OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF MORGAN CITY

April 24, 2007

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            The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 6:00 pm in regular session, this date, in the court room, City Court Building, Highway 182 Morgan City, Louisiana.

 

            There were present:  Honorable Timothy Matte, Mayor; and Council Members Larry P. Bergeron, Ron Bias, Jarrod Longman, Luke P. Manfre, and Louis J. Tamporello, Jr.

 

            Absent:  None

 

            Also present were Mrs. Lorrie C. Braus, Chief Administrative Officer and Mr. Gregory Aucoin, City Attorney.

 

            The invocation was given by Reverend Ron Bias.

 

            The Mayor introduced Mr. Jimmy Johnson as the Positive Image Person for April, 2007.  Mr. Johnson is very active working with the youth of our area.

 

            The minutes of the regular meeting of March 27, 2007 and April 5, 2007 were submitted.  There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Reverend Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending March 31, 2007

 

                                       MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                      

DATE:             April 24, 2007

TO:                  Mayor and Council

FROM:            Deborah Garber

RE:                  Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended March 31, 2007.

 

            Attached is a summary that compares our actual revenues and expenses to our operational budget for our major funds subject to budgetary control for the period ending March 31, 2007.  The following comments are related thereto:

 

General and Ancillary Funds:  Actual total revenues are above budget by $158,000.  Operating expenses are $226,000 under budget.  The net excess, after transfers, of $365,000 creates a favorable variance of $330,000.

 

Utility Fund:  Actual revenues are below budget by $356,000, with operational expenses also under budget by $716,000.  The net excess, after transfers, of $383,000 creates a favorable variance of $357,000.

 

Sanitation and Sewer Fund:  The operating revenues are $58,500 over budget, with total operating expenses also over budget by $36,500.  The net income, after transfers, of $252,000 creates a favorable variance of $50,000.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                /s/ Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Finance Director

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

Actual Revenues and Expenses Compared to Budget

Period Ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH

MARCH

 

 

 

2007

2007

 

 

GENERAL AND ANCILLARY FUNDS

ACTUAL

BUDGET

VARIANCE

 

  REVENUES

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

1,719,873

1,548,855

171,018

 

     Recreation Fund

21,400

40,558

(19,158)

 

     Library Fund

4,677

8,553

(3,876)

 

     Auditorium Fund

56,135

36,325

19,810

 

     Lake End Park Fund

89,583

99,768

(10,185)

 

          Total Revenues

1,891,668

1,734,058

157,611

 

  EXPENSES-OPERATIONAL

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

1,942,189

2,087,442

(145,253)

 

     Recreation Fund

93,565

159,696

(66,131)

 

     Library Fund

29,307

31,261

(1,954)

 

     Auditorium Fund

97,309

93,282

4,027

 

     Lake End Park Fund

133,976

151,005

(17,029)

 

          Total Expenses

2,296,346

2,522,685

(226,339)

 

  TRANSFERS

 

 

 

 

     Transfers from Funds

953,900

983,875

(29,975)

 

     Transfers to Funds

(183,690)

(159,950)

(23,740)

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Net Transfers

770,210

823,925

(53,715)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  EXCESS NET OF TRANSFERS

365,532

35,298

330,235

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

UTILITY FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

5,469,129

5,976,250

(507,121)

 

     Total Expenditures

4,381,615

5,177,959

(796,344)

 

          Net Excess

1,087,514

798,291

289,223

 

     Net Transfers and non-oper.

(704,774)

(702,000)

(2,774)

 

     Excess net of transfers

382,740

96,291

286,449

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANITATION AND SEWER FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

480,768

422,250

58,518

 

     Total Expenses

662,652

626,122

36,530

 

          Net Excess

(181,884)

(203,872)

21,988

 

     Net Transfers/non-

 

 

 

 

       operating expenses

433,751

405,750

28,001

 

     Excess net of transfers

 

 

 

 

       and non-operating

251,867

201,878

49,989

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Longman, seconded by Mr. Tamporello, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            Mrs. Garber also submitted comments (copy on file) related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to original Utility Fund budget for the period ended March 31, 2007.

 

            Mayor Matte submitted a Road Priority List (copy on file) showing some of the roads in need of repairs or replacement.  Discussion followed.  It was brought out that to perform the repairs or replacement of roads listed would be approximately $3 million.  Other items discussed were the overlay of the City yard, some street repairs already started, etc.  No definitive action necessary at this time.

 

            The Cemetery Committee recommendations were submitted (copy on file).  A short discussion followed. It was stated that the proposed Mausoleum #10 would be a carbon copy of Mausoleum #9, monies available in the special mausoleum account, other work needed in the cemetery such a drainage and roadwork, letter being sent to BNSF Railroad requesting that they clear the ditch along their track, repair of graves in disrepair, etc.

 

            Mr. Bergeron offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-28

 

            WHEREAS, burial space at the Morgan City Cemetery is becoming limited, and

            WHEREAS, funds in the amount of $140,305.90 is available in the special mausoleum account, and

            WHEREAS, these funds could be utilized to construct Mausoleum #10,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that (1) the funds in the amount of $140,305.90 be utilized to construct Mausoleum #10, and (2) that an engineer be retained, if needed, to prepare any necessary plans and specifications for the construction of said Mausoleum #10.

            Mr. Longman seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bergeron, Longman, Bias, Manfre, Tamporello

            NAYS:              None

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 24th day of April, 2007.

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte. Mayor

ATTEST:

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            Mayor Matte reported on his attendance at the Mid-size Cities Conference, the International Building Code which has an inspection code within it, establishing Preservation Districts which would be an overlay zoning restriction such as the present historic district, state cleanest city judging to be done next week, trash bash set up for April 28, 2007, and littering.

 

            The Mayor requested that the council expand the agenda to discuss the boat dock at Lake End Parkway.  A motion to expand the agenda was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Tamporello and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            A meeting had been held earlier today concerning the boat races.  In a discussion with the boat dock contractor (Gray Construction, Inc.), it was brought out that the dock might not be completed in time for the May 26-28 boat races.  Mr. Reid Miller, the city’s engineer for the project advised he had been contacted by a company referencing the renting a floating dock which could be installed in place and in time for the boat races.  The cost to rent this dock was $24,500.  However, for $4,000 more, this 100’ dock could purchased.  Further discussion followed concerning the possibility of getting assistance from the Parish and from the Cajun Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, how the dock would be installed, use of this dock in other areas, etc.

 

            Mr. Bergeron offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-29

 

            WHEREAS, the Morgan City Power Boat Association, on May 26-28, 2007, will host the Eastern Inboard Divisionals Power Boat races at the Lake End Parkway, along Lake Palourde, and will need the use docking facilities, and

            WHEREAS, on April 16, 2007, the City entered into a contract with Gray Construction, Inc. for the construction of a dock along Lake End Parkway, however, the construction of said dock is estimated to take at least sixty (60) working days to complete which would extend the construction completion date beyond the May 27-28th schedule, and

            WHEREAS, it was brought to the attention of the Mayor and Council, that a portable floating dock could be purchased and installed for approximately $28,500.00, and be in place for the boat races,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that (1) it hereby approves the allocation of up to $28, 500.00 from the Public Relations Fund and (2) authorizes the Mayor to negotiation with the St. Mary Parish Council, the Cajun Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, and any other entity, to secure assistance in funding this portable dock.

            Mr. Longman seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bergeron, Longman, Bias, Manfre, Tamporello

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 24th day of April, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            The first reading was submitted for two ordinances; (1) Assessing the millage for the tax year 2007 and (2) Changing the speed limit on Eighth Street from Louisiana 182 to Marguerite Street.  No action necessary at this time.

 

            The public hearing on the proposed 2006 Budget Amendment and the 2007 Budget Amendment ordinances was opened.  No one appeared either for or against said ordinances, whereupon

 

       This Ordinance introduced with first reading on March 27, 2007.  Published by title on April 3, 2007.

 

      Reverend Bias offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption.

 

                                                        ORDINANCE NO. 07-4

 

               AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MORGAN CITY, LOUI­SIANA AMENDING THE UTILITY SECTION OF THE OPERATING  BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2006, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2006.

 

      WHEREAS, by Ordinance Number 06-17 dated December 19, 2006, the City Council adopted the operating budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006 and ending December 31, 2006, and

 

      WHEREAS, during the year certain amendments were deemed neces­sary,

 

      NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that the revenues be amended to $23,395,507 and the expenditures be amended to $20,827,551, leaving a net loss of $374,924.

 

      BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, etc., that said net loss in the amount of $374,924 be applied to the fund balance of $10,563,065, leaving a fund balance of $10,188,141 for the fiscal year ended 2006.

 

      Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

 

      The vote thereon was as follows:

 

      AYES:              Bias, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman, Tamporello

      NAYS:              None

      ABSENT:         None

 

Certified approved and adopted this 24th day of April, 2007.

 

Delivered to Mayor Matte at 1:00 PM, this 25th day of April, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Debbie Harrington________________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington

                                                                        Clerk

 

      Approved this 25th day of April, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Timothy Matte____________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte

                                                                        Mayor

 

Received from Mayor at 1:05 PM on April 25, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Debbie Harrington_________________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington

                                                                        Clerk

 

Published: May 2, 2007

 

 

    This Ordinance introduced with first reading on March 27, 2007.  Published by title on April 3, 2007.

 

      Reverend Bias offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption.

 

                                                        ORDINANCE NO. 07-5

 

               AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MORGAN CITY, LOUI­SIANA AMENDING THE UTILITY SECTION OF THE OPERATING  BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2007, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2007.

 

      WHEREAS, by Ordinance Number 06-14 dated November 28, 2006, the City Council adopted the operating budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007, and

 

      WHEREAS, during the year certain amendments were deemed neces­sary,

 

      NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that the revenues be amended to $23,266,663 and the expenditures be amended to $20,287,723, leaving a net loss of $189,060.

 

      BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, etc., that said net loss in the amount of $189,060 be applied to the fund balance of $10,188,141, leaving a fund balance of $9,999,081 for the fiscal year ended 2007.

 

      Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

 

      The vote thereon was as follows:

 

      AYES:              Bias, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman, Tamporello

      NAYS:              None

      ABSENT:         None

 

Certified approved and adopted this 24th day of April, 2007.

 

Delivered to Mayor Matte at 1:00 PM, this 25th day of April, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Debbie Harrington_____________________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington

                                                                        Clerk

 

      Approved this 25th day of April, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Timothy Matte________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte

                                                                        Mayor

 

Received from Mayor at 1:05 PM on April, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Debbie Harrington_____________________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington

                                                                        Clerk

 

Published: May 2, 2007

 

 

            The Mayor advised that inquiries had been received concerning potential development in Morgan City and possibly some infrastructure modifications might have to be brought to the council for action.

 

            The public was again reminded about the “Trash Bash” on Saturday.

 

            There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________              _____________________________

Debbie Harrington                                                       Timothy Matte

Clerk                                                                            Mayor