Public Notice: SCPDC Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
The following minutes have been approved for the South Central Planning & Development Commission Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting:
Thursday, February 8th, 2024
On Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at 10:30am at the St. Charles Parish DHSEP in Hahnville, LA.
Chairman Naquin called the meeting to order then J. Bergeron led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
E. Bergeron conducted roll call followed by introductions.
Members present or represented by proxy were: J. Naquin, W. Reed, M. Arceneaux representing R.
Animashaun, A. Chaisson, J. Jones, K. Clement, M. Jewel, E. Alexander, W. Comardelle, L. Wilson, C.
Forrestier representing P. Dufrense, L. Levine representing C. Vappie, D. Arthur, E. Foulcard, R. Grogan,
J. Bergeron, J. Amedee, M. Marmande, Jr., and S. Thibodeaux. Ex-Officio members J. David
representing Dr. J. Clune of NSU and A. Nanny representing Dr. K. Strickland of FCC.
Staff members present were: K. Belanger, D. Allemand, J. Boudreaux, C. Curole, P. Gordon, M. Wich,
and E. Bergeron.
Members absent were: M. Atzenhoffer, J. Bouziga, B. Plaisance, C “Bub” Millet, S. Bourgeois, P. St.
Pierre, J. Hotard, C. Monica, S. Jones, D. Babin, L. Charles, and J. Rogers.
Guests present were: D. Klingman of Terrebonne Parish, C. Pulaski of TPCG, S. Arceneaux of the City of
Thibodaux, K. Tregle and A. Laserre of Bourgeois Bennett, M. Huval of Brown & Brown, and the
Honorable Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice J. Weimer.
The first item on the agenda was the Review and Acceptance of minutes of October 19th, 2023, Regular
Meeting. W. Reed motioned, seconded by J. Jones to accept minutes of October 19th, 2023,
Regular Meeting. There being no objections motion carried.
Next on the agenda was the Election of 2024 Officers. Chairman Naquin opened the floor to receive
nominations for Chairman of SCPDC’s Board of Commissioners. J. Jones motioned, seconded by J.
Amedee to nominate J. Naquin as Chairman, A. Chaisson as Vice-Chairman, E. Alexander as
Treasurer , and J. Bergeron as Secretary. There being no objections or other nominations motion
carried.
The third item on the agenda was the Review and Approval of the Financial Statement ending December
31st, 2023. K. Belanger reviewed the Financial Statement ending December 31st, 2023 and relayed the
ending fund balance to date for SCPDC’s General Fund was $1,671,511.21. S. Thibodeaux motioned,
seconded by E. Alexander to approve the Financial Statement ending December 31st, 2023. There
being no objections motion carried.
Review of SCPDC’s FY2023 Financial Report was presented by K. Tregle of Bourgeois Bennett. He
began by stating that SCPDC has received a “clean” opinion which is the highest opinion that can be
received. He reviewed the financial highlights and the Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures. He relayed
there were no deficiencies found in internal control.
Agenda item five was an update on SCPDC’s Housing Initiative presented by J. Boudreaux. The goal of
the program is to build new homes and demolish structures within SCPDC’s seven parish region in hopes
of revitalizing the neighborhoods and promoting future improvements to those areas. He explained that
this program has been built to employ, equip, and fund the construction of a series of model homes in
each of SCPDC’s respective parishes. Currently, the Commission is seeking qualified builders and
tradesmen to employ for this new program.
P. Gordon gave a brief overview of the Planning Department projects. He reviewed recent EDA, DRA,
HT-MPO, CDBG projects which the Planning Department has been working on. He also provided a
handout listing the Grant Funding Opportunities available to the Parishes and Municipalities.
A Code Enforcement Initiative update was provided by M. Wich. He briefed the Commissioner’s on the
recent efforts of the Code Enforcement and Plan Review Department. Currently, SCPDC is in the
process of beginning a Training Academy to certify Code Enforcement personnel.
R. Hutchinson was unavailable to attend the meeting; therefore, the update on MyGovernmentOnline was
tabled.
Next C. Curole gave a brief presentation on the Restore LA Loan Program. Applications are still being
collected for those in the impacted areas of Laura/Delta. Currently, staff is processing the applications
received for the Ida/May Flood Restore LA Loan Program and working with the State to have as many
applications funded as possible.
Resolution declaring various equipment as surplus property and authorizing the CEO to appropriately
dispose of said equipment and setting the minimum acceptable bid for the sale of equipment declared as
surplus. L. Levine motioned, seconded by E. Foulcard to accept the resolution declaring various
equipment as surplus property and authorizing the CEO to appropriately dispose of said
equipment and setting the minimum acceptable bid for the sale of equipment declared as surplus.
There being no objections motion carried.
Agenda item eleven was the Ratification of New Members to the RLF/RCF Administration Board. Mr. C.
Guidry of TEDA and Mr. J. Klingman of South Louisiana Bank were appointed to the RLF/RCF
Administration Board by Terrebonne Parish. It was motioned by A. Chaisson, seconded by E.
Alexander to ratify Mr. C. Guidry and Mr. J. Klingman to the RLF/RCF Administration Board. There
being no objections motion carried.
Under Other Business, Chairman Naquin introduced Mr. M. Huval. Mr. Huval spoke briefly on a new
insurance program available to local governments for wind coverage. This program does not compete
with current coverage, it is additional protection for public property.
K. Belanger introduced the Honorable Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice J. Weimer. Chief Justice
Weimer thanked K. Belanger and J. Manning for their assistance with helping to create an alternative to
the proposed controversial Louisiana Supreme Court District redistricting map. The previously proposed
map divided parishes between different Supreme Court Districts; thus, creating administrative issues.
The newly created alternative map proposes more contiguous boundaries that don’t split parishes.
Discussion ensued.
Chairman Naquin stated that the SCPDC Newsletter were in the meeting packets for all to read at their
leisure.
Next meeting date has been set for Thursday, April 18th, 2024 in St. James Parish, location to be
determined.
There being no other business to discuss, E. Alexander motioned, unanimously seconded to adjourn
the meeting. Motion carried.
Public Notice: SCPDC Looking for Land to Begin Building “Starter” Homes
South Central Planning and Development Commission, Inc. (SCPDC) will begin constructing “starter” homes to replenish the damaged and short supply of housing in our region. To accomplish this task, SCPDC is appealing to the public for property donations to construct these homes. SCPDC has created the South Central Regional Affordable Community Housing Authority, (SCRACH) a New 501(c)3 Affordable Housing support agency to accept the donations and handle the resale to members of the public.
South Central Planning and Development Commission has always been a leading advocate for community development and social impact, and is reaching out to the local communities, including parishes and individuals, to actively participate in its innovative Affordable Housing Program. Designed to combat the pressing housing crisis in our area, SCRACH welcomes property donations in Assumption, Lafourche, St Charles, St James, St John the Baptist, St Mary, and Terrebonne Parish to expand its reach and impact.
As the need for cost effective housing continues to escalate, SCPDC & SCRACH recognizes the invaluable role that property donations can play in making these homes affordable. By contributing lots, individuals can directly contribute to the revitalization of neighborhoods and strengthen our community.
BENEFITS OF PROPERTY DONATIONS:
1. Tax Advantages: Donors may be eligible for tax benefits associated with charitable contributions. [South
Central Planning and Development Commission (SCPDC)] encourages interested parties to consult with their
financial advisors for personalized guidance.
2. Community Impact: Property donations directly support the new Housing Program, enabling SCPDC &
SCRACH to offer affordable homeownership opportunities to those in need while revitalizing our community.
The impact of these donations extends beyond the individual property to transform the lives of families,
individuals, and neighborhoods in our community.
3. Legacy of Giving: Donors have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by supporting a cause that addresses
a critical need. By contributing property, individuals and parishes can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of
our community.
4. Estates: SCRACH is willing to work with estates to take care of liens, successions to clear title to bring
ascendents properties back in to use.
SCRACH welcomes property donations of all types, including vacant land, blighted, adjudicated residential and
commercial properties. To explore the possibility of donating property, please contact REBECCA BOQUET at
rebeccab@scpdc.org.
Public Notice: LED Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative 2024 – Open Application Period
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is now accepting applications for its 2023 Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative. This unique program aims to accelerate the growth of second-stage businesses in rural areas of Louisiana with populations less than 50,000. With the unique challenges rural entrepreneurs face, program participants will be able to identify what scaling means for both their companies and their communities. They will then move on to develop and refine their business strategy and will be connected to the right tools and expertise to execute the strategy.
Participation consists of three components starting with a virtual kickoff retreat that helps to create an overall growth strategy and establish your commitment goals. The three monthly virtual roundtables allow participants to discuss pressing issues in a confidential environment. The customized Strategic Research engagements will provide business intelligence related to specific growth challenges delivered by a team of highly-skilled specialists.
Applications will be accepted between April 1 and April 30 for participatory consideration in the program beginning in May. For more information and eligibility requirements on the program, visit LED’s Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative or contact Johnna Johnson at Johnna.Johnson@La.Gov or (225) 342-4492.
Public Notice: Employment Opportunity – Permit Technician/Specialist
South Central Planning & Development Commission is accepting resumes for a Permit Technician/Specialist at its Baton Rouge location. The main responsibility of this position is to provide top-quality customer service and various duties related to the permitting process. Duties include, but are not limited to accepting & reviewing permit applications, assessing permitting fees, researching public record requests, scheduling inspections, as well as providing coordination related to the permitting process for inspection & plan review staff members. These positions involve professional-level services and judgment, good communication skills, good computer skills, routine administrative tasks, works well with the public, and coordinates well with office personnel. Knowledge of the East Baton Rouge Parish’s permitting process and experience related to permitting preferred. Certification as a Permit Technician and/or prior parish, municipal or regional experience is a plus. The individual should possess a high school diploma as a minimum and have 5 years’ minimum similar work experience, or possess an Associate’s Degree from and accredited University. This is a full-time, hourly positions with permanent status and fringe benefits. Starting pay will be approximately $20.90 – $26.50 an hour depending on experience. Benefits include retirement, health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave. SCPDC is an EOE/AAE
Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Send resumes to: SCPDC Permit Specialist PO Box 1870, Gray, LA 70359 or email to: employment@scpdc.org
Public Notice: Employment Opportunity – Planning Specialist II
South Central Planning & Development Commission is seeking a Planning Specialist to oversee activities related to collaboration efforts with Federal, State, Regional and Local stakeholders in the development, implementation and evaluation of Louisiana’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). Responsibilities include, but not limited to, planning & conducting regional safety coalition meetings, manage social media communications, and attending conferences related to SHSP. This position is also responsible for coordinating public transportation safety outreach efforts, such as public awareness campaigns, training sessions, community events, and educational presentations. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills, have the ability to work effectively with local,state, and federal officials, interest groups, and the general public. This position will require public speaking, as well as some travel, and occasional attendance of night & weekend events. The ideal candidate would have experience in project management, data analysis, and/or community engagements. Prior knowledge of highway safety principles & initiatives a plus. The individual should possess a high school diploma as a minimum and have 5 years’ minimum similar work experience, or possess an Associate’s Degree from an accredited University. This is a full-time, hourly position with permanent status and fringe benefits. Starting pay will be approximately $18.50 – $24.00 an hour depending on experience. Benefits include retirement, health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave. SCPDC is an EOE/ AAE
Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. Send resume to: SCPDC Planning Specialist PO Box 1870, Gray, LA 70359 or email to: employment@scpdc.org
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