Tallulah, Louisiana
June 12, 2023
The Madison Parish Police Jury met in regular session and convened at the Courthouse Building, Tallulah, Louisiana on Monday, June 12, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
President Sanders called the meeting to order and Juror Hughes gave the invocation. The roll call followed the announcement of a quorum. The following members were present at roll call:
District 1 Jerry Hicks
District 2 Stanley Ogden
District 3 Dave Wilson
District 4 Johnny Hughes
District 5 Jane Sanders
Visitors: R. L. Frazier, C. Norris, J. Sims, B. Bell, P. Walker
The President requested a motion to amend the agenda to add the port Commission. Mr. Ogden offered the motion, seconded by Mr. Wilson. No discussion. Motion carried.
A Public Comments Period held at the beginning of the meeting to allow for comments on agenda items received no comments.
President Sanders requested the approval of the Consent Agenda (approval of May 22nd minutes, May Building Report, Financial Activity Report, Garbage/Sewer Report, and the Outstanding Invoice Report). A motion was made by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hicks to approve the consent agenda. No further discussion. Motion passed.
Mayor Walker of the Village of Richmond was allowed to come forward during the president’s report to discuss clearing some trees that are in the Parish’s drainage ditch. He proposed the expense of the removal of the trees to be shared equally between the Village of Richmond and the Parish. Mr. Hughes offered a motion to share the cost, the Parish pay $1,200.00 and Richmond pay $1,500.00 for the removal of the trees. A roll call vote resulted in the following:
District 1 yes
District 2 yes
District 3 yes
District 4 yes
District 5 yes
No further discussion. Motion carried.
Mr. Ogden offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Hicks, to approve the request to pay outstanding invoices with available funds or as funds become available. No further discussion. Motion passed.
The Secretary informed the jurors that the Regional Administrator of the Office of Public Health requested pay raises for the WIC Coordinator and the Janitor/Van Driver to $18.32 and $14.35 respectively. Following discussion, Mr. Hicks offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Hicks to approve the request. Motion carried.
Following discussion of the next meeting date, it was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Monday, July 10th at 4:00 p.m., unless there was an emergency meeting needed. A roll call vote resulted in the following:
District 1 yes
District 2 yes
District 3 yes
District 4 yes
District 5 yes
No further discussion. Motion carried.
A discussion of health insurance benefits resulted in the decision to pay 50% of the current monthly Blue Cross premium to individuals who elected a carrier other than Blue Cross. Mr. Hicks offered the motion, seconded by Mr. Wilson. No further discussion. Motion carried.
Each juror gave a report of concerns in their district.
Mr. R. L. Frazier appeared before the jurors to respond to a request for information regarding chemical licensing for spraying by employees. A commercial applicator’s license would be required. This would entail two tests, a general standard (free) and an aquatic or right-a-way test ($50 each). In addition, $100 to send test results to Baton Rouge.
Mr. Hicks offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Wilson, to authorize the President, to sign the MOU related to the Opioid Abatement Settlement. No further discussion. Motion carried.
Mr. Ogden offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Hicks, to approve the Tax Roll Status Report as of May 31, 2023 stating that there were no taxes to be collected for Tax Year 2022. No further discussion. Motion carried.
Mr. Hughes offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Hicks, to acknowledge July 3, 2023 as a legal state holiday as proclaimed by Governor Edwards. No further discussion. Motion carried.
Mr. Ogden offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Hicks, to approve a request by Natalie Elmore to acquire a Sales Tax Certificate and an Occupational License for a new business, Parish Pottery and Plants. No further discussion. Motion carried.
A letter of resignation from Harold Allen, a Port Commissioner, was read. Mr. Ogden offered a motion to accept the resignation, seconded by Mr. Wilson. No further discussion. Motion carried.
During Public Comment, Miss J. Sims of LSU Ag Center spoke on pending projects and requested to be placed on the next Police Jury’s meeting.
Mr. Wilson offered a motion to adjourn.
/s/ Margarett Dew
Secretary/Treasurer /s/ Jane Sanders
President
