Town Meeting Minutes – December 2023

December 11, 2023
Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was called to order this date, December 11, 2023, at the Brusly Town Hall, at 6:30 p.m., by Mayor Rhodes. Council Member Tassin led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call determined the following officials present:
Mayor:                        Scot Rhodes
Council Members:      Rusty Daigle, Joanne Bourgeois, Blake Tassin, Don Neisler
Town Attorney:           Thomas Acosta, Jr.
Absent:                       Shane André

Recognitions & Commendations:
Margaret Pritchard, representing Baxley & Associates, presented the 2022/2023 Audit report to the Council. Ms. Pritchard reported that the Town of Brusly is in a great financial position and thanked Blaine Rabalais, Patricia Thibodaux and the staff for their help with preparing for the audit.

A motion to approve minutes of the Town’s regular meeting of November 13, 2023, was made by Council Member Bourgeois; seconded by Council Member Tassin. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Public Works Committee:
Mayor Rhodes read the Public Works Report for the month of November, prepared by Public Works Supervisor Shane Sarradet. There were 1.7 inches of rainfall in the month; 0 SACDA alarm; 1 “out of compliance” test result on the Sewer Treatment Facility; on-site reviews of WSP Grant projects were held with potential contractors; Kettle was reworked at St. James Park; electrical speed signs installed on Allene & Ory Dr; no incidents to report for Maintenance Department; flags were taken down and Christmas decorations are up.

Regular bulk trash will be picked up the week of December 11th; the extra trash pickup will be December 29th.

Council Member Neisler moved to accept the bid from Southern Underground of Louisiana, LLC in the amount of $549,973.00 for the WSP 2023 Sewer Program, Force Main Improvements; seconded by Council Member Daigle. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. After hearing comments, a roll call vote was had with the following results:
Yeas:             Tassin, Neisler, Daigle, Bourgeois
Nays:             None
Absent:         André

Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for discussion on the condemned house at 325 S. LaBauve Ave. Not hearing from the property owners with a solution regarding bringing the property up to code, Council Member Tassin moved to condemn the property; seconded by Council Member Neisler. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. After hearing comments, a roll call vote was had with the following results:
Yeas:           Neisler, Daigle, Bourgeois, Tassin
Nays:          None
Absent:       André

Planning and Zoning Committee: None
Finance Committee:
Mayor Rhodes noted that the “Budget to Actual Comparison Report” for November, in the meeting packets, is available for Council Members to review.

Having received the audit report from Margaret Pritchard, a motion to accept the 2022/2023 Audit was made by Council Member Daigle; seconded by Council member Tassin. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Upon recommendation of Mayor Rhodes, a motion to approve Liquor Licenses for the following businesses: Back Brusly Grocery Oaks LLC; Family Dollar Store; JW Food Mart; Lit Pizza; La. Bayou Bistro; Ramez Food Mart; Rio Cantina and Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, was made by Council Member Neisler; seconded by Council Member Daigle. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comments. Hearing no comments, the motion passed unanimously.

Personnel Committee:
The 2024 Holiday Schedule will be followed as set forth in The Town of Brusly Code of Ordinances.

Recreation Committee: None
Police Committee: None

Governmental Affairs Committee:
Mayor Rhodes read aloud from the 2023 Arbor Day Proclamation that proclaimed November 27, 2023, as Arbor Day in the Town of Brusly. Council Member Bourgeois reported that the Town of Brusly has been a Tree City for the past 18 years starting in 2005, prompted in part by the donation of the Town’s Historical Back Brusly Oak Tree by the Caillouet family.

Consideration of Vetoed Ordinances: None
Hearing & Final Action on Ordinances: None
Introduction of Ordinances:
Council Member Bourgeois introduced an Ordinance to Amend Sec.120-152:C-1 Light Commercial, to add as a permitted use: “small animal grooming and/or boarding where animals are kept indoors;” and amend prohibited uses: “Outdoor kennels”.

Resolutions: None

Police Department Report:
Police Department Report for the month of November was given by Chief Lefeaux. There was one (1) abandoned, one (1) alarm, four (4) assaults, one (1) burglary, two (2) controlled substance, one (1) death, two (2) disturbances, one (1) DUI, one (1) embezzlement, three (3) medical, one (1) miscellaneous, three (3) no insurance tows, one (1) non UCR reportable, one (1) public peace, one (1) stolen vehicle, three (3) suspicious, one (1) theft, one (1) threat, ten (10) traffic accidents, two (2) traffic problems, two (2) trespassing, one (1) unlock, two (2) warrants, three (3) weapons offense and one (1) welfare check. For the month, there were 50 total events, 208 total citations and 331 total violations.

Through use of the Flock License Plate Camera System, there were 5 warrant stops and 1 stolen vehicle.

Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Rhodes will be attending a Water Sector meeting at the Capitol, also the Mayor will be meeting with Epic Paving for preconstruction discussion of the road overlay project. The Mayor reported that sidewalk repairs have begun on Lejeune St. The Mayor also reported that the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was a huge success and thanked all who donated toys to WBR Santa’s Helpers.

Remarks of Personal Privilege:
Mayor Rhodes wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
WBR Parish Council Member Chris Kershaw gave his last update on Parish projects, as he is term limited and he thanked all previous and current Town Officials and staff.

Announcements:
Town Hall will be closed Friday December 22nd and Monday December 25th for Christmas.
Town of Brusly Committee Meeting for January will be Tuesday January 2nd.

Council Member Neisler made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Daigle. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20p.m.

/s/Scot Rhodes, Mayor                        /s/Blaine Rabalais, Town Clerk