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LOUISIANA BOARD OF ETHICS * ETHICS BOARD DOCKET NO. 2012-880 <br /> * <br /> * <br /> IN THE MATTER OF MICHAEL LOUPE <br /> AND INTERCOASTAL REDI-MIX, LLC * EAB DOCKET NO.2013-11100-ETHICS-B <br /> CONSENT ORDER <br /> The Louisiana Board of Ethics ("Ethics Board"), pursuant to the authority contained in La. R.S. <br /> 42:1141, conducted a confidential investigation concerning Michael Loupe and Intercoastal Redi-Mix, <br /> LLC concerning the following: <br /> 1. <br /> Michael Loupe has served as the Director of Public Works for Morgan City since January 2005. <br /> The Director of Public Works serves as the administrative head of the Department of Public works and <br /> supervises construction contracts, and reviews and authorizes payments pursuant to the contracts. <br /> 2. <br /> In the spring of 2011, Mr. Loupe and members of his immediate family sought to establish a <br /> cement batching plant for the purpose of developing a business for the sale of premixed cement <br /> products to area construction contractors. On June 14, 2011,Articles of Organization were filed with <br /> the Office of the Secretary of State and a charter was issued evidencing the formation of"Intercoastal <br /> Redi-Mix, LLC" (hereinafter referred to as"Intercoastal")with Mary 0. Loupe and Michael Loupe as its <br /> members. In 2012,their sons,Joshua F. Loupe and Nicholas S. Loupe,were added as members of <br /> Intercoastal. In 2012, Mary Loupe owned 100%of Intercoastal. <br /> 3. <br /> If called to testify, Mr. Loupe would state that during the summer of 2011, Mr. Loupe contacted <br /> the City Attorney for the City of Morgan City, met with the City Attorney and the Mayor, as well as <br /> contacting the Office of the Attorney General—all for the purpose of ensuring that the provision of <br /> cement products by a company owned by his family would not create any untoward conflicts of interest <br /> or other ethical concerns. <br /> 4. <br /> Southern Constructors, LLC contacted Intercoastal and solicited a price for the provision of <br /> cement products. In the spring of 2012, Southern Constructors, LLC was awarded a contract with the <br /> City of Morgan City. From May 4, 2012 through November 14, 2012, Southern Constructors, LLC <br /> acquired ready-mixed products and paid Intercoastal $147,343.31. <br />