August 12, 2025

 

The Stonewall Town Council met during a regular session with 7 visitors. A roll call was taken, Council Members present were Margaret Dickerson, Robert Baker, Don Crosslin, Brandon Garsee, and Eric Runge. Mayor Ken Kaffka and Attorney Dakota Hawkins were also present. Prayer was led by Council Member Robert Baker. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Eric Runge.

ADDITION/DELETION: None

PUBLIC COMMENT: Perry Thompson commented on proposed Ordinance Number 154-2025.

MINUTES: A motion to approve July 08, 2025, regular meeting minutes was made by Council Member Margaret Dickerson, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

REPORTS

(a) ROADS:

(b) BUDGET COMPARISON: Budget Comparison for July 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025, was reviewed and discussed. Council Member Margaret Dickerson made a motion to accept as printed, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

(c) OTHER: None.

(d) GRANTS: None.

(e) PARK: None.

(f) REIMBURSEMENT: Mid South Recreation Inc., DBA Moorehead Pool, Building Permit Fee and Inspection Fee. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Don Crosslin. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

(g) LEGAL REPORT: None.

OLD BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS:

A) Adoption of Ordinance Number 153-2025: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF STONEWALL REGULATING THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Discussion followed. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to approve with the amendment to section 4.12 (i) a petition containing at least 100 signatures to 250 signatures, seconded by Council Member Eric Runge. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

B) Recommend approving the only responsive bid for the Church Street Improvements. Discussion followed. Council Member Bradon Garsee made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Robert Naker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

C) Michael Bottoms, discuss requiring new retail businesses to use paper bags instead of plastic bags to help cut down on littering. Discussion followed.

D) Recommend approving the engagement letter with Dees Gardner, CPA, for the 24-25 Fiscal Year Audit. Discussion followed. Council Member Robert Baker made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Margaret Dickerson. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

E) Recommend approving the Mayor to attend the Small Town Mayor’s Conference in Sibley, LA, September 24-25, 2025. Discussion followed. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

F) Introduction of Ordinance Number 154-2025: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RESTATING AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE MAKING OR CAUSING OF LOUD, UNREASONABLE OR UNUSUAL NOISE, PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SAME, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO. Discussion followed. Council Member Margaret Dickerson made a motion to introduce, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

G) Executive Session in compliance with La. R. S. 42:17; discuss, under (A)(2), “prospective litigation after formal written demand.” Council Member Robert Baker made a motion to enter into Executive Session, seconded by Council Member Margaret Dickerson. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

H) Motion to reconvene from Executive Session. Council Member Brandon Garee made a motion to reconvene, seconded by Council Member Eric Runge. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

I) Motion for approval for the Town Attorney, Joshua Chevallier, and Bradley, Murchison, Kelly & Shea LLC to institute litigation on behalf of the Town of Stonewall for the collection of delinquent occupational license taxes. Discussion followed. Council Member Margaret Dickerson made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

 

Council Member Robert Baker made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Eric Runge. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned: 7:34 pm.

 

Signature on File                                                               Signature on File                              

Ken Kaffka, Mayor                                                           Shree’ Young, Town Clerk