The Ville Platte City Council, Tuesday, approved a resolution to declare April 13 as Autism Awareness Day throughout the city in connection with the planned fund raising walk for the newly formed Evangeline Community Autism Network. Alisha Fontenot explained the new organization’s goal is to educate the general public and to give support to families with children with autism.
Jennifer Meylian reported that the non profit organization has scheduled a one mile walk at the Ville Platte Civic Center along with games and activities for the family.
In other business, the city authorized the mayor to enter into negotiations with the seller of the old Wal-Mart building on Opelousas road to determine if the city can possibly purchase the facility. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine envisions the 50,000 square foot building could be used for many functions including a home for the new Ville Platte Boys and Girls Clubs, Skating Rink, Arcade and teen dances.
Mayor Jennifer Vidrine was given the green light from the city council to enter into an agreement with C.G.I. Communications to have the firm come in and shoot a video documentary in the city of Ville Platte at no cost to the city. Mayor Vidrine said “It will give a chance for the rest of the country and the world to learn more about Ville Platte. It could be an economic boon to the city.”
In other action the city council:
--viewed while Mayor Vidrine presented a special plaque of appreciation to Mary Jenkins who is retiring after 30 years of service at city hall;
--received news that the city spent $7606 less in February than they did in January;
--reappointed Tommy Jones and Carrie Thomas for another term on the Evangeline/Ville Platte Recreation Board and named Shonda Jack to replace the late Lula Richardson on the board;
--approved a retail liquor permit for the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce to sell liquor for the annual banquet in May;
--approved a retail liquor permit for the Ville Platte D.A.V. for their first annual “Biking Down South” festival April 5 and 6;
--reminded everyone that the city is sponsoring a city wide Easter Egg Hunt Saturday March 30 at the Hargrove City Park for those age 1-12 beginning at 10:00am. The city is also sponsoring a teen dance Friday March 29 at the Northside Civic Center for those age 13-18 for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club