The Ville Platte City Council, Tuesday, voted to name two new members to the Municipal Civil Service Board. By a vote of 4-2, the city council voted to name Charles Thomas and James Goudy. Those voting for Thomas and Goudy were Jerry Joseph, Freddie Jack, Donald Sam and Taranza Arvie. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine was in favor of appointing Tommy Jones and Ben Soileau who received two votes. Those voting for the mayor’s nominees were C.J. Dardeau and Mike Perron. There was disagreement over whether the city council can legally nominate someone or can only vote to approve a nominee recommended by the mayor. The issue has been turned over to City Attorney Eric Lafleur for review.
        In other business, the city council voted to revise last month’s actions over the naming of a street. Last month, the council voted to approve naming both West and East Cypress to Edward Notto Thomas Street . Thomas is 102 years old and is considered Evangeline Parish’s oldest citizen. The change will mean West Cypress will be re named Edward Notto Thomas Street while East Cypress will keep its name after a request by business people not to change the name.
A property owner who owns a business on the street said it could negatively impact his business and be costly.
         In other action, the city council:
–following a public hearing voted to amend its ordinance to permit businesses closer than 300 feet from a residential area  to sell alcohol beverages if it is not consumed on the premises;
–voted to approve entering into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Smoked Meat Festival and making a $500 contribution to the festival;
–received a report that the Ville Platte Fire Department responded to 11 fire calls in the city and 7 were structure fires;
–received a report from the Ville Platte Police Department that the city police responded to 605 calls in February, 104 arrests, 12 felony arrests and worked 59 traffic accidents;
–named Taranza Arvie, Jerry Joseph and Mike Perron to a new committee to oversee the use of the new City Pavillion. The committee will formulate fees and guidelines on how private citizens and groups can use the pavillion;
–discussed a growing problem of citizens turning off city gas service in the Spring and having it rurned back on in November. Currently the city is only charging customers to have it turned back on in the fall. They are considering charging a fee to have it turned off.