award for five years of dedicated service with the parish. Councilman Bergeron announced she has a total of 30 years that includes her years of employment with the clerk of court in the parish. Judge Kevin Kimball applauded Court Reporter Achee for her hard work and dedication to him and the Judge’s office.
Chairman Boudreaux announced an anniversary service award for employee Mckinley Jack for 10 years of dedicated service with the parish, who was not present at the meeting.
PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT
In the absence of Parish President Major Thibaut, Finance Director Tonilyn Guidry gave updates and reported on the following: presented a written financial report including sales tax, ad valorem tax, severance tax, utilities collections and permits fees; total revenues of $23,432,218, total expenditures of $23,017,380 and total excess of revenue of $414,838 as of December 31, 2024; and announced the employment of Airport Manager JP DuRousseau in January.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were no public comments.
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN INTRODUCED PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO DECLARE PROPERTY SURPLUS AT INNIS AND AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER THEREOF TO COUNCIL ON AGING, AND THEREAFTER, DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION
A hearing to obtain public input to a proposed ordinance to amend the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances to declare property surplus at Innis and authorize the transfer thereof to council on aging, and further provide with respect thereto was conducted at 5:40 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, 160 East Main Street, New Roads, Louisiana.
There were no objections received orally or written to the ordinance.
Motion by Mr. Bergeron and seconded by Mr. Watkins:
RESOLVED, That a proposed ordinance to amend the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances to declare property surplus at Innis and authorize the transfer thereof to council on aging, and further provide with respect thereto be adopted by the Pointe Coupee Parish Council.
The Chairman called for a roll call vote that resulted as follows:
YEAS: Messrs. LaCoste, Soulier, Watkins, Jarreau, Bazile, Bergeron and Boudreaux.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Mr. Gaspard.
On a vote of 7-0-1, the motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN INTRODUCED PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING REGULATION OF CONSTRUCTION OF STRUCTURES ALONG FALSE RIVER AND THEREAFTER, DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION
A hearing to obtain public input to a proposed ordinance to amend Article III of Chapter 6 of the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances regarding regulation of the construction of structures along False River, and further provide with respect thereto was conducted at 5:42 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, 160 East Main Street, New Roads, Louisiana.
There were no objections received orally or written to the ordinance.
Motion by Mr. Bergeron and seconded by Mr. Soulier:
RESOLVED, That the amendments to the proposed ordinance to amend Article III of Chapter 6 of the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances regarding regulation of the construction of structures along False River, and further provide with respect thereto be accepted by the Pointe Coupee Parish Council.
The Chairman called for a roll call vote that resulted as follows:
YEAS: Messrs. LaCoste, Soulier, Watkins, Jarreau, Bazile, Bergeron and Boudreaux.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Mr. Gaspard.
On a vote of 7-0-1, the motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Soulier and seconded by Mr. LaCoste:
RESOLVED, That the proposed ordinance to amend Article III of Chapter 6 of the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances regarding regulation of the construction of structures along False River, and further provide with respect thereto be adopted with amendments by the Pointe Coupee Parish Council.
The Chairman called for a roll call vote that resulted as follows:
YEAS: Messrs. LaCoste, Soulier, Watkins, Jarreau, Bazile, Bergeron and Boudreaux.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Mr. Gaspard.
On a vote of 7-0-1, the motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE(S):
A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO APPROVE AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS (PUBLIC HEARING 2/11/25)
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance to amend the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances relative to approve an ad valorem tax exemption for first responders and otherwise provide with respect thereto has been introduced before the Pointe Coupee Parish Council, and that a public hearing will be held relative thereto at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, 160 East Main Street, New Roads, Louisiana, after which said ordinance may be considered for adoption. All interested persons are urged to attend.
A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 25, SECTION 25-3 OF THE PC CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING MOBILE HOMES REGULATIONS (PUBLIC HEARING 2/11/25)
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 25, Section 25-3 of the Pointe Coupee Parish Code of Ordinances regarding mobile home regulations, and otherwise provide with respect thereto has been introduced before the Pointe Coupee Parish Council, and that a public hearing will be held relative thereto at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, 160 East Main Street, New Roads, Louisiana, after which said ordinance may be considered for adoption. All interested persons are urged to attend.
RESOLUTION(S):
APPOINTMENTS OF MEMBERS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Motion by Mr. Bergeron and seconded by Mr. Soulier:
RESOLVED, That Messrs. Stephen Dabadie, Chad Olinde, Cole Peers, Paul Pinsonat, Theron Smith and Rene` Thibodeaux be appointed/reappointed members of the Pointe Coupee Parish Communications District (E-911) for a four-year term; and be it
RESOLVED further, That Mr. Henry Olinde, Jr. be appointed a member of the False River Air Park Commission for a two-year term to fill unexpired term of Mr. Wade O’Neal; and be it
RESOLVED further, That Messrs. Larry Harlaux (PC Fire District #3), Charles Landry (PC Fire District # 4) and Nicholas Victorian (PC Fire District #5) be reappointed members of the Pointe Coupee Parish Fire Districts Board of Commissioners for a two-year term; and be it
RESOLVED further, That Mmes Philomena Fontenot, Grace Hebert and Kate Roy be reappointed members of the Pointe Coupee Parish Library Board of Control for a five-year term; and be it
RESOLVED further, That Messrs. James White (District E) and Mark Barrios (District H) be reappointed members of the Pointe Coupee Parish Planning & Zoning Commission for a four-year term; and be it
RESOLVED further, That Messrs. Mark Major be reappointed a member of the Pointe Coupee Parish Waterworks District No. 2 Board for a one-year term.
Unanimously carried.
APPROVE LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MARILU CORONA DBA INNIS LUMBER CO.
Motion by Mr. Soulier and seconded by Mr. LaCoste:
RESOLVED, That the Liquor License for Marilu Corona dba Innis Lumber Company be approved.
Unanimously carried.
REQUEST APPROVAL OF SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EMERGENCY TEMPORARY POLLING LOCATION OF PRECINCTS 00/10 FROM PC PARISH COURTHOUSE TO COTTONPORT COMMUNITY CENTER
Motion by Mr. Bazile and seconded by Mr. LaCoste:
A RESOLUTION FOR EMERGENCY TEMPORARY
POLLING LOCATION FOR PRECINCTS 00/10 IN
POINTE COUPEE PARISH; AND TO PROVIDE IN
REGARD THERETO
WHEREAS, Pointe Coupee Parish has assigned polling places to the various precincts in the Parish; and
WHEREAS, due to the extensive construction project at the polling location for Precincts 00/10 at the Pointe Coupee Parish Courthouse, 201 East Main Street, New Roads, Louisiana, this location will not be available for use during the March 29, 2025 and May 3, 2025 elections; and
WHEREAS, arrangements have been made for a temporary polling location directly across the street from the courthouse at the Cottonport Community Center, 208 East Main Street, New Roads, Louisiana, which said location will serve well as an alternate site given the close proximity to the original polling location: Therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Pointe Coupee Parish Council is requesting the Louisiana Secretary of State’s approval of an emergency temporary polling location for Precincts 00/10 from the Pointe Coupee Parish Courthouse to the Cottonport Community Center until June 30, 2025.
Unanimously carried.
AWARD LOW BID FOR MULTI-USE CENTER SEWER PROJECT TO ARBOUR CONSTRUCTION, LLC & AUTHORIZE PRESIDENT TO SIGN CONTRACT
Motion by Mr. LaCoste and seconded by Mr. Watkins:
RESOLVED, That the low base bid in the amount of $129,510.00 and Alternate No. 1 in the amount of $107,195.00 submitted by Arbour Construction, LLC for Multi-Use Center Sewer Project, Louisiana Facility Planning Project No. 50-J39-23-02, be accepted by the Pointe Coupee Parish Council, the contract to be awarded pending concurrence of Facility Planning and Control and the Pointe Coupee Parish Government commitment to fund the project until completion; and be it
RESOLVED further, That Parish President Major Thibaut, on behalf of Pointe Coupee Parish Government, be authorized to sign the contract agreement and all necessary documents for said project.
Unanimously carried.
SPECIAL MATTERS:
DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SINGLE FIRE BOARD
Mr. Bob Allen requested approval of the council to amend the ordinance establishing the single fire board to include one chief at each fire district. He voiced his objections to the recent approval of the fire board appointing the fire chief in Fire District No. 2 as chief in Fire District No. 1.
After further discussion, Chairman Boudreaux suggested Mr. Allen obtain a resolution of support from the fire board concerning his request to amend ordinance, and present to the council for consideration.
APPEAL FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE CONDEMNATION & REMOVAL OF ABANDONED STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 14682 PURPERA ROAD, INNIS, LOUISIANA FOR JOYCE PURPERA
Motion by Mr. LaCoste and seconded by Mr. Soulier:
RESOLVED, That Mrs. Joyce Purpera be granted a 90-day extension for the condemnation and removal of three abandoned structures (houses) located at Parcel #00085060, Innis, Louisiana.
Unanimously carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES, MEETINGS, ETC.
Chairman Boudreaux announced that the parish office will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day’s Holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Soulier and seconded by Mr. Jarreau, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
__________________________ ____________________________
Gerrie P. Martin Dustin Boudreaux
Council Clerk Chairman