The Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to add a new Classifieds section where you can post your items for sale or services that you have available. Cost per post is $10.00 per week and can be submitted by email at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or by text to 318-480-1206.
For Sale:
5.06 acres of land (Price Reduced) – located one mile East of Jimmie Davis Tabernacle on Hwy. 542, Beech Springs Road, Quitman, LA. Call (706)745-3933 for more information.
Church Bus – Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church is selling small Bus that is equipped with Handicap accessibility. Engine work needed. Contact Paul Sterns for more information at (360) 399-8347.
Book for sale – “The 100 year history of JHHS football” In-depth, year by year, review of each season that includes individual and team school records. Cost is $25.00 per copy plus $3.00 shipping and handling. Call 318-480-1206 to order.
Services offered:
Harris Yard Beautification – Professional Lawn Care provided at reasonable rates. Call Greg at (318) 245-2349
Public Notices:
Town of Jonesboro Board of Alderman Meeting Minutes –
July 14, 2020
Public Hearing was called to order by Mayor Pro Temp Nia Johnson at 5:30 P.M.
Roll Call: Flowers-Present, Stringer-Present, Siadek-Present, Ginn-Present, and Johnson-Present.
Invocation was conducted by Johnson. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Siadek.
- Ordinance #2020-003 Budget amendment 2020-2021 The public was given the opportunity to ask questions regarding Ordinance #2020-003. There was some discussion.
- Agenda Amendments- Resolution #2020-027 Cares Act to be added as 21A, Fire Truck Purchase Proposal to be added as 9A. Motion made by Stringer, Seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.
- Public Comments- Citizens expressed some concerns they had for the Town of Jonesboro.
- Mayor’s Update- “The Town of Jonesboro has come off the Non-compliance list.”
- James Bradford: Concerns of the Town- Mr. Bradford was unable to make the meeting.
- Approval of June Minutes: Motion by Johnson to approve June’s minutes, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.
- Approval of June Bills: Motion to approve June’s bills made by Siadek, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.
- Financials: Motion by Ginn to approve the June financials, Seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.
- Mayor/Police Chief Relations- “The Police Chief does not answer to the mayor. Our perceived problems between the Chief and I, are starting to impede the progress of the Town. It is my hope we can move forward and work together.”
- Resolution #2020-026 Denmon-Awarding of bid- Motion made by Siadek to award the bid to Womack & Sons for the Obstruction removal project for the airport, Seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.
- Fuel Bids- Motion by Flowers to accept LOTT Oil’s bid for the fuel purchase contract, Seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.
- Fire Truck Purchase Proposal- A motion was made by Stringer, seconded by Siadek to pursue the purchase of two preowned fire apparatus using the bid process as per Louisiana R.S. code. Permission was granted to the Fire Chief to pursue the bid process and award the bid package to the successful bidder as per the bid specifications.
- Declaring Fire Trucks Surplus- Stringer made a motion to declare the 1984 Ford VIN# 1FDXD84N5EVA23335 and the 1993 International VIN# 1HTSDPCR4PH514111 surplus property pending purchase of new fire trucks, Seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.
- Purchase Order Procedure- Fire Chief Brandon Brown discussed the new procedure the department heads should follow regarding purchases.
- Surplus Bids- Flowers made a motion to accept the bid for the two lots of surplus property made from David Thompson, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.
- Ordinance #2020-004 Tax Collector Raise- A motion was made by Stringer to introduce Ordinance #2020-004 Tax Collector raise. A public hearing was set for August 11, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance.
- Ordinance #2020-005 Council Raise- Stringer made a motion to introduce Ordinance #2020-005 Council raise. A public hearing was set for August 11, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance.
- Ordinance #2020-006 Sewer Budget- Siadek made a motion to introduce Ordinance #2020-006 Sewer Budget. A public hearing was set for August 11, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance.
- Ordinance #2020-007 Water Budget- A motion was made by Siadek to introduce Ordinance #2020-007 Water Budget. A public hearing was set for August 11, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance.
- Department Head Reports- Police Chief Harris, Fire Chief Brown, and Public Works Director Wortham gave an update of how each department has been over the last month.
- Approval of Department Head Reports- Flowers made a motion to approve the Department Head reports. Siadek seconded. Motion carried.
- Infiltration Issues- Public Works Director, Mr. Wortham briefly discussed a plan to send letters to residents of the Town regarding the infiltration system.
- Appointment of Airport Manager- Mayor Thompson introduced Mr. Herbert Simmons as the newly appointed Airport Manager.
- Ordinance #2020-008 Juneteenth Holiday- Stringer made a motion to introduce Ordinance #2020-008 Juneteenth Holiday. A public hearing was set for August 11, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance.
- Resolution 2020-027 Cares Act- A motion was made by Siadek to adopt Resolution #2020-027 Cares Act, Seconded by Flowers. Motion Carried.
- Executive Session- Flowers made a motion to enter Executive Session with no action taken, seconded by Siadek. Motion Carried. Flowers made to motion to come out of Executive Session, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.
- Council Comments- Comments were expressed.
- Mayors Comments- Comments were expressed.
- Adjournment- Flowers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Seconded by Ginn. Motion carried.
Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2020
The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 5:30 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: Mr. Lewis Chatham and Ms. Tarneshala Cowans.
The President, Ms. Amy Magee, called the meeting to order. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Rowe led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President opened the floor for Public Comments.
Mr. Walter May addressed the Jury and announced his campaign for district judge.
With the completion of public comments, the President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Culpepper to adopt the minutes of the June 8th, June 18th and July 6th Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.
The President moved to Committee Reports.
Finance Committee
Motion Mr. Treadway and seconded Mr. McCarty to adopt the following minutes from the June 29th Finance Committee meeting. Motion carried.
The Finance Committee met Monday, June 29, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Room 301, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. John McCarty, and Ms. Tarneshala Cowans. Absent: none.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Mr. Culpepper. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Cowans led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no public comments.
The Chair invited the Secretary-Treasurer to present the month-to-date purchase orders and financial statements. The Secretary-Treasurer reviewed the Master Fund trial balance and discussed the restricted fund balances explaining that $4.3 million of the total $10.0 million balance is restricted from spending by the Police Jury. The Committee reviewed the Revenue and Expenditure report and the budget report for current vs. actual.
The Committee reviewed the financial summary of the Sales & Use Tax, 2015 Road Certificates of Debt and Current Year Road Program funds. The Secretary-Treasurer discussed how the funds work together through transfers and the funding sources and needs for long-term planning. Motion Ms. Cowans, seconded Mr. McCarty to adjourn. Motion carried.
Operations Committee
Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Ms. Rowe to adopt the following minutes from the June 16th Operations Committee meeting. Motion carried
The Operations Committee met Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 3:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Room 301, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: none. Also in attendance: Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent; Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent, and Mr. Darrell Avery, Assistant D.A.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Magee. Mr. Treadway gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There being no public comments, the Chair moved on to agenda items.
The Committee discussed the need for defining a public use road. Mr. Avery stated that the Attorney General had ruled that it is not possible to define what a public use road is and advised the Committee to use their Revocation of Public Road policy to remove roads. The Committee reviewed the policy and determined that they need to provide guidance to the Parish Engineer in order for him to compile a list of roads to be reviewed for removal.
Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury authorize the Parish Engineer to compile a list of roads in the Parish Road System that:
- Have been requested for removal by a property owner
- Have one landowner on all 3 sides
- Have road maintenance extending beyond the property line (re-assess maintenance line)
Motion carried.
The Chair invited Mr. Stuckey to discuss issues with drainage work performed in the right-of-way when the property owner(s) does not want it. The Committee reviewed Revised Statute 48:483 which gives the Jury authority to cut ditches and canals where necessary to drain public roads.
Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to recommend the Jury amend the Culvert Policy to give authority to the drainage crew to replace any existing culverts as needed for proper drainage of the Parish Road System and to make the property owner responsible for the purchase of new culverts, per the culvert permit, to be installed and maintained by the Road Department. Motion carried.
The Committee reviewed the status of Sugar Creek Road. Mr. Stuckey confirmed that the barricades were up for the closed portion of the road. The Committee and Mr. Avery reviewed the portion of the road to be removed and discussed notices to be sent to the affected property owners.
The Committee reviewed the letter of request from the Village of Quitman.
Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to have the Road Superintendent prepare a cost estimate for the request and to reply to the Village of Quitman that if they purchase the materials or use the annual appropriation funds, the Road Department can perform the work. Motion carried.
The Committee reviewed the revenues vs. expenses for the Solid Waste Recycle Program for plastic, aluminum, and cardboard/paper. Mr. Sessions detailed the cost of the program over a three-year period.
Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury authorize the closure of the plastic, aluminum, and cardboard/paper recycle programs as of August 30th, notify the public and businesses, and offer one additional weekly pickup as-needed to current participants as a good faith offer for participating in the volunteer recycle program over the years. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Ms. Rowe to authorize the Road Superintendent and Parish Engineer to review the parish road system and present a report of roads for Jury consideration. Motion carried.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Treadway to adopt the amended culvert policy. Motion carried.
The Jury discussed the recommendation to suspend the plastic, aluminum, and paper/cardboard recycle program.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Mr. McCarty to authorize the Solid Waste Department to send notices to the recycle customers that the program would end effective August 31, 2020. Motion carried with Ms. Rowe requesting the notice include a statement that the Jury may try to bring the program back in the future.
Policy & Personnel Committee
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Rowe to adopt the following minutes from the June 12th Policy & Personnel Committee meeting. Motion carried June 12, 2020
The Policy & Personnel Committee met Friday, March 12, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Room 301, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Ms. Tarneshala Cowans and Ms. Regina Rowe. Absent: Mr. Lewis Chatham. Also in attendance: Ms. Amy Magee.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Cowans. Ms. Rowe gave the invocation and Ms. Cowans led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Chair opened the floor for public comments.
Ms. Amy Magee notified the Committee that the Operations Committee would be hearing recommendations from the Road Department at their upcoming meeting for a policy on drainage work. She requested that the Policy & Personnel Committee meet after that meeting to review the recommendation.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Ms. Cowans to amend the agenda to include discussion of employee retirement. Motion carried unanimously.
The Chair invited the Secretary-Treasurer and Road Department Superintendent to discuss the available vacancies in the Road Department. The Committee discussed seniority, experience, and training of employees and determined that experience and training carried more merit than seniority. No action was taken.
The Chair invited the Secretary-Treasurer to discuss the policies for employee retirement and disability. No action was taken.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Ms. Cowans to adjourn. Motion carried.
Project Committee
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Treadway to adopt the following minutes from the June 16th Project Committee Meeting. Motion carried June 16, 2020
The Project Committee met Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Room 301, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Ms. Amy Magee, and Ms. Regina Rowe. Absent: none. Also present, Attorney Bill Carter, Hospital CEO John Morgan, and Parish Engineer Paul Riley.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Rowe. Ms. Magee gave the invocation and Mr.Culpepper led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Magee to enter into Executive Session to discuss the negotiations for the hospital drainage project. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. Culpepper to return to Open Session with no action being taken. Motion carried.
Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. Culpepper to recommend the Jury authorize Mr. Bill Carter to make a final written offer and file an expropriation suit to obtain the drainage servitude. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Magee to adjourn. Motion carried.
Economic Development Committee
Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. McCarty to adopt the following minutes from the June 15th Economic Development Committee meeting. Motion carried 15, 2020
The Economic Development Committee met Monday, June 15, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Room 301, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: none. Also present: Ms. Christine Rambo from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Mr. Thurston Allen from Jonesboro State Bank, Mr. Rex Johnson from Hodge Bank, and Mr. Mitch Spillers from People’s Bank.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Mr. Treadway. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Rowe led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments.
The Chair thanked the representatives from Jonesboro State Bank, Hodge Bank, and People’s Bank for attending the meeting. He discussed the current state of the property on Industrial Drive that has had improvements made to become certified. He asked the representatives from the banks to assist the Town of Jonesboro financially to relocate the oxidation pond outfall in order for the property to be certified.
Ms. Rambo gave a presentation on how the area can prepare for economic development and gave details on the site certification process. She explained the memorandum of understanding between the property owner and the state of Louisiana.
Mr. Thurston Allen asked about improvements to private land and investment return.
Ms. Rowe left the meeting.
The Committee discussed a follow-up meeting with all interested parties including the Mayor of Jonesboro.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Treadway to adjourn. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Department Superintendent, gave the June 2020 Road report noting that $4,523.20 had been spent on emergency call-outs/off-schedule work. He stated that the asphalt work would begin in July and discussed the parish bush-hog schedule.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Mr. Treadway to accept the June 2020 emergency/off-schedule reports. Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Department Superintendent, gave the June 2020 Solid Waste report and discussed the tonnage hauled to Union Parish.
The President gave an updated for OEP and discussed the state-wide mask mandate.
Mr. Robert “Bubba” Anderson, Maintenance Supervisor presented the June 2020 Maintenance Report and updated the Jury on completed and upcoming project.
Ms. Gina Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer, presented the June 2020 Financial Report highlighting the actual vs. budget comparisons for all funds. She discussed the budget amendments and fund balances.
The President moved on to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer with the Riley Co. gave the June 2020 Engineering report.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Mr. McCarty to award the 2020 Road Program I to Amethyst Construction Inc. for $789,470.00. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Culpepper to award the 2020 Road Program II to Dreher Contracting, LLC for $438,265.00. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Rowe to promote Jack Williams from Operator I-Level I to Operator II-Level I with the pay increase contingent upon successful completion of SOCL exam. Motion carried.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Treadway to hire Mathew Connor, Paul Aldy, Jeremy Davis, and Ju’Won Jack as General Laborer – Level I’s in the Road Department contingent upon pre-employment screenings and successful completion of probationary period. Motion carried.
The Jury discussed the hiring for an Operator I in the Road Department. Mr. Stuckey explained that his candidate had to decline the position due to their personal business. The Jury took no action on the proposed hiring.
The Jury took no action on a provision for time off without pay.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Treadway to adopt the Jackson Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Rowe to appoint the following parish board members:
- Re-appoint Ms. Lisa Nunn to the Library Board for a 5-year term effective 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2024.
Motion carried.
The President opened the floor for announcements and notifications.
The Secretary-Treasurer made the following announcement:
The Jackson Parish Police Jury will meet on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 5:30 PM at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251 to levy the 2020 tax millage rates.
The President announced that the Business Session meetings would continue to be held at the Community Center to allow for social distancing.
The President opened the floor to Juror Comments.
The President called for the adjournment of the meeting.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Culpepper to adjourn. Motion carried
WARD TWO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES
The Ward Two Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 14, 2020 7:00 pm at the District Office. By Roll Call the following members were present: Alton Fallin, Charles Hopkins, and Mack Williams. Absent were George Gryder and Bill Wheelis. No public attendant. There were 0-additions 0-deletions offered to the agenda, meeting called to order by Chairman Williams, followed by invocation.
Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the agenda as presented and proceed into business, motion Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Fallin, motion carried. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the minutes from June 9, 2020 meeting minutes, motion Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Fallin, motion carried.
In the order of Old Business: Chief Manning delivered the June Fire report for 7 total calls as follows: 0 Fire, 0 Grass/Brush, 0 EMS,4 MVA, 3 public tree removals. Fuel report for June was on hand of 360.1 gallons, fuel usage was 89 gallons. Apparatus/Equipment Maintenance – side window replaced on Command 1, had intake gasket and power pack changed on truck 1, and starter replaced on pumper 240. Misc. the signs are still in process of being placed around the ward, Hwy 146 almost complete. PIAL – Getting bids on clearing and leveling new training site. June training 9 members attended. Purchasing agent reports for June 2020 was reviewed. Gap Report was 100%.
Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to proceed into new business, motion Mr. Fallin, second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried.
In the order of New Business, Financial Report for m/e 06/30/20 was presented. Mr. Williams entertained the notion to take the following action on HBT Money Market to purchase a 1year CD, Mr. Hopkins motioned, Mr. Fallin seconded, motion carried. The bill review was completed by Mr. Williams. Presentation of Bills for June was discussed.
Discussion to obtain a P card followed by motion from Mr. Hopkins to adopt as presented with spending limit, Mr. Fallin second, motion carried. Mr. Williams entertained the notion to proceed for levying 2020 Tax Mileage and special meeting when obtain mileage rate, Mr. Hopkins motion, Mr. Fallin second, motion carried.
The Action List was reviewed-nothing added.
Board members were asked if needed to make any comments, none. There being no further orders of business motion entertained by Mr. Williams to adjourn, motion by Mr. Fallin to adjourn, second Mr. Hopkins, meeting declared adjourned by the chairman at 7:49 p.m.
- A. Williams, Chairman
Donna Snow, Secretary