Bicycle registration program is near

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Eunice Police plan a day of registering bicycles on March 23, according to Police Chief Randy Fontenot, who gave an update on the program at Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Aldermen.
Aldermen approved two ordinance amendments — one setting a $5 registration fee and the other setting out the registration program — that puts the bicycle control program in place.
The registration program requires bicycles operated on public roads to be registered through the police department.
On March 23, there will be three registration events: from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the City Hall parking lot; 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Northwest Pavilion; and 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Southeast Neighborhood Center Pavilion.
Fontenot said he and Lt. Stephanie Myers will be begin registration on Monday by appointment.
The registration fee may be paid by cash, money order or local check, he said. Children may register bicycles, but they have to have their parent’s information, Fontenot said.
The ordinance excuses transients from registering their bike. Also exempted are bicycles and tricycles used at events organized by government or civic groups.
The police chief also said bicycles must be operated within traffic laws.
Mayor Scott Fontenot and Alderwoman Connie Thibodeaux announced the city’s 125th anniversary celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 14. The event is to include a parade, unveiling a statue of Clovis Crawfish, live bands, car show and time capsules.
The mayor also announced that the World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 31 at the Northwest Pavilion.
Richard LeBouef, newly appointed executive director of the St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Commission, told the Board additional debris removal is being sent to the city.
The announcement coincided with Alderwoman Germaine Simpson asking the mayor to investigate pricing for drainage cleanup.
The Solid Waste Commission’s assistance, along with city crews, clear drainage, but that effort will be evaluated, the mayor siad.
In other business:
— Liens on 230 S. Cane St., 231 S. Cane St. and 571 Halsey St. will be released for $500 each at the recommendation of Vernon McManus, city attorney. McManus said the properties are being purchased with a plan to rehabilitate them.
— Condemnation was approved for 630 Bernice St.
— Danny Ortego was appointed to the city’s zoning board.
— An amendment to the city trash burning ordinance was approved. The trash ordinance regulates outdoor burning and bans burning trash, leaves, brush, grass, wood, tree limbs, rubbish, garbage debris, waste material or combustible material in the city. Fires such as those for cooking and patio fires are legal. Violations include a fine up to $200 and up to 30 days in jail or both are set out for a first offense. Additional offenses have a $100 fine and an additional 15 days in jail.