May Meeting Minutes (2024)

The Livingston Parish Recreation District 2 met in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Watson, La. at 6 pm at the Administrative Office (Live Oak Sportsplex) located at 36965 Louisiana Highway 16, Watson, La.

Present- T.McRae, J.Hood, B.J.Clark, B.J.Guerin, A.Curtis

Absent: C.Prescott, V.Brown

Guests: Director Mike Hansen

Public: Chase Groger, Darren Veillon

Meeting called to order by Vice Chairman Tracy McRae.

Pledge of allegiance was given and prayer led by Administrative Secretary.

Motion to adopt the minutes as mailed for the April 17, 2024, meeting with no public comment, by B.J.Guerin seconded by A.Curtis Vote passed Yeas–5 Nays–none Absent–C.Prescott, V.Brown

Administrative Secretary read the Proces Verbal document rendering the April 27, 2024, renewal election results noting that 1037 votes for and 382 votes against.

Motion to provide for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in Recreation District No. 2 of Livingston Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to authorize the renewal of the levy and collection of a fifteen (15) mills ad valorem tax for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2025 and ending with the year 2034, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and operating the recreational facilities governed by the District with no public comment by Tracy McRae seconded by B.J.Guerin Vote passed Yeas–5, Nays–none, Absent–C.Prescott, V. Brown

Motion to direct the renewal of the levy and collection of an ad valorem tax of fifteen (15) mills on the dollar of assessed valuation of all property subject to taxation within the geographic boundaries of Recreation District No. 2 of Livingston Parish, Louisiana, for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2025 and ending with the year 2034, authorized under the provisions of Article VI, Section 30 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, as amended, La. R.S. 33:4566 and other constitutional and statutory authority as applicable, for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and operating the recreational facilities governed by the District: and providing for other matters in connection therewith with no public comment by Jimmy Hood seconded by B.J.Clark Vote passed Yeas–5, Nays–none, Absent–C.Prescott, V. Brown

Administrative Secretary commented on the millage procedures and millage rates for the next ten years as well as the revenues that will be provided for the 5 year plan. Tracy McRae commented on the tax renewal and the relationship to expanding services in the future. Under public input, Mr. Chase Groger commented on the speed bump issue at the entrances and his observance of a driver speeding through the entrance recklessly. He recommended to find a way to impede drivers for safety purposes. He also recommended to advertise or promote what is happening at the District grounds. He commented that sponsors should be secured when the pickle ball courts or expansion becomes a reality. Board discussed the comments and promised to follow up on the comments. Director, Mike Hansen, reported that the leagues are in the final 3 weeks of the season.

*He stated that he will now make it a priority to cover maintenance items like bathrooms, etc. in the coming days.

Board suggested that he obtain quotes on the materials to fix areas for the small projects planned and they discussed types of fixtures for the bathrooms. The board discussed the continuing vandalism and that it will be forced to lock the gates to reduce poor public behavior.

Motion to direct Director to secure quotes for all bathroom rehab materials and to remodel the front concession stand as well as track repair quotes with no public comment by B.J. Guerin seconded by B.J.Clark Vote passed Yeas–5 Nays–none Absent–C.Prescott, V.Brown

Motion to approve the policy to lock all gates at the park beginning at 10 pm daily With automated locks and open gates at 4am daily with no public comment by B.J. Clark seconded by J.Hood Vote passed Yeas–5 Nays–none Absent–C.Prescott, V.Brown

Under board comments, B.J.Clark voiced the need for walk in freezer equipment which the Director is securing three quotes at the current time.

Mr. Clark also commented that construction of brick walls around dugouts would prevent the constant sunflower seed and trash encroachment onto fields. Director will secure information on this improvement.

Mr.Clark recommended to advertise for an Assistant Director at least at $20 per hour compensation. Board discussed the pay and benefits for this full time position as well as needs for staff. Board consensus agreed to advertise for this position.

Administrative Secretary presented the financial report with the board for the Arpril, 2024, period of operations as compared to budget with May bills. Motion to accept the financial report of April and pay the bills as presented for the May period with no public comment by B.J.Clark seconded by A.Curtis Vote passed Yeas–5 Nays–none Absent–C.Prescott, V.Brown It was noted that the Director will pursue research on a cashless venue for all programs. B.J.Clark led discussion for the need for a Concession Manager position and gave comments on a salary package and job duties. Board discussed. Vice Chairman summarized the history of the bonds, noting that a total is owed at the present time of $4,655,000 and payments are scheduled through 2044. She noted that original bond was in 2008 for $4,327,000 and it was refinanced in 2015 at $3,830,000 outstanding. She noted that in 2017 new bonds were issued with a wrap–around instrument for an additional $1,850,000.

There were no Committee reports. Under other board comments, B.J.Clark commented on pickle ball options for adults and batting cage needs. Board discussed the future projects for the public and the various type improvements committed to in the new expansion plan. B.J.Guerin commented on social media responses for the need for a marquee at the front of the park to promote events, etc. She also noted that three 18 year old individuals recently vandalized the District with their vehicles. The Sheriff Office have apprehended and will force community service upon the individuals for service at the park. There was no old business. Motion to adjourn the meeting with no public comment by B.J.Guerin seconded by T.McRae Vote passed Yeas–5 Nays–none Absent–C.Prescott, V.Brown