PUBLIC NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY
December 9, 2025
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at their regular meeting place, the Town Hall, Berwick, Louisiana, Tuesday De- cember 9, 2025, at six (6:00) o’clock p.m.
There were present: Council members Colleen Askew, Kevin He- bert, Lud Henry, Raymond Price, and James Richard.
Absent: None
Pastor Herb Stanley from Cornerstone Ministries led the prayer.
Councilman James Richard led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana were duly convened as the governing authority of said Town, led by the Honorable Duval Arthur Jr, Mayor, who then stated that the Mayor and Council were ready for the transaction of business.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without reading upon motion Lud Henry and seconded by Kevin He- bert.
The Treasurer’s report, having been reviewed, was approved without reading upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Colleen Askew.
The Beacon was shining on a Teachers and a Student for January 2025. The Beacon Shines on recipients were:
Berwick Jr. High School Teacher of the year: Jennifer Romero
Berwick Jr. High School Student of the year: Hank Percle
There were no guests for the December 2025 meeting.
Police Chief Jonathan Henry presented the police report for November, 2025. Chief Henry stated that things have been busy at the department. Officers handled 291 complaints, in addition to working tirelessly with other law enforcement agencies to apprehend two prisoners that were able to escape from the Berwick jail. An accommodation was presented to Officer Lee Howard for his bravery during the escape. Chief Henry also recognized the promotion of Detective Quentin Menard who will now serve as Assistant Chief. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, Fire re- port.
Police Chief Jonathan Henry presented the fire report for November, 2025. Chief Acosta received an emergency call during the meeting requiring him to leave. Chief Henry stated that the fire department responded to 10 emergency calls. There were 3 motor vehicle accidents, 2 medical calls, 2 fire alarms, 1 vehicle fire, 1 hazmat call, and 1 grass fire. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, the Public Works re- port.
Public Works Director Rafael Lopez presented the public works report for November 2025. Mr. Lopez stated that they are currently about seventy-five percent done with the sewer rehabilitation project that is being done throughout town. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, consulting engineer’s report.
Town Engineer Mr. Reid Miller stated that they are still working on the water meter replacement project and hope to have the project completed by the end of the year. The mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, committee reports.
The Economic Development and Public Safety Committees had nothing to report.
The Historical Committee reported that they have added a new exhibit to the museum and continue to work on archiving Berwick history.
The Recreation Committee will be hosting a Christmas movie night at the Berwick Civic Center on December 13, 2025 at 6:00pm. The event will include, pictures with Santa, hot dogs, chips & drinks. They will be showing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
The Planning and Zoning Committee presented the November, 2025 report. A Planning and Zoning public hearing was recently held to discuss an application for a minor subdivision by Beth Barron located on Pattie Drive. It is the recommendation of the committee that the mayor and council approve the application that would subdivide 30.688 acres into five parcels (Tracts B-1 thru B-4 (total 15.508 acres) to be divided into four lots each equaling 3.877 acres, and Tract B-5 to be 15.180 acres. All of the lots will re- main zoned as R-1 residential lots. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert, the application was approved by a unanimous roll call vote. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, New Business.
Item No. 1 under New Business – Approve Liquor Licenses for 2026:
a. St. Mary Golf & Country Club
b. Ganaway’s #4
c. Country Club Express
d. One 80 Downtown
e. Hollywood Truck Plaza (Cash Magic)
f. Hollywood Plaza Casino (Cash Magic)
g. Stazione’s Deli Market
h. Bayou Lag-niappe Restaurant
i. Dollar General #13678
j. Cypress Lake Resort
k. The Old Building
Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Raymond Price, the licenses were ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote. Colleen Askew recused due to conflict of interest.
Item No. 2 under New Business – Re-Appoint Janie Brashear to the Berwick Housing Authority Board. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Lud Henry, the appointment was approved unanimously.
Item No. 3 under New Business – Sarah Gros – Carts of Christmas Cheer Parade Permit – December 20, 2025 – Country Club Estates. Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by James Richard, the permit was approved unanimously
Item No. 4 under New Business – Approve Project 14985 Change Order No. 2 – 60 Additional Working Days to the Contract Time. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Raymond Price, the change order was approved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 5 under New Business – Approve Payment 14985 No. 5 to Core & Main, LP for $11,545.16 – Water Meter Re- placement Project. Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Colleen Askew, the payment was ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 6 under New Business – Declare Surplus Property:
2007 Ford Crown Victoria – VIN# 2FAFP71W07X118679
Upon motion by Raymond Price and seconded by Colleen Askew, the property was de- clared surplus by a unanimous roll call vote.
There being no further business to come before the Council, upon motion by Raymond Price and seconded by Colleen Askew the motion to adjourn was approved unanimously.
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Duval H. Arthur Jr –
Mayor
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Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Adv. Dec. 17, 2025