May 13, 2025
The Stonewall Town Council met during a regular session with 105 visitors. A roll call was taken, Council Members present were Margaret Dickerson, Robert Baker, Don Crosslin, Eric Runge, and Brandon Garsee. Mayor Ken Kaffka and Town Attorney Josh Chevallier were also present. Prayer was led by Council Member Margaret Dickerson. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Don Crosslin.
ADDITION/DELETION: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
MINUTES: A motion to approve April 14, 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: Mayor Kaffka stated that Twin Oaks Road work started today.
(b) BUDGET COMPARISON: Budget Comparison for July 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025, was reviewed and discussed. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to accept as printed, seconded by Council Member Margaret Dickerson. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
(c) OTHER: None.
(d) GRANTS: None.
(e) PARK: Discuss and make a recommendation for the use of funds from the DeSoto Parish Police Jury. Mayor Kaffka stated that there are quotes in everyone’s packets for Adult Fitness Equipment to be staged around the walking track.
(f) REIMBURSEMENT:
(g) Legal Report: Josh Chevallier, Town Attorney stated that approval of the request to authorize the settlement of the MPERS litigation that has now been completed, a motion to dismiss that lawsuit was filed in Baton Rouge and is awaiting the judge’s signature, with the agreement of both parties to the dismissal of the suit. Mr. Chevallier stated that once he receives the dismissal, he will forward it to the Town Clerk, and the matter will be closed and final. Mr. Chevallier also mentioned that the non-compliance with the fence for the development across the street has been referred to his office.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Request to appeal the decision of the Planning & Zoning Commission in granting a waiver to increase the density requirements for the zoning described as “multi-family” in the Town’s ordinances. Discussion followed. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to grant the waiver, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. A Roll Call Vote was taken. 0 YEAS, 5 NAYS, 0 ABSENT, Motion failed.
b) Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-129:A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CANVASSING THE RETURNS AND PROMULGATING THE RESULTS OF THE MARCH 29, 2025, LOCAL OPTION ELECTION GOVERNING THE SALE OF BEVERAGES OF HIGH AND LOW ALCOHOLIC CONTENT WITHIN THE INCORPORATED LIMITS OF THE TOWN OF STONEWALL. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to adopt, seconded by Council Member Eric Runge. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
c) Introduction of Ordinance Number 151-2025: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FOR THE TOWN OF STONEWALL, DESOTO PARISH, LOUISIANA. The Ordinance was introduced by Mayor Kaffka. Council Member Bradon Garsee made a motion to Introduce, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
d) Introduction of Ordinance Number 152-2025: AN ORDINANCE TO PRESENT AND ADOPT THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026. The Ordinance was introduced by Mayor Kaffka. Council Member Eric Runge made a motion to introduce, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
e) Recommend approving the lowest, most responsible quote to remove a tree within the right-of-way on Twin Oaks Road.Discussion followed. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to approve the quote from Count on it Tree Service, seconded by Council Member Eric Runge. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
f) Recommend approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the DeSoto Parish Police Jury to replace a culvert located at 226 Dalton Road. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Robert Baker. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
g) Recommend approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Louisiana State Treasurer for funds from Act 776 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session – State Aid to Local Government Entities: Street Improvements. Council Member Brandon Garsee made a motion to approve, seconded by Council Member Eric Runge. 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
h) Recommend approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Louisiana State Treasurer for funds from Act 776 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session – State Aid to Local Government Entities: Road Improvement Projects. Council Member Don Crosslin 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: 7:29 pm.
Signature on File Signature on File
Ken Kaffka, Mayor Shree’ Young, Town Clerk