Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 17-031
 
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RE:
Advisory Opinion request regarding Richard Castille, an employee of the Department of Community Development with the Lafayette Consolidated Government, participating in the agency's Rehab Program.
Facts:
The Department of Community Development for Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government ("CD") administers federal Community Development Block Grants ("CDBG") and Home Investment Partnerships Program grant funds, received from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), to carry out the Housing Rehabilitation Program ("Rehab Program"). The Rehab Program provides a grant of up to $30,000, plus labor, to rehabilitate owner-occupied, single-family homes for low and moderate income applicants. The Rehab Program is under the CD Housing and Federal Programs Division and is managed by a Housing Rehab Specialist, who supervises the carpentry and paint crews, and all other contractors on the job. The Rehab Program is offered to all eligible residents.

On October 27, 2014, Richard Castille and his wife submitted a pre-application under the Rehab Program. Following the submission of all required documentation, on September 1, 2016, it was determined by the CD Housing and Federal Programs Division that Mr. Castille is income-eligible for the Rehab Program. On March 3, 2017, an income re-determination was conducted, after which, it was determined that Mr. Castille is still income-eligible for the Rehab Program.

Richard Castille was hired by the Department of Community Development on January 17, 2017, as a Neighborhood Services Counselor within the CD Human Services District. As such, Mr. Castille's duties include the provision of housing counseling services, including workshops, seminars, homebuyer training, home maintenance classes, and one-on-one counseling with income-eligible individuals. Mr. Castille does not hold a decision making position and has no influence on the application with respect to the Rehab Program. The Rehab Program is conducted under the CD Housing and Federal Programs Division, while Mr. Castille is employed in the CD Human Services Division.

Law:
La. R.S. 42:1113A(1)(a) states no public servant, excluding any legislator and any appointed member of any board of commission and any member of a governing authority of a parish with a population of ten thousand or less, or member of such a public servant's immediate family, or legal entity in which he has a controlling interest shall bid on or enter into any contract, subcontract, or other transaction that is under the supervision or jurisdiction of the agency of such public servant.

La. R.S. 42:1102(2)(a)(i) defines "agency" to mean a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity.

Recommendations:
Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: David Bordelon
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2017-031- Advisory Opinion Draft
2017-031 Agency Head Report
2017-031- Additional Information
2017-031- CD Org Chart