A wide range of topics was discussed during a recent marathon three-hour-plus meeting of the city council committees last week.
Public Works heard a report from Director Albert John, who reported all equipment is running properly and all lawn mowers have been serviced in preparation of grass cutting season.
The council discussed with John the possibility of a surplus sale in order to clear out storage space at the city barn. John explained the necessary steps in order to have a surplus auction and the council requested he begin the process.
The committee also heard a report from Street Commissioner Gilbert Onezine, who was lauded by council members for his crew’s excellent job cleaning up the city. Onezine reported that crews have been cutting grass on the east side of I-10. Attempts were made to cut the grass on the overpass, but it is still to wet.
The committee also heard a report from Tim Mader, city engineer, who discussed adding the Avenue G bridge repair to the drainage repair map.
Mader explained that improvements being done upstream necessitate repairs to the bridge to accommodate more water flow. Committee members determined that funding is available for this project and voted to recommend that the council approve moving forward with the drainage repair.
The drainage work is vital to planned street improvements.
The Utility Committee received the monthly report from Waste Water Superintendent Tim Cradeur, who explained that the work on a washout on Parkerson Avenue and First Street is near completion. The hole has been filled in and the project is in its final stages with only surface work remaining.
When discussing the final cost, the city engineer explained it is a complicated situation but expects that LAWCO will likely participate by sharing the cost with the city.
The committee’s focus then shifted to the possibility of replacing old street lights with LED lights.
Cleco Principal of Governmental Services Willie Bergeron told members that, of 1,421 street lights, the city has about 22 or 23 LED lights that have been installed. As lights burn out they are replaced by LED lights.
Committee members said they wanted to address poorly lit streets by replacing the existing lights with LED lights, but noted the huge cost to the city.
Bergeron reiterated that the lights are slowly being replaced and asked that if anyone notices a burnt street light, report it so it can be replaced with an LED bulb.
Later, the Public Safety Committee discussed adding more lights and/or replacing existing street lights — specifically with LED lights — and installing cameras to help prevent crime in recognized high-crime areas of the city.
Police Chief Jimmy Broussard report that officers had responded to 1,022 service calls; had initiated numerous drug busts; had only one officer on sick leave; and had three open spots he hoped to fill in the next few weeks.
The Public Safety Committee also recommended awarding bids for the purchase and installation of emergency equipment in police units and amending a supplemental resolution to authorize a lease purchase agreement with FMCC for six 2019 Ford Explorer SUV police interceptor units.
Both recommendations were sent to the full council for approval at the regular meeting scheduled for this week.
Fire Chief Jody Viator reported a resignation of a fire fighter but, they have hired a replacement. And, reported they have conducted ladder drills and are preparing for their Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) Rating test.
Non-action items included installing 4-way stops at the intersections of West Third Street and North Avenue F as well as South Avenue H and Cedar Street and replacing missing / unreadable street signs around the city.
Broussard said he will have his department complete a traffic study at the two proposed intersections being considered for four-way stops and will report back to the council.
Code Enforcement updated the council on the Wayland Hebert Condemnation (which is still tied up in legal work) and the condemnation of property owned by Linda Meche, the latter slowed by attempts to contact next of kin in Texas.
During the Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting, a discussion ensued regarding a requested waiver to place a mobile home in the city.
The home is owned by Elizabeth Benton and the request is to place it on property belonging to her aunt.
Discussion was tabled by the council. City ordinance states that in order to park a mobile home wihtin the city limits, one must own the property and the trailer must meet specific guidelines.
Finally, Recreation Department Director Peter Kirsh presented his monthly report stating that youth basketball is ending and baseball / softball registration has opened. Those interested in signing up youth for those programs can register on the website or stop by the Rec Department office.
The next regular city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
