MINUTES
Of the Regular Meeting of
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury
March 5, 2008
Homer, LA 71040
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury met in regular session in the office of the Police Jury in
Homer, LA at 9:00 A.M. on the fifth day of March 2008. On being called to order by the President Roy Mardis, the following jurors were present:
Roy Mardis, Scott Davidson, Lavelle Penix, Roy Lewis, Brian “Butch” Bays, Rev. Willie Young (late arrival), Robert “Bob” McDaniel, Mark Furlow, Jerry Adkins and Joe Sturges.
The meeting was opened with a word of Prayer led by Robert “Bob” McDaniel, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scott Davidson.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously adopted the agenda as presented.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved to amend the adopted agenda and to add the following requests to the end of the adopted agenda.
1. Request from Claiborne Parish Fire District #6, in a letter received February 28, 2008, requesting that the Jury re-appoint for Danny Lee and Richard McLelland to the Board of Claiborne Parish Fire District #6. These appointments will be for the two year period ending March 31, 2010.
2. Request from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, in a letter received February 28, 2008, for the Jury to consider changing/updating certain parts of its Ordinance Number 670, specifically sections 19E, 19F and 19G all of which deal with “alcoholic beverage handling employee cards”.
3. Distribution of the Proposed Ordinance No. 756 – renewal of Entergy’s 50 year
Franchise Rights Agreement in Claiborne Parish.
4. Request from Secretary-Treasurer to seek quotes for the repairing of the Police Jury Complex Building’s back gutters which have been damaged by the high wind and heavy rain in the last few months.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved the minutes of the February 2008, regularly scheduled meeting of the Police Jury.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the payment of the February 2008 bills, pending approval by the Claims Committee.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Claiborne Jubilee, in a letter dated February 21, 2008, requesting permission to use the Big Room and the main hallway space for its annual quilt show to be held on May 8-10 of 2008. Permission granted with the condition that no displays will be placed in the front of the building (main entrance) which could hinder access to the Registrar of Voters Office.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved request from Claiborne Jubilee, in a letter dated February 21, 2008, requesting permission to use the Court House lawn on May 9-12 of 2008, for its art and poetry contests which will be held in conjunction with its annual quilt show. This request has been approved by the D.A.’s Office and the Honorable Judge Jenifer Ward Clason.
Upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously agreed to table request from Mike McKean, representing Pinehill Water System – concerning the need for a contingency plan for the Parish’s local water systems in case of an emergency. The matter will be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Police Jury which will be on April 9, 2008.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously agreed to table request from Tara Hollis representing Claiborne Animal Rescue, in a letter dated January 31, 2008, to address the Jury about the need for a “spray program” and a “safe pet drop off” within the parish. It is noted that Ms. Hollis called and expressed her regrets that she could not attend as originally planned due to a family emergency.
After much discussion, upon a motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously agreed to table request from James L. “Cotton” Rogers, in a letter dated February 21, 2008, requesting permission to erect a gate on Holly Grove Road in the vicinity of the Three Creeks Bridge. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard was instructed to write a letter to Mr. Rogers instructing him to get signatures from the other three landowners showing their support for his proposal. If that support is obtained and verified, the Jury will then start the necessary process of closing the part of the road he requested.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group and the Homer Ministerial Alliance, in a letter received February 26, 2008, to hold a short prayer meeting on the Court House lawn at noon on May 1, 2008, the National Day of Prayer. This request has been approved by the Honorable Judge Jenifer Ward Clason’s office.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved
Resolution 08-005 – Board Resolution for State Contract Providers – as requested by the Louisiana Department of Social Services in an email dated February 12, 2008.
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RESOLUTION 08-005
BOARD RESOLUTION FOR STATE CONTRACT PROVIDERS
State of Louisiana
Parish of Claiborne
On the 5th day of March, 2008, at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Claiborne Parish Police Jury, with a quorum of the directors present, the following business was conducted:
It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the above Corporation does hereby authorize Jean M. Reynolds, Executive Director and his/her successors in office to negotiate terms and conditions that he/she may deem advisable, contract(s) with the Louisiana Department of Social Services, and to bind this organization to execute said documents on behalf of the corporation, and further we do hereby give him/her the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, and/or review said documents. The above resolution was passed by a majority of those present and voting in accordance with the by-laws and articles of incorporation.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson and duly seconded by Joe Sturges
And carried, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury in regular session convened on March 5, 2008.
I certify that the above and forgoing constitutes a true and correct copy of a part of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors of Claiborne Parish Police Jury held on the 5th day of March, 2008.
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard
Secretary-Treasurer
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Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved Resolution 08-006 - A Resolution authorizing the president to sign documents on behalf of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury concerning an Intergovernmental agreement with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Public Safety Services of the State of Louisiana – as requested and required by the State in regards to the $50,000 grant the parish received from LSUCC.
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RESOLUTION 2008-006
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CLAIBORNE PARISH POLICE JURY CONCERNING AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY & CORRECTIONS, PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury has applied for and awarded a $50,000 grant from the Statewide Uniform Construction Code Council to set up a construction code enforcement office within the Parish; and
WHEREAS, the terms of this agreement begin on February 1, 2008 and shall terminate on June 30, 2008;
WHEREAS, an Inter-Governmental Agreement is required and provided for by Article VII, Section14 (c) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana;
AND WHEREAS, expediency is a matter of necessity in relation to the administration of these funds;
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Claiborne Parish Police Jury AUTHRORIZES the President, Roy Mardis, to sign and execute documents on behalf of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury relating to the above referenced inter-governmental agreement retroactive to February 14, 2008.
Upon a motion by Scott Davidson and duly seconded by Roy Lewis this motion was carried and officially adopted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session convened on Wednesday, March 5, 2008.
Yeas 10 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 0
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard_ /s/ Roy Mardis_
Secretary-Treasurer President
_____________________________________________________________________________
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved Resolution 08-007 – A Resolution Authorizing the President to sign documents on behalf of Claiborne Parish concerning the 2010 Census.
RESOLUTION 2008-007
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF CLAIBORNE PARISH CONCERNING THE 2010 CENSUS
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Claiborne Parish Police Jury AUTHRORIZES the President, Roy Mardis, to sign and execute documents on behalf of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury relating to the upcoming 2010 Census.
Upon a motion by Joe Sturges and duly seconded by Scott Davidson this motion was carried and officially adopted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session convened on Wednesday, March 5, 2008.
Yeas 10 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 0
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard_ /s/ Roy Mardis_
Secretary-Treasurer President
______________________________________________________________________________
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Personnel Committee to hire William Lord at the starting hourly rate $10.50 for the position of Truck Driver, subject to review at the end of a 6 month probationary period.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Personnel Committee to hire Jim Garner at the starting hourly rate of $8.75 for the position of Mechanic/Helper, subject to review at the end of a 6 month probationary period.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Personnel Committee to hire Edward Monk at the starting hourly rate of $8.75 for the position of Laborer, subject to review at the end of a 6 month probationary period.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously voted to reject the single qualified “Request for Proposal” that was received for White Goods Pickup and Disposal in the parish, excluding the incorporated areas of Homer and Haynesville as advertised in the local papers the weeks of February 14, and 21, 2008.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved using the Claiborne Parish Highway Department to be responsible for picking up “white goods” in the areas of the parish excluding the incorporated areas of Homer and Haynesville for a six-month trial period. Items picked up are to be taken immediately to be scraped and they will not be stored on parish property.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Grant Committee to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Claiborne Parish Watershed District for the purpose of applying for a matching granting for public access and recreation improvements at the Lisbon Landing located on Lake Claiborne.
Scott Davidson gave an update on the status of establishing collection sites in the north and south ends of the parish for use by the residents of the parish. Potential sites as of right now are the Parish Hwy Yard in Homer and the Jury is working with the Town of Haynesville on establishing a controlled site in the north end of the parish.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved recommendation from Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett for a merit pay increase of $0.50 per hour for Operator 2 Charles Hoof with the Claiborne Parish Highway Department.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Claiborne Parish Fire District #6, in a letter received February 28, 2008, for the Jury to re-appoint Danny Lee and Richard McLelland to the Board of Claiborne Parish Fire District #6. These appointments will be for a two year period ending March 31, 2010.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved request from Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, in a letter received February 28, 2008, for the Jury to consider changing/updating certain parts of its Ordinance Number 670, specifically sections 19E, 19F and 19G all of which deal with “alcoholic beverage handling employee cards”. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard will work with Parish Attorney Danny Newell to start the process of drafting the proposed amended ordinance in accordance with the changes that the Sheriff has requested.
Upon motion by Jerry Adkins, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved to start the process for adopting proposed ordinance No. 756 which grants Entergy Louisiana LLC franchise, right and privilege, for a period of Fifty (50) years from the date of adoption, to supply electric power and energy throughout the parish.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Robert “Bob” McDaniel, the Jury approved request from Secretary-Treasurer to seek quotes for the repairing certain matters concerning the Police Jury Complex Building’s back gutters, front stucco and damaged front door. The motion was amended to allow the Secretary-Treasurer in conjunction with the Building and Grounds Committee to act on the Jury’s behalf in relation to having these items repaired.
SECRETARY-TREASURER – UPDATE ON GRANTS AND OTHER ITEMS
Amount – amended amount $191,000
Due Date – October 1, 2006
Project – Parish wide road sign upgrade & rehab
Status – assigned State Project Number (737-14-0102) and Federal Aid Project Number (HRRR-1407(502)) the LRSP and the DOTD via letter dated August 22, 2007 – cooperative agreement signed and returned to DOTD from LTRC.
Project manager assigned – Mr. Gary Judice
Status – Parish completed work on Lewis Way and Morris Lane. Construction contract on Spigener and Stateline was awarded to P. R. PARKER Company and approved by Mr. Judice; construction will hopefully start soon.
Amount - $72,800
Projects – Norton Shop Water System Emergency Generator $35,000 – Pine Hill Water System Emergency Generator $7,800 – CPPJ Office Complex $30,000
Status – Contract between Parish and State has been executed, presently working with Parish Engineer Brad Graff on bid pack for Norton Shop and Police Jury Complex
Net sales tax collections for December 07 – $87,850.69 – decrease $27,825.50 (-31.67%)
Net sales tax collections for January 07 - $44,960.47 – increase $15,065.02 (33.51%)
Net cash collections for 2008 - $147,875.88 as compared to 2007 $134,796.06 - inc (9.70%)
Net taxable sales for 2008 - $14,532,122 as compared to 2007 $13,900,742 – inc (4.54%)
Cash position at February 28, 2007 - $4,156,377.93 (increase of $817,215.43)
Cash position at January 31, 2008 - $4,974,113.03 (decrease of $519.67)
Cash on deposits at February 29, 2008 –
First Guaranty - $3,077,024.69
LAMP - $1,896,568.67
3/19 & 3/20 – NIMS Class in Farmerville
Progress and status report on the raising of the severance tax cap
Update on the annual audit progress
Update on the new ethics requirements and how they affect the Jury – all the Jurors are classified as Tier III with minimum reporting starting in 2010
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Ms Lauren Tichenor personally thanked the Jury for hosting her for the past year. Keep Claiborne Beautiful is close to becoming a non-profit. She also gave an update on the new tourism web site and Claiborne Parish will be featured in Southern Living in 2009. The Police Jury is already communicating with Mrs. Rebecca Tedford concerning a VISTA replacement for Lauren.
Dr. Alice Stewart gave an update from the Claiborne Parish Watershed District and their various projects. She also thanked the Jury for its help with the Lisbon Landing Grant and the repairs on the dam.
Scott Greeson with E-911 gave an update on FIRST CALL during the recent outbreak of storms that hit the parish.
Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett gave an update on the status of the road construction projects with the P.R. Parker Company and the Jury instructed Secretary-Treasurer Woodard to write a letter trying to get a firm date for construction to start. He also gave an update on the proposed start date for the bush-hogging schedule.
Scott Davidson made mention of the updated equipment list that the Highway Department prepared and gave an update on the quote for the repairs of the Low-Boy Mack Truck.
Lavelle Penix pointed out the condition of the chairs in the jury box over at the Court House and the problem with the front door. The Building and Grounds Committee will look into the matter and report back at the next month’s meeting.
Robert “Bob” McDaniel gave an update on the Norton Shop Water System standby generator project.
VP Jerry Adkins again thanked Lauren for her help on various projects the past year.
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Upon Motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Joe Sturges the meeting was adjourned.
__________________________ ________________________
Dwayne R. Woodard Roy Mardis
Secretary – Treasurer President