The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met in a long meeting Monday night.  There were many items on the agenda and many speakers that addressed the jury. 

Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, addressed the Jury and the public explaining the importance of the eleven (11) tax renewals that will be on the March 25^th ballot.  These renewals are taxes that fund the public health unit, repair and upkeep of our parish roads and maintenance of cemeteries in the parish.  He stated “The Police Jury has done a good job applying the money from the millages.  Some of our parish roads are better than some state roads in the parish.  That is why we are calling for renewal of the 11 millages on the ballot.”  One of the taxes is only considered “new” because Mr. Bergeron stated he “failed to renew it last year.”  Early voting for the March 25^th election is being held March 13^th – 17^th at the Evangeline Parish Courthouse.  Also, on the ballot on the 25^th is Candyce Perret who is running for the Third Circuit Court of Appeal.  She also addressed the Jury and the public during the meeting.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 632 recently requested the Police Jury assist them with defraying the cost of the paint needed to restore the Huey Helicopter in the Courthouse Square.  The Jury unanimously agreed to cover the entire cost of $600.00.  The Louisiana National Guard from Camp Beauregard will be coming to Ville Platte to perform the restoration.

Melanie Bordelon and Ashely Moran with Acadiana Planning Commission addressed the Jury and explained that the Safety Coalition handling transportation safety has looked at data regarding crashes and characteristics of Evangeline Parish roadways and has identified problems to which they will be implementing countermeasures.  These include signage and edge line striping in the parish at problematic curves and other areas where there are hazards drivers need to be aware of.  Moran stated that Hickory has been the worst road with the highest number of crashes.  Lamar Johnson stated how bad Hwy. 106 to Oakdale is and that there have been many deaths on that road.  The Jury unanimously agreed to allow the Planning Commission to apply for more roads to be looked at and there were quite a few other roads brought up by Jury members.  There is no cost to the parish for these services.

Gilbert “Winky” Aucoin addressed the Jury regarding The Grand Hurrah Festival being held on April 21^st and 22^nd.  He was granted a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Liquor Permit by the Jury.