American Legion may get its building back

The American Legion may get its building at 251 Park Avenue back.
The city would return control of the building now used for the Eunice Food Bank to the American Legion Post 129, according to a proposed agenda item for Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.
Mayor Scott Fontenot said the American Legion donated the building to the city, but if the city ceases to use it, the ownership would revert back to the American Legion.
The Food Bank would move to the Department of Motor Vehicles building 2101 W. Ash Ave.
The Park Avenue building needs upgrades and repairs, Fontenot said. The city spends about $20,000 a year on utilities and insurance on the building, he said.
Don Reber, who said he was representing the American Legion at the agenda-setting meeting Thursday at City Hall, said the American Legion would put the building up for sale.
The building is in an Opportunity Zone and there may be other incentives for the site, Fontenot said.
Other items on Tuesday’s agenda include hearings on three ordinance amendments that begin at 6:15 p.m. The amendments are for fees involving safety inspection fees; fees for construction, moving and demolition permits; and parking lot surfaces.
The ordinance amendments will come up in the meeting that starts at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers on the second floor.
Bill Thompson, code enforcement officer, has three properties to be considered for action that leads to condemnation. They are at 721 Carron Street, 301 Boudreaux Street and 521 Fred Street, he said.
The re-subdivision of the Suzanne Guillory Addition, Extension 1, from 14 to one lot will considered for the property on Park Avenue.
Also on the agenda is introduction of candidates in the October election.
Fontenot said Alderwoman Germaine Simpson requested that the Board consider removing the appointing authority of the police chief through a resolution.
Police Chief Randy Fontenot now has the power to hire and fire his employees. The power was given to the police chief through state legislation requested by the Board of Aldermen to clarify hearing procedures in terminations.
Previously, the Board of Aldermen had to approve each personnel action in the police department, something it does not do any other city department.