OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF MORGAN CITY

February 26, 2008

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 E, Morgan City, Louisiana.

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

Absent: Ron Bias

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

The invocation was given by Reverend Ronnie Cuvillier, Higher Ground Fellowship.

Miss Erin Hymel, Cypress Sawmill Festival Queen was introduced. She told the council of the upcoming festival and gave the council invitations to the Queen’s Luncheon on March 29, 2008.

Mayor Matte read his 2007 report on Finances and Administrative Activities of the city and read the report into the transcript of the meeting (copy on file). He also submitted information (copy on file) from Carl Kraemer concerning the NFIP-D-Firm maps (flood insurance maps). A short discussion followed. The Mayor advised that the first preliminary meeting had been held with FEMA who was working on the City’s maps. These maps should be received shortly, after which time the city would have ninety (90) days to reply with any appeals or modifications and once amended would be ready for adoption.

The minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2008 were submitted. There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Longman, seconded by Mr. Manfre, and voted unanimously in favor.

In the absence of Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, Mayor Matte submitted the financial statements for the period ending January 31, 2008.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DATE: February 26, 2008

TO: Mayor and Council

FROM: Deborah Garber

RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended January 31, 2008.

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 January 31, 2008. The following comments are related thereto:

General and Ancillary Funds: Actual total revenues are over budget by $88,500. Operating expenses are below budget by $61,000. The net income, after transfers, of $210,000 creates a favorable variance of $148,500.

Utility Fund: Actual revenues are under budget by $139,000, with operational expenses also under budget by $14,000. The net income, after transfers, of $101,000 creates an unfavorable variance of $129,000.

Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are $9,000 under budget, with total operating expenses also under budget by $41,500. The net loss, after transfers, of $247,700 leaves a favorable variance of $33,000.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Deborah Garber

Deborah Garber

Finance Director

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

The Police Pension and Relief Fund Financial statement for the period ending December 31, 2007 was submitted.

CITY OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA

Police Pension and Relief Fund

December 31, 2007

BALANCE SHEET

2007 2006

----------- ----------

ASSETS

Cash $ 5,374 $ 5,374

Investments (Restricted) 54,971 53,319

Receivables:

Accrued Interest Rec. 1,150 1,526

----------- ----------

Total Assets $ 61,495 $ 60,219

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE

Accrued liabilities $ - $ -

Restricted Fund Balance (as restated) 61,495 60,219

----------- -----------

Total liabilities and Fund Balance $ 61,495 $ 60,219

CITY OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA

STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES

AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE

Police Pension and Relief Fund

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007

2007 2006

----------- ----------

Operating Revenues:

Interest Income $ 1,276 $ 1,735

Contributions 34,651 31,451

----------- ----------

Total Revenues 35,927 33,186

Expenses

Benefits Paid 34,651 32,251

----------- -----------

Net Income (Loss) 1,276 935

Fund Balance, beginning (as restated) 60,219 59,284

----------- -----------

Fund Balance, ending $ 61,495 $ 60,219

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

Recommendations from the Finance Committee (copy on file) were submitted. As short discussion followed concerning the proposed sewer line.

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-7

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. Allocate $37,000 from City Hall fund for renovation of 509 Second Street (Planning and Zoning)

2. Allocate $7,700 from excess sales tax to General Fund for the following:

   1. $2,000 to purchase a computer for sign department

   2. $3,200 to purchase portable paint striping machine for sign department

   3. $2,500 to purchase two (2) computers for purchasing

3. Allocate $89,000 from Sanitation and Sewer for sewer line extension along LA 70 for Sonic Drive-In

Mr. Longman seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Bergeron, Longman, Manfre, Tamporello

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte. Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

Mrs. Almetra Franklin and Mr. Stanley Beverly (St. Mary Community Action Agency) addressed the council to discuss the progress they have been making in connection with the property located on Short and Cherry Streets, donated to the City for affordable housing (copy of report on file). Mrs. Franklin went into detail on what her agency planned to do. This project was basically to get the community to be stakeholders in the community. It was proposed that four (4) modular houses would be located on this property and sold to four qualified applicants. Mrs. Franklin stated that her agency had contacted some of the financial institutions and asked them to join in this venture. Discussion followed concerning the number of houses which could be located on this property, size of the structures, re-subdivision of said property, the possibility of a modular home manufacturer coming to this area, procedures to getting this property donated to the St. Mary Community Action Agency to proceed on this project. Mayor Matte stated that the next step would be to pursue a transfer of ownership of the property and proceed with the necessary subdivision of said property.

On the matter of the auditorium parking lot, the Mayor stated that approximately $150,000 had been allocated in the budget to do Phase I of the project. Even though an initial design was done, the next step would be to retain an engineer to prepare bid documents and do the geotechnical work. He requested that Mr. Carl P. Blum, who prepared the master plan, be retained.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 08-8

WHEREAS, since the construction of the municipal auditorium in the 1960’s, the parking lot has remained unpaved, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Carl P. Blum, in 2003, provided a master plan for this project, and

WHEREAS, funds have been allocated in the 2008 budget for the construction of the first phase of said project, and

WHEREAS, in order to begin this phase of the project, a design is needed, and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that an amount of $31,800 is necessary for this design of Phase I of the project,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it (1) it hereby retains Mr. Carl P. Blum, AIA Architect to provide the design of Phase I of the project; and (2) the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all necessary documents in connection with this project.

Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Bergeron, Manfre, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Tamporello

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

The Wharf Committee recommendations were submitted (copy on file), whereupon

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

RESOLUTION NO. 08-9

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that the amount of $2,000 be allocated from the Wharf budget for wharf maintenance, (to install bumpers on pleasure craft pilings), and to purchase and install lights to be placed around the name of “Morgan City” on the floodwall.

Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Manfre, Tamporello, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

Mr. Michael D’Angelo, representative of Shaw Coastal, engineers for the Brashear Avenue Drainage Project addressed the council requesting Change Order #2 to the Byron E. Talbot contract. This change order was a time only extension due to rain days and to cover the additional sewer work that needed to be done.

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-10

WHEREAS, the time period for the Brashear Avenue Drainage Project, Byron E. Talbot Contractor has been review by Shaw Coastal, Project Engineers, and it has been determined that a time extension is in order due to recorded rain days and Change Order No. 1 which provides for additional work beyond the original contract, and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that an additional 26 calendar days would be in order, thereby increasing the calendar days for the project from 180 to 206, and

WHEREAS, the Engineer has prepared Change Order No. 2 providing for this increase in the number of days, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that the mayor is authorized to execute Change Order No. 2 to the existing construction contract with Byron E. Talbot Contractor, Inc.

Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Bergeron, Tamporello, Longman, Manfre

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

___________________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

A short discussion followed concerning the calculations of quantities of concrete, whether or not some concrete was in the original project and what might be remaining to repair the area of the streets not in the original project.

Mr. Mike Loupe, Public Works Director, submitted a request to put the Barriere Construction Company, Street Overlay Project in the lien period. His memorandum stated that there were no punch list items to be completed.

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-11

WHEREAS, the firm of Barriere Construction Company, LLC, has substantially completed the work for the 2007-2008 Street Overlay project, done under Contract No. R:07-74, dated January 2, 2008 and recorded in the mortgage records of the Parish of St. Mary, Book 1151, Entry 295635, Page 23, and

WHEREAS, the contractor has requested that this work be put in the lien period, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Michael Loupe, City of Morgan City Public Works Director has recommended acceptance of said project as substantially complete, to begin the forty-five (45) day lien period with no punch list items to be done, and

WHEREAS, before final payment is made, Mr. Michael Loupe, Public Works Director, will so certify 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, Tamporello

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

A proposed professional services agreement between the City and Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc. was submitted (copy on file). Mr. Lucien Cutrera, representing Shaw Environmental addressed the council concerning the proposed Visitor/ Interpretive Center. He gave a lengthy background of this project, touching upon the many meetings that had been held, attempts to get a “Type A” facility in lieu of a “Type B” facility, the Corps of Engineers being involved, where funding for this facility would be allocated from, need for someone to put this project together, etc.

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-12

WHEREAS, as part of the Atchafalaya Basin Program, it has been determined that a Type “A” Regional Visitor Center in the vicinity of Morgan City would be beneficial, and

WHEREAS, this visitor center would provide, to the public, information on the Atchafalaya River system and other associated waterways which have influenced surrounding communities along with national and local water resources development, and

WHEREAS, the firm of Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc. has proposed to provide planning, administrative, and design related services to the City relative to Atchafalaya Basin and other projects as directed on a time and materials basis for an estimated annual cost not to exceed $12,000.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that (1) it hereby retains the firm of Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure to provide planning, administrative, and design services relative to this proposed regional visitors center and (2) authorizes the Mayor to execute any documents necessary to accomplish this.

Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Tamporello, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

A proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the St. Mary Parish Communications District was presented (copy on file). The council was advised that there would be no cost to the City.

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-13

WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City and the St. Mary Parish Communications District and are desirous of entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement to utilize the enhanced 911 Telephone System to provide direct dispatch for emergency fire call received by 911, and

WHEREAS, certain responsibilities for the Communications District and for the City of Morgan City have been outlined in this agreement,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that Richard Anderson, Morgan City Fire Chief be authorized and directed to execute this Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the St. Mary Parish Communications District.

Mr. Bergeron seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Longman, Manfre, Bergeron, Tamporello

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

The next three items were taken up together: (1) retain engineer for the Sewer Line Extension to the Sonic Drive in area; (2) retain engineer for the 2008 Sewer Line Collection Rehab; and (3) balancing change order for the 2006/2007 Sewer Line Rehab, Insituform contract.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 08-14

WHEREAS, that property described as the re-division of Tract II of Inglewood Investments, Inc., “Commercial Subdivision”, into Tract 2-A and Tract 2-B located in Section 2, T1S-R12-#, City of Morgan City, hereinafter referred to as “site” is being developed, and

WHEREAS, sewer must be provided to this “site” by installing sewer lines from Clothilde Street, north on Ninth Street to Louisiana Highway 70, thence to “site”, and

WHEREAS, the firm of Environmental Engineering Services, Inc., has proposed to provide the necessary engineering services for the installation of needed sewer lines,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that (1) it hereby retains the firm of Environmental Engineering Services, Inc. (EES) to provide the necessary professional engineering services in connection with the providing of the necessary sewer service to that area as stated above; and (2) the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all necessary documents in connection with this project.

Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Tamporello, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-15

WHEREAS, the City is desirous of continuing its sewer line rehabilitation project, and

WHEREAS, professional engineering services are needed to make rehab recommendations, prepare designs and bid documents and oversee construction of said project, and

WHEREAS, the firm of Environmental Engineering Services, Inc. has assisted the City in past rehab projects and is familiar with the City’s sewer system,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that (1) it hereby retains the firm of Environmental Engineering Services, Inc. (EES) to provide the necessary professional engineering services in connection with the continuation of the sewer rehabilitation project; and (2) the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all necessary documents in connection with this project.

Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Tamporello, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2006.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-16

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, in the amount of - $47,145.85, under Contract Number R:07-10, between the City of Morgan City and Insituform Technologies, Inc. for the 2006-2007 Sewer Line Rehab Project.

Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Tamporello, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

Mr. Raleigh Cox, Engineer for the Lakeside Electrical Rehab Project submitted a “time only” change order (copy on file).

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-17

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, for a contract time extension of an additional eighty-four (84) days due to excess rain days, under Contract Number R:06-49, between the City of Morgan City and Duebler Electric, Inc. for the Additions and Alterations to the Municipal Electric Distribution System, Project 6, Lakeside Subdivision.

Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Tamporello, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

Mr. Cox then requested that this contract be put in substantial completion to begin lien period.

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:08-18

WHEREAS, the firm of Duebler Electric, Inc., has substantially completed the work for the Additions and Alterations to the Municipal Electrical Distribution System – Project 6 , Lakeside Subdivision, done under Contract No. R:06-49, dated August 21, 2006 and recorded in the mortgage records of the Parish of St. Mary, Book 1091, Entry 277087, Page 281, sated August 23, 2006, and

WHEREAS, the contractor has requested that this work be put in the lien period, and

WHEREAS, the engineering firm of Cox Engineering, Inc., 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. Provide the following spare parts

   1. three (3) 200 amp SMU 20 – 200 E high voltage fuses

   2. three (3) 100 amp SMU 20 – 100 E high voltage fuses

   3. three (3) 15 amp SMU 20 – 15E high voltage fuses

   4. One (1) 100 DVA pad mount transformer

   5. One (1) 167 KVA pad mount transformer

2. Level all transformers and fill in all low places around transformers pull boxes and other equipment

3. Make final secondary tie-in at 150 KV transformer

4. Change fuse at terminal pole 1 to 150 amp rated

5. Fix drain at 1503 McDermott, and

WHEREAS, this list is 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 Cox Engineering, Inc. 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: Tamporello, Manfre, Bergeron, Longman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

An ordinance to amend the burial fees was submitted for a first reading. No definitive action needed at this time.

The public hearing on the ordinance to adopt the “Employees Work Plan” was opened. No one appeared for or against said ordinance.

This ordinance was introduced with a first reading on January 22, 2008. Published by title on January 28, 2008.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 08-1

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY ADOPTING THE “EMPLOYEES WORK PLAN” ORIGINALLY APPROVED JANUARY 23, 1996, ALONG WITH ANY CHANGES, ADDITIONS, OR DELETIONS THERETO.

SECTION 1

BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that the “Employees’ Work Plan”, originally approved on January 23, 1996, by Resolution R:96-11, along with any changes, additions, or deletions thereto is hereby adopted and made a part hereof as if incorporated herein.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, etc., any changes, additions, or deletions to the “Employees’ Work Plan shall be approved and adopted through a resolution duly passed by the council members of the City of Morgan City.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, etc. that no further ordinances shall be required since the actions herein meet with the specifications as required within the charter.

SECTION 2

Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase be declared unconstitutional or repealed for any reason, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected hereby. That all laws or parts of laws in conflict with this ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall take effect immediately after its passage within the time prescribed by law.

Longman seconded the motion.

The vote thereon was as follows:

AYES: Bergeron, Longman, Manfre, Tamporello

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bias

Certified approved and adopted this 26^th day of February, 2008.

Delivered to Mayor Matte at 9:40 am this 28^th day of February,2008.

/s/ Debbie Harrinton_____________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

Approved this 28^th day of February, 2008.

/s/ Timothy Matte________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

Received from Mayor at 9:55 am on February, 2008.

/s/ Debbie Harrington_____________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

Published: March 4, 2008

Mr. Bergeron submitted photographs (copies on file) of the house that he had been given 90 days to repair. The photos showed that some progress had been made.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

_____________________________ _____________________________

Debbie Harrington Timothy Matte

Clerk Mayor