Public notices for Feb. 16, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Centerville,
Louisiana
January 11, 2024
The Regular School Board Meeting was called to order by Vice-President Moore.
Administer Oath of Office to School Board Member:
Judge Curtis Sigur and pastor Dr. Allen R. Randle, Sr. administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Guienzy M. Brent, District I School Board Member of the St. Mary Parish School Board. During the special ceremony, Ms. Brent was joined by her nephew Dallas McCarty Jr. and her cousin William Brent III.
Regular Session:
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, with the following members answering to roll call:
Roll Call.
Present: Ms. Guienzy M. Brent, Ms. Tammie L. Moore, Mrs. Lindsey T. Anslem, Ms. Debra R. Jones, Mrs. Ginger S. Griffin, Mr. Chad M. Paradee, Mr. Andrew V. Mancuso, and Mrs. Rhonda R. Dennis.
Absent: Mr. Murphy J. Pontiff Jr., Mrs. Alaina L. Black, and Ms. Marilyn P. LaSalle
Invocation:
Mr. Holmes gave the Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Ms. Estay led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Introduction of Students and Employees of the Month:
B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School:
Principal Alexis Rack introduced 8th grade student Tyren Austin as Student of the Month at B. E. Boudreaux Middle School.
Principal Alexis Rack introduced Versana Polidore, JAG teacher as Employee of the Month at B. E. Boudreaux Middle School.
Hattie A. Watts Elementary School:
Assistant Principal Charles Foulcard introduced 4th grade student Sophia Paddle as Student of the Month at Hattie A. Watts Elementary School.
Assistant Principal Charles Foulcard introduced Dana Martin, 2nd grade teacher as Employee of the Month at Hattie A. Watts Elementary School.
Raintree Elementary School:
Principal Marie Cole introduced 5th grade student Sa’Niyah August as Student of the Month at Raintree Elementary School.
Principal Marie Cole introduced Shantay Womble, 5th grade teacher as Employee of the Month at Raintree Elementary School.
Approval of Amended Agenda.
No amended agenda.
Approval of Official School Board Minutes.
Mr. Mancuso offered the motion and Mrs. Dennis offered the second to approve the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on December 14, 2023. All in favor and the motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
Vice-President Moore stated that Board Members can remove any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Feg- enbush read aloud the items on the consent agenda as follows:
New Business
Personnel:
Item 3. *Set day, time, and place for Regular Monthly School Board Meeting.
Item 4. *Proclamations:
A. *Louisiana School Board Member Recognition Month (January 2024)
B. *National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9, 2024)
C. *African Am- erican History Month (February 2024)
D. *National School Counseling Week (February 5-9, 2024)
Item 5. *Permission to Advertise for Bids:
A. *Child Nutrition Department Items: Produce, milk, eggs, juice, small equipment,
Frozen foods, dry and canned foods, paper, and cleaning supplies.
Item 9. *Award bid for alligator tags.
Mr. Paradee made a motion to approve the re- maining consent agenda, excluding Items 1 A-H and Item 2 A-B, as presented by Dr. Feg- enbush. Ms. Jones made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Business Af- fairs:
Item 1. Review policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sill
A. Administrative Records (CN)
B. Grants (DFF)
C. Gifts and Donations (DFK)
D. Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Cardiac Emergency Plan (EBBH)
E. Probation (GBG)
F. Parent Conferences (IHAD)
G. School Wellness (JGB)
H. Student Health Services (JGC)
Mr. Mancuso recommended that the Board review policies and send comments to Superintendent Fegenbush before the February 8, 2024 regular school board meeting. No action was required from the Board for Item 1 A -H.
Item 2. Approval of policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sills.
A. *Sick Leave (GBRIB)
B. *Employee Sick Leave Bank (GBRIBB)
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to postpone approval of Item 2 A – B for a month, post policies on the school board’s website for employees to re- view and submit comments to be addressed at the February 8, 2024 regular school board meeting. Mr. Paradee made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Item 6. Discussion regarding timing and options for tax renewals and other funding requirements.
Mr. Jason Akers, Bond Council of Foley & Judell, L.L.P. explained the process of various taxes that are being levied by the school board and required to be renewed in the upcoming years as follows:
Ad Valorem Taxes (excluding bond millages)
•Consolidated School District No. 5 (Parishwide) – 11.82 mills last approved at election held on November 13, 2021 will expire tax year 2031.
•Consolidated School District No 2 – 12.73 mills last approved at election held on March 28, 2015 will ex- pire tax year 2025.
•Consolidated School District No. 3 -12.42 mills last approved at election held on March 28, 2015 will ex- pire tax year 2025.
Sales Taxes
•On July 1, 2021, the voters of the parish ap- proved a point four five percent (0.45%) sales and use tax to be levied by the School Board. The net proceeds of the tax are to be used to supplement salaries and benefits paid by the School Board for teachers and other personnel. This tax will expire on June 30, 2026.
The item was for informational purposes only and no action was re- quired from the Board.
Item 7. Approve acceptance of audit report for year ended June 30, 2023, as presented by the firm of Darnall, Sikes, Gardes, and Frederick.
Mr. Chris Miller, CPA with the firm of Darnall, Sikes, Gardes, and Frederick reported that in the audit for financial statements, there was an unmodified clean opinion and the highest opinion that can be given by an independent auditor.
Regarding the performance of the audit procedures, there were no audit adjustments proposed to the financial statements. Information received from the St. Mary Parish School Board accounting staff was accurate and unchanged.
There were no reportable deficiencies or material weaknesses that were noted in the internal control structure and no instances of non- compliance regarding state laws.
The report for internal controls and compliance regarding two federal programs, were reviewed and tested in detail for specific requirements. There were no findings on internal controls and compliance with the federal programs. It was an unmodified clean opinion is- sued for the year.
It was noted that there were some differences this year in the data reporting to the Louisiana De- partment of Education. The information is being reviewed by the school board’s staff and will be resubmitted to the Louisiana Department of Education.
The Legislative Auditors have resumed a requirement that local governments are now again subjected to additional compliance testing in several operational areas. Re- garding the statewide agreed upon procedures, there were no items noted that were no significant findings or any reportable exceptions in that area.
In summary, the results of the audit in many testing procedures were positive.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Brent to approve the audit report for the year ended June 30, 2023, as presented by Mr. Chris Miller.
In conjunction with the audit, Chief Financial Officer, Alton Perry asked the Board to designate $3,000,000 for future technology and $3,000,000 for potential future self-funded group health plan.
Item will be added to the February 8, 2024 regular school board meeting agenda.
With no further discussion, all in favor and the motion carried.
Item 8. Award bid for lockers at Franklin Senior High School.
Ms. Jones made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to award the bid to Louisiana Equipment Company of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the amount of $53,950 for lockers at Franklin Senior High School, as presented by Mr. Wiese. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 10. Ap- prove Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Mary Parish School Board and 100 Black Men of St. Mary, Inc.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Jones to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Mary Parish School Board and 100 Black Men of St. Mary, Inc., as presented by Dr. Sanders.
Attorney Ed- ward B. Jones with 100 Black Men of St. Mary, Inc. provided a concise overview of the program’s operations and the support it offers to students in St. Mary Parish.
All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 11. Ap- prove vendor for E-Rate Category 2 equipment.
Mrs. Griffin made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to approve the 2024-2025 E-Rate Category 2 RFP to IConvergence, as presented by Mr. Vead. All in favor and the motion carried.
Reports
Staff Report:
Chief Financial Officer’s Re- port:
Sale Tax Up- date:
Mr. Perry re- ported that the sales tax collections for six months into the fiscal year collected $1,900,000 about $40,000 under budget.
Financial Statements (Major Funds Only):
The Board was provided financial statements for major funds only to review at their leisure.
Other Significant Items:
None
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Fegenbush reported that the new semester officially began January 8th for students.
In December, Carson Paradee of Berwick Elementary School, Tyren Austin of B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School, and Cherish Lewis of Berwick High School were recognized as St. Mary Parish’s Students of the Year. After a recent round of interviews, all three have been selected to complete on the regional level. Dr. Fegenbush wished each of them the best of luck as they progressed in the competition.
Dr. Fegenbush extends sincere gratitude to the St. Mary Parish law enforcement agencies for their daily contributions to safeguard St. Mary schools. As we honor National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9th, their dedicated service is deeply appreciated.
The public is cordially invited to attend the St. Mary parish junior and senior high schools’ honor band performance at Franklin High School on Saturday, January 20th at noon.
The St. Mary Parish School District declare appreciation to board members of the St. Mary Parish School Board and proclaim January 2024 as “School Board Recognition Month” in St. Mary Parish. Dr. Fegenbush commended board members for their outstanding efforts in the community and their positive impact on the students of St. Mary Parish.
Dr. Fegenbush concluded her report with a heartfelt dedication in memory of District I school board member Mr. Joseph C. Foulcard, Jr.
Closing:
Resolutions of Respect:
No Resolutions of Respect.
Executive Session:
Strategy session and/or action concerning pending litigation.
As authorized by La.R.S. 42:17(A)(2), there may be an executive session to discuss strategy in litigation entitled “Boudreaux, et al vs. School Board of St. Mary Parish,” bearing Civil Action No. 6:65-11351 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Board Entered Executive Session:
With a motion from Mrs. Griffin and a second from Ms. Brent the Board entered the Executive Session. All in favor and the motion carried.
Adjournment:
With there being no further business to address, Mrs. Griffin made a motion to ad- journ the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Mr. Mancuso made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
December 21, 2023
Morgan City, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with President William Hidalgo, Sr., presiding and the following board members present: Will Terry, J.P. Hebert, Norris Crappell, Andrew Mancuso and with Mike Ortiz and Kenny Arceneaux absent.
Also present: Tim Matte, Executive Director; Michael Brocato, Operations Manager; Bill Bourgeois and Gerard Bourgeois; Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; Reid Miller, Miller Engineers, Nicole Buranzon, APTIM; David Hill and members of the public.
Mr. Mancuso moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the Nov 16 regular monthly minutes. After a second by Mr. Crappell, the motion carried un- animously.
Mr. Hidalgo presented the payables report, which Mr. Terry moved to approve. Following Mr. Mancuso second, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. David Hill newly elect St. Mary Parish Council Member District IV introduced himself and is looking to work with the SMLD in the future.
Mr. Robert Karam with T. Baker Smith re- ported the meeting his office had with the residents for the West of Charenton Drainage Canal Drainage Study went well.
Mr. Karam re- ported the contractor will install the pumps for the Morgan City Pump Station by the end of January.
Mr. Brocato re- ported the levee was sprayed on Avoca. Mr. Brocato stated the limestone will be moved off of the Calumet area property by the end of January.
Mr. Matte re- ported the low water levels continue to cause is- sues along the Mississippi River, the low stage is expected to reach 3.5’ at Baton Rouge. The Atchafalaya River at Morgan City did hit .65’ with the passage of the recent cold front.
Mr. Matte discussed the amended budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Mr. Hidalgo invited public comment.
Mr. Crappell motioned to adopt the district’s amended budget for FY 2023 and to adopt the FY 2024 budget, which was followed by Mr. Mancuso’s second, it carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry motioned to adopt the 2024 meeting schedule. After a second by Mr. Mancuso, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Crappell motioned to authorize the removal of the remaining limestone and pipe pile stored at the Wax Outlet site. After a second by Mr. Hebert the motion passed un- animously.
Mr. Hidalgo ask-ed for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Mancuso carried unanimously.
Attest:
———————
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary
Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Greenleaf Dispensary represented by Omar Pe- cantte for a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 50 ft. to 12 ft. in a Highway Commercial (HC) Zoned District at 174 Arlington Street, Bayou Vista, LA- Sec. 14 T16S R12E; -Parcel Id# 3014301260.00-1.92 AC Rem Por Parcel V Tract ABCDEFA Per Plat 11U 111841 Lying West of Mc- donalds Corp fronting Hwy 90 Acq. 32A 225392.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv. Feb. 9, 16 and 23, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE RE- QUEST:
Rezoning of property by John Darden from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Agricultural (AG) Zoned District located at 3850 Chitimacha Trail., Charenton, LA -Sec.27 T13S R9E;
-Parcel Id# 2145021013.00-1.25 Ac BD Teche – Grevemberg – Road – R Darden being Por No. 2 Joseph Armelin Et Al part per Plat CC 21066 Acq. 253 313259.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Re- quest.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, February 27, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Specific Use Request
Specific Use Re- quest for Mark Patout to increase the depth and size of an existing pond in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District located at 1545 Hwy. 668, Jeanerette, LA; Sec.67 T13S R8E; 4.00 AC Tract BD Public Road - Monnot - D C Roane - Monnot Acq 158 300211
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above SPECIFIC USE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Planning & Zoning Board
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Feb. 2, 9, and 16, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
The Patterson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will conduct its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Housing office at 409 Grout St., Patterson, La.
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: February 20, 2024
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, LA 70342
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from last meeting: January 9, 2024
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Report
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. None
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. None
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. 05-24 – 2032-24 – LGAP – $35,000
2. 06-24 – 2023-24 – CWEF – $35,000
3. Proclamation No. 01-24 – Gloria Nini Day – March 24th
4. 07-24 - Re- adopting Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for LCDBG Grant
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Approve Payment No. 14871 #3 to Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. for $3,008.59 for Roadway Improvements to 6th Street
2. Miranda Brown – Hope for HIE 5K - Walking Trail
Adjournment
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jamie Keith, Town Clerk, at (985) 384-8858, P.O. Box 486, Berwick, LA 70342 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
AGENDA
ST. MARY
PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS
DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
February 22, 2024
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Minutes: January 2024
4. Public Comment
5. Income Statement: January 2024
6. Expenses Statement: January 2024
7. Old Business: None
8. New Business: Policy & Procedure Manual
9. Director Up- dates
10. General Discussion
11. Adjournment
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