Meetings
 
Louisiana Board of Ethics
 LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
FEBRUARY 3, 2022
2:30 PM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Note: Meetings begin on February 3, 2022 and continue to February 4, 2022.

Executive Session
Consideration of complaints and reports deemed confidential pursuant to Section 1141 of the Code of Governmental Ethics.
Discussion in Executive Session of pending charges against Jeanine Blaney in Docket No. 2016-017.
Discussion in Executive Session of charges pending against members of the Capital Area Ground Water Conservation District Board of Commissioners in No. 2019-632.
Discussion in Executive Session concerning charges issued against Rebekah Gee in Docket No. 2019-690.
Discussion of a lawsuit pending against Joseph Sobol and Crescent City Democratic Assocation in Docket No. 2020-575.

Louisiana Board of Ethics
LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
FEBRUARY 4, 2022
9:00 AM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

GENERAL
Appearances
G1. Docket No. 21-758
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive $720 and $500 campaign finance late fees assessed against Rodney D. Miller, an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor, Town of Livingston (Pop. 1,877), Livingston Parish, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 30-P and 10-P campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 18 and 13 days late, respectively.
G2. Docket No. 21-804
Request that the Board waive the $800 campaign finance late fee assessed against Stephanie Bridges, an unsuccessful candidate for Judge, Criminal District Court, Section K, Orleans Parish, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 40-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 8 days late.
G3. Docket No. 21-1068
Request that the Board waive $3,000, $2,400, $3,000, $3,000, $1,600 and $3,000 campaign finance late fees, totaling $16,000 assessed against Crescent City Democratic Association, a political action committee, and its committee's chairperson, Joseph R. Sobol, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose three(3) Special(48 Hour) campaign finance disclosure reports have not been filed, but were fined at 15, 12 and 8 days late. The 10-P, 10-G and 40-G campaign finance reports have not been filed.
G4. Docket No. 22-014
Advisory Opinion requests on behalf of Entergy Louisiana, LLC, ExxonMobil Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Port Hudson, LLC, and Baton Rouge Water Works Company regarding prohibitions for employees appointed as members of the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District Board of Commissioners.
Consent Agenda and Consent Opinions
G5. Docket No. CHART
Chart for Advisory Opinion Requests on the General Consent February 2022 Agenda.
G6. Docket No. 21-999
Withdrawal of an Advisory Opinion Request from Maria S. Edwards on behalf of the Youree Drive Middle AP Magnet School.
G7. Docket No. 21-1001
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics(Code) would prohibit Michael Anders from volunteering to serve as a patrolman while his wife, Ramona Anders, serves as the Police Chief of the Village of Hosston.
G8. Docket No. 21-1016
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Statewide Cemetery Response Task Force and/or their designees are required to file annual personal financial disclosure statements pursuant to La. R.S. 42:1124.2.1.
G9. Docket No. 21-1017
Advisory opinion request from Karen Quebedeaux Smith, Justice of the Peace, Ward 3, District 6, relating to whether justices of the peace are required to take the annual ethics training for public employees.
G10. Docket No. 21-1018
Request for Approval of a Disqualification Plan by Nicholls State University President Jay Clune, regarding the employment of Robert and Sondra Podeyn in the Athletic Department.
G11. Docket No. 21-1037
Advisory opinion request from Richard L. Traina, a former Assistant Attorney General, relative to providing legal services to the Department of Natural Resources upon his leaving the Louisiana Department of Justice.
G12. Docket No. 21-1042
Disqualification Plan request from Nicholls State University ("NSU") to approve a plan removing Dr. Quenton Fontenot, Head of the Biological Sciences Department (the "Department"), from participating in matters involving his wife, Dr. Allyse Ferrara, who is a faculty member in the Department.
G13. Docket No. 21-1055
Advisory opinion request, submitted by Stewart Eastman, regarding whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") would prohibit him from submitting his work of art to the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum ("Museum") independent selection committee to be juried and potentially sold at the En Plein Air exhibition.
G14. Docket No. 21-1056
Advisory opinion request, submitted by Allison B. Nihart., regarding whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") would prohibit her company, American All-Star, LLC ("AAS"), from allowing St. Tammany Parish school dance teams to participate in events hosted by AAS while she is employed as a teacher with St. Tammany Parish School Board.
G15. Docket No. 21-1060
Advisory opinion request from Joseph Buckley, as to whether his company can lease warehouse space from the New Orleans Aviation Board ("NOAB"), while his wife is employed as an Airport Services Agent in the Legal Department of NOAB. Jefferson Parish has a population of 440,781.
G16. Docket No. 21-1062
Request for Approval of a Disqualification Plan by Mark Voisin, Divisional Director of Ancillary Services, for LSU Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, regarding the employment of Greg and Marissa Triolo.
G17. Docket No. 22-013
Advisory opinion request relative to Linda Curtis-Sparks, Executive Director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, regarding post-employment prohibitions. Sabine Parish has a population of 22,155.
Regular Business
G18. Docket No. MINUTES
January 2022 Board Minutes
G19. Docket No. 20-845
Consent Opinion regarding Virginia Bays, former Clerk for the Village of Sun (Pop. 470) in St. Tammany Parish.
G20. Docket No. 21-902
Request for an advisory opinion from Andrea Bryant, a Child Welfare Supervisor in the Foster Care Program with the Department of Children and Family Services ("DCFS"), relative to outside employment restrictions.
G21. Docket No. 21-924
Consideration of the assessment of the enhanced penalty pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1505.4A(4)(b) for Frank Scurlock, candidate for Mayor, City of New Orleans, in the October 14, 2017 election, for his failure to file a 2019 supplemental campaign finance disclosure report.
G22. Docket No. 21-1057
Advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics(Code) would prohibit Rachael Duhon from working part-time for Hearts of Hospice, if Hearts of Hospice conducts business with the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home (Home), while her husband, Matthew Duhon, serves as the Home's Administrator.
G23. Docket No. 21-1058
Advisory Opinion request from Roy Baas, Chairman of the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority, regarding the hiring of a new Executive Director.
G24. Docket No. 21-1059
A Request for an Advisory Opinion, submitted by Renda T. Fontenot (on behalf of Rep. Phillip R. DeVillier and Savannah Claire, Inc.) regarding whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") would prohibit him or Savannah Claire, Inc. from participating in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program ("ERAP").
G25.   WAIVER REQUESTS - CAMPAIGN FINANCE
  Docket No. waiver
February 2022 CF Waiver Chart.
  Docket No. 21-313
Request that the Board waive the $720 campaign finance late fees assessed against Stephen J. Gremillion, in his capacity as a successful candidate for City Marshal, City Court, City of Bunkie (Pop. 3,346), Avoyelles Parish, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 40-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 12 days late.
  Docket No. 21-760
Request that the Board waive the $2,000, $1,500, $300 and $720 campaign finance late fees assessed against John R. "Dick" Gibbs, in his capacity as an unsuccessful candidate for Councilman at Large, Division A, St. Charles Parish, in the March 20, 2021 election, whose 2020 Annual, 30-P, 10-P, and 10-G campaign finance disclosure report were filed 50, 25, 5 and 12 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 21-1032
Request that the Board waive a $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Darnell Waites, a successful candidate for Mayor, City of Baker (Pop. 12,455) in the July 11, 2020 election, whose 2020 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 264 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1035
Request that the Board waive a $1,400 campaign finance late fee assessed against Patricia Boyd Robertson, an unsuccessful candidate for Clerk, Criminal District Court, Orleans Parish, in the November 13, 2021 election, whose 90-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 14 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1036
Request that the Board waive the $1,200 campaign finance late fee assessed against Tunica Biloxi Indians PAC, a political action committee, and its committee's chairperson, David Rivas, Jr., whose July 2021 Monthly Report campaign finance report was filed 6 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1038
Request that the Board waive the $1,400 campaign finance late fee assessed against New Orleans Home Builders Association, a political action committee, and its committee's chairperson, Michael Kraft, whose August 2021 Monthly Report campaign finance report was filed 7 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1039
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against American Sugar Cane League, a political action committee, its committee's chairperson, Frankie Sotile, and treasurer, John Constant, whose August 2021 Monthly Report campaign finance report was filed 5 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1064
Request that the Board waive a $280 campaign finance late fee assessed against Education Reform Now Advocacy, an organization that participated in the October 14, 2017 election, whose 10-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 7 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1065
Request that the Board waive three separate $1,000 (for a total of $3,000) campaign finance late fees assessed against Melvin "Moe" Adams, an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor, City of Jennings (Pop. 9,837) in the March 20, 2021 election, whose 30-P, 10-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 48, 28 and 77 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 21-1066
Request that the Board waive the $60 campaign finance late fee assessed against Cedric Floyd, an unsuccessful candidate for Member of School Board, District 5, Jefferson Parish, in the November 6, 2018 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 1 day late.
G26.   WAIVER REQUESTS - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
  Docket No. waiver
February 2022 PFD Waiver Chart.
  Docket No. 21-908
Waiver request submitted by Ernest Glynn "Ernie" Roden, North Hodge Board of Aldermen (Pop. 296) / Jackson Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 3 annual pfd 32 days late.
  Docket No. 21-915
Waiver request submitted by Herbert "Ripp" Rippeon, an unsuccessful candidate for Basile Board of Alderman (Pop. 1,214) / District 2, Acadia and Evangeline Parishes in the November 3, 2020 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for failing to file his amended 2019 Tier 3 candidate pfd.
  Docket No. 21-986
Waiver request submitted by Steven Leon, Hammond City Council (Pop. 19,584) / District 5 / Hammond / Tangipahoa Parish, regarding a $250 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 10 days late.
  Docket No. 21-997
Waiver request submitted by Richard Kelly, Franklin Parish School Board / District 4, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 3 annual pfd 89 days late and a $200 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 8 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1029
Waiver request submitted by Jason Harold Coats, Chief of Police / Morse (Pop. 599) / Acadia Parish, regarding a $400 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 16 days late.
  Docket No. 21-1030
Waiver request submitted by Paul Fuselier, former member of the State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2018 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 404 days late.
G27.   WAIVER REQUESTS - SCHOOL BOARD DISCLOSURE
  Docket No. 21-989
Waiver request submitted by Darrell Sims, a member of the Madison Parish School Board, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2018-2019 School Board Disclosure Statement 968 days late, a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019-2020 School Board Disclosure Statement 740 days late, a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020-2021 School Board Disclosure Statement 371 days late, and, a $350 late fee assessed for filing his 2021-2022 School Board Disclosure Statement 7 days late.
  Docket No. 21-998
Waiver request submitted by Richard Kelly, a member of the Franklin Parish School Board, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 School Board Disclosure Statement 377 days late and a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 School Board Disclosure Statement 30 days late.
G28.   WAIVER REQUESTS - UNTIMELY
  Docket No. 21-1067
Request that the Board waive $800, $280, $1,000 and $240 campaign finance late fees, totaling $2,320.00, assessed against Michael Bergeron, a successful candidate for Council Member, Division C, City of Westlake (Pop. 4,781), Calcasieu Parish, in the October 12, 2019 election, whose 30-P, 10-P, 10-G and 2019 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 20, 7, 98 and 6 days late, respectively.
G29.   WAIVER REQUESTS - RECONSIDERATIONS
  Docket No. 21-462
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive the two (2) $2,500 for a total of $5,000 campaign finance late fees assessed against C. Denise Marcelle, an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor-President, Metro Council, City of Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 180-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 85 and 32 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 21-610
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive a $1,080 campaign finance late fee assessed against Joy R. Jackson, an unsuccessful candidate for District Judge, 6th Judicial District Court, Div. B, East Carroll, Madison and Tensas Parishes in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 10-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 18 days late.
  Docket No. 21-617
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive a $480 campaign finance late fee assessed against April D. Williams, an unsuccessful candidate for Member of School Board, District 2, Jefferson Parish, in the November 6, 2018 election, whose 2020 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 8 days late.
  Docket No. 21-632
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive a $3,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Rapides Parish Democratic Executive Committee, a political action committee, its committee's chairperson, Steven Chark, and treasurer, Maxine Pickens, whose 2019 Annual campaign finance disclosure report was filed 30 days late.
  Docket No. 21-637
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive a $3,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Falconer PAC, a political action committee, and its committee's chairperson, Reid Falconer, in connection with the July 11, 2020 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 461 days late.