The Church Point City Council unanimously approved the hiring of Patricia Ann Citizen as a part time dispatcher and Michael Benoit as a part time police reserve officer at the April 3 meeting.
Among those in attendance were two special guests, Susan Theall who is running for the for the seat on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal, and Tyron Glover, Community Outreach Coordinator for Rep. Clay Higgins. Each spoke briefly to the council.
Tim Mader of Mader Engineering gave an update on the Louisiana Safe Routes to Public Places. Mader said that he had been advised to refrain from applying for grant money. “The Town will not rate high enough to get the grant,” said Mader. “I feel applying will be a waste of time and money. Maybe it will be more promising at a later date if changes are made.” He told the council that after last month’s council authorization to begin the process, he looked further at it and decided it was not worth the time and investment.
Warrant Officer Dale Thibodeaux gave his report, stating that $4,738.00 had been collected for recovered bench warrants. Officer Thibodeaux suggested that the council commend Officer Primeaux for his attention to a traffic stop he had made. Officer Primeaux went back to check on the driver when he did not leave. “The man was having a heart attack and Officer Primeaux saved his life,” said Thibodeaux.
Mayor Russell Stelly stated that the adoption of the millage rate resolution at 7.01 mils will take place at the May council meeting.
The council approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan update suggested by Acadia Parish Emergency Preparedness/Homeland Security Director Lee Hebert.
The removal of State Hwy. 1104 (by Garan) from state highways in the draft of HLS 17RS-485 by Rep. Phillip DeVillier was approved, along with the insertion of UTV’s, which will allow golf carts on the road.
Stelly opened discussion on the magistrate’s salary, stating that he had exceeded the allotted amount for his salary with six months remaining on his contract.
Magistrate Brad Andrus said, “The budget is out of whack with reality. The trials I conduct, I take home and work, I sign all warrants, I make sure court runs right. I do things the right way, even if it costs the Town more. I won’t turn my head and not see if we run out of money. The budget is $12,000, the same as in the 1980s. I don’t abide by the mayor’s budget. The $12,000 is for the magistrate position only. The Town is getting a good deal.” The council voted to approve $3,000.00 for last month and to consider the magistrate’s salary at next month’s meeting.
Stelly said that the Town is getting quotes on the demolition of the old city barn. He also spoke of the Nuisance Ordinance, and said there is a list of non-compliant buildings in town, made from past complaints.
Municipal Clerk Todd Richard told the council that the list of nuisance properties will be available at the next meeting.
At Councilman Gene Malbrough’s urging, the council approved declaring April 22 as Earth Day.
At the conclusion of the regular meeting, Ida and Bill Horton of Horton’s Insurance Agency LLC were recognized. They have acquired the former Erny Insurance Agency. Greg Bellard, Jr., a Church Point native, was also recognized as owner of L. Gregory Production Studios in Lafayette.
