Town Meeting Minutes – December 2024

December 2, 2024
Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was called to order this date, December 2, 2024, at the Brusly Town Hall, at 6:30 p.m., by Mayor Rhodes. Council Member Neisler 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 honored our outgoing Town Council Members as it was their last meeting before retiring. The Mayor presented an award to Council Member Don Neisler, which reads, “In appreciation for Twelve Years of dedicated service on the Brusly Town Council, 2013 – 2024”
Council Member Neisler has been a wealth of knowledge on the subject of Planning & Zoning for the Town of Brusly. Council Member Neisler thanked the citizens of Brusly for their support over the last 12 years.

The Mayor presented an award to Council Member Shane André, which reads, “In appreciation for over 25 years of dedicated service on the Brusly Town Council, 1999 – 2024”. Council Member André is the longest serving Council Member in the Town of Brusly history. He has brought a wealth of knowledge on project management for the Town of Brusly.

The Mayor also honored Council Member Joanne Bourgeois. Unfortunately, she was not present due to illness. Council Member Bourgeois’ award reads, “In appreciation for 24 years of dedicated service on the Brusly Town Council, 2000 – 2024”. Council Member Bourgeois has been instrumental in the administration of programs such as Veteran’s Day programs, Landmark & Heritage Commission and Tree City recognition for the Town of Brusly.

A motion to approve minutes of the Town’s regular meeting of November 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 November, prepared by Public Works Supervisor Shane Sarradet. There were 6 inches of rainfall in the month; 0 SCADA alarms at the Wastewater Lift Stations; no samples were taken during the Lagoon Improvement Project; 1 culvert program installation; potholes were filled on Orleans Quarters and Allene; Back Brusly Oak was trimmed by arborist to allow adequate height for traffic; installation of Christmas decorations has begun; flags will come down this week.

Waste Pro roadside debris pickup is scheduled for the week of December 9th.

After discussion and consideration of a change order on the Sewer Lagoon Improvement project, no action was taken due to a lack of motion.

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.

Margaret Pritchard, of Baxley & Associates, delivered the 2023/2024 Audit, reporting that the Town of Brusly received the highest level of opinion on the audit. Ms. Pritchard reported that the Town received two findings, a lack of pledged funds on the Town’s Essential Credit Union accounts and the lack of a CPA on staff.

Mayor Rhodes introduced Essential Credit Union CEO Rick Williams and invited him to speak on the audit finding regarding the lack of pledged funds on the Town’s accounts. Mr. Williams apologized for the Credit Union’s lapse in not having the correct pledged funds to cover the Town’s accounts. Mr. Williams reported they immediately corrected the deficiency by placing necessary procedures/protocol to prohibit future incidents.

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 André; seconded by Council Member Neisler. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comments. Hearing no comments, the motion passed unanimously.

Personnel Committee:
Following a recommendation from Mayor Rhodes, a motion to approve the prepared 2025 Holiday Schedule was made by Council Member Tassin; seconded by Council Member Daigle. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comments. Hearing no comments, the motion passed unanimously.

Recreation Committee: None
Police Committee: None
Governmental Affairs Committee: None
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 November was given by Asst. Chief Southon. There was one (1) abandoned, one (1) agency assist, six (6) alarms, one (1) animal problem, four (4) assaults, two (2) damaged property, six (6) disturbances, one (1) family disturbance, two (2) fires, one (1) harassment, one (1) medical, one (1) mental subject, one (1) miscellaneous, one (1) theft, eight (8) traffic accidents, three (3) traffic problems, one (1) unlock, one (1) warrant and two (2) welfare checks. For the month, there were 44 total events, 19 total citations and 22 total violations.

Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Rhodes reported that the swearing in of new officials will be held on January 6, 2025, at 6:00pm. Mayor Rhodes thanked all members of the Council for their dedication to the Town of Brusly and invited everyone to enjoy the refreshments after the close of the meeting.

Remarks of Personal Privilege:
Asst. Chief Southon expressed his gratitude and thanked the outgoing Council Members for their service to the Town.

Announcements:
Christmas Tree Lighting at Saint James Park, Friday, December 6th at 5:30pm.
Inauguration for Town of Brusly Elected Officials, January 6, 2025, at 6:00pm.
The Planning & Zoning meeting for December will be December 18th instead of the 25th.
There will be an election day on Saturday, December 7th.

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

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