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PUBLIC NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY
April 8, 2025
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at their regular meeting place, the Town Hall, Berwick, Louisiana, Tuesday April 8, 2025, at six (6:00) o’clock p.m.
There were present: Council members Colleen As- kew, Kevin Hebert, James Richard, and Lud Henry.
Absent: Raymond Price
Pastor Justin Lee from Tri-City Pentecostal led the prayer.
Councilman Kevin Hebert led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana were duly convened as the governing authority of said Town, led by the Honorable Duval Arthur Jr, Mayor, who then stated that the Mayor and Council were ready for the transaction of business.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without reading upon motion Lud Henry and seconded by James Richard.
The Treasurer’s report, having been reviewed, was approved without reading upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Colleen Askew.
The Beacon did not shine on anyone this month.
Guests for the April 2025 meeting were Ms. Beverly Domengeaux from St. Mary Council on Aging, Former St. Mary Parish President, David Hanagriff, Linda Thomas, Former Berwick Councilwoman Jacki Ackel, along with several Berwick High School students and their parents.
Police Chief David Leonard presented the police report for March, 2025. Chief Leonard stated that things are running well within the department. After no comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, Fire report.
Fire Chief Jody Acosta presented the fire report for March, 2025. Chief Acosta stated that the fire department responded to 8 emergency calls. There were 1 motor vehicle accident, 5 medical alerts, 1 rescue (child stuck in the swing at the civic center), and 1 mutual Aid. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, the Public Works report.
Public Works Director Rafael Lopez presented the public works report for March, 2025. Mr. Lopez stated that town crews have been busy repairing streets, repairing water leaks, re- pairing drainage issues, and cutting grass on the highways. Mr. Lopez also stated that the lighting issues and other repairs needed at Pharr Park are about 90% complete. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, consulting engineer’s report.
Town Engineer Mr. Reid Miller stated that the Country Club Estates Drainage Project is ongoing and has been running smoothly. The project should hopefully be able to submit substantial completion at the next council meeting. The 6th Street road project has been approved and the project should start in the next 45-60 days. The Water Meter Replacement - Project no. 14985 received a notice to proceed and work has begun to determine the meters that will be re- placed. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, committee reports.
The Recreation Committee, and Public Safety Committees had nothing to report.
The Economic Development re- ported that they are working on the Lighthouse Festival preparations. They are also looking into the possibility of having Live After 5 events in October. The mayor reported that he is working on a bridge lighting grant for the Long-Allen Bridge once construction crews are done.
The Historical Committee reported that there will be a Town Market, along with an Easter Egg Hunt on April 19, 2025 from 9:00am to 1:00pm located under the bridge in Berwick.
The Planning and Zoning Committee recently held a public hearing to discuss an application for a minor subdivision by Carline Land Investments LLC. It is the committee’s recommendation to approve the application of the minor subdivision located on Pattie Drive into two parcels. One parcel would be 5.337 acres to be used as R-1 Residential Property with an addendum that Carline Land In- vestments commits to cut and clear tree/ditch line, noted on the drawings provided, from Line A to Line D, and cut and shape a ditch on their property line completely to tie into the Town of Berwick’s servitude behind Berwick High School’s baseball field and provide the Town of Berwick a servitude as such for maintaining the said ditch. The second parcel would be 31.412 acres and remain as R-1 Residential use. Upon motion by Kevin Hebert and seconded by James Richard, the subdivision was ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, Public Hearings.
The Public hearing was called to order at 6:15pm.
Item No. 1 under Public Hearings – Ordinance No. 758 – Set Drainage Fee for 2025. After no comments from the council or audience, Mayor Arthur closed the public hearing.
Item No. 2 under Public Hearings – Ordinance No. 759 – Set Millage Rate for 2025. After no comments from the council or audience, Mayor Arthur closed the public hearing.
Item No. 1 under Ordinances Introduce/Adopt – Adopt Ordinance No. 758 - Set Drainage Fee for 2025. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert, the ordinance was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 2 under Ordinances Introduce/Adopt – Adopt Ordinance No. 759 - Set Millage Rates for 2025. Upon motion by Kevin Hebert and seconded by Colleen Askew, the ordinance was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 1 under New Business – Check presentation from the Berwick Housing Authority – 2024 Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Housing Authority Director Mr. Clarence Robinson presented a check to the Town of Berwick in the amount of $43,914.00 for payment in lieu of taxes for 2024. He gave a short report in which he stated that the Berwick Housing Authority is in great shape.
Item No. 2 under New Business – Berwick High School – Renovation of Pharr Park. Several Berwick High School students gave a presentation to discuss a possible project that would update Pharr Park playground and make it more ac- cessible to all and to rename it in honor of Miles Liner. Mayor Arthur stated that after hearing of this project, he is working on possibly securing a grant to help fund the project.
Item No. 3 under New Business – Approve payment No. 14398 #5 to Byron E Talbot Contractors, Inc. for $435,430.18 for the Country Club Estates Drainage Improvements Project. Upon mo- tion by Lud Henry and seconded by James Richard the payment was ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 4 under New Business – Approve payment No. 14398 #10 to Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. for $15,568.19 for the Country Club Estates Drainage Improvements Project. Upon mo- tion by Kevin Hebert and seconded by Colleen Askew the payment was approved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 5 under New Business – Condemnation Proceedings
Condemnation of the following properties:
247 Texas Street, Berwick, Louisiana
249 Texas Street, Berwick, Louisiana
249A Texas Street, Berwick, Louisiana
293 Texas Street, Berwick, Louisiana
265 Texas Street, Berwick, Louisiana
247 Texas Street, Parcel No. 3164341200.00 – Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert, the condemnation was approved by a unanimous roll call vote.
249 Texas Street, Parcel No. 3164341200.00 – Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Colleen Askew, the condemnation was approved by a un- animous roll call vote.
249-A Texas Street, Parcel No. 3164341191.00 - Upon motion by Kevin Hebert and seconded by James Richard, the condemnation was approved by a un- animous roll call vote.
293 Texas Street, Parcel No. 3164341191.00 - Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Lud Henry, the condemnation was approved by a un- animous roll call vote.
265 Texas Street, Parcel No. 3164341191.00 – Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Colleen Askew, the condemnation was approved by a unanimous roll call vote. In accordance with Article II, Section 5, et seq of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Berwick. The property owners were granted ninety (90) days to complete the condemnations.
Mrs. Linda Thomas wanted to thank the town for all of the work that has been put into Pharr Park, but expressed some concerns about vandalism that has taken place there recently. She asked that the town consider the possibility of in- stalling cameras to help with the issue. She also asked that the town look into a text alert system that would send out alerts, as needed, to our residents. The mayor stated that we recently were informed that we will now have access to that type of system and plan to begin using that to inform residents of any important information/alerts that the town puts out.
There being no further business to come before the Council, upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert the motion to adjourn was approved unanimously.
———————
Duval H. Arthur Jr –
Mayor
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Ordinance
Number 758
This ordinance introduced with first reading on March 11, 2025. Published on March 14, 2025. Public hearing held on April 8, 2025. James Richard offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Kevin Hebert seconded the motion.
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING WITHIN THE TOWN OF BERWICK, STATE OF LOUISIANA, AN ANNUAL CHARGE OF $25.00 FOR THE YEAR 2025 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 1680.2 OF TITLE 38 OF THE LOUISIANA RE- VISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION OF SAID ANNUAL CHARGE AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH.
BE IT OR- DAINED, by the governing authority of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, that the code of ordinances is enacted to read as follows:
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Section 1680.2 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), and other constitutional and statutory authority, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, is authorized, by voter approval, to levy and collect within the boundaries of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, (the “Town”), an annual charge on a pro-rata basis on each acre of land or portion of an acre within the boundaries of the Town, as the same may now or hereafter exist, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, maintaining, operating or improving drains, drainage facilities, drainage systems or drainage networks within its boundaries; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the re- quirements of the Act and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election was held in the Town on Saturday, October 24, 2015, to authorize the levy and collection of an annual charge of Twenty-Five and No/100 Dollars ($25.00) beginning with the year 2016 for a period of twenty (20) years, and said proposition was duly approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in said election; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with the aforesaid statutory authority and the said special election, it is the desire this Mayor and Council to levy said annual charge in said Town in an amount of $25.00 per acre or portion of an acre for the year 2025 and provide for the collection of said annual charge and other matters in connection therewith as hereinafter provided in this ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT OR- DAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the proposition set forth in a special election held on October 24, 2015, there is hereby levied an annual charge of Twenty -Five and No/100 Dollars ($25.00) for the year 2025, on pro-rata basis on each acre of land or portion of an acre the boundaries of the Town, as the same may now or hereafter exist, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, maintaining, operating or im- proving drains, drainage, facilities, drainage systems or drainage networks within its boundaries.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the Town is authorized to use any necessary and proper means to collect and enforce the collection of the annual charge. The Clerk be and he is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to carry into effect the provisions of this ordinance to appoint deputies, assistants or agents to assist him in the performance of his duties, and in pursuance thereof to take any and all lawful action in connection with the collection of the annual charge.
SECTION 3. A copy of the ordinance shall be promptly furnished to the Assessor of St. Mary Parish and the tax collector of the Town of Berwick so they may perform their functions in connection with the annual charge as provided in R.S. 38:1680.2.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be published in the official journal of this Town in the manner provided by law and shall be effective upon adoption.
All other ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or repealed for any reason, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected. All provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable and the invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance.
The votes on adoption thereon were as follows:
Ayes: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: Raymond Price
Abstain: None
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on April 8, 2025.
Delivered to Mayor Arthur at 8:00 AM, on April 9, 2025.
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
APPROVED ———————.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Ordinance
Number 759
This ordinance introduced with first reading on March 11, 2025. Published on March 14, 2025. Public hearing held on April 8, 2025. Kevin Hebert offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Colleen Askew seconded the motion.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, LEVYING AND IMPOSING A TAX OF TWELVE AND EIGHTY-EIGHT ONE HUNDREDTH (12.88) MILLS ON THE PROPERTY IN SAID TOWN FOR THE YEAR 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORDINARY MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS AND THE LEVYING AND IMPOSING OF A TAX OF SIX (6.00) MILLS FOR ACQUIRING AND MAINTAINING RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS, PROGRAMS, AND FACILITIES; ACQUIRING AND MAINTAINING STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS, ALLEYS, SERVITUDES AND RIGHTS OF WAYS; CONSTRUCTING ACQUIRING, EX- TENDING, IM- PROVING AND MAINTAINING ANY PUBLIC WORKS OR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PUBLIC SAFETY AND POLICE FACILITIES, FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES, TOWN HALL FACILITIES, SEWERAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES, WATERWORKS, WATER AND FLOOD CONTROL EX- TENSIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS, PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES, STREETS, ROADS, SIDEWALKS AND BRIDGES, AND CEMETERY FACILITIES IN THE TOWN AUTHORIZED BY THE TAX ELECTION HELD ON MAY 4, 2002.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council, the governing authority of the municipal corporation of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana in regular session convened this 11th day of March, 2025.
SECTION 1. That an annual ad valorem tax of twelve and eighty-eight one hundredth (12.88) mills on the dollar of the assessed valuation of all the taxable property in the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, be and the same is hereby levied, assessed and im- posed on all said property for the year 2025 for the General Fund for the purpose of ordinary municipal operation.
SECTION 2. That a special annual ad valorem tax of six (6.00) mills on the dollar of the assessed valuation of all the taxable property in the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, for the year 2025, be and the same is hereby levied, as- sessed and im- posed on all of said property for the purpose of acquiring and maintaining recreation im- provements, programs, and facilities; acquiring and maintaining streets, roads, highways, alleys, servitudes and rights of ways; constructing, ac- quiring, extending, improving and maintaining any public works or capital improvements, including but not limited to recreational facilities, public safety and police facilities, fire protection facilities, town hall facilities, sewerage collection and disposal facilities, waterworks, water and flood control extensions and improvements, public health facilities, streets, roads, sidewalks and bridges, and cemetery facilities in the Town authorized by the tax election held on May 4, 2002.
SECTION 3. That the proper administrative officers of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized and directed to spread said taxes, as herein above set forth, upon the Assessment Rolls of said Town for the year 2025, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of said Town ac- cording to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all the property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and the collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 4. It is the intention of the Mayor and Council, and it is hereby ordained, that the provisions of this ordinance shall become, and be made a part of the Code of Ordinances, Town of Berwick, Louisiana, and the sections of this Ordinance may be re- numbered to ac- complish such in- tention.
All other ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or repealed for any reason, the re- mainder of the ordinance shall not be affected. All provisions of this ordinance are de- clared to be severable and the invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance.
The votes on adoption thereon were as follows:
Ayes: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: Raymond Price
Abstain: None
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on April 8, 2025.
Delivered to Mayor Arthur at 8:00AM, on April 9, 2025.
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
APPROVED ———————.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Accepting sealed bids for Qty- 1 surplus generator 150 kw.
Needs rebuilt engine and various electrical issues.
To be sold to highest bidder as is where is.
Contact Mickey @ 985-992-7254 or Calvin @ 985-992-6890.
Bids can be mailed to:
Generator Bid
P O Box 181
Berwick, LA 70342
Adv. April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 and 9, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Minutes -April 1, 2025
Council Meeting
City of Patterson, Louisiana
The Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, meeting was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The meeting was held at 6:00 p.m. in the council meeting room at 1314 Main Street.
Mayor Rodney Grogan presided over the meeting.
Pastor Lee Condolle with One Faith Fellowship led the invocation.
Councilmember DeMale Bowden led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Grogan asked for a moment of silence.
Midge Bourgeois, City Clerk, called the Roll. Councilmembers DeMale Bowden, Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle were present; Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
C.J. Franklin from Providence Engineering was in attendance; Police Chief Garret Grogan and City Attorney Russel Cremaldi were absent.
Mayor Pro-Tem Lee Condolle made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Ray Dewey, to dispense with the reading and ap- prove the March 11, 2025, minutes. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry absent.
There were no public comments.
Cornelious Gant was seeking help in getting an abandoned house torn down on Cleveland St. He stated it was a trap house, he has paid the taxes on this house for 22 years, and there is no running water or electricity there. As per Mr. Gant, this abandoned house has drug activity and trash everywhere; it’s a complete mess. Mayor Grogan advised Mr. Gant that for several years, he had told him that this was a family home and they needed to open up a succession; he also suggested that the Board of Health would have to come in to declare the house abandoned. Mayor Grogan advised Mr. Gant to contact Steve Bierhorst, the public works manager, and Chief Grogan within 10 days to file a complaint. Steve Bierhorst advised that they would get a letter out, but it would go out to the person who pays the taxes. The mayor told Mr. Gant that his brother must come before the Magistrate. Any time the brother tells the Magistrate he will try to get home cleaned and fixed up, this will extend time. Mr. Gant will meet with Steve Bierhorst first thing in the morning.
Benny Druillhet, with Umcor Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA, along with his administrative trainee, gave a little history on Umcor and the services from Patterson to Jeanerette that Umcor provides. They both spoke about the STEM and OATS programs for senior citizens, explaining the im- portance of technology for seniors. The technological program for older adults teaches them to use cell phones and computers. As per Mr. Druillet, some positive impacts were increased independence, reconnection with acquaintances, and meeting new friends.
Monica Mabile, Accounting Clerk, stated that she has emailed the in- come statements for the general and utility funds to the council. Mrs. Ma- bile indicated that she has started amending the old budget and working on the new budget for FY 2025-2026. Mayor Grogan stated that we met on Friday with the auditors, and there were no criminal or mismanagement of findings in the audit report; the auditors will give the report at the May council meeting.
Mayor Grogan advised that the City of Patterson has been fortunate in receiving funding from the federal government and the state to rehabilitate nine sewer lift stations. The mayor told the council that the City of Franklin had inquired about purchasing the old sewer pumps. Before anything is done, the city will need to check to see if there is a value to these old sewer pumps, so the Mayor contacted the engineers about getting a value on these pumps.
C.J. Franklin spoke about the old sewer pumps, stating they will be valuable if they work. He will need each exact make and model number to determine the value.
Mayor Eugene Foulcard spoke about possibly utilizing these sewer pumps and stated they are interested in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement once the value is presented. Mayor Grogan asked the council for a motion to proceed. Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle motioned to proceed with the old.
Sewer pumps, and Councilmember DeMale Bow-den made a second. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry ab- sent.
C.J. Franklin w/Providence Engineering stated that the contractors are back on site as of April 1, 2025. Mr. Franklin advised that we should have re- ceived Pay Request No. 8 (Lift Stations) for review and approval; City Clerk Midge Bourgeois advised that the request has been received, signed, and sent to Mr. McLean for disbursement. Also, it was stated that a webinar will be held on Friday, August 11, 2025, giving information about NEPA and Pre Award authority and the re- quired next steps.
Mayor Grogan read a Resolution of Respect for Mrs. Alice Foster, Former Louisiana First Lady. Councilmember DeMale Bowden moved to adopt this Resolution, seconded by Councilmember Ray Dewey. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
Mayor Grogan read a Resolution of Respect for Mr. M. Bofill Duhe. Councilmember Ray Dewey moved to adopt this Resolution, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
Mayor Grogan read a Resolution of Respect for Mr. Sterling Williams. Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle mov-ed to adopt this Resolution, seconded by Councilmember DeMale Bowden. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
Mayor Grogan read a Resolution of Respect for Mrs. Patricia Pinho. Councilmember Miranda Weinbach moved to adopt this Resolution, seconded by Councilmember DeMale Bowden. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
Mayor Grogan read a Resolution of Respect for Mr. James “Bo James” Wright. Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle moved to adopt this Resolution, seconded by Councilmember DeMale Bowden. Councilmembers Ray Dewey, Miranda Weinbach, and Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle voted yes. Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
Mayor Grogan announced that a World Day of Prayers will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 4:15 p.m.
With no further business before the Mayor and Council, Councilmember DeMale Bowden motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle. The Council unanimously agreed; Councilmember Mamie Perry was absent.
———————
Rodney A. Grogan,
Mayor
———————
Midge Bourgeois,
City Clerk
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinances were introduced at a regular meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council, State of Louisiana (the “Parish Council”), on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and laid over for publication of notice:
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
An Ordinance levying and imposing a tax of 5.72 mills for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the St. Mary Parish Public Library and its branches as directed by a special election in the Parish of St. Mary, excluding the municipality of Morgan City, for the year 2025; and levying and imposing a forty-six hundredths (0.46) mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, excluding the City of Morgan City, for the year 2025.
An Ordinance levying a tax of 7.60 mills Parish Tax located outside the municipalities for all parochial purposes and segregating for local and parochial purposes and levying and imposing a 3.80 mills tax located within the municipalities to help defray the expenses of the Criminal Justice System of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana.
An Ordinance authorizing the Parish of St. Mary to enter into the Third Amendment to Solid Waste Disposal and Landfill Lease agreement with Emerald Land Corporation for use as a solid waste landfill.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at five-forty-five (5:45) o’clock p.m. at the Parish Council Room of the Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinances.
/s/ Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
/s/ Lisa C. Morgan
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
April 10, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:45 p.m. and will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana.
The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to receive written and/or oral comments and to adopt the following ordinances:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Randy Tisdale)
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Randy Tisdale)
In accordance with Act 393 of 2023 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council at 337-828-4100, Ext. 505, describing the assistance that is necessary.
Your attendance will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A
Regular Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 11th, 2025
Call to order 6:02 P. M.
Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Walters
Roll Call: Don Hicks, Charlie Solar Jr.(absent), Chuck Walters, Tim Matthews, Oscar Toups.
Motion to accept the minutes from the February 12, 2025 meeting was made by Mr. Hicks and seconded by Mr. Matthews. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
A budget comparison was given by Mr. John Armato. Motion to ac- cept the Treasurer’s Report for DD6, DD2, and DD2A was made by Mr. Matthews. Second by Mr. Toups. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Guests: No guests, but Mr. Mark Duhon addressed the Board regarding cleaning out lateral ditches in Amelia.
Sid Moffett gave station reports for the Amelia area.
New Business: A motion was made by Mr. Hicks to accept a proposal from Cleveland J. Billiot III General Contracting to do limestone work on Brashear Ave. Second by Mr. Matthews. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Old Business: Mr. Walters updated the Board on the right-of-ways for Amelia and said a Station 9 report would be coming soon.
Motion to Ad- journ was made by Mr. Matthews. Second by Mr. Toups. All were in favor. Motion carried. Meeting ended at 6:42 pm.
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the St. Mary Parish Council in accordance with law that a vacancy exists on the Board of Commissioners of Drainage District No. 6 (Amelia area).
The St. Mary Parish Council will receive applications for the filling of this vacancy from this date until May 8, 2025, at Noon.
Qualifications for submitting of an application will be in compliance with Chapter 7 Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Section 38:1758 and 38:1759.
Applications may be mailed or personally submitted Monday- Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. till noon on Friday to Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538.
The St. Mary Parish Council will meet in regular session on May 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana to fill this vacancy.
Adv. April 16 and 30, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, April 21, 2025 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 Annie Viator from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 19545 Highway 182, Jeanerette, LA – Sec.68 T13S R8E; - Parcel Id# 1905041004.00 7.00 AC Tract BD Road - Stouff - R R - Sorrel Ln Acq 436 340517
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. April 4, 11 and 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, April 21, 2025 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 Annie Viator from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 19546 Highway 182, Jeanerette, LA – Sec.68 T13S R8E; - Parcel Id# 1905041005.00 Lot BD Teche - Stouff - Road - Est Hardy Acq 436 340517
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. April 4, 11 and 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
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PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC
Vs. No. 138795 Div “A”
Anthony Vernon Henagin A/K/A Anthony V. Henagin A/K/A Anthony Henagin and Aleta Bennett Henagin A/K/A Aleta B. Henagin A/K/A Aleta Henagin
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain lot or parcel of land, together with all buildings and im- provements thereon and thereunto belonging and all rights, ways, privileges and servitudes thereunto appertaining, ly- ing and being situated in Section 32, T15S, R12E, Town of Berwick, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly known and des- cribed as the westernmost fifty (50’) feet of lot seven (7) of square fifty four (54) according to the Fields Map of the Town of Berwick, as shown on reference to a map and plat of survey made by A. L. Fields, drawn by A. Villars, recorded on April 13, 1981 in COB 23-P, Page 688, Entry No. 188,327 of the public records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The said parcel of land described herein has a frontage of fifty (50’) feet on the easterly side of Sixth Street (also known as the extension of Sixth Street), with a depth along its northerly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet, with a depth along its southerly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet and with a width across the rear or easterly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet and a width across the rear or easterly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet; and is bounded northerly by Lot Six (6) of square fifty four (54), southerly by lot eight (8) of square fifty four (54), easterly by the remaining portion of lot seven (7) of square fifty four (54) and westerly by Sixth Street (also known as the extension of Sixth Street).
to satisfy the sum of EIGHTY ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED NINETY SEVEN AND 03/100 ($81,297.03) DOLLARS, balance due on principal of fixed rate note, subject to any credits, interest from January 1, 2024, until paid, at 3.5% per annum, to be computed, reasonable attorney’s fees, to be computed, and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 23rd day of April A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 7th of March A.D., 2025.
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. March 21 and April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
BERWICK-
BAYOU VISTA JOINT WATERWORKS
COMMISSION
POST OFFICE BOX 322
BERWICK, LA 70342
(985) 384-8990
Chairman – Herb Mashburn, Vice Chairman – N.A. Hensgens, Jr., Vice Chairman – Troy Lombardo, Vice Chairman – Paul T. Tholen
A regular meeting of the Berwick – Bayou Vista Joint Waterworks Commission was called at the Berwick Civic Center, 300 Patti Drive, Berwick, La. At 5:30 P.M., March 13, 2025.
Board Members Present: Herb Mashburn, Paul Tholen, Troy Lombardo. N.A. Hensgens, Jr. was absent.
Others Present: Jacob Dupuy and Tori Henry.
The meeting was called to order by Herb Mashburn.
It was moved by Troy Lombardo, seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed to accept the minutes from the February meeting.
It was moved by Paul Tholen, seconded by Troy Lombardo and un- animously agreed to accept accounts payable & treasurer’s report for the month of February.
Jacob Dupuy reported that the raw water pump and motor are being repaired.
Herb Mashburn reported that we are still waiting on the judge to release funds in the PFAS litigation and he and Tori will be meeting with the auditor for the exit conference on Monday.
There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Troy Lombardo, seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed that the meeting be adjourned.
———————
Chairman
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Regular Meeting of the St. Mary Parish School Board
03/13/2025
05:30 PM
Evans Medine Meeting Room
474 Hwy 317, Centerville, LA 70522
MEETING MINUTES
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Attendees
———-
Voting Members
Guienzy Brent, Board Member
Tammie Moore, Board Member - Vice President
Lindsey Anslem, Board Member
Debra Jones, Board Member
Ginger Griffin, Board Member
Lawrence Guillory, Interim School Board Member
Marilyn LaSalle, Board Member (arrived at
Chad Paradee, Board Member
Alaina Black, Board Member - President
Andrew Mancuso, Board Member
Rhonda Dennis, Board Member
———-
I. Opening of Regular Meeting
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZ1z15loF_FZnVcBe09cRQ
1. Meeting Called to Order (Mrs. Black)
The meeting was called to order by President Black.
2. Roll Call (Dr. Fegenbush)
The roll call was conducted by Dr. Fegenbush.
3. Invocation (Mr. Holmes)
Mr. Holmes gave the Invocation.
4. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (Mrs. Black)
President Black led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
5. Introduction of Students and Employees of the Month (Mrs. Black)
A. Franklin Junior High School: Evelyn Hernandez, 8th Grade Student, and Summer LeDay, Teacher
B. Patterson High School: Kailey Benjamin, 12th Grade Student, and Tina Johnson, Teacher
C. Wyandotte Elementary School: Bentley Bigler, 5th Grade Student, and Maybelle Klein, Teacher
II. Appearances
1. Recognition of newly ap- pointed positions (Ms. Estay)
Ms. Estay recognized and congratulated the new appointees as follows:
•Jackee Jackson - St. Mary Parish Public Schools Purchasing Agent
•Mason Foret - St. Mary Parish Public Schools Chief Accountant
III. Approval of Amended Agenda (Mrs. Black)
No amended agenda.
IV. Approval of Official School Board Minutes (Mrs. Black)
1. Regular Meeting: February 13, 2025
A motion was made and duly seconded in globo to approve the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on February 13, 2025, and the special meeting held on February 19, 2025.
Motion made by: Andrew Mancuso
Motion seconded by: Tammie Moore
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
2. Special Meeting: February 19, 2025
This agenda item was voted on together with Item 1 February 13, 2025, regular minutes as part of an in globo motion.
V. Approval of Consent Agenda (Mrs. Black)
President Black stated that board members can re- move any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Fegenbush read aloud the items on the consent agenda.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the consent agenda as presented by Dr. Fegenbush.
Motion made by: Lindsey Anslem
Motion seconded by: Debra Jones
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
1. *Field trips
A. *Franklin Junior High -Disney World- Orlando, Florida May 22-26, 2025 (Dr. Sanders)
B. *Morgan City High School - Mississippi State University Stem Camp- Starkville, MS June 23-27, 2025 (Dr. Sanders)
C. *Morgan City High School - Naval Air Station, National Flight Camp - Pensacola, FL June 22-27, 2025 (Dr. Sanders)
D. *Patterson High School - Disney Youth Leadership Program & National Beta Convention, June 18-27, 2025 (Dr. Sanders)
2. *Proclamations
A. *National School Social Work Week (Ms. Mitchell)
B. *Read Across America Day (Ms. Mitchell)
C. *National School Breakfast Week (Ms. Mitchell)
VI. Personnel
1. Approval of Instructional Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year (Ms. Estay)
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the St. Mary Parish Public School 2025-2026 proposed Calendar (DRAFT B) as presented by Ms. Estay.
Motion made by: Lindsey Anslem
Motion seconded by: Guienzy Brent
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
VII. Business Affairs
1. Permission to advertise for Bid: Sixteen Section Land S16T 17SR12E Sweetbay Paradise (Mr. Wiese)
Mr. Wiese re- quested board approval to advertise bids for a Sixteen Section Land S16T 17SR12E Sweetbay Paradise hunting lease after the current leaseholder decided to terminate the contract early that was originally set to expire in July 2026. This contract generates a yearly revenue of $10,246.00.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the advertisement for the hunting lease as presented by Mr. Wiese.
Motion made by: Marilyn LaSalle
Motion seconded by: Lawrence Guillory
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
2. Approval of St. Mary Sugar Cooperative, Inc #20230011-ITE C&ITEP Application (Dr. Fegenbush)
There was a public comment.
Mr. Brett Allain, former member of the Louisiana State Senate and President of St. Mary Sugar Cooperative, addressed the Board regarding a tax exemption application for St. Mary Sugar Cooperative, Inc. under the Louisiana Tax Exemption Program (ITEP). He provided background on the cooperative, emphasizing its status as one of the oldest sugar companies in Louisiana and the last remaining farmer-owned cooperative in the parish. He highlighted the economic impact of the cooperative, noting that it generated close to $200,000,000 in revenue last year, with 62 percent paid out to farmers. He stressed the importance of the ITEP for the cooperative’s ability to invest in necessary equipment, such as a $24,000,000 cane boiler, without the burden of property taxes. Mr. Brett concluded by ex- tending his gratitude to the Board for their time and consideration in approving the ITEP application for the St. Mary Sugar Cooperative, Inc.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the Industrial Tax Exemption Application #20230011-ITE regarding the St. Mary Sugar Cooperative, Inc.
Andrew Mancuso said, despite his recusal, he ex- pressed strong support for the approval of the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) and ITEP’s in general, emphasizing the need for a fair business climate in the parish to compete with neighboring parishes. He recommended that the board approve ITEP’s as they arise.
After discussion, the motion passed with Andrew Mancuso and Chad Paradee recusing themselves due to a potential conflict of interest under Louisiana Revised Statute 42:1112, as their employer does business with the St. Mary Sugar Cooperative, Inc.
Motion made by: Lawrence Guillory
Motion seconded by: Tammie Moore
Voting:
Guienzy Brent - Yes
Tammie Moore - Yes
Lindsey Anslem - Yes
Debra Jones - Yes
Ginger Griffin - Yes
Marilyn LaSalle - Yes
Chad Paradee - Abstain
Alaina Black - Yes
Andrew Mancuso - Abstain
Rhonda Dennis - Yes
Lawrence Guillory - Yes
Motion passed.
3. Announce intent to call election as it relates to the renewal of the .45% sales tax renewal (Mrs. Voisin)
Mrs. Becky Voisin read aloud the announcement as follows:
St. Mary Parish School
Centerville, Louisiana
Announcement of Public Meeting
Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex, 474 Hwy. 317, Centerville, Louisiana, the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana to authorize the renewal of a sales and use tax therein.
This item was presented for informational purposes only; no action was requir-ed or taken.
4. Receive Group Health Insurance Premium to Claims Summary Re- port (Mr. James Perez)
Mr. James Perez of DJW Insurance presented the health insurance premium to claim summary report, updated through February 2025. He noted that the report includes results for January and February, showing a favorable start to the year. The loss ratios were 89.2 percent for January and 86 percent for February, with $2,250,000 in premiums paid and $1,971,000 in claims paid out. Mr. Perez express-ed concern about the high cost of prescription drug claims, particularly GLP-1 drugs, which could impact the budget for medical claims. He emphasized the importance of monitoring this trend and invited questions from the board. No questions were raised, and the report was concluded.
5. Approve recommendation regarding property insurance renewal for building & contents coverage for the year commencing April 1, 2025 (Mrs. Carmel Breaux)
Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consultants re- ported that the building and contents renewal offer from Paul’s Agency showed no changes in coverage, terms, or conditions, with a premium of $2,054,706, which is $128,000 savings over the ex- piring premium. She recommended that the Board approve this re- newal and to continue rejecting the terrorism coverage.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the recommendation of Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consultants re- garding property insurance renewal for building and contents coverage for the year commencing April 1, 2025, for an amount of $$2,054,706 and to reject the terrorism coverage.
Motion made by: Chad Paradee
Motion seconded by: Andrew Mancuso
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
6. Approve recommendation regarding property insurance renewal for boiler & machinery coverage for the year commencing April 1, 2025 (Mrs. Carmel Breaux)
Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consultants re- ported that the equipment breakdown property insurance renewal for boiler and machinery coverage is offered by Frank’s Agency with Liberty Mutual as the insurance carrier. There are no changes in coverage, terms, or conditions. The premium for the upcoming year is $11,497, which is about a $300 increase from the previous year. Mrs. Breaux recommended that the Board approve the property insurance equipment breakdown renewal for boiler and machinery coverage as presented.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the recommendation of Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consultants re- garding property insurance renewal for boiler and machinery coverage for the year commencing April 1, 2025, for the amount of $11,497.
Motion made by: Lindsey Anslem
Motion seconded by: Guienzy Brent
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
7. Approve recommendation regarding workers compensation insurance for the year commencing May 1, 2025 (Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consulting) (Glynn Guarisco-Franks Agency)
Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consultants re- ported that Midwest, the current carrier, for the workers’ compensation insurance renewal offers a two-year policy at $196,478, locking in the premium for two years, which is an annual premium of $98,239 per year. Mrs. Breaux recommended that the Board approve the workers’ compensation insurance renewal for the two years.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the recommendation of Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consulting regarding workers’ compensation insurance for the year commencing May 1, 2025, for the amount of $196,478 for the two-year renewal.
Motion made by: Marilyn LaSalle
Motion seconded by: Ginger Griffin
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
8. Approve recommendation to retain services of third-party administrator (TPA) and safety consultant to assist the board with the workers compensation program (Mrs. Carmel Breaux)
Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consultants re- ported that the board is recommended to retain the services of a third-party administrator (TPA) and a safety consultant to assist with the workers’ compensation program. The TPA, Claims Administrative Services from Tyler, Texas, has been handling claims since 2010. Their fee increased from $23,367 to $29,367 due to a rise in the number of claims over the past few years. The safety consultant, Riskwise, provides loss prevention and safety training, and their fee remains at $12,000. Mrs. Breaux recommended that the Board approve both contracts for renewal.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the recommendation of Mrs. Carmel Breaux of Norris Consulting regarding the services of a third-party ad- ministrator (TPA) and safety consultant to assist the board with the workers’ compensation program for the amount of $29,367 with Claims Administration of Tyler, Texas. The fee for safety loss prevention will remain the same with RiskWise for the amount of $12,000.
Motion made by: Marilyn LaSalle
Motion seconded by: Tammie Moore
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
9. Approval of policy from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sills and reviewed by the St. Mary Parish School Board Policy Committee (Ms. Estay)
A. Student Use of Electronic Telecommunication Devices (JCDAE)
The Policy committee recommended one revision to the Student Use of Electronic Telecommunication Devices policy (JCDAE) as follows:
The original wording: “These provisions shall also apply to any school-sponsored event, including athletic competitions and field trips, which take place during an instructional day.”
The revised wording: “These provisions may also apply to any school-sponsored event, including athletic competitions and field trips, which take place during an instructional day.”
The change from “shall” to “may” gives school principals or administrators the discretion to decide whether the rules apply to school- sponsored events.
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the revised Student Use of Electronic Telecommunication Devices policy (JCDAE) as presented.
Motion made by: Andrew Mancuso
Motion seconded by: Chad Paradee
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
10. Discuss and/take action concerning contract with Superintendent (Mrs. Black)
A motion was made and duly seconded to approve the Superintendent’s contract as negotiated by the Board President and Vice-President.
Motion made by: Chad Paradee
Motion seconded by: Rhonda Dennis
After discussion, a substitute mo- tion was proposed to approve the contract with three changes: removing the request to pay for 10 annual days yearly, removing the provision for the board to pay the employer and employee portion of health insurance, and reinserting the liquidated damage clause.
Motion made by: Ginger Griffin
Motion seconded by: Marilyn LaSalle
Voting:
•Guienzy Brent - Yes
•Tammie Moore - No
•Lindsey Anslem - No
•Debra Jones - Yes
•Ginger Griffin - Yes
•Lawrence Guillory – No
•Marilyn LaSalle - Yes
•Chad Paradee - No
•Alaina Black - No
•Andrew Mancuso - No
•Rhonda Dennis - No
The substitute motion failed with 7 votes against and 4 votes in favor.
After the failure of the substitute motion, the board returned to the original motion to approve the negotiated contract as initially presented.
A roll call vote was taken as follows:
•Guienzy Brent - Yes
•Tammie Moore - Yes
•Lindsey Anslem - Yes
•Debra Jones - Yes
•Ginger Griffin - No
•Lawrence Guillory – Yes
•Marilyn LaSalle - No
•Chad Paradee - Yes
•Alaina Black - Yes
•Andrew Mancuso - Yes
•Rhonda Dennis - Yes
The original mo- tion passed with 9 votes in favor and 2 votes against.
VIII. Committee Reports
1. Set time and date for the Annual Discipline Committee Meeting (Ms. Jones)
The Discipline Committee Meeting was scheduled for March 25 ,2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana.
2. Set time and date for the District Climate Committee Meeting (Mrs. Anslem)
President Black stated that the District Climate Committee is a new committee that has been formed based on feedback from various stakeholders. The committee aims to conduct a climate survey to assess the feelings, perceptions, and views of the district and schools. It includes diverse members such as board members, staff, parents, community members, administrators, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and paraprofessionals. The goal is to promote positivity and potentially make changes to improve the district.
The District Climate Committee Meeting was scheduled for April 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana.
3. Special Education Advisory Council Meeting met on March 10, 2025 (Ms. McClarity)
Ms. McClarity reported that the Special Education Advisory Council met on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex. Mr. Ricardo Rosado, a school psychologist, gave a presentation on social-emotional learning. The Special Olympics Track Meet will be held on April 4, 2025, at West St. Mary High School. The St. Mary Parish Arts Jam for Elementary Schools will be held on April 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. and High Schools will be held on April 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Franklin Teche Theatre located at 501 Main Street, Franklin, Louisiana. The importance of parent attendance and support for the advisory council was emphasized. The upcoming Special Education Advisory Council meeting dates were set for Monday, September 15, 2025, Monday, November 17, 2025, and Monday, January 26, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex.
IX. Staff Re- ports
1. Chief Financial Officer’s Report (Mrs. Voisin)
A. Sales Tax Update
Mrs. Voisin re- ported that the sales tax collections for February 2025, which are eight months into the fiscal year, were $1,879,000, with $179,000 or 88.7 percent unfavorable compared to the budget of $2,058,000. However, year-to-date collections are $2,800,000 or 17 percent favorable due to a one-time tax audit collection received in October 2024, where the parish collected $5,700,000, and the district’s share was 47.3 percent or $2,700,000.
B. Financial Statements (Major Funds Only)
The Board was provided financial statements for major funds only to review at their leisure.
C. Other Significant Items
There were no other significant items to report.
X. Superintendent’s Report (Dr. Fegenbush)
Dr. Fegenbush reported that the 2025 Red Ribbon slogan for the St. Mary Parish Public School System has been selected: “Life is a Canvas, paint it with Dreams-Be Drug Free.” Congratulations to Stanley Aucoin IV, a ninth grader at Berwick High School, for submitting the winning slogan. The Red Ribbon art contest based on the slogan is open for submissions until March 26th, and both will be presented at a later School Board meeting.
On March 17th, the St. Mary Parish Schools Industrial Advisory Panel will meet to discuss upcoming events and collaboration to support students and the community. This panel has organized a joint graduating senior and community job fair on May 5th.
Educators Rising, a grassroots effort to empower future educators and school leaders, will hold a conference on March 21st at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL). High school students will hear guest speakers, network, and compete in various competitions.
Dr. Fegenbush expressed gratitude to the Board for the privilege of continuing to serve in her capacity. Over the past year and ten months, St. Mary Parish School district has achieved significant academic progress across various areas, thanks to the collective efforts of staff members, families, board members, and the community. She thanked the community for their support and dedication.
Best wishes were extended to the Franklin Senior High School Hornets, who will compete in the finals at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles as defending Division 4 non-select boys basketball champions.
Mr. Mancuso clarified the recusal process for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) item, noting that the correct revised statute for the recusal reason is 42:1112, and the recusal process is 42:1120. He ac- knowledged that he may have previously misstated the statute numbers and wanted to ensure the correction was noted.
XI. Resolution of Respect (Ms. Estay)
Ms. Estay read the Resolutions of Respect for the late Dianne McAllister (retired school secretary).
XII. Closing - Adjournment
A motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the meeting.
With there being no further business to address, the meeting ad- journed at 7:42 p.m.
Motion made by: Lindsey Anslem
Motion seconded by: Debra Jones
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Dianne
McAllister
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Dianne McAllister, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired school secretary and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Dianne McAllister, and extend to her bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, endeavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Dianne McAllister, and that this meeting adjourns out of respect for her.
This Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 13th of March, 2025.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY FEGENBUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
MARCH 25, 2025
The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 6:00 pm (local time) in regular session, this date, in the City Court Building, Highway 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana.
There were present: Honorable Lee Dragna, Mayor; and Council Members Ron Bias, Eriq Blanchard, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, and Bonnie Leonard.
Absent: None
Also present were Mr. Charlie Solar, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer and Mr. Paul Landry, City Attorney.
The invocation was given by Mr. Michael Loupe.
There was no Positive Image re- cipient for the month of March.
Mr. Caleb Bryan said that the “Da Cajun Burger Cookoff” was a huge success, and he thanked the City for their help. He requested permission to hold “Da Cajun Taco Cookoff” on June 14, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM under the US 90 bridge (copy on file). He said that he al- ready had all vendor spaces full and had eleven teams signed up. He was waiting for approval from the council before going ahead with the event planning. A motion to approve the request to hold “Da Cajun Taco Cookoff” was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Bill Goessl, with the St. Mary Detachment Marine Corps League, requested permission to use the area under the bridge for the annual Bayou BBQ Bash on July 25-26, 2025 (copy on file). He said that 150 teams were competing in this BCA-sanctioned event. A motion to approve the request was made by Mr. Do- mangue, seconded by Mr. Hymel, and voted unanimously in favor.
Ms. Madalyn Hebert was not at the meeting to present her request.
Mr. Lee Price thanked the city officials for all that was done during the Christmas on the Lake Cajun Style event last year and submitted a request to hold it again on December 23, 2025 (copy on file). He said this year he would like to have permission to put the wood out a little earlier. A motion to approve the request was made by Mrs. Leonard, seconded by Mr. Domangue, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Jessie Boudreaux, Jr., with Mosquito Control, addressed the Council and told them that if any of his services were needed, he was there to help.
Mrs. Deondre Robinson told the Council that she wanted to start a new Mardi Gras krewe called the Krewe of Boss Goddesses. She said as of now there would only be one float. She requested to hold it on February 14, 2026, at 7 PM using the same route as the one used by the Krewe of Adonis. Mayor Dragna said they would have to meet with the Police Chief be- cause police officers would be needed. He suggested that they meet with one of the other krewes, and possibly ride behind them be- cause then there would already be people on the parade route. A motion to allow the Krewe of Boss Goddesses to ride behind another krewe, and end under the bridge, was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Steve Guarisco addressed the Council regarding the house at 1009 Garden Street that was condemned at the February meeting. He said that the notice went to his PO Box, and he had not received it. It was brought to his attention on Friday. He said that it was in the estate’s name, and his brother was in control of that. He had been working with Byron Blakeman to fix it up. There was no access to the house because it was boarded up, and there were no broken windows. He planned to replace the roof and repair the front porch area. He said there were no leaks inside of the structure. Mr. Domangue said that the City had been trying to condemn this property for the last two to three years. Compliance Officer Jimmy Knight said that the earliest letter he could find was in 2022. Mrs. Leonard said that she rode by and thought that dirt also needed to be placed around the foundation of the house. She asked if there was a reason that none of the repairs had been done in the last two years. Mr. Guarisco said that he did not have the money to do the repairs at that time, and he was trying to work out a deal where he would rent storage space to Mr. Blakeman in exchange for the repairs to the house. Mr. Domangue said that the neighbors should not have to look at that eyesore every day. Compliance Officer Melanie Top-ham said she had been in touch with Mark Guarisco by email regarding the house. City Attorney Paul Landry said that the estate had five days after the condemnation to respond to the letter. Mayor Dragna advised Mr. Guarisco that no action could be taken at the meeting re- garding the house since it was not listed on the agenda.
Mrs. Hettie Carries thanked the Mayor and Council for helping with the noise issues around her house. She said it had been quiet and she could once again sleep in peace.
The minutes of the February 25, 2025, and the March 12, 2025, meetings were submitted. There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mr. Domangue, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending February 28, 2025.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: March 25, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended February 28, 2025.
Attached is a summary that compares our actual revenues and expenses to our operational budget for our major funds subject to budgetary control for the period ending February 28, 2025. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Actual total revenues remain under budget by $21,196. Operating expenses are also under budget by $93,259. The net loss of $773,446 is a favorable variance of $72,063 as compared to the adopted budget.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues in this fund are also under budget by $120,310. The operational ex- penses are over budget by $112,980. The net income, after transfers, of $629,555 creates an unfavorable variance compared to the budget of $255,083.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are $18,182 over budget, with total operating ex- penses are under budget by $43,911. The net income, after transfers, of $139,645 leaves a favorable variance of $70,050.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Deborah Garber
Deborah Garber
Finance Director
A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Hy- mel, seconded by Pastor Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.
The next matter on the agenda was the condemnation and demolition report. Mr. Jimmy Knight said that the property owner of 1009 Railroad Avenue was present at the meeting. Mrs. Ruth Escort asked if the Mayor and Council could extend her setbacks for one year while she got the money together to build a new house on the property. She had just completed one new house, and once the trailer was torn down, under city guidelines, she only had six months to rebuild with the existing setbacks. The city would tear down the property and she would pay for that, but was concerned about not being allowed to rebuild on the property. A motion to condemn the house at 1009 Railroad and give Mrs. Escort one year to keep the current setbacks to rebuild on the property was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Greg Sch-wab, attorney for Vu Phong Khac, property owner of 1205 Clothilde, addressed the council regarding the condemnation of the property that took place at the February meeting. Mr. Schwab said that his client had purchased the property in December of 2023 and repaired the roof at that time. He said in July, during Hurricane Francine, it damaged the roof again. He said Mr. Vu swears he did not know that someone was living in the building. Assistant Fire Chief Pat Haller said the building was unstable and needed to be condemned. Mr. Vu’s uncle, Cong Tran, said his nephew did not speak English and he was there to translate for him. He apologized for the lack of understanding on the part of his nephew and said that if, given a short time, he would complete the repairs. Mrs. Leonard asked why this had been going on for several years. She said waiting three years before doing anything with the building does not show any intention of repairing the building. Pastor Bias said the building was in deplorable condition and agreed with Chief Haller that it was unstable. It was in close proximity to medical and professional buildings and was an eyesore in addition to being unsafe. Mr. Cong said that financially his nephew was not able to complete the repairs at this time but asked for more time to complete the re- pairs. Mr. Blan-chard said if he had seen any im- provements made to the building since it was purchased, he would have considered giving him more time, but nothing had been done. Compliance Officer Jimmy Knight said that the original roof permit was issued on July 12, 2022. He said on January 16, 2025, an extension was given to change the deadline for the repairs to be made to June 17, 2025. He said since that time, there had been a report of someone living in the building. Mr. Blanchard asked if an appeal had been filed on the condemnation within the five day window. City Attorney Paul Landry said that no appeal had been filed. Pastor Bias felt if Mr. Vu was allowed time to repair the building, the council would be opening up a can of worms. His opinion was that the Council stand with their vote. Mayor Dragna asked if the owner could tear the property down himself, and Mr. Knight said that it could be done but that it would have to be arranged with their office. No action was taken on the matter.
The next matter on the agenda was the Veteran’s Cooperative En- deavor Agreement; whereupon, Pastor Bias offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-15
WHEREAS, La R.S. 29:260-262 provides enabling legislation for LDVA to estimate and recover part of the operations cost of parish Veterans’ Services Offices; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City desires to support local veterans and improve their access to benefits and services by providing for both the cost to maintain and operate Veterans’ Service Offices and space to house such services offices as provided by law, and
WHEREAS, in order to achieve this, a cooperative endeavor agreement must be signed.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor be, and he is hereby authorized and empowered as signing authority for the City of Morgan City.
Mr. Domangue seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Domangue, Blan-chard, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mr. Mike Loupe said that the bid tabulation for the Morgan City Street Repairs project had been completed and his recommendation was Gray Construction Corp.; whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-16
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the bid of Gray Construction Corp., for furnishing all materials, equipment, etc., for the Morgan City Street Repairs project in the amount of THREE HUNDRED FORTY-THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NINETY-FIVE CENTS (343,455.95) being the least and most responsible bid re- ceived, be and the same is hereby accepted and awarded to Gray Construction Corp.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that the Mayor, be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a contract with said Gray Construction Corp. for and on behalf of and in the name of said Municipal Corporation, for furnishing all materials, and equipment for the Morgan City Street Repairs Project, Morgan City, Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that the contract shall be filed with the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, for recordation in the mortgage records of said parish, hereby ratifying and confirming his act or acts in the premises.
Mr. Domangue seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Domangue, Bias, Blanchard, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington
Clerk
Mr. Charlie Solar said that according to FEMA guidelines, architectural and engineering firms had to be procured in order to provide professional services for the Hurricane Francine re- pairs. He said a Request for Qualifications had been sent out for the public works facilities, infrastructure, and building projects and the firm of Royal Engineers and Consultants had recommended four different firms after reviewing the packets; whereupon,
Pastor Bias offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-18
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will need Architectural & Engineering Services for the damages caused by Hurricane Francine, and
WHEREAS, the firm of Royal Engineers and Consultants had been retained by the City for assistance in the disaster re- covery project; and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the Royal Engineers and Consultants recommended that the firm of MCA Architects best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Architectural Services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage MCA Architects to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-19
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will need Engineering Services for Wastewater, Sanitary Sewer, and Drainage Services for the damages caused by Hurricane Francine, and
WHEREAS, the firm of Royal Engineers and Consultants had been retained by the City for assistance in the disaster recovery project; and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the Royal Engineers and Consultants recommended that the firm of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Engineering Services – Wastewater, Sanitary Sew-er, Drainage (Forc-ed & Gravity).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-20
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will need Engineering Services for Heavy Civil (Site, Dirt, Levee) Services for the damages caus-ed by Hurricane Francine, and
WHEREAS, the firm of Royal Engineers and Consultants had been retained by the City for assistance in the disaster recovery project; and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the Royal Engineers and Consultants recommended that the firm of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Engineering Services – Heavy Civil (Site, Dirt, Levee).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-21
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will need Engineering Services for Electrical Transmission & Distribution (Utilities) Services for the damages caus-ed by Hurricane Francine, and
WHEREAS, the firm of Royal Engineers and Consultants had been retained by the City for assistance in the disaster recovery project; and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the Royal Engineers and Consultants recommended that the firm of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Engineering Services – Electrical Transmission & Distribution (Utilities) Services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-22
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will need En- gineering Services for Electrical Damage Assessment for the damages caused by Hurricane Francine, and
WHEREAS, the firm of Royal Engineers and Consultants had been retained by the City for assistance in the disaster recovery project; and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the Royal Engineers and Consultants recommended that the firm of Red Stick Power best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Engineering Services – for Electrical Dam-age Assessment.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage Red Stick Power to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The next matter on the agenda was the Park Road Sewer Pump Station Replacement Change Order number one; whereupon,
Mr. Domangue offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-23
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed in the name of and on behalf of said municipal corporation, to execute Change Order Number 1 in the amount of + $28,216.00 and + 10 Contract Days, under Contract Number R:24-32, between the City of Morgan City and LA Contracting Enterprise, LLC, for the Park Road Sewer Pump Station Replacement project.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Doman-gue, Blanchard, Bias, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mayor Dragna submitted the name of Keith Kidd for appointment to the Board of Adjustments. A motion to concur in the appointment was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and vot-ed unanimously in favor.
Mayor Dragna said that the last thing on the agenda was resolutions of respect for District Attorney Bo Duhe’ and Reverend Ezekiel Simmons; whereupon,
Messrs. Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, and Leonard of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-24
IN MEMORIAM
MARTIN BOFILL DUHÉ
WHEREAS, God, in his infinite wisdom has taken Martin Bofill Duhé from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Duhé was a man of outstanding character, living his life to the fullest and always doing the right thing; and
WHEREAS, he was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and Poppa; and
WHEREAS, he was a graduate of Catholic High School, University of Southwestern Louisiana, and Tulane Law School; and
WHEREAS, in January 2015, he took office as District Attorney, where he worked tirelessly to bring justice to victims and their families until the time of his death; and
WHEREAS, “Bo” was a member of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association, where he served as a member, President, and on the Legislative and Technology committees; and
WHEREAS, he was a member of the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force, Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory, and a Board Member of First National Bank of Jeanerette; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Duhé received the Evangeline Area Boy Scout Council Iberia Parish Distinguished Citizen of the Year award in 2015, Chez Hope Peacemaker Award in 2017, and the Virginia Tyler Guillotte Award from the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce in 2019; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Lisa Trahan Duhé, and his three children, Sean Benoit, Dawn Michele Duhé, and Malcolm Bofill Duhé; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Morgan City wish to ac- knowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Martin Bofill Duhé; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Morgan City hope that his family will find comfort in the thought that their grief and sorrow are shared by their friends.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Morgan City through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that this resolution be in- scribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to his be- reaved family; and that this meeting adjourn out of respect for the late Martin Bofill Duhé.
Messrs. Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, and Leonard seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Messrs. Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel and Leonard of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-25
IN MEMORIAM
REVEREND EZEKIEL LEON SIMMONS, JR.
WHEREAS, God, in his infinite wisdom has taken Ezekiel Leon Simmons, Jr. from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Simmons was a devoted husband and father; and
WHEREAS, he was he was valedictorian of his 8th Grade Class at Sumpter Williams Elementary and valedictorian of the Sumpter Williams Senior High School class of 1966; and
WHEREAS, he continued his education through Dillard University and the University of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a double major, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting, and Religion & Theology; and
WHEREAS, he furthered his studies at Nicholls State University, Moody Bible College Extension School, Dallas Baptist Extension Seminary, Louisiana Baptist State Convention, and the National Baptist Convention; and
WHEREAS, Revered Simmons worked as an ac- countant for 25 years, 19 of those in the St. Mary Parish School System, and specialized in teaching accelerated mathematics; and
WHEREAS, he worked with and taught profoundly challenged students at Morgan City Junior High School, and was a member of the National Education Association and the Louisiana Association of Educators; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Simmons served on many boards, in- cluding Morgan City Biddy Basketball, Louisiana Sports Association (AAU), St. Mary Community Action Agency, and Clair House; and
WHEREAS, he served as an advisor to several Morgan City Mayors, on President Clinton’s Council on Mental Retardation for Louisiana, and was blessed to serve as Pastor of New Zorah Baptist Church from 1989 - 2007; and
WHEREAS, Revered Simmons served as one of the chaplains of Teche Regional Medical Center and the Morgan City Police Department; and was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Prince Hall Lodge #116, Louisiana Baptist State Convention, National Baptist Convention, Union 6th District Baptist Missionary Association, and the East St. Mary Ministerial Alliance, where he was ordained and installed as pastor the same night; and
WHEREAS, on June 28, 1985, the ordination service was conducted by the Union 6th District at Mt. Era Baptist Church of Morgan City, and was moved to Ephesian Baptist Church where he was installed as pastor immediately after the ordination service; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his devoted wife of almost 52 years, Valerie Wilson Simmons, and daughters Shenica L. Simmons and Tegan A. Simmons; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Morgan City wish to ac- knowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Ezekiel Leon Simmons, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Morgan City hope that his family will find comfort in the thought that their friends share their grief and sorrow.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Morgan City through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that this resolution be in- scribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to his be- reaved family; and that this meeting adjourn out of respect for the late Reverend Ezekiel Leon Simmons, Jr.
Messrs. Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel and Leonard seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 25th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Adv. April 16, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Newrez LLC D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage
Servicing
Vs. No. 138955 Div “A”
Tonya Wilson
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain lot or parcel of land together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, prescriptions and servitudes thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining and all appurtenances thereof, lying and being situated in Patterson, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known designated and described as LOT 17 OF BLOCK 4 OF ADDENDUM 1A OF THE TIFFANY PLACE SUBDIVISION, as shown on a plat of survey made by Arthur A. DeFraites, Jr., a Louisiana Registered Professional Land Surveyor, dated September 10, 2004 and recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 67, page 651, File No. 287051.
Together with all the buildings and improvements thereon located including one (1) 2001 RiverChase Homes Manufactured Home bearing Serial Number/VIN: 000RV02AL0104729A/000RV02AL0104729B, Model No/RD4412, 62 x 31, Label/Seal No. NTA1180637/NTA1180638, which manufactured home was immobilized by Manufactured Home Rider to the Mortgage/Deed of Trust/Security Deed in the Mortgage dated April 5, 2019.
to satisfy the sum of EIGHTY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN AND 53/100 ($80,137.53) DOLLARS, plus interest at the rate of 4.625 percent per annum from April 1, 2024, until paid and reasonable attorney’s fees, all costs and expenses in enforcing the Note and Mortgage, and all advances for taxes, insurance premiums, and all other charges and expenses permitted by the Note or Mortgage including pre-payment penalty, if any, and late charges and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 23rd day of April A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 7th day of March A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. March 21 and April 16, 2025

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By now, you’ve probably had to crank up the lawnmower and give your lawn its first cut in a while.
Turfgrasses are emerging from their winter dormancy, turning green and growing once again — and so are warm-season weeds. As you get back into the habit of lawn maintenance this spring, think about helping your grass along with a dose of fertilizer sometime soon. Now also is the perfect opportunity to get a handle on weeds while they are small and easier to control.
You can buy combination weed-and-feed products at garden centers and hardware stores. But Eric DeBoer, an assistant professor of turfgrass management with the LSU AgCenter, recommends handling the tasks of weed control and fertilization with separate products.
Before you start, you need to do a few things. First, get your hands on a broadcast spreader for applying granular fertilizers and herbicides. If you want to use a herbicide that’s meant to be sprayed, you may need to locate a sprayer; some of these products come in containers with built-in sprayers or can be connected to a garden hose.
Next, you should determine how big your yard is — you need to know how much product to buy. And you need to know what kind of grass — or grasses — and weeds are growing in your yard. This information not only will allow you to select the most effective fertilizer and herbicide products for your situation. It also will help you avoid damaging your lawn, as some products are not safe for use on certain grasses.
Visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/turfgrass for guides that can help you identify common lawn weeds and differentiate between popular turfgrass species such as St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. These pages also provide suggested fertilization rates for different grasses and cultural and chemical weed control strategies.
When it comes to controlling weeds, your focus right now should be treating newly germinated warm-season weeds with a post-emergence herbicide. Mature cool-season weeds like chickweed and annual bluegrass should be removed by hand pulling or mowing at this point. They will die back soon as temperatures continue to climb.
To prevent an infestation of warm-season weeds later on, it’s important to apply herbicide now while they are young and tender.
“A more mature weed is always going to be more difficult to control than a weed that’s freshly germinated,” DeBoer said.
Carefully read the label directions of the product you intend to apply. Labels will tell you which weeds the product is labeled for, which grasses it can safely be used on and other critical details.
“A lot of herbicides will have directions saying not to spray if the ambient temperature is 85 degrees or warmer, so you have to pay attention to the outdoor temperature,” DeBoer said.
Also be mindful of application instructions. Herbicides come in liquid and granular forms. If you’re using a granular product, the label likely will direct you to apply it after you’ve irrigated the yard or following rain or heavy dew.
“The idea is that the granules stick to the leaves to deliver the herbicide,” DeBoer said.
On the fertilization front, carefully following directions is important, too. Read the product label to see how much should be applied to your yard and adjust the dial on your spreader accordingly to set the correct application rate.
There are lots of formulations of fertilizer out there. DeBoer suggests looking for something that is higher in nitrogen and lower in other nutrients such as phosphorous.
“Nitrogen is the most important nutrient to get out in the spring,” he said.
Keep up with regular mowing and irrigate as needed as spring and summer wear on. Along with fertilization, these steps promote a healthy, vigorously growing lawn that can outcompete unattractive weeds.

Local officials battened down one of the world’s biggest hatches Monday, closing the Bayou Chene Flood Control Structure. The Atchafalaya River is expected to crest at Morgan City at 7.5 feet April 25.
That prediction was increased from 7.25 feet over the weekend.
As of Tuesday morning, the river was at 3.92. The Atchafalaya is expected to hit the 6-foot minor flood stage Sunday and the 7-foot moderate flood stage Wednesday, April 23.
The prediction is for the river to hit 7.5 feet April 25 and stay at that level for about a day.
The closure of the Bayou Chene structure went smoothly Monday, said Tim Matte, executive director of the St. Mary Levee District. The district operates the structure.
The structure works by moving a 400-foot barge, mounted on pins, across the bayou and filling it with water to settle it into place.
It’s designed to block back flooding along the bayou when the Atchafalaya runs high.
The barge was moved into place between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Filling it with water took until about 2 p.m., Matte said.
Construction of the structure, which was completed in 2022, followed years of lobbying by local lawmakers for state funding.
The final yes came down in 2019, when the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority picked up the $80 million tab.
Expect Stephensville and Belle River residents to watch this flood closely. They often got the worst of back-flooding in a series of floods 2011-19.
The current flooding for now seems likely to cause more inconvenience than damage along the Atchafalaya. Not so for the Mississippi River
“Along the Mississippi, it could bring moderate or maybe even major flooding in a couple spots,” State Climatologist Jay Grymes told the Plaquemine Post South. “As the Mississippi goes, so goes the Atchafalaya because of the diversion at Old River control.”
Thirty percent of the Mississippi’s flow is diverted into the Atchafalaya at Old River.
“Even Morgan City, while area inside the floodwalls will get inundated, this will not be a rise outside the norm for the springtime period,” he said. “The good news for the Mississippi is that it should go up and go right down, but it may take longer the Atchafalaya to drop off once it gets up in those minor and moderate flood levels.”
On Monday in New Orleans, the Corps of Engineers began patrolling the levees along the Mississippi River twice weekly until the water level drops below 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage.
USACE initially entered Phase I flood fight Feb. 24 of this year and then paused operations when the water level at the Carrollton Gage dropped below 11 feet March 13.
Phase I is a proactive measure that is triggered when the Mississippi River reaches 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage and is forecast to continue to rise. The increased patrols help ensure our ability to respond quickly to any problem areas that may develop along the levee system because of the elevated water levels.

When Gov. Jeff Landry hosted a news conference focused exclusively on expected insurance legislation April 9, many wondered why Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple was not present.
When asked why Temple was hosting his own separate news conference on auto insurance reform on Thursday, Landry said “I have no idea, you’d have to ask him tomorrow.” 
Speculations of a disconnect between Temple and Landry turned into confirmation on Thursday, when Temple revealed that he has “not had a conversation with the governor about insurance reform since May 7th of 2024,” adding that he was “curious” why he was not at Landry’s news conference the prior day.
Further, aside from detailing the expected legislation for the coming legislative session, Temple also decided to address  the “incorrect” statements made by Landry the day before.
“There were a couple of things that he said that are incorrect, and it’s important to correct those on the record,” Temple said. “If we aren’t on the same page about the problems, we can’t begin to make real progress on the solutions.”
Temple pushed back on Landry’s claim that the state insurance commissioner lacks the authority needed to effectively regulate insurers.
“That simply isn’t the case,” Temple said. “Similar to 29 other states across the country, I have all the authority I need to deny a rate for being too high, and I exercise it.”
He detailed the process his office follows when insurers request rate increases. 
“When a company submits a rate filing or rate increase, our actuaries determine if it’s too high, we tell them to reduce it, or it will be denied,” Temple said. “Sometimes they reduce it, sometimes they withdraw the rate, but I don’t approve of rates that are too high. Period.”
Another point of contention: Landry’s suggestion that insurance companies are able to conceal critical information from the Department of Insurance. Temple also rejected that claim.
“Insurers must provide information to the Department upon my request, regardless of whether they have marked it confidential, they have to provide the information, and they do,” Temple said. “I have never had an issue obtaining the information requested and that I needed from an insurance company, and I request a lot of data from them.”
Temple said he welcomed Landry’s commitment to embracing data this session, but cautioned against cherry-picking statistics that support a political narrative.
“At a press conference yesterday, Governor Landry said that because auto insurers have lower loss ratios in Louisiana than they do in states like Texas and Florida, that means insurance [companies] make more money here than they do there. That also is incorrect,” Temple said. “Loss ratios can’t be substituted for profit.”
To support his point, Temple cited data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which he called “the gold standard for insurance data.” He pointed to a 10-year average of underwriting profits for auto insurers in Louisiana versus other states.
“If you look closely, as you can see, insurers have an annual loss of nearly 8% in Louisiana, which is about three times the national average and over twice Texas,” Temple said. “Commercial Auto Insurers do even worse. In Louisiana, they have averaged the loss of over 30% each year, which is five times the national average and over twice as much as Texas.”
Landry responded with a post on social media. 
“Commissioner Temple hosted a media spectacle telling citizens he has all the authority he needs to fix our insurance crisis. Well, why hasn’t anything been done?,” Landry wrote. “I’d remind him that we’re not elected by insurance companies or trial lawyers, but instead…by the people who entrusted us to fix this mess."
I look forward to the day when our Insurance Commissioner can get on board.”
In 2024, Gov. Jeff Landry blocked legislation tied to the “collateral source” rule—a legal principle that can affect how much money plaintiffs receive in court. The bill aimed to reduce how much trial attorneys could potentially collect in settlements.
Landry defended his veto on Wednesday, saying that the bill “did nothing to address the problem and took the rights away from those who are legitimately injured.”