VINTON, LA

                April 19, 2011

 

                The Mayor and Council of the Town of Vinton, Louisiana, met in regular session at the regular meeting place of said Mayor and Council, in the Town Hall, Vinton, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m. on the 19th day of April, 2011, with the following members present:

 

                                                                                Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor

                                                                                William “BB” Loyd, Mayor-Pro-Tem

                                                                                Bliss Bujard, Council Member

                                                                                Harold R. Douga, Council Member

                                                                                Kevin Merchant, Council Member

                                                                                Paul Patin, Council Member

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                ABSENT:                              None

 

                                ALSO PRESENT:               Thad Minaldi, Town Attorney

 

                                                                The following Reports were submitted:

 

                Total Payroll for March, 2011                                                                        $     90,738.19 

                                Total Receipts for March, 2011                                                                    $1,152,385.31

                                Total Disbursements for March, 2011                                                       $   906,276.82

                                Total Bills for March, 2011                                                                             $   399,898.59 

 

 

 

Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor called the meeting to order.  Fire Chaplin Tibbitts led in prayer, and then followed the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

                                It was moved by Council Member Merchant that the minutes of prior meetings, copies of which were mailed to each Council Member prior to the meeting, be approved as written.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Douga and carried.

 

                                Mary Vice, City Clerk gave the monthly Administration Department report. 

 

                                Bills for the month of March, 2011, were approved and payment authorized upon a motion by Council Member Loyd, seconded by Council Member Bujard and carried.

 

                                Senator John Smith and Representative Mike Danahay presented commendation certificates to the following:

 

                                                                Mary O. Vice, MMC for being elected President of the Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association.

                                                                Council Member Paul Patin for being inducted into the Louisiana Golden Glove Boxing Hall of Fame.

                                                                Mayor Kenneth Stinson for being named the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce “Citizen of the Year”.

 

                                Mr. Billy Rhimes discussed the proposed Mojito Pointe project with the governing authority and public present.  He stated that the project would provide over 1500 construction jobs followed by 2000 permanent new jobs.  It is also expected to generate over $27 million in incremental tax revenue per year for Calcasieu Parish.  Mr. Rhimes asked that we support the Mojito Pointe project by voting “YES” on April 30, 2011.

 

                                After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Douga that the following Resolution be adopted.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Patin and carried.

 

                               

RESOLUTION

 

Whereas, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board recently chose the proposed

Mojito Pointe Resort for the final riverboat casino license; and

 

Whereas, in order for this project to be built, the voters of Calcasieu Parish must now approve the resort at a special election scheduled for April 30, 2011; and

 

Whereas, Southwest Louisiana continually strives for strong economic growth for its citizens, and the Mojito Pointe Resort is expected to generate $27 million per year in tax revenue for Calcasieu Parish and over $5 million per year for education in Calcasieu Parish, with an annual economic impact of $700 million in Southwest Louisiana, and will generate approximately 1500 construction jobs and 2000 permanent jobs upon completion; and

 

Whereas, the Mojito Pointe Resort will bring the first five-star hotel to the region, along with other amenities including an18-hole golf resort,  restaurants, tennis center, spa and 2500 seat premiere entertainment venue which will add to the economic strength of Calcasieu Parish as a premiere resort and convention site.

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Mayor and Council of the Town of Vinton, Louisiana, do hereby encourage our citizens to consider the economic impact Mojito Pointe Resort will have on Southwest Louisiana and exercise their right to vote in favor of this project. The election date is Saturday, April 30, 2011 and early voting is April 16-23, 2011.

 

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of April, 2011.

 

                                                                                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                                Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

_______________________________

Mary O. Vice, City Clerk

 

                                Mayor Stinson recognized Rickey Watson and presented him with a plaque in appreciation of his past service on the Town of Vinton Industrial Development Board.

 

                                Fire Chief Jerry Merchant, presented Medals of Valor to the following firefighters for their acts of bravery in rescuing a woman from a house fire on December 18, 2010:

 

                                                Aaron Moody                                     Benji Stanley

                                                Chris Vice                                            Kevin Merchant

 

                                Deputy Fire Marshall Dan Wallis, Senator John Smith and Representative Mike Danahay presented the firefighters with Certificates of Commendation for their heroic acts.

 

                                Mayor Stinson updated the governing authority on pending grants and projects.  He announced that the annual Trash Bash will be held on May 7, 2011, from 8-12 at the Maintenance Shop.

 

                                Upon the recommendation of Mayor Stinson, it was moved by Council Member Merchant that Mr. Steve Jennings be appointed to the Town of Vinton Industrial Development Board.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Douga and carried.

 

                                Mayor Stinson updated the governing authority on the status of Venissat Memorial Ballpark.

 

                                Mayor Stinson asked Byron Racca, Engineer to come forward and review the bids that were received on March 23, 2011, for the Loree Street Road and Bridge Project.

 

                                Mr. Racca reported that the following bids were received in response to the “Notice to Bidders”:

 

                                                                HD Truck & Tractor, LLC                                               $1,276,001.83

                                                                R.D. Spell, Inc.                                                    $1,322,771.20

                                                                JB James Construction, LLC                       $1,340,896.00

                                                                Apeck Construction, Inc.                                               $1,345,062.71

                                                                McManus Construction, Inc.                         $1,395,671.46

 

                                Upon the recommendation of the Engineer, it was moved by Council Member Merchant that the contract be awarded to the lowest bidder, HD Truck & Tractor, LLC, with a total base bid amount of $1,276,001.83.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Douga and carried.

 

                                It was moved by Council Member Merchant and seconded by Council Member Loyd that a Citizen Participation Plan/Citizen Complaint Procedure be adopted and Mary Vice be appointed as Citizen Complaint Officer for compliance with the LCDBG program.  The vote cast thereon was as follows:

 

                                                                YEAS:  Council Members Bujard, Douga, Loyd, Merchant and Patin

 

                                                                NAYS:  None

 

                                                          ABSENT:  None

 

                                It was moved by Council Member Douga and seconded by Council Member Loyd that the LCDBG application will be submitted for the following, contingent upon consideration given to views and proposals submitted by citizens unable to attend the public hearing, if any:

 

                                                                Selection for Public Facilities:  Water Plant Electrical Upgrade Project

 

The vote cast thereon was as follows:

 

                                                                YEAS:  Council Members Bujard, Douga, Loyd, Merchant and Patin

 

                                                                NAYS:  None

               

                                                         ABSENT:  None

 

                                It was moved by Council Member Merchant and seconded by Council Member Douga that Mayor Kenneth O. Stinson be authorized to proceed with the procurement and selection of professional services for the purpose of assisting the in the development of the LCDBG application and implementation of the project.  The vote cast thereon was as follows:

 

                                                                YEAS:  Council Members Bujard, Douga, Loyd, Merchant and Patin

 

                                                                NAYS:  None

 

                                                         ABSENT:  None

 

                                Mr. Mike O’Quinn, WCPCCA Board Member, Mr. Jay Delafield, Board Attorney and Mr. Randy Broussard, Architect presented the proposed plans for the new West Calcaseiu Community Center and asked that the governing authority adopt a resolution in support of the financing of the Center through the West Calcasieu Parish Community Center Authority.

 

                                After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Merchant that the following Resolution be adopted.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Bujard and the vote cast thereon was as follows:

 

                                                                YEAS:  Council Members Bujard, Douga, Loyd, Merchant and Patin

 

                                                                NAYS:  None

 

                                                        ABSENT:   None

 

RESOLUTION

 

                                                A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINANCING AND ISSUANCE BY

                                                THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL

                                                FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

                                                OF NOT TO EXCEED $7,750,000 HOTEL/MOTEL TAX REVNUE

                                                BONDS (WEST CALCASIEU PARISH COMMUNITY CENTER

                                                AUTHORITY PROJECT) SERIES 2011, FOR AND ON BEHALF

                                                OF THE WEST CALCASIEU PARISH COMMUNITY CENTER

                                                AUTHORITY.

 

                                WHEREAS, the West Calcasieu Parish Community Center Authority (the “District”) has requested the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”) make a firm commitment to issue its hotel/motel occupancy tax revenue bonds to finance a portion of the costs of construction, installation and equipping of an Events and Community Center on behalf of the District, including architectural and engineering services, together with all furnishings, fixtures and equipment incidental or necessary in connection therewith (the “Project”), to be located in Sulphur, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana;

 

                                WHEREAS, on March 10, 2011, the Authority authorized development of a project on behalf of the District involving issuance of not to exceed $7,750,000 of the Issuer’s Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Revenue Bonds (West Calcasieu Parish Community Center Authority Project), Series 2011 (the “Bonds”), to finance the Project; and

 

                                WHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 47:302.12 (together with Section 4576 of Chapter 11 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, the “Act”), the District may incur debt payable from a pledge and dedication of the District’s lawfully available funds, including, but not limited to the proceeds of that portion of the State’s 4.00% sales and use tax on the furnishing of sleeping rooms, cottages or cabins by hotels levied and collected in Wards 4,5,6 and 7 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana) (the “Tax”), subject to approval of a majority of the members of the governing authority of Calcasieu Parish who represent all or a portion of Wards 4,5,6 and 7 of Calcasieu Parish, and the approval of each other governing authority which appoints members to the District;

 

                                WHEREAS, the Town of Vinton, Louisiana, which appoints members to the District, must approve the District’s projects and financings;

 

                                NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Vinton, Louisiana, as follows:

 

                                SECTION 1:  There being a real public necessity for the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority on behalf of the District, authorization and approval is hereby given for financing and issuance, sale and delivery of not to exceed $7,750,000 of the Authority’s Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Revenue Bonds (West Calcasieu Parish Community Center Authority Project), Series 2011, to finance the Project, subject to the approval of the Louisiana State Bond Commission and the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana.

 

                                SECTION 2:  The Chairman or the Vice Chairman, and the Secretary of the District, are hereby directed to execute, deliver and take all action necessary or desirable in conformity with the Act for carrying out, giving effect to and consummating the transactions contemplated by the Bonds, this Resolution, and all other documents, instruments or certificates necessary or proper for the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds, including without limitation, the execution and delivery of any closing documents in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.  The officers executing the documents are authorized to approve such changes to said documents as are necessary and appropriate and not contrary to the general tenor thereof, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by such execution thereof.

 

                                SECTION 3:  It is the express purpose and intention of the Town of Vinton by adoption of this resolution to award and deliver to the District all necessary and proper authority and discretion to accomplish and complete the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds and completion of the Project.

 

                                SECTION 4:  All other resolutions in conflict herewith be, to the extent of such conflict, and the same are hereby repealed.

 

                                APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF April, 2011.

 

                                                                                                                                ___________________________________

                                                                                                                                Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________________

Mary O. Vice, City Clerk

 

                                Council Member Patin discussed allowing an exception to the Minimum Lot Size Ordinance allowing Ms. Courmier at 814 LeBlanc Street, to set up a mobile home where one residential structure already exists.  Mr. Patin stated she needed her children to serve as her caretaker.

 

                                After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Patin to allow Ms. Courmier at 814 LeBlanc Street, an exception to the Minimum Lot Size Ordinance, that would allow her children to set up a mobile home to live in to serve as her caretaker, as long as it meets all other regulations as required in the Mobile Home Ordinance and receives a favorable flood review.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Merchant and the vote cast thereon was as follows:

 

                                                                YEAS:  Council Members Loyd, Merchant, and Patin

 

                                                                NAYS:  Council Members Bujard and Douga

 

                                                         ABSENT:  None

 

                                Attorney Minaldi read aloud an Ordinance he had prepared at the request of the Council pertaining to restricting parking on the east side of Fancher Street in the 900 block.  The Council chose not to introduce the Ordinance.

 

                                Ricky Fox, Chief of Police gave the monthly Police Department report.

 

                                Upon the recommendation of Chief Fox, it was moved by Council Member Loyd that Evan Scott Spell be hired as a probationary patrolman.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Merchant and carried.

 

                                Upon the recommendation of Chief Fox, it was moved by Council Member Merchant that Assistant Chief Harold Joseph Dalfrey be made a regular employee, effective immediately.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Patin and carried.

 

                                Terry Vice, Director of Public Works, gave the monthly electrical and public works department reports.

 

                                Mr. Vice informed the governing authority of new procedures and requirements in mobile home permitting.

 

                                 

                                Jerry Merchant, Fire Chief gave the monthly fire and civil defense reports.  He announced that no “Burn Permits”  will be issued until further notice due to extreme dry weather.

 

                                Upon the recommendation of Chief Merchant, it was moved by Council Member Loyd that the Calcasieu Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan be adopted as presented.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Merchant and carried.

 

                                Chief Merchant discussed a proposal from LSU to use any additional revenue from the 2% Fire Tax Rebate to build housing at the LSU Fire Training Center in Baton Rouge.  Chief Merchant stated at this time he could not support the proposal due to the fact that the 2% Fire Tax Rebate is all the revenue that is received by some smaller departments.

 

                                Council Member Douga stated that due to the length of the meeting he would save his comments for a later meeting.

 

                                There being no further business to come before the Governing Authority, it was moved by Council Member Douga that the meeting be adjourned.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Loyd and carried.                  

                                                                                                                _________________________________

                                                                                                                                Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor

ATTEST:

___________________________

Mary O. Vice, City Clerk