NOVEMBER 2022

LOUISIANA
MUNICIPAL REVIEW
Published by the Louisiana Municipal Association
VOL. 87, ISSUE 11
NOVEMBER 2022

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2022-2023 LMA EXECUTIVE BOARD (non-affiliate, non-advisory)
President – Jennifer Vidrine, Mayor, Ville Platte
First Vice President – Derrick Johnson, Mayor, Cheneyville
Second Vice President – Rick Allen, Mayor, Leesville
Immediate Past President – Michael Chauffe, Mayor, Grosse Tete
District A Vice President – Kim Gaspard, Mayor, Haughton
District B Vice President – Ronny Walker, Mayor, Ruston
District C Vice President – Jimmy T. Holland, Councilman, Oak Grove
District D Vice President – Howard “Keith” Lewing, Mayor, Anacoco
District E Vice President – Rich Dupree, Mayor, Pineville
District F Vice President – Charles James, Mayor, Sunset
District G Vice President – Chuck Robichaux, Mayor, Rayne
District H Vice President – Edwin “Ed” Reeves, Mayor, Plaquemine
District I Vice President – Jean Pelloat, Mayor, Madisonville
District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson
LMA Past President – Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales
LMA Past President – Johnny Berthelot, Councilman, Gonzales
LMA Past President – Glenn Brasseaux, Mayor, Carencro
LMA Past President – David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth
LMA Past President – David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle
LMA Past President – Harry Lewis, Mayor, Rayville
LMA Past President – Jimmy Williams, Mayor, Sibley
Vice President at Large – Dr. Xanthe Seals, Mayor, Homer
Vice President at Large – Darnell Waites, Mayor, Baker
Vice President (< 1K) – Kevin Kately, Mayor, Parks
Vice President (1K – 2.5K) – Gail Wilking, Mayor, Ball
Vice President (2.5K – 5K) – Julius Alsandor, Mayor, Opelousas
Page 2
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Inside the LMA
Director’s Viewpoint
THANKFUL. GRATEFUL. BLESSED
BY JOHN GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Happy November! Thanksgiving is
almost here, football is in full swing,
festival season abounds, and never
is Louisiana’s great outdoors a more
enjoyable place to be and to see.
Before I delve into my thoughts on being thankful, I’d like
to pause and honor the many men and women of our
military, who we’ll take time to recognize on November
11 for Veteran’s Day. So much sacrifice, dedication, and
unselfish giving seems a strange thing to recognize on
only one day a year, so I ask that this year you make a
pledge to yourselves. Honor them on Veteran’s Day, of
course, but in a world seeing more tumultuous times,
and all branches of our US military seeing more need
for service, I ask that you keep them with you always,
as they protect our democracy and our freedoms every
day. There is great honor in military service, so I ask that
we keep sending positivity and respect to those who put
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service above self in an effort to keep us all protected.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Let us remember that,
as much has been given us, much will be expected from
us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well
as from the lips and shows itself in deeds.” It is with
resounding thanks and admiration that I can see how
much action is put into the words of our municipal leaders.
I’ve been with the LMA a long time, so you’d think I’d
be used to impressive ways you all tackle problems, face
issues head-on, and turn dreams into realities. But I’m
still as amazed now at seeing the innovative, courageous,
and bold ways you each put words into practice. You are,
all of you, beacons of hope for so many in your communities.
I firmly believe you’re all doing Roosevelt proud.
I’m thankful this year for leaders like Mayor Camardelle
of Grand Isle who never seems to falter when faced
with adversity. I encourage you each to read the article
in this month’s edition that goes into detail on a serious
insurance issue the town is facing. It’s why the work
that RMI’s Patrick Cronin is doing is so valuable in attempting
to create our first Self-Insured Property Fund
that could aid communities struggling with unexpected
needs. I’m grateful for his efforts, and those of our LMA
President, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, as she’s been behind
the scenes, making calls and attempting to find ways to
assist Mayor Camardelle.
I’m thankful for men like LMA Past President Pete
Heine, a man I call not just a colleague, but a friend. We
highlight him this month, as we recently unveiled our
boardroom in his honor. He’s had an incredible life and
made a name as a man willing to focus on people rather
than his own recognition. I know he’s a role model for
many of us within the LMA family.
And I am most thankful for my wife Camille, my family,
and my friends. They make me a better man with the
passing of every day. And then there’s all of you. I am
proud to advocate on your behalf and to work with you
as Louisiana moves forward. There is always work to be
done, but your willingness to do that work is a motivation
like no other. I look forward to the continuation
of that work as we face whatever lies ahead, and I am
thankful, grateful, and blessed for the opportunity to
do so.
We are a family, and I give thanks for that. Together we
are #LMAStrong.
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 3

President’s Message
THANKFUL FOR SO MUCH
BY MAYOR JENNIFER VIDRINE, CITY OF VILLE PLATTE
As the Thanksgiving holiday season
approaches, please join me in giving
thanks for all the many blessings we
have received so far. After numerous
severe weather events our state experienced these
past few years (with many areas still recovering), let us
be thankful for the mild hurricane season by lifting up
those Florida communities and families who suffered
such tremendous loss of life and property from Hurricane
Ian. As we all know, the months immediately following
these unfortunate events can be the most difficult for
local government leaders as they seek assistance from
every possible avenue to help ease the unexpected and
heavy loses.
As you can see from the cover photo and accompanying
article on Grand Isle, my good friend Mayor David
Camardelle and his residents continue to face great
challenges resulting from last year’s Hurricane Ida. While
basic services of water, power, and the island’s general infrastructure
have been restored, the town is dealing with
the high cost of insuring their own facilities. I have called
on Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon to help find
ways to offset the overwhelming expense to the town’s
already fragile state. I have great confidence in the mayor’s
ability to forge ahead and continue to provide hope
to his residents. David is one of the most resourceful and
resilient local leaders in our state.
This time of year allows me to reflect on things that I
cherish deeply like family and my beloved residents of
Ville Platte. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the
community where I grew up, and I remain hopeful for the
many wonderful things to come as we work together. For
example, I watch the precious children at our Girls and
Boys Place and marvel at their innocence, joy, and determination.
Likewise, our senior residents who have lived
such interesting and productive lives edify me each day
with their wise counsel. And while my immediate family
is relatively small, I feel blessed to be a part of so many
loving families in my city and throughout the state thanks
in part to the LMA.
We are reminded in scripture to, “give thanks for all
things” both large and small. Let us be mindful and attentive
in the coming weeks to those less fortunate and
let us be the guiding light of UNITY in our communities.
Remember, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Let us be thankful for the things we do have as I was
taught to do – let us count our blessings one by one by
one. Then, we will see how truly blessed we are.
Yours in Public (and Thankful) Service
Jennifer
Page 4
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

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Governor’s Column
NOVEMBER: THE GOOD NEWS KEEPS COMING
BY Louisiana JOHN Rural BEL EDWARDS, Water Association GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
November is here, and I want to wish
everyone a happy Thanksgiving and
a joyous start to the holiday season.
This is a time to reflect on all the
many reasons we have to be thankful. This year, I’m especially
grateful for Louisiana’s LWR-R0018 continued progress toward
normalcy and the steady decline in COVID-19 cases and
hospitalizations statewide.
Switching gears, I’m happy to report that the good news
keeps coming for Louisiana’s economy. The Institute for
Energy Economics and Financial Analysis recently reported
that more than $750 million has been invested into
local governments, public schools, and law enforcement
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While I’m very pleased with this trend, and hopeful we’ll bring billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to our
be able to celebrate the holidays safely together, Artwork we must Contact: state. Last month, I celebrated the launch of Avondale
remain vigilant in order to keep ourselves and our friends, Global Gateway, a multi-modal logistics and manufacturing
hub in Jefferson Parish that is projected to attract $1
family, and loved ones protected. I encourage those eligible,
to receive their annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 billion in private sector investments over five years.
booster if they haven’t already. The most recent COVID-19
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I also joined in announcing a first-of-its-kind partnership
between Exxon, EnLink, and CF Industries to dramatically
reduce industrial CO2 emissions in Louisiana through
carbon capture technology. This endeavor will allow them
to capture and sequester up to 2 million metric tons of
CO2 annually, equivalent to replacing approximately
700,000 gasoline-powered cars with electric vehicles.
These investments wouldn’t be possible without the work
you’re doing in your municipalities to make our state a
place that both attracts and sustains valuable industry
partnerships.
I want to end with an experience
I had recently sitting down with
Roland Babin. Mr. Babin recently
retired at 86 years old after a record-breaking
67 years of faithful
service to the Louisiana Department
of Transportation, where
he worked more than 25,000
days under 11 different governors.
I invited him to the Governor’s
Mansion to thank him on behalf
of our entire state and commend
him for being a true example of
someone with a heart for public
service.
I’m grateful to partner with LMA,
which has no shortage of individuals
who use their heart for
public service to make Louisiana
a better place every day. Thank
you for all that you do and God
Bless.
707693_Thornton.indd 1
8/21/14 8:33 PM
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 5

Feature
Grand Isle: Paradise Needs Protecting
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH
Many of us have a Grand
Isle story. It’s hard not to be
drawn to the little town of
paradisal views when the
sun sets just right on the
Gulf’s horizon, and sunrises
that make you lose your
breath for a moment simply
from the beauty of them.
When I was in college, I
sang in a cover band. Twice
a month we’d hit the road
from Baton Rouge and
make the trek to Grand
Isle. I loved that drive.
Once we’d hit the Sunshine
Bridge, I could feel the
anticipation of crabbing in
the mornings, sunburns in
the afternoons, and putting
smiles on the faces of
locals and tourists just back
from fishing while I belted out power ballads all through
the night. They are more than a few of my fondest
memories. I loved that town. I love it still, so I’ve followed
Grand Isle’s story since then, some 30 years ago. And
with each storm that hits, I feel the tension in my own
body as though I’m bracing for it myself.
Sadly, Grand Isle is also the apple of many a hurricane’s
eye. There’s damage on top of damage as a long list of
storms have made their way onto Grand Isle’s shores.
With each direct hit, a part of my past feels washed
away. I watch the news and see buildings lost, and I hear
reporters rattling off statistics on landmass also gone as
a ravaged coastline becomes more and more defeated.
But there’s a new crisis facing Grand Isle now, and the
fact that it’s down to the forcing of a hand in terms of
difficult decisions makes it even harder to bear.
The town can’t afford wind insurance. There’s no longer
an if, but a when in terms of storms. And when the next
storm hits, the repercussions of this lack of insurance will
be felt long after any cleanup. Because without insurance,
there are no dollars coming in for repairs.
In just one year, the town’s wind insurance rates have
more than doubled, and the town simply can’t afford the
costs any longer. $161,000 is a lot for wind insurance in
a town still awaiting millions in federal aid, and money
must come from somewhere to pay town employees
- employees who have also lost homes and need an
income to keep what little they have together for their
families. So, at this moment in time, Grand Isle is without
wind insurance on a number of its town properties - the
town hall, the police department, the police chief storage
building, the community center, the multiplex, and
the town’s storage building. If another storm hits, and
the wind huffs, and it puffs, and it blows them all down,
without insurance it’s anyone’s guess what Grand Isle
will be able to do. And, sadly, the odds aren’t in its favor.
Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle isn’t a man to hold
back on the magnitude of emotion that surrounds this
situation. He knows insurance is necessary, but so are his
employees.
“I know this is risky, but what do you do when it comes
CONTINUED PAGE 8
Page 6
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

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LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 7

down to your people -
your community? You
make hard choices, and
you hope you made the
right ones. These people
have to eat. They have to
live. What am I supposed
to do? Fire people so
we’re covered from wind
damage, or make sure
these hard working people
have jobs so they can look
after their families? This
is a terrible situation to
be in, and I can only do
what I think is right. And
looking after my people is
what I believe is right.”
Currently there’s just over
$120 million in federal
funding earmarked for
Grand Isle. But earmarked
doesn’t mean cash in
hand. Camardelle has
spent countless hours
on the phone, meeting with lobbying groups, sending
emails, and there are still no federal dollars in the
town’s account.
“I understand there’s a process for these things,” said
Camardelle. “But when do you say enough is enough?
The projects we need to protect us from hurricanes
aren’t small projects, and they’re going to take a lot of
time to complete. We need that money here and now
so we can start. Just send it and do the paperwork
later, because there’s no one who knows how to spend
it better than we do.”
With hurricane season coming to a close, you may
think that Grand Isle can rest a bit easy now, but no
wind insurance is an albatross hanging around the
town’s neck, because it’s not just hurricanes that cause
wind damage. Any storm can do that, and when you’re
situated along an unprotected coastline, there is no
end to storm season for you.
Recently LMA President Jennifer Vidrine stepped up
to the plate for Mayor Camardelle and the people of
Grand Isle herself. She placed a call directly to Louisiana
Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon, because
who’s to say other Louisiana cities, towns, or villages
may not find themselves with the same forced hand?
Who’s to say that they won’t have to make hard
choices when it comes to overextended budgets due
to things that are out of their control? Who’s to say it
won’t happen to you?
“What Grand Isle is going through pulls at my heartstrings.”
said Vidrine. “As a mayor, I know what Mayor
Camardelle continues to struggle with, so I immediately
felt it was my duty and responsibility to try and help
in any way possible. Calling on Commissioner Donelon
to plead for assistance for Grand Isle’s insurance situation
was just the right thing to do. The Commissioner
was very understanding and compassionate of the
situation. He said that his office and his staff will do
everything they can to provide assistance and contact
Mayor Camardelle.”
Risk Management Inc. (RMI) General Manager Patrick
Cronin has also become involved. On a recent visit to
Mayor Camardelle, he spoke at length with him about
looking for ways to assist.
“I met with Mayor Camardelle and his clerk, Bonnie,
and I’ve made a promise to do the best that I can,”
said Cronin. “I’m gathering loss runs, accord forms,
and statements of value, and my plan is to present
that information to the market. I’ve been very honest
that I may not be able to find them something better,
but I’m definitely going to try.”
Cronin also brought up a feasibility study for a property
program to benefit Louisiana municipalities that
RMI has been working on.
“I receive calls on a weekly basis from current LMA
Fund members, telling me that their property coverage
has been canceled and that their agent is having
Page 8
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Feature
problems locating replacement
coverage,” said
Cronin.
In short, RMI has begun
a feasibility study
that will determine if an
LMA Self-Insured Property
Fund, would be a
way forward in assisting
municipalities by offering
comprehensive and
affordable insurance that
would cover property and
contents. A plan like this
would be salvation for
someone facing the challenges
Mayor Camardelle
is facing, so Cronin is full
steam ahead. He’s heard from many municipalities and
vetted them. He’s now at the stage where information
has been submitted for broker review.
“If we can get this study to completion and prove its
value, it’d benefit so many communities,” said Cronin.
“There’s a need across the entire state, but a strong
emphasis on municipalities near I-10 and southward. This
would really help.”
I read somewhere recently that Mayor Camardelle has
a sign on his office wall that reads, “As long as there
is one grain of sand on
Grand Isle, we are going
to plant the American
Flag. We are not going
anywhere.” 21 year-old me
remembers when there
were more grains of sand
than she could count on
the Grand Isle shoreline,
and she remembers that
with great fondness. 51
year-old me is thankful
for a public servant like
Mayor Carmardelle leading
Grand Isle’s charge,
and for the people taking
notice and navigating
pathways for long-term
help.
“There’s still hope for us here,” said Carmardelle. “If we
can get what we need, there’s still hope.”
I don’t know about you, but I was raised that you never
give up on hope. It doesn’t cost a thing, but it can
be priceless when it pays off. So, here’s hoping. It sure
would be nice to go back and sing again.
All Grand Isle photos, including cover, by Cliff Palmer |
LaMATS Drone Imaging Service
Attorney General’s Opinions
BY JEFF LANDRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL
Short-Term Rentals
Opinion: 22-0005: Provides an
opinion regarding the comprehensive
framework of laws that apply
to short-term rental properties such
as Airbnb and VRBO. Released:
9/29/2022
Dual Officeholding/Employment
Opinion: 22-0102: The provisions
of the Dual Officeholding and Dual
Employment Law do not prohibit
the full-time Chief of Police of the Town of Franklinton
from serving as a member of the Washington Parish
School Board. Released: 9/28/2022
Revocation of Public Road Dedication
Opinion: 22-0078: A parish governing authority may
revoke a street or roadway in its discretion when the criteria
for abandoning, revoking, or renouncing the road or
street is satisfied. Released: 9/27/2022
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 9

Once In a Lifetime
BY CLIFF PALMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAMATS
Cliff Palmer
Executive Director,
LaMATS
The saying, “once in a lifetime” can be
a bit overstated at times. But for me,
and many long-standing members of
the LMA, serving alongside former
City of Baker Mayor/Councilman Norman
E. “Pete” Heine has been just that
- a true once in a lifetime experience.
Born in December 1928 at the family
home on Ready Street in Baton
Rouge, this would prove to be a real
sign of how he would conduct his
life – always ‘ready’ to serve his fellow
man. Mr. Pete’s early years of service
started in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the historic
post-WWII Berlin Airlift campaign during 1948 and then
later as a fighter
aircraft crew chief
during the Korean
War. He went on
to serve several
terms of elected
and appointed
office in his
much-loved city
of Baker as mayor
and councilman,
and in West Feliciana
Parish as their first Parish Manager. In all his years of
service, Mr. Pete has never betrayed the public’s trust. His
family’s deep pastoral roots provided young Pete with a
strong and principled beginning. That foundation would
quickly become his trademark as he returned home and
transitioned from military service to serving his hometown
in a variety of ways.
As a confident, skilled, and proven leader, he was elected
by his LMA peers to serve as President (1967-1968), and
then a few years later elected as a delegate to the Louisiana
Constitutional Convention of 1973 to represent the
interests of local government. Throughout his many years
as mayor and council
member, Mr. Pete has
always been a reliable
source of counsel for the
LMA leadership and staff.
He has been the face of
the LMA, and always a capable
advocate ‘ready’ to
take on the most difficult
issues in an effort to help
educate and persuade our
federal representatives
in Washington, D.C. and
state officials in Baton
Rouge. In 2017, LMA President
Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux selected Heine
to receive the coveted LMA President’s Award in recognition
of his valued and sustained service calling him, “a
man of his word who deeply cares about people.”
Current LMA President and Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer
Vidrine refers to his years of loyal service to the LMA as,
“idyllic, and a victory for all humanity.”
How do you honor a man
who has, by all accounts,
collected a lifetime of
accolades and achievements?
Mr. Pete was recently
recognized by the LMA
for his more than 60
years of faithful service
to the organization with
the dedication of the
new LMA Executive
Boardroom named on his
behalf. President Vidrine
sponsored the effort to name the new LMA Boardroom
after Mr. Pete, and it wasn’t a hard sell. A man as respected,
revered, and admired as Mr. Pete is a man who comes
along only once in a lifetime. We are honored to know
him, and we are honored to now carry his name with us.
Page 10
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

LCRI Holds Reception for Workshop Attendees
From left to right: Jennings Mayor Henry Guinn, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Vice President Anthony Bartie, Governor John Bel Edwards, Beauregard
Parish Police Juror Eddie Ware, Vinton Mayor Marcus Renfrow, Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., and Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter
On October 19, the Louisiana Community Resilience
Institute held a reception at the Louisiana Governor’s
Mansion to kick-off of an intensive three-day leadership
workshop designed to help Louisiana elected officials
from areas impacted by hurricanes, flooding, and wind
damage. LCRI workshop participants met with subject
matter experts to develop creative strategies that will
improve community recovery, resilience, and advancement.
LMA member mayors who participated were Jennings
Mayor Henry Guinn, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter,
Vinton Mayor Marcus Renfrow, and Natchitoches Mayor
Ronnie Williams, Jr.
During the LCRI recovery and resilience workshop,
these elected officials worked with nationally renowned
professionals in planning, architecture, landscape architecture,
hazard mitigation, economic and community
development, transportation, and engineering to develop
projects to help their communities approach recovery
challenges through resilient community design.
Objectives for this small, closed-door workshop were
to provide elected officials a better understanding of
the role design, planning, and hazard mitigation play in
improving community resilience, and to substantially
increase their capacity to tackle complex issues and
define solutions by providing a repertoire of ideas tailored
specifically for their communities. In addition to
site-specific work sessions, the workshop included oneon-one
discussions with professionals and representatives
of resource agencies on designing resilient cities
in increasingly dynamic, water-intensive environments.
The next workshop will take place in late spring of
2023, working with mayors from communities impacted
by Hurricane Ida. The workshop is limited to
no more than eight elected officials to ensure full and
focused participation. If you’d like to take part, contact
Mary Bergeron with LSU’s Coastal Ecosystem
Design Studio by emailing mberg41@lsu.edu or calling
225.802.9932.
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 11

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LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Municipalities
Legal Briefs
THANKSGIVING’S HISTORICAL HOLDOUT
BY KAREN DAY WHITE, LMA EXECUTIVE COUNSEL
Our annual celebration to give thanks for life’s blessings
is a tradition that dates back to the early 17th century,
well before the founding of our nation. In 1777, the Continental
Congress declared the first national American
Thanksgiving following the Patriot victory at Saratoga.
Indeed, long before President Franklin D. Roosevelt
declared the fourth Thursday in November to be the national
“Thanksgiving Day” holiday on November 26, 1941,
the annual recognition had become an immutable part
of American life, and the occasion does not generally
prompt a discussion of constitutional law.
Louisiana Municipal Lawyers
337-233-1987
lawbecker.com
But then there is one American President who refused
to endorse the Thanksgiving tradition. You may be
surprised that it was none other than America’s first
red-headed President, and the principal author of the
Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
His first year in office, Jefferson declined to declare
the holiday, departing from the custom established by
George Washington and John Adams. His actions generated
a flurry of nasty rumors that he despised the practice
of thanksgiving or, even more politically damning,
that he was an atheist who sought to make the nation
less godly. We know now that neither was accurate.
Our country’s third Chief Executive, though reluctant to
subscribe to many of the tenets of the prevailing religious
sects of his time, regularly attended church and
read the Bible.
He was dedicated to the
teachings of Jesus, noting
that Christ imparted, “the
most sublime and benevolent
code of morals which
has ever been offered to
man.” Moreover, when he
was governor of Virginia
in 1779, Jefferson issued a
proclamation for a day of
prayer and thanksgiving,
noting, “…it becomes us
humbly to approach the
throne of Almighty God,
with gratitude and praise.”
So, why the refusal to declare
a national Thanksgiving
holiday?
His actions were rooted
in his fervent belief in the
separation of church and
state. It was Jefferson
who convinced James
Madison to pen the Bill of
Rights, including the First
Amendment’s proclamation
that, “Congress shall
make no law respecting an
establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof …” Shortly
after becoming President,
Jefferson wrote in an 1802
letter to an historically
persecuted Baptist organization,
“…that religion
CONTINUED PAGE 15
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 13

Hometown Happenings: November 2022
November! There’s a chill in the air, great music playing, fabulous food, and Santa begins
popping up in places as he prepares us all for a Joyeux Noel. From state fairs to food festivals
to music festivals to lightshows, it’s the perfect time to see Louisiana on display!
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
October 27-November 6, Gonzales
gbrsf.com
State Fair of Louisiana
October 27-November 13,
Shreveport
statefairoflouisiana.com
Sabine Freestate Festival
November 4-6, Florien
sabine-freestate-festival.square.site
Berwick Lighthouse Festival
November 3-6, Berwick
cajuncoast.com/event/berwicklighthouse-festival-1
Giant Omelette Celebration
November 5-6, Abbeville
giantomelette.org
HTJ Day Presents - A Taste of the
Deep South Festival
November 5-6, Baton Rouge
hitcitydigital.wixsite.com/
henryturnerjrday
Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival
November 11-13, Jean Lafitte
visitjeffersonparish.com/event/jeanlafitte-seafood-festival/2965
Rockin’ on the Railroad
November 11 and November 18,
Addis
facebook.com/TownOfAddis
Atchafalaya Basin Festival
November 12, Henderson
basinfestival.com
Southern Soul Food Showdown
November 12, Jeanerette
iberiatravel.com/events/southernsoul-food-showdown
Flea Fest
November 12-13, Lake Charles
fleafest.com
Thibodeauxville Fall Fest
November 12, Thibodeaux
lacajunbayou.com/calendar-ofevents/festivals-and-events/
thibodeauxville-fall-festival
Fort Fest Arts, Crafts,
and Heritage Festival
November 12, Many
toledobendlakecountry.com/event/
fort-fest-arts-crafts-and-heritagefestival
Wings and Ale Fest
November 12, Hammond
lowroadbrewing.com/wings-alefest-2022
Three Rivers Art Festival
November 12-13, Covington
louisiananorthshore.com/events/
annual-events/three-rivers-artfestival
Holiday Market at the Mill
November 18-20, New Roads
marketatthemillnewroads.com
Smoke and Barrel
November 19, Lake Charles
smokeandbarrel.org
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
November 19-January 6,
Natchitoches
natchitocheschristmas.com
Logansport Christmas Festival
November 19 – January 7,
Logansport
logansportchristmasfestival.com
Christmas Wagon Rides
November 25-December 23,
West Monroe
monroe-westmonroe.org/events/
christmas-wagon-rides-3
Rockets Over
the Red Fireworks Festival
November 26, Shreveport
holidaytrailoflights.com/event/
rockets-over-the-red/
Victorian Christmas at the Joseph
Jefferson Home &
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
November 28-December 31,
New Iberia
iberiatravel.com/events/victorianchristmas-joseph-jefferson-homerip-van-winkle-gardens-7
Page 14
Photo courtesy of louisianatravel.com
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Affiliate and
Partner News
LaMATS Gives Thanks to All Who Make This Possible
For nearly twenty-five years, LaMATS
has been powered by a welcomed
source of renewable energy - your
support. In this time of annual thanksgiving,
it’s important we acknowledge
the LMA membership’s active
participation in our service programs,
as both the reason for their development
and why they work so well.
Time and again, Louisiana’s hundreds
of incorporated municipalities and
other local governments have proven
we’re truly better together. Through
cooperative purchasing, we increase our combined
buying power for essential goods and services and attract
the attention of national brands to our neck of the
woods. By sharing information about surplus properties
and new bid opportunities in an online marketplace, we
reach unprecedented numbers of potential purchasers
and high quality providers.
And by allowing LaMATS to advise and represent your
communities in the efficient collection of revenues—from
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14: BRIEFS
is a matter which lies solely between man and his God,
that he owes account to none other for his faith or his
worship, that the legislative powers of government reach
actions only, and not opinions…”
Jefferson’s dedication to religious freedom prevented
him from endorsing a day of thanksgiving and prayer for
fear of running afoul of the First Amendment. He further
believed that proclaiming such days was a responsibility
belonging to the states, not the federal government. An
annual holiday now marked by food, family, and friends
engaged two core concepts of the Constitution for
Jefferson: the separation of church and state, and the division
of power between federal and state governments.
Regrettably, Jefferson never adequately explained his
reasons for not declaring a day of thanksgiving and
prayer to the public. On the advice of his Attorney
General, Jefferson edited much of his 1802 letter to the
Danbury Baptist Association, which fully explained his
choice, resulting in vicious attacks by his political rivals
and years of misunderstanding about his intentions.
Nearly two centuries later, the original draft of that letter
was restored using modern technology. The full text reveals
that Jefferson really wasn’t a Thanksgiving grouch
after all, but an ardent constitutionalist.
insurance premiums and franchise
fees to occupational licenses and
millage management—you improve
the lives of local residents all across
Louisiana.
“We couldn’t accomplish a fraction
of what we have without member
participation,” said LaMATS Executive
Director, Cliff Palmer. “Our members
make everything possible. And the
more we enroll and serve, the more
we can do.”
As part of our longest-running program, more than 86%
of Louisiana municipalities (from Abbeville to Zwolle)
participate in LaMATS Insurance Premium Tax program
(IPT), which collects and distributes tens of millions of
dollars annually through an efficient process appreciated
by cities and industry alike. Through its nominal service
fee, the same process funds dozens of other LaMATS
and LMA programs that members receive free of charge
each year.
Rayne City Clerk, Annette Cutrera, has been participating
in the IPT program for each of her eight years at City
Hall. Cutrera says the program is invaluable to her city,
which might otherwise miss out on an important source
of revenue. “We wouldn’t know where to begin without
this program,” she says. “Working with the LaMATS staff
has been such a pleasant and positive experience. We
never worry—we know they’re on top of it!”
LaMATS is also grateful for member participation in one
of our newest initiatives, the Louisiana Cooperative Purchasing
Commission (LACPC). Established just last year,
Commissioners from nearly twenty-five participating
Louisiana local governments now cooperatively bid and
share contracts on hundreds of thousands of dollars in
materials and services.
“It’s been truly gratifying to see communities benefit
from the power of cooperative purchasing,” said the
program’s chief administrator, LaMATS Procurement
Consultant Paul Holmes. Should its growth continue, the
potential impact of the LACPC will be tremendous: “In
effect, the LACPC brings all the benefits of a State Contracting
system, but tailored specifically to the needs of
local governments,” explained Holmes.
Thanksgiving is not the only time of year we appreciate
the support of the LMA membership in our effort to
make the work of local government more effective and
efficient. But it’s as good a time as any to say it: From
everyone at LaMATS, our staff, consultants, partners, and
Board of Directors, thank you!
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 15

RMI Fund Member Survey – The Results are In!
BY PATRICK CRONIN, RMI GENERAL MANAGER
Several weeks ago, we
sent out a 10-question
survey to current fund
members to gauge
our progress and
success in providing
top shelf claims, risk
related services, and coverage solutions
to our current LMA Fund members. We’ve
received and tabulated the responses
and we are thrilled with the feedback!
We want to express our sincere thanks to
those eighteen LMA Fund members who
provided their input. Below are some of the
responses, scores, and narrative feedback:
Rate RMI Staff on the following on a scale of 1-10 (1 being worst and 10 being best)
Page 16
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Risk Management, Inc. Celebrates its 35th Anniversary of Serving
Louisiana Municipalities!
Affiliate and
Partner News
In 1987, RMI officially opened its doors to provide claims, coverage, and risk-related solutions exclusively
to Louisiana municipalities, and 2022 will be our year to mark and celebrate this 35‐year milestone. We
hope you will join the staff of RMI and the Louisiana Municipal Association in our celebration!
At RMI, we only serve the needs of Louisiana Municipalities. Our coverage offerings include:
General Liability
Automobile Liability
Police Professional Liability
Public Officials Errors & Omissions
Property/Contents
Inland Marine
Workers’ Compensation
Dental
Accident and Health
Automobile Physical Damage
Personal Auto/Personal Lines
Airport Commercial General Liability
Please call Patrick Cronin, RMI General Manager, or Bill Corley, RMIAI Account Manager at 800‐ 843‐0931
if you’d like to discuss what we have to offer. You’ll be glad you did!
Also, check out our new website at www.rmila.com.
RMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Louisiana Municipal Association
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 17

The staff at RMI works diligently to
provide the best services available
in the industry and we realize that
our current (and future) LMA Fund
members have options regarding the
placement of their various municipal
coverages. We feel that we have
made great strides in improving our
services, as well as our coverage
related capabilities, and these survey
responses provide that confirmation.
Because of the improvements made
at RMI, and because of our robust
new business development approach,
we have been successful in adding
coverages for existing Fund members
and bringing in 24 new and returning
Fund members.
CONTINUED PAGE 20
Page 18
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Affiliate and
Partner News
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 19

LMA Mid-Winter Conference Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the LMA's Mid-Winter
Conference for Municipal Officials at the Crown Plaza in
Baton Rouge from February 7-8, 2023. For more information
on accommodations, our refund policy, and to
register, visit our website at lma.org and go to Events.
From there, use the calendar feature to take you to February,
and click on "Mid-Winter Conference for Municipal
Officials." We look forward to seeing you all there.
CONTINUED
FROM PAGE 19: RMI
While we’re on the right track in
providing the best services in the
industry, we’re just getting started,
and we anticipate new coverage
and service offerings in the future.
If you’d like to explore what RMI
and the LMA Funds have to offer,
please contact Patrick Cronin, General
Manager, at 1-800-843-0931 or
pcronin@rmila.com, or visit our new
website (www.rmila.com). You’ll be
glad you did!
Page 20
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Affiliate and
Partner News
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LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 21

The 2022 LRPA Conference will be held in Monroe, La.
WE HAVE AN EXCITING LINE UP
Tuesday Evening – November 15
Welcome Social - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Flying Tiger Brewery
506 N 2nd Street Monroe, LA 71201
Catered by 2 Dudes BBQ
Music by Toc Toc Troubadours
Wednesday Day – November 16
Conference Events and CEU Training - 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monroe Civic Center - Convention Center
401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway Monroe, LA 71201
Opening General Session Keynote Speaker:
Brian Lowe or “B. Lowe” as he is known in the industry, is
the Founder and Principal of TeamUp Sports Consulting.
Lunch will be catered by local Chef Pat Nolan
Wednesday Evening – November 16
Reception and Silent Auction – 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Located at the Northeast Louisiana Delta African
American Heritage Museum
1051 Chennault Park Drive
Monroe, LA 71201
Food will be a Seafood Extravaganza catered by
Louisiana Seafood King Cory Bahr
Sponsored by the Louisiana Seafood Board
Music by Doug Duffey and BADD
100% Original Louisiana Blues Delta Funk, R & B, Bayou
Funk, Swampadelic
Thursday Day – November 17
Conference Events and CEU Training – 8:30 am – 5:00
pm Monroe Civic Center – Convention Center
401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway Monroe, LA 71201
Lunch will be catered by the local family-owned Catfish
Cabin
Thursday Evening – November 17
LRPA Cocktail Reception and Banquet – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Will be held at the University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM)
Bayou Pointe Event Center
4310 Bon Aire Drive
Monroe, LA 71209
Annual Banquet Guest Speaker: ULM Coach Terry
Bowden
Food will be catered by AraMark
Music by Dan Sumner and Coco York
Page 22
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022

Affiliate and
Partner News
LAMSA Wraps Up Fall Conference in Lafayette
BY MARLAINE PEACHEY, LAMSA CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
The Louisiana Association of Municipal Secretaries and
Assistants (LAMSA) held their 32nd Annual Fall Conference
with an impressive profile of speakers, and eighteen
first-timers attending. The members were first welcomed
by Doyle Boudreaux, Liaison for Government Relations
for Lafayette Consolidated Government, and a special
welcome by Mayor Julius Alsandor, Mayor of the City of
Opelousas. He thanked members for touring Opelousas
the day before, specifically the LeVieux Historical Village,
the Orphan’s Train Museum, and the Tony Chachere’s
manufacturing plant, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed.
Thursday’s sessions
began with
Greg Thibodeaux
who facilitated the
course on professional
ethics
for government
employees, a
subject which is
mandatory for all
participants. After
a short break, he
was followed by
Diane Allison, who
gave specific instructions on preparing and planning the
perfect audit. Ms. Allison is an Assistant Legislative Auditor
and Director of Government Services for the Louisiana
Legislative Auditor. Paul Holmes, Procurement Specialist
for LaMATS, gave an informative presentation on public
bid law.
Participants then broke for lunch, but not before holding
a short business meeting to adopt new proposed bylaws,
and instruction was given on how to apply for certification
as a municipal assistant.
Receiving the prestigious designation of Certified Municipal
Assistant were Andrea Livings of Lafayette Consolidated
Government;
and
Monica Hamilton
and Heather
Jones of White
Castle. Recertifications
were
awarded to Sabrina
Adams, Lafayette
Consolidated
Government;
Ronda Laird,
Town of Glenmora;
Elesener
McCoy, City of
Monroe; and
Joan Methvin,
Village of Maurice.
President
Yvonne Lewis then introduced Kristine Scherer as the new
LAMSA Conference Coordinator. Marlaine Peachey was
thanked for her seven-year tenure as coordinator with
the Association and given a gift. She will now continue as
Past President, retired.
At lunch each of
the sponsors were
given the floor to
offer services to
the cities represented.
LAMSA appreciated
the support
from LaMATS,
Cenla Environmental
Science, CSA
Software Solutions,
Foley & Judell, LLP,
Kincade Recreation,
LAMP, Prison
Enterprises, Thornton
Musso and Bellemin, and Quick-PD.
Jay Dardenne, Commissioner of Administration for the
State of Louisiana, opened the afternoon session and
spoke on ARPA and IIJA funding, entertaining questions
from the audience on current issues as well. Closing out
the day was Karen White, Legal Counsel for the Louisiana
Municipal Association, who spoke on public records
requests. She provided the membership with a “Bible on
Public Records,” and gave an all-encompassing power
point presentation as well. All members received extensive
information
from every speaker
to take home
to their mayors
and supervisors.
Friday began with
the Mayor’s Panel,
a favorite part of
LAMSA’s agenda.
Participants included
Mayor Lionel
Johnson, (St.
Gabriel); Mayor
Glenn Brasseaux,
(Carencro); Mayor
LMR | NOVEMBER 2022 Page 23

Derrick Johnson, (Cheneyville); Mayor
President Josh Guillory, Lafayette Consolidated
Government; and Mayor Jan-Scott
Richard, (Scott). All panelists gave insight
into their city resources, current issues,
and accomplishments during their terms,
and answered attendee questions. The
conference ended with an outstanding
motivational speaker, Joseph Prejean.
Prejean is a life coach and author of the
book, “One More Mountain,” a must read
for anyone who thinks that life has given
them challenges they cannot overcome.
The book tells the story of Joseph A.
Prejean, who was born into a large family,
raised in poverty as a foster child, working
from the age of five years-old, and survived unbelievable
circumstances. Every member was moved by his talk.
A gift exchange took place, a spring scholarship was
drawn, and evaluations were filled out. President Yvonne
Lewis closed the conference reminding all that the next
spring conference would be held March 29 – 31, 2023,
when elections will be held for each position on the
board. Location to be determined. The conference was
adjourned.
For more information contact Kristine Scherer at lamsa@
currently.com or call 504-259-1068.
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STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
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