MINUTES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY
JULY 5, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vera Davison, Chairman; Jerri Lee, Vice Chairman; Daniel Thomas; Charles Odom; C.C. Cox; Jim Bonsall; and Charles Walker, President.
MEMBER ABSENT: Steve Lemmons
Ms. Vera Davison called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with prayer.
There being no items to add to the agenda, the first item on the agenda is Unit I Road Department employees. Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Mr. Daniel Thomas to promote Mr. Chris Dornan from the 11 month position to Truck Driver at salary scale 5-A at $8.81 per hour. This fills the position held by Mr. John Ashley who retired, and to hire Fernando Thornton, 11 month position at salary scale 3-A $7.99 per hour. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the American Legion, the City of Minden, and the Police Jury to demolish the Boy Scout Hut located behind the American Legion hall. The property is adjacent to the Police Jury property (Regions’ Bank) and has become blighted and could pose a danger. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Jerri Lee and Ms. Vera Davison discussed with the committee ideas for getting the word out concerning the upcoming proposition on the November ballot that addresses the reallocation of Severance Tax monies back into the parishes from which the minerals are harvested.
Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to draw up a resolution explaining the Severance Tax proposition and requesting the adoption of the resolution by all elected officials, municipality councils, School Board, etc of Webster Parish. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Walker expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Lee and Ms. Davison for their work on the Severance Tax Proposition.
There being no further business to bring before the committee, the meeting adjourned.
Ronda C. Carnahan Vera Davison
Secretary-Treasurer Chairman
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MINUTES OF THE ROAD COMMITTEE MEETING
WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY
JULY 6, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Ramsey, Chairman; Charles Walker, Jerri Lee, Steve Duggan, Vera Davison, Daniel Thomas, Bruce Blanton, Charles Odom, Jim Bonsall, C. C. Cox, and Jimmy Thomas.
MEMBER ABSENT: Steve Lemmons
Mr. Steve Ramsey called the meeting of the Road Committee to order, and asked for additions to the agenda.
Mr. C. C. Cox moved, seconded by Mr. Charles Walker to add to the agenda the following: 4. Parish Barn in Heflin; 5. Langley Road; and 6. Shongaloo High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to clean the ditch located off of White Perch Road, private property, to drain water from road ditch- natural drain. The paperwork is completed for access of private property. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Charles Walker moved, seconded by Mr. Daniel Thomas to clean ditch located off of Pine Drive, private property, to drain water from road ditch- natural drain. The paperwork is completed for access of private property. Motion carried unanimously.
There was discussion of routine maintenance of Landfill Road.
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Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Mr. Jim Bonsall to draw up a use agreement for the Heflin property that once housed the Parish Barn in Heflin contingent upon legal review. Motion carried unanimously.
There was discussion concerning damage to Langley Road.
There was discussion concerning work requested at Shongaloo High School. Teddy will get estimates.
Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to add to the agenda Parish Road Names. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. John Stanley gave an update on the on the new mapping system that is being implemented through the Office of Homeland Security. Mr. Daniel Thomas requested that a letter be sent out to all agencies of the Parish, E-911, the Sheriff, Assessor, Municipalities, etc, informing them of the start-up date for the new mapping system and assurance that all agencies of the parish will be uniform in the using of the new map and to request that all incorrect information is deleted from parish web sites.
There being no further business to bring before the Committee, the meeting adjourned.
Ronda C. Carnahan Steve Ramsey
Secretary-Treasurer Chairman – Road
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY
July 6, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Walker, President; Vera Davison, Vice President; Jim Bonsall; Jerri Lee; Steve Duggan; Daniel Thomas; Bruce Blanton; C. C. Cox; Steve Ramsey; Jimmy Thomas; Charles Odom.
MEMBER ABSENT: Steve Lemmons
The PUBLIC HEARING to hear comments concerning condemnation will be heard later in the meeting.
The PUBLIC HEARING to hear comments concerning the abandonment of Waldron Road located off of the Wiley Webb Road NE of Blue Run Road will be hear later in the meeting.
Mr. Charles Walker called the meeting to order. COL Carl Thompson opened the meeting with Prayer and Mr. C. C. Cox led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no items to add to the agenda.
Mr. Bruce Blanton moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to adopt the minutes of the June 1, 2010 Finance Committee Meeting, the Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting, the Road Committee Meeting, and the June 1, 2010 Regular Meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Steve Duggan to approve invoices for payment pending review of the committee. Motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is Employee Retirement Recognition. Mr. Trevor Ray Jernigan, retired from Unit I Road Department with 16 years of service, he was not able to be at the meeting to accept his plaque. Mr. John Ashley retired from Unit I Road Department with 34 years of service. Mr. Charles Walker presented Mr. Ashley with a plaque of recognition.
Ms. Amanda Cartmill with the Trailblazer RC&D Entrepreneurial Training Program presented information concerning Small Business assistance.
A Resolution will be drafted endorsing action by the state concerning Bayou Dorcheat. Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Jim Bonsall for the Webster Parish Police Jury to urge and request the Attorney General and the Governor to file declaratory judgment action to determine the navigability of Bayou Dorcheat. Motion carried unanimously.
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Mr. Jim Bonsall moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to hold a Public Hearing to hear comments concerning the adoption of WPPJ Ordinance # 994 – Commercial Vehicle Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING – Waldron Road
To hear comments concerning the abandonment of Waldron Road located in the SE/4 of NE/4 and NE/4 of SE/4 Section 4-20-9 and a parcel located in the W/2 of Section 3-20-9; the road is located off of the Wiley Webb Road north east of Blue Run Road.
Mr. Walker called the Public Hearing to order and asked if anyone from the audience had comments concerning the abandonment. Mr. Samuel Guthery stated that he was representing landowners Mildred Adcock and Trey Allen . Mr. Guthery stated that he opposed the abandonment of the Waldron Road and the gate that had been erected at the turn from Wiley Webb Road.
Mr. Robert Garland, representing Trey Allen and Adkin Blackwell, also opposed the abandonment and gate.
Mr. H. Scott Thornton was asked did he install the gate at the road and he responded that he did. Mr. Thornton stated that he had taken down the gate, but the posts are still in the right of way. He was instructed to remove the post and the Police Jury would inspect to be sure that they had been removed and no obstruction remained that could cause danger during right of way cutting.
Mr. Walker announced that the Webster Parish Police Jury is now out of the Public Hearing relative to the Waldron Road.
There was no action taken on the Waldron Road.
PUBLIC HEARING- Condemnation of property located at 1664 Fuller Road.
To hear comments concerning the condemning or order to demolish, remove or secure the mobile home located on property assessed to Frank and Cecile Stone and occupied by Betty M. Johnson, located at 1664 Fuller Road, Minden, LA 71055.
Mr. Walker called the Public Hearing to order turned the proceedings over to Ret. Judge Graydon Kitchens, Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office; and to Mr. Henry Bernstein, Representative of the Parish Attorney. (A copy of the audio transcript of the proceeding is on file in the Webster Parish Police Jury Office.) Witnesses that were called to testify were:
Alec Hale, Pafford Ambulance; Troy Sevelle, Pafford Ambulance; Deputy Don Willis, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office; Carnie Berchan, LA Agriculture/Criminal Investigation; Glenda Lewis, Deputy Coroner Webster Parish; Pete Colvin, Webster Parish Asst. Public Works Director/Permit Officer.
Witnesses from the audience: Mrs. Cheryl McGee, daughter of Mrs. Betty Johnson; Cecile Stone and Frank Stone, daughter and son-in-law of Mrs. Betty Johnson.
Mr. Walker announced that the Webster Parish Police Jury is now out of the Public Hearing relative to the condemnation of the residence located at 1664 Fuller Road.
Mr. Charles Walker spoke to the audience and the Jury and stated that the Jury only wants to do what is in the best interest of the Parish, other agencies, citizens of the Parish, and the Johnson family. Mr. Walker then asked Mr. Charles Odom, Chairman of the Environmental Committee for his comments.
Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Mr. Daniel Thomas to not allow inhabitation of the residence, mobile home, located at 1664 Fuller Road, Minden, Louisiana which is located on property owned by Frank and Cecile Stone, but is assessed to Mrs. Betty M. Johnson (WP parcel # 130132- Webster Parish Assessor). To allow the family of Mrs. Johnson until September 1, 2010 to assess the damages and to make repairs to the mobile home that will alleviate the toxic levels of ammonia gas inside the residence. Before anyone is allowed to enter the residence, a statement must be signed that will hold the Webster Parish Police Jury harmless from all liability issues by anyone that enters the mobile home located at 1664 Fuller road. All Hazardous Materials issues must be addressed prior to the mobile home being moved by the family. The Webster parish Police Jury representatives, and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Haz Mat team will inspect the dwelling by the September 1, 2010 and present a report to the Police Jury at the September 7, 2010 Webster Parish Police Jury Regular Meeting.
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MONTHLY REPORTS:
Beverly Hammett WP Library
Lynn Warnock Dorsey WP Tourism
COL Carl Thompson Camp Minden, LA Military
John Stanley WPPJ Office of Homeland Security
Mike Moore Minden, South Webster Chamber of Commerce
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Steve Ramsey moved, seconded by Mr. C. C. Cox to approve the action of the Road Committee Meeting held earlier today. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Vera Davison moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to approve the action of the Administrative Committee Meeting held earlier today. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Jim Bonsall thanked all for the support after his accident.
There being no further business to bring before the Jury, the meeting adjourned.
Ronda C. Carnahan Charles R. Walker
Secretary-Treasurer President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF WEBSTER
ADOPTED:
WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY
ORDINANCE NO. __994__
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE WEBSTER PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING ARTICLE III "COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT", AND PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REASONABLE AND UNIFORM SUPPLEMENTAL ROAD AND BRIDGE USE REGULATIONS FOR THE PARISH OF WEBSTER; AND FINES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
WHEREAS, the growth and volume of heavy industrial uses and other uses of the public road and bridge system in the Parish of Webster (the "System") is hereby declared to possess such importance to the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the Parish of Webster that the establishment of reasonable and uniform supplemental road and bridge use regulations is essential in order to avoid the creation of hazards in the System, and to protect the long term investment of Parish tax dollars in its Roads and Bridges; and
WHEREAS, these regulations are intended to coexist -without conflict with either state regulation and laws, any legal responsibilities of local governments under relevant state and federal laws, any federal statutes or regulations, or with other local regulations which already may address any subject matter of this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Parish has 'discovered that this increased volume of heavy industrial uses of the System has caused significant damage, and costs Webster Parish millions of dollars in lost intended wear life and actual destruction to the System; and
WHEREAS, various studies have shown, including studies by the U.S. Department of Transportation and various state governments of transportation, that a commercial motor vehicle weight enforcement program helps avoid pavement damage from overweight vehicles.
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Transportation has adopted a civil fine schedule for overweight traffic on roads designed to measure and compensate the State for overweight offenders damage to its own road and bridge systems; and
-WHEREAS, the Parish of Webster intends to adopt the same civil fine schedule of the Louisiana Department of Transportation to attempt to recoup the loss to the public fisc by the operation of the over-weight traffic on the System;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Police Jury of the Parish of Webster that Chapter 15 of the Webster Parish Code of Ordinances be and is hereby amended to add Article III "Commercial Vehicle Enforcement" and the following road and bridge use regulations are adopted for the Parish of Webster:
a) AXLE: A beam with a spindle or spindles about which wheels rotate.
b) AXLE GROUP: A combination of two or more consecutive axles considered together in determining their combined load effect on, a highway (such as tandem, tridum, or quadrum axle groups).
c) BOOSTER: A mechanism which attaches additional axles to the rear of a trailer. The trailer to booster connection may rely on mechanical, air (or other gas), or hydraulic means to provide load transfer. Generally designed to provide axle spacing between groups of a minimum of ten (10) feet bridge or greater. (Also called axle extensions or stingers.)
d) CONVERTER DOLLY: An auxiliary undercarriage assembly consisting of a chassis, fifth wheel and-tow bar used to convert a semitrailer to a full trailer. (No load distribution occurs between dolly & power unit.)
e) DECK: The load carrying area on a platform, lowbed or chassis-type trailer can be flat level, drop side, recessed well (transformer) or beam design.
f) DESTINATION: The location at which a vehicle subject to this ordinance delivers all or part of its load, the location at which that vehicle departs a public road to deliver all or part of its load, or the location at which that vehicle leaves Webster Parish. The location is specified by a street address corresponding to the addresses assigned by the Webster Parish Communications District (“911” District).
g) DOLLY, JEEP: A short frame-type trailer complete with upper coupler, fifth wheel and undercarriage assembly and designed in such a manner that when coupled to a semi-trailer and tractor it carries a portion of the trailer kingpin load while transferring the remainder to the tractor fifth wheel. (Also called joe dog or a load divider dolly; usually as a sliding fifth wheel or a fixed. fifth wheel for the trailer to couple with.)
h) DESIGNATED TRUCK ROUTES (National Network-NN): Highways designated by the Secretary of the Department in accordance with the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 that includes provisions for truck-semi trailer-trailer combinations and maximum vehicle width of eight feet six inches.
i) DOMICILE: The fixed, permanent and principal residence for legal purposes.
j) DROMEDARY UNIT: A load carrying compartment on a truck-tractor located between the cab and fifth wheel.
k) DUMMY AXLE: A single axle attached independently to the frame of a vehicle and so designed and placed as to indicate the appearance of and to carry a uniformly distributed load of a normal axle group.
l) ENVELOPE VEHICLE: A track/semi-trailer combination or truck tractor/manufactured housing combination that does not exceed the size and weight limits specified by the Webster Parish Police Jury.
m) GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR): The maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded.
n) GROSS WEIGHT (GW): The weight of a vehicle and/or combination of vehicles plus the weight of any thereon.
o) HIGH VOLUME HEAVY VEHICLE LOCATION: Any location which is the origin or destination of a vehicle or vehicles which require an overweight or oversize permit and which location is the origin or destination for ten (10) or more trips or loads within a twelve (12) month period.
p) INDIVIDUAL AXLE: Any of the two, three, or four axles which make up the tandem, tridum, or quadrum axle groups.
q) INTERSTATE HAULING: Vehicle movement between or through two or more jurisdictions.
r) INTRASTATE HAULING: Movement of a vehicle from one point within a jurisdiction to another point within the same jurisdiction, regardless of routes traversed.
s) JEEP: A short frame-type trailer complete with upper coupler, fifth wheel and undercarriage assembly and designed in such a manner that when coupled to a semi-trailer and tractor it carries a portion of the trailer kingpin load while transferring the remainder to the tractor fifth wheel. (Also called joe dog or a load divider dolly; usually as a sliding fifth wheel or a fixed fifth wheel for the trailer to couple with.)
t) LENGTH: The total longitudinal dimension of a single vehicle, a trailer, or a semi-trailer. Length of a trailer or semi-trailer is measured from the point of the cargo-carrying unit to its rear and includes load-holding devices thereon.
u) MOBILE HOME: (a) A trailer or semi-trailer which is designed, constructed and equipped as a dwelling place, living abode or sleeping place, either permanently or temporarily, and is equipped for use as a conveyance on highways: or (b) A trailer or semi-trailer whose chassis and exterior shell is designed and constructed for use as a mobile home, as defined in (a), but which is used instead permanently or temporarily for the advertising, sales, display or promotion of merchandise or services, or for any other commercial purpose except the transportation of property for hire or the transportation of property for distribution by a private carrier.
v) ORIGIN: The location at which a vehicle subject to this ordinance loads all or part of its load, the location at which that vehicle enters a public road to transport all or part of its load, or the location at which that vehicle enters Webster Parish. The location is specified by a street address corresponding to the addresses assigned by the Webster Parish Communications District (“911” District).
w) QUADRUM AXLE: Any four consecutive axles whose centers are 40 or more inches but not more than 96 inches apart. A quadrum axle must be designed to equalize the load between the axles.
x) SINGLE AXLE: Any single axle or any assembly of two or more axles whose containers are less than 40 inches apart.
y) SEMI-TRAILER: Any single vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property and passengers and so designed in conjunction and used with a motor vehicle that some part of its weight and that of its own load rests or is carried by another vehicle and having one or more load-carrying axles.
z) STINGER-STEERED COMBINATION: A truck tractor semi trailer wherein the fifth, wheel is located on a drop frame located behind and below the rear-most axles of the power unit.
aa) TANDEM AXLE: Any two consecutive axles whose centers are 40 or more inches but not more than 96 inches apart. A tandem axle must be designed to equalize the load between the axles.
bb)TRIDUM AXLE: Any three consecutive axles whose centers are 40 or more inches but not more than 96 inches apart. A tridum axle must be designed to equalize the load between the axles.
cc) TRAILER: Any single vehicle -without motive power designed for carrying property and passengers wholly on its own structure, drawn by a motor vehicle, which carries no part_ of the weight and load of the trailer on its own wheels, and having two or more load carrying axles.
dd)TRAILER DOLLY: An auxiliary undercarriage assembly consisting of a chassis, fifth wheel and tow bar used to convert semi-trailer to a full trailer.
ee) TRAILER, DROP CENTER (DOUBLE DROP): A trailer design employing an offset or drop in the cargo deck immediately behind the supports and another immediately in front of the suspension, the purpose of which is to lower the cargo deck and/or to provide the greatest height possible for the cargo in the dropped area.
ff) TRAILER, DROP FRAME: A trailer design employing one offset or drop in the cargo deck immediately behind the supports. (Also called a single drop trailer.)
gg) TRUNION AXLE: An axle configuration with two individual axles mounted in the same transverse plane, with four tires on each axle, connected at a pivot which allows each individual axle to oscillate in a vertical plane to provide constant and equal weight distribution on each individual axle.
hh)TRUNION AXLE GROUP: Two or more consecutive trunion axles, which are individually attached to, and/or articulated, from the vehicle by a weight equalizing suspension system.
ii) VARIABLE LOAD SUSPENSION AXLES: Axles which can be regulated by the driver of the vehicle either through the use of an in—cab valve or switch or by turning a valve on the outside of the track. These axles are controlled by hydraulic and air suspension systems, mechanically, or by a combination of these methods.
jj) VEHICLE: Any device by which a person or things may be transported upon a public highway or bridge. A trailer or semi-trailer shall be a separate vehicle.
kk)WIDTH: The total outside transverse dimension of a vehicle including any load or load holding devices thereon, but, excluding approved safety devices and tire bulge due to load.
- The width of any vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location shall not exceed 102 inches, exclusive of safety devices.
- The load of any vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location shall not project more than 12 inches beyond the width of the vehicle.
The height of any vehicle and its load whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location shall not exceed 13 feet 6 inches on the roadways maintained by Webster Parish. Vehicles operating exclusively on the Interstate (due to their configuration) will have a one-road mile exclusionary zone from the Interstate to allow for access to terminals, facilities for food, fuel repairs and rest.
A. On roadways maintained by Webster Parish the length of a single vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location shall not exceed 45 feet. The length of the semi trailer portion of a tractor-semi trailer combination shall not exceed 59 feet 6 inches. The length for specialized hauling equipment (car haulers, boat haulers, dromedary units) is 75 feet non-inclusive of a 3-foot front overhang and a 4-foot rear overhang.
B. The load carried by a combination of vehicles transporting poles and piling or forest products in their natural state shall not exceed 65 feet plus 1 foot for slippage of cargo. These loads may operate during daylight hours with 20 foot rear overhang plus 1 foot for slippage and two red flags (1 foot by 1 foot) posted on rearmost portion of load, indicating both the width and length of the load; and at night with 15 foot rear overhang plus 1 foot for slippage and a single steady burning red lamp posted at rearmost portion of load. These loads must maintain a 2-foot clearance above the pavement structure. Daylight shall be defined as the period from thirty minutes after sunrise until thirty minutes before sunset.
C. The load upon any single vehicle or upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not project more than 4 feet beyond the foremost part of said vehicle and the load upon the rear of any single vehicle or upon the rearmost part of a combination of vehicles shall not project more than 8 feet beyond rearmost portion of vehicle (excluding forest products). Equipment that is more than 6 feet off of pavement surface is not considered overhang when it is to the foremost part of vehicle.
D. No combination of commercial motor vehicles operated on Webster Parish roadways shall consist of more than 2 vehicles.
A. The load on a vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location shall not drop, sift, leak, or otherwise escape from the vehicle in any manner.
B. Cargo securement is product specific and will be secured accordingly.
C. All loose material will be covered with a tarp that does not allow the load to spill or drop from the vehicle. This includes dirt, sand, gravel, nails, or other material that is capable of blowing or spilling from a vehicle as a result of movement or exposure to air, wind currents, or weather, but shall not include agricultural products in their natural state or wood chips.
Draw bars and other connections must be strong enough to pull all the towed weight, must be maintained properly, and shall not exceed 15 feet in length.
A. Farm and agricultural vehicles, and equipment, except draglines, and bulldozers, being operated or transported for bona fide agricultural, agronomical, or horticultural purposes or the transportation of farm vehicles and equipment to be used for normal farm purposes by persons transporting such farm equipment, landscaping, hardware store delivery operations or any type of agronomical machinery, fertilizing tending units for a distance not to exceed 50 miles from point of origin, shall be exempted from Section 15-32 to Section 15-35.
B. Trailers and semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than twelve thousand pounds when owned and used by a retail business in this state and designed for the purpose of pick-up and delivery of new, used or repaired farm equipment for a distance not to exceed 50 miles from point of origin shall be exempt from Section 15-32.
C. Vehicles being operated to transport timber cutting or logging equipment from one job site to another and the equipment being transported, when the trailer upon which the equipment is being towed, is owned or leased by the same person, shall be exempt from Section 15-32 to Section 15-35.
D. Such farm vehicles and vehicles transporting cutting and logging equipment may use any Webster Parish road during the period from thirty minutes after sunrise until thirty minutes before sunset provided that such machinery or equipment shipped shall be equipped with front and rear reflector lights and with a blinking hazard light clearly visible from the front and rear during dusk/dawn and properly marked with flags during daylight
E. Tracks which transport seed cotton modules or cotton from the field to the gin, or cottonseed from the gin to the mill shall be exempt from Section 15-32 to Section 15-35.
F. The first violation of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $175.00. A subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.
SECTION 15-38. OPERATOR LICENSES
No person shall drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location upon any roadway within Webster Parish unless they have been issued the proper class CDL or Chauffeur's license for the vehicle driven required by the laws of this state. No company/person may allow any person to drive or operate any commercial motor vehicle owned or controlled by them upon the roadways of Webster Parish, unless or until such person has been issued the proper class CDL or Chauffeur's license to do so as required by the laws of this state.
SECTION 15-39. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
No person shall operate any commercial motor vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location unless he has been medically qualified and can produce proper and valid documentation to prove so. (Such as a medical card or long form).
SECTION 15-40. OPERATION OF UNSAFE VEHICLE
No person shall drive or move, nor cause or knowingly permit any vehicle or combination of vehicles owned or controlled by him to be driven or moved on any roadway of Webster Parish when that vehicle or vehicles’ origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location , at any time which is in an unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property, or which does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with such lamps, reflectors, clearance lamps, side marker lamps, head lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals, required auxiliary lighting, fire extinguishers, and emergency devices; and a properly operating brake system free of leaks, both visible and audible, and adjusted within normal limits set forth by the FMCSA and the CVSA, which are the accepted industry standards.
SECTION 15-41. MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION
No person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location upon Webster Parish roadways unless and until such vehicle or combination of vehicles has obtained a proper motor vehicle inspection certificate(s) and has proper and valid proof of inspection in his possession.
SECTION 15-42. MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
No person shall drive or operate a commercial motor vehicle whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location upon Webster Parish roadways unless it is properly registered in accordance with the State of Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle guidelines.
SECTION 15-43. OPERATION IN VIOLATION OF LIMITATIONS
No person shall drive or move any vehicle, nor cause or knowingly permit any vehicle owned or controlled by him to be driven or moved when that vehicle or vehicles origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location , on any roadway in Webster Parish, when such vehicle is of a size or weight exceeding the limitation set forth by the Webster Parish Police Jury.
SECTION 15-44. OPERATION IN VIOLATION OF POSTED LIMITATIONS.
A. No person shall operate, or knowingly permit to be operated on any roadway in Webster Parish, a vehicle or combination of vehicles, which by proper authority have been excluded from that roadway. Notice of such exclusion shall be conspicuously posted at the entrance of such roadway. This is to include any temporary restraining order set forth by the Parish Attorney.
SECTION 15-45. OPERATION CONTRARY TO DIRECTIONS OF AUTHORIZED OFFICERS OR INDIVIDUALS
A. No person shall fail to or refuse to comply with any lawful orders or directions of the Webster Parish Permit Enforcement Officer or other individual vested by law with the authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic; nor shall any person interfere with the duties of the Webster Parish Permit Enforcement Officer..
A. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the total gross weight of a type 6 vehicle is 80,000 lbs. The total gross weight for a type 8 vehicle is 88,000 lbs (this includes all type 8 vehicles and any tractor with 3 or more axles pulling a trailer with 3 or more axles that are all properly rated).
B. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, no tire mounted on any axle attached to any vehicle or combination of vehicles shall impose a greater weight on the surface of a roadway than 650 pounds per square inch. No tire shall exceed its manufacturers tire rating.
C. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the total gross weight of any single axle attached to any vehicle and equipped with low-pressure pneumatic tires shall not exceed 22,000 lbs.
D. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the total gross weight of any tandem axle attached to any vehicle and equipped with low-pressure pneumatic tires is 37,000 lbs.; however any vehicle carrying forest products in their natural state shall be given 40,000 lbs.
E. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the total gross weight for tridum axles attached to a vehicle and equipped -with low-pressure pneumatic tires is 45,000 lbs.
F. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the total gross weight for a quadrum axle attached to a vehicle equipped with low-pressure tires is 55,000 lbs.
G. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the total gross weight for a 5-axle group attached to a vehicle equipped with low-pressure tires is 61,000 lbs.
H. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, the gross steering axle gross weight of any vehicle shall be determined by the size of the tire. It shall not exceed 22,000 lbs.
I. For vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location, reasonable distribution of axle weight on tandem, tridum, quadrum, and other axle groups shall be required as follows:
1. Tandem axle: a tandem axle group is properly distributed if neither of the axles carries more than 21,500 lbs.
2. Tridum axle: a tridum axle group is properly distributed if none of the individual axles carries more than. 17,000 lbs.
3. Quadrum axles: a quadrum axle group is properly distributed if none of the individual axles carries more than 15,500 lbs.
4. Those vehicles and loads with permits that exceed the legal axle weight must comply with the axle weight distribution described in the overweight permit procedures.
5. The regulator that controls the pressure for these axles must be mounted outside the cab. The only control that may be in the cab is that which is necessary to activate the system (raise and lower the axle).
J. When the Webster Parish Police Jury deems it necessary by reason of the condition of the weather, the physical condition of any Webster Parish roadway or its recent construction, or the making of repairs to a roadway, it may prohibit the use of such a highway or specific lesser gross weights than those fixed in this section pursuant to the recommendations of the Parish Engineer or Public Works Director of the Webster Parish Police Jury for such time as is reasonably necessary to remedy the situation. The Parish Engineer or Public Works Director is authorized to take such action in order to protect the public roadways and the persons and property of the traveling public from unnecessary damage. Notice of such restrictions, prohibitions, or weight reductions shall given by the Webster Parish Police Jury by proper posting of signs at the limits of the affected portion of the roadway. These roadways and bridges will be posted with regulatory weight limit signs (black lettering on a white background.). Violation tickets will be issued for vehicles crossing these bridges in excess of the posted weight limit. Neither the Parish of Webster nor the Webster Parish Police Jury shall incur any liability from injury or property damage caused by the crossing of a posted bridge or travel on a roadway with a load/vehicle in excess of posted or advisory (black lettering on a yellow background) weight limits.
A. No vehicle or combination of vehicles which does not meet the requirements of Section 15-32 to Section 15-37 and Section 15-46 shall use the public roadways for travel to or from a high volume heavy load location within Webster Parish without first obtaining a special permit from the Webster Parish Police Jury. The special permit herein provided shall be issued at the discretion of the Webster Parish Police Jury. The Police Jury delegates that discretion to the Secretary-Treasurer and authorizes the Secretary-Treasurer to delegate that authority. Any special permit shall be carried with the vehicle using the same and shall be available for inspection by the proper authorities. The penalty for failure to obtain or possess required special permits of not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00.
B. The Webster Parish Police Jury may adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of this section relating to special permits.
C. The Webster Parish Police Jury may issue a special permit for the operation of vehicles or combination of vehicles whose origin or destination is a high volume heavy load location when such vehicles have dimensions or weight in excess of the limits imposed by Section 15-32 to Section 15-34 if the shipment is not readily divided, broken, or dismantled, or the operation of such vehicle is otherwise prohibited by law. If the parts which have been divided, broken, or dismantled from the shipment weigh in the aggregate weight of five hundred pounds or less, then the shipment shall be considered as indivisible. If any parts remain with the shipment and weight more than five hundred pounds, the load shall be considered as divisible and no special permit shall be granted and any existing special permit shall be deemed void. In the exercise of their discretion, the Webster Parish Police Jury shall consider the following factors, as well as any other circumstance existing in the particular case:
6. There is a vital and exceptional economic necessity therefore.
7. The existence of a real necessity of transportation by Parish roadways.
8. The Webster Parish Police Jury considers the best interest of Webster Parish, the Webster Parish Roadways system, and the citizens of Webster Parish and their property during the issuance of the permit.
D. When an application for a special permit is made, the Webster Parish Police Jury may require the special permit applicant to supply any information the Webster Parish Police Jury deems necessary for the protection of the interests of Webster Parish, the Webster Parish roadway system, and the public.
E. The Webster Parish Police Jury may impose conditions upon the issuance of special permits and may also impose requirements upon its use, including but not restricted to the use of additional axles so as to require that the axle weight conform as close as possible to the weight provided for in Section 15-38; the routing over the roadways of the shipment under special permit; the date, time of day, the speed limit; the furnishing of a certificate of insurance showing that Webster Parish and the Webster Parish Police Jury have been added as insureds under the applicant’s liability insurance to protect Webster Parish, the Webster Parish Police Jury, and all political corporations and subdivisions of Webster Parish from all liability and damage resulting from the use of such permit. The permittee accepts and uses the special permit at his or her own risk, regardless of whether all instructions, directions and requirements of the Webster Parish Police Jury have been followed. Neither the Parish of Webster nor the Webster Parish Police Jury or its employees shall incur any liability of any nature from the use of a special permit. The accompaniment of the vehicle and shipment by proper escort, at the expense of the permittee, and such other conditions or requirements as the Webster Parish Police Jury deems necessary and proper. When police vehicles are required as a proper escort, there shall be a charge for the use thereof. Such charges shall be based on the mileage of the escort with a minimum charge of twenty-five dollars.
F. No overweight permit shall be issued until the permittee, permittee’s owner, or permittee’s principal (in the case of a contractor) furnishes a bond in favor of the Webster Parish Police Jury guaranteeing that any damage caused by the movement of the overweight load to the roads of Webster Parish shall be repaired or rehabilitated at the cost of the permittee, permittee’s owner, or permittee’s principal. If that damage is not repaired or rehabilitated at the cost of permittee, its owner, or principal, then the surety shall indemnify the Webster Parish Police Jury for all costs of repair or rehabilitation of the roadway caused by the movement of the overweight load.
G. The amount of the bond required for the issuance of a special or annual overweight permit shall be determined by the product of the total miles of movement over Webster Parish roads by the load multiplied by the number of trips or loads multiplied by ______________________ Dollars per mile. The miles of movement shall be determined to the tenth of a mile.
H. An overweight special permit shall be issued for the gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles. Vehicles must be registered for the maximum allowable licensed weight in order to obtain an overweight special permit.
I. Special permits must be obtained before movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle or load begins or before the vehicle enters upon the roadways of Webster Parish. Movement of overweight permit loads onto a road or bridge with a posted weight limit shall be considered on an individual basis. Inquiries should be directed to the Webster Parish Police Jury well in advance of the movement as it may require analysis from the Webster Parish Police Jury Public Works Department and adequate time should be allowed for this analysis. The permitee shall pay any cost incurred for the analysis.
J. The Webster Parish Police Jury may establish and collect reasonable fees for each special permit issued. Permit fees shall be uniform for each classification of vehicle and/or purpose for which issued. All funds collected shall be deposited into an account designated by the Webster Parish Police Jury following their collection.
B. The Webster Parish Police Jury may issue an annual permit for the operation of those vehicles which would require a permit under Section 15-47, i.e., those vehicles which do not meet the requirements of Section 15-32 through Section 15-37 and Section 15-46. The annual permit is to be issued under the same requirements and provisions as a special permit under Section 15-47, including but not limited to Paragraphs F and G of Section 15-47.
C. The Webster Parish Police Jury may adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of this section relating to annual permits.
D. Annual Overweight Permit for Machinery/Heavy Equipment ($1,500.00 per year) The Webster Parish Police jury may issue special permits upon application and payment of fees by the owner or operator of any vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting heavy equipment with a gross vehicle weight not to exceed 120,000 lbs. Oversize dimensions not exceeding 14 feet 4 inches in height, 12 feet 0 inches in width, 90 feet 0 inches in length and a rear overhang of 25 feet 0 inches shall be included in the cost of the permit. Loads with dimensions exceeding the parameters of this permit must obtain a separate oversize/overweight permit. Vehicles using this permit are prohibited from crossing bridges with a posted weight limit and from travel in restricted construction zones. Vertical clearances will be the responsibility of the permitee. This is a calendar year permit and it expires each year on December 31. The permit will be issued for the pulling unit and is non-transferable and non-refundable. Loads with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 108,000 lbs are required to have a combination of at least 6 axles. Vehicles with a valid permit are not prohibited from traveling at night, during moderate rain, or on holidays if the width and length are legal. The issuance of this permit requires a signed agreement, an application from the company, power of attorney giving authority to a person to execute the agreement on behalf of the owner and must be dated on or before the agreement is dated. This permit shall be embossed or printed with the seal of the Webster Parish Police Jury and the original permit shall be carried in the vehicle for which it was issued. The permit may only be obtained from the Webster Parish Police Jury.
E. Off-Road Equipment-Annual ($1,000.00 a year) The Webster Parish Police Jury may issue special permits upon application and payment of fees by the owner or operator of vehicles that are classified as off-road equipment. Included in this category are vehicles that have single-single, single-tandem, or tandem-tandem configurations that do not exceed 30,000 lbs on a single axle, 60,000 lbs on a tandem axle or 66,000 lbs on tridum axles. Reasonable oversize dimensions will be permitted as well, provided that appropriate escort regulations are complied with. This permit shall not supersede any lesser weight limit posted on abridge or roadway. This is a calendar year permit and it expires each year on December 31.
F. Harvest Season or Natural Forest Products ($10.00 per year) Upon application and payment of fees by the owner or operator of any vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting farm and forest products in their natural state, transporting seed cotton modules, transporting cotton seed from the gin to the mill, or transporting brewers grain, the Webster Parish Police Jury shall issue special harvest single season permits for transportation of these farm and forest products in their natural state on Webster Parish roadways for a total gross weight of 86,600 lbs for any vehicle or combination of vehicles provided that:
1. The total weight of any single axle shall not exceed 22,000 lbs, and
2. The total gross weight of any tandem axle shall not exceed 40,000 lbs.
This is a calendar year permit, expiring each year on December 31.
G. Agronomical/Horticultural Permit ($100.00 per year) Upon application and payment of fees by the owner or operator of any vehicle or combination of vehicles hauling agronomic or horticultural crops in their natural state and which has a minimum of 18 wheels, is legal in size, and exceeds axle group or gross vehicle weights, the Webster Parish Police Jury shall issue a special permit authorizing the vehicle or combination of vehicles to operate on Webster Parish roadways provided:
1. Gross vehicle weight does not exceed 100,000 lbs
2. Steering axle weight does not exceed 12,000 lbs
3. Tandem axle weight does not exceed 48,000 lbs
4. Tridum axle weight does not exceed 60,000 lbs
This permit shall not supersede any lesser weight limit posted bridge or roadway. This vehicle or combination of vehicles may operate at night during moderate rain and holidays. This permit is a calendar year permit, expiring each year on December 31.
H. Solid Waste Permit ($50.00 per year) Upon application and payment of fees by the owner or operator of any truck fitted with a compactor body which is engaged in the collecting and hauling of solid waste including residential solid waste, agricultural waste, commercial solid waste, construction or demolition debris, garbage, industrial solid waste, trash, white goods, wood waste, and yard trash as defined by the DEQ rules and regulations, the Webster Parish Police Jury shall issue a special permit authorizing such vehicle to operate on Webster Parish roadways as follows:
With tandum axles and a total gross weight not to exceed 68,000 lbs
1. Steering axle does not exceed 20,000 lbs, and
2. Tandem axles does not exceed 48,000 lbs.
Such vehicle with tridum axles to operate on Webster Parish roadways at a total gross weight not to exceed 80,000 lbs provided:
3. Steering axle does not exceed 20,000 lbs
4. Tridum axle does not exceed 60,000 lbs
This permit shall not supersede any lesser weight limit posted on a bridge or roadway. Vehicles with a valid solid waste permit are not prohibited from traveling at night, during moderate rain, or on holidays. This is a calendar year permit and expires each year on December 31.
I. Oversize Permit ($250.00) Upon application and payment of fees, the owner or operator of a vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be issued by the Webster Parish Police Jury, a special permit for vehicles and loads which exceed the legal limitations on -width, height, or length or projecting loads but not to exceed legal weight limitations. These vehicles and loads may not exceed 90 feet in length, 12 feet in width, 25 feet rear overhang or 14 feet 4 inches in height. If the load being transported does not project beyond the boundaries of the vehicle, and the width and length of the load and vehicle do not exceed legal limitations, then movement will be granted in moderate rain, and holidays. This is a calendar year permit and expires each year on December 31.
J. In general, oversize and overweight permits are issued only for indivisible vehicles and loads. Indivisible vehicles and loads are those which cannot be easily divided or broken down or dismantled to conform to the legal weight limitations. Or by being in their natural state may be hauled in greater bulk due to its vital and exceptional economic necessity. No type of permit issued by the Webster Parish Police Jury shall supersede any lesser weight limit posted on a bridge or roadway. The traveling configuration of each piece of equipment will be subject to the initial approval of the Webster Parish Police Jury. The proposed route for each permit will be subject to the approval of the Webster Parish Police Jury relative to the operation of the Webster Parish maintained roadway system. Restrictions will be specified on each permit; failure to comply with any of these conditions will result in a penalty being assessed. If any owner or operator of a vehicle or combination of vehicles fails to follow the adopted policies, procedures (falsify dimensions/weights to circumvent, restrictions, and/or conditions) they shall be fined. And continued disregard of the policies and procedures set forth, by the Webster Parish Police Jury will result in their being denied permits to move, or a temporary restraining order applied for by the Webster Parish Police Jury restricting said owner/operator from operating on roadways maintained by Webster Parish.
K. Oversize Special Permit ($10.00 per movement) Upon application and payment -of fees, an owner or driver of a vehicle or combination of vehicles may be issued a special oversize permit to allow the envelope vehicle to exceed the legal limits set forth in Section 15-32 to Section 15-34 at a cost of $10.00 per movement. All conditions of the movement of these loads shall be dictated by the Webster Parish Police Jury. These permits will be valid for the number of days that are requested (at $10.00 a day). Movement shall be restricted to daylight hours (the period of time from 30 minutes after sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset). All regulations concerning the flagging and marking of load that exceed legal dimensions as set forth by the Webster Parish Police Jury shall be applied.
SECTION 15-49. OVERWEIGHT PERMIT LIMITS AND PROCEDURES
A. Maximum Permit Weights Allowed
1. Off Road Equipment.
a. Each Single axle 30,000 lbs
i. Each Tandem axle 60,000 lbs-Any vehicle with a tandem axle weighing over 48,000 lbs must have removed all counterweights, footing plates, spreader bars and other easily removable components.
ii. Each tridum axle 66,000 lbs-Any vehicle with a tridum axle weighing over 60,000 lbs must have removed all counterweights, footing plates, spreader bars and other easily removable components.
iii. The maximum gross weight that will be permitted for off-road equipment is 212,000 lbs.
2. All Other Vehicles
a. Each Single Axle
i. 24,000 lbs if the gross vehicle weight is 120,000 lbs or less
ii. 20,000 lbs if the gross weight exceeds 120,000 lbs
b. Each Tandem axle group
i. 48,000 lbs if the gross vehicle weight is 120,000 lbs or less
ii. 40,000 lbs if the gross weight exceeds 120,000 lbs
iii. 45,000 if the gross weight exceeds 120,000 lbs and the spread between the axle groups is a minimum of 12 feet and the spread between tires in a group is a minimum of 4 feet.
iv. 54,000 lbs if it is a set of trunion axles with a minimum of 16 tires.
c. Each Tridum axle group 60,000 lbs
d. Each Quadrum axle group 80,000 lbs
e. Each 5 axle group 100,000 lbs
When the gross weight exceeds 254,000 lbs, the permit request will require detailed information. Inquiries should be directed to the Webster Parish Police Jury well in advance of the movement (generally 2 weeks). Loads exceeding 254,000 lbs may require analysis from an independent engineering firm and additional lime should be allowed for that analysis. The permittee shall reimburse any analysis expenses.
B. Overweight Permit Fee Schedule
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Gross weight in pounds
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Distance in miles
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|
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50
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100
|
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80,000-100,000
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$30
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$45
|
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100,100-108,000
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$50
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$95
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108,100-120,000
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$70
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$130
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120,001-132,000
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$90
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$170
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132,001-152,000
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$120
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$225
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152,001-172,000
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$155
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$295
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172,001-192,000
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$190
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$365
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192,000-212,000
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$225
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$435
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212,001-232,000
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$260
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$505
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232,000-254,000
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$295
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$575
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Over 254,000:
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$10.00-plus $0.50 per ton-mile in excess of 80,000 lbs, plus a fee for structural evaluation based on the following schedule:
A. $125.00 for evaluation of treated timber, concrete slab, and precast concrete slab bridges;
B. $850.00 for evaluation of truss, continuous span, bridges; and
C. $500.00 for all other structures
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All special permits are non refundable. Once the permits are issued, no permit fee will be refunded without exceptions. A special permit may be revised due to inclement weather or mechanical breakdown. Each revision will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Any special permit issued on a location basis shall be issued on an aggregate basis for the permit period. In other words, the permittee shall estimate how many vehicles, trips, and weights will be utilized under the location permit and the aggregate of the estimated vehicles, trips, and weights shall be used to calculate the permit fee.
C. Overweight Permit Bond Requirements
1. No overweight permit shall be issued until the permittee, permittee’s owner, or permittee’s principal (in the case of a contractor) furnishes a bond in favor of the Webster Parish Police Jury guaranteeing that any damage caused by the movement of the overweight load to the roads of Webster Parish shall be repaired or rehabilitated at the cost of the permittee, permittee’s owner, or permittee’s principal. If that damage is not repaired or rehabilitated at the cost of permittee, its owner, or principal, then the surety shall indemnify the Webster Parish Police Jury for all costs of repair or rehabilitation of the roadway caused by the movement of the overweight load.
2. The amount of the bond required for the issuance of a special or annual overweight permit shall be determined by the product of the total miles of movement over Webster Parish roads by the load multiplied by ______________________ Dollars per mile. The miles of movement shall be determined to the tenth of a mile. For permits issued on a location basis, the bond shall be determined by the product of the total miles of movement over Webster Parish roads for all routes of travel covered thereunder multiplied by Dollars per mile.
D. Escorts
1. Police Escorts are required for all vehicles and loads that are either over 16 feet wide or 0ver 125 feet long. Police escorts are required when areas may require a city or parish escort or permit which requires a police escort. Contact with city or parish authorities is the responsibility of the hauler for possible requirements or restrictions.
2. Private Escorts are required for all vehicles and loads over 12 feet wide or over 90 feet long.
3. The Webster Parish Police Jury, Webster Parish Public Works Department, and Webster Parish Permit Office are authorized to administer this policy and to enforce its provisions to deem that the following requirements for a civilian escort are met.
a. An oversize and/or overweight permit are required for each escort movement. The driver of the escort vehicle shall make certain a permit has been issued and shall familiarize themselves with and abide by requirements of the issued permit.
b. The escorting vehicle shall be registered according with Louisiana Revised Statues or reciprocal agreement.
c. At no time may an escort pull a trailer, tow another vehicle, or carry a load.
d. Each driver of an escort vehicle must have a valid driver's license issued by a state or territory of the United States.
e. The driver of an escort vehicle must be able to read and understand this directive.
f. The driver of an escort vehicle is responsible for the movement and shall ensure the vehicle is operated in a manner consistent with these provisions and all provisions of the permit In the event, the driver of the escorted vehicle does not or refuses to operate in accordance with these stipulations, the drive of the escort vehicle shall terminate the movement and report this action to the proper company officials or local police authority or the Webster Parish Police Jury.
g. It shall be the responsibility of the driver of the escort vehicle to operate as a warning vehicle only. The driver shall not run traffic lights, fail to stop at stop signs, improperly pass etc. His authorization to warn motorist of danger shall not imply the vehicle is or should be used as a police and/or emergency vehicle.
h. Escorts and flagman (when required) engaged in escorting loads on the roadways of Webster Parish shall present a neat appearance and shall be courteous in their contact with the motoring public at all times.
i. All cost incidental to escorts, such as telephone calls, telegrams, etc shall be borne by the escorter or permitee.
j. The equipment required on escort vehicles shall be available for inspection at all times and be available for inspection on demand by the Webster Parish Police Jury.
k. Payment of escort service shall be determined by the escorter and permittee.
l. Escorts must be furnished for all movements in excess of 120 inches in width or in excess of 90 feet in length and for any other movement so designated by the Webster Parish Police Jury.
m. In the event a police escort is required, the permitee shall pay the escort fee.
n. The owner and /or operator of the escort vehicle agrees to hold harmless the Webster Parish Police Jury and its duly appointed agents and employees against any action for personal injury or property damage sustained by reason of the authority to escort an oversize load.
o. The Webster Parish Police Jury will determine that proper escort procedures are complied with and shall have full authority to enforce all provisions of the permits and escort regulations. The authority to revoke permits and terminate the movement shall rest with the Webster Parish Police Jury.
E. Equipment Required for Proper Escort Vehicle
1. The escort vehicle shall display an approved 360-degree "Emergency warning lamp". It may be a bar, strobe, revolving and stationary lamp. It shall be amber in color.
a. There shall be 2 solid red/fluorescent orange flags, 18 inches square, mounted at a 45-degree angle atop the escort vehicle. These flags are not to extend more than 6 inches on either side of the vehicle and in no event shall exceed 8 feet 0 inches in width. These flags shall be mounted in line with the warning lamp(s).
b. The escort vehicle must have the name and address or telephone number and the city and state of the company/owner of the escort vehicle on each front door of the vehicle, plainly legible and visible to the motoring public. Well-known company logos are acceptable.
c. The escorting vehicle shall be equipped with 2 rear view mirrors, one on each side, so as to provide vision to the rear to ensure movement is progressing safely.
d. Headlights and rear lights on the escort vehicle shall be lighted during movement.
e. The escort vehicle and the towing vehicle shall be equipped with radios such that communication between vehicles is possible. The escort vehicle will be responsible for advising the towing vehicle of any conditions arising that may require cautionary action such as reducing speed, pulling off roadway, etc.
f. The escorting vehicle shall be equipped -with and have readily accessible a 10 lb. BC dry or equivalent chemical type fire extinguisher, four 15-minute burning flares and 2 red/fluorescent orange hand held flags. It must also have available 4 additional red/fluorescent flags that are 18 inches square and two (2) signs with the wording "OVERSIZE LOAD". These signs must be 18 inches high and 7 feet in length. The lettering must be black on a yellow background and is to be 10 inches high with a 1-1/2 inch brushstroke.
g. For all over height loads it is strongly recommended that a clearance bar/pole of some design be attached to the escort vehicle to warn of clearance problems of the load being escorted.
F. Escorter
1. Speed limit for the escort load is determined by the Webster Parish Police Jury, and in any event shall not exceed 50 mph.
2. Movement shall be made on only those roadways designated on the permit. Alternate routes shall not be used unless approved by the Webster Parish Police Jury.
3. Movement shall be made only on dates and/or hours during times shown on the permit. No movement shall be made during the hours of darkness unless prior approval is obtained from the Webster Parish Police Jury.
4. An escorted movement approaching any bridge structure, which cannot be traversed safely because of an inability to distinguish potential hazards by sight, shall be parked (off the roadway where possible) and the escort vehicle shall proceed across said bridge (hill or incline). Adequate time shall be allotted to allow escort to stop oncoming traffic before the oversize movement traverse said bridge, hill, or incline.
5. Escorted vehicles will not impede the normal flow of traffic whenever possible. Whenever vehicular traffic to the rear becomes congested, it is required that the escort causes the movement to be halted onto the shoulder or safe location. The movement shall remain off the main traveled portion of the roadway until traffic has cleared. Movement may continue then until congestion reoccurs.
6. Movement shall not be made during severe/inclement weather (heavy rain, fog, etc). When the movement is in progress and severe/ inclement weather occurs, it shall be the responsibility of the escort driver to have the vehicle being escorted removed from the travel portion of the roadway to a safe location.
7. The operator of the escort vehicle will ensure that the oversize movement is not allowed to park on the main-traveled portion of the highway unless absolutely necessary or in case of extreme emergency. Anytime the combination is parked on the shoulder or right of way, flares, flags, flagman, etc shall adequately protect it.
8. The escort vehicle shall travel to the rear of the over width movement multi-lane roadways and in front of the escorted load on two lane roadways. The escort must be behind over-length, loads and vehicles.
9. The oversize load shall travel as near to the right as is safely possible to insure traffic will be able to pass as safely as possible. The escort and escorted load shall not infringe upon the opposite bound lane whenever possible.
10. A single escort may be used to escort 1 or 2 loads that are over length in 1 movement.
11. An escort will be required for each over width load exceeding 12 feet in width.
12. The escort shall remain a sufficient distance from the movement to warn oncoming/overtaking traffic of the potential danger, but not so far as to hinder control over the movement.
13. Violators of these provisions or requirements shall be subject to all penalties provided by the law, including revocation of permit.
14. Warning flags are required on vehicles and loads, which exceed the legal width or length. Loads will be flagged in accordance with the requirements of the Webster Parish Police Jury. All four corners of projecting load will be flagged, plus any load extending beyond the four corners of the load. Vehicles and loads exceeding 10 feet in width must display 2 signs with the wording "OVERSIZE LOAD". One sign must be to the front of the vehicle. The other must be on the rear of the load, or if that does not result in an easily read sign, then the sign, must be on the rear of the vehicle. If the load exceeds legal length or rear overhang it shall display 2 signs. These signs must be on the sides of the overhanging part of the load or, if that is not possible, then the signs must be on the side of the vehicle. If the load to the rear clears the road surfaces by at least 6 feet then no signs are required. Loads and vehicles exceeding the front-end overhang must display 1 sign with the wording "OVERSIZE LOAD". The sign will be displayed to the front of the vehicle. If the load or vehicle clears the road surface by 6 feet no sign is required. All warning signs must be at least 7 feet long and 18 inches high. The background must be yellow and the lettering black. Letters must be 10 inches high with a 1-1/2 inch brushstroke. All vehicle and loads which, exceed the legal limitations for width, and length shall, when moving during hours of darkness, be equipped with the required warning lights.
A. Whoever owns or drives any vehicle or combination of vehicles in violation of any rule, regulation, directive, or requirement of the Webster Parish Police Jury adopted pursuant to this Article shall be assessed a penalty of not more than $175.00 for each initial violation and not more than $500.00 for subsequent violations.
B. Except as provided for in Subparagraphs 1, 2, and 4 below, whoever owns or operates any vehicle or combination of vehicles in violation of any rule, regulation, directive, or requirement of the Webster Parish Police Jury adopted under this Article shall be required to reduce the load to the maximum permissible gross weight and shall be assessed a penalty on such weight which exceeds the permissible gross weight as defined by Section 15-46 or maximum allowable axle weights, whichever results in the higher fine in accordance with the following schedule:
C. Overweight Penalties
