MINUTES
Cameron Parish Beachfront
Development District #1
Johnson Bayou • Holly Beach
The Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1 Commission met in regular session on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Johnson Bayou Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Michele Long, who led the pledge and prayer.
Commissioners present were Chairman Michele Long, Vice Chairman Russell Badon, Tammy Erbelding, Nikki Norman, and Secretary Cindy Snead. Guests present were Police Juror Sonny McGee, Cameron Parish Coroner Dr. Kevin Dupke, Cameron Parish Administration Wendy Harrington, Desiree Derouen, Amy Miller, and Stephanie Huck from Cheniere Energy, and Sheriff Candidate Mike Hebert.
On the motion of Tammy Erbelding, seconded by Russell Badon, and carried, the minutes for the March 13, 2022, meeting were approved as presented.
Old Business:
Cody Norman reported on the Holly Beach sub-committee. After the leasing of state land is completed, the sub-committee will discuss future projects. Nikki Norman discussed adding a handicapped boardwalk or handicapped beach wheelchair rentals. Craig Broussard and Nikki Norman will research this proposed project.
Craig Broussard and Wendy Harrington gave an update on leasing state land in zone 2.
Work is being completed to obtain surveys and legal descriptions for the lease. Leased land will allow future projects to be more streamline in their processes. General liability will be covered by the parish, but any activities outside of the parish liability scope will require additional insurance coverage by the beach board.
Craig Broussard presented a Cameron Parish Boat Launch Upgrade Proposal PowerPoint, which includes Deep Bayou Boat Launch, the Ferry Boat Launch, and Davis Boat Launch. (Parking lot improvements, docks, lighting, dumpsters, port-a-cans, etc.) Sonny McGee will advise the police jury of upgrades that would improve area boat launches.
Michele Long updated the board on the “Nothin’ But Sand-Youth Day beach cleanup set for Earth Day, April 22, 2023. The Johnson Bayou Recreation Center will provide lunch for all volunteers as well as fun activities such as bouncy houses, games, playground, splashpad, etc. Door prizes and volunteer thank you gifts will be presented at lunch. Cheniere, Energy Transfer, and Williams are donating funds and supplies for the event. EMS will give a presentation regarding the dangers of rip currents and ways to get out of them. Also, the Turtle and Mammal Standing Network will discuss what steps to take in the event of a turtle or dolphin stranding.
The board reported on the formation of a Beach Safety Awareness Campaign to assist in educating the public of the dangers of coastal waters. Russell Badon updated the board regarding the installation of 70 new beach warning signs. Additionally, fifteen 4 X 6 rip current instructional signs will be placed from Mae’s Beach to Rutherford Beach. Rip current warning flyers have been placed at all local stores, the Recreation Center, Library, Clinic, and a rip current warning photo has been added to the West Cameron Beaches brochures. The community has also become involved in a social media blast on local group Facebook pages, Channel 7 News, Cameron Pilot, etc. to inform the public of possible dangers. Brad Ibert suggested adding more signage every half mile of the beach from Long Beach to Mae’s Beach. Michele Long will contact the parish to ask for additional signage.
Cameron Parish Coroner Dr. Kevin Dupke addressed the board and community members about the recent accidental drownings at Long Beach and near drownings at Rutherford Beach. He stated that the Sheriff’s deputies, Johnson Bayou Fire Department, and Johnson Bayou EMS did an outstanding job in their response to the emergency. A combination of high tide, water temperature, and strong currents around rock breakwaters contributed to the dangerous environment at the time of the accident. He recommends that the parish create an ordinance to keep people off the breakwaters and place warning signs on the breakwater posts already installed. Sonny McGee asked Dr. Dupke to create and submit a recommendation report to the Police Jury at a future meeting. Chad Cooper suggested additional 911 operator training, officer rescue supplies, and rescue supply lockers on each beach to better prepare the community for an emergency situation in the future.
On the motion of Nikki Norman, seconded by Russell Badon, and carried, the West Cameron Beaches brochures will be reordered with updates to include Rip Current Signage.
Michele Long gave an update on the hydroseeding that didn’t take at the Beach Blvd Protection Project. A reimbursement from Cajun Hydroseeding will be sent within two weeks. On the motion of Tammy Erbelding, seconded by Nikki Norman, and carried, plant material, rock, and seed for the Beach Blvd Project will be purchased and installed by Little Florida Beach volunteers.
New Business:
Craig Broussard updated the board as to March’s financial spreadsheet and its expenditures, donations, and account information. On the motion of Russell Badon, seconded by Nikki Norman, and carried, the board approved the financial update for March.
Craig Broussard invited the board and community to the Holly Beach Non-Profit “From the Gulf to the Pot Cook-Off” on April 15th. The money raised will go toward the 4th of July fireworks display.
Wendy Herrington invited the board and community to the Gibbstown Bridge 5K run on April 15th. Proceeds will benefit the Cameron Preservation Alliance-Sabine Pass Lighthouse, which is dedicated to restoring the Sabine Pass Lighthouse in Southwest Cameron Parish.
On the motion of Nikki Norman, seconded by Russell Badon, and carried, Chad Cooper will be nominated to fill the open position on the board. Sonny McGee will recommend Chad at the next Police Jury meeting.
On April 10th, the Coushatta Youth Tribe along with the Gulf Coast Soil and Water Conservation District held a grass planting along mile markers 23-24 of Hwy 82. The board thanks the tribe for its volunteering to help restore plant material on local beaches.
Mike Hebert, candidate for Cameron Parish Sheriff, introduced himself and spoke of his past areas of expertise and future areas he would like to explore as sheriff.
Open Session:
The next meeting will be May 8, 2023, at the Johnson Bayou Community Center.
There being no further business, on the motion of Nikki Norman, seconded by Russell Badon, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
APPROVED BY:
MICHELE LONG, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST BY:
CINDY SNEAD, SECRETARY
RUN: May 4 (My 4)