Mayor and Board of Alderman

PUBLIC HEARING

MINUTES

MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMAN

TOWN OF BENTON

105 SIBLEY STREET, BENTON, BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 20177:00 PM

Prior to the meeting being called to order, Mayor Horton presented Miss Jillian Maxwell Miss Louisiana High School with a Proclamation for representing Benton in the State Pageant and then she will go on to represent Louisiana in the Miss High School American pageant.

CALL TO ORDER:Mayor Shelly Horton

INVOCATION:by Alderman Cathcart

PLEDGE:by Alderman Wyatt

ROLL CALL:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

AGENDA:A motion Alderman Wyatt by seconded by Alderman Carr to approve the public hearing agenda

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

IN FAVOR5

OPPOSED0

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

ORDINANCE 547 OF 2017: Amending the General fund budget of 2017

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 544 OF 2016 THE FINANCIAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 FOR THE TOWN OF BENTON, LOUISIANA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET ACT

BE IT ORDAINED that the Mayor has certified there are revenues and/or unencumbered fund balances available for appropriation in excess of those appropriated for specific expenditures in the budget for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer, and;

WHEREAS, the Board of Alderman of the Town of Benton, Louisiana, enacted Ordinance 544 of 2016 on December 12, 2016 adopting the 2017 General Fund, Water Sewer Enterprise Fund, and 1978 Sales Tax Fund budgets, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Alderman does hereby desire to amend the General Fund budget by amending Ordinance 544 of 2016 to reflect the following changes;

SECTION 1: An amendment to the Town of Benton’s financial budget for fiscal year 2017 is hereby proposed to change the amounts budgeted for revenues and expenditures of the General Fund.

SECTION 2: To decrease the General Fund Revenues from $2,544,838.82 to $2,314,853.87, and

SECTION 3: To increase the General Fund General Administration expenses from $244,340.82 to $249,585.00, to increase the Mayors expenses from $44,180.00 to $46,830.00, to decrease to Councils expenses from $31,050.00 to $29,550.00, to decrease the Chief of Police from $86,336.00 $85,086.00, to decrease the Police Department Expense from $674,350.00 to $541,944.83, to increase the Street Department from $1,316,186.00 to $1,325,085.00, and to increase the Maintenance Department from $114,996.00 to $115,261.00, and to decrease the Parks and Recreation Department from $33,400.00 to $7,660.00; and

SECTION 4: Total General Fund expenses amended are $2,314,853.87 with a Net Profit/ Loss of ($125,497.96) with the beginning fund balance of $1,673,486.00, the General Fund ending balance will be $1,547,988.04.

WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Benton, Louisianan, finds and determines that this budget amendment complies with all requirements set forth in the State of Louisiana Local Government Budget Act R.S. 39:1301 – 1315

BE IT ORDAINED that Ordinance 547 of 2017 does hereby amend Ordinance 544 of 2016 by amending the 2017 General Fund upon final passage.

Upon motion by Alderman Donna Wyatt, and seconded by Alderman Ron Jones, Ordinance 547 was introduced on November 13th of 2017 and set for Public Hearing on the 11th day of December 2017.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

ORDINANCE 548 of 2017: Adopting the 2018 General Fund, Water Sewer, and 1978 Sales Tax Budget(attachment)

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2018 BUDGETS FOR REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES OF THE TOWN OF BENTON’S GENERAL FUND, WATER SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND, AND 1978 SALES TAX FUND BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2018 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018; AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BENTON, BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA IN REGULAR SESSION CONVENED THAT:

SECTION l: The following estimate of receipts and expenditures is hereby adopted to serve as a budget of expenditures for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2018:

2018 GENERAL FUND BUDGET

General Fund Revenues$2,449,237.00

General Administrative Expenses$ 199,300.00

Mayor Expenses$ 48,150.00

Council Expenses$ 28,450.00

Chief of Police $ 85,516.00

Police Expenses$ 546,994.00

Street Expenses $1,322,550.00

Maintenance Expenses $ 99,015.00

Parks and Recreation Expenses$ 75,000.00

Benton Parish MPC$ 44,180.00

Total General Fund Expenses$2,449,155.00

Net Profit / Loss$ 82.00

2018 WATER/SEWER FUND BUDGET

General Administrative Revenues $ 563,100.00

Expenses $ 515,000.00

$ 48,100.00

In Water Revenues$ 430,000.00

Expense$ 404,155.00

$ 25,845.00

Out Water Revenue$ 761,000.00

Expenses$ 647,513.00

$ 113,487.00

In Sewer Revenue$ 154,000.00

Expenses$ 164,575.00

$ (10,575.00)

Out Sewer Revenue$ 251,200.00

Expenses$ 155,175.00

$ 96,025.00

Solid Waste Revenue$ 156,250.00

Expenses$ 225,740.00

$ (68,490.00)

Net Profit/ Loss$ 202,992.00

2018 1978 ONE CENT SALES TAX FUND BUDGET

Revenues$ 450,000.00

Expenditures$ 950,000.00

Net Profit/ Loss$ (500,000.00)

WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Benton, Louisianan, finds and determines that this budget complies with all requirements set forth in the State of Louisiana Local Government Budget Act R.S. 39:1301 – 1315

Upon motion by Alderman Ron Jones, and seconded by Alderman Donna Wyatt, this Ordinance was introduced on November 13th of 2017 and set for Public Hearing on the 11th day of December 2017. And was published in the official Journal for Public inspection on the 29th day(s) of November 2017.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

ORDINANCE 549 OF 2017: Zoning Amendment(attachment)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 120 OF 1981 BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 0.582 ACRES LOCATED AT 714 E FIFTH STREET, BENTON FROM A R-1 TO A B-3

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board of Alderman of the Town of Benton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, convened in regular session that Ordinance 120 of 1981 be amended to reflect the Zoning Classification be changed from a R-1 (One Family Residence District) to a B-3 (Community and Central Business District),

WHEREAS, the reclassification has been approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Benton Parish MPC and a recommendation has been made for Council approval,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Alderman of the Town of Benton does hereby amend Ordinance 120 of 1981, by amending the classification of a certain tract of land containing 0.582 acres, located at 714 E Fifth Street, Benton,to be changed from a R-1 (One Family Residence District) to a B-3 (Community and Central Business District)

Upon motion by Alderman Wyatt, and seconded by Alderman Jones, this Ordinance was introduced on November 13th of 2017 and set for Public Hearing on the 11th day of December 2017.

PUBLUC COMMENTS: None

A motion by Alderman Wyatt, seconded by Alderman Carr to adjourn the Public Hearing.

IN FAVOR5

OPPOSED0

TOWN OF BENTON

REGULAR SESSION

AGENDA

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017 7:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER:Mayor Shelly Horton

AGENDA:A motion by Alderman Jones seconded by Alderman Wyatt to amend the agenda by adding item no.6Resolution 16 of 2017under new business.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

A motion by Alderman Wyatt seconded by Alderman Cathcart to approve the agenda as amended.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

MINUTES:A motion by Alderman Carr seconded by Alderman Gates to approve the November Minutes

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

OLD BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 547 OF 2017: Final vote / adoption

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FINANCIAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 FOR THE TOWN OF BENTON, LOUISIANA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET ACT

A motion by Alderman Carr seconded by Alderman Gates to approve the November Minutes

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

2.ORDINANCE 548 of 2017: Final vote / adoption(attachment)

Upon a motion by Alderman Wyatt seconded by Alderman Carr Ordinance 548 was presented to the public in a public hearing and no public comments were made. This Ordinance was adopted on the 11th day of December 2017 by the following vote:

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

3ORDINANCE 549 OF 2017: Final vote / adoption

ORDINANCE 549 OF 2017: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 120 OF 1981 BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 0.582 ACRES LOCATED AT 714 E FIFTH STREET, BENTON FROM A R-1 TO A B-3

Upon a motion by Alderman Jones seconded by Alderman Wyatt Ordinance 549 was presented to the public in a public hearing and no public comments were made. This Ordinance was adopted on the 11th day of December 2017 by the following vote:

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 550 OF 2017: Introduce and set for Public Hearing on January 8th2018

AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE SALARY OF THE TOWN CLERK

A motion by Alderman Wyatt seconded by Alderman Gates Ordinance 550 was introduced and set for public hearing on January 8th 2018

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

Belmere Subdivision Maintenance Bond: Consider acceptance of Belmere Subdivision Unit 3 and 4 Water and wastewater systems into the Town’s Water and Sewer system.

A two year Maintenance Bond issued on November 20.

A motion by Alderman Wyatt seconded by Alderman Cathcart to accept Belemere Subdivision Unit 3 and 4 water and sewer system into the Towns System and accept the two year maintenance bond.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

JAMESTOWNE SUBDIVISION: Requesting a letter to be sent to Department of Health of utility connection for unit 3.

A motion by Alderman Cathcart seconded by Alderman Wyatt to accept approve a letter to be sent to Department of Health for the Jamestowne Subdivision Unit 3.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

CHIEF CHARLES PILKINTON:

Request approval to fill a part-time position:

A motion by Alderman Carr seconded by Alderman Wyatt to approve Mr. Antonio Coleman to be hired as Part-time office

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

b.A motion by Alderman Wyatt seconded by Alderman Carr to declare the 2005 Crown Victoria vin# …..6817as surplus. Donation made to the Town of Cotton Valley Police Department.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

5.Consideration for approval on November financials and monthly expenditures.

A motion by Alderman Jones seconded by Alderman Carr to approve the November Financials

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES:Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ron Jones, and Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

Resolution 16 of 2017: A resolution to

WHEREAS, The Town of Benton owns and operates a wastewater treatment plant located at 4624 Palmetto Rd, and

WHEREAS, The Town of Benton Palmetto Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the Benton customers outside of town, and

WHEREAS, The Town of Benton does desire to evaluate the financial data and all information pertaining to the system and its operations, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Benton, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize the Mayorto explore the feasibility and initiate the negotiations with the Bossier Parish Police Juryregarding the liquidation of all sewer services assets in connection to the Palmetto Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 4624 Palmetto Rd., ofthe Town of Benton Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Aldermen of the Town ofBenton does hereby authorize the Mayor to obtain appraisals and toexamine the financial data needed to properly evaluate the systems value. A report will be made by the Mayor of said findings upon completion.

Upon a motion of Alderman Cathcart duly seconded by Alderman Wyatt was adopted on the 11th day of December 2017 by the following votes

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

AYES: Alderman Jackie Carr, Alderman Linda Gates, Alderman Ronnie Jones, Alderman Donna Wyatt, and Alderman Wayne Cathcart.

NEYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None

A motion by Alderman Wyatt, seconded by Alderman Jones to adjourn the Regular Session

IN FAVOR5

OPPOSED0