?PROCEEDINGS
CAMERON PARISH
POLICE JURY
MAY 6, 2024
The Cameron Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Monday, May 6, 2024, in the Cameron Parish West Annex Board Room in the Village of Cameron, Louisiana at 12:00 o’clock P.M.
The following members were present: Mr. Ronald Nunez, Jr., Mr. Mark Daigle, Mr. Danny Myers, Mr. Michael Fewell, Mr. Sam Bordelon, and Mr. Johnny Watson. The following member was absent: Mr. Magnus McGee.
There was no public comment on the agenda items.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby approves to add the following items to the agenda: (Item 5c) Add Muria Fire Station Litigation Discussion to Executive Session. (Item 31) Motion for the Cameron Parish Police Jury to assume the Ground Lease from the Cameron Parish Port for the Cameron Fisheries Property. (Item 32) Motion for the Cameron Parish Police Jury to utilize the insurance funds from Hurricanes Laura and Delta for the Cameron Fisheries Property to repair ice machines in the facility.
The Executive Session discussion was moved to the end of the agenda.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Watson, and carried, the reading of the minutes shall be dispensed with and approved.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the application for the following permit be and the same are hereby approved with the stipulations set forth by the respective Gravity Drainage Districts:
a. Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC – Grand Chenier, Cameron Parish, LA. (240501)
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the application for the following permit be and the same are hereby approved with the stipulations set forth by the respective Gravity Drainage Districts:
b. Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline L.P. – Cameron, Cameron Parish, LA. (240502)
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the application for the following permit be and the same are hereby approved with the stipulations set forth by the respective Gravity Drainage Districts:
c. Melvin Breaux – Hackberry, Cameron Parish, LA. (240503)
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby appoints Logan Manuel for the expired term of Chris Mooney to the Ambulance Service District No. One Board, and authorizes the secretary to send a letter of appreciation to Ms. Mooney for her service to the board.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and, carried, the board hereby tables the appointment for the Ambulance Service District No. Two to the June meeting, after the new boundaries are adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby tables the appointment for the Library Board of Control to the June meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby accepts the resignation of Donnie LeJeune from the Cameron Wastewater District No. One Board, and tables the appointment to the June meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby tables the expired term of Richard Burbank for the Beachfront Development District No. One Board.
It was moved by Mr. Myers, seconded by Mr. Fewell, and carried, the board hereby reappoints Ron Johnson to the Fire Protection District No. Fourteen Board.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby reappoints Susie Fawvor to the Gravity Drainage District No. Five Board.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby appoints Taylor Richard for the expired term of Michelle Trahan to the Recreation District No. Seven Board, and authorizes the secretary to send a letter of appreciation to Ms. Trahan for her service to the board.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Watson, and carried, the board hereby reappoints Vida Landry to the Recreation District No. Nine Board.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby accepts the resignation of Brian Brown from the Waterworks District No. Two Board, appoints Jeffrey “Jeff” Moore for the remainder of term and authorizes the secretary to send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Brown for his service to the board.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby removes Greg Grey from the Mosquito Abatement Control Board, appoints Bryce Carpenter for the remainder of term, and authorizes the secretary to send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Grey for his service to the board.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby accepts the resignation of Jimmy Brown from the Creole Nature Trail Board, appoints Julie Trahan for the remainder of term, and authorizes the secretary to send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Brown for his service to the board.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Fewell, and carried, the board hereby opens the floor for public comment on the proposed amendments to Chapter 20 Article X – Waterworks:
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 20 ARTICLE X-WATERWORKS
DIVISION 1: South Cameron Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1
Sec. 20-294 – Commissioners
CHANGE TO ADD
Sec. 20-294.1 Per Diem for Members.
The members of the Board of Supervisors of the Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 of the Parish of Cameron, are hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to receive a maximum per diem per meeting as authorized by law in the amount of sixty dollars ($60.00) per Louisiana R.S. 33:3819.
There being no written or oral comments from the public, it was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Fewell, and carried, the public hearing was declared closed.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Watson, and carried, the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 20 Article X -Waterworks, Sec. 20-294 – Commissioners as written above is declared duly adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Fewell, and carried, the board hereby opens the floor for public comment on the proposed amendments to Chapter 2 Administration:
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION
CHANGE TO ADD
ARTICLE IV – ACADIANA WATERSHED DISTRICT PARTICIPATION
An Ordinance authorizing participation in the Acadiana Watershed District, as codified by Louisiana Act 323. The Acadiana Watershed District shall be domiciled in Lafayette Parish as a central location within the boundaries of the Acadiana Watershed District. CAMERON PARISH designates the Acadiana Planning Commission as the office of the Acadiana Watershed District’s business operations and as the public fiscal agent and administering body to conduct daily operations as stated in Louisiana Act 323. CAMERON PARISH will assist in adopting the administrative steps to establish the Acadiana Watershed District Board of Commissioners and the bylaws of the District.
During the public comment period Mr. Bordelon stressed he was not comfortable with this, and he was unsure if taxes could be passed to the voters of Cameron Parish since our voting district is small compared to the others. He would like to get more clarification before he can support this participation.
There being no further comments from the public, it was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the public hearing was declared closed.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, to not adopt the Amendment to Chapter 2 Administration as listed above, however upon further discussion, that motion was rescinded by Mr. Fewell and Mr. Daigle, and a motion was made by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried the Amendment to Chapter 2 Administration as listed above is hereby tabled until more information can be received.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby opens the floor for public comment on the proposed amendments to Chapter 14 Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article III: Operation of Vehicles Generally, Section 14-37 Operation of Golf Carts:
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 14 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter 14 Motor Vehicles and Traffic
Article III: Operation of Vehicles Generally
CHANGE TO ADD
Section 14-37 Operation of Golf Carts
Sec. 14-37: The operation of a golf cart upon the public roads or streets of Cameron Parish is prohibited, except as otherwise provided in this section:
(a) ”Golf Cart” means an electric four-wheeled vehicle originally intended for use off-road on golf courses, and/or other green spaces with similar terrain whose maximum speed is twenty-five miles per hour or less.
(b) A golf cart may be operated between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., upon any street or road within Cameron Parish That has a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less, (hereinafter referred to as “Cameron Parish street” except for Parish Road 120 also referred to as Louisiana Avenue, Klondike. A golf cart may not be operated upon any street or road that has a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour nor can golf cart be operated after 10:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.
(c) A golf cart operated on a Cameron Parish street shall be equipped with efficient brakes, a reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle. Such golf cart shall also be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps.
(d) Any golf cart operated upon a Cameron Parish street shall be registered with the state of Louisiana through the Department of Public Safety and corrections, office of motor Vehicles, as an off-road vehicle and shall display a decal issued by the office of motor vehicles.
(e) No person shall operate a golf cart upon a Cameron Parish street without a valid driver’s license.
(f) Any golf cart operated upon a Cameron Parish street shall have liability insurance with the same minimum limits as required by the provisions of La. R.S. 32:900(B).
(g) Nothing contained in the Section shall be construed to prohibit Cameron Parish in the future from prohibiting the operation of any golf cart on any street under its jurisdiction if Cameron Parish determines that such prohibition is necessary for the safety of the motoring public.
(g) Nothing contained in this Section shall be constructed to prohibit Cameron Parish in the future from prohibiting the operation of any golf cart on any street under its jurisdiction if Cameron Parish determines that such prohibition is necessary for the safety of the motoring public.
(h) If a subdivision in Cameron Parish has an existing regulation or covenant prohibiting the use of golf carts, then that subdivision will be responsible for the enforcement of its regulation or covenant and preventing the use of golf carts. Further, following the adoption of this ordinance, any subdivision in Cameron Parish may enact a regulation or covenant prohibiting the use of golf carts, and thereafter, that subdivision will be responsible for the enforcement of its regulation or covenant.
(i) Golf carts shall comply with all applicable local and state traffic laws and may be ticketed for traffic violations in the same manner as any other motor vehicle.
(j) No person shall operate a golf cart upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, sidewalk area, or other area not designated for motor vehicle use or not specifically designated for golf cart.
There being no written or oral comments from the public, it was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the public hearing was declared closed.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Fewell, and carried, the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 14 Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article III: Operation of Vehicles Generally as listed above is declared duly adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby authorizes, empowers and directs the president to sign:
a. Substantial Complete for the Post-Hurricane Restoration Grand Lake Maintenance Barn – LOC 42 Project
b. Proclamation to Declare May 2024 as Cameron Community Action Month
c. Proclamation to Declare May 2024 as Older Americans Month
d. Beach Monitoring Program Maintenance Agreement for 2024
It was moved by Mr. Bordelon, seconded by Mr. Watson, and Carried, item 15e, President authority to sign letter of designee appointment (Kara Bonsall) to the Acadiana Watershed District is hereby tabled for 30 days.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the resolution ratifying and approving resolution of the Board of Commissioners of South Cameron Consolidated Waterworks District No. One, formerly known as Waterwork District. No. Seven, ordering and calling an election in said District to levy a special tax of (15.33) mills for the purpose of operating and maintaining the district’s water system within the District (Waterworks District No. Seven) in the November 5, 2024 election, is declared duly adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the resolution, ratifying and approving resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage No. Nine ordering and calling an election in said District to renew a levied tax of (4.50) mills for the purpose of constructing, operating and maintaining the district’s drainage systems in the November 5, 2024 election, is declared duly adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby grants authority to get an appraisal on Justin Fontenot’s property to lease for extra parking at Gary’s Landing, Lowry, LA.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Police Jury Association of LA 2024 Region meeting dues in the amount of $250 (Two hundred fifty dollars).
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby grants authority to advertise to abandon Parish Road 340, Andrew Road, Cameron, LA.
It was moved by Mr. Myers, seconded by Mr. Watson, and carried, the board hereby grants authority to advertise to change the speed limit on Parish Road 433, Broussard/Fournerat from 45mph to 55mph. (Left from 384 to Calcasieu Parish Line)
Considering the sealed bid from the Cameron Pilot to be the only responsible bid for the official journal, it was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby accepts the bid and approves the Cameron Pilot as the official journal for the Cameron Parish Police Jury.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby designates Mary Carroll as Records Retention Officer.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby grants authority to advertise to change the boundaries for Ambulance Service District No. 2 to include Klondike and Lowry.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby grants authority to advertise to hire a full-time Human Resources director.
In response to the advertisement for bids for the LWI-Mermentau Inundation Project 65MTRR7701, Water Control Structure-Element 2, LOW Mid Funds, the following bids were received:
BIDDER, BID
Orion, $15,999,401.00
Gulf Inland Contractors, $12,339,040.00
M & C Oilfield Services, LLC, $9,441,767.49*
Considering the bid from M & C Oilfield Services, LLC, was the lowest responsible bid, it was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby accepts the bid in the amount of $9,441.767.49 (Nine million, four hundred forty one thousand, seven hundred sixty-seven dollars and 49 cents)for the LWI-Mermentau Inundation Project 65MTRR7701, Water Control Structure-Element 2, contingent upon contractor supplying documentation of the required registration.
It was moved by Mr. Bordelon, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby approves to be the sponsor on behalf of the Gulf Coast Soil & Water Conservation District PL566 Project.
Considering the bid from Action Truck & Equipment, Inc. was the only responsible bid for the purchase of a Fire Truck for South Cameron Consolidated Fire Districts, it was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. McGee, and carried the board hereby accepts the bid in the amount of $185,000.00 (One hundred eighty-five thousand dollars) for the Fire Truck.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby tables the decision on the Muria Fire Station Project until after Executive Session at the end of the meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, the board hereby accepts the monthly financial statements and budget to the actual comparison report.
It was moved by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the treasurer is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to pay April 2024 bills.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the board hereby approves to assume the ground lease from the Cameron Parish Port for the Cameron Fisheries Property and appoints a sub-committee consisting of Mark Daigle, Magnus McGee, and Johnny Watson to bring recommendations moving forward on Cameron Fisheries to the jury.
It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Fewell, and carried, the board hereby approves to utilize the insurance funds from Hurricanes Laura and Delta for the Cameron Fisheries property to repair the ice machines in the facility.
It was moved by Mr. Fewell, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the Jury shall go into Executive Session to discuss Hurricane Insurance Litigation, Coastal Zone Litigation, and Muria Fire Station Litigation. The vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Ronald Nunez, Mark Daigle, Danny Myers, Michael Fewell, Sam Bordelon, and Johnny Watson
NAYS: None
ABSENT OR NOT VOTING: Magnus McGee
The president called the meeting back to order and the
Jury returned to regular session. No action was taken on the Hurricane Insurance Litigation or Coastal Zone Litigation, it was only discussion. It was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Myers, and carried, the board hereby grants authority to Mr. Tom Barrett, Police Jury Legal Counsel, to terminate the contract with Alfred Palma for the Muria Fire Station Project.
There being no further business, it was moved by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bordelon, and carried, the meeting was declared adjourned.
APPROVED:
RONALD NUNEZ JR,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
MARY B CARROLL,
SECRETARY
RUN: June 13 (Ju 16)