The following minutes have been approved for the South Central Planning & Development Commission Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting:
On Thursday, October 17th, 2024, at 10:30am at New Isles Community Center in Gray, LA. Chairman Naquin called the meeting to order then A. Chaisson led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance. E. Bergeron conducted roll call.
Members present or represented by proxy were: J. Naquin, M. Arceneaux representing R. Animashaun, A. Chaisson, M. Atzenhoffer, J. Jones, C. Curole representing J. Bouziga, K. Cressoinie representing K. Clement, E. Alexander, A. Shephard representing P. Dufrense, L. Sorapuru, Jr., C. Vappie, D. Arthur, R. Grogan, C. Pulaski representing J. Bergeron, T. Watkins representing J. Amedee, C. Guidry representing D. Babin, L. Charles, and C. Tucker. Ex-Officio members J. David representing Dr. J. Clune of NSU and M. McClean representing Dr. K. Strickland of FCC.
Staff members present were: K. Belanger, J. Foret, J. Boudreaux, C. Curole, T. Watkins, J. Boudreaux, R. Hutchinson and E. Bergeron.
Members absent were: W. Reed, B. Plaisance, M. Jewel, W. Comardelle, B. Savoie, L. Wilson, S. Bourgeois, P. St. Pierre, J. Hotard, H. Oubre, S. Jones, E. Foulcard, M. Marmande, Jr. and J. Rogers, Ex-Officio member M. Darden of the Chitimacha Tribe.
Guests present were: J. Haley, B. O’Connor, and K. Hill of OCD-DRU, C. Dumslet, and C. Morgan of CMPNO, and C. Theriot of Senator J. Kennedy’s office.
The first item on the agenda was the Review and Acceptance of minutes of June 20th, 2024, Regular Meeting. A. Duval motioned, seconded by C. Vappie to accept minutes of June 20th, 2024, Regular Meeting. There being no objections motion carried.
Next on the agenda was the Acceptance of Management Committee Meeting Minutes of October 10th, 2024. E. Alexander motioned, seconded by A. Chaisson to accept minutes of October 10th, 2024, Management Committee Meeting. There being no objections motion carried.
The third item on the agenda was the Review and Approval of the Unaudited Financial Statement ending June 30th, 2024. K. Belanger reviewed the unaudited Financial Statement ending June 30th, 2024, and relayed the ending fund balance of SCPDC’s General Fund was $3,749,100.27. E. Alexander motioned, seconded by A. Chaisson to approve the unaudited Financial Statement ending June 30th, 2024. There being no objections motion carried.
Review and Approval of the Financial Statement ending September 30th, 2024 was the fourth item on the agenda for discussion. K. Belanger reviewed the Financial Statement ending September 30th, 2024. He relayed the ending fund balance to date for SCPDC’s General Fund was $1,527,106.67. E. Alexander motioned, seconded by J. Jones, to approve the Financial Statement ending September 30th, 2024. There being no objections motion carried.
Housing Update presentation was next on the agenda. J. Boudreaux provided a brief update. He reviewed program investments, timeline, status as well as current and upcoming projects. They hope to begin construction on new homes after the first of the new year. Also, the Assumption Parish Clerk of Court Warehouse is expected to be completed before the holidays. Mayor Vappie commended SCPDC’s construction crew for a job well done on the demolition of two structures for the Town of Baldwin.
Agenda item six was the Resolution authorizing the CEO to sign the CEA between the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Office of Community Development and SCPDC relative to the acquisition management, and future development of the New Isle Resettlement Project. C. Curole gave
a brief presentation. He relayed to the Commissioner’s that LA OCD was seeking SCPDC as a partner to oversee the continuation of the development and administer/operate the New Isle Residential Homeowner’s Association, the Community Center, and retail market while supporting the interests of the current residents. Discussion ensued. L. Sorapuru, Jr. motioned, seconded by C. Vappie to approve the resolution authorizing the CEO to sign the CEA between the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Office of Community Development and SCPDC relative to the acquisition management, and future development of the New Isle Resettlement Project. There being no objections motion carried.
Next was R. Hutchinson’s presentation on MGO Budget Adjustments. He identified key factors impacting MGO revenue. Hosting cost is now on the decline while support cost is being optimized. To increase revenue the standard price sheet is currently being revamped to increase the overall revenue on existing contracts between 3% to 15%. Also, they are exploring additional fees for complex data conversions or processes. R. Hutchinson relayed to the Commissioner’s that MGO will be hosting an MGO LiveConnect Conference on December 10th and 11th, 2024 at the DoubleTree Hotel in New Orleans. He invited all Commissioner’s to attend. Discussion ensued.
K. Belanger briefly relayed that the development of the SCPDC Strategic Plan was on course. An Executive Summary was distributed for the Commissioner’s to review and comment on. Further discussion will take place at the January Board meeting.
K. Belanger explained the proposed Policy Amendments were recommended by LAOCD: Title VI, Section 504 Communication Policy, Language Access Plan, Section Plan, Citizen Complaint Policy and Grant/Contract Administration Policies and Procedures. Implementation of these policies has been recommended in order for SCPDC to stay within federal grant guidelines. A. Chaisson motioned, seconded by C. Pulaski to accept the recommended Policy Amendments. There being no objections motion carried.
Resolution honoring R. Hotard of St. John the Baptist Parish. Ms. Hotard has served on the Loan Administration Board for the past ten years and has been serving as Chairwoman for the past two years. She plans to retire before the end of the year and the Loan Board would like to show their appreciation by honoring R. Hotard’s service with a Resolution and a plaque to be given to her at her last Loan Administration Meeting. A. Chaisson motioned, seconded by L. Sorapuru, Jr to accept the Resolution honoring R. Hotard of St. John the Baptist Parish. There being no objections motion carried.
Agenda item eleven was the Resolution declaring various equipment as surplus property and authorizing the CEO to appropriately dispose of said equipment and setting the minimum acceptable bid for the sale of equipment declared as surplus. M. Atzenhoffer motioned, seconded by C. Guidry to accept the resolution declaring various equipment as surplus property and authorizing the CEO to appropriately dispose of said equipment and setting the minimum acceptable bid for the sale of equipment declared as surplus. There being no objections motion carried.
Under Other Business, K. Belanger relayed that the 2025 meeting dates were listed in the meeting packet. It was then motioned by E. Alexander, seconded by J. Jones to deviate from the agenda to discuss the Resolution authorizing the CEO, Kevin P. Belanger, on behalf of SCPDC to leverage $3,600,000 for the Pro Housing Grant to include production of housing and administrative costs. There being no objection motion carried. K. Belanger explained that LA OCD suggested SCPDC to apply for a PRO Housing Grant. By applying for the PRO Housing Grant this would fund approximately (30) thirty new homes to be built, labor, and future equipment needs for SCPDC’s housing program. This resolution would solidify SCPDC’s commitment if awarded the grant. It was then motioned by M. Atzenhoffer, seconded by D. Arthur to deviate to accept the Resolution authorizing the CEO, Kevin P. Belanger, on behalf of SCPDC to leverage $3,600,000 for the Pro Housing Grant to include production of housing and administrative costs. There being no objection motion carried.
C. Pulsaski relayed how Terrebonne Parish would like to partner with SCPDC to create a small business grant program with a portion of the money the Parish received from Hurricane Ida CDBG grant funds. The Parish has requested a letter of intent from SCPDC to send to LA OCD.
SCPDC newsletter was emailed out to all.
Next meeting date has been set for Thursday, January 16th, 2025 in St. Mary Parish, location to be determined.
There being no other business to discuss. A. Chaisson motioned, E. Alexander seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
As duly authorized officers of South Central Planning and Development Commission, Board of Commissioners, we do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is the official version of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Commissioners held on October 17th, 2024.
Jeff Naquin, Chairman
South Central Planning & Development Commission
Jason Bergeron, Secretary
South Central Planning & Development Commission