Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 5:30 P.M.
598 Wood Street,
Richmond, LA 71282
Call to Order: Mayor Olga Foster Butler. Establish a quorum. Open with a silent prayer. Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Village Clerk Gen Ellis, Wastewater Tech. Carlton Whitaker
Guests: Mr. Jerry Bidleman V.P. of Reliant Water Technologies, Attorney Edwin Moberly, Derrick Heard Madison Parish Sheriff’s Department.
Motion to read the minutes from the previous meeting, Tuesday, November 16, 2021 was made by Councilman Margaret Leoty, seconded by Councilman Lamar Walters. Motion carried.
Motion to approve the Financial Statements as paid, for the month of November, 2021. (Including copies of the Credit Card statements starting with fiscal yr. July 2021 and copy of bill from Attorney David Doughty as per request from Councilman Margaret Leoty). After a discussion the motion was made by Councilman Walter Cobb, seconded by Councilman Margaret Leoty. Motion carried.
Old Business:
American Flo Excel/PAAC. A motion to not renew the one (1) year agreement with American Flo Excel and PAAC; to terminate on 1/5/2022, with motion open, Councilman Margaret Leoty made this statement. “This motion was not necessary. A letter was sent to Mayor Olga Butler on Nov. 1, 2021, one month in advance, notifying the Village of Richmond that Flo Excel/PAAC WILL NOT seek renewal of the professional consulting agreement. It was requested to forward a copy to councilman & clerk. It was not forwarded as requested. At the meeting I informed the councilman and mayor that I had read a copy of the letter stating their request not to renew their contract and also spoken with ea one individually & they stated they were NOT interested in renewing their contract with VR.” Mayor Butler in shock stated that the Village of Richmond had not received a letter from American Flo Excel/PAAC, she asked the Clerk who also said “No letter or email was received in this office. “ Motion was continued by Councilman Walter Cobb, seconded by Councilman Lamar Walters. Vote: Walter Cobb yea, Lamar Walters Yea, Margaret Leoty No vote.
Discussion and update of LGAP, Clerk Ellis, for the Councilman’s information: read a statement for update on LGAP from the Director, Local Government Assistance Office of Community Development, “The applications are not open at this time.”
American Rescue Plan Funds: Project planning comes first! Bids for Engineering have been completed. After a discussion by Mayor and Council, a motion to utilize a portion of funds from the American Rescue Plan, be used for aerators for the Oxidation Pond. Motion was made by Councilman Walter Cobb, seconded by Councilman Margaret Leoty. Motion carried. Bids for this project will be submitted by Engineer Chris Patrick of Volkert, Inc.
Mr. Jerry Bidleman, V.P. Reliant Water Technologies, spoke to the group explaining the freight, insurance and installation on the aerators that are under consideration.
Infrastructure Wish List, Rep. C. Travis Johnson. Mayor Butler informed the group that Representative C. Travis Johnson had contacted her requesting a Wish List to be completed and submitted by November 30, 2021, for the IIJA funding in the future, she responded with street repair, fire hydrants and possibly more items that may fall under the comprehensive plan.
New Business:
Attorney Edwin Moberly, made a report from the Madison Parish Police Jury.
Wastewater Report: Carlton Whitaker, reported the progress of the chlorination system permits, engineering specs and installation. Mr. Whitaker stated that according to the Attorney General’s office all residents are required to pay their sewer bills.
Councilmen’s Reports:
Lamar Walters: Councilman Walters reported the completion of ditch work and thanked everyone involved. There is more ditch work to be done, the Village of Richmond’s Excavator is in need of repair and is being addressed.
Margaret Leoty Councilman reported that she had contacted the water company regarding the water leak on Marianna /Burnside Dr & requested the area be secured with caution tape due to the erosion from the leak. Mr. Carlton Whitaker reported he is working with the water company to have the leak repaired.
Councilman Leoty reported she contacted State Rep. Travis Johnson to request funding from the Infrastructure Relief Act for repairing the streets in Soya Subdivision which includes Marianna, Belle Lane, Lois Lane & Traci Dr. Councilman Lamar Walters also voiced his concerns to request funding to repair streets.
Councilman Leoty updated the council and mayor regarding the CWEF grant submitted by the Police Jury to assist Village of Richmond with water lines and a fire hydrant needed in Soya Subdivision.
Walter Cobb: Councilman Cobb reported that the Excavator needed repair, he has contacted the company it was purchased from and they sent him a work order estimate, after a discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Lamar Walters, seconded by Councilman Walter Cobb to have the much-needed Excavator repaired. Motion Carried.
The NEXT regularly scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Village of Richmond will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 5:30 P.M. at 598 Wood Street, Richmond, LA 71282.
Mayor Olga Foster Butler
Genevieve Ellis
Village Clerk
