The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, in a 5-3 vote Monday, approved Michael Anderson to replace Ronald Mcclauley on the Te Mamou Water District Board, despite the Board's wishes to have Marty Soileau fill that position. 

Three Police Jurors: Bryan Vidrine, Sidney Fontenot, and Kevin Veillon voted for the Te Mamou Water System’s preferred appointee, Marty Soileau (formally nominated by Juror, Bryan Vidrine).

Five Police Jurors: Rocky Rider, Daniel Arvie, Lamar Johnson, Eric Soileau, and Ryan Ardoin voted to approve another candidate, Michael Anderson, nominated by Police Juror, Daniel Arvie. Arvie stated, "It's nothing personal," but never elaborated on the qualifications of his nominee, or why he was chosen over Marty Soileau. Anderson was not present at the meeting. 

The decision came as a shock to Marty Soileau, who waited in the audience to address the Jury, and accept his position. Marty is the grandson of the late Aaron Soileau, one of the founders of the Te Mamou Water System. Gene Soileau, contractor for Te Mamou Water System, son of Aaron Soileau, and father to Marty, was present in the audience. Following the meeting, Gene told KVPI News Director, Carly Chaumont, that this was the first time the Police Jury has voted against the wishes of the Te Mamou Water System Board. Gene stated that his son had assisted him in reading water meters for over 25 years. 

The Jury also received an update from Public Works Director, Chester Granger, concerning parish drainage, telling the Jury that upon inspection, most drainages were in “fairly good shape”.

In regards to drainage in the City of Ville Platte, the Jury’s attorney, Marcus Fontenot, explained that city drains require city maintenance, but drainage that enters and exits city limits, and is of benefit to the parish, can be handled by the Jury, as long as there is a cooperative agreement, stating the city will repay the Jury for expense costs. Police Jury President Ryan Williams stated, “We’ve been working with the city. I want to continue working with the city”.

In other business:

Engineer, Ronnie Landreneau, announced the completion of the Chataignier Library Branch, and the Jury approved a motion to accept it as complete.

The Jury approved a liquor license for Ronald Christ dba Mel’s Quick Stop.

The Jury approved the installment of cross section signs at Addison Cemetery road, located in Lamar Johnson’s District.

The Jury approved the reappointment of Sarah Maricle to Ward Four Water District for another five-year term.