The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met on Monday night. In the Committee meetings leading up to the Regular Meeting, Brian Richmond gave an update on Crooked Creek. The Law Enforcement/First Responder Weekend was very successful with over 300 visitors and 79 campsites occupied. The Fins, Feathers and Fur Cook-off Weekend was also great with a cookoff, live auction and music.
There continues to be contentious discussions during the Animal Control Committee because there has been no solution to the animal control problem in the Parish. Matt Baker invited officials to come to Heroes Everywhere Animal Rescue on September 29th to see what is happening at their facility.
Brandi Fontenot was appointed to the Hospital Board to replace Lance Chapman. Ms. Liz Hill, from the Evangeline Parish 911/OEP, presented an update on the status of the preparations for the Tropical Storm/Hurricane Francine. Two appointments were made to the Parish 911 Board. Brent Guillory proposed Bekki Miller, and Tim Causey proposed Opal Oleta Poole. The Jury approved both appointments. Higginbotham Insurance was approved as Agent of Record for health insurance. The nursing contract revision requested by the sheriff was approved – one nurse on duty daily from 10:30-5:30.
President Bryan Vidrine declared a Disaster Proclamation in advance of the storm. Announcements were made about the availability of sandbags.
Chris Guillory, the Evangeline Parish Tax Assessor, presented his proposed 2024 Tax Rolls, and they were approved by the Police Jury. He reported that this is the first time that there have been no protests.
Vince Deshotel, from the LSU Ag Extension Office, talked about the Weather Data Collection System which will be a great service for the Parish. The system has to be set up on government property, and the Jury approved this. County Agents Kim Deville, Madison LaTour and Brittany Zaunbrecher also reported updates on their activities. Their updates are covered in a separate story.
Additions to the agenda:
- Post disaster housing to allow FEMA trailers in the Parish was denied.
- The Jury approved hiring Debra Brunet as Grant Writer. She will also be working as the Administrator for the Evangeline Parish Tourist Commission.
- Tommy Jones is vacating his position at the Solid Waste Commission, Ward 1. The Jury approved appointment Donald Ray Thomas as his replacement.
- Juror Tim Causey updated the Jury on the acquisition of the Hester Heath Building which is in process by the School Board. An appraisal is required.
- The Jury approved the bid of $15,480 from Scott Lafleur for the renovation of the Veterans’ Home.
- The Jury needs an advisor to manage the Grant for the Detention Bond.
- The Jury voted to keep the existing precincts in place as they are.
- Ms. Thelma Toussaint spoke about the need to focus on littering in the Parish. She suggested possibly posting signs to charge fines for littering.
Public Work’s Director Report
Mr. Snoddy requested and got approval to hire Joey Arneaux and Daniel Smith. He also obtained approved to purchase a grapple for the skid steer for District 4.
Engineer’s Report
Mr. Landreneau reported that the bids for the Ward 1 Industrial Park should be in by September 16th. The Wastewater Treatment plant will be handled separately, and the project should be ready to be submitted for bid soon. The Wyble Subdivision project is 50% complete. They are waiting on equipment that should be there in about 2 weeks.
Secretary Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Deville didn’t have the Sales Tax data available, but he reported that auto sales tax collections remain down, and everything else is flat.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 7th.
.jpeg)
