September 9, 2014

The Ville Platte City Council held its meeting tonight (Tuesday) in City Hall.  The meeting was full and lively with children as Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and the City Council recognized the State Runner-Up Baseball 10 year old boys; National Runner-Up Softball 8 year old girls and the World Series Baseball 12 year old boys, along with coaches and parents.  All of the players were awarded a certificate and a “city pin”.  Judge Elect Chuck West and Candidate Gary Ortego treated all of the players to a pizza party after the presentation.

The Council unanimously approved the placement of a four-way stop sign at N. Chataignier and Lincoln, as well as Jefferson and Laran.  The original request was made to place one at N. Coreil and Jefferson; however, Councilman Taranza Arvie, advised the council his constituents did not want it placed there.

Mayor Vidrine advised they had applied for a grant regarding Keep Louisiana Beautiful and was awarded 10 new red trash cans to place around the city.  She advised they would keep applying for more trash cans and said “There is no excuse for having litter on the ground.  Please keep your trash at home and throw it away properly.  Don’t throw it out of your vehicles.  People need to understand that trash all over the ground affects businesses coming into our community.”  

A public hearing has been set for October 14th at 4:45 for discussion and input regarding a raise for Interim Fire Chief, Chris Harrison and Blake Perron as Assistant Fire Chief.  Mr. Harrison did not receive a raise when he took over as Interim Fire Chief.

There will also be a public hearing on October 14th at 4:30 to discuss the traffic jam congestion at Sacred Heart during the morning and afternoon.  Rob (T-Rob) Soileau presented a plan to the City Council but the Mayor and Council asked to hear from the parents who drop off and pick up children during the public hearing.

Mayor Vidrine reported expenditures for last month were $224,026.00.  That is an increase of $4,000 over the month before.

Also, she advises that they started accepting credit cards for payment of utility bills and that is going very smoothly.  In the next two weeks, you will be able to also pay your bills online.  

She stated they are still working with the Fire Marshall on the Boys & Girls Club and are still awaiting information from the I.R.S.  A lot of renovations needed to be done and they have to have a certain amount of money in the bank before they are part of the Boys & Girls Club of America.

In an attempt to negate crime in the city, Community Crime Cameras will be coming soon.

And, she happily reported that the remains of the Old Jungle/Rendezvous are completely cleaned up.