Town Meeting Minutes – April 2024

April 8, 2024
Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was called to order this date, April 8, 2024, at the Brusly Town Hall, at 6:30 p.m., by Mayor Rhodes. Council Member André led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call determined the following officials present:
Mayor:                                Scot Rhodes
Council Members:              Rusty Daigle, Blake Tassin, Shane André, Don Neisler
Town Attorney:                   Thomas Acosta, Jr.
Absent:                               Joanne Bourgeois

Recognitions & Commendations:
Mayor Rhodes introduced DA Tony Clayton and invited him to the podium to speak.
Mr. Clayton spoke about the Law Enforcement District Initiative and encouraged citizens to get out and vote yes for the one-fourth of one cent sales tax. Early voting will be April 13-20 (excluding Sunday) from 8:30am – 6pm. Election day will be Saturday, April 27th from 7am – 8pm.

A motion to approve minutes of the Town’s regular meeting of March 11, 2024, was made by Council Member André; 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 March, prepared by Public Works Supervisor Shane Sarradet. There were 8.7 inches of rainfall in the month; no drainage issues; 0 SACDA alarms; 3 “out of compliance” test results on the Sewer Treatment Facility; road overlays are complete at 2 locations; WSP (Phase 1) Force main on pond road is about 80% complete; WSP (Phase 2) Lagoon Improvements scheduled to begin in July; WSP (Phase 3) Lift Station upgrade scheduled to begin the fall of this year; 240’ of culverts were cleaned out in servitude at 716, 815, and 833 E. Main Street.

Regular bulk trash will be picked up the week of April 8th; the extra trash pickup will be April 26th.

Planning and Zoning Committee:
Mayor Rhodes read aloud the variance request for Richard Soniat, 411 Gwin St., non-compliance Sec 120-147 (d)(4), R-3 Single Family Residential, to reduce the minimum living area from 864 square feet to 619 square feet and opened the public hearing. After brief discussion, a motion to grant the variance was made by Council Member André; second by Council Member Neisler. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comments. Hearing no comments a roll call vote was had with the following results:
Yeas:             Neisler, Tassin, André
Nays:            Daigle
Absent:         Bourgeois

Finance Committee:
Mayor Rhodes noted that the “Budget to Actual Comparison Report” for March, in the meeting packets, is available for Council Members to review.

Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for discussion about payment application #2 for the Sewer Force Main Project. After a brief discussion, Council member Tassin motioned to approve payment of $268,463.98, using ARPA funds; seconded by Council Member Daigle. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Upon the recommendation of Mayor Rhodes, a motion to renew the Town’s current Blue Cross Health Insurance plan was made by Council Member Neisler; seconded by Council Member André. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Personnel Committee: None

Recreation Committee: None

Police Committee: None

Governmental Affairs Committee:
Upon the request of Mayor Rhodes, a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a permit for sale of beer at the Alexander Park on April 21, 2024, for the BJ Guidry Fundraiser Softball Tournament, was made by Council Member André; seconded by Council Member Tassin. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Consideration of Vetoed Ordinances: None

Hearing & Final Action on Ordinances: None

Introduction of Ordinances: None

Resolutions: None

Police Department Report:
Police Department Report for the month of March was given by Chief Lefeaux. There were three (3) agency assists, two (2) assaults, one (1) controlled substance, one (1) damaged property, two (2) disturbances, one (1) domestic problem, three (3) DUI, one (1) fire, four (4) no insurance tows, one (1) non UCR reportable, two (2) stolen vehicles, one (1) theft, six (6) traffic accidents and one (1) warrant. For the month, there were 29 total events, 145 total citations and 206 total violations.

Through use of the Flock License Plate Camera System, there were 10 stolen vehicles/plates alerts.

Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Rhodes reported that Julie Mayeux received the Pride of WBR Award. The mayor announced that there will be a Farmers & Makers Market held May 18th at St. James Park. Mayor Rhodes attended a meeting with key people involved in building the new overpass and reported that they are on pace to complete the project in December.

Remarks of Personal Privilege: None

Announcements:
There will be a Landmark & Heritage Meeting April 15, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Council Member André 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 7:16 p.m.

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