The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held its monthly meeting this evening in the Courthouse.  President, Ryan Ardoin, began the meeting by announcing he will be enforcing a 2 minute time limit for speaking on subjects on the agenda.

The subject of installing a fire hydrant in the Mill Creek Subdivision, off Chicot Road, came into discussion.  Jacob Fusilier and others from the subdivision were in attendance at the meeting.  Mr. Fusilier stated during public comments that the subdivision is located ”outside” the city limits and is located one mile North and one mile South of the nearest fire hydrant.  He stated that there are 36 houses occupied by couples, children and elderly in the neighborhood and as the situation stands, they would have a delay in receiving fire services if something were to happen.  He explained that the neighborhood generates more taxes per household than anywhere else, and asked for help from the police jury to install a hydrant.  After much discussion, a motion was passed to allow the subdivision developer to pay half of the cost of the hydrant and to loan Police Juror, Bryan Vidrine, the other half of the cost through the General Fund, with the understanding that the loan/cost will be paid back with an insurance rebate check that will be forthcoming.  Mr. Fusilier thanked Mr. Vidrine for all of his help in the matter.

Anna Frank, Director of Section 8, spoke to the Jury and explained that her office is $25,000 in the negative from a build-up of “miscommunications” with Accountant, Amy Buchanan.  She explained that the federal government is not paying the cost required to run her office and pointed out that she started in her position seven years ago and has never been in the red before.  She requested that the Police Jury loan Section 8 the money to cover the negative balance with the agreement that she will repay the loan.  The Jury agreed to the loan, as well as taking on her salary permanently.

The Jury voted and agreed to hire Phil Lemoine as “Risk Manager” for the Parish.  He will oversee and evaluate insurance policies as they come up for renewal and advise the Jury as to policy terms and applications.  He will be paid $500.00 a month and will report to Donald Bergeron.

Discussion began on repairs at the Parish Jail.  Donald Bergeron reported that water has been restored to all cells, except #5.  Reports have been made to all broken light fixtures and are now being “vandalized proofed”. They were broken and damaged by prisoners.  It was announced that anyone caught destroying items in the Jail can be charged with Criminal Damage to Property.  The Jury voted in favor of replacing the broken stove/ovens with a new one costing $4,800.00 as well as a garbage disposal in the amount of $3,600.00.

Police Juror, Lamar Johnson, requested an $80,000.00 loan from the General Fund to overlay TC/Glenmora Hwy and part of Earl DeVille Road. The Jury voted in favor of the loan to be repaid $40,000.00 in January of 2016 and $40,000.00 in January of 2017.

Police Juror, Kenny Burgess asked the Jury to pass a resolution regarding support of Veteran’s contributions.  They Jury unanimously agreed to recognize all military holidays in the parish.  Mr. Burgess pointed out that “Not many people realize this but we have a Pearl Harbor Veteran living in our Parish.  Mr. Celestine lives in a nursing home in Mamou.”  He said we also have many other veteran’s from WWII, The Korean War and other battles fought.

Public Works Director, Chester Granger, said he was called to the “Mamou Yard” Friday evening at 9:00 p.m. where someone had broken in. The same weekend, in Region A, someone stole 67 gallons of diesel.  He is urging the Policy Jury to install surveillance cameras at the Yards. Discussion will continue on this matter.

And finally, Donald Bergeron reported that the 2% Sales Tax Collections for December were $338,392.71.  That is a 19% increase from last year.