Students get support from parish council for projects

Two projects spearheaded by local high school students got a boost Wednesday when the St. Mary Parish Council agreed to provide funding.
The council heard from Morgan City and Franklin high school students on the proposed projects they presented during the Morgan City Rotary Club’s New Generation Conference in March.
Recent MCHS graduate Omar Ledezma told the council about plans to establish a dog park at Lake End Park. He had been introduced to the council by Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizaffi who said that after hearing the students’ proposal at the conference he challenged them to come up with a plan detailing a model and project costs.
Ledezma said his group, sponsored by MCHS teacher Leslie Smith, visited a dog park in Thibodaux to help formulate a plan.
The park would require waste disposal equipment and signage at minimal costs but the largest expense would be for fencing and signage that Ledezma estimated at $12,500.
“I believe this is another thing that’s going to last a long time and it’s not going to take much upkeep,” Grizaffi said.
The council next heard from FSHS teacher Kerry Martin who said he would like to revitalize the defunct KFHS student TV program that focuses on broadcast production. Martin said the program could take advantage of the state’s Jump Start initiative which after two years of participation would provide a student with certification for entry level jobs right out of high school.
Students from across the parish would be able to participate, he added. Also, KFHS would be able to broadcast parish council meetings on TV and the internet.
Both project funding requests received unanimous approval by the council — $12,500 in cash and/or inkind services for the dog park and $8,000 for equipment purchase by KFHS.
In other business, the council:
—Adopted an ordinance on the refinancing of sewer sales tax bonds. Bond attorney Jason Akers said interest rates from seven bidding banks ranged from 2.09 percent to 2.95 percent and will result in an annual savings of about $30,000 for the remaining life of the 2005 bonds over the next 10 years.
—Introduced an ordinance rezoning property at 103 Minnow Lane, Cypremort, owned by Robert Richard and Chanse Boudreaux, from a light industrial zone to existing neighborhood to allow for a mobile home.
—Passed resolutions on renewal of the mowing and litter pickup agreement with the DOTD; change orders on the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center generator project reducing the cost by just over $15,000, and adding 30 days to the contract on the Point Chevreuil shoreline protection project; recognizing the athletic accomplishments by the Franklin Senior High School Boys Outdoor Track & Field Team for capturing the 2015 State Class 3-A runner-up trophy at the All-State Sugar Bowl, Morgan City High School Track & Field Team for capturing the Class 4A 4 x 100 Meter Relay and Central Catholic’s Samarick Paul for capturing the Class 1A long jump; and cooperative endeavor agreements with the state on the reconstruction of Chitimacha Trail from La. 328 to La. 670 and Flattown Road from Chitimacha Trail to Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway.
—Heard from the Department of Transportation and Development that it will install “No Right Turn on Red” signs on both sides of La. 318 at its intersection with U.S. 90.
—Approved transfers of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 10 three-tenths sales tax finds to the Franklin and St, Joseph summer youth programs in the amounts of $4,000 each and to Recreation District 5 for community programs in the amount of $500.
—Deferred a request from the City of Morgan City on behalf of its fire department requesting its share of the three-quarter percent sales tax funds and gaming fund for the 2012-2014 fiscal years totaling $58,602, as well as the 2015 allocation. The request will be considered after audit returns come in.
—Appointed Eva D. Rollins to the Elizabeth B. Davis Memorial Park Advisory Committee.
—Heard from Clay Fondren on the Louisiana Community Development Authority’s Property Assessed Clean Energy program, and Nicholas LaRocca Jr. on his candidacy for judge of Division D of the 16th Judicial District Court.