St. Landry Parish Council Regular Meeting 1

AGENDA

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15,2025 @ 6:00 P.M. oLD CrTY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION (Councilman Jody White)
ROLL CALL
APPOINT LEGAL ADVISOR, GARETT DUPLECHAIN, AS TEMPORARY
PRE,SIDING OFFICER TO HOLD THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
CONDOLENCES
PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
o Regular Meeting: December 18th,2024
PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT
NEW BUSINESS:
*Items passed through committee.

Vote to appoint Fire Chief Ervin Menard and Fire Chief Matt Rabalais to the
St. Landry Parish Communications District E-911 Board for a four-year term.
(0t -04-202s – 0r -04-2029).
Discuss whether the Assistant Chief Mark Guidry can be appointed to the
St. Landry Parish Communications District E-911 Board for a four-year term.
(0r -04-202s – 0t -04 -2029).
vote to appoint John slaughter, Mary Johnson-Doucet, Yvonne Normand, Sylvia
Guidry-Brown and Stephanie Tompkins to the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
for a three-year term. (02-19-2025 – 02-19-2025).
Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for two appointments to the St. Landry Parish
Tourist Commission for a three-year term. Angela Guillory and Delita Rubin has
resigned. (02-19 -2022 – 02-19 -2025).
Vote to appoint Francis X. Henry to the St. Landry Parish Waterworks Dishict No. 2
(Rural) for a four-year term. (01-18-2025 – 0l-18-2029).
Vote to appoint Brandon Guillot to the St. Landry Agricultural Arena Authority for a five
year term. william J. Bill Fontenot has resigned. (01-18-2025 – 0l-18-2030).
Vote to appoint Charles Lafleur to the Public Works Commission District Six for a four
year term. (02-19-2025 – 02-19-2029).
Vote to appoint Randy Richard to Bellewe & Coulee Crouche Gravity Drainage District
No.20 for a four-year term. (02-15-2025 – 02-15-2029).
Discuss changing the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph on Compress Road near the
School Zone.

Authorize Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to Ward 3 Consolidated
Gravity Drainage District No. 1 for the remainder of a four-year term.
James Keith Richard has resigne d. (12-21 -2024-12-21 -2028)
1 1 . Authori ze the sale of the adjudicated properties that were awarded on January 8, 2025
X. ORDINANCES TO BE INTRODUCED:

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-OO1

AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THE PAYMENT IN FULL OF ANY AND ALL
ST. LAIIDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT LIENS ON ADJUDICATED PROERTY WHEN
THE TAX DEBTOR IS MAKING PAYMENT TO THE TAX COLLECTOR TO RE,DEEM
THEIR PROPERTY

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-OO2

AN ORDINANCE TO SELL PROPERTIES THAT HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED TO
ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
XI. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED:

ORDINANCE NO. 2024.050
(Sponsored By: Councilman Jimmie Edwards)

AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THAT ALL ORDINANCES THAT ARE ENACTED BY THE
ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL SHALL BE RECORDED WITH THE ST. LANDRY PARISH
CLERK OF COURT AFTER THE ORDINANCES ARE ENACTED BY THE ST. LANDRY
PARISH COUNCIL
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT aII
Ordinances that are enacted by the St. Landry Parish Council shall be recorded with the St. Landry
Parish Clerk of Court after the Ordinances are enacted by the St. Landry Parish Council;
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LAIIDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
THAT the funds estimated to be required to record the enacted Ordinances with the St. Landry
Parish Clerk of Court shall be appropriated and included in the annual budget for the St. Landry
Parish Council.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-O5I
(Sponsored By: Councilman Jody White)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 44-3
TO DESIGNATE A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MPH FOR SCHOOL ROAD
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT St.
Landry Parish Code of Ordinances Section 44-3 will be amended to designate a speed limit of 30
mph for School Road;
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
THAT all other provisions of St. Landry Parish Code of Ordinances Section 44-3 shall remain
unchanged and have the full effect of law.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-052
(Sponsored By: Councilwoman Nancy Carriere)

An Ordinance to set regular meeting dates for the St. Landry Parish Council Meetings for the year 2025 on
the third Wednesday of each month at six o’clock p.m. and for the Public Works and
Administrative/Finance Committees to meet on the first Wednesday of each month at six o’clock p.m.
with the exception of January 1,2025 in reserve of New Year’s Day.

Dates for upcoming Council Meetings in2025 are listed below:

TENTATIVE COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2025
(Third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.)

January 15,2025
February 19,2025
March 19,2025
Apf’l 16,2025
May 21,2025
June 18,2025
Iuly 16,2025
August 20,2025
September I7,2025
October 15,2025
November 19,2025
December 17,2025

TENTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES FOR 2025
(First Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.)

January 2,2025
February 5,2025
March 5,2025
April2,2025
May 7,2025
June 4,2025
July 2,2025
August 6,2025
September 3,2025
October I,2025
November 5,2025
December 3,2025

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-053
(Sponsored By: Councilman Ernest Blanchard)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO.2O24.O4O WHICH WAS ENACTED BY THE
sr. LANDRY PARTSH COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20, 2024, AND WHICH IS AN ORDINATICE
TO ABOLISH HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 1 IN ST. LANDRY PARISH, AND TO
REPEAL SECTION 20-27, SECTION 20-28, AND SECTION 20-29IN CHAPTER 20 OF THE
ST. LAIIDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES IN ORDER TO ABOLISH HOSPITAL
SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 1, AND THIS AMENDMENT IS TO LIST FURTHER IIOSPITAL
SERVICE DISTRICT PROPERTY THAT WILL BE CONVEYED, TRANSFERRED, AND
VESTED IN ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT.
WHEREAS
,
Section 20-27
,
Section 20-28, and Section 20-29 in the St. Landry Parish Code of
Ordinances created Hospital Service District No. 1, which is located in that part of the City of Eunice
which is inside St. Landry Parish.
WHEREAS, with the authority granted to parish governing authorities by Article VI, Section 15, of the
Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and La. R.S. 33:1415, Hospital Service District No I in St.
Landry Parish shall be abolished and the St. Landry Parish Council shall repeal Section 20-27, Section 20-
28, and Section 20-29 in the St. Landry Parish Code of Ordinances in order to abolish Hospital Service
District No. l, which is located in that part of the City of Eunice which is inside St. Landry Parish.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISII GOVERNMENT that Section
20-27, Section 20-28, and Section 20-29 in Chapter 20 in the St. Landry Parish Code of Ordinance
are hereby repealed and Hospital Service District No. I in St. Landry Parish is hereby abolished.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LAIIDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
that the ownership and title to funds, assets, immovable propertyo and movable property owned by
Hospital Service District No. 1, including the following parcels of immovable property owned by

Hospital Service District No. 1, shall hereby be conveyed, transferred, and vested in St. Landry
Parish Government, to-wit:

11.896 acres in Section 29, Township 6 South (T-6-5), Range 1 East (R-l-E),
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
Parcel Number 0601643000A.
One (1) Lot measuring 435 feet by 300 feet in the Southeast Quarter Qlg of Section 30, Township 6 South (T-6-5), Range I east (R-l-E), St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
Parcel Number 0601094300.
One (1) Lot containing 0.822 of an acre, and bounded, now or formerly, North by Fruge
Street; South formerly by Hospital Service District No. 1, and now by St. Landry Parish
Government; East by an unnamed streetl and’West by Moosa Boulevard. Said parcel of
land being in Section 30, Township 6 South (T-6-5), Range I East (R-l-E), St. Landry
Parisho Louisiana.
Parcel Number 06327 677 69.
One strip of property measuring 10 feet by 261feet, and said property is an abandoned
alley, in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
Parcel Number 0601094320.
One Lot being 331.4 feet by 127 feet, and being bounded, now or formerly, North by alley;
South by Fruge Street; East by Moosal and West by Moosa. Said lot being located in
Section 30, Township 6 South (T-6-5), Range I East (R-l-E).
Parcel Number 0601094310.

ORDINA ICE NO. 2024-0s4
(Sponsored By: Councilman Ken Marks)

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE RULES AND THE REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS IN ST. LANDRY PARISH.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT aII
Boards and Commissions that are in St. Landry Parish shall be responsible for following all laws
and Ordinances that govern the Board and Commissions for St. Landry Parish;
BE IT FURTIIER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
THAT the following are the Rules, the Laws, and the Ordinances that Govern Boards and
Commissions in St. Landry Parish and they are hereby codified in this Ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-055
(Sponsored By: Timmy Lejeune)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2024 OPERATING BUDGET

WHEREAS, the 2025 St. Landry Parish Operating Budget, herein attached, is hereby adopted to reflect the
detailed estimate of revenues and expenses for the fiscal year beginning January 1,2025, and ending
Decernber 3I,2025, being the same is hereby adopted to serve as the operating Budget of Revenues and
Expenses for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT:
Section 1. The attached, detailed estimates of revenues for the fiscal year beginning January l, 2025,
and ending December 3lr2025ris hereby adopted to serve as the operating Budget of Revenues for
the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
Section 2. The attached estimates of expenditures by department for fiscal year beginning Januzry l,
2025, and ending December 3112025, is hereby adopted to serve as an operating Budget of
Expenditures for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.

Section 3. The adoption of the Operating Budget of Expenditures being the same is hereby declared
to operate as an appropriation of the amount therein set forth within the terms of the budget
classification.
Section 4. Amounts are available for expenditures only to the extent included within the 2025
Budget.
Section 5. All power to alter this Budget is reserved by the St. Landry Parish Council.

ORDINANCE NO. 2024.056
(Sponsored By: Timmy Lejeune)

AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 2025 OPERATING BUDGET

WHEREAS, the 2025 St. Landry Parish Operating Budget, herein attached, is hereby adopted to reflect the
detailed estimate of revenues and expenses for the fiscal year beginning January 1,2025, and ending
December 31,2025, being the same is hereby adopted to serve as the operating Budget of Revenues and
Expenses for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
BE IT ORDAINED BY TIIE COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT:
Section 1. The attached, detailed estimates of revenues for the fiscal year beginning January lr2025,
and ending December 31r2025, is hereby adopted to serve as the operating Budget of Revenues for
the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
Section 2. The affached estimates of expenditures by department for fiscal year beginning January l,
2025, and ending December 3112025, is hereby adopted to serve as an operating Budget of
Expenditures for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
Section 3. The adoption of the Operating Budget of Expenditures being the same is hereby declared
to operate as an appropriation of the amount therein set forth within the terms of the budget
classification.
Section 4. Amounts are available for expenditures only to the extent included within tlrre Z02S
Budget.
Section 5. All power to alter this Budget is reserved by the St. Landry Parish Council.

ORDINANCE NO. 4-057
(Sponsored By: Timmy Lejeune)

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND
SALE OF NOT EXCEEDING $2,000,000 REVENUE NOTES, SERIES 2025, OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH
GOVERNMENT, STATE OF LOUISIANA; PROVIDING FoR
THE PAYMENT THEREOF; ESTABLISHING THE RATE
OF INTEREST THEREON; PROVIDING FOR A PLEDGE
AND DEDICATION OF REVENUES FOR SECURITY AND
PAYMENT THEREOF IN PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST;
AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Government, Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana
(the “Issuer”) is a home rule charter government and a political subdivision of the State of
Louisiana (the “State”) pursuant to Article VI, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974;
and
WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Council (the “Governing Authority’t) as the goveming authority of the Issuer pursuant to Section 1430 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised
Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (collectively, the
“Act’r), desires to authorize the incurring of debt and borrowing of an amount not to exceed
$2,000,000, secured by revenues to accrue to the Issuer’s General Fund (11) (the I’Revenuesrr);
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act and other constitutional and statutory authority, the Parish
desires to incur debt and issue its Revenue Anticipation Note, Series 2025, in a principal amount

not exceeding Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) (the rfNotefr), to pay current expenses for the
fiscal year ending December 31,2024, and paying costs of issuancs, in anticipation of the revenues
of the Parish for the current fiscal year ending December 31,2025;
WHEREAS, this Governing Authority has found and determined that it is necessary and
desirable to approve the sale of the Note with terms and conditions within the parameters set forth
in this Bond Resolution and authorize the Parish’s authorized representatives to execute a term
sheet with the purchaser (the “Term Sheet”) within the parameters set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, this Goveming Authority further desires to proceed with the issuance, sale
and delivery of the note to the Purchaser and authorize and obligate the Parish’s Authorized
Representatives to take action and execute documents as may be necessary to accomplish the
issuance, sale and delivery of Note.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Parish Council for the Parish of St.
Landry, State of Louisiana (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of Parish of
St. Landry, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), that:
SECTION 1. a,,+L^-:–+:^- of Revenue A nrfinino4i^n \Tn+n Pursuant to the Act and
other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, the Parish is hereby authorized
to incur debt for the purpose of paying current expenses for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2024, and paying costs of issuance in anticipation of the revenues of the Parish for the current
fiscal year ending December 3I, 2024, and to represent said indebtedness, the Parish shall issue
its Revenue Anticipation Note, Series 2025, in an amount not to exceed Two Million and No/100
Dollars ($2,000,000) (the ‘rNoterr). The Note shall mature not later than October 1,2025,and shall
bear interest at a fixed or variable rate to be negotiated by the President of the Parish of St. Landry
with the Parish’s fiscal agent, provided that such interest rate shall not exceed six percent (6.00%)
per annum. Interest on the Note shall be computed based on a 360-day year consisting of twelve
30-day months and shall be payable upon the maturity of the Note. The Note shall be issued in the
form of a single fully registered note, dated the date of delivery thereof to the initial purchaser and
numbered R-l. The principal of the Note shall be subject to prepayrnent at any time, in whole or
in part at the option of the Parish, at a price of par plus accrued interest on the amount so prepaid
to the date of prepayment. The purchase price of the Note shall be paid to the Parish by the
purchaser in installments (often time referred to as a draw down loan) on an “as-needed” basis,
and the date and amount of each installment of the purchase price shall be noted on the Note and
interest shall accrue only on the amount ofprincipal which shall have been borrowed by the parish.
The Note is hereby awarded to the Parish’s fiscal agent, Washington State Bank, in Parish
of St. Landry, Louisiana, pursuant to its commitment to purchase the Note, a copy of which shall
be filed with this goveming authority.
SECTION 2. Form and Execution of Note. The Note shall be in substantially the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the Chairman and the Clerk to the Parish Council are authorized
and directed on behalf of the Issuer to execute, seal, and deliver the Note to the purchaser.
SECTION 3. Securitv for Note. The Note will be secured by and payable from the
revenues of the general fund (11) for the fiscal year ending December 31,2025, until the Note is
paid in full in accordance with its terms, all in accordance with the provisions of the Act and other
constitutional and statutory authority.
SECTION 4. Irrevocable Pledse. The note shall be secured by and payable in principal,
premium, tf any, and interest solely from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of the general fund
(11). The Pledged Revenues are hereby irrevocably and irrepealably pledged and dedicated in an
amount sufficient for the payment of the Note in principal, premium, if any, and interest as they
shall respectively become due and payable, and for the other purposes hereinafter set forth in this
Ordinance. The General Fund shall be and remain pledged for the security and paSrment of the
Note in principal, premium if any, and interest and for all other payments provided for in this Bond
Ordinance until the Note has been fully paid and discharged.
SECTION 5. Authorization of Officers. The President of the Parish of St. Landry and
the Chairman of the Council and the Council Clerk is individually or collectively, are hereby
empowered, authorized and directed to execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered
all documents required to be executed on behalf of the Parish or deemed by, either, in their sole

discretion, necessary or advisable to implement this Bond Ordinance or facilitate the sale of the
Note including the execution of the term sheet.

SECTION 6. Note is ‘rBank-Oualified”. In the event that the Note is issued as a tax-
exempt note for federal income tax purposes, the Note shall be designated as a “qualified tax-
exempt obligation” within the meaning of Section 265(bX3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,

as amended (the “Code”). In making this designation, the Parish finds and determines that:
a. the Note is not a “private activity bond” within the meaning of the Code; and
b. the reasonably anticipated amount of qualified tax-exempt obligations which will be issued
by the Parish and all subordinate entities in calendar year 2025 does not exceed $ 10,000,000.
SECTION 7. Financial Statements. The Parish covenants and agrees that it will furnish
the owner of the Note as soon as available, but in no event later than 120 days after the end of each
fiscal year, its balance sheet, and income statement for the year-end, audited by a certified public
accountant. All financial reports required hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and shall be in a form and substance
acceptable to the owner of the Note. Failure to comply with this provision shall constitute a default
hereunder and shall entitle the owner of the Note to exercise all remedies provided hereunder.
SECTION 8. Severabilitv. In case any one or more of the provisions of this Ordinance or
of the Note shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall
not affect any other provisions of this Ordinance or of the Note, but this Ordinance and the Note
shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained
therein. Any constitutional or statutory provisions enacted after the date of this Ordinance that
validate or make legal any provision of the Ordinance and/or the Note that would not otherwise be
valid or legal shall be deerned to apply to this ordinance and to the Note.
SECTION 9. Publication: Peremption. A copy of this Ordinance shall be published
immediately after its adoption in one issue of the official joumal of the Parish. For thirty (30) days
from the date of such publication, any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality
of this Ordinance or the Note and the provisions securing the Note. After the expiration of said
thirty (30) days, no one shall have any right of action to contest the validity of the Note or the
provisions of this Ordinance, and the Note shall be conclusively presumed to be legal, and no court
shall thereafter have authority to inquire into such matters.
SECTION 10. Continuing Disclosure Exemption. It is recognized that the Issuer will
not be required to comply with the continuing disclosure requirements described in Rule I5c-2-
12(b) of the Securities and Exchange Commission [17 CFR g140.15c2-12(b)], because the Note
is not being purchased by a broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer acting as an underwriter
in a primary offering of municipal securities, and the Note is being sold to only one financial
institution (i.e. no more than thirty-five persons), which (i) have such knowledge and experience in financial business matter that they are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the
prospective investment in the Note and (ii) are not purchasing the Note for more than one account
or with a view to distributing the Bond. The Issuer shall nonetheless covenant to provide the
purchaser or its assigns the information provided for in Section 7 so long as the Note remains
outstanding.
SECTION 11. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its
adoption.
XII. RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED:
NONE.
XI[. COMMITTEE MINUTES:

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025
oLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor called this meeting of the
Administrative/Finance Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order
Councilman Jody White led the Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation.
RolI CalI: Nancy Carriere, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and
Ernest Blanchard. Ex-officio wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette.
Person to address the Committee.
Attorney Elbert Lee Guillory addressed the council. He stated, “Mr. Chairman,
members, ladies and gentleman first let me say that I approach you all this evening as an
elder in our community. I have seen a lot in my 80 years of living. Back in the 1950’s
there was a problem in Shreveport when some officers rode into a church with guns and
horses and chased the people out who were worshiping. I thought that America had
buried those days, I thought that this was behind us, sadly this is not the case. This past
Sunday an officer went into a church with a gun on his hip, hand on his gun and chased
the people out who had come there to worship. They were just setting up, the musician
and the pastor and he chased them out. There may be some questions, not in my mind
about whether they were there appropriately or not. If they were not there appropriately,
my God they were there to worship our Lord. There was no reason, no need to, no
appropriateness in the gun in the sanctuary and chasing the people out. The next day
when the Pastor went to retrieve some of the holy items from his sanctuary and you know
that in every church there are some holy things, special things, when he went to get them
he was prevented from doing that. There is a document that says that the property was
sold on the 23’d of December, I believe it was and the people who sold the property, the
church members and the church had 30 days to get their things out, to vacate and still all
of this happened just a few days after that document was signed. I wanted you all to be
aware of it, I wanted you all to understand the pain inflicted upon those people who were
trytng to worship God and were chased out of the sanctuary with a man with a gun on his
hip and his hand on his gun. I ask you only one thing, please do all that we can to bury
those old days where men could go armed into a sanctuary and chase people out of a place
of worship. Thank you so much for letting me be here with you tonight.”
Ms. Angela D. Angello addressed the council. She stated, “My name is Angela Angello.
I live at 315 S. Court Street, Opelousas, LA. Thank you all for letting me address you. I
am a member and the Associate Pastor of Opelousas Live Church. I was also handing the
deal for the church with Parish Government, just overseeing it. I am a Real-estate Broker
and I have been for the last 19 years. Like Attomey Elbert Guillory said, we passed the
sale on the 23’d of December and wo were given a ietter right here from President Jessie
Bellard saying that we had 30 days to vacate the premises. I have done several deals
where there were sellers that had remain on the property until they had somewhere else to
go. We get a document signed and there is no problem once the time is up and we get our
things and we leave and we were not given that and I had two meetings with Jessie asking
him when we had to leave. He told me that it would be no problem for us to stay. We had
an event center there where I would rent out buildings for special events like Baby
Showers. I ask Jessie when we need to be out because I don’t want to schedule an event
and take these people money and we have to leave. He was there with Kiara, she was
there in the meeting and he told me that it would be no problem and there was no rush.
After the documents were signed for the sale he came to the church like tyrant and asked
us to leave when we had this document signed saying that we had 30 days to stay. This is
my concern because we are still within our time period and he won’t let us on the premises
without calling his office and that was not the agreement at the table. The agreement at
the table was that we had 30 days to vacate and that is our body and our items that are in
there. This is what transpired. That is all that I have to say.’,
Pastor Kerney Thomas Jr. addressed the council. He stated, “I am Pastor Kerney
Thomas, 107 Barnette Court, Lafayette,LA. 70507. Ladies and gentlemen of the St.
Landry Parish Committee I come before you tonight with great regret in my heart. As a
Pastor but as a voice of my congregation and community. A community that have been
subjected to gross injustice, intimidation and harassment by Mr. Jessie Bellard. His action

not only undermined the mission of Opelousas Life Church but also created significant
liability for this parish. Three plus years ago Opelousas Life Church stepped out on faith
to purchase 103 acers with a vision to build a space for worship service and
transformation. From the start we faced obstacles largely due to the unethical attempts by
Mr. Bellard to derail our purpose. Despite his efforts to influence realtors, financial
institutions against us we press forward and succeeded. Unfortunately our success only
intensified his hostility over the past three plus years and his harassment has escalated.
Most recently his actions forced the sale of our property to St. Landry Parish under duress
on December 20,2024. This was not a peaceful transaction but one marked by coercion
and intimidation. On December 29,2024Mr. Bellard trespassed the property with his
hand on his fire arm verbally abusing and threatening me. He called me a crook and he
told me he wanted me off of the property immediately. I asked him why would you call
me a crook and he said because you are a crook. We did vacate the property blatantly
disregarding the official 30 days agreed upon and signed notice by Mr. Jessie Bellard
himself. The following day while we attempted to enter the building he returned again
armed, continued to flex and intimidation to attorney Elbert Guillory. Let me emphasize,
Mr. Bellard has openly stated that his actions reflect the wishes of this Parish Government.
If that is true then this body bears responsibility for his behavior. By failing to address his
conduct St. Landry Parish becomes complicit in his actions assuming liability for the harm
done to Opelousas Life Church. Let me be clear, should our church be forced to pursue
further legal actions, the financial and emotional reputation caused to this parish will be
immense. This is not just an ethical or moral abuse it is a matter of legal accountability.
We demand immediate action to address the following: No. 1. A full investigation. I
want an immediate and transparent inquiry into Mr. Bellard’s actions both personally and
as a Parish Representative. No. 2. Accountability. Acknowledge the parish responsibility
for enabling these actions and take the necessary steps to rectify this injustice, protection
of our congregation. No. 3. Guarantee that Opelousas Life Church and its members are
protected from any further harassment or intimidation as we transition over the property.
No. 4. He has possession of all of our property. They are going through our property,
they have moved property from one location on the property to another location on the
property. There is some property that has been misplaced that we have been informed that
is no longer on the property. This is not just about Opelousas Life Church, this is about
whether those in position of power in St. Landry Parish can act with impunity disregarding
the right, safety and dignity of the people that are suppose to serve. Let me be clear,
Opelousas Life Church seeks a resolution, not retribution but let there be no
misunderstanding if the parish fails to act we will pursue justice through every legal
avenue available to us. I implore this community to act decisively to correct this grave
injustice and protect the integrity of this parish and restore trust in this government. I
want to thank you today for your attention and may God guide your decision as you seek
to do what is right, just and honorable in the sight of God and in the sight of man. Thank
you for your time.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Duplechain, you have
heard his request, what is your legal opinion on this? Advise us on how we need to handle
this.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Well the council can take no action this
evening.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated,’l art asking you if we need to
take action tonight or can we legally do it.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “You cannot take any action tonight.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Mr. Duplechain, I know you said that we can’t
take any action tonight but the pastor mentioned two words, Resolution and Retribution.
Is there any resolution to this situation? We cannot take any action either here or there
tonight but I am thinking that is what Mr. Taylor wanted to know, where do we go from

here as councilmembers? Do we try to rectify this and come up with a solution-
resolution?”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “I understand what you are asking. If there is
any concerns, opinions, ideas or feelings about the transition from the seller to the buyer
then their attomey Mr. Guillory and I would be glad to discuss that, he apparently is the
attorney representing the church. That is where this lies for right now if there is anything
to this. The church has their attorney here and of course I have known Mr. Guillory for
many years and I will be glad to discuss anything with him that he has to discuss and that
would be the next step.”
Councilwoman Nancy Caniere stated, “Then you can come back to the council and let us
know if you all came up with a resolution?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “I will be glad to inform the council of anything
that comes up.”
Councilwoman Nancy Caniere stated, “Mr. Guillory, did you hear this. Mr. Duplechain
is willing to meet with you and possibly with Mr. Bellard, but if not then with our council
on the parish behalf on tryrng to resolve this situation.”
Attorney Elbert Lee Guillory stated, “I will contact him tomorrow.”
Councilman Jody White stated, “Mr. Guillory, being that you are their attorney I will
direct my question to you sir. To your knowledge, was a formal complaint made to the St
Landry Parish Sheriff s Office in reference to this?” I just expect a yes or a no answer.”
Attorney Elbert Lee Guillory stated, “We did discussed the matter with the Sheriff s
Office. They felt that this is a Civil Matter and not a Criminal Matter. There are some
possible criminal charges but I have advised my client not to pursue criminal charges.
There is no need to make this a bigger thing than it is.”
Councilman Jody White stated, “so to this point a formal complaint hasn’t been logged.”
Attorney Elbert Lee Guillory stated, “That is correct.”
councilman Jody white stated, “okay, question number two, was there any video
surveillance that was present at the time that this matter happened?’
Attorney Elbert Lee Guillory stated, “Not to our knowledge.”
Councilman Jody White stated, “Okay, that is what I wanted to know.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “so it is a simple thing. This is a government
building under my authority so those actions are taken by me as Parish President. The
council has nothing to do with this transition. It was done legally and we are following
the law to the letter. It is going to be handled through my office like it started and it is
going to continue there. It is a govemment building so it will be taken care of.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor statedr “I understand but we are being
addressed as having an issue.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I understand but it is an investigation. The
council cannot do an investigation on the Parish President’s office. It has to be done
through a third party which would be like the Sheriff s Office or somebody else. At the
end of the day this is a Government Building and they would be allowed to get their items
like they were instructed to do on Sunday Morning. They should contact my offrce for an
appointment and we will do it, no big deal.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “There is no obligation or anything mandatory
that the council do anything on this. Mr. Guillory believes that there is an issue then he
and I can discuss it but the council need not take any action at this time.”
Attorney Elbert Lee Guillory stated, “I do agree with your attomey. This is Opelousas.
This is St. Landry Parish. There is no need for this kind of hostility, anger, threats,

displays of guns and all. I will contact your attorney and see if we can common sense and
come to a resolution of this.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, just for the record, as soon as Mr.
Duplechain is contacted he and I will discuss the outcome and make sure that we follow
the way that we had it planned.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Okay. We are moving on.”

Parish President & Finance Reports:
Parish President Jessie Bellard statedr “You have a copy of the Finances in front of you
and I don’t have anything further.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I have a question on that. It
says as of October 31’t
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is correct.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor statedr’lVe got the October 31’t, one
month and one half ago. Has it changed? Is this a new document?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Is should have been November for this one. We
will reprint and get you a November one for the council meeting.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “You will give us a new one.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I will give you a full one. Tomorrow we can e-
mail it to you a11.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Is there anything else Mr
Bellard?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No Sir.”
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Ernest
Blanchard to accept the Parish President & Finance Report:
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion canied.

Forward all applications received from the ratifications to appoint Assistant Chief
Mark Guidry, Chief Ervin Menard and Chief Matt Rabalais to the St. Landry
Parish Communications District E-911 Board for a four-year term.
(01-04-202s – 0r-04-2029).
Parish President lessie Bellurd stated, o’Mr. Chairman I have a question. I did not think
that an Assistant Chief could be on the board. I thought that the bylaws had prohibited the
Assistant Chief for the Police Department to be on a board at that rank. I remember
whenever Paul Janouseau was Assistant Chief he had to step down because of it. I just
want some clarity on it.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “The bylaws of the board may state that about
the Assistant Chief. I noticed that there are some Chiefs of here, Chief Rabalais, Chief
Menard but when it comes to an Assistant Chief and the bylaws I don’t know if it
prohibits and Assist Chief.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,’l remember when Paul Jeanouseau was there he
had to set down as an Assistant Chief and that was the reason that was given to us before
so I don’t remember.”

Councilman Derter Brown stated, “I know Chief Ervin Menard and Chief Rabalais, are
those two Fire Chief s?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Our Assistant Chief is with the Opelousas Police
Department, Assistance Chief Mark Guidry, would that make a difference because he is a
police officer?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “There is a difference between a Fire Chief and
an Assistant Chief, Police Officer. The bylaws may make that distinction. I don’t have
the bylaws with me.”
Councilman Derter Brown stated, “Okay, if you get in contact with Assistant Chief
Guidry and he can’t serve on the board the he could nominate an officer.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We should contact the board to find out the
bylaws.”
Councilwoman Nancy Caniere stated, “He had already served a term. We had appointed
him and he already served a term and we did not catch this before.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “He was a Major then he got promoted. He was a
Major when he was appointed and since then he has been an Assistant Chief. I think
during his term is whenever he became an Assistant Chief.”
Councilwoman Nancy Caruiere stated, “Garett you said something that was a little
puzzling. You said that Chief Rabalis, Chief Menard.
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “They are Firemen.”
Councilwoman Nancy Cawiere stated, “Please look into the Bylaws. I think the
Assistant Chief have done a real good job. I would hate to lose him. Lets just see what
you find out.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “As we all know all of our Boards and Commission have
laws and bylaws to govern themselves. We can belittle this all we want but we need to
know what those bylaws say and to what degree as far as Assistant, Non Assistant, Chief,
No Chief, whatever. It should be written and we should abide by whatever that law is
written. Is that what you are planning to provide to us as far as the documentation of
such?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Yes.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I request we follow with that procedure.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated,’TVe will withdraw agenda
item No. 6 and submit it next month once we have more information”
A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 15th,2025 to
withdraw Assistant Chief Mark Guidry and forward two applications received from the
ratifications to appoint Chief Ervin Menard and Chief Matt Rabalais to the St. Landry
Parish Communications District E-911 Board for a four-year term.
(0r -04-202s – 0 r -04 -2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Forward all applications received for five appointments to the St. Landry Parish
Tourist Commission for a three-year term. (02-19-2025 -02-19-2028).

A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January l5thr2025 to
forward all applications received for five appointments to the St. Landry Parish Tourist
Commission for a three-year term. (2-19-2025 – 02-19-2025).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Ernest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for two appointments to the St. Landry
Parish Tourist Commission for a three-year term. Angelia Guillory and Delita
Rubin has resigned. (02- I 9- 2022-42 -19 -2025).
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Ernest
Blanchard to forward to Regular Meeting held on wednesday, January lsthrzlzs to
authoize the Council Clerk to advertise for two appointments to the St. Landry Parish
Tourist Commission for a three-year term. Delita Rubin and Angelia Guillory has
resigned. (2-19-2025 – 02-19-2028).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Ernest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Forward all applications received for one appointment to the St. Landry Parish
Waterworks District No. 2 @ural) for a four-year term. (01-01-2025 – 01-01-2029).
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Ernest
Blanchard to forward to Regular Meeting held on wednesday, January lsth,20z5 to
forward all application received for one appointment to the St. Landry Parish Waterworks
District No. 2 (Rural) for a four-year term. (01-01-2025 -01-01-2029). On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Emest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Forward all applications received for one appointment to the St. Landry Parish
Agricultural Arena Authority for a five-year term. (01-1s-2025 – 0l-ls-2030).
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Ernest
Blanchard to forward to Regular Meeting held on wednesday, January lsthr202s to
forward all application received for one appointment to the St. Landry Parish Agricultural
Arena Authority for a five-year term. (01-18-2025 – 01-18-2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Ernest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
1 1. Discuss any other business properly brought before this commiffee.
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “It is kind of late on the agenda now but I wanted to
do this at the beginning of the meeting. I wanted to take a moment of silence for the
victims and their families for the tragedy that happened in New Orleans for New Years.,’
Parish President Jessie Bellard statedr 66We just got a text that there is shooting going on
right now at the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette. Somebody is in there with an AK-47.-
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Mr. Bellard, have you and Mr. Jagneaux
worked things out? Can you give us a little status on that?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We have come to the point of leasing that section
that is housing his records. They are getting the fair market value of the lease. Once I can
get that I will bring it to the council. They offered for us to buy everything over there and
pay everything but we don’t need another building like that. I offered to lease the area
where he stores his records so that is what we are working on right now.”

1_3

Adjourn.
A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to adjoum the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, and
Emest Blanchard NAYS: None. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion caruied.

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2d, 2025
oLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Public Works Chairwoman Vivian Olivier called this meeting of the Public Works Committee
of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.
RolI Call: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, and Jimmie
Edwards. Ex-Officio Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune.
Person to address the Commiffee:
None.
Public Works Report:
Mr. Barry Soileau, Public lMorks Director addressed the council. He stated, “In the
month
of December we:

4 Roads
7 Roads
15 Roads
40 Roads
10 Roads
30 Roads
6 Roads
28 Roads
26 Roads
4 Roads
10 Roads

Boom Axed
Culvert Cleaned
Culvert lnstallation
Debris Removal
Ditching
Grading
Material Spreading
Patching
Sigr Installation
Tree Removal
Washout

A motion was made by Councilman Jirnmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman
Mildred Thierry to accept the Public Works Report.
on roll call vote: YEAS: Jody white, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, and Jimmie
Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion caruied.

Discuss changing the speed limit on Compress Road near the school zone.
(Councilwoman Mildred Thierry).
Councilwoman Mildred Thiewy statedr “I would like to have this forwarded to the full
council for discussion. A request was made that the Speed Limit be changed within the
school zone. The speed limit is 30 miles per hour now but they are requesting that within
the school zone that it is changed to 20 miles per hour, not the entire road, just within the
school zone. I would like to have this forwarded to the full council for discussion.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilman Jimmied
Edwards to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 1sth,2025 to
fuither discuss changing the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph on Compress Road near
the school zone.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, and Jimmie
Edwards NAYS: None. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Forward all applications received for one appointment to the Public Works
Commission District Six for a four-year term. Q-19-2025 -02-19-2029).
A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman
Mildred Thieny to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 1sth, 2025
all applications received for one appointment to the Public Works Commission District
Six for a four-year term. (02-19-2025 – 02-19-2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, and Jimmie
Edwards NAYS: None. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Forward all applications received for one appointment to Bellevue & Coulee
Crouche Gravity Drainage District No.20 for a four-year term. (02-15-2025 – 02-1s-2029).
A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman
Jimmie Edwards to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025
all applications received for one appointment to Bellevue & Coulee Crouche Gravity
Drainage District No. 20 for a four-year term. (02-15-2025 – 02-15-2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, and Jimmie
Edwards NAYS: None. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.
Councilman Alvin Stelly statedr ‘oI have board member that is going to resign Jessie does
he need a letter?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes he can state something to you or if you want
to put it as part of the record but if he has a letter that would be great.”
Councilmqn Alvin Stelly stated, “‘We are going to need to vote on that tonight to start
advertising for two weeks right? I brought one application in.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard statedr “I would put is as part of the record for your
meeting tonight and that way we can start the process.”
Councilman Alvin Stelly questionedr 6’Do we need to vote on that?’
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I would.”
Councilman Alvin Stelly stated, “I would like to make a motion that we bring that to the
full council.”
A motion was made by Councilman Alvin Stelly, seconded by Councilman Jimmie
Edwards to forward to Regular Meeting held on wednesday, January rsth,202s to
authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to Ward 3 Consolidated

GravityDrainageDistrictNo. I fortheremainderofa 4yearterm. (12-21-2024-l2-2I-
2028).

James Keith Richard has resigned.
on roll call vote: YEAS: Jody white, Mildred Thierry, Alvin stelly, and Jimmie
Edwards NAYS: None. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

XIV

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questionedr ‘6Mr. Bellard, I just wanted to ask, I know I
saw the news about two people resigning from the St. Landry Parish Housing Authority
Board. Have you replace everybody yet?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, Ma’am.”
councilwoman Nancy carriere started, “so everybody have been replace?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, ‘oYes Ma’am.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I wanted to see who was on the list. Do you
have a couple of names you can give to me later? Ms. Shawnee. Thank you. The reason
why I ask, are you all taking any more applications?
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes Ma’am, we have already replaced them.”

Adjourn.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Alvin
Stelly adjourn the Public Works Committee.
on roll call vote: YEAS: Jody white, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, and Jimmie
Edwards NAYS: None. ABSENT: Timmy Lejeune. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE
KAREN BARLOW, ASSISTANT COUNCIL CLERK

ADJOURN