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ENJOYING THE SUMMER WILDLIFE IN BREAUX BRIDGE

Summers in Breaux Bridge are often hot and wet, but there are many activities residents and visitors can enjoy that involve the outdoors.  Breaux Bridge has an abundance of wildlife, from the native crawfish making dirt chimneys in our ditches to the cicada chirping that accompanies summer evenings on the porch, wildlife is everywhere.  Recently, drivers spotted an alligator on the highway basking in the sun. With wildlife is all around us every day, it’s easy to forget that there are designated activities that bring us closer to wildlife and their natural habitats.  Lake Martin is a beautiful lake formed in 1952 when a ring levee was built around the swamp.  At 580 acres, Lake Martin has become a refuge for wildlife and especially birds.  Lake Martin is a popular destination for bird watchers in Acadiana with over 200 species of birds, including the great blue heron, snowy egret, and the roseate spoonbill. Cypress trees create enough shade for visitors to keep them cool while kayaking or exploring the shore of Lake Martin.  In addition to its abundance of birds, Lake Martin is a popular spot to search for alligators. They can be spotted by simply driving the dirt road around the lake or even kayaking in the water.  Swamp tours for tourists create a safe way for visitors and residents to view alligators and wildlife from the safety of a larger boat as well.  The Atchafalaya Basin is also a refuge for wildlife and brings many people to fish in its waters every day.  To avoid the heat, many people will go bow-fishing at night.  People will tell you spotting alligators at night is easy because their eyes glow in the beam of a flashlight. Hunting for bullfrogs is also a great nighttime summer activity in Breaux Bridge. If your family wants a more leisurely outdoor activity for the summer in Breaux Bridge, the Bayou Teche is a great waterway for kayaking and boat riding.  However you choose to spend your time this summer in Breaux Bridge, the wildlife will be there to follow you: whether it’s the sound of the cicadas, the dastardly mosquitos, or the beautiful birds and intimidating reptiles, Breaux Bridge has them in abundance. 

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HOW CAJUN MUSIC AND CAJUN FOOD INTERTWINE IN BREAUX BRIDGE

It is well documented that Louisiana has an obsession with festivals. There are more festivals in the state than there are days in the year, and the state celebrates anything from food, to music, to unique cultural and regional activities. What makes festivals so popular among residents and tourists alike? Most people will tell you it is the combination of good food, good music, good drinks, and good people. Louisiana loves a good time, and Breaux Bridge is no different. Festivals celebrate everything Louisiana loves on a macro level. They are huge expressions of everything Louisianans love in one place, but Breaux Bridge knows the town can’t wait around every year for the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival to roll around to have a good time. In Breaux Bridge, “festival life” is present every day. Many restaurants in Breaux Bridge combine good food with live music events to entice residents and tourists through their doors, and there is good reason to. Music is known to forge emotional connections in the mind, turning a simple dining out experience into a happy, heart-warming outing in more ways than one. Live music and great food foster a sense of community, and Cajun jam sessions are popular both at home and in cafés. Open jam sessions are, like the name says, open for anyone, with amateur and professional musicians alike gathering in a circle and playing where the music takes them. Breaux Bridge’s Cajun music heritage is rich and, like other forms of folk music, passed down from one generation to the next. Cajuns are known for their joie de vivre, and find profound enjoyment in the slow life: meals taken at a leisurely pace with Cajun and zydeco music frequently in the background, long days cooking down many dozen ears of corn into a delectable, century old corn maque choux recipe, laughter and music wafting from the front porch with a cup of coffee or a chilled bottle of beer. The Cajun culture in Breaux Bridge is as much a draw for tourists as the food and the music, with many out-of-towners noting that Breaux Bridge is a town where time stands still, with modern amenities but with a history and a culture that thrives.

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June 27, 2023

PROCEEDINGS OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT THEIR REGULAR MEETING PLACE THE CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, BREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation were recited. Present: Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon and Eddy LeBlanc Absent:  Ryan Breaux Upon motion of Albert Menard duly seconded by Scotty Borel and unanimously carried, Ordinance 2284 was adopted as submitted. (BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA, THAT THE MUNICPAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAER ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 BE AMENDED ACCORDING TO TH ETERMS AND FIGURES CONTAINED IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT IDENTIFIED AS “EXHIBIT A”.)  ORDINANCE 2284 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA, THAT THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 BE AMENDED ACCORDING TO THE TERMS AND FIGURES CONTAINED IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT IDENTIFIED AS “EXHIBIT A”. BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Aldermen for the City of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana duly convened in session on June __27__, 2023 that: The Municipal Budget for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 be amended according to the terms and figures contained in the attached exhibit identified as “Exhibit A”. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Board of Aldermen for the City of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, duly convened in session on the _27th  day of June, 2023, that this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon signature of the Mayor. Upon motion of Albert Menard___, seconded by Scotty Borel___, and upon verification and assurances that the foregoing ordinance was: Introduced on May 9, 2023 at the regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the City of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; Disseminated to the Mayor and all Aldermen; Published, by title, in the official journal of the City of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, together with notice of the time and place of its consideration for formal adoption; and Presented at a public hearing on the 13th of June, 2023. The Board of Aldermen, on June _27_, 2023 adopted Ordinance number 2284 by virtue of the following votes: Yeas:  Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon, Eddy LeBlanc Nays:  None Absent:  Ryan Breaux Attest:  ___________________________________________ Kristi Leblanc, City Clerk ___________________________________________          _____________________ Ricky Calais, Mayor                                                               Date City of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana Fiscal Year June 30, 2023 Budget                  General Fund   Sales Tax Fund   Dist Sales Tax Fund   Utility     Fund  Revenues           Taxes       846,406     6,059,730     1,013,558                    –    Licenses & Permits       501,926                    –                     –                     –     Intergovernmental       766,931                    –                     –         115,674    Charges for Services       795,269                    –                     –      2,911,697    Fines & Forfeits         41,289                    –                     –                     –     Parks & Recreation         12,900          Miscellaneous       147,745            4,782                    –           47,527    Total Revenues    3,112,466     6,064,512     1,013,558     3,074,898              Expenditures           General Government    1,883,964          99,460          15,222                    –     Bridges & Streets    1,883,364                    –                     –                     –     Sanitation       795,269                    –                     –                     –     Police    2,627,435                    –                     –                     –     Fire                   –                     –                     –                     –     Parks & Recreation       360,924                    –                     –                     –     Utility Fund                   –                     –                     –      3,434,104  Transfers In:           Sales Tax Fund #1  (2,500,000)                   –                     –       (340,000)   Sales Tax Fund #2  (3,000,000)                   –                     –       (400,000)…

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June 13, 2023

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. PRESENT:  Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon ABSENT:  Eddy LeBlanc Monthly budget-to-actual comparisons on the General Funds, Sales Tax Funds, Park and Recreation Fund, and Utility Funds were distributed to the councilmen and Mayor. Upon motion of Scotty Borel, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the deletion of the following item to the agenda: #12-Introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 23 of Code of Ordinance, the Zoning              Ordinance, to require an application fee for all home occupation petitions. Upon motion of Scotty Borel, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the minutes of the May 9, 2023, City Council Meeting and the minutes of the May 15, 2023, City Council Special Meeting. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen opened a public hearing for Ordinance #2287 (An ordinance providing for the incurring of debt and issuance of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2023 of the City of Breaux Bridge, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.). Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, and there being no further input, the Board of Aldermen closed the public hearing for Ordinance #2287. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen adopted Ordinance #2287 (An ordinance providing for the incurring of debt and issuance of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2023 of the City of Breaux Bridge, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.). The following ordinance having been introduced at a special meeting on May 15, 2023, and notice of its introduction having been published in the official journal and a public hearing having been held in connection therewith on this date, was offered for final adoption by Albert Menard and seconded by Neil Melancon: ORDINANCE NO. 2287 An ordinance providing for the incurring of debt and issuance of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2023 of the City of Breaux Bridge, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.             WHEREAS, the City of Breaux Bridge, State of Louisiana (the “Issuer”) is now receiving revenues derived from the levy and collection of a special one percent (1%) sales and use tax (the “Tax”) being levied and collected by the Issuer, pursuant to an election held in the Issuer on November 16, 2019, at which election the following proposition was approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in such election, viz: PROPOSITION (SALES TAX) Shall the City of Breaux Bridge, State of Louisiana (the “City”), be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one percent (1%) (the “Tax”) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the City, all as defined by law, in perpetuity, beginning January 1, 2020 (an estimated $2,700,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) to be dedicated and used solely for the purposes of (i) acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating infrastructure, including public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way, drainage, water works, parks and recreation facilities, and the purchasing and acquiring of necessary equipment, land and rights-of-way for any of the aforesaid public works, improvements and facilities, (ii) public safety, including police and fire operations, facilities and equipment and (iii) cultural and economic development?                   WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority of the aforesaid election, the Issuer adopted an ordinance providing for the levy and collection of the Tax beginning January 1, 2020 (the “Tax Ordinance”); and              WHEREAS, the Issuer now desires to incur debt and issue its Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2023, in the principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Bonds”), pursuant to Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisi­ana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), for the purpose of (i) acquiring, constructing and/or improving infrastructure, including public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way, drainage, water works, parks and recreation facilities, and the purchasing and acquiring of necessary equipment, land and rights-of-way for any of the aforesaid public works, improvements and facilities; (ii) paying the costs of issuance of the Bonds; and             WHEREAS, the Bonds shall be secured by and payable out of the proceeds of the Tax after the payment by the Issuer of the reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administering the Tax (the “Net Revenues of the Tax”); and             WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved the levy of the Tax at its meeting on September 19, 2019; and             WHEREAS, the maturities of the hereinafter described Bonds will be arranged so that the total amount of principal and interest falling due in any year on the Bonds will never exceed 75% of the revenues of the Tax estimated to be received by the Issuer in the year in which the Bonds are issued; and             WHEREAS, other than the Bonds herein authorized, the Issuer has no outstanding bonds or other obligations of any kind or nature payable from or enjoying a lien on the Tax herein pledged; and             WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Issuer to fix the details necessary with respect to the issuance of the Bonds and…

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April 2023

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT THE CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2023. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. PRESENT:  Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon and Eddy LeBlanc. ABSENT: None Monthly budget-to-actual comparisons of the General Funds, Sales Tax Funds, Park and Recreation Fund, and Utility Funds were distributed to the councilmen and Mayor. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the addition of two items to the agenda:             Item #18: Adopt a Resolution in support of a regional juvenile detention center.             Item #19: Authorize Domingue Szabo and Associates to begin design work for the Mills Extension Project. Upon motion of Neil Melancon, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen removed the following item from the agenda:             Item #7: Consider creating a parking lot on City property west of City Hall. Upon motion of Albert Menard and duly seconded by Scotty Borel and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the minutes of March 14, 2023 meeting. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Neil Melancon and Eddy LeBlanc, the Board of Aldermen authorized Mayor Calais to fund the City’s portion of the signage for the Teche Project. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the request to name “Champagne’s Bakery’s Pink Cookie” as the official cookie of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen authorized the construction of the Veteran’s Park Flag Plaza. Upon motion of Scotty Borel, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen authorized the improvements to Carl Williams Park. Upon motion of Scotty Borel, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen authorized the Mayor to execute the necessary documents to abandon the undeveloped portion of the Ruby Drive right-of-way. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux, and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen adopted a Resolution proclaiming April 2023 to be Fair Housing Month in the City of Breaux Bridge. STATE OF LOUISIANA City of Breaux Bridge  PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, during the month of April, is an occasion for all Americans – individually and collectively – to rededicate themselves to the principle of freedom from housing discrimination wherever it exists; and WHEREAS, this law guarantees for each citizen that critical, personal element of freedom of choice – selection of the home, and WHEREAS, a fair housing law has been passed by the State of Louisiana, and implementation of the law requires the positive commitment, involvement and support of each of our citizens, and WHEREAS, the department and agencies of the State of Louisiana 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 dimmish the rights and limit the options of any citizen to freely choose a home will ultimately diminish the rights and limit the options of all; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; the City of Breaux Bridge does hereby proclaim the month of April 2023 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH In the City of Breaux Bridge ______________________ Ricky J. Calais, MayorCity of Breaux Bridge Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen adopted a Resolution setting the millage rates for the 2023 tax year. CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGERESOLUTION             BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2023 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the City of Breaux Bridge:                                                                                                 MILLAGE               General Alimony                                            4.230 mills 5140001                          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of St. Martin, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2023, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.             The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:             YEAS: Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon, Eddy LeBlanc             NAYS:  None             ABSTAINED: None             ABSENT:  None CERTIFICATE             I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of the resolution adopted at the board meeting held on April 11, 2023, at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.             Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, this 12th day of April, 2023.        __________________________                                            ________________________ Kristi LeBlanc, City Clerk                                                      Ricky Calais, Mayor Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen accepted the recommendation of the City Engineers to reject the bid by NCMC, LLC in the amount of $5,627,000 for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen opened a Public Hearing for Ordinance #2282 (An ordinance to amend Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances, the Zoning Ordinance, by the repeal, amendment, revision, enactment, and/or re-enactment of Section 23-4.30 regarding general zoning regulations applicable to all zoning districts, concerning regulation of buildings and structures, size, and location thereof, and restrictions with respect to…

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March 2023

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT THE CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. PRESENT:  Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon and Eddy LeBlanc. ABSENT: None Monthly budget-to-actual comparisons of the General Funds, Sales Tax Funds, Park and Recreation Fund, and Utility Funds were distributed to the councilmen and Mayor. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the amendment of Item #9 of the agenda: “Consider the recommendation from Chief LeBlanc to hire one patrol officer.”  The change was as follows:“Consider the recommendation from Chief LeBlanc to hire two patrol officers.” At the request of Alderman Melancon and, upon motion of Scotty Borel, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen added the following items to the agenda:             Item # 11. Discuss plans to create a limestone parking lot behind City Hall for Downtown parking access.             Item #12. Presentation of bond proposal options. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the minutes of the February 14, 2023 meeting were approved. Mayor Calais announced that Item #10 would be taken up at this time. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen opened a public hearing regarding the recommendation of the Zoning Commission to deny a request to rezone a lot Parcel ID#05902C4420 located at the corner of Rees Street Extension and Julie Street from R-1, Residential 1, to R-5, Residential 5. Mayor Calais explained that neither he nor the Board pursued this issue. Alderman Breaux explained that he had sent a letter to gauge public opinion on this issue and the Planning and Zoning Commission member pursued it further. Comments were opened to the public.  The developer of the proposed business explained that the development he plans to build would not be low-income or HUD-assisted housing.  He stated that the structure would be townhomes in the price range of $350,000-$400,000. Some residents stated that they had not been informed of the specifics of this development. Mayor Calais stated that the request on the table was to rezone the property to R-5,  which means that anything in that zone category would be allowable on that property. He expressed his concern that there would be no way for the City or neighboring residents to stop a developer from building other, not-discussed structures on that property as long as it conformed to the R-5 zoning regulations.   Mayor Calais explained that this public hearing is the second part of a two-part process. The request first goes to the Planning and Zoning Board who makes the initial recommendation.  That recommendation then goes to the City Council for approval or denial. The Planning and Zoning Board denied the request to rezone this property from R-1 to R-5. A resident of the neighboring subdivision raised concerns about the potential traffic issues that this development would create and also the concern that the developer was not present at the initial meeting to explain what his plans were for developing the property. A resident of North Bridge subdivision suggested that the City Council mandate that only the owner of a property could request a rezone.  Mayor Calais explained that this is the requirement, however, someone can make the request on behalf of the owner with their permission, as happened in this case. Mr. Ellis Reed of North Bridge Subdivision explained that when someone buys a house or land in a particular subdivision, they do so knowing the surrounding zones.  He cited Atchafalaya Trace Subdivision as an example.  He stated that the front of this subdivision is zoned commercial, therefore, the residents who buy homes or property in this subdivision do so with the knowledge that at some point a commercial business could be placed at the entrance of their subdivision.  He further stated that the residents of North Bridge subdivision bought their homes or property under the impression that the zone in front of their subdivision would remain Residential-1 and would likely be developed as such. Several residents of North Bridge expressed concerns over drainage and traffic issues as well as obstructed views of the road that a tall structure would create.             Alderman Melancon explained that he attended the initial Planning and Zoning meeting and expressed that he thought the developer having a presence at that meeting to explain his intentions would have gone a long way to assuaging concerns. He also expressed that the Council may have some work to do to improve the Ordinances regulating these types of issues. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen closed the public hearing regarding the recommendation of the Zoning Commission to deny a request to rezone a lot Parcel ID#05902C4420 located at the corner of Rees Street Extension and Julie Street from R-1, Residential 1, to R-5, Residential 5. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Albert Menard, the Board of Aldermen accepted the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board to deny the request to rezone a lot Parcel ID#05902C4420 located at the corner of Rees Street Extension and Julie Street from R-1, Residential 1, to R-5, Residential 5, with a roll call vote taken as follows:             Yeas: Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon, Eddy LeBlanc            Nays: None            Abstain: None Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen opened a public hearing for Ordinance #2283 (An Ordinance to contract the corporate limits of the City of Breaux Bridge as proposed in the Petition filed on behalf of Mr. Thomas Huval and Mrs. Velma Huval with the City under letter dated January 16, 2023 respecting…

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February 2023

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT THE CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. PRESENT:  Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon and Eddy LeBlanc. ABSENT: None Monthly budget-to-actual comparisons on the General Funds, Sales Tax Funds, Park and Recreation Fund, and Utility Funds were distributed to the councilman and Mayor. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the minutes of the January 10, 2023 meeting were approved. Alderman Ryan Breaux requested to be excused due a personal reason and was absent for the remainder of the meeting. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the executive session to be closed. Upon motion of Eddy LeBlanc, duly seconded by Scotty Borel and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen accepted the recommendation of the City Attorney in regard to the litigation against the City. Upon motion of Neil Melancon, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the introduction of Ordinance #2283 (An Ordinance to contract the corporate limits of the City of Breaux Bridge as proposed in the Petition filed on behalf of Mr. Thomas Huval and Mrs. Velma Huval with the City under letter dated January 16, 2023 respecting 5.080 acres of vacant land located at 2499 Rees Street Extension, Breaux Bridge Louisiana 70517.) Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the introduction of Ordinance #2282 (An Ordinance to amend Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances, the Zoning Ordinance, by the repeal, amendment, revision, enactment, and/or re-enactment of Sections 23-4.30 regarding general zoning regulations applicable to all zoning districts, concerning regulation of buildings and structures, size, and location thereof, and restrictions with respect to building materials on exterior walls and matters relating thereto.) Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the meeting to be adjourned   _______________________________                                  ______________________________ Kristi LeBlanc, CMC                                                               Ricky J. CalaisCity Clerk                                                                                 Mayor

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January 2023

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. PRESENT:  Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Neil Melancon, Eddy LeBlanc ABSENT:  None Monthly budget-to-actual comparisons on the General Funds, Sales Tax Funds, Park and Recreation Fund, and Utility Funds were distributed to the councilmen and Mayor. Upon motion of Neil Melancon duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the minutes of the December 13, 2022 City Council Meeting and the minutes of the December 22, 2022 Special Meeting of the Council. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the addition and deletion of the following items to the agenda:             Addition:            # 17 Consider appointment of City Auditor. Deletion:#11 Consider authorizing $25,000 for Lexipol Services regarding the updating and maintaining of the Police Department Policy and Procedures Manual. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Scotty Borel and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen added the following item to the agenda:             #18 Appoint a Mayor Pro Tem for 2023. The following motion was offered by Albert Menard: Add item #19 to the agenda: Consider approving a 3% raise to all City employees.  Motion died due to lack of a second. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved authorizing the design work regarding the project to install artificial turf on Parc Hardy baseball/softball fields. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and carried, the Board of Aldermen approved to renew or enter into a new contract with Pelican Waste for the City’s garbage pickup services. A roll-call vote was called and the results were as follows:            Yeas: Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Albert Menard, Eddy LeBlanc            Nays:   Neil Melancon  Upon motion of Eddy LeBlanc, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the purchase of a vehicle for the Police Chief. Upon motion of Scotty Borel, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the purchase of additional security cameras, in the amount of $15,000. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the appointment of Bart Hebert as the City’s attorney for the new term. Upon motion of Eddy LeBlanc, duly seconded by Albert Menard and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the appointment of Domingue Szabo and Associates as the City’s Engineering firm for the new term. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the appointment of Kristi LeBlanc as the City Clerk for the new term. Upon motion of Eddy LeBlanc, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the nominations for the Planning and Zoning Commission for the new term.A substitute motion to the above was offered by Albert Menard that the appointments be tabled until each councilman could nominate their own candidate to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The motion died due to the lack of a second. The original motion was passed with the votes being as follows:             Yeas: Ryan Breaux, Neil Melancon, Eddy LeBlanc            Nays: Scotty Borel, Albert Menard Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the appointment of Champagne and Company as the City’s auditing firm for the new term. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Scotty Borel and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the nomination of Neil Melancon as Mayor Pro-tem for 2023. Upon motion of Albert Menard, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned. ____________________________________            ____________________________________Kristi Leblanc                                                            Ricky J. CalaisCity Clerk                                                                   Mayor 

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December 2022 Special Meeting

PROCEEDINGS OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 10:00 A.M. ON Thursday December 22, 2022 Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order. Present:  Scotty Borel, Ernest “E.J.” Ledet, Neil Melancon and Eddy LeBlanc. Absent: Ryan Breaux Upon motion of Neil Melancon, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried the council approved  to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Upon motion of Neil Melancon, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried the execution session was closed. Mayor Calais briefed the public that the executive session was in reference to an alleged incident involving a city employee. Upon motion of Eddy LeBlanc, duly seconded by Ernest Ledet and unanimously carried, the Council authorized Mayor Ricky Calais to accept the recommendation of the City Attorney and authorized the Mayor to sign the settlement check on Claim #21492K455113. Upon motion of Ernest Ledet, duly seconded by Eddy Leblanc and unanimously carried there being no further business the meeting was adjourned. _____________________________                                        ______________________________Kristi LeBlanc                                                                                     Ricky J. CalaisCity Clerk                                                                                             Mayor

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December 2022

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BREAUX BRIDGE HELD AT CITY HALL, 101 BERARD STREET, AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022. Mayor Ricky Calais called the meeting to order, the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. PRESENT:  Ryan Breaux, Scotty Borel, Neil Melancon, Eddy LeBlanc ABSENT:  Ernest “E.J.” Ledet Monthly budget-to-actual comparisons on the General Funds, Sales Tax Funds, Park and Recreation Fund, and Utility Funds were distributed to the councilmen and Mayor. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux duly seconded by Eddy Leblanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the minutes of the October 11, 2022 City Council Meeting. Upon motion of Neil Melancon, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen approved the addition item 12 be added as stated to the agenda:             #12 Consider renewing Trash service contract or open bids.   City Auditor Russel Champagne presented the outcome of the 2021/2022 fiscal year audit to the Council and informed them that the 2021/2022 fiscal year audit was good. Upon motion of Eddy Leblanc, duly seconded by Ryan Breaux and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen authorized Mayor Calais to accept the bid from Bihm Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $505,151.24 for the Belle Terre force main upgrade project.  Upon motion of Eddy LeBlanc, duly seconded by Neil Melancon and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen accepted the recommendation from Chief Cantu to promote one police officer (Rayford Ballard) to the rank of Sergeant. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux duly seconded by Eddy Leblanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen accepted the results of the LCDBG utility rate study. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux duly seconded by Eddy Leblanc and unanimously carried, the Board of Aldermen adopted a Resolution establishing Utility Rates for water and sewer services.  After discussion with the council, item 12 was tabled until January 10, 2023. Upon motion of Ryan Breaux, duly seconded by Eddy LeBlanc and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned.   ____________________________________            ____________________________________Kristi Leblanc                                                             Ricky J. CalaisCity Clerk                                                                   Mayor

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