REGULAR MEETING

OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE PARISH OF ASCENSION

GONZALES, LOUISIANA

MARCH 20, 2025

The Council of the Parish of Ascension, Louisiana, met in regular session on Thursday March 20, 2025 6:00 pm, 607 E Worthey Rd, Gonzales, with Chairman Chase Melancon presiding.

The opening prayer was offered by Councilman Brett Arceneaux. The Pledge was lead by the Central Middle School Boys Basketball Team.

The following Council members were present:

Oliver Joseph Joel Robert Travis TurnerBrett Arceneaux Todd Varnado Chase MelanconBrian Hillensbeck Blaine Petite Pam AlonsoDennis Cullen Tia Starr

Parish President Clint Cointment was present.

Chairman Melancon announced the public comment sign-in.

Councilman Travis Turner presented Certificates of Recognition to the Central Middle Boys Basketball Champions.

Parish President Clint Cointment proclaimed Disability Awareness Month in Ascension Parish. Raven LaBiche, Executive Director and members of the ARC of Ascension were in attendance to accept the Proclamation.

President Cointment also proclaimed Flood Awareness Month in Ascension Parish.

Parish President Cointment reported on Early Voting and Election Day on March 29th. He also reminded the public that the next Trash Back would be Saturday, April 12th. He encouraged everyone to take part.

Chairman Melancon asked if anyone would like to remove any item from Consent Agenda for further discussion. Councilman Varnado requested the removal of item (c) Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Ascension Parish Government and Ascension Parish Council on Aging (COA) for building a new Senior Center in Prairieville. Parish will loan funds in the amount of $2,000,000.00 to be repaid by COA, over a ten year period from the signing of the promissory note. Chairman Melancon moved the item to 7-1 on the agenda. The remaining Consent Agenda items were unanimously adopted as follows on a motion by Councilman Blaine Petite:

a. Adoption of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2025

b. Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Parish and Jambalaya Capital of the World for a one-time payment of $20,000.00 to help marketing and public relations

c. REMOVED

d. Approval of Renewal of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Capital Area Human Services District (CAHSD) for the limited purpose of the Parish assisting in the monthly rental payments for the building currently housing CAHSD. The Parish shall reimburse CHSD $4,345.83 monthly, which is one-half of the monthly rental rate of $8,691.66. The Parish shall also reimburse one half of monthly utility costs

e. Approval of Amendment #1 to the Agreement for Autopsy and Autopsy Forensic Services with Dr. Christopher Trevino and Dr. Frank Peretti dba Forensic Autopsy & Consulting Services, LLC, to temporarily increase the not to exceed amount by $31,900.00 for a new not to exceed amount of $81,899.00

f. Approval of Renewal of Contract for Medical Services with Ty Gautreau for medical services to inmates at Ascension Parish Jail. Compensation to provider is $4,725.00 monthly not to exceed $56,700.00

g. Approval of Amendment #1 to the Claims Administration Service Agreement with Louisiana Claims Administrators for claims management and administration to add an additional $10,500.00 to cover the last quarter administrative fees and any additional fees provided for in Exhibit A of the contract. The new not to exceed amount is $76,300.00

h. Approval of Amendment #1 to the Professional Services Contract for Programming and Maintenance of Communications Equipment with In-Telecom Consulting, LLC for programming and maintenance of communications equipment to add an additional $1,400.00 to pay remaining invoices for a not to exceed amount of $78,900.00

i. Approval of the Professional Selection Committee's recommendation to select the respondent, Triton Controls & Engineering, Inc., for the RFQ - Parish Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Support and to enter into a service contract for the project

j. Approval of Amendment #3 to the Renewal of Master Contract for Professional Services for Engineering Review Agency Services with CSRS, LLC for Engineering Review Agency Services, to extend the contract term through July 6, 2025. The Amendment only extends the term of the contract and does not affect the contract price

k. Approval to enter into contract/agreement with the lowest responsive quote received from Vath's Lighting & Controls Solutions for the project - Electrical Lighting Replacement Arena B, C and D in the amount of $68,825.00

l. Approval of Amendment #2 to the Renewal of Master Services Contract with Del-Con, LLC for plumbing maintenance and repairs to add an additional $75,000.00 to provide funding through the end of the contract term of July 11, 2025 for a not to exceed amount of $275,000.00

m. Approval of Renewal of the Legal Services Contract with Kean Miller, LLP for the preparation of trust documents for retiree medical plan, coordination with health plan, pension plan and related documentation, and consultation with respect to related tax consequences, and regulatory compliance. The rate at which attorney may bill the parish shall not exceed the Attorney General rate and shall not exceed $8,000

n. Approval of Amendment #10 to the Professional Services Contract with McKim & Creed, Inc., to extend the term to February 17, 2025, retroactive to December 31, 2024. The amendment only extends the term of the contract and does not affect the contract price

o. Approval of Amendment #2 to the Master Contract for Professional Services for Professional Engineering Support Services with Forte & Tablada, Inc. for the bridge load ratings of parish-owned bridges. This amendment is to extend the term of the contract through June 30, 2025 and does not affect the contract price

p. Approval of Amendment #2 to the Renewal of Master Contract for Professional Services for Geotechnical Assistance, with Gulf South Engineering and Testing, Inc., to extend the contract term through June 30, 2025. The amendment only extends the term of the contract and does not affect the contract price

The Council then took up the item removed from the Consent Agenda: Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Ascension Parish Government and the Council on Aging for the building of a new Senior Center in Prairieville. The Parish will loan funds in the amount of $2,000,000.00 to be repaid by COA over a ten year period from the signing of the promissory note. CFO Dawn Caballero presented this item. After some comments, a motion to approve was made by Councilman Blaine Petite. The motion passed with no objection.

Councilman Blaine Petite motioned to accept the recommendation by the Zoning Commission to approve the Zoning Review ID PZ-3613.25 for Rowco Investments, LLC located on the south side of W Edenborne Parkway approximately 1900 east of S. St. Landry Avenue to amend the Ascension Parish Zoning Map from Crossroads Commercial (CC) to Light Industrial (LI). The motion passed with no objection.

Councilman Blaine Petite motioned to accept the recommendation of the Zoning Commission to approve Zoning Review ID PZ-3585.25 Lot C1D for Kelco Properties, LLC (Kirby Keller) located on the South side of LA Highway 30 approximately 984 west of Delatte Rd. to amend the Ascension Parish Zoning Map from Crossroad Commercial (CC) to Mixed Use (MU).The motion passed with no objection.

Councilman Todd Varnado made a motion to approve the Change Order #13 with Shaw Construction Services Sewer Improvements Project #SEWR11002, for the addition of 15 house connections and to install additional fencing and additional paving in accordance with the approved amendment from OCD for additional qualities not in the original scope of work for an additional $122,134.00 for a new amount not to exceed $6,012,886.45. The motion passed with no objection.

Councilman Todd Varnado made a motion to approve the Substantial Completion of Sewer Improvements Project AP Project #SEWR11002 CDBG Project #03PARA2301 by Shaw Construction. The motion passed with no objection.

The Council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on April 17, 2025, at the Ascension Parish Courthouse, 607 E Worthey Rd. Gonzales, LA at 6:00pm, to consider an ordinance Budget Amendment #1 approval to amend the 2025 Budget on a motion by Councilman Blaine Petite.

The Council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on April 3, 2025, at the Ascension Parish Courthouse, 300 Houmas St. Donaldsonville, LA at 6:00pm, to consider an ordinance to amend the Ascension Parish Consolidated Utilities District #1 and Parish Utilities of Ascension Water Company Rules and Regulations, Section 4 Billing, Fees and Payments, 3. Fees to adjust and revise the Fee Schedule new tap fee, service deposit and tap fee parts for 4, 6 and 8 meters only on a motion by Councilman Oliver Joseph.

Legal Counsel Kenneth Dupaty read the ordinance to amend the Ascension Parish Zoning Map from Mixed Use 2 (MU2) to Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD) Zoning Review ID PZ 3401.24 Tract X and Tract Y-1 of the Charles C. Brown Property for Primax Propeties, LLC located on the north side of LA Highway 42 approximately 1400 east of Old Jefferson Highway (LA Highway 73)The public hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado. There was one speaker on this item:

Mickey Robertson

With no other speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.

Councilman Brian Hillensbeck made a motion to amend the stipulations recommended by the Zoning Commission to

1 Grant the Waiver for the building at 21,930 sq ft. and to

2 Delete the stipulation that reads no utility trailers displayed across the front of the building. Needs to be moved elsewhere and

3 Delete the stipulation that reads the words Tractor Supply cannot be on the building, just the logo and

4 Delete the stipulation that reads stored equipment in front of the building needs to be moved during non-working hours

The amended motion PASSED with no objection. Chairman Melancon then called for a motion to approve the ordinance as amended. The amended ordinance passed unanimously on a motion by Councilman Brian Hillensbeck.

ORDINANCE NO. ZM24-02

ZONING REVIEW ID PZ-3401.24, CHANGING THE OFFICIAL ZONING DESIGNATION OF TRACT X AND TRACT Y-1 TO REZONE FROM MIXED USE 2 (MU2) TO SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (SPUD) PROVIDES FOR SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

PURPOSE: This ordinance amends the official zoning designation for Tract X and Tract Y-1 attached legal description from Mixed Use 2 (MU2) to Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD). This rezone is identified as Zoning Review ID PZ- 3401.24.

WHEREAS: Ascension Parish is a local governmental subdivision as defined by Article VI, Section 44 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, and

WHEREAS: The Parish of Ascension is the governing and responsible body over the zoning and regulations within this jurisdiction, and

WHEREAS: Article VI of the Home Rule Charter of Ascension Parish, adopted May 4, 1993, identifies the process and manner in which to adopt ordinances regulating the lands of this

Parish, and

WHEREAS: The official zoning map for Ascension Parish was last adopted on March 8, 2016 and

WHEREAS: The Parish Council reserves the authority to make changes to the official zoning map by ordinance, and

WHEREAS: This request has been processed in compliance with the procedures set forth.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Ascension Parish Governing Authority that the official Zoning Map of Ascension Parish Louisiana is amended to reflect the property identified in Exhibit A as Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD) as the official zoning designation.

SEVERABILITY: In the event that any portion of this Ordinance is ever held invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction over it, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be in full effect as permitted by law.

EXHIBITS:

A. Legal Description

B. Plat Map

C. Aerial / Zoning Map

ADOPTION: This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Brian Hillensbeck, Blain Petite, Pam Alonso, Dennis Cullen, Tia Starr

Nays: None

Not Voting: None

Absent: None

And this ordinance was passed on this 20th day of March, 2025.

/s/ Cinnamon McKey

Attest: Parish Council Secretary

/s/ Clint Cointment

Clint Cointment, Parish President

Legal Counsel Kenneth Dupaty read the ordinance to revoke an existing thirty (30) foot drainage servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Tract B-1-A-1-A of the George M. Valentine Property.

A public hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Brian Hillensbeck. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado. The ordinance was adopted unanimously on a motion by Councilman Joel Robert:

ORDINANCE

Purpose: To revoke an existing thirty (30) foot drainage servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Tract B-1-A-1-A of the George M. Valentine property. Property as depicted on the Quality Engineering & Surveying, LLC plat map dated July 18, 2022, recorded at instrument no. 1057196.

WHEREAS, the petitioner has petitioned the Ascension Parish Council to revoke an existing thirty (30) foot drainage servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Tract B-1-A-1-A of the George M. Valentine property. Property as depicted on the Quality Engineering & Surveying, LLC plat map dated July 18, 2022, recorded at instrument no. 1057196; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Department, Engineering Department and all relevant utility companies have reviewed and researched said requests and have no objection to the revocation; as such,

THE PARISH OF ASCENSION HEREBY ORDAINS, that it grants approval of the revocation of an existing thirty (30) foot drainage servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Tract B-1-A-1-A of the George M. Valentine property. Property as depicted on the Quality Engineering & Surveying, LLC plat map dated July 18, 2022, recorded at instrument no. 1057196, attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A.

REPEAL: All ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby and henceforth repealed.

SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions herein which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall become effective fifteen (15) days after adoption.

ADOPTION: This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Brian Hillensbeck, Blain Petite, Pam Alonso, Dennis Cullen, Tia Starr

Nays: None

Not Voting: None

Absent: None

And this ordinance was passed on this 20th day of March, 2025.

/s/ Cinnamon McKey

Attest: Parish Council Secretary

/s/ Clint Cointment

Clint Cointment, Parish President

Legal Counsel Kenneth Dupaty read the ordinance to revoke an existing fifteen foot servitude and an existing fifteen foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Lot 5-A-1 of the Geron Crotwell Property Councilman Joel Robert made a motion to open the public hearing. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.

Councilman Varnado made a motion to adopt the ordinance. The ordinance was unanimously adopted as follows:

ORDINANCE

Purpose: To revoke an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Lot 5-A-1 of the Geron Crotwell property. Property as depicted on the Earles and Associates, LLC plat map dated September 24, 2024, recorded at instrument no. 1100859.

WHEREAS, the petitioner has petitioned the Ascension Parish Council to revoke an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Lot 5-A-1 of the Geron Crotwell property. Property as depicted on the Earles and Associates, LLC plat map dated September 24, 2024, recorded at instrument no. 1100859; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Department, Engineering Department and all relevant utility companies have reviewed and researched said requests and have no objection to the revocation; as such,

THE PARISH OF ASCENSION HEREBY ORDAINS, that it grants approval of the revocation of an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude and an existing fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude located across the northern portion of Lot 5-A-1 of the Geron Crotwell property. Property as depicted on the Earles and Associates, LLC plat map dated September 24, 2024, recorded at instrument no. 1100859, attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A.

REPEAL: All ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby and henceforth repealed.

SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions herein which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall become effective fifteen (15) days after adoption.

ADOPTION: This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Brian Hillensbeck, Blain Petite, Pam Alonso, Dennis Cullen, Tia Starr

Nays: None

Not Voting: None

Absent: None

And this ordinance was passed on this 20th day of March, 2025.

/s/ Cinnamon McKey

Attest: Parish Council Secretary

/s/ Clint Cointment

Clint Cointment, Parish President

There being no further business to come before the Council of the Parish of Ascension upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 6:31 PM.

/s/ Chase Melancon

Chairman

/s/ Cinnamon McKey

SECRETARY

11171862 4/3/25 ($298.56)