Council on Aging increases meal deliveries to seniors

The Morgan City Mayor and Council received their annual report from St. Mary Parish Council on Aging Executive Director Beverly Domengeaux during the monthly meeting Tuesday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
Domengeaux’s report covered the agency’s fiscal year, July 1, 2020, until June 30, 2021. It also included COVID-related activities.
She noted that the agency’s senior centers were closed on March 18, 2020, through Gov. John Bel Edwards’ order, and seniors were asked to quarantine to protect themselves from COVID-19 since they were at high risk of severe impacts from the virus.
“We only had two COVID deaths among people that were coming to our senior centers, and that was due to some violations of quarantine,” said Domengeaux.
Since that March 18 closure, the numbe of meals delivered in Morgan City during the weekdays increased from about 60 meals on March 18 to 94 meals now.
“And we have a waiting list,” she said.
They also brought “shelf food” to seniors for the weekends.
In all, the council has delivered 24,840 meals during the past year and additional items for shelf food to those they serve.
“That’s where your contribution went as well as other donations from local people, several foundation grants and fundraising,” she said.
Domengeaux noted that each meal costs $8.14 ($4.18 for the meal and $3.96 including delivery).
“If the recipient donates $2, we still have a cost of $6.14 per meal,” she said. “Reimbursement from the state is 55 cents (per meal), so that means $5.59 is on us for each meal.”
Domengeaux said that is why the agency seeks support for the seniors.
She senior centers are anticipated to open July 6 contingent upon all regulations being met.
In other action, the council:
—Agreed to allow Mayor Lee Dragna to enter a contract for demolition of the city’s steam plant with one of three contractors, in order of bid prices: Bean Excavating & Dirt Work, S&S Recycling and Lindamood. The contract will be awarded to the highest bidder who can meet the city’s bond requirements and other necessary paperwork, such as insurance.
—Adopted its Millage Rates for the 2021 Tax Year. A property tax of 16.07 mills will be assessed, while a tax of 2 mills will be assessed to pay for operations and maintenance of the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. No one spoke during the public comment period.
—Learned from Finance Director Deborah Garber that there are favorable variances in the city’s General and Ancillary, Utility, and its Sanitation and Sewer funds. Specifically, the general and ancillary fund had revenues over budget by about $200,000. Of that money, $135,000 came from sales taxes.
—Agreed to allow Dragna to apply, through the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, for the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Neighborhood Competitive Grant program. Through the grant, signage could be purchased for the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area neighborhood program “connecting neighborhoods to biking of the heritage area,” according to the city’s resolution approved.
—Approved a resolution to accept a piece of property at 1030 David Drive donated by Hellenic Inc. that the city already utilizes. The property will be utilized in providing electrical and drainage needs.
—Declared surplus and for sale a small parcel of about 50 feet adjacent to 1811 Front St. to a nearby campground owner. No one spoke during the public comment period on the matter.
—Approved its 2021-22 Class A and Class B Liquor License Renewals. The measure passed on a 3-0 vote by councilmen Mark Stephens, Lou Tamporello and Tim Hymel. Councilman Ron Bias was absent, while Councilman Steve Doma-ngue abstained because his employer, Cannata’s Food World, is included in the list.
—Approved a Class A Liquor & Beer permit for Yui Sushi, Inc., doing business as Sushiro Steak House, at 6214 La. 182 East.
—Approved Dragna’s appointments to various city boards.