Town Meeting Minutes – Monday, March 10, 2003

March 10, 2003

Town of Brusly
Brusly, Louisiana

The regular meeting of the Town of Brusly was held this date, March 10, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brusly Town Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Perrault. A roll call by Town Clerk Jules Lefeaux determined the following officials present:

Mayor: Joey Normand
Council Members: Daryl Babin, Shane Andre’, Ronda Perrault,
Joanne Bourgeois, Chris Kershaw

The Brusly High School Dance Team, led by Ms. Leslie Kleinpeter, was honored with individual certificates for winning first place at the National Division One Jazz Dance Competition and the Prop/ Novelty Competition; and also for advancing to the National Finals in the Prop/ Novelty Competition.

Major Richard Johnson was given a Certificate of Appreciation for his 10 years of service with the Brusly Police Department and his support of the West Side Drug Task Force, which apprehended many users and dealers of illegal drugs.

A motion to approve the minutes of the Town’s Regular Meeting of February 10, 2003 was made by Council Member Bourgeois, seconded by Council Member Perrault, and passed with no opposing votes.

Mayor Normand led the discussion of a proposed donation of a small parcel of land along West Saint Francis Street by The Oaks, Inc. and Harry Laws, Inc. for the purpose of widening West Saint Francis Street and the railroad crossing. A motion to accept the donation of property and authorize Mayor Normand to sign all necessary documents was made by Council Member Kershaw and seconded by Council Member Babin. The motion passed with a unanimous vote in favor.

Mayor Normand recommended the hiring of Mr. Brian Peek in the Maintenance Department as a Labor Crew Leader, subject to a probationary period of 6 months. The motion to hire was made by Council Member Babin, and seconded by Council Member Andre’. The motion passed with a unanimous vote in favor.

Under Recreation Committee business, Council Member Bourgeois announced that judging for the Cleanest City Contest would be held April 7th through 9th, and she had taken “before” pictures to note our progress.

A grant of $1,008 for law enforcement purposes was announced by Lt. Viator of the Brusly Police Department.

Mayor Normand led the discussion of a proposed ordinance to authorize and approve the sale of surplus police radio equipment owned by the Town. He opened a public hearing and invited citizen input. Police Chief Emmett Worley had written a letter authorizing the sale of this police equipment, and provided a list of the radios and accessories. The public hearing was closed after all interested persons had spoken, and a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2 of 2003 to sell the radios for a minimum price of $3,000 as stated was made by Council Member Andre and seconded by Council Member Bourgeois; it was adopted with a unanimous vote.

Mayor Normand brought forth the draft of proposed Ordinance No. 3 of 2003 to authorize and approve of the sale of a 1988 Dodge ¾ Ton Pickup Truck owned by the Town for discussion. He opened a public hearing and invited citizen input. The public hearing was closed after all interested persons had spoken, and a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 3 of 2003 and sell the truck for a minimum price of $755 was made by Council Member Bourgeois and seconded by Council Member Babin. The ordinance was adopted with a unanimous vote.

Mayor Normand led the discussion on proposed Ordinance No. 4 of 2003 to amend the appropriations ordinance No. 7 of 2002 to include the purchase of a new fully equipped police car for up to $18,050. He opened a public hearing so all interested persons could give input. After discussions were held, the public hearing was closed. A motion to adopt Ordinance No. 4 of 2003 was made by Council Member Andre’ and seconded by Council Member Perrault. The ordinance was adopted with a unanimous vote.

Council Member Kershaw introduced an ordinance to provide for sewer rates to be charged to nonprofit organizations and governmental organizations. Council Member Babin introduced an ordinance regarding catch basin requirements.

The report of the Brusly Volunteer Fire Department was given by Fire Chief Michael Alleman. In January, there were seven first aid calls in the Town and 17 first aid calls outside the Town. There were three fire calls in the Town (one was a trash fire, one kitchen fire, and a false alarm); and two fire calls outside the Town. There were two mutual aid calls answered. The total calls for the month of February 2003 was 31.

Lieutenant Bryan Viator gave the Police Department report for the month. He stated that there were five wrecks, two DWI arrests, one battery, two assaults, one damage to property, three disturbing the peace incidents, one theft, three alarms, eight assistances to other agencies, three 911 calls, four drug arrests made in Brusly by Brusly Officers, one open container of alcohol, 18 traffic arrests, three domestic calls, and 11 miscellaneous calls, for a total of 66 calls and 220 traffic citations issued. Lt. Viator also told of the recovery of a stolen car by Reserve Officer Donald Vallet.

Mayor Normand gave the Mayor’s report for the month. He also announced that a list of citizens interested in next year’s culvert program has been started in the Town Hall.

Under Remarks of Personal Privilege, Mr. Arlen Landry reported that preliminary work (catch basins and relocation of utilities) was being done at the new location for the Water Works Office. Council Member Perrault requested news articles for the Town’s quarterly newsletter. Mr. Caroll Fontenot praised the effectiveness of the 911 emergency service, and thanked the Fire Department for their lifesaving care for his mother.
Mayor Normand announced that Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center would give out free cancer screening kits at the Town Hall on March 20, all day long. Also, there will be a special Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a special Town of Brusly meeting at 7:00 p.m., regarding the final plat of Orleans Quarters Subdivision.

A motion was made by Council Member Andre’ to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Babin. The motion was unopposed. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

___________________________ ___________________________
Joey Normand, Mayor Jules Lefeaux, Town Clerk