Parish Council votes to remove Amelia rec board

FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Council on Wednesday voted to remove the board for the recreation district that serves Amelia.
The council voted for the resolution removing the Recreation District No. 1 board after a 66-minute closed-door session.
Two board members defended their work since the board removed Wednesday was seated in March, pointing to a revitalized soccer program and physical improvements at the community’s recreation center.
But the board has also faced accusations of open meetings law violations and of staffers being ordered to perform work not authorized by the full board.
Then, on Tuesday, the recreation board called a special meeting, during which 15-year recreation director Mike Beadle was terminated.
After Wednesday’s personnel discussion in executive session, Councilman the Rev. Craig Mathews of Jeanerette moved to dismiss the board, setting the process in motion.
“In light of the fact that there has been substantial evidence presented that adversely affects Recreation District No. 1 of St. Mary Parish, that could create serious legal challenges for our parish, this council has no other alternative but to remove the Recreation District No. 1 Board of Commissioners,” Mathews said.
Mathews’ motion passed on a voice vote with only Councilman Mark Duhon, who represents Amelia, objecting.
Then the resolution calling for the board’s removal passed 11-0.
Board members Andrew Gros Jr. and Russell Blanchard had defended their work in comments to the council.
“I was asked to be on the board to do a job,” Blanchard said. “We did it.”
Beadle, known locally as professional wrestler Mustang Mike, also spoke in his own defense. Beadle said he has been harassed since the board removed Wednesday was seated in March.
“My integrity in this community has been harassed,” Beadle said. He said he was fired “in front of my family, in front of my friends.”
Beadle, who said he has never received a bad employee evaluation, told the council that other employees at the recreation center are considering leaving their jobs.
Council Chairwoman Gwendolyn Hidalgo of Bayou Vista had called a special meeting for July 29 to consider removing the district’s board. That action was delayed on the advice of legal counsel because a closed-door session to discuss personnel was not on the special meeting’s agenda.
At that time, Hidalgo spoke of her desire to avoid a hostile workplace and to protect the jobs of district employees.
She referred to “complaints that have only come up since this board has been in place” earlier this year.
She also said she wants to “keep a facility that has been one of the most well-run and well-kept and has been an asset to the Amelia community for 15 years or more from becoming a source of chaos and drama and a liability to the parish.”
At that meeting, Gros blamed “retaliatory motives” related to the board’s supervision of Beadle.
Joining Gros and Blanchard on the board that was removed Wednesday were Denise Chaisson, Tyrone Richardson and Cheryl Dugas.
Also Wednesday:
•The council passed a resolution of respect for AnnaLee Marie Daigle, who died July 24. Councilman Patrick Hebert of Berwick praised the Morgan City resident for her commitment to helping others.
•EBP Community Boxing organizer Eframzimbalist Randle said the group’s Lace Them Up event is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Berwick Civic Center. The boxing program for young people has about 20 members.

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