December 19, 2018
Port Allen, Louisiana
A regular meeting of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board was held this date with the following membership:
Present: Jason P.Manola, President, Craig Sarradet, Toby Sarradet, Dr. Atley D. Walker,Sr., Ronald P.LeBlanc, G. Alden Chustz,Jr., Teri Bergeron
Absent: Leon Goudeau, Rose A. Lee Roche', Michael A. Maranto
Jamarcus Northern, Chamberlin Elementary School student, and Bryson Goudeau, Port Allen Elementary School student, lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The next item was approval of the minutes of the November 28, 2018, regular board meeting.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Mrs. Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That the minutes of the regular board meeting held on November 28, 2018, be approved as presented.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr.Chustz, Mrs.Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Roche',Mr. Maranto
Mr. Manola announced that due to a family medical emergency, Mrs. Rose A. Lee Roche' was unable to attend the board meeting. Mr. Manola read the following inscription from the plaque which was to be presented to Mrs.Roche' at the meeting:
"In grateful appreciation for your dedicated service, vision, inspiration, and leadership. Thank you for your commitment to the children and all employees of the West Baton Rouge Parish School System." "May the Lord continue to carry you on eagle's wings." Exodus 19:4
Years of Service: 2015-2018
The next item was educational presentations. Whereupon, Superintendent Watts introduced Mrs.Claudette Purnell, Director of the WBR All Parish Choir. Mrs. Purnell introduced the members of the choir, and Mr. Jim Barnett, Keyboard Accompanist. The Choir's performance was a medley of Christmas songs. Mr. Manola and members of the board thanked Mrs. Purnell, Mr. Barnett, and the members of the Choir for their beautiful Christmas musical presentation.
The next item was the Superintendent's report. a) Bid Opening for new Brusly High School on December 20, 2018 @ 1:00 P.M. b) Devall and Chamberlin schools property to be kept open until October, 2019. c) Gary Sanders, LWCC Security Dept., to conduct School Safety Pilot Project, free of charge to the system, January 7, 2019. d) Resolution of Condolences to the family of Mrs. Gwendolyn Trabeaux, retired bus operator.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mrs. Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That the members of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board do hereby extend to the family of Mrs.Gwendolyn Trabeaux, retired bus operator, their feelings of sincere appreciation for the years of dedicated service to the students rendered by Mrs. Trabeaux, and
Be It Further Resolved, That the members of the Board do hereby express their sincere sympathy and condolences to the family of Mrs. Gwendolyn Trabeaux.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Goudeau, Mrs.Roche', Mr. Maranto
The next item was presentation of the following items on the Consent Agenda:
8. Consideration of a request to adopt the following resolutions:
a) A resolution of the WBR Parish School Board approving Industrial Tax Exemption Application #20170188-ITE for Community Coffee Company, LLC at 1833 La Hwy 1South, Port Allen, LA 70767 (Finance Committee Report 12/11/18)
b) A resolution of the WBR Parish School Board approving Industrial Tax Exemption Application #20170559-ITE for Community Coffee Company, LLC at 1833 LA Hwy 1South, Port Allen, LA 70767 (Finance Committee Report 12/11/18)
9. Consideration of a request to increase the budget for the Lukeville Upper Elementary School renovation project in the amount of $3,372,442.00 which would bring the total budget from $3,000,000.00 to $3,372,442.00. Accept and approve the low bid submitted by Deumite Construction LLC, in the amount of $2,882,000.00 for the Lukeville Upper Elementary School renovation project as recommended by Earl Kem, Program Manager. (Finance Committee Report 12/11118)
10. Consideration of a request to adopt Policy: JGCF "Behavioral Health Services for Students" as recommended by Wesley Watts, Superintendent, and Callie Kershaw, Supervisor of Special Education (Act 696 of 2018 Legislature requires that this policy be in place by January 1,2019.) (Academics Committee Report 12/11/18)
11. Consideration of a request by the Louisiana School Boards Association that all School Boards adopt the Louisiana School Boards Association Updated Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board members at their board meeting in January, 2019, that January, 2019, be declared School Board Member Recognition Month across the State of Louisiana and adopt the resolution prepared by the LSBA. (Academics Committee Report 12/11/18)
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
The meeting of the School Board Finance Committee was held this date with the following membership:
Present: Mr. G. Alden Chustz,Jr., Chairman, Mr. Toby Sarradet, 2nd Chairman, Mrs.Teri Bergeron, Member
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Member, Mr. Michael A. Maranto, Member
Other board members present: Dr. Atley D. Walker, Sr., Mr. Ronald P. LeBlanc, Mrs. Rose Roche'
AGENDA ITEM #l CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST THAT THE BOARD ADOPT A RESOLUTION AT THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON DECEMBER 19, 2018, APPROVING COMMUNITY COFFEE COMPANY, LLC,FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE INDUSTRIAL TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM (ITEP)
Whereupon, Mr. Chustz introduced Ms. Jamie Hanks, Executive Director of the West Baton Rouge Chamber. Ms. Hanks introduced Mr. George Latour, Plant Manager, Port Allen Community Coffee Plant, to address the board relative to his request to participate in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) and to give an overview of the company's recent upgrading of the packaging and production process at the Port Allen plant.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the board approve the request submitted by Community Coffee Company to adopt a resolution at the regular board meeting on December 19,2018, approving Community Coffee Company, LLC , for participation in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP).
AGENDA ITEM #2 REVIEW OF THE USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES FORM AND A REVISED FACILITIES USAGE FEE SCHEDULE/ WES WATTS (consideration of this item deferred from an earlier Finance Committee meeting.) WES WATTS
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Mr. Watts informed the board that he was in the process of gathering additional information. No action was takn on this item and it will be presented at a future Committee meeting for review by the board.
Page 2: Finance Committee Meeting/December 11, 201 8
AGENDA ITEM #7 ANY OTHER BUSINESS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BYTHE COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, Mr. Watts requested that the committee add presentation of the December 4, 2018 Bid Tabulation for Lukeville Upper Elementary School Addition and Renovations to the committee agenda for consideration.
Whereupon, the following motion was presented by Mr. Toby Sarradet and seconded by Mrs. Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That the committee approve the addition of presentation of the December 4, 2018 Bid Tabulation for Lukeville Upper Elementary School Addition and Renovations.
Aye: Mr. Chustz, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mrs.Bergeron
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
RECOMMENDATION:
That the board consider a request by Mr. Earl Kern, Program Manager, to increase the budget for the Lukeville Upper Elementary School Addition and Renovations Project in the amount of $372,442.00 which would bring the total budget from $3,000,000.00 to $3,372,442.00.
That the board accept and approve the low bid submitted by Deumite Construction in the amount of $2,882,000.00 for the Addition and Renovations Project at Lukeville Upper Elementary School as recommended by Mr. Earl Kern, Program Manager.
A meeting of the School Board Academics Committee was held this date with the following membership:
Present: Dr. Atley D. Walker, Sr.,Chairman, Teri Bergeron, 2nd Chairman, Rose A. Lee Roche', Member
Absent: Leon Goudeau,Sr.,Member, Craig Sarradet, Member
Other board members present were Toby Sarradet, Ronald P. LeBlanc, G. Alden Chustz,Jr.
AGENDA ITEM #1 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO ADOPT POLICY: JGCF " BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS" (ACT 696 OF 2018 REQUIRES THAT THE POLICY BE IN PLACE BY JANUARY l, 2019/WES WATTS
Mr. Watts informed the committee that this policy was required, by Act 696 of 2018 Louisiana Legislature, to be in place by January 1, 2019. Hammonds and Sills, the board's legal advisors are currently working with Mrs. Callie Kershaw, Special Education Supervisor, finalizing the procedures for this policy.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment. RECOMMENDATION;
That the board adopt Policy: JGCF "Behavioral Health Services for Students" mandated to be put in place by January 1, 2019; Act 696 of the 2018 Louisiana Legislature.
AGENDA ITEM #2 CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY THE LSBA THAT ALL SCHOOL BOARDS ADOPT THE LOUISIANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION UPDATED CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LOUISIANA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR BOARD MEETINGS IN JANUARY, 2019; THAT JANUARY, 2019 BE DECLARED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RECOGNITION MONTH ACROSS THE STATE OF LOUISIANA AND ALL BOARDS ADOPT THE RESOLUTION PREPARED BY THE LOUISIANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the board approve the request by the Louisiana School Boards Association that all school boards in the State of Louisiana adopt the Louisiana School Boards Association Updated Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Member Recognition Month across the State of Louisiana and adopt the Resolution prepared by the Louisiana School Boards Association.
Page 2: Academics Committee Report/December 11, 2018
AGENDA ITEM #3 UPDATE BY SUPERINTENDENT WATTS/RONALD LEBLANC
Mr. LeBlanc requested an update on the recent reports that Brusly Middle School and Lukeville Upper Elementary School did not have water for several hours and parents were not contacted.
Mr. Watts informed the board that Lukeville had two cracked pipes and it was discovered after lunch had been served to students. Brusly Middle School was without water for 3 to 3 1/2 hours and parents were not contacted. Bottled water was available for students during this time.
Mr. Toby Sarradet stated that a lot of parents were angry about these situations and the fact that they had not been contacted about the problems. He also stated that every situation is different and must be dealt with on an individual basis relative to contacting parents.
Other Updates by Superintendent Watts:
a) Informed the board that Mrs. Taya Loup,Principal at BES, recently had knee surgery and she was at her school periodically during her recovery period.
b) Chamberlin Elementary School was recognized as a High Poverty/High Performing School.
c) Announced that Students of the Year and Teachers of the Year were selected recently and would be introduced at the January 16th board meeting.
Mr. LeBlanc commended Mrs. Elizabeth Sarradet, Principal of Chamberlin Elementary School, for the outstanding recognition of Chamberlin Elementary School.
Whereupon, Superintendent Watts requested that the board pull Consent Agenda items #8 and #9 to be voted on separately.
Whereupon,the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Toby Sarradet:
Be It Resolved, That the board pull Consent Agenda items #8 and #9 to be voted on separately, and
Be It Further Resolved, That the board does hereby approve and adopt Consent Agenda items #10 and #11 as presented.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Chustz, Mrs.Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Goudeau, Mrs.Roche', Mr. Maranto
Whereupon, the next item was consideration of adoption of Consent Agenda Item #8 a) and b): The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mr. LeBlanc:
Be It Resolved, That the board does hereby adopt the following resolutions; Consent Agenda Item #8 a) and b)
a) A resolution of the WBR Parish School Board approving Industrial Tax Exemption Application #20170188-ITE for Community Coffee Company, LLC at 1833 LA Hwy 1 South, Port Allen, LA 70767 and
b) A resolution of the WBR Parish School Board approving Industrial Tax Exemption Application #20170559-ITE for Community Coffee Company, LLC at 1833 LA Hwy 1 South, Port Allen, LA 70767
(Attach Resolutions)
The above resolutions were adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc,Mr. Chustz, Mrs.Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Roche',Mr. Maranto
INDUSTRIAL TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATION #20170188-ITE FOR COMMUNITY COFFEE COMPANY, LLC AT 1833 LA HWY 1SOUTH, PORT ALLEN, LA 70767
WHEREAS, Article 7, Section 21(F) of the Louisiana Constitution provides for the Board of Commerce and Industry ("BCI"), with the approval of the Governor, to approve contracts for the exemption of ad valorem taxes of a new manufacturing establishment or an addition to an existing manufacturing establishment, on such terms and conditions as the board, with the approval of the Governor, deems in the best interest of the state; and
WHEREAS,After filing an Advanced Notification, the applicant will submit its application and the agreement (Exhibit A) to BCI. The board, using LED staff resources, will review the application and Exhibit A for compliance with program rules and applicable laws.The board will then take
. action on the application. For applications approved by the board, LED will provide notice to all applicable local governmental entities; and
WHEREAS, On November 5, 2018, the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board received Notice that the above-referenced Tax Exemption for Community Coffee, LLC, attached hereto along with the corresponding Exhibit A, was approved by the BCI on October 31, 2018 for a term of 10 years (in the form of two five-year terms) at 80 percent property tax abatement level; and 20 percent of the assessed value of company assets will be placed on tax rolls from the beginning of operations, providing tax revenues to the parish immediately; and
WHEREAS, Upon receipt of the aforementioned notice, local governmental entities have 30 days to initiate further action on the application by placing the issue on a public meeting agenda, and once on an official meeting agenda, the local governmental entity has an additional 30 days (or no more than 60 days from receipt of the notification) to approve or deny the application;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Upon consideration of the foregoing and the public discussion held this day, that the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board approves the terms of the Industrial Tax Exemption contract (Advance Notification #20170188) based on the inclusion of the terms and conditions outlined in the Exhibit "A" (the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and Community Coffee, LLC.
THE FORGOING RESOLUTION WAS READ, AND, AFTER PUBLIC DISCUSS ON, THE ROLL WAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:
YEAS: Craig Sarradet, Toby Sarradet, Atley Walker, Sr., Ronald LeBlanc, G. Alden Chustz, Teri Bergeron,Jason Manola
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Leon Goudeau, Rose Roche·,and Michael Maranto ABSTAIN:
And the resolution was declared adopted on this December 19, 2018
INDUSTRIAL TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATION #20170559-ITE FOR COMMUNITY COFFEE COMPANY, LLC AT 1833 LA HWY 1SOUTH, PORT ALLEN, LA 70767
WHEREAS, Article 7, Section 21(F) of the Louisiana Constitution provides for the Board of Commerce and Industry ("BCI"),with the approval of the Governor, to approve contracts for the exemption of ad valorem taxes of a new manufacturing establishment or an addition to an existing manufacturing establishment, on such terms and conditions as the board, with the approval of the Governor, deems in the best interest of the state; and
WHEREAS,After filing an Advanced Notification, the applicant will submit its application and the agreement (Exhibit A) to BCI. The board, using LED staff resources, will review the application and Exhibit A for compliance with program rules and applicable laws. The board will then take action on the application. For applications approved by the board, LED will provide notice to all applicable local governmental entities; and
WHEREAS, On November 5, 2018, the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board received Notice that the above-referenced Tax Exemption for Community Coffee, LLC, attached hereto along with the corresponding Exhibit A, was approved by the BCI on October 31, 2018 for a term of 10 years (in the form of two five-year terms) at 80 percent property tax abatement level; and 20 percent of the assessed value of company assets will be placed on tax rolls from the beginning of operations, providing tax revenues to the parish immediately; and
WHEREAS, Upon receipt of the aforementioned notice, local governmental entities have 30 days to initiate further action on the application by placing the issue on a public meeting agenda, and once on an official meeting agenda, the local governmental entity has an additional 30 days (or no more than 60 days from receipt of the notification) to approve or deny the application;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Upon consideration of the foregoing and the public discussion held this day, that the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board approves the terms of the Industrial Tax Exemption contract (Advance Notification #20170559) based on the inclusion of the terms and conditions outlined in the Exhibit "A" (the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and Community Coffee, LLC.
THE FORGOING RESOLUTION WAS READ, AND, AFTER PUBLIC DISCUSSION, THE ROLLWAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:
YEAS: Craig Sarradet, Toby Sarradet, Atley Walker, Sr., Ronald LeBlanc, G. Alden Chustz, Teri Bergeron,Jason Manola
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Leon Goudeau, Rose Roche,and Michael Maranto
ABSTAIN:
AND the resolution was declared adopted on this December 19, 2018
Whereupon, the next item was consideration of adoption of Consent Agenda Item #9-! The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was -offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Dr. Walker:
Be It Resolved, That the board does hereby approve and adopt the request to increase the budget for the Lukeville Upper Elementary School renovation project in the amount of $372,442.00 which would bring the total budget from $3,000,000.00 to $3,372,442.00, and
Be It Further Resolved,That the board accept and approve the low bid submitted by Deumite Construction in the amount of $2,882,000.00 for the Lukeville Upper Elementary School renovation project, as recommended by Earl Kern, Program Manager.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr.Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Roche', Mr. Maranto
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #12.: Committee Meeting date: January 8,2019 and Board Meeting date: January 16, 2019.
There being no further business to come before the board, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. LeBlanc:
Be It Resolved, That the meeting be adjourned.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Roche',Mr. Maranto
Wesley Watts Secretary-Treasurer
Jason Manola President