July 2019 Council Meeting
Town of Pollock
Town Council Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2019
Mayor Jerome Scott and the Pollock Town Council met on said date in a Regular Session at 9:00 A.M., in the Council Chambers of the Pollock Municipal Building, in Pollock, Louisiana. The following members were present: Mayor Jerome Scott, Councilwoman Dee Thorne, Councilwoman Deborah Tumminello, Councilman Ronald Wilkins, and Councilwoman Sharon Zeh. Absent was Councilman Carroll Cathey.
Mayor Scott called meeting to order, led those in attendance in the “Lord’s Prayer”, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Scott welcomed the guests to the meeting. Mr. Alton Thorne addressed Mayor Scott and the Town Council concerning the the need for a culvert in the ditch across John Street from the rear of his and his wife Councilwoman Thorne’s home. He stated that the ditch is unsightly and could be a safety hazard if a person or child fell into the ditch.
Councilwoman Zeh mentioned to Mayor Scott how nice the Pollock Library looks since he had it painted. Councilwoman Thorne announced the “Yard of the Month” winner, Jarvous and Kaci Simmons Felton of 1961 Hunter Street.
A motion was offered to approve the Town Council Meeting Minutes for June 3, 2019, by Councilwoman Tumminello, seconded by Councilwoman Thorne. On a roll call vote: Thorne-yea; Tumminello-yea; Wilkins-yea. Yeas 3, Nays 0, Abstain 1 (Zeh), Absent 1 (Cathey). The motion carried. A motion was made to approve the Special Town Council Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2019, by Councilwoman Zeh, seconded by Councilwoman Tumminello. On a roll call vote: Thorne – yea, Tumminello – yea, Wilkins – yea, and Zeh – yea. 4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent (Cathey). The motion carried.
Pollock Town Attorney Gregory Jones and Pan American Engineer Jacob Guillory led a Town Council discussion regarding the ditch across John Street from the rear of Councilwoman and Alton Thorne’s home. After a lengthy discussion regarding the ditch being a safety hazard, a motion was offered by Councilwoman Zeh for Pan American Engineers to erect a cable barricade along the ditch on John Street, and for Pan American Engineer Jacob Guillory to bring a total price to the Town Council in the August, 2019 Town Council Meeting. Councilwoman Zeh’s motion was seconded by Councilwoman Tumminello. On a roll call vote: Thorne – abstain, Tumminello – yea, Wilkins – yea, and Zeh – yea. 3 yeas, 0 nays, 1 abstain (Thorne), 1 absent (Cathey). The motion carried.
Mayor Scott stated, “Dollar General has contactED me and would like to locate in Pollock. I have been in talks with them and with Ratcliff Construction Company. I invited them to attend today’s Town Council Meeting for the purpose of gaining Town Council APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION at the corner of Highway 165 North and North Street. Mr. Greg Thomas of Ratcliff Construction addressed the Pollock Town Council requesting approval of construction from the Town Council. A motion was made by Councilwoman Zeh to grant approval of construction of the Dollar General, and was seconded by Councilwoman Tumminello. On a roll call vote: 4 yeas (Thorne, Tumminello, Wilkins, and Zeh), 0 nays, and 1 absent (Cathey). The motion carried and Mr. Thomas stated that the Dollar General should be completed in about 3 ½ months once construction has begun.
Rozier, Harrington and McKay, C.P.A., Mr. Steven McKay presented the 2018 Audit Report to Mayor Scott, Town Council and guests. He stated that it is the best and most accurate financial audit yet. The town is in excellent financial condition due to great management, and has no long term debt. Pollock is the only town in the State of Louisiana with no property taxes. Mr. McKay was very pleased with THE 2018 Audit. Mayor Scott expressed his delight at such a great annual audit.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Thorne to adopt a Resolution empowering Mayor Scott to set aside a sum, not to exceed $50,000, for technical assistance, administration, and grant application fees, for an L.C.D.B.G. (F.Y. 2020/2021) Grant if it is awarded to the Town of Pollock. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wilkins. On a roll call vote: Thorne – yea, Tumminello – yea, Wilkins – yea, and Zeh – yea. 4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent (Cathey). The motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Tumminello, seconded by Councilman Wilkins to adopt a Resolution appointing Pan American Engineers for the Engineering Design and Construction Observation services for a FY 2020/2021 LCDBG Grant if the Town of Pollock is awarded this grant. On a roll call vote: Thorne – yea, Tumminello – yea, Wilkins – yea, and Zeh – yea. 4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent (Cathey).
Chief of Police Chris Paul disseminated the monthly Police Report. He then briefly discussed M.P.E.R.S. (retirement system) with Mayor Scott and the Pollock Town Council.
Town Clerk Judy Shelton disseminated the monthly Town of Pollock Financial Report to Mayor Scott and the Pollock Town Council members.
Mayor Scott informed everyone that Mr. Barrett Dezendorf and Mrs. Kim Dezendorf will be leaving employment with the Town of Pollock soon and have accepted positions in New Mexico.
Family Dollar is due to start construction by next month at the corner of Highway 165 South and Highway 8 West.
Family Movie Night (“The Aristocats”), held on Monday, June 17th, was a family-fun event. Many people attended and enjoyed the evening. The next Family Movie Night is being planned now.
The annual Town of Pollock 4th of July Fireworks Display will begin at dark in LaCroix Park on Highway 8 West. Refreshments and drinks will be provided.
The Town of Pollock Farmers Market will be held on Saturday, July 6th, from 7:00 A.M. until noon.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilwoman Thorne, seconded by Councilman Wilkins. All in favor: 4 yeas. 1 absent. Motion carried
Mayor Jerome Fred Scott
Judy Shelton, Town Clerk
