?PROCEEDINGS
Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1 Johnson Bayou
• Holly Beach
MINUTES
The Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1 Commission met in regular session on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Johnson Bayou Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Chairman Michele Long, who led the pledge and prayer.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Michele Long, Vice Chairman Russell Badon, Nikki Norman, Chad Cooper, and Secretary Cindy Snead.
ABSENT: Tammy Erbelding
GUESTS: Cameron Parish Sheriff-Elect Chris Savoie; Cameron Parish Deputy Carl Conner; Capt. Jesse Savoie, LDWF Region 5; Stuart Guillory, LDWF; Kara Bonsall, Coastal Zone Administrator, Cameron Parish Police Jury; Daniel Dehon, Fenstermaker Engineering; Desiree Derouen and Amy Miller, Cheniere LNG
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On the motion of Russell Badon, seconded by Nikki Norman, and carried, the minutes for the February 12, 2024 meeting were approved as presented.
2023 EOY and current 2024 Financial Reports as presented.
FINANCIAL REPORT: On the motion of Chad Cooper, seconded by Russell Badon, and carried, the board approved the updated 2023 EOY and current 2024 Financial Reports as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates-Update on Little Florida Beach Breakwater Project:
Fenstermaker engineer Daniel Dehon presented data collected from a three-month survey conducted last summer. The purpose of the survey was to determine the most effective way to proceed with the shoreline protection project. Three proposed designs were discussed, with Fenstermaker recommending Model 3, which involves constructing 17 breakwaters to the east of the current Little Florida breakwaters and moving existing back breakwaters north closer to the shoreline.
However, concerns were raised by Terry Burroughs, Michele Long, and others from Little Florida Beach regarding the removal of the back breakwaters and the potential negative impact on the gains made by the staggered/segmented breakwaters since their placement in 2021.
Additionally, Gulf Breeze property owners including Blair May, Mark Poindexter, and Henry Missy expressed worries about the safety of the breakwaters being so close to the shoreline and potential negative recreational outcomes. Blair May emphasized concerns about water safety for children if the rocks are moved closer to shore without the original breakwaters to slow the waves, which could limit recreational activities in the ocean.
Kara Bonsall will convey these concerns to Police Juror Sonny McGee and report back to the board, indicating an ongoing dialogue and consideration of community feedback in the decision-making process.
Beach Patrol & Safety: Sheriff-Elect Chris Savoie and Capt. Jesse Savoie with LWLF outlined plans to enhance beach patrol and safety measures in Cameron Parish. As part of these efforts, the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Department will be acquiring UTVs specifically for added patrol on District 1 beaches, particularly during peak seasons. Additionally, Capt. Savoie’s department will be providing supplementary manpower to ensure that beachgoers adhere to all laws, including regulations regarding littering, unsafe speeding, riding in protected dune areas, and underaged drinking. To facilitate community involvement in maintaining beach safety, citizens are encouraged to report any instances of lawbreaking to either law enforcement agency. Sheriff-Elect Chris Savoie and Capt. Jesse Savoie generously provided their contact numbers to the public: Chris Savoie can be reached at 337-794-9062, while Jesse Savoie’s contact number is 337-491-2580. This collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community underscores a commitment to ensuring the well-being and lawful enjoyment of Cameron Parish’s beaches.
Holly Beach Subcommittee: Subcommittee will meet at the end of April and report back to the board.
Subdivision Welcome Signs: The signs generously donated by Cheniere LNG have been ordered through ACME Signs. Once completed, they will be installed by the parish road and bridges crew. These welcoming signs serve a crucial purpose, enhancing communication by informing tourists, community members, and emergency personnel about the precise locations of each subdivision.
Love the Boot Beach Cleanup, April 20, 2024: Michele Long reported that all plans for the Love the Boot beach cleanup have been finalized. Continuing advertising efforts to invite the public to attend will help ensure a successful turnout and hopefully make a significant impact on cleaning up the beach. Promoting community involvement in environmental initiatives like this is crucial for raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving our natural resources.
Reappointments and Ethics & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: Tammy Erbelding and Nikki Norman were reappointed to the board. All board members are reminded to complete trainings before the end of the calendar year.
NEW BUSINESS
2024 Officer Elections: The election of 2024 officers was tabled until the next meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chad Cooper announced his resignation from the board. While he will remain a District 1 property owner, he will become a registered voter in Texas. The board acknowledges Chad’s dedication to enhancing our community. Consequently, at the April 8, 2024 meeting, the board will vote to designate Chad as an honorary non-voting member, allowing him to continue his service to the community.
The board has announced an open commissioner position for Cameron Parish District #1, requiring applicants to be registered voters and residents of the district. Interested individuals should attend the April 8th meeting to express their desire to become board members. Further information can be found on the Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1 page.
PAY BILLS:
On the motion of Russell Badon, seconded by Chad Cooper, and carried, the board approved payment of $106 to Cameron Pilot for the agenda and minutes placement in legals.
On the motion of Russell Badon, seconded by Chad Cooper and carried, the board approved the reimbursement of $2302.44 (barrel coolers) to Michele Long for Love the Boot Beach Cleanup volunteer prizes.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business, on the motion of Nikki Norman, seconded by Russell Badon, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
The next meeting will be April 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at the Johnson Bayou Community Center.
When industry, parish government, and community come together, great things can happen.
APPROVED BY:
MICHELE LONG,
CHAIRMAN
ATTEST BY:
CINDY SNEAD,
SECRETARY
RUN: Apr. 18 (A 22)