OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF MORGAN CITY
August 28, 2007
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 Aaron Carpenter, Patterson United Methodist Church.
The pledge was led by Eagle Scout Justin Verret.
This month’s Positive Image Organization was Rouse’s Supermarket.
The minutes of the meeting of July 24, 2007 were submitted. There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Longman, seconded by Mr. Tamporello, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending July 31, 2007.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: August 28, 2007
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended July 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 July 31, 2007. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Actual total revenues are over budget by $859,000. Operating expenses are also over budget by $107,000. The net loss, after transfers, of $295,000 creates a favorable variance of $710,000.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues are below budget by $840,000, with operational expenses also under budget by $100,000. The net loss, after transfers, of $1,080,000 creates an unfavorable variance of $649,000.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are $2,500 under budget, with total operating expenses over budget by $73,000. The net income, after transfers, of $309,000 leaves a favorable variance of $33,000.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Deborah Garber
Deborah Garber
Finance Director
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT |
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Actual Revenues and Expenses Compared to Budget |
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Period Ended JULY 30, 2007 |
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JULY |
JULY |
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2007 |
2007 |
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GENERAL AND ANCILLARY FUNDS |
ACTUAL |
BUDGET |
VARIANCE |
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REVENUES |
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General Fund |
3,468,003 |
2,784,202 |
683,801 |
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Recreation Fund |
237,918 |
94,634 |
143,284 |
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Library Fund |
9,315 |
10,039 |
(724) |
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Auditorium Fund |
80,620 |
84,758 |
(4,138) |
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Lake End Park Fund |
253,359 |
216,791 |
36,568 |
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Total Revenues |
4,049,215 |
3,190,425 |
858,791 |
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EXPENSES-OPERATIONAL |
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General Fund |
5,056,049 |
4,985,614 |
70,435 |
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Recreation Fund |
511,450 |
454,207 |
57,243 |
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Library Fund |
80,356 |
82,441 |
(2,085) |
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Auditorium Fund |
198,511 |
217,659 |
(19,148) |
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Lake End Park Fund |
303,949 |
303,011 |
939 |
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Total Expenses |
6,150,315 |
6,042,931 |
107,384 |
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TRANSFERS |
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Transfers from Funds |
2,417,867 |
2,417,867 |
0 |
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Transfers to Funds |
(612,136) |
(570,400) |
(41,736) |
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Net Transfers |
1,805,731 |
1,847,467 |
(41,736) |
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EXCESS NET OF TRANSFERS |
(295,369) |
(1,005,040) |
709,671 |
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UTILITY FUND |
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Total Revenues |
12,898,846 |
13,739,497 |
(840,651) |
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Total Expenditures |
12,253,434 |
12,353,163 |
(99,729) |
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Net Excess |
645,412 |
1,386,334 |
(740,922) |
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Net Transfers and non-oper. |
(1,725,975) |
(1,818,000) |
92,025 |
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Excess net of transfers |
(1,080,563) |
(431,666) |
(648,897) |
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SANITATION AND SEWER FUND |
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Total Revenues |
982,582 |
985,250 |
(2,668) |
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Total Expenses |
1,569,784 |
1,496,368 |
73,416 |
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Net Excess |
(587,202) |
(511,118) |
(76,084) |
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Net Transfers/non- |
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operating expenses |
896,144 |
786,750 |
109,394 |
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Excess net of transfers |
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and non-operating |
308,942 |
275,632 |
33,310 |
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A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Reverend Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Larry Bergeron, Finance Committee Chairman, presented the Finance Committee recommendations (copy on file), whereupon
Mr. Bergeron offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R:07-49
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the following Finance Committee recommendations be and the same are hereby approved:
1. Reallocate $5,607.00 from Archives research budget to capital budget to purchase two (2) computers, legal size scanner, and 500 GB hard drive.
2. Reallocate $10,000 from Police Department budget for imaging equipment to purchase electronic locks for Police Department.
3. Approve request from Police Department for $32,000 to purchase computer service and telephone recording system. Funds to be used from LGAP grant received.
4. Allocate $4,410 for Lake End Park from excess sales tax to purchase pump for sewer lift station.
5. Allocate $9,468.67 for Public Works from excess Pollution Abatement Sales Tax to purchase Utility Vehicle off road system with spray equipment.
6. Allocate $50,000 for General Fund from excess sales tax for pay increase for Fire and Police Department personnel.
Mr. Longman seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bergeron, Longman, Bias, Manfred, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 28th day of August, 2007.
_____________________________
Timothy Matte
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The Mayor requested that that the agenda be expanded to discuss the matter of the traffic in the area of Julia B. Maitland Elementary School. A motion to expand the agenda was made by Reverend Bias, seconded by Mr. Tamporello and voted unanimously in favor.
Ms. Tonya Verrett, Maitland principal, addressed the council. She explained that the school dismissed some 250 to 270 students and traffic congestion existed with the parents coming by to pick up the students. She noted that if Leona Street could be made a one-way, east bound from Levee Road to Federal Avenue between 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm, this would alleviate the traffic congestion. She stated that she had spoken with many of the residents of the area and they had no problems with this arrangement. It was brought out that this same situation had existed at other schools and making a one-way street in the area alleviated the problem. Further discussion followed concerning notification to the public, making a no left turn onto Leona Street traveling south on Federal Avenue, putting out the necessary signs, etc, whereupon
M. Longman offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R:07-50
WHEREAS, Julia B. Maitland Elementary School is located at the corner of Leona Street and Federal Avenue, and
WHEREAS, the staff of Julia B. Maitland Elementary School has requested assistance from the City to help alleviate the traffic congestion during the afternoon dismissal, and
WHEREAS, the staff feels that this could be accomplished by designating Leona Street one way east bound from Levee Road to Federal Avenue, during the afternoon dismissal, from 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby approves the request of the Julia B. Maitland Elementary School staff, to designate Leona Street one way, east bound, from Levee Road to Federal Avenue, during the afternoon dismissal from 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc. that the Police Department monitor this situation and modify the plan as needed.
Reverend Bias seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Longman, Bias, Bergeron, Manfre, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 28th day of August, 2007.
_____________________________
Timothy Matte
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mayor Matte gave a detailed LEPA report by going over a power point presentation (copy on file) which had been done at the LEPA meeting. Some of the things touched upon were negotiations with AEP/SWEPCO to provide a block of power to LEPA, possible transmission problems, etc. No definitive action needed.
The Mayor advised that Facilities Planning had approved the plans for Lake End Park, Phase II B and the city would be going out for bids to possibly be awarded at the October meeting.
The Council and the Public were advised that there would be an aerial mosquito spraying tomorrow night.
A request for a road solicitation was submitted (copy on file) by the Knights of Columbus #12179. Everything being in order, a motion to approve this request was made by Reverend Bias, seconded by Mr. Bergeron, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mayor Matte advised the council that Ms. Sandra Thompson was retiring from the position of Executive Director, Basin Program, which she held since the program’s inception in 1996. It was with her assistance that the City benefited from this program, with Lake End Park improvements, the golf course at Idlewild, and other smaller projects as part of the Gateway Program, whereupon
Mr. Bergeron offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R:07-51
WHEREAS, in an effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the Atchafalaya Basin, the nation’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin Program was created, and
WHEREAS, Sandra Thompson has been the Executive Director of this program since its inception in 1996, and
WHEREAS, Sandra traveled the State, meeting with Basin land owners, commercial and recreational fishermen, recreational boaters, recreational users, camp owners, and other interested parties, and
WHEREAS, from these meetings she gathered input into the needs and objectives of the program, and under her direction a master plan was developed, and
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana’s Legislature, recognizing the consensus of support for such a program, unanimously, in 1999, adopted Act 920 establishing a State Master Plan and authorizing $85 million to be spent on the program over a fifteen (15) year period, and
WHEREAS, under her direction, this program has developed into a program which benefits the entire state, and
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City has directly benefited, and still benefits, from the program by projects, including the renovation and improvements at Lake End Park, the construction of Lake End Parkway, the development of the Morgan City Atchafalaya Gateway Program Master Plan and the improvements developed from that plan, and the construction of a world class Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, and
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City will continue to benefit from the construction of additional Lake End Park Improvements and from the future construction of cabins and other recreational offerings on Lake End Parkway, and
WHEREAS, Sandra has decided to retire as director of the Atchafalaya Basin Program,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby recognizes and salutes SANDRA THOMPSON on the role she has played in the development of the Atchafalaya Basin and “Thanks” her for the assistance she has given to the City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc, that the Mayor and Councilmen and all of the citizens of Morgan City wish Sandra success in all future endeavors.
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 28th day of August, 2007.
_____________________________
Timothy Matte, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Debbie Harrington, Clerk
A change order to the Gray Construction Contract (copy on file) for the Lake Palourde docking facility was submitted. Mr. Reid Miller, representative of Miller Engineers and Associated advised this change order was an extension of fifty-two (52) calendar days for the project due to rain and due to the city requesting that this project be delayed until after the boat races.
Mr. Bergeron offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R:07-52
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed in the name of and on behalf of said municipal corporation, to execute Change Order Number 1, to increase the contract time by fifty-two (52) days, under Contract Number R:07-25, between the City of Morgan City and Gray Construction Corporation for the Lake End Parkway Marina (FP & C Project 50-MK2-06B-04).
Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bergeron, Manfre, Bias, Longman, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 28th day of August, 2007.
_____________________________
Timothy Matte
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
A certificate of substantial completion of the Lake End Park Marina (Athena Construction) was submitted (copy on file). This was to put the contract in the lien period. Mr. Reid Miller went over the punch list items which still remained to be done and would be completed before the final payment was made.
Mr. Longman offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R:07-53
WHEREAS, the firm of Athena Construction LLC, has substantially completed the work done under Contract No. R:06-68, for the Lake End Park Marina (16-01-00-86-6 Part 6c), dated March 28, 2007, and recorded in the mortgage records of the Parish of St. Mary, Book 1119, Entry 281064, Page 255, and
WHEREAS, the contractor has requested that this work be put in the lien period, and
WHEREAS, the engineering firm of Miller Engineers and Associates, engineers for the project have recommended acceptance of said project as substantially complete, to begin the forty-five (45) day lien period with the following items still remaining to be done:
1. Install and final grade limestone surfacing at entrance to dock
2. Install bolts on stringer splice (4 bolts/splice) of 2nd finger pier on west side of main dock
3. Remove existing pile caps that are wrong size and replace with properly sized caps
4. Complete water meter box, attach aluminum top to concrete box
5. Complete electrical service at control panels and test after Owner installs primary electrical service and transformers on site. An electrical inspection will be made with the Electrical Engineer (Bill Allain, P.E.) after this work is complete
and
WHEREAS, this list is a tentative and may not be all-inclusive, and the failure to include an item in said list does not alter the responsibility of the contractor to complete all work in accordance with the contract documents, and
WHEREAS, before final payment is made, the engineering firm of Miller Engineers and Associates, will so certify to the City that the project is fully complete and approve the payment of the retainage,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor, is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute the “Certificate of Substantial Completion” and that a copy of this resolution, along with said “Certificate” be filed with the Clerk of Courts of the Parish of St. Mary to initiate the forty-five (45) day lien period for the work done under the above mentioned contract.
Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Longman, Manfre, Bergeron, Bias, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 28th day of August, 2007.
_____________________________
Timothy Matte, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Debbie Harrington, Clerk
The following Ordinances were submitted for a first reading: Sign Ordinance and Building Inspection Fees. No definitive action needed at this time.
The Mayor submitted the following names for appointments:
1. Nikki Fryou – Image Commission
2. Natalie Johnson – Library Commission
A motion to concur in these appointments was made by Reverend Bias, seconded by Mr. Tamporello and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Andy Ratcliff, on behalf of the Morgan City Firefighters Association, addressed the council and thanked it for the recent concerns regarding the recruitment and retention problems faced by the Fire Department and felt that these issues could be resolved without jeopardizing public safety.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Longman, and voted unanimously in favor.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Debbie Harrington Timothy Matte
Clerk Mayor