st. landry parish council regular meeting wednesday ... · 1 st. landry parish council regular...

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ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014 @ 6:00 P.M.

OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

MINUTES

1. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hurlin Dupre.

Roll call:

PRESENT: Jerry Red, Leon Robinson, Fekisha Miller-Matthews, Huet Dupre, Ronald Buschel,

Hurlin Dupre, Alvin Stelly, Pam Gautreau, Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie

Edwards, and Gary Courville.

ABSENT: None.

2. Condolences were offered by the Council Members for the deaths of the following:

Councilman Wayne Ardoin: Albert “Pappy” Richard.

Councilman Dexter Brown: Joseph “T.J.” Darjean.

Councilman Timmy Lejeune: James Octave Faul.

Councilman Gary Courville: Hannah Casselmann Zaunbrecher.

Chairman Hurlin Dupre: Dorothy “T-Girl” Jane Courville, Nellie Bertrand Fontenot, Matthew

“Matt” John Leger, Sherline Durio Pope, Jimmie Myers, Marie Kidder Darbonne, Maxie Billie

Sweeney, Elaine Synder Templeton, Virgie Fontenot Wyble, Norcisse Doucet, Sr., Kenneth

Edward Squires, Ralph J. Jennings, Sr., Farriel Joseph Thibodeaux.

3. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed the following agenda item: Persons to address the Council.

a) Ms. Pat Mason Guillory addressed the Council about the Veterans Memorial Park’s final

dedication which will take place on September 10th

at 6pm. The first time she addressed the

Council for the memorial project was in February of 2004. At this time, she came under Don

Menard’s leadership requesting an establishment that honors all the fallen soldiers. She was

requested to form a committee for the purpose of establishing a monument in St. Landry

Parish for the memory of all soldiers. On behalf of the committee, she invited the Council

and public to the dedication for the Memorial Park. Special thanks was given to Mr. Bill

Fontenot who secured a key note speaker. A short program will be held at the site and

parking will only be available at the Equine Center. Another special thanks was given to Mr.

Harold Forman for providing the parking and also the Town of Washington for providing

their trolley.

b) Mr. Jimmy Akers, 317 Tall Timbers, Arnaudville addressed the Council about the road

quality and conditions in the parish. On the website it stated, the parish would have many

years of service on the newly constructed roads. He congratulated the projects for being

under the projected bid price. He questioned what mechanism is in place to ensure the roads

will be constructed properly.

Parish President Bill Fontenot answered there are two contracts in place with two civil

engineering firms who were assigned to perform the following duties for the road projects:

design, bidding process, wrote the road specifications, and drew the plans. The firms are also

assigned to inspect and enforce the specifications written for the projects.

Mr. Akers questioned if the firms will audit themselves and Parish President Bill Fontenot

answered there will be testing firms called in to test the materials. Parish President Bill

Fontenot said as far as auditing goes, they have a liability if the work is not done correctly.

Mr. Akers wanted to make sure they are preparing correctly a head of time and Parish

President Bill Fontenot has alleviated this information for him.

Parish President Bill Fontenot said the parish never had a program before and asked Mr.

Akers how long he has lived in the parish and Mr. Akers answered 1995.

Parish President Bill Fontenot asked Mr. Akers how many paving programs has he seen and

Mr. Akers answered he has not seen any.

Parish President Bill Fontenot said this is it and thanks to the people, they are doing it. This is

being done in the professional manner for building roads whether at the state or federal

levels. He is a professional civil engineer and he certifies to Mr. Akers it is being done

correctly. The projects are designed correctly with the stamp of approval from the

professional engineers. Mr. Akers asked Parish President Bill Fontenot if he is accountable

for the roads and Parish President Bill Fontenot answered he is accountable and so are the

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engineers. The engineers are most accountable because they are certifying the work which is

what they are being paid for. There is a liability with this if the work is not done correctly.

Mr. Akers said they will keep an eye on it and Parish President Bill Fontenot said great and

he appreciates this.

c) Mayor Jamie Mayo from the City of Monroe, 318 King Oaks Drive, Monroe addressed the

Council about being a candidate for the 5th

Congressional District. On his way to Alexandria,

he stopped after hearing there was a meeting being held. Monroe is the birthplace of Delta

Air Lines, University of Louisiana in Monroe and also home to the largest

telecommunications company in the nation. He looks forward to meeting the citizens of St.

Landry Parish. The election will be held November 4th

so he would like to hold meetings

before then to discuss his platform.

d) Mr. Willie J. Wyble, 535 Market Street, Arnaudville addressed the Council about Bayou

Teche. He asked Parish President Bill Fontenot if there was any activity whatsoever for the

trail head in Arnaudville and Parish President Bill Fontenot answered no sir.

Mr. Wyble questioned no activity and Parish President Bill Fontenot answered not to his

knowledge. Parish President Bill Fontenot said an application was submitted by Parish

Government and that was the last activity.

4. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards

to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2014, Regular Meeting.

Votes Were: YEAS: Jerry Red, Leon Robinson, Fekisha Miller-Matthews, Huet Dupre, Ronald

Buschel, Alvin Stelly, Pam Gautreau, Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie


NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.

This motion was carried and adopted on the 20th day of August, 2014.

5. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards

to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2014, Special Meeting.






6. Parish President Bill Fontenot presented the Presidents Report:

a) Authorize the Parish President to accept the bid and sign a contract with Trek, Inc. in the

amount of $1,837,421.00, and simultaneously approve Change Order No. 1 in the deduct

amount of $472,609.00 which will make the contract amount a total of $1,364,812.00 for the

St. Landry Multi-Training Facility, OCD-DRU Project No. 49-PARA2606, Hurricane

Gustav/Ike Disaster Relief Program.

7. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune

to authorize the Parish President to accept the bid and sign a contract with Trek, Inc. in the

amount of $1,837,421.00, and simultaneously approve Change Order No. 1 in the deduct amount

of $472,609.00 which will make the contract amount a total of $1,364,812.00 for the St. Landry

Multi-Training Facility, OCD-DRU Project No. 49-PARA2606, Hurricane Gustav/Ike Disaster

Relief Program.



Edwards and Gary Courville.



8. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Gary Courville to

amend the agenda in order to move the Ordinances listed for adoption up on the agenda to be

addressed at the present time.






9. A motion was offered to adopt Ordinance No. 2014-011 by Councilman Ronald Buschel.

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Parish President Bill Fontenot stated he would like this ordinance to be edited as requested in the

public hearing meeting under Procedures A2 in order to remain consistent with other ordinances

requiring permitting; the last line in A2 “and parish council for review and final approval” be

removed.

Attorney Lance Pitre advised he has reviewed the ordinance regarding the operation of

junkyards, salvage yards, and mechanic shops which is worded the same way. Most of the

ordinances that have the requirement for a petition to be done such as a speed bump ordinance

come to the Council; it is in accord with the way the ordinances are now.

Parish President Bill Fontenot stated it is not in accordance with the permitting issues.

Attorney Lance Pitre stated it is in accord with the ordinances that are similar to this.

Parish President Bill Fontenot stated he respectfully disagreed and still requested this be edited

because he does not think this would change the character or the substances of the ordinance.

10. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Wayne Ardoin

to adopt the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 2014-011

AN ORDINANCE OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO

ESTABLISH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

CENTERS, HALFWAY HOUSES, NURSING HOMES, GENERAL HOSPITALS,

MENTAL HOSPITALS, DETOXIFICATION CENTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE

CLINICS AND IN-PATIENT FACILITIES, AND FORENSIC FACILITIES

Sec. 13-74. - Operation of public or private mental health center, halfway houses, nursing homes,

general hospitals, mental hospitals, detoxification centers, substance abuse clinics, substance

abuse in-patient facility, or forensic facility; approval of parish president and parish council

required; petition, application, and procedure requirement.

(a) Procedures.

(1) An initial permit for any public or private mental health center, halfway houses, nursing

homes, general hospitals, mental hospitals, detoxification centers, substance abuse clinics,

substance abuse in-patient facility, or forensic facility shall be submitted to the permit officer

to be reviewed by the planning department. The application shall contain a petition which

shall include the written assent of seventy-five (75) per cent of the resident property owners

within one thousand (1000) foot radius of the proposed facility;

(2) Once all other permit application requirements are met, the planning department shall submit

the permit application with attached petition for the proposed facility to the parish president

and parish council for review and final approval;

(3) No permit shall be granted for any of these enumerated facilities situated within one thousand

(1000') feet of a premise permitted to deal in alcoholic beverages located within St. Landry

Parish; and

(4) Any of these enumerated facilities licensed by the St. Landry Parish Government prior to the

adoption of this ordinance shall be excluded from permitting requirements. Should permitted

premise cease operations as any of these enumerated facilities, any subsequent permitting

would require adherence with this ordinance.

(b) Penalty for violation. Occupational License to do business in St. Landry Parish shall not be

issued unless all requirements of this ordinance are met; cessation of operations by a premise

previously permitted to operate as any of these enumerated facilities will result in revocation of

such occupational license and necessity of premise to reapply in adherence to this ordinance.






After the vote for Ordinance No. 2014-011, Councilman Wayne Ardoin thanked the residents from

Choctaw Estates for being present at the meeting and assured he will try to continue with progress in

St. Landry Parish.

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11. A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Ronald Buschel

to adopt the following ordinance:


AN ORDINANCE OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO

ENTER INTO A LEASE OF PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOUSING

ANIMALS IN THE LEGAL CUSTODY OF ST. LANDRY PARISH ANIMAL

CONTROL

BE IT KNOWN, PERNELL ROY LIVINGSTON, an unmarried man, of the full age of

majority and a resident of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, whose permanent mailing address is P.O.

Box 93112, Lafayette, Louisiana 70509-3112, hereinafter referred to as “LESSOR,” who

declared that he hereby leases and delivers unto: ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT, a

political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, domiciled in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana,

appearing herein through its President, William K. Fontenot, pursuant to an ordinance of the St.

Landry Parish Council which was adopted at its regular meeting at the Old City Market, 131

West Bellevue Street, Opelousas, Louisiana, 70570, on the 20th

day of August, 2014, hereinafter

referred to as “LESSEE,” who declare that they enter into the following contract of lease, to wit:

Section 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LESSOR hereby leases to LESSEE the following

described property, to wit: TRACT 1: That certain tract or parcel of land containing 20.74 acres,

more or less, being situated in Section 15, Township 6 South, Range 1 East, St. Landry Parish,

Louisiana, and being bounded by lands owned now or formerly as follow: North by Rouge LLC,

East by John Lafleur and Chrisella Carrier; South by Ricky Smith and Andrea Ardoin; and West

by Harry Louis Miller. Being the same tract or parcel of land acquired by LESSOR on

September 07, 2005 and the instrument is recorded in conveyance book N-41 page 35. The

property bears a municipal address of 199 Brown Road, Eunice, Louisiana 70535.

Section 2. TERM OF LEASE: The term of this lease shall be for thirty-six (36) months ending

on July 31, 2017.

Section 3. RENEWAL: This lease shall be renewed automatically upon the following

conditions:

A) Any party wishing to cancel this lease shall notify all other parties herein, in writing, at least

sixty (60) days prior to the renewal date, at the address listed above;

B) Each renewal of this lease shall be for two (2) years and shall be subject to the same terms and

conditions as herein provided; and,

C) Each renewal shall be binding upon the LESSOR and LESSEE immediately upon renewal.

Section 4. LEASE PAYMENT: LESSEE shall pay FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00) in

advance for each year in the term of this lease. This annual rent is to be paid, initially, on the

beginning date of this LEASE, and on its anniversary every year thereafter.

Section 5. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE: LESSEE takes the assets leased herein in the

condition rendered acknowledging that the same are in reasonable condition and agrees to be

responsible for maintenance, repairs, utilities, and any and all other expenses attached to

premises leased. LESSEE likewise agrees to return same to LESSOR at the expiration or

termination of the lease in the same condition as received, less normal wear and tear.

Section 6. PUBLIC PURPOSE: LESSEE enters into this lease for the purpose of providing

additional temporary housing of livestock, horses, and other animals that are legally in the

custody of St. Landry Parish Animal Control.

Section 7. INSPECTION OF PREMISES: LESSOR shall, at all times, have the right to enter the

premises leased herein for the purpose of inspection provided appropriate arrangements are made

with LESSEE in advance.

Section 8. HOLD HARMLESS: LESSEE shall be solely responsible for all personal injuries and

property damages sustained on the premises leased herein by the LESSEE, its agents, employees,

visitors, or invitees, or by any other person. LESSEE agrees to hold LESSOR harmless relative

to all such claims and further, agrees to indemnify LESSOR should LESSOR incur any expense

in connection with any personal injuries and property damage sustained as a result of LESSEES

operations.

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Section 9. CLAUSE: Authorize St. Landry Parish president, William K. Fontenot, to execute the

lease upon it being ordained by the Parish Council.




NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.


12. A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Jerry Red to

adopt the following ordinance:


AN ORDINANCE OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF

ORDINANCES TO AMEND ORDINANCE 2005-0009

Amend Ordinance No. 2005-0009 to include the following street(s):

16. Olivier Road, Council District No. 1.

Amend Ordinance 2005-0009 of the Parish Ordinances titled “An Ordinance of the St. Landry

Parish Code of Ordinances to Establish Rules and Regulations for Erection and Maintenance

of Speed Bumps as a Traffic Control Device within the Parish of St. Landry, State of

Louisiana” to add the following section:

Streets and Roads to have Speed Bumps Installed:

1. Belmont Drive, Opelousas.

2. the paved portion of Jesse B. Road, Church Point, LA.

3. Thelma Drive, Sunset, LA.

4. Petite Rue De Landon

5. Alexis Drive.

6. Pavy Road

7. Tecumseh Loop

8. Perry Drive.

9. Thibodeaux Street, from the 238 Block of Thibodeaux Street to the 534 Block of

McClelland Drive.

10. Chardonnay Drive.

11. Mahogany Drive.

12. OG Track, District 5.

13. Garnet Drive: from 139 Garnet Drive to 266 Garnet Drive.

14. Flag Station Road.

15. Zinfandel Drive, Council District No. 11.

16. Olivier Road, Council District No. 1.


Buschel, Alvin Stelly, Pam Gautreau ,Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie




13. A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilwoman Pam Gautreau

requesting Parish President Bill Fontenot to provide a list of volunteers for the St. Landry Parish

Animal Shelter which shall be provided at the present meeting.






14. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed New Business item 2: Authorize Attorney Lance Pitre to seek

licensing requirements for bicycle events in St. Landry Parish.

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a) Councilman Jerry Red questioned Attorney Lance Pitre on whether a person on a bicycle had

the same rights as a person in a vehicle.

Attorney Lance Pitre stated yes; however he was unaware at the time this was a bicycle race

and not just a regular bicycle. He said this was a large bicycle race running through the

Parish that was blocking more lanes allowed by the State Statute. He stated he did research

this but would need to look into it further and DOTD does not do any licensing or permitting

process for bicycles and it is left up to the individual parishes.

15. A motion was made by Councilwoman Pam Gautreau, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly to

authorize Attorney Lance Pitre to seek licensing requirements for bicycle events in St. Landry

Parish.



Edwards, and Gary Courville. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.


16. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed New Business item 3: Request the presence of an official

from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to speak about the MS4 compliant, Storm

Water Ordinance of St. Landry Parish Government at the Public Works Committee on

September 3, 2014.

a) Council Clerk Arlissa Taylor informed the Council she spoke with Vallie Theriot with St.

Landry Parish Government’s Permit Office who did inform her that Mr. Jeff Jackson a

representative from DEQ will attend the September 3rd

meeting.

17. A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards

requesting the presence of an official from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to

speak about the MS4 compliant, Storm Water Ordinance of St. Landry Parish Government at the

Public Works Committee on September 3, 2014.





18. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune

to reappoint Ms. Sharon Reed Everett to the St. Landry Parish Housing Authority to serve a five

year term from 8/4/2014 to 8/4/2019.





19. A motion was made by Councilman Jerry Red, seconded by Councilman Huet Dupre to approve

the purchase of a desktop computer for the Council’s Office in the amount of $1,048.00.





20. A motion was made by Councilman Gary Courville, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune

requesting Parish Government Administration to provide the Council with the letter requesting a

grant for an excavator for St. Landry Parish and also the letter denying this grant.





21. A motion was made by Councilman Alvin Stelly, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to

set the meeting requirement that only emergency or time sensitive items can be placed under

“Special Business” on regular meeting agendas.





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22. A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune

to authorize legal advisor Lance Pitre to request an Attorney General’s opinion on the removal of

item “Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee” from future agendas.

Votes Were: YEAS: Jerry Red, Leon Robinson, Fekisha Miller-Matthews, Huet Dupre, Alvin

Stelly, Pam Gautreau, Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards, and

Gary Courville. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: Ronald Buschel.


23. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed New Business item 9 on the agenda: Calendar reminder: The

operating budget and capital improvement budget for the fiscal year 2015 shall be submitted to

the council at the September regular meeting to be in accordance with the Home Rule Charter.

Additionally, the council shall immediately order a public hearing on the proposed budget and

publish a notice containing the hour and place of the hearing and the nature and summary of the

proposed budget in the official journal.

24. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilwoman Fekisha

Miller-Matthews requesting Parish Government Administration to research any grants available

through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Wildlife & Fishers to aid in the purchase

of night vision goggles for St. Landry Parish.





25. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly to

appoint Mr. Randy Herpin to the Prairie Basse Drainage District No. 15 to serve the remaining

term of the deceased member Mr. Charles Cain which expires 2-2-2016.





26. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed New Business item 12 on the agenda: Approval of St. Landry

Parish Government Director of Finance’s Salary.

a) Councilwoman Pam Gautreau questioned the amount of the Director of Finance’s salary.

Parish President Bill Fontenot answered the Director of Finance’s salary is twenty-four

dollars per hour.

Councilwoman Pam Gautreau stated this is with no finance experience.

27. A motion was made by Councilman Jerry Red, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown

approving the salary of the St. Landry Parish Government Director of Finance at an hourly rate

of $24.00.


Buschel, Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards, and Gary Courville.

NAYS: Alvin Stelly and Pam Gautreau. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.


28. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed New Business item 13 on the agenda: Advertise for one

appointment to St. Landry Waterworks District No. 2 (Prairie Rhonde/Garland/Whiteville) to serve a

five year term from 10-11-2014 to 10-11-2019.

a) Councilman Ronald Buschel said this appointment should be in the Garland/Whiteville area.

Councilman Jerry Red questioned if only a person from the Whiteville area can apply for this

position.

Councilman Ronald Buschel answered if they fall in this water system. He stated the Council

only has one appointment to the board.

29. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Huet Dupre to

advertise for one appointment to St. Landry Waterworks District No. 2 (Prairie

Rhonde/Garland/Whiteville) to serve a five year term from 10-11-2014 to 10-11-2019 who must

reside in the Garland/ Whiteville area.





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30. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards

to advertise for one appointment to Public Works Commission District No. 6 to serve a four year

term from 10-20-2014 to 10-20-2018.





31. A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly to

advertise for one appointment to the Acadia-St. Landry Hospital Service District to serve a six year

term from 10-01-2014 to 10-01-2020.





32. A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to

accept as Substantially Complete the City of Opelousas Municipal Plaza Generator Project

#49PARA3203 relative to the Gustav/Ike Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grant

Parish Implemented Recovery Program and authorize the Parish President to sign all documents

associated with this substantial completion.





33. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly requesting

an updated list of expenditures and balance amount for the Hurricane Gustav/Ike Disaster Fund.





34. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed Special Business item 3 on the agenda: Status of Ordinance

No. 2014-004: An ordinance of the St. Landry Parish Council Adopting the Official Drainage

Map of the Ward One South Gravity Drainage District No. 1. (Councilman Wayne Ardoin)

a) Councilman Wayne Ardoin stated he requested this matter be placed on the agenda but is not

asking this be made into an ordinance at this time because he has a question for the Attorney

on the wording.

Attorney Lance Pitre advised this was going to be provided at the September committee

meeting where Mr. Wade Trahan will be in attendance to present it to the Council.

Councilman Wayne Ardoin questioned section 5 of the ordinance where it states the St.

Landry Parish President is hereby authorized to acquire such land, servitudes, and etc. He

asked if this would be Ward One commissioners.

Attorney Lance Pitre stated the way the language of the Gravity Drainage Districts is

worded, it should be the President of the Board of Commissioners but this can be addressed

at the September Committee Meeting. He stated the Gravity Drainage Districts are set up and

established under state law as a corporate body and they have their own rules to follow.

35. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly to

have Attorney Lance Pitre research the language in Ordinance No. 2014-004: An ordinance of

the St. Landry Parish Council Adopting the Official Drainage Map of the Ward One South

Gravity Drainage District No. 1.





36. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed Special Business item 4 on the agenda: Request for a

legislative report for the St. Landry Parish Animal Shelter for the past three years. (Councilman

Wayne Ardoin)

a) Councilman Wayne Ardoin said he requested a legislative audit to be performed on the St.

Landry Parish Animal Shelter for the past three years. He stated the reason for this is because

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of the things that have been going on and some questions that have been asked. The request

was made to give an account of all the donations that have been made and monies that have

been spent. He said he is asking the Council to approve this so the audit can be done in order

to find out if there is a clean report or if there are some deficiencies.

37. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly

requesting a legislative audit for the St. Landry Parish Animal Shelter for the past three years.

Votes Were: YEAS: Fekisha Miller-Matthews, Huet Dupre, Ronald Buschel, Alvin Stelly, Pam

Gautreau ,Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Gary Courville.

NAYS: Jerry Red and Leon Robinson. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.


38. A motion was made by Councilwoman Pam Gautreau, seconded by Councilman Wayne Ardoin

to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-017

ENDORSEMENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PROJECT FOR NOBLE

PLASTICS, INC., #20141096 AND POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE PROJECT TO

RECEIVE THE LOCAL ALLOWABLE SALES TAX REBATE FOR THE

ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM.






39. Councilwoman Pam Gautreau informed the Council the clerks provided in the packet the

Opelousas Hotel Group LLC is no longer requesting support.

Council Clerk Arlissa Taylor said they did state in an email they are not intending to seek local

allowable sale tax rebates in regards to the Enterprise Zone Program for the project but do intend

to seek investment tax credits and job tax credits; they are still perusing the resolution.

Councilwoman Pam Gautreau stated this resolution is for a local sales tax in the Enterprise Zone

not the items just mentioned.

Attorney Lance Pitre advised the Council to table the resolution in order to gather clarification

on the language.

40. A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Jerry Red to table

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-018:AN ENDORSEMENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE

PROJECT FOR THE OPELOUSAS HOTEL GROUP, LLC, #20141082 AND POSSIBLY

ALLOWING THE PROJECT TO RECEIVE THE LOCAL ALLOWABLE SALES TAX

REBATE FOR THE ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM. Votes Were: YEAS: Jerry Red, Leon Robinson, Fekisha Miller-Matthews, Huet Dupre, Ronald





41. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Huet Dupre to

adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-019

THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY DECLARES THEIR CONTINUAL

SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON FORT POLK CAMP AND

ALL ITS ENDEVORS. ALL THE SERVICES THAT HAVE BEEN PROVIDED AND

CONTINUE TO ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND ADMIRED. ST. LANDRY

PARISH COUNCIL ALSO RECOGNIZES HOW FORTUNATE THE EXISTENCE

OF FORT POLK’S ESTALISHMENT HAS BEEN OVER THE LAST SIXTY YEARS.






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42. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards

to accept the Land Use Planning Meeting minutes held August 6, 2014 as written.






43. Councilwoman Pam Gautreau questioned item 1D on page 7 of the Public Works Meeting

Minutes regarding the personnel policy manual. She stated the question was asked which

personnel policy manual Parish Government is following; rather it was the one adopted in 2004

or the other one that is in existence but was never adopted. She stated policies are being changed

without a vote of the Council. She questioned the statement made by Bill Fontenot that he has

changed things and that is the way it is and the way it works, however there is a Charter to

follow. The guidelines in the Charter are very specific to a certain existent one of which deals

with the personnel policy manual. She asked Mr. Fontenot if he is allowed to make up the rules

as he goes along and does the Council have the right to make up their own rules as they go along

also.

Councilwoman Pam Gautreau questioned if Mr. Fontenot amended the personnel policy manual

that was adopted in 2004 and Parish President Bill Fontenot responded he did not.

Councilwoman Pam Gautreau questioned if Mr. Fontenot was aware there are two manuals in his

office and Parish President Bill Fontenot answered no.

Councilwoman Pam Gautreau stated the other item in question is regarding the BBQ Festival

that the Parish is hosting. She stated she would like to thank the Parish Government Office for

supplying the list seeking sponsorships and the amount of monies that has thus far been donated

to offset the cost of the BBQ Festival. She asked Parish Administration what the estimated cost

of expenditures are the Parish is putting forth for this festival and Parish President Bill Fontenot

stated he does not have this answer tonight.

Councilwoman Pam Gautreau responded not even a rough estimate and was this ever part of the

budget. She voiced her concern with how much this is going to cost the taxpayers to host this

festival. Parish President Bill Fontenot stated very little but does not have the number.

44. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Leon Robinson

to accept the Public Works Committee Meeting minutes held August 6, 2014 as written.





45. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed approval of the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes:

a) Councilwoman Pam Gautreau stated the financial statements are never discussed in the

Finance Committee and requested in the next Administrative/Finance Committee the topic of

over budgeting is discussed. She said every travel expense in the budget has been exceeded

and also the professional fees and payroll taxes and she questioned when the amended budget

will be presented.

Attorney Lance Pitre advised this matter may be placed on the committee meeting agenda by

a member of the Administrative/Finance Committee.

46. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to

accept the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting minutes held August 6, 2014 as written.


Buschel, Alvin Stelly, Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards, and

Gary Courville.

NAYS: Pam Gautreau. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.


47. At this time there was a Presentation from CPEX for the Establishment of Land Use

Requirements in the Parish.

Councilman Wayne Ardoin questioned which other parish would be considered comparable to

St. Landry Parish for a study they have already performed.

The CPEX representative informed the Council Vernon Parish would be somewhat similar and

also one of the most recent success stories would be the Town of Jena which is a very small rural

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city. She stated they worked with Mayor McMillin over a course of about eight to twelve months

and developed a vision there but their issue was transportation which was a rerouting of a state

road. The plan helped come up with a solution that would bring vitality to the downtown area.

She stated since the adoption of this plan, it pulled down about two million dollars in resources

to grant to this small town. Everything from building out of schools and recreational facilities

because he was able to use this plan to show where it was going and what businesses could

expect. She informed the Council another parish that would be similar would be East Feliciana

because there was a lot of desire to address economic issues.

48. Chairman Hurlin Dupre addressed the following agenda item: Executive Session; Discussion is

in regards to personnel, policies, and procedures.

a) Attorney Lance Pitre advised the Council they were entering into Executive Session pursuant

to Title 42 Section 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to discuss the character, professional

competence, and/or physical or mental health of the Council Clerk and Council employee.

Each individual was provided with written notification on Thursday, August 14, 2014 within

the twenty-four hour minimum requirement and both employees prefer to have the session in

close meeting with Council Members. He also reminded the Council there is no final or

binding action that can be taken while in Executive Session and there was a correction on the

agenda that was published as of Monday morning because it originally stated “discussion in

regards to personnel policies and procedures”. He advised it was well within the forty-eight

hours required under the Charter which published the clarification of this language.

Councilman Wayne Ardoin offered a motion to go into Executive Session and for both

Council Clerks and the Council Members remain in the building.

Councilman Jerry Red stated he thinks each Council Clerk should be in the building

individually; one at a time. Council Clerk Arlissa Taylor responded the Council Clerks are

requesting to both remain present during the Executive Session.

Councilman Jerry Red stated he disagreed and thought each should be in the meeting

individually. Council Clerk Arlissa Taylor stated they did not receive two individual letters.

Councilman Wayne Ardoin questioned Attorney Lance Pitre on what should be done in this

matter. Attorney Lance Pitre advised that is completely a Council’s decision.

Councilman Wayne Ardoin asked both Clerks if they are requesting to both remain together.

Council Clerks Arlissa Taylor and Laycie Alfred both answered yes.

Councilman Jerry Red stated when these Council Clerks were hired, they were not hired

together, and they were hired individually so they should hear what they have to say

separately which is only fair to hear what each one had to say. He stated he does not think the

other should hear what the other one has to say. Council Clerk Arlissa Taylor stated she

agreed with Mr. Red, the clerks were not hired at the same time but are both Council Clerks

and work together just as the Council Members all work together and also were elected at the

same time.

Councilman Jerry Red stated he agrees but believes the clerks work for thirteen Council

Members and both should be heard but on an individual base.

49. A motion was made by Councilman Ronald Buschel, seconded by Councilman Wayne Ardoin

to have a vote for an Executive Session with the individual Council Clerks or have both Council

Clerks together.

Votes Were:

Jerry Red: Single

Leon Robinson: Together

Fekisha Miller Matthews: Together

Huet Dupre: Together

Ronald Buschel: Together

Alvin Stelly: Together

Pam Gautreau: Together

Wayne Ardoin: Together

Dexter Brown: Together

Timmy Lejeune: Together

Jimmie Edwards: Together

ABSENT: Gary Courville. ABSTAIN: None.

With majority of the votes the Executive Session will have both Council Clerks present.

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50. A motion was made by Councilman Wayne Ardoin, seconded by Councilman Alvin Stelly to go

into executive session with both Council Clerks together.






51. A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Wayne Ardoin to

go back into regular session.






52. A motion was made by Councilwoman Pam Gautreau, seconded by Councilman Wayne Ardoin

to adjourn the Regular Meeting. With no objection, this motion was carried and adopted on the

20th day of August, 2014.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE:

LAYCIE ALFRED, COUNCIL CLERK

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE:

ARLISSA TAYLOR, COUNCIL CLERK

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