The Vernon Parish Police Jury met at 5 p.m., Monday, October 14, in the Administration Building of the Police Jury.
Police Jury President, Jim Tuck, reminded jurors that Ethics, Sexual Harassment, and Supervisory Training workshops for jurors would be conducted in the VPPJ conference room, October 23 and 30, as well as November 6. He urged all Jurors to attend.
Committee meeting reports began with Cody Hostetler of the Carbon Sequestration Committee reporting that the Louisiana CO2 Alliance, of which Vernon Parish is a part, wants to hire the consulting firm of The Savant Strategist for consulting services. Four parishes, Vernon, Beauregard, Allen and Jeff Davis, would split a $5800 retainer and $3300 per quarter for services. The firm’s primary task would be to set up a website for dissemination of information to the public on carbon capture. More parish involvement would mean less cost for each parish. Hostetler reminded jurors they could “opt out” of the alliance at any time.
Curtis Clay, with the Finance Committee, relayed to Jurors an invoice from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for housing Vernon Parish/City of Leesville juvenile offenders. The City and Parish will split the cost of $70,595.84. The Vernon Parish Police Jury also received a quote of $6,350 from CML Security to replace and troubleshoot four cameras at the Vernon Parish Jail.
Charnel Bailey, with the Permit and Claims Committee, reported that all permit requirements have been met for two liquor licenses. The first was from Yeley Operating LLC dba Anacoco Lake Spillway Grocery at 247 Anacoco Lake Road. The second was from Pitntail Point Properties LLC dba J-Boys at 795 Alexandria Highway. Bailey also reported an invoice received from Beauregard Electric Co-op for repairs to electric poles and lines on Henry Bass Road in District 7. A road crew caught the lines while spreading rock and pulled down the poles. The accident cost the jury $11,632.15.
Personnel Committee chair, Marvin Hilton, reported the voluntary termination of Martin Smith in District 5 and the termination of Bryce Newson in District 6. Hilton also informed jurors of the hiring of Belinda Sterne at the District Attorney’s Office to replace the outgoing McKenzie Strickland. Sara Haddox at the DA’s office is taking Family Medical Leave. Brian Davis of District 7 is transferring to the Vernon Parish Police Jury Main Office for payroll.
David Brister with Road Maintenance and Construction reported to Jurors on requests from the Vernon School Board for maintaining a bus turn-around at the end of Shores Drive in District 2/Ward 2 and for base rock at the Rosepine Field House parking lot. Requests from the Vernon Parish Health Unit included the filling in of an abandoned well on Tom Beckham Road in District 2/Ward 2 and the disposal of dead horses on Bill Churchman Loop in District 5/Ward 7 and Beth Road in District 6/Ward 6.
Brister reported an agreement had been received by Koppers to pay $44,250 towards asphalt for Pinewood Road in District 3/Ward 7. District 8 requested an additional 157’ x 20’ of asphalt for the north end of Jeane Chapel Road. Resolutions for routine maintenance work inside the Town of Rosepine and the Village of Simpson also were recorded.
Jurors discussed an ordinance to abandon Lynn Nash Road which is no longer needed for public purposes. Jurors agreed to table the motion and will seek advice from legal counsel. A public hearing has already been held (September 16) on the matter.
Juror Kenny Haymon mentioned two roads that might need abandonment. He named Pat Roberts Road off Lake Vernon and Scroggins Lane off Belview Road. The landowner on Scroggins Lane is not against the idea, but there is discussion as to how much of the 1100’ surface will be maintained.
The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be Monday, October 21, at 10 a.m.