?CITY COUNCIL
October 11, 2021
DeQuincy, LA
The city council of the city of DeQuincy met in regular session on the above date in the city hall council chambers located at 300 Holly Street, DeQuincy, Louisiana, with the following members present: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin, and Ronda Jacobs. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole.
Council Chairman Denise Maddox called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Smith gave the invocation and Mark Peloquin led the pledge of allegiance.
Motion was made by Ronda Jacobs and seconded by Mark Peloquin to approve the September 13, 2021, regular meeting minutes. Without objection, the motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Valecia Royer read the financial report. As of September 30, 2021, the overall total revenue, actual year to date is $5,602,133.14 with the FYE 9/30/2021 budget being $4,471,100.00 and a remaining budget of ($1,131,033.14). The total expenses, as of September 30, 2021, actual year to date totals are $5,856,770.91, with the FYE 9/30/2021 budget total expenses being $5,604,970.00, and the remaining budget of (251,800.91.)
FIRE REPORT
Chief Johnny Copeland read the fire report. There were six (6) calls for September 2021.
POLICE REPORT
Police Chief Casey Whitehead gave the police report for September 2021. There were 125 violations, 22 arrests, 256 complaints filed, and 9 warrants served. The fines and bonds collected for the month of September totaled approximately $20,304.74. There were 78 calls for service in District 1, 46 in District 2, 46 in District 3 and 45 in District 4. The PD Officers patrolled approx. 5907 miles during the month of September 2021.
CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Mr. Carroll furnished the council with a copy of his report.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
Hank Frazier gave the public works report for the street department.
? The ditches on Brantley Street and Louise Street were cleaned.
The contractor completed the job of killing the gas line in the alley behind The Pentecostal Church.
? The crew repaired gas leaks on Rainwater road, Overton Street, Canterbury Street, 1153 Hwy. 12 and Azalea Street and installed three new gas services.
? The city was able to purchase 12 tons of cold mix and we have been putting it out in pot holes around town.
SEWER PLANT REPORT
Hank Frazier gave the sewer report.
? The Bio-essay quarterly testing was completed at the plant and the city got a good report.
? The crew worked on the sewer main between Snider Funeral Home and the DeQuincy News Office.
? We worked on sewer problems at the First Baptist Church and cleaned out the mains in the alley on the south side of the church.
? Killed out five (5) sewer taps between Sam’s Discount Tire, south to the baseball field from buildings and houses that have been torn down.
CITY REPORT GIVEN BY MAYOR SMITH
? Mayor Smith commended Chief Whitehead on the excellent job he did speaking at the funeral of Officer Billy Joe Allen. Officer Allen was the first “in the line of duty” death DeQuincy has had in 55 years and he will be greatly missed.
? Our Farmers Market was held last Saturday and again we had a wonderful turnout. Kelly Menou heads this event and is doing an excellent job. We have had nothing but positive feedback on the last two held.
? Judy Landry, councilwoman for District 3, is recovering from back surgery and expects to be back with us for the November council meeting.
? Daisy Cole, councilwoman for District 4, is still having health issues and is seeking a second opinion. She hopes to see us soon.
? The Homecoming Parade will be held Friday starting at 3 pm and will leave from the High School and travel to Nichols.
? Our Fall Festival will be on Saturday October 30th at the DeQuincy Walking Path from 5pm until 8pm and we invite everyone to attend.
A motion was made by Mark Peloquin and seconded by Ronda Jacobs approve the October 11, 2021 agenda. Without objection, the motion carried.
Public Input
Items Not on the Agenda:
? None.
Items on the Agenda:
? Scott Wylie mentioned the Mayor’s recommendation for Public Works Director and said felt Hank Frazier was an excellent choice. Mr. Wylie also gave a shout-out to the DeQuincy Police Department, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Department. Officers from these agencies went above and beyond on three of his family members that had recently passed away. He and his family really appreciates what they do.
Aaron Cooper, CPA, presented his audit findings for the City of DeQuincy for the year ending 9/30/20. Mr. Cooper stated there were a few minor things that need some fine tuning on purchase orders and bid law over $10,000 but overall DeQuincy is in good shape.
A motion was made by Mark Peloquin and seconded by Ronda Jacobs to table the appointment of two more members to the Zoning Board until the November 8, 2021 council meeting Motion carried as follows: Yeas: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin, and Ronda Jacobs. Nays: None. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole. Abstain: None.
Arnold Blagrave spoke briefly regarding the variance filed by Corie Albritton and asked the council to consider approval of the variance. Corie Albritton also spoke and asked for approval.
A motion was made by Mark Peloquin and seconded by Ronda Jacobs to approve the Variance filed by Corie Albritton for approval of a mobile home to be placed on her property at 305 Kelly Street. Motion carried as follows: Yeas: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin and Ronda Jacobs. Nays: None. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole. Abstain: None.
A motion was made by Ronda Jacobs and seconded by Mark Peloquin to table the introduction of an ordinance amending the hazardous pay for First Responders until February 14, 2022 council meeting. Motion carried as follows: Yeas: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin and Ronda Jacobs. Nays: None. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole. Abstain: None.
A motion was made by Ronda Jacobs and seconded by Mark Peloquin to proceed to a condemnation hearing on November 8, 2021 regarding the structure situated at 309 LeBlanc Street. Yeas: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin and Ronda Jacobs. Nays: None. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole. Abstain: None.
A motion was made by Ronda Jacobs and seconded by Mark Peloquin approve the recommendation of Hank Frazier as the new Public Works Director for the City of DeQuincy. Motion carried as follows: Yeas: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin and Ronda Jacobs. Nays: None. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole. Abstain: None.
A motion was made by Ronda Jacobs and seconded by Mark Peloquin to approve the proposed spending of the first installment of $570,682.21 from the American Rescue Plan Funds as follows: sewer and storm water (drainage) improvements consisting of point repairs, culverts, pump repairs, needed equipment for sewer department and premium pay for city employees employed during the Covid-19 Epidemic. Motion carried as follows: Yeas: Denise Maddox, Mark Peloquin and Ronda Jacobs. Nays: None. Absent: Judy Landry and Daisy Cole. Abstain: None.
COUNCIL CONCERNS:
Ronda Jacobs discussed the Hugh Street drainage situation with Hank Frazier and he explained what the problem was and what they were going to do to help fix the problem. On the Hayes Street situation, Mr. Frazier explained he was going to change the culvert out and clear out the right of way.
Mark Peloquin thanked Mike Suchanek and his crew for cleaning the ditches and also mentioned what a success the recent Farmer’s Market was. He also appreciated the positive remarks made about our Police Department.
Denise Maddox everyone for attending the council meeting and was happy to see so many employees present. She also mentioned a sign that is down on Hugh Street and asked the council members to write down their three priority property for condemnation and get them to the City Clerk.
Ronda Jacobs made a motion to adjourn and Mark Peloquin seconded the motion.
ATTEST:
/s/Pat Brummett
City Council Clerk
APPROVED:
/s/Riley Smith
Mayor
COUNCILCHAIRMAN:
/s/Denise Maddox
Run: Nov. 10, 2021 (N-5)
