Public Hearing/Regular Scheduled Meeting, September 12, 2022
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met in a Public Hearing/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 was Town Attorney Gerard Morgan and CPA Jacob Waguespack.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris opened the Public Hearing with a Prayer, Roll Call and Pledge.
A motion was made by Alderman Wiley, seconded by Alderman Martin to open the Public Hearing.
CPA Jacob Waguespack presented the proposed Budget for 22-23.
No audience comments on the proposed Budget.
Alderwoman Gougisha closed the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board.
Regular Meeting was opened:
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: A complaint was made about the loud music. Chief Anderson advised everyone when they see or hear something to contact Dispatcher.
Another complaint was made concerning the high grass on Hwy. 77, they were advised to contact DOTD as this is a state highway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Harris informed the Board of Suicide Prevention Month. He informed everyone of the hot line and will display flyers with more information.
LaRose Washington informed everyone of the Annual Relay for Life. She will bring some flyers to the Town Hall.
Mr. John Morgan, candidate for the School Board (Member at Large) addressed the Council. He states he will be the voice for the Parish, his number is 60.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2022 meeting. A motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt the Ordinance to increase Clerk’s salary. Motion seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to Amend the 21-22 Budget. Motion seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt the 22-23 proposed Budget. Motion seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt the Resolution for LW1-CDBG-DR project and all 14 parts to the Resolution. Motion seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
OLD BUSINESS: Jacob Waguespack, CPA presented the July Financials to the Board. There has been a slight increase in cash due to sales taxes at this time. Old outstanding utility collections have been sent to a collection agency. Expenses are under Budget.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington reported a total of 10 calls in August. Rescue 8 is still out of service at this time.
MAINTENANCE: Mr. Butler advised the Board that the utilities are fine no problems. He informed the Board that Tullier has completed one job and is presently working on the second one.
POLICE: Chief Anderson advised the Board he has one prospect for employment who will be taking exam. He reminded everyone to call Dispatch when they see something.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had nothing new to add.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha had nothing new to add.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson stated that we need additional people for the Maintenance Department.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley discussed plans for October Festival scheduled for October 30, 2022. Festival will be for 1 day 12:00 to 7:00. Mr. Wiley will be making arrangements for the artists needed to perform.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Alderman Martin had nothing new to add.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a motion by Alderwoman Gougisha, seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board.