Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2022

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board will vote on an insurance proposal for January 1, 2023 renewal and discuss pay increases for employees effective January 1, 2023. They will also receive updates on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche project, including pump capacity improvements and Phase 3 permitting, and discuss a change to the January meeting date.

• Review and approval of insurance proposal for January 1, 2023 renewal
• Update on Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) – Pump Capacity Improvements Project (Stantec) and Phase 3 Permitting (Providence/TBS)
• Discussion on pay increases for BLFWD employees effective January 1, 2023
• Melodia Boat Launch update – discussion on soliciting bids for construction once permitting is complete
• Approval of Accounts Payable Report and Finance Report/Office Report

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 insurance coverage renewal and authorized the solicitation of bids for the Melodia Boat Launch construction once permitting is complete. The board also approved employee pay increases effective January 1, 2023, based on performance evaluations.

• Approved November 21, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved October finance report (unanimous)
• Renewed insurance coverage for 2023 as presented (unanimous)
• Authorized solicitation of bids for Melodia Boat Launch construction once permitting is complete (unanimous)
• Approved employee pay increases effective January 1, 2023 (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The board will hold a public hearing to review the 2023 Proposed Operational Budget and 2023 Proposed Pump Capacity Improvements Project Budget. Following the hearing, the board will meet to consider adoption of those budgets and the 2022 Amended Operational Budget. Other agenda items include discussion of an amendment to an IGA with CPRA regarding funding of the pump capacity project, an update on the Melodia Boat Launch, and a discussion on an RFP for emergency debris removal and monitoring.

• Public hearing on 2023 Proposed Operational Budget and 2023 Proposed Pump Capacity Improvements Project Budget
• Review and adoption of 2023 budgets and 2022 amended operational budget
• Discussion on amendment to IGA with CPRA for Pump Capacity Improvements Project funding
• Melodia Boat Launch update from High Tide Consultants
• Discussion on Emergency Debris Removal and Emergency Debris Monitoring RFP

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Proposed 2023 Operational Budget and the Proposed 2023 Pump Capacity Improvements Project Budget. They also approved amended budgets for 2022 and authorized a contract for emergency debris monitoring.

• Approved Proposed 2023 Operational Budget and Proposed 2023 Pump Capacity Improvements Project Budget (unanimous)
• Approved Amended 2022 Operational Budget and Amended 2022 Pump Capacity Improvements Project Budget (unanimous)
• Authorized execution of IGA amendment with CPRA regarding Pump Capacity Improvements Project funding (unanimous)
• Authorized contract for Emergency Debris Monitoring to Mapco for the remainder of the 2022 hurricane season, if needed (unanimous)
• Approved October 25, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved October finance report (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the proposed 2023 general fund and Pump Capacity Improvements Project budgets. The meeting includes updates on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) and the appointment of Budget Committee members.

• Update on Pump Capacity Improvements Project – Stantec
• Update on Phase 3 Permitting – Providence/TBS
• Review of 2023 proposed budget summary
• Discussion of 2023 group health premiums
• Announcement of public hearing for 2023 budgets on November 21, 2022

The Board of Commissioners approved the September 2022 minutes, the accounts payable report, and the finance report. The Board also voted to continue paying active-employee group health premiums for 2023. A public hearing for the proposed 2023 general fund and Pump Capacity Improvements Project budgets is scheduled for November 21, 2022.

• Approved September 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved finance report (unanimous)
• Approved continuing active-employee group health premium for 2023 (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board will consider approving a resolution authorizing a loan agreement with Hancock Whitney Bank, including a commercial note and security agreement. The board will also receive an audit presentation and discuss updates on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche project, including pump capacity improvements and Phase 3 permitting. Other items include a report on the Melodia Boat Launch and a presentation from Friends of Bayou Lafourche.

• Approval of resolution for Hancock Whitney Bank loan agreement (commercial note, security agreement, UCC-1 financing statement)
• Audit presentation
• Update on Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) – Pump Capacity Improvements Project with Stantec
• Discussion on Sound Study as required in the MOA with USACE
• Melodia Boat Launch update

The Board approved a professional services contract for a sound study required by the USACE. Other actions included approving the August 2022 minutes and financial reports. The Hancock Whitney Resolution was tabled.

• Approved August 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved finance report (unanimous)
• Authorized contract with Bowlby & Associates, Inc. for sound study not to exceed $35,000.00 (unanimous)
• Tabled Hancock Whitney Resolution

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board will consider routine approvals including minutes and accounts payable. The main discussion is an update on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) project, covering pump capacity improvements and Phase 3 permitting. Also on the agenda: Melodia Boat Launch and a report from Friends of Bayou Lafourche.

• Update on Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) project
• Pump Capacity Improvements Project – Stantec
• Phase 3 Permitting – Providence/TBS
• Melodia Boat Launch
• Approval of minutes and accounts payable

The Board of Commissioners approved the July 2022 meeting minutes, the accounts payable report, and the finance report. Executive Director Ben Malbrough provided updates on pump station operations and the Pump Capacity Improvements Project.

• Approved July 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved finance report (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss updates regarding the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche project, including pump capacity improvements and permitting. The agenda also includes a discussion on the Melodia Boat Launch and a report from Ryan Perque.

• Update on Pump Capacity Improvements Project – Stantec
• Phase 3 Permitting – Providence/TBS
• Melodia Boat Launch discussion
• Ryan Perque, Friends of Bayou Lafourche report
• Approval of June 13, 2022 minutes

The Board of Commissioners approved the June 2022 minutes and the accounts payable and finance reports. A resolution was adopted to utilize a Hancock Whitney Bank line of credit for Hurricane Ida expenses. Executive Director Ben Malbrough provided updates on pump station operations and the Pump Capacity Improvements Project.

• Approved June 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved finance report (unanimous)
• Approved agenda amendment to discuss Hancock Whitney Bank LOC (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for Hancock Whitney Bank LOC to pay Hurricane Ida expenses (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The board will consider approving minutes and accounts payable, then discuss several new business items including a construction contract with Sealevel Construction for pump capacity improvements, a cooperative endeavor agreement with Thibodaux for an ADA boardwalk, and a line of credit with Whitney Bank for Hurricane Ida expenses. An update on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche project and a report from Friends of Bayou Lafourche are also on the agenda.

• Discussion on construction contract with Sealevel Construction for pump capacity improvements (MRRBL project)
• Discussion on cooperative endeavor agreement with City of Thibodaux for ADA boardwalk and floating dock
• Discussion on line of credit with Whitney Bank for Hurricane Ida expenses
• Melodia Boat Launch discussion
• Ryan Perque, Friends of Bayou Lafourche report

The Board authorized a construction contract for a new pump station and approved a property transfer to the City of Thibodaux. It also approved a line of credit for Hurricane Ida expenses.

• Authorized New Pump Station construction contract with Sea Level Construction for $96,474,202.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved CEA to transfer ownership of ADA Boardwalk and Floating Dock to City of Thibodaux (Unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Whitney Bank for Line of Credit for Hurricane Ida expenses (Unanimous)
• Approved June 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (Unanimous)
• Approved June 2022 finance report (Unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board will consider adopting two resolutions setting the 2022 millage rates for Terrebonne Parish and for multi-parish areas including Lafourche, Ascension, and Assumption Parishes. The board will also discuss updates on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche project, including pump capacity improvements and Phase 3 permitting, as well as a professional services agreement with Claitor & Chabert, LLC.

• Resolution No. 2022-01: Adopt the millage rate in Terrebonne Parish for tax year 2022
• Resolution No. 2022-02: Adopt the millage rate in multi-parish; Lafourche, Ascension & Assumption Parishes for tax year 2022
• Update on Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) – discussion on resolution to negotiate and execute IGA with CPRA and award pump capacity improvements project
• Discussion on Professional Services Agreement with Claitor & Chabert, LLC
• Approval of accounts payable

The Board authorized the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the CPRA to fund the Pump Capacity Improvements Project. It also adopted millage rates for Terrebonne and several other parishes for 2022. A professional services agreement with Claitor & Chabert, LLC was approved.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-01 setting Terrebonne Parish millage rate at 2.11 for 2022 (9-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-02 setting Lafourche, Ascension & Assumption Parishes millage rate at 2.11 for 2022 (9-0)
• Authorized IGA with CPRA and Notice of Award to Sea Level Construction for $96,474,202.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Claitor & Chabert, LLC for $3,000.00 per month (Unanimous)
• Approved April 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (Unanimous)
• Approved April 2022 finance report (Unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board will discuss and receive updates on several projects, including the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) with pump capacity improvements and Phase 3 permitting. Other items include a Hurricane Ida update, a discussion on a manufactured home petition in Donaldsonville, and the Melodia Boat Launch. The board will also approve minutes and accounts payable, and may enter executive session for litigation.

• Update on MRRBL Pump Capacity Improvements Project – Stantec
• Phase 3 Permitting for MRRBL – Providence/TBS
• Hurricane Ida update
• Discussion on Manufactured Home Petition in City of Donaldsonville
• Melodia Boat Launch

The Board approved the March 2022 minutes, accounts payable, and finance report. Commissioners authorized the Executive Director to approve a manufactured home petition for a location in Donaldsonville. The Executive Director provided updates on pump station operations and the Pump Capacity Improvements Project.

• Approved March 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved March 2022 finance report (unanimous)
• Authorized Executive Director to approve manufactured home petition in Donaldsonville (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss updates on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche project and Hurricane Ida debris removal. The meeting includes discussions regarding contract amendments for surveying, pump capacity improvements, and boat launch design.

• Bid opening for Pump Capacity Improvements Project scheduled for April 14th
• Discussion on Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Contract for Phase 3 Permitting
• Discussion on Amendment No. 3 to Hurricane Ida Emergency Debris Removal Services Contract with DRC Emergency Services, LLC
• Discussion on Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Contract with High Tide Consultants for Melodia Boat Launch

The Board approved several professional services amendments, including funding for the Melodia Boat Launch design and Hurricane Ida debris removal. It also authorized a cost-reimbursement agreement with the Greater Lafourche Port Commission.

• Approved February 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (unanimous)
• Approved February 2022 finance report (unanimous)
• Approved T. Baker Smith contract amendment for surveying and analysis, not to exceed $8,020.00 (unanimous)
• Authorized Amendment No. 3 with DRC Emergency Services, LLC for Hurricane Ida debris removal (unanimous)
• Authorized CEA with Greater Lafourche Port Commission for debris removal cost reimbursement (unanimous)
• Authorized High Tide Consultants contract amendment for Melodia Boat Launch design, not to exceed $100,000.00 (unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The Board approved an amendment to the emergency debris removal contract with DRC Emergency Services, LLC for work between Lockport and Larose. The Board also approved the 2022 officer slate and two appointments to the Friends of Bayou Lafourche Board of Directors.

• Approved current slate of officers for 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved January 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable report (Unanimous)
• Approved January 2022 finance report (Unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Stephanie Hebert and reappointment of Dr. Justin Tenney to Friends of Bayou Lafourche Board of Directors (Unanimous)
• Authorized execution of Amendment No. 2 with DRC Emergency Services, LLC for debris removal from Lockport to Larose (Unanimous)

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Board of Commissioners

The board will meet to approve routine items including minutes, accounts payable, and finance reports. Key discussions include an update on the Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL) project, covering pump capacity improvements and weir removal, as well as ongoing pump repairs. They will also consider a resolution for the 2021 audit compliance questionnaire, discuss attorney rates, and receive a Hurricane Ida update. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the Terrebonne Consolidated Waterworks Schriever Plant Expansion.

• Update on Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche (MRRBL): Pump Capacity Improvements Project (Stantec) and Weir Removal Project (DDG)
• Discussion on ongoing pump repair at pump station
• Adopt resolution for Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for 2021 audit
• Discussion on attorney Barry Marionneaux's rates for BLFWD legal matters
• Executive session: Discussion on Terrebonne Consolidated Waterworks Schriever Plant Expansion

The Board approved a plan to help Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 with its system expansion, including property and servitude acquisition. The Board also authorized a $160,000 pump repair and a temporary gauge installation. Other actions included approving financial reports and legal rates for attorney Barry Marionneaux.

• Authorized repair of pump #2 for an estimated $160,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved installation of a temporary gauge not to exceed $8,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for 2021 audit (Unanimous)
• Approved current Attorney General legal rates for Barry Marionneaux (Unanimous)
• Authorized development of a plan and Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to assist Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 with system expansion (Unanimous)
• Approved December 2021 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable and December finance reports (Unanimous)