Maringouin Community Center
December 21, 2022
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
SNACKS AND DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED
KIDS OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOMED
All posts by Carolyn Marino
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING/REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
TOWN OF MARINGOUIN
JUNE 13, 2022
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met in a Regular Scheduled Meeting with the following members present: Mayor Maurice Harris, Alderwoman Veronica Hill, Alderwoman Cherise Gougisha, Alderman Sam Watson . Alderman Jerome Martin and Alderman Clarence Wiley. Also present were Jacob Waguespack, CPA and Town Attorney Gerard Morgan.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris opened the meeting with a Roll Call, Prayer and Pledge.
A motion by Alderman Watson to open Public Hearing for the Ordinance on 2022 Holiday Schedule.
Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: None
Public Hearing was closed by a motion from Alderman Watson. Motion seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Harris congratulated all our Graduates of 2022.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Wiley to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2022 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
OLD BUSINESS:
Jacob Waguespack presented the financials for April to the Board. All items look at or below Budget, no concerns at this time. Sales Taxes are up from the previous year.
It was decided that all deceased accounts on the Delinquent accounts will be written off and another effort to collect past dues will be made.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to Adopt the Millage Resolution. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to Adopt the 2022 Holiday Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington reported a total of 15 calls in May. All units are in service at this time.
MAINTENANCE: Mr. Butler advised the Board that water samples are collected weekly. Mr. Butler advised the Board that we The Public Awaredness notices have been updated. He also informed the Board that the new employee presently on the Geaux Job program is working out.
POLICE: Chief Hosea Anderson advised the Board that the applicant he had for employment did not work out at this time, however he is still looking.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had nothing new to add.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha had nothing new to add, however feels cut-offs are not being done properly.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley informed the Board of the complaint he received of the Community Center being doubled booked.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson had nothing new to add.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Seneca Toussant updated the Board on the pending grants to cover the drainage problems of the area. He informed the Board that he has been in touch with Tullier Services.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by a motion from Alderman Wiley, seconded by Alderman Watson. ————————————— —————————————-
Minutes
TOWN OF MARINGOUIN
REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
JULY 11, 2022
MARINGOUIN TOWN HALL
6:00 P.M.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met in a Regular Scheduled Meeting with the following members present: Mayor Maurice Harris, Alderwoman Veronica Hill, Alderwoman Cherise Gougisha, Alderman Sam Watson . Alderman Jerome Martin . Alderman Clarence Wiley was absent. Also present was Town Attorney Gerard Morgan. CPA Jacob Waguespack was absent.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris opened the meeting with a Roll Call, Prayer and Pledge.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: A complaint was made concerning the late fees charged customers on their bills today since the 10th of the month fell on a Sunday. It was decided that the late fees be waived from today.
We received a complaint concerning painting being done at a house in his neighborhood. Also requested a catch basin be put in his location to drain water staying.
We received a complaint about grass not being cut at a residence on Landry Drive, also owner has parked non-running cars on side of his house. It was decided that a letter be sent to homeowner.
A request was made to add another bench to the walking trail in the area of the playground so Mothers can sit and watch their children.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Harris informed the Board of the gas prices. According to the correspondence he received from La. Municipal Gas Authority the prices peaked in June, being the highest reported in years. However they did advise that in July prices has started dropping $2-$3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderwoman Hill to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2022 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
OLD BUSINESS:
CPA sent the financials that were presented to the Board for May. A check written was questioned by the Board. Money was moved from the consolidated account and deposited into Lamp.
We have been informed by PEC that our grant application for Love Louisiana Outdoors has been completed and submitted.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Gougisha to write off all outstanding deceased accounts and four accounts where customers have moved out of town and new address is unknown. Motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Board was advised that a request for the LCDBG grant has been sent to PEC to submit. This grant will cover work to be done on Streets.
Board was also advised that a request for the PHMSA Gas grant has been sent to LaTerre Engineers.
This grant will be used for updates in the gas department.
Alderwoman Gougisha made the motion authorizing the Mayor to sign the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement on the LW1 grant. Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington reported a total of 11 calls in June. Rescue 8 is out of service at this time.
MAINTENANCE: Mr. Butler advised the Board that water samples are collected weekly and LDH will be here Thursday to do the sampling. Mr. Butler advised the Board that we do have an issue with the sewer pumps but he is keeping things under control. When questioned about the speed bumps on Lane Street, he advised the Board that homeowner requested a speed bump and advised that he would install them. While Mr. Butler was out of town homeowner installed the speed bumps. However, Mr. Butler did advise the Board that additional speed bumps have been ordered and will be installed on more streets in the town.
POLICE: Chief Hosea Anderson advised the Board he has not had any luck in finding officers for his department but will continue to look. He advised the Board that the 4-wheeler problem seems to be under control. Chief Anderson informed the Board that he is continuing forward with purchasing a new building for his department.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had nothing new to add Mr. Waguespack has sent the financials and a listing of all checks written in June was presented to the Board.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha received a complaint about the late fees being charged. She informed the Board that a bill when inspected did not add up correctly and requested that the Utility Office check these when customers pay their bills.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson advised the Board that two new employees started today in the Maintenance Department. When questioned if we interviewed they were informed that these are seasonal employees not permanent employees.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley was absent. However a complaint was made that the Building needs repairs. We will be looking for a company that will handle this.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson had nothing new to add.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Alderman Watson made the motion authorizing Tullier to do the culvert work on Janie Lane and Roppolo Street. Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by a motion from Alderman Martin, seconded by Alderwoman Gougisha.
————————————— —————————————- Maurice Harris, Mayor Carolyn Marino, Town Clerk
Minutes
Meeting May, 2022
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes, July 23, 2021
TOWN OF MARINGOUIN
PUBLIC HEARING/ REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
JULY 23, 2021
MARINGOUIN TOWN HALL
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met in a Public Hearing/Regular Scheduled Meeting with the following members present: Mayor Maurice Harris, Alderman Sam Watson, Alderwoman Veronica Hill, Alderman Jerome Martin and Alderman Clarence Wiley. Alderwoman Cherise Gougisha was absent. Also present by zoom were, Town Attorney Gerard Morgan and Jacob Waguespack, CPA.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Hill to open the Public Hearing, motion seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
Mayor Harris opened the Public Hearing with the Prayer and Pledge.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Hill to close Public Hearing and start the Regular Meeting.
Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris called the roll.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: none
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Harris announced our Back to School Supply Giveaway is scheduled for
Saturday, July 31st.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderwoman Hill to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2021 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Wiley made the motion to adopt the 4.22 Millage, motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
A Sealed Bid was received for the tires removed from the Police Unit. Bid was from Albert Smith, Jr. in the amount of $100.00. A motion was made by Alderman Martin to accept the bid. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
Plans for the October Festival was tabled at this time due to the return of Covid cases.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was none.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had nothing new to add Financials were presented to the Board on 7-12-21.
UTILITIES: Mayor Harris informed the Board that cut-offs would be done Monday, July 26th.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley suggested that we get someone to clean the outside of
the building. It was also discussed that we get more tables and chairs for the Hall.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Martin asked why we didn’t hire younger men for the maintenance department. Alderman Watson had nothing new to add.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: The leak was brought up again, Mayor Harris explained that the old metal pipe needs to be replaced and that size is on order.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was by a motion from Alderman Wiley, seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
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Maurice Harris, Mayor Carolyn Marino, Town Clerk
Minutes, May 10,2021
REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
MAY 10, 2021
MARINGOUIN TOWN HALL
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met in Regular Scheduled Meeting with the following members present: Mayor Maurice Harris, Alderman Sam Watson, Alderwoman Cherise Gougisha, Alderwoman Veronica Hill, Alderman Jerome Martin and Alderman Clarence Wiley. Also present were, Police Chief Hosea Anderson and Town Attorney Gerard Morgan.
Mayor Harris opened the Regular Meeting with the Prayer and Pledge.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Several audience members questioned the Board concerning the high utility
bills. A request for shrubs and flowers be removed for the school bus.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2021 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Alderman Martin to adopt Resolutions for the three new condemnation cases, motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board.
Seneca Toussant addressed the Board concerning questions they had pertaining to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and
Development and the Town of Maringouin. He informed the Board that a grant was requested in 2018 and again in 2019 for this drainage work to the Bayou of Maringouin.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Jacob Waguespack of Faulk & Winkler presented the financial report for March to the Board. He advised that there are no problems at this time. Sales taxes are on a decline. All expenses are in line with the budget.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt the ordinance to allow Fire Marshall to investigate all fires in Maringouin. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board.
The Resolution to enter into an agreement with the State of La. Dept. of Transportation was tabled until next month.
The resolution to amend the current Liquor Ordinance was not approved. A motion was made by Alderman Martin, seconded by Alderman Wiley but failed to get approval by the Board.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington informed the Board that they had 17 calls in April. Next training is scheduled for May 19 in St. Gabriel.
MAINTENANCE: Public Works Director Lee Butler, III advised the Board that we have had problems with a lift station. Alderwoman Gougisha made the motion to have the tint removed from the maintenance
Department trucks. Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and passed by the Board 4 to 1.
POLICE: Chief Hosea Anderson advised the Board that he is looking for a full-time officer and has a female in mind.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had no new items to add to the meeting.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha advised the Board that cut-offs were done last month on some cases and re-connects were collected on some. She informed the Board that money was received from Plaquemine to use towards some of the utility accounts.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley advised the Board that this subject has already been covered. PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson advised that we will need to fill the vacancy in the utility department.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Alderman Martin didn’t have anything to report at this time.
Alderman Gougisha made a motion to go into executive session. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the board.
Alderman Watson made the motion to return to the Regular Meeting from executive session. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adjourn meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
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Maurice Harris, Mayor Carolyn Marino, Town Clerk