The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met in a Regular Scheduled meeting with the following members present: Mayor Maurice Harris, Alderwoman Hill, Alderwoman Mitchel, Alderman Martin, Alderman Bessix. Alderman Carriere was absent. Also present was CPA Jacob Waguespack. Town Attorney Gerard Morgan was absent.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harris opened the Meeting with a Roll Call, Pledge and Prayer.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Pastor Patterson requested the Town sponsor the Gospel Festival at the Park. It was decided that we would look into this and get back with them. Garbage cans were requested to be put at the Walking Trail. Also restrooms at the Walking Trail were requested. This will be done with the exercise equipment to be installed. A request for additional parking at the Community Center was made, this will be looked into.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Harris announced that the Town has submitted an application to the Clean Water Revolving Fund for funds to be used at the sewer plant. He also announced that Huff Management Company has send a request for referrals of any who need affordable housing at the Ridgewood Apartments. Mayor Harris informed the Board of the Movie Night scheduled for April 12, 2023.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Martin to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2023 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Mitchel and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS: There were no bids to open. Mayor Harris is checking out other sound systems for the Community Center. Adding the mosquito emblem to the water tower was not approved.
OLD BUSINESS: Jacob Waguespack, CPA presented the financials for February to the Board. He informed the Board that sale taxes are again above budget and continue to rise.
A motion was made by Alderman Martin to amend the Agenda to add Project Updates with Seneca Toussant. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board in attendance.
Mr. Seneca informed the Board that we are presently waiting on the Permit from the Core with Phase I of the Drainage project. Phase II – Round 2 a pre-application has been submitted. Bayou Maringouin is still just sitting, Seneca plans on giving Ourso a call to see status.
FIRE: Chief Washington was not at the meeting due to a call-out for an emergency.
POLICE: Chief Anderson informed the Board that the Event Center had another event over the weekend with a problem, he informed the Board that two security officers are on duty there. Chief Anderson informed the Board that the roof has been completed on the new building. He requested the amount of budget he has to make improvements. He discussed moving the generator from the old building to the new building.
MAINTENANCE: Butler informed the Board that the last two weeks have been hectic, and hopefully everything has cleared out now. He informed the Board that valves are put on the lines where none were before. He informed the Board that he has 3 lift stations that need work now. We need to call Sun Electric for the power at the Water Tower.
COMMITTEE REPORTS : FINANCE – Ms. Hill had nothing new to report
UTILITIES: Alderman Carriere was absent. Mayor Harris informed the Board that the Parish will be making payments for utilities.
PERSONNEL: Alderman Bessix reminded the Board interviews will be scheduled for next week to hire a utility clerk.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: It was suggested that the Community Center needs another roof.
ROAD, STREETS AND DRAINAGE: Alderman Martin questioned the lights that have been requested for several areas.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by a motion from Alderman Martin, seconded by Alderwoman Hill.