June 14, 2005

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at their regular meeting place, the Town Hall, Berwick, Louisiana, Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at seven (7:00) o’clock p.m.

There were present: Mayor Emmett Hardaway, and Council members, Elaine Cantrell, Bill Johnson, Ray Rasberry, Louis Ratcliff, and Edgar Thomas, Jr.

Absent: None

Also present were representatives of the Daily Review, KQKI and Channel 39.

Mayor Hardaway led the prayer.

Bill Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana were duly convened as the governing authority of said Town, by Honorable Emmett Hardaway, Mayor, who then stated that, the Mayor and Council were ready for the transaction of business.

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been reviewed, was approved without reading upon motion by Ray Rasberry and seconded by Elaine Cantrell.

The Treasurer’s report, having been reviewed, was approved without reading upon motion by Bill Johnson and seconded by Edgar Thomas.

Chief James Richard presented the police report, a copy of which was included in each of the Councilmen’s packets, for the month of May 2005. Chief Richard noted that there had been an increase in arrests for the same period in 2004.

Chief Garrett Guillot presented the fire report for the month of May 2005. There were four fire calls for the month. Chief Guillot stated that beginning June 27, 2005 that the fire department will begin flow testing of fire hydrants. The testing should be completed in about a month.

The Public Works report was the next item on the agenda. A copy of this report was included in the packet each Councilman received prior to the meeting. Councilman Rasberry asked about the gas line being repaired on Thorguson Drive. Mr. Benoit, Town Superintendent, stated that the repairs were nearly complete and that there was no danger to the community. Councilman Johnson asked about a small sink hole on Whitworth Street and Mr. Benoit stated that he will check it out and report back to the council. Mr. Benoit also stated that the new public works building is progressing on schedule and we should see a building erected in June or early July. There being no further questions for Mr. Benoit, the council moved on to the next item on the agenda.

Carl Jacob presented the consulting engineers report. Mr. Jacob stated that the legislature is now in session and that the Town of Berwick has been awarded $75,000 in capital outlay funds for a 12” water line on Fairview Drive. All utilities for the Highway 90 development are installed. Wards 5 & 8 is nearly finished with the sewer pump station at the Highway 90 property. The new pumping station on the Berwick Borrow canal is about 85% complete. The pumps have been installed. The new pump station should be on line by July 2005. He has submitted the enhancement projects, lights on the pathway and the downtown development plan, to the state for funding. He is currently working on the design and survey for the Renwick Boulevard extension. Mayor Pro-Tem Ratcliff reminded everyone that a very important election on the renewal of the operational tax will be held on July 16, 2005. He requested that everyone get out and vote. Absentee voting should be the week before July 16, 2005.

Item number one the agenda, street title - Country Club Estates. Town Attorney, Allen McElroy, stated that the developers of the property had reserved unto themselves the title to the land under the streets in the subdivision. Mr. McElroy checked with the St. Mary Assessor and found that the land owners should pay property taxes on the land. Mr. McElroy asked for permission to commission the town engineer to calculate the amount of acreage under the streets in Country Club Estates, so that he could give those acreage numbers to the assessor. Mr. McElroy also stated that the town could assess taxes back for three years. Mr. McElroy stated that with council approval he could check on other subdivisions. Upon motion by Bill Johnson and seconded Edgar Thomas, the motion was approved unanimously.

Item number two on the agenda, approve a liquor license for Thuha Thi Nguyen for the Corner Store. Upon motion by Elaine Cantrell and seconded by Edgar Thomas, the resolution was approved unanimously pending her approval by the State of Louisiana.

Item number three on the agenda, notice to oil, gas and mineral claims. It involves property in Country Club Estates that is in an area that could produce oil and gas royalties. The Town of Berwick owns Fairview Drive and which is within the royalty area. Mr. McElroy requested that the council give him permission to ask the town engineer to calculate the area under Fairview Drive so that he could make the appropriate notification to the oil company of the town’s ownership of the property. Upon motion by Ray Rasberry and seconded by Elaine Cantrell, the motion was approved unanimously.

Item number four on the agenda, make the council aware that Adeline Adams has been appointed as Deputy Town Clerk.

There being no further business to come before the Council, upon motion by Ray Rasberry and seconded by Bill Johnson the meeting adjourned.

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Emmett Hardaway,

Mayor

ATTEST:

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Newell W. Slaughter,

CAO/Town Clerk