Regular Scheduled Meeting, August 8, 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 Gougisha, Alderman Sam Watson, Alderman Martin and Alderman Wiley. Also present was Town Attorney Gerard Morgan and CPA Jacob Waguespack.
A motion was made to amend the Agenda by Alderman Watson, motion seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris opened the meeting with a Roll call and Pledge.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: A complaint was made concerning firing of employees. Guidelines were asked for:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: none
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Martin to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2022 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board.
NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt Resolution for the LCDBG grant. Motion seconded by Alderman Martin and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to Adopt Section 504 Grievance Procedure Resolution . Motion seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt Residential Antidisplacement Resolution & Plan. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Martin to Adopt Resolution for Collection Agency – AMS. Motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderman Martin to authorize Mayor to sign Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board.
Agenda was amended to include the introduction of the ordinance for the Clerk’s salary increase.
The ordinance for the proposed operating Budge 22-23 was introduced.
Ordinance amending the 2022 Budget was introduced.
A motion to schedule a public hearing for September 12, 2022 was made by Alderman Martin, seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
OLD BUSINESS: Jacob Waguespack, CPA presented the June Financials to Board. Everything seems to be on budget at this time with no concerns.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington reported a total of 16 calls in July. Rescue 8 is out of service at this time. It was reported truck was unsafe to drive. Chief Washington is requesting a new truck be purchased. A request was made for Dana Hill to teach CPR classes.
MAINTENANCE: Mr. Butler advised the Board that DHH collect water samples weekly and he collects samples each day. Pipeline Safety was in last week to do their inspection. Mr. Butler advised the Board that we do have an issue with the sewer. Mr. Butler states the sewer department needs two more aerators and a clarifier.
POLICE: Chief Hosea Anderson advised the Board he has tested two officers and both have passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had nothing new to add.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha questioned a check written. She was informed it was for work done at the Community Center.
PERSONNEL: A motion was made by Alderwoman Gougisha to go into executive session. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Gougisha to return from executive session. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board. Mayor Harris informed everyone that Ms. Mitchel will be returning to work on a 90 day probationary period.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderwoman Gougisha requested updates on two pending abandoned properties. Mayor Harris informed her that a letter has been sent to one owner and a letter will be sent to the Mortgage Company for the house on Landry Dr.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Alderman Martin advised of several pot holes that need to be filled on Lane Street and 3rd. Street
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjorned.