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MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

December 2, 2014

MEMBERS:  Jim Bonsall, President; Vera Davison, Vice President; Steve Ramsey; Steve Lemmons ; Randy Thomas; Allen Gilbert, Charles Walker; Charles Odom; Bruce Blanton; and  Jerri Lee

ABSENT:  Daniel Thomas and Perry Kirkland

 Mr. Jim Bonsall, President, called the meeting to order and asked Mrs. Jerri Lee to open the meeting with prayer.  This meeting is to discuss the proposed 2015 budget of the Webster Parish Police Jury Financials.

Mr. Bonsall gave opening comments, and then turned the meeting over to Mrs. Ronda Carnahan for presentation.

Mrs. Carnahan went over the compiled budget of the Webster Parish Police Jury that was advertised as required, and gave the overall percentages for each category of the budget.

The Committee then discussed various line items within the budget that had required additional information after the budget workshops.  There were no changes to the presented budget.  The budget will be presented to the full Jury for approval at the Regular Meeting later this morning.

There being no additional items to present to the committee, the meeting adjourned.

Ronda Carnahan                                                                       Jim Bonsall

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

December 2, 2014        10:30 a.m.

MEMBERS:  Jim Bonsall, Charles Walker, Vera Davison; Perry Kirkland; Steve Ramsey; Charles Odom;

Steve Lemmons; Bruce Blanton; Jerri Lee; Allen Gilbert, and Randy Thomas.

ABSENT:  Daniel Thomas

PUBLIC HEARING:  To hear comments concerning the abandonment of 440 feet at the end of the Heflin Ranch Road.  No one spoke concerning the abandonment of right of way and no one submitted objection by mail.

PUBLIC HEARING:  To hear comments concerning the adoption of the 2015 Proposed Budget of the Webster Parish Police Jury.  No one spoke concerning the budget, there were no objections.

PUBLIC HEARING:  To hear comments concerning the proposed Nelson Energy Commercial Disposal Facility and the impact on the infrastructure of Webster Parish Roads.  There were no comments or objections.

REGULAR MEETING:

Mr. Bonsall then called the meeting to order and asked Carl Thompson to open with prayer.  Sonatra Kennon, a cadet with the Youth Challenge then led in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mr. Bonsall then asked for additions to the agenda.

Ms. Jerri Lee moved, seconded by Bruce Blanton to add to the agenda:  #11-E Resolution of Support for LGAP funding, Pleasant Valley Water System for $35,000.00 to install a new Constant Pressure System. And # 13.  Recreation Funds for District #4, $800.00 for purchase of Picnic Table at Peterson Landing.  Motion carried unanimously.

There were no audience comments.

Mr. Perry Kirkland moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Ramsey to adopt the minutes from the November 4, 2014 Road Committee Meeting and the November 4, 2014 Regular Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.

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Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014- Continued:

Mr. Randy Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Charles Walker to approve invoices for payment pending review of the committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Steve Lemmons moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Ramsey to abandon 440 feet at the end of the Heflin Ranch Road.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Charles Walker moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to adopt the 2015 operating budget as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

There was no action taken in reference to the possible impact of Nelson Energy Commercial Disposal Facility on the infrastructure of Webster Parish Roads.  It was decided that upon the outcome of the permit application, the Jury would at that time make a decision as to possible lowering of weight limits, speed limits, and other regulatory issues as needed for the affected Webster Parish Roads.

Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to approve a Resolution- a Proce’s Verbal and Proclamation of the canvass of the votes cast at the special election on November 4, 2014 to authorize the millage renewal of 2.78 mills- the Courthouse Maintenance Tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

The next item on the agenda is the Board Appointments.  Mr. Charles Odom moved, seconded by Ms. Vera Davison to approve the following board appointments as presented:

A- Library Board of Control recommendation -

To reappoint Ms. Linda Watson for a five year term to expire at the end of 2019.

B- Pine Country Education District recommendation –

To re-appoint Mr. Stewart Beatty, Chairman of the Board, to a 3 year term to expire at the end of 2017.

               To re-appoint Mr. Bill Altimus, Bossier Parish, to a 3 year term to expire at the end of 2017.

C- Webster Parish Convention and Tourism Board recommendation–

To appoint Mrs. Frances Irving and Mr. Ty Pendergrass for 3 year terms and to reappoint Mrs. Mary McKinney for a three year term.  All appointments expiring at the end of 2017.

D- Webster Parish Fire District #7 (Dixie Inn) recommendations –

               To re-appoint Mr. Gary Greene to a 1- year term of office that will expire at the end of 2015.

               To re-appoint Mr. Bernard Hudson to a 2- year term of office that will expire at the end of 2016.

Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Allen Gilbert moved, seconded by Mr. Bruce Blanton to approve the annual budget for the operation of the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

The following Resolutions of support for LGAP (Louisiana Government Assistance Program) were presented for approval:

A.            Resolution – Salt Works Water System in support of application for LGAP funding, $35,000.00 to lay 4” waterlines to connect to the Town of Sibley Water System.

B.            Resolution- Dixie Overland Waterworks in support of application for LGAP funding, $35,000.00 to make improvements to the Katie Lane Booster Station.

C.            Resolution- McIntyre Water System in support of application for LGAP funding, $35,000.00 to replace building that houses pumping equipment.

D.           Resolution- Germantown Water System in support of application for LGAP funding, $35,000.00 to upgrade the booster pump controls.    

E.            Resolution – Pleasant Valley Water System in support of application for LGAP funding, $35,000.00 to install a new Constant Pressure System.

Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Charles Walker moved, seconded by Mr. Allen Gilbert to approve the holiday work schedule for the Public Works Department.  Public Works will close December 24, 2014 and will open on January 5, 2015.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Randy Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Perry Kirkland to approve recreational funding for District #4 – Purchase of a picnic table for the Peterson Landing, $800.00.

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Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014- Continued:

COMMENTS:

Mary Whitaker                         Webster Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services

                                                WPPJ OCS- Head Start--           Report given by Vera Davison

Beverly Hammett                     Webster Parish Library

Joan Almond                            Webster Parish LSU Ag Center

Carl Thompson                         Webster Parish Assessor Office, Morris Guin, Assessor

John Stanley                             Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security

Shawn Hatcher                         Camp Minden YCP – with 12 Cadets

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Allen Gilbert, Perry Kirkland, Steve Ramsey, Steve Lemmons, Charles Odom, Randy Thomas, Charles Walker, and Jerri Lee all wished everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.  The Jurors expressed their wishes for all attending, staff, support agencies, employees, etc.  Christmas blessings and asked to remember the “Reason for the Season”!

Bruce Blanton wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Mr. Blanton then announced that the North Webster High School will be playing in the semifinals of the State playoffs in Football.  He wished them good luck and a safe trip and game to Amite this Friday.

Mr. Bonsall then gave his closing remarks including his Christmas wishes and there being no further business to bring before the Jury, the meeting was adjourned.

Ronda Carnahan                                                                       Jim Bonsall

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                   President