Harlan Kirgan
Increasing fees for safety inspections and building permits are on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting of the Eunice Board of Aldermen.
Alderman Ernie Blanchard said the proposals are to bring the city in line with what is charged in area cities.
The changes include:
— Raising the fee for a building safety inspection from $10 to $25.
— Raise building permit fees based on the valuation. The fees range from $20 for a building valued at $100 or less, up from $10; $320 for building valued at $100,001 to $200,000, up from $310; and over $200,000 value the permit fee escalates incrementally.
— The demolition fee is raised from $15 to $50.
— The fee to move a building would be tied from $20 to $50.
The fees are contained in two ordinances on the agenda for the meeting scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the second floor council chambers.
The agenda also includes:
— State Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, to give a legislative and Maple Avenue overlay update.
— Show cause hearings for condemnation on properties at 251 College Road, 341 E. Ash Ave., and 151 S. St. George St.
— Two civil service board members nominated by LSUE are to be considered.
— An ordinance to allow Coburn’s to use an alternative material for a parking lot on East Magnolia.
— Allow an RV and boat storage facility on Park Avenue in Bock 9 of the Suzanne Guillory subdivision.
Blanchard said the 2010 Ford Expedition used by Mayor Scott Fontenot needs to be replaced and he recommended the mayor be given a monthly allowance. A $600 or $700 monthly allowance was mentioned after the agenda-setting meeting on Thursday.
Blanchard also said the vehicle used by Fire Chief Mike Arnold needs to be replaced because it has quit running. The vehicle is about 20 years old.
Police Chief Randy Fontenot volunteered that Arnold could use a police vehicle until a new fire department vehicle is obtained.