St. Landry Parish Government

Council Agenda

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION (Councilwoman Mildred Thierry)

III. ROLL CALL

IV. CONDOLENCES

V. PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
• Rhonda Tate - Blighted Property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, La
• Estate of Ronald Gene Tate- Blighted Property at 136 Victoria Loop, Opelousas, La
• Percy John Wyble - Blighted Property at 126 Mayflower Drive, Opelousas, La
• Rose Wyble - Blighted Property at 126 Mayflower Drive, Opelousas, La

VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
• Special Meeting: June 5th, 2024
• Regular Meeting: May 15th, 2024

VII. PARISH PRESIDENT’S 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.

VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
*Items passed through committee.

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

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

Council to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation with Clerk of Court concerning Parish Government paying mandated expenses on Clerk of Court facilities, in regards to 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 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.

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

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

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)

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)

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

Vote 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)

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

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

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

Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to John Gabriel Lewis Jr and Enola Lewis advising 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

Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Joseph Scottie Dumas and Melissa Villery advising to come and address the council regarding public nuisance of their property located at 171 Gulino Street, Opelousas, La 70570. Parcel #0104463050

Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation advising 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 #0103875700

Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Midfirst Bank advising 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 #0105008100

Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Marvin J Guillory and Penny Guillory advising 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 #0602770965

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.

IX. ORDINANCES TO BE INTRODUCED:

ORDINANCE NO.2024-022

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-028

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:

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); Beck Miller Road (Parish Road 6-340); Beck Miller Road (Parish Road 6-340-1); Begnaud Road Belmont Drive; Comfort Lane; (6)
Country Ridge; Darjean Road; Dresser Loop; Federal Road (Council District No. 1); Fisher Road (Parish Road 4-110); Fort Hamilton Drive (Parish Road 1-319); Frank Road Frilot Cove Road; Gordon Street (Parish Road 6-45); Government Road (Council District No. 3); Greg Drive; Harmon Lane in Opelousas Henderson Drive Hidalgo Road (Council District No. 3); Highway 1244; Iseringhausen Road Jacob Road (Parish Road 6-345); Jeff Thibodeaux (Parish Road 6-345); Judson Walsh; Lawyer Road; Littell Street (Parish Road 6-40); McClelland Road (Parish Road 6-35); National Road (Council District No. 3); North 6th Street between Hwy. 190 and Hwy. 104; Perry Drive (Parish Road 6-40-1); Plantation Road; Rainbow Drive; Rolling Oaks Drive (Parish Road 1-397); Sir Thomas Henry Drive; Smith Lane (Parish Road 5-30); Soileau Road (Parish Road 6-275); Soileau Road from Hwy. 13 to Hwy. 757; Tecumseh Loop Texas Eastern Road; Thibodeaux Street (Parish Road 6-35-2); West Loop and Hwy. 190 West intersection. (1)
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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.

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 know 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.

XI. RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED:

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.

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 firnds appropriated from the Transportation Trust Fund; and

WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Government has requested frrnding 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.

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.

XII. COMMITTEE MINUTES:

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th, 2024 @ 5:30 P.M.
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W BELLEVUE ST
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

MINUTES

This meeting was called to order by Chairman Wayne Ardoin.

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin ask that the audience silence their electronic devices.

Roll Call: PRESENT: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard. Ex Officio: Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Harold Taylor.

Item for Discussion:

• Intergovernmental Agreement between the St. Landry Parish Government and the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The intergovernmental Agreement is basically for us to move a building that is next to the old Dupre Carrier Godchaux building that the Clerk of Court owns. They asked us to take it down for them because they were doing renovations over there and that building is hindering his progress. We are just going to take it down and what I would like to do is take it and move it to another location so we can use it for storage.

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Mr. Bellard, once you take the building down or whatever is it our property?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No Sir, the building would be our property but not the property.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “That is what I mean, whatever you tear down becomes our property.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Who will be the owner?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Of the building.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “No the property.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Charles Jagneaux, Clerk of Court. He owns that whole section right there.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Okay, thank you.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Are there any other questions? Mr. Bellard, you are moving that building so where are you moving? Will it be some property that we have?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes behind the old Public Works Building on Airport Road.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “How big of a building are we talking about?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “60 x 80.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Are you going to haul it?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will tear it down. It will cost too much money to actually move it. We will tear it down to the point where they can take it and haul the rest of it.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Are there any more discussions? Do I have a motion?”

A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Ernest Blanchard to authorize the St. Landry Parish Government and the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court to enter into a Contractual Intergovernmental Agreement.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 5th, day of June, 2024.

Renewal Option Ratification:
Contract to act as Fiscal Agent for the St. Landry Parish Government & all Divisions thereof, St. Landry Parish.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Which one of you all would like to go first. Ms. Sue is here.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “If you all have any questions you all can ask them. This is just a renewal of our contract with Washington State Bank. All we are doing is just a renewal. Nothing has changed in the contract.

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “We have added one extra bank. I assume you will address that as well. I read the contract and all of these banks had to agree that Washington State Bank will be the lead for deposits and things of that nature, is that correct?”

Washington State Bank Representative stated, “That is correct Mr. Marks. We invited St. Landry Bank back in and they have agreed to come in so it will be five banks.

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “We saw and pretty much agreed upon the percentages.”

Washington State Bank Representative stated, “It will be determined by the holding of assets in the parish. Some of these banks have banks in other parishes. We will look at their holdings in the parish so that way the money is parish hopeful.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “These are local banks. We do not go out and ask for any other banks. We ask them to focus on our local banks only. This is why we have those five banks.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “We had brought to the attention of the Parish President that interest rates have gone up. We have quite a bit of funds that have been deposited. Is there an opportunity for that number to change so we can benefit from the aspects of that?”

Washington State Bank Representative stated, “Your contract on Section 5 of the second page of the original contract dictates the interest rate that is going to be paid. It tracts some statutory language for bigger parishes. Parishes that have populations over 100,000 by law use the 3-month Treasury Bill, which is moving all of the time. The 3-month Treasury Bill minus 200 basis points is the interest to be paid on your money in interest bearing accounts. You all have about 60 accounts spread throughout our banks so you all do have a lot of money but it is spread in a bunch of different accounts for accounting purposes, which I do not profess to understand, that is their job. The bulk of the money is a large amount of money that is spread out through those accounts. Anything in interest bearing would be earning that rate and you will see that reflected on your interest statement going forward.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Keep in mind and I know that we have discussed this in the budget process, just because our end of the year numbers say $7,000,000.00 in one of the funds for instance Fund 149 it goes in there for a day and then it is out. It does not stay and it is not in there all at one time so I want everybody to understand how it works. The numbers at the end of the year becomes in the millions but it is not in the millions at any given time. Whatever we are going to get we are going to get with the money in the bank. We are working with the bank on the interest rates and we will have some good numbers, it will be fine.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “So you or the Finance Director will let us know.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes. Also like Mr. Bertrand talked about the 60 accounts, give or take. They do all this stuff and it does not cost the Parish Government anything to manage these accounts for us. We would like to keep it local and we have always been with Washington State Bank and we have never and any issues so I don’t see any reason to change.”

Washington State Bank Representative stated, “The last time I was before or with the jury we were across the room in the big building. I think I was sitting in Garett’s chair because I was working for Earl Taylor and Barry was my boss. I feel like I am home right here. Since 1999 Washington State Bank has been your physical agent. We try hard to involve the local St. Landry Banks. There were 10 of us in that group at that time and 6 of those banks have been merged, sold, acquired or whatever you want to call it. There are only 4 remaining original members and they are on that list. In 2020 St. Landry Homestead which is now Catalyst joined the group so now you have 5 local banks. We reached out to all of them and I have spoken to each president over the last couple of days along with Jessie and they all want in and they want to keep the parish money locally and that is the goal of this agreement and we intend to honor that, we intend to continue bringing you big bank services with a local flare. He has our cell number and he does not mind using it, I am just going to let you all know. When he needs something we jump. We will continue that of course at no cost to you all. They all have my cell number. Thank you all for keeping the money locally. I believe it is a big deal.”

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Jody White to authorize the Parish President to enter into a Fiscal Agent Contract with Washington State Bank.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Mildred Thierry, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 5th, day of June, 2024.

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

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor was absent for this meeting.

A motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette seconded by Councilwoman Nancy Carriere to appoint Councilman Ken Marks as temporary Administrative/Finance Committee Chairman,
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown, and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks called this meeting of the Administrative/Finance Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation.

Roll Call: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and Ernest Blanchard. Ex-Officio Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Harold Taylor.

Person to address the Committee.

Journalist Bobby Ardoin addressed the council and stated, “We are not asking to be the Official Journal of the Parish Government because by State Statue we can’t. What we have done and I want to inform the council about it is that last year it was November or December we had asked Parish Government to make an ancillary Official Journal meaning that we would be charging an extremely nominal fee and I mean nominal to run your meeting agendas and your minutes and whatever else. So far, Parish Government has honored our request. Just for your information, we are getting $150.00 per month. Everything that Parish Government sends to us we try to run it. If you have any questions about this financial arrangement between St. Landry Now.com and St. Landry Parish Government go ahead and ask me, I will be glad to answer your questions.”

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “These stories are being ran online news is what you are referring to?”

Journalist Bobby Ardoin stated, “Correct. Before every meeting whether it is committee or regular meetings we have the agenda up usually 36 or so hours prior to the meeting so everybody could read it. I don’t believe in putting them up a week ahead of time because people forget about them to be honest with you.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “On meeting minutes are you printing the whole documentation of what is being provided.”

Journalist Bobby Ardoin stated, “We print what is sent.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Okay, My next question is this: Would it be appropriate to do a smaller version to print? I am not sure but we did that in the past that is why I am asking.”

Journalist Bobby Ardoin stated, “Why would we want to do that. What we want to do is this: It is not like we are trying to be your official journal but like I said we print what is sent to us and the ones I have look at seems to be fairly complete. We reach a lot of people. We are not a fly by night and we have been in existence for 3.5 years. We are not going to make a fortune but we are hear basically to do what we like to do and to fill a void in news coverage.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “So the agreement we have with you guys is annual?”

Journalist Bobby Ardoin stated, “Right now I guess it is month to month but like I said we began in October or November.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “You all do a good job.”

Journalist Bobby Ardoin stated, “We cover all of your meetings and we have television stations who claim to be your parish reporter but I don’t see any of them here tonight so thank you.”

Harlan Kirgan, Editor Eunice News addressed the council. He stated, “Thank you Mr. Marks. I am Harlan Kirgan, Editor of the Eunice News. We have submitted another bid for the Official Journal and we appreciate being your Journal for the last year and we appreciate you all trusting us with that responsibility. That is the printed version of your business here that goes into that journal and it becomes a permanent record out there. Your material also goes up on our website and it goes into a State Website that is searchable from anywhere in the country. You can take a look and find stuff and whatever we send up there is searchable and it is statewide accessible all the way across the world. Do you all have any questions?”

Councilman Ernest Blanchard questioned, “Harlan, what do you all charge for that?”

Harlan Kirgan, Editor Eunice News stated, “It is in the bid what have been charged, I don’t know, but down here in the bid and I don’t do the bid Ernie but it looks like it is 264 per inch. That is a rate of 440 per column and it is based on 6 column format which would equal 264 per column inch based on a 10 column format. Then there is the Arcane State Statue that says a bid have to site a price per square. I am not familiar with the square bids but it is $4.71 per square. That is a little bit arcane and I guess part of the legislative that dictates oh how this should be bid. The other thing that I would like to point out is that the Eunice news is locally owned. We are owned by the Louisiana State Newspapers. We have a printing plant in Eunice and we employ 16 full time employees and 6 part time employees. We pay property tax about $9,000.00 per year. Part of this parish is the competitive bid so they manage to keep us open and we print more than 20 titles in Eunice, it is a busy place at times.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “Do we still have paper stands on this side of the parish?”

Harlan Kirgan, Editor Eunice News, “There are some. I noticed that there is one up here at the Courthouse square. We did have one at Soileau’s. I think we are mailing copies of the paper to every city hall in the parish. We have paper stands in Eunice but I think Mr. Lejeune is talking about the paper stands in the parish here.”

• Statutory Clerk of Court Expenses Attorney Jeffery Coreil

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin addressed the council. She stated, “I am Jennifer Ardoin. Jeffery Coreil and I are law partners and he is sorry that he could not be here today. He is out of the state with depositions. We are here on behalf of the Clerk of Court. Mr. Jagneaux apologies because he could not be here either because he is doing his mandatory continuing education so he could not be here as well. We thought it was important that someone be here just to address this issue. I do have some memos that I brought and I will try to keep it simple. I don’t know how much have been shared with your or if any of you were familiar with what we are here to talk about today but the Clerk of Court has many duties within the parish. By law, it is obligated to maintain the records of the parish for all sales, mortgages and donations that are made. It is also passed with all of the civil and criminal filings of the parish as well as the elections and conducting the elections and things of that nature. By law those are the duties but also by law what we are here for today is that the law provides under R. S. 33.47.13 that the parish is to provide sufficient housing for the Clerk of Court to perform its duties for those records. When the courthouse was being renovated to include the third floor courtroom the Parish Government asked the Clerk of Court to move some records and some files. At that point it became insufficient and this courthouse building where it currently exits became insufficient to house all of the records and perform all of the duties that the Clerk of Court have to do. What the Clerk of Court had to do was go to a new building at 308 W. St. Landry in order to maintain the additional records and perform the additional duties that it has to perform by law. If you look at R. S. 33.47.13 which is on page 2 of the memo that I gave you. That law dictates that the parish shall provide sufficient housing, furniture and equipment for the Clerk of Court to perform its duties. What we are here for today is as of right now the Clerk of Court have gotten an estimate to renovate the building at 308 W. Landry. It is not up to code. In order to get it up to code the estimate to do so is about $1,125,000.00 to $1,250,000.00 in cost in order to get it up to code. Although the law provide that the parish government shall provide a building sufficient for the Clerk of Court to perform its duties which indicate that 100% should be paid. The Clerk of Court is willing to split that cost 50/50. So if it is $1,250,000.00 then $600,000.00 the Clerk of Court will maintain to get this building to code and $600,000.00 from the Parish Government, not all upfront and willing to enter into an agreement that it is paid $300,000.00 in 2024 and $300,000.00 in 2025. The other issues is the maintenance cost the utilities and the upkeep for that new building as well. The law also provides that the Parish Government provide those cost also. If you look in the memo the Attorney General has indicated that the furniture, equipment supplies and maps are all necessary for a Clerk of Court performance legally obligated functions. The furniture includes cabinets, desk, tables, chairs, computers, copier and things of that nature. That cost is estimated to be about $30,000.00 annually. The Clerk of Court already incurred some cost in that regard with respect to cabinets and things that they had to put into the new building in order to house these records. The Clerk of Court is also saying that annually it is budgeted for $100,000.00 from the Parish Government for utilities and expenses. They are asking to increase that to $150,000.00 annually in order to cover the additional expenses that will be incurred annually to maintain and upkeep that building. If you look at the memo that is why we handed this out. Attached to the memo is the cost estimate for those repairs and it breaks it down. The real reason why we are here is because we want to come to some sort of agreement. The law provides that a Parish Government provides and we don’t want to have to seek legal recourse, which is the real reason why we are here. We just want to try and work it out and get to a point where we can come to an amical resolution about it without having to do so. That is why the Clerk of Court is suggesting that the cost will be $1,200,000.00 to get it to code. We would be agreeable to splitting that cost with $300,000.00 paid this year and $300,000.00 paid next year and then increase that $100,000.00 annually to $150,000.00 for purposes of that new building. Those cost that have been incurred for furniture and equipment and those that will be incurred in the future. Does anybody have any questions?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I am going to ask that the council do not respond to this. We have met with the attorneys for Charlie a couple of months back and agreed that we were going to help them get a grant to do the work over there. She has her job to do and so do we. We disagree on what the law says and what is to be done. I am not going to honor anything right now because there is more to the story than just a building. I am just asking the council not to respond unless it is something that Garett thinks that we can answer to right now but I just don’t see us doing anything on this at this time.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “The council passed a budget last month. The council statue prohibit having their expenses greater than their revenue, it has to be a balanced budget. That is just the statue there. The council can decide what they want to do but we did pass a budget last month. It may require amending the budget.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “There is one thing that is not in the memo that I do want to address. The by statue and by law, R. S. 33.29.22A states: The cost and funds that are suppose to be provided and shall be provided by the parish government are preferential payments. Preferential over those payment by the parish government that are non- statutory. So any of the expenses that the parish have that are non-statutory these payment shall be paid in preference to those others. We are asking for your blessing and your recommendation that those be paid.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Are we in negotiations?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, she made a comment a while ago about the money that we are giving them on a yearly basis. She said that it goes to utilities and that is not what that money is far. They submit a request for operating expenses and the law does not even require for us to pay operating expenses. We do above and beyond so I am asking the council not to entertain anything. I am more than welcome to call meetings so everybody can sit with the attorneys and discuss it with their attorneys. But in an open meeting I am asking that we don’t pertain to nothing.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “Based on the information that Mr. Bellard have just given us I would like to make a motion that we each meet like he suggested and get a clearer understanding. We are pretty much in the blind with all of this. I do have a lot of questions but perhaps we would be better versed if we could meet with the Parish President.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “If they want to come in and meet so they can tell their side. If they want to do it in Executive Session that is fine.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “We just need to get a better and clearer understanding.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin addressed the council, “Yes sir, I understand. I did come here today for a blessing and a recommendation but to the extent that is not possible today. Of course we welcome the opportunity to sit with everyone and discuss it.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “Thank you for understanding.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Ms. Ardoin, for our minutes that we have to document whenever you said 100 you were meaning $100,000.00 is that correct.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “Yes, I apologize, $100,000.00. I apologize if I misspoke and said it was for expenses and utilities and such. It is $100,000.00 for the current facility as it exists in the courthouse.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “You also said that you are paying 1.2.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “Million.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Thank you. We need to have that for our records.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “I understand $1,200,000.00 and when I was saying $300,000.00 and $600,000.00. I apologize for that.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to request that Mr. Jagneaux be at the meeting so that he can explain some things and not just the attorney.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will make the request.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I will ask that Mr. Bellard furnish the last time that we gave funds to Mr. Jagneaux’ office. I think they use to always send a letter requesting funds.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “They got over a little over $100,000.00 last year.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “In 2023.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You will have all of that available is what I am saying.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Oh yes. That is fine.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Are there any more questions?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I am not exactly sure about this part. I will get with Garett after the meeting. I am not sure what attorney we are going to be able to use for this. I will get with Garett and one of us will get with you.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “Okay that sounds great.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Your use of records or storage of records are you currently storing any in the courthouse? What percent would that be of what you currently have?”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “There are some records stored there. I would not be able to tell you the percentage today. We can provide that information. I will make a note and we will provide that at the meeting.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, can we do an Executive Session and the Chairman can call for an Executive Session? That way we can talk to everybody at one time.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “I would think that would be appropriate.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin, “We will make sure that the Clerk of Court is available to us.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “It will be in Executive Session.”

Attorney Jennifer Ardoin stated, “I appreciate your time, thank you.”

A motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilman Ernest Blanchard to table the Statutory Clerk of Court Expenses for further discussion in an Executive Session Meeting.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

• Central St. Landry Economic Development District – Mr. Buddy Helton

Mr. Buddy Helton addressed the council. He stated, “For the record I am Frank D. Helton Jr., 132 Betty Lou Lane, Opelousas, LA. 337-945-7662. I also Chair Central St. Landry Economic Development District and I am here on their behalf tonight. In regards to the own going issue of transfer of ownership of the Sewer Treatment Facility I did notice that Mr. Lejeune put something on here about the discussion of a VETO override process and with that it looks mechanically and such. I would just like to go back and let you all know exactly where this all started. If you remember, some of you may and some of you are new and were not on the council at the time. In 2020, November the council introduced a Resolution and voted unanimously to do exactly what was stated in the ordinance a couple of months ago. Like I said you all voted unanimously, nothing have change in the way the ordinance was written in contrast to the Resolution The only change is that it was not acted on as a Resolution, why I don’t know, maybe it fell through the cracks or maybe somebody did not want to. This only came to light within the last 6 months or so. Mr. Bellard decided that he was not going to do it because of legal issues. I think we have satisfied the issue of it being legal if not I think that a judge would answer that. That is up to the judges, I don’t think that we need it but if it has to go to that then so be it. As you know we had to vote on the ordinance at the last regular meeting. Had there been a full council here maybe it would have passed, I don’t know and we would not be looking at a VETO override and we would not have been looking at a VETO because to my knowledge 9 votes or better, you can’t veto and I guess for an override you need the same thing. With those people that were absent had they been here it may or may not have passed, I think it would have, I can’t answer that. Is there anyone that would have any questions as it relates to this Sewer Treatment Facility where it started, where it is at or where it is going?” Mr. Bellard made the comment that part of the initial basis of building this plant was because the City of Opelousas was out of capacity, it was not and I don’t know if it is, I don’t think that it is. One of the reasons we built this facility and we took some existing sewer from the city, redirected it to this new plant was to open up more capacity for further development on the northern end of I-49 Corridor and to promote development on the southern end of the I-49 Corridor. You can correct me if I am wrong. I think there was a conversation I was told between the city, Julius and Mr. Bellard here in reference to the city receiving sewer from outside of incorporated areas, not worrying about incorporations that are very close and in contiguous to the present facility, am I right on that? Did you all agree on anything?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Nothing.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “If Julius says yes we had a discussion and graded and he says no then it is a he say, he say. That is neither here nor there. What we are here about is resolving this issue with ownership of the facility.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Helton, would you make it available that we have all of the records in reference to the way the sewer system came into play and how the money was channeled to St. Landry Parish Government.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “I can do that through the engineering firm because they were on the front line as far as how it relates to capital outlaw acquisitions and such. It is kind of complicated. It is a joint endeavor between the city and the parish. The parish being the larger governmental body they are the first and foremost and in the lead, anything that is done mechanically with our district starts through them and then goes to the city for concurrence and they vote to agree. It is only because the parish is the larger governing body. The original Capital Outlay that our commission was created upon started out under the parish in the Crown Parc area for a plan for a facility on the Harry Guilbeau area. Since we have grown we expanded the district throughout the whole corridor from Flag Station Road up to the Railroad at HWY 190. We initially started out on 786 acres, if I remember correctly, at Harry Guilbeau Interchange. That is how it legally fell through. We did a continuance and added on to the existing Capital Outlay so that we would not lose part of that funding and built it from there and that is just the way that the mechanics of the government works.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I remember when it was brought up to us by Mr. Jarrel. I remember we granted permission for them to put that pump by the old skating ring in the Linwood West Subdivision. Then it went own across the bayou and that is where the Sewer Plant located at.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Right, the station that you are speaking in reference to is problematic. It was down in the bottom right by the canal. We relocated up the hill. We brought the property, CSLEDD paid for that. We re-routed that from the main city plant to the new facility.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “That is why I say I remember that part of it. I don’t know if we were meeting in the Delta Grand at that time but I remember Mr. Jarrell coming. My concern is that I represent that area so that the people that owns a system in Royal Gardens so they could get on with this system if possible and that have never come to be.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “That have never come to be but that conversation still exists and that rhetoric is going back and forth, where it is going to go I don’t know.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I understand that Mr. Bellard has some paperwork saying that we have to retain it for 10 years. We need to get all of those ducks in a row where we can make a better decision. The main thing is this: If it would have not been for you all we would have never received that money.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Had it not been for CSLEDD and our foresightedness quite honestly this never would have taken place, period.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “There is a paper trail that needs to be located so we will know where we stand at as a council.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The paper trail if very simple. You all have a copy of everything and they supply us with copies of everything and the paper trail is very simple to read. The law is clear and I have said this before, I am not signing no documentations to give that to the city of Opelousas because the law says that I cannot. Regardless if the council passes unanimously or not it does not make a difference. The information about the VETO is incorrect, again I know where it is coming from because I have heard the same story. The council votes, imagine they have 7 or they have 13, you all vote, I VETO. The next regular meeting you all have an opportunity to override my VETO by 9 votes that is what it is going to take. Regardless if you all have everybody there or nobody there it does not make a difference. That is next meeting, not tonight, but the issue at hand is not a matter if we want to do anything or if I want to do anything. When I first got here that Resolution was passed. Not a single person brought that in to me. The Mayor himself does not even have a signed copy because he did not do his side. Nobody brought it to me, nobody did anything with that. At the time, not knowing any better I would have signed it. Whenever the mayor called last year and asked me for a copy of the agreement nobody could find it. At that time I called our Attorney Mr. Duplechain and he said I believe we can do it by Resolution but I will have to research it so then I did my research. If he would have told me yes we can do it by Resolution that would have been good. When he said that he had to look into it I looked into it also which is where we are now. Regardless of the fact of what the council wants to do I am not trying to be rude or ugly but I am not going to sign a document until my attorney tells me that it is legal to sign okay. With that being said the document itself we cannot transfer ownership of it because in the agreement that the parish government and the state of Louisiana is into for that it clearly states that we cannot give sell or anything on that property until that bond is paid far, their bonds are 10 year bonds. There is nothing that I can do. I did not sign that document but it is signed on behalf of the government. There is more to the story than that. I am willing to work with anybody but giving up ownership of that property just because that is what Mr. Helton want or anybody else wants. It does not matter what the laws says, I am not doing that. So I advised you all the last time to get you all clarification however you all want to get it or whoever you all want to get it but understand that I am the one that have to sign that document.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to clear something up. You said not one of us did anything after we talked about this years ago, I am just going to say we as the council. I remember the situation, I remember we were in sort of like a transition with the Parish President at the time, Mr. Fontenot was out, it was under his watch and we had a temporary president. It fell through the cracks but I don’t think that any one of us that was on the council should be held responsible for something that we passed that was not done because we thought it had gotten done. I did not know it was not done until this came back up. I don’t think that when you say that we did not step up to look into it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I did not say you all. I did not say anything about the council. I said that it was not brought to my attention. Nobody gave me the documentation to be signed. When you all pass something somebody have to give me what you all pass so I can sign it. Every time there is an ordinance passed it is brought to my attention, either I sign it or I VETO it. The same thing with a Resolution, if I don’t know or if I forget about why this is being done and somebody does not bring me the document for me to sign I am not going look for nobody’s document.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I understand that. All I am saying is this was before you. It was all started before you.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No ma’am. I don’t care. It was in November.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “From what I am remembering it was Mr. Fontenot and we had a temporary Parish President when this came up. So maybe my memory is wrong.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated. “I was here. It was November on 2020 whenever the Resolution as passed. I was here then.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Ms. Nancy I agree with you, I think Jessie does to. We are not here to lay blame we just want to get this put to rest. The council did their part in the mechanics of it, where the ball got dropped thereafter was a Resolution I have no idea. Jessie did not ask about the Resolutions that were passed or he forgot about it, everybody forgot about it that is neither here or there now, we are here now. We did it into an Ordinance, changed it from a Resolution to an Ordinance so it would have more beef to it to my knowledge. It would be a little bit firmer than just a Resolution. If the council so decides to do a VETO override and override it and it does come to pass then I am assuming Mr. Bellard will: a: have to sign it. b: get an injunction not to. c: be held in contempt for malfeasance. That is the only three that I see.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I can give you the other option. I am not signing no documentation that is illegal. There is no such thing as being in contempt of anything as an ordinance because this is not a court. This is just the council passing an ordinance and the council cannot pass an ordinance saying that I will sign an illegal document, it is not going to happen so there are no options on the table. If the council ratify or say that they agree with it and say that the ordinance stands I am telling you all tonight I am not signing that document, nobody is going to change my mind. I know what the law is telling me and I know what my attorney is telling me and I am just here to tell you all if you all stick with the VETO or if you all go against my VETO at this point I am not changing the way I am going to sign the document, I am sorry. Nobody can make me do something illegal.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “Mr. Bellard, I was not here. You have a legal attorney that is advising you. Is it any way possible we can get this in writing what have been submitted to you?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I did. I gave everything to you all. I can get you some more. I will give you everything that we have.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “I think what we would like to do is find out what is the legal right, where we need to go legally and move forward from there. That is just my opinion. Thank you.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Garett, since you are our attorney, since the council made some decisions where do we stand? I know that Mr. Bellard have his attorney.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “All immovable land properties have to be sold or conveyed or donated by ordinance. That is why every month you all pass an ordinance to sell those adjudicated properties. Now this of course is not an adjudicated property but all properties movable land properties was sold by ordinance. The ordinance was VETOED and you all will proceed to the next step if you all want to in attempt to override the VETO so that is the next step that you are looking at. What happens after that is what happens after that but it is going to be step by step by step. No, you can’t sell it by Resolution because the Home Rule Charter said you sell, convey or donate by ordinance so that is why you all passed the ordinance and it was VETOED so you all will proceed to the next step if you all want to and try to override the VETO. So that is where you all are at right now.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “If I may understand what you are saying when that happened as a Resolution rather than an ordinance should we not have had legal counsel to indicate to us that we needed an ordinance at that time?”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “You all were not ready to sell it at that time.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Okay.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “You can have a Resolution which states the will of the council to do something. You can have an Intergovernmental Agreement or a Cooperative Agreement between two Legal entities like a city and a parish. Then the final piece if you do want to convey some land if you are legally able to do it you pass an ordinance that is why you all pass adjudicated property ordinance every single month to sell those properties.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “I get that, okay. I have another question. The original documentation that came from CSLEDD to these two entities, Parish Government and the City of Opelousas was that drafted by your legal counsel?”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Yes.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Okay, with that being said was there no follow-up from the initiation of it? In your meetings did you get updates?”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “The way the mechanics worked it was adopted by Resolution. Apparently it was not correct at the time and nobody knew that, it was not an issue to our knowledge it was taken care of. When I came here and you all do business and you all agree to do stuff I assumed it gets done, I use to assume let me back that up, now we have to follow up with everything. I would have assumed that it would have been taken care of because you conducted it. You did the due process and due diligence at the time. It is not like you all just flew off the cuff and threw something in there.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “So the City of Opelousas has been operating this facility for how long?”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Four years.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Four years with potential revenue potentially coming in, correct?”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Expenses also, yes sir.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Is that legal?”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Yes, let me back up. I am not a lawyer I can’t tell you that. I can’t tell you if that is legal. I would venture to say yes because you have private sewer systems that are run by private entities that have the certifications. City of Opelousas have certified operators, certifications and was approved and permitted through DHH and EPA and the other state agencies. So yes I would venture to say that it is legal.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Even without the approval of the property being transferred or whatever.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Right now if the city says we are not operating it any more you all don’t have an operator.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Okay.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, let me clarify that. If the city walks away today tomorrow morning I have a company that will come in here and do it. I am not worried about that part that is a small problem, that is already set up and ready to go. The problem is and I think Mr. Helton is right, legally the city is under the assumption that it was theirs all along and nobody disagreed and nobody brought it up. I think they operated it legally because they assumed like everybody else did until it was brought up. The reason why it is brought up now is because the liability that falls on Parish Government. We own the property, we own everything out there. It is irrelevant how the money came to us because these boards that are in place are there for economic growth. So them giving money to the parish to subsidize this right here that is their job. That is what they are there for. That is what Economic Development is all about. So how the money got here and how it was done is irrelevant. The money came to the Parish Government, the Parish Government paid everything and everything was signed by me from that point forward. As far as operational purposes we can do it tomorrow morning if we need to and for the last time and the last few years when the city had been doing it I don’t see where it is a legal issue because they operated it, they have the expenses and they get the revenue. This is not a revenue generating function here, not at all. It is just to keep the government going.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “You are absolutely correct.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Out of all due respect I have a recording page here where Mr. Bruce Gaudin represent you am I correct?”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Yes Sir.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Where this thing was bought from liable authorities.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Yes Sir that is the two acres facility right there where the facility is.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mandy Cain was the acting President at the time.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Correct.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Bellard you came in after that or you were there at the same time.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I came in the fall of 2020.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I think what we need to do is have Mr. Gaudin, Mr. Bellard, some Councilmembers and your people need to sit down and iron this out.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “I think Jessie’s attorney whoever is representing him need to be in that conversation also.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We need to come to an agreement with this thing.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman I am here to tell you that I am not doing that, nope. I am not trying to do anything but what the law tells me to do. I can tell you all at the end of the day that everybody will be satisfied with the deal that we are going to be making but I am not ready to do anything. I want you all to act on what you all have to act on. I will let you all in this conversation that I had with the AG’s Office last week because Mr. Ardoin asked for us to get an opinion. I got an opinion and it is going to come in writing. The AG’s Office called us last week. I had a conference with him and it is very simple. He said to make sure you do not give it to the City of Opelousas the way it sits now. All the legal hurdles are there. The problem is the parish government is stuck with something because that is how it was done. It was not done right to start off with so all I am saying is just because it was not done right and there was no agreement signed between the Parish, CSLEDD or the City of Opelousas. It was all agreed upon among hand shakers and that is okay. When the law is saying what it says I can only go by what is in writing. If they would have agreed upon that and putting it in writing way back then and this is the intent and this is what we need to do then we would have had to honor some things like that but the law is clear. It has to be done by ordinance and it has to serve a benefit to the parish within that one clause and the CEA between the Parish and the State of Louisiana says that we cannot give or do any donation of the profits until the bond is paid far, that is another problem right there. At the end of the day I can assure you that I want the City of Opelousas to have the benefit of what the Sewer System represent but I also want the Parish Government to have this same benefit because seats that are there to benefit the parish not just the city. That is where we are having a little issue so we are going to make it work.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You just said the word Mr. Bellard. Out of all respect to you in litigation. I asked you the other day and I am just 1 of 13. Get a Declaratory Judgment from a judge and let them decide where we are going to go with it from there.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I don’t have a problem with who owns it, the city have a problem with who owns it. Let them get it. I am not going to file a motion in the court because I believe that I am right. If they believe I am wrong let them file. I am bringing it to you all. You all do what you all have to do, the liability rest on the Parish Government right now. No matter what happens, no matter what anybody says, you know who is responsible for that out there? You are looking at him.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “This parish council did do it with justice to try and do what was right for the City of Opelousas and for St. Landry Parish Constituents.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right, but at the end of the day we have to do what is right for the people and I don’t want that liability. That is why we are at Moosa Memorial Hospital tearing that place down because at the end of the day all of these boards can go and wash away and you know who is responsible for all of that stuff, we are. When it comes to liability that is whenever I speak up because it falls on my back.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Because of time we just need to make sure that we move on because we do have time limits. One more question for you Mr. Helton.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “I have one more question for your legal counsel. If you were to direct them as towards your opinion legally on the validity of them making this VETO override and it being valid how would you advise them?”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “I can’t advise the council on policy whether to override the VETO or do not override the VETO. There are 13 of them and their job is to make the policy and they are going to arrive at whatever decision they arrive at. I have spoken to your Attorney Bruce Gaudin. Bruce and I have spoken about the Legal issues so I have had conversations with him. I understand that he could not be here this evening, I know Bruce, he is a very good attorney. We are going to take the next step in the process. They may try to override the VETO and that is number 9 on this agenda. If there is a next step and a next step we will get to the end of the road eventually.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “I don’t know if you misunderstood. I am not trying to ask you to direct them on which way to vote on a VETO override. I am talking about what way you would direct them legally if it would come to pass that they would override the VETO and it would become an ordinance. The legality of that, not the legality of doing the override the actual legality of it being feasible and legal to do or you can’t answer that right now, either way.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “I am not saying this is going to end up in a lawsuit but it could. After they make their decision with the VETO override, or do not override then it could go to lawsuit. At that point I am not going to comment on something inside of a lawsuit unless maybe if we go into Executive Session. We are not going to put the cart before the horse because that is a problem if we do that so they are going to have to go the next step.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “With due respect the Mayor of Opelousas have just walked in. They are a party involved with this discussion. I would yield to him to have an opportunity to speak if he would like referencing the contract for the Sewer Plant.”

Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor addressed the council. He stated, “Good evening to the council, Mr. President and all those in attendance. I will just say this, since 2020 when this first discussion took place that the city would take this over and run it as if they have owned it and invested their own money we have been doing that. The operation has been under the city’s umbrella for repairs, any work that needs to be done there, it is as if we built it. I know there were some technicalities and it is being discussed here this evening, I am fully aware of that. We want this behind us I am sure just as the parish want it behind us. We just need to make a decision. I understand the president’s position about this but at the same time this plant that is off the Service Road of I-49 has been operated in its full aspect as if we put the money up, we built it and we are operating it today as we speak right now. That is all that I have to say about that.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Ms. Nancy, you have a question.”

Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor stated, “They ask me if I had a statement Ms. Carriere, they did not ask if I had to answer questions.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to know because Mr. Bellard mentioned about the bonds and legally we cannot turn over this facility to you. So what do you know and what can you say about the ten year bond.”

Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor stated, “I will state what I stated just now. Since that operation and that agreement was made in that development in the paperwork that the city would operate it and maintain it and that is what the city have done since November of 2020.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to say one last thing. I just hope going forward because we do have an attorney and I remember the situation very well. I think that if something was not followed through when we pass ordinances, when we pass the resolutions everything is in the minutes then everything is supposed to be followed through with our attorney and it all was supposed to be signed off on. It is in the pass, errors were made but going forward I don’t how we will have to check everything that we pass to make sure it is done right because we will end up in situations like this again and this is ridiculous. This is 4 years later and we have new members that are not aware of any of these situations or any of this that have happened. We have a discrepancy on who was in charge, who was handling business at the time. We as the council thought everything was done and we do have a legal representation and we also expect that everything is going to be done right. It is unfortunate that everybody found this out 4 years later, I just think that it is all ridiculous.”

Mr. Buddy Helton stated, “Ms. Nancy as it relates to the bonds that Jessie references too I think that he is looking for a technicality. I am assuming it relates to the states bonding out of the Capital Outlay Funding. Other than that everything else, all the match was paid cash up front. I can only assume that it is reference to Capital Outlay the way the state bonds out their money on the State level. It is not that you all are indebted to bonds or anything else. Not one red cent came out of the parish. It came from Capital Outlay and CSLEDD, period. I just want to clear that up.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is the agreement that we had with the State of Louisiana. The bond out money every year to do Capital Outlay Projects and that is one of them.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “So to go forward here is that we should have learned a lesson from the assumptions of every entity that started from the beginning until now and taking the lead to go forward and get it resolved as soon as possible, that is where we are I would think. Now whatever actions Opelousas has to do, whatever actions the parish have to do, CSLEDD it would be adventurous or it would be to the best interest of the Citizens of our Community if this thing gets resolved soon, that is all that I am saying.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just want to say one last thing. Mr. Bellard, I know you were firm and you were steadfast and you said that you are not going to meet with anybody just like we are going to meet in Executive Session with Mr. Jagneaux and the attorney to resolve that situation.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We don’t have an issue with them.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “All I am saying is that we are willing to get together in Executive Session to meet with them why can’t we get together and we try to resolve this.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No Ma’am because I am not doing that at this time. Listen at the end of the day I keep on trying to explain to people nobody can make me sign an illegal document and I am not. There is a reason for it and until you all take you all final action then there is no more to talk about. The third Wednesday of this month the council can either uphold the VETO or override the VETO. That is a choice that this council have to make.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “We are just beating a dead dog, it is time to move one.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “At that point we will go from there. At the end of the day my job as Parish President is to represent the entire Parish of St. Landry for the betterment of the entire Parish of St. Landry. I am not going to sign any illegal document no matter who passes it. I am sorry. Mr. Marks, Mr. Helton made a statement a while ago and he asked that question and I think the answer to that question about the legal part of it is: If you all override my VETO and I don’t sign it then what? They will file an Injunction in the court and a Judge will be telling me to sign the thing it is not a council. There are ways to do things and if people would just sit back, let the process work and let everything go. But I am not signing it as it sits, I can’t.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “So this is where we are. We will let it run through its course and go forward. Is that correct?”

Parish President & Finance Reports:

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I don’t have anything in my Parish President’s Report. I did it in the Special Meeting. I was told that the Parish President could not add anything at the meeting. I will get clarification on that because I do not have everything lined up a week in advance. If I do I will put it on my report other than that if I bring things in here on my Parish President’s report that is what I am going to do. If you all do not act on it that is up to you all. I am not going to be put through a test and say on the Thursday before if it is not on the agenda we are not going to discuss it. Then I will keep on calling for Special Meetings of the council and at some point we will get business done. None of these councilmembers here is a problem.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I have a question on the Financials. Jamie I would like for you to furnish me the $151,000.00 that was spent in Road District 1 of 11A which is Fund 28, it was given a receipt. Evidently it must be Tom Schexnayder Road, the half of the money that was spent on Tom Schexnayder Road, that project, okay. I just want a copy of it. That is the biggest expense I have on Fund 028 and I would like a copy of it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Fund 42.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Well I have it right here, Road District 1 of 11A, Maintenance Fund 028.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It should be Fund 42. It might be two of 11A but it is Fund 42.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I have 1 of 11A.”

A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown to accept the Parish President & Finance Report:
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

Discuss an Ordinance to require a meeting between the Independent Auditor Firm and the St. Landry Parish Council Chairman, the Chairman for the Administrative/Finance Committee, and the Chairman for the Public Works Committee, before an Independent Audit Report is presented to the St. Landry Parish Council at a St. Landry Parish Council Meeting.

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “I don’t know who put this on here.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I ask that it be put on there Mr. Marks so that when Mr. Moosa is going to come like he did last year we will have everything before he comes so any questions will be answered. That way the Finance Chairman will be abreast of it and the Public Works Chairman and the Chairman. If the Parish President wants to be involved with the meeting so be it. That way we will be able to answer the question on all of answers.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Is that a standard procedure?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Here is the thing. I agreed that the council should be involved in that meeting, not just the chairman because the chairman is no more special than anyone in this council. You all want information I think that you all have the opportunity to sit down with him and ask all of the questions and I do not need to be present for that meeting, I can be, I do not need to be. I think you all talk to them and talk to them directly, I don’t have a problem with that but I think the whole council should be advised and have the opportunity to sit with them in a one on one or a four or five on one meeting.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I don’t have a problem to put that in there. But the thing about it is we have to start somewhere. We don’t want a full quorum unless we call a Special Meeting.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “What I am saying is that we always have these meetings with four or five at a time, that can happen, that can be arranged. I think that is a step up. I don’t think that we should only pick out three people. Let all the council be advised and let them have the same opportunity to ask question.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “So Mr. Ardoin would you be okay with that?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Yes. I am alright with it.”

Discuss an Ordinance for St. Landry Parish Government to provide once a year, in person Training, for one hour of Ethics, one hour of Sexual Harassment Prevention, and one hour of Cybersecurity, for any Elected Official, Government Employee, or Commission or Board Member who wishes to attend.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I ask that it be placed on the agenda so that we could do it like we did it the last couple of years. We did not do it last year we did it the first two years where we had it across the street where any councilmember from any municipality or employees can attend. We had a lady that came here 2 years in a row.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “As long as it does not cost the government any money I don’t have any problems with it. They are making it very easy now days on line and you are done with it at your house. As long as it does not cost the government any money you are more than welcome to put that on.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “The individual or the department or what is listed here Mr. Ardoin how are they going to be notified of their requirement?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We will have to draw up this ordinance and get it to where they will be notified.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “We will send them a letter is that correct that they have to abide by this is that what we are doing?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “This is an option, they already know. Like Mr. Helton said we assume that these boards knew and as you know 99 of the members have not completed that. This is the effort to make them have the ability to come right here and do it easy. We never did pass an ordinance that says hey you all have to make sure that you all do this but the state law says that they have to do it.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “That is correct, that is correct.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “We had some boards just recently, Lawtell area. One had come on line. We need to have a starting point. I asked Garett to draw it up so that we can have a starting point.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I agree.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “It has been about 3 month. Mr. Duplechain have you drawn it up yet?”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Yes, the ordinance the council is addressing in item 6 and item 7 is in the full form. If you all want to change it let me know before it is introduced two weeks from now. The ordinance discussing items 6 and item 7 that you are discussing now is in full form before all of you. Read it and let me know what you think.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “If the person takes the class on line he does not have to come to that meeting. That is only an option box is that correct?”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “That is correct. As long as they are certified basically taking it on line. They will get a certificate. That certificate copy has to be sent to our office so we are aware that they did it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I agree 100%. If you all make that for you all ordinance then whenever these board members take this no matter how they do it as long as it is the legal way to do it and furnish us a copy because our auditors ask us these questions. If they ask us to provide documentation this past year we would have failed miserably.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Why can’t we put that notation in the application process as well. When someone fills out an application to serve that is listed and he has to sign that he is aware of those and if anything is added or any other class they have to take then we should submit those boards that we appoint a letter telling them what else they have to do and give them the site.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I know Mr. Bellard mentioned about making sure they take the class. I know with St. Landry Parish School Board we have to send it to them. Maybe all of those copies of certificates is a lot but if everybody have a file or an application already they just have to at least let you know that they submitted their application so you will know that they did the class.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Absolutely, and we would not know. If it is included in the ordinance I think that would be pretty fair to state that. If they submit a copy of their certification to this office is that correct?”

Discuss the next step in the veto process of the Sewage Treatment Station. ORDINANCE NO. 2024-016 (Councilman Timmy Lejeune)

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “We just discussed talked about that for about one and one-half hours. I think we will move on, is everybody okay with that?”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I have a question about it. I did not expect all of that to happen tonight. What I was hoping for was to understand and to make every councilmember understand how many ‘Yes’ votes does he have to have for the VETO to stay. How is it going to be questioned to make sure that we understand a ‘Yes’ vote means to accept the VETO or a ‘No’ vote means to block the VETO. It needs to be very well explained because I want to make sure that when I cast my vote I am voting the way I want it to be. I don’t want to cast a vote saying ‘Yes’ and his VETO goes through or I cast a vote and say ‘No’ and his VETO goes through because of the way it is worded. I want real strong clarity. That is the only reason why I put that on the agenda. I understand the meeting is the next full.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “You are aware like most councilmembers it takes 9 votes in order to do it.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Sherell just pointed that out. I am aware of that.”

Discuss an Ordinance for all applicants who apply to be appointed to a board or commission to come before the council to a council meeting for an interview.

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “With the experience that I have had with appointees coming before us and not really having what I would call enough information in their packet that they submit. We may have questions, I know I did and I think any good interview process or any good appointment for an appointee we should have as much information as we possibly can. It is just an interview process that I think that anyone that would be appointed or hired for a position for the people that are doing the appointing should know. We should have question that we could ask and have a little bit more information about that person or his character or just meeting them verses just looking at some paper. That is just my old fashion way of doing business.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “No, I like that.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, I think that is a great idea. I am thinking the Committee Meeting prior to the vote of the full council would be an opportunity for these members to come. We are not going to have like another meeting and so the Committee Meeting could be the interview part.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Does that need to be some type of setting or is this just a verbal.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I would definitely put it in the ordinance.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Yes put it in the ordinance.”

A motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilman Ernest Blanchard to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain to create an ordinance that will authorize all Board Applicants to come to the Committee Meetings prior to their appointments to do a short interview process and introduce themselves to the council.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

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

A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Faltery Jolivette to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to vote to appoint an Official Journal for the St. Landry Parish Government. The Eunice News or the Daily World.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Chairman, I had a request from Mr. Tom who is the IT man for our meetings. He has ask that we pay for a video recorder, am I correct Madam Clerk?”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “The recorder is going out.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “The recorder is going out and I think that is some of the problems where some of the people can’t watch the meetings I guess. What was the price Ms. Sherell?”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “I am not sure of the exact price.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I am asking that we go ahead and purchase it so that we can go ahead and have a video recording machine here. I think he has ordered it already but you did not sign the bill when it was brought to you because we had not brought it up to be charged.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is no problem, I will sign the invoice. I was not aware of that but I will take care of it.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Do you need that in a motion?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “No, Jessie said he will take care of it I am good with that. Mr. Bellard, I am still waiting for your list of employees and salaries.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “So does everybody want a copy? If the council wants a copy that will be fine. Normally you all pass a Resolution to do it and after I wait on the Resolution from the council.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I will ask for a motion to bring it to the full council. We passed the budget we know where our money is being spent I think.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I would like one also.”

A motion was made by Chairman Wayne Ardoin Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilwoman Nancy Carriere to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the Parish President to present the council with an updated copy of the Employee List and their Salaries.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Ms. Nancy you can make the motion being that I am
the Chairman. I heard a little rebuttal there just now. You make the motion, I would like
for it to go.”

Administrative/Finance Chairman Ken Marks stated, “Let the record reflect such change.”

Adjourn.

A motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown to adjourn the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Harold Taylor. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Public Works Chairwoman Vivian Olivier called this meeting of the Public Works Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.

Roll Call: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. Ex-Officio Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: None.

Person to address the Committee:

Mr. Francis Henry addressed the committee. He stated, “Good afternoon, I am Francis Xavier Henry. I am retired from St. Landry Parish School Board and I am applying for a position on the St. Landry Parish Drainage Board Coulee Crouche District No. 22. I would appreciate you all appointing me, I am willing to work and serve with the current members to solve the drainage problem in our area.”

Public Works Chairwoman Vivian Olivier thanked Mr. Henry for coming.

Mr. Gerald Faul addressed the council. He stated, “I am president of drainage board district No. 22 and I am here to recommend Francis Henry to serve on the drainage board in the place of his deceased brother Paul Henry. I would like that to be effective if it could be as of last month if I can because he attended our meeting last month at my request. Thank you.”

Public Works Chairwoman Vivian Olivier, “It has to go to full council?”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “Yes, it has to go to full council meeting June 18, 2024 for approval.”

Mr. Richard Soileau addressed the committee. He stated, “Hello, my name is Richard Soileau, I live at 716 Sandpit Road Arnaudville, La right outside of Grand Coteau. Myself and a few of my neighbors are here tonight, I been living there about 40 years, which is a beautiful place in the country. When I moved there, it was just farmland. Now there are several very nice homes down my road. I must say in those 40 years it has been a gravel road and ditches far and few between culverts, we have some gravel right now but most of it is getting washed away because we do not have ditches. Probably in the last 10 or 15 years whenever we had a hurricane or recently with the weather we been having trees across our road and power lines down. The residence of the road has been clearing it. I am lucky enough to have neighbors with heavy equipment. One guy with bulldozer, an excavator, couple with big tractors, and another neighbor with a bobcat, I have not seen anyone from the parish do anything down the road to pick up anything. I know it was on TV that it was state money to clear branches but we have trees and debris from hurricane Laura that still has not been picked up. I am here tonight to just ask if we can get some assistance.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “If there is something on Sandpit Road that is not being done I was not aware of it. The trees that were knocked down was picked up by the parish.”

Mr. Richard Soileau stated, “I guarantee they were not.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “So who picked them up.”

Mr. Richard Soileau stated, “We moved them out the road.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “From the side of the road.”

Mr. Richard Soileau stated, “They are still there.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “They are still some there Mr. Bellard. Mr. Soileau with all due respect, I have been with Mr. Barry Soileau who is our Public Works Director and we have removed some trees over there through the years and that is why I asked for you all to come here tonight because we do have a problem down Sandpit Road. I have asked and I have spoken to Mr. Bellard and he is in agreement with it and Mr. Soileau is in agreement with it we need to do something we far as getting some contractor to come in and use these blades on these helicopters and sort of open up this road where we can get some sunlight in. Until we get some sunlight in it is overgrown. It has overgrew very bad and it is ashamed that you have a gravel road like that and it is in disarray like it is with drainage problems. As soon as you get off of HWY 93 the culverts are washing away. We can get it when sunlight get in and dry up and possibly re-do that road and get you all some relieve over there. That is the only route that you all can come out of when we have a storm. I was there the other day and you all did have some people working over there unfortunately they could not speak English but never the less they were cleaning that road and you all were able to get in and out. I am glad that you all are here.”

Mr. Richard Soileau stated, “I would appreciate any help that you all can give. I did have one last request. Back when the Parish Council did the Smooth Ride Home years ago there was a priority list of roads and I know that money is long gone. There are many gravel roads that still need to be redone in the parish. If there is currently a priority list of what is going to be done in the future and what your plans are it would be helpful. We may be the last one on the list but at least we would know. I would appreciate it. If that is something that you all can provide to the public.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We don’t have a priority list to speak of. We have one that has been in place for years. Priority change every year depending on how much it cost to do some roads. It depends on how much it cost to maintain these roads. To my knowledge I will look at it right now to see what the cost would be to take care of that road. We don’t make promises. I will not promise you a new road today or tomorrow because I know that I can not do that but I can tell you this, if you have an issue on your road somebody needs to let the Parish President know or the Public Works Director know directly so we can go and see about it. If you have trees blocking that nobody can tell you any different. If I knew about it I promise you I will go and see about it myself because I do that all the time. A dead end road is detrimental whenever a person can’t leave because I know the exact dangers of that, so that is a priority for me. When these roads get blocked we don’t leave until they all are removed if we know about it. I will give you my cell phone number so if that issue happens please call and we will go and clear it and make sure that you all have some access.”

Mr. Richard Soileau stated, “I appreciate that. We usually do call but in the meantime we do our best to clear the road if we can because we live there in case of an emergency because we want to get out as soon as possible. Thank you all I appreciate it.”

Public Works Director Mr. Barry Soileau stated, “I did speak to you and we are getting to you but you have to just bear with us.”

Mr. Richard Soileau stated, “We have, I have been bearing for 40 years.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Mr. President, I heard Barry speak of contractors, do we currently have some still working in the parish?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We utilize some contractors to do some of the work. There is no longer any assisting from the State.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Can we get an extension?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I did, I got two but there was so much debris across the parish. The cost that we submitted to the state on April 10 was a little over $300,000.00. That is just for the April 10 one. Again we are not talking about a hurricane. We have some major issues when it comes to these trees but when it comes to a dead end road I can promise you all if I know about it I will go and see about it myself. In Ms. Nancy’s District we have some and I went myself. I don’t want anybody to get caught back there or anything.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “We have a very unusual situation with very large trees that were knocked down and nobody locally had the equipment to be able to handle such a volume and such a heavy weight. Do we have contractors identified with larger equipment?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes we do. We have a contractor that can handle that. He can handle the big trees.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I do want to say thank you very much you have handled Fort Hamilton very well.”

Mr. Tony Castillo addressed the council. He stated, “Councilmembers, President my name is Tony Castillo. I am originally from Houston and my wife is from here and that is how I ended up here. I am Mr. Soileau’s neighbor down the road. I am here also representing Ms. Buck who could not be here. We have a lot of problems with that road, not only from the down trees but the flooding. In my section I have 1000 feet of frontage and the worst thing the parish did was put gravel on it and it fills up my ditch. When it floods it just runs over into my property. My house is 600 feet from the frontage road and it is water from there to the house. I have drained my pond several times just to get catfish out and I have seen it get filled up in 3 hours. It is 150 x 250 yards, ¾ quarters of an acre, 10 feet deep, that is how much water that is going to my property. When I brought the property I had an operator clear out the fence line because I had dogs and I wanted a fence up. I also had them use their excavator from her property through my property through the other property that I own and beyond that out of my own pocket to clean it out, widen it and deepen it. That still was not enough. I also on my other lot out of my own pocket I dug a ditch going to the Coolie to go through my property the second property and beyond. That still did not help because when the gravel fills up that ditch it back flows to the number lot where we live and it flows east and not south. As far as the trees last year I was fortunate we had big live oaks. Last year one fell right into my gate. If I would have not had a doctor’s appointment I would have never known. We all have standby generators I could not get out. This year we lost power three times in 10 days. The only reason why we could get out is because of Dr. LaHaye’s tractor. He was out there with us. It is us clearing what the parish should be doing, we just need help.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Again if I am notified we will take care of it. If nobody tells us I can’t help you. I have to know about it and Barry is going to tell you once
I know about it I can’t un-know it and I take that very seriously especially when it comes to tapping people on dead end roads. That is a priority for us.”

Mr. Tony Castillo stated, “This is the first time that I have come to the councilmembers. This is not the first time that I have approached the parish. After I cleared out my dozer and did all of my dirt work and I noticed that the ditches were filling up I went to the parish to seek help and they did not do that and that was 12 years ago.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Tony, I know what Mr. Bellard is coming from but this last storm when you all had Dr. Lahaye’s people working I was there. I spoke to those gentlemen. I notices that they all had brand new equipment so I knew it was not parish equipment. Barry and I spoke and the road was open but Barry was busy with all of the parish. I have to give him his credit that he was trying to stay on top of it but he knew you all could come out because that was the main thing. When I got a phone call from Ms. Buck I went down there and they were opening up the road that day. Everybody had problems. Right down the road from you all is Mushroom Road and they have the same thing. I have to give Mr. Soileau his credit because he went down there and he also saw it was open up so you all can come in and out.”

Mr. Tony Castillo stated, “Here is the other reason why we are here. All of the debris that is pushed to the west side of the road. We had a natural drainage, there is no natural drainage now. The rain is going to cross the road.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I understand exactly where you are going with that and I can assure you tomorrow morning that they will have some trucks on that road taking care of that. Again when I know about something it is going to be taken care of. I can only show you two actions. Tomorrow morning they are going to have trucks down that road picking up that debris to make sure because drainages is a big problem across the parish. We don’t need debris stopping up drainage. Tomorrow morning they will be there.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Thank you for coming. Thank you Mr. Bellard and Mr. Soileau.”

Public Works Report:

Mr. Barry Soileau, Public Works Director addressed the council. He stated, “We boom axed 37 roads and culvert cleaned 38 roads. We did culvert insulation on 10 roads. We moved debris on 250 roads to the landfill and we did ditching on 3 roads. We did grading on 151 roads and spread material on 3 roads. We did patching on 28 roads, shredding of 48 roads, 49 sign installations, 35 tree removal, repaired 4 washouts and distributed 1700 sandbags.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will be in the process of bagging more sandbags next week. People are taking them and using them for the right purpose so that is a good thing.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Mr. Bellard I appreciate it because I did get some sandbags. I know its 10 and I know that is a lot but is it any way we can get one or two extra.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, that is fine. We put a limit on it because sometimes it is a lot of greedy people that just want something but anytime we can give out extra we will. Especially if you have any elderly or handicap in your district that needs it we can bring it to their homes. That is also available that why I text so that those people do not have to leave to get it. The trustees fill the bags and we have 2 sandbagging machines since 2006 and that is how we are able to bag so many bags.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to accept the Public Works Report.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

Forward all applications received 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 Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 all applications received 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, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Forward all applications received 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 forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 all applications received 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, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Forward all applications received for six appointments to 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 Jimmie Edwards to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 all applications received for six appointments to Public Works Commission District Five for a four- year term. (07-20-2024 – 07-20-2028)
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Forward all applications received 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 Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 all applications received 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, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Update on Sandpit Road. (Chairman Wayne Ardoin)
Taken care of earlier in the meeting.

Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to Bayou Plaquemine Gravity Drainage District No. 12 for the remaining of four-year term.
(07-15-2023 – 07-15-2027)

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “On this particular one Mr. Ted Marcantel was serving on the board and has passed away. I am asking, his son is an engineer and he is applying for that position. I would like to have him appointed to that seat until we appoint somebody there. He also represent Jody as well.”

Councilman Jody White stated, “Right do we need to make a motion on that to move to full council.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Yes.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to temporarily appoint Dane Marcantel for the remainder of a four-year term and advertise for one appointment to Bayou Plaquemine Gravity Drainage District No. 12 for the remainder of four-year term. (07-15-2023 – 07-15-2027).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

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

A motion was made by Councilman Alvin Stelly, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to advertise for two appointment to St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Disposal District for a four-year term.
(08-31-2024 – 08-31-2028)
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

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

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to advertise for one appointment to St. Landry Parish Housing Authority for a five-year term. (08-04-2024 – 08-04-2029)
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the council clerk to send a certified letter to John Gabriel Lewis Jr and Enola Lewis advising to come and address the council regarding (Demolition of structure and shredding/debris removal) of their property located in Linwood Loop, Opelousas, La.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the council clerk to send a certified letter to Joseph Scottie Dumas and Melissa Villery advising to come and address the council regarding public nuisance of their property located at 171 Gulino Street, Opelousas, La 70570. Parcel #0104463050
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Jody White to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the council clerk to send a certified letter to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation advising 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 #0103875700
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Authorize the Council Clerk to send a certified letter to Midfirst Bank advising 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 #0105008100

A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the council clerk to send a certified letter to Midfirst Bank advising 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 #0105008100
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the council clerk to send a certified letter to Marvin J Guillory and Penny Guillory advising 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 #0602770965
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Madam Chair, before you adjourn just an update we went on and took care of 142 Harold Street Opelousas, La, we gave him the extension and he failed to do his part.”

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “I would just like to say thanks to Mr. Bellard and Mr. Barry for all you do in moving on that I been trying to get that cleaned up for over 8 years and it finally happened but remember this until we got a woman involved with that also.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Madam Chair, I have a request to bring to full council a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between Parish Government and Public Works District Six to do bridge work at Little Darbonne Bay. I would like to have that forwarded to full council.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Marks we talking about the bridge work?”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Yes.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “While we into that discussion maybe once we finish that maybe possibly can go into litigation and discuss the other part. I think our attorney will have to assign someone for that case.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “You want me to include that as well or separate.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Separate just so we can discuss at full council meeting for more information and maybe take action at that time.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “The only question I have is, would we need to go into Executive Session for that in the next meeting?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is a possibility yes.”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to CEA between St. Landry Parish Government and Public Works District Six for Bridge Repair Work at Little Darbonne Bay.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 to authorize the council to enter into Executive Session to discuss cable at a site within District Six.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I would like to thank Mr. Jessie Bellard and his team and Mr. Barry Soileau and his team for taking care of the parish like they do. Thank you all very much.”

Adjourn.

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to adjourn the Public Works Committee.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Timmy Lejeune, and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

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

XIII. ADJOURN

(PUBLISH: JUNE 16, 2024) 1T