Town of Bernice

Regular Meeting

June 14, 2005

Mayor Minor Patton and the Town Council met in regular session Tuesday, June 14, 2005 in the Council Room of the Town Hall with the following present:  Mayor Minor Patton; Aldermen:  Amy Pesnell, Mildred Ferguson, Gene Terral, and Teddy Sutton, with Rhodell Montgomery being absent.

Also present:  Town Attorney, Joe Cusimano, Lana Patton, Clerk, Asst. Clerk, Jo Ann Wilson, Asst. Police Chief, Dannye Doster, Officer Eddie Horton, Fire Chief Dannye Murphey, Asst. Fire Chief Greg McNeal, Violet Lann, Bernice Banner News, Cassandra Brown, Gazette, and various citizens.

Mayor Patton called the meeting to order.  Mildred Ferguson led the prayer.  The roll was called and the previous minutes was read and approved.  Mayor Patton invited guests to ask questions and give their opinions.

Teddy Sutton made a motion to approve a resolution to set the 2005 millage rate at 5.28 mills with Mildred Ferguson seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Gene Terral made a motion to add to the agenda the approval of the official journal.  Mildred Ferguson seconded the motion.  Vote was unanimous.  Teddy Sutton made a motion to approve the Bernice Banner News as the official journal for the Town of Bernice with Amy Pesnell seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Lorraine Davis, Patricia Kendall, Karen Singleton, and Bridget Davis appealed to the council to give a variance on zoning to be able to locate two mobile homes on their family property located at 130 W. Fourth St.  Teddy Sutton made a motion to approve the variance on the condition that they move the trailer so there is a 50’ space between the two mobile homes.  Mildred Ferguson seconded the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Mildred Ferguson made a motion to approve a 10 year Street Light Agreement with Entergy with Gene Terral seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

On the recommendation of the Chief of Police, Ricky Albritton, Asst. Police Chief, Danny Doster recommended that the council approve hiring Darien Brown as a part-time, as needed, patrol officer.  Teddy Sutton made the motion to approve hiring Darien Brown as a part-time, as needed, patrol officer pending a psychological evaluation, La. Post-Certified Certificate, background check and drug test.  Gene Terral seconded the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Fire Chief Dannye Murphey reported that they had received the insurance settlement on the rescue unit that had been involved in an accident.  Murphey reported that they are waiting on a settlement for the equipment.  Murphey also reported on the status of burning dilapidated houses.

Teddy Sutton made a motion to approve payment of May bills with Amy Pesnell seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Gene Terral made a motion to adjourn with Mildred Ferguson seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

_______________________________________   _______________________________

Attest:  Lana Patton, Clerk                                      Approve:  Minor Patton, Mayor