The Ville Platte City Council

August 6, 2015

The Ville Platte City Council held its monthly meeting tonight at Ville Platte City Hall.  There were quite a few announcements made.  Starting with the subject of abandoned properties, the Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, said that the city’s legal department is currently constructing a “courtesy letter” that is about to sent to those who have abandoned properties, grass that is too tall or dangerous conditions.  The letter will tell property owners they have 30 days to perform a clean-up of the area or the City will step in and perform the service and the cost will be tacked onto owner’s property tax bills.  They will now be enforcing the current ordinance.

The Mayor reported that she accompanied a contractor to all 18 canals in Ville Platte to see the extent of what needed to be cleaned.  The contractor stated that he will be giving the Mayor a quote in the next 7 – 10 days.  The City Council voted that once the quote comes in, they will be asking the Evangeline Parish Police Jury to pay half of the cost.  She stated the canals are in very tough conditions.

Interim Fire Chief, Chris Harrison, was presented with a check in the amount of $41,477.24 from a 2% insurance rebate due to a great insurance rating.  Mr. Harrison stated the money will be used for additional equipment and equipment for volunteers.

The City will begin collecting a 1% Utility Tax on business customers.  This tax is not imposed by the City, but was voted in during the last legislative session.  The City will have to turn the funds over to the LA Dept. of Revenue.

The City has now received its long awaited Kubota excavator and backhoe that will be used to clean abandoned properties, culverts, etc.  They will soon be receiving a new tractor.

Tuesday, August 11^th, the 8-year old All Stars who won the World Series, will have their banquet at the Ville Platte Civic Center.  A parade will begin at 4:00 p.m. that day and will start at Teets to Tate Cove and then to Lincoln to end at the Civic Center.