June 10, 2014 Ville Platte City Council Mtg.

Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and the Ville Platte City Council held their monthly meeting Tuesday night at City Hall.  The meeting quickly became a happy atmosphere as the Sacred Heart Baseball Team was recognized for its awesome achievement this year coming in 1st runner up in the State 1A playoffs.  Mayor Vidrine thanked the team for representing themselves and Ville Platte in such a great way.  She also thanked the parents and the fans for their tremendous support!  The mayor said she has not heard fans cheer so hard in 30 years.

Coach Cody Vidrine was named 2014 Coach of the Year and presented with multiple plaques in recognition.  The Mayor also presented a Declaration making June 10th Trojan Heart Baseball Day.  

The mayor reported that the City is still in the black as far as sales tax revenues and wanted to thank everyone for shopping locally for all of your needs.

There were cheers in the council chambers as it was reported that the Budget Projected Revenues were $719,670.00; however, the city actually had revenues in the amount of $1,282,248.00, bringing the city in $562,578.00 under budget.  The mayor thanked all of the city workers, inside and out, for all of their diligence and said “Please keep up the good work.”

The Mayor was happy to report that all city-workers, full and part-time, will be receiving a 3% salary increase due to the revenues, and the Fire Department will be receiving $20,000.00 for required safety equipment.

Mayor Vidrine presented a check from CLECO for $1,000.00 they have donated towards the new Boys & Girls Club.  June 20th and 21st will be a Day of Action to clean and repair the future building for the Boys &Girls  Club.  She also reminded everyone about the newly formed “flag” football league for those children ages 4, 5 & 6, and the “tackle” league for ages 7 – 12.  She will be sending out more information on registration.

Officials from Troup de Evangeline spoke at the meeting and said they are working with the Allen Ortego Family to secure the warehouse adjacent to City Park (behind the Swamp Pop Museum) for their permanent location.  They are currently awaiting their non-profit status and will be a local Arts, Production and Community Theatre.  They will also have art shows and teaching workshops.

The mayor, once again, reminded citizens who have abandoned property to take care of them.  Letters are still being sent out about the condition of some properties, and dwellings are currently being torn down.

There will be a public hearing on an ordinance introduced by Alderman Taranza Arvie which requires the quarterly reporting of all travel expenses and the amount spent on gifts presented to visitors to our community.  The mayor stated that the gift baskets that are given out consist of local products that help increase awareness of what is available in our area.