St. Martinville council adopts electric-service standards and updates weed-abatement rules; tables office-manager hire

The Mayor and City Council of the City of St. Martinville met Aug. 5, 2024, at City Hall and adopted two ordinances affecting local services and code enforcement while also approving multiple personnel actions and administrative updates.

Ordinance No. 24-08, offered by Carol Fuselier and seconded by Mike Fuselier, establishes formal "Standards of Electric Service" for the city. The ordinance states the city will strive to supply alternating-current electricity at 60 Hertz, advises customers to consider surge arresters or voltage stabilizers, and disclaims liability for outages or interruptions caused by listed force majeure events and third-party failures. The ordinance was declared adopted and became effective according to the procedure set in the ordinance text.

The council also adopted Ordinance No. 24-09 (offered by Mike Fuselier and seconded by Carol Frederick), which amends Sec. 14-53(a) to authorize the city to cut or remove noxious weeds or grass on sidewalks or lots after providing at least 10 days' notice by advertisement, registered mail, or personal delivery; the ordinance establishes a $25 fee to cover cost of notification.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 24-08 (Electric service standards): Adopted unanimously (Yeas recorded: Mike Fuselier, Carol Frederick, Jonas Fontenette, Janise Anthony, Flo Chatman). - Ordinance 24-09 (Grass/weeds abatement, $25 notice fee): Adopted unanimously. - Approval of minutes (July 15 regular; July 24 special): Adopted unanimously. - Bills for payment (City Finance Committee): Approved unanimously. - Hire of Coquina Mitchell, full-time certified police officer at $18.90/hr: Approved unanimously on Chief Ricky Martin's recommendation. - Appointment of Otis Chatman as Planning & Zoning Coordinator ($18.00/hr, paygrade 110 + 8%): Motion failed (Yeas: Jonas Fontenette, Flo Chatman; Nays: Mike Fuselier, Carol Frederick, Janise Anthony). - Hiring Candy Bertrand as Office Manager: Motion to table passed (Yeas: Mike Fuselier, Carol Frederick, Janise Anthony; Nays: Jonas Fontenette, Flo Chatman).

Personnel and administrative actions The council granted Mayor Willis authority to hire a temporary meter reader at $10.00/hr and accepted the resignation of Eugene Champagne. The council appointed Monica Charles (replace LeRoy Banks Jr.) as the City Council representative, Brian Francis as the employee representative, and Becky Patin as the chamber representative on the city’s employee Civil Service Board.

Policy reviews and direction Following discussion of a proposed Fraternization Policy, the council directed City Attorney Allan L. Durand to review the policy and present it at the next meeting. A separate motion to table discussion of employee background checks until Chief Ricky Martin and HR Constance Boudreaux can provide an outsourcing recommendation passed (majority recorded).

Utilities, grants and capital updates Mayor Willis relayed a consultant update from La Louisianne Consulting on the city Masterplan, community engagement and a pending DRA Commission grant application. The council heard that the FPC approved purchase of AMI meters under an Electrical Upgrade Grant; additional equipment for water towers and billing software will be purchased and the city will not be required to provide a match. Mayor Willis also updated council on negotiations to acquire property for a new water well and noted a Water District No. 4 meeting scheduled for Aug. 7, 2024.

Public safety and records The council granted permission for the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office to hold National Night Out in Magnolia Park on Oct. 1 and to install a camera pole at St. Martin Street and Clairborne Street to enhance security during prisoner transport. IT Coordinator Lynn Leger said requested camera recordings are available for viewing except for a March recording overwritten by the machine; Mayor Willis said he would call a special meeting to view the recordings. The council approved establishing a private, nonrecorded area for HR meetings and requiring HR presence at disciplinary meetings.

Property remediation Public Works was authorized to demolish and remove a dilapidated structure at 309 Honore Street (owner listed as Rita Lewis). City Attorney Durand will research whether a lien can be placed on the property to recover demolition and debris-removal costs and add the expense to the property taxes if permissible.

What’s next City Attorney Durand will present the fraternization policy at a future meeting. The council is scheduled to review other items, including the Water District meeting outcomes and consultant-led Masterplan steps. Mayor Willis adjourned the meeting after no further business was raised.