Skip to content

Landmark & Heritage Meeting Minutes – July 2020

MINUTES OF THE BRUSLY LANDMARK & HERITAGE COMMISSION
July 20, 2020

A meeting of the Brusly Landmark and Heritage Commission was held on Monday July 20, 2020, at Brusly Town Hall, Brusly, Louisiana.  Chairman Rills called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  Commissioner Bourgeois led the Pledge of Allegiance. Town Council Member Joanne Bourgeois requested a moment of silence in remembrance of Commissioner Bourgeois’ recently deceased wife, Merlyn Bourgeois, and also Commissioner Jackson’s husband, Kenneth Jackson.  A roll call determined the following:

Commission Chairman:                      Jim Rills
Commission Members Present:          Billy Bourgeois, Margaret Canella, Henry Soniat
Commission Members Absent:          Edward Dupuy, Rose Jackson, Shirley Jordan
Advisory Members Present:               Brian Falcon, Billy Hebert
Advisory Members Absent:               Scarlet Callicoatte
Others present:                                   Joanne Bourgeois

Upon motion by Commissioner Canella, seconded by Commissioner Bourgeois, the minutes of the January 27, 2020 meeting were unanimously approved as written.  There was no meeting held in April 2020 due to COVID-19 “stay at home” order issued by Governor John Bel Edwards.

Landmark Plaque Applications:

Council Member Bourgeois presented the application for a Landmark Plaque for the home at 424 N. LaBauve, currently owned by Thomas Brian Parsons.  The home was built in 1955 for the Charles Marionneaux family.  “Mr. Charlie” served on the WBR Parish School Board for 30 years.

Council Member Bourgeois also presented a Landmark Plaque application for the home at 422 Lee Dr., owned by Pamela Rhodes.  The home was built in 1968 for Sherrill & Pamela Rhodes where they raised three sons, Brent, Scot and Craig.  Mr. Sherrill served on the Brusly Town Council for many years.  The Rhodes son, Scot, also served on the Brusly Town Council and is currently serving as Mayor, having been elected in 2016.

Following discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Bourgeois, seconded by Commissioner Canella, to recommend to the Brusly Town Council that the both homes receive a Town of Brusly Landmark Plaque.  The motion passed unanimously.

Former Landmark Site Applications:

Council Member Bourgeois presented the application for the Former Landmark Site for 803 E. St. Francis, presently owned by Wesley Sarradet, which was the location of the Heck Family Blacksmith Shop.  Oral histories and family stories indicate that many of the iron crosses in the St. John the Baptist Cemetery were forged at the Heck Blacksmith Shop.  A large portion of the Heck property was lost to the levee relocation project in the early in the 1930s.  East St. Francis Street was called Heck’s Lane for most of the 20th century.

Following the discussion, a motion was made by Commission Canella; seconded by Commissioner Bourgeois, to recommend to the Brusly Town Council that the property be designated as a Former Landmark Site.  The motion passed unanimously.

Council Member Bourgeois gave a brief update on the previously approved Former Landmark Site of the 2nd and final location of the Hebert & Mouch Store.  Ms. Bourgeois reported that Mr. Irwin Gonzalez is now the owner of the property and we are awaiting his consent regarding      the Former Landmark Site Sign.

Other Business:

It was decided to set a tentative date of October 11, 2020, contingent on circumstances regarding COVID-19, to hold a Landmark Ceremony.

Public Comment:  None

A motion was made by Commissioner Bourgeois to adjourn; seconded by Commissioner Canella.  The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Commission Chairman Rills declared the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

/s/ Patricia Gaudet Thibodaux, Secretary

Back To Top