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