OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF MORGAN CITY

November 27, 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 Ronnie Cuvillier, Higher Ground Family Church.

 

            Mr. Mike Liner addressed council concerning the leaking roof at the Central Fire Station.  He stated that this has been an on-going problem for some time and was a cause for conncern.  Discussion followed.  Fire Chief Richard Anderson advised that the roofer had met with him and Mr. George Mikhael, however they did not advise him of any plan to correct the problem.  Further discussion followed about where the leak might be coming from (walls, flashing, or other problem).  The Mayor stated that it appeared to be the consensus that there might be a problem with the flashing and Montgomery Roofing was going to change this flashing. No presence of mold had been detected.  Chief Anderson was securing a price to change the roof if this needed to be done.

 

            Virgil Allen appeared before the council to discuss the proposed Hellenic property development.  He stated that the possibility of a danger of putting a residential community on that property might hurt the efforts of a commercial development which was being proposed (namely the proposed Tiger Isle Resort).  He stated that some of the proposed developers of this resort expressed concern.  This proposed Tiger Isle Resort was something that the Parish Economic Development was looking into and requested the council to review said proposal.  Further discussion followed concerning the fact that a residential development and the Tiger Isle Resort could co-exist, whether or not the Hellenic representatives were contacted concerning this matter, best use for the property, etc.  No definitive action necessary.

 

            The minutes of the meeting of October 23, 2007 were submitted.  There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Tamporello, seconded by Mr. Manfre, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

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

 

MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DATE:             November 27, 2007

TO:                  Mayor and Council

FROM             Deborah Garber

RE:                  Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended October 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 October 31, 2007.  The following comments are related thereto:

 

General and Ancillary Funds:  Actual total revenues are over budget by $1,200,000.  Operating expenses are also over budget by $192,000.  The net loss, after transfers, of $715,000 creates a favorable variance of $965,000.

 

Utility Fund:  Actual revenues are below budget by $1,162,000, with operational expenses over budget by $286,000.  The net loss, after transfers, of $658,000 creates an unfavorable variance of $906,000.

 

Sanitation and Sewer Fund:  The operating revenues are $63,000 under budget, with total operating expenses over budget by $219,000.  The net income, after transfers, of $65,000 leaves a favorable variance of $31,000.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                /s/ Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Finance Director

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

Actual Revenues and Expenses Compared to Budget

Period Ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

October

October

 

 

 

2007

2007

 

 

GENERAL AND ANCILLARY FUNDS

ACTUAL

BUDGET

VARIANCE

 

  REVENUES

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

4,670,014

3,631,857

1,038,157

 

     Recreation Fund

261,148

135,192

125,956

 

     Library Fund

35,700

33,342

2,358

 

     Auditorium Fund

118,592

121,083

(2,491)

 

     Lake End Park Fund

345,818

304,558

41,260

 

          Total Revenues

5,431,272

4,226,032

1,205,240

 

  EXPENSES-OPERATIONAL

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

7,148,591

7,023,832

124,759

 

     Recreation Fund

695,922

654,652

41,270

 

     Library Fund

109,264

115,202

(5,938)

 

     Auditorium Fund

333,795

318,541

15,254

 

     Lake End Park Fund

433,349

417,015

16,334

 

          Total Expenses

8,720,921

8,529,242

191,680

 

  TRANSFERS

 

 

 

 

     Transfers from Funds

3,324,797

3,325,867

(1,070)

 

     Transfers to Funds

(749,850)

(702,700)

(47,150)

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Net Transfers

2,574,947

2,623,167

(48,220)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  EXCESS NET OF TRANSFERS

(714,702)

(1,680,042)

965,340

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

UTILITY FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

19,462,896

20,624,527

(1,161,631)

 

     Total Expenditures

18,141,668

17,855,947

285,721

 

          Net Excess

1,321,228

2,768,580

(1,447,352)

 

     Net Transfers and non-oper.

(1,979,098)

(2,520,000)

540,902

 

     Excess net of transfers

(657,870)

248,580

(906,450)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANITATION AND SEWER FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

1,344,644

1,407,500

(62,856)

 

     Total Expenses

2,320,614

2,101,240

219,374

 

          Net Excess

(975,970)

(693,740)

(282,230)

 

     Net Transfers/non-

 

 

 

 

       operating expenses

1,040,689

727,500

313,189

 

     Excess net of transfers

 

 

 

 

       and non-operating

64,719

33,760

30,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

            The Mayor brought up the matter of a policy change that the City’s insurance carrier was advising needed to be implemented.  This policy concerned everyone driving a City vehicle or receiving a vehicle allowance.  A Motor Vehicle Records policy (copy on file) was prepared to be put into the City’s work plan.

 

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-73

 

            WHEREAS, by Resolution R:96-11 dated January 23, 1996, the City Council adopted an “Employee Work Plan”, and

            WHEREAS, the workplace and the work force is ever changing, and

            WHEREAS, the City desires to keep up with relative and pertinent laws and regulations regarding employees, and

            WHEREAS, the City’s insurance carrier has recommended the adoption of a Motor Vehicle Record Policy to be added to the City’s “Employee Work Plan”.

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that Section 8.1, Management Safety Policy, Exhibit B be amended by adding thereto a Motor Vehicle Record Policy which is made a part hereof as if incorporated herein.

            Mr Manfre seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bergeron, Manfred, Bias, Longman, Tamporello

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            The tabulation report on the proposed 2007-2007 Street Overlay Project was submitted (copy on file).  Mayor Matte advised that the amount of $300,000 was budgeted for this project and that it may have to be modified.

 

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

 

                                                     RESOLUTION NO. R:07-74

 

      WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City has put into place a “2007-2008 street overlay project”, and certain streets have been outlined for the first phase of this project, and

      WHEREAS, bids were received on November 13, 2007 with the lowest and most responsible bidder being Barriere Construction Co., LLC in the amount of $335,780.00

      NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that the bid of Barriere Construction Co., LLC., for furnish­ing all labor, materials, equipment, etc., for portions of the “2007-2008 Street Overlay Project”, in the amount of Three Hundred Thirty-five Thousand, Seven Hundred Eighty and no/100  Dollars ($335,780.00), being the least and most responsible bid received, be and the same is hereby accepted and awarded to Barriere Construction C., LLC.

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc., that the Mayor, be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a contract with said Barriere Construction Co., LLC, for and on behalf of and in the name of said municipal corpora­tion, for furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment for a portion of the “2007-2008 Street Overlay project” , in Morgan City, Louisiana.

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc., that the contract shall be filed with the Clerk of Court and Ex-officio Recorder of Mortgages for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, for recordation in the mortgage records of said parish, hereby ratifying and confirming his act or acts in the premises.

      Reverend Bias seconded the motion.

      The vote thereon was as follows:

      AYES:              Bergeron, Bias, Longman, Manfre, Tamporello

      NAYS:              None

      ABSENT:         None

      The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            The next matter on the agenda was a proposed contract with AMS Utiliserve to provide meter reading services.  A report on the hiring and termination experience for meter readers over the past three years was submitted (copy on file).  The Mayor stated that at present the City has one meter reader on staff (one spot unfilled and another meter reader out on worker’s compensation).  The AMS Utiliserve contract had been evaluated and it was determined that a one year contract would be the most efficient since the City was considering the installation of automatic readers on all meters.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-75

 

            WHEREAS, the City is desirous of contracting with a private firm to perform its meter reading services, and

            WHEREAS, the firm of Utiliserv has submitted a proposal to accomplish this,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor, be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a contract with said Utiliserve, for and on behalf of and in the name of said Municipal Corpora­tion, to perform meter reading services for the City of Morgan City.

            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 27th day of November, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            On the matter of the Brashear Avenue crossovers, the Mayor advised he had received requests to install some crossovers on Brashear Avenue to allow traffic to be able to cross without going from Victor II to David Drive.  Byron E. Talbot, Inc., contractor for the Drainage Project, has submitted an estimated cost to install crossovers as proposed.  The Mayor was asking the council to allow him to enter into an agreement with any of the parties that would be affected by these crossovers.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-76

 

            WHEREAS, in connection with the Brashear Avenue Drainage Project and

            WHEREAS, those businesses located on Brashear Avenue from Eighth Street to David Drive are desirous of giving their customers ingress and egress to their establishments via crossovers rather than having to traverse the entire length of Brashear Avenue from Eighth Street to David Drive, and

            WHEREAS, one replacement crossover is in the project, however it is anticipated that two (2) additional crossovers are needed, and

            WHEREAS, the firm of Byron E. Talbot, Inc., contractor for the Drainage Project has submitted a quote of $18,517.50 per crossover,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that the Mayor be authorized to enter into agreements with the business establishments in the project area to share in the cost of the installation of said crossovers.

            Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

            AYES:        Bias, Tamporello, Bergeron, Longman, Manfre

            NAYS:        None

            ABSENT:   None

            The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            The Mayor advised the council of a problem which came up in the drainage project concerning a sewer line that crosses the drain which would be located inside of the culvert.  This sewer line was located fairly close the bottom of the culvert and would trap debris and cause a blockage in the drain.  Discussion followed concerning several possible correction solutions, ability to provide any new establishments locating in this area, etc.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-77

 

            WHEREAS, in connection with the Brashear Avenue Drainage Project, a sewer crossing at David Drive would cause problems with debris collection in the storm drain, and

            WHEREAS, it has been determined that this sewer line would be eliminated and a new gravity gravity sewer line would be installed from David Drive to Victor II Boulevard and would tie into an existing line on Victor II Boulevard, and

            WHEREAS, this new line would also serve any future development along Brashear Avenue from Victor II to David Drive, and

            WHEREAS, it is estimated that this project would cost approximately $35,000,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that the Mayor be authorized to seek funds from the state and if no fund can be forthcoming from the State, the City allocate these funds from Pollution Abatement.

            Mr. Bergeron seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

            AYES:        Longman, Bergeron, Bias, Manfred, Tamporello

            NAYS:        None

            ABSENT:    None

            The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

            Mayor Matte advised the council that in the matter of the proposed Brashear Avenue extension, he was still working to contact the Hellenic consulting engineer to assist on this project since it would be better to have one engineer on the project.  He anticipated to bring a proposal back to the council.

 

            He also advised that since the bids on the Lake End Park Phase II B were higher than anticipated and a proposed change order had been sent to the state for its approval.

 

            The firm of Utility Service had a contract with the City to maintain the Maple Street water tower and the Wyandotte water tower and had now submitted a similar contract

to do maintenance on the Steam Plant water tower.  Discussion followed concerning a payment schedule, what Utility Service would do, etc.

 

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-78

 

            WHEREAS, the firm of Utility Service Company, Inc. submitted a proposal to provide professional services needed to maintain the 750,000 gallon water tower located at Myrtle Street and Railroad Avenue (commonly known as the “Steam Plant Water Tower”) and

            WHEREAS, it is determined to be within the best interest of the City to proceed with the renovation and annual maintenance utilizing a yearly maintenance plan as proposed, and

            WHEREAS, the firm of Utility Service Company is providing the maintenance on the Maple Street and the Wyandotte Water Towers,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that it (1) accepts the proposal of Utility Service Company, Inc. for the renovation and maintenance plan for the “Steam Plant Water Tower”, (2) authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract with Utility Service Company, and (3) that the funds for this renovation and maintenance plan be allocated from the Water Plant Contractural Services Funds.

            Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bias, Tamporello, Bergeron, Longman, Manfre

            NAYS:              None

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            Correspondence from the Main Street Committee requesting approval to hold its annual Christmas Festival was submitted (copy on file).  A motion to approve the request was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Longman, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            A request had been made from the Parish to utilize the auditorium to hold senior dinners since the building where these dinners are held is being renovated.  A motion to approve this request was made by Mr. Longman, seconded by Reverend Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            The Wharf Commission submitted some recommendations (copy on file) in connection with the grant application it was working on.  Mr. Manfre stated that the scope of this grant was to determine the location and securing of an ice house, adding shower and restroom facilities near this ice house, replace the current wharf with a new one, and enhancing the areas near the new wharf with signage, lighting, and trees./shrubs/plants.   It was further stated that the need for an engineer and/or architect would be necessary.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-79

 

            WHEREAS, the City and the Wharf Commission are desirous of submitting an application for a Fisheries Infrastructure Grant and

            WHEREAS, the Wharf Commission is in the process of preparing said grant application, and

            WHEREAS, if the City is awarded said grant the services of an engineer will be necessary, and

            WHEREAS, the firm of Miller Engineer has evaluated the current structure for possible placement of an ice house, shower, and restroom facilities,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that in the event this grant is received, the Mayor is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a contract with Miller Engineers and Associates to perform the necessary engineering services to implement this project.

            Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

            AYES:        Manfred, Tamporello, Bergeron, Bias, Longman

            NAYS:        None

            ABSENT:   None

            The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            The 2007 Budget Amendment ordinance was submitted for a first reading.  No action necessary at this time.

 

            The public hearing for the 2008 Budget Ordinance was opened.  No one appeared either for or against said ordinance, whereupon

 

This Ordinance introduced with first reading on September 25, 2007.

Published by title on October 2, 2007 and October 31, 2007

 

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

 

                                                          ORDINANCE NO. 07-12

 

      AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA ADOPTING AN OPERATING BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2008, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008.

 

      SECTION 1

      BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that:

 

Section 1

      The attached detailed estimate of revenues as reflected in the consolidated statement, the supporting line item budget, and other such fiscal exhibits and information as required by the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act are ready for approval and adoption to serve as the Budget of Revenues for the City for the Fiscal Year January 1 to December 31, 2008.

 

Section 2

      The attached detailed statement of expenditures as reflected in the consolidated statement, the supporting line item budget and other such fiscal exhibits and information as required by the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act are ready for approval and adoption to serve as the Budget of Expenditures for the City for Fiscal Year January 1 to December 31, 2008.

 

Section 3

      The adoption of the Budget of Expenditures as reflected in the attached line item budget containing account object of expendi­ture classifications shall be declared to be the appropriation of the amounts set therein as established in each budget classifica­tion by object of expenditure.

 

Section 4

      The amounts appropriated for all accounts shall not exceed the amounts fixed therefor in the Budget of Expenditures, however, nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the governing authority from amending or making an appropriation to and for a contingent fund to be used in cases of emergency.

 

      BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, etc., that the budget for fiscal year January 1 to December 31, ­2008, as attached hereto and made a part hereof be and the same is hereby approved.

 

      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.

 

      Mr. Bergeron seconded the motion.

 

      The vote thereon was as follows:

      AYES:              Longman, Bergeron, Bias, Manfred, Tamporello         

      NAYS:              None

      ABSENT:          None

 

      Certified approved and adopted this 27th day of November, 2007.

.

Delivered to Mayor Matte at 8:50 AM, this 29th day of November, 2007.

 

                                                                        /s/ Debbie Harrington_____________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington, Clerk

                             

      Approved this 29th day of November, 2007.

 

                                                                        /s/ Timothy Matte_________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

 

Received from Mayor at 8:55 AM on November 29, 2007.

 

                                                                        /s/ Debbie Harrington ______________

                                                                        Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

Published: December 5, 2007



CITY OF MORGAN CITY

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

JANUARY 1, 2008 TO DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMENDED

PROPOSED

2008 PROPOSED BUDGET

 

 

 

ACTUAL

BUDGET

BUDGET

 

SPECIAL

CAPITAL

DEBT

UTILITY

INTERNAL

FIDUCIARY

 

 

 

2006

2007

2008

GENERAL

REVENUE

PROJECTS

SERVICE

SYSTEM

SERVICE

TRUST

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Taxes

6,634,049

6,800,901

6,533,084

4,511,573

1,844,761

                -  

176,750

               -  

             -  

                -  

 

 

     Licenses and permits

818,290

900,419

884,000

884,000

                  -  

                -  

            -  

               -  

             -  

                -  

 

 

     Intergovernmental

1,045,183

2,407,936

3,115,982

411,000

204,982

2,500,000

            -  

               -  

             -  

                -  

 

 

     Charges for services

942,619

1,105,330

1,210,500

20,000

847,500

                -  

            -  

               -  

343,000

                -  

 

 

     Fines and forfeits

160,202

209,679

190,000

170,000

20,000

                -  

            -  

               -  

             -  

                -  

 

 

     Special assessments

                     -  

                    -  

                       -  

                   -  

                  -  

                -  

            -  

               -  

             -  

                -  

 

 

     Utility operations

24,812,998

24,306,209

25,124,207

                   -  

                  -  

                -  

            -  

25,124,207

             -  

                -  

 

 

     Miscellaneous

552,959

560,641

469,056

180,500

57,806

20,750

3,500

               -  

             -  

206,500