Posted: May 22, 2014 at 12:00 Noon s2

Washington Parish Council Public Hearing Washington Parish Courthouse 908 Washington Street Franklinton, La 70438 Council Chambers May 8, 2017 Monday – 5:45

Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 17-621 – An ordinance to authorize and direct that the Washington Parish President sign and execute on behalf of the Washington Parish Council – President Government any and all contracts, purchase agreements, declarations, applications, amendments, agreements and all other documents and paperwork necessary for the application, administration and closeout of an FY 2018 – 2019 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Application on behalf of the parish and any political subdivisions thereof; and further indicating the intention of the Parish of Washington , State of Louisiana, to allocate funds for the procurement of professional services for an FY 2018 – 2019 FY LCDBG Project(s).

Chairman McMasters asked Mrs. Donna Graham to speak on Ordinance 17-621.

Donna Graham: “This is basically to get us kicked off with the application process with the LCDBG Grant funds. Normally these projects include in a road project and I believe the funding available in the road projects is up to $800,000. Also, it can include a water or utility type project. This gives the Parish President the authorization to sign off on the agreements or contracts concerning the LCDBG projects.”

Chairman McMasters: “Would anyone from the public like to speak on ordinance 17- 621.”

No one came forward.

Public Hearing - ordinance No. 17-622 - An ordinance to authorize and direct that the Washington Parish President sign and execute on behalf of the Washington Parish Council – President Government any and all contracts, purchase agreements, declarations, applications, amendments, agreements and all other documents and paperwork necessary for the application, administration and closeout of an FY 2018 – 2019 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities Application for the Varnado Water Works District on behalf of the parish and any political subdivisions thereof.

Chairman McMasters asked Mrs. Donna Graham to speak on Ordinance 17-622

Donna Graham: “This is basically the same thing, however this is how a water project would be funded and it would be through the Varnado Water Works District. If they do get a grant it flows through the Parish Government authorizing to sign off on the agreements or contracts.”

Leo Lucchesi: “This is usually a new water well or distribution line.”

Chairman McMasters asked if anyone from the public had any questions, please come forward.

Councilman Talley offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Workman to close public participation.

Roll call of vote as follows:

YEAS: (7) Fussell, Workman, Lewis, Thomas, McMasters, Anthony and Talley NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

AGENDA:

Item No. 1. - Call to order – Chairman McMasters called the meeting to order.

Item No. 2. - Invocation – Councilman Lewis gave the invocation.

Item No. 3. - Pledge of Allegiance – Councilman Talley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Item No. 4. - Roll Call – Council Clerk Sarah Cook called the roll. Present were Perry Talley, Michael Fussell, Chris Workman, Levi Lewis, Pete Thomas, Reginald McMasters and David Anthony.

Item No. 5. – Approval of Minutes – Approval of minutes dated April 24, 2017.

Councilman Workman offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Fussell to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 24, 2017.

YEAS: (7) Fussell, Workman, Lewis, Thomas, McMasters, Anthony and Talley

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

Chairman McMasters: “Before we move to the next item on the agenda, I would like to verbally announce a public hearing. Notice is hereby given pursuant to LA R.S. 42:19.1 that a public hearing of the Parish Council in Washington Parish will be held at its regular meeting place in the Council Chambers of the Courthouse Building, located at 908 Washington Street, Franklinton, LA, on Monday, June 12, 2017, at 5:45 p.m., prior to its regular meeting, to consider an ordinance to levy renewal millage rates for the 2017 tax roll on all property subject to taxation in Washington Parish within its Jurisdiction.

Health Unit...... 3.11 Library...... 4.60 Road & Bridges Maintenance...... 4.13 Courthouse & Public Building Maintenance……..1.03

Item No. 6. - Billy Burris- Candidate for Judge Division E – William Burris resides at 44745 Old Union Rd. “I am running for Judge Division E in the 22 nd Judicial District which is Washington and St. Tammany Parish. That seat is currently held by Mr. Burris, my father. I am officially announcing that I am running for that position and would really appreciate everyone’s support and vote. If anyone has any question and would like to know about my background, please feel free to contact me. On October 14, 2017 I would appreciate everyone’s vote. Thank you.”

Chairman McMasters: “Good luck and thank you for coming tonight.”

Item No. 7. - Adopt Ordinance No. 17-621 – An ordinance to authorize and direct that the Washington Parish President sign and execute on behalf of the Washington Parish Council – President Government any and all contracts, purchase agreements, declarations, applications, amendments, agreements and all other documents and paperwork necessary for the application, administration and closeout of an FY 2018 – 2019 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Application on behalf of the parish and any political subdivisions thereof; and further indicating the intention of the Parish of Washington , State of Louisiana, to allocate funds for the procurement of professional services for an FY 2018 – 2019 FY LCDBG Project(s).

Chairman McMasters: “We just had a public hearing on ordinance 17-621. Would anyone from the public like to speak on ordinance 17-621 before we vote?”

Councilman Talley offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Thomas to adopt ordinance 17- 621. Roll call of vote as follows:

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

Item No. 8. - Adopt Ordinance No. 17-622 - An ordinance to authorize and direct that the Washington Parish President sign and execute on behalf of the Washington Parish Council – President Government any and all contracts, purchase agreements, declarations, applications, amendments, agreements and all other documents and paperwork necessary for the application, administration and closeout of an FY 2018 – 2019 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities Application for the Varnado Water Works District on behalf of the parish and any political subdivisions thereof.

Chairman McMasters: “We just had a public hearing on ordinance 17-622. Would anyone from the public like to speak on ordinance 17-622 before we vote?”

Councilman Workman offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Fussell to adopt ordinance 17-622.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

Item No. 9. - Adopt Resolution 17-789 – A resolution of support for the Louisiana Alliance Cultivating Economic Success (L.A.C.E.S.)

Chairman McMasters: “Mr. Soule’ isn’t here with us tonight but I would like Councilman Lewis to speak on resolution 17-789.”

Councilman Lewis: “Bishop Soule’ visited the Council meeting a couple months ago. He is the Chairman of the Florida Parish Committee. The committee’s mission is to submit application for Federal Grant and to develop a food processing industry within the Florida Parish areas, Washington, St. Tammany, Tangaphoia and St. Helena. He has acquired a resolution from each of the parishes except Washington. This is an effort for us to provide a resolution and support of this food processing industry. I ask that the Council to treat it favorably.”

Councilman Fussell: “Most likely will be built in Hammond area and is essential for small farmers in the area and will be a great thing.” Chairman McMasters: “Would anyone from the public like to speak on resolution 17-789 before we vote?”

Councilman Thomas offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Fussell to adopt resolution 17- 789

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

Item No. 10. - Public Participation –

Chairman McMasters: “Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak? Please state your name and address. We will allow you 3 minutes to speak.”

Peggy Harris resides at 20438 Hwy 25, Franklinton, La 70438. “I handed out some paperwork on a public records request that I gave to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. It has the public records request that I typed up along with a response letter from the Sheriff’s Office. I turned this in on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 and failed to get back there on Friday to get the records I requested. I went there today and was handed this letter and told that they mailed it to me, but reading the letter, it states that I have to pay $45.00 for the information.”

Attorney Wayne Kuhn: “You asked about this in our last meeting. You have the right to request that information in which you did and the response you are getting is that any public body has three days to respond and five days to produce the information. Also, the law allows the public body to charge a reasonable fee for public copies and I believe it may be $.10 a page. The Sheriff’s Office is a different entity from the Parish Government, although we fund things for them but we do not have control of how the Sheriff’s Office is operated. It is a position created by the state law not through the Parish Government. To be honest with you, we can’t help you if you’re not getting the right responses of what you would like. The law does set out what your procedures is to follow, I would be glad to give you the law and tell you what you can do if you’re not satisfied with the response. You can just call my office and set up an appointment.”

Peggy Harris: “As far as you’re concerned, this is another long drawn out process and I’m not going to get answers to my questions? No one has anything to say about this?”

Chairman McMasters: “I think your time is up and I think he has answered your question. We are a different entity and have no jurisdiction over them. Attorney Kuhn clearly stated that if you would like to get with him afterwards, he can tell you what you would need to do to move forward.”

Chairman McMasters: “Would anyone else from the public like to come forward and speak? Please state your name and address.”

Councilman Workman offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Anthony to close public participation.

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

Item No. 11. - President’s Report –

President Thomas: Introduced Mr. Chris Trehan who is the Assistant of Senator John Kennedy.

Mr. Chris Trehan – Assistant of Senator John Kennedy: “Thank you Mr. President for the time and I want to thank the Council and our Parish leaders for all the services you give to our community. My name is Chris Trehan, I am not from Washington DC, I’m from Covington Louisiana, in fact Washington Parish is a second home to me. I am here to introduce myself and I want to say that anything our Senator’s Office can do to help our community, please reach out to me. I’m here to help our community the best way that I can. Thank you for your time and I really appreciate it.”

President Thomas: Presented a proclamation to recognize Mr. Chick Boyd for over 50 years of service of the Fire District #5. “He has chaired many boards over the years; Washington Parish Fair Associations, Mile Branch Settlement, WST, Council on Aging and other volunteer work in the Angie Community. He comes to us to turn over his duties so he can enjoy his retirement and concentrate on things in his life that he holds dear to him. Whereas, I Richard N. Thomas, Jr., Washington Parish President and the Washington Parish Council at this time, would like to express our sincere appreciation to Mr. Hoyt L. “Chick” Boyd for your exceptional volunteer service over fifty plus years to the Village of Angie and Washington Parish.”

Mr. Hoyt L. “Chick” Boyd: Mr. Boyd gave a little history of Angie Fire Department and how far they have come with Fire District #5. Mr. Boyd thanked everyone for the proclamation along with the support of WST Board.

President Thomas: “We received a letter from Duane E. Seay requesting to complete the term of Mr. Chick Boyd at Fire District #5 which expires December 31, 2017. We will present a resolution at the May 22nd meeting for Council approval. Also, in your folder is a resignation letter from Mr. Romey P. Smith resigning from the Washington Parish Recreation District #1. You should have a resume from Mr. Orlando Smith requesting to replace Mr. Romey P. Smith on the Washington Parish Recreation District #1.”

Donna Graham – Financial Director: “Our auditors will be wrapping their field work up by tomorrow and their report should be forthcoming by the end of the month. We are advertising for our official journal. In the next two weeks there will be an advertisement in the Era Leader. We will be selecting an official journal by the end of the month. Also, I would like to invite everyone to the Rotary’s Annual Food Fest and Auction. This will be held at the Franklinton Elementary School on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 11:30 to 2:00. The tickets are $15.00 each with a live and a silent auction. We would love for anybody and everybody to come out and join us. The Rotary is an international organization of association of business people that work to better their communities. Rotary of Franklinton supports our local students through scholarships, school supplies, dictionary project that we do with all the schools in Washington Parish, we send students to leadership camps and help the food bank in Franklinton. It is a very worthwhile organization and we would appreciate your support.”

Leo Lucchesi – Director of Public Works: DPW Update:  Washington Parish Health Unit – Walls, trim of walls and doors in the corridors, conference room, administrators offices have been rehabbed with new paint and base moldings.  Parish Courthouse – Top floor lobby, foyer, main courtroom, and jury deliberation will be renovated with new wall, trim painting, new vinyl flooring planks and carpet. Additionally, bench cushions and seating were reupholstered. This project is funded by an LGAP Grant. The painting is scheduled to begin this Friday, May 12, 2017 and continue through May 29, 2017. Court sessions in the main courtroom will be relocated during this project.  DOTD Road Transfer Program – 1.6 miles of La Hwy 438 is paved and the remaining 1 mile is prepared with soil cement and cross drains, which is scheduled for pavement this week. This segment is in Angie on Hwy 438 from hwy 21 to Old Columbia Road.  Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project – Design plans are complete. DOTD will visit the Franklinton site for field evaluation san comments from Meyers Engineering and WPG. This downtown Franklinton sidewalk project is funded by a DOTD grant.  WPSO & Jail – The elevator is complete. The warden has requested new copies of jail keys from WPG.  25 Bridge to Culvert Program – Awaiting additional funding approval from GOHSEP at this time a determination is expected by May 17, 2017, the deadline for awarding the contract to Magee Excavation & Development of Covington La. The low bid price of $2,157,028.61.  Washington Parish Library – Library personnel and Board of Directors is evaluating available buildings and lots in Angie.

Donnell Merritt – Transportation Supervisor: Month of April

 Drainage projects on 14 roads and covering 30 miles.  Delivered 60 tons of cold mix on 29 roads covering 58 miles.  Delivered 215 tones of hot mix on 17 roads covering 34 miles.  Installed 49 culverts.  Graded 90 roads covering 160 miles.  Bush hogged 93 roads covering 180 miles.  Picked up 116 bags of trash covering 8 roads.  Installed 23 new name signs.  Installed a total of 29 other signs.  Maintained 9 parish locations.  Relocated 14 road name signs to top of stop signs.  Sprayed around 54 road signs and bridges.  Rehabilitation Program: o All culverts have been installed on phase roads. o All roads to be zipped up have been completed. o 8.30 miles of blacktopping has been completed with 20.58 miles left.

Item No. 12. Council Discussion –

Councilman Lewis: “I would like to commend Mr. Donnell Merritt on the quick response in my district regarding a school bus having a difficult time traveling down a road.”

Councilman Fussell: “I would like to comment on the garbage; again 116 bags of trash picked up on eight roads. The Council needs to take up some kind of action on how we are going to handle the trash problems in the parish.”

Councilman Talley: “I have some constituents that are very pleased with the work being done in Mitchell City. Normally I don’t like calling out employees in particular because they are all very good and work very hard but there is a track hoe operator that I am getting comments from my constituents. They are very happy about his work and they said to back up and let that man go.”

Councilman Thomas: “I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight it’s always good to have a full room and good luck to Billy Burris.”

Chairman McMasters: “I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight and a thank you Donnell Merritt for all the hard work throughout the parish, including my district we appreciate it. Everyone is doing a fine job.”

Item No. 13. – Adjourn – No further business to come before the Council, meeting was adjourned on motion by Councilman Fussell, seconded by Councilman Workman.

ABSENT: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

Order of Voting:

Michael Fussell Reginald McMasters Chris Workman David Anthony Levi Lewis Perry Talley Pete Thomas

Next meeting will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017

In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Sarah Cook, Clerk to the Council at 985-839-7825 Ext. 313 describing the assistance that is necessary. (All Ordinances, Resolutions and Attachments in its entirety are available at the office of Clerk of the Council at 909 Pearl Street, Franklinton, Louisiana or at (985)839-0105 or wpgov.org.)

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