REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING

                                                     FEBRUARY 8, 2020

                                               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 and Alderman Jerome Martin.  Also present were, Police Chief Hosea Anderson, Jacob Waguespack of Faulk & Winkler and Town Attorney Gerard Morgan. Alderman Clarence Wiley was absent.   

There was no Public Hearing due to Covid.

Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Harris with a Roll call.

Pledge and Prayer was led by Mayor Harris.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS:  

Once again, the water line on Prestenback Lane was brought to the Council for their help.  Mayor Harris was presented with a quote, but he has requested a total of 3 quotes before any action will be taken.

Mr. Butler’s opinion about the proper pressure was asked.  Mr. Butler also suggested that if we are to run water line a gas line should be done at the same time.  Town Attorney Morgan says this can be done.  Alderwoman Gougisha made the motion to run 2000 feet of line.  Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.

Jeffery Hill again requested permission to open a Daiquiri Shop on Landry Drive.  It was discussed in length. Attorney Morgan advised that an Ordinance will need to be done and published for a public hearing before any actions can be taken.  It was suggested that the Attorney look into the location of the shop to the Church.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Alderwoman Gougisha announced that Covid shots were being given at the Pharmacy in Grosse Tete.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Martin to approve the minutes of January 11, 2021.  Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Gougisha and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.  

NEW BUSINESS:  The American Tower lease was discussed.  Mayor Harris explained the lease as being the same as before.  Council questioned the length of contract.  This was tabled until next meeting for further review.

After a discussion it was decided that the 2002 Chevrolet Impala be donated to the Fire Department for training purposes.  Alderwoman Gougisha made the motion to donate vehicle.  Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Jacob Waguespack, CPA of Faulk- Winkler presented the financial statements for

December,2020 to the Board.  Mr. Waguespack informed the Board that the there are no concerns over the finances.  Sales taxes are down but are still on budget currently. Collections are current, gas charges are up.

David Colson of PEC was absent

FIRE: Fire Chief Stanley Washington informed the Board that there were 18 calls in January.  All units are in service currently.  A Training and meeting for February has already been done.

MAINTENANCE: Mr. Butler advised the Board that he is requesting plastic pipe to replace some medal pipe that is currently being used due to his department having to cut this pipe in difference lengths.

Mr. Butler informed the Board that the Trackhoe is working.

POLICE:  Chief Hosea Anderson advised the Board that the two potential applicants did not work out, one did not pass the test and the other one took another job. Chief Anderson advised the Board that he and the Attorney will be working on a Policy and Procedure Manual for the Police Department.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

FINANCE:   Alderwoman Hill informed the Board that she had no report at this time.

PERSONNEL:  Alderman Watson informed the Board that he had nothing to report. 

UTILITIES:  Alderwoman Gougisha informed the Board that there were no cut-offs last month.  She informed everyone that the new utility billing system has been put in place.  Direct Deposit was discussed again, it was decided that those who want it can have it and those who do not want it will stay on the old system.  

STREETS, ROADS & DRAINAGE: BUILDING & GROUNDS:  Alderman Martin informed the Board that we need to replace several street signs.  He will be presenting a list to Mr. Butler.

BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley was absent.  Mayor Harris advised the Board that the demolition contract was awarded to Scott.

Adjournment:  A motion was made by Alderwoman Gougisha, seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance

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Maurice Harris, Mayor                                                  Carolyn Marino, Town Clerk