Council funds sewer repairs and water-line grant work, rejects Diamond Park appropriation

The Council amended its Five Year Capital Improvements Plan in several actions on July 9.

Ordinance No. 26-101 (offered by Council Member Mark Cognevich) appropriated $200,000 from Fund Balance Designated for Surplus to the Sewer Repairs — Buras to Boothville project. The ordinance explains that quotes for a point repair at lift station 552 exceeded bid-law maximums and that the consultant must publicly bid the project; the additional $200,000 is to account for updated construction estimates so the project can be advertised. The ordinance was adopted on final passage by roll call (YEAS recorded; no nays).

Ordinance No. 26-103 (offered by Council Member Carlton M. LaFrance, Sr.) proposed appropriating funds to the Repairs — Diamond Park project. The minutes contain inconsistent figures: the ordinance digest lists $172,009.68 while Section 1 specifies $179,009.68. On roll call the ordinance failed; YEAS were Council Members Tyronne Edwards, Stuart J. Guey, Patricia L. McCarty, Carlton M. LaFrance, Sr., and Mark Cognevich; NAYS were Brian Champagne, Chris Schulz, Ronnie Newsom and Mitch Jurisich.

Ordinance No. 26-105 (offered by Council Member Ronnie Newsom) appropriated $150,000 from the Aqueous Foam Settlement Reserve Fund Balance for grant-writing services provided by Bordelon Foreman & Associates Inc. for the Water Line Extension — Cedar Grove to Alliance project (to comply with administrative and environmental grant requirements). The Council adopted the appropriation on final passage (unanimous roll call recorded).

The minutes record motions, funding sources and the roll-call outcomes; they do not include extended floor debate on the budget items. After finishing the agenda the Council approved minutes and heard district maintenance updates before adjourning at 4:53 p.m.