TUESDAY,
APRIL 22, 2025
RACELAND, LOUISIANA
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH LAFOURCHE
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL, PARISH OF LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, WAS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M., HELD AT THE MATHEWS GOVERNMENT COMPLEX, 4876 HIGHWAY 1, RACELAND, LOUISIANA AND LIVE-STREAMED ON LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENTS YOUTUBE LIVE CHANNEL.
The Lafourche Parish Council was duly convened as the Governing Authority of said Parish by Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, who then stated that the Lafourche Parish Council was ready for the transaction of business at 5:00 p.m.
Proceedings of the meeting were called to order with the following:
PRESENT: Mr. DeJae Broomfield, Mr. Mark Perque, Vice-Chair, Mr. Aaron Bo Melvin, Mr. Terry Pierce, Mr. Terry Arabie Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, Mrs. DLynn Chiasson, Mr. Daniel Lorraine, Mr. Archie Chaisson, III, Parish President
ABSENT: Mr. William T-Boo Adams
Chairman Autin announced that the invocation would be led by Mr. Aaron Bo Melvin. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. DeJae Broomfield.
STATE AND/OR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
The first item on the agenda was State and/or Federal Legislative Updates.
There was no one present to make a presentation at this time.
LAFOURCHE PARISH OUTSTANDING CITIZEN
The next item on the agenda was the Lafourche Parish Outstanding Citizen.
There were no recommendations at this time.
PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item on the agenda was presentations and/or updates.
There was no one present to make a presentation at this time.
ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECT REPORTS
The next item on the agenda was a presentation of planned, presently on going, recently completed or other projects by appropriate engineering firms engaged by the Parish.
Mr. Joe Picciola, Picciola & Associates, 115 Picciola Parkway, Cut Off, Louisiana, gave a report on the following projects: Airport Connector Road and Bridge, Hurricane Ida Storm Damage Repairs to Pump Stations, Sugar Ridge Pump Station, Larose Boat Launch, RSTD-Priority Road Improvements Project, Cote Blanche Bridge Rehabilitation, Choctaw Levee Mitigation Project, and the Westside Drainage Improvement Project. Questions from Council Members were then answered.
Please see Exhibit A.
A motion was offered by Mr. Melvin, to deviate back to Agenda Item C, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item was a presentation from a representative of Capital Area Finance Authority.
Ms. Kristin Delahoussaye, 601 Saint Ferdinand, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, spoke to the Council about the program that they have. They have been in a Cooperative Endeavour Agreement with Lafourche Parish for many, many years. They help borrowers that need help with down payments, closing costs, prepaid items, anything that they need help with getting into a home. She spoke about the new bonds that will be coming up and the resolution that will be coming up for Council approval for them to continue working in the parish.
A motion was then made by Mr. Melvin, to jump back to Item E, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL (PUBLIC HEARINGS, AGENDA ITEMS, ETC.)
The next item on the agenda was Public Wishing to Address the Council (Public Hearings, Agenda Items, Etc.).
Mr. Jay Vance, 706 Terre Haute Place, Houma, Louisiana, addressed the Council about streetlights, streetlight work order, and tall weeds.
Ms. C. Smith, 237 Buford Street, Raceland, Louisiana, addressed the Council about an issue that happened after she spoke at the March 25, 2025 meeting, and also regarding trees, a bulkhead being built behind her house, and debris from Hurricane Francine that has not been picked up.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The next item (1) on the agenda was a motion to accept the minutes of the April 8, 2025 Regular Session meeting.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mr. Pierce, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCES FOR RATIFICATION
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, to open the Public Hearing, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
The next item (2) on the agenda was an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2866 reducing the speed limit from twenty-five (25) miles per hour to fifteen (15) miles per hour on Hummingbird Drive, Bayou Blue, Louisiana, Ward (11), District (5), Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana; requiring the placement of Speed Limit signs; and providing penalties for the violations thereof.
DEFERRED TO THE JUNE 24, 2025 LPC MEETING
The next item (3) on the agenda was an ordinance requesting two (2) traffic calming devices and the appropriate signage be installed (pending appropriate funding is available) on Mars Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana, Ward (6), District (2), Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Melvin. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, Chairman Autin asked if there was any discussion from the Council.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin said, Yes sir, thank you. Im reading it and are we getting away from speed bumps or arent we, because I dont like them either, but it says speed bumps in here. So, are we getting away from them?
Chairman Autin said, So, Mr. Perque has the floor next, and well see if someone from the Administration wants to answer. He then acknowledged for Mr. Perque to have the floor.
Mr. Perque said, That was kind of my same question. I mean I see that we did the traffic study, and it warrants some type of, some type of restrictions. But I think the general question, I think before I was on the Council and attended some meetings, we were kind of talking about versus speed bumps and things of that nature. Maybe looking at some type of radar sign system, right, that shows the signage of how fast youre going and what not. So, that was kind of my question as to where were on that.
Chairman Autin said, I think the signs are great and the residents can buy them and put them themselves. One of the subdivisions theyve done, I think thats probably effective. He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, the way these things are written is pending appropriate funding available. I think Councilman Adams did this in response to a constant request from the people who, a person who lives on this particular street. But I will tell you there is no funding available, we did not budget any money in 2025 for speed humps. We finished out the ones, I think Mr. Arabies were the last set, and we are moving away from it. And look guys, Ive seen it, they dont work. People speed in between them for the most part, some of the longer streets may work in some instances. But in this little strip, right, I mean were talking about a street that has maybe seven or eight houses on it alright. Its not a very long street and its a bypass to get to Highway 20 when youre coming from 307, right, so you dont have to hit the hard curve on 20 and go around. But I think this is one of the perfect places where we try the signs, see if it works and if it doesnt, working with the Sheriffs Office we come back and maybe look at it down the road. You can pass it, but just, theres no funding available for it at the moment so were not going to go install them even if you do pass the ordinance tonight.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. President. He then acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin said, Yeah, just because of the new mic system, what I wanted to say at the end of my question but its so much back and forth, is that I like the radar solar powered speed limit signs. I know different areas like them, Acadia Woods bought their own, but not everybody can afford them like Acadia Woods. But I think it definitely helps just like a blinking stop sign. And look, speeders, youre going to have some people who are going to speed and youre never going to stop them unless they get a ticket, and theyre still going to speed. Its just like folks who catch over the limit when you go fishing. Theyre habitually going to break the law. But some folks dont realize how fast theyre going theyve got a heavy foot, myself included, okay. And I think that we really need to look at that next year and put a few in key areas. Because once people see, I didnt realize I was going that fast, its kind of a wake-up call. So, I think that would be good. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. Melvin.
Chairman Autin called for a vote, which failed by a vote of (1) yea Mr. Melvin, (7) nays Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Perque, Mr. Pierce, Mr. Arabie, Mr. Autin, Mrs. Chiasson, and Mr. Lorraine, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
FAILED
The next item (4) on the agenda was an ordinance amending and re-enacting Chapter 16 of the Lafourche Parish Code of Ordinances as it pertains to Environment; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Pierce. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, Chairman Autin asked if there was any discussion from the Council.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie said, Mr. President, on this ordinance here can you explain to me a little bit about it more in detail because I got some calls on it. I know youre talking about swimming pools, but I know some people have got ponds in their front yards. Also, you know, hows that going to affect their ponds and things like that. Can you give me a little more information on it?
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Im trying to find the agenda summary part to recollect my memory. Mitch can fill in some gaps for me, but the biggest part of it is that we no longer have the Department of Coastal Energy and Environment. So, a lot of it is just a name change. There is some stuff in there about how we respond to derelict pools. Ponds are not; I think ponds are listed in there but are not going to be a huge issue. This is more to help Sam, and the Solid Waste staff deal with the complaints we get about derelict pools and mosquitos, the green water, stuff like that.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie said, So, if youve got a pond in your front yard and a swimming pool, theyre both going to draw mosquitos. So, were going to enforce the swimming pool but not the ponds. Is that what youre saying? And I do know that we have some issues with some pools, you know. I was just kind of wondering because I got some questions thrown at me and Im trying to get some answers for them.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Yeah, so I think the stark contrast is, you know, if you have a pond, right, some people have aerators, people, those are few and far in between. You get a couple of swimming pools in a neighborhood, right, where you have houses condensed in one particular area it becomes more of a nuisance hazard then a pond, right. I can probably, theres not a whole lot of ponds in residential areas except the ones that are owned and operated by the HOAs that were dug for retention, those are different, right. You get a couple of swimming pools that people let go green, the houses are probably derelict if the pools derelict, maybe they just dont take care of it anymore, thats where the issues really come in.
Chairman Autin said, Alright. He then acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie said, So, what youre saying, its going to be more or less a derelict structure, pool, something like that, alright. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. Arabie. He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, And its not to say were never going to run against a derelict pond, right, those could happen. But the pools are the bigger problem, not so much the ponds.
Chairman Autin said, Alright.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion. With there being no further discussion, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (1) nay Mr. Lorraine, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
ORD. NO. 7023 AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING CHAPTER 16 OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES AS IT PERTAINS TO ENVIRONMENT
At this time an audience member stood up and started speaking without being recognized by the Chairman and her comments were not audible.
Chairman Autin said, Maam were not, you can come up on the next item of ordinance.
The persons comments were not audible.
Chairman Autin started to say, So, item
The persons next comments were not audible.
Chairman Autin said, Maam, yeah you can come back. Were not discussing mosquitos right now, Im sorry. That was an ordinance on environment, and I did ask for public input.
The persons final comments were not audible.
Chairman Autin said, Maam, can you please have a seat, youre interrupting the proceedings. Were going to Item 5 Ordinance right now if you want to speak on Item 5. Ill be calling public input on Item 5 in one second if youd like to speak on that.
The next item (5) on the agenda was an ordinance approving an agreement to purchase and sell property between Jerry Ledet and Corina Pitre Ledet and Lafourche Parish Government for the property located at 18594 Hwy 3235, Galliano, Louisiana, 70354, Tract One through Tract Four; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
DEFERRED TO THE MAY 13, 2025 LPC MEETING
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Pierce, to close the public hearing, and carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
Chairman Autin relinquished the meeting to Vice-Chair Perque.
The next item (6) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance accepting the subdivision known as The Settlement at Live Oak, Phase 5, into the Parish system.
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
Please note that Mr. Melvin stepped out of the Chambers at 1734 hours.
The next item (7) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Public Buildings).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (8) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (General Alimony).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (9) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Criminal Tax).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (10) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Health Unit).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (11) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Library 014).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (12) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Recreational Facilities).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (13) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Library 017).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (14) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Fire Protection District No. 1).
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
Please note that Mr. Mevin reentered the Chambers at 17:37.
The next item (15) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Fire Protection District No. 4).
A motion was offered by Mr. Melvin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (16) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Health and Library).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (17) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Fire Protection District No. 9).
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (18) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Fire Protection District No. 7).
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (19) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Veterans Memorial District Ward 10).
A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (20) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Council on Aging).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (21) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Drainage Works and Roads).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (22) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance levying and imposing taxes for 2025 on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of Lafourche (Special Service District No. 1).
A motion was offered by Mr. Autin to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (23) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance approving a purchase and sale agreement between Bristow Group, Inc. and Lafourche Parish Government for the building and other improvements located at 18594 Hwy 3235, Galliano, Louisiana 70354, Tract One through Tract Four; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
Vice-Chair Perque returned the meeting to Chairman Autin.
RESOLUTIONS
The next item (24) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between the Louisiana Secretary of State, Louisiana State Archives Records Management and Lafourche Parish Government for electronic records conversion; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Melvin, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-095 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LOUISIANA SECRETARY OF STATE, LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR ELECTRONIC RECORDS CONVERSION
The next item (25) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter Advisory Board representing Council District 1.
A motion was offered by Mr. Broomfield to appoint Captain Kevin Johnson, seconded by Mr. Perque, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-096 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE LAFOURCHE PARISH ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTING COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
The next item (26) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Recreation District No. 11 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Pierce to appoint Dylan Parfait, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-097 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 11 BOARD
The next item (27) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member to the Fire Protection District No. 1 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to reappoint Michael Garner, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-098 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD
The next item (28) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member to the Sewerage District No. 7 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Melvin to reappoint Keith Bergeron, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-099 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE SEWERAGE DISTRICT NO. 7 BOARD
The next item (29) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member on the Hospital Service District No. 1 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to reappoint Kip Plaisance, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-100 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD
The next item (30) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member to the Lafourche Parish Civil Service Board representing Nicholls State University Alumni Association.
A motion was offered by Mr. Broomfield to reappoint Adam Lefort, seconded by Mr. Melvin, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-101 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE LAFOURCHE PARISH CIVIL SERVICE BOARD REPRESENTING NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The next item (31) on the agenda was a resolution approving Change Order No. 2 for the project titled Hurricane Ida Galliano Government Complex Interior Rebuild, increasing the contract price by $41,755.00; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said change order and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mrs. Chiasson to have the floor.
Mrs. Chiasson said, Sorry Im late. While were on this subject can we get a little update on how its going. Thank you, Mitch.
Chairman Autin then acknowledged for Mr. Mitch Orgeron, Parish Administrator, to have the floor.
Mr. Mitch Orgeron, Parish Administrator, said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We actually did a walk around in the building last Tuesday after visiting with Councilman Lorraine in his district. All of the aluminum studs are actually erected. Theyre wrapping up some wiring inside the building as we speak. Theyve got a vast majority of the mechanical already installed and theyre going to start hanging sheetrock probably in another two weeks. So, its starting to come together. As of right now were looking at an anticipated completion date at the end of Octboer.
Chairman Autin said, Very good. Thank you, Mr. Administrator.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-102 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 FOR THE PROJECT TITLED HURRICANE IDA GALLIANO GOVERNMENT COMPLEX INTERIOR REBUILD, INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE BY $41,755.00
The next item (32) on the agenda was a resolution approving Amendment No. 4 to the agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and GIS Engineering, LLC for the project titled Valentine Pontoon Bridge Rehab Project; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said amendment and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Lorraine to have the floor.
Mr. Lorraine said, Yeah, when all this first started they were talking about four and a half million, look just in engineering youre up to two million. So, you aint building it for four and a half million gentlemen. I tried to tell yall that from the very beginning, but nobody wants to listen. So, now youre going to see it for yourself. I will vote for it because I really think they need a bridge there, but you aint building it for four and a half.
Chairman Autin said, And the numbers I remember it started at 1.5 and then they got to 7. So, thats what I remember, because of that RAISE grant, since 2016.
Mr. Lorraine said, But youre almost at two million on the engineering, and then you got, what was it to demolish? About half a million?
Chairman Autin said, In fall of 2016, Ill throw that out there too, thats when this started.
Mr. Lorraine said, Yeah, but I tried to tell yall the Cut Off Bridge, 15 years ago it was five and a half million to fix it.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. Lorraine.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-103 APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND GIS ENGINEERING, LLC FOR THE PROJECT TITLED VALENTINE PONTOON BRIDGE REHAB PROJECT
The next item (33) on the agenda was a resolution approving Amendment No. 4 to the agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and GIS Engineering, LLC for the Grand Bayou Freshwater Reintroduction Project; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said amendment and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Lorraine, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-104 APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND GIS ENGINEERING, LLC FOR THE GRAND BAYOU FRESHWATER REINTRODUCTION PROJECT
The next item (34) on the agenda was a resolution amending Resolution No. 24-007 and stating that any two of the following people are authorized to sign all checks issued by the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Office from the Juror and Witness Fee Account located at Capital One Bank: Ms. Annette M. Fontana, Breanne M. Deroche, Ms. Angela H. Clement, Mr. Louie Leffingwell, or Ms. Tara A. Ledet Ms. Alissa Clement; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-105 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-007 AND STATING THAT ANY TWO OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE ARE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN ALL CHECKS ISSUED BY THE LAFOURCHE PARISH CLERK OF COURT OFFICE FROM THE JUROR AND WITNESS FEE ACCOUNT LOCATED AT CAPITAL ONE BANK: MS. ANNETTE M. FONTANA, BREANNE M. DEROCHE, MS. ANGELA H. CLEMENT, MR. LOUIE LEFFINGWELL, OR MS. TARA A. LEDET MS. ALISSA CLEMENT
The next item (35) on the agenda was a resolution approving renewal of the annual subscription for Jamf Mobile Device Management in the amount of $29,885.64 through Insight Public Sector; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said renewal and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson seconded by Mr. Pierce.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin said, Yes, I just have a quick question. I know this is a contract dealing with the State of Louisiana and for iPhones or what have you, some management of software. Did we ever do this in-house before? And Im not against outsourcing some things.
Chairman Autin asked, Is that it? Any more questions before I switch it over?
Mr. Melvin said, I was just wondering.
Chairman Autin said, Okay. He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, we cant Bo. This is a software that is uploaded on every device that we own, to a certain extent it allows us to lock it down. In certain cases for the kiddos, in certain cases if we have an employee who leaves we can lock down their computer, their iPhone, iPad, whatever other communication device they had to keep anything nefarious from happening. So, its not anything that we developed in-house, its something that we bought out.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-106 APPROVING RENEWAL OF THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR JAMF MOBILE DEVICE MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,885.64 THROUGH INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR
The next item (36) on the agenda was a resolution authorizing GIS Engineering, LLC to prepare and submit a pre-application to the Statewide Flood Control Program for assistance in the implementation of a project for the purpose of reducing existing flood damages; providing for the necessary documentation of said flood damages, and providing for other related matters in connection therewith; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin asked, Is this the boat launches or is this like public wide cameras for what?
Chairman Autin said, Alright. Mr. President are you going to answer that one? He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, So, its the Statewide Flood Control Program, Bo. This is the program we use; this is the same project that Joe talked about thats doing some drainage work on the back of 3235.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-107 AUTHORIZING GIS ENGINEERING, LLC TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT A PRE-APPLICATION TO THE STATEWIDE FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING EXISTING FLOOD DAMAGES
The next item (37) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Lafourche Parish Government, Flock Group, Inc. and Entergy Louisiana, Inc. for attaching equipment to poles; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Broomfield.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, yeah Councilman Melvin this is for our cameras. The Flock Group is the Flock cameras that the Sheriffs Office uses, license plate readers, stuff like that, that track vehicles that come in and out for their purposes, and Entergy to put stuff on their pole. So, if you guys remember right two meetings ago, we rescinded an agreement doing the same thing because there were some updates to it Entergy wanted to do. This is us just putting it back to basically reapprove. It does not cost us a dime it just gives us and Flock and the Sheriffs Office the authority to put stuff on their power poles.
Chairman Autin said, Very good. Thank you, Mr. President.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any other discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
RES. NO. 25-108 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT, FLOCK GROUP, INC. AND ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC. FOR ATTACHING EQUIPMENT TO POLES
PARISH PRESIDENT, DEPARTMENT HEADS, DIRECTORS OR MANAGERS REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item (38) on the agenda was a Finance representative to present the monthly financial report as required by the State Agreed Upon Procedures for March, 2025.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You guys all got the email with this months financials, and we are here along with Ms. Jackson in the back to answer any questions if you have any.
Please see Exhibit B.
Chairman Autin said, Very good.
QUESTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
The next item on the agenda was of any Questions for the Administration.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin said, So, just real quick ones. I have an update on LeFort Bypass Bridge. Where we are, if were going to fix it or if the state has said theyre going to give us the money so we can fix it. Also, the old cement lined ditch in the Country Club has some small saplings coming out. We dont want to ruin the good part of it, because thats actually the better part of the ditch, which was better cement. Id like that taken care of, Ill send Dillon an email. Also, the cement lined ditch on the back half, I know, do you know what engineer might have said Hey, you know, its good for now or it doesnt need to be fixed or looked at now. I just know, Im just worried about it washing out in this hurricane season. Also, Ill get to the others in person. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Alright. Someone from the Administration want to answer any of that? He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, no Bo we have not gotten an answer back from DOTD yet on the LeFort Bypass Bridge. We have a small repair project that we can do but Im hesitant to go spend fifty or sixty thousand dollars to do a repair for them just to come rip everything out when they decide to go to bid and do their full replacement project. So, I dont know. Im literally typing them an email today, right now, saying Hey whats, we asked for this a week ago and we still havent gotten anything. So, Ill copy you on the email so you can see the whole thread.
Mr. Melvins comment was inaudible.
Parish President Chaisson said, I mean, again, if the Council wants to go waste fifty thousand dollars to watch it get ripped up in a couple of months, Im more than happy to go do that. But Im not to inclined to go do that. The sapling question, yeah, we can take a look at that but was Shane the engineer Dillon? So, the engineer you asked about was Hightide Consultants.
Chairman Autin said, Alright. Thank you, Mr. President. He then acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie asked, Mr. President would you have the Department of Public Works look into the complaint that we received here tonight about the levee, about the tree down and stuff like that. Could you please have somebody check that out. That is behind the Greenville, St. Patrick Street area and on down.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. Arabie. He then acknowledged for Parish President Chaisson to have the floor.
Parish President Chaisson said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just, Mr. Arabie, so you know, the bulkhead that was mentioned is a private bulkhead being constructed. Its not anything the parish or the levee district is doing. So, thats, we can go look at and make sure its not constricting the waterway any, but thats a private construction effort not anything thats being done with public funds.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, Mr. President.
DISCUSSION
The next item was any discussion.
Chairman Autin said Discussion, anyone have any discussion? Well, I do. La Fete du Monde, this Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Highway 1 and Highway 90. And so, Im glad to end the meeting with everyone, please engrain this in you, this benefits Lockport Rotary, KCs, Bayou Lafourche Folklife and Heritage Museum, Lockport Carnival Club, and Lockport Fire Department. So, any money you come and spend out there goes right back into the community. Amusement rides, great band line up, theres no entry fee to get into the park. So, you can come to listen to the music and you dont have to spend nothing, not obligated to spend a dime. I also want to thank Savony for assistance, I made a request for her, and she took care of it. With that said, okay hold on, hold on. I wanted to end it with the last thing but now the lights are starting to pop up and I will allow them to speak. He then acknowledged for Mr. Perque to have the floor.
Mr. Perque said, Thibodaux Firemans Volunteer Fire Fair first weekend in May, which is weekend after next. They certainly appreciate the support and go out and visit Councilman Melvin who will be out there working as usual. And I just want to piggyback what Chairperson Autin said, if yall can go out, La Fete Du Monde this weekend. All of these festivals, these people put in so much volunteer work, and they do. That money goes out to so many different non-profits and it benefits our community. And it does take a lot of burden off of the parish with what these things do, these events do. So, everybody go out and support them. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Well said. Thank you, Mr. Perque. He then acknowledged for Mr. Pierce to have the floor.
Mr. Pierce said, Yeah, as well, I want to thank Ms. Savony for her help with what she did for the Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department, taking care of what she did. From myself, and the fire department we appreciate it, thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, sir. He then acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie said, Yeah, I just want to let the general public know that the veterans at the VFW Hall in Raceland are having a crawfish boil fund raiser for their organization and I would like to ask the people to come out and support our local veterans. We are putting in a few teams ourselves so appreciate everybody come out and support the veterans.
Chairman Autin said, Saturday, May 3rd.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Mr. Pierce, seconded by Mr. Broomfield, and with no further business, the Lafourche Parish Council Regular Meeting of April 22, 2025 adjourned at 1757 hours, by a vote of (8) yeas, (0) nays, and (1) absent Mr. Adams.
ARMAND NOONIE AUTIN, CHAIRMAN
CARLEEN B. BABIN, COUNCIL CLERK
RACHELE WHEATER
MINUTE CLERK
LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL
5/27/25 ($623.04)