Doris Langlinais

The council meeting addressed several personnel and operational matters. Key actions included ratifying the appointment of fire department personnel after addressing previous application concerns. The body approved payments for bills from December 2025 and minutes from prior meetings in December 2025 and January 2026. New business involved rescinding a previous action to surplus a rescue truck, keeping it as the primary truck for the main station, and approving its surplus for an old fire safety house trailer. The council authorized the execution of an audit engagement letter for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Approvals were granted for recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding the removal of a large oak tree, payment estimates for the LCDBG clearance program project, and a progress payment for the Christmas Memorial Airport Construction hanger development. Payments were also approved for the air release valve installation project and work on the water treatment improvements project. Departmental reports noted issues with the Lorraine lift station and a FedEx vehicle hitting and damaging a light pole downtown, for which steps were taken to seek reimbursement. The Parks and Recreation coordinator provided an update on the upcoming basketball league tournament.

The meeting addressed significant personnel matters, primarily concerning Captain Boara's recent resignation after 22 years of service, which included extended public comment detailing disputes over his physical evaluation results and treatment by the administration. The council also handled the presentation of Captain Boara's son and wife, and a younger brother, during the public comment period, leading to extensions of speaking time. Key agenda items involved the ratification of a recommendation to hire Mr. Jude, an applicant from the civil service process for the Police Department, and accepting the resignation of Officer Mark Wright from the Police Department due to better pay elsewhere. Additionally, the council addressed the ratification of a recommendation to appoint Mr. Trevor Gillespie to the Fire Department personnel, following discussions emphasizing the mental health of first responders and concerns over multiple veterans leaving the fire department.

The meeting commenced with housekeeping notes regarding presentation length and public comment procedures. Key discussions included the ratification of the Mayor's appointment of Chief Doris Long Jr. as temporary fire chief, which was approved unanimously after a roll call vote. A subsequent motion to set the temporary fire chief's base pay was also approved. The council ratified the hiring of a new, non-postertified police officer, Mr. Johnny Leblon, after clarifying an unanswered question on his application and then proceeding with a vote that ultimately failed and was followed by a successful motion for the Chief to further pursue clarification. The appointment of Mr. Matthew Morval to the fire department was also approved. New business covered the ratification of an emergency sewer line repair payment and the approval to reduce the speed limit on Harvest Lane, Harvest Court, and Harvest Circle from 25 mph to 15 mph due to residential requests. Furthermore, the council adopted a resolution setting the 2026 holiday schedule, correcting an omission of New Year's Eve. Finally, the council authorized an amendment to the engineering agreement with Sellers and Associates for the downtown street improvements project to increase hourly service upset limits for surveying and resident project representative services due to extensive change orders that occurred during construction, including added sidewalks around the courthouse and utility improvements.

The Finance Committee meeting, chaired by Councilman Francis Clayos, focused primarily on the introduction of the proposed 2026 combined budget for the General Fund and Commercial Revenue Fund, projecting total revenues of over $8 million. Key expenditure areas discussed included public safety (police and fire), which accounts for about two-thirds of the General Fund expenses, and highway/streets. The budget projection indicated a potential deficit of approximately $10.6 million before accounting for transfers from special revenue funds. Discussions also highlighted rising health insurance costs as a significant financial pressure point, leading to plans for policy changes and monitoring of staffing levels. Furthermore, the City Attorney made a recommendation for the City Council to adopt an ordinance approving the 2026 budget and the amended 2025 budget at the subsequent regular council meeting on December 16, 2025.

The committee meeting included the recommendation to appoint police department personnel and a discussion regarding the upcoming Abi Vocation Christmas celebrations. Additionally, there was a presentation regarding the expansion and modernization of the ambulatory surgery and obstetrics delivery services department at Aville General Hospital, including floor plans and details about the project.