KQKI News has learned that a resolution that would remove the entire Board of Commissioners of St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A, which comprises the area of Morgan City, will be tabled at Tuesday night’s meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council. Due to a scheduling conflict with several parish council members, the meeting was rescheduled from Wednesday to Tuesday.
The resolution by Councilman Jimmy Davis states, “Resolution removing the Board of Commissioners of St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A and authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer to immediately assume the responsibilities of operating the aforesaid Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A including signing checks, be a signer on bank accounts, contracts, and other documents related to its proper operations until new members of the Board of Commissioners are appointed by the Parish Council and sworn in. ”
Davis told KQKI News late Monday afternoon that he originally added the resolution to the agenda to remove the Board of Commissioners because he felt it was time to go in another direction after recent flooding due to Hurricane Francine. However, Davis said he has since reconsidered this decision and plans to table the resolution at Tuesday night’s meeting. He stated that after the resolution became public knowledge, he received several phone calls both for and against the resolution. He would like more time to field concerns from his constituents on the matter. He added that there is proposed funding for projects to relieve future flooding issues.
A special meeting has also been called for 5:00 pm on Tuesday for the council to consider the appointing of a committee that would study the various boards and commissions of the parish. Chairwoman Gwen Hidalgo explained that a recent ordinance was passed by the parish council that requires each member of a board or commission to have a minimum amount of training. She said the proposed committee would study each board and determine which board members meet the minimum requirements.