April 4, 2002

Lake Charles, Louisiana

 The Police Jury of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, met in Regular Session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2002, in Courtroom A of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, with The Honorable Enos Derbonne, President, presiding, and the following members present:

Mesdames Luvertha August, Elizabeth Conway Griffin, and Sandra J. Treme; and Messrs. Francis Andrepont, Algie Breaux, Brent Clement, Calvin Collins, Mike Danahay, Chuck Kleckley, Chris Landry, Charles S. Mackey, D.D.S., Don Manuel, Hal McMillin, and Cornelius "Cornie" Moon

 Absent: None

 Also present were Mr. S. Mark McMurry, Parish Administrator, Mr. Bryan Beam, Assistant to the Administrator, Mrs. Coleen Clark, Executive Secretary, Ms. Kathy P. Criglow, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Cheryl Heisser, Director of Human Resources, Claude Smart, Parish Engineer, Mr. Allen Smith, Legal Counsel, Mr. Gerry Trahan, Director of Facilities Management, and Mr. Jim Vickers, Director of Planning and Development.

President Derbonne called the meeting to order, and the invocation was pronounced by Sister Jeannette Touchet, SEC, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dr. Mackey. The roll was called with the result being as outlined above.

A trophy was presented at this time by Dr. Mackey to Coach Tic Price and the McNeese State University Basketball Team in recognition of winning the Southland Conference regular-season and tournament titles and playing in the NCAA tournament. Coach Price thanked the Police Jury for this honor and introduced some of the members of his team who were present at the meeting.

President Derbonne advised that no action was needed on applications for liquor and beer permits due to the fact that no applications had been submitted.

Motion was made by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously to approve the payment of all current invoices.

Upon motion made by Mr. Andrepont which was duly seconded by Mr. Danahay and carried unanimously, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Police Jury dated March 7, 2002, were approved, and the reading of same was dispensed with.

Mayor Randy Roach of the City of Lake Charles appeared before the Police Jury at this time with reference to the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development. He stated that the Partnership was designed to include the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis, as well as all municipalities contained therein, and that its purpose would be to establish an opportunity to work together with private associations in the five parishes for economic development. Mayor Roach explained that regional efforts in the area of economic development were being encouraged by the State and that the overall mission of the Partnership would be to stimulate economic growth, quality of life, job creation and an overall livable community by developing regional synergies throughout the Southwest Louisiana community and, in so doing, improve the overall quality of life for all of its citizenry.

Mayor Roach stated that the citizens of Southwest Louisiana, like citizens of other communities throughout the world, must readjust and refocus economic resources to effectively compete in the global market economy of the 21st century to insure a prosperous future for generations to come. He further stated that the challenges of growth and development in urban and rural regions of Southwest Louisiana which were being faced as a result of new technologies and emerging markets around the world so transcended the boundary lines of local government units that no single unit could plan for their solution without affecting other units in the region. Mayor Roach explained that this meant that Calcasieu Parish could not be expected to prosper as an economic region unless the five-parish region prospered as well.

Mayor Roach outlined the general goals and objectives of the Partnership as follows: increase non-industrial, non-service related jobs by 500 per year; increase and diversify agricultural/seafood/aquaculture production over previous year levels; increase tourism spending; increase taxable retail sales at a rate of five percent per year; improve transportation on state/federal highways to link communities; increase and diversify industrial investment; and develop and implement strategies to market Southwest Louisiana for economic development.

Mayor Roach advised that the proposed membership would initially be 38 members representing the five parishes appointed in the following manner: Three members appointed by each police jury of each parish in the district (one of whom would be a member of the private sector and at least one of whom would be a member of a minority; the mayors of all incorporated municipalities within the district; a regional representative of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development; and McNeese State University. Mayor Roach further advised that it was proposed that the membership would elect an eleven-member Executive Committee, and each parish would have at least one resident member. He stated that no action of the Executive Committee would obligate the Partnership unless it was ratified and adopted by the majority of the membership, and a quorum of the Executive Committee would be at least seven members.

Mayor Roach stated that advisory memberships would be extended to persons and associations selected by the Executive Committee that could lend technical assistance to said committee in marketing, financial, grantsmanship or other specialized services, i.e., the local chambers of commerce or related associations. He also stated that members would not receive any stated salary nor be reimbursed for their expenses and that if dues were assessed, they would be assessed equally and pro-rated among each individual member of the Partnership with the exception of any educational institution which appointed a member to the Partnership. With regard to staffing, Mayor Roach stated that the purpose of the Partnership was to share resources, including personnel, and that due consideration would be given to resources available from employees of the entities making appointments to the Partnership before hiring any person to perform services on behalf of the Partnership.

Mr. Andrepont stated that he felt it was an excellent program but that one negative about the area was that I-45 went through Lafayette instead of Lake Charles. He further stated that the five-parish area should renew efforts to widen Highway 171, particularly when a new governor was elected, and he pledged his efforts as a police juror to do that.

Mayor Roach pointed out that this was an excellent example of the advantages of a Partnership, and that a five-parish area would be a group that a governor would want to work with.

Mrs. Griffin advised that she was in support of Mayor Roach's proposal but questioned what would happen to IMCAL when the Partnership was formed. Mayor Roach stated that he had initially looked at IMCAL as being a vehicle to accomplish the purposes of the Partnership, but he was told that if IMCAL became involved in the economic development business, they would lose their grant status and would not qualify for certain kinds of funding. Mayor Roach stated that the Partnership would be able to do some things IMCAL could not and would focus on marketing Southwest Louisiana.

Mrs. August asked that the agreement specify what types of minorities would be included in the membership, to which Mayor Roach stated that the intent was to get a broad cross section of Southwest Louisiana to make sure no special interest group was left out and that the final draft of the agreement would clarify this issue.

Mr. Kleckley asked what the timetable was for completing the formation of the Partnership, and Mayor Roach advised that he felt it could be "up and running" by the end of May at the latest. Mayor Roach pointed out that he had not encountered anyone who was opposed to the Partnership, and he felt that if the police juries approved the concept, the rest of the communities would be willing to participate.

Mr. Kleckley stated that he felt it was a good program, and he agreed with Mr. Andrepont that Highway 171 was a vital part of the Southwest Louisiana region. Mr. Kleckley further stated that he would like to see the widening of said highway made one of the first goals and objectives.

Mr. Moon asked if the lack of a major airline servicing the Lake Charles area would be considered a hindrance to economic development, to which Mayor Roach stated that it definitely would be, and that one of the things that needed to be emphasized was that it was not just air service for Lake Charles but for Southwest Louisiana. He stated that if the region wanted to attract companies, air service was crucial, and that a joint effort was needed to secure another airline. Mayor Roach pointed out that whether it was air, water, or rail, there was a network of transportation that served the five-parish area which would have to be efficient, modern, and competitive. He further stated that he could only imagine that the governor, and the legislative and congressional delegations, would look at a five-parish area with more attention and that a comprehensive plan could be established instead of the different entities having to compete against each other.

Motion was made by Mr. McMillin and seconded by Mr. Breaux that a resolution be adopted authorizing the President of the Police Jury to execute an agreement in substantially the same format as outlined by Mayor Roach on this date.

A brief discussion was held on various transportation projects which were needed. Mr. Manuel stressed the importance of completing the five-laning of Highway 171 between Moss Bluff and Westlake to finish a north loop. Mr. McMillin spoke of the need for a solution to traffic snarls and problems associated with the Sampson Street railroad crossing in Westlake. Mrs. Treme spoke of the need to repair and four-lane the Acadiana Trail between Beaumont, Texas, and Baton Rouge.

Mayor Roach pointed out that the State was lagging behind in economic development primarily because of a net out-migration in the age group of 25 to 44, and that a good efficient transportation system was necessary to reverse that trend because regardless of where someone located, they had to be able to get from Point A to Point B.

Mrs. Treme thanked Mayor Roach and expressed her appreciation for his ability to see the "big picture" insofar as economic development.

A vote taken on the motion on the floor carried unanimously; whereupon, the following resolution was adopted:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, in regular session convened on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby support the general concept of Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development, and its overall mission and objective to stimulate economic growth, quality of life, job creation, and an overall livable community by developing regional synergies through the Southwest Louisiana community, and in so doing, improve the overall quality of life for all its citizenry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Police Jury is hereby authorized to execute an agreement for participation in the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development in substantially the same format as outlined to the Police Jury on this date by Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach of the City of Lake Charles.

THUS DONE AND PASSED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Motion was made by Mrs. August, seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously that the Agenda Committee Report dated March 27, 2002, be approved as follows:

AGENDA COMMITTEE REPORT

March 27, 2002

 

A meeting of the Agenda Committee was held on Thursday, March 27, 2002, in Courtroom A of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, with Mrs. Luvertha August, Chairman, presiding, and the following members present:

Mr. Francis Andrepont, Mr. Brent Clement, Mr. Calvin Collins, Mr. Mike Danahay, Mr. Enos Derbonne, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Griffin, Mr. Chuck Kleckley, Mr. Chris Landry, Dr. Charles S. Mackey, Mr. Don Manuel, Mr. Hal McMillin, Mr. Cornie Moon, and Mrs. Sandra Treme

 Absent: Mr. Algie Breaux (ill)

 Also present were Mr. S. Mark McMurry, Mr. Bryan Beam, Mrs. Coleen Clark, Ms. Kathy Criglow, Mr. Jerry Milner, Mr. Claude Smart, Mr. Allen Smith, and Mr. Jim Vickers.

 Chairman August advised that the purpose of the meeting on this date was to review the proposed agenda for the regular meeting of the Police Jury to be held on April 4, 2002.

 Following review of the items to be considered by the Police Jury on April 4th, it was unanimously recommended that the proposed agenda be accepted, with the following addition:

 

Also, recommendations for appointments to various boards of special service districts were made by members of the Committee.

 There being no further business, Chairman August declared the meeting to be adjourned.

 * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was moved by Mrs. Griffin, seconded by Dr. Mackey and carried unanimously to approve the Public Works Committee Report dated March 27, 2002, as follows:

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT

March 27, 2002



A meeting of the Public Works Committee was held on Thursday, March 27, 2002, in Courtroom A of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, with Mr. Cornelius Moon, Chairman, presiding and the following members present:

Mr. Francis Andrepont, Mr. Brent Clement, Mr. Calvin Collins, Mr. Mike Danahay, Mr. Enos Derbonne, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Griffin, Mr. Chuck Kleckley, Mr. Chris Landry, Dr. Charles S. Mackey, Mr. Don Manuel, Mr. Hal McMillin, Mr. Cornie Moon, and Mrs. Sandra Treme

Absent: Mr. Algie Breaux (ill)

Also present were Mr. S. Mark McMurry, Mr. Bryan Beam, Mrs. Coleen Clark, Ms. Kathy Criglow, Mr. Jerry Milner, Mr. Claude Smart, Mr. Allen Smith, and Mr. Jim Vickers.

Said Committee:

(1) Received and opened the following bids for Calcasieu Parish Project No. 2002-03 (Hardsurfacing and Overlaying of Various Roads in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana) as advertised in accordance with the law for action to be taken at 5:30 p.m.: Prairie Construction Company - $933,419.95; and R. E. Heidt Construction Company, Inc. - $889,941.58. The Committee recommended that the bids be taken under advisement with final action thereon to be taken at the Regular Meeting on April 4, 2002.

(2) Presented a plaque to Mr. Lucas Terracina, Mosquito Control Director, for his outstanding service and dedication to Calcasieu Parish, and further, commending him for recently being awarded the 40th American Mosquito Control Association Medal of Honor Award, the highest award given to a member of the Association in recognition of outstanding service.

(3) Recommended that SV03-003-02 be approved which was a request by Milton R. Crochet, et al for a subdivision variance to allow residential development (two houses) without public road frontage on Airhart Road in Ward Three, Police Jury District 9, contingent upon approval of the following stipulations: that the staff be authorized to accept no further subdivision variances until the Police Jury has the opportunity to take action on a new policy to be proposed at the Public Works Committee Meeting on April 25, 2002, which would include the following items - (1) Authorization for the Division of Planning and Development to administratively approve, pending the results of a staff review, private access roads that serve not more than one individual lot; (2) Acceptance of a Master Private Road List compiled by the Division of Planning and Development and the Division of Engineering and Public Works; (3) Elimination of the variance procedure for development on private roads that are not on the Master Private Road List and for development that does not meet the exemptions outlined in the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances; and (4) Amendments to both the subdivision ordinance and the zoning ordinance to allow these changes to become law.

[Note: On Tuesday, February 19, 2002, the Planning and Zoning Board voted 9 (for) and 1 (against) to recommend that the request be granted. (The staff recommended that the request be denied.) On Thursday, March 7, 2002, the Police Jury deferred action and recommended that the road ad-hoc study group (Mr. Breaux, Mr. Clement, Mr. Collins, Mr. Manuel, and Mrs. Treme) be asked to meet with the staff to develop criteria by which all requests of this nature can be judged and report back to the Public Works Committee.]

(4) Recommended that SV01-002-02 be approved which was a request by Verda Williams for a subdivision variance to allow residential development without public road frontage off Topsy Road in Ward One, Police Jury District 1, contingent upon the stipulations outlined in Recommendation (3) above.

[Note: On Tuesday, February 19, 2002, the Planning and Zoning Board voted 9 (for) to 1 (against) to recommend that the request be granted with the following stipulations: (1) that the development adhere to the site plan on file with the Division of Planning and Development; (2) that a maintenance agreement be filed with the Clerk of Court's Office within thirty (30) days of zoning approval; and (3) that a multi-address sign must be posted at the intersection of Topsy Road and the private road within thirty days of zoning approval. (The staff recommended that the request be denied.) On Thursday, March 7, 2002, the Police Jury deferred action and recommended that the road ad-hoc study group (Mr. Breaux, Mr. Clement, Mr. Collins, Mr. Manuel, and Mrs. Treme) be asked to meet with the staff to develop criteria by which all requests of this nature can be judged and report back to the Public Works Committee.]

(5) Recommended that a resolution be adopted approving a Joint Services Agreement between the Police Jury and Gravity Drainage District No. Eight of Ward One with reference to the purchase and installation of approximately 160' of culvert at the end of Maude Lane to provide an outfall for the roadside ditch drainage.

(Note: the Parish will furnish one-half of the cost of the culvert, and the Drainage District will provide all labor and equipment. The total cost for the Parish is estimated at $277.60.)

(6) Recommended that a resolution be adopted authorizing the President of the Police Jury to execute the renewal of Contract to Provide Services/Hold Harmless Agreement between the Police Jury and April Mae Duplechin to provide parkkeeper services at Intracoastal Park.

(7) Recommended that the President of the Police Jury be authorized to execute the necessary documents for acquisition of right-of-way from Raymond Girard Heape on Walker Road in Ward Four (Calcasieu Parish Project No. 2002-07), in accordance with criteria established by the Police Jury and recommendation of the Parish Engineer.

(8) Recommended that the Parish Administrator be authorized to advertise for bids for Calcasieu Parish Project No. 2002-07 (Walker Road) in Ward Four.

(9) Recommended that the Parish Administrator be authorized to advertise for the sale and removal of the old parkkeeper's house at White Oak Park.

There being no further business, Chairman Moon declared the meeting to be adjourned.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

It was moved by Mrs. Griffin, seconded by Dr. Mackey and carried unanimously to approve all recommendations contained in the Public Works Committee Report as listed heretofore, and in accordance with the recommendation of the Parish Engineer with reference to Recommendation No. 1 of said report, the low bid of R. E. Heidt Construction Company, Inc., in the total amount of $889,941.58 was accepted for construction of Calcasieu Parish Project No. 2002-03, and further, the President of the Police Jury was authorized to execute the contract documents and any amendments or modifications thereto in conjunction with Project No. 2002-03.

Also, as a result of approval of all recommendations of the Public Works Committee as outlined in the preceding motion, the following resolutions were adopted:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, in regular session convened on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby approve a Joint Services Agreement between the Police Jury and Gravity Drainage District No. Eight of Ward One with reference to the purchase and installation of approximately 160' of culvert at the end of Maude Lane to provide an outfall for the roadside ditch drainage.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish will furnish one-half of the costs of the culvert at an estimated cost of $277.60, and the Drainage District will provide all labor and equipment.

BE IT FURTHER AND FINALLY RESOLVED that the President of the Police Jury, or his designee, when appropriate, is authorized to execute all documents related thereto.

THUS DONE AND PASSED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in regular session on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby authorize the President of the Police Jury to execute a renewal of a "Contract to Provide Services/Hold Harmless Agreement" with Ms. April Duplechin to provide parkkeeper services at Intracoastal Park in Ward Four, for a period of one year.

THUS DONE AND PASSED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Upon motion made by Mrs. August, which was duly seconded by Dr. Mackey and carried unanimously, the following resolution was adopted:

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, rapid growth in and around the south Lake Charles area of Calcasieu Parish has resulted in severe traffic congestion, particularly at Interstate 210 and Prien Lake Road/Nelson Road; and

WHEREAS, even though this area is located within the city limits of Lake Charles, the Police Jury recognizes the urgent need for attempting to solve the problems associated with this traffic congestion because of the adverse impact on a large number of citizens from all over Calcasieu Parish, and with particular respect to the Parish's interest and participation in a Cooperative Endeavor Development Agreement with the City of Lake Charles, the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District, and Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., for development of the Pinnacle resort and infrastructure improvements associated therewith.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, in regular session convened on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby support the City of Lake Charles' State Capital Outlay request with reference to solving the traffic congestion problems at Interstate 210 and Prien Lake Road/Nelson Road.

THUS DONE AND PASSED on the date above inscribed.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Motion was made by Mr. Manuel, seconded by Mrs. August and carried unanimously that the following resolution be adopted:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, in regular session convened on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby support H.R. 3792, the Clean Water Infrastructure Construction Act of 2002, by U.S. Representative Sue Kelly and U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher, which authorizes the federal government to provide state and local governments with $25 billion over five years to finance improvements to wastewater treatment plants through the Clean Water Act State Revolving Loan Fund, and S. 1961, the Water Investment Act of 2002, by Senator Bob Graham, Senator Mike Crapo, Senator James Jeffords, and Senator Bob Smith, which authorizes the federal government to provide state and local governments with loans and grants totaling $35 billion over five years.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation.

THUS DONE AND PASSED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

It was moved by Mrs. Griffin, seconded by Mrs. August and carried unanimously to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

A resolution approving the issuance, sale and delivery of (i) $100,000 of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, and (ii) $832,000 of Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, of Waterworks District No. Seven of Wards Four and Six of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and other matters relating thereto.

WHEREAS, in order to obtain debt service savings the Board of Waterworks Commissioners (the "Board") of Waterworks District No. Seven of Wards Four and Six of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (the "District"), by resolutions adopted on April 2, 2002 (the "Resolutions"), has authorized the issuance and delivery of (i) $100,000 of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, for the purpose of refunding the District's outstanding General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1991, maturing May 1, 2017, and (ii) $832,000 of Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, of the District, for the purpose of refunding the District's outstanding Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1991, maturing November 1, 2016; and

WHEREAS, it is now the desire of this Police Jury to approve the issuance of the Bonds of said District as required by Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and other constitutional and statutory authority.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, acting as the governing authority of said Parish, that:

SECTION 1. In compliance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and other constitutional and statutory authority, and in accordance with the request of the Board of Waterworks Commissioners of Waterworks District No. Seven of Wards Four and Six of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, this Police Jury hereby approves the issuance, sale and delivery of (i) $100,000 of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, of the District and (ii) $832,000 of Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, of the District (collectively, the "Bonds"), all in accordance with the respective resolutions adopted by the Board on April 2, 2002, authorizing the issuance of the Bonds. The General Obligation Refunding Bonds shall be secured by and payable from a special tax to be imposed and collected annually in excess of all other taxes on all of the property subject to taxation within the territorial limits of the Issuer, under the Constitution and laws of Louisiana, sufficient in amount to pay the principal of the General Obligation Refunding Bonds and the interest thereon as they severally mature. The Water Revenue Refunding Bonds will be secured by and payable as to both principal and interest solely from the income and revenues derived or to be derived from the operation of the waterworks system of the Issuer. The Bonds are being issued under the authority conferred by Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority. Neither the Parish of Calcasieu nor this Police Jury shall in any way be liable for the payment of the principal of and/or interest on the Bonds or the Notes.

This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

YEAS: Don Manuel, Calvin Collins, Elizabeth Conway Griffin, Luvertha August, Dr. Charles Mackey, Cornelius Moon, Chris Landry, Chuck Kleckley, Algie Breaux, Sandy Treme, Brent Clement, Francis Andrepont, Hal McMillin, and Mike Danahay.

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

NOT VOTING: President Derbonne

And this resolution was declared adopted on this, the 4th day of April, 2002.

/s/ Enos Derbonne Enos Derbonne, President

ATTEST:

/s/ S. Mark McMurry

S. MARK McMURRY, Secretary

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Motion was made by Mrs. August, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried unanimously that the Budget Committee Report dated April 4, 2002, and all recommendations contained therein, be approved as follows:

BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT

April 4, 2002



A meeting of the Budget Committee was held at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2002, in Courtroom A of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, with Mr. Francis Andrepont, Chairman, presiding and the following members present:

Mrs. Luvertha August, Mr. Mike Danahay, Mr. Enos Derbonne (Ex-Officio), Mrs. Elizabeth Conway Griffin, and Mr. Chuck Kleckley

Absent: Charles S. Mackey, D.D.S.

Also present were Mr. Brent Clement, Mr. Cornie Moon, Mrs. Sandy Treme, Mr. S. Mark McMurry, Mr. Bryan Beam, Ms. Tammy Bufkin, Ms. Coleen Clark, and Ms. Kathy Criglow.

Said Committee:

(1) Recommended approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Request from the West Calcasieu Airport/Southland Field for funding under the Economic Development allocation of the Riverboat Fund in the amount of $20,000 for the construction of a storage building for non-aviation equipment (tractors and spraying equipment).

(2) Recommended approval of a request from the Airport Authority of Airport District No. One (Lake Charles Regional Airport) for funding assistance in the amount of $100,000 which will be used as part of matching funds for a $500,000 grant to the Small Community Air Service Development Program, a program of the U. S. Department of Transportation, for development of expanded air service to the Regional Airport. (The U. S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications from small airports to secure up to $500,000 in a grant for air service development. A major part of the application is matching funds on the state and local level. The Airport Authority has requested matching funds from the State's Economic Development Department, the City of Lake Charles, the Port of Lake Charles, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Chennault International Airpark. Mayor Randy Roach has written a letter to the Lake Charles Regional Airport indicating that he was willing to recommend to the City Council that the City of Lake Charles agree to match a contribution of the Police Jury up to $100,000.)

(3) Recommended approval of an additional $21,950.00 from the Discretionary Riverboat allocation to the Office of Community Services, and an associated amendment to the budget, for the purchase and installation of "scoops" on transit system vehicles to aid in picking up elderly and/or handicapped individuals. (On November 15, 2001, the Police Jury approved a funding request in the amount of $14,000 from the Administering Board of the Calcasieu Office of Community Services for this purpose which was an estimate. Subsequent to that approval, quotations were taken for the purchase of the equipment, and the final costs were $35,950.00.)

(4) Recommended approval of the following requests for time extensions on projects previously approved by the Police Jury:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5) Advised that all members of the Police Jury would be receiving a packet of information for the annual allocation of funding for applications under the Special Projects by Ward and the Special Service Districts allocations of the Riverboat Gaming Fund, with recommendations thereon to be made by the Budget Committee at its next meeting on April 18, 2002.

There being no further business, Chairman Andrepont declared the meeting to be adjourned.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Upon motion made by Mr. Breaux, which was duly seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously, the following resolution was adopted:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in regular session on the 4th day of April, 2002,that it does hereby reappoint Mr. Vic Guidry, as a member of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. One of Ward Eight, said term to expire May, 2007.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in accordance with state law, the above referred to appointee shall be administered an oath of office by any judge, justice of the peace, clerk of court, or notary public duly appointed and qualified in the State of Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above-named appointee shall be administered the oath of office within thirty days following receipt of this resolution.

THUS PASSED AND ADOPTED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

It was moved by Mr. Kleckley, seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously that the following resolution be adopted to fill a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. One of Ward Three created by the resignation of Mr. Mark A. Fontenot:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in regular session on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby appoint Mr. Chet Soileau, to replace Mr. Mark Fontenot, as a member of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. One of Ward Three, said term to expire in June, 2005.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in accordance with state law, the above referred to appointee shall be administered an oath of office by any judge, justice of the peace, clerk of court, or notary public duly appointed and qualified in the State of Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above-named appointee shall be administered the oath of office within thirty days following receipt of this resolution.

THUS PASSED AND ADOPTED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Mr. Kleckley was granted a point of personal privilege to present a plaque to Mr. Fontenot in recognition and appreciation of his service as a founding member of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. One of Ward Three. Mr. Kleckley advised that Mr. Fontenot had served as Vice President of the Board since its inception and had been instrumental in obtaining approximately $500 - $600,000 from the Police Jury's Riverboat Gaming Fund, as well as private donations, to build the recreation facility on Lake Street. Mr. Kleckley stated that much of the District's success would not have been possible without Mr. Fontenot's hard work and dedication; however, unfortunately he had taken a position of employment in Lafayette and had to resign from the Board.

Mr. Kleckley also introduced Mr. Chet Soileau who had replaced Mr. Fontenot and who was present in the audience.

President Derbonne stated that he also appreciated Mr. Fontenot's efforts and pointed out that at one of the soccer tournaments at the District's facility on Lake Street, there had been over 1000 people in attendance.

Motion was made by Mrs. Griffin, seconded by Mrs. August and carried unanimously that the respective low bids of Townsend Chemical Division, Red River Specialties, Inc., UAP Timberland LLC, Helena Chemical Company, Alenza, and ProSource One, be accepted for purchase of weed control chemicals, with unit prices effective from May 1, 2002, until October 31, 2002, said bids having been received by the Parish Purchasing Agent on March 26, 2002.

In accordance with the staff's recommendation, motion was made by Mrs. Griffin, seconded by Mrs. August and carried unanimously that action be deferred until the regular meeting on April 18, 2002, on bids received by the Parish Purchasing Agent on March 26, 2002, for an Electronic Emergency Operations Center Management System, for use by the Calcasieu Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness.

It was moved by Mrs. Griffin, seconded by Mrs. August and carried unanimously to accept the bid of Don Shetler Ford, Inc. in the amount of $12,886.00 for purchase of one 2002 one-half ton extended cab pickup truck for use by the Division of Planning and Development, said bids having been received by the Parish Purchasing Agent on March 27, 2002. (It was noted that the bid of Bolton Ford, Inc., did not meet specifications requiring a 143" minimum wheel base.)

Upon motion made by Mrs. Griffin, which was duly seconded by Mr. Danahay and carried unanimously, the low bid of Martin Automotive Group, Inc., in the amount of $19,635.00 was accepted for the purchase of one 2002 cab forward delivery truck chassis, for use by the Calcasieu Parish Public Library System, said bids having been received by the Parish Purchasing Agent on April 2, 2002.

Motion was made by Mrs. August, seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously that the Parish Purchasing Agent be authorized to advertise for bids for purchase of grader blades, with unit prices effective from June 1, 2002, until October 31, 2002.

Upon motion made by Mrs. August, which was duly seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously, the following proclamation was issued:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry supports the vital interests of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and the United States, contributing to our employment, economic prosperity, international trade and relations, peace, understanding, and goodwill; and

WHEREAS, travel and tourism ranks as the State's second largest industry in terms of revenues generated; and

WHEREAS, as people throughout the world become more aware of the outstanding cultural and recreational resources available in Calcasieu Parish, and the United States, travel and tourism will become an increasingly important aspect in the lives of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, given these laudable contributions to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the citizens of Calcasieu Parish, it is fitting that we recognize the importance of travel and tourism.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, in regular session convened on the 4th day of April, 2002, that the week of May 4, 2002, is hereby proclaimed

National Tourism Week

in the Parish of Calcasieu, State of Louisiana, and all citizens are urged to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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President Derbonne advised that no action was needed on the next item on the agenda to forward a letter to Boyd Gaming Corporation, owner of Delta Downs Race Track, inquiring as to why Calcasieu Parish hotels were not listed at the top of the list on the track's web site of available area hotels instead of hotels located in Texas, due to the fact that subsequent to the Agenda Committee meeting on March 28, 2002, the listing of hotels on said web site had been changed so that Calcasieu Parish hotels were listed at the top of the list.

President Derbonne advised that the following terms would expire in June, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion was made by Mr. McMillin, seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously that the rules be suspended by a two-thirds majority vote to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, in regular session convened on the 4th day of April, 2002, that it does hereby approve an agreement between the Police Jury and Stream Wetland Services, L.L.C. for the administration of an "Emergent Fresh Marsh Management Plan," subject to the approval of the U. S. Corps of Engineers, for compliance with the Corps' requirement for mitigation of the impact on 3.11 acres of property as a result of the proposed development of the Parish's Industrial Canal Boat Launch/Park Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Police Jury, or his designee, when appropriate, is authorized to execute all documents related thereto.

THUS DONE AND PASSED on the date above inscribed.

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Mrs. Treme was granted a point of personal privilege to invite everyone to the DeQuincy Railroad Festival being held the weekend of April 13 and 14, 2002.

There being no further business, motion was made by Mr. Moon, seconded by Mr. Landry and carried unanimously that the meeting be adjourned.





 

Enos Derbonne, President





 

S. Mark McMurry, Administrator &

Ex-Officio Secretary