Town Meeting Minutes – Monday, January 8, 2007

January 8, 2007

Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was held this date, January 8, 2007, at the Brusly Town Hall. Mayor Joey Normand called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Kershaw led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call determined the following officials present:

Mayor: Joey Normand
Council Members: David Rodrigue, Ronda Perrault,
Joanne Bourgeois, Shane Andre’, Chris Kershaw
Town Attorney: Thomas Acosta, Jr.

A motion to approve the minutes of the Town’s Regular Meeting of December 11, 2006 was made by Council Member Kershaw and seconded by Council Member Bourgeois; motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Public Works: None

Planning and Zoning: Council Member Perrault made a motion to approve the final plat for The Gates at the Oaks and a variance from the requirement that lots 14-29 front on a public street. The motion also requires DHH approval of the design which has been submitted and is awaiting approval. The motion was seconded by Council Member Andre’ and passed with a unanimous vote.

Finance Committee: None

Personnel Committee: None

Recreation Committee: Council Member Andre’ announced that the Brusly Wrestling Team won their wrestling tournament and have potential to be State Champions.
He also mentioned Miss Samantha Robillard, a 10th grade powerlifter, is “phenomenal” breaking state records and can compete worldwide. Councilmember Bourgeois noted that Kayla Sarradet had been named to an All-Metro Volleyball Team.

Police Committee: Chief Whaley made a recommendation to hire part-time Officer James Lee full-time, effective January 9, 2007 at an hourly rate of $10.15. Officer Lee is P.O.S.T certified and has completed the Matrix. Council Member Perrault made a motion to accept the Chief’s recommendation to hire Officer Lee full-time at an hourly rate of $10.15; seconded by Council Member Rodrigue and passed with a unanimous vote.

Grant Committee: Chief Whaley stated that the Department will receive two Law Enforcement grants to purchase radios and computers.
Consideration of Vetoed Ordinances: None

Hearing and Final Action on Ordinances: Ordinance #1 was read aloud by Mayor Normand which included the addition of several Grants plus an increase in the Sales Tax budget by $114,000. He then opened the public hearing and with no comments from the audience, the public hearing was closed. A motion to amend Ordinance #1 Budget Adjustments was made by Council Member Perrault and seconded by Council Member Rodrigue. The motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Ordinances: Council Member Andre’ introduced Ordinance #2-Chapter 19.

Resolutions and Commendations: A motion to approve Resolution #1-Authorizing the Town to purchase two Crown Victoria units on State Contract rather than the previously authorized purchase of Dodge Chargers. The motion was made by Council Member Bourgeois; seconded by Council Member Rodrigue and passed with a unanimous vote.

Fire Department: Fire Chief Alleman gave the Fire Chief’s Report for December. There were 13 first aid calls outside the Town and 10 first aid calls inside the Town. There were four motor vehicle crashes outside Town and three motor vehicle crashes inside Town; six mutual aid calls to Addis and three investigations. Total calls for the month were 39 and 316 total calls for the year.

Police Department: Report for the month of December was given by Chief Whaley. He stated that there were four wrecks, five assistances to other agencies, 10 traffic arrests, one damage to property, one alarm, one disturbing the peace, one domestic call, two thefts, two battery’s, two bench warrants, one drug arrest, one robbery and eight miscellaneous calls. There were three juvenile matters, for a total of 48 calls and 303 citations for the month.
Mr. Brandon Mellieon, the town’s inspector, gave a brief overview on what he has been doing since being hired. He has inspected areas in town and found that there are many abandoned cars. He will keep the Council updated and will speak with residents who are in violation before sending out any correspondence. The Mayor requested that he provide a list of recipients to him and the Council.

Correspondence: None

Mayor’s Report: As chairman of the Central Communications Board, Mayor Normand reported good progress.

Remarks of Personal Privilege: Mr. Carroll Fontenot asked for an update on remodeling the Police Department. The Mayor and Chief of Police stated that they received information from one of the three architects but they have not finalized anything.
Council Member Bourgeois stated that she wanted to address misconceptions regarding the Historic District Study Committee; the committee has no plans to tell homeowners what colors they can paint their homes, what kind of mailboxes to use or that they cannot sell property they own. She further addressed the persons who were chosen to comprise the committee, stating that others who were asked to serve strongly support the efforts of historic preservation, but were unable to commit to serving because of various personal reasons.
Mayor Normand talked about the drainage problem from the December 30, 2006 rains. He welcomed residents to call him or come see him and voice their concerns with drainage. He encouraged them to contact the Council Members also. He added his disappointment with those who have written and circulated anonymous letters regarding the historic district committee and noted that the Historic District Committee has been open to everyone’s opinions.

Announcements: The Town Hall will be closed on January 15th for Civil Rights Day.
The next Historic District Meeting will be January 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.

A motion was made by Council Member Andre’ to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Kershaw. The motion passed with a unanimous vote; the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

_____________________ _________________________
Joey Normand, Mayor Debbie Berthelot, Town Clerk