St. Landry Parish Government

PUBLIC NOTICE

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 18th, 2024 @ 6:00 P.M.
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

The Council of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, convened in a regular session on this 18th, day of June, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin called the meeting of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.
He asked that the audience please silence all of their electronic devices.

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry led the Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation.

ROLL CALL: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Wayne Ardoin, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards, and Ernest Blanchard. ABSENT: None.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “If I am in order I will ask that the Agenda be amended. Item #3 be discussed, the Clerk of Court concerns be moved to item No. 20 at the end of the meeting for if we have to go into Executive Session we will not ask people to leave this meeting in the middle of the agenda. I need a motion.

A motion was made by Councilman Harold Taylor, seconded by Councilman Ken Marks to Amend the Agenda, move item No. 3 on the agenda to item No. 20 to go into Executive Session.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune,Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

CONDOLENCES:

Councilman Jody White: Allen Ted Marcantel

Councilman Faltery Jolivette: Don Francis

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry: Ranal J. Sam, James Tatman Jr., Shanell Monsey Villian, Isaiah Rue, Jane Marie Malveaux, Patricia D. Vidito, Kelton Edwards, Jerilyn Hidalgo Hebert, Macy Elizabeth Richard, Fannie F. Barrington, Cynthia O’Conner Billeaudeau, Don Francis, James Uras Thomas, Martin Benjamin III, Mary M. Smith, Mary Levy Sonnier, Janie Mary Dupre, Crystal Shauntell Roberts, Lorena Savoie, Wilda Rivette Reynaud, Jovan Vondral Sam

Councilman Harold Taylor: Richard E. Zuschlag

Councilman Ken Marks: Robert Lamke Sr., Cynthia Billeaudeau, James B. LeJeune, Harry Williams, Johnny Coates Jr., Enola Perroux, Crystal Roberts.

Councilman Alvin Stelly: Ray J. Knott

Councilwoman Vivian Olivier: Deacon Samuel ‘Sammy’ Charles Diesi, John Wallace Bergeron Sr.

Councilman Dexter Brown: Beverly ‘Claire’ Nash Fruge, Randall Sam

Councilman Jimmie Edwards: Joseph Raymond Coutee

Chairman Wayne Ardoin: Allen Ted Marcantel, Jane Fontenot Thibodeaux, Deacon Samuel ‘Sammy’ Charles Diesi, Joycelyn Foret Lee, Harry Foston Williams, Dr. Lucius ‘Tre’ Doucet, III, Dr. Giselle Doucet, Dr. Jean-Luc Doucet, Beverly ‘Claire’ Nash Fruge, Linda CElizabeth Couvillon Lomenick, Jerilyn Hidalgo Hebert, Macy Elizabeth Richard, George, Samuel Schiff, Scott Wayne Fitzgerald,

Councilman Ernest Blanchard: Julius Carroll Ardoin, Ferrel Joseph Fontenot, Patrick Ray Fontenot, Jacob Hunter Miller, Lana Gail Ardoin McCloy, Julius James Gaspard, Ashton Terrill Edwards, Ronald John ‘Johnny’ LeJeune, Michael J. Savoy Sr., Linda Faye Robert, Sandra Savoy Johnson, Patrick Neil Landreneau, Raphael ‘Floyd’ Kidder Sr., Hollie Danielle Matte Elkins.

* Chairman Wayne Ardoin called for a moment of silence for the families that lost their loved ones.

PERSON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:

• Ms. Rhonda Tate: Blighted Property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, La. addressed the council. She stated, “Good evening everyone. I am here on behalf of my dad’s property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, 70570. The property has been blighted and we have been working on it little by little. I am asking the council for a little more time as I am recovering and also with helping my dad with his recovery because we are trying to move him back in so I am asking for a little more time to continue working on it and get quotes for fixing the property.”
• Cynthia Fontenot, Code Enforcement Officer stated, “We have been paying attention to this. We first sent notice to Ms. Rhonda and the parish did clean up the property previously. I did speak with Ms. Tate in reference to the demolition deeming that the house needs to be demolished. She did tell me that they would be looking into getting some quotes to get it demolished. We have that on Item NO. 1 on the agenda. I did speak with her but I did not have any contact with them to get an update of where it is going. I did go back and look at the property and saw that the property was still in the same condition. It is very dangerous and it is an eyesore. I know Ms. Tate stated that they were trying to get some quotes to get it demolished.”
• Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We will deal with it on item No. 1 on the Agenda, also the Estate of Ronald Gene Tate is the same property.”
• Estate of Ronald Gene Tate-Blighted Property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, La.
Item will be discussed as Item NO. 1 on the Agenda.
• Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Sir, do you want to speak?
• Ms. Rhonda Tate stated, “Yes, he is with me
• Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You have not filled out a slip. Do you want to speak?
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “Yes Sir. My name is Brett Semien. I live at 945 J.W. Road, Church Point, La. This is my sister, (Ms. Rhonda Tate). This is a family home concerning 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, La 70570. During the course of these proceedings of all of the correspondence or communications with my sister maybe the council is not aware of the severe medical circumstances that we all have incurred. My dad, Ronald Tate, endured a stroke, I had bilateral knee surgery and I was keeping up the physical maintenance of the property, I had double knee replacements therefore I was unable to physically go out and do anything for a course of three years. During that time Rhonda had a brain tumor and a stroke. All of this is happening in our lives after the loss of our mother some years back and the stroke of our father. All of these things happening all at once in my house my family, her house her family, my other sister and her family so all of these things are happening. We did move him from a Medical Facility in Baton Rouge and that was a process that took some time. We were able to move him back where he is gaining weight now even though he is still on a feeding tube. He is progressing now because he is closer to home. For those of you that don’t understand, probably some of you would understand if a serious medical emergency would happen to you and it was just you without your spouse. How would your children respond? Would you over ride your parent as far as their wishes are concerned? This is this man’s home, this is what he has worked for all of his life and we are doing the best that we can to motivate him. With this stroke he has some severe issues as far as psychological. He is in his right mind but still there is part of the brain that was damaged. Therefore he wants to go home, he wants his home that he worked for. It may not look like some of you guys home, it may not be as whatever but this is his livelihood, this was his dream and this is what he worked for. So we as his children planned to upkeep the house, we plan to repair some storm damage. Personally I am physically able now to climb a ladder. I am proud to say that I have recovered, I am 100% able to do physical and manual work and I can go to the house and repair the work. I have been currently keeping up with the grass and all of this other stuff as well. Thank you.”
• Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “How much time do you think you actually have to have?”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “Time wise in repairing?”
• Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I understand what they are saying. They are saying that is what she agreed. You all are finding someone to tear it down. It looks like your story is going to be reversed, you all want to try and salvage what you all have there. So how much time are you looking at?”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “To my understanding and Rhonda correct me if I am wrong, I don’t know if it was told to her that this was her only option. So she calls big brother to find out what is going out. She calls family because she may not have been familiar with construction, dilapidation and things of that nature. I take care of the property and I have been the sole person physically out there trying to take care of the property.
• Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “How much time do you need?”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “How much time to repair the roof?”
• Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “To make it look like somebody is doing something.”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “The 4th of July it will be livable. I do plan on living there myself. It will be livable by the 4th of July. The only problem that we had was that they had a tenant in it, it was a bad tenant and when the tenant was evicted then it was squatters or people moving in knowing that nobody was there. Being that it is in a rural area and no communication with us or the family maybe they thought that it was somebody else that we allowed to be there but it was not. The first thing is the roof, second thing is new doors and locks then it is livable.”
• Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to say this. I know the family and I encourage you to get the time to repair it because Ms. Cynthia recommended that it be torn down and your brother is saying that he will repair the house. I just want you to understand that today you all are asking for more time to repair or get a contractor. I don’t know which way you all are going to go but just know that this is a chance that you all are asking for time but you all have to show it by July. If you all are going to fix it then it has to be up to par in July because that is the time that we may agree to, I just want you all to understand. If it is not repaired by then it may have to be torn down.”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “Is someone going to come out and say someone needs to do a physical inspection or is it just a drive by. Who is going to decide if it is livable?”
• Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “The electric company and the inspection will say that it is livable. You won’t be able to get your lights on unless everything is up to par.”
• Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “Do you actually think by July that will be enough time for you to get all of this done?”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “To my knowledge. The septic is still there and the parish passed an ordinance as to where you can turn on the lights but there is no inspection on the septic. Was that changed?”
• Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, you still have to have an inspection on your electrical to do everything. You still have to have inspection on your electrical in order to get power. Without power you can’t have sewer.”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “Without sewer you can’t have power.”
• Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Without power you can’t have sewer and without sewer you can’t have power so it is one of those things where it is going to be a little difficult. Looking at the pictures it will be us that will go out and inspect it. We have an Inspector. I don’t mind giving people time to do things.”
• Mr. Brett Semien stated, “Would 30 days be approved?”
• Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “If the council want to give you all 30 days that is fine. We will allow them 30 days, some do and some don’t.”
• Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We will take it up in item No. 1 on the agenda.”
• Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “That is what I was going to offer Mr. Semien.. Normally we give people 30 days to make improvement. That was going to be my statement to you asking if 30 days would be a general amount of time. When we call someone up here we don’t give them 30 days if they want to make improvements or not.”

• Percy John Wyble – Blighted Property at 126 Mayflower Drive, Opelousas, La.
• There was no one to address the council from Mr. Percy John Wyble family.
Rose Wyble – Blighted Property at 126 Mayflower Drive, Opelousas, La.
• Cynthia Fontenot, Code Enforcement Officer stated, “Just to make a note of that Mr. Wyble property he took off the cardboard off the fence. Everything else is still make shift. We need to move forward on that property. That is item No. 2 on the agenda.”
• Harlan Kirgan addressed the council. He stated, “I am Harlan Kirgan with the Eunice News. I am here to discuss the Legal Journal and I am here to take any questions that you all may have. It does look like from the bid sheet that Eunice News is less expensive than the Daily World. I would also like to add right now if I can something that is off the agenda. We have a celebrity here tonight, Mr. Bobby Ardoin. He will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Writers Hall of Fame this weekend, quite intriguing, congratulations. Eunice News is a local operation that pays property taxes to the parish about $9,000.00 annually. We employ people here to the tune of 16 full time employees and 6 part time employees and that is an investment in this parish, hopefully we are here to stay. The printing plant have more than 20 titles it publishes. It is a central point and gathers a lot of traffic into this parish, not a great deal but a lot, some for us. We appreciate the trust that you all have in us.”
• Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Bobby Ardoin you signed to speak. Congratulation to you.”
• Mr. Bobby Ardoin addressed the council. He stated, “I am here representing our Website St. Landry Now.com. I am the Editor-Acting Publisher. Once again we would like to thank the council for the financial help that they have given us kind of as in Auxiliary Official Journal. The Eunice News deserves every chance to be the real Official Journal. We wanted to thank the parish again for their contribution for helping us. The publication that relies strictly on advertising and we would like to have more and we are open to anybody wanting to support us financially if you can. We would like to remind St. Landry Parish that you don’t have a daily newspaper here. There is no daily newspaper which is ashamed for a parish with 83,000 individuals. We are kind of filling that need, we operate like a daily paper. We put things up daily, we don’t put everything that happens in the parish daily but we are a daily newspaper website. I just wanted to remind you and once again to thank Mr. Bellard and his staff and you guys for approving what we get. Are there any questions for me about us or the website?”

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Harold Taylor to approve the Special Meeting Minutes from June 5th, 2024 as transcribed.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from May 15th, 2024 as transcribed.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

PARISH PRESIDENT REPORT:

• Resolution authorizing the President to Execute an Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La DOTD) for improvements at the St. Landry Parish Airport.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The only thing that we have in there is a Resolution authorizing me to sign the agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation for improvements at the Airport.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “Exactly what will we be doing?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Every year you have to put in the CIP Plan. Now they will be putting the plan into effect. Whatever is our first priority on that CIP Plan you have to have that agreement with them to start the whole process.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “So what is the first priority?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We are doing the Aprons by the Fuel Tanks. That Apron is all blacktop so it is deteriorating so that is happening. There are some safety issues on one of the runways. They are called safety issues it is not really an issue now but just preventative. So those are the things with LED Lighting and some stripping.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Is this through a Grant?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Every year DOTD Aviation’s allows Grant Money toward our Airport. It is not really a Grant as it is like an Appropriations.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “I just want to know, to do the work is it going to be local or is it biding?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is bid, everything is bid with DOTD Money.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Do I have a motion?”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “Excuse me Mr. Chairman. Do you all want to vote now because it is listed in the Resolution Section of the agenda.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We can postpone it but I don’t want you to let me forget it okay. We have a bunch of Resolutions and Ordinances tonight. Thank you. Do you have anything else Mr. President?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No Sir that is it.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman Vivian Olivier to accept the Parish President’s Report.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

NEW BUSINESS:
*Items passed through committee.

The council to vote on going forward with the work on the Blighted Property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, LA 70570, Rhoda Tate and Estate of Ronald Gene Tate.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We have had people to come up and comment on this. Do I have a motion?”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I request that we give them a 30 day extension to make improvement to that property.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Are we voting to give them 30 days to repair or demolish the property? That is the question.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “It is for them to repair the property.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Okay, then we can come back and discuss that.”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to grant a 30 day extension to Rhonda Tate and the Estate of Ronald Gene Tate to repair the property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, LA 70570.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

The Council to vote on going forward with the work on the Blighted Property at 126 Mayflower Drive, Opelousas, LA 70570, Percy John Wyble and Rose Speyrer.

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to authorize Code Enforcement to go forward with the work on the Blighted Property at 126 Mayflower Drive, Opelousas, LA 70570, Percy John Wyble and Rose Speyrer.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We moved to place this Item No. 3 at the end of the agenda in Reference to Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court.

Council to go into Executive Session to discuss Litigation with the Clerk of Court concerning Parish Government paying Mandated Expenses on the Clerk of Court Facilities in regards to a letter and presentation by the Clerk of Courts Attorney at the June 5th meeting on Louisiana Law requires Parish Government to pay Mandated Expenses.

Council to go into Executive Session to discuss the lawsuit against the owner of land bordering both sides of Little Darbonne Bayou regarding the land owner obstructing travel on the Bayou by running a cable across the Bayou.

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “In this one it won’t be necessary to go into Executive Session. We are against blocking or impeding the natural of flow of Little Darbonne Bayou. We will file a lawsuit if we get an expert opinion that is given on this matter. When and if we get an expert opinion on the matter then we can go forward with the lawsuit to prevent blocking and impeding the natural flow of Little Bayou Darbonne.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “If I may I don’t think it is to go into a lawsuit it just to approve the possibility of any kind of litigations with this, right Mr. Duplechain? It is not that we are going to file a lawsuit it is just in case it gets to that point we don’t want to have to come back and get an approval.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Yes I will be representing the Parish Council in a lawsuit so the council will have to approve that lawsuit should it become necessary.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “There are a lot of moving parts and it is going to take some time to get all of the facts and all of the data that we need to have to make an intelligent decision. That is where we are not, it is a process so it will take a little while to get all the facts before we can go forward.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “I think we need to do the motion to go forward with the lawsuit should evidence come forward.”

A motion was made by Councilman Harold Taylor, seconded by Councilman Ken Marks to approve the lawsuit should it become necessary against the owner of land bordering both sides of Little Darbonne Bayou regarding the land owner obstructing travel on the Bayou by running a cable across the Bayou.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Authorize Parish President Jessie Bellard to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement between St. Landry Parish Government and Road District Six to do bridge work at Little Darbonne Bay.

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to authorize the Parish President to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement between St. Landry Parish Government and Road District Six to do bridge work at Little Darbonne Bay.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Vote to appoint an Official Journal for St. Landry Parish Government:
The Eunice News or The Daily World.
Note: Both have submitted their rates.

The votes were as follows:
Councilman Jody White The Eunice News
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere The Eunice News
Councilman Faltery Jolivette The Eunice News
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry The Eunice News
Councilman Harold Taylor The Eunice News
Councilman Ken Marks The Eunice News
Councilman Alvin Stelly The Eunice News
Councilwoman Vivian Olivier The Eunice News
Councilman Dexter Brown The Eunice News
Councilman Timmy Lejeune The Eunice News
Councilman Jimmie Edwards The Eunice News
Councilman Ernest Blanchard The Eunice News

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to appoint The Eunice News as the Official Journal for St. Landry Parish Government.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Vote to re-appoint David Arnaud for one appointment to Faquetaique Gravity Drainage District No. 1 for a four-year term. (07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028).

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to re-appoint David Arnaud for one appointment to Faquetaique Gravity Drainage District No. 1 for a four- year term. (07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Vote to re-appoint Frederick Lavergne for one appointment to Bellevue & Coulee Crouche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 for a four-year term.
(07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028).

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to re-appoint Frederick Lavergne for one appointment to Bellevue & Coulee Crouche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 for a four-year term. (07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Vote to re-appoint Krysten Cannatella, Vince Sagnebene, Aaron Ducote, Tracy Bearb, Paul Benson and Joey Duplechain for six appointments to the Public Works Commission District Five for a four-year term. (07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028).

A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Ken Marks to re-appoint Krysten Cannatella, Vince Sagnebene, Aaron Ducote, Tracy Bearb, Paul Benson and Joey Duplechain for six appointments to the Public Works Commission District Five for a four- year term. (07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Vote to re-appoint Royland Savoie, Gregg Cormier, Leona Boxie, Gerald Faul and appoint Francis Henry for five appointments to Coulee Crouche Gravity Drainage District No. 22 for a four-year term. (08-17-2024 – 08-17-2028).

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to re-appoint Royland Savoie, Greg Cormier, Leona Boxie, Gerald Faul and appoint Francis Henry for five appointments to Coulee Crouche Gravity Drainage District No. 22 for a four-year term. (08-17-2024 – 08-17-2028).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

11. Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to the St. Landry Parish Housing Authority for a five-year term. (8-04-2024- 08-04-2029).

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Harold Taylor to authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to the St. Landry Parish Housing Authority for a five-year term. (08-4-2024 – 08-04-2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

12. Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for two appointments to the St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Disposal District for a four-year term. (08-31-2024 – 08-31-2028).

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Ken Marks to authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for two appointments to the St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Disposal District for a four-year term. (08-31-2024 – 08-31-2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

13. Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to Bayou Plaquemine Gravity Drainage District No. 12 for the remainder of a four year term and temporarily appoint Dane Marcantel for the position until the seat is filled. (07-15-2023 – 07-15-2027).

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Ernest Blanchard to authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to the Bayou Plaquemine Gravity Drainage District No. 12 for the remainder of a four year term and temporarily appoint Dane Marcantel for the position until the seat is filled. (07-15-2024 – 07-15-2027).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

14. Authorize the Council Clerk to send a Certified Letter to John Gabriel Lewis Jr. and Enola Lewis advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of structure and shredding/debris removal) of their property located in Linwood Loop, Opelousas, LA
Parcel #0105451200.

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to authorize the Council Clerk to send a Certified Letter to John Gabriel Lewis Jr. and Enola Lewis advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of structure and shredding/debris removal) of their property located in Linwood Loop, Opelousas, LA.
Parcel #0105451200.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

15. Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Joseph Scottie Dumas and Melissa Villery and advising them to come and address the council regarding public nuisance of their property located at 171 Gulino Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Parcel No. 0104463050.

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to authorize the Council Clerk to send a Certified Letter to Joseph Scottie Dumas and Melissa Villery and advising them to come and address the council regarding public nuisance of their property located at 171 Gulino Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Parcel No. 0104463050.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

16. Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of Shed, property cleanup and tree removal) of the property located at 239 Bullard Avenue N., Opelousas, LA. 70570. Parcel No. 0103875700.

A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to authorize the Council Clerk to send a Certified Letter to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of Shed, property cleanup and tree removal) of the property located at 239 Bullard Avenue N., Opelousas, LA. 70570.
Parcel No. 0103875700.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

17. Authorize the council clerk to send a certified letter to Midfirst Bank advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of structure, grass cutting and debris removal) of the property located at 728 McNeese Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Parcel No. 0105008100.

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Jody White to authorize the Council Clerk to send a Certified Letter to to Midfirst Bank advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of structure, grass cutting and debris removal) of the property located at 728 McNeese Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Parcel No. 0105008100.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

18. Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Marvin J. Guillory and Penny Guillory
advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of old structure and
debris cleanup) of their property located at 8844 Hwy 190, Opelousas, LA 70570.
Parcel No. 0602770965.

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Ernest Blanchard to authorize the Council Clerk to send a Certified Letter to Marvin J. Guillory and Penny Guillory advising them to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of old structure and debris cleanup) of their property located at 8844 Hwy 190, Opelousas, LA 70570. Parcel No. 0602770965.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

19. Council to vote on override of VETO for Ordinance No. 2024-016.

AN ORDINANCE TO DONATE IMMOVABLE PROPERTY USED FOR A SEWAGE TREATMENT STATION TO THE CITY OF OPELOUSAS FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government owns a two (2) acre parcel of land and a 0.333 of an acre parcel of land near the south side of the City of Opelousas.

WHEREAS, the two (2) acre parcel of land and the 0.333 of an acre parcel of land owned by St. Landry Parish Government is currently being used by the City of Opelousas to operate a sewage treatment station.

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Louisiana Article VII, section 14, prohibits the donation of a political subdivision’s funds, property, or things of value to a private or public person or entity unless the donation meets the requirements of the Louisiana Supreme Court in the “Cabela” case, Board of Directors V. All Taxpayers, et al, 938 So. 2d 11 (La. 2006). Said requirements in that case are that the transfer of property from the political subdivision to a person or entity must be for a public purpose that comports with the governmental purpose which the entity has legal authority to pursue, the expenditure or transfer of public funds or property, taken as a whole, does not appear to be gratuitous, and evidence must demonstrate that the public entity has a demonstrable, objective, and reasonable expectation of receiving a benefit or value at least equivalent to the amount expended or transferred.

WHEREAS, the transfer of the sewage treatment station to the City of Opelousas serves a public purpose, and is not gratuitous, because it will be very cost effective for St. Landry Parish Government by eliminating St. Landry Parish Government having to spend a substantial amount of funds maintaining a sewage treatment station that will process sewage for the citizens of the City of Opelousas. St. Landry Parish Government has a demonstrable, objective, and reasonable expectation of receiving a benefit or value equivalent to the property being conveyed to the City of Opelousas, because St. Landry Parish Government will not have to spend a substantial amount of funds for a sewage plant that the City of Opelousas is using to process sewage inside municipal the boundaries of the City of Opelousas.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT that the following property shall be conveyed by an Act of Donation to the City of Opelousas, and said property is described as follows:
ITEM 1:
A certain tract or parcel of land, with all buildings and improvements located thereon, containing 0.333 of an acre, located in Section 104, Township 6 South (T-6-S), Range 4 East (R-4-E), St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, shown as LOT 30-B of LINWOOD SUBDIVISION (WEST) on a plat of survey by Morgan Goudeau & Associates dated April 15, 2020, a copy of which is attached to the Conveyance recorded on August 28, 2020, under Act number 1204333, in the Conveyance records of the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, and being bounded, now or formerly, on the North by Lot 30-A (James Doherty); South by Ashwood Drive; East by Peter J. Losavio, Jr.; and West by Lot 13-A (Madelyn Fitzgerald).
Being the same property that the St. Landry Parish Government acquired in a Cash Sale recorded on August 28, 2020, under Act number 1204333, in the Conveyance records of the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court.
ITEM 2:
A certain tract or parcel of ground, with all buildings and improvements located thereon, containing 2.000 ACRES located in Section 138, Township 6 South (T-6-S), Range 4 East (R-4-E), shown as “Proposed Sewer Plant Site” on that certain plat of survey prepared by Morgan Goudeau & Associates dated October 25, 2017, which is attached to Option to Purchase Immovable Property, recorded on January 12, 2018, as Act No. 1168919, records of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, being located in the Northwest part of the property of Live Oak Gardens, LTD, and being bounded, now or formerly, on the North, South, and East by Live Oak Gardens, LTD; and West by the abandoned railroad.
Being the same property that the St. Landry Parish Government acquired in a Cash Sale recorded on August 30, 2019, under Act number 1191522, in the Conveyance records of the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court.
ITEM 3:
Ownership in all machinery, equipment, and other movables, that are necessary and/or being used in the processing and treatment of sewage in and around the sewage treatment facilities on the above two described parcels of land are hereby conveyed and transferred to the City of Opelousas, and shall be conveyed in the Act of Donation.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT that St. Landry Parish President, Jessie Bellard, is hereby authorized to sign any and all documents and conveyances that are necessary to transfer the two parcels of land, and the machinery and the equipment, listed in the three items in this Ordinance, to the City of Opelousas.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Taylor, I believe you stated that you wanted to put this off until the next full council meeting.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Yes, I would like to offer a motion that we move this to our July Full Council Meeting.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Do I have a second?”

Councilman Alvin Stelly stated, “Second.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Sub-Motion, we are voting on it tonight.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I have a Sub-Motion to vote on it tonight by Councilman Timmy Lejeune. Do I have a second to your Sub-Motion?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Second.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We will vote on the Sub-Motion first.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Chairman, I will withdraw my motion. We will vote on it tonight.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You withdraw your motion Mr. Taylor?”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Yes.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Roll Call. The motion is to override and VETO
Ordinance 2024-016. It is either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ am I correct?”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “That is correct. You will vote ‘Yes’ to override the VETO and you state ‘No’ if you do not want to override the VETO.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Let’s be clear. It takes 2/3 of the membership.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “Could we ask that Mr. Bellard make it clear one more time what are the legal extremities of this vote if we vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ please.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “So if you vote ‘Yes’ then you are overriding the VETO. If you vote ‘No’ you are letting the VETO stand. So the legal part of it from my understanding is that nothing has changed other than the Attorney General Office has not made contact with my office. We did have a conference call and they are sending us a letter to back up their conversation. It is stated exactly what we have been stating all along. At this time we cannot give it to the City of Opelousas based on how it was presented and how it was done and the way it was done. It is just as simple as that. Nothing has changed and the letter will be forthcoming. Again, I am not doing it, I am sorry.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Let me ask this question Mr. Bellard. Out of all respect to you and I can understand where you are coming from but with you speaking to the Attorney General’s Office can we put this off Mr. Lejeune until we get all of this paper work that you say that you have forthcoming?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I am telling you what the Attorney General’s Office said but it is up to you all. It won’t change my mind.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I am not asking you to change your mind. I am asking that you let it all come right here in front of this council so we will have what you are saying that you presented. That is all that I am asking.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is not my decision to make that is you all decision what you all want to do.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “I ask that we follow Mr. Taylor’s first motion that we put this off until we get more solid information from the AG’s Office.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “He is offering a Substitute Motion at which I will second. He is offering a Substitute Motion which I will second to put it off until next month so that we can get the written opinion from the Attorney General that we can’t do this. That is all that I am asking. We have until July 31st, to take action on the Override okay so we have another month.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Mr. Chairman, you are technically correct. It is the second meeting, not July 31st, the second meeting in July is the time limit, the second full council meeting in July. That is the time limit according to the Home Rule Charter.”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “That will be July 17th meeting.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Chairman, we voted on this a month ago. There were 8 votes, Timmy you voted for it.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I did.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “I don’t think you knew what you were voting for is what you said but none the less there was one vote against it. There were three members absent and they should have an opportunity to chime in on this and go on the record and say that we need to do this or we don’t need to do this. That is all that I am asking. I have asked the Chairman to vote on this so all 13 of us will have a recorded vote on whether or not we are going to support the agreement that we passed in 2020 which there were 11 votes for giving it to the City of Opelousas. One person absent and that was me and I would have voted for it then so it would have been 12 votes. That is all that we are asking is for 30 days. We ought to be able to get something from the Attorney General’s Office in 30 days don’t you all think? If we don’t then we take a vote then.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Lejeune, you made the Sub-Motion. The ball is in your court.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Let’s vote.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “The last Sub-Motion is to delay the vote on this until the July Meeting offered by Mr. Jolivette.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You second it and we will vote on the Sub-Motion first.”

A Sub-Motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilman Harold Taylor to postpone the override on the VETO for Ordinance 2024-016 until the next Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 until we get all of the paperwork from the Attorney General’s Office.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly and Wayne Ardoin. NAYS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion FAILED on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “We have Six ‘Yes’ votes and Seven ‘No’ votes.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “So that takes care of item No. 19. The VETO has been upheld, it stays in place.”
Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “We just voted to postpone it until July 17th, 2024.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Lejeune’s motion is now on the floor.”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown to vote to let Ordinance 2024-016 stand as it is.

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “I think that you need to explain that ‘Yes’ and that ‘No’ again.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Ms. Mildred, from what I understand you are voting to go ahead and let the VETO stand. Mr. Bellard signed the VETO, do you stand behind Mr. Bellard’s VETO.”

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “It is not my turn to vote yet chairman, I asked a question.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Thank you.”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “Right now I am taking a roll call to override the VETO that was done on Ordinance No. 2024-016.”

Councilman Jody White stated, “Saying it that way I don’t want to override the VETO, I want the VETO to stand. To override the VETO I vote No.”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “We are voting to override the VETO, ‘Yes or No.” Do you want to override the VETO?”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown to vote to override the VETO on Ordinance 2024-016.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly and
Wayne Ardoin. NAYS: Jody White, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Vivian Olivier,
Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion FAILED on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “For the record Madam Clerk I vote ‘Yes’.

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “I have Five ‘Yes’ votes and Eight ‘No’ votes so the VETO stands as it is.”

Council to go into Executive Session to discuss Litigation with the Clerk of Court concerning Parish Government paying Mandated Expenses on the Clerk of Court Facilities in regards to a letter and presentation by the Clerk of Courts Attorney at the June 5th meeting on Louisiana Law requires Parish Government to pay Mandated Expenses.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “What are the wishes of this council? Do you all want to go into Executive Session to discuss this matter or do you all want to discuss it in open meeting? I think Mr. Jagneaux just stepped to the restroom. Does he want to go into Executive Session?”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Does this follow the protocol for things to go into Executive Session to be discussed? That is my question.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Executive Session is never mandatory. It is an option in certain cases such as a case where a public body may hold an Executive Session or a Strategy Session with respect to a prospective litigation after formal written demand. The Clerk of Court’s Attorney delivered the written demand to the council, hand delivered it two weeks ago. That would give the council an option to go into Executive Session if they want to. It takes nine votes to go into Executive Session.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Jagneaux, do you want to discuss this matter in Executive Session or do you want it in an open meeting?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “It is up to you all.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You have no preference, Yay or Nay.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “No preference.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, ‘What are the wishes of this council?”

A motion was made by Councilwoman Nancy Carriere, seconded by Councilman Ernest Blanchard to discuss the Litigations with the Clerk of Court in open Session and do not go into Executive Session.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry,
Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune,
Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “What are the wishes of the council to discuss this matter? A request of Mr. Jagneaux which was brought to us by Jeffery Coreil and Jennifer M. Ardoin, Attorneys for the Clerk of Court. Mr. Jagneaux made a request and I think you all have it in your packets.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Since we are in open meeting Mr. Jagneaux can explain.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “That is fine with me.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Have everyone read the request? It was in our packet last week.
I can read it.”
I. Executive Summary
Louisiana law charges the Parish Clerk of Court with a broad range of critical public responsibilities involving, among other things, maintaining and administering the Parish’s public records, including (i) receiving, cataloging, recording, and maintaining sales, mortgages, and donations; (ii) civil and criminal court administration, including serving as a depositary for documents and pleadings in civil proceedings; and (iii) administering elections and receiving election returns.

The public records maintained by the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court are the records of St. Landry Parish, and some of these records date back to the late 1800’s, when surrounding Parishes were part of St. Landry Parish. The records in question belong to the Parish, not the Clerk of Court, and represent the history and ancestry of the citizens of the Parish, including the ancestry of each of the council members and their families.

The Clerk of Court moved records from the Courthouse at the request of the Parish Government so the Parish would have room for the construction of the new courtroom on the third floor of the Courthouse. By cooperating with the Parish Government, the Clerk of Court was left without adequate space to safely store and protect all of the Parish’s original records. The failure to take action to protect these records (now or in the future) could result in catastrophic loss of unreproducible, historical records-including land transactions, court records, and elections. The Clerk of Court has taken proactive steps to secure additional facilities for the Parish records, but the procured premises requires updating for applicable code compliance and to ensure protection of the records.

As outlined in the attached AIA cost estimate, the costs to renovate the new space for the Parish records are estimated at $1,125,000.00 to $1,200,000.00 with estimated recurring, annual utilities and insurance costs ranging from $15,000.00 to $30,000.00 depending on usage.

The Parish currently provides the Clerk of Court with $100,000.00 a year for the current facilities. The Clerk of Court proposes the following cost sharing agreement with the Parish, to be
memorialized by ordinance :

The Parish agree to pay for 50% of the total renovation costs for the Clerk’s Annex Facility, payable over a two year period, with $300,000.00 being paid in 2024 and $300,000.00 being paid in 2025. In addition, the Parish increase the annual payment to the Clerk of Court to $150,000.00
($50,000.00 increase) to cover the costs of security, utilities, insurance, and maintenance for the Annex Facility.
Finally, the Clerk’s Annex Facility has a second floor which can be utilized by the Parish for offices, storage, or other purposes. Accordingly, the space will satisfy the Parish’s legal obligation to the Clerk of Court and concurrently provide the Parish with additional space and resources.

II. Background. St. Landry Parish is the eleventh largest parish in Louisiana, and it is comprised of approximately 920 square miles of property, including extensive rural areas, with agricultural economies. With a population of approximately 82,000, the St. Landry Parish clerk of court’s office processes, records, and maintains 1,000’s of documents and instruments every year. The clerk presently employs 38 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees.

When the Parish Government was moving forward with construction of the courtroom on the third floor of the Courthouse, it requested the Clerk of Court move records to allow for the construction. By cooperating with the Parish Government, the Clerk of Court was left without adequate storage for the Parish’s records that the Clerk of Court is statutorily mandated to maintain. As a result, the clerk of court was forced to acquire additional space at 306 W. Landry St, Opelousas, LA (the “Clerk Annex Facility”). The purpose of the additional space is to house and maintain the parish’s extensive public and vital records, some of which date back to the late 1800’s, but the new building requires extensive renovations to be suitable for the clerk of court’s operations. The attached estimate outlines the necessary renovations which are recommended.

III. Specific Laws for Financial Support by Parish.
La. Rev. Stat.33:4713, entitled providing quarters for court and parish officers, provides:

A. Each parish shall provide and bear the expense of a suitable building and requisite furniture for the sitting of the district and circuit courts and such offices, furniture, and equipment as may be needed by the clerks and recorders of the parish for the proper conduct of their offices and shall provide such other offices as may be needed by the sheriffs of these courts and by the tax collectors and assessors of the parish and shall provide the necessary heat and illumination therefore.

Similarly, La. Rev. Stat. 13:784, entitled Police jury to defray capital outlay expense, clerk’s salary fund surplus, provides, in pertinent part:

Upon the request of the clerk, the police jury shall provide him with all necessary office furniture, equipment, and record books.

As recent as 2009, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office concluded that the following items are considered “necessary” for the clerk of court operations, in accordance with the parish council’s duties under the foregoing statutes:

Furniture: Desks, tables, chairs, filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and other types of appointments or furnishings necessary for the performance of official duties.

Equipment: Computers, printers, typewriters, adding machines, calculators, copiers, telephones, dictating and transcribing machines, security system/locks, and other types of functional machinery necessary for the performance of official duties.

Supplies: Consumable items necessary for the performance of official duties.

Maps: All maps, regardless of the nature or type necessary for the performance of official duties.

III. Proposal.
As outlined in the attached AIA cost estimate, the costs to renovate the new space for the Parish records are estimated at $1,125,000.00 to $1,200,000.00 with estimated recurring, annual utilities and insurance costs ranging from $15,000.00 to $30,000.00 depending on usage.

The Parish currently provides the Clerk of Court with $100,000.00 a year for the current facilities. The Clerk of Court proposes the following cost sharing agreement with the Parish, to be memorialized by ordinance:

The Parish agrees to pay for 50% of the total renovation costs for the Clerk’s Annex Facility, payable over a two year period, with $300,000.00 being paid in 2024 and $300,000.00 being paid in 2025. In addition, the Parish increase the annual payment to the Clerk of Court to $150,000.00 ($50,000 increase) to cover the costs of security, utilities, insurance, and maintenance for the Annex Facility.

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “I would like to make a couple of comments. That letter was written by a lawyer because they get paid by the hour. I did not realize that they had sent a demand letter and I was requested to appear and I did not request to come which I am glad to show up. I am not here to threaten or talk about litigation or negotiations or anything like that. All I am here for today is to give you all information that you all may need to make a prudent decision. I am going to go through my little spiel which I left my notes in the car or I lost them outside. You all were right the records belong to the citizens of the Parish, they don’t belong to me they belong to the people that you all represent. They represent the history of St. Landry Parish. The records that are there now are the early civil suits. We have lawsuits there from 1800 on up. I have gotten grants and received other documents from the archives that goes back to 1760. To give you all some more background why we have so many records especially compared to other parishes. This parish is one of 3 major Population Centers in the state, New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and St. Landry Parish were it back then and I am talking 1850 – 1860 until 1870. I think seven other parishes were created from parts of St. Landry Parish so it gives you a little knowledge about our history. The Clerk is the Custodian of the records. I don’t own them but I have to take care of them in perpetuity. That means that I have to keep them forever. A lot of people want to complain about filing fees but they have to realize that anything they file have to be kept forever, not just thrown away the next week. The reason that those records are there is because I was requested by Parish Government to remove some records from the top of the Jail House, it was packed, so we removed approximately 9,000 square feet, that was the amount that was covered in that building over there. I would invite you all after the meeting or give me a call during the week and we can get together and I will give you all a tour of it. We also moved some records from downstairs in the basement I believe to make room for another expansion to allow the Registrar of Voters more room. Jessie, where did they move him to?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “He moved into my old office and I moved downstairs to make room for Judge Meche to have a Jury Room in the R. O. V’s old office.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “What is going on in the corner here on the first floor?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is where I am at now. “

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “No on the first floor.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is Judge Caswell old courtroom. It will be Judge Meches Courtroom.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “Okay, without moving those records or without having a place to keep them which I was not really anticipating that in the first place none of those projects could have been done. You could not put 8 square feet upstairs on the third floor. They built a complex for the fourth Judge, Judge Cravins to have a Courtroom and all of his other offices up there which is fine but the problem is this; I have this building over there that I can hardly use because I was going to use it for a training facility for the commissioners to take and vote, I still have enough room for that. I am in a jam here plus I have to pay for the building that I can’t use. The second floor is empty more or less and I was planning on using that to rent it to other agencies or private individuals to help pay for the utilities and the parish can still do that. We can work out some kind of agreement where you would have control of the second floor which is fine with me but eventually I am afraid that we will have to move more records out there if more expansion is going to occur in the courthouse. I will be reluctant to take any more out of there to be honest with you unless if I have something to defray the expenses of having to store them. Like I said I left my notes in the car but that is the general just of it. The records are important and they belong to all of you and all of your citizens and it is their history. One thing I have been trying to do is to develop a campaign to get tourist to come into St. Landry Parish and look at those records and I call it a Genealogical Tourism. If you look at one old house or one old barn you have seen them all, there is nothing else to see but if you have a family that lives in California, Canada, New York, New Jersey, Texas or wherever and they realize that their family history is right here in St. Landry Parish and all of those records are available they are going to come and see them. I had a group last week of about 35-40 people from all over the country Kansas, California, Texas, I think I had one person from New Mexico and from New York in that group, they all came here to look at those records because it means something to somebody. Like I said if you look at one old house or one old barn you have seen them all but if you give them something to see like your great-great grandfather owned this piece of property right here then maybe they would move back when they retire, that is part of the plan. I welcome any questions, I may have not covered the whole thing like I said because I lost my notes. Like I said I am not here to negotiate or litigate, I don’t know where that came from but like I said lawyers get paid by the word so you all can take that with a grain of salt.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to understand clearly are those figures right because you are saying the lawyer is the one that did all of this.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “About $1,200,000.00 by the time that it is finished. I that that it would have been about 65 or 70 at the most and it would have not been a problem but that is a little too much.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Jagneaux thank you for coming and thank you for giving us the background on the importance on what you do. Apparently you are asking us to come up with one half of what it is going to cost.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “That is another thing folks I am asking you to come up with one half of it.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “That is reasonable. You have mandated expenses and we are obligated to pay you what you listed. Presently I think you said we contributed about $100,000.00 to your budget.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “To put that in context when Donald Darbo was here he got $240,000.00 a year and that was 1982 or 1984. I built the office over there at my own expense which was about $120,000.00 which I don’t mind if I have the money to do it. That took a load off of you all too you all did not have to spend any money on that.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “I guess the question for us is where do we get the money?” Do you want to speak on that Mr. Bellard?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I was told to let Garett speak so I will let Garett speak.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “There are two options here. Council can negotiate and work it out with the Clerk of Court to decide if this matter can be settled. The other option is a lawsuit can be filed. I know that Mr. Jagneaux said if the demand letter was not delivered and there is demand on the table at this time but there are two options. Council and the Clerk of Court, Mr. Jagneaux can work this out and negotiate and come to a mediated agreement or it could go to a lawsuit so these are the two options that are on the table and the council have their choice to decide how they want to go and Mr. Jagneaux has a choice also. So that is where we are at right now.”

Councilman Jody White questioned, “Mr. Jagneaux at any time did you sit down with the Parish President or anyone else to find out if the parish owned another building that may have been or had the ample space that could have accommodated the records that you moved?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “The only discussion I had with Mr. Bellard is when he asked me to move the records to make room for that project. Another consideration is the location and that is another thing too, the location has to be near enough so we can go and walk over there and get the records when you need them, I can’t have them 10 miles away like the airport or any place like that. This paper has to be taken care of and the consideration has to be made for moisture, climate control.”

Councilman Jody White stated, “That is the other point that I was about to make. If there was a building available it would be a lot less than $600,000.00 to supply a building with a A/C system so that is why I am asking the question if the question was even asked if there was a building available.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “No it was not. I was requested to move the records. If Mr. Bellard had a building I am sure he would have offered it. Do you have a building like that?”

Councilman Jody White stated, “I don’t know all of the building or properties that the parish owns so I can’t say that we have something with the space. I think the problem and I will speak for myself, the old saying you put the carriage before the horse, you bought a building and now you are asking us to help pay for it. You should have known that price from the start.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “I brought the building prior to being requested to move the records. I did not know anything about the records having to be moved out of there so you all can build a courtroom. So there were really no negotiating about that. I will give you another thing that I check on, I check with a guy that rents property here in town and he told me to rent that much space, not even the whole building, just the 9,000 square feet was $54,000.00 per year. So you can check that out if you would like.”

Councilman Jody White stated, “I understand but again I will repeat myself. The problem is a building was purchased and renovated and then a price tag was brought to us. That price tag should have been figured out in the beginning.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “When the building was purchased there was no thought of putting any records there. It was suppose to be an Election Center, a Training Center and the top floor was to be rented out to pay the expenses. That was prior to Mr. Bellard asking me to move the records out. Now do I get penalized for doing the parish a favor? It seems like it. Again your attorney talked about litigations I am not talking about that, I am not talking about litigations tonight or negotiations tonight. This is going to be an ongoing process and it will take some time I admit but tonight I am just here for information.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Thank you Mr. Jagneaux for coming. We have a question basically on the needs of those records, you said climate control is there some variance as far as a specific range that they have to have?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “Up on the third floor there were no climate control. I had installed a fan that was thermostatic, it was operated by thermostat. Whenever the temperature got about a certain degree then the fan went on and blew fresh air into the room that was it. As far as climate Control I am not sure but that was the issue and the less moisture that you have the better it is.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “To bring the building up to code what is needed to be done?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “You will have to talk to an architect. You have to have an elevator and that is about $110,000.00 I think.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Is that a requirement?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “Yes. The Fire Code is pretty stringent. We had to build another staircase in the front. We had to separate that from the rest of the building. We had to build mechanical rooms. I got a charge order today for $29,000.00 to insulate the ceiling on the second floor. I am assuming that is part of the code. When you get a letter like that from the Architect they pretty much have figured that out before. You probably have to talk to the Architect to see all the details but there is a lot to it.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “We all know finances and parish government mandated expenditures and the requirements that was just stated. With all of that being said I guess you are able to negotiate from what you have here or is this set in stone for the $600,000.00.?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “It is like Jessie told me last week. He said that he wanted to redo the stairwell I think, he could have done it for $17,000.00 but if he would have went out on a bid process it would be $52,000.00 because you have to put out on bid on a project like that. We had five bidders and the lowest bid was Mr. Bertrand at $1,200,000.00.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “In those records that you have how many do you have stored currently in the courthouse?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “I probably took out about 40% and 60% is probably still in the courthouse.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Is it Climate Control?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “No, like I said it is just a fan up there. It keeps moisture out.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I have a comment. I am thinking of it like this. There is a child, and just follow me please, that needs to be adopted and I am going to take that child to my home, I am going to agree that I am going to take this child, but I did not know that this child had handicaps. So now I have to fix my house to accommodate this child. So my question is this: When Mr. Bellard had said that those documents had to be moved did you have any kind of place in mind? I understand that you had already bought the building and that is why I am using that scenario because sometimes we don’t expect to take on more at the time when we agreed to do it and you had already bought the building but the things that you have to put in that building are more precious than what you probably initiated for. Because the demand was that these documents had to be moved and I am sure you were not going to give him 3 or 4 years to do it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard started, “So we do have the old Public Works Building that we put a new roof on but the location was by the Airport. It was not in walking distance of the courthouse so that was the reason why we did not take that option. We also discussed a building across the street but with the new Downtown Development Districts we could not put a portable building right there so that was out of the question.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Mr. White had brought this up about putting the horse before the carriage and I remember seeing the signs up that this was going to be a training facility. I understand that all of this have changed and it was like why I have to find a place to put these documents. Did you tell him that you found a place or you have a place available, I have a room in my house available? I will make it work for this child. What it is taking to make it work is really expensive. Mr. Taylor asked a question if we are obligated to make it work but Mr. Taylor’s question was can we afford to make it work and that is the question that Garett did not answer. Mr. Taylor where will we get this money from, it is not about if we owe the money because I think that is clear, we had to find a place for the documents whether the place is acceptable but that was the place that was available and the renovations have started so the money was invested in that before this came up so the question Garett did not answer is where will we get the money?”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette questioned, “I would like to ask if Garett had an opportunity to answer Ms. Nancy’s question.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Based on the information we have gathered here this evening I would recommend that we set up a litigation route. The council would negotiate and mediate this matter out with Mr. Jagneaux.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “When was the last time that you got some money from Parish Government?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “Last year, 2023.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “How much Mr. Bellard?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “$100,000.00.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “$100,000.00. Did he make a request? I remember we always get a request whoever wanted money from Parish Government with our Budget Hearings.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “He made a request during the year, yes.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “And we gave him $100,000.00. Mr. Jagneaux you have received your $100,000.00 for 2023 and nothing for 2024.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “No, nothing for 2024.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Bellard how much money will we have invested in moving the building or something that is adjoining this building that is in question here?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I don’t know if Barry got with Mr. Bertrand and that was the last that I had known that Barry and Mr. Leonard would get together on what to do with the building. I don’t think that it is the whole building that needs to be move I think that it is only about 30 feet to be compliance.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “To separate those two buildings to satisfy the Fire Code is about 15 – 20 feet or 30 feet. I just need to separate them. I don’t need to tear it all down.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “You have an estimate on how much money we are talking about?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No because they never got back with me yet. Barry and Leonard are talking about it and figuring out what is the next move going to be.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We authorize you to go ahead.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We are talking to the contractor at this time.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “I think you all had a motion to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Yes we moved last week on that. We had a special meeting on that. So you got $100,000.00 last year and the year before?”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “$100,000.00. I think I got it for the last 3 years.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “$100,000.00 for the last couple of years.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “Six or seven years prior to that I did not ask for any. Actually I did and I did not get it and did not want it really, I did not need it so I figure you all would be better off with a budget surplus then a deficit.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I thought you had went away because every year and I have been hear a few years you would always come just like the Judicial System. The only one that would never ask for money was the Assessor.”

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “We asked for it but we did not expect it. We are just now talking about that.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “I still have not ask my questions. I had given the floor to Mr. Garett. Mr. Charles thank you, your comments basically answered most of my questions. Basically how did we get here? Mr. President we do have an obligation to support the Clerk of Court Office as a Governmental Entity is that right?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We do have an obligation that is correct.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “Do you feel like we have meet that obligation?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Again I have to let Garett answer those questions because I was advised to do so. At the end of the day we all work together to make sure that everybody gets the right stuff.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Let me ask this question right now Mr. Bellard. You are saying Mr. Garett needs to answer the question but I thought Mr. Garett represents this parish council and not the Parish President’s Office.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is where you are wrong.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Of course you have an attorney.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No that is where you are wrong.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Well correct me if I am wrong, Every time we have had some kind of dealing you have said my attorney.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “This is not an issue between me an you. It is an issue between the Parish Government and Clerk of Court.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I don’t have an issue with you. I have an issue with finding out about why Garett has to answer those questions.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Because our District Attorney is our Legal Advisor he has appointed Garett Duplechain to represent the Parish Government. My lawyer represents me personally as Parish President. This is not an issue with Parish President in no shape or form. This is an issue that the DA told me this afternoon to allow Garett to answer the questions. That is all that I am saying.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Okay, thank you. Garett you are on the hot seat. Answer the question from Mr. Jolivette.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “I have consulted with our District Attorney on this and it is the recommendation that the council negotiate and mediate this matter and settle it with the Clerk of Court rather than go the route of litigation. I don’t know where this is going to end up later down the road but for now we should try to see if could come to a mutual agreement.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, I have a suggestion. Why don’t you all form a committee not to have a quorum so we can sit down and negotiate and try to come up with a plan because we will be here all night long.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I understand. That is why I wanted to find out for sure if that is where we were going to go. Garett just outlined it so the Finance Committee can deal with it because they are aware of the Finances so let’s go with it at the next Finance Committee Meeting and we will discuss it.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “Mr. Chairman if I had been given the opportunity to have my minutes that was my suggestion, thank you Mr. President.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Do I have a motion to bring it to the Finance Committee?”

A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilwoman Nancy Carriere to forward to the next Administrative Finance Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 to further discuss the Litigation with the Clerk of Court concerning Parish Government paying mandated Expenses on the Clerk of Court Facilities.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor,
Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: Jody White. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

Mr. Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court stated, “Can I request Garett to give me his plan in writing please on what statue you based your decision on. I would appreciate that.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Yes.”

IX. ORDINANCES TO BE INTRODUCED:

ORDINANCE NO.2024-022
Sponsored by Councilman Harold Taylor

AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR A MEETING BETWEEN THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FIRM AND THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL BEFORE AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT IS SUBMITTED TO THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL AT A ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-023
Sponsored by Councilman Dexter Brown

AN ORDINANCE FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FOR ONE HOUR OF ANNUAL IN PERSON TRAINING ON THE CODE OF GOVERNMENTAL ETHICS, ONE HOUR OF ANNUAL IN PERSON TRAINING ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION, AND ONE HOUR OF ANNUAL IN PERSON TRAINING ON CYBERSECURITY

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-024
Sponsored by Councilman Faltery Jolivette

AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE ALL APPLICANTS WHO ARE APPLYING TO BE APPOINTED TO A BOARD OR COMMISSION TO BE INTERVIEWED BY THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL AT A ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING PRIOR TO THE PARISH COUNCIL MAKING THE APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OR COMMISSION

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-025
Sponsored by Councilman Jimmie Edwards

AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE ADJUSTED MILLAGES FOR THE 2024 TAX ROLLS ON ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT the following adjusted millages are hereby accepted for the 2024 tax rolls on all property subject to taxation:

2024 ADJUSTED MILLAGES
General Alimony 3.67 mills
Exempted Municipalities 1.83 mills
Jail Parish Wide 0.970 mills
Road District No 11A Sub 1 9.260 mills
Road District No 1 Ward 3 9.990 mills
Road District No 12 Ward 2 4.650 mills

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-026
Sponsored by Councilman Ken Marks

AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY THE ROLL FORWARD MILLAGES FOR THE 2024 TAX ROLLS ON ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT the following roll forward millages are hereby levied on the 2024 tax rolls on all property subject to taxation:

2024 ADJUSTED MILLAGES 2024 LEVY
General Alimony 3.67 mills 3.780 mills
Exempted Municipalities 1.83 mills 1.890 mills
Health Units 2.170 mills
Jail Parish Wide 0.970 mills 1.000 mills
Road District No 11A Sub 1 9.260 mills 9.560 mills
Road District No 1 Ward 3 9.990 mills 10.260 mills
Road District No 12 Ward 2 4.650 mills 4.800 mills

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment rolls of said Parish for the year 2024, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-027
Sponsored by Councilman Dexter Brown

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 44 - 3 TO HAVE A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MPH FOR CHARLES FISHER ROAD

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “On ordinance 2024-027 we have Charles Fisher to change the speed limit. Ms. Mildred, I got a phone call this afternoon about Pointe Verte Road. It is 45 and they would like to see 30. The road is narrow and it can’t support a 45 MPH Speed limit. I am asking that we add Pointe Verte to go down to 30 MPH.
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I will sponsor that Ordinance 2024-027.”
Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Do you have any objections Ms. Thierry by adding Pointe Verte?”
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “No I do not.”
Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You are alright with adding Pointe Verte on there Mr. Brown?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Yes Sir.”
Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Thank you Mr. Bellard.”

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-028
Sponsored by Councilman Timmy Lejeune

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH ORDINANCE CHAPTER 44, SECTION 44-14 so that Riverbirch, Nap Lane, and Nezat Road in Opelousas, LA can be included on the list of roads in St. Landry Parish that are designated as “No Truck or 18-Wheeler Thru Traffic” routes. 

X. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED:

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Vivian Olivier to Adopt Ordinance 2024-019.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-019
(Sponsored By: Councilman Jimmie Edwards)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH ORDINANCE CHAPTER 44, SECTION 44-14 so that Tecumseh Loop in Opelousas, LA can be included on the list of roads in St. Landry Parish that are designated as “No Truck or 18-Wheeler Thru Traffic” routes.

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Ordinance Chapter 44, Section 44-14 lists the roads in St. Landry Parish that are designated as “No Truck or 18-Wheeler Thru Traffic” routes.

WHEREAS, this Ordinance amends St. Landry Parish Ordinance Chapter 44, Section 44-14 so that Tecumseh Loop in Opelousas, LA can be included on the list of roads that are designated as “No Truck or 18-Wheeler Thru Traffic“ routes.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT that Chapter 44, Section 44-14 is hereby amended as follows:

The following roads are hereby restricted and designated as “No Truck or 18-Wheeler Thru Traffic” routes:
Andrepont Road (Parish Road 6-10); (1)
Beck Miller Road (Parish Road 6-340); (2)
Beck Miller Road (Parish Road 6-340-1); (3)
Begnaud Road (4)
Belmont Drive; (5)
Comfort Lane; (6)
Country Ridge; (7)
Darjean Road; (8)
Dresser Loop; (9)
Federal Road (Council District No. 1); (10)
Fisher Road (Parish Road 4-110); (11)
Fort Hamilton Drive (Parish Road 1-319); (12)
Frank Road (13)
Frilot Cove Road; (14)
Gordon Street (Parish Road 6-45); (15)
Government Road (Council District No. 3); (16)
Greg Drive; (17)
Harmon Lane in Opelousas (18)
Henderson Drive (19)
Hidalgo Road (Council District No. 3); (20)
Highway 1244; (21)
Iseringhausen Road (22)
Jacob Road (Parish Road 6-345); (23)
Jeff Thibodeaux (Parish Road 6-345); (24)
Judson Walsh; (25)
Lawyer Road; (26)
Littell Street (Parish Road 6-40); (27)
McClelland Road (Parish Road 6-35); (28)
National Road (Council District No. 3); (29)
North 6th Street between Hwy. 190 and Hwy. 104; (30)
Perry Drive (Parish Road 6-40-1); (31)
Plantation Road; (32)
Rainbow Drive; (33)
Rolling Oaks Drive (Parish Road 1-397); (34)
Sir Thomas Henry Drive; (35)
Smith Lane (Parish Road 5-30); (36)
Soileau Road (Parish Road 6-275); (37)
Soileau Road from Hwy. 13 to Hwy. 757; (38)
Tecumseh Loop (39)
Texas Eastern Road; (40)
Thibodeaux Street (Parish Road 6-35-2); (41)
West Loop and Hwy. 190 West intersection. (42)

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to Adopt Ordinance 2024-020.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS:
ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-020
(Sponsored By: Councilman Ken Marks)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH ORDINANCE SECTION 36-132 WHICH IS IN ARTICLE VI OF CHAPTER 36 OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES.

Whereas, LA R.S. 32:41 (13) grants the parish governing authorities the authority to direct the installation of speed bumps in their parish;

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT Section 36-132 in Article VI of Chapter 36 of the St. Landry Parish Code of Ordinances is hereby amended and shall now read as follows:

SEC. 36-132. - HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR INSTALLATION OF SPEED BUMPS.

Upon request of the parish government to install speed bumps on a specific parish roadway, a survey will be conducted by the person who requested the speed bumps, or the councilmember in whose district the speed bumps will be placed, by going to the household of each voter registered with the registrar of voters on that specific roadway.
The survey shall request that each household voter state if they are “for” or “against” the installation of the speed bumps on that specific roadway. After the survey is complete, the council clerk shall tally the results of the survey. The council clerk will refer the installation of the speed bumps to the public works director for a feasibility study in accordance with section 36-133 only if 75 percent or more of the households surveyed are in favor of installing the speed bumps.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT this ordinance shall become effective on the date of the full council meeting that this ordinance is passed.

A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard , seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to Adopt Ordinance 2024-021.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-021
(Sponsored By: Councilman Ernest Blanchard)

AN ORDINANCE TO SELL ADJUDICATED PROPERTY TO AN ADJOINING LANDOWNER OF THE ADJUDICATED PROPERTY AS PER LA R.S. 47:2202 (B)

WHEREAS, Louisiana Revised Statute 47:2202 B. states that the governing authority of each political subdivision may allow an adjoining landowner to purchase adjudicated property for any price set by the governing authority without public bidding at a public meeting of the governing authority; provided, that the governing authority determines that the adjoining landowner has maintained the adjudicated property for a period of one year prior to the sale. Such a sale shall be deemed a public sale.

WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Government has determined that PLYMOUTH ROCK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH of MORROW, LOUISIANA is the adjoining landowner of adjudicated property and has maintained said adjudicated property for a period of one year or more, and thus, PLYMOUTH ROCK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH of MORROW, LOUISIANA may purchase the adjudicated property through a public sale without public bidding. 

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT that the following adjudicated property shall be sold by public sale to PLYMOUTH ROCK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH of MORROW, LOUISIANA, an adjoining land owner to the adjudicated property who maintained said adjudicated property for one year or more, without public bidding, for a price set by St. Landry Parish Government of, as per LA R.S. 47:2202 B., at the assessed value of PARCEL: 8401168000 - $2,500.00,
PARCEL: 0402534500 - $4,000.00, and
PARCEL: 0402534000 - $2,500.00 said adjudicated property is described as follows:

PARCEL: 8401168000 (Leonard Anderson)
A town lot situated in the Village of Morrow, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, bounded on the North by the Masonic Lodge; South by John Rose; East by Plymouth Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Morrow, Louisiana, Inc.; and on the West by Front Street (now known as Lodge Road).

PARCEL: 0402534500 (Willie Rose and Mary Rose Washington)
A certain lot or parcel of ground with all buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Village of Morrow, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, and being bounded, now or formerly, as follows: North by Leonard Anderson, formerly Jerusalem Lodge #9995; South by Arinel Rose, formerly Delia Figaro; East by Plymouth Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Morrow, Louisiana, Inc.; and West by Lodge Road.

PARCEL: 0402534000 (Arinel Rose)
A certain tract or parcel of ground, with all buildings and improvements thereon, located in Morrow, Louisiana, bounded, now or formerly, on the North by Willie Rose; South by Rose Washington, formerly Delia Tompkins Figaro; East by Plymouth Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Morrow, Louisiana, Inc.; and West by Lodge Road or Union Pacific Railroad, formerly T & P Railroad.

The adjoining property which is owned by PLYMOUTH ROCK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH bears parcel number 9440070931 in the St. Landry Parish land records.

RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED:

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “This next Resolution in our Opioid Class Action Lawsuit we have settled with CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, P & J, Johnson and Johnson and the money that we have received is going to Substance Abuse Abatement in St. Landry Parish. What this is is Kroger has now decided to settle their part of this lawsuit and so this Resolution is necessary to have our Parish President sign the settlement. Once that is signed then we will settle Kroger out in this Lawsuit and receive the money from that for Substance Abuse Abatement in St. Landry Parish.
I have the settlement agreement in my computer which I will e-mail to Parish Government on Thursday.
So that is what this Resolution is about, Kroger is now ready to settle their part of the Opioid Class Action
Lawsuit.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Counselor, from your recollection of what is in that settlement how did we do?”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “You mean so far?”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Yes.”

Legal Counselor Garett Duplechain stated, “Our Financial Department have those numbers.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “One dollar or five dollars or what? Can you guess?”

Legal Counselor Garett Duplechain stated, “Is it a few Hundred Thousand?”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “So you are asking us to pass a Resolution and we have no idea what the settlement is.”

Legal Counselor Garett Duplechain stated, “That amount for this Resolution has not been determined yet. It is going to be determined by how many other local governments settle out with this one. That is what is going to determine the amount of money that is going to come to St. Landry Parish on this one so that has not been determined yet.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “In that past with the others that have been settled.”

Legal Counselor Garett Duplechain stated, “With the others we have received money for Substance Abuse Abatement in St. Landry Parish and I believe it is gone to that area.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Do you have a figure on it? Mr. Bellard, do you have a
figure on it?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Thursday I will get a copy and send it out via E-mail of what we have so far. Like Mr. Duplechain stated we really don’t know when it comes in until it comes in. I don’t understand it. It is what it is.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Does it come in increments?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Every year. I want to say for the next 16 or 17 years a dollar amount suppose to be coming in every year.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Is that money put in a fund and it shows on the budget?

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right, Opioid Settlement.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “But it is obligated for certain things.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Do you have any plans or did you work out any plans?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “$50,000.00 is going to the District Attorney’s Office, $50,000.00 is going to the Judges and $50,000.00 is going to the Public Defender’s Office and that is to help litigate cases that is dealing with Substance Abuse. The Second Chance Program is also part of that deal to get people into the treatment facility.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “That is what I wanted to know. As far as education, the treatment what about educating in the schools and stuff like that. What else can we do to help with the schools? You talked about participating with St. Landry Parish Schools so how can we invest some of that money back into prevention.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “At this point and with the Kroger settlement depending on how much that is that have not been allocated so it might be something that we can look at from this point forward.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “We have the DARE Program. We need to put more and try to prevent these young kids at a younger age. Mr. White is in law enforcement and familiar with the Fentanyl with the young kids so we need to catch the kids at a younger age. Maybe we can invest more in the DARE Program and Education.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I can look into that and get with the School Board and see what kind of programs they have in mind.”

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to adopt Resolution 008-2024.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

RESOLUTION NO. 008-2024

A Resolution authorizing St. Landry Parish to participate in the recent national Kroger Settlement Agreement (“Kroger National Settlement”), 1 and any future settlements with any additional defendants or other parties arising from or relating to St. Landry Parish’s claims in the national opioid litigation (“Future National Settlements”), in conjunction with and pursuant to the previously agreed to Louisiana Memorandum of Understanding with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office (“Louisiana MOU”).

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish has suffered harm from the opioid epidemic;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish recognizes that the entire State of Louisiana has suffered harm as a result from the opioid epidemic;

WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has a pending action in state court, and a number of Louisiana Parishes, Cities and Special Districts have also filed actions in state court or have been transferred to, or directly in, In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804 (N.D. Ohio) (the “Opioid Litigation” or “national opioid litigation”).

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish is a litigating political subdivision and has a pending action in the Opioid Litigation;

WHEREAS, this Kroger National Settlement was publicly announced to all potential participating subdivisions nationwide on or around May 30, 2024;

WHEREAS, Kroger 4 has not been named as a party in St. Landry Parish’s pending action in the Opioid Litigation;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish recognizes, acknowledges and accepts that it is eligible to participate in the recently announced Kroger National Settlement, even though Kroger is not a named party in St. Landry Parish’s pending action;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish recognizes and acknowledges that it will likely be eligible to participate in Future National Settlements arising from or relating to the national opioid litigation and/or St. Landry Parish’s claims and pending action;

WHEREAS, participation in the Kroger National Settlement by a large majority of Louisiana cities, parishes and special districts will maximize the amount of funds allocated for Louisiana under the Settlement Agreement;

WHEREAS, failure to participate in the Kroger National Settlement will reduce funds available to the State, St. Landry Parish, and every other Louisiana City, Parish and Special District;

WHEREAS, participation in Future National Settlements by a large majority of Louisiana cities, parishes and special districts will likely maximize the amount of funds allocated for Louisiana under those future Settlement Agreements;

WHEREAS, failure to participate in Future National Settlements will likely reduce funds available to the State, St. Landry Parish, and every other Louisiana City, Parish and Special District;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel firms) have sufficiently explained the details of the Kroger National Settlement to St. Landry Parish (through its Legal Advisor/Counsel), St. Landry Parish has had an opportunity to ask questions concerning same, and St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys have satisfactorily answered those questions to the best of their ability and based on currently available information;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel firms) will explain the details of any Future National Settlements to St. Landry Parish (through its Legal Advisor/Counsel), St. Landry Parish will have an opportunity to ask questions concerning same, and St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys will answer those questions to the best of their ability and based on then-available information;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel firms) firmly believe that St. Landry Parish’s participation in the current Kroger National Settlement and Future National Settlements is and will be in St. Landry Parish’s best interest;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel firms) strongly recommend that St. Landry Parish participate in the current Kroger National Settlement and any Future National Settlements arising from or relating to St. Landry Parish’s pending action and claims in the national opioid litigation, and agree to be bound by the terms thereof; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish finds it prudent, appropriate and necessary to: (1) authorize the Parish President to agree to any and all current and future National Settlements arising from or relating to resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims in the National Opioid Litigation and its pending action; and (2) authorize the Parish President to execute any formal agreements required by the Louisiana MOU or required to effect St. Landry Parish’s participation in all current and future National Settlements, including but not limited to, any Subdivision Settlement Participation Form(s)/Agreement(s), Release(s) or other documents required by any Settlement Agreements arising from or relating to resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims in the National Opioid Litigation and pending action.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL:

SECTION 1. That St. Landry Parish finds that participation in the Kroger National Settlement is in the best interest of St. Landry Parish, its citizens, and its community(ies).

SECTION 2. That St. Landry Parish hereby re-affirms its support of a unified plan for the allocation of any funds and use of opioid settlement proceeds as generally described in the previously agreed-to and executed Louisiana MOU.

SECTION 3. That Parish President is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents or formal agreements to effectuate St. Landry Parish’s participation in the current Kroger National Settlement, including but not limited to, Settlement Participation Form(s)/Agreement(s), Releases and other necessary documents.

SECTION 4. That the Parish President is also hereby authorized to: (1) agree to any and all current and future National Settlements arising from or relating to resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims in the National Opioid Litigation and its pending action; (2) execute any formal agreements required by the Louisiana MOU or required to effect St. Landry Parish’s participation in all current and future National Settlements, including but not limited to, any Subdivision Settlement Participation Form(s)/Agreement(s), Release(s) or other documents required by any Settlement Agreements arising from or relating to resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims in the National Opioid Litigation and its pending action.

SECTION 5. That St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel firms) are authorized to perform any and all work necessary to accomplish resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims in the National Opioid Litigation and its pending action.

SECTION 6. That the Secretary/Clerk be and hereby is instructed to record this Resolution in the appropriate record book upon its adoption.

SECTION 7. The Secretary/Clerk is hereby directed to furnish a certified copy of this Resolution to:

Neblett, Beard & Arsenault
c/o Dustin C. Carter
P.O. Box 12120
Alexandria, LA 71315

SECTION 8. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Jody White to adopt Resolution 009-2024.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

RESOLUTION NO. 009-2024

A resolution authorizing the President to execute an Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) for improvements at the St. Landry Parish Airport.

WHEREAS, Act 451 of the 1989 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature authorized the financing of certain airport improvements from funds appropriated from the Transportation Trust Fund; and

WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Government has requested funding assistance from the LA DOTD to/for GARD Unit Acquisition and Installation; and

WHEREAS, the stated project has been approved by the Louisiana Legislature and the LA DOTD is agreeable to the implementation of this project and desires to cooperate with the St. Landry Parish Government according to the terms and conditions identified in the attached Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the LA DOTD will provide the necessary funding for the GARD Unit Acquisition and Installation and reimburse the sponsor up to $6,875.00 of project cost.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Landry Parish Government that it does hereby authorize the President to execute an Agreement for the project identified as SPN H.016005, more fully identified in the Agreement attached hereto, and to execute any subsequent related documents, including, but not limited to, amendments to said agreement.

This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption.

A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to adopt Resolution 010-2024.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

RESOLUTION NO.010-2024

WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Council enacts the annual budget for St. Landry Parish Government each year by Ordinance.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Landry Parish Council that the salary for each employee of the St. Landry Parish Government be provided to the St. Landry Parish Council by the St. Landry Parish Government Financial Department.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Before we go to the Committee Meetings the Parish President asked me to recognize Mr. Percy John Wyble in reference to the 126 Mayflower Property. Mr. Wyble you are in the audience do you want to come up to the mic. I saw when you came in, you came in late. You want to talk about 126 Mayflower?”

Mr. Craig Wyble addressed the council and stated, “My address is 126 Mayflower and my name is Craig Wyble the son of Percy John Wyble. I was told that I could come to the meeting about a decision that they were going to make on it.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Do you have any objections as far as this Parish Council demolishing the properties that are at 126 Mayflower?”

Mr. Craig Wyble stated, “I don’t want that to happen, no.”

Ms. Cynthia Fontenot, Code Enforcement stated, “At 126 Mayflower it is their parents’ home. I think there are a couple of brothers that may live there. We don’t want to demolish the house but we need to clean the property. We previously provided you all with photographs where they made little makeshift houses and it is just a lot of debris all over the yard, front, back and side yard. They even had cardboard hanging over the fence. What we need at this time is to let Mr. Wyble have the opportunity to speak. He came into the meeting late after the item had passed on the agenda. We wanted to make him understand that the council did approve for us to move forward to clean that property. We need to clean it up, it is a eyesore and there are a lot of activity going on there.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I am very aware. It has been a complaint in District 9 for numerous years and I want to thank you for coming forward and taking care of that.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Mr. Wyble, I know you said that you don’t want that to happen but they are just talking about cleaning it up so were you planning on cleaning it all up?

Mr. Craig Wyble stated, “Yes Ma’am. For a long time it was just me there, I was the only one there.”

Ms. Cynthia Fontenot, Code Enforcement stated, “We need to clean the property up. We have been trying to work with the Wyble Family to get it cleaned and it is not happening. It is an eyesore and it is really a danger to the area. I saw that Mr. Wyble had come in late and I wanted to make him aware.”

COMMITTEE MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilman Harold Taylor, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to accept the Administrative Finance Committee Meeting Minutes from Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 as transcribed.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.
A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to accept the Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes from Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 as transcribed.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

ADJOURN:

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to Adjourn the Regular Meeting.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 18th, day of June, 2024.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE
KAREN BARLOW, ASSISTANT COUNCIL CLERK

(PUBLISH: JULY 14, 2024) 1T