Rapides Parish Police Jury

The Police Jury of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session at its regular meeting place, the Police Jury Room of the Par ish Courthouse, 701 Murray Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, on Monday, March 11, 2024, at thr ee (3:00) o'clock p.m. (Central Standard Time).

There were present: Joseph “Joe” Bishop, President and Police Jurors: Davron “Bubba” Moreau, Craig Smith, Ernest Nelson, Danny Bordelon, Oliver “Ollie” Overton, Jr., Sean McGlothlin, Parrish Giles and Jay Scott.

Absent: None.

Also present were: Ms. Theresa Pacholik, Secretary/Treas urer; Mr. Shane Trapp, Courthouse Building Superintendent; Ms. Betty Jo Bourgeois, Sales & U se Tax Administrator; Mr. Cory Ashmore, Public Works Director; Ms. Sharon Neal, WOD/OEWD Director; Ms. Angie Branton, 911 Communications & OHSEP Director; Honorable Greg Beard; Mayor David Butler; Ms. Linda Sanders, Civil Service Director; Mr. Tommy David, Pan American Engineers; Mr. Mat t Johns, RAPC Executive Director; Ms. Marla West, Purchasing Agent a nd Greg Jones, Legal Counsel.

The invocation was given by Mr. Ollie Overton.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Bubba Moreau.

The Police Jury of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, w as duly convened as the governing authority of said Parish by Hon. Joe Bishop, President, who welcomed all present and then stated that the Police Jury was ready for the first item of business.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith to adopt the minutes of the Rapides Parish Police Jury held in Regular Session on Februa ry 12, 2024 as published in the Official Journal. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton that approv ed bills be paid. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Jay Scott to waive the thirty (30) day announ cement rule and reappoint Mr. Jay Scott to the Rapides Area Planning Commission for a four (4) year term. Motion died for lack of a second.

On motion by Mr. Jay Scott to waive the thirty (30) day announ cement rule and reappoint Mr. Jay Scott to the Transportation Policy Committee for a four (4) year term. Motion died for lack of a second.

On motion by Mr. Jay Scott to waive the thirty (30) day announ cement rule and reappoint Mr. Rodney Noles to the Industrial Development Board for a six (6) year term. Motion died for lack of a second.

On motion by Mr. Jay Scott to waive the thirty (30) day announ cement rule and reappoint Ms. Hazel Johnson to the Tioga Heritage Museum Di strict for a five (5) year term. Motion died for lack of a second.

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton to extend Bid No. 3028 (MC30) for an additional twelve (12) months, beginning on June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025, as requested by the Purchasing Agent and approved by the participating Vendor. This is the last extension of the bid all owed by Public Bid Law and must be bid in 2025. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton to extend B id No. 3029 (CRS2) for an additional twelve (12) months, beginning on June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025, as requested by the Purchasing Agent and approved by the partici pating Vendor. This is the last extension of the bid allowed by Publ ic Bid Law and must be bid in 2025. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to extend Bid No. 3076 – (Contract Hauling Various Road Materials) for an additional twe lve (12) months beginning on April 1, 2024 and ending March 31, 2025 as recommended by the Purchasing Agent and agreed by the Vendor. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to authoriz e the Rapides Parish Fire District No. 10 to purchase radios off the Loui siana State Contract No. 4400025021 not to exceed $95,000.00 and to secure fi nancing as requested by the Fire District Board and Chief. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Danny Bordelon to award B id No. 3222 – Cotile Recreation Area Bath House Restoration and Repairs Project to Bayou Rapides Corporation for the contract amount of $ 705,215.00 with t he three

• (3) additive alternates included, as recommended by Ballard CLC, Inc Engineering Services. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Ernest Nelson to adop t a resolution authorizing the renewal of a lease between the Red River, Atchafalaya and Bayou Boeuf Levee District (RRABB) and the Rapides Parish Police Jury for a period of ten (10) years, with an option to renew for two (2) additional ten (10) year periods and authorize the Parish President to sign all necessary documents. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to declare a Public Emergency on Lone Pine Road, District H, and authorize installation of H-piles and the reconstruction of the roadway due to roadway “slide” f ailure, as recommended by Pan American Engineers and authorize the President to sign any necessary documents. Project to be funded by Road District 3A, District H. O n vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, and seconded by Mr. Craig Smith th e following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLUTION

A resolution authorizing the President to execute an Agreement wit h the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) for im provements at the Esler Regional Airport.

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

WHEREAS, Act 451 of the 1989 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legi slature authorized the financing of certain airport improvements from funds appro priated from the Transportation Trust Fund; and

WHEREAS, Esler Regional Airport has requested funding assis tance from the LA DOTD to/ Drainage Rehabilitation – Phase II – Design (Safety Areas And Midfield); and

WHEREAS, the stated project has been approved by the Louisiana Legislature and the LA DOTD is agreeable to the implementation of this proj ect and desires to cooperate with the Rapides Parish Police Jury according to the terms and conditions identified in the attached Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the LA DOTD will provide the necessary funding for the D rainage Rehabilitation – Phase II – Design (Safety Areas And Midfield) an d reimburse the sponsor up to $16,600.00 of project cost.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Rapides Parish Polic e Jury that it does hereby authorize the President to execute an Agreement for the proje ct identified as AIP No. 3-22-0002-034-2023 and SPN H.015793, more fully identified in the Agreement attached hereto, and to execute any subsequent related documents, including, but not limited to, amendments to said agreement.

This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption.

The aforesaid resolution, having been submitted to a vote, the vote t hereon was as follows:

YEAS: Oliver “Ollie” Overton, Jr., Craig Smith, Danny Bordelon, Parrish Giles, Ernest Nelson, Jay Scott, Davron “Bubba” Moreau, Sean McGlothlin and Joe Bishop NAYS: none ABSENT: none

WHEREUPON, the resolution was declared adopted on the 11th day of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLUTION

BY THE

WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish Police Jury (RPPJ) has entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana, Divisi on of Administration, Facility Planning and Control (FP&C) for Gunter R oad/Barron Chapel Road Street Improvements, and;

WHEREAS, if construction or other costs exceeds the amount of the 25% local match and the Capital Outlay appropriation, the RPPJ shall budget as required sufficient funds to complete the project;

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the RPPJ shall be responsible for any cost exceeding funding as secured from the Louisiana Capital Outlay program for this project.

Passed, approved and adopted by the President and Police Jury of Rapi des Parish, Louisiana, on this 11th day of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, and seconded by Mr. Craig Smith th e following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLUTION

A resolution authorizing the President to execute an Agreement wit h the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) for im provements at the Esler Regional Airport.

WHEREAS, Act 451 of the 1989 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legi slature authorized the financing of certain airport improvements from funds appro priated from the Transportation Trust Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish Police Jury has requested funding assistance from the LA DPTD to/Terminal Rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, the stated project has been approved by the Louisiana Legislature and the LA DOTD is agreeable to the implementation of this proj ect and desires to cooperate with the Rapides Parish Police Jury according to the terms and conditions identified in the attached Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the LA DOTD will provide the necessary funding for the T erminal Rehabilitation and reimburse the sponsor up to $157,184.00 of project cost.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Rapides Parish Polic e Jury that it does hereby authorize the President to execute an Agreement for the proje ct identified as AIP No. 3-22-0002-034-2023 and SPN H.015793, more fully identified in the Agreement attached hereto, and to execute any subsequent related documents, including, but not limited to, amendments to said agreement.

This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption.

The aforesaid resolution, having been submitted to a vote, the vote t hereon was as follows:

YEAS: Oliver “Ollie” Overton, Jr., Craig Smith, Danny Bordelon, Parrish Giles, Ernest Nelson, Jay Scott, Davron “Bubba” Moreau, Sean McGlothlin and Joe Bishop NAYS: none ABSENT: none

WHEREUPON, the resolution was declared adopted on the 11th day of March, 2024.

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to re new the lease for the Johnson Branch (Lecompte) Library with the LHS Corporation for a two (2) year period, beginning April 1, 2024 and ending March 31, 2026, as recommen ded by the Library Board of Control and authorize the President to sign same. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith tha t the following Proclamation was unanimously adopted:

National Library Week 2024 Proclamation

WHEREAS, libraries of all types are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools, and campuses, serving their communities, and our Rapides Parish Library is the heart of our community;

WHEREAS, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community;

WHEREAS, today’s libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a building and everyone is welcome to use their resources;

WHEREAS, for people lacking broadband at home, libraries provide acce ss to computers and wi-fi, even checking out internet hotspots and laptops;

WHEREAS, libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve and ensure equity of access for all;

WHEREAS, in times of crisis, libraries, librarians, and library workers play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually; from producing PPE for healthcare personnel to promoting literacy to our youth , in dire circumstances, the Rapides Parish Library, in particular, has been a ttentive to the needs of its community;

WHEREAS, to adapt to our changing world, our Library is expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons;

WHEREAS, libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all;

WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the nation to celebrate National Library Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Joseph “Joe” Bishop, Pres ident of the Rapides Parish Police Jury proclaim National Library Week, A pril 7-13, 2024. During National Library Week, I encourage all residents to visit their library online or at their local facilities to access resources and services . Because of our library, opportunities and resources are available for all.

THUS DONE AND ADOPTED this 11th day of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Sean McGlothlin, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton to receive the REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2024

resignation of Mr. Rodney McNeal from the Sewer District No.1 Board and appoint Mr. Michael Bordelon to fulfill the unexpired term. Term will e xpire on October 12, 2026. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith, the following Proclamation was unanimously adopted:

PROCLAMATION

National 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Week April 14-20, 2024

WHEREAS, 9-1-1 is nationally recognized as the number to call in an emergency to receive immediate help from police, fire, emergency medical services, or other appropriate emergency response entities; and

WHEREAS, 9-1-1 was designated by Congress as the national eme rgency call number under the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-81); and

WHEREAS, the ENHANCE 9-1-1 Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-494) establi shed enhanced 9-1-1 as a high national priority as part of our Nation’s homeland security and public safety; and

WHEREAS, people of all ages use 9-1-1, and it is critical to educ ate the public of all ages on the proper use of 9-1-1; and

WHEREAS, a growing segment of the population, including the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and individuals with speech disabilities inc reasingly communicate with nontraditional text, video and instant messaging communications services and anticipate that these services will be able to connect directly to 9-1-1; and

WHEREAS, thousands of 9-1-1 calls are made every year by children properl y trained on the use of 9-1-1, resulting in lives saved which underscores the critical importance of training children early in life about 9-1-1; and

WHEREAS, there is widespread misuse of the 9-1-1 system, including p rank and non-emergency calls, which can result in costly and inefficient use of 9-1-1 and emergency response resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joe Bishop, President of Rapides Paris h Police Jury, do hereby proclaim April 14-20, 2024 as National 9-1-1 Education Week. I call upon all government officials, parents, teachers, school administrators, c aregivers, businesses, leaders, non-profit organizations, and the people of the United States to observe this month with training, events, and activities to educate the public on 9-11 and its services.

THUS DONE AND ADOPTED on this 11th day of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Ernest Nelson, the following Proclamation was presented and unanimously adopted:

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

PROCLAMATION

NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH

WHEREAS, the nation’s 3,069 counties serve more than 300 million Americans by delivering essential and necessary services to create healt hy, safe and vibrant communities; and

WHEREAS, counties foster economic opportunities, provide health serv ices, administer justice and keep communities safe and much more; and

WHEREAS, Rapides Parish takes pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents in cost-effective and efficient ways; and

WHEREAS, under National Association of Counties, NACo is dem onstrating how “Counties Matter” especially during this challenging era of the CO VID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, each year since 1991 the National Association of Counti es has encouraged counties across the country to raise awareness of county responsibilities, services and programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Rapides Parish Police Jury does hereby proclaim the month of April as ‘‘National County Government Month’’ in Rapides Parish;

THUS DONE AND SIGNED on this 11th day of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith, the following Proclamation was presented and unanimously adopted:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the 55th Anniversary of the National Fair Housing L aw, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, during the month of April, is an occ asion for all Americans-individually and collectively-to rededicate themselves to the principle of freedom from housing discrimination whenever it exist; and

WHEREAS, this law guarantees for each citizen the critical , personal element of freely choosing a home; and

WHEREAS, a fair housing law has been passed by the State of Louisi ana, and implementation of the law requires the positive commitment, invo lvement, and support of each of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, the department and agencies of the State of Louisian a are to provide leadership in the effort to make fair housing not just an idea, but an ideal for all our citizens; and

WHEREAS, barriers that diminish the rights and limit the opt ions of any citizen to freely choose a home will ultimately diminish the rights and limit the option of all.

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph “Joe” Bishop, President, on be half of the Rapides Parish Police Jury do hereby proclaim the month of April 2024, as FAIR HOUSING MONTH in the Parish of Rapides.

THUS PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 11th of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton, the following Proclamation was presented and unanimously adopted:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant Program has operated since 1974 to provide local governments with the resources required to primarily meet the needs of low and moderate income person; and

WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant Program is among the few remaining federal programs available to address the needs of low a nd moderate income persons and small cities; and

WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant Program has provided th e state of Louisiana with important and flexible assistance to meet the needs of low and moderate income residents of small cities by funding sewer, wat er, and street improvements projects, economic development projects, and other pub lic improvement projects; and

WHEREAS, Congress and the nation acknowledge the critical value of the Community Development Block Grant Program and the significant projects that rely on its funds for support; and

WHEREAS, the week of April 1-5, 2024 has been reserved for recognition and appreciation of the Community Development Block Grant Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph “Joe” Bishop, President, on behalf of the Rapides Parish Police Jury do hereby proclaim the week of April 1-5, 2024, as C ommunity Development Week in Rapides Parish.

THUS PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 11th of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to approve a $0.50 per hour pay increase for all Rapides Parish Fire District No. 5 – Oakhill VFD employees effective February 25, 2024, as recommended by the Oakhill Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors and the Fire Chief. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to receive the required report from Acadian Ambulance under the Contract for January, 2024:

Response Number of Required Compliance Zone Responses % % Alexandria - 8 minute 467 80% 88.22% Pineville - 8 minute 156 80% 87.82% Rapides - 12 minute 207 80% 90.34% Rapides - 20 minute 187 80% 85.03% REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2024

On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to authorize to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement between Fire District No. 10 and Plainview Volunteer Fire Department and Cravens Call Group, as recommended by the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department Board and authorize the Pres ident to sign all necessary documents. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton to authorize to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement between Fire District No. 10 and Plainview Volunteer Fire Department and Glenmora Volunteer Fire Department, as recommended by the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department Board and authorize the Pres ident to sign all necessary documents. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith the follow ing item(s) were placed on the Jury meeting after the agenda was poste d and are now being added in compliance with the Public Meetings Law and are confirmed as having been added to the agenda by unanimous vote:

YEAS: Oliver “Ollie” Overton, Jr., Craig Smith, Danny Bordel on, Parrish Giles, Ernest Nelson, Davron “Bubba” Moreau, Sean McGlothlin a nd Joe Bishop NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None On roll call vote the motion carried 9-0.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to authori ze Rapides Parish Fire District No. 5 to purchase SCBA’s off Sourcewell Contract No. 032620 and secure financing as requested by the Oakhill Board of Dir ectors. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Ollie Overton to a uthorize to receive Request for Proposals for Drug Screening Services as requested by the Parish Secretary/Treasurer and Purchasing Agent. Discussion ensued. Mr. Cr aig Smith stated he would like to have a meeting to go over the procedu res for Public Works for incidents/accident screenings. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Ernest Nelson to ratify authorization for the submission of a grant application for the FY 2022 J uvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Program, CFDA No. 16.540, NAIN No. 15PJDP-22-GG-04923-TITL, 100% funding by the grant and authorize the President to sign all necessary documents. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Ernest Nelson to amend H unt, Guillot and Associates, LLC contract for Grant Management and Administration services related to FEMA funding and reimbursements (FEMA DR 4559-Hurricane Laura), to extend contract through December 31, 2024 and authorize the Parish President to sign the necessary documents. Discussion ensued. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to approve an increase REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2024

of work hours for the Part-Time Inspector at the Public Works Department from twenty-five (25) hours per week to twenty-seven (27) hours per week and an hourly pay rate increase from $22.00 per hour to $23.00 per hour as recommended by the Public Works Director. Discussion ensued. Mr. Ollie Overton aske d who was currently in the position. Mr. Cory Ashmore stated this was the po sition that Mr. Dexter Edwards held but he decided to resign from employment and his last day of work was about a week ago. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to extend Bid No. 3044 – (Contract Spraying) for an additional twelve (12) months beginning on March 1, 2024, and ending February 28, 2025, as recommended by the Public Works Director and agreed by the vendor. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith to extend Ri ver Runs Dirt Service, LLC Mowing Contract (District A) – for an additi onal twelve

• (12) months beginning on March 30, 2024 and ending March 31, 2025, and to remove the minimum guarantee clause, as recommended by the Public W orks Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the correspon ding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Bubba Moreau, seconded by Mr. Ernest Nelson to ext end River Runs Dirt Service, LLC Mowing Contract (District B) – for an additi onal twelve

• (12) months beginning on November 4, 2023 and ending November 3, 2024, and to remove the minimum guarantee clause, as recommended by the Public W orks Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the correspon ding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to ext end River Runs Dirt Service, LLC Mowing Contract (District C) – for an additi onal twelve

• (12) months beginning on March 30, 2024, and ending March 31, 2025, and to remove the minimum guarantee clause, as recommended by the Public W orks Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the correspon ding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Sean McGlothlin, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to extend T&L Hunt Contracting, LLC Mowing Contract (District D) – for an additional twelve (12) months beginning on November 4, 2023 and ending November 3, 2024 and to remove the minimum guarantee clause, as recommended by the Public W orks Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the correspon ding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Sean McGlothlin, seconded by Mr. Danny Bordelon to extend T&L Hunt Contracting, LLC Mowing Contract (District E) – for an additional twelve (12) months beginning on May 24, 2023, and ending May 23, 2024, as recommended by the Public Works Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the corresponding Road District Fund. On vote the mot ion carried. REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2024

On motion by Mr. Ollie Overton, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to extend T&L Hunt Contracting, LLC Mowing Contract (District F) – for an additional tw elve (12) months beginning on November 4, 2023 and ending November 3, 2024, and to remove the minimum guarantee clause, as recommended by the Public W orks Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the correspon ding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Sean McGlothlin to extend T&L Hunt Contracting, LLC Mowing Contract (District H) – for an additional twelve (12) months beginning on May 24, 2023, and ending May 23, 2024, as recommended by the Public Works Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from t he corresponding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles to extend T&L Hunt Contracting, LLC Mowing Contract (District I) – for an additional twelve (12) months beginning on November 4, 2023 and ending November 3, 2024, and to remove the minimum guarantee clause, as recommended by the Public W orks Director, contingent on vendor approval. Funding to be allocated as follows: 75% from Fund 03 – Public Works Operating Fund and 25% from the correspon ding Road District Fund. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Bubba Moreau to authoriz e the Purchasing Agent to advertise for bids for the purchase of an Engine/Tanker/Service truck for Rapides Parish Fire District No. 7, secure financing, and award to the lowest bidder, per recommendation of the Ruby Kolin VFD Board of Directors. On vote the motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith, seconded by Mr. Parrish Giles the foll owing resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLUTION

BY

WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish Police Jury received the followin g Bids on

CONTRACTOR LUMP SUM BID

1. Pineland Equipment Group, LLC $518,670.00
2. Beard Construction Group, LLC $545,000.00
3. Bayou Rapides Corporation $594,000.00
4. Descant's Excavating & Construction Services, LLC $640,000.00
5. Merrick, LLC $696,000.00
6. Regional Construction, LLC $787,724.00 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2024
7. Turner & Turner Contracting, LLC $928,274.00

WHEREAS, the Bids have been checked and tabulated by Pan Ame rican Engineers, LLC, with a recommendation of award being made to the low Bidder;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the contract for sai d construction project is hereby awarded to the low Bidder, Pineland Construction for the Lump Sum Bid of $518,670.00.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President is hereby authori zed to contracts, change orders and other documents related to the project between the Rapides Parish Police Jury and the successful Bidder.

Passed, approved and adopted by the President and Police Jury of Rapi des Parish, Louisiana, on this 11th day of March, 2024.

On motion by Mr. Parrish Giles, seconded by Mr. Sean McGlothlin, the f ollowing ordinance was presented to prohibit through truck traffic on McNary Cut off Road, Ward 4, District H, and authorize the Parish Highway Department to erect signs on the parish-maintained portion and the Village of McNary’s portion an d on vote unanimously adopted:

ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REENACT SECTION 18-4.4 THRO UGH TRUCK TRAFFIC SO AS TO PROHIBIT THROUGH TRUCK ON MCN ARY CUTOFF ROAD, WARD 4, DISTRICT H.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Rapides Parish Police Jury in Regular Session convened on this 11th day of March, 2024, that Section 18-4.4 of the Rapides Parish Code of Ordinances is hereby amended and reenacted to include the following restriction on McNary Cutoff Road, Ward 4, District H as follows:

Chapter 18. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

Section 18-4.4. Through truck traffic.

Through truck traffic is prohibited on the following streets and public ways: …

McNary Cutoff Road, Ward 4, District H …

Penalty. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00), or imprisoned in the Rapides Parish Jail for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance is to be effective immediately.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Parish Highway Departmen t is hereby authorized to erect signs on the Road.

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2024

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED in all other respects Section 18 of the Rapides Parish Code of Ordinances shall remain unchanged.

THUS DONE AND SIGNED on this 11th day of March, 2024.

Mr. Tommy David updated those in attendance on the American Rescue Plan Act projects.

On motion by Mr. Craig Smith and seconded by Mr. Sean McGlothlin the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF

FOLEY & JUDELL, L.L.P., AS SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL WORK ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE JURY OF THE PARISH OF RAPIDES, STATE OF LOUISIANA.

WHEREAS, the Police Jury of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Police Jury"), finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with various matters including lease and other financing agreements, economic development projects, and related matters; and

WHEREAS, this Governing Authority desires to employ special counsel to do and perform comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work wit h respect to the foregoing matters under the direction of Legal Counsel and the Secret ary-Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, this Governing Authority desires to employ Foley & Judell, L.L.P., as special counsel; and

WHEREAS, the fee to be paid said special counsel shall be an amount computed at hourly rate based on the Attorney General's then current Maximum Hourly Fee Schedule, not to exceed $25,000 in the aggregate, t ogether with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses; and

WHEREAS, the term of such employment shall be for a period not exce eding one (1) year from the date of this resolution; and

WHEREAS, the scope of this legal representation does not involve federal claims; and

WHEREAS, this resolution shall take effect immediately;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Police Jury of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, that this Police Jury hereby finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the matters described in the preambles hereto, and accordingly, pursuan t to La. R.S. 42:263, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., is hereby employed as special c ounsel for said purpose for a term not exceeding one (1) year from the date of this resolut ion. The fee to be paid said special counsel shall be an amount computed at hourly rate based on the Attorney General's then current Maximum Hourly Fee Sc hedule, not to REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2024

exceed $25,000 in the aggregate, together with reimbursement of out -of-pocket expenses, and the Secretary-Treasurer is authorized to pay such invoice s as and when presented.

The foregoing having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

YEAS: Oliver “Ollie” Overton, Jr., Craig Smith, Danny Bordelon, Parrish Giles, Ernest Nelson, Jay Scott, Davron “Bubba” Moreau, Sean McGlothlin and Joe Bishop NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none

And this resolution was declared adopted on this 11 th day of March, 2024.

Before the meeting was adjourned President Bishop stated he wanted to address all Jurors on an issue:

As your President this year I want to take a moment to speak to each of you about something that affects all of us. This is directed to all of us – not to anyone in particular. Our constituents elected us to come here and represent them, they expect us to represent them in a professional and courteous manner. At our meetings we can certainly disagree with each other on issues and each of you vote your own conscience. But let’s do that in a professional & respectful & polite manner – we don’t need any disrespectful conduct or hard language or curse words towards each other. Also, when you contact a fellow juror – either by telephone or email or text message – please be professional & respectful to each other and don’t use disrespectful or harsh language or curse words with each other. Let’s all work together – even when we disagree – and serve the citizens of Rapides Parish in a manner that they expect from us. We are God’s people and let’s conduct ourselves like that.

There being no further business, motion by Mr. Sean McGlothlin, seconded by Mr. Craig Smith the meeting was adjourned at 3:41 p.m.