TENSAS PARISH
POLICE JURY
REGULAR MEETING
October 22, 2024
10:00 AM
The Tensas Parish Police Jury met this day in regular session convened. There were present the following officers and members to-wit:
Bubba Rushing, President
Pauline Doyle, Secretary/Treasurer
Members: Billy Joe Arceneaux, Robert Clark, Bill Sid Crigler, Clay Foster, Terrence South, Bubba Rushing, and Alex Watson.
Clay Foster, Invocation
Billy Joe Arceneaux, Pledge of Allegiance
Guest present were: Todd Merriett, Kiley Sanders, Carr Hammond, Timmy Reppond, and Thelma Bradford
There were no comments from the general public regarding the agenda item(s).
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to approve the agenda as printed. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Robert Clark, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting held on October 8, 2024. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alex Watson, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to approve payment of bills as authorized by the Finance Committee. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Presidents Report: Bubba Rushing reported the events from the meeting with Representative Travis Johnson.
Secretary/Treasurer Report: Pauline Doyle gave an update on open grants and stated finances are in good standing.
Superintendents Report: Todd Merriett updated the Jury on ongoing Maintenance Unit work-report attached.
OEP Report: Kiley Sanders updated the Jury on activities concerning Homeland Security-report attached.
Upon a motion by Bill Crigler, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to allow Timmy Reppond address the Jury. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to allow Carr Hammond with Silas Simmons LLP present the audit report for fiscal year ending 2023. No findings were reported for the year. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Clay Foster, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Charles Douglas to fill the vacancy of Jerry Matin, Constable for Ward 1. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to set a special election date of March 29, 2025 (primary) and May 3, 2025 for the general election for a Ward 1 Constable. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to approve a Resolution for the inspection of bridges in the Parish to the State for 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Code of Federal Regulations, as enacted by the United States Congress, mandates that all structures defined as bridges located on all public roads shall be inspected, rated for safe load capacity, and posted in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards, and that an inventory of these bridges be maintained by each state: and Tensas Parish.
WHEREAS, the responsibility to inspect, rate, and load post those bridges under the authority of Tensas Parish in accordance with those standards, is delegated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to Tensas Parish.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY TENSAS PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in regular session on the 22th day of October, 2024, that for the period of January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2025:
1. Tensas Parish has and will continue to perform all interim inspections on all parish-owned or maintained bridges in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection standards;
2. All bridges owned or maintained by the Parish have been structurally analyzed and rated by the Parish as to the safe load capacity in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges. The load posting information that has been determined by DOTD for all bridges where the maximum legal load under Louisiana State Law exceeds the load permitted under the operating rating as determined above has been critically reviewed by the Parish. Load posting information has been updated by the parish to reflect all structural changes, any obsolete structural ratings, or any missing structural ratings;
3 All Parish- owned or maintained bridges which require load posting or closing are load posted or closed in accordance with the table in DOTD Engineering Directives and standards Manual, Directive No.1.1.1.8. All DOTD supplied load posting information concerning a bridge has been critically reviewed by the Parish Engineer prior to load posting; and
4. All bridges owned or maintained by the Parish are shown on the attached list in the format specified by the DOTD. Corrections to data supplied to the Parish by DOTD are noted.
These stipulations are prerequisites to participation by the Parish in the Off-System Bridge Replacement Program.
This resolution was considered upon motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, being seconded by Bill Crigler, and was adopted by the following vote;
YEAS: 7
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
NOT VOTING:
THUS, PASSED AND ADOPTED on this 22 day of October, 2024.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF TENSAS
Upon a motion by Bill Crigler, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to adjourn. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
11/27
SHERIFF’S SALE
TENSAS STATE BANK
VS. NO. 23,996
ROBERT C. LEE, ET AL
By virtue of a WRIT OF SEIZURE AND SALE, to me directed, from the Honorable Sixth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Tensas, aforesaid, in the above entitled cause, I will proceed to sale, at public auction, at the principal front door of the Courthouse in the City of St. Joseph, in Tensas Parish, Louisiana, on WEDNESDAY, the 8TH day of JANUARY, 2025, between the hours prescribed by law, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the following described property seized as “EXHIBIT A” in the above suit:
Exhibit “A”
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
TRACT “A” OF THE DIVISION OF LOT 1
OF THE DIVISION OF J.M. LEE ESTATE
SECTIONS 41 & 46, T9N-T10E
TENSAS PARISH, LOUISIANA
From the southwest corner of Lot 2 of the Division of the J.M. Lee Estate per map of same recorded in Notarial Book 3 on page 91 of the Records of Tensas Parish, Louisiana, go N 00° 03’ E along the line between Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the Division of the J. M. Lee Estate for 817.76 feet to the center of a public road; thence continue along said boundary between Lot 1 and Lot 2 along the center of said public road for 144.00 feet to the point of beginning, being the southwest corner of within described tract.
Thence from said point of beginning, leaving said public road continue along the boundary between said Lot 1 and Lot 2 – N 00° 04’ W for 292.6 feet, N 89° 68’ W for 194.20 feet and N 00° 16’ W for 871.82 feet to the center of Tensas bayou; thence go the following courses and distances along the center of said Tensas Bayou:
N 44° 48’ E for 111.87’
N 40° 11’ E for 200.73’
N 33° 02’ E for 200.17’
N 17” 20’ E for 210.30’
N 53° 51’ E for 75.16’
S 64° 03’ E for 38.20’ and
S 35° 15’ E for 190.11’
Thence leaving the center of said Tensas BayouS 00° 11’ E for 1689.12 feet to the center of a public road; thence go along the center of said public road N 82° 36’ W for 384.99 feet to the point of beginning. Within described tract contains 19.39846 acres being a portion of Lot 1 of the Division of the J.M. Lee Estate, situated in Section 41 and 46, T9N-R10E, Tensas Parish, Louisiana.
TERMS OF SALE: For cash to the highest bidder WITHOUT the benefit of appraisement. WITH the benefit of appraisement. BIDDERS MUST PRESENT A LETTER OF CREDIT FROM THEIR BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION IN ORDER TO BID ON THE PROPERTY.
ROB RUSHING, SHERIFF
TENSAS PARISH
11/27, 1/1
Minutes
Town of Saint Joseph
Regular Monthly Meeting
November 12, 2024
The Village of Saint Joseph Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened in a special session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:00p.m. at St. Joseph Community House on Levee Street.
Meeting Called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Matthew C. Alexander
Mayor Pro Tem LaPeteria Watson gave the invocation
Roll Call: Present- Alderwoman Mayor Pro Tem LaPeteria Watson, Alderwoman Juanita Roberts, Alderman Daniel Cavin, Alderman Jerry Newman, Alderman Carl Olds. All aldermen present.
Others present: Heather Richard-Municipal Clerk, Kiley Sanders, Levy Lord. Hester Turner, Krashondra Winston, Louise Taylor, Margaret Triplett, Gretna James, Patsy Crayton, Utility Clerk-Michelle Morales and Linda Williams.
Motioned by Alderman Olds, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Watson, to approve agenda. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motioned by Alderman Cavin, seconded by Alderman Olds to approve minutes of October 7, 2024 meeting. All were in favor, motion carried
Public Hearing and Public Comments: Question asked about progress on blighted properties. Discussion ensued. Mayor states he plans to model Vidalia’s procedures.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: 1. Kiley Sanders with Homeland Security spoke about mail that will be coming in to residents from Grand Gulf Nuclear Plant. Please fill out survey and return. This information helps with disaster planning. There will be new informational posters coming out. You can sign up for texts for notifications to send alerts to your phone in case of emergency. Please call or see Town Hall for more information, 766-3713.
2. The mayor stated that the sheriff’s departments will provide monthly updates for the community at future town hall meetings.
3. Water Update – There has been a first major repair at the water plant. The polymer unit had to be replaced. Tensas Water has done a good job preparing the plant. The salt tank has been cleaned out and a new order of salt is coming. The town receives 10-12 loads of salt per year. A Lead Service Line Inventory has been done by the Louisiana Department of Health and letters will be sent out to residents if replacements need to be done.
4. Introduction of Resolution 2024-011-1 to allow Tensas Reunion , Inc. first access to the fire station during Juneteenth Activities. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Cavin – yes, Alderwoman Roberts- Yes, Alderman Newman – yes, Alderman Olds – yes, Mayor Pro Tem Watson – yes. Mayor approves resolution. Resolution passes. The mayor stated that he and the village are very appreciative of Mr. Thorns for his help and assistance with this transition. Artifacts from the firehouse have been moved across the street to the museum.
5. Introduction of Resolution 2024-011-2 to sell unsold surplus auction items. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Cavin – yes, Alderwoman Roberts- Yes, Alderman Newman – yes, Alderman Olds – yes, Mayor Pro Tem Watson – yes. Mayor approves resolution. Resolution passes.
6. Approval of potential lease agreement with Levy Lord. Levy Lord introduced himself. He would like to lease town property by the levee. He stated that this will not interfere with access to fishing. Mr. Lord stated that he will have liability insurance in place. Mayor stated that the village will take this into consideration upon approval of contract that will be written up.
7. Introduction of Ordinance 2024-1-1112 to move town hall meetings to the third Monday of each month. This additional week will give the town accountant time to produce a more detailed monthly financial report. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Cavin – yes, Alderwoman Roberts- Yes, Alderman Newman – yes, Alderman Olds – yes, Mayor Pro Tem Watson – yes. Mayor approves ordinance. Ordinance passes.
8. Introduction of Resolution 2024-011-3 to join Louisiana Municipal Gas Association for gas rate study. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Cavin – yes, Alderwoman Roberts- abstains, Alderman Newman – yes, Alderman Olds – yes, Mayor Pro Tem Watson – yes. Mayor approves resolution. Resolution passes.
9. Special Election for property tax on December 7. The mayor encourages everyone to vote yes. Mayor stated that voting yes will bring ½ million to the town over the next 10 years.
10. 1st Annual Christmas Parade – The first annual St. Joseph Christmas Parade will be December 14, 2024. Participation is free. We need cars, floats, etc. Call town hall for more information. Roll Call Vote:
11. Vote for approval of Jingle Jog and Tinsel in Tensas on Saturday November 30. Alderman Cavin – yes, Alderwoman Roberts- Yes, Alderman Newman – yes, Alderman Olds – yes, Mayor Pro Tem Watson – yes. Motion passes.
12. Contract with Lake Bruin Water District. Lake Bruin Water has been informed that rates may go up. The mayor suggests Lake Bruin pay the same overage rates as citizens of St. Joseph.
13. Proposal to add John Deere Tractors and Ford F150 to surplus list. Roll call vote: Alderman Cavin – yes, Alderwoman Roberts- Yes, Alderman Newman – yes, Alderman Olds – yes, Mayor Pro Tem Watson – yes. Motion passes. Items will be added to surplus list.
14. Motion to adjourn. Motion made by Alderman Cavin, seconded by Alderwoman Roberts. All in favor. Motion passes. Meeting adjourned.
Next regular monthly meeting will be December 9, 2024, at 6:00p.m. at the St. Joseph Community House.
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
Heather Richard, Municipal Clerk
11/27
Ordinance to Move St. Joseph Town Meetings
Ordinance No. 2024-l-1112
An Ordinance to Amend the Schedule of Town Meetings for St. Joseph
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of St. Joseph to establish a regular and consistent schedule for Town Meetings; and
WHEREAS, the current schedule has led to conflicts and low attendance; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council believes that moving the meetings to a more accessible time will encourage greater participation from the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Town Council of St. Joseph, as follows:
Section 1: Change of Meeting Date
The regular Town Meetings for St. Joseph shall be held on the third Monday of each month.
Section 2: Meeting Time
The meetings shall commence at 6:00PM at the St. Joseph Community House, unless otherwise specified and publicly announced.
Section 3: Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and publication as required by law.
Section 4: Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the foregoing ordinance was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the ordinance was adopted by the following votes
YES NAY ABSTAINED ABSENT
Cavin X _ _ _
Roberts X _ _ _
Newman X _ _ _
Olds X _ _ _
Watson X _ _ _
CERTIFICATE
I, Heather Richard, Clerk of the Town of Saint Joseph, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the ordinance passed and adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Saint Joseph at a regular meeting held in Saint Joseph, Louisiana on the 12th day of November 2024, at which meeting a quorum of said Board was present and participating, and said Ordinance has not been rescinded.
Witness my hand officially at Saint Joseph, Louisiana, this 12th day of November 2024.
Heather Richard, Clerk
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
11/27
Resolution for the Village of St. Joseph, Louisiana
Resolution No. 2024-011-1
A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE TENSAS REUNION, INC. FIRST ACCESS TO THE FIRE STATION DURING JUNETEENTH ACTIVITIES
WHEREAS, the Village of St. Joseph recognizes the importance of community events that celebrate cultural heritage and promote unity; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth represents a significant moment in American history, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans; and
WHEREAS, Tensas Reunion, Inc. has a longstanding commitment to organizing events that honor this important day and bring the community together; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Station is an ideal location for activities associated with Juneteenth, providing necessary facilities for the community’s celebration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Village Council of St. Joseph, Louisiana, that:
Tensas Reunion, Inc. shall have the first access to the Fire Station for the duration of the Juneteenth activities, scheduled for [insert dates].
The Village will provide any necessary support to Tensas Reunion, Inc. to facilitate the use of the Fire Station.
The Village Council encourages community members to participate in the Juneteenth activities and support Tensas Reunion, Inc. in their efforts.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes
YES NAY ABSTAINED ABSENT
Cavin X _ _ _
Roberts X _ _ _
Newman X _ _ _
Olds X _ _ _
Watson X _ _ _
CERTIFICATE
I, Heather Richard, Clerk of the Town of Saint Joseph, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution passed and adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Saint Joseph at a regular meeting held in Saint Joseph, Louisiana on the 12’11 day of November 2024, at which meeting a quorum of said Board was present and participating, and said Resolution has not been rescinded.
Witness my hand officially at Saint Joseph, Louisiana, this 12th day of November 2024.
Heather Richard, Clerk
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
11/27
Resolution for the Village of St. Joseph, Louisiana
Resolution No. 2024-11-2
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SURPLUS AUCTION ITEMS NOT SOLD TO INDIVIDUALS
WHEREAS, the Village of St. Joseph has conducted an auction to dispose of surplus items; and
WHEREAS, certain items remain unsold following the auction; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Village to sell these surplus items to recover costs and maximize the use of municipal resources;
Ford Crown Victoria to Jeremy Washington $200
Ford King Ranch to Martin Alexander $200
Ford Ranger to Terry Owens $200
Ford Crown Victoria to Terry Owens $200
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Village Council of St. Joseph, Louisiana, that:
The Village Council hereby authorizes the sale of all surplus auction items that were not sold to individuals during the recent auction.
The Mayor is empowered to determine the method of sale, which may include direct sales, online platforms, or other suitable means.
The proceeds from the sale of these surplus items shall be deposited into the Village’s general fund.
The Village Clerk shall maintain a record of all items sold and the proceeds received from each sale.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes
YES NAY ABSTAINED ABSENT
Cavin X _ _ _
Roberts X _ _ _
Newman X _ _ _
Olds X _ _ _
Watson X _ _ _
CERTIFICATE
I, Heather Richard, Clerk of the Town of Saint Joseph, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution passed and adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Saint Joseph at a regular meeting held in Saint Joseph, Louisiana on the 12’11 day of November 2024, at which meeting a quorum of said Board was present and participating, and said Resolution has not been rescinded.
Witness my hand officially at Saint Joseph, Louisiana, this 12th day of November 2024.
Heather Richard, Clerk
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
11/27
TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF ST. JOSEPH, LOUISIANA
Resolution 2024-011-3
A RESOLUTION INDICATING THE INTENTION OF THE TOWN OF ST. JOSEPH, LOUISIANA (THE “TOWN’ ), TO BECOME A MEMBER OF AND A PARTICIPATING POLITICAL SUBDIVISION IN THE LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL NATURAL GAS PURCHASING AND DISTRIBUTION AUTHORITY (THE “AUTHORITY”); APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR AND AN ALTERNATE DIRECTOR TO REPRESENT THE TOWN ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 10 B OF TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950; AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A GAS SUPPLY AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE AUTHORITY.
WHEREAS, Chapter I 0-B of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, comprised of R.S. 33:4546.1 et seq, has been enacted and is known as the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Act (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Act has created a Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority (the “Authority”) for the purpose of purchasing natural gas for and the distribution of such gas to the participating political subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, the Town of St. Joseph, Louisiana (the “Town”) is eligible to become a member of and participating political subdivision in the Authority in accordance with the Act; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4546.2 of the Act (La. R.S. 33:4546.2), the governing authority of the Town desires to become a member of d ting political subdivision in the Authority and to approve the appointment of Carl Olds, Jr. to serve as a Director of the Authority and to approve the appointment of Lapeteria Watson to serve as an alternate Director of the Authority to act in the absence of the dire tor hereinabove named.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council, being governing authority of the Town, acting in such capacity, that:
Section 1. Under the authority of the Act (including La. R.S. 33:4546.2), it is hereby declared to be the express intention of the Town to become a member of the Authority and thereupon become a participating political subdivision in the Authority.
Section 2. Pursuant to the Act (including La. R.S. 33:4546.2), the appointment of Carl Olds Jr. to serve as director of the Authority for a term of four (4) years from the date hereof is approved and the appointment of Lapeteria Watson to serve as an alternate director, for like term, to act in the absence of the director is approved.
Section 3. (A) The “Gas Supply, Transportation, Storage and Load Management Agreement” between the Town and the Authority, in, the form and substance substantially as provided in Exhibit A hereto (the “Gas Supply Agreement”), with such changes, additions, or deletions thereto, if any, as are hereafter approved by the Mayor of the Town, in consultation with the Town’s legal counsel, is hereby approved for execution and delivery by the Town; (B) the Mayor of the Town is hereby authorized and empowered to sign and del iver, for and on behalf of and in the name of the Town, the Gas Supply Agreement, with such changes, additions, or deletions thereto, if any, as are hereafter approved by the Mayor of the Town, in consultation with the Town’s legal counsel, and to sign and deliver such other contracts, agreements, documents, instruments, or writings, for and on behalf of and in the name of the Town (including but not limited to authorizations for payments by the Town to the Authority related to the Gas Supply Agreement by wire transfer or ACH), and take any and all other actions for an on behalf of and in the name of the Town, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution, without any requirement or need for any additional or other resolution or authorization by this Town Council; and (C) any such Gas Supply Agreement or other contract, agreement, document, instrument, or writing that is signed and delivered for or on behalf of or in the name of the Town, by the Mayor of the Town, shall be fully binding upon the Town.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately, and the provisions of the Act shall apply to the Town, effective immediately upon the adoption hereof.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes
YES NAY ABSTAINED ABSENT
Cavin X _ _ _
Roberts _ _ X _
Newman X _ _ _
Olds X _ _ _
Watson X _ _ _
CERTIFICATE
I, Heather Richard, Clerk of the Town of Saint Joseph, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution passed and adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Saint Joseph at a regular meeting held in Saint Joseph, Louisiana on the 12’11 day of November 2024, at which meeting a quorum of said Board was present and participating, and said Resolution has not been rescinded.
Witness my hand officially at Saint Joseph, Louisiana, this 12th day of November 2024.
Heather Richard, Clerk
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
11/27