Toni Melton

The board meeting addressed several administrative, financial, and operational matters. Key agenda items included updates on solar panel initiatives, approval of multiple special event permits, personnel actions including new hires and terminations, and the authorization of a bridge employment agreement for the Secretary-Treasurer. The board also reaffirmed the organizational structure, approved pay increases for employees obtaining certifications, renewed insurance policies, and authorized a cooperative endeavor agreement with the LSU AgCenter. Further actions involved infrastructure decisions such as culvert replacements and road maintenance, approval of various financial reports and requisitions, and support for the St. Helena Parish Historical Association's funding application. A preventive maintenance service agreement was also approved.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on library operations, including board vacancies, reading programs, and millage support. Key items involve requests to return a cemetery road to landowners, the appointment of a representative to the Industrial Development Board, and the adoption of resolutions regarding special election results and official journal appointments. The meeting will address construction and project matters, specifically culvert replacement, library project payments, and economic development resolutions. Furthermore, the Office of Emergency Preparedness will provide updates on grant programs, engineering procurement for generators, safe room projects, and disaster grant documentation, alongside updates on Industrial Development Board formation and legal service agreements. Personnel and administrative actions include salary adjustments, road reopening discussions, and the approval of financial disbursements.

The board approved the purchase of a van for the Council on Aging and tree removal services for Fire Protection District #2. The Secretary-Treasurer was authorized to issue an RFP for an Official Journal. The board held discussions regarding public safety initiatives, emergency preparedness for hurricane season, and renovations to the Charlie Overt Park Building. They approved an invoice for the parish library project and accepted a proposal for generator connections at the jail. Additionally, the board approved payment of outstanding checks and requisitions, while moving several other agenda items, including road closure requests and construction bids, to a future committee meeting.

The meeting included the adoption of the 2026 millage rates and updates from the LSU AgCenter Extension office. The board approved Change Order #1 for the St. Helena Parish Library project, the payment of an invoice for the DMV project, and a 4-day (10-hour) work week schedule. Additionally, the members discussed the transition to hydraulic 3-point hitch assemblies for improved safety and precision. The board also reviewed financial reports, including budget-to-actual comparisons, authorized payments for outstanding checks, reviewed requisitions, and approved reports regarding employee benefits and fuel usage.

The board approved several financial items, including invoices for the Hano Road Retention Pond, the St. Helena Parish Library, and tourism participation. Special event permits were approved for local horse shows and trail rides, with one approval conditioned upon security requirements. The board authorized applications for Federal Appropriations for road reconstruction and debris management. Additionally, the board approved local government employment participation, training for equipment operators, new staff hires, and travel authorizations for various conferences. Changes to the employee manual regarding hiring processes and background checks were implemented, and the board approved the installation of dash cameras for insurance compliance, repairs for Road District No. 6 equipment, and the reopening of Sand Hill. The E-911 Communication District per diem was increased, and an executive session was held to discuss a matter with legal counsel.