July 27, 1994
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994 AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA PRESIDENT WILLIAMS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
CAROLYN WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT
MARK SMITH, VICE PRESIDENT
GERALD BURNS
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.
PHILIP L. GUNN
T.B. PORTER
ARVIL HARVEY
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
WALLACE MCRAE
BENARD MCKEE
COL. PETER SUN
ABSENT: BETTY WESTERCHIL, OUT OF TOWN
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Philip Gunn, Ward One.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, Jr., Ward One.
Superintendent Hinson read the attached Call Notice:
Attached
President Williams thanked everyone for attending this reapportionment meeting.
Mr. Mike Juneau, school board attorney in the reapportionment law suit, Clarence V. Dye et al VS W. Fox McKeithen, et al, No: CV 94-0480, U.S. District Court, Lake Charles Division, addressed the Board. Mr. Juneau recommended that the Board authorize him to file a Notice of Appeal to the courts in the event that the Board should decide at a later date to appeal the judges decision in the reapportionment case.
On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to authorize Mr. Juneau to file a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. District Court in the case of the Vernon Parish School Board reapportionment law suit.
Superintendent Hinson announced that the reapportionment plans presented to the courts by the plaintiffs were available for viewing. He further stated that any interested persons are invited to make written comments on the sign-in sheets provided in the Board Room.
Superintendent Hinson asked Mr. Gary Joiner, reapportionment consultant, to addressed the Board. Mr. Joiner presented and explained 6 (six) proposed redistricting maps to the Board and guests. Mr. Joiner stated that he has worked on an additional redistricting plan, however, he was unable to complete the plan before this meeting and will have this map available within a few days.
Superintendent Hinson stated that it is the Board's intention to have as much public input and comments as possible on the final decision of a new reapportionment plan.
Mr. Joiner stated that he recommends that the Board request that the Vernon Parish Police Jury create precincts 1-7B, 2-4C and possibly 4-3, if feasible. On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to request that the Vernon Parish Police Jury create precincts 1-7B, 2-4C and 4-3, if feasible.
Mr. Joiner stated that by creating these new precincts, any new plan adopted by the Board, as directed by the U.S. District judge, will make redistricting to include the total population an easier task.
Superintendent Hinson announced that the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on August 4, 1994, and that he had previously spoken with Mrs. Cornella Shaw, Executive Secretary of the Vernon Parish Police Jury, and she had informed him the Police Jury would have ample time to meet and consider the request of the Board to create the new precincts.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to officially announce that a public hearing on reapportionment will be held on August 4, 1994, at 10:00 a.m. at which time all proposed plans, including those presented by the plaintiffs in the law suit and those presented by the Vernon Parish School Board, and any plans submitted by citizens will be viewed and discussed and further at this regularly scheduled meeting of the Board, the reapportionment hearing will take place at the end of the meeting and any persons wishing to address the Board are welcome to do so.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to convey their heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Benard McKee, school board member from Ward Seven, Mr. Red McKee, and Mr. Odom McKee, bus operators form Ward Seven, in the recent death of their mother Mrs. Hazel McKee,
WHEREAS, Mrs. McKee was a long time supporter of Vernon Parish Schools and a leader of her community. She will be sadly missed by her friends and family,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to the McKee's along with sincere condolences from this Board.
President Williams announced that the Legislative Update meeting will be held August 5, 1994 and all members are urged to attend.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted to adjourn.
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CAROLYN G. WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY