Phillip Mason

Key discussions included an update on the property at 626 Gladiolus Street, resulting in a consensus to grant the owner 45 days for cleanup. The Council approved resolutions supporting applications for funding through the Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) and the Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF). Authorization was given for the Mayor to enter a cooperative endeavor agreement supporting the 2026 Annual Black History Parade. A budget amendment was introduced to transfer $175,000.00 within the Sewer Fund for improvements in the Wastewater Treatment and Collection departments. Approvals included accepting 2025 AD Valorem Tax payments without interest if received by January 31, 2026, waiving new utility deposit fees for transferring current customers meeting specific criteria, approving a Government Crime Policy contract, updating the city's key coding system, approving repair work at the Maintenance Department building, and approving the promotion of Officer Rushing Juneau to Corporal. The hiring of Philip Mason as Chief Administrative Officer and authorization to advertise for a full-time Utility Clerk were approved, as was the contract renewal with Pest Tech, LLC. A Public Hearing was held regarding an ordinance to increase salaries for elected and appointed officials, which was subsequently approved with differing percentage increases (10% for Mayor/Chief of Police, 6% for others). The Council also approved amending the pay plan stability portion regarding continuous service credit. Finally, the Council ratified the Municipal Clerk co-signing checks during a period when the Chief Administrative Officer position was vacant and approved the 2024-2025 audited financial statements submitted to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, as well as approving several alcoholic beverage permits in globo.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval for the Community Development Committee and citizens to advance plans for Heritage Park. The council also approved updating signage with lighting for all community areas. An ordinance was introduced to increase the salaries of elected positions, including the Mayor, Chief of Police, Municipal Clerk, City Judge, and Constable. A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to amend sewer user fees, which was subsequently approved as Ordinance No. 9 of 2025. The council adopted the Process Verbal and a Resolution related to the Tax Election held for the Port Allen Police Department on November 15, 2025. Financial matters included updates on audit findings, presentation of the monthly financial report, and a presentation of the Draft Audit. Finally, a batch of alcoholic beverage permits was approved in globo for various establishments.

The council discussed a sewer rate study and a potential sewer rate increase. They considered an ordinance regarding sewer user fees and authorized a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Port Allen Volunteer Fire Department for a monument. The council approved added details to the employee rate of pay process and authorized the Mayor to sign an updated audit engagement letter. They also authorized the surplus of a police department vehicle. A public hearing was held regarding authorized uses of property in the Downtown Mixed-Use District, but the related ordinance failed. Another public hearing addressed increasing fees for water and gas service reconnection and deposits, leading to the adoption of an ordinance. Updates were provided on audit findings and the monthly financial report. Announcements were made regarding upcoming holiday events.

The meeting included presentations regarding a drainage renewal tax and a school board tax renewal. The council discussed and introduced an ordinance to modify zoning requirements for the Downtown Mixed-Use District. They approved a service agreement for fire protection inspection, authorized the hiring of a new police department employee, and introduced ordinances to increase deposit and reconnect fees for utilities. The council also approved a resolution to adopt the 2024-2025 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire and accepted a progress report on resolving the 2023-2024 audit findings. Additionally, announcements were made regarding upcoming events and corrections to utility bill statements and property addresses.

The council discussed and approved several key items, including accepting a property donation for a special needs children's park, authorizing the surplus of unused vehicles and the installation of GPS devices in department vehicles. They also approved a pay application for wastewater treatment plant modifications, a maintenance contract for equipment in the Council Chambers, and a resolution to adopt procurement policies for Community Development Block Grant guidelines. An update was presented on audit findings and the monthly financial report. The council addressed the condemnation of a property, allowing the owners time for demolition. Announcements were made regarding a community prayer walk, monthly cut-offs, upcoming events, employee certifications, and ongoing repairs.