MINUTES
Of the Regular Meeting of
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury
May 7, 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 seventh day of May 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.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, 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 agenda and to add the following additional items to the agenda.
1. Request from the own of Haynesville, in a letter received May 5, 2008, requesting assistance with the overlay of Fairgrounds, the request is in addition to item #11.
2. Request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter received May 5, 2008, for help of the Jury in the demolition of the cafeteria on the old Homer Jr. High School campus. This work will be done on a reimbursement basis.
3. Request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter received May 5, 2008, for help hauling 4 loads of pea gravel to the Haynesville Elementary School. This work will be done on a reimbursement basis.
4. Request from the Town of Homer in a letter received May 6, 2008 requesting assistance with the overlay of certain streets. This work will be done on a reimbursement basis.
5. Request from Secretary-Treasurer Woodard and the personnel committee to set interview dates for the vacant Laborer position within the Highway Dept. Applications will be taken until May 12, 2008 at 4:00 pm, this item moved to the end of the agenda.
6. Request from Secretary-Treasurer Woodard seeking the Jury’s approval for the President and himself to answer any and all correspondence concerning the Police Jury’s 2007 annual audit. The auditor plans to present the audit report to the Police Jury at the June 4, 2008 regularly scheduled meeting.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved amending the agenda in the following manner – amended items #1 - 4 will be added after original item #13, amended items #5 and 6 will be added to the end of the agenda after original item #22, and original item #16 will be considered out of order and moved up the agenda to follow original item #6.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously approved the minutes of the March 5, 2008, regularly scheduled meeting of the Police Jury.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously approved the payment of the April 2008 bills, pending approval by the Claims Committee.
Announcement - as per letter received April 28, 2008, from the Police Jury Association of Louisiana – Police Juror Rev. Willie Young, Sr. has been appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Committee. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard also announced that Rev. Willie Young, Sr. was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Louisiana’s State Parks & Tourism Recreation Board.
Mr. Chris Bowman addressed the Jury on his candidacy for the office of the District Attorney for Claiborne, Bienville and Jackson Parishes. Mr. Bowman gave a short speech which included his background and highlighted his platform on new drug policies & programs, truancy and other issues if he is elected DA for the Second Judicial District.
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A RESOLUTION OF HONOR & RECOGNITION
COMMERATING THE LOUISIANA 4-H CENTENNIAL
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury wishes to officially commemorate the Centennial of Louisiana 4-H; and
WHEREAS, since 1908, Louisiana 4-H has been given opportunities to become positive, productive, capable and compassionate citizens in their communities through the largest youth organization in the world known as 4-H;
WHEREAS, to celebrate the past, present, and future of Louisiana 4-H, be it therefore proclaimed that:
WHEREAS, since 1908, Louisiana 4-H has been providing opportunities for youth and adults to live, learn and cooperatively work together toward positive change in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana is one of only a few states where 4-H is a co-curricular activity and is present in every parish; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana 4-H is an educational program of the LSU AgCenter and is part of the National 4-H Organization; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Louisiana 4-H is for participants to gain knowledge and life skills enabling them to become positive, productive, capable and compassionate members of their communities through non-formal, research-based, experiential and educational activities; and
WHEREAS, since 1908, over 50,000 Claiborne Parish 4-H’ers lives have been enriched and shaped through the program’s educational activities in community leadership and citizenship; and
WHEREAS, during the year 2008, more than 218,000 Louisiana 4-H youth along with more than 9,000 volunteers will celebrate their centennial anniversary; and
WHEREAS, during the 2008, more than 500 Claiborne Parish 4-H youth will also participate in this centennial celebration;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the members of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session on this the 7th day of May, 2008, does hereby recognize the history of the positive force provided through Louisiana 4-H and does hereby proclaim 2008 as the Centennial Anniversary of Louisiana 4-H.
/s/ Roy Mardis__ /s/ Dwayne R. Woodard_
President Secretary-Treasurer
Upon a motion by Joe Sturges and duly seconded by Rev. Willie Young this motion was unanimously carried and officially adopted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular session convened on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
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Mr. Robin Bridges – LSU AgCenter County Agent commented on the Parish’s 4-H program and the positive impact it has on the local youth. He also thanked and made note of the former members, volunteers, and parents who make 4-H the success it is. Mr. Bridges introduced Christopher Burch, a graduating senior, who was the winner of the hand made quilt award for outstanding career achievement. Mr. Burch thanked the Jury for it’s the continued support for the Claiborne Parish 4-H program.
President Roy Mardis requested a pause from the regularly scheduled meeting of the Police Jury to enter into a public hearing concerning Ordinance No. 756.which grants Entergy a 50 year franchise in the parish. The President opened the floor to hear any concerns, comments and/or complaints concerning this proposed ordinance, there were none.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously voted to return to the regular meeting session.
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The following Ordinance was offered by Scott Davidson who moved its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 756
AN ORDINANCE
Granting to Entergy Louisiana, LLC (formerly Louisiana Power & Light Company), its successors and assigns, the franchise, right and privilege, for a period of _____Fifty___ (_50__) years from the date of the adoption hereof, to supply, in such manner as it deems best, electric power and energy throughout the Parish of _Claiborne , Louisiana, and to the inhabitants thereof, or to any person, firm, or corporation, and the right to acquire, construct, operate, and maintain such plants, structures, transmission lines, distribution systems, and equipment as may be useful or necessary for the generation, production, transportation, distribution, and/or sale of electric power and energy throughout the Parish of Claiborne, Louisiana, and the right to erect, operate, and maintain poles, masts, supports, wires, cables, transmission lines, conduits, conductors, substations distribution systems, and any and all other appliances useful or necessary for the transportation and/or distribution and/or sale of electric power and energy on, over, under, along, upon, and across all of the present and/or future streets, roads, highways, alleys, and public places of the Parish of _Claiborne , Louisiana, not within the limits of any incorporated city, town or village, and the right to repair, replace, or remove same, or any portion thereof, and the right to connect any such transmission line or distribution system to any other transmission line or distribution system for the purpose of transporting electric power and energy into, through, or beyond the boundaries of the Parish.
SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the Police Jury of the Parish of _Claiborne , Louisiana, in regular session duly convened, that the Parish of _Claiborne , Louisiana, hereinafter called the “Parish,” grants and there is hereby granted to Entergy Louisiana, LLC, its successors and assigns, hereinafter called “Company,” in addition to the rights and privileges presently in effect and enjoyed by the Company, a franchise, right, and privilege, from date of the adoption hereof, to supply electric power and energy throughout the Parish of _Claiborne_, Louisiana, and to the inhabitants thereof, or to any person, firm, or corporation, in such manner and from such sources as the said Company deems best, and the right to acquire, construct, operate, and maintain such plants, structures, transmission lines, distribution systems, and equipment as may be useful or necessary for the generation, production, transportation, distribution, and/or sale of electric power and energy throughout the Parish of Claiborne, Louisiana, and the right to erect, operate, and maintain poles, masts, supports, wires, cables, transmission lines, conduits, conductors, substations, distribution systems, and any and all other appliances useful or necessary for the transportation and/or distribution and/or sale of electric power and energy on , over, under, along, upon, and across all of the present and/or future streets, roads, highways, alleys, and public places of the Parish of _Claiborne_, Louisiana, not within the limits of any incorporated city, town or village, and the right to repair, replace, or remove same, or any portion thereof, and the right to connect any such transmission line of distribution system to any other transmission line or distribution system for the purpose of transporting electric power and energy into, through, or beyond the boundaries of the Parish.
SECTION 2. Be it further ordained, etc., that this Franchise is granted upon and subject to the following provisions:
1. This Franchise, so far as it applies to the use of any state highway for the purposes herein specified, shall be without effect without the written consent and approval of the Louisiana State Highway Engineer, and no work shall be undertaken by the Company on any state highway without the written consent of the State Highway Engineer in accordance with the provisions of revised statute 33:4362.
2. In maintaining its properties the Company shall not unnecessarily or unreasonably impair or obstruct the streets, roads, highways, alleys, sidewalks, and public grounds, and the Company shall, at its own expense, without unreasonable delay, make all necessary repairs to remedy any damage or remove any obstruction caused by its operations hereunder.
3. The Company shall use reasonable precautions to avoid damage or injury to persons or property, and shall hold and save harmless the parish from all damages, losses, or expense caused by the negligence of the Company, its agents or employees, while exercising any of the rights herein granted.
SECTION 3. Be it further ordained, etc., that the Parish shall make, adopt, and enforce all ordinances necessary to protect the property and property rights of the Company owned and operated under this Franchise, and the Parish will not in any way interfere with the full legal use by the Company of the property which it now maintains or may hereafter maintain in the Parish.
SECTION 4. Be it further ordained, etc., that this Ordinance, the public health and welfare and the public necessity requiring it, shall take effect from and after its adoption.
SECTION 5. Be it further ordained, etc., that this Franchise shall be for a period of __Fifty________ (_50__) years from the date hereof, and upon exercise by the Company of any of the privileges granted by this Franchise, it shall be irrevocable.
SECTION 6. Be it further ordained, etc., that nothing in this Franchise shall be construed as superseding, repealing, canceling, modifying, or in any way affecting any of the rights enjoyed by Entergy Louisiana, LLC, under that certain franchise granted by Ordinance No. _243___, adopted by the Police Jury on the _6th__ day of ___July_____, 1960, and said franchise is hereby recognized as continuing in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 7. Be it further ordained, etc., that Entergy Louisiana, LLC shall file with the Parish of _Claiborne____, Entergy Louisiana, LLC’s written acceptance of this ordinance not later than three (3) months from the date of its passage.
WHEREUPON, in open session said Ordinance was read and considered section by section and as a whole.
Mr. Jerry Adkins seconded the motion to adopt the Ordinance.
The President then ordered a vote of the yeas and nays on its final passage, and upon roll call such votes were as follows:
For the adoption of the Ordinance: Yeas: 10
Mardis, Davidson, Penix, Lewis, Bays, Young, McDaniel, Furlow, Adkins and Sturges
Against the adoption of the Ordinance: Nays: 0
N/A_______________________
Present but not voting: 0
N/A_______________________
Absent: 0
N/A_______________________
Whereupon the President declared such legally passed and adopted on this the 7th day of May, 2008.
Approved: /s/Roy Mardis__
President
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard_
Secretary-Treasurer
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Mr. Jim Pesnell with Entergy Louisiana LLC thanked the Police Jury for the renewal of the franchise agreement for another fifty years. Mr. Pesnell also announced that Entergy will host a series of demonstration and safety meetings called “ARC & Spark”. The area fire districts are encouraged to attend. It will include information and a demonstration on electricity and elements thereof and how it affects various items, including household fires. The first demonstration will be held in Arcadia at the Entergy facility on May 22, 2008 at 12:00 noon. Each demonstration will host two (2) parishes; the first will be Claiborne and Bienville, followed by Union and Lincoln, then Webster and Red River.
Mayor Sherman Brown of Haynesville addressed the Jury concerning need repairs to Fairgrounds Drive in front of the Fair Building. This building is used for numerous parish wide events and is a polling place and is in great need of repair. Mayor Brown would like the Jury to partner with the Town on repairing this section of Fairgrounds Drive (from Alt 2 to Main Street). After discussion and 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 29, 2008, for assistance in blacktopping Stadium Drive and Fairgrounds Drive. The Town understands that the work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis. Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett estimates the cost of both projects to be $10,657. The Jury will re-examine the Fairgrounds Drive issue following item #13.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved the 2008 recommended black-topping list submitted by Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett.
The recommended 2008 BLACK TOPPING with a Budget of $300,000 is as follows:
Flat Lick Road 1.0 miles
Wallace Lane 0.3 tenths
Presley Road 0.9 tenths
Pisgah Road 1.1 miles
Antioch Road 1.4 miles
Cupps Crossing Road 0.8 tenths
Hebron Road 2.0 miles
McDaniel Road 0.5 tenths
Gentry Rd. – well activity 0.4 tenths
Tulip Road 1.1 miles
Red Oak Drive 0.1 tenths
Acklin Avenue 0.2 tenths
Hickory Ridge Road 0.4 tenths
Suggs Road 0.8 tenths
Goodwin Lake Road 0.6 tenths
Bailey Town Road 1.3 miles
Grigsby Road 1.2 miles
Liberty Hill Road 1.0 mile
Liles Road 0.6 tenths
Boliew Road 1.4 miles
English Road 0.2 tenths
Beech Hill Road 0.7 tenths
Otis Frye Road 0.3 tenths
Ford Road 1.1 miles
Faulk Road 0.9 tenths
Maddox Rd. – well activity 1.2 miles
Cypress Bottom Road 1.2 miles
Total proposed miles 22.7 miles
Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett gave update on materials for this project. No gravel will be needed to be purchased and there are plenty of #2’s and there should be enough of #3’s for this year. Next year the Jury will have to purchase rock. Two areas of concern are Gentry Rd. and Maddox Rd. both have O & G wells going on, if they are still operating, the roads will be moved to the 2009 year.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury voted unanimously to deny the road claim dated 4/23/08 made by Mr. Robert Myers concerning a fence on Fincher Creek Road.
Scott Davidson made a motion to table the request concerning the repairs to Fairgrounds Drive for the Town of Haynesville until the June meeting, the motion was duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, after much discussion Mr. Davidson withdrew his original motion and made a new motion to approve the repairs minus the cost of the labor which was, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, and unanimously approved by the Jury. The Jury will perform the necessary repairs for material costs only with no labor cost; this will lower the cost of the project to approximately $6,000.
Upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved request from Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter received May 5, 2008, for of the Jury in the demolition of the cafeteria on the old Homer Jr. High campus. The work will be done on a reimbursement basis at an estimated cost of $4,300. Approval was granted pending all matters involving the asbestos materials are cleared.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Robert “Bob” McDaniel, the Jury unanimously approved request from Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter received May 5, 2008, for help hauling (4) four loads of pea gravel to the Haynesville Elementary School. The work will be done on a reimbursement basis.
Upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the request from the Town of Homer, in a letter dated May 6, 2008, for the repaving of the following streets at a total estimated cost of $39,541. The work will be done on a reimbursement basis. The estimated cost by street is as follows – Beverly Drive $7,568 – Walnut Street $8,154 – Kendrick Street $3,708 – Armory Ball Complex $12,104 – Dawson Street $8,008.
Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett gave a brief update on the bush hogging schedule and the capital outlay project with Spiegner and Stateline roads. Scott Davidson complemented on his work and efforts to curb costs as road superintendent.
Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Jerry Adkins, the Jury unanimously approved to refer the request from Tara Hollis representing Claiborne Parish Animal Rescue, in a letter dated January 31, 2008, to the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Building & Grounds Committee and they are to work in conjunction with Claiborne Parish Sheriff-Ken Bailey and address the need for a “spay and neuter program” and a “safe pet drop-off program” and an animal control officer within the parish.
Announcement – as per letter received April 21, 2008, the change of polling place from the Haynesville High School to the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn has been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard reported that the Jury is waiting for confirmation from the State of Louisiana for the move to be complete.
The following proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 670 were presented to the Jury. Parish Attorney Danny Newell has approved the proposed changes and they are now ready for publication and a public meeting. Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously approved the posting and advertising of the proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 670 and set the public hearing date for June 4, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Police Jury Complex in Homer, LA. The amendments will be acted upon by the Jury at the regular scheduled meeting immediately following the public hearing on that date.
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ORDINANCE No. 670
CLAIBORNE PARISH POLICE JURY
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Whereas, by Ordinance No. 670, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury has previously set the terms and fees for the application, issuance and renewal of alcoholic beverage permit holder cards and alcoholic beverage handling employee cards for those employees who work in business that operate and sale alcoholic beverages in Claiborne Parish, and
Whereas, it is the desire of the governing body to change and amend the portions of Ordinance No. 670 which deal with the terms and fees for the application, issuance and renewal of said cards – specifically Sections 19E, 19F and 19G, and
Whereas, it is the desire of the governing body that the new changes take effect as of July 1, 2008, at 12:01 a.m.;
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, meeting in regular and legal session convened, that Sections 19E, 19F and 19G of Ordinance No. 670 be amended to read as follows:
Section 19 (E): A card issued pursuant to this Section shall contain the picture, signature, and appropriate identifying information as deemed necessary by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. A fee of Twenty-Five dollars ($25.00) shall be paid to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at time of application and will be non-refundable.
Section 19 (F): All alcoholic beverage handling employee cards shall be for a term of one (1) year or less and shall expire on December 31 of the year issued. All applications for renewal may be made within thirty (30) days of expiration of the old card. Renewal or new application during the thirty days prior to the December 31 expiration date will show an expiration date of December 31 the next year. Renewal fee is Twenty-Five ($25.00) payable to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Section 19 (G): A card for an alcoholic beverage handling employee shall be good and valid for use on the premises of any alcoholic beverage permit holder, provided the permit holder has notified the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office – Records Division of the name and address of the beverage handling employee card holder. Each alcoholic permit holder shall maintain a current list of all alcoholic beverage handling employees and their addresses on forms made available at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office – Records Division. The alcoholic beverage permit holder shall provide this list to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office – Records Division on or before the fifth (5th) day of each month. The alcoholic beverage permit holder shall make the list available for inspection when requested by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Each employee card holder shall, upon request, submit said alcohol beverage handling card to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for inspection. Violation of this section is punishable by suspension or revocation of the alcoholic beverage holder’s license by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury.
In all other aspects, Ordinance No. 670 shall remain as originally written and amended or supplemented prior to this act.
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Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved the presentation by the Building & Grounds Committee, for the proposed “ramped” sidewalk at the Claiborne Parish Courthouse proposed as shown “sidewalk option #2” and appointed Juror Robert “Bob” McDaniel to be the lead on this project and to act on their behalf on forwarding this proposal to the Parish Engineer and the State DOTD and to go before the Town of Homer and present to them the proposal that will allow them to partner with the Jury on this project.
Upon a motion by Roy Lewis and duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved the following resolution which requests the Governor to establish permanent funding for the work of the Sparta Commission in the amount of $250,000 annually.
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RESOLUTION 2008-010
A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGIG THE GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT FUNDING FOR THE SPARTA GROUNDWATER CONSERVATON DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT $250,000 ANNUALLY
WHEREAS, the Sparta Groundwater Conservation District Commission is resolved to be an advocate for its mission and purpose of conserving and preserving the water in the Sparta Aquifer; and
WHEREAS, the Sparta Groundwater Commission has asked the parishes and municipalities within its jurisdiction which draw drinking water from the Sparta Aquifer to fund the work of its office through annual contributions; and
WHEREAS, the Sparta Aquifer is the main potable water source for the Parish of Claiborne and its long-term viability is of the up most importance to the residents of Claiborne.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE T RESOLVED by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, in regular and legal session convened, that it hereby encourages and requests that Governor Jindal support the establishment of permanent re-occurring funding in the amount of $250,000 for the Sparta Groundwater District Commission at the State Legislative level;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution is to be forwarded to all police juries, municipalities and state legislators representing the areas within the Sparta Commission’s jurisdiction.
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard_ /s/ Roy Mardis_
Secretary-Treasurer President
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Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved request from Claiborne Parish Fire Protection #6 to explore the possibility of building a new fire station in the Summerfield area. At the present time there is a one-bay station located next to the post office in Summerfield, this station has been in place since Summerfield had its own fire department. They would like to build a new station on the land located between Bay’s Cutoff, Hwy 2, Alt. and Hwy 9. This land has already been donated to Claiborne Parish Fire District #6. This action is approval for the research in the possibility in building a new station in the area, not the actual approval to build a new station.
Upon motion by Jerry Adkins, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Secretary-Treasurer Woodard to advertise for sealed bids for legal advertisements (Official Journal of the Police Jury) for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2008, at the Police Jury Office, 507 West Main, Homer, LA 71040, at which time the said bids will be opened and read aloud. The said bids will be acted on at the regular police jury meeting to be held at 9:00 a.m. on June 4, 2008.
Upon motion by Roy Lewis, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved request from Secretary-Treasurer to address and fix the polling places needs as documented by the Secretary of State and then apply for reimbursement of said costs through grant funding for polling place accessibility.
Request from Secretary-Treasurer Woodard and the personnel committee to set interview dates for the vacant Laborer position within the Highway Dept. Applications will be taken until May 12, 2008 at 4:00 pm. Presently there are only (2) two qualified applicants. After a brief discussion, Personnel Chair-Mark Furlow will get with Secretary-Treasurer Woodard, President Mardis and John Bowman from (HR) Human Resources, to set an interview date prior to the June 4, 2008 regularly scheduled meeting of the Jury.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Scott Davidson, the Jury unanimously approved for the President and the Secretary-Treasurer to answer and sign any and all correspondence on the Jury’s behalf concerning the Police Jury’s 2007 annual audit. The auditor plans to present the audit report to the Jury at the June 4, 2008, regularly scheduled meeting.
ITEM #23 - 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; Claiborne Parish Hwy Dept has set-up roads and construction is scheduled to start around the week of the 15th of May.
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 Feb 08 – $66,626.40 – increase $1,008.56 (1.51%)
Net sales tax collections for March 07 - $80,542.27 – decrease $-12,907.31 (-16.03%)
Net cash collections for 2008 - $282,137.24 as compared to 2007 $259,215.28 - increase (8.84%)
Net taxable sales for 2008 - $27,572,529 as compared to 2007 $26,388,793 – increase (4.49%)
Cash position at April 30, 2007 - $3,951,713.04 (increase of $1,860,470.78)
Cash position at March 31, 2008 - $4,942,761.65 (increase of $869,422.17)
Cash on deposits at April 30, 2008 –
First Guaranty - $3,907,113.76
LAMP - $1,905,070.06
Contractors meeting 5/20/08 at Police Jury Complex
As an ending note, Secretary-Treasurer Woodard gave a brief update on the progress on HB420 which would increase the oil and gas severance tax cap from $850,000 to $2,850,000 annually.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Lauren Tichenor gave an update on Claiborne Parish Watershed District’s on permanent marker project.
Juror Lavelle Penix would like an update on the LCDBG Water Grant. Secretary–Treasurer Woodard explained that the purchase of the new well site is in the hands of our Parish Attorney Danny Newell and his office has been waiting for sometime for one more signatures from the family. Mr. Penix and Mr. Davidson are concerned with the progress with Brad Graff’s office and requests that he visits with us at the next regular scheduled Police Jury meeting to be held on June 4, 2008.
Juror Jerry Adkins and Juror Lavelle Penix thanked the Athens Garden Club for the work they are going to do on the Parish Courthouse.
Secretary–Treasurer Woodard thanked the local newspaper for the way the article concerning the Parish’s Section 8 program was handled.
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Upon motion by Scott Davidson, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the meeting was adjourned.
__________________________ ________________________
Dwayne R. Woodard Roy Mardis
Secretary – Treasurer President