An announcement that “a fairly significant data center” will be built in West Feliciana Parish is expected soon, Parish President Kenny Havard saidatthe Tuesday, Nov.12, Parish Council meeting
ter have been around for abouta year,Havard’scomments were the most detailed of his hints about the proposed project.
On 3-2votes concerning other matters, the council inched toward apossible adoption of zoning changes throughout theparish’s unincorporated areas, and also agreed tofill vacancies on aport
commission thathas languished for years without coming up with aviable project.
Havard made the comments aboutthe proposeddata center after responding to aquestion on whether the administration plans to moveforwardinbuilding arodeo arena at the parish’ssports park.
He said this year’sbudget includes more than $1 millionfor the arena, but that may not be enough.
He said he would rather wait “until theproject comes through.”
Havard hassaidheisrestricted in saying muchabout the data center because of nondisclosure agreements, but he said publiclytraded companiesare involved in theproject, and it will be built “next to the paper mill” off La. 964 in the southern end of the parish.
He said he understands the
companies have to take delivery of some equipment by theend of the year and that they are nearing adeal to purchase additionalland forthe project.
“I think it’sgoing to be agamechanger,” Havard said, adding that he hopes tax revenues from the facilitywillend the need forparish officials to “kiss the ring” of state or federal officials for local project grants.
WITH HONOR
BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL
Contributing writer
Veterans across East Feliciana Parish were honored in ceremonies and celebrations before and on Nov. 11, theofficial holiday of Veterans Day Veterans Day,formerly Armistice Day recognizes andthanksmembers of the armed forces, pastand present, for their service. Some eventswere postponed or canceleddue to uncertain weatherconcerns and willberescheduled
On Nov.7,the Louisiana Veterans Home in Jackson had ajointcelebration
honoringall veterans and marking the 249th birthday of theU.S. Marine Corps. The festivitiesincluded the traditional cuttingofthe Marines’ birthday cake with aceremonial sword and the sharing of the first piece of cake between the oldest Marine,veterans homeresident Donald York, and the youngest Marine present.
Handling the USMCbirthdaycelebration portion of the program were theMarine Corps League Choctaw Detachment 778 along withthe U.S. Marine Corps League 23rdMarine of Baton Rouge, according to aspokesperson. Guest speak-
er for the veterans program was U.S. Air Force veteran Julius Lee. The Knights of Columbus Chapter 8878 prepared ajambalaya lunch.
On the morning of Nov.9,agroup of churchfamily members placed flags atthe graves of veteransatthe Second Baptist Church Cemetery in Jackson. A Veterans Day Program at the Dawson Family Cemetery was slated for that Saturday afternoon but was postponed.
On Nov.10, the VeteransDay ceremony at the Masonic Cemetery in Clinton was held. Sisters Bett Williams Beauchamp and June M. Williamsled theprogram
recognizing all veterans that was started 29 years ago in Clinton by their mother, Maude Williams, who was amember of the Alexander Sterling Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, they said.
The ceremony included presenting flags to veterans or their family members present and the placing of flags at grave sites.
FormerEastFeliciana Parish Sheriff Talmadge Bunchbegan the tradition of providing flags forthe DAR’scemetery
Four inmatescharged with murder in stabbing death
BY GABBY JIMENEZ Staff writer
of another inmate, 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquillasaid Nov.12. Joseph Constance, 29, Terrell Holmes, 33, Arsenio Wells, 34, and Taylor Williams, 29, were indicted by an East Feliciana grand jury forsecond-degreemurder
to Sheriff Jeff Travis.
According to the East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, the inmates were serving sentences forthe
See STABBING, page 2G
WEST FELICIANA
PROVIDED PHOTO
Veterans honored in Clinton at the Masonic Cemeteryare, from the left, Knight RoddyIII, John ‘Joe’Rouchon, Donald Phares,Elaine Phares, Carroll ‘Coon’ Hauseyand Doug Beauchamp.
Nov.23and Saturday,Nov.24, in St. Francisville. Christmasinthe Country
WhileThanksgiving is stilla week away,Christmas activities are being planned. And some of those need tickets, which canbe purchasedatbontempstix com
Those include the Christmas Wreath Sale, which benefits St. FrancisvilleBeautiful, acommunitywide efforttobeautify the Historic District with trees and ornamental plantings. Deadline for wreath orders is Nov.29. Choices ranges from $50-$150. Wreath pickup dates are from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Nov.30and Dec. 7, from the potting shed behind
STABBING
Continued from page1G
following charges:
n Joseph Constance, serving asentence from Calcasieu Parish for second-degree rape.
theSt. Francisville Town Hall, 11936 Ferdinand St. Bon Temps Tixalso has tickets for Dec. 7events including Breakfast with Santa at Grace Episcopal Church,the Friends of theLibrary Christmas Tour of Homes, and Christmas Spirits Historic District Stroll. This year’sChristmas in the Country T-shirt is available and canbepurchasedatTemple Design or Town Hall. They are long sleeved white shirtsinadult sizes small to XXXL and youth sizes small to large. Costs are youth $20, adult small to XL $30, XXL $34 andXXXL $39. Visit www.facebook.com/ townofstfrancisville to find schedules and how to register for events connected to Christmas in the Country in St. Francisville on Dec. 6-8. The paraderoute has been
n Terrell Holmes, serving asentence from St. Tammany Parishfor attempted second-degree murder n Arsenio Wells, servinga sentence from Orleans Parishfor carjacking, armed robbery andfelon in possession of afirearm n Taylor Williams,serving asentence from Tensas Parish for aggravated battery
EAST ANDWESTFELICIANA COUNCILON AGING
The schedules for West and EastFeliciana CouncilonAging facilities areasfollows:
WEST FELICIANA
n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville,(225) 635-6719
n Start time for all activities is10a.m
FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line dance
FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service
TUESDAYS: Nutrition education
WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga
THURSDAYS: Bible study
FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion
n All people 60 and older in West FelicianaParish areinvited to join.
n Fortransportationtothe center or questions, call (225) 6356719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson
Wednesday, Nov. 20
ARTCLASS: 9a.m.,Clinton
DEVOTIONAL: 11:15 a.m.
Lunch at 11:30
Thursday, Nov. 21
ARTCLASS: 9a.m.-Jackson
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 22
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 25
EXERCISE CLASS: 10:45 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
BINGO: 10:30 a.m.
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Transportationisprovided toEast FelicianaParish residents of anyage for appointmentsinEast Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes Mondaythrough Friday. Call (225) 683-9862 to schedule atransportationappointment.
THE ST.FRANCISVILLE
DEMOCRAT
THE ST.FRANCISVILLE DEMOCRAT P.O. Drawer 1876,St. Francisville,LA70775 (225) 388-0215
Among the activities are aGingerbread Man Scavenger Hunt. Collect 10 stamps while shopping in St. Francisville and receive a pair of Christmas socks. The hunt will start Saturday,Nov.23and wrap up Dec. 6atthe Town Hall Tree Lighting. The Feliciana Stitchers will have handmade gifts for sale at Market Hall on Dec. 7-8. The group will also have aquilt raffle benefiting the West Feliciana Animal HumaneSociety.Tickets are $2 and are available at Cross Quilter,5237 Commerce St., St. Francisville.
Send apostcard
Regan Tutor’sclass at West Feliciana Middle School is studying maps, landmarks, weather and more across the U.S. As part of the lessons, the students would
like to receive postcards from each state. If you have friends or family in other states, ask them to send apostcard ATTN: Regan Tutor,West Feliciana Middle School, 9559 Bains Road, St. Francisville, LA 70775.
Winter basketball
Registration for winter basketball is open. The deadline is Nov.29, and the cost is $75. Find information and register at www wfprec.com. West Felicianaplayground survey available
Ashort survey asking ideas for abetter Butterworth Playground is available at forms.office.com/r/ UC0UDa27Qw.Submit responses by Nov.30. Share this with other families, especially those who can give input on what ADA acces-
We cantalkMedicarewhere youwant
sibility needs are apriority in the community Market themes
The St. Francisville Farmers Market is held Thursdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m. Upcoming theme dates include: Nov.21isThanks &Giving Back event. Customers who bring in nonperishable food items, which will be donated to the food bank, will be given $1 tokens for purchases at the market. Dec. 19 is the Christmas reception. Refreshments will be available as well as achance to shop for last minute gifts and holiday food. Santa will be on hand for photos.
Sendnewsand events for East and West Feliciana parishes to extra@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
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OCT. 11
JARRED BROWN: 36; 1314CedarPointe Drive, St. Francisville; bench warrant
JOHN PARKER: 45; 3935Line Road, Ethel; bench warrant, driving under suspension, secretary to requireperiodic inspections, possessionof alcoholicbeverage in vehicle, maximum speed
TESSIA SHUFF: 33;1512 Newton St., Jackson; possession of Schedule 1drugs with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia
SATERIUS COBB: 45; 4310Felix LeeRoad, Ethel; domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, possessionof afirearm with controlleddangerous substance, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possessionof crack cocaine, possessionof drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent
DANIEL JOHNSON: 48;600 Locust St., Marshall, Texas; probation violation
TYNESHIA WILLIAMS: 25; 7939 John Turner Lane, Ethel; bench warrant
OCT. 17
DANIEL WHITE: 19; 13713 Main St., Norwood; maximum speed limit, reckless operation no accident, secretary to requireperiodical inspections
BRASHAWN HARRIS: 19; 45; Old Highway,Centerville, Mississippi; careless operation, driving without license, speeding
OFFIE NOLAND JR.: 20; 399 Scott Barr Road, Slaughter; maximum speed limit, driving on roadway lane of traffic, no one shall modify exhaust system, operating vehicle
w/suspended license-other offenses,proper equipment required on vehicle,inspectiontag required,determination of drugparaphernalia, sell or distribute possession of legend drug
JOHN ABEL FONTENOTJR.: 74; 11361 Rist Road,Clinton; terrorizing
JULIUS CONNER: 25; 1520 Salisbury Road, Baton Rouge; hold for East BatonRouge
CAROL ELLIS: 37; 8231 Carver Road, St. Francisville;two counts simple burglary bench warrant
MARCUS HARRIS: 32; 11311 Old Laurel Hill, St.Francisville; simple burglary
THOMAS CLOWER: 38; 4303 Cooper Lane,Jackson;child desertion, resistinganofficer with force
OCT. 30
JOHNATHAN PITTMAN: 39; 4303 Cooper Lane, Jackson; child desertion, resistingan officer with force
TABITHA ROBERTS: 27; 3010
Charles Drive, Jackson; operating vehicle with suspend license, view outwardorinward through windshield or window
OCT. 31
JASON COLEMAN: 42; 2038
Plantation Ave.,Zachary; fugitive, obstructed, twocounts possession of Schedule I drugs, secretary to require periodical inspections, evidence of compulsory motor vehicle liability security contained
ERIC MCNEIL: 41; 14603 La. 10, Clinton; domestic abuse battery by strangulation
NOV. 1
TIMMY NEVELS: 56; 3141 Dawson Road, Jackson; stalking, registration of sex offenders warrant NOV. 2
SEBASTIAN GOAR: 33; 40004 Greenwell Springs Road, Clinton; bench warrant
ASHLEY ROBINSON: 41; 7543 Greenup Lane, Ethel; possession of Schedule Idrugs, twocounts possessionof Schedule II drugs, prohibited acts, distribution of drug paraphernalia, view outward or inward through windshield or windows,obstruction, bench warrant NOV. 3
DONALD WILKERSON: 41; 11232 La. 68, Wilson; domestic abuse with aggravated assault, aggravated damage to property NOV. 4
DERRICK TAPLIN: 48; 105 Smith Road, Centreville, Mississippi; fugitivebench warrant, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Schedule Idrugs
NOV. 5
JAYLON DAVIS: 26;5180 Burnette Road, St. Francisville; fugitivefor West Feliciana Parish, fugitivefor Pointe Coupee Parish
CORYWARE: 43; 3986 La. 955, Ethel; twocounts bench warrant East Feliciana Parish, bench warrant East Baton Rouge Parish NOV. 6
DAMARCO GROSS: 31; 20127 Pride Baywood Road, Greenwell Springs; bench warrant COREY DELATTE: 39; 4036 Church St., Jackson; two counts cruelty to juvenile NOV. 9
IKE STRICKLAND: 31; 12581 Joyntun Road, Fluker; hold for surrounding agency
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ceremonies, aspokesperson said. Sheriff Jeff Travis hascontinued providing the flags Over theyears,the number has grown from about 200 to more than 700 as more were requested for additional cemeteries throughout the parish, the spokesperson added.
At about the same time as her fellow DAR member in Clinton, Beth Dawson began aveterans program in Jackson at the Jackson Cemetery.Local Boy Scout Troop 51 often assisted. The annual ceremony honoring veterans has more recently been held at theFeliciana Veterans Park in Jackson. Thetradition of placing flags at veterans gravesat the Jackson cemetery was also continued and planned for this year
Although the Jackson events were canceled this year because of weather concerns, just days before the new sign for the Feliciana Veterans Park was installed. Thesign was provided by the Jackson Tourism Enhancement Committee under the Historic District Commissionofthe town of Jackson.
TheClinton Branchofthe Audubon Regional Library on Nov.11was the location for aVeteransRoundtable. All three library branches had invited veterans to share some of their experiences. Participating in Clinton were Elaine Phares,a veteran in the reservesof the U.S. Army Reserves, and John J. Rouchon, veteranof the U.S. Navy,who was accompanied by hiswife,Diane. Phares was aregistered nurse who joined the U.S. Army Reserves at 39 and retired 20 years later,according to the library spokesperson. Phareshad a family,was working toward her master’sdegree and was working as adirector of nursing when she joined with her husband’ssupport
It wasn’taneasy process toget in, but it worked out with help from her husband, she said. He was aveteran and his father had retired fromthe military.Two of their nieces also served in the U.S. Air Force. Over the years, Phares was activated three times in thestatesand her service also took her to Bolivia and Germany Rouchon joined the Navy soon after high school and served 24 years,retiring as achief petty officer.Afterfour yearsinthe Navy, Rouchon returned to run the family dairy farm in Clinton. He went back into theNavy eight and ahalf yearslater taking his wife and four children firstto Massachusetts and then onto an island in Alaska, afavorite forthe family,it was reported Rouchon’spost, training and service eventually led him toa jobthat he wasn’t supposed to do, that nobody
else wanted to do, but he said he was glad to be there to do it, he said. Hisduty was to assign military escorts to the deceased. Rouchon shared that his grandfather was aWorld WarIIveteran,
older brother was aVietnam veteran,a daughter was aNavy nurse and ason retiredfromthe USMC as a lieutenant colonel. Several others from the Clinton community attended
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his
and spoke alongwithlibrary staff about their family members who served during WWII.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The youngest Marine at the event, left, gets readyto share cakewith the oldest Marine during aVeterans Day celebration.
PROVIDEDPHOTO
Veterans HomeResident Donald York, the oldest Marine at the Veterans Dayceremony, prepares tosharethe first piece of cake.
PHOTO BY MELINDARAWLS HOWELL Flags placed at the Second Baptist Church Cemeteryin Jackson honor veterans.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Dr.Ricky Beauchamp and grandson Anthonyhonor their family’sveterans at the Clinton ceremony.
CENTER
Adata center or other computer-related facility would require an extensive amount of electrical power to operate and coolthe components, but Havard said the principals have beeninvolved in discussions with area power plants.
“All of that has been worked out,” he said. The proposed site is south of the River Bend nuclearpower
plant. On the zoning matter,the council voted 3-2 to incorporate changes Councilman Justin Metzproposedtothe new zoning map introduced in June.
Thomas Pate and Tab Ballard supported Metz’s changes, while John M. Thompson and JerryTanner voted against them.
After considerable discussion and the split vote, the members then voted unanimously to hold apublic hearing and consider adoptingthe amended map
at their December meeting.
Metz said he had emailed hisproposed changes to the council recently, but they were not available for public inspection at the meeting. To view the map, visit www.wfparish.org/parishcouncil.
Metz said his new proposal removes “historic district overlays” that are currently shown on the map now being used and the new map introduced in June.
Several speakersathearings have criticized the historicoverlays, including a
landownerwho said his property is in an overlay district despite not having a historic building, and nothing in the zoning ordinance addresses how the overlays apply to properties.
Metz said he also incorporated changes suggested by property owners during a public hearing, but Tanner said the changes “look like spot zoning.”
Metz disagreed, saying they “fit whatisalready around them.”
In March 2023, the previouscouncil adopted what
may be thetoughest land development regulations for aLouisiana rural parish, but had to suspend the chapter on zoning, Chapter135,because thenew zoning map had not been drawn.
The council voted 3-2 to advertise openings on the parish Port Commission, which, although it is astate agency,has members appointed by the council. The commission voted last year to ask the Legislature to abolish the panel because it had no funding and no proj-
ects on the horizon. Thompson, Tanner and Pate voted to rescind prior action to hold off filling vacancies,while Ballard and Metz dissented. Havard said the commission “is dysfunctional and will continue to be dysfunctional.” In other action, the council: n Named Karla Dietz as the council’s secretary, leaving Cobb to work solely as Havard’sassistant. n Appointed Devan Corbello to the Zachary Taylor Parkway Commission.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT AREGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024.
The Council of the Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana, met in a regular session at its regular meeting place, the Council Meeting Room on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 4785 Prosperity Street, St. Francisville, Louisiana on Monday,October 14, 2024, at Five-Thirty (5:30) p.m.
The Chair called the meeting to order and directed the Secretary to call the roll:
PRESENT:District A, Thomas Pate; District B, Troy “Tab” Ballard; District C, John M. Thompson; and District E, Gerald “Jerry” Tanner Sr
ABSENT:District D, Justin Metz.
OTHERS: Parish President, Kenny Havard; Parish Legal Counsel Dannie P. Garrett, III; Finance Director,Danyell Vice; Planning &Zoning Administrator,Gary Mego; and Council Secretary Emily Cobb.
3. PRAYER &PLEDGE The Chair asked those who would like to do so to stand for the Lord’s Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PUBLICCOMMENT REQUESTS –SUBMITTAL OF FORMS
The Chair advised members of the public who wish to speak to fill out apublic comment request form and provide it to the Council Secretary beforethe agenda item is addressed.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND ACTION
Chairperson Thompson indicated that he received aletter from District Attorney,Sam D’Aquilla, stating that Council should take appointments for the Port Commission; therefore, Chairperson Thompson was seeking amotion to amend the agenda as such. Mr.Ballardexpressed concern in amending the agenda at that time due to Mr.Metz’sabsence, as it was Mr.Metz’smotion that passed at the September 9, 2024 Council meeting that no further appointments would be made to the Port Commission Mr.Tanner did make amotion to amend the agenda to add the Port Commission, seconded by Mr.Pate. Roll call was as follows:
FOR: PATE, TANNER, THOMPSON AGAINST:BALLARD
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:METZ Motion failed.
Chair Thompson raised the issue of access to the Pollycreek Bridge andanamendment to add this matter to the agenda. Parish Legal Counsel, Dannie Garrett, addressed Council stating that accepting a temporary construction servitude can be handled administratively and no amendment to the agenda is necessary
Mr.Ballardthen made amotion to approve the agenda as originally presented. Seconded by Mr. Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2024, AS WRITTEN.
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to approvethe minutes of the September 9, 2024 meeting as written. Seconded by Mr.Tanner.Therewereno objections. Motion passed unanimously
7. PUBLICHEARING
Mr.Pate made amotion to go into public hearing. Seconded by Mr Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motionpassed unanimously
7.A.DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMENDPARTII, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 135-4 –ZONING DISTRICT USE ESTABLISHED, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO. The Chair allowed those members of the public to speak if they wished to do so.
7. B. RECESS AND/OR END PUBLIC HEARING.
Mr.Ballardmade amotion to end public hearing. Seconded by Mr.Tanner Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously
7. C. TAKE ACTION AS DEEMEDAPPROPRIATE
Mr.Tanner made amotion to adopt an ordinance to amend Part II, Land Development Code, Chapter135-4– zoning district use established, and to provide further with respect thereto. Seconded by Mr.Pate.
YEAS: PATE,BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:METZ Motion passed, ordinance adopted. PARISH OF WEST FELICIANA ORDINANCENUMBER: 2024 OCTOBER14-01
AN ORDINANCETOAMEND PART II, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 135-4 –ZONING DISTRICT USE ESTABLISHED, AND TO PROVIDEFURTHER WITH RESPECT THERETO.
The West Feliciana Parish Council hereby ordains: WHEREAS,West Feliciana Parish Government adopted Chapter 135-4 (e) -Zoning District Use Established on March 3, 2023 by Ordinance #2023 March 13-01; WHEREAS, This Chapter was then suspended until the adoption of a zoning map by Ordinance #2023 May 08-01; WHEREAS,itisdetermined that Chapter 135, Section 4(e) of the Land Development Code needs to be amended as follows: Sec. 135–4. -Zoning district use established (e) The following acronyms shall have the
“C” indicates uses permittedsubject to specificconditions of the subjectdistrict. P=Permitted
but
Manufactured homes (only one allowed per lot of record)
This ordinance shall be published in the official journal upon the adoption of the Zoning map and effective 5days after publication
Introduced by: JustinMetz at aregular meeting of the West Feliciana
Parish CouncilonMonday,September 9, 2024.
Publication of Summary and Notice of Public Hearing:September 18th and 25th, 2024.
Full reading and passage: October 14, 2024.
Moved for adoption by GeraldTanner.Seconded by Thomas Pate.
FOR: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON
AGAINST:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: JUSTIN METZ
ATTEST:
/s/ John M. Thompson JOHN M. THOMPSON DATE WEST FELICIANAPARISH COUNCILCHAIR
/s/ Emily Cobb EMILYCOBB DATE WEST FELICIANA PARISH COUNCILSECRETARY
8. OLD BUSINESS 8.A.i. DISCUSS AND/OR MAKE APPOINTMENT TO TOURIST COMMISSION Mr.Ballardmade amotion to appoint Megan D’Aquilla to the Tourist Commission to complete the remainder of David Parker’sterm. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously 8.A.ii. AUTHORIZE THE COUNCILSECRETARYTOADVERTISE FOR OPENINGS ON THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND THE ZACHARY TAYLOR PARKWAY COMMISSION. Mr.Pate made amotion to authorize the advertising of board/commission openings. Seconded by Mr.Ballard. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.
9. NEW BUSINESS 9. A. DISCUSSION CONCERNINGCHARLES GRIFFIN WATER BILL ADJUSTMENT[THOMPSON].
Mr.Griffinaddressed Councilstating that at the end of April/May,his water meter was changed out and it began leaking and continued to leak May June and July.The current practice in adjusting water bills is to takean average of the previous six months of bills.Mr. Griffindisagrees with the adjustment made to his bill and requested that the average instead be taken from the bill prior to the leak and the bill after the leak was repaired.Finance Director,DanyellVice, addressed Councilwith specifics regarding Mr.Griffin’swater billand historical data, and stated that the currentpractice has been to take an average of the prior six months of bills. President Havardalso addressed the Council and confirmed that the current practice is and has been to take an average of the prior six months bills, and then declared that it willcontinue to be the practice until Council adopts an ordinance establishing adifferent, specificpolicy
9.B. DISCUSS AND/OR APPROVE THE BUDGET TO ACTUAL COMPARISONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024.
Danyell Vice, Finance Director,presented the budget to actuals comparisons as of September 30, 2024. Mrs. Vice advised that the interest rates have been higher but arestarting to drop this month; however,she uses caution when budgeting. Mrs. Vice stated thereare no major revenues until the ad valorem comes in and that most funds are operating in adeficit. Specifically,the funds 003, 103, 112, 405 and 408 arenot operating in adeficit. Mr.Ballardmade amotion to approve the budget to actual comparisons as of September 30, 2024 for the following funds: 001 –General Fund, 003 –Burnett Road Property Sale fund, 101 –Parish Road Fund, 103 –Health Unit, 104 –Solid Waste, 106 –Criminal Court Fund, 112 –Economic Development Fund, 113 –Library Operating Fund, 302 –Recreation Fund, 303 –Buildings/Grounds Fund, 401 –Water Revenue Fund, 405 –Hardwood Sewer Fund, 406 –Solitude Sewer Fund, 407 –Turner Sewer Fund, and 408 –Independence Sewer Fund as presented. Seconded by Mr.Pate. Therewerenoobjections. Motion passed unanimously.
10. RESOLUTION(S) 10. A. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT ARESOLUTION APPROVINGTHE LOUISIANACOMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIREFOR CONSOLIDATED WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 13 FOR THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT Amotion was made by Mr.Tanner to adopt said resolution and seconded by Mr.Ballard. Roll call vote was as follows: FOR: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON
AGAINST:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: METZ Motion passed.
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO: 2024 OCTOBER 14-01
BE IT RESOLVED THATthe West Feliciana Parish Councilapproves the Louisiana Compliance Questionnairefor Consolidated Waterworks
District No. 13 for the 2023 –2024 Fiscal Year Audit.
This resolution having been submitted to avote on this the 14thday of October,2024, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: METZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ATTEST:
/s/ John M. Thompson /s/ EmilyCobb JOHN M. THOMPSON
CHAIRPERSON COUNCIL
10. B. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT ARESOLUTION APPROVINGTHE LOUISIANA COMPLIANCEQUESTIONNAIREFOR WEST FELICIANA
PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT
Amotion was made by Mr.Tanner to adopt said resolution and seconded by Mr.Pate. Roll call vote was as follows:
FOR: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON
AGAINST:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: METZ Motion passed.
BE IT RESOLVED THATthe West Feliciana Parish Council approves the Louisiana Compliance Questionnairefor West Feliciana Parish Governmentfor the2023 –2024 Fiscal Year Audit.
This resolution having been submitted to avote on this the 14th dayof October,2024, the vote thereon wasasfollows:
YEAS: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT:METZ ABSTAIN: NONE
ATTEST:
/s/ John M. Thompson /s/ Emily Cobb
JOHN M. THOMPSON EMILYCOBB
CHAIRPERSON COUNCIL SECRETARY
10. C. DISCUSS AND/OR ADOPT ARESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRANT UNDER FTA PROGRAMS MANAGED THROUGH THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (COUNCIL ON AGING). Amotion was made by Mr.Ballardtoadopt said resolution and seconded by Mr.Tanner.Roll call vote wasasfollows: FOR: PATE, BALLARD, TANNER, THOMPSON AGAINST:NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:METZ Motion passed.
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION
Resolution No. 2024 October 14-03
Resolution authorizingthe filingofanapplication with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Developmentfor agrant under any of the following FTAprograms managedthrough Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
•49CFR 5311, Formula Grant for Rural Areas
•49CFR 5339, Grants for Bus and Bus Facility Program
•49CFR 5310, Formula Grants for theEnhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
•49CFR 5316,Job Access and Reverse Commute
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation and Developmentisauthorized to make grants for mass transportation projects; WHEREAS, the contract for financialassistance will impose certain obligations upon the applicant, includingthe provisionsbyitofthe local shareofproject costs; WHEREAS, it is required by theLouisiana Department of Transportation and Developmentinaccord with the provisionsofTitle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that in connection with the filingofanapplication for assistance that it will comply with Title VI of theCivil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements thereunder; and WHEREAS, it is the goal of theApplicant that minority business enterprise be utilized to the fullest extentpossible in connection with this project, and that definitive procedures shall be establishedand administered to ensure that minority businesses shall have themaximum feasible opportunity to compete for contracts when procuringconstruction contracts, supplies, equipment, or consultant and other services: NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by West Feliciana Parish Council: (Applicant)
1. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of West Feliciana Parish Council with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, to aid in the financing of operating and/or capital assistance projects pursuant to FTAtransit programs.
2. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file with such applicationsanassurance, 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 theLouisiana Department of Transportation and Development may requireinconnection with the application or financial reimbursement of the project.
4. That the Parish President is authorized to set 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 West Feliciana Parish Council with the LouisianaDepartment of Transportation and Developmentfor aid in the financing of the operating or capitalassistance projects.
6. This resolution is applicable for aperiod of one year unless revoked by thegoverning body and copy of such revocation shall be furnished to the DOTD.
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned duly qualified andacting Council Secretary of the West Feliciana Parish Council certifies that theforegoing is atrueand correct copy of aresolution, adopted at alegally convened meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Council held on October 14, 2024. If applicant has an official seal, impress here. /s/ Emily Cobb (SignatureofRecordingOfficer)
(Title of Recording Officer)
(Date)
11. PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT The President gave abrief update on thefollowing: •New water meter installation is coming to an end •Broadband internet installation still taking place around the parish with some issues of hittingwater lines, but repairs arebeing done as quickly as possible –unfortunately this is just part of the process
12. ADJOURNMENT Upon amotion by Mr Ballard, secondedbyMr. Pate, theCouncil stood adjourned until thenext regularly scheduled meeting of Tuesday, November 12, 2024 (Monday,November 11 is theVeterans Dayholiday). /s/ Emily Cobb Council Secretary
