May 13, 2014 Ville Platte City Council Mtg.

Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and the Ville Platte City Council held their monthly meeting last night at City Hall.  Student of the Year were recognized and presented with certificates and gift baskets.  The Students of the Year were:

• Kamryn West – Bayou Chicot Elementary

• Cameran Berzas – Basile High School; and

• Elizabeth Ortego – Basile High School

The City Council approved a Resolution for Ville Platte to become a member of the Louisiana Community Development Authority which will give the city access to grants for various large projects in the community such as sewer, parks, etc.

The Council also approved partnering with Evangeline Council on Aging to utilize the MLK Center  from 8 a.m. until 12:00 noon, M-F, beginning on July 1st to provide hot meals for Senior Citizens.  There is no cost to the city and no charge to the seniors for the meal.  Evangeline Council on Aging also reminded the public of the Senior Day scheduled for today 10:00 – 2:00 at the Civic Center.

Mayor Jennifer Vidrine had a few announcements which included a Big Thank You to everyone in Ville Platte who came out and made the KLFY TV-10 event a huge success.  She also thanked the city workers inside and out for making everything run so smoothly.  The Mayor also announced that since the event was such a success, they will be utilizing the Pavilion to hold monthly celebrations including bands and/or D.J.’s.  This will provide families with a place to come and congregate while utilizing all the Pavilion has to offer.

In the next four weeks, the plans will continue on Southside Park wherein a walking trail, volleyball courts and picnic pavilions will be put in.  Work had ceased for a while due to the heavy water in the area, but plans are being worked out with landowners in the area to stop drainage of water into the park.  They will be keeping the big baseball field and when it is not in use, it will be used for soccer.  No bicycles or four-wheelers will be allowed on the walking trail.  The gates to the park will be locked at 8:00 p.m.

The Mayor was excited to tell the council that they have received a dividend check from LWCC in the amount of $103,983. The amount of the dividend has increased substantially since her term in office began.

She was also pleased to say that plans for the Boys and Girls Club are coming right along.  They have been working closely with the Boys and Girls Club of America and has also said they are working with the budget to provide $30,000 a year for that program.  More information will be forthcoming.