The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met Monday evening. The jury discussed the crime rate in the parish. In particular, they discussed crimes committed by juveniles, with Jury member Brian Vidrine saying, "We need to try to get a hold of the drug problem in this parish." He said juveniles are attracted to the easy money that comes from drugs. A suggestion was made to reach out to the city of Ville Platte and the Sheriff's Department, and to reach out to the schools to create a mentor program. They mentioned that Police Chief Neil Lartigue has a medicine drop-off program where citizens can drop off old medications so that they don't fall into the wrong hands. Jury member Rocky Rider said if citizens see juveniles out after curfew, they should call the police. Public Works Director, Chester Granger, said they are finally finished with the chip-sealing of over 40 roads this year. They are now moving back to the regular district jobs and taking care of business. Jury member Lamar Johnson commended them on a job well done. Engineer Ronnie Landreneau said the Basile Library is having drainage issues. The library is owned and operated by the police jury. He asked if they could enter a cooperative endeavor with the town of Basile to have them perform minor drainage work. The motion was approved. Before the regular meeting, there was a public hearing for the proposed abandonment of Sunshine Road. Member Rocky Rider said he'd like to go out there and see whatever the problems are on the road and the reasons for abandonment before they move to do so. A motion was made to not abandon the road at this time. Secretary-Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, said the 2% sales tax collected in September was $303,573.53, which is up by $71,471, which he said was a good increase this month. The jury adopted the NIBS (Navigational Integrated Bridge System) Compliance Resolution. Bergeron explained it as all bridges have to be inspected on a rotating basis. He said they are in compliance. In other business, the jury approved: A resolution requesting Congressional assistance to reinstate arbitration language as it pertains to disaster relief Seismic testing along the parish roads The installation of a three-way stop sign on Division and St. John Road A trail ride for Cleopatra Antoine on Pine Point Road, to be held November 11th Chamber of Commerce Director Renee' Brown's request of the Chauncey Pitre Building for the Smoked Meat Festival, a one-day event, on February 2nd Member Ryan Ardoin's request to hold a prayer at the Court House square at 4:00 PM on the first Monday of each month Removal of a tree on Old Park Road