New Maurice administration holds first meeting

MAURICE — Last year proved to be a year of changes for Maurice.
In the spring, Maurice moved from a village to officially become a town. That expanded the Board of Aldermen from three to five members. Then, elections took place in November, bringing a new mayor and members to the board.
Those new faces kicked off this year during the first Maurice Board of Aldermen meeting on Jan. 18.
“I thank everybody for coming for our first meeting of the year,” Mayor Neil Arsement said. “We appreciate your support through this whole process.”
Arsement added with a laugh, “Bear with me because this is my first time holding a meeting.”
Along with the new mayor, Alderman Matthew Trahan and Alderman Scott Trahan took part in their first meeting. They joined returning board members Alderman Troy Catalon, Alderwoman Megan Landry-Lalande and Alderman Jonathan Schlicher. The latter has served on the board since first being elected in 2018. Catalon and Lalande served as appointees to the board when it expanded to five. They both won election in November.
During the meeting, the board unanimously voted Landry-Lalande as the new mayor pro-tempore.
“I am humbled and honored to be elected by the council to serve in the position of Mayor pro tempore,” Landry-Lalande said after the meeting. “My relationships with the current leadership, staff, and those who serve our community — partnered with my experience and love for Maurice — will guide me in times of need to be a strong servant in this role.
“I am grateful for the support of our council members and look forward to the contributions we will all make in prospering our community.”
Arsement recommended that longtime Municipal Clerk, Secretary/Treasurer and Tax Collector Melanie Denais continue in her role.
“I would love to see her stay on board,” Arsement said.
Catalon motioned for Denais’ appointment, with Landry-Lalande providing a second. The board voted 5-0 in favor.
“We can’t do it without you,” Landry-Lalande told Denais.
Arsement also nominated Ricky LaFleur to continue as Maurice’s legal advisor and mayor’s court prosecutor. That also received unanimous approval.
Other appointments included:
• Mayor’s Court Magistrate — Ted Ayo
• CPA Firm/Auditor — John S. Dowling & Co.
• Engineering firm — Sellers & Associates
• Grant Writer/Municipal Planner — Richard Minvielle & Associates