The Ville Platte City Council and Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine held its February meeting Wednesday night at Ville Platte City Hall.  The meeting was moved to Wednesday due to the Valentine’s Day holiday.

Out for display and presented by Mayor Vidrine were twenty-five new body cameras purchased by the City for use by the Ville Platte Police Department.  The Mayor stated the cameras are top of the line and used in big cities like Chicago.  The city also purchased the server that works with the cameras.  She stated the Police Chief, Neal Lartigue is working to establish protocol about the camera use by officers.  Officers will be properly trained and they will all be required to wear one on every shift, 24/7.  The footage on the cameras cannot be erased and she stated it’s a “win-win for everyone.  It keeps everyone honest.”  Ville Platte Police have used body cameras for a long time, and this now expands their use.

J.D. Soileau and Greg Fontenot requested and were granted permission by the Council to close Magnolia, Calcasieu and Court Streets at Courthouse Square March 9, 10 and 11 so those with Camp Beauregard can come and re-paint the helicopter in front of the courthouse.  Last time they took it away to paint it; however, this year they will be doing it onsite.  Expect to see barricades in that area during that time.  Area businesses will be able to park in the back and utilize sidewalks to access their businesses.  Ville Platte Police will be doing extra patrolling in that area while the project is underway.

Mayor Vidrine announced on February 24^th, there will be a dedication of the Black History Month mural at the MLK Center at 11:00 a.m. for those families who received a letter from the City.  She urges all who received a letter to R.S.V.P. as soon as possible.

Also, the Boucherie and Smoked Meat Cook-Off to benefit the Boys & Girls Club is scheduled for February 25^th at the Northside Civic Center.  Admission is $5.00 and there will be LIVE music, kids’ activities, & tons of food.

The Mayor stated the Council will be attending the National League of Cities Conference and will be laying roses in Arlington Cemetery where soldiers from Evangeline Parish are laid to rest.

The next City Council meeting will be held on March 21^st.