MINUTES
Of the Regular Meeting of
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury
April 8, 2009
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 eighth day of April 2009. On being called to order by the standing Vice-President, Jerry Adkins, the following jurors were present:
Roy Mardis, Lavelle Penix, Danny “Roy” Lewis, Brian “Butch” Bays, Rev. Willie Young, Robert “Bob” McDaniel, Mark Furlow, Jerry Adkins, and Joe Sturges.
President Scott Davidson was absent.
There were 12 others in attendance, which included Mr. Chic Hines with the Claiborne Parish Watershed District, Mrs. Cathy Greeson with Claiborne Parish O.E.P., Scott Greeson with E-911, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, Mrs. Michelle Bates of the Guardian Journal, Mrs. Janelle Brown with the Claiborne Parish School Board, Mr. Robin Bridges and Mrs. Teresa Price with the Claiborne Parish 4-H, Mr. Alvin Womack with the United States Forestry Service, Mrs. Jean Reynolds with the Office of Community Services, Mr. J. T. Taylor with the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Robert Michael.
The meeting was opened with a word of Prayer led by Rev. Willie Young and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sheriff Ken Bailey.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously adopted the Agenda as presented.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously approved to amend the adopted agenda and to add the following after item #13 on the agenda.
1. Request from Claiborne 4-County Chair for a Resolution requesting the Governor to Fund the LSU AgCenter at the July 1, 2008 level.
2. Request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter dated April 3, 2009, requesting repair of a washout on the Summerfield School play ground. The work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis.
3. Request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter dated April 7, 2009, requesting repair of a washout on the Homer Elementary Campus. The work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis.
4. Request from the Claiborne Jubilee, in a letter received April 3, 2009, requesting use of the Courthouse lawn on Friday, May 8 till Monday, May 11 for the Spring Arts Festival. This request has been approved by Judge Jenifer Clason’s Office.
5. Request from the Claiborne Jubilee, in a letter received April 3, 2009, requesting use of the large meeting room for May 7 to May 11 for their annual quilt show.
6. Brief summary on the 3/12/09 accident involving one of the Claiborne Parish Highway Department vehicles.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the Consent Agenda which includes the following:
1. Approval of the March 4, 2009 Regular Police Jury Meeting Minutes.
2. Payment of March 2009 Bills as approved by the Claims Committee.
3. Request from the Trinity Study and Prayer Group and the Homer Ministerial Alliance, in a letter received March 9, 2009, requesting permission to hold a short prayer meeting on the Claiborne Parish Court House Lawn on Thursday, May 7, 2009, in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. Approved by Judge Jenifer Ward Clason on 03/09/2009, pending approval of the District Attorney’s Office.
4. Request from the David Wade Correctional Center, Jerry W. Goodwin, Warden, in a letter dated March 18, 2009, requesting permission to place a wreath and sign on the Claiborne Parish Court House Lawn from Sunday, April 26, 2009 to Saturday, May 2, 2009, in recognition of 2009 National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. Approved by Judge Jenifer Ward Clason on 03/20.09, pending approval of the District Attorney’s Office.
5. Request from the Town of Haynesville, in a letter dated March 24, 2009, in a letter dated March 24, 2009, requesting that the Police Jury deliver four (4) loads of pit run and three (3) loads of cold patch to the city shop on Spring Street. The work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis.
Upon motion by Roy Mardis, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously voted to table the request from the Johnny Gray Jones Youth Shelter, in a letter dated March 6, 2009, requesting the Police Jury enter into a contractual agreement with the Shelter to provide sheltering services for troubled youth at a discounted rate of $105.00 per day. As of January 1, 2009, the Shelter’s board of directors voted to discontinue services for youth from parishes and municipalities that did no enter into a contractual agreement with the Shelter. The Ware Youth Center in Coushatta is the Parishes primary shelter and the parish presently pays a rate of $106.24 per day. Sheriff Ken Bailey stated the Johnny Gray Jones Youth Shelter is primarily for ungovernable youth, which means they have not yet committed a crime. All others go to the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta. After much discussion, the Jurors decided to table the motion and have the Parish attorney go over the proposed contract and if he approves the contract, then the item will be placed back on the agenda.
Upon motion by Roy Mardis, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury voted to table the request from the Claiborne Council on Aging, Inc., in a letter dated March 23, 2009, concerning availability of a new 16B (2) Van for their transportation program until further information about this request is received. Mrs. Jean Reynolds, Executive Director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Community Services, recommended the Claiborne Council on Aging, Inc. apply with the Louisiana Department of Transportation for a 5310 Fund for the Elderly and the Disabled. She also stated it is no longer considered the 16B (2) Fund, its new name is the 5310 Fund for the Elderly and the Disabled.
Upon motion by Roy Mardis, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Mrs. Jean Reynolds, Executive Director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Community Services, in an email dated March 18, 2009, for Resolution 2009-007-An Authorizing Resolution – Authorizing the President to execute documents on behalf of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury with the Louisiana Department of Transportation in relation to the financing of capital assistance projects pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Transit Capital Assistance Program. Three (3) original copies are needed for the grant application.
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2009-007 AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION
Resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for a grant under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 Transit Capital Assistance Program.
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation and Development is authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects;
WHEREAS, the contract for financial assistance will impose certain obligations upon the applicant;
WHEREAS, it is required by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in accord with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that in connection with the filing of an application for assistance that it will comply with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements there under; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Applicant that minority business enterprise be utilized to the fullest extent possible in connection with this project, and definitive procedures shall be established and administered to ensure that minority business shall have the maximum feasible opportunity to compete for contracts when procuring construction contracts, supplies, equipment, or consultant and other services:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Claiborne Parish Police Jury:
1. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file an application on
Behalf of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury with the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development, to aid in the financing of capital assistance projects pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Transit Capital Assistance Program.
2. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file with such applications
An assurance or any other document required by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development effectuating the purposes of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
3. That the Parish President is authorized to furnish such additional information as
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development may require in connection with the application or the project.
4. That the Parish President is authorized to set forth and execute affirmative
Minority business policies in connection with the project’s procurement needs.
5. That the Parish President is authorized to execute grant contract agreements on
Behalf of Claiborne Parish Police Jury with the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development for aid in the financing of the capital assistance projects.
6. This resolution is applicable for a period of one year unless revoked by the
Governing body and copy of such revocation shall be furnished to the DOTD
The undersigned duly qualified and acting Secretary/Treasurer of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution, adopted at a legally convened meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury held on April 8, 2009.
If applicant has an official seal, impress here.
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard
Signature of Recording Officer
Secretary/ Treasurer______________
Title of Recording Officer
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Upon motion Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously approved the request from Mrs. Jean Reynolds, Executive Director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Community Services, in an email dated March 30, 2009, for Resolution 2009-008 – An Authorizing Resolution – Authorizing the President to execute documents on behalf of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury with the Louisiana Department of Transportation in relation to the financing of operating and/or capital assistance projects pursuant to the Rural Public Transit Program, 49 CFR 5311 and/or Discretionary Capital Program, 49 CFR 5309.
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2009-008 AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION
Resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for a grant under 49 CFR 5311, Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program and/or 49 CFR 5309, Discretionary Capital Program.
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation and Development is authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects;
WHEREAS, the contract for financial assistance will impose certain obligations upon the applicant, including the provisions by it of the local share project costs;
WHEREAS, it is required by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in accord with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that in connection with the filing of an application for assistance that it will comply with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements there under; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Applicant that minority business enterprise be utilized to the fullest extent possible in connection with this project, and that definitive procedures shall be established and administered to ensure that minority businesses shall have the maximum feasible opportunity to compete for contracts when procuring construction contracts, supplies, equipment, or consultant and other services:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Claiborne Parish Police Jury:
1. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file an application
on behalf of Claiborne Parish Police Jury with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, to aid in the financing of operating and/or capital assistance projects pursuant to the Rural Public Transit Program, 49 CFR 5311 and/or Discretionary Capital Program, 49 CFR 5309.
2. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file with such applications an assurance or any other document required by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development effectuating the purposes of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
3. That the Parish President is authorized to furnish such additional information as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development may require in connection with the application or the project.
4. That the Parish President is authorized to set forth and execute affirmative minority business policies in connection with the project’s procurement needs.
5. That the Parish President is authorized to execute grant contract agreements on behalf of Claiborne Parish Police Jury with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for aid in the financing of the operating or capital assistance projects.
6. This resolution is applicable for a period of one year unless revoked by the
Governing body and copy of such revocation shall be furnished to the DOTD.
The undersigned duly qualified and acting Secretary/Treasurer of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution, adopted at a legally convened meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury held on April 8, 2009.
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard
Signature of Recording Officer
Secretary-Treasurer
(Title of Recording Officer)
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Upon motion by Roy Mardis, seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously approved the request from the Claiborne Parish 4-H County Chair for a Resolution requesting the Governor to Fund the LSU AgCenter at the July 1, 2008 Level. This Resolution was also approved by the Police Jury Association.
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RESOLUTION 2009-012
Louisiana Police Jury Association
Resolution to fund the LSU AgCenter at the July 1, 2008 Level
To urge and request that the Governor and the Louisiana Board of Regents fully fund the LSU AgCenter (LSUAC) at the 2008-09 level of state appropriations due to the critical economic development and educational services they provide in all 64 Louisiana parishes.
WHEREAS, agricultural research developed through the Experiment Stations and delivery of research through the Cooperative Extension Service is vital and necessary to provide the technology to help farmers and ranchers provide a high quality, safe and affordable food supply for Louisiana people, and
WHEREAS, agricultural research and cooperative extension outreach is vital and necessary to provide the technology to support agricultural production and development related jobs in Louisiana, an industry worth over $30 Billion to the Louisiana economy, and
WHEREAS, the AgCenter’s 20 off campus research stations provide core research support for Louisiana farmers and ranchers, and
WHEREAS, the AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Service is a parish partner providing research-based information to farmers, ranchers, and citizens throughout the state through 64 parish-based offices that are provided by local government, and
WHEREAS, over 130 local police juries, consolidated governments, school boards, district attorney’s and sheriffs in Louisiana are currently participating in and supporting cooperative agreements with the LSU AgCenter supporting Parish level programs, and
WHEREAS, the LSU AgCenter implements a very effective 4-H youth development program impacting over 225,000 children in all 64 parishes. This program is vital to the education and life skill development of Louisiana youth; and
WHEREAS, the AgCenter’s family and consumer Science programs provide critical information to families on nutrition, healthy lifestyles, financial management, and childhood development, and
WHEREAS, through this partnership, research-based information is developed and transferred through an effective system in every parish using grass roots advisory councils that identify local needs, based on citizen involvement,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Louisiana Police Jury Association recommends full funding for the LSU AgCenter (LSUAC) at the July 1, 2008 funding level of state appropriations and encourages the Governor, state legislators, and the Louisiana Board of Regents to support and take action to meet the request outlined in this resolution.
Upon motion by Roy Mardis and duly seconded by Lavelle Penix this motion was carried and officially adopted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in a regular scheduled session on Wednesday April 8, 2009.
Yeas – 9 Nays – 0 Abstain – 0 Absent – 1
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard /s/ Scott Davidson
Secretary-Treasurer President
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Upon motion by Brian “Butch” Bays, duly seconded by Joe Sturges, the Jury unanimously approved the request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter dated April 3, 2009, requesting repair of a washout on the Summerfield School play ground. The work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis.
Upon motion by Roy Mardis, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously approved the request from the Claiborne Parish School Board, in a letter dated April 7, 2009, requesting repair of a washout on the Homer Elementary campus. The work is to be performed on a reimbursement basis.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously approved, pending the District Attorney’s approval, the request from the Claiborne Jubilee, in a letter received April 3, 2009, requesting use of the Courthouse lawn on Friday May 8 till Monday, May 11 for the Spring Arts Festival. This request has already been approved by Judge Jenifer Clason. This is approved pending approval from the D.A.’s office.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously approved the request from the Claiborne Jubilee, in a letter received April 3, 2009, requesting use of the large meeting room from May 7 to May 11 for their annual quilt show. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard stated the Claiborne Jubilee quilt show is to be only in the large meeting room.
Upon motion by Lavelle Penix, duly seconded by Robert “Bob” McDaniel, the Jury unanimously approved the request by Secretary-Treasurer Woodard to purchase a replacement vehicle which was involved in a wreck on March 12, 2009 on Lyons Hill Road involving two of our employees. He explained another vehicle crossed the center line and hit our truck, two of our employees were sent to Homer Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The other vehicle has insurance thru Safeway Insurance, whose adjustor stated takes a long time to pay on a claim. Dwayne R. Woodard, Secretary-Treasurer, asked the Jurors if the Claiborne Parish Police Jury would approve to go ahead and purchase a new vehicle to replace the one in the wreck either piggyback contract with City of Alexandria, the state contract or put out vehicle out for bid. Tommy Durrett, Claiborne Parish Road Superintendent, recommended he get prices and let the Garage Committee decide. He also stated, due to the economy, the price of a new truck could possibly be cheaper than when the wrecked truck was bought.
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Upon motion by Roy Mardis, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Grant Committee for projects for the 2008-2009 Community Water Enrichment Fund Grant due April 10, 2008. Rev. Willie Young , Chairman of the Grants Committee, stated each project was rated by priority by the Grants Committee. He also stated the Grants Committee tried to help districts who have never received help before or had been on the project list for a period of time. Projects recommended for application are as follows:
Project #1: Summerfield Water System, Ella Ford Road, 3 inch Water Line Extension
5600 feet – Amount $41,500
Project #2: Middle Fork Water System, Refurbishing Plant Piping - Amount $15,000
Project #3: Pinehill Water System, Booster Plant Aerator Refurbishment –
Amount $19,500
Project #4: South Claiborne Water System, St. John’s Road to McBride Road,
3-inchWater Line Extension, 3,300 feet – Amount $25,500
Upon motion by Roy Mardis, duly seconded by Roy Lewis, the Jury unanimously approved Resolution 2009-009 – Resolution of Support for the Fiscal Year 2008 – 2009 Community Water Enrichment Fund Grant due April 10, 2009. Dwayne R. Woodard, Secretary-Treasurer, stated this Resolution is to be sent along with the projects for the 2008-2009 Water Enrichment Fund Grant.
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RESOLUTION 2009-009
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE FY 2008-2009 COMMUNITY WATER ENRICHMENT FUND GRANT DUE APRIL 10, 2009
WHEREAS, the FY 2008-2009 Community Water Enrichment Fund provides financial assistance to the local units of government in rural areas for the sole purpose of improving or rehabilitating water systems;
WHEREAS, the FY 2008-2009 Community Water Enrichment Fund Grant will be administered by the Office of Community Development (OCD); and
WHEREAS, the grant application and guidelines require a resolution of support from the local governing authority; and
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury is applying for up to $100,000 of FY 2008-2009 Community Water Enrichment Fund grant monies at the parish level; and
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury intends to use these grant monies on up to possibly (4) four separate projects, namely Project #1: Summerfield Water System, Ella Ford Road 3” Water Line Extension (5,600’) in the amount of $41,500 - Project #2: Middle Fork Water System, Refurbishing of Plant Piping in the amount of $15,000 – Project #3: Pinehill Water System, Booster Plant Aerator Refurbishment in the amount of $19,500 – Project #4: South Claiborne Water System, St. John’s Road McBride Road 3” Water Line Extension (3,300’) in the amount of $25,500; and
WHEREAS, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury will be providing local funds up to $20,000 to ensure completion of the awarded projects;
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Claiborne Parish Police Jury does hereby approve and support this grant application and its purpose.
Upon a motion by Roy Mardis and duly seconded by Roy Lewis this motion was carried and officially adopted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury meeting in regular scheduled session on Wednesday, April 8, 2009.
Yeas - 9 Nays - 0 Abstain - 0 Absent - 1
/s/ Dwayne R. Woodard /s/ Scott Davidson
Secretary-Treasurer President
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Upon motion by Robert McDaniel, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Building and Grounds Committee to award the job to Baird Siding from Minden who submitted the low quote for the needed repairs on the Office of Community Services Building. The low quote to replace the existing soffits with vinyl siding and to cover the fascias with metal was $3,578.
Upon recommendation from Robert McDaniel, Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, the Jury approved to the committees request to obtain quotes for repairs to the windows on the north side and lower levels of the Armory Building.
Upon motion by Robert McDaniel, duly seconded by Mark Furlow, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from the Building and Grounds Committee to accept the plans submitted to Cothren, Graff, Smoak Engineerig, Inc. for the remodeling of the Big Police Jury Meeting Room and for the addition of two offices. Secretary Treasurer Woodard stated after plans have been approved by the Jury, they will be sent to the State Fire Marshall’s office for their approval and then the job will be advertised for quotes.
Upon motion by Robert McDaniel, duly seconded by Lavelle Penix, the Jury unanimously the recommendation from the Building and Grounds Committee to instruct Secretary-Treasurer Woodard to request appraisals on certain buildings that the Claiborne Parish Police Jury uses but does not presently own.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously approved the recommendation from Claiborne Parish Road Superintendent Durrett for an hourly wage increase for two employees who have completed their 6 month probationary period. These employees are Mechanic/Helper Gerald Lee from $8.50 to $9.00 per hour and Truck Driver James Green from $10.00 to $10.75 per hour. The new wage rates are to be effective with the payroll period starting April 9, 2009. The increases are in line with the Police Jury’s current wage scale and personnel policies.
After much discussion between Dr. Robert Michael and the Jurors, the Jury recommended that Secretary-Treasurer Woodard to set up a meeting date with the Claiborne Parish Economic Development Board, the Police Jurors, the Claiborne Parish Watershed District and Dr. James Robert Michael in reference to the Sparta Area Aquifer Recharge and Economic Development Program that he proposes.
Upon motion by Mark Furlow, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the Jury unanimously decided to table the request from District Attorney Jonathan M. Stewart, in a letter dated March 17, 2009, asking for the Police Jury to consider additional funding for the operations of his office. District Attorney Jonathan Stewart could not make the meeting; therefore it will be placed at the top of the regular agenda for the May 6, 2009 meeting.
ITEM #20 – APRIL 8, 2009 – AGENDA
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 – contract signed and returned to DOTD via letter dated July 23, 2008.
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.
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 was awarded in the amount of $24,200 to TGS Contactors and the project is now complete. 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 09 – $82,489 – decrease $4,279 (-5.19%)
Net sales tax collections for February 08 - $66,626 – increase $11,584 (17.39%)
Net cash collections for 2009 - $295,723 as compared to 2008 $214,502 - inc (37.86%)
Net taxable sales for 2009 - $24,483,950 as compared to 2008 $20,792,849 – inc (17.75%)
Cash position at March 31, 2008 - $4,942,762 (increase of $1,459,482)
Cash position at February 28, 2009 - $6,348,164 (increase of $54,080)
Cash on deposit at March 31, 2009 –
First Guaranty - $3,962,701
LAMP - $1,933,941
Citizens Bank - $203,098
Gibsland Bank - $101,003
Capital One - $100,722
Regions Bank - $100,779
4/27/09 – Claiborne Parish Library Board Meeting – 3:30 pm
Secretary-Treasurer, Dwayne Woodard stated he would like to have a Finance Committee Meeting before next month’s regular scheduled meeting to discuss several financial items. The Jurors set the meeting of the Finance Committee Members for the afternoon of Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
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Public Comment:
Robin Bridges of the Claiborne Parish 4-H thanked the Jurors for supporting the Resolution for the Governor to support the LSU AgCenter at the 2008 level. He wanted everyone to know this year’s theme of the Claiborne Parish Fair is “Handmade-Homegrown”. This year the booths at the Claiborne Parish Fair will be filled with handmade and homemade items from citizens of Claiborne Parish. Also, from the Ag and Natural Resource perspective, Mr. Bridges, along with the cattle producers have requested to hold a Master Cattle Producer Certification Program for College Freshman and Sophomores. This will be a 10 week course on Selection, Breeding, and Care for the cattle. Our own Juror, Mark Furlow will be attending the course and Mr. Bridges invites everyone to come and observe. Waterfest will be held on May 7th and 8th at Lake Claiborne. This is for all Claiborne Parish 6th Graders to participate and learn conservation.
Teresa Price of the Claiborne Parish 4-H also thanked the Jurors for their support of the 4-H program. She invited all jurors to the Awards Banquet set for April 27, 2009 at 6:00 P.M., the Jurors will be recognized.
Scott Greeson of E-911 gave his report on the GIS Project. He stated there will be a meeting is his office April 9, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. The bill has been signed and we should have the GIS System up and running in about 8 to 10 months.
Tommy Durrett, Claiborne Parish Road Superintendent stated the proposed black top road list is ready. If you know of a road that needs to be placed on this list, please contact Tommy Durrett and he will be sure to place them on the list by priority. Also, the Chipper Shredder should be delivered the week after May 4, 2009. The company will be here training our guys how to properly operate the machine for three days. The Bush hogging will begin around April 20th. There have already been a few special occasions coming up which will be priority, however, if you know of any place where a special event is taking place and needs bush hogging, please feel free to contact Tommy Durrett. He made the Jurors aware of the programs he is researching on the Fees and Fines paid to the Claiborne Parish Police Jury for Heavy Hauler Permits and Road Bore Permits.
Sheriff Ken Bailey stated the Sheriff Tax Sale will be held May 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Although this is the same day of the next meeting, he will be at the next Jury meeting for a brief moment.
Roy Mardis of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury stated Claiborne Parish was well represented at the recent PJAL convention he and several other Jurors attended. Most who attended were from North Louisiana. The next years meeting will be in Lake Charles. He urged the Jurors to try and attend because Resolutions 4, 9, 13, 14, and 16 will affect us in Claiborne Parish.
Lavelle Penix of the Building and Grounds Committee voiced concern for the roof repairs at the Cross Roads Community House which is the polling place for precinct #7. Secretary-Treasurer Woodard stated he was notified by both the Registrar of Voters and the Clerk of Court about the severity of the problem. He also stated the Claiborne Parish Police Jury has applied for a grant for the repair of the roof but that it is being scored against water projects so that we may not receive the grant for the repair to the Crossroads Community Center. There will be a Special Called Meeting scheduled on April 14, 2009 here at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Meeting Room regarding this topic.
Upon motion by Joe Sturges, duly seconded by Roy Mardis, the meeting was adjourned.
____________________________ _____________________________
Dwayne R. Woodard Scott Davidson
Secretary–Treasurer President