PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING HELD ON, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 AT 5:31 P.M.
The Police Jury of the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana met in a special called session in the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Meeting Room, Police Jury Administrative Building, Monroe, Louisiana on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 5:31 p.m., and was duly convened by Mr. Shane Smiley, President.
Members Present (5)
Jack Clampit District B
Larry Bratton District C
Shane Smiley District E
Michael Thompson District D
Lonnie Hudson District F
Members Absent (1)
Scotty Robinson District A
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The president asked if there were any additions or amendments to the agenda. There were none. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the agenda as published. Motion passed without opposition.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
The president asked for public comments concerning any matters on the approved agenda. No one appeared or came forth to speak during this time.
MOTIONS * ORDINANCES * RESOLUTIONS:
Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Clampit offered the following ordinance for adoption.
ORDINANCE NO. 9471
AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT A TEMPORARY BAN ON THE OPEN-AIR BURNING OF TRASH, GARBAGE, LEAVES, LIMBS, BRANCHES, AND DEBRIS OF ANY KIND; AND FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:1236(31) authorizes parish governing authorities such as the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to, inter alia, prohibit the burning of trash, garbage, leaves, limbs and branches, or debris of any kind;
WHEREAS, the present risk of grass and woods fires throughout Ouachita Parish warrants a local burn ban that may be effectively enforced by local officials;
WHEREAS, the Chief of the Ouachita Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 has recommended a local, temporary ban on outdoor burning to prevent a proliferation of grass fires and woods fires during the current dry weather conditions; and,
WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury finds that such a temporary ban on outdoor burning serves the interests of the citizens of Ouachita Parish by helping to reduce the risk posed to lives and property by the proliferation of grass and woods fires during the current dry weather conditions;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in a legally called and assembled Special Called Meeting held on October 24, 2023, that:
1. In the unincorporated areas of Ouachita Parish no person shall conduct the open air burning of any trash, garbage, leaves, limbs and branches, or debris of any kind.
2. This Ordinance shall be effective from the time of its adoption by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury until terminated.
3. This Ordinance shall not apply to any person conducting open air burning pursuant to a license or permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
4. Any person violating any provisions of this Ordinance shall be punished by a fine of up to Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars or imprisoned for a term of not more than thirty (30) days.
5. As an alternative to any other available enforcement mechanism or procedure, this Ordinance may be enforced through an administrative adjudication by the Ouachita Parish Administrative Hearing Officer pursuant to La. R.S. 13:2575(B) and Ouachita Parish Police Jury Ordinance No. 8786 (Compiled Ordinances of Ouachita Parish, Section 1-26);
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that upon the written recommendation of the Chief of the Ouachita Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 the President of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury is hereby authorized to terminate the Temporary Burn Ban effected by this Ordinance. Said termination shall be made by a written Proclamation to be posted at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse, published in the Official Journal, and distributed to local media outlets;
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a copy of this Ordinance be forwarded to the Sheriff of Ouachita Parish; the Constables of Ouachita Parish; the Ouachita Parish Fire Department; the City Marshal of West Monroe; the City Marshal of Monroe; and, the News Media in Ouachita Parish.
The ordinance was submitted to a roll call vote, and the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: (5) Mr. Jack Clampit, District B; Mr. Larry Bratton, District C;
Mr. Michael Thompson, District D; Mr. Shane Smiley, District E; and Mr. Lonnie Hudson, District F.
NAYS: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Mr. Scotty Robinson, District A
The ordinance was adopted this 24th day of October, 2023.
* * *
OTHER BUSINESS:
There being no other business to come before the Jury, a motion to adjourn was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit. The meeting adjourned at 5:34 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Shane Smiley, President Karen Cupit, Recording Secretary
