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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE
PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
JANUARY 14, 2026
FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
6:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Mathews and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Ina.
Nominations were opened for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Council for the year 2026.
Mr. Davis moved to nominate Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo for Chairperson of the Council. Mr. Duhon seconded the motion.
Mr. Rulf moved to nominate Dean Adams for Chairperson of the Council. Dr. Rink seconded the mo- tion.
Nominations for Chairperson were closed.
Voting to elect Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo for Chairperson were Rev. Mathews, Mr. Ina, Mr. Olander, Mr. Hill, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Davis, Mr. Du- hon, and Mrs. Hi- dalgo.
Voting to elect Mr. Adams for Chairperson were Mr. Rulf, Mr. Adams, and Dr. Rink.
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo was elected Chairperson of the Council for the year 2026.
Mr. Adams mov-ed to nominate Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. as Vice Chairperson of the Council for the year 2026. Mr. Rulf seconded the motion.
Mr. Hill moved to nominate Dean Adams as Vice Chairperson of the Council for the year 2026. Mr. Adams declined the nomination.
Nominations for Vice Chairperson were closed.
Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. was elected Vice Chairperson of the Council for the year 2026.
Mrs. Hidalgo moved up Item 15B, “Resolution of respect in memory of Lt. Colonel Dale H. Hayes, Sr.”
Mr. Hebert moved that the following Resolution be adopted. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION OF RESPECT
WHEREAS, the Lord Almighty in His Infinite mercy and goodness has seen fit to remove from our midst, Lt. Colonel Dale H. Hayes; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Hayes was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Hayes en- listed in Company “B” of the National Guard and later enlisted as a U.S. Army Private, attended Officer Candidate School, served for 24 years and rose to the grade of Lt. Colonel serving overseas for nine years, fought in two wars, including Korea and Vietnam, and held high level Executive and Command positions in Europe, the Far East, Vietnam, and the Pentagon; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Hayes received the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars of Valor, and eighteen other awards and decorations; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Hayes re- tired from the U.S. Army and attended Law School at the age of 42, earn-ed a B.A. Degree from Nicholls State University, a Juris Doctor De- gree from Loyola University, and was a practicing Attorney in Morgan City for 43 years, serving as the City’s Attorney for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, the hardships of living during the Great Depression and the ravages of war forged a strong, confident resiliency in his character that was truly fearless. He was a lifelong Catholic that faithfully attended Holy Mass and served as a reader, was a board member for Central Catholic High School, loved to host Sunday dinner grilling steaks, dance the jitterbug, and was an avid runner; and
WHEREAS, the members of the St. Mary Parish Council wish to ac- knowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Colonel Hayes; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council hopes 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 St. Mary Parish Council through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deli- berate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and un- derstanding dur-ing this time of grief.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Paul Rappmundt, Chairperson of Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A, appeared be- fore the Council to give an update on the District.
In response to Mr. Duhon’s inquiry relative to generator updates for Amelia, Mr. Rappmundt stated that conversations were had with the State regarding the grant. He stated that the issue is gaining access/right of way to the generators that support the electric pumps in case of a power failure. He stated that the generators must be installed permanently and that Miller Engineer is supposed to go out with a board member and make assessments.
Mr. Duhon stated that he can contact Senator Robert Allain tomorrow to see if he can meet with the Louisiana State De- partment of Transportation.
In response to Mr. Duhon’s inquiry, Mr. Rappmundt stated that the previous board used a skater system that costed approximately $400 a year. He stated that the equipment is still there but that board cancelled the service. He ex- plained that it is a monitoring system that you can access from their website to monitor equipment. It shows level in tanks, water towers, sew-er systems, drainage systems, temperature of pumps, documentation of what is going on, and cuts down on labor costs. He further stated that he will contact the company to see if they can turn the system on to see if it is compatible with Pump Station No. 9 and if anything needs re- placement.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the December 17, 2025 meeting be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. He- bert seconded the motion, which carried.
Chad Ross, Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 Chairperson appeared before the Council to discuss Item 17G, “Dr. Rink to re- quest an allocation of $500,000 from Wards 5 & 8 Sales Tax Fund for Drainage and Sew-er System Im- provements in the Bayou Vista area.”
Mr. Ross ex- pounded on a recent town hall meeting that was held in Bayou Vista and he submitted a Capital Outlay Request packet relative to the installation of an additional pump at Bertrand- Vining Pump Station Project.
After discussion, Mr. Ross requested that the Council table this item to be able to obtain updated costs estimates tied to drainage projects since 2022. He stated he does not want to mislead anyone on what the money would actually cover. He stated that two (2) projects are al- ready engineered and ready to move forward but outdated estimates and changes in state law regarding capital outlay applications have slowed the process.
Dr. Rink stated that the purpose is to ensure funds are ear marked in that category of projects and allocated in that particular budget item. Mr. Rulf stated that it is important to make sure the funds are allocated for the use of that project.
Per Mr. Hill’s inquiry relative to the match money, Chief Administrative Officer, Paul Governale stated there were two (2) allocations. One for the Bertrand- Vining Pump Station and one for the culvert project under the highway. The original match amount for both is approximately $300,000, which are old numbers.
In response to Mr. Governale’s in- quiry, Mr. Ross stated that the district has a small amount of funds available to use towards the match money. Mr. Ross also expounded on the DOTD Program.
In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, Mr. Ross stated that he should have a more accurate cost of what is needed in matching funds for these projects in a few weeks. He ex- pounded on the Mission Monitors System the district uses to monitor pumps, monitor levels, and temperature from a cell phone. He also stated that the litigation settlement funds have been received.
Mr. Hill suggested to move up Item 17G, “Dr. Rink to request an allocation of $500,000 from Wards 5 & 8 Sales Tax Fund for Drainage and Sew-er System Im- provements in the Bayou Vista area.” Mrs. Hidalgo stated that there are more guests that signed in to speak.
Rev. Mathews stated that there seems to be a fear of loss that the $500,000 will disappear or be allocated for something else and that there has been a lot of misinformation regarding this project.
Corrie Uze, St. Mary Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator ap- peared before the Council to discuss the funding re- quest of $6,000.00.” She informed that there are approximately 100 participants in the shooting sports program that come from the public school system, charter school, private schools, and home schools. She in- formed that they do receive some funding from the LSU Ag Center and expounded on equipment cost, sponsorships, and fund raisers. She stated that the St. Mary Parish School Board does not fund this program because the charter school, private schools, and homeschools are not part of the public school system.
Several Council Members suggested the School Board fund a percentage for the public school students only or have 4-H create a cooperative endeavor agreement with the recreation districts throughout the Parish to allocate recreation funds for equipment.
In response to Mr. Olander’s in- quiry, Mr. Governale stated that the Parish cannot afford any additional expenses at this time.
Andree’ Hebert, Bayou Vista resident, appeared be- fore the Council with concerns re- garding the removal of the $500,000 from the budget. She expounded on research and an- swers she has gotten regarding this and asked the Council to not table this item. She discussed reasons this allocation needs to be made.
Lindsey Anslum, Bayou Vista resident, appeared before the Council to discuss separate checking accounts for future sales tax funds. She stated that this is a great idea to manage dollars, eliminate risks by showing funds are never comingled, align how funds are legally restricted, improve transparency, simplify audits and oversites, and show how much revenue each district generates.
In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, Mr. Governale explained how the Parish re- ceives funding and stated that money is accounted for in separate funds and stated that it is not being misspent. He stated that separating the money into separate checking accounts will create internal problems. He explained that there is one (1) cash account and that the best time to reapproach this request is when revenues increase.
Per Mr. Hill’s inquiry relative to the total combined monthly revenue collected by the Parish, Mr. Governale stated that it ranges from $25,000-$32,000 for Wards 5 & 8 and $36,000-$50,000 for Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, & 10 3/10 % Sales Tax Fund.
Mr. Adams stated that the only unincorporated area that receives 100% of the money is Amelia because that is the way the Councilman for that district set it up at the time. Mr. Duhon stated that Amelia’s goes to the Recreation District then was supposed to go to Capital Outlay in Amelia but was shut down for a couple of years until he was elected. He stated that half the millage was lost when PHI ( Petroleum Helicopter, Inc.) closed and left Amelia. He also stated that the Royalty Road Funds went from $8 million to half a million dollars a year.
Beverly Domen-geaux, Executive Director of Council on Aging, appeared before the Council to discuss the resolution requesting municipalities to help fund programs for St. Mary Community Action Agency. She suggested that the Council request the municipalities to help fund all nongovernmental entities within the parish.
Parish President, Sam Jones informed that the State has allocated $500,000 to renovate the old Franklin Foundation Hospital to accommodate 58-72 rooms for senior living using a special state fund.
Mrs. Domen-geaux stated that she is on the board to renovate the old Franklin Foundation Hospital and that 62 apartments will be available for senior citizens at a special rate.
As per President Jones’ request, Evan Boudreaux, Director of Economic Development informed of 700 new jobs and new businesses coming to the Parish. He also in- formed that the Parish broke a record for Capital Investments last year. He stated that the top priority is housing development and quality of life amenities.
In response to Mr. Ina’s inquiry relative to Kumho Tire Distribution Center, Mr. Boudreaux stated that it is still prospect for St. Mary Parish. He also stated that infrastructure is critical in developing businesses and housing.
Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale, submitted his re- port for a three (3) week period, ending January 14, 2026. He also submitted a report from Tim Matte, St. Mary Parish Levee District Director, on the status of TE-168, Pump Station No. 4, Pump Station No. 9, Pump Station No. 8, and Pump Station No. 6.
Per Mr. Ina’s in- quiry relative to the status of the Compensation Study, Mr. Governale stated that it was halted due to funding but received confirmation that all three projects will be funded and should be completed by May of 2026.
Rev. Mathews informed that he has been having an ongoing conversation with Fire Protection District No. 11, Chief Clarence Clark, and that a letter of funding needs to be sent to the State for the construction of the new fire station. Mr. Governale stated that our Purchasing Agent, Gary He- bert spoke with the State today and has sent a copy of our budget and will submit anything else that is needed. Mr. Governale requested Rev. Mathews forward the draft letter to him so that he can help.
Mrs. Hidalgo re- minded the Council to only discuss agenda items or the CAO’s report. Legal Counsel, Morgan Guillory Bodin reminded the Council to follow the open meetings law.
In response to Rev. Mathews’ in- quiry, Lisa Morgan stated that the Council can submit items for discussion to her to place on the agenda. She also said that questions or discussions should be limited to agenda items and Mr. Governale’s report. Mrs. Hidalgo stated that it is listed in the ordinance that the Council adopted.
Mr. Governale stated that he is available to an- swer questions or concerns at any time via phone call or email.
Planning & Zoning Director, Mandi LeBlanc, presented the following items as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their December 15, 2025 Regular Meeting.
a. Recommend Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development Approval
Name: Timothy Raphael
11165 Peaks Ave., Walker, LA 70785
Address: N/A
Parcel Id # 1874924064.00 & 1874924093.00
1874924064.00 - 9.38 Ac Por tract being lot 5B Jules O Bodin Est part being Por lot 5 Sec 2 T14S R8E Acq 438 340653 & 1874924093.00 - 2.46 Ac Por tract being lot 5B Jules O Bodin Est part Acq 438 340653
Zoned: Agricultural (AG) Zoned District
Purpose: as shown on a plat titled “Map Showing Resubdivision of Lot 5B of The Jules O. Bodin Estate into Lots 5B-1 and 5B-2 located in Section 02, T14S-R8E, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana for Thomas A Raphael and Timothy C. Raphael” as drawn by Alvin Fairburn & Associates, LLC. Consulting Engineers - Land Surveyors Land Development Consultants – Project Designers, dated August 12, 2025.
Contingent up- on: approval of a conditional variance that deviates from Chapter 3, Sec. 3.7.1 (E) (Fire Hydrants) excluding future commercial development.
Mrs. LeBlanc in- formed that the landowner has re- quested the Council to table this item.
Mr. Adams mov-ed to table this item to a time un- certain. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
b. Recommend Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development Approval
Name: Chester Verret III
10814 Hwy. 87, Jeanerette, LA 70544
Address: 10838 Hwy 87, Jeanerette, LA
Parcel Id # 1875084104.00 & 1875084103.00;
1875084104.00. 6.27 AC Por No. 1 Sorrel Pltn Subd being Por 6.67 AC Tract Z-Y-CC-AA-Z Per Plat 379 331686 Acq 379 331688 and 10814 Hwy 87, Jeanerette, LA-Sec.56 T13S R8E & 1875084103.00 0.40 AC Por No. 2 Sorrel Pltn Subd being Por 6.67 AC Tract Z-Y-Cc-AA-Z per Plat 379 331686 Acq 379 331688
Zoned: Agricultural (AG) Zoned District
PURPOSE: as shown on a plat titled “Showing Property Boundary Survey and Partition of Tract “Z-Y-CC-AA-Z” belonging to Chester Joseph Verret III and Billie Jo Robicheaux Verret Said property is situated in Section 56, T13S-R8E, Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana” as drawn by S. J. Langlinais & Associates, Inc. Consulting Engineers - Land Surveyors, dated October 23, 2025.
Dr. Rink recommends Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development Approval for Chester Verret. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
c. Recommend Specific Use
Name: Bryan Rock
Address: 136 Mercury Rd., Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 2984301055.00 – Lot 12-L Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Ac.q 136 297169
Currently Zon-ed: Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: to allow for Livestock (chickens and a rooster) in an Existing
Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District.
Mrs. LeBlanc ex- plained that the Planning & Zoning Department received a complaint regarding the chickens and a rooster. She informed that chickens and roosters are only allowed in agricultural or conservation zoned districts. However, a specific use re- quest could be granted to allow it.
After discussion, Mr. Hebert recommends a Specific Use Approval for Bryan Rock to allow for chickens and a rooster. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried. Mr. Adams abstained. Mrs. Hidalgo voted no.
Several Council Members discussed reviewing the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding chickens, roosters, and other items. Mr. Hebert stated that he is reviewing the UDC and will suggest several items for possible change. He suggested creating a committee to revise the UDC.
d. Recommend Specific Use
Name: Wilson Ferguson, Jr.
Address: 1909 Chatsworth Rd., Franklin, LA
Parcel Id# 2204701237.00 & 2204701236.00;
2204701237.00 - Lot Por No 10-D Diane Luke Nugent Et Al Part Per Plat 27H 206574 DWG No 6356-1 Situated In Sec 62 T14S R9E Acq 341 325811 & 2204701236.00 - Lot Por No 10-D Diane Luke Nugent Et Al Part Per Plat 27H 206574 DWG No 6356-1 Situated In Sec 2 T14S R9E Acq 344 326296.
Currently Zon-ed: Agricultural (AG) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: to allow for a church in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District.
Mrs. LeBlanc stated that a neighbor attended the Planning & Zoning meeting in opposition and submitted a petition of 37 signatures in opposition to allow a church at 1090 Chatsworth Road, an Agricultural Zoned District.
In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, Mrs. LeBlanc stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission ap- proved this item. Several Council Members stated they also received calls in opposition.
After discussion, Mr. Hebert moved to table this item to the January 28, 2026 meeting pending further information. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried. Rev. Mat-hews voted no.
Dr. Rink moved that the Public Hearing Report, December 17, 2025 – 5:45 p.m. be adopted. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
Mr. Hebert re- ported on a recent meeting he attended with LITACorp (Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation), an organization that helps obtain funding. They discussed the Wards 5 & 8 Sewer District obtaining grant funding. He stated that a meeting will be held this coming week to discuss Wards 5 & 8 issues and that he will update that meeting.
Mr. Duhon stated that Senator Robert Allain in- formed him that the Bayou Ramos Bridge will be open soon.
Mr. Olander moved to introduce the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE
NO.
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Bryan Rock
Address: 136 Mercury Rd., Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 2984301055.00 – Lot 12-L Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Acq 136 297169
Currently Zon-ed: \Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: to allow for Livestock (chickens and a rooster) in an Existing
Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District.
Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan stated that Item 13B, “FOR INTRODUCTION - An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use. (Wilson Ferguson, Jr.),” cannot be in- troduced because the Specific Use Request was tabled earlier.
Mr. Hebert mov-ed to introduce the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE
NO.
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2410
Section 4 Adding Council Members to speaking time limitations
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
Mr. Ina moved that the following Ordinance be adopted. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Du- hon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, and Mat-hews
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ORDINANCE
NO. 2421
AN ORDINANCE CALLING AN ELECTION IN ST. MARY PARISH TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS THE PROPOSED AMENDED HOME RULE CHARTER AS SUBMITTED BY THE ST. MARY PARISH HOME RULE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 33:1395.1 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2371
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
EXHIBIT “A”
HOME RULE CHARTER
FOR
ST. MARY
PARISH
Prepared by the
St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission
February 1983
Entry No. 6577 Recorded in Incorporation Book 34 at Folio 127 January 9, 1984
Amendments to Charter
November 5, 2002 (Election Date)
Resolution Canvassing Returns Recorded in Mortgage Book No. 933
Entry No. 254,333 Page No. 543
Ordinance No. 1524 –
Section 2 – 12
Recorded in Conveyance Book No. 45-N Entry
No. 279,509
Page No. 347
Ordinance
No. 1525 –
Section 2 – 13
Recorded in Conveyance Book No. 45-N Entry No. 279,510
Page No. 349
Ordinance No. 1526 –
Section 5 – 02
Recorded in Conveyance Book 45-N Entry No. 279,511
Page No. 352
Ordinance No. 1543 –
Section 5 – 03
Recorded in Conveyance Book 45-N Entry No. 279,512
Page No. 354
November 4, 2014 (Election Date)
Resolution Canvassing Returns Recorded in
Mortgage Book No. 1420
Entry No. 327,091 Page No. 499
Ordinance No. 1970 –
Section 2 – 01
Recorded in Conveyance Book 306 Entry No. 320,645 Page No. 772
February 9, 1983
PREFACE
We, the members of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, respectfully present to you and to the citizens of St. Mary Parish a proposed home rule charter for our Parish government. The proposed charter was drafted under the authority of Article VI, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and LSA-R. S. 33:1395, as amended and the Police Jury is hereby requested to call the necessary referendum concerning adoption as provided by law.
We would hope that all actions and decisions of the commission have reflected the great responsibility placed in us by the Police Jury. We also would like to thank all persons who have participated to any extent in the preparation of the proposed charter. We especially want to ex- press appreciation to the Public Affairs Research Council for the technical assistance rendered in the preparation of this charter.
St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission
William Bigler, Chairman
Allen McElroy, Jr., Vice Chairman
Dale Hayes, Secretary
Earl Hebert, Treasurer
Wendell Bogan
Clara Bray
Cosimo Cremaldi
Edna Delhaye
Greg Hamer
W. J. Robicheaux
Roland Verret
November 20, 2025
2026
REVISIONS
We, the members of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, Commission present to the council and the citizens of St. Mary Parish, a proposed revision to the Home Rule Charter. The proposed charter was drafted under the authority of Article VI, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and LSA-R. S. 33:1395, as amended and the Council is hereby requested to call the necessary referendum concerning adoption as provided by law.
St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission
Betty Cheramie Hicks, Chairman
Edward Leonard, Jr., Vice Chairman
Kenneth Perry, Jr., Secretary
Clarence Vappie
Dr. Gary Wiltz
John Higdon
Jeremy Chesteen
John Armato
John Trevino, Jr.
Barry Dufrene
Norbert Wanous
Table of
Contents
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT, BOUNDARIES, POWERS. 8
Section 1-01. Home Rule Charter. 8
Section 1-02. Form of Government. 8
Section 1-03. Boundaries. 8
Section 1-04. General Powers. 8
Section 1-05. Special Powers. 9
Section 1-06. Joint Service Agreements. 9
Section 1-07. Definition of Parish. 9
ARTICLE II. PARISH COUNCIL. 9
Section 2-01. Composition, Qualifications and Election. 9
Section 2-02. Reapportionment. 9
Section 2-03. Forfeiture of Office. 10
Section 2-04. Vacancies and Disability. 10
Section 2-05. Compensation. 10
Section 2-06. Prohibitions. 11
Section 2-07. Council Meetings and Rules. 11
Section 2-08. Investigations. 12
Section 2-09. Independent Audit. 12
Section 2-10. Clerk of the Council. 12
Section 2-11. Action Requiring an Ordinance. 12
Section 2-12. Ordinances in General. 13
Section 2-13. Submission of Ordinances to the President. 14
Section 2-14. Emergency Ordinances. 14
Section 2-15. Codes of Technical Regulations. 15
Section 2-16. Authentication and Recording of Ordinances and Resolutions; Printing and Distribution. 15
Section 2-17. Power to Levy Taxes. 15
Section 2-18. Powers of Enforcement. 16
ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE BRANCH. 16
Section 3-01. Executive Authority. 16
Section 3-02. Election, Term. 16
Section 3-03. Qualifications. 16
Section 3-04. Compensation. 16
Section 3-05. Forfeiture of Office. 16
Section 3-06. Vacancies. 16
Section 3-07. Prohibitions. 17
Section 3-08. President’s Temporary Absence. 17
Section 3-09. President’s Disability. 17
Section 3-10. Powers and Duties of the President as Chief Executive & Administrative Officer. 18
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION. 19
Section 4-01. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. 19
Section 4-02. Repealed. 19
Section 4-03. Repealed. 19
Section 4-04. Legal Services. 19
Section 4-05. Department of Finance. 19
Section 4-06. Public Works Department. 20
Section 4-07. Parks and Recreation Department. 20
Section 4-08. Department of Personnel. 20
Section 4-09. Planning and Zoning Department. 21
Section 4-10. Other Departments. 22
Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization. 22
ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES. 22
Section 5-01. Fiscal Year. 22
Section 5-02. Operating Budget Preparation and Adoption. 22
Section 5-03. The Operating Budget Document. 23
Section 5-04. Amendments to Operating Budget. 23
Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Budget. 24
Section 5-06. Administration of Operating and Capital Budgets. 25
Section 5-07. Lapse of Appropriations. 25
Section 5-08. Bonded Debt. 25
Section 5-09. Facsimile Signatures. 25
ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, RECALL AND REMOVAL BY SUIT. 25
Section 6-01. Initiative and Referendum. 25
Section 6-02. Recall. 27
Section 6-03. Removal by Suit. 27
ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 27
Section 7-01. Legal Process. 27
Section 7-02. Code of Ethics. 27
Section 7-03. Amending or Repealing the Charter. 27
Section 7-04. Bonding of Officers. 28
Section 7-05. Oaths of Office. 28
Section 7-06. Boards and Commissions. 28
Section 7-07. Reconstitution of Government. 28
Section 7-08. Control Over Local Agencies and Special Districts. 28
ARTICLE VIII. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS. 29
Section 8-01. Repealed. 29
Section 8-02. Continuation of Actions. 29
Section 8-03. Special Districts. 29
Section 8-04. Fees, Charges and Tax Levies. 29
Section 8-05. Special Legislative Acts. 29
Section 8-06. Parish Retirement Systems. 30
Section 8-07. Declaration of Intent. 30
Section 8-08. Severability. 30
Section 8-09. Violation of Civil Rights Act. 30
Section 8-10. Schedule of Transition. 30
Section 8-11. Election of Officials. 30
Section 8-12. Required Approval by Electors. 30
Section 8-13. Repealed. 30
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT, BOUNDARIES, POWERS.
Section 1-01. Home Rule Charter.
The charter commission has proposed and the electors have adopted this, their home rule charter, under the authority of Article VI, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, hereinafter referred to as “constitution.” The Parish of St. Mary is therefore a local governmental subdivision which operates under a home rule charter and, subject to said charter, is authorized as hereinafter provided to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its local affairs.
Section 1-02. Form of Government.
The plan of government provided by this home rule charter shall consist of an elected council which shall be called the St. Mary Parish Council and shall constitute the legislative branch of the government and an elected president who shall be the chief executive and administrative officer.
Section 1-03. Boundaries.
The boundaries of the Parish shall be those in effect as of the effective date of this charter and shall be subject to change thereafter as provided by law.
Section 1-04. General Powers.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter the Parish shall continue to have all the powers, rights, privileges, immunities and authority heretofore possessed by St. Mary Parish under the laws of the state. The Parish government shall have and exercise such other powers, rights, privileges, immunities, auth- ority and functions not inconsistent with this charter as may be conferred on or granted to a local governmental subdivision by the constitution and general laws of the state, and more specifically, the Parish government shall have and is hereby granted the right and authority to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its affairs, not denied by this charter, or by general law, or inconsistent with the constitution.
Section 1-05. Special Powers.
The Parish government shall have the right, power and authority to pass all ordinances requisite or necessary to promote, protect and preserve the general welfare, safety, health, peace and good order of the Parish, including, but not by way of limitation, the right, power and authority to pass ordinances on all subject matters necessary, requisite or proper for the management of Parish affairs, and all other subject matter without exception, subject only to the limitation that the same shall not be inconsistent with the constitution or expressly denied by general law applicable to the Parish.
Section 1-06. Joint Service Agreements.
The Parish government is authorized, as provided by state law, to enter into joint service agreements or cooperative efforts with other governmental agencies and political subdivisions.
Section 1-07. Definition of Parish.
The term “Parish” as used in this charter shall refer only to those de- partments, agencies or functions under the jurisdiction of the St. Mary Parish Council.
ARTICLE II. PARISH COUNCIL.
Section 2-01. Composition, Qualifications and Election.
A. The legislative power of the Parish government shall be vested in a council composed of eight (8) members elected from single- member districts for four (4) year terms. The specific boundaries of these districts shall remain as established at the time of this Charter’s adoption, unless and until modified by ordinance in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
B. A council member shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) years and shall have been a qualified elector for at least 1 year of the district from which elected at the time of qualification.
C. A council member shall continue to be legally domiciled and to actually reside within the district from which elected during the term of office. Should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of a council member change from the district from which elected, unless changed by reapportionment, the office shall automatically be- come vacant, which vacancy shall be filled as set out hereinafter.
D. Any council member elected after the effective date of this provision, who has represented any council districts for more than one and one-half (1½) consecutive terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected for the succeeding term for any council district. This provision shall apply retroactively and shall be applicable to the council members seated at the time of this Charter’s adoption.
Section 2-02. Reapportionment.
By the end of the year following the year in which the population of Louisiana is reported to the President of the United States for each decennial federal census, the council by ordinance shall, if necessary, alter, change or rearrange council district boundaries so as to provide for population equality among the districts as near as reasonably practical. To the extent possible, council districts shall be compact and be composed of contiguous territory. If the council determines that reapportionment is not necessary, it shall pass a resolution so stating.
Section 2-03. Forfeiture of Office.
A council member shall forfeit the office if such member during the term of office: (1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter, (2) is convicted of a state or federal felony, or (3) fails to take office.
Section 2-04. Vacancies and Disability.
A. The office of a council member shall become vacant upon death, resignation, removal from office in any manner prescribed by law, or forfeiture of office.
B. A vacancy on the council shall be filled by appointment of a person meeting the qualifications for office by a majority of the remaining members of the council. If one (1) year or less of the unexpired term remains when the vacancy occurs, the appointee shall serve out the remainder of the term. If the vacancy occurs more than one (1) year prior to the expiration of the term, the appointee shall serve until the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in an election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices.
C. If the council does not make an appointment as required by this section within sixty (60) days after the date the vacancy occurs, the appointment shall be made by the governor.
D. The appointee shall be ineligible as a candidate at the election to fill the vacancy.
E. Whenever a council member transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration stating inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until the council member transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration to the contrary, the council seat shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 2-04 (B).
F. Whenever a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that a council member is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the Council seat shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 2-04 (B). The person filling the office shall serve until a panel of three (3) qualified medical ex- perts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the council member’s in- ability to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the council member’s in- ability has ended. The medical ex- perts shall review the disability at least one every three (3) months until such time as it has been determined that the disability has ended.
G. Should a Council Member be unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, the council shall have the authority upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of its membership to declare the Council seat vacant due to disability provided, however, that the council shall hold a public hearing on the issue prior to any such declaration.
Section 2-05. Compensation.
A. Each council member shall re- ceive compensation in the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per month. The Council Chair shall receive compensation in the amount of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750) per month. Beginning with the next Council term, these amounts shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. Any in- crease beyond the CPI-based adjustment shall require approval by a majority of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with state law.
B. The council, by ordinance, may adopt a system of reimbursement, upon presentation of properly documented receipts, of reasonable expenses necessary to the performance of official duties by a member.
Section 2-06. Prohibitions.
A. A council member shall hold no other elected public office, nor be a compensated official or employee of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions during the term for which elected to the council. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a council member from serving as a member of a charter commission, constitutional convention or political party committee.
B. Except as specifically provided in this charter, the council or any of its members shall not remove, direct or supervise any administrative officers or employees whom the president or any of their subordinates are em- powered to ap- point.
C. No council member shall serve on a Parish board or commission having administrative or policymaking authority unless the ordinance or state law creating such board or commission specifies that one or more members of the council shall serve on such board or commission.
Section 2-07. Council Meetings and Rules.
A. The council shall meet regularly at least twice a month at intervals of at least two weeks at such times and places as the council may prescribe. Special meetings may be held on the call of the president, the presiding officer of the council or one third of the membership of the council with such notice as may be required by state law. To meet a public emergency af- fecting life, health, property or public safety, the council may meet upon call of the president, the presiding officer of the council or one third of the membership of the council at whatever notice it shall be convenient to give. The call convening a special or emergency meeting of the council shall state the objects of the meeting. The power of the council to act at a special or emergency meeting shall be limited, under penalty of nullity, to the objects specifically enumerated in the call.
B. All meetings of the council and its committees shall be open to the public in accordance with the provisions of general state law.
C. The council shall conduct its business in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and shall provide for keeping a journal of its minutes and proceedings. This journal shall be a public record. All official actions of the council shall be published in the official journal in accordance to state law.
D. At all regular meetings of the council, the council shall operate from an agenda which, at a minimum, shall be posted in writing in the major population centers of the Parish at least two (2) days prior to the meeting. The agenda for special and emergency meetings shall be made available to the public as soon as practical prior to the meeting.
E. The council shall provide by ordinance a procedure whereby interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard at council meetings on any matter relating to Parish government in accordance with time limits established by the council.
F. At the first regular meeting of a newly elected council and annually thereafter, a chairman and vice chairman shall be elected by the council from among the council members. The chairman may be selected from any district and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive one-year terms. The chairman shall preside at meetings of the council, and in the absence or disqualification of the chairman, the vice chairman shall preside. In the absence or disqualification of both the chairman and vice chairman, the council shall designate one of its other members as temporary presiding officer. The chairman, vice chairman and temporary presiding officer shall be voting members of the council. The chairperson shall re- ceive compensation in the amount of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750) per month. Beginning with the next Council term, these amounts shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. Any increase be- yond the CPI-based adjustment shall require ap- proval by a majority of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with state law.
G. All voting on ordinances and resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes of the council by the individual vote of each council member. Not less than a majority of the membership of the council shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but if a quorum is lost during a meeting, a smaller number may recess from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and subject to the penalties prescribed by council rules.
H. Voting by secret ballot is prohibited and any such vote is null and void.
Section 2-08. Investigations.
The Parish council may make investigations into the affairs of the Parish government and the related conduct of any anyone acting under the jurisdiction or authority of the Parish Government and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Investigations shall be for a specified purpose and may be undertaken only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership of the council. Any person who fails or refuses to obey any lawful order of the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in such manner as the council shall fix by ordinance. No council member shall vote on any matter under investigation in which said council member has a conflict of interest.
Section 2-09. Independent Audit.
The council shall provide for an annual independent post audit, and such additional audits as it deems necessary, of the accounts and other evidence of financial transactions of the Parish government, including those of all Parish government departments, offices or agencies. Audits may be by the state or the council may designate a private auditor to make such audits. The private auditor shall be without personal interest in the affairs subject to audit and shall be a certified public accountant or firm of such accountants. The audit shall be completed within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the fiscal year and shall be submitted to the council at the next regularly scheduled meeting following completion of the audit. The audit shall be a public record and a summary thereof shall be published at least once in the official journal.
Section 2-10. Clerk of the Council.
A. The council shall appoint a clerk of the council who shall serve at the pleasure of the council and shall be supervised by the chairman of the council. The clerk shall give notice of council meetings to its members and the public, keep the journal of its proceedings, be official secretary of the council and perform such other duties as are as- signed to the position by this charter or by the council.
B. The council shall, by ordinance, fix the salary of the clerk, except that the salary shall be comparable to secretarial salaries in the executive branch.
Section 2-11. Action Requiring an Ordinance.
A. An act of the council having the force of law shall be by ordinance. An act requiring an ordinance shall include but not be limited to those which:
(1) Adopt or amend an administrative code.
(2) Provide a fine or other penalty or establish a rule or regulation for violation of which a fine or other penalty may be imposed.
(3) Levy taxes or assessments as provided by law in accordance with Section 2-17 (Pow-er to Levy Taxes).
(4) Appropriate funds and/or adopt the operating budget and capital improvement budget for the Parish government.
(5) Grant, renew or extend a franchise.
(6) Provide for raising revenue.
(7) Regulate the rate or other charges for service by the Parish government.
(8) Authorize the borrowing of money.
(9) Incur debt in any manner authorized by law.
(10) Abandon any property own-ed by the Parish government.
(11) Convey or lease or authorize the conveyance or lease of any lands or property of the parish government.
(12) Acquire real property on behalf of the Parish government.
(13) Adopt or modify the official map.
(14) Adopt or modify regulations for review and approval of plats.
(15) Adopt or modify subdivision controls or regulations.
(16) Adopt or modify the zoning plan, maps and regulations.
(17) Amend or repeal any ordinance previously adopted.
(18) Propose amendments to this charter.
B. All Parish ordinances shall be codified in ac- cordance with Article VI, Section 10 of the constitution.
C. An action of the council which is not to have the force of law may be enacted by resolution. Actions which may be adopted by resolution shall include but shall not be limited to those which:
(1) establish a commemorative day, week, month or year;
(2) authorize a person to sign or execute on behalf of the council a contract which has been previously approved;
(3) authorize a person to execute, sign or countersign a check or draft on an account of the council, or
(4) declare a statement of public policy of the council.
D. All ordinances and resolutions shall be passed by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council except as otherwise provided in this charter.
E. Operating rules and regulations prepared by the parish president and departments, offices and agencies under his jurisdiction shall, upon approval by the parish president, be filed in the office of the president and the office of the clerk of the council. Such rules and regulations shall be codified, in- dexed and bound and shall be available to the public at the cost of reproduction.
Section 2-12. Ordinances in General.
A. All proposed ordinances shall be introduced in writing and in the form required for adoption and, except for codifications, the operating budget and capital improvement budget, shall be confined to one subject, expressed clearly in the title.
B. All proposed ordinances shall be read by title when introduced and published in full or in summary within twenty (20) days after introduction, except that ordinances proposing amendments to the charter shall be published in full. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2-14 (Em- ergency Ordinances), no ordinance shall be considered for final passage until at least twenty (20) days from the date of publication and after a public hearing has been held on the ordinance. The public hearing shall be held at the meeting at which final passage is to be considered.
C. With the final approval of ordinances by the president, or the council in case of a veto by the president, such enacted ordinances shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk of the council as soon as practical thereafter provided, however, that ordinances adopting codes of technical regulations or adopting or amending the operating budget or capital improvement budget may be published in full or in summary at the council’s discretion. Every en- acted ordinance, unless it shall specify another date, shall become effective at expiration of thirty (30) days after publication by the council.
Section 2-13. Submission of Ordinances to the President.
A. Every ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the presiding officer, except that upon failure of the presiding officer to sign the ordinance, the clerk of the council shall certify to its passage and it shall be presented to the president within five (5) calendar days after adoption, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Parish holidays. The clerk of the council shall re- cord upon the ordinance the date and hour of its delivery to the president.
B. Within ten (10) calendar days after the president’s receipt of an ordinance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Parish holidays, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto. The clerk shall record upon the ordinance the date and hour of its receipt from the president. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the president within ten (10) days after receipt, it shall be considered ap- proved. If the ordinance has been approved, it shall be considered fin- ally enacted and become effective as provided in Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General). If the ordinance is vetoed, the president shall submit to the council through the clerk a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The veto statement shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter. All ordinances vetoed by the president shall be vetoed in full, except that the president shall have authority to veto individual ap- propriation items in the ordinances adopting the operating budget and capital improvement budget.
C. Ordinances vetoed by the president shall be submitted by the clerk to the council no later than the next regular meeting held after publication of the veto statement. Should the council vote, not later than the second regular meeting held after receipt of the vetoed ordinance, to readopt the or- dinance by the favorable vote of at least three fourths of its membership, said ordinance shall be considered finally enacted and become law irrespective of the veto by the president. The same procedure shall apply to individual appropriation items in the operating and capital improvement budgets vetoed by the president.
D. The right of the president to veto as provided in this section shall apply to all ordinances adopted by the council except ordinances for re- apportionment; amendments to this charter; establishing, altering or modifying council procedure; or ap- propriating funds for auditing or investigating any part of the executive branch.
Section 2-14. Emergency Ordinances.
A. To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety, the council by the favorable vote of at least two thirds of the membership, may adopt an em- ergency ordinance at the meeting at which it is introduced, provided that no such ordinance may be used to levy taxes or special assessments; grant or extend a franchise; incur debt, except as provided in Section 5-04 B (Emergency Appropriations); adopt or amend an official map, platting or subdivision controls or zoning regulations; or change rates, fees or charges established by the Parish government. Each emergency ordinance shall contain a specific statement of the emergency claim-ed.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2-13 (Submission of Ordinances to the President), any emergency ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the presiding officer, except that upon failure of the presiding officer to sign the ordinance, the clerk of the council shall certify to its passage and it shall be presented to the president within six (6) hours after adoption. Within twelve (12) hours after the president’s receipt of an emergency ordinance, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the president within twelve (12) hours after receipt, it shall be considered adopted. If the emergency ordinance has been approved, it shall be considered fin- ally enacted and become effective immediately upon receipt by the clerk. If the emergency ordinance is vetoed, the president shall submit to the council through the clerk a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The clerk shall record upon the emergency ordinance the dates and hours of its delivery to and receipt from the president. Should the council vote, not later than twelve (12) hours after receipt of the vetoed emergency ordinance from the president, to readopt the emergency ordinance by the favorable vote of at least three fourths of its membership, said emergency ordinance shall be considered finally enacted and become law immediately upon readoption, irrespective of the veto by the president. Upon final approval by the president, or the council in case of a veto by the president, such enacted emergency ordinance shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter.
C. Emergency ordinances shall be effective for no longer than sixty (60) days after final approval. The council, upon a two-thirds vote of its membership, may extend the life of an emergency ordinance for an additional thirty (30) days, but no such ordinance may be extended beyond that period.
Section 2-15. Codes of Technical Regulations.
The council, by ordinance, may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference. The procedure and re- quirements governing the adopting of such ordinances shall be as prescribed for ordinances generally, except that a period of sixty (60) days shall be allowed between the time of introduction and final passage of the ordinance. During this interim, copies of any proposed code shall be available for public review. A copy of each adopted code of technical regulations as well as the adopting ordinance shall be authenticated and recorded by the clerk of the council in the official records of the Parish government. Such adopted codes of technical regulations shall be published at least by title or by reference in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical following such final adoption.
Section 2-16. Authentication and Recording of Ordinances and Resolutions; Printing and Distribution.
A. All finally enacted ordinances and resolutions shall be authenticated, numbered and recorded by the clerk of the council. All ordinances shall be indexed and codified in a book or books kept for this purpose. All resolutions shall be indexed and re- corded in the minutes of the council meeting at which the resolution was approved.
B. The council shall cause each ordinance and each amendment to this charter to be printed or otherwise reproduced promptly following enactment and such printed or re- produced amendments and ordinances, including codes of technical regulations adopted by reference pursuant to Section 2-15 (Codes of Technical Regulations), shall be distributed or sold to the public at the cost of reproduction.
Section 2-17. Power to Levy Taxes.
A. The power to perform any service or provide any facility granted to the Parish government by this charter or by the constitution and general laws of the state shall in all cases carry with it the power to levy taxes and to borrow money within the limits and in accordance with procedures prescribed by the constitution and general laws of the state. The council shall have, and is hereby granted, all of the authority to levy and collect taxes, to incur debt, and issue bonds and other evidences of in- debtedness, as is now or hereafter conferred on governing authorities of parishes by the constitution and general laws of the state, or as may be hereafter specially conferred by the electors of the Parish.
B. Any tax being levied in St. Mary Parish on the effective date of this charter is ratified.
C. All proposals to levy property taxes in excess of that authorized by the constitution to be levied without a vote of the people shall be submitted to the voters for approval in accordance with the election laws of the state.
D. All proposals to levy a new or increase an existing sales and use tax shall be submitted to the voters for approval in accordance with the election laws of the state.
Section 2-18. Powers of Enforcement.
For the purpose of carrying out the powers generally or specially conferred on the Parish government, the council shall have the power to grant franchises, to require licenses and permits and fix the fees to be paid therefore, to charge compensation for any privilege or franchise granted or service rendered, and to provide penalties for the violation of any ordinance or regulation, as provided by law.
ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
Section 3-01. Executive Authority.
The president shall be the chief executive and chief administrative officer of the Parish government and shall exercise such general executive and administrative authority as authorized by this charter. No person holding office in the legislative or executive branch shall exercise a power or perform a function belonging to the other branch.
Section 3-02. Election, Term.
The president shall be elected at large from and by the qualified electors of the Parish according to the election laws of the state for a four (4) year term. A person who has served as president for more than one and one-half terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected president for the succeeding term. This provision shall apply retroactively and shall be applicable to the current parish president seated at the time of this Charter’s adoption.
Section 3-03. Qualifications.
A. The president shall be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and a qualified elector of the Parish at the time of qualification and shall have been legally domiciled and shall have actually re- sided in the Parish at least five (5) years immediately preceding the time established by law for qualifying for office.
B. The president shall continue to be legally domiciled and to actually reside within the Parish during the term of office. Should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of the president change from the Parish, the office shall automatically become vacant, which vacancy shall be filled as set out hereinafter.
Section 3-04. Compensation.
The Parish President shall receive an annual salary of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) per year. Beginning with the next presidential term, this amount shall be automatically ad- justed every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. The president shall receive no other salary or compensation from the Parish government unless authorized by a majority vote of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with election dates as prescribed by state law.
Section 3-05. Forfeiture of Office.
The office of president shall be forfeited if during the term of office the officeholder: (1) lacks at any time any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter, (2) is convicted of a felony under state or federal law, or (3) fails to take office.
Section 3-06. Vacancies.
A. The office of president shall become vacant up- on death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law, or forfeiture of office.
B. A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled by appointment of a person meeting the qualifications for the office by a majority vote of the authorized membership of the council. If the unexpired term at the time of the vacancy is equal to or less than the period established by state law for such purposes, the appointee shall serve for the re- mainder of the term. If the unexpired term exceeds the threshold established by state law, the ap- pointee shall serve until such time as the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in a special election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices.
C. If the council does not make an appointment as required by this section within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs, the appointment shall be made by the governor.
Section 3-07. Prohibitions.
A. The president shall hold no other elected public office nor any compensated appointive office or employment of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions during the term of office for which elected and shall hold no compensated appointive office or em- ployment of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions until one (1) year after expiration of the term for which elected.
B. The office of Parish President shall be a full-time position. 1) The President shall be the Chief Executive and Administrator Officer of the Parish Government and shall exercise general executive and ad- ministrative auth- ority over all de- partments, offices and agencies of the parish except as otherwise provided by the Charter. 2) The President shall not engage in any activity unrelated to Parish government business that would interfere with or detract from the performance of duties as President.
C. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the president from serving as an elected member of a political party committee, charter commission or constitutional convention.
Section 3-08. President’s Temporary Absence.
A. When the president expects to be absent from the Parish for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, the president shall notify the clerk of the council in writing of the expected duration of the absence. The powers and duties of the office shall be exercised by the assistant chief administrative officer.
B. If a temporary absence of the president extends to more than sixty (60) consecutive days, the office shall become va- cant and shall be filled in accordance with Section 3-06 (Vacancies).
Section 3-09. President’s Disability.
A. Whenever the president transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration stating inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until the president transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration to the contrary, the office of president shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 3-08 (A) [President’s Temporary Absence].
B. Whenever a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the office of president shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 3-08 (A) [President’s Temporary Ab- sence]. The person filling the office shall serve until a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the president’s inability has ended. The medical experts shall review the president’s disability at least once every three (3) months until such time as it has been determined that the disability has ended.
C. Should the president be un- able to discharge the powers and duties of the office for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, the council shall have the authority upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of its membership to declare the office of president vacant due to disability provided, however, that the council shall hold a public hearing on the issue prior to any such declaration.
Section 3-10. Powers and Duties of the President as Chief Executive & Administrative Officer.
A. The president, as chief executive officer of the Parish government, shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) See that all laws, provisions of this charter and acts of the council, subject to enforcement by the president or by officers subject to the president’s direction and supervision, are faithfully executed.
(2) Submit the annual budget and five (5) year capital budget to the council.
(3) Submit to the council and make available to the public, within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year, a complete report on the finances and ad- ministrative activities of the Parish as of the end of each fiscal year.
(4) Make such other reports as the council may reasonably request to enable the council to function.
(5) Sign such contracts, deeds and other obligations as may be authorized by the council.
(6) Attend or be represented by his designee at council meetings and furnish such information as may be requested by any member of the council.
(7) Perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or may be required by the council, not inconsistent with this charter.
(8) Serve as a nonvoting member on all boards, commissions and authorities.
B. The president, as Chief Ad- ministrative Officer shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the Parish government. The president shall appoint and supervise all department directors and may delegate authority to subordinate officers as needed.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all departments, offices and agencies shall be under the direction and supervision of the parish president, and the heads of all departments created by or under this charter shall be appointed by the president and shall serve at the pleasure of the president.
(2) The salaries of the directors of the departments appointed by the president shall be set by the president, subject to approval by a majority vote of the council membership.
(3) The president as chief ad- ministrative officer shall:
i. Supervise activities of all departments, offices and agencies whose head he appoints.
ii. Appoint and suspend or remove for just cause all Parish government employees of the departments, offices and agencies under the jurisdiction of the president in accordance with personnel policies as provided in Section 4-08 (Personnel System). The president may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to the president’s direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in the officer’s department, office or agency.
iii. Conduct pertinent procedural studies or investigations of departments, offices, agencies and officers under his jurisdiction.
iv. Prescribe accepted standards of administrative practice to be followed by all departments, offices and agencies.
v. Perform such other duties as may be required by the charter.
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION.
Section 4-01. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer.
The president shall appoint an assistant chief ad- ministrative officer to assist in the performance of executive and ad- ministrative duties. The assistant chief administrative officer shall serve at the pleasure of the Parish President, shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Parish President, and may be re- moved from office at the discretion of the Parish President.
Section 4-02. Repealed.
Section 4-03. Repealed.
Section 4-04. Legal Services.
A. Legal services shall be provided by the district attorney of the judicial district serving St. Mary Parish. The council may, by ordinance, provide for appointment of a Parish attorney.
B. No special counsel shall be retained to represent the Parish or any department, office, board or commission of the Parish government except by written contract approved by the favorable vote of a majority of the council members, unless otherwise specified by state law. Any such authorization shall specify the compensation, if any, to be paid for such services.
Section 4-05. Department of Finance.
A. The head of the department of finance shall be the director of finance.
B. The director of finance shall direct and be re- sponsible for the following duties:
(1) Collection (except where specifically otherwise provided for by law) and custody of all monies of the Parish government from whatever source.
(2) Preparation of the annual operating budget and capital improvement budget under the direction of the parish president.
(3) Maintenance of a record of indebtedness and the payment of the principal and interest on such indebtedness.
(4) Ascertaining that funds are available for payment of all contracts, purchase orders and any other documents which incur financial obligation for the Parish government, and that such documents are in accordance with established procedures.
(5) Disbursement of all funds from the Parish treasury.
(6) Administration of a uniform central accounting system for all Parish departments, offices and agencies, using nationally accepted standards where applicable.
(7) Preparation of a monthly statement of revenues and expenditures which shall be completed not later than twenty (20) days after the end of each month.
(8) Procurement of all real and personal property, materials, supplies and services re- quired by the Parish government under a central purchasing system for all departments, offices and agencies in accordance with applicable state law, council policy and administrative re- quirements.
(9) Preparation of intergovernmental grant applications on behalf of the Parish government and informing de- partments, offices and agencies of relevant local, state and federal programs.
(10) Maintenance of an inventory of all property, real and personal.
(11) Investment of idle funds, as permitted by law, so as to receive the maximum rate of return.
(12) Provide data processing administration.
(13) Provide general administration services.
(14) Other activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-06. Public Works De- partment.
A. The head of the public works department shall be the director of public works.
B. The director of public works shall direct and be responsible for the following activities:
(1) Engineering services for all Parish departments and agencies.
(2) Supervision of all contract construction work.
(3) Maintenance of Parish buildings and grounds.
(4) Mapping and surveying.
(5) Construction and maintenance performed by the Parish government of roads, sidewalks, bridges and drainage facilities.
(6) Garbage and trash collection and disposal.
(7) Operation of a central facility for the repair and maintenance of Parish government vehicles and equipment.
(8) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-07. Parks and Recreation Department.
A. The parks and recreation department shall be headed by the director of parks and recreation.
B. The director of parks and recreation shall direct and be responsible for:
(1) Parks and playgrounds.
(2) Recreational activities.
(3) Cultural activities and facilities.
(4) Other leisure-time activities.
(5) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-08. Department of Personnel.
A. The personnel department shall consist of a director of personnel and a personnel board who shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of a personnel system in which all appointments and promotions shall be made on the basis of fitness and merit.
B. The director of personnel shall be appointed by the parish president, subject to council approval, and shall:
(1) Prepare and administer such personnel rules and regulations governing the classified service as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of this charter.
(2) Prepare, in- stall and maintain a uniform classification and pay plan for all positions in the classified service.
(3) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the chief administrative officer.
C. The administration of the classified service, in- cluding the classification and pay plans, of the Parish government shall be governed by written rules and regulations to be known as “Personnel Policies.” The director of personnel shall prepare such policies and recommend their adoption to the parish president. Upon approval by the parish president, the personnel policies shall be presented to the council for adoption. The council shall act within thirty (30) days upon such proposed personnel policies. Such policies shall become effective upon approval by a favorable vote of a majority of the council membership. Thereafter, the director of personnel shall recommend additions to, modifications of, or deletions from such policies to the parish president for presentation to the council in the same manner used for adoptions of the original policies. All personnel policies adopted by the council shall have the force and effect of law.
D. The personnel board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by a majority vote of the council membership. The members of the personnel board shall hold no elected public office nor hold a public position in the Parish.
E. The terms of the first members of the personnel board shall be as follows: One member shall be ap- pointed to a one-year term; a second member shall be appointed to a two-year term; a third member shall be appointed to a three-year term; a fourth member shall be appointed to a four-year term; and a fifth member shall be ap- pointed to a five-year term. Thereafter, all
F. appointments shall be for a five-year term.
G. The personnel board shall:
(1) Hold hearings on dismissals, demotions and other disciplinary matters as may be provided in the rules. The decisions of the personnel board in these matters shall be final.
(2) Perform such other quasi-judicial duties as may be required under the rules developed pursuant to this section.
On appeal to the personnel board by an employee relative to the actions of the employer, the burden of proof shall be on the employee.
H. Any person holding a full-time position subject to this section when this charter takes effect, who served in that position at the time the charter was adopted by the electors of the Parish and at least one year prior thereto, shall continue in that position without competitive test or other method approved by the council but shall be subject in all other respects to this section.
I. The following shall not be members of the classified personnel system of the Parish:
(1) All elected officials of the Parish government.
(2) Employees hired on a temporary or contractual basis.
(3) The Parish attorney and any assistant attorneys.
(4) Department heads created by or under this charter continued in accordance with the provisions of this charter.
(5) Employees appointed directly by the council.
(6) Employees of hospital districts.
(7) Employees of other Parish boards and commissions appointed directly by the board or commission, except that such boards and commissions shall adopt personnel policies subject to approval by the council by ordinance.
Section 4-09. Planning and Zoning Department.
A. The head of the planning and zoning department shall be the director of planning and zoning.
B. The director of planning and zoning shall direct and be responsible for the following activities:
(1) Maintenance of the zoning map and other maps related to the functions of the department.
(2) Coordination of planning activities.
(3) Function as staff of a zoning commission.
(4) Application for and administration of housing grants.
(5) Inspection, licensing and permit issuance in conjunction with the enforcement of any zoning ordinances and building, housing and other technical codes.
(6) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-10. Other Departments.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all Parish government departments, offices, agencies and functions in existence on the effective date of this charter shall continue in existence as organized on that date until reorganized in accordance with Section 4-11 (Ad- ministrative Reorganization).
Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization.
A. The parish president may propose to the council the creation, change, alteration, consolidation or abolition of Parish departments, offices and agencies and/or the reallocation of the functions, powers, duties and responsibilities of such departments, offices or agencies, including those provided for in this charter.
B. Upon receipt of the parish president’s proposed plan of reorganization, the presiding officer of the council shall cause to be introduced an ordinance to im- plement the proposed reorganization plan. The ordinance shall follow the same procedure as provided in Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General), except that an affirmative vote of two thirds of the council members shall be required to amend or modify the reorganization plan submitted by the parish president.
C. The reorganization plan submitted by the parish president shall become effective if the council fails to act on the proposed reorganization within sixty (60) days of its submission to the council.
ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES.
Section 5-01. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Parish government shall be January 1 through December 31, subject to change by ordinance by the council.
Section 5-02. Operating Budget Preparation and Adoption.
A. At least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the president shall submit to the council a proposed operating budget in the form re- quired by this charter. At the meeting of the council at which the operating budget is submitted, the council shall order a public hearing on the budget. At least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the council shall publish in the official journal the time and place of the hearing, a general summary of the proposed budget and the times and places where copies of the proposed budget are available for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold a public hearing on the budget as submitted. Changes in the proposed operating budget by the council shall be by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council. The budget shall be finally adopted not later than the second-to-last regular meeting of the fiscal year. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the budget year, and copies shall be filed with the clerk of the council. The budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for use by all offices, de- partments and agencies of the Parish government. Copies shall be available for public use in the office of the clerk and additional copies may be purchased at cost.
B. Upon failure of the council to adopt a budget prior to the end of the current fiscal year, fifty (50) percent of the amount appropriated for that fiscal year shall be reappropriated for the new fiscal year and shall be in effect until such time as a new budget is adopted.
Section 5-03. The Operating Budget Document.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to the Capital Improvement Budget, which shall be governed by Section 5-05 of Article V. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to Special Revenue Funds which are funded by federal and/or state grants and whose grant period does not correspond with St. Mary Parish’s fiscal year. The Operating budget for the Parish government shall present a complete financial plan for the ensuing fiscal year and shall consist of at least three (3) parts as follows:
Part I shall contain: (1) a budget message which shall outline the proposed financial plan for the Parish government and describe significant features of the budget for the forthcoming fiscal period; and (2) a general budget summary which, with supporting schedules, shall show the relationship between total proposed expenditures and total anticipated revenues for the forthcoming fiscal period and which shall compare these figures with corresponding actual figures for the last completed fiscal year and estimated figures for the year in progress.
Part II shall contain: (1) de- tailed estimates of all proposed ex- penditures, showing the corresponding estimated expenditures for each item for the current fiscal year and actual figures for the last preceding fiscal year with explanations of increases or decreases recommended related to performance standards or workload measurements, to the ex- tent of availability of such information; (2) manning or organizational tables for each of the departments, agencies or programs; (3) detailed estimates of all anticipated revenues and other income, showing the corresponding estimated revenue or income for each item for the current fiscal year and actual figures of the last preceding fiscal year with explanations of increases or de- creases; (4) delinquent taxes for current and preceding years, with the estimated percentage collectible; (5) statement of the indebtedness of the Parish government, showing debt redemption and interest re- quirements, debt authorized and unissued, and conditions of the sinking funds; and (6) such other information as may be requested by the council. The total proposed expenditures shall not exceed the total of estimated funds available.
Part III shall contain a proposed complete draft of the appropriation ordinance. All appropriations shall be by department and/or program.
Section 5-04. Amendments to Operating Budget.
A. Supplemental Appropriations: If during the fiscal year the president certifies that there are available for appropriation revenues in excess of those estimated in the operating budget, the president may present a supplemental budget for the disposition of such revenues, and the council by ordinance may make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of such excess in the same manner required for adoption of the budget.
B. Emergency Appropriations: To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public peace, or to comply with a court judgment rendered after adoption of the budget, the council may make emergency appropriations. Such appropriations shall be made by emergency ordinance in accordance with the provisions of this charter. To the extent that there are no available unappropriated revenues to meet such appropriations, the council may by such emergency ordinance borrow money in sums necessary to meet the emergency. The repayment of such sums shall be a fixed charge upon the revenues of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year in which the sums are borrowed.
C. Reduction of Appropriations: If at any time during the fiscal year it ap- pears to the president that the revenues available will be insufficient to meet the amount appropriated, the president shall report to the council without delay, indicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any remedial action taken and recommendations as to any other steps to be taken. The council shall then take such further action as it deems necessary to prevent a deficit.
D. Subject to the limitations in Subsection F of this section, the council may, by ordinance, reduce any appropriation at any time.
E. Transfer of Appropriations: At any time during the fiscal year the president may transfer part or all of any unencumbered appropriation within programs. An unencumbered appropriation balance may be transferred from one department, office or agency to another or from one program to another only upon council action by ordinance.
F. Limitations: No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred and no appropriation may be reduced below any amount re- quired by law to be appropriated or by more than the amount of the un- encumbered balance thereof.
Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Budget.
A. Each year, no later than the time of submission of the operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year, the president shall submit to the council a capital improvement budget covering a period of at least five (5) years. The amount indicated to be spent during the first year of the capital improvement budget shall be the capital budget for that year.
B. The capital budget shall include:
(1) A clear general summary of its contents.
(2) A list of all capital improvements and acquisitions which are proposed to be undertaken for at least the five (5) fiscal years next ensuing with ap- propriate supporting information as to the necessity for such improvements and acquisitions.
(3) Cost estimates, method of financing and recommended time schedules for each such improvement or acquisition.
(4) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the capital improvement to be constructed or ac- quired.
The information shall be revised and extended each year with regard to capital improvements still pending or in process of construction or acquisition.
C. At the meeting of the council at which the capital improvement budget is submitted, the council shall order a public hearing on such capital improvement budget and shall publish in the official journal, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place of the hearing, a general summary of the proposed capital improvement budget and the times and places where copies of the proposed capital im- provement budget are available for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold a public hearing on the capital improvement budget as submitted. Changes in the proposed capital improvement budget by the council shall be by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council. The capital improvement budget shall be finally adopted not later than the second-to-last regular meeting of the fiscal year. The capital improvement budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for use by all offices, de- partments and agencies of the Parish government. Copies shall be available for public use in the office of the clerk of the council and additional copies may be purchased at cost.
D. Amendments to the finally adopted capital improvement budget shall be by ordinance in accordance with provisions of this charter relative to ordinances.
E. Any construction project or method of financing a construction project submitted to and rejected by the voters shall not be undertaken for at least one (1) year unless ap- proved by the voters.
Section 5-06. Administration of Operating and Capital Budgets.
A. No payment shall be made or obligation incurred against any allotment or appropriation except in accordance with the approved operating and capital budgets and appropriations duly made and unless the president or the president’s designee first certifies that there is a sufficient unencumbered balance in such allotment or appropriation and that sufficient funds there-from are or will be available to cover the claim or meet the obligation when it becomes due and payable. However, this provision shall not limit the authority to borrow funds in anticipation of revenues as provided in the general laws of the state. Any authorization of payment or incurring of obligation in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be void and any payment so made illegal; such action shall be cause for removal of any official, officer or employee who knowingly authorized or made such payment or incurred such obligation or who caused such payment to be authorized or made or obligation to be incurred. Such persons shall also be liable to the Parish government for any amount so paid.
B. Nothing in this charter shall be construed so as to prevent the making or authorizing of payments or making of contracts for capital improvements to be financed wholly or partly by the issuance of bonds or to prevent the making of any contract or lease providing for payments beyond the end of the fiscal year, provided that such action is authorized by ordinance, except that contracts for services not covered by the public bid law shall be for a period not to exceed two (2) years.
C. Deficit spending is prohibited except for emergencies as provided in Section 5-04 B (Amendments to Operating Budget).
Section 5-07. Lapse of Appropriations.
Every appropriation, except an appropriation for a capital expenditure, shall lapse at the close of the fiscal year to the extent that it has not been expended or encumbered. An appropriation for a capital expenditure shall continue in force until the purpose for which it was made has been accomplished or abandoned; the purpose of any such appropriation shall be deemed abandoned if three (3) years pass without any disbursement from or encumbrance of the appropriation.
Section 5-08. Bonded Debt.
The Parish government is empowered to incur bonded debt in accordance with this charter and the constitution and laws of the state. When voter ap- proval is required, no resolution shall be passed calling for a referendum to incur a bonded debt until an engineering and economic feasibility report shall have been made to the council and a summary thereof published in the official journal at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed date of the election, unless the council is required to call such an election pursuant to a petition as provided for under the general laws of this state.
Section 5-09. Facsimile Signatures.
Facsimile signatures are authorized for negotiable instruments and multiple certificates of indebtedness in those cases where an official is required by law to sign.
ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, RECALL AND REMOVAL BY SUIT.
Section 6-01. Initiative and Referendum.
A. The electors of the Parish shall have the power, except as herein restricted, to propose to the council passage or repeal of ordinances and to vote on the question if the council refuses action. This power shall not extend to the proposing or repealing of ordinances making or reducing the ap- propriation of money, authorizing the repeal or reduction of the levy of any taxes or changing the salaries of Parish government officers or employees. The initiative power shall be exercised in the following manner:
(1) The person or persons proposing the exercise of this power shall submit the proposal to the council which shall specify within thirty (30) days a form of petition for circulation in one or multiple copies as the proposer may desire. The petition shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance.
(2) Within sixty (60) days after the form of the petition shall have been specified, the person or persons circulating the petition shall ob- tain the signatures of at least ten (10) percent of the total registered voters of the Parish. There shall be noted after each signature on the petition the date signed and the address of the signer. Each person circulating a copy of the petition shall attach a sworn affidavit to it stating the number of signers and the fact that each signature was made in the presence of the circulator of the petition.
(3) The signed petition shall be filed with the council within sixty (60) days of the specification of the form of the petition and, upon filing, the council shall order a canvass of the signatures through the office of the Parish registrar of voters to determine their sufficiency and authenticity. The council’s canvass shall be completed within thirty (30) days. If the number of signatures is insufficient or the petition is deficient as to form or compliance with this section, the council shall notify the person or persons filing the petition of such sufficiency or deficiency and allow thirty (30) days for filing of additional papers, at the end of which time the sufficiency and correctness of the petition shall be determined finally.
(4) Within thirty (30) days after a petition shall have been certified as sufficient and correct by the council, the council shall cause the proposed ordinance, and a summary thereof, to be published in the official journal of the Parish government at least once together with a notice of the date, time and place when and where it will be given a public hearing and be considered for passage, which notice shall appear at least seven (7) days prior to the time advertised for the hearing. At the time and place so advertised the council shall hold a public hearing. Subsequent to such hearing, the council shall either:
(a) Adopt the proposed ordinance submitted in an initiative petition, without substantive amendments, or effect the repeal referred to by such petition, or
(b) Determine to submit the proposal to the electors.
(5) If the council adopts an ordinance following the submission of an initiatory petition as provided above, it shall not amend or repeal the ordinance by its own action within one (1) year following the date of submission of the petition proposing the ordinance, but it may submit proposals amending or re- pealing such ordinances to a vote of the electors. After the expiration of one (1) year, the ordinance may be amended or re- pealed as any other ordinance.
(6) If an initiative ordinance is submitted to a vote of the electors as provided in Section 6-01 (4) above, the election shall take place at the first regularly scheduled election occurring thirty (30) days after the meeting at which the council determines to submit the proposal to the electors. The results shall be determined by a majority vote of the electors voting on the proposal.
(7) If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a proposed initiative ordinance vote in its favor, it shall be considered adopted upon certification of the election results. If conflicting ordinances are approv-ed at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
(8) An ordinance adopted by the electorate through the initiative process shall not be amended or re- pealed by council action for a period of one (1) year after the election at which it was adopted, but thereafter it may be amended or re- pealed as any other ordinance.
(9) Ordinances adopted through the initiative process shall not be subject to veto by the president.
B. Upon rejection by the voters of an ordinance proposed under this section, at least one (1) year shall lapse before the same or a similar issue can again be submitted to the voters.
Section 6-02. Recall.
A. Any elected official of the Parish government may be removed from office by the electors of the Parish through a recall process. The recall procedure shall be the same as is provided in the general laws of the state.
B. If, in a recall election, the majority of those voting vote for recall, the official named in the recall petition shall be removed ipso facto from office, and the vacancy thereby created shall be filled as in the case of ordinary vacancies in accordance with this charter. The person recalled shall not be eligible for appointment to fill the vacant position.
Section 6-03. Removal by Suit.
Any elected official of the Parish government may be removed from office by court suit as provided in the constitution and general laws of the state.
ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Section 7-01. Legal Process.
Legal process against the Parish government shall be served upon the president or in his absence upon the presiding officer of the council.
Section 7-02. Code of Ethics.
All officers, officials and employees of the Parish government shall comply with the provisions of the code of ethics pertaining to local governments. The President, or the Presidents designee, shall ensure that each elected official received a copy of the state code of ethics no later than thirty (30) days after the elected officials take office.
Section 7-03. Amending or Re- pealing the Charter.
A. Proposals to amend or repeal this charter may be made by a two-thirds vote of the council membership or by petition signed by not less than ten (10) percent of the total number of registered voters of the Parish. A petition shall contain the full text of the proposed amendment or amendments. The procedures and time limits for filing such a petition shall be the same as for an initiative ordinance as provided in Section 6-01 (1), (2) and (3).
B. Within thirty (30) days after a petition shall have been certified as sufficient and correct by the council, the council shall cause the amendment or amendments being proposed, and summaries thereof, to be published in the official journal of the Parish.
C. Proposals by council members to amend or repeal this charter shall be by ordinance. Such proposed ordinances shall follow the same procedure as required by Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General), except that the affirmative vote of two thirds of the council membership shall be required for passage of an ordinance proposing to amend or repeal the charter.
D. Proposals to amend or repeal this charter shall be submitted for ratification to the qualified electors of the Parish at an election already authorized for other purposes or at a special election called for the purpose of considering proposed charter amendments. The results shall be determined by a majority vote of the electors voting on any particular proposal.
E. Proposals by the council and by petition may be submitted to the voters at the same election and voters may, at their op- tion, accept or reject any or all such proposals. Should conflicting proposals be approved at the same election, the one receiving the greater number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
F. Within thirty (30) days after promulgation of election results, the clerk of the council shall file duly authenticated copies of said amendment with the offices of the secretary of state of Louisiana and the clerk of court of St. Mary Parish.
G. Unless specified to the contrary in the amendment, all approved amendments shall become effective thirty (30) days after said filing.
H. Upon passage or rejection of a proposal by the voters, at least one (1) year shall lapse before the same issue can again be submitted to the voters.
I. Except as provided in Section 8-08 (Severability) and Section 8-09 (Violation of Civil Rights Act), no proposal to amend or repeal this charter shall be submitted during the first one (1) year of operations under this charter. No amendment or re- peal shall shorten the term for which any incumbent official was elected or reduce the salary of office for that term.
Section 7-04. Bonding of Officers.
The director of finance, all persons authorized to sign checks and such other Parish government officers or employees as the council may designate shall give bond in the amount and with the surety prescribed by the council. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the Parish government.
Section 7-05. Oaths of Office.
All elected officials of the Parish government shall take the following oath of office to be administered by any qualified person:
“I, ..., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution and laws of the United States and the constitution and laws of this state and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as ..., according to the best of my ability and understanding, so help me God.”
Section 7-06. Boards and Commissions.
A. The council, by resolution, and the president may appoint advisory boards and commissions to provide advice regarding the operations of Parish services or other activities. No such board or commission shall exercise any ad- ministrative or legislative responsibility.
B. A member of an advisory board or commission shall receive no compensation for service and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
C. Members of all existing boards and commissions shall complete their terms of office, except as may be provided by this charter or by action of the council.
D. All meetings of advisory boards and commissions shall be open to the public.
E. This section shall not apply to a board or commission created by ordinance or in accordance with general state law.
Section 7-07. Reconstitution of Government.
In the event of war or public disaster that incapacitates the president and/or a majority of the council, the re- maining members of the council may act on an emergency basis and shall appoint such other officials as are necessary to reconstitute the Parish government. It shall be the intent of this section that these emergency powers shall subsist only so long as an emergency exists and that regularly constituted elections shall be held as soon as it is judicially determined that conditions permit their being held.
Section 7-08. Control Over Local Agencies and Special Districts.
A. The council shall have general power over any agency heretofore created by the governing authority of St. Mary Parish or hereafter created by the council in- cluding, without limitation, the power to abolish the agency and require prior ap- proval of any charge or tax levied or bond issued by the agency.
B. The Parish government may consolidate and merge into itself any special district or local public agency, except a school district, situated and having jurisdiction entirely within the boundaries of the Parish. Upon the consolidation and merger, the Parish government shall succeed to and be vested with all of the rights, revenues, resources, jurisdiction, auth- ority, and powers of the special district or local public agency. A consolidation and merger shall become effective only if ap- proved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the Parish as a whole and by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the affected special district. A local public agency shall be consolidated and merged only if approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the Parish as a whole.
C. If the special district or local public agency which is consolidated and merged has outstanding indebtedness, the authority provided by this section shall not be exercised unless provision is made for the retirement or assumption of the indebtedness.
ARTICLE VIII. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.
Section 8-01. Repealed.
Section 8-02. Continuation of Actions.
A. All writs, actions, suits, proceedings, civil or criminal liabilities, prosecutions, judgments, sentences, contracts, franchises, debt or other obligations due by St. Mary Parish, rights or causes of action, claims, demands, titles and rights existing on the effective date of this charter shall continue unaffected. All sentences for punishment for ordinance violations or for crime shall be executed according to their terms.
B. All actions, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations of St. Mary Parish in force prior to the effective date of this charter shall, insofar as they are not inconsistent with this charter, re- main in full force and effect until amended or re- pealed by the council or until they expire by their own limitation.
Section 8-03. Special Districts.
Any special district heretofore established and existing in St. Mary Parish shall continue to exist to effectuate the purpose for which it was created, to complete any works begun or authorized therein, to pay the debts of the district and to levy taxes and other charges as may have been or may be legally authorized in the district.
Section 8-04. Fees, Charges and Tax Levies.
A. Constitutional limitations on the maximum property tax millages that can be levied without voter approval shall continue to be applicable to the Parish.
B. All fees, charges and taxes levied by St. Mary Parish shall continue to be levied by the Parish government until changed by the council by ordinance or by a vote of the people when a vote is required.
C. Receipts from fees, charges, rentals and royalties, taxes, federal and state grants, and shared revenues and taxes applicable to special districts which are less than parishwide geographically shall be used only for services to be rendered in those geographic areas.
D. The levy of property tax millages above the constitutional maximum previously approved by the voters of a special district shall continue to be levied by the Parish government and used only for the approved purposes. Such levies may be renewed upon the favorable vote of the electors within the geographical area in- volved.
Section 8-05. Special Legislative Acts.
All special legislative acts pertaining to St. Mary Parish, insofar as they are in conflict with the provisions of this charter, shall henceforth be inoperative and of no effect.
Section 8-06. Parish Retirement Systems.
No pension or retirement systems of the Parish government in existence at the time the charter is approved shall be affected in any way by this charter and shall re- main in full force and effect and shall be carried out and regulated in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
Section 8-07. Declaration of Intent.
This charter shall be liberally construed in aid of its declared intent which is to establish for the people of St. Mary Parish effective home rule free from legislative interference as to the structure and organization of its local government, and with the power and authority to manage its local affairs, all as contemplated and intended by the provisions of Article VI Section 5 of the constitution.
Section 8-08. Severability.
If any provision of this charter is declared invalid for any reason, that provision shall not affect the validity of this charter or any other provisions thereof.
Section 8-09. Violation of Civil Rights Act.
In the event the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice or any court of competent jurisdiction declares any part of this charter to be in violation of the Civil Rights Act prior to the date the charter becomes effective, the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission shall reconvene for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days for the purpose
of drafting and proposing amendments to the charter to the electors of St. Mary Parish.
Section 8-10. Schedule of Transition.
The provisions of this charter pertaining to the election of Parish government officials created hereunder shall become effective on the date this charter is adopted. The re- maining provisions of this charter shall become effective on the date of taking of office of the newly elected officials provided for by this charter, such date being established in Section 8-11(Election of Officials).
Section 8-11. Election of Officials.
A. The first election for the officials provided for by this charter shall coincide with the 1983 elections for governor, and subsequent elections shall be held on corresponding dates every fourth year thereafter. Persons elected under the provisions of this charter shall take office at noon on the second Monday in January next following their election.
B. All Parish officers elected under provisions of the police jury system of government applicable to the Parish prior to the adoption of this home rule charter shall continue to hold their offices and discharge the duties thereof until the officials elected under the provisions of this charter have taken office. Thereafter, their offices shall cease to exist.
Section 8-12. Required Approval by Electors.
The charter shall become effective only if approved by a majority of those voting on the charter.
Section 8-13. Repealed.
Per Rev. Mat-hews’ inquiry relative to whether the Council can propose additional Charter changes/items on the same ballot, Morgan Guillory Bodin stated that the Council can produce something on the same ballot as long as it is within the ballot timeframe. She stated that Lisa Morgan can obtain an opinion from the bond attorney.
After discussion, Mr. Olander moved to table Item 14B, “An Ordinance of the St. Mary Parish Council condemning the im- provements consisting of the Plantation Inn Hotel, situated at 815 Highway 90, Parcel ID No. 2984281045.00 & 2984281004.00, as a result of same being in a dilapidated and dangerous condition which endangers the public welfare and ordering the demolition and re- moval of said improvements by the owner thereof within sixty days from the effective date of this ordinance,” to the February 11, 2026 meeting. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
Mr. Hill moved that the following Resolution be adopted. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, and Ina
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Mrs. Alma B. Williams was born on November 26, 1924, in Morgan City, Louisiana and recently celebrated her 101st Birthday, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Williams was the middle sibling of a brother and a sister and was married to John E. Willams, Sr. and had one son, John E. Williams, Jr., and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Williams was a faithful servant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City, Louisiana, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Williams re- tired from the School System in New York and worked as a Switchboard Operator at the Lakewood Hospital, and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council would like to offer their congratulations to Mrs. Williams on this milestone in her life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby congratulate and extend their best wishes to Mrs. Williams.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Mr. Olander moved that the following Resolution be adopted. Rev. Mathews seconded the motion, which carried by the following 7-4-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hill, He- bert, Davis, Du- hon, Mathews, Ina, and Olander
NAYS: Rulf, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
A Resolution authorizing the St. Mary Parish Council to re- quest Water and Sewer Commission No. 3 rescind their action regarding employee’s in- surance
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council adopted Ordinance No. 1379 and Ordinance No. 2151 – Ordinances concerning insurance policy benefits; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Water and Sewer Commission No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana convened at their regular meeting on October 21, 2025 and passed a Resolution establishing policy and conditions for retirees to continue their health insurance benefits, including drug coverage, after retirement for retirees of St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 3, and St. Mary Parish Waterworks district No. 5; and
WHEREAS, the resolution passed by Water and Sewer Commission No. 3 does therein enact insurance benefits that differ from that which is provided in the Parish policy; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of this Parish Council to urgently request Water and Sewer Commission No. 3 to revert to usage of insurance benefits offered by Parish policy.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby request Water and Sewer Commission No. 3 to rescind their Resolution establishing policy and conditions for retirees to continue their health insurance benefits, including drug coverage, after retirement for retirees, and readopt insurance benefits offered by Parish policy.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Rev. Mathews moved that Item 15D, “Resolution requesting St. Mary Parish Municipalities to help fund the Transportation and Elderly Feeding programs for St. Mary Community Action Agency,” be adopted. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion.
After discussion, Rev. Mathews amended the motion to include that the municipalities help fund all nongovernmental entities that are included in St. Mary Parish’s Budget. Mr. He- bert seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Rulf, He- bert, Davis, Du- hon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, Olander, and Hill
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Rev. Mathews moved that the following Resolution, including amendments, be adopted. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, and Rulf
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council realizes that St. Mary Community Action Agency, Save our Children Mentoring Program, Chez Hope, Inc., St. Mary Council on Aging, St. Mary Outreach, Emergency Aid Center, and SMP Center of Hope provides many services to the St. Mary Parish residents, and
WHEREAS, St. Mary Parish Council understands the importance of these programs and their needs for funding, and
WHEREAS, the Council would like to encourage the municipalities to help fund the St. Mary Community Action Agency, Save our Children Mentoring Program, Chez Hope, Inc., St. Mary Council on Aging, St. Mary Outrach, Emergency Aid Center, and SMP Center of Hope, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby emphasize the importance of these local programs for its citizens and encourage the municipalities to help fund these valuable St. Mary Parish agencies.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Item 15E, “Resolution approving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 4 to Task Order No. 1 of the MSA with Aptim dated March 14, 2022, relative to the Runway and Taxiway Overlay Design project at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport,” was withdrawn.
Dr. Rink moved that the following Resolutions be adopted. Mr. Rulf seconded the mo- tion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, and Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
Resolution ap- proving and authorizing the Parish President, to execute Amendment No. 2 to Task Order No. 3 relative to the North Apron Rehab De- sign at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that Sam Jones, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Amendment No. 2 to Task Order No. 3 relative to the North Apron Re- hab Design at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, with said contract to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLUTION
Resolution ap- proving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 4 to Task Order No. 1 of the MSA with Aptim dated March 23, 2022, relative to the Runway and Taxiway Overlay Design project at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that Sam Jones, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Amendment No. 4 to Task Order No. 1 of the MSA with Aptim dated March 23, 2022, relative to the Runway and Taxiway Overlay De- sign project at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, with said amendment to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in special session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
After discussion relative to clarifying the election cost, Mr. Hebert moved to table Item 15H, “Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, to vote upon the adoption of an amended St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith,” to the February 11, 2026 meeting. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried. Dr. Rink and Mr. Adams voted no.
n response to Mr. Adams’ inquiry relative to the ordinance the Council adopted regarding the election, Morgan Guillory Bodin stated that by law, it is required to be placed on the first available ballot, regardless of cost. She stated that the outside legal attorney confirmed that it would not be affected by whether or not the resolution would be tabled. She stated that the ordinance is the action that is placing it on the ballot, not the resolution.
Mr. Olander moved to expand the agenda to adopt a Resolution approving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 4 of the MSA with Aptim dated January 5, 2023, relative to the Parking Lot and Carport De- sign project at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport. Mr. Duhon seconded the motion, which carried.
Mr. Hill moved that the following Resolution be adopted. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hi- dalgo, Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, and Davis
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
Resolution ap- proving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 4 of the MSA with Aptim dated January 5, 2023, relative to the Parking Lot and Carport Design project at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that Sam Jones, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 4 of the MSA with Aptim dated January 5, 2023, relative to the Parking Lot and Carport Design project at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, with said amendment to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in special session convened on this the 14th day of January 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Referred from December 17, 2025, Regular Meeting - Referred from the Advisory Budget/Finance Meeting November 12, 2025 - St. Mary Parish 4-H Shooting Sports has submitted their pre-application requesting funds for Program Year 2025. Funding Request $6,000.00.
No action was taken on this item.
B. Referred from December 17, 2025, Regular Meeting - Kevin Ardoin, Laboratory Director, Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory writes that the Annual Commission Meeting hosted by the Acadiana Crime Lab was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. During the meeting, the 2026 Proposed Budget was ap- proved by the Commission members in attendance.
The budget must be approved by at least a majority of the governing authorities of the parishes which the Commission serves.
Dr. Rink moved to approve the 2026 Acadiana Crime Lab Proposed Budget. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Tambra Verret, Office Administrator, has written – “As directed by and on behalf of the St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 4, I am submitting this request to convey the Commissions’ recommendation that Willie Scott and William P. Gray be reappointed to new terms beginning in January 2026.
The Commission also requests that the Council proceed with the appointment of the seventh Board Member. The seat has remained va- cant for several months following the passing of former Commissioner Stephanie Milton.
Mr. Ina requested to place all three (3) vacancies on the January 28, 2026 meeting agenda.
B. Kayla Ewing has written – “I will be moving out of the parish at the end of this month and will no longer be able to sit on the Tourist Commission Board.”
Ms. Ewing will be sent a letter thanking her for her service and the vacancy will be advertised.
C. Matt Kidder has written – “I will unfortunately no longer be eligible to serve on Wards 5 & 8 Joint Sewer Commission. Please accept this as my letter of resignation.”
Mr. Kidder will be sent a letter thanking him for his service and the vacancy will be advertised.
D. Scott T. Berry has emailed – “Please accept my formal resignation from the Board of Adjustments.”
Mr. Berry will be sent a letter thanking him for his service and the vacancy will be advertised.
E. Discussion and action relative to appointment of Advisory Budget/Finance Committee Chair and Vice-Chair.
Nominations were opened for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026.
Mr. Ina moved to nominate Rev. Craig Mathews for Chairperson of the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
Rev. Craig Mat-hews was elected Chairperson of the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026.
Rev. Mathews moved to nominate Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. for Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026. Mr. Adams seconded the mo- tion.
Mr. Ina amended the motion to nominate David W. Hill for Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026. Due to lack of a second vote, the nomination failed.
Original motion to nominate Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. for Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026 carried.
Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. was elected Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Budget/Finance Committee for the year 2026.
F. Discussion relative to enforcement of St. Mary Parish Ordinances. (Dr. Rink)
Dr. Rink stated that according to the Home Rule Charter, the Parish should have a compliance officer to enforce the ordinances. Discussion was had relative to whether each board has a policy and they also discussed penalties.
Mr. Duhon stated for the record that he is still awaiting tapes/books from Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A that he re- quested two (2) years ago. He stated he made a public records request and President Jones stated he would obtain the books and still have not gotten them. He also said Legal Counsel, Eric Duplantis stated he could not obtain an Oceaneering computer.
Dr. Rink re- quested Mr. Governale and Human Resources research having a compliance officer and report options at the next meeting.
G. Dr. Rink to request an allocation of $500,000 from Wards 5 & 8 Sales Tax Fund for Drainage and Sewer System Im- provements in the Bayou Vista area.
Dr. Rink moved that $500,000 from Wards 5 & 8 Sales Tax Fund be allocated for Drainage and Sewer System Improvements in the Bayou Vista area. Mr. Adams seconded the mo- tion.
After discussion, Mr. Hill amended the motion to table this item to the January 28, 2026 meeting. Mr. He- bert seconded the motion, which carried by the following 8-3-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, He- bert, Davis, and Duhon
NAYS: Adams, Rink, and Rulf
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Mr. Hill moved to table an allocation of $500,000 from Wards 5 & 8 Sales Tax Fund for Drainage and Sew-er System Im- provements in the Bayou Vista area to the next meeting. Mr. Hebert seconded the mo- tion, which carried. Dr. Rink, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Rulf voted no.
H. Discussion and action relative to separate checking accounts for future generated revenues for each sales tax fund. (Dr. Rink)
Dr. Rink suggested administration research having separate checking accounts and to make sure line items are be- ing documented.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G Lisa C.
Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Feb. 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
JANUARY 14, 2026
FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
5:45 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hear- ing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent were J Ina and Dean Adams.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE CALLING AN ELECTION IN ST. MARY PARISH TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS THE PROPOSED AMENDED HOME RULE CHARTER AS SUBMITTED BY THE ST. MARY PARISH HOME RULE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 33:1395.1 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2371
There were no written and/or oral comments were received regarding the above ordinance.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Feb. 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
JANUARY 14, 2026
FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
5:50 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hear-ing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent was J Ina.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinance:
An Ordinance of the St. Mary Parish Council condemning the im- provements consisting of the Plantation Inn Hotel, situated at 815 Highway 90, Parcel ID No. 2984281045.00-2984281004.00, as a result of same being in a dilapidated and dangerous condition which endangers the public welfare and ordering the demolition and re- moval of said im- provements by the owner thereof within sixty days from the effective date of this Ordinance.
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding the proposed ordinance.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Feb. 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF A REGULAR MEETING
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE MORGAN CITY HARBOR AND TERMINAL
DISTRICT
January 20, 2026
The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”) met in regular session at the District’s office at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, Louisiana on January 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Deborah Garber, Vice- President, convened the meeting with Commissioners Steven Cornes, Marc Felterman, Troy Lombardo, Adam Mayon, Matthew Tycer and Michael Wise in attendance. Ben Adams and Matthew Glover were absent. Also present in the meeting were Raymond Wade, Executive Director; Cindy Cutrera, Economic Development Manager; Tori Henry, Office Manager; Michael Knobloch, Special Projects Manager; Gerard Bourgeois, Board Attorney; Tim Connell and Sean Burnet, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers; Bill Blan-chard, GIS Engineering; Jeremy Meaux, Darnall, Sikes, Gardes & Frederick; St. Mary Parish Councilman, Patrick Hebert; Chuck Floyd-Jones, Saronic Technologies; Merlin Price, Jr. and members of the general public.
The meeting was called to order, and the presence of a quorum was noted. Raymond Wade led the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
It was moved by Mr. Lombardo and seconded by Mr. Tycer that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 15, 2025 be approved and adopted, with said motion carrying unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Tycer that the report of receipts and disbursements for the month of December, 2025 be received and ac- cepted and that all invoices presented to the Board for the month of December, 2025 be paid. Mr. Mayon seconded that motion, which carried unanimously.
Jeremy Meaux presented Darnall, Sikes, Gardes & Fredericks’ Audit Report to the Board for the year ending June 30, 2025 with an un- modified opinion on the District’s financial statements, the highest audit opinion. He also noted that since no exceptions were found during the previous Statewide Agreed-Upon procedures audit, no testing was re- quired. Mr. Tycer moved to accept said report, which was seconded by Mr. Lombardo and carried unanimously.
Chuck Floyd-Jones of Saronic Technologies introduced himself to the Commission as a new stakeholder in the area, specializing in building autonomous vessels as a DOD contractor. Mr. Wade welcomed them to the area and offered any support needed.
Merlin Price, Jr. addressed the commission seeking guidance/recommendations on how to move forward as a voice of the fishermen in the area concerned with low water issues in the upper basin, North of Morgan City. Mr. Wade advised him to contact CPRA and Basin Keepers for assistance and Tim Connell offer-ed his contact in- formation to assist.
Tim Connell re- ported that: (i) surveys have been de- layed, but should be released today and look good; (ii) Dredge Arulaq moved between stations 700-820 to address concerns in the Bar Channel, while Task Orders 9 and 10 have been issued through July, with funding to support them; (iii) Mike Hooks continues progress in Bayou Chene, almost completing the bottom which we will be open with dark blue all the way on the surveys, then will continue all the way up to the Bridge in Bayou Boeuf. Mr. Wade noted this is perfect timing since Performance Contractors, Conrad Shipyard and Bollinger have major upcoming sailouts; (iv) Weeks Marine dredge contract for Atchafalaya Bay, Bar and Crewboat Cut will try to recapture flow to Stouts Pass, moving material to Little Island Pass, severely restricting the flow there.
Charles Brittingham reported that Congress passed the FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations bill with $30,491 million for O&M for the Atchafalaya River. He also noted there are additional discretionary funds available and the Corps has 60 days to request it.
Michael Knobloch reported that: (i) we received approval to expand the warehouse scope of work to include removal and replacement of existing metal roof, flashing and gutter system, along with replacement of existing vinyl faced fiberglass roof and wall insulation projects. Mr. Mayon moved to authorize Mr. Adams to execute Amendment to Carl Blum’s contract for additional architecture services, which was seconded by Mr. Cornes and carried unanimously; (ii) we are awaiting the Governor’s list of capital outlay projects and hope to get our $35 million moved from P5 to P1; (iii) we are still awaiting to hear if we received funding from both FY25 PIDP and USMHP grant applications; and (iv) next month we will be applying for funding through the BUILD grant and will be asking for a resolution of support at next month’s meeting.
Robert Karam reported that since we received the fully MARAD agreement on the West Dock Project, we officially began advertising for bid last Friday, with a pre-bid meeting to be held on February 10th and bid opening on March 5th.
Bill Blanchard reported that: (i) Coastal Dredging and Bollinger are still in discussions about dredging quantities and virgin material; (ii) he has 3 hard copies of the access channel bid package, plans and specs to be re- viewed prior to sending to Facility Planning and Control; and (iii) he has a set of plans and specs for the bulkhead of slip #1 for review.
Cindy Cutrera reported that: (i) Mac will be receiving the Citizen of the Year award by the Chamber and to let us know who wishes to attend the banquet; (ii) Colonel Autin was the speaker at AIC meeting and then participated in an industry tour of the area, along with herself and Michael Brocato of the Levee District. Colonel Autin stressed the importance of the Atchafalaya River in the most important environmental area in the nation and that we need to tell people who we are and what our value is. Mr. Wade noted that Colonel Autin called him while he was in the hospital to wish him well, but most importantly texted him later to let him know that Cindy handled the tour well; (iii) She participated in a virtual CPRA draft FY27 plan meeting and Michael Hare noted that he is very committed to the Atchafalaya River and Basin; and (iv) she will be sending out her detailed report to commissioners later today.
Gerard Bourgeois reported that: (i) we are currently working with the State Land office on the extension of current and new areas with use of Southern Part of Disposal Area 3 (Horseshoe/Chene area) and will pass along Right of Entry to Corps. Mr. Mayon moved to authorize the President or Vice-President to execute said agreement with Continental Land and Fur and related Corps Right of Entry, which was seconded by Mr. Cornes and carried unanimously.
With there being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Mr. Ty- cer and seconded by Mr. Lombardo that the meeting was adjourned.
Attest:
———————
Matthew K.
Glover,
Secretary
Adv. Feb. 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation District No. 4 of the Parish of St. Mary
Minutes of
Meeting
January 21, 2026
Members Present: LaGenia Bradford, William Miller, Edward Austin
Members Ab- sent: Terrance Johnson, Vincent Byrd
Others Present: Barry Dufrene, Andrew Bienvenu, Jerry Boyles, Gabrielle Gil
Mrs. Bradford opened the regular meeting leading the Board in the pledge of allegiance.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on December 17, 2025, were reviewed. Mr. Miller made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Austin seconded the mo- tion. The motion passed.
Mr. Dufrene presented and review-ed the financial statements presented to the Board. A motion to accept the report was made by Mr. Austin and seconded by Mr. Miller. The motion passed.
Mr. Miller made a motion to pay outstanding in- voices. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. Mr. Miller, Mr. Austin, and Mrs. Bradford vot-ed yes. The motion passed.
Mr. Boyles presented his report. The Board declined a request to use the District’s building for shelter for the possible upcoming inclement weather be- cause of a lack of planning. The Board reviewed the rental rates for other rental venues. They decided to take no action on revising the rental rates.
Mr. Bienvenu gave a report on the recreation leagues. Biddy basketball league has selected the all star teams. They will be hosting an 11 / 12 year old tournament March 6 -8, 2026. They have received money as per the agreement from Coca Cola. The scoreboards on the baseball fields will be finished being installed in the next couple of weeks,
With there being no other business to discuss, a mo- tion to adjourn was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Austin. The motion passed.
———————
LaGenia Bradford
Chairperson
———————
Gabrielle Gil
Secretary Treasurer
Adv. Feb. 25, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
BERWICK-
BAYOU VISTA JOINT
WATERWORKS
COMMISSION
POST OFFICE BOX 322
BERWICK, LA 70342
(985) 384-8990
Chairman – Troy Lombardo, Vice Chairman – Paul Tholen, Vice Chairman – N.A. Hensgens, Jr., Vice Chairman – Dwight Gray
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., January 8, 2026.
Board Members Present: Troy Lombardo, Dwight Gray, Paul Tholen, N.A. Hensgens, Jr.
Others Present: Jacob Dupuy, Joel Miller and Tori Henry.
The meeting was called to order by Troy Lombardo.
It was moved by Dwight Gray, seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed to accept the minutes from the December meeting.
It was moved by Paul Tholen, seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed to accept accounts payable & treasurer’s report for the month of December.
Jacob Dupuy re- ported the gearbox on clarifier 2 had to be repaired, the new gearbox has arrived and is on standby, and the other side’s gearbox is clanking and will have to be checked for re- pairs. He also noted that the sanitary survey addressed a man hole that needs to be repaired.
Joel Miller re- ported that he will address LDH order regarding the clarifier within the time frame re- quired. He also noted he will follow up with South Central Planning on the progress of the grant application and will start drawing up the clarifier plans to get estimates.
It was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed to expand the agenda to discuss pay increases. Troy Lombardo proposed a 5% in- crease for all em- ployees and after discussion, it was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed to implement the 5% increase effective with the 01/15/26 payroll.
It was moved by Dwight Gray, seconded by N.A. Hensgens, Jr. and unanimously agreed to increase the petty cash fund to $500 to help cover monthly costs with all receipts to be included as backup.
There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed that the meeting be adjourned.
———————
Troy Lombardo,
Chairman
Adv. Feb. 25, 2025

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Some old-timers remember when chicken wire was strung in front of bandstands in some of the Cajun dance halls. It wasn’t to keep the bands in. It was to keep the crowd out and to protect the band from beer bottles thrown when somebody’s request didn’t get played quickly enough, loudly enough, or often enough.
Those dance halls could sometimes turn into pretty rough places. In fact, there’s an old saying that not too long ago folks in the Marais Bouleur area near Cankton did three things before heading to the Saturday night dance: They put on their good shirt, combed their hair, and sharpened their knife.
Lawmen tried with varying degrees of effort and success to control the fights, but they usually winked at the Saturday night hijinks — unless they really got out of hand. That’s what happened in November 1928 when the promising young accordion player Mayeus LaFleur was killed in a brawl in Basile.
LaFleur was born in Mamou in 1906 and began playing and singing when he was just a kid growing up on his grandmother’s farm. She reared him from infancy after he had been abandoned by his mother. He hooked up with fiddle player Leo Soileau early on, and they became a popular duo playing Cajun music and some of the stuff that was called “hillbilly” back then and what we call country and western today. LaFleur was killed just after he and Soileau made their recording of “Hé Mom” for Victor Records, just weeks after Joe and Cléoma Falcon put out their Columbia recording of “Allons à Lafayette,” generally regarded as the first Cajun song to be put onto vinyl.
There are several versions of what happened on that deadly Oct. 28.
According to the Ville Platte Gazette, Mayeus was providing the music at a “blind tiger” (makeshift bar) operated by Alexon Bellon in Basile. Two Crochet brothers rammed Bellon’s porch when they stopped there to get liquor. Bellon demanded $10 for the damage, but the men didn’t have it.
The Crochets went to Basile and “reported the difficulty” to [Kenneth] Manuel, who went to Bellon’s place to settle the dispute. That led to an argument, and then a fistfight between Bellon and Manuel, which ended when “Manuel drew his gun and began shooting.”
Bellon was shot four times and died from his wounds. Mayeus was shot through the heart when he tried to help the wounded Bellon. He was only 22 when he died.
The New Era, a newspaper published in Eunice at the time, gave a slightly different account of the incident and also reported this: “The voice of a dead man pierced the gloomy atmosphere of Second Street last Saturday morning, when a song recorded by Meus [sic] LaFleur, before his untimely death, thrilled hundreds of those who yet speak and understand the Acadian French. . . . To those who had learned of his alleged murder, the song seemed to grasp their very heart strings, and some even wiped away tears which forced their way to the eyes of those sympathetic listeners, while others not so well informed were happy again for having heard a folk song of their nationality which had never been written but handed down from generation to generation.”
LaFleur had said he was going to use the $100 he received for recording “Hé Mom” to find his long-lost mother. We don’t know whether she ever heard his recording. We do know that he never did.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with my boyfriend for 17 years. He has a friend, “Byron,” whom he hangs out with multiple times a week, sometimes up to six days. Byron’s wife, “Crystal,” (married 22 years) is always attached to Byron’s hip. They do everything together.
Crystal needs to be the center of attention. She constantly brags about herself and speaks louder so she gets all the attention. She’s always texting my boyfriend, even sending him pictures of herself. My boyfriend says it’s harmless and that there’s nothing to be worried about because “she’s his friend’s wife.” To me, that means nothing. Crystal is very competitive, and I feel like she’s trying to win him over. I’m about ready to let her win because I’m not a confrontational person.
I hang out with them often, so I can distract her and let my boyfriend talk to Byron without her. But I get so exhausted. It’s nonstop. She’s definitely going out of bounds, treating my boyfriend like her man.
I’ve mentioned my dislike of the situation but have been told it’s my problem (I’m jealous), not his. My boyfriend says I’m acting too clingy now because I always want to be there to keep them separated, but it’s wearing on me. Am I reading too much into this?
ENCROACHED ON IN VERMONT
DEAR ENCROACHED: No, I think you have probably read Crystal, and her insatiable need for attention, right.
Because trying to shield your boyfriend from her attempts to monopolize him hasn’t worked, it may be time for a change in tactics.
By that, I mean stop tagging along so often.
Give him space, while you use the time to get together with friends, family or some other activity you enjoy. If you do, you and your boyfriend will have more to talk about when he returns from these marathons.
As I see it, you have nothing to lose and possibly something to gain by trying it.
DEAR ABBY: I am in the process of leaving my husband of 15 years. He has admitted that he used to have sex with me while I was sleeping and when I was passed out drunk back when I had a drinking problem. He’s aware that I was molested when I was younger and that most of it took place when I was sleeping and I would wake up to it happening. He doesn’t see anything wrong with it. He says he was gentle and it was OK because I’m his wife and it’s better than cheating on me. This has permanently scarred me. I don’t know how to handle it. Please help.
TRAUMATIZED IN NEW YORK

DEAR TRAUMATIZED: You have my sympathy. If you haven’t sought counseling, I hope you will do it to help you process the fact that the assaults you have described were spousal rape. Sex with a person who is unable to give consent is illegal in all 50 states. For the sake of your mental health, please talk with a psychotherapist, who can help you to heal as well as report this to the police. A helpful resource that has been mentioned in my column many times is RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network. You will find it at rainn.org.

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For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 446, Kings Mills, OH 45034-0446.

FRANKLIN – The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, working with the parish’s School Board, has a new tool to help young people stay out of trouble.
Sheriff Gary Driskell, who shared a Parish Courthouse lectern with Superintendent Dr. Rachael Sanders, on Monday made the official birth announcement for the Futures Project, a program focusing on helping youngsters learn about the consequences of bad decisions.
“We want to be friends with them and share knowledge with them and keep them on the right path,” Driskell said.
The project’s curriculum, developed by Lt. Oscar West and Sgt. Ashleigh Wilson of the Sheriff’s Office, is already underway for eighth- through 12th-graders in the school system’s alternative program, for fifth-graders at M.E. Norman Elementary in Morgan City and Raintree Elementary in Baldwin, and students at Immanuel Christian and Central Catholic.
The Futures Project is being launched as local governments grapple with high levels of crime committed by young people and the high cost of placing juvenile offenders in scarce detention beds around the state.
The 10-lesson curriculum has been developed and funded by the Sheriff’s Office working with the School Board.
“The program addresses topics including substance abuse prevention, bullying, conflict resolution, relationship repair, decision-making, self-control and future planning,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a handout at Monday’s roll-out.
West quoted a 2019 statement by Dr. Karyn Purvis of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University: “Behind every unwanted behavior is a need.”
“We begin to understand that when we can address those needs,” West said, “then we can create a path where we can meet those students’ needs.”
The program begins with building a relationship with the students, Wilson said.
“We want the kids not only to think about now, but also the choices they make now and what it can lead to in the future.”
Sanders noted that the school system has traditionally made substance about education part of the fifth-grade curriculum.
“The futures project just sort of takes our traditional curriculum and moves it toward, honestly, the future and the dangers our kids face these days,” Sanders said.