OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF MORGAN CITY

October 23, 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 Tommy Fromenthal, Cornerstone Ministries.

 

            The Mayor introduced this months Positive Image Persons and Organization:  Police Captain Michael Banks, Police Sergeant Bridgette Thibodaux, Police Officer Mark Theriot and the U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit – Morgan City, who had taken some of the bicycles recovered by the Police Department and restored them to give to the children in the community.

 

            The Mayor introduced Sandra Thompson, past executive director of the Atchafalaya Basin Program, at which time he presented her with a framed resolution adopted by the City recognizing and saluting her for the role she has played in the development of the Atchafalaya Basin and thanking her for the assistance she has given to the City.  A letter is to be sent to Governor-elect Jindal requesting Ms. Thompson’s reappointment to the position of executive director of the Atchafalaya Basin Program.

 

            Ms. Cally Williams, Morgan City Jr. High teacher addressed the council concerning a grant she had applied for and received from the Future Fisherman’s Foundation.  This grant was to teach kids to learn to fish. She also introduced two of her students – Linda Tran and Catherine Guarisco, who told the council of their experiences in the program.  At this time they invited the Mayor and Council for a group photo at Lake End Park, on October 30, 2007 at 10:30 am.

 

            Mrs. Alice Pecoraro addressed the council as team leader for the “Keep Morgan City Beautiful” program.  She advised that the “Keep American Beautiful” Program required that its affiliates have a paid director.  She requested that the council take into consideration, when adopting the budget, the hiring of a part time person for that position.

 

            The Mayor acknowledged Mr. Logan Fromenthal, newly elected Parish Councilman.

 

            The minutes of the meeting of September 25, 2007 were submitted.  There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Reverend Bias, seconded by Mr. Manfre, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

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

 

                                       MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                      

 

DATE:             October 23, 2007

TO:                  Mayor and Council

FROM:            Deborah Garber

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

 

General and Ancillary Funds:  Actual total revenues are over budget by $1,164,000.  Operating expenses are also over budget by $105,000.  The net loss, after transfers, of $520,000 creates a favorable variance of $1,019,000.

 

Utility Fund:  Actual revenues are below budget by $657,000, with operational expenses over budget by $84,000.  The net loss, after transfers, of $549,000 creates an unfavorable variance of $450,000.

 

Sanitation and Sewer Fund:  The operating revenues are $5,000 under budget, with total operating expenses over budget by $144,000.  The net income, after transfers, of $411,000 leaves a favorable variance of $297,000.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                /s/ Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Deborah Garber

                                                                                                Finance Director

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

Actual Revenues and Expenses Compared to Budget

Period Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

September

September

 

 

 

2007

2007

 

 

GENERAL AND ANCILLARY FUNDS

ACTUAL

BUDGET

VARIANCE

 

  REVENUES

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

4,311,022

3,319,297

991,725

 

     Recreation Fund

252,245

121,673

130,573

 

     Library Fund

34,628

32,908

1,721

 

     Auditorium Fund

105,871

108,975

(3,104)

 

     Lake End Park Fund

318,289

275,303

42,987

 

          Total Revenues

5,022,055

3,858,155

1,163,901

 

  EXPENSES-OPERATIONAL

 

 

 

 

     General Fund

6,448,143

6,374,965

73,179

 

     Recreation Fund

654,363

631,838

22,526

 

     Library Fund

98,111

104,782

(6,671)

 

     Auditorium Fund

294,041

287,347

6,694

 

     Lake End Park Fund

388,625

379,014

9,612

 

          Total Expenses

7,883,283

7,777,944

105,339

 

  TRANSFERS

 

 

 

 

     Transfers from Funds

3,028,130

3,029,200

(1,070)

 

     Transfers to Funds

(686,314)

(648,200)

(38,114)

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Net Transfers

2,341,816

2,381,000

(39,184)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  EXCESS NET OF TRANSFERS

(519,412)

(1,538,789)

1,019,377

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

UTILITY FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

17,810,992

18,467,624

(656,632)

 

     Total Expenditures

16,364,204

16,280,253

83,951

 

          Net Excess

1,446,788

2,187,371

(740,583)

 

     Net Transfers and non-oper.

(1,995,451)

(2,286,000)

290,549

 

     Excess net of transfers

(548,663)

(98,629)

(450,034)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANITATION AND SEWER FUND

 

 

 

 

     Total Revenues

1,262,096

1,266,750

(4,654)

 

     Total Expenses

2,043,554

1,899,616

143,938

 

          Net Excess

(781,458)

(632,866)

(148,592)

 

     Net Transfers/non-

 

 

 

 

       operating expenses

1,192,817

747,250

445,567

 

     Excess net of transfers

 

 

 

 

       and non-operating

411,359

114,384

296,975

 

 

            A short discussion followed concerning fuel cost and the new sanitation truck on order.  A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Longman, seconded by Mr. Tamporello, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

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

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-61

 

            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 $200,000 from General Fund to Road Royalty Funds for Street Overlay Project

2.            Allocate $11,945.00 from Excess Sales Tax for

a.      $10,045.00 – repairs due to fire at Central Fire Station

b.      $  1,900.00- additional funds needed to purchase Generator for Wyandotte Station

 

            Reverend Bias seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bergeron, Bias, Longman, Manfred, Tamporello

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSENT:         None

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            On the matter of the LEPA report, Mayor Matte stated that the wholesale power cost went down and should help the utility bills that will be going out a little later.

 

            A letter from the Port of South Louisiana was submitted (copy on file) requesting support for the application of Baker Hughes for a Foreign Trade Sub-zone designation

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-62

 

            WHEREAS, it has been brought to our attention that Baker Hughes, is filing an application with the Foreign Trade Zone board to designate its manufacturing facility here in Morgan City, as a “foreign trade sub-zone”, and

            WHEREAS, it is further understood that imported inventory and inventory held for export located in this sub-zone will be exempt from ad valorem tax, and

            WHEREAS, Baker Hughes’ utilization of the foreign trade zone program will act as a mechanism to increase the competitiveness of its operations and allow for growth and expansion.

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby supports Baker Hughes in its effort to obtain sub-zone designation and recommend an expedited review and approval of the application.

            Mr. Tamporello seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

            AYES:        Longman, Tamporello, Bergeron, Bias, Manfre

            NAYS:        None

            ABSENT:   None

            The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte

                                                                        Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

            A letter from Oceaneering was submitted (copy on file) requesting assistance in having railroad crossing arms installed in addition to flashing lights at the crossing near its location here in Morgan City and assistance in getting Martin Luther King Boulevard reconstructed to handle large trucks.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-63

 

            WHEREAS, that area near the intersection of Roderick Street and Railroad Avenue,  here in Morgan City is rapidly being developed and there are concerns with the danger of the railroad crossing in this area, and

            WHEREAS, the industrial developments in this area will employ a large number of people who will be using this railroad crossing a minimum of four (4) times per day, along with the myriad of vendors, delivery vehicles, customers, trainees, and other off-duty employees, and

            WHEREAS, this particular railroad crossing is on top of a “hill” and even though it has flashing lights, these lights are difficult to observe, and

            WHEREAS, it has been determined that this crossing would be safer if crossing arms were installed,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby request the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to install  “crossing arms” at the railroad crossing near the intersection of Roderick Street and Railroad Avenue making it a much safer crossing than one with just the flashing lights.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Honorable Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco; Honorable Governor-elect Bobby Jindal; Mr. Johnny B. Bradberry, DOTD Secretary; Honorable Dudley “Butch” Gautreaux, Senator; and the Honorable Carla Dartez, Representative.

            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 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

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

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-64

            WHEREAS, the Eastern end of Morgan City is rapidly being developed into an industrial area, and

            WHEREAS, the eastbound down ramp at Martin Luther King Boulevard (formerly East Boulevard) is the last exit in Morgan City and the west bound down ramp is the first exit into Morgan City, and

            WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Boulevard was not constructed to handle large trucks and due to the heavy volume of traffic prior to the opening of the newest section of Highway 90,  has deteriorated, and

            WHEREAS, today, heavy trucks with destinations in this industrial area must traverse through the City, exit at Brashear Avenue, then make a “loop” back to the industrial area,

            WHEREAS, the City and its business community are in need of another truck route to facilitate this industrial traffic, and

            WHEREAS, it is estimated that $1.3 million is needed to reconstruct Martin Luther King Boulevard to be able to allow industrial traffic, 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development assist in whatever way possible to have Martin Luther King Boulevard reconstructed so that it can be utilized as a heavy truck route.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Honorable Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco; Honorable Governor-elect Bobby Jindal; Mr. Johnny B. Bradberry, DOTD Secretary; Honorable Dudley “Butch” Gautreaux, Senator; and the Honorable Carla Dartez, Representative.

            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 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            Mr. Bart Mancuso, Recreation Director, submitted information concerning Lake End Park rate increases as determined by the Lake End Park Committee, Recreation and Parks Commission (copy on file).  Mr. Mancuso advised that a survey had been made and the proposed rates were in line with what other parks charged.  A lengthy discussion followed.  Some of the matters touched upon were requests to have a swimming pool and/or putt-putt golf at the campground, $1.00 per visit of RV’s going into an escrow account to build things at the park when enough funds are available, demand for RV spaces, indoor air conditioned pavilion needed, etc.  The proposed new rates were for the council’s information since the Recreation and Parks Commission had the authority to raise rates.

 

            A request was submitted by the Main Street Program (copy on file) asking permission to hold its “Fall Frenzy” on November 2-3, 2007.  Steve Morell, Main Street Manager gave a brief description of the activities which would be held during this time.  A motion to approve this request was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Longman and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            Correspondence from Miller Engineers concerning the tabulation report on the Lake End Park Improvements, Phase II B was submitted (copy on file).  The Council was advised that the bids came in over the funds available; however, a change order could be approved deducting certain items to bring the bid in line.  If this bid was awarded and the change order approved, it should be contingent upon approval by the State.

 

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

 

                                                     RESOLUTION NO. R:07-65

 

      BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that the bid of Gray Construction Corporation, for furnish­ing all labor, materials, equipment, etc., for the Lake End Park Improvements Phase II-B (ABFP-07-03), in the amount of Seven Hundred Sixty Thousand, Three Hundred Twenty-four and no/100 Dollars (760,324.00), being the least and most responsible bid received, be and the same is hereby accepted and awarded to Gray Construction; this award being contingent upon state approval.

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc., that upon state approval, Timothy Matte, Mayor, be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a contract with said Gray Construction Corporation, for and on behalf of and in the name of said Municipal Corpora­tion, for furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment for the Lake End Park Improvements Phase II-B (ABFP-07-03) 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.

      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 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte,Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-66

 

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 One (1), in the amount of - $145,944.50, under Contract Number R:07-65, between the City of Morgan City and Gray Construction Corporation for the Lake End Park Improvements Phase II-B (ABFP-07-03).

            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 23rd day of August, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        _____________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington. Clerk

 

            The proposed intergovernmental agreement between the City and the State for the construction code grant was submitted (copy on file).  Authorization is needed for the Mayor to execute said agreement, whereupon

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-67

 

            WHEREAS, the City applied for and received a grant from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Public Safety Services, in the amount of $100,000, and

 

            WHEREAS, said grant is to assist the City in setting up a construction code enforcement office,

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that the Mayor is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Louisiana to accomplish this.

 

            Mr. Bergeron seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:        Longman, Bergeron, Bias, Manfre, Tamporello

            NAYS:        None

            ABSENT:    None

            The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte. Mayor

ATTEST:

 

______________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

            Mr. Carl Kraemer gave a brief update on the building permits issued by his office.  He advised that from January 1 – October 15, 2007, one hundred thirty-five (135) permits had been issued; a total revenue of over $55,000 was collected with total project cost of over $19,000,000.

 

            A proposed contract with Mr. Carl P. Blum for the design for the Lake End Park Cabins project was submitted (copy on file).  The council was advised that the City had been allocated $93,000 for the planning of said cabin project.

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-68

 

            WHEREAS, as a part of the Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan, the City of Morgan City

Is developing that area known as “Lake End Parkway”, said area to include cabins, and

            WHEREAS, at this time, the City is in the process of completing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the state for the funding of the planning of the cabin development area,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that that the Mayor is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to enter into a contract with Carl P. Blum, Architect, for the design, plans, and other related architectural services for the Cabin Design – Lake End Parkway Project contingent upon approval of this contract by the State of Louisiana.

            Mr. Manfre seconded the motion.

 

            The vote thereon was as follows:

 

            AYES:              Bias, Manfred, Bergeron, Longman

 

            NAYS:              None

 

            ABSENT:         Tamporello

 

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            The Council was advised that the December, 2007 council meeting would fall on December 25th, Christmas, and it would be in order to move the meeting to December 18th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-69

 

            WHEREAS, the December, 2007 council meeting falls on December 25, 2007, (Christmas Day) and

            WHEREAS, this being  a holiday, children are out of school and many families take vacations at this time, and

            WHEREAS, City offices are closed on this day,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the December, 2007 council meeting be changed as follows:

            December 25, 2007 meeting changed to December 18, 2007

            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 23rd ay of October, 2007.

 

 

 

                                                                        _____________________________

                                                                        Timothy Matte

                                                                        Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            Mayor Matte advised the Council that the City was making a capital outlay request for several proposed projects and he was requesting letters of support from Representative Dartez and Senator Gautreaux, whereupon

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R;07-70

 

            WHEREAS, the Mayor submitted to the council, the following projects for submission to the State requesting Capital Outlay submission:

            Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Reconstruction      $  1,326,000

            Lake End Parkway Cabins (24 cabins in phases)     $  4,800,000

            Brashear Avenue Drainage Improvements                $  1,320,000

            Morgan City Water System Improvements                $  2,100,000

            LA Highway 70 Drainage Improvements             $  1,470,000

            Lighting of E.J. “Lionel” Grizzaffi Bridge                     $  1,800,000

            Bridge from Morgan City to Avoca Island                   $20,000,000

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby supports the Mayor’s request to the state, for Capital Outlay Funds to complete these project.

            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 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte

Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington

Clerk

 

            An Intergovernental Agreement between the City and the Parish for the $600,000 allocated to the City for the Brashear Avenue Extension was submitted (copy on file).

 

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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-71

 

            WHEREAS, Hellenic, Inc., in recognizing the need to provide affordable housing to this area, is developing, in phases, a new subdivision, along Lake Palourde, and

            WHEREAS, the City has identified a need for new residential growth and finds it to be beneficial for all of our citizens, and

            WHEREAS, the developer is committed to provide the streets and other infrastructure, and

            WHEREAS, ingress and egress into this subdivision is a necessary part of development, and can be accomplished by extending Brashear Avenue into the subdivision, and

            WHEREAS, in September, 2006 the City requested funding assistance from the St. Mary Parish Council, in order to provide this “Brashear Avenue Extension”, and

            WHEREAS, the Parish has agreed to assist in this project by providing funds in the amount of $600,000.

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that it hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Parish, along with any other documents necessary for the funding assistance for the Brashear Avenue Extension Project.

            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 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Timothy Matte, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

            The following ordinances were submitted for a first reading:

           

a.      Changing the zoning map

b.      Setting up and providing for new district R-1D

c.      Purchase of Freret Street Property

 

            No action was necessary at this time.

 

            The public hearing on the 2008 Budget Ordinance was opened.  No one appeared for or against said ordinance and the public hearing was closed.  Action on this ordinance was deferred until the budget workshops were held.

 

            An application was submitted (copy on file) by Hai My Ha d/b/a Johnny’s Food Mart, 2100 Federal Avenue, R-4 Residential Zone, for Class “B” Package Liquor.  Everything being in order, a motion to approve the application was made by Mr. Longman, seconded by Mr. Bergeron, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            Mayor Matte submitted the names of Kenneth Arceneaux and Mike Nelson, Sr., for reappointment to the Civil Service Board.  A motion to concur in these appointments was made by Reverend Bias, seconded by Mr. Bergeron, and voted unanimously in favor.

 

            The council was advised that there were legal matters to be discussed and requested that the agenda be expanded to go into executive session, stating that there were two items of litigation filed against the city and an EEOC complaint which needed to be addressed.  A motion to go into executive session was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Tamporella and voted unanimously in favor.

 

Executive Session from 7:20 pm to 7:35 pm

 

            Mr. Longman left the meeting at this time.

 

            A motion to reconvene was made by Mr. Bergeron, seconded by Mr. Manfre, and voted unanimously in favor.  On a motion by Mr. Tamporello, seconded by Mr.Manfre,and voted unanimously in favor,  the Council authorized Mr. Greg Aucoin, City Attorney to engage appropriate legal counsel to address these issues.

 

            The last matter on the agenda was a proposed “Resolution of Respect” in memory of Sheriff Harry Lee, who assisted after Hurricane Andrew.


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

 

RESOLUTION NO. R:07-72

IN MEMORIAM

HARRY LEE, Sheriff

 

 

            WHEREAS, God, in his infinite wisdom has taken Sheriff Harry Lee from our midst, and

            WHEREAS, he served his country by entering the Air Force as a Junior Officer in the Strategic Air Command, received his law degree, and in 1971 he became the first United States Magistrate sworn in for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and

            WHEREAS, in 1979 he was elected Sheriff of Jefferson Parish and served for seven terms during which time he was the recipient of many awards, and

            WHEREAS, in 1992, after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, Sheriff Lee sent his recruits to assist the City of Morgan City in debris cleanup at Lake End Park and other areas of the City, and he was instrumental in relocating the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival to Jefferson Parish,  with all proceeds going to the Festival, and

            WHEREAS, his untimely death has deprived the City of Metairie, the Parish of Jefferson, and the entire State of Louisiana, of an outstanding citizen, and

            WHEREAS, he will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched,

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that all those in attendance at this meeting rise and bow their heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Harry Lee, Sheriff and extend to his bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow, and in these inadequate words endeavor to express the high regard in which we held him in life and honor his memory in death.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, etc., that this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to his bereaved family; and that this meeting adjourn out of respect for the late Sheriff Harry Lee.

            Reverend Bias, Messrs. Longman, Manfre, and Tamporello seconded the motion.

            The vote thereon was as follows:

            AYES:              Bergeron, Bias, Manfre, Tamporello

            NAYS:              None

            ABSENT:         Longman

            The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 23rd day of October, 2007.

 

_____________________________

                                                                              Timothy Matte, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

Debbie Harrington, Clerk

 

 

 

 

_____________________________                    _____________________________

Debbie Harrington                                                 Timothy Matte

Clerk                                                                      Mayor