Town Meeting Minutes – February 2020

February 10, 2020
Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was called to order this date, February 10, 2020, at the Brusly Town Hall, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Savannah Daigle led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call determined the following officials present:
Mayor Scot Rhodes
Council Members:           Rusty Daigle, Joanne Bourgeois, Terry Richard, Shane André, Don Neisler
Town Attorney:               Thomas Acosta, Jr.
Absent:                           None

Recognitions & Commendations: None

A motion to approve the minutes of the Town’s regular meeting of January 14, 2020, as written, was made by Council Member Daigle and seconded by Council Member Richard. 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, as prepared by Public Works Supervisor Shane Sarradet, for the month of January. There were 6.5 inches of rainfall in the month; no drainage issues reported or observed; installation of decorative street signs have been completed on all intersections along Gwin St. and all streets in Courtney Estates; there were 3 SCADA alarms for minor issues; one personnel incident to report for the Maintenance Department; there were no out of compliance sample test results on the Sewer Treatment Facility; one sewer backup affecting two homes; water line installation will occur on Anita Street; pre-construction meeting was held for River Mill 3rd Filing; a 6’4” dead alligator was removed from the Chlorine Contact Chamber.

Regular bulk trash will be picked up the week of February 10, 2020. The extra trash pickup will be Friday, February 28, 2020.

Regarding concerns about the water line installation on Anita Street, Mayor Rhodes stated that residents in that area will receive notices when the work is slated.
Planning and Zoning Committee:
Mayor Rhodes read aloud a Variance Request for Non-Compliance – Sec. 19.6-Servitude Encroachment, for a fence construction by Fence contractor in Austin TX . A motion to approve was made by Council Member Neisler; seconded by Council Member Bourgeois. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comments. Hearing no comments, the motion passed unanimously.

Finance Committee:
Mayor Rhodes noted that the “Budget to Actual Comparison Report” was included in the meeting packets for Council Members to review. It was noted that the report time frame was through 01/31/20 not 06/01/20 to 06/30/20.

Recreation Committee: None

Personnel Committee:
Upon the recommendation of Police Chief Lefeaux, Council Member André made a motion to hire Devin Byrd as a Full Time Police Officer at the rate of $16.00 an hour, effective February 4, 2020; seconded by Council Member Richard. Mayor Rhodes opened the floor for public comment. Hearing no comments, the motion passed unanimously.

Police Committee: None

Governmental Affairs Committee: None

Consideration of Vetoed Ordinances: None

Hearing and Final Action on Ordinances: None

Introduction of Ordinances: None

Resolutions: None

Police Department Report:
Police Department Report for the month of January was given by Lt. Jason Fontenot. There were six (6) alarms, one (1) suspicious person, two (2) fireworks, one (1) unlock, three (3) miscellaneous complaints, two (2) disturbance calls, seven (7) assist to other agencies, twenty-eight (28) no insurance tows, nine (9) crash reports, thirty-one (31) truancy investigations, two (2) criminal damage to property, one (1) animal at large, three (3) battery, one (1) drug arrest, one (1) armed robbery, one (1) medical, three (3) physical inspections, no warrant arrests, two (2) public assists and three (3) deaths. For the month, there were 107 total complaints, 360 total citations and 478 total violations.

Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Rhodes attended the WBR Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony during which the Port of Greater Baton Rouge received the “Pride of WBR Award.” Mayor Rhodes also attended a meeting with WBR Parish Officials where a discussion was held relative to updating the Animal Control Ordinances governing the Parish. When those revisions are complete, we will update Town Ordinance to coincide with the Parish Ordinance. The Mayor reported that the Parish was in the process of digging and cleaning the Ton Ton Canal. Mayor Rhodes also reported that Town Clerk, Blaine Rabalais attended the LMA Mid-Winter Conference during which the Town of Brusly Received an Award in Excellence for debt resolution from American Municipal Services, the Town’s collection agency for past due traffic tickets.

Remarks of Personal Privilege:
Parish Council Member Kershaw presented a brief update on WBR Parish projects, including the status of the Fire District personnel.

Announcements:
Town Hall will be closed for Mardi Gras on Tuesday February 25th.
Addis Mardi Gras Parade February 16th.

A motion was made by Council Member André to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Richard. Hearing no comments, the motion passed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM.

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