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St. Martinville council appoints interim Section 8 director, approves staff changes and routine permits
Summary
After an update showing the Section 8 program out of compliance in recent HUD audits, the council appointed Constance Boudreaux interim executive director, changed accounting vendors for that program, approved several staff paygrade changes and permits, and authorized submission of Ordinance 20-05 to the governor.
The St. Martinville City Council on Feb. 3 appointed Constance Boudreaux as Interim Executive Director of the city's Section 8 housing program after hearing that a HUD audit found the program out of compliance for the past three years.
Boudreaux told the council that, as of the report, the program was "50% back in compliance," with 13 landlords and 49 tenants (two ineligible and three who removed themselves). The council unanimously appointed Boudreaux interim director and approved switching Section 8 accounting services from HSA to Trish Hamaker & Co for a monthly fee not to exceed $250.
In personnel votes, the council approved a motion by Jonas Fontenette, seconded by Flo Chatman, to change Cherie Guilbeaux from part-time docent ($10.00/hr) to full-time CRT Administrative Assistant at pay grade 104 plus 8% ($11.50/hr), effective Feb. 5, 2025. The council also approved hiring Lauren Richard as a part-time docent at pay grade 103 ($10.00/hr).
Separately, after an executive session, the council unanimously approved changing Carolyn Comeaux from Accounting Specialist (pay grade 109, $16.00/hr) to Accounting Clerk (pay grade 108, $15.00/hr), and amended the job description and pay grade for Sheree Davis from Accounting Clerk (pay grade 109 +7%, $16.05/hr) to Accounting Specialist (pay grade 111, $18.00/hr), both effective Feb. 5, 2025.
The council approved other routine items including authorizing Mayor Willis to execute a lease with the St. Martin Parish School Board to use the former Tiny Tot Park/Playground as a Veterans Memorial Park, ordering the boarding of a dilapidated structure at 112 Labbe Street and granting three months for repairs, and permitting a Grief Walk on March 16. The council also unanimously approved a concept to add 3'5 RV spots at part of the festival grounds and directed the presenter to prepare a detailed proposal.
Votes at a glance - Appointment of Constance Boudreaux, Interim Executive Director, Section 8: moved by Mike Fuselier; outcome: approved unanimously (minute records state unanimously carried). - Change Section 8 accounting services to Trish Hamaker & Co at up to $250/mo: moved by Mike Fuselier; outcome: approved unanimously. - Motion to table consideration of Cherie Guilbeaux's employment (two-week delay): moved by Mike Fuselier; outcome: failed (yeas: M. Fuselier, C. Frederick; nays: J. Fontenette, J. Anthony, F. Chatman). - Change employment status of Cherie Guilbeaux to full-time CRT Administrative Assistant: moved by Jonas Fontenette; outcome: approved (yeas: J. Fontenette, J. Anthony, F. Chatman; nays: M. Fuselier, C. Frederick). - Hire of Lauren Richard (part-time docent): moved on recommendation of Danielle Fontenette; outcome: approved (yeas: J. Fontenette, J. Anthony, F. Chatman; nays: M. Fuselier, C. Frederick). - Boarding order for 112 Labbe Street and three-month repair deadline: moved by Mike Fuselier; outcome: approved unanimously. - Permit for Grief Walk on March 16: moved by Flo Chatman; outcome: approved unanimously. - Authorization to submit Ordinance 20-05 to Governor to amend City Charter for term limits: moved by Flo Chatman; outcome: approved unanimously.
What to expect next: Boudreaux and city staff will proceed with the accounting vendor change and continue remediation steps with HUD; planning and zoning staff will monitor repairs at 112 Labbe Street and report back in three months.
Attributions in this story come from council minutes and on-the-record motions and votes.
