Washington Parish Council
Regular Meeting – 6:00 PM
Washington Parish Courthouse
Council Chambers
November 23, 2009
Item No. 1 – Call to Order – Chairman Nassauer called the meeting to order.
Item No. 2 – Invocation – Councilman Posey gave the invocation.
Item No. 3 – Pledge of Allegiance – Chairman Nassauer called for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item No. 4 – Roll Call – Clerk Sharon Lyons called the roll. Present were Kenneth Wheat, Michael Fussell, Charles Nassauer, Andre’ Johnson, Randy Thomas, Greg Route and Aubrey Posey.
Item No. 5 – Approval of Minutes – Councilman Johnson offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Posey to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2009 meeting. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item No. 6 – Adoption of the Finance Report – Councilman Posey offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Route to adopt the finance report. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item No. 7 – Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 09-506 – Chairman Nassauer stated the council is considered in a public hearing on an ordinance to adopt the 2010 Annual Operating Budget and the capital Outlay Budget for the Washington Parish Government, before the council opens the public hearing for input Councilman Wheat, Chairman of the Finance Committee, has a stipulation he would like to add to it and have discussion on it.
Councilman Wheat stated, “After we close the public hearing on this, then I would entertain a motion on the passage of this ordinance for our 2010 Operating budget with a condition and this is something that came out of the finance committee meeting. Mike, Randy and I serve on the Finance Committee and Mike made this discovery that some of the 2008 columns where some numbers are missing. It is no big problem and it is nothing against GASB standards or anything like that, but it will be good to have them there for purpose of transparency and comparison. I agree with Councilman Fussell on hundred percent. Let us put those numbers in there. At some point in time preferably in the first quarter we will need to do a budget adjustment for the purpose of transparency.
Chairman Nassauer asks, “So that is not really going to affect the budget itself. That is just some information from the previous year?”
Councilman Wheat replied, “That is just extra information that serves again as transparency, but not required. This can be passed tonight.”
Chairman Nassauer stated, “I just wanted you to make a remark about this before the public hearing encase there was a question in the public hearing on that”
Chairman Nassauer asks, “Would anyone in the chambers like to address the Council concerning this budget, tonight?”
There were not comments during the public hearing.
Councilman Johnson offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Fussell to close the public hearing. All in favor and the motion carried.
Councilman Wheat offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Thomas to adopt Ordinance 09-506 concerning the 2010 annual operating budget with the condition that early in the first quarter we make an amendment to add those 2008 numbers.
Chairman Nassauer stated, “We have a motion and a second to adopt this budget ordinance with the condition that we add the 2008 numbers at a later date just for transparency.
A roll call vote resulted as follows:
YEAS: (7) Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer, Johnson, Thomas and Route
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAINED: (0)
Item No. 8 – Public Hearing on Ordinance 09-507 – Chairman Nassauer opened the public hearing on an ordinance to adopt the flood damage prevention FEMA guidelines.
There were no comments during the public hearing.
Councilman Posey offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Route to close public hearing. All in favor and the motion carried.
Councilman Fussell offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Posey to adopt Ordinance 09-507. A roll call vote resulted as follows:
YEAS: (7) Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer, Johnson, Thomas and Route
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAINED: (0)
Item No. 9 – Public Participation – Jim Coleman, representing the Washington Parish Communication District. Mr. Coleman stated the Council, a few weeks back, in a regular meeting had ask the Communication District to publish a brochure that would state the procedure for getting a new address. He said this had been accomplished and the brochure have been distributed at the individual council members, permit office and the parish government office, the council office, health department and WST Electric Company.
Councilman Posey asks if brochures could be placed in the City Hall of Franklinton and City Hall of Bogalusa.
Councilman Fussell asks if brochures could be placed in the Post Offices throughout the parish.
Mr. Coleman stated that was a good ideal and he would see that this was accomplished.
Councilman Route asks, “To change a road name, then we have to do this in January?”
Mr. Coleman stated that is the month set aside for the public to appeal any decisions in the district if there are road name changes.
Councilman Wheat stated, “We have a public broadcast in the chambers, so Jim would you like to give us the highlights of this?”
Chairman Nassauer stated, “Just give us the general guidelines of the policies.”
Mr. Coleman gave the report as follows:
To request an address: If your new address is outside of the Franklinton or Bogalusa City limits see the steps below:
1. Cal the Washington Parish Commutations District addressing department
(985) 839-5625 Extension 1 to make your request. An office visit by you is not needed.
2. Since our staff is often in the field, you may be asked to leave a message
with your name and telephone numbers.
3. An addressing specialist will call you back and schedule a visit to the location
of the structure that requires an address.
4. During their visit to your property a GPS point of the structure’s location will
be taken for 9-1-1 use.
5. Based on the structure’s location, an address numerical will then be
calculated.
6. Once your address is determined, an address information document will be
Prepared and sent to you.
7. This document may be required b other agencies when establishing your
Address, so keep it in a safe place.
To request a road
name change:
1. Inform the Washington Parish Communications District of your interest
in changing a road name.
2. The district will send you a form to be filled in and returned.
3. The change reques6t must meet the requirements of Washington Parish
Ordinance 09-500 to be considered valid.
4. The requested road name must also meet certain guidelines to be considered
appropriate.
5. The district will hold a hearing on valid public requests to change a road
name.
6. After the hearing the district will either “grant” or “not grant” the request.
7. The Washington Parish Council reviews citizen appeals of public requested name changed decisions by the district on a yearly basis during the month of January.
8. Citizens must present evidence during the appeal process that the district’s decision on the requested name change was erroneous, arbitrary or capricious.
Washington Parish Communications District is located at 805 Pearl Street, Franklinton, Louisiana. Phone number for the Communications District is (985)839-5625.
Representative from the Patterson- Horton Retreat Center and Youth Home located at 980 Lee Street, Franklinton, Louisiana addressed the council. Executive Director Mrs. Renee’ James-Simon introduced Program Director Trenna Burton, and President Mrs. Ada Horton of the Retreat Center. Representatives stated the following:
The representative said that church groups and other organizations are welcome and for more information, please contact the following:
Councilman Route stated he would like to have the support of a resolution from the council to submit with the applications when the Center applies for their funding through grants. Also, he would like for the President, if he could, to send a letter of support. Mr. Route gave an overview of why the parish needs this program to help save our youth from drugs and other addictions. Mr. Route stated, “I am very excited about this program in our parish.”
Ms. Simon stated the Center will be trying to acquire funds soon through donations and fundraisers and everyone will be invited to participate.
Chairman Nassauer told the representatives of the Center the Council could give them a resolution of support for each grant application submitted and just let the secretary know and she will schedule it on the agenda.
Councilman Johnson stated, “Also, just contact the Council’s secretary with the information concerning the fundraiser.”
There were not further comments during public participation.
Councilman Posey offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Fussell to close the Public participation. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item No. 10 – President’s Report – President Thomas stated, “On Saturday, November 21, 2009, we said goodbye to an employee and friend. She was a dedicated worker for 30 plus years at Parish Government. Ms. Carole McMillan will be sadly missed by all here at Parish Government. One other thing I would like to add that I am very proud of the way our other employees have helped out during this time.”
President Thomas stated the Parish Government Office will be closed on 24th and 25th of November for the Thanksgiving Holiday. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Public Works Director, Leo Lucchesi gave the report as follows:
Parish DPW Maintenance Crew
Construction of new paved parking spaces and signage to improve handicap accessibility at polling booths throughout the Parish has started this week; currently 18 work orders have been issued – possibly more to come. This work is funded by a grant from the State of Louisiana.
Parish DPW/DOTD Off-System Bridge Rebuilding Program
4 Parish bridges are currently under contract for re-construction.
Project Status:
Mitch Road Bridge – culverts are installed, wing-walls and headwalls are under way, concrete work is scheduled for completion by December 10 – bridge will be re-opened early January.
Seven Mile Road Bridge - concrete spans will be placed by mid – December, scheduled to be opened to the public by early January
Claiborne Street Bridge, Bogalusa – construction scheduled to begin by December 12
Burt Road Bridge – construction of a bypass road to start next week
Councilman Fussell asks, “How long will these bridges take for completion?”
Mr. Lucchesi stated, “The first two bridges basically three to four months and they have similar time frame for the last two.”
Item No. 11 – Council Discussion – Councilman Johnson stated, “I just want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the McMillan Family. I know she is going to be missed by her family and also by the parish government. I offer my prayer and want to thank her family for her 32 years she put into parish government.”
Councilman Route stated, “I just want to echo what Councilman Johnson said. I was out of town and I am glad I was able to make it back into town for Saturday. Ms. Carole was a great lady for us in government and one of the intriguing things that I was so impressed by at the funeral was when this young lady spoke on how Carole had brought her to Christ. It doesn’t matter how good we are at our job, but it is really all about Jesus. We all need to bring someone to Christ. She said if it was not for Ms. Carole she would not be where she was today.”
Councilman Thomas said, “I just want to reiterate what my two fellow councilmen have said. My condolences to the family and I do appreciate her services.”
Councilman Wheat stated, “As being Finance Committee Chairman we have some business to take care of tonight, but before, I am going to try to express in, the best I can
in words how great Carole was and I am going to miss her. I worked with her my entire tenure in office. She never failed to amaze me about the knowledge she carried with her. She will be sadly missed, as Richard has stated; very sadly missed. She is leaving some very large shoes to fill by whoever that will be. Due to her absents we are already feeling the impact, because of the large roll she played here. In everything I have said it is because she was so important to the parish. She was the backbone of our finance system. I think we need to do whatever to keep our operation smoothed and stay in state compliance with the auditing standards. With that said, I would like the Council to entertain the ideal possible hiring Kushner LaGraize, LLC after we have gained projection of what it might cost to help us with this transition. Like I have said there are large shoes to be filled here and I cannot think of anyone else better to help with that, because they have been helping us with our fiscal budget for the last three years. If you would please entertain this ideal, because I think it would be wise. The public depends on us to communicate with them and to have an open window to them is through our audit procedures. With that in mind, if everyone is in agreement, Kushner LaGraize L.L.C. has offered to perform the 2010 audit at the same fee they have charged for the last three years. There has been no increase and that is amazing in itself. I would like the Council to entertain that ideal tonight to allow President Thomas and I to engage them as our fiscal auditor for 2010. I would like to entertain that in a form of a motion.”
Chairman Nassauer asks, “Is this a Resolution?”
Councilman Wheat stated, “I think this can be handled as professional service. It can be handled as an administrative act and in the form of a motion.”
Councilman Wheat offered a motion to hire Kushner LaGraize as the auditor of 2010 at the same fee as last year. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fussell. All in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilmen Wheat stated, “Another head concerning the December 14, 2009 meeting, because we might have an amended budget at that time. This is something we have to do before the end of the year for 2009.”
Chairman Nassauer stated, “Of course the budget is just a projection, so at the end of the year you have to amend it.”
Councilman Wheat replied, “So the amendment will solidify those actual numbers.”
Attorney Kuhn asks, “For my clarification, because I was not expecting this, there is a motion that the auditors be hired for next year. Did we have public comment on that?”
Councilman Wheat stated, “The motion was to give authorization to Richard and I to execute the engagement letter.”
Chairman Nassauer asks, “Are you concern about the procedural issue?”
Attorney Kuhn answered, “We still had to have------- even if it is done by motion we still have to have public comment. Just ask for public comment.”
Chairman Nassauer opened for public comment concerning the hiring the 2010 auditor.
There were no comments at this time.
Councilman Fussell offered a motion to close public comment. Councilman Route seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Councilman Fussell asks the President if a plaque in memory of Carole could be purchased for her many years of dedicated services.
President Thomas replied, “I agreed and we will present it to the family one night at a council meeting. I think it should be on public display.”
Councilman Posey stated, “We are going to miss Carole and I was one of those folks that when I was in charge of an administrative position in an other organization -----------I had to come and ask for money and she treated the parish money like it was hers. I was in complete confidence that she did her best for the parish.”
Chairman Nassauer stated, “Carole was dedicated to her work and to her family. She was here when I started. Councilman Wheat has been around a little longer and he will say the same thing. She worked a many a day when she wasn’t feeling well and many a late night and if government had that dedication from all their employees they would never have any problems. We are going to miss her and I know her family is going to miss her. My prayers are with them. It will take a long time to replace her. We will never forget her. It is kind of strange not having her here at the meeting tonight, because she has been around for so long. I am sure her spirit is still here with us.”
Item No. 12 – Adjourn – Having no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned on motion by Councilman Posey, seconded by Councilman Route. All in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
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Sharon Lyons, Clerk to the Council Dr. Charles A. Nassauer, Chairman
Washington Parish Washington Parish Council