The Bogalusa Council Meeting of February 23, 2023

The Bogalusa Council meeting Thursday (February 23, 2023) evening addressed a full Agenda,
approved three resolutions, tabled two ordinances regarding contracts, approved a curfew ordinance, introduced one ordinance, heard an announcement from the Mayor (going to D.C.), heard a report on a "successful and safe Mardi Gras", and heard comments and concerns from the public. 

Scroll down for the video.

The meeting began with recognition by Mayor Tyrin Truong of Will Branch for his contributions to the City of Bogalusa. See the video beginning at 3:40.

The Council then approved three resolutions (see the video beginning at 6:40): the first, to adopt Procurement Policy for the City of Bogalusa relative to Louisiana Community Development Block Grants; the second, to award the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (LCDBG-CV) Love Louisiana Outdoors Program Project; and the third, authorizing the Mayor to apply and administer the USDA Rural Business Development Grant. 

The Council introduced an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a lease agreement with Washington Parish Council on Aging. This ordinance will be up for a Public Hearing and vote at the next meeting on March 7, 2023.

The Council held Public Hearings on three previously introduced ordinances:

First, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Deborah Cunningham Foshee to “provide operational assistance to the City of Bogalusa pending the appointment of a permanent City Administrator”. After a presentation by Foshee (who has been providing services on a volunteer basis pending approval of the contract) and much discussion, the Council voted to table the ordinance. After the vote to table the ordinance, the Mayor commented on how Foshee has “really helped us out a lot” and encouraged the Council to bring the matter back up and approve the ordinance. Council members continued to comment on the matter. See the video beginning at 16:25 and ending at 34:00.

Second, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Asecureo, Inc., a forensic accounting and compliance review firm. After a question about the need for the firm's services and a presentation by Asecureo's Dartanian Sanders (who has been providing services on a volunteer basis pending approval of the contract) and much discussion, the Council voted to table the ordinance. See the video beginning at 34:00 and ending at 45:40.

Third, an ordinance authorizing the Bogalusa Police Department to enforce a curfew law for minors by amending and restating Section 11-55 of the Bogalusa Code of Ordinances to provide penalties and enforcement. The penalty provisions state that a minor in violation will be found to be “in need of supervision” as defined in La. C.J.P Art 13 (13), the minor in violation must complete up to 360 hours of community service hours and the custodial parent(s) must participate with his/her child in completing the community service requirement, and fines. After much discussion, the Council unanimously approved the ordinance. See the video beginning at 45:45.

During Administrative Remarks, 

• the Mayor made his nominations for the Parks and Recreation Commission (all approved by the Council), See the video beginning at 1:01:10. 
• The Mayor and Assistant Chief Tervalon reported on “a successful and safe Mardi Gras”. See the video beginning at 1:32:00.
• The Mayor referred to alleged misappropriations of the prior administration and his referrals to the proper authorities. See the video beginning at 1:34:00.
• The Mayor reported on invitations to Washington D.C. See the video beginning at 1:35:40. One was from Vice President Harris and a second by email from the White House. (The Mayor posted on Facebook yesterday, "Vice President Kamala Harris will be honoring me and other young leaders next week in DC for fighting to make the world a better place. People all across the country know about that “23 year old mayor in Bogalusa, Louisiana!” Bogalusa, it’s OUR time!"

Following Council Comments, the meeting adjourned. The next Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 5:30 P.M.

Bogalusa Council 02232023.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.