PUBLIC HEARING
It was announced by the President that notice had been given that the Acadia Parish Police Jury would hold a public forum on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 6:30 P.M., Police Jury Meeting Room, Courthouse Building, Crowley, Louisiana, to receive any and all comments on the proposed partial abandonment of Ferry Road.
Mr. Dean Daigle, resident of Ferry Road, expressed his opposition on abandoning any part of the roadway. Mr. Daigle highlighted the fact that it accessed the waterway for fishing and hunting and water sports and that it provided the only access to Bayou Plaquemine in that area. He also indicated that it was necessary to provide an adequate turnaround. He also expressed concern over the length of time the proposed refinery would remain open.
Mr. Larry Regan, former member of the Police Jury, expressed his interest in the affairs of the Parish. He noted that the roadway did and could continue to provide a link to major highways. He further opposed the abandonment because of the need to keep the boat landing at the end of Ferry Road open for recreation and fire protection. Mr. Regan submitted the following written statement as part of the record: "My name is Larry Regan. I was a member of the Acadia Parish Police Jury for eight years and still maintain a keen interest in affairs that effect the heritage and welfare of this Parish that I love. The Pioneers who settled the wilderness prairie that later became Acadia Parish had great foresight. They recognized the fact that in order for the community to develop and prosper, roads linking every portion of the Parish were essential. They were generous in their donations of land in order to effect such linkage. Any attempt by a Police Juror to destroy any link in our road system by converting a public right of way to private ownership is an insult to the memory of those generous souls that made the original donation and must not be allowed to happen. The present attempt to give away a section of Ferry Road is an insult to our intelligence. This is the only right of way owned by Acadia Parish that can be developed to connect Highway 90 and the Port of Mermentau to I-10. The public boat landing, where this road meets the bayou, provides recreation for hundreds of our people. This same boat landing provides a place for our fire department trucks to fill their water tanks. Something so essential in fighting a rural fire. I request of Secretary Martin that this statement be made a part of the official records of Acadia Parish. /s/ Larry L. Regan
Mr. Richard Ballyard expressed opposition to abandoning Ferry Road. He indicated that it was the only way to access his property which needed to be accessed from Bayou Plaquemine. He also expanded on the need to maintain access for fire protection which requires access to water. Mr. Ballyard made reference to recent flooding activities and is concerned for pollution of the environment. He also presented pictures showing flood waters of the area.
Mr. Mike McQueen, General Manager Inca Refining Company, noted that he recently purchased the refinery in Egan located at the end of Ferry Road. He stated that Inca Refining wanted to be part of the community. Suggesting that a proposed two million dollar payroll with an employee basis of 35 full-time employees would be forthcoming. He further noted that abandoning the road would not provide a total blockade to the waterway. Recent federal laws since 9/11 attack required more stringent security for such facilities. He also noted that there was a large amount of vandalism and a control access became more critical.
Mr. Dean Daigle indicated that the property could be protected without closing the road.
Mr. Richard Ballyard reiterated the same point.
Mr. McQueen concluded by indicating that the 2001 security laws were different and presented photographs of the recent vandalism that had occurred on the property.
Juror A. J. Credeur asked if Mr. McQueen was aware of the new security regulations at the time he purchased the property advising that this location would be a prime location to construct a crossing over Bayou Plaquemine to connect with the interstate.
Ms. Wilma Subra, New Iberia consultant, announced that she was a participant in the refinery issue in past years. She indicated that there were huge amounts of contaminants that were remaining in the containers on the property indicating that the plant had been closed down and the facility was entirely to close to the road. Ms. Subra opposed the partial abandonment of the roadway.
Mr. Tony LaCombe, in opposition of the abandonment, expressed the need for security guards in that vicinity.
Mr. Johnny Quibodeaux presented photographs of recent floods.
Mr. Mitchell Benoit, in opposition of the abandonment, was afraid that he may be denied access to the waterway if he was in possession of firearms.
THERE BEING NO COMMENTS TO COME BEFORE THE JURY, THE PRESIDENT ADJOURNED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
MARCH 21, 2006
THE ACADIA PARISH POLICE JURY met on the above date at 6:30 p.m., in the Police Jury Meeting Room, Courthouse Building, Crowley, Louisiana, in regular session with the President, Cecelia B. Chambers, presiding. At the request of the President, a moment of silence was offered and the Pledge to the Flag was recited in unison. The roll was called and final attendance was recorded as follows:
ALTON STEVENSON
A J BROUSSARD
JOHN HUMBLE SR
CECELIA B. CHAMBERS
JIMMIE PELLERIN
A J CREDEUR
CADE BENOIT
FELTON MOREAUA motion was offered by Mr. Alton Stevenson, seconded by Mr. Felton Moreau, to remove Solid Waste from the agenda. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. Jimmie Pellerin, seconded by Mr. Felton Moreau, to approve the Minutes of the March 7, 2006, Regular Police Jury Meeting. Motion carried.
FINANCE
A motion was offered by Mr. Jimmie Pellerin, seconded by Mr. John Humble, Sr., to approve the bills for payment. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Broussard, seconded by Mr. John Humble, Sr., to request that a Legislative Audit be conducted. The following roll call vote was cast: Yeas: A. J. Broussard, John Humble, Sr. and Cecelia B. Chambers. Nays: Alton Stevenson, Jimmie Pellerin, A. J. Credeur, Cade Benoit and Felton Moreau. Motion failed.
The Secretary suggested that any questions relative to Parish finances be referred to the Parish Auditors for review.
PUBLIC FACILITIES/BUILDING & GROUNDS
A motion was offered by Mr. Alton Stevenson, seconded by Mr. Felton Moreau, to approve a five year capital improvement plan for the LeGros Memorial Airport with an estimated cost of $3,365,000. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. Alton Stevenson, seconded by Mr. Jimmie Pellerin, to authorize an increase in allocation to construct canopy improvements to conduct the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day at the Rice Arena in the amount of $2,040.00. Motion carried.
PUBLIC WORKS/ROAD & BRIDGE
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. John Humble, Sr., to declare Unit SW-15, Vin #1FDNF60H7GVA53378 being a used dump truck as salvage and donate same to the Village of Estherwood. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Jimmie Pellerin, to authorize the Road Manager to prepare a proposal to stripe an estimated 10 miles of Primary Roads. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Alton Stevenson, to place enforcement of the Obnoxious Weed and Grass Ordinance under the authority of the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Alton Stevenson, to approve the Emergency Work Report for the month of February, 2006. Said expenditures to be in the amount of $45.03. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION
BY MESSRS: A J CREDEUR AND ALTON STEVENSON
BE IT RESOLVED: by the Acadia Parish Police Jury in regular session duly convened this 21st day of March, 2006, does hereby authorize Aucoin & Associates to prepare plans and specifications to construct surface treatment improvements and certain reconstruction of roadways repaired in Phases I and II.
ADOPTED: MARCH 21, 2006
ATTEST:
/s/ Katry Martin /s/ Cecelia B. Chambers
KATRY MARTIN CECELIA B. CHAMBERS
SECRETARY-TREASURER PRESIDENTA motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Jimmie Pellerin, to authorize Bond Counsel to prepare funding issue in the amount of $5,000,000 to construction additional road repair and improvements. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #906
AN ORDINANCE MAKING IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO OPERATE OR DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE UPON IDAHO ROAD IN ACADIA PARISH, LOUISIANA, AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF TWENTY-FIVE MILES PER HOUR, AND, PROVIDING FOR THE PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF.
SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the Police Jury of Acadia Parish, Louisiana, that it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or drive a motor vehicle in excess of twenty-five miles per hour on the following described Parish Road:
Idaho Road
SECTION 2. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any person found guilty of operating or driving a motor vehicle in excess of twenty-five miles per hour on the Parish road described above, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefore, shall be fined not more than Fifty Dollars ($50) or be imprisoned not more than ten (10) days or both.
SECTION 3. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any laws or parts of laws in conflict are hereby repealed.
The Ordinance was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, and seconded by Mr. Jimmie Pellerin, after being read and considered section by section, was adopted as a whole by the following vote:
YEAS: Alton Stevenson, A. J. Broussard, John Humble, Sr., Cecelia
Broussard, Jimmie Pellerin, A. J. Credeur, Cade Benoit and Felton
Moreau.NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ADOPTED: MARCH 21, 2006
ATTEST:
/s/ Katry Martin /s/ Cecelia B. Chambers
KATRY MARTIN CECELIA B. CHAMBERS
SECRETARY-TREASURER PRESIDENT
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Alton Stevenson, to authorize drainage project 2006-5 on St. Raymond Road for an estimated cost of $2,588.00. Motion carried.A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Felton Moreau, to authorize an amendment to agreement with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office to administer inmate program that would cover increased labor cost at an estimated amount of $1,000.00. Motion carried.
A motion was offered by Mr. Felton Moreau, seconded by Mr. Alton Stevenson, to deny the request to abandon a portion of Ferry Road. Motion carried.
President Chambers read into the record a letter addressed to Mr. John Humble, Sr., Juror District 3, as follows: Dear Sir: Upon assuming the office of Police Juror you were required to take an oath that you would support the laws of this state and faithfully and impartially perform the duties of Police Juror. You have had positive knowledge for more than ten years that the laws of this state were being violated by individuals placing obstructions including houses, mobile homes, derelict buildings, etc., in Midland’s public roads that are the property of Acadia Parish. My family and I have a home on Huntington Street in Midland. Sitting on the right of way on Huntington Street, directly in front of our home, is a derelict, tumble down shack, occupied by snakes, rats, roaches, spiders, wild animals and other creatures that pose a hazard to the welfare of our little children. This condition has existed during the entire tenure of your office as Police Juror, with your full knowledge and consent. For four years we have pleaded with you in a courteous manner that you authorize Parish employees to remove this dangerous obstruction situated on the right of way of Huntington Street. You have arrogantly ignored our pleas. My family has suffered your abuse long enough. We now demand that you perform the duties prescribed by your oath of office. I have been advised that when a public official has knowledge that a violation of law exists in an area under that official’s supervision and he fails to attempt corrective action, then, that official is also in violation of the law. If you have not taken corrective measures within the next ten days we will take further action. Its a crying shame when voters of Acadia Parish have to spend money for attorneys in order to force their Police Juror to obey the law. But I will do what I have to do, regardless of cost. /s/ Carla Coates.
Mr. Lee Hebert, Emergency Management Director, explained what items were located on the public right-of-way at the end of Huntington Street in the community of Midland.
Juror John Humble, Sr., noted that the trees on the right-of-way have been there for many years and indicated that whatever trash was there should be picked up.
Residents close to the area were concerned about having adequate access to the public right-of-way.
A motion was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, seconded by Mr. Alton Stevenson, to authorize Legal Counsel to direct the removal of items including debris on public right-of-way located at the end of Huntington Street in Midland giving formal notice to those individuals responsible for the material. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #907
AN ORDINANCE MAKING IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO OPERATE OR DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE UPON BIAS ROAD IN ACADIA PARISH, LOUISIANA, AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF TWENTY-FIVE MILES PER HOUR, AND, PROVIDING FOR THE PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF.
SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the Police Jury of Acadia Parish, Louisiana, that it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or drive a motor vehicle in excess of twenty-five miles per hour on the following described Parish Road:
Bias Road
SECTION 2. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any person found guilty of operating or driving a motor vehicle in excess of twenty-five miles per hour on the Parish road described above, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefore, shall be fined not more than Fifty Dollars ($50) or be imprisoned not more than ten (10) days or both.
SECTION 3. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any laws or parts of laws in conflict are hereby repealed.
The Ordinance was offered by Mr. A. J. Credeur, and seconded by Mr. Felton Moreau, after being read and considered section by section, was adopted as a whole by the following vote:
YEAS: Alton Stevenson, A. J. Broussard, John Humble, Sr., Cecelia
Broussard, Jimmie Pellerin, A. J. Credeur, Cade Benoit and Felton
Moreau.NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ADOPTED: MARCH 21, 2006
ATTEST:
/s/ Katry Martin /s/ Cecelia B. Chambers
KATRY MARTIN CECELIA B. CHAMBERS
SECRETARY-TREASURER PRESIDENT
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Residents of the community of Egan thanked the Police Jury for denying the request to abandon Ferry Road.
Mr. Karl Cormier inquired as to whether Mr. Humble realized he may be in violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics as he worked for an entity having contractual arrangements with the Police Jury.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING, THE MOTION WAS OFFERED DULY SECONDED, THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN UNTIL THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF APRIL 4, 2006, AT THE HOUR OF 6:30 P.M.
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