Tensas Gazette Public Notices for Feb. 21, 2024
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with L.R.S. 3:1609 and LAC 7:XV.314 (A), the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Louisiana Boll Weevil Eradication Commission, has established a boll weevil eradication zone, the Louisiana Eradication Zone, consisting of all the territory within the state of Louisiana.
Notice is further given that all producers of commercial cotton in Louisiana are required to participate in the boll weevil eradication program, including cost sharing, in accordance with the Boll Weevil Eradication Law and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, reporting of cotton acreage and destruction of cotton plants and stalks by December 31 of each crop year. A copy of the law and rules and regulations may be obtained from the Boll Weevil Eradication Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd. Ste. 3002, Baton Rouge, La. 70806, telephone number (225) 922-1338.
Notice is also given that the planting of noncommercial cotton is PROHIBITED in Louisiana unless a written waiver is obtained from the Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry in accordance with LAC 7:XV.319(C). To request a waiver, submit a written application to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, at the address provided in this notice, stating the conditions under which such written waiver is requested.
2/14, 2/21, 2/28
NOTICE
I have been appointed Curator for the Estate of Evelyn Pounds (AKA Evelyn Marie Dawson Pounds). Anyone knowing the whereabouts of her heirs, please contact Bradley Sloane, Attorney at Law, 607 East Askew Street, Tallulah, LA, or phone (318) 574-3133.
2/21, 2/28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
November 30, 2023
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a special meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, 704 Plank Road, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m., November 30, 2023, with President John L. Turner presiding and the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Knola Ransome, Mr. George Matthews, Mr. Joseph Tarver, Mrs. Annice Miller, & Mr. Esaw Turner
Absent: Mrs. Jennifer Burnside
President Turner called the meeting to order. Mr. Esaw Turner led an invocation, and Interim Superintendent Joyce M. Russ lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Ransome, the Board approved to refinish the Newellton Elementary School gym floor. Motion passed.
President Turner opened the superintendent applications. Mrs. Eryn Rimmey and Mrs. Beth Vinson certified that the applications turned in by Dr. Benita B. Young and Mrs. Joyce M. Russ were complete and qualified. Mr. Matthews then motioned to accept the two qualified applications for superintendent and to set interviews to be held in a special meeting on December 7, 2023, at 5:00 pm. Both names were placed in a bag and President Turner drew to see who would be the first to be interviewed. Mrs. Russ’ name was drawn as the first interviewee and Dr. Young will be interviewed second. Mr. Esaw Turner seconded the motion. Motion passed.
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. Russ
Joyce M. Russ, Interim Superintendent
2/21
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
November 9, 2023
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a regular meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m., November 9, 2023, with President John Turner presiding and the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Jennifer Burnside, Mrs. Knola Ransome, Mr. George Matthews, Mr. Joseph Tarver, Mrs. Annice Miller, & Mr. Esaw Turner
President Turner called the meeting to order. Mr. Esaw Turner led an invocation, and Interim Superintendent Joyce Russ led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Ransome, the Board approved the minutes from the regular board meeting held October 12, 2023. Motion passed.
Tensas High School Student Council introduced themselves to the Board and expressed their excitement for this school year. The students were then addressed by Mrs. Wanda Sue Bowman.
Mr. Matthews motioned for the Board to waive the first reading and approve the following policy revision: FILE: IFCD - School Volunteers. Mrs. Miller seconded the motion. The Board then heard comments from Mr. Roy Bowman and Mrs. Wanda Sue Bowman. After discussion of adding the word “justifiable” to the policy, motion passed.
Mrs. Miller motioned, seconded by Mr. Matthews, to receive the September financial statement and budget to actual update as presented by Mrs. Eryn Rimmey, Business Manager. Motion passed.
Interim Superintendent Russ made the following announcements:
-The gym floors are being buffed and waxed. THS was completed today and NES will be done tomorrow.
-TES will hold a Veterans Day Program tomorrow morning at 9:30 in the gym.
-Jr. High are playing at Delta Charter tonight.
-Jr. High tournament will be Saturday (11/11/23) starting at 10:00 am.
-School performance scores will be released on Monday, November 13, 2023.
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. Russ
Joyce M. Russ, Interim Superintendent
2/21
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
December 7, 2023
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a special meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m., December 7, 2023, with President John Turner presiding and the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Jennifer Burnside, Mrs. Knola Ransome, Mr. George Matthews, Mr. Joseph Tarver, Mrs. Annice Miller, & Mr. Esaw Turner
President Turner called the meeting to order. Mr. Esaw Turner led an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Turner.
Mr. Matthews made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, to begin the interviews for Superintendent. Each applicant was able to give a five-minute introduction of themselves and was asked questions by the Board. Mr. Tarver made a motion for the Board to go into executive session, and Mrs. Burnside seconded that motion. After discussion, Mrs. Miller made a motion, seconded by Mr. Matthews to exit executive session and return to the regular meeting. Upon returning to the regular meeting, Mr. Matthews motioned, seconded by Mrs. Ransome, to vote for superintendent. Attorney Neal Johnson with Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, gave each board member a ballot with both applicant’s names listed. He asked them to circle the applicant of their choice and to sign their name. The ballots were passed to President Turner and given to Attorney Johnson to tally as followed: John Turner - Joyce Russ; Joseph Tarver - Benita Young; Esaw Turner - Joyce Russ; Annice Miller - Joyce Russ; Jennifer Burnside - Joyce Russ; Knola Ransome - Benita Young. With the majority of votes (5-2), Mrs. Russ was selected to serve as the next Superintendent of Tensas Parish School Board pending finalization and contract. Motion passed.
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mr. Turner, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. RussJoyce M. Russ, Interim Superintendent
2/21
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
December 14, 2023
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a regular meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m., December 14, 2023, with President John L. Turner presiding and the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Knola Ransome, Mr. George Matthews, Mrs. Annice Miller, & Mr. Esaw Turner
Absent: Mrs. Jennifer Burnside & Mr. Joseph Tarver
President Turner called the meeting to order. Mr. Esaw Turner led an invocation, and Superintendent Joyce M. Russ led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the Board voted to add addendum item to approve board meeting dates for 2024, after number 11 on the agenda. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board approved the minutes from the regular board meeting held November 9, 2023, and special board meeting held on November 30, 2023. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Ransome, the Board approved the resolution adopted by the EFID Board on December 14, 2023, canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in Tensas Parish Schools Educational Facilities Improvement District, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, to authorize the levy of a sales and use tax therein. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mr. Turner, the Board approved the ordinance adopted by the EFID Board on December 14, 2023, providing for the levy within the Tensas Parish Schools Educational Facilities Improvement District, of a 0.5% sales and use tax, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in the District on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Motion passed.
Mr. Turner motioned, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the Board approved adoption of the Certificate of Parish Governing Authority Resolution with Concordia Bank & Trust which authorizes signature authority for financial transactions for Tensas Parish School Board (EFID Board). Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mr. Turner, the Board approved a one-time stipend form the State ($2,000 for certified positions & $1,000 for support) to be paid January 12, 2024. Motion passed.
Mrs. Miller motioned, seconded by Mr. Matthews, to receive the October financial statement and budget to actual update as presented by Mrs. Eryn Rimmey, Business Manager. Motion passed.
Mr. Matthews motioned, seconded by Mrs. Miller to approve the first reading of the following policy revisions:
FILE:
CN - Administrative Records
Cf: DIE, GAK, JR
FILE: DFK - Gifts & Donations
Cf: BH, DJE, GAJ
FILE: EBBH - Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) &
Cf: JGFG Cardiac Emergency Plan
FILE: GBG - Probation
Cf: GBA, GBD
Cf: GBJ, GBN
FILE: IHAD - Parent Conferences
Cf: JBE, JD
Cf: JDD, JDE
FILE: JGB - School Wellness
Cf: EE
FILE: JGC - Student Health Services
On motion by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the Board approved the Superintendent’s contract. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board approved board meeting dates for 2024. Motion passed.
Superintendent Russ made the following announcements:
First, thank you to the Board for accepting my contract. I look forward to working with each of you to help move Tensas Parish School System forward.
Next Friday is an early dismissal and we will be on Christmas break until January 8, 2024.
Semester exams will be next week at THS
Monday, THS will host Madison.
We hope to have NES gym floor completed in January.
Starting next month, Mrs. Rimmey will zoom in to our meetings. She is moving and will be working remotely.
We had a teacher resign at THS. Ms. Hodge will fill in teaching history for the rest of the school year. She will also continue to handle accounts payable and transportation.
I would like to thank everyone for working as a team and helping me in any way possible. It means more than any of you can know.
I’d like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. Russ
Joyce M. Russ, Superintendent
2/21
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
02/21/2024
Project No.: FY 2021 CDBG-CV LLO Program #2000816303
Tensas Parish Police Jury (herein referred to as the “Owner”)
Sealed bids marked “Sealed Bid” – Tensas Parish Police Jury, Louisiana, Community Development Block Grant -Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) project for Fiscal Year 2021 to be financed by the State of Louisiana CDBG Program will be received by the Owner for the construction of the project described as follows:
Tensas Parish Police Jury – Playground Improvements
Newellton, St. Joseph & Waterproof
FY 2021 CDBG-CV LLO Program #2000816303
Bids shall be addressed to the Tensas Parish Police Jury and received by the police jury located at 212 Hancock Street, St. Joseph, LA 71366, not later than 4:00 p.m., Local Time, on Thursday March 21, 2024. At that time, the Bids will be opened and read. Bids shall be designated as “Sealed Bid” – Tensas Parish Police Jury, Recreation Improvements, Newellton, St. Joseph & Waterproof, FY 2021 CDBG-CV LLO Program #2000816303 ” - Louisiana Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus, Louisiana Outdoor Love Project for Fiscal Year 2021 to be financed by the State of Louisiana CDBG-CV LLO Program.
All bids must be submitted on the proper form. The contractor must display his contractor’s license number prominently on the outside of the envelope. Any bids received after the specified time and date will not be considered.
Complete bidding documents for this project are available in electronic form and can be downloaded from the following designated website: http://www.centralbidding.com under Bryant Hammett & Associates, LLC. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with http://www.centralbidding.com website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submit a bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website. Prospective Bidders are solely responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date bidding Documents from the designated website. Construction documents can be obtained from Bryant Hammett & Associates (318-757-6576) upon payment of $200 dollars per set. Documents can be mailed to bidders for an additional $15.00 per set. Refunds will be given on the first set of documents furnished to bona fide prime bidders upon return of the clean, unmarked documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website. Bids will not be accepted through the online bidding portal, they will be received by mail, and or delivery as stated above.
Contractors are responsible for reproduction/printing of Bidding Documents. Contractors desiring to bid shall provide evidence that they hold a State License of proper classification and in full force and effect. For contractor information, this project is classified as Heavy construction.
In accordance with RS 38:2212 G(2) plans and specifications shall be available to bidders until twenty-four hours before bid opening date.
The Corporate Resolution must be signed and sealed. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause; such actions will be in accordance with title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
All bidders must have an active Unique Entity ID Number, as verified on www.sam.gov, prior to the beginning of construction. The prime contractor is responsible for all Subcontractor’s. All subcontractor’s must also have an active Unique Entity ID Number, as verified on www.sam.gov, to be eligible to work on CDBG projects.
Attention to Bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract, Section 3, Segregated Facilities, Section 109, Executive Order 11246, and all applicable laws and regulations of the Federal Government and State of Louisiana and bonding and insurance requirements.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form, and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Bid bonds shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Circular 570 list of approved bonding companies which is published annually in the Federal Register.
No bidder may withdraw his/her bid within forty-five (45) days after the actual date of the opening thereof.
Any interpretation of the bid documents shall be in writing addressed to Bryant Hammett & Associates, L.L.C. at 6885 Hwy. 84 West, Ferriday, LA 71334 or emailed to kcapdepon@bha-engineers.com and to be given consideration must be received at least ten days prior to the date fixed for the opening of bids. No communication after this date.
The Contractor shall begin mobilization and procurement of materials within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the Notice to Proceed.
The attention of bidders is called particularly to the requirements for conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract. The successful bidder must submit executed copies of certification regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, Section 3 and Segregated Facilities, Section 3 Plan, Certification Concerning Labor Standards and all subcontractor’s certifications prior to contract award.
The successful bidder will be required to execute the Owner’s Standard Form of Agreement/Contract for construction together with the Performance and Payment Bonds within ten (10) working days after issuance of the Notice of Award. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
All awarded contractors will be required to attend a monthly meeting, with mandatory attendance from the Project Engineer, Resident Inspector and Contractor, or their authorized representatives, at the beginning of each month to review quantities for pay estimates, process change orders, review work performed during the month and to discuss any problems which may have arisen.
Please notify the Tensas Parish Police Jury (318) 766-3542 seven (7) days in advance of the scheduled bid opening if special accommodations specified under ADA are required.
The Owner hereby notifies all offerors that in regards to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, that Minority Business Enterprise will be afforded equal opportunity to submit offers in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin or disability in consideration for an award.
Tensas Paris Police Jury
Bubba Rushing, President
212 Hancock Street
St. Joseph, LA 71366
2/21, 2/28, 3/6