PAGE 020-2019

MINUTES OF THE ROAD COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Steve Ramsey, Chairman; Steve Lemmons, Vice-Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Vera Davison; Jerri Lee; Dustin Moseley; Bruce Blanton; Randy Thomas; Nick Cox; Allen Gilbert; and Daniel Thomas.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Bernard Hudson

Mr. Steve Ramsey called the meeting to order and asked Mrs. Jerri Lee to open with prayer.  Mr. Ramsey then asked for additions to the agenda.  No additions.

Mr. Brad Graff, Parish Engineer, reported on the letter from DOTD of February 27, 2019 regarding Off-System Bridge Load Rating status.  Mr. Graff stated that of the 22 total bridges in the parish that DOTD is requiring load ratings, 15 belong to the Parish with the other bridges located within City of Minden, City of Springhill, and Camp Minden.  Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to meet with the Mayors and representatives of these cities and Camp Minden to review the status report and request funding for the bridges in their jurisdiction.  The Jury will pay all other related expense for the ratings to Cothren, Graff and Smoak as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Graff also reported that DOTD has notified the Parish that there are some additional funds available for the Off-System Bridges, and he recommended that the Burson Road Bridge moved up on the priority listing of bridges as the most in need of repair.  Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to move Burson Road up on the bridge priority.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Dustin Moseley moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to approve a Resolution from the Village of Doyline for repairs on Main Street with municipality funding.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Jerri Lee moved, seconded by Mr. Jim Bonsall to approve a Resolution from the Town of Sibley for ditching and drainage on North 2^nd, South 5^th, Weatherton, and Natchitoches Streets using municipality funding.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Allen Gilbert to approve a Resolution from the Town of Cotton Valley to purchase: two weed eaters, two lawn mowers, one chainsaw, a load of Sand and a load of Cold patch, and the remainder of the $8,000.00 will be paid toward repairs to the backhoe.  Motion carried unanimously.

Concerning a request from the Village of Doyline to do ditch grading along Gordon Street, the right of way is only 30 feet in width, and much of the existing ditch is located inside fenced yards with buried utilities in the area.  A letter will be written to the Village of Doyline.

Mr. Jim Bonsall reported to the Jury that there are additional sites to be completed for the 2016 FEMA flood road projects.  Mr. Teddy Holloway presented a listing of sites for completion, 26 sites, and he recommended that the Jury pull two of the sites, #130, Agape Lane; and #9, Lyons Road for the WPPJ Public Works to complete.  The remaining 24 sites will be put into a project listing for a Phase IV of Road Construction to be bid out as soon as possible.  The approximate cost of the Phase will be $287,134.24.  Mr. Holloway will re-value the 2 sites to use in-house materials, labor, and equipment to verify that the WPPJ PW project will not be valued above the LA Bid criteria.   Mr. Dustin Moseley moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to approve the Phase 4 Road Construction as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Steve Ramsey             

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

PAGE 021-2019

MINUTES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 4, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Vera Davison, Chairman; Jerri Lee, Vice-Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Daniel Thomas; Steve Ramsey; Nick Cox; Bruce Blanton; and Dustin Moseley.

Ms. Vera Davison, Chairman called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda.  No additions to the agenda. 

Ms. Davison introduced Mr. Jim Ritchie, Agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, the Group Insurance for the Webster Parish Police Jury.  Mr. Ritchie had the information on the May 1, 2019 renewal.  There was no increase in premium for the May 1, 2019 renewal in group health /medical plan with same benefits as the prior year.  The dental plan increased by 4. %- an increase of $1.07 for single coverage.  Dental plan is voluntary enrollment and is paid by the member.  Mr. Ritchie asked for questions from the Jury, there followed discussion.  Mr. Steve Lemmons moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to approve the renewal as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Davison then presented a Public works department staff change for consideration:

Mr. Luther Pete Colvin, Permit Officer – No change in pay or benefits.  This is a level change in position.

Mr. Joe Chris Bagwell, Foreman, Unit I (Sibley Barn)- Promotion to Foreman salary scale# 16-F $17.05 per hour with benefits, including vehicle, phone and insurance. 

Mrs. Jerri Lee moved, seconded by Mr. Nick Cox to approve the Public Works department staff changes as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Davison then reported on the Cat Cox appreciation in Cotton Valley as well as Juror Bernard Hudson. 

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Vera Davison

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

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MINUTES OF THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Steve Lemmons, Chairman; Bruce Blanton, Vice Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Jerri Lee; Vera Davison; Allen Gilbert; Nick Cox; and Randy Thomas.

Mr. Steve Lemmons called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda.  There were none.

There was no business to bring before the Committee.

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Steve Lemmons

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

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PAGE 022-2019

MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Randy Thomas, Chairman; Steve Ramsey, Vice-Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Jerri Lee; Vera Davison; Steve Lemmons; and Bruce Blanton.

MEMBER ABSENT:  Bernard Hudson

Mr. Randy Thomas called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda.  There were no additions to the agenda. 

The first item on the agenda is the continuing problem in the parish with litter on the Parish roads.  Sheriff Gary Sexton had to leave the meeting, but is proposing a plan to hopefully incorporate the Parish, Municipalities, Non-Profits, etc. to work together on the litter problem.  The news media has agreed to help with getting the word out to STOP LITTER in Webster Parish.

Mr. Scott Mack, President and CEO of Integrico, Mr. Gus Tonding, local GM for the Springhill division of Integrico came to the jury with a request for assistance concerning the re-classification of waste generated from the Integrico plant resulting in a large increase in cost of waste disposal.  Mr. David Green, Municipal Marketing Manager for N LA of Republic Services, and Wiley Willis, Classification Specialist for Republic Services were at the meeting to represent Republic.  Republic is currently working with Integrico to come to an amicable point in this negotiation.  There followed discussion concerning the classification of waste, change from tonnage to cubic yards, and other factors in the cost difference for disposal.  Republic agreed to come back to the May meeting to discuss the progress made. 

Mr. Jim Bonsall reported that Republic had assisted Bossier Parish with disposal of waste from a company that was no longer in business, and had left customers with no one to pick up.  Mr. Bonsall thanked Mr. Greene for his assistance.

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Randy Thomas

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jim Bonsall, Chairman; Vera Davison, Vice Chairman; Jerri Lee; Daniel Thomas; Steve Ramsey; Nick Cox; Bruce Blanton; Steve Lemmons; Allen Gilbert; Randy Thomas; and Dustin Moseley.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Bernard Hudson

Mr. Jim Bonsall called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda.  There were no additions to the agenda.

Mr. Nick Cox moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to approve the February 2019 Financial Statement, Check Register, and the Bank Reconciliation as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

The Financial Reports for the month of March were presented for approval at the May meeting.

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Jim Bonsall

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

PAGE 023-2019

MINUTES OF THE EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Bruce Blanton, Chairman; Vice Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Steve Lemmons; Daniel Thomas; Allen Gilbert; Randy Thomas; and Steve Ramsey

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Bernard Hudson,

Mr. Bruce Blanton called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda. 

There was no business to bring to the committee.

There being no additional business to bring before the committee, the meeting adjourned.

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Bruce Blanton

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

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MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jerri Lee, Chairman; Steve Lemmons, Vice Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Vera Davison; Steve Ramsey; Allen Gilbert; and Dustin Moseley.

Mrs. Jerri Lee called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda.  There were no additions.

Mrs. Lee reported on the Office of Community Services and gave the monthly report.

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Jerri M. Lee

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

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MINUTES OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Bruce Blanton, Chairman; Nick Cox, Vice-Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Dustin Moseley, Jerri Lee; Vera Davison, and Steve Lemmons.

MEMBER ABSENT:  Bernard Hudson

Mr. Bruce Blanton called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda, there were no additions to the agenda.

The North Webster Industrial Board has requested the Webster Parish Police Jury join the NLCOG (North Louisiana Council of Governments) and have offered to pay the dues for the year ($30,000.00+).  Due to the WPPJ suspending payment for additional non-mandated organizations, the Police Jury cannot pay the dues.  Mr. Nick Cox moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to move forward with the NWIB offer and to name Mr. Bruce Blanton as the WPPJ representative on NLCOG as requested by the North Webster Industrial Board.  Motion carried unanimously.

There was no business to bring before the committee. 

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Bruce Blanton

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

PAGE 024-2019

MINUTES OF THE ITERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Daniel Thomas, Chairman; Jerri M. Lee, Vice-Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Vera Davison; Steve Ramsey; Allen Gilbert; Dustin Moseley; and Randy Thomas.

MEMBER ABSENT: Bernard Hudson

Mr. Daniel Thomas called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda, there were no additions to the agenda.

There was no business to bring before the committee. 

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Daniel Thomas

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

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MINUTES OF THE WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Nick Cox, Chairman; Steve Lemmons, Vice-Chairman; Jim Bonsall; Bernard Hudson; Allen Gilbert;

Dustin Moseley; and Randy Thomas.

MEMBERS ABSENT: 

Mr. Nick Cox called the meeting to order and asked for additions to the agenda. 

No additions.

Mr. Nick Cox updated the committee on the water quality issue concerning a private water well in the parish.  The DEQ has now become involved.

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Nick Cox

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  Chairman

PAGE 025-2019

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

April 2, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jim Bonsall, President; Vera Davison, Vice President; Jerri Lee, Steve Lemmons, Steve Ramsey, Nick Cox, Randy Thomas, Dustin Moseley, Allen Gilbert; Bruce Blanton, Daniel Thomas

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Bernard Hudson,

Mr. Jim Bonsall called the meeting to order and asked Juror Nick Cox to open the meeting with prayer.  Juror Steve Lemmons then led in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mr. Bonsall then asked for additions to the agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

There were no comments concerning the agenda.

Mr. Steve Ramsey moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to approve invoices for payment pending review by Juror Steve Ramsey.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Vera Davison moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to adopt the minutes of the March 5, 2019 Committee Meetings:  Road, Administrative, Buildings and Grounds, Environmental, Finance, Equipment; Community Services, Economic Development, Intergovernmental, and Water Resources Committees.  To approve the minutes of the March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Nick Cox moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to approve Webster Parish Resolution #005-2019.  A Resolution in opposition of all proposed legislation that transfers the administration and collection of local sales and use taxes to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.  Motion carried unanimously.  The Resolution will be forwarded to all Legislative Delegation, and to the Office of the Governor.

Mr. Steve Ramsey moved, seconded by Dustin Moseley to ratify the re-appointment of Joe Lynn Robinson and Larry Hedrick to a two-year term ending in May, 2020.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Steve Lemmons moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Ramsey to ratify the use of recreational funding for:

• District #7- Town of Dubberly- City Limit sign        $412.00
• District #11- Town of Sibley- Clean-up day expense  $200.00

Motion carried unanimously.

COMMENTS:

Melinda Davidson                    Webster Parish PJ Office of Community Services

Wanda Finley                           Webster Parish Head Start

Savannah Jones                        Webster Parish Library

Serena Gray                             Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

Allen Moseley                          Webster Parish Coroner, Dr. Max Stell

COL Carl Thompson                Webster Parish Assessor, Morris Guin

Stephanie Barnette                    Greater Minden Chamber

Linette Culpepper                     Coordinating and Development Corporation

John Barr                                 Senator John Kennedy

Jason Parker                             Webster Parish Sheriff Office

C.C. Cat Cox                            Town of Cotton Valley

Ms. Moseley & Female Cadets of the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden

PAGE 026-2019

REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 2, 2019

CONTINUED:

COMMITTEE 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 moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to approve the action taken at the Finance Committee Meeting held earlier today.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Vera Davison moved, seconded by Mr. Allen Gilbert to approve the action taken at the Administrative Committee Meeting held earlier today.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Jim Bonsall then gave Presidents’ closing remarks.

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

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                   Jim Bonsall

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  President

PAGE 027-2019

A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION OF ALL PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT TRANSFERS THE ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTI0N OF LOCAL SALES & USE TAXES TO THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.

RESOLUTION #005-2019

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Louisiana grants local governments the right to levy and collect local sales and use taxes;

WHEREAS, there are several constitutional amendments and bills introduced in the 2019 Regular Legislative Session that would transfer collection responsibility of local sales and use tax levies to the state Department of Revenue; and

WHEREAS, local taxing authorities possess the best knowledge and experience to properly collect its own taxes and have a proven record of proactive advancements in the areas of enforcement, audit coverage, dispute resolution, reporting technology and successful litigation; and

WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana's budget issues do not offer prospects for the Department of Revenue to have sufficient resources to provide the necessary taxpayer assistance, enforcement programs and training of its employees on the specific application or local sales and use tax ordinances without significant cost contributions from local governments, thereby resulting in the direct and indirect loss of local tax receipts; and

WHEREAS, many local taxing authorities have issued bonded indebtedness guaranteed by the passage locally adopted sales and use tax levies, collection of said levies the direct responsibility of local governments, and which transfer of that responsibility to a state agency may generate legal challenges and jeopardize future bond issues; and

WHEREAS, the central local collector in each parish is directly responsible to the local taxing authorities and their elected officials for the performance of local tax administration, and the Secretary Revenue being an appointee of the Governor of the state, uncertainty exist as to who in the Department of Revenue will be accountable tolocal taxing authorities for the performance of such critical local tax administration,

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Webster Parish Police Jury of Webster Parish as a local taxing authority and governing body, that each member of the legislative delegation for the Parish of Webster is urged to vigorously oppose any and all proposed legislation that transfers the administration and collection of local sales and use taxes to the Louisiana Department of Revenue; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent forthwith to said legislators so that they will be made aware of our position on this matter,

The foregoing motion was offered by          Nick Cox,  duly seconded by   Randy Thomas           

I the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted following a roll call vote:

YEAS:   11

NAYS: NONE

ABSENT: 1

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

            /s/                                                                                            /s/                                           

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                 Jim Bonsall

Secretary-Treasurer                                                               President