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The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
6:24 a.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Medical.
8:05 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Theft.
8:14 a.m. 900 block of Palm Street; Suspicious person.
9:06 a.m. Youngs Road; Suspicious person.
10:29 a.m. 3200 block of Jenny Drive; Animal complaint.
11:14 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Juvenile.
11:19 a.m. 500 Lawrence Street; Animal complaint.
11:34 a.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Search warrant.
11:35 a.m. 900 block of Palm Street; Suspicious person.
11:49 a.m. 800 block of Clothilde Street; Burglary.
1:24 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Civil.
1:29 p.m. 1100 block of Sixth Street; Civil.
2:00 p.m. 700 block of Terrebonne Street; Suspicious person.
3:14 p.m. 1300 block of Second Street; Subject removal.
4:03 p.m. 400 block of Canton Street; Assistance.
4:05 p.m. La. 70; Animal complaint.
4:15 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Theft.
4:54 p.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Suspicious person.
5:11 p.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Civil.
6:03 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Complaint.
6:19 p.m. Karen Drive/Justa Street; Welfare check.
7:43 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Complaint.
8:15 p.m. Fifth/Duke streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:46 p.m. Everett/Seventh streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:27 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Medical.
9:36 p.m. 700 block of Second Street; Fire.
11:10 p.m. 1400 block of Second Street; Complaint.
11:20 p.m. Willard/Eighth streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:55 p.m. Fourth/Duke streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
1:24 a.m. 1400 block of Chestnut Drive; Complaint.
3:01 a.m. 300 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
4:05 a.m. Freret/Front streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
5:06 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
5:15 a.m. 1000 block of David Drive; Alarm.

With several hundred types of hibiscus, one could write a book on this plant alone — and many have done so. The name hibiscus gets its origins from the ancient Greek word “hibiskos,” which means marsh mallow or white mallow. Greek physician Dioscorides, who served in the Roman army, is credited with giving the plant this name.
Dioscorides wrote a five-volume Greek encyclopedia on herbal medicine titled “De materia medica,” which was read and followed for more than 1,000 years. So, as you can imagine, hibiscus has been used for medicinal reasons since the beginning of recorded history. Teas are made from hibiscus flower and can be found as a flavoring in common beverages.
Hibiscus is, of course, a member of the mallow family, which is made up of many species native to temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world, including North America. Some species are tropical and act as annuals in our climate while others are hardy and grow as herbaceous perennials. Many types grow as woody shrubs and, sometimes, small trees.One interesting fact on the Malvaceae, or mallow, family is that both cacao and cotton are members. These two plants are two of the most economically important crops globally. I personally could not do life without them. Okra also is a member. While okra may be of lesser economic importance, many of us in Louisiana use it as a key ingredient in one of our favorite dishes: gumbo (which, by the way, is a West African word meaning okra).
The mallows I really want to discuss are the beautiful flowering types, such as the hardy hibiscus or swamp rose mallow, tropical hibiscus, Turk’s cap and althea, also known as rose of Sharon. Tropical hibiscus is also called Chinese hibiscus. It’s native to tropical Asia and grows well in hardiness zones 9 to 11. Growing to an average height of 6 feet and width of 4 feet, it is widely used as a tropical blooming shrub in landscapes of the South.
As the name suggests, tropical hibiscus are not fully hardy unless in zone 10 to 11. They can be used as patio plantings and protected each winter. In the landscape, it will need to be protected in zones 8 to 9. What’s so great about this shrub is its glossy, deep green foliage and, of course, its large, showy, funnel-shaped flowers that come in single and double forms in every color combination you can imagine. So much breeding has gone into hibiscus, you might spend a lifetime trying to collect every type. Unfortunately, blooms only last one to two days at most. Some breeding and specialty hybrids can have longer-lasting blooms.
 Next is the hardy hibiscus, sometimes called swamp rose mallow, that is native to wetlands of Louisiana. There are many types of hardy hibiscus. This refers to it being winter hardy and being a warm-season deciduous perennial that returns each spring. Growing best in well-drained but moist soils, these grow upwards of 3 to 4 feet and 2 to 3 feet wide. They prefer full sun for the best flower production.
 Luna series hibiscus is a cultivated hardy hibiscus that is a Louisiana Super Plant. It comes in shades of pink, white, red, rose and a pink-and-white swirl.
Flowers are often referred to as “dinner plates” because they are large and flat. They make an excellent cut flower, even if for just one day.
 Althea, or rose of Sharon, is another great member of the mallow family. Sometimes spelled as althaea, this plant is a deciduous shrub growing to an average of 8 feet by 4 feet wide.
It is native to Europe but is widely distributed in the South, being an heirloom to many gardens. Aphrodite althea is also a Louisiana Super Plant selection.
It has light pink, ruffled petals with a dark red eye center. Flowering begins in early summer and continues throughout the fall. It makes a great accent plant for the landscape.
Growing upwards of 10 feet, these can used in the landscape like a small tree. Prune in late winter to encourage more blooms that form on new wood.
 Lastly, there is Turk’s cap, another member of the mallow family and another North American native that is widely grown in the southern United States. It is herbaceous perennial with semi-woody stems. Most common varieties produce striking red, twisted flowers that never fully unfurl.
Light pink varieties can also be found. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant, which produces red fruit in the fall. It is an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.

Minutes of July 23, 2024, Morgan City Council minutes
Click on this link to download a .pdf version of the minutes.
https://www.stmarynow.com/public-notices/july-23-2024-morgan-city-counci...

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
JULY 23, 2024
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, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, Bonnie Leonard and Louis J. Tamporello, Jr.
Absent: None
Also present were Mr. Charlie Solar, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer and Mr. Paul Landry, City Attorney.
The invocation was given by Reverend Justin Lee.
There was no Positive Image re- cipient for July.
Dwayne Barbier stated that Mr. Mike Ruffing had approached the Lake End Park Committee and the Recreation and Parks Commission about holding a Zydeco and Southern Soul Festival at the new pavilion on Lake End Parkway around the first week of June. A motion to approve the Zydeco and Southern Soul Festival as long as the date was good with Lake End Park was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mr. Hymel and voted unanimously in favor.
Patrick Haller with the Morgan City Firefighters Association re- quested permission to hold the annual boot drive to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association on August 30, 2024, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the intersection of Highway 90 and Highway 182 (copy on file). A motion to allow the Boot Drive was made by Mr. Domangue, seconded by Mr. Stephens, and vot-ed unanimously in favor. Mr. Haller also mentioned two new programs he has implemented during his time as the Fire Prevention Chief. He stated that there is now in place a home risk assessment. This would be an inspection of the home provided free of charge to educate citizens. He said the second program was a program in which he would work closely with the Police and Sheriff Departments as well as the school system to identify juveniles with a curiosity about setting fires. Studies have shown that when this program is implemented in communities, not only did the rate of fires go down, the rate of juvenile crime actually went down as well.
Mrs. Claire Giordano and Mrs. Carmen Freia addressed the council regarding an ongoing issue with a family plot. The plot was purchased in 1873 by their great grandfather. During the Covid epidemic, three people were erroneously buried in their family plot, and they wanted them mov-ed. Over the past two years many letters had been written to the City as well as numerous telephone conversations with City employees, and to date nothing had been done. After lengthy discussion, Mayor Dragna presented the family with State Statute RS 8:813 that allows for the correction of errors that may occur in connection with the operation of a cemetery. This statute allowed the City to make changes in order to correct any errors. He said that he would place the item on the August agenda and allow the Council to vote on a solution. City Attorney Paul Landry stated that he had talked to several City em- ployees about the issue and that an amicable resolution had been at- tempted. Mr. Ronnie Mire stated that said had they known a resolution would have taken so long, they would have come before the City Council earlier.
The minutes of the June 25, 2024 meeting were submitted. There be- ing no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Mrs. Leonard, seconded by Pastor Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Kristen Holcombe with Kolder, Slaven & Company gave the annual audit re- port for the City for the year ending December 31, 2023 (copy on file).
Mayor Dragna stated that a local donor, who he did not want to name at this time, had pledged a large sum of money to build a public swimming pool and half of that money had already been received. The new pool would be 25 meters and have 6 or 7 lanes, and would be suitable for all the needs of the residents.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending June 30, 2024.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: July 23, 2024
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended June 30, 2024.
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 June 30, 2024. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Revenues are just barely over budget by $19,498. In General Fund, sales taxes remain under budget by $21,625. Operating expenses are under budget by $707,042. The net loss of $1,517,430 is a positive variance of $726,540 as compared to the adopted budget.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues are increasingly under budget at $1,176,636. Electric Purchased Power adjustment revenues alone are under budget $1,215,000 which is a direct result of the Purchased Power Expense be- ing under budget $1,084,064. Overall, the utility operational ex- penses are under budget $1,323,870. The net income, after transfers, of $527,561 creates a positive variance compared to the budget of $204,156.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are $76,526 over budget, with total operating expenses under budget by $153,855. The net income, after transfers, of $188,429 leaves another positive variance of $268,641.
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.
Mrs. Kristen Holcombe with Kolder, Slaven & Co. gave the annual audit report for the City for the year ending December 31, 2023 (copy on file).
The next matter on the agenda was the finance committee recommendations. Councilman Hymel stated that the Finance Committee had met prior to the Council meeting. The Sewer Department was requesting $350,000 to complete the Sew-er Infrastructure Project. The monies would come from the Pollution Abatement fund; whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 24-28
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the following Finance Committee recommendations be and the same are hereby approved:
1. Allocate $350,000 from Pollution Abatement for continuing Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Project.
Mrs. Leonard seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Leonard, Bias, Domangue, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 23rd day of July, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The Condemnation and Demolition report was the next matter on the agenda. Mrs. Melanie Topham stated that the property at 1007 Birch Street was in disrepair. The owners had been contacted and had not responded. A motion to demolish the house at 1007 Birch Street was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mr. Domangue, and voted unanimously in favor.
The property owners of the house located at 2316 Cypress Street had been sent all notifications and had done nothing with the property. A motion to demolish 2316 Cypress Street was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
The last property was located ant 515 Terrebonne Street. Mrs. Top-ham said all notifications had been mailed and nothing had yet been done to the house. A motion to demolish the property located at 515 Terrebonne Street was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mrs. Leonard and voted unanimously in favor.
Mayor Dragna said that he forgot to mention in his Mayor’s report that there was an issue in the charter. Although we made changes earlier this year to the single-member districts, it was not worded in the charter correctly about residency. He stated that the issue would be addressed in the near future.
Mayor Dragna stated that a firm needed to be en- gaged to handle the engineering portion of the Gas Infrastructure and Modernization Grant. Request for Qualifications were sent out, and Charlie Solar, CAO, recommended we go with the firm of C. H. Fenstermaker; whereupon,
Mr. Tamporello offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 24-29
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will be undertaking a Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program Project, and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the firm of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications.
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, L.L.C. 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. Domangue seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Tamporello, Domangue, Bias, Hymel, Tam- porello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 23rd day of July, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The next matter on the agenda was the Ordinances. Mayor Dragna stated that the 2024 Millages needed to be re- adopted because of a publication error with the newspaper. He stated that the first ordinance would adopt the adjusted millage rates. The public hearing was open-ed on the Adoption of the Adjusted Millage Rates for the Tax Year 2024. No one appeared for or against said ordinance; whereupon,
This Ordinance introduced with first reading on June 25, 2024. Published by title on June 28, 2024.
Pastor Bias offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 24-08
AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE RATES OF TAX TO BE AS- SESSED BY THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, in regular session convened:
SECTION 1
That the tax roll of the City of Morgan City as prepared by the St. Mary Parish As- sessor, showing the assessed value of all property subject to taxation within the said City, on said roll, to amount to the sum of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT MILLION, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SIX and no/100 DOLLARS ($138,986,326.00) to be and the same is hereby ratified and approved by this body.
SECTION 2
That for the purpose of meeting the ordinary, municipal expenses of said City for the year 2024 there is hereby levied upon all property within said City, subject to taxation, an ad valorem tax of FIFTEEN AND EIGHTY-FIVE HUNDREDTHS (15.85) mills on the dollar, upon the assessed value of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT MILLION, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX and no/100 DOLLARS ($138,986,326.00).
SECTION 3
That for the purpose of paying the maintenance and other such expenses of the Municipal Auditorium for the year 2024, there is hereby levied a tax of ONE AND NINETY-SEVEN ONE HUNDREDTHS (1.97) mills on the dollar upon the assessed value of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT MILLION, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX and no/100 DOLLARS ($138,986,326.00).
SECTION 4
That the City Tax Collector of the City of Morgan City, Louisi¬ana, be and he is hereby authorized, em- powered, and directed to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of said City, according to law; that the taxes herein levied shall be a permanent lien and privilege on all of the property subject to taxation as herein set forth; and the collection hereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 5
That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict hereby be and the same are hereby repealed and this ordinance shall take effect upon its adoption, the public welfare so demanding.
Mrs. Leonard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Leonard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: None
Certified ap- proved and adopted this 23rd day of July, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Dragna at 8:20 AM, this 24th day of July, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Approved this 24th day of July, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
Received from Mayor Dragna at 8:30 AM on July 24, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Published: July 26, 2024
Mayor Dragna said the second ordinance would adopt the adjusted millage rates and roll forward to the maximum millage rates. Mrs. Deborah Garber, Fin-ance Director, stated that the in- crease in taxes from the roll forward would amount to a little over $34,000. Mayor Dragna opened the public hearing for the Setting Forth of the Adjusted Millage Rates and Rolling Forward to Millage Rates not to Exceed the Maximum Authorized Rates Ordinance. No one appeared for or against said ordinance; whereupon,
This Ordinance introduced with first reading on June 25, 2024. Published by title on June 28, 2024.
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 24-09
AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE RATES OF TAX TO BE AS- SESSED BY THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, in regular session convened:
SECTION 1
That the tax roll of the City of Morgan City as prepared by the St. Mary Parish As- sessor, showing the assessed value of all property subject to taxation within the said City, on said roll, to amount to the sum of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT MILLION, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SIX and no/100 DOLLARS ($138,986,326.00) to be and the same is hereby ratified and approved by this body.
SECTION 2
That for the purpose of meeting the ordinary, municipal expenses of said City for the year 2024 there is hereby levied upon all property within said City, subject to taxation, an ad valorem tax of SIXTEEN AND SEVEN ONE HUNDREDTHS (16.07) mills on the dollar, upon the assessed value of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT MILLION, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX and no/100 DOLLARS ($138,986,326.00).
SECTION 3
That for the purpose of paying the maintenance and other such expenses of the Municipal Auditorium for the year 2024, there is hereby levied a tax of TWO (2.0) mills on the dollar upon the assessed value of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT MILLION, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX and no/100 DOLLARS ($138,986,326.00).
SECTION 4
That the City Tax Collector of the City of Morgan City, Louisi¬ana, be and he is hereby authorized, em- powered, and directed to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of said City, according to law; that the taxes herein levied shall be a permanent lien and privilege on all of the property subject to taxation as herein set forth; and the collection hereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 5
That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict hereby be and the same are hereby repealed and this ordinance shall take effect upon its adoption, the public welfare so demanding.
Mrs. Leonard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Leonard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: None
Certified ap- proved and adopted this 23rd day of July, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Dragna at 8:20 AM, this 24th day of July, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Approved this 24th day of July, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
Received from Mayor Dragna at 8:30 AM on July 24, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Published:
July 26, 2024
The public hearing was opened for the rezoning of land. No one appeared for or against said ordinance; whereupon,
This Ordinance introduced with first reading on June 25, 2024. Published by title on June 28, 2024.
Mr. Tamporello offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 24-10
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL
ZONING
MAP OF THE
CITY.
SECTION 1
BE IT ORDAINED
by the City
Council, the governing
authority of
the City of Morgan
City, Louisiana,
that the official
Zoning Map of the
City is amended
and reenacted to
rezone and redesignate
the following
described property
from and to
the zoning districts
indicated;
the affected property
with its zoning
designation
being as shown on
the attached map,
which map constitutes
an amendment
to the existing
official zoning
map.
PROPERTY:
A 7.11-acre portion
of Parcel
#3314341069.00,
Subdivision Ward
11 Non-Subdivision
Section 7,
Township 16,
Range 16; specifically,
320.95’ along
Industry Road,
965.00’ bordered
by the entire
length of parcels
along the southern
side of Park Road,
320.95’ bordered
by timber land
( P a r c e l
#3314341015.00)
and 965.00’ bordered
by the
remaining parcel
along LA State
Highway 182
FROM: “C”
Commercial
TO: “R-5” Residential
SECTION 2
Should any section,
paragraph,
sentence, clause,
or phrase be
declared unconstitutional
or repealed
for any reason,
the remainder
of the ordinance
shall not be affected
hereby. That all
laws or parts of
laws in conflict
with this ordinance
be and the
same are hereby
repealed. This ordinance
shall take
effect immediately
after its passage
within the time
prescribed by law.
Pastor Bias seconded
the motion.
The vote thereon
was as follows:
AYES: Tamporello,
Bias, Domangue,
Hymel,
Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Certified approved
and adopted
this 23rd day of
July, 2024.
Delivered to
Mayor Dragna at
8:20 AM, this 24th
day of July, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Approved this
24th day of July,
2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
Received from
Mayor at 8:30 AM
on July, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Published:
July 26, 2024
The next matter
on the agenda was
the ordinance for
the purchase of the
Archives building.
The public hearing
was opened. No
one appeared for
or against said
ordinance; whereupon,
This ordinance
was introduced
with a first reading
on June 25,
2024. Published by
title on June 28,
2024.
Mrs. Leonard
offered the following
ordinance, who
moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 24-11
BE IT ORDAINED,
by the City
Council, the governing
body of the
City of Morgan
City, Louisiana, in
regular session
convened this 23rd
day of July, 2024,
that:
SECTION 1:
WHEREAS, the
City of Morgan
City (“City”) is a
duly authorized
municipality that
is responsible for
municipal operations
within the
territorial limits of
the City; and
WHEREAS, as
part of its operation
of city government,
the City
owns and operates
various properties;
and
WHEREAS, the
City is interested
in purchasing the
property located at
506 First Street
for use in municipal
operations.
SECTION 2:
NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED,
by the
City Council, the
governing authority
of Morgan City,
Louisiana that:
(1) The City
Council agrees to
purchase the property
at 506 First
Street, from Natchez
Morice, III,
for the price of
$300,000.00; and
(2) The Mayor is
hereby authorized
and directed to
execute any and
all documents necessary
to effectuate
the purchase of
506 First Street
from Natchez
Morice, III.
SECTION 3:
All laws or parts
of laws in conflict
with this ordinance
are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 4
Should any section,
paragraph,
sentence, clause,
or phrase be
declared unconstitutional
or repealed
for any reason,
the remainder
of the ordinance
shall not be affected
hereby. That all
laws or parts of
law in conflict with
this ordinance be
and the same are
repealed. This ordinance
shall take
effect immediately
after passage within
the time prescribed
by law.
Pastor Bias seconded
the motion.
The vote thereon
was as follows:
AYES: Leonard,
Bias, Domangue,
Hymel, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Certified approved
and adopted
this 23rd day of
July, 2024.
Delivered to
Mayor at 8:20 am,
this 24th day of
July, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Approved this
24th day of July,
2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
Received from
Mayor at 8:30 am
on July 24, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Published:
July 26, 2024
The Class “A”
Liquor and Beer
application for Kilpatrick
Hotels
Number Four, LLC
was the next matter
on the agenda.
A motion to approve
the application
was made by
Mr. Hymel, seconded
by Mrs.
Leonard, and voted
unanimously in
favor.
Mr. Tamporello
congratulated all
of the unopposed
candidates and
state that he hoped
he would be back
for the next term.
Mr. Hymel reminded
everyone
to watch the upcoming
Olympic
Games and look
for Vernon “Tootie”
Norwood. Pastor
Bias stated that
not only had Vernon
brought the
State of Louisiana
to the International
scene, he also
brought the City of
Morgan City to the
International spotlight.
Mrs. Bonnie
Leonard stated
that the final
agenda item was a
resolution of respect
for John T.
Johnson; whereupon,
Messrs. Bias,
Domangue, Hymel,
Leonard, and
Tamporello offered
the following Resolution,
who moved
for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 24-30
IN MEMORIAM
JOHN T.
JOHNSON
W H E R E A S ,
God, in his infinite
wisdom has taken
John T. “Johnny”
Johnson. from our
midst; and
W H E R E A S ,
Johnny was a
graduate of Baylor
Military in Chattanooga,
and is
listed as one of
their notable
alumni, and graduated
from the
University of Tennessee
before
going into the
United States
Army and serving
in Korea; and
W H E R E A S ,
Johnny began his
“water career” as a
lifeguard at the
Alcoa pool, diving
for coins at the
bottom, and joining
the UT swim
and dive team.
Although the university
did not
have a high diving
board, he defeated
Georgia Tech’s
high diver on their
high board; and
W H E R E A S ,
Johnny also played
first base and lettered
on the baseball
team in 1959
-1961; and
W H E R E A S ,
Johnny became a
commercial diver,
and in 1964, he
partnered with his
friend and fellow
diver, Mike
Hughes, to start
their own diving
company, World
Wide Divers, that
eventually evolved
into Oceaneering
International, one
of the world’s largest
subsea engineering
companies
with world headquarters
in Houston,
Texas; and
WHEREAS, he
received many
civic and industrial
awards during
his career, including
the John E.
Galletti, Jr. Memorial
Award in recognition
of significant
achievement
in the field of commercial
diving;
and
W H E R E A S ,
Johnny served as a
city councilman
from 1975 to 1983,
also serving as
Mayor Pro Tempore
from 1975 –
1979. He was honored
with the distinguished
Morgan
City Rotary Club
Rotarian of the
Year Award in
2009; and
W H E R E A S ,
Johnny served as
president of the
Morgan City Petroleum
Club,
Chairman of the
United Way for
South Louisiana,
and was a member
of numerous
boards including
The Great Smoky
Mountains Heritage
Center, The
Boys and Girls
Club of Knoxville,
and the University
of Tennessee
School of Music;
and
WHEREAS, he
is survived by his
devoted daughter,
Jennifer, and his
older brother, Dr.
George W. Johnson;
and
WHEREAS, he
was preceded in
death by his son,
John McTeer Johnson,
his wife, Jodie
McTeer Johnson,
and his parents,
Emma and Grace
Johnston; and
WHEREAS, the
Mayor and City
Council of Morgan
City wish to
acknowledge publicly
their sorrow
and sympathy to
the family of John
T. Johnson; and
WHEREAS, the
Mayor and City
Council of Morgan
City hope his family
will find comfort
in the thought that
their friends share
their grief and sorrow.
NOW THEREFORE
BE IT
RESOLVED, 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
RESOLVED,
etc., that this
resolution be
inscribed on a separate
page of the
official proceedings
of this meeting;
that a copy of
this resolution be
sent to his bereaved
family; and
that this meeting
adjourn out of
respect for the late
John T. Johnson
Messrs. Bias,
Domangue, Hymel,
Leonard, and
Tamporello seconded
the motion.
The vote thereon
was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Domangue,
Hymel,
Leonard, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution
was therefore declared
approved
and adopted this
23rd day of July,
2024.
/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. Aug. 7, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT
FOR
BIDS
Sealed bids will
be received on
Wednesday, September
4, 2024,
by the Morgan
City Harbor and
Terminal District
(MCHTD), at the
District’s 7327
Highway 182 1st
Floor Media
Room, in Morgan
City, Louisiana
until 12:00 P.M,
and MCHTD shall
at that time and
place publically
open the bids and
read them aloud.
ANY PERSON
R E Q U I R I N G
S P E C I A L
ACCOMMODATIONS
SHALL
NOTIFY FACILITY
PLANNING
AND CONTROL
OF THE TYPE(S)
OF ACCOMMODATION
REQUIRED
NOT
LESS THAN
SEVEN (7) DAYS
BEFORE THE
BID OPENING.
FOR: Dock
Expansion – Bulkheading,
State
Drydock Repairs
& Related Dredging
Mr. Brett Drydock
Repair at
Bollinger Morgan
City
P R O J E C T
N U M B E R :
36-P15-23-01
Complete Bid
Documents may
be obtained from:
GIS Engineering
LLC
197 Elysian Dr.,
Houma, Louisiana,
70363
985-219-1000
Ann Schouest
bidquestions@
gisy.com
upon deposit of
$125.00 for each
set of documents.
Deposit on the
first set is fully
refundable to all
Prime Bidders
upon return of the
documents, in
good condition, no
later than ten (10)
days after receipt
of bids. Fifty percent
of the deposit
of all other sets
of documents will
be refunded upon
return of documents
as stated
above.
All bids shall be
accompanied by
bid security in an
amount of five
percent (5.0%) of
the sum of the
base bid and all
alternates. The
form of this security
shall be as
stated in the
Instructions to
Bidders included
in the Bid Documents
for this
project.
The successful
Bidder shall be
required to furnish
a Performance
and Payment
Bond written
as described
in the Instructions
to Bidders
included in the
Bid Documents
for this project.
A PRE-BID
CONFERENCE
WILL BE HELD
at 10:00 AM on
Friday, August
16, 2024 at the
Morgan City
Harbor and
Terminal District
(MCHTD),
at the District’s
7327 Highway
182 1st Floor
Media Room, in
Morgan City,
Louisiana.
Bids shall be
accepted from
Contractors who
are licensed under
LA. R.S. 37:2150-
2192 for the classification
of Painting,
Coating, and
Blasting. Bidder
is required to comply
with provisions
and requirements
of LA R.S.
38:2212(B)(5). No
bid may be withdrawn
for a period
of forty-five (45)
days after receipt
of bids, except
under the provisions
of LA. R.S.
38:2214.
The Owner
reserves the right
to reject any and
all bids for just
cause. In accordance
with La.
R.S. 38:2212(B)
(1), the provisions
and requirements
of this Section;
and those stated
in the bidding documents
shall not
be waived by any
entity.
Bid documents
are posted on
http://www.centralauctionhouse.
com. To view
these, download,
and receive bid
notices by e-mail,
you must register
with Central Auction
House (CAH).
Vendors/Contractors
have the
option to submit
their bids electronically
or by
paper copy. For
information about
the electronic submittal
process,
contact Ted Fleming
with Central
Auction House at
1-866-570-9620.
Each bid shall
be either hand
delivered by the
bidder or his
agent, or such bid
shall be sent by
United States
Postal Service registered
or certified
mail with a
return receipt requested,
or shall
be submitted electronically
with
Central Auction
House (CAH).
Bids shall not be
accepted or taken,
including receiving
any hand
delivered bids, on
days which are
recognized as holidays
by the United
States Postal
Service.
The mailing
address for bids
is:
Port of Morgan
City Admin Office
7327 Highway
182
Morgan City,
Louisiana 70381
No bid received
after the scheduled
time for
opening will be
considered. Failure
of the U.S.
Mail to deliver the
bids timely shall
not be considered
due cause for the
scheduled time of
the bid opening to
be extended.
Bids must be
submitted on the
Louisiana Uniform
Public Works
Bid Form furnished
with the
Bidding Documents.
A single
set of Bidding
Documents shall
be issued at the
cost of reproduction
to contractors
who are licensed
by the Licensing
Board of Contractors.
Adv. Aug. 7, 14
and 21, 2024

mmm

Notice to
Bidders
The Town of Berwick, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, acting through its Mayor, Duval H. Arthur, Jr., will receive sealed bids for “State Project No. H.014709 - Country Club Estates Drainage Improvements” which consists of storm drainage improvements along Hogan, Palmer, Hebert, Jones and Snead Streets within the Country Club Estates Subdivision, at Town Hall, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, Louisiana 70342, until August 28, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., local time, at which time and place, they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids re- ceived after the time set forth above for opening of bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened.
The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid Proposal, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications and other pertinent documents may be examined at the following locations:
•Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc., 601 Main Street, Franklin, Louisiana.
•Town Hall, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, Louisiana.
Copies of Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the office of Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. upon receipt of $250.00 for each set during normal business hours (7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday – Thursday and 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday). In accordance with La. R.S. 38.2212.D, deposits on the first set of documents furnished bona fide prime bidders will be fully refunded up- on return of the documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. On other sets of documents furnished to bidders, the deposit less the actual cost of reproduction shall be re- funded upon re- turn of the documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. Refunds will be made upon return of the documents unmarked and in good condition if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212.1-(B)(4)(a), electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at (225) 810-4814.
There will be no pre-bid conference for this project. Bidders are re- sponsible for making site visitations in preparation of their bids.
To qualify to bid, each bidder shall be a properly licensed Contractor in accordance with La. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of HIGHWAY, STREET & BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION or HEAVY CONSTRUCTION or related classification. Contractors desiring to bid shall submit evidence that they hold a license of proper classification that is effective at the time the bidding documents are requested.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
A bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-eight (48) hours of the bid opening, ex- cluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as governed by La. R.S. 38:2214.C.
Any questions or clarifications shall be submitted to the Project Engineer in writing a minimum of five (5) days prior to the bid opening date. Addenda will be issued to all prospective bidders a minimum of 72 hours prior to the bid opening date. Only information provided within written addenda issued by the Project Engineer shall be considered binding.
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the Town of Berwick no later than seven (7) days prior to the bid opening.
/s/ Duval H. Arthur, Jr.
Mayor,
Town of Berwick
Adv. July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
SECTION
00 11 13
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The St. Mary Parish School Board, acting through its President, Alaina L. Black, will receive sealed bids for the Track and Field Improvements at Franklin Senior, Patterson & Berwick High School project, which consists of synthetic track & field event surfacing and related items, at the St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office Complex, 474 LA Highway 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522, until August 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. local time, at which time and place, they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after the time set forth above for opening of bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened.
The Contract Documents (Plans, Information for Bidders, Bid Form, Specifications and other pertinent documents) may be examined at the following locations:
•Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. – 601 Main Street; Franklin, Louisiana 70538
•St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office – 474 LA Highway 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522
Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from the office of Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. upon receipt of $60.00 for each set during normal business hours (7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday – Thursday and 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday). Checks for Bidding Documents shall be made payable to “Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc.”. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 A (1) (e), deposits on the first set of documents furnished bona fide prime bidders will be fully refunded up- on return of the documents, deposits on any additional sets will be refunded less the actual cost of reproduction. Re- funds will be made upon return of the documents un- marked and in good condition if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com. Electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at (225) 810-4814.
There will be no pre-bid conference for this project. Bidders are re- sponsible for making site visitations in preparation of their bids.
To qualify to bid, each bidder shall be a properly licensed Contractor in accordance with La. R.S. 37:2150 – 2163 for the classification of BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. Contractors desiring to bid shall submit evidence that they hold license of proper classification that is effective at the time the bidding documents are requested.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
A bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-eight (48) hours of the bid opening, ex- cluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as governed by La. R.S. 38:2214 (C).
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office no later than seven (7) days prior to the bid opening.
/s/ Alaina L. Black
Alaina L. Black,
President
St. Mary Parish School Board
Adv. July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
Advertisement for sale of surplus bus
The St. Mary Parish School Board Maintenance Department will hold a Silent Auction for Surplus Bus on August 28, 2024, at 10:00 am. The bus to be sold “AS IS”. The bus can be seen in the parking lot at the Jaquet Building located at 600 Fig Street, Morgan City, La. 70380. Viewing of surplus bus will be available to the public on June 31, 2024, through August 28, 2024. Viewing hours are between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm Monday through Friday during normal operation hours.
The Silent Auction, bid information and bid sheets will be located at the St. Mary Parish School Board Maintenance Of- fice located at 474 Highway 317 Centerville La. 70522. Closing of the Silent Auction will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday August 28, 2024, in the St. Mary Parish School Board Maintenance Of- fice. Sales or subject to Board ap- proval on Thursday, September 12, 2023, at 5:300 pm.
Adv. July 31, Aug. 7 and 21, 2024

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After nearly 2½ decades in elected office, including five consecutive terms as Louisiana’s agriculture and forestry commissioner, Mike Strain is hitting his stride politically and carving out new policy niches.
A veterinarian by trade (just like his wife), Strain has an eyebrow-raising $781,000 in his finance account.
That’s a high-water mark for his campaign, and a personal accomplishment for the commissioner.
Strain hasn’t moved numbers around like that since 2007, when he mounted a surprise ouster of late Ag Commissioner Bob Odom, a controversial figure who was among Louisiana’s most powerful in the 1980s and 1990s.
At the time, Odom was sitting on a campaign kitty that would have been worth $848,000 today, but Strain’s underdog bid overcame the financial disadvantage to trail Odom by just 10,700 votes in the primary.
A shrewd politician, Odom saw Strain’s work ethic and likability coming from a mile away — so Odom dropped out of the race before a runoff could hand him an actual defeat.
Odom was Louisiana’s longest-serving commissioner, with 28 years at the helm, whereas Strain is in his 17th year on the job. These days, Strain is commanding a rate of $500 per couple for his 15th annual Fall Ball at the Old State Capitol.
Held annually in October, the posh cocktail party has become a calendar staple for those in Louisiana’s political scene, with “premier sponsorships” available for $5,000.
Yet the politics, as controlled as they’ve become for Strain at age 64, are just a means to working on his passions. In fact, when he’s away from the office, where he oversees apiary permits for honey producers and year-round corn inspections, Strain spends his personal time scraping wax from bee frames on his family farm and tending to cornfields alongside his brother.
One day he’s wearing denim overalls. The next he’s in a suit making the argument that agriculture is the world’s greatest form of diplomacy.
While the latter may sound lofty, Strain has tested the theory in a series of trips to Cuba this year.
Back home in the Bayou State, Strain is also asking big, important questions about property rights, growing frustrated over federal funding opportunities and beginning to craft his agenda for the 2025 regular session.
Strain’s first visit to the Republic of Cuba was in 2016, when President Barack Obama, representing American interests, started thawing relations between the two Cold War adversaries. While political rancor remains, Strain saw — and still sees — an exciting new market for Louisiana products.
Strain finally made his return In February, when he was part of a small group that met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
A couple months later, Strain traveled again to the island country for a U.S.-Cuba agriculture conference. 
His timing was impeccable.
This past spring, the State Department categorized Cuba as a “cooperating” country in America’s war against terrorism.
That allowed Cuban businesses to access our banks and e-commerce — more baby steps toward normalizing relations. 
“Our exporters got some very good leads,” Strain told LaPolitics in an interview this week. “We’re there to sell them food.”
Strain said there are probably 400,000 individual farmers in Cuba now, and most agricultural land there is either privately owned or leased to private entities.
The United States, meanwhile, exports $300 million in goods to Cuba annually, mostly in rice and poultry, with roughly one-third to one-half originating from Louisiana. Over the next two years, Strain predicted U.S. exports will balloon to $1.6 billion.
Before the embargo, more than 60% of goods to and from Cuba came through the Port of New Orleans, he added, so Louisiana has the infrastructure.
long with food, Cuban officials are interested in seeds, fertilizer and farming expertise, creating new demands for American supplies that Louisiana can fulfill.
“If we are not there, other countries will be there,” Strain said. “It’s in our hemisphere. It’s our business.”
Strain has also been involved in conversations about foreign influence closer to home.
For example, Cuba is one of the “foreign adversaries” barred from owning agricultural land in Louisiana under HB 238, which Strain helped pass during this year’s regular session.
Other countries on the list are China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela. 
Strain said the new law was mainly aimed at Syngenta, a Chinese-owned Swiss firm that operates a manufacturing plant in St. Gabriel. Critics didn’t want the outfit acquiring more land here. 
“[Property] rights can be abridged, but it takes a very high mark under the Constitution,” Strain said.
“You have to look at the collective integrity and safety of the nation.”
As the global economy becomes more global, and Louisiana mainstays like the energy industry evolve, Strain worries about fertile agricultural land being taken out of production by solar farms.
He would prefer to see such developments replaces less-productive land, or for projects that adopt multi-use strategies.
“The world is consuming more food than it’s producing,” Strain said. “Every acre is precious.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.