VILLE PLATTE CITY COUNCIL MEETS

The Ville Platte City Council met Tuesday and discussed several important city projects, public safety matters and infrastructure improvements.

The Council approved moving forward with the demolition of an unsafe structure at 714 E D Alfred Street, following a presentation by Candace Dominick. Mayor Ryan Leday Williams thanked Dominick and city crews for their continued work to clean up blighted properties throughout the city.

The Council also discussed a possible road overlay project and property located within the city’s historic district.

City Engineer Ronnie Landreneau recommended rejecting all current bids for the city’s new fire station. The Council approved the recommendation. The city will revise the plans and re-advertise the project for new bids. Landreneau said the changes will not affect the size of the project or the number of bays, but will involve value engineering on items such as roofing, countertops and the mechanical room.

Work continues on the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. Drilling has been completed on the new water well on Railroad Street, which is reported to have excellent capacity. Pumping tests will begin soon.

Phase Four of the water project is moving forward, with LaSalle and Main Streets expected to be among the final areas completed. All of the city’s sewer lift stations are now operating, and the Council approved accepting that project as substantially complete.

The Council also approved the purchase of equipment needed to begin repairs to the city’s wastewater headworks system, which has been inoperable for approximately two decades.

Fire Chief Chris Soileau reported 16 fire calls in July. The department also installed fire alarms, inspected fire hydrants and maintained staffing while remaining within budget. Fifteen firefighters have earned a total of 18 certifications.

Soileau also presented the Police Chief’s report. The Ville Platte Police Department responded to 490 calls in July, issued 18 citations and made 27 arrests, including seven felony arrests. Officers worked 20 accidents, with no fatalities.

The city has received $500,000 in grant funding for wastewater projects, $75,000 for the Chamber building and $10,000 for beautification. Mayor Williams said the city continues to pursue additional grants for beautification, livability, economic development and public safety.

The Council also approved a liquor license application for the Louisiana Cotton Festival.

Acadian Ambulance responded to 149 calls in July. The required response time is nine minutes, while the actual average response time was eight minutes and 55 seconds.

City Attorney Chris Ludeau also updated the Council on Act 751, a new state law concerning fees for credit and debit card transactions.

The next meeting of the Ville Platte City Council will be Tuesday, September 8th, at 5:30 p.m.