PARISH OF TENSAS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
December 6, 2024
This is a Request for Proposals for the COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE.
Qualified firms must submit a proposal for SERVICE PROPOSAL. Consideration should be given to other Service Alternates as to address the needs of the Parish.
For purposes of evaluating the proposals that are received for the various service alternates and additive alternates, the Tensas Parish Police Jury (Parish) reserves the right to consider the direct and indirect costs and benefits to the Parish for each alternate, including, but not limited to, the quality of service to be provided to the citizens of Tensas Parish, and to award the contract to the low responsible Proposer for the service alternate selected by the Jury.
Any revisions to this RFP that may become necessary shall be in the form of an Addendum, and shall be issued by the Tensas Parish Police Jury not later than 72 hours prior to the time specified below for receipt of proposals.
Proposals shall be submitted to Pauline Doyle, Tensas Parish Police Jury Secretary/Treasurer, by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 13, 2025. Proposals shall be delivered to the Tensas Parish Governmental Complex, Police Jury office, located at 212 Hancock Street, St. Joseph, LA 71366, or mailed to the same address. Regardless of the delivery method, all submittals shall be clearly marked, “Solid Waste Proposal,” and sealed. If delivery is made by mail or carrier service, care should be exercised to ensure that the delivery is made by the deadline stated above. No proposal will be accepted if received by the Secretary/Treasurer of the Tensas Parish Police Jury after the deadline stated above, for any reason.
For a complete proposal package, please contact Pauline Doyle at 318-766-3542, or paulinedoyle@tppj.org.
12/18, 12/25, 1/1
Town Hall Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 9, 2024
2:00pm – Conference Room
The regular scheduled meeting was called to order by Mayor Jarrod Bottley in the town hall conference room at 203pm.
The Invocation was rendered by Mayor Jarrod Bottley.
The Municipal Clerk (Temple) called the roll to validate a quorum. All council members were present and accounted for except Henry Jenkins. He was absent. Others present were: Edna Cooper, Margery Washington, Dora Lee, Marcella Rollins, Candace Jackson, Officer Kendrell Robinson, Officer Cody Faulkner, Treveon Williams, DeQuan Clark, Utility Supervisor Tyrone Washington, PAE Emmanual Lewis.
The Mayor called for a motion for the agenda to be approved as typed and presented. The motion was made by Alderman Turner and seconded by Alderwoman Newton.
The Mayor called for a motion to approve of the minutes as printed or for any corrections thereof. The motion to approve as presented was made by Alderman Turner and seconded by Alderwoman Newton.
The First Responders Report was given by Officer Kendrell Robinson. The Mayor also introduced him to all who possibly didn’t know him stating he had been familiar with the community.
The Mayor gave an overview of the multiple grants they have open and are being reimbursed upon – LGAP, CWEF, DRA, LLOP, LCDBG, and a few other grants. PAE Emmanual Lewis entered the meeting and carried on the grants conversation stating his main focus was on the Water Sector grant and was turning the rest of the grant work to the mayor. He also informed the community that his last day will be Thursday and he will be continuing his employment with the US Army. He stated how he’d enjoyed working with the mayor and the TOW and will remain available to the mayor.
Municipal Clerk Temple gave an overview of the operating accounts and entertained any questions for clarity. The Mayor stated we are now in the multiple reimbursement stage so we will start to see accounts increase by $100-125,000. Also stating that property taxes are now flowing in and we will see an increase in that account also, but we are still doing extremely well with all bills being current. Alderman Turner asked about the PO system and the mayor stated that wasn’t going well by us being so far from the nearest part store. We are using a verbal approval and an itemization form.
Tensas Parish School Board President John Turner was not present for the meeting.
The Mayor called for a declaration of surplus property: Kubota Tractor, Utility Ford Truck, Green Crown Victoria, and a White Police Charger. The motion was rendered by Jenkins and seconded by Newton. The mayor then called for minimum amounts: $5,000 Tractor, $500 Ford Truck, $750 Green Crown Victoria, and $750 White Charger. The mayor asked the clerk to give a roll call: Yeas were unanimous.
At 2:58pm, Mayor Bottley called for a motion to adjourn. The motion was given by Jenkins and seconded by Turner.
12/18
TENSAS PARISH
POLICE JURY
REGULAR MEETING
November 26, 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:
Bill Crigler, Juror
Pauline Doyle, Secretary/Treasurer
Members: Billy Joe Arceneaux, Robert Clark, Bill Sid Crigler, Clay Foster, Terrence South, Bubba Rushing (absent), and Alex Watson.
Clay Foster, Invocation
Billy Joe Arceneaux, Pledge of Allegiance
Guest present were: Todd Merriett, Thelman Bradford, Kiley Sanders, and David McEacharn
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to nominate Bill Crigler to preside over the November 26, 2024 meeting as President Pro-Temp.
There were no comments from the general public regarding the agenda item(s).
Upon a motion by Clay Foster, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to approve the agenda as printed. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Clay Foster, it was unanimously agreed to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting held on November 12, 2024. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alex Watson, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to approve payment of bills as authorized by the Finance Committee. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Presidents Report: There was no report of activities from the President.
Secretary/Treasurer Report: Pauline Doyle updated the Jury on Recreation Parks, Recreation Buildings Grant, and the demolishing grant for the hospital
Superintendents Report: Todd Merriett updated the Jury on ongoing Maintenance Unit work-report attached.
OEP Report: Kiley Sanders updated the Jury on ongoing OEP activities.
Upon a motion by Clay Foster, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to allow David McEacharn, Coroner address the Jury.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to advertise Bids on Maintenance Unit materials for FY2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alex Watson, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to approve materials for the Tensas Maintenance Unit. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Margaret Wilkerson to the Lake Bruin Water District Commission. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Robert Clark, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to set December 10, 2025 as the date for a Public Hearing on the Financial Budget for 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was agreed to authorize Robert Rushing to execute a resolution for the Budgetary note, $280,000.00 of Revenue Anticipation notes, Series 2025. Roll call vote taken: Billy Joe Arceneaux-yes, Robert Clark-yes, Bill Crigler-yes, Clay Foster-yes, Bubba Rushing-absent, Terrence South-yes, Alex Watson-yes. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($280,000) of Revenue Anticipation Notes of the Parish of Tensas, State of Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, Section 527 and the other applicable provisions of Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional authority (the “Act”), authorize governmental entities to pay their current expenses for any fiscal year by issuing revenue anticipation notes for the purpose of anticipating revenues for such fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Act, the Parish of Tensas, State of Louisiana (the “Issuer”), desires to incur debt and issue not exceeding Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($280,000) of its Revenue Anticipation Notes (the “Notes”), for the purpose of paying current expenses of the Issuer for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 in anticipation of the revenues of the Issuer for such fiscal year, said Notes to mature not later than March 1, 2026, and to bear interest at a rate not to exceed 6.00% per annum; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer has determined that the aforesaid borrowing authorization does not exceed the estimated revenues of the Issuer for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Notes described above;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Police Jury of the Parish of Tensas (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of Tensas, State of Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of Notes. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding $280,000 of Revenue Anticipation Notes of the Issuer, at a rate or rates not exceeding 6.00% per annum, to mature not later than March 1, 2026, for the purpose of paying the costs of current expenses of the Issuer for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, said Notes to be secured by and payable from the revenues of the Issuer for such fiscal year.
SECTION 2. State Bond Commission. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Notes and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Notes as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the Governing Authority.
By virtue of Issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 3. Employment. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceeding’s incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney Generals fee guidelines for such bond counsel work and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus “out-of-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said Bonds. The President of the Governing Authority is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Governing Authority hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of the engagement letter of Bond Counsel appended hereto. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated without further approval of this Governing Authority.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote; the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS:Billy Joe Arceneaux, Terrence South, Clay Foster, Robert Clark, Bill Crigler, Alex Watson
NAYS: none
ABSENT: Bubba Rushing
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 26th day of November, 2024.
/s/ Pauline Doyle
Secretary-Treasurer
/s/ Robert Rushing
President
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to advertise bids for trash pickup services FY 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to advertise bids for a grant writer administrator FY 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to set the Christmas Holiday (December 24 & 25, 2024) and New Year Holiday (December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025). Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Robert Clark, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to cancel the regular meeting scheduled for December 24, 2024. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to enter into executive session. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Robert Clark, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to exit executive session. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to give all employees a $1.00 per hour raise effective January 1, 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Robert Clark, it was unanimously agreed to allocate $20,643.23 for gravel and $8000.00 for recreation parks from the ARPA funds. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Clay Foster, it was unanimously agreed to approve the absence of Terrence South from the regular meeting held on November 12, 2024. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to adjourn. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
12/18
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Tensas Parish Police Jury will hold their regular scheduled meeting on January 14, 2025 and January 28, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Tensas Parish Governmental Complex Building, Tensas Parish Police Jury Meeting Room, 212 Hancock Street, Saint Joseph, LA 71366. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Tensas Parish Police Jury should contact Pauline Doyle at 318 766-3542 or by email paulinedoyle@tppj.org or by TTY 1-800-845-5277 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. If further information is required or needed please contact the above person.
This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
12/18
PUBLIC NOTICE – Request for Qualifications and Rates
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
The Tensas Parish Police Jury is seeking a qualified ACCOUNTING FIRM to assist with its annual financial audit.
Submittals will include a cover letter, your firm’s qualifications pertaining to accounting services, and an itemized rate schedule for the services listed below. (Please limit response to no more than 10-pages).
Submittals must demonstrate experience with internal control over financial reporting, and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Experience must include relevant experience of the overall Firm and specific experience and names of the full-time personnel that may be working with this contract.
Submittals will include at least three (3) references from work performed in the State of Louisiana within the last five years in financial auditing services. Reference must include the following information: a) Name of Business (Entity) and contact information; b) Services provided; c) Years of service.
Please submit your Qualifications and Rates to Pauline Doyle, Secretary/Treasurer via email at paulinedoyle@tppj.org no later than 4 pm on January 9, 2025. Questions should also be sent to Pauline Doyle via email.
Tensas Parish reserves the right to reject all of the submittals in response to this Request.
12/18, 12/25, 1/1
ORDINANCE
BY BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE TOWN
OF SAINT JOSEPH
STATE OF LOUISIANA, PARISH OF TENSAS
ORDINANCE 24-2-1126
An Ordinance for the Village of St. Joseph, Louisiana, to Combine Utility Accounts
WHEREAS, the Village of St. Joseph recognizes the need for efficient management of utility services; and
WHEREAS, combining utility accounts can streamline billing processes and improve customer service; and
WHEREAS, the Village seeks to implement a policy that allows for the combination of utility accounts under certain conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF ST. JOSEPH, LOUISIANA:
1. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and publication as required by law.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the foregoing ordinance was read in full and the ordinance was adopted.
CERTIFICATE
I, Heather Richard, Clerk of the Village 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 26th 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 26 day of November 2024.
Heather Richard, Clerk
Approved _X__ Vetoed___
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
ADOPTED by the Village Council of St. Joseph on this 26 day of November, 2024.
12/4, 12/18, 12/25
ORDINANCE
BY BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE TOWN
OF SAINT JOSEPH
STATE OF LOUISIANA, PARISH OF TENSAS
ORDINANCE 24-1-1126
An Ordinance for the Village of St. Joseph, Louisiana, Adopting Policies for Blighted Properties Under the International Property Maintenance Code.
WHEREAS, the Village of St. Joseph recognizes the need to ensure safe, sanitary, and healthy living conditions for its residents; and
WHEREAS, the presence of blighted properties within the village poses a threat to public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Village seeks to adopt policy for blighted properties under current International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as a regulatory framework to address and mitigate issues related to blighted properties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF ST. JOSEPH, LOUISIANA:
1. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and publication as required by law.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the foregoing ordinance was read in full, and the ordinance was adopted
CERTIFICATE
I, Heather Richard, Clerk of the Village 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 26th 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 26 day of November 2024.
Heather Richard, Clerk
Approved X Vetoed___
Matthew C. Alexander, Mayor
ADOPTED by the Village Council of St. Joseph on this 26 day of November, 2024.
12/4, 12/18, 12/25