OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF MORGAN CITY

December 18, 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 was Mrs. Lorrie C. Braus, Chief Administrative Officer.

 

            The invocation was given by Reverend John Smilie, Holy Trinity Church.

 

            Mayor Matte thanked the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion for taking on the task of the Christmas Lighting Contest which would be judged tomorrow night.

 

            The minutes of the meeting of November 27, 2007 were submitted.  There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Tamporello, seconded by Mr. Manfre, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending November 30, 2007.

 

                                       MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                      

 

DATE:             December 18, 2007

TO:                  Mayor and Council

FROM:            Deborah Garber

RE:                  Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended November 30, 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 November 30, 2007.  The following comments are related thereto:

 

General and Ancillary Funds:  Actual total revenues are over budget by $1,228,000.  Operating expenses are also over budget by $183,000.  The net loss, after transfers, of $854,000 creates a favorable variance of $1,047,000.

 

Utility Fund:  Actual revenues are below budget by $934,000, with operational expenses over budget by $305,000.  The net loss, after transfers, of $770,000 creates an unfavorable variance of $947,000.

 

Sanitation and Sewer Fund:  The operating revenues are $68,000 under budget, with total operating expenses over budget by $202,000.  The net income, after transfers, of $475,000 leaves a favorable variance of $521,000.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                /s/ Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Finance Director

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

Actual Revenues and Expenses Compared to Budget

Period Ended November 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

November

November

 

 

 

2007

2007

 

 

GENERAL AND ANCILLARY FUNDS

ACTUAL

BUDGET

VARIANCE

 

  REVENUES

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

4,984,407

3,924,169

1,060,238

 

     Recreation Fund

275,263

148,711

126,552

 

     Library Fund

35,707

33,776

1,931

 

     Auditorium Fund

130,150

133,192

(3,042)

 

     Lake End Park Fund

376,139

333,814

42,325

 

          Total Revenues

5,801,666

4,573,661

1,228,005

 

  EXPENSES-OPERATIONAL

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

7,821,090

7,683,199

137,891

 

     Recreation Fund

734,137

699,967

34,170

 

     Library Fund

116,318

125,622

(9,304)

 

     Auditorium Fund

362,330

349,635

12,695

 

     Lake End Park Fund

462,291

455,017

7,274

 

          Total Expenses

9,496,166

9,313,439

182,727

 

  TRANSFERS

 

 

 

 

     Transfers from Funds

3,656,464

3,652,458

4,006

 

     Transfers to Funds

(816,239)

(814,300)

(1,939)

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Net Transfers

2,840,225

2,838,158

2,067

 

 

 

 

 

 

  EXCESS NET OF TRANSFERS

(854,275)

(1,901,620)

1,047,345

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

UTILITY FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

21,297,754

22,231,826

(934,072)

 

     Total Expenditures

19,425,674

19,120,391

305,283

 

          Net Excess

1,872,080

3,111,435

(1,239,355)

 

     Net Transfers and non-oper.

(2,642,068)

(2,934,000)

291,932

 

     Excess net of transfers

(769,988)

177,435

(947,423)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANITATION AND SEWER FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

1,480,386

1,548,250

(67,864)

 

     Total Expenses

2,504,653

2,302,864

201,789

 

          Net Excess

(1,024,267)

(754,614)

(269,653)

 

     Net Transfers/non-

 

 

 

 

       operating expenses

1,499,064

707,750

791,314

 

     Excess net of transfers

 

 

 

 

       and non-operating

474,797

(46,864)

521,661

 

 

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

 

            An engagement letter from Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Company, Auditors, was submitted (copy on file).

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-80

 

            WHEREAS, the firm of Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Company, LLC submitted an agreement letter for the examination of the financial statements of the City of Morgan City for the year ending December 31, 2007, and

            WHEREAS, said agreement letter must be approved by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor,

            NOW THEREFORE 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 to execute the letter agreement between the City and Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Company, LLC for the purpose of conducting an examination of the City’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2006.

            Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bergeron, Tamporello, Bias, Longman, Manfre        

            NAYS:              None

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 18th day of December, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        _____________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte

                                                                        Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            A discussion on the Atchafalaya Basin Interpretive Center was held.  Mayor Matte informed the council that the WRDA bill had passed and included in that bill was a provision to study, design, and construct a Type A regional visitors center in the vicinity of Morgan City or an upgrade to Type B with the difference in cost being 100% non-federal sponsored.

 

            With reference to the reconstruction of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, the council was advised that a State Bond commission meeting was scheduled for December 20, 2007 and the authorization of a line of credit in the amount of $1.15 million was on the agenda.

 

            On the matter of the Brashear Avenue extension, the Mayor advised that he had received preliminary cost estimates and he would to bring a plan to the council.

 

            The next matter on the agenda was a proposed lease between the City and the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival for leasing to the festival the Cypress Manor Museum.  Since the museum had closed due to not having funding, this would be a way to better utilize the property by allowing the Festival to use it as their primary office and still make it available to the public.  The Festival would maintain their displays at this location.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-81

 

            WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City (City) and the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival (Festival) are desirous of entering into an agreement whereby the City would lease to the Festival, the Morgan City Cypress Manor Museum located at 715 Second Street, Morgan City, Louisiana, and

            WHEREAS, an agreement setting out the terms and conditions of said lease has been prepared,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to enter into an agreement with the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, for the lease of the “Cypress Manor Museum” to the festival, under the terms and conditions as set forth in the lease documents.

            Mr. Longman seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bias, Longman, Manfre, Tamporello

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSTAIN         Bergeron

 

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 18th day of December, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce submitted a request (copy on file) for the City to participate in its Business Directory and Relocation Guide by placing an ad in the directory at a cost of $1,000.00

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-82

 

            WHEREAS, the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce is in the process of preparing its 2008 edition of the Membership Business Directory and Relocation Guide, and

 

            WHEREAS, as part of the relocation section of the directory, each municipality will be highlighted on a full page ad, at a cost of $1,000.

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby approves participation with the Chamber as its promotes the businesses in St. Mary Parish.

 

            BE FURTHER RESOLVED, etc. that the funds for this ad be paid from the General Fund.

            Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

            AYES:        Longman, Tamporello, Bias, Bergeron, Manfre

            NAYS:        None

            ABSENT:   None

            The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 18th day of December, 2007.

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

            The Morgan City Main Street submitted a request (copy on file) to transfer the amount of $1,602.50 from the Friend of Main Street Account to the Main Street Account to pay the Christmas Festival expenses.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-83

 

            WHEREAS, the Morgan City Main Street Program, is in need of the amount of $1,602.50 to cover the expenditures for the Christmas Festival, and

            WHEREAS, these funds are in the Friends of Main Street Account,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby allocates $1,602.50 from Friends of Main Street to the Main Street Project to cover the Christmas Festival expenditures.

            Reverend Bias seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bergeron, Bias, Longman, Manfre, Tamporelo

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 18th of December, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            The firm of Community Design Group submitted its Statement of Qualifications (copy on file) in connection with the retention of a consultant management firm to submit an application for the 2008/2009 Housing Rehab projects.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-84

 

A resolution pertaining to the contract for ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES for the 2008/2009 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program

 

WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City Louisiana did duly advertise in the Daily Review and the Houma Courier newspapers, inviting interested firms to submit Statements of Qualifications for Administrative Services to prepare the Application, and if funded, provide Management and Implementation services for the 2008/2009 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program, and

 

WHEREAS, a Statement of Qualifications was received from Community Design Group of Morgan City, LA, and

 

WHEREAS, the results of the evaluation shows that Community Design Group enumerated in their proposal all administrative, rehabilitation and financial services requested by the City, and they indicated an understanding of the specific needs to be addressed by the grant; and,

 

WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City is desirous of employing the said firm, Community Design Group, for the purposes and reasons stated above.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Morgan City the governing authority of Morgan City, that the Mayor, Timothy Matte, be and is hereby authorized to enter a contract for employment of the firm Community Design Group, for the purposes outlined herein and in behalf of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana.

 

            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 18th day of December, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-85

 

A resolution pertaining to the application submittal for the 2008/2009 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program.

 

WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City Louisiana did duly advertise in the Daily Review and held a public hearing for input for the submittal of an application for the 2008/2009 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program, and

 

WHEREAS, a request for housing rehabilitation assistance was received from residents in an area of Bowman Street, and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City is desirous of submitting an application for housing rehab assistance to the Office of Community Development 2008/2009 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Morgan City in regular session convened on December 18, 2007, that the Mayor, Timothy Matte, be and is hereby authorized to sign on behalf of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, any and all documents required for the submittal of such application to the Office of Community Development and if awarded, to implement said grant for housing rehabilitation, for the purpose outlined herein.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc., that it hereby assures that Fair Housing Ordinance 97-6 adopted June 24, 1997 is still in effect.

 

            Mr. Bergeron seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bias, Bergeron, Longman, Manfre, Tamporello

            NAYS:              None

            ABSENT:          None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 18th day of December, 2007.

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            On the matter of the proposed Tennis Pro Contract, the council was advised that the City has had, for the past few years, a contract to operate the pro shops and the tennis courts with KPR Tennis.  After consultation with KPR and Mr. Scott Rhodes, the resident Tennis Pro, the Tennis Committee was recommending that the City enter into an agreement directly with Mr. Rhodes, for that purpose.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-86

 

            WHEREAS, for the past four (4) years the City of Morgan City has had a contract with  KPR Tennis to administer the recreation department’s tennis program, and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Scott Rhodes, the tennis pro assigned by KPR Tennis to perform the contractual services has been serving as Pro for the program, and

            WHEREAS, after discussion between the City, KPR Tennis, Mr. Scott Rhodes, and the Tennis Committee, it has been determined to be within the best interest of all parties to contract directly with Mr. Rhodes.

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor be authorized to enter into a contract with Scott Rhodes for the purpose of performing the duties of the Tennis Court Pro.

            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 18th day of December, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            Shaw Coastal, engineers on the Brashear Avenue Drainage Project, submitted Amendment #3 to its contract.  Mr. Michael D’Angelo, representative of Shaw Coastal, advised that the current construction contract was approximately 50% complete.  This amendment was requesting that the upset limit for reimbursable expenses be increased to $20,713.00 from $6,713.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-87

 

A resolution providing approval of Amendment No. 3 to the “Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services” (Agreement) dated December 11, 2003 for Drainage at Brashear Avenue and Highway 70, identified as City Contract No. R:03-91.

 

        WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City (Morgan City) did enter into an Agreement with Shaw Coastal, Inc. (SCI) dated December 11, 2003 for Drainage at Brashear Avenue and Highway 70, identified as City Contract No. R:03-91, and

 

            WHEREAS, the provisions for Reimbursable Expenses had an upset limit of $6,713.00, and new upset limits on these expenses have become necessary, and

 

         WHEREAS, Amendment No. 3 provides for an increase to $20,713.00 to Section 5, Paragraph 5.1.3 of Contract R:03-91.          

 

         NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Morgan City Council authorizes the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 to Contract R:03-91 between the City and Shaw Coastal, Inc.

 

            Reverend Bias seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Tamporello, Bias, Bergeron, Longman, Manfre

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 24th day of May, 2005.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            The public hearing on the 2007 Budget Amendment Ordinance was opened.  The Mayor requested that $20,000 be added to the Lake End Park Capital Budget as the cost of  the road connection the park to the parkway.  There being no other comments on the Ordinance,

 

    This Ordinance introduced with first reading on November 27, 2007.

Published by title on December 3, 2007.

 

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

 

                                                       ORDINANCE NO. 07-16

 

               AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MORGAN CITY, LOUI­SIANA AMENDING THE OPERATING UTILITY REVENUE 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 revenues for 2007 be amended to $36,536,690 and the expenditures be amended to $37,196,755, leaving a net loss of $660,065.

 

      BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, etc., that said net loss in the amount of $660,065 be applied to the fund balance of $26,824,478, leaving a fund balance of $26,164,413 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 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 18th day of December, 2007.

 

Delivered to Mayor Matte at 11:00 am, this 21st day of December, 2007.

 

                                                                        Debbie Harrington_______________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington

                                                                        Clerk

 

      Approved this 21st day of December, 2007.

 

                                                                        Timothy Matte _________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte

                                                                        Mayor

 

Received from Mayor at 11:05 am on December, 2007.

 

                                                                        Debbie Harrington _______________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington

                                                                        Clerk

 

Published:  December 26, 2007

 

            An application for a Class “A” Liquor and Beer license was submitted (copy on file) by Tammy Lynn Breaux, d/b/a Tammy’s Star Bar, 217 Railroad Avenue, C-Commercal.  Everything being in order, a motion to approve the application was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Longman, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            The Mayor requested concurrence in appointing a Coast Guard Liaison Committee to possibly coordinate some interaction between the City and the Coast Guard.  He suggested that the Committee be made up of (1) a representative of the council (Mr. Tamporello), (2) two individuals designated by the Coast Guard (in ex-officio capacity), (3) representative of Marine and Shipyard industry (Dan Duplantis), (4) representative of the Chamber (Donna Meyer), (5) representative of SMIG, (6) representative of School System.  A motion to concur in the establishment of this committee was made by Mr. Tamporello, seconded by Mr. Manfre, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Manfre, seconded by Reverend Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________                          _____________________________

Debbie Harrington                                                       Timothy Matte

Clerk                                                                            Mayor