MINUTES OF THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

October 6, 2015 – 9:00 a.m.

MEMBERS:  Randy Thomas, Chairman; Bruce Blanton, Vice Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Vera Davison; Charles Odom; Perry Kirkland; Jerri Lee, and Bruce Blanton

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Allen Gilbert

Mr. Randy Thomas, Chairman called the meeting to order, and asked Mrs. Jerri M. Lee to open the meeting with prayer.  Mr. Thomas then asked for additions to the agenda.

Mr. Jim Bonsall moved, seconded by Mr. Perry Kirkland to add to the agenda Courthouse Annex.

Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Randy Thomas told the Committee that Jurors had continued discussion concerning the Penal Farm Property during the month.  The consideration to sell the property or to clean/and or demolish the old prison and warden house is divided.  Mr. Thomas wanted to stress that the only property at the Penal Farm being considered is the approximate 10 acres facing Penal Farm Road and encompassing the old prison and warden house.  The additional property is not being considered to sell.  Following additional discussion, the decision was made to wait until after the Warden’s house is vacated to determine how to move forward with the ten acres at the Penal Farm, this would be after the first of the year, 2016.

Mrs. Jerri Lee moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to not take action until after the end of the year.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Mrs. Carnahan updated the Committee on the status of the bid advertisement for the Courthouse HVAC Project.  The plans have been received by the State and they are reviewing and we should be able to advertise by the end of the month.

Mr. Jim Bonsall just told the Committee that he would like to see the Jury look at the possibility of moving the Police Jury Offices and Meeting Rooms to the Courthouse Annex located across the street at 401 Main Street.  No Action

There being no further business to bring before the Committee, the meeting adjourned.

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Randy Thomas

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                   Chairman, Buildings and Grounds C.

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WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

ROAD COMMITTEE MEETING

October 6, 2015         immediately following Buildings & Grounds

MEMBERS:  Steve Ramsey, Jerri Lee, Daniel Thomas, Bruce Blanton, Steve Lemmons, Randy Thomas, Charles Odom, Perry Kirkland, Jim Bonsall, Vera Davison,

MEMBER ABSENT:  Dorthy Walker and Allen Gilbert

Mr. Steve Ramsey, Chairman, called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda. 

Ms. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Mr. Jim Bonsall to approve adding to the agenda: 

12- Homeland Security Director

13.  Bush hog equipment

Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Steve Lemmons moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to install rumble strips on both sides of Tillman Church Road at the Burson Road intersection.  The need for the rumble strips is due to dangerous intersection and numerous wrecks at this site.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Perry Kirkland moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to approve a Resolution from the Town of Cotton Valley for one load of dirt and using municipality funding.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Randy Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Charles Odom to prohibit large trucks using the Childs Road, to install signage “no through trucks”, and to write a letter to the trucking companies that are using Childs Road.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Randy Thomas moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to do ditching on S. E. 5^thStreet using Municipality Funding.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Jim Bonsall moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to approve a Resolution from the Town of Sibley to pave Rock Street using Municipality funding and Town Funding in 2015 if time allows.  Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion concerning a request from the Sibley Fire Department to put rock under the RR trestle at Dorcheat Boat Ramp, Patrick Jackson, ADA, has advised that we cannot use public funds on private property.  No action taken.

Mr. Bruce Blanton moved, seconded by Mr. Daniel Thomas to declare 2 old welding machines surplus and place in the upcoming auction along with the two trucks that had been surplus.  Motion carried unanimously.

            Lincoln Arc Welder, Code 9176, Serial # A1097293

            Miller Welding Machine, Serial # KB034195

Mr. Perry Kirkland moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Lemmons to approve a Resolution from the Village of Doyline for maintenance of Agape Lane from Highway 163 to the bridge using Municipality Funding.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Jerri M. Lee moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to approve a Resolution from the Village of Doyline for cleaning and/or dredging the north side of John Smith Street and realigning the culvert located at 150 John Smith Street to allow proper drainage using Municipality funding.  Motion carried unanimously.

The next item on the agenda is Private Road Signs.  There followed discussion concerning the problem with request for Private Road Signs on driveways.  This issue and the policy concerning Private Road Signs was turned over to the Intergovernmental Committee to discuss and evaluate.  A meeting will be called of this committee by the November meetings. 

Mr. Charles Odom moved seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to ratify the action taken to construct a temporary boat launch at Port O ‘Bistineau (Parish leased property) during the construction of the deep water access launch that is being funded through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as well as the Office of Facility Planning.  Surplus materials were used in the temporary boat launch construction.  Motion carried unanimously.

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Webster Parish Police Jury

October 6, 2015

Road Committee Meeting- Continued:

Mr. Jim Bonsall told the Jury that Mr. John Stanley will be retiring effective July, 2016 as the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security Director.  This position is an appointed position by the President.  Currently the Sheriff is also contributing to the salary for the position.  Mr. Bonsall wanted the Jury to be aware of the upcoming vacancy.  No action taken

The next item on the agenda is Bush hog equipment.  Mr. Daniel Thomas presented a proposal for the purchase of bush hog equipment and to request the Committee consider going back to doing right of way cutting “in-house”.  There followed discussion the pros and cons of this proposal.  The matter will be discussed further during budget meetings.

Ms. Vera Davison moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Lemmons to add to the agenda the Employee Appreciation Dinner.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Davison told the Committee that the Employee Appreciation Dinner will be held on October 30, 2015 at the Public Works Department located at Crichton Road, Sibley. 

There being no further business to bring before the Committee the meeting adjourned.

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Steve Ramsey

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                   Chairman, Road Committee

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WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

REGULAR MEETING

October 6, 2015         10:30 A.M.

MEMBERS:  Steve Ramsey, Jerri Lee, Daniel Thomas, Bruce Blanton, Steve Lemmons, Randy Thomas, Perry Kirkland, Jim Bonsall, Vera Davison

MEMBER ABSENT:  Dorthy Walker, Allen Gilbert, and Charles Odom

BOARD OF REVIEW:  Board of Review of the 2015 assessment of real and personal property of the Parish of Webster, State of Louisiana.  Protest received:

Will Drill:  Assessment# 133561, #133558, #133560, and # 133557

AutoZone:       Assessment # 126560

There was no one present from Will Drill or AutoZone to present their position to the Police Jury.

There were no other comments concerning the 2015 Assessment as presented or the Protest.

Mr. Jim Bonsall, President then called the Regular Meeting of the Webster Parish Police Jury to order and asked COL Carl Thompson to open the meeting with prayer.  Cadet with the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden then led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Bonsall then asked for additions to the agenda.  There were no additions to the agenda and there were no comments concerning the agenda.

Mr. Steve Lemmons moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Ramsey to adopt the minutes from the September 1, 2015 Administrative, Buildings and Grounds, and Road Committee Meetings, the September 1, 2015 Regular Meeting, and the September 28, 2015 Special Meeting.  To correct the September 1, 2015 Regular Meeting to reflect the correct VIN # for the surplus trucks.  Motion carried unanimously to approve as corrected.

Mrs. Jerri M. Lee moved, seconded by Mr. Perry Kirkland to approve invoices for payment pending review of the committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

Cultural Crossroads, Mrs. Chris Broussard announced to the Jury that a $50,000.00 grant has been awarded to the organization by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation’s “Angels for Change” Award.  Mrs. Broussard was awarded the Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel Award in 2008 due to a recommendation of the Webster Parish Police Jury for her work with Cultural Crossroads and the at risk children of Minden and South Webster.  Only recipients of this award are allowed to apply for the “Angels for Change” grant.  Mrs. Broussard wanted to share this special event with the Webster Parish Police Jury and express her appreciation for the support they have given to her organization.  Representatives of Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, Representative Gene Reynolds, Cultural Crossroads board members and supporter, as well as friends were on hand to congratulate Cultural Crossroads.     

City of Minden Mayor, Tommy Davis introduced Mr. James N. Graham, CDcD- Economic Development Director for the City of Minden.  Mr. Graham made a short presentation and told the Jury that he looked forward to working with the Jury to help all of Webster Parish.

Denise Edwards,  Deputy Assessor, Webster Parish presented the Tax Roll for 2015 Assessment on behalf of Morris Guin, Assessor.  Mrs. Edwards then explained the appeals and reviewed the Assessments.  

Mr. Bruce Blanton moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri M. Lee to certify the tax rolls as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

The two protest were discussed, Will Drill and AutoZone (assessment # as presented above).  No one came forward on behalf of the two companies to present their protest.    Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to forward to Baton Rouge Tax Commission the two protests and notice that the Police Jury denied the appeal.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Steve Lemmons moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to approve recreational funding for the following:

District #2  $420 to purchase a heater for                           Cullen Senior Center

        District #2  $182.73 to purchase kitchen equipment        WP Head Start

        District #9  $719.29 to purchase kitchen equipment        WP Head Start

        District #9  $800.00 to build fence and for van repair   WP Council on Aging

        District # 10 $800.00 to build a fence and for van repair  WP Council on Aging

Motion carried unanimously.

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WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

OCTOBER 6, 2015

REGULAR MEETING, CONTINUED:

Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to approve the following board appointment for the Cullen Fire District #6.  To appoint Mr. Bobby Dodson as the Board Chairman to replace Mr. Ted Owens who was no longer able to serve.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Bruce Blanton moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to introduce Webster Parish Ordinance # 1011-A of 2015 that will adopt the merger of precincts 4 and 5A and naming said precinct 4; and also to merge the precinct 21 and 22 and name said precinct 22 and to redefine the territorial limits of precincts and polling places in Webster Parish in compliance with RS 18:532B.  To call for a Public Hearing to be held on November 3, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the 2^nd floor meeting room of the Webster Parish Courthouse, 410 Main Street, Minden, LA to consider the adoption of WP Ordinance # 1011-A of 2015.

Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Jerri M. Lee moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Ramsey to approve the 3^rd quarter budget amendments as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Steve Ramsey moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Lemmons to approve the Webster Parish Off System Bridge systems annual requirements for 2015:  WPPJ Ordinance #856- Amended; Annual Certification of Compliance; and the Signature Resolution.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Jerri M. Lee moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to approve the Signature Resolution for the Webster Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services for a grant application for Family Home Day Care Program.  Motion carried unanimously.

COMMENTS:

Mary Whitaker                  WP Office of Community Services, Director

Wanda Finley,                   WP Head Start Director

Beverly Hammett                            Webster Parish Library

COL Carl Thompson,        Webster Parish Assessor’s Office

Kyle Robertson                 WP Assessor’s Office

John Stanley,                     WP Homeland Security/OEP

AUDIENCE COMMENTS:

*Dal Taylor, Webster Parish E-911 told the Jury that he would be retiring in a few months and he introduced Stephanie King who will assume his position.

*Kerry Easley, Webster Parish Tourism

*Chris Broussard, Webster Parish Cultural Crossroads told the Jury that the board is hosting a meet and greet at the Farm on Hwy 80 in appreciation of all the support on October 27, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

*Becky Shelley Sherrard, Candidate for District #12

*Nick Cox, Candidate for District #8

*Harper Edwards, Candidate for District #8

* Mr. Quarles, Community Activist

* Ms. Stephanie Winsor, representing Anna’s Pink Pratique, - Ms. Winsor reported on the activities in support of Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October, and Highway 80 clean up.

*Nichole Hedrick, YCP, Camp Minden and the Cultural Crossroads

            YCP, Cadets introduced themselves

JUROR REPORTS:

Mr. Steve Ramsey moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Lemmons to approve the action taken at the Road Committee meeting held earlier today.  Motion carried unanimously

Ms. Vera Davison commented to the Cadet that spoke about his appreciation for the support and she commented on Ms. Winsor’s and her organizational activities.

Daniel Thomas told the Jurors that an Intergovernmental Committee Meeting will be called within the next week. 

Mr. Randy Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Daniel Thomas to approve the action taken at the Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting held earlier today.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Thomas also urged everyone to support the 4-H during the Fair.

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WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

OCTOBER 6, 2015

REGULAR MEETING CONTINUED:

Mrs. Jerri Lee extended her thanks to Representative Gene Reynolds, who intervened and made connection with representatives with the railroad company to have crossings repaired.  Mrs. Lee also extended her appreciation to Ms. Winsor and the Anna Pink Pratique; she is very appreciative of their services.

Mr. Jim Bonsall then gave his closing comments to the Jury.  He also recognized Mrs. Lydia Madden, Webster Parish Library Board President.

There being no further business to bring before the Jury, the meeting adjourned.

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Jim Bonsall

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                   President