Clay Chutz

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by key discussions and approvals. The Police Jury approved several invoices from PD Consulting, LLC, covering renovations for Charlie Overton Park Building and Sheriff Admin Electrical Upgrades, as well as OMV relocation renovations. Lowest quotes were accepted for an addition to the substation on Highway 440. A resolution was adopted to submit an application for the FY 2025-2026 Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP). An update was provided on the NACo Legislative Conference, detailing discussions on federal legislative priorities, infrastructure funding, and disaster recovery assistance, including meetings with congressional staff regarding grant opportunities. The Jury authorized attendance for department heads at various upcoming conferences and training sessions, although one vote was split. Larry Freeman was reappointed to the Audubon Regional Library board. A Travel Warrant was approved for a Justice of the Peace, and a Special Event Permit Application for an upcoming event was approved. The Jury approved requisitions presented by the Purchasing Agent and authorized checks written since the last regular meeting totaling $281,852.33. Receipt of monthly budget-to-actual comparison and financial reports was acknowledged, and the employees accruable benefits report was approved. The Fuelman report was also approved.

Key discussion items for the meeting included the election of 2026 Officers, authorization and approval procedures related to the 2025 audit, and a presentation from Mr. Bobby Self regarding damage to parish equipment. Fire District #4 addressed EMS services and the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. The agenda covered approvals for a variance request, authorization to advertise for bids under the FY 2024-2025 Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) Grant, and a motion to apply for FY 2025-2026 CWEF funds. Financial motions included approving invoices for the Audubon Regional Library Project and Charlie Overton Park Building Renovations, as well as Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement with PD Consulting, LLC for Hurricane Ida recovery management. The OEP Department addressed subdivision expansion, a proposed utility ordinance, the kick-off for the Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan renewal, and the adoption of various CDBG-DR policies and procedures, including the appointment of compliance officers and authorization of signatories. Further actions involved appointments to the Industrial Development Board, renewal of numerous beer and liquor permits, approval of a new custodian hire, approval of travel warrants and requisitions, and authorization for necessary repairs to the ladder truck.

The agenda for this session included several key actions. The Jury planned to consider adopting a resolution calling for an ad valorem tax election for the St. Helena Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 on February 23, 2026. Financial matters involved approving an invoice for professional services from Holly & Smith Architects, payable from ARPA Funds, and approving a payment application for the Audubon Regional Library Project, also from ARPA Funds. The Jury addressed procurement by authorizing the 6th Ward Fire Protection District to request quotes for a substation addition below the public bid threshold. Furthermore, the Jury was set to adopt a resolution approving the Policies and Procedures Manual for compliance with GOHSEP grant requirements, 2 CFR Part 200, and LLA standards. The process for opening and reviewing sealed bids for 2026 supplies and materials was outlined. Approval was sought for a Special Event Permit for the "Mardi Gras in the Country" event. The Tourist Commission agenda included acknowledging a resignation, reappointing two members, and appointing one new member. The Jury was also scheduled to approve requisitions and acknowledge work reports, as well as approve checks written since the previous meeting.

During the regular session, Acadian Ambulance provided an update on EMS services for the Parish. The Jury approved several invoices from PD Consulting, LLC for renovations related to Charlie Overton Park Building, SHP Sheriff Admin Electrical Upgrades, and OMV relocation. Actions taken included tabling the approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Symple, Inc. for adjudicated property sales and tabling the Special Event Permit for the "Mardi Gras in the Country" event. The Board of Commissioners' recommendations were approved, which involved appointing new members to the SHPCDBC and approving an MOU between the Communications District and the Police Jury. Updates were provided by the OEP Department. Personnel actions included the transfer of John Scott and tabling the hiring of David Cokerham. The Jury approved a spending limit for Edward Galmon in the Maintenance Department and authorized the purchase of a 2019 Dodge Ram 2500 for Rd. Dist. 1. Quotes were authorized for a Building Department vehicle and sealed bids were authorized for several surplus Tax Assessor vehicles. Initial terms for members of the IDB were approved, and parish Fire Chiefs were authorized to use the Police Jury meeting room monthly. The installation of culverts on Teal McDaniel, Lloyd Collins, & Red Bluff Church Rd, and a weekend clean-up on CC Rd were approved. Further discussion on the reopening of Sand Hill Rd was referred to the Roads & Bridges Committee. The Jury approved a Travel Warrant for Raymond Baker-Constable and acknowledged receipt of monthly financial reports, subsequently approving various requisitions and checks written since the previous meeting.

The Regular Session of the Police Jury included the election of 2026 officers, resulting in the confirmation of Quanika H. Muse as President and Warren McCray, Jr. as Vice President. Key administrative actions included authorizing the CPA to perform the 2025 audit and sign related engagement letters. The Jury addressed concerns from Fire Protection District #4 regarding a lack of insurance coverage for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations, directing the Secretary-Treasurer to obtain quotes while continuing EMS operations pending review. Several financial approvals were granted, including invoices for architects and construction related to ARPA-funded projects, and invoices for consulting services for park and relocation renovations. Program documents for CDBG-DR compliance were adopted, and staff were appointed to oversee compliance roles. Additionally, the Jury renewed numerous beer and liquor permits for local businesses, approved travel warrants, and discussed a request to hire a custodian, which was tabled for committee consideration. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy in the "Antwain Jackson versus the St. Helena Parish Police Jury" federal court case.