REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
MAY 10, 2021
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, Alderman Jerome Martin and Alderman Clarence Wiley. Also present were, Police Chief Hosea Anderson and Town Attorney Gerard Morgan.
Mayor Harris opened the Regular Meeting with the Prayer and Pledge.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Several audience members questioned the Board concerning the high utility
bills. A request for shrubs and flowers be removed for the school bus.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2021 meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Alderman Martin to adopt Resolutions for the three new condemnation cases, motion was seconded by Alderman Watson and unanimously approved by the Board.
Seneca Toussant addressed the Board concerning questions they had pertaining to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and
Development and the Town of Maringouin. He informed the Board that a grant was requested in 2018 and again in 2019 for this drainage work to the Bayou of Maringouin.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Jacob Waguespack of Faulk & Winkler presented the financial report for March to the Board. He advised that there are no problems at this time. Sales taxes are on a decline. All expenses are in line with the budget.
A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adopt the ordinance to allow Fire Marshall to investigate all fires in Maringouin. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Hill and unanimously approved by the Board.
The Resolution to enter into an agreement with the State of La. Dept. of Transportation was tabled until next month.
The resolution to amend the current Liquor Ordinance was not approved. A motion was made by Alderman Martin, seconded by Alderman Wiley but failed to get approval by the Board.
FIRE: Chief Stanley Washington informed the Board that they had 17 calls in April. Next training is scheduled for May 19 in St. Gabriel.
MAINTENANCE: Public Works Director Lee Butler, III advised the Board that we have had problems with a lift station. Alderwoman Gougisha made the motion to have the tint removed from the maintenance
Department trucks. Motion was seconded by Alderman Martin and passed by the Board 4 to 1.
POLICE: Chief Hosea Anderson advised the Board that he is looking for a full-time officer and has a female in mind.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Alderwoman Hill had no new items to add to the meeting.
UTILITIES: Alderwoman Gougisha advised the Board that cut-offs were done last month on some cases and re-connects were collected on some. She informed the Board that money was received from Plaquemine to use towards some of the utility accounts.
BUILDING & GROUNDS: Alderman Wiley advised the Board that this subject has already been covered. PERSONNEL: Alderman Watson advised that we will need to fill the vacancy in the utility department.
STREETS, ROAD & DRAINAGE: Alderman Martin didn’t have anything to report at this time.
Alderman Gougisha made a motion to go into executive session. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the board.
Alderman Watson made the motion to return to the Regular Meeting from executive session. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Alderman Watson to adjourn meeting. Motion was seconded by Alderman Wiley and unanimously approved by the Board.
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Maurice Harris, Mayor Carolyn Marino, Town Clerk