MINUTES
Of the Regular Meeting of
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury
April 9, 2008
Homer, LA 71040
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury met in regular session in the office of the Police Jury, located at 507 West Main Street in Homer, LA at 9:00 A.M. on the ninth day of April 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, Robert “Bob” McDaniel, Mark Furlow, Jerry Adkins and Joe Sturges.
No one was absent.
The meeting was opened with a word of Prayer led by Rev. Willie Young, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scott Davidson.
President Roy Mardis yielded the floor Mayor David Newell of Homer who wished to announce his intentions to the Jury concerning his candidacy for the office of the District Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District which covers Claiborne, Bienville, and Jackson Parishes.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously adopted the agenda as presented.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the minutes of the March 5, 2008, regularly scheduled meeting of the Police Jury.
Upon motion by Jerry Adkins, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the payment of the March 2008 bills, pending approval by the Claims Committee.
Upon a motion by Lavelle Penix and duly seconded by Scott Davidson a special resolution honoring the Athens High School Lady Trojans was unanimously approved by the Police Jury. Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne R. Woodard read the Special Resolution honoring the Athens High School Girl’s Basketball Team for their appearance in the Class C Championship Game into the official record of the Police Jury.
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A RESOLUTION OF HONOR & RECOGNITION
COMMERATING THE 2008 LOUISIANA CLASS C STATE FINALIST
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL LADY TROJANS
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury wishes to officially commemorate the outstanding performance of the 2008 Athens High School Girl’s Basketball Team; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Trojans advanced to the Louisiana Class C State Championship Game against Calvin; and
WHEREAS, the 37- 4 Lady Trojans were led by Head Coach Marcus Jackson, who was assisted by Leroy Hamilton and Ricky Smith; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Trojans were led on the floor by Junior All-State selection Jasmine Shelton; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Trojans were comprised of the following players – Myesha Cato, Tamara Douglas, Ashley Graham, Bianca Graham, Jamekia Graham, Shalania Jenkins, Shavon Lewis, Jaumanique Moore, Jasmine Shelton, Rachal Shine, Tracey Shyne, Brianna Walker, Adora Weathers and Katherine Winzer; and
WHEREAS, this team has brought great distinction and pride to its Town and the Parish as a whole;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the members of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session on this the 9th day of April, 2008, does hereby recognize the Louisiana Class C State Finalists Athens High School Lady Trojans and wishes to express in the form of its content this record to be on file and made a permanent record of the proceedings of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury this day.
/s/Roy Mardis /s/ Dwayne R. Woodard
President Secretary-Treasurer
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Upon a motion by Lavelle Penix and duly seconded by Scott Davidson a special resolution honoring the Athens High School Trojans this motion was unanimously approved by the Police Jury. Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne R. Woodard read the Special Resolution honoring the Athens High School Boy’s Basketball Team for their appearance in the Class C Championship Game into the official record of the Police Jury.
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A RESOLUTION OF HONOR & RECOGNITION
COMMERATING THE 2008 LOUISIANA CLASS C STATE FINALIST
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL TROJANS
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury wishes to officially commemorate the outstanding performance of the 2008 Athens High School Boy’s Basketball Team; and
WHEREAS, the Trojans advanced to the Louisiana Class C State Championship Game against Reserve Christian; and
WHEREAS, the 33-9 Trojans were led by Head Coach Marcus Jackson, who was assisted by Leroy Hamilton and Ricky Smith; and
WHEREAS, the Trojans were comprised of the following players – Mardezeo Allen, Willie Cato, Devarious Critton, Stancheza Ferrell, Roydarious Johnson, Chris Kimble, Kenneth Manuel, Kerry Rabb, Deverea Russell, Mikadrain Shelton, Jimmy Shine, Earvin Sneed, Bobby Tobin and Deonta Winzer; and
WHEREAS, this was the second straight year that the Trojans had advanced to the State Championship Game; and
WHEREAS, this team has brought great distinction and pride to its Town and the Parish as a whole;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the members of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session on this the 9th day of April, 2008, does hereby recognize the Louisiana Class C State Finalists Athens High School Trojans and wishes to express in the form of its content this record to be on file and made a permanent record of the proceedings of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury this day.
/s/Roy Mardis /s/Dwayne R. Woodard
President Secretary-Treasurer
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Upon a motion by Roy Lewis and duly seconded by Rev. Willie Young a special resolution honoring the Homer High School Lady Pelicans was unanimously approved by the Police Jury. Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne R. Woodard read the Special Resolution honoring the Homer High School Girl’s Basketball Team for their appearance in the Class AA State Semi-Finals into the official record of the Police Jury.
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A RESOLUTION OF HONOR & RECOGNITION
COMMERATING THE 2008 LOUISIANA CLASS AA STATE SEMI-FINALIST
HOMER HIGH SCHOOL LADY PELICANS
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury wishes to officially commemorate the outstanding performance of the 2008 Homer High School Girl’s Basketball Team; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Pelicans advanced to the Ladies Top 28 Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history; and
WHEREAS, the 28-13 Lady Pelicans were coached by the Shreveport Times All-Area Coach of the Year Elaine Gilbert, who was assisted by Connie Tell; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Pels were led on the court by the Shreveport Times All-Area MVP ShaKendra Moore, who was also named a member of the LHSAA Class AA All-State team selected by the Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches Association; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Pelicans were comprised of the following players – Jessica Bender, J’Keila Curry, Alexandra Dean, Charlye Harris, Briana Hunter, Daedra Moore, ShaKendra Moore, Jessica Tinsley, ABC’ Turner, Shamara Watson, Faith Willis and
JarMisha Willis; and
WHEREAS, the coaching staff and players were greatly aided by Manager Carrie Mitchell, Videographer Theodonnys Willis and Statistician Sarah Hilton; and
WHEREAS, this team has brought great distinction and pride to its Town and the Parish as a whole;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the members of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session on this the 9th day of April, 2008, does hereby recognize the Louisiana Class AA State Semi-Finalists Homer High School Lady Pelicans and wishes to express in the form of its content this record to be on file and made a permanent record of the proceedings of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury this day.
/s/Roy Mardis /s/Dwayne R. Woodard
President Secretary-Treasurer
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Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Inmate Organizations at David Wade Correctional Center, via a letter from Warden
Venetia T. Michael dated March 14, 2008 requesting permission to place a wreath and sign on the Claiborne Parish Court House lawn commemorating National Crime Victim’s Rights Week which is Sunday April 13 to Saturday April 19, 2008. This has been pre-approved by Judge Clason’s office.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved request from the Athens Garden Club, in a letter dated March 12, 2008, requesting permission to place exterior lighting at the Court House which would highlight the columns. All work will be done in accordance with regulations set forth by the National Register of Historic places. This request has been approved by Judge Clason’s office.
Jim Pesnell, Customer Service Manager for Entergy, was present for the introduction and to answer any questions concerning Ordinance 756 which grants Entergy Louisiana LLC (formerly Louisiana Power & Light) a franchise of Fifty (50) years in the Parish. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard read the title and first paragraph of the proposed new ordinance. Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved advertising for and holding the public hearing for Ordinance 756. The proposed ordinance, along with the advertisement of the May 7, 2008 Public Hearing, will be published in both parish papers the week of April 24, 2008. The new ordinance has been approved by Parish Attorney Danny Newell.
After much discussion an upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Garage Committee, to let the Parish’s waste disposal contract with Allied Waste, which expires on April 30, 2008, automatically rollover for an additional 24 month period. Per discussion with Allied Waste the increase should be around $0.55 for the 2008–2009 fiscal year.
Upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Claiborne Parish Dart’s Rural Advocate Mary Ellen Gamble, in a letter dated March 12, 2008, requesting that the Police Jury to pass a resolution that gives a DART preference to certain woman within our Section 8 Housing Program who meet certain requirements and have proper recommendations from Claiborne Parish DART and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
After discussion and upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved request from Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters Patricia B. Sanders, in a letter dated March 26, 2008 – for an increase in the annual 2008 budget of $3,000 for the purpose obtaining her certification through Certified Elections Registration Program (CERA) as established by LA RS 18:59.4 enacted in 2004. The $3,000 will cover the costs associated with education/workshops/dues ($1,788) and travel/lodging ($1,212). All associated costs will be paid on a reimbursable basis upon approval of the Secretary-Treasurer and Claims Committee.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from Parish Engineer Brad Graff, in a letter dated March 25, 2008, to award the contract for the Standby Generator for the Norton Shop Water System to TGS Contractors of Minden, LA for the amount of $24,200. These costs will be paid out of 2007-2008 LGAP funds.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved Resolution 2008-009 authorizing the President to sign documents on behalf of the Police Jury concerning a cooperative endeavor agreement with DOTD for the donation of RAP from the Homer Maintenance Unit.
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RESOLUTION 2008-009
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF CLAIBORNE PARISH CONCERNING A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH DOTD AND THE DONATION OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT
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 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Claiborne Parish Police Jury and the Department of Transportation concerning the donation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).
Upon a motion by Lavelle Penix 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, April 9, 2008.
Yeas 10 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 0
/s/Dwayne R. Woodard /s/Roy Mardis
Secretary-Treasurer President
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Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded, by Rev. Willie Young, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Garage Committee to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of Alexandria, LA. This agreement will be for the procurement of vehicles awarded by public bid on the city of Alexandria Contract #1613, dated April 24, 2007.
Upon motion Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Garage Committee to purchase (1) one ton Ford p/u truck on the City of Alexandria’s Contract #1613 for $21,408 from Hixson Autoplex in Alexandria, LA.
Upon motion Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Garage Committee to advertise for bid for the purchase of (2) two dump trucks cab and chassis at approximately $49,120 each and the purchase of the 6-8 yard beds to be added to the cab and chassis for a total expenditure of approximately $110,680.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Garage Committee, to declare the following listed equipment as surplus and to advertise for bids on the four pieces of equipment – (2) two Ford 8 yard dump trucks, (1) one 920 Cat Loader, and (1) one 2001 one ton pickup truck. It is the understanding of the Jury that none of the equipment will be advertised for sale until all of the new trucks and equipment have been received by the Highway Department.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to hire Mr. Eddy Monk (Laborer) a $10.50 per hour starting immediately to fill the vacant Truck Driver position at the Highway Department due to the resignation of Mr. William Lord on March 28, 2008.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Personnel Committee to advertise for the current open position of Laborer within the Claiborne Parish Highway Department. The opening will be advertised in both local papers, along with the requirement that the applicant must hold a valid CDL in order to apply for the job. Applications can be picked up at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex Building 507 W. Main St. Homer from April 10, to April 28, 2008, from 8:00 am-4:30 pm and must be returned by Monday April 28, 2008 no later than 4:00 pm. Interviews will be held on Thursday May 1, 2008 at 4:00 pm.
Upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously approved recommendation from Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett, (after a six month performance evaluation) for a $0.25 cent merit pay raise ($10.50 to $10.75 per hour) for Truck Driver Paul Ray Hammons, Jr. with the Claiborne Parish Highway Department to go into effect on April 17, 2008.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter dated March 5, 2008, for repairing a bus turn around on Hughes Road in the Pinehill Community. This is for a special needs student. The School Board understands that the work is to be performed on a reimbursement bases.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved request from the Village of Lisbon, in a letter received March 31, 2008, for assistance in repairing and hot mix the parking lot in front of the Village Civic Center. The Village of Lisbon understands that the work is to be formed on a reimbursement basis.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved request from the Town of Haynesville, in a letter dated April 1, 2008, for two (2) loads of cold mix to be delivered to the Town Shop located on Spring Street and for assistance in ordering and replacing culverts on Main Street and Park Drive. The Town of Haynesville understands that the work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis.
Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett notified the Police Jury, that the Nolan Road – which had not been completely maintained in the last 5 to 6 years and that Highway Department, will resume full maintenance of the last 100 yards.
Juror Scott Davidson Building & Grounds Committee informs the Jury, they are working with the Hon. Judge Jenifer Clason on replacing the chairs in the Courthouse Jury Box and that the replacements will be in the Historic context as they are today. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard reports the front doors at the Police Jury Building have been repaired, along with the gutters in the back of the Police Jury Building but that we are still looking to find someone to work on the stucco in the front of the Police Jury Building, above the front door.
Juror Scott Davidson reports the Police Jury , Town of Haynesville, and Allied Waste are working together to place collection bins in various areas the North & South ends of the parish and Town of Haynesville. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard expressed his thanks to The Guardian Journal and Haynesville News for their help in keeping the public notified of series of PSA and various other trash related issues.
Secretary-Treasurer Woodard requested to hold a joint meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committees for the purpose of discussion, analysis and to formulate a plan for dealing with the renewal of the Parish’s health care, dental and other insurance benefits offered to its employees, new rates should be in by May 1, 2008, and renewal date is June 1, 2008. He also reported that our auditors have completed the field work on our 2007 Audit.
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.
Amount – amended amount $42,500
Due Date – October 1, 2007
Project – Parish road sign inventory
LRSP/LTAP Project Number – 01-CLAa-070037
Accepted and awarded via letter dated March 28, 2008.
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 is scheduled to start around the week of the 23rd of April.
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. The contract for the Norton Shop Generator has been awarded in the amount of $24,200 to TGS Contactors. The Jury is presently working with Parish Engineer Brad Graff on the Pine Hill Water System Generator and the improvements at the Police Jury Complex
Net sales tax collections for January 08 – $60,025.49 – increase $6,600.91 (10.97%)
Net sales tax collections for February 07 - $43,876.95 – increase $22,749.45 (51.85%)
Net cash collections for 2008 - $214,502.28 as compared to 2007 $178,673.01 - inc (20.05%)
Net taxable sales for 2008 - $20,792,849 as compared to 2007 $18,311,529 – inc (13.55%)
Cash position at March 31, 2007 - $4,009,983.45 (increase of $932,778.20)
Cash position at February 29, 2008 - $4,973,593.36 (decrease of $30,831.71)
Cash on deposits at March 31, 2008 –
First Guaranty - $3,041,531.23
LAMP - $1,901,230.42
Apri17 – OEP meeting in Shreveport
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PUBLIC COMMENT –
President Roy Mardis thanked Mr. Gene Coleman for his hard work with House Bill 420.
Jonathan M. Stewart, Arcadia, LA announced that he is running for District Attorney. He stated that he has over 30 years as an Attorney and 24 years of experience as an Assistant D.A. The election date will be October 6, 2008, and the run off is scheduled for November 6, 2008.
Chick Hines gave an update on the Watershed commission and an update on the status of the permanent marker project.
President Roy Mardis speaks about getting help from present committees to help with future water projects for Claiborne Parish.
Robin Bridges - Claiborne Parish 4-H County Agent, announced the upcoming events with the AgCenter and 4-H - Thursday April 24th Field Day at the Hill Farm Research Station at 11:00 am, tours start at 1:00 pm and dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. On April 28, 2008, in Haynesville at the Fair Barn, at 6:00 pm, the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (4-H) will hold their 28th Annual Banquet Awards night for 4-H outstanding achievers and they will also be celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Louisiana.
Scott Greeson - representing Claiborne Parish E-911, thanked Secretary-Treasurer Woodard and Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett for their assistance on the Grant for the Lisbon Boat Landing. He noted that the Recreation District will be conducting a survey via the local newspapers. Scott also gave an update of the progression of the First Call System and how it was enacted during the severe storms that hit the parish during the past month.
Cathy Greeson – representing Claiborne Parish OEP - reminded the Claiborne Parish Governing bodies, Sheriff, Police Jury etc. that on April 17, 2008 starting at 8:00 am, there will be a meeting for an Emergency Management Education Program for Governing bodies for Claiborne Parish regarding disasters. The meeting will be held down town Shreveport at the Shreveport Operations Center. For any information contact Dwayne Woodard at 927-2222 or Cathy at 927-9118 at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex located at 507 W. Main St. Homer, LA.
Gene Coleman – representing the Sparta Ground Water Commission, invited anyone interested to a tour of the new plant waste water treatment plant in West Monroe at 1:00 p.m. on April 8, 2008 with the Sparta meeting to immediately follow. He also requested that the Jury pass a resolution encouraging the Governor and requesting that the state establish permanent funding for the commission’s work.
Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett gave an update on the planned start date of the Parish’s right-of-way cutting program. He also informed the Jurors that he will be submitting the list of roads for the 2008 black-topping program.
Roy Walters from Allied Waster thanked the Jury for placing their trust in Allied Waste and agreeing to renew the Parish’s waste disposal contract with them for an additional two more years.
Scott Davidson encouraged his fellow Jurors to attend the lunch meeting today at the hospital and to see the improvements that they have made.
Rev. Willie Young commended Mrs. Jean Reynolds on her position of Vice President with the Louisiana Housing Financing Agency.
Bob McDaniel and Mark Furlow mentioned the continued illegal dumping program within the parish.
After much discussion, a motion was made by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Rev. Willie Young, the Jury unanimously approved amending the agenda to add one item – Secretary-Treasurer Woodard is to start the process of requesting an Attorney General’s opinion on whether or not the Police Jury can go onto private property and use Parish employees to clean up illegal dumping with that land owner’s permission.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Rev. Willie Young, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation that Secretary-Treasurer Woodard start the process of seeking an AG’s opinion concerning using Parish personnel to clean up illegal dumping with the land owner’s permission.
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Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the meeting was adjourned.
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Dwayne R. Woodard Roy Mardis
Secretary – Treasurer President