Town Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 14, 2003

July 14, 2003

Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was held this date, July 14th, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brusly Town Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Andre’. A roll call by Town Clerk Jules Lefeaux determined the following officials present:

Mayor: Joey Normand
Council Members: Daryl Babin, Shane Andre’, Ronda Perrault,
Joanne Bourgeois
Absent: Chris Kershaw

Mayor Normand introduced Mr. Shannon Ourso, a candidate for State Representative in District 60, who spoke relative to his candidacy.

A motion to approve the minutes of the Town’s Regular Meeting of June 9, 2003 was made by Council Member Bourgeois, seconded by Council Member Perrault and passed with no opposing votes.

Under Public Works, Council Member Babin announced that the Parish Council approved a $1 increase in garbage fees.
Mayor Normand advised that one 1997 Chevrolet S-10 truck is now surplus, and should be sold. Town Clerk Lefeaux advised that the minimum bid should be set at $3,000 (due to wear) although an internet quotation of its price was higher. A motion to declare the truck surplus and approving a transaction at that price or higher was made by Council Member Babin, seconded by Council Member Andre’, and passed with no opposing votes.

A motion was made by Council Member Bourgeois declaring one 1976 Ford 3000 agricultural tractor surplus, and authorizing its sale. Town Clerk Lefeaux suggested the minimum bid should be set at $2,000 (due to age) although it is in usable condition. She included that price in the motion, and it was seconded by Council Member Perrault: the motion passed with no opposing votes.

A motion authorizing the Mayor to hire a temporary Labor Crew Leader in the Maintenance Department was made by Council Member Perrault, seconded by Council Member Babin, and passed with no opposing votes.

Discussion was held on authorizing a new clerk position in the Police Department, and whether the position should be full-time or part time. The Council requested more information on the exact criteria of part-time employment and estimated costs. The proposed position will be discussed at the next Committee Meeting.

Police Chief Emmett Worley recommended Mr. Darren Hernandez be hired as a Police Officer, at the beginning salary of $9.15 per hour. A motion to approve the hiring as recommended was made by Council Member Babin, seconded by Council Member Bourgeois, and passed with no opposing votes.
Mayor Normand led the discussion of proposed Ordinance No. 9 0f 2003, the Tree City Ordinance, to provide for regulations regarding the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees in public places. He opened a public hearing and invited citizen input. The public hearing was closed after comments were heard, and a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 9 was made by Council Member Bourgeois, seconded by Council Member Andre’, and passed with no opposing votes.

Mayor Normand and Town Attorney Jamie Fontenot are working on an ordinance to repeal Chapter 11 and adopt the National Fire Protection Association Rules; a Council Member may introduce it at the July meeting.

Resolution No. 8 of 2003, commemorating the accomplishments and leadership of Iberville Parish Police Jury/ Council Member Charles Michael “Mike” Zito and extending sympathy to his family, was adopted upon motion by Council Member Andre’ and second by Council Member Babin, with a unanimous vote.
The report of the Brusly Volunteer Fire Department was given by Fire Chief Michael Alleman. In June, there were six first aid calls in the Town and 10 first aid calls outside the Town. There were two fire calls in the town and five fire calls outside the Town. There were 8 mutual aid calls answered. The total calls for the month of June 2003 was 31, and 195 calls for the year.

Police Chief Emmett Worley gave the Police Department report for the month. He stated that there were 9 wrecks, one arrest on bench warrant cases, one assault, two damages to property, six disturbing the peace incidents, one theft, two burglaries, three alarms, one assistance to other agencies, one 911 call, four drug arrests in Brusly by Brusly officers, 18 traffic arrests, recovered two stolen vehicles, one domestic call, one juvenile arrested for a sex crime, and 16 miscellaneous calls, for a total of 67 calls and 230 traffic citations issued.

Mayor Normand gave the Mayor’s report for the month The first public auction of Town and confiscated vehicles was held in June, with Town Clerk Jules Lefeaux serving as auctioneer; and had surprisingly good financial results. A proposed project for an interstate bypass road from Highway 415, running North of Baton Rouge to Denham Springs, was in the news; but it is only under study at this time. The Mayor attended the dedication of the Port Allen Riverfront and said it is a nice area to visit. Also, the Town of Brusly entered the L.M.A. contest for Community Achievement Awards, with our Culvert Program.

Under Remarks of Personal Privilege, Mr. Sid Barber asked about new applications for the Culvert Program—they will be accepted in August, but the current participants will be done first. Council Member Andre’ asked about the promotion of a police officer, and Town Attorney Jamie Fontenot answered that Town Council approval is needed. She and Chief Worley commented that the additional money needed is not enough to necessitate a budget adjustment.

Under Announcements, Mayor Normand advised that there will be a Charles P. Adams Ceremony held July 26, 2003 at 12:00 noon at the Town Hall, where his historical marker is located.

A motion was made by Council Member Babin to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Perrault. The motion was unopposed. The meeting ended at 7:19 p.m.

___________________________ ___________________________
Joey Normand, Mayor Jules Lefeaux, Town Clerk