The Ville Platte City Council held its monthly meeting Tuesday at City Hall.  There was some dispute and confusion as the owners of the Empire Nightclub, Frank Miller and Davina Davis, spoke to the Council and the Mayor regarding the granting of a business permit so they can re-open the bar.  Mr. Miller stated they have spent approximately $30,000.00 renovating the bar and are ready to open.  The nightclub is located in the area on West Main where the old Sonic is located.  The Mayor reported to the owners that they are not able to issue a business permit to them because of the City Ordinance stating that they cannot because the business is not at least 300 feet from 2 residences.  Mr. Miller then questioned how far that the Bulldog Sports Bar is from a residence.  He stated that he measured it himself and it is located less than 100 ft.  He stated that if “that’s the case, then we need to make sure everyone is held to that rule.”  He also presented a letter from the resident near the business with approval of opening the business.  He was asked to meet with the City Attorney, Eric Lafleur, with his findings and that he needed to have done his “due diligence in regard to opening a bar.”  We will keep you updated on the matter as it develops.

On a happy note, the Mayor and the City Council announced that they are doing “the right thing” and raising the City’s Minimum Wage from $7.25 to $8.00.  The increase in pay will be effective in the next fiscal year beginning in September, but could come earlier than that.  The City also announced they have granted a 3% increase in pay for salaried employees which will take effect next pay period.  It was also announced that the insurance premiums for employees will be going up 8%, but like last year when the rates rose 6%, the City will not be passing those costs on to the employees.  There will also be no deductible on the drug portion of their insurance.

Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, reported that expenditures for the month of March was $307,186.46 compared to the month of February at $216,348.81.  That is an increase of $90,837.65.  The Mayor reported that the increase was due to the major water breaks in the Sewer System and the water well problems that the city has been experiencing.  She was happy to report that the Sales Tax Collection was up 4.86% from March of last year.  She thanked local business owners and those who shop locally. 

The City Council approved six new full-time and 2 part-time officers The Ville Platte City Police Department.  If all new hires pass all required testing, that will bring the number of officers to 30 fulltime and 18 patrolmen.  Fire Chief, Chris Harrison, reported that the department’s new recruit, Kyle Dupre, has completed the Academy and is now working.  It was noted that Kyle received the Teamwork Award while at the Academy.