Regular Schedule Meeting, November 14, 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 Jerome Martin and Alderman Wiley. Alderman Watson was absent. Also present was CPA Jacob Waguespack. Town Attorney Gerard Morgan was absent.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris opened the Regular Meeting with a Prayer, Roll Call and Pledge.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Grant writer Latania Anderson provided the Mayor and Council with a list of her services and background history.
Iberville Parish Councilman Matt Jewell informed the Council of the projects in the Parish. He informed them that sales taxes are up and they expect property taxes will increase. He advised the Board that there are several green projects in the works for the Parish which they are excited about.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Harris informed the Board of LWRA 2023 W.J. Scholarship applications available for all high school seniors.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderwoman Gougisha to approve the minutes of the October 10, 2022 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS: the 2023 Holiday Schedule was discussed with two corrections. Motion made by Alderwoman Gougisha, seconded by Alderman Wiley. Vote was three to 1 to approve the schedule.
Mayor Harris informed the Board that the Water Tower had been inspected and they were presented with the results and recommendations. It would cost the Town $196,000.00 to have all the items corrected. Alderman Wiley made the motion to proceed with their recommendations. Motion seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Seneca Toussant addressed the Board concerning the drainage projects for the Town. The LW1 project is in the final stages and some changes were made that will move the water towards Bayou Grosse Tete. The final cost will increase approximately $20,000.00 or $30,000.00
Jacob Waguespack, CPA presented the September financials to the Board. He explained sale taxes are in good shape actually have gone up. He states the collection rates at this time is 97.6% which is very good. He stated Administration is doing a good job with the collections. Mr. Waguespack explained the old Aging accounts have all been sent to a collection Agency but at this time we have not received any payments. Mr. Waguespack has no concerns, he explained the Town if managing to stay in budget. The only problem was the cost of gas increased. His department was in last week closing the books for the end of the year and getting ready for the auditor.
The Ordinance for the Traffic Fine increase was tabled until December meeting due to Town Attorney not present.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington reported a total of 12 calls in October. All units are in service at this time.
MAINTENANCE: Mr. Butler was absent.
POLICE: Chief Hosea Anderson gave the Board an update on the office building on Wagley Road that he is interested in. In addition to the purchase price there are some improvements and updates that will need to be done. Chief Anderson informed the Board that the Sheriff will be donating some units to our Police Department.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had nothing new to add.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha had nothing new to add. It was decided that the write-offs be put on the Agenda for the December meeting.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson was absent.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley had nothing new to add.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Alderman Martin requested more culverts be upgraded and has gotten with the Maintenance Department in reference to this.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a motion by Alderwoman Gougisha, seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.