November 2018 Council Meeting
POLLOCK TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2018
The Mayor and Town Council met in the Council Chambers of the Pollock Town Hall on Monday, November 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in Pollock, Louisiana. The following members were present: Mayor Jerome Scott, Councilwoman Sharon Zeh, Councilwoman Deborah Tumminello, Councilman Ron Wilkins, Councilwoman Connie Vanantwerpen and Councilman Randy Estes.
Mayor Scott called the Meeting to order by leading the Pollock Town Council and guests in the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Scott welcomed all of those individuals in attendance at the Town Council Meeting.
Mayor Scott opened the Town Council Meeting to the Public. Town citizen, Mr. Philip Hale addressed Mayor Scott, Town Council and guests concerning the upcoming November 6th election of five seats on the Pollock Town Council. He stated that he had heard that Pollock has 12 to 14 million dollars in savings hoarded. “This concerned me as to the state of the town’s finances, so I (Mr. Hale) went to the Town Hall and asked for a copy of the Annual Audit Report. After reviewing the report I found that the Town has a total worth of around 12 Million Dollars with about 90% of that being in capital assets (land, buildings, equipment, and infrastructure). I see from the Audit Report that the town is financially sound, has zero debt, and that the Mayor and Town Council have contingency monies set aside for project needs and repairs to the infrastructure. It does concern me as a citizen that the person declaring that Pollock has 12 million dollars to spend evidently does not know how to read an audit report, does not know what capital assets are, and does not know why or how monies are set aside for future needs. This town is very well run. I hope every single one of the current Pollock Town Council members go back in office on Election Day. This town has an excellent Mayor and Town Council who work very well together.” Mayor Scott thanked Mr. Hale for his attendance, for his interest in the town, and for his input.
The meeting was opened to the Town Council at this time. Councilwoman Zeh stated that BOO IN THE PARK was very nice this year.
A motion was made by Councilman Estes to approve the Monday, October 1, 2018, Pollock Town Council Meeting Minutes, seconded by Councilwoman Zeh. On a roll call vote, there were 5 yeas and 0 nays. The motion unanimously carried.
There was Town Council discussion regarding the issue of SPEED BUMPS within the corporate limits of Pollock. Due to the considerable potential for damage to vehicles, the disruption of the movement of emergency vehicles, and increased hazard to the unwary, and a potential for liability suits, Councilwoman Zeh made a motion to BAN any further placement of speed bumps within the corporate limits of the Town of Pollock, seconded by Councilwoman Vanantwerpen. On a roll call vote, there were 5 yeas and 0 nays. The motion carried unanimously. Further Town Council discussion on the matter brought forth the fact that it is illegal for dog owners to allow their dogs to run loose in the street, therefore causing a hazard to drivers. Parents should oversee their children and not endanger them by allowing them to play in the street. The control of speeding requires persistent law enforcement efforts, and NOT speed bumps. There will be NO MORE placement of speed bumps on the streets within the corporate limits of the Town of Pollock.
Town C.P.A. Mr. Steven McKay, reviewed the Amended 2018 Town of Pollock Annual Budget and the 2019 Proposed Town of Pollock Annual Budget. A motion was made to introduce Ordinance #12-18-A (Amended 2018 Budget) by Councilwoman Tumminello, seconded by Councilwoman Zeh. On a roll call vote, there were 5 yeas and 0 nays, with 0 absent. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made to introduce Ordinance #12-18-B (Proposed 2019 Town of Pollock Annual Budget) by Councilwoman Zeh, seconded by Councilwoman Vanantwerpen. On a roll call vote, there were 5 yeas, 0 nays, with 0 absent. The motion carried unanimously. A Public Hearing for both budgets was called for Monday December 3, 2018, at 8:45 A.M. at the Pollock Municipal Building.
Town Engineer, Mr. Bill Dean, was unable to attend the meeting.
Town Attorney, Mr. Gregory Jones, unable to attend the meeting.
Chief Chris Paul addressed the Town Council and thanked all of them for their time served, and wished each good luck on Election Day.
Town Clerk Judy Shelton disseminated the monthly Town of Pollock Financial Report to Mayor Scott and the Town Council.
Mayor Scott presented his report:
(1) Mayor Scott wished all of the Town Council well in their re-election efforts. “We have been a great team and we have had a great working relationship. I appreciate each of you.”
(2) FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT brought a great turnout on October 11th. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It is always nice to have our “community family” come together.
(3) BOO IN THE PARK had a good turnout in spite of the threat of inclement weather. The hay ride was great as usual and the kiddos had a ball.
(4) Pollock’s annual SANTA IN THE PARK will be held on Saturday, November 24th, from 5 P.M. until 6 P.M. on the front porch of the Pollock Municipal Building. Everyone is invited. The children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa. Bring a camera.
(5) On Tuesday, December the 11th, at 9 A.M., there will be a Swearing-In Ceremony for Mayor Jerome Scott, Chief of Police Chris Paul, and newly-elected Pollock Town Council Members. The ceremony will be held at the Town of Pollock Municipal Building. Everyone is welcome to attend
(6) Volunteers are needed to organize this year’s Town of Pollock Christmas Parade. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 8th, at 10 AM. Anyone interested in making this parade happen should contact DONNA ROBERTS at 765-1017.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Zeh to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Tumminello. All in favor: 5 yeas, 0 nays. The motion unanimously carried.
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MAYOR JEROME F. SCOTT Judy Shelton, Town Clerk
