PFC Thomas' support appreciation told
By Sue Crise
The DeQuincy City Council had its regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 14 at City Hall Council Chambers.
During the month of June, fire personnel were called out for assistance with grass fires, woods fire, broken gas line and gas leak.
The Police Department submitted their report showing their statistics for June. Police gave personal assistance a total of 81 times and booked 28 persons into the City Jail. A total of $7,531.50 was received in bonds.
A spokesperson for the Grand Avenue Education Center reported that the facility documentation and payroll reports had been inspected by the state and that they were in full compliance.
Andrea Coleman, council member, publicly commended the Public Works Department for their efforts in putting out the flags for the funeral of PFC Bryan Thomas, held on Wednesday, July 2.
Mayor Lawrence Henagan thanked Eddie Dahlquist and Public Works personnel for their efforts with PFC Bryan Thomas’ funeral, and also thanked the DeQuincy Ministerial Alliance, Ron Mazilly of the Rotary Club for purchasing additional flags, and the citizens of DeQuincy for their participation.
Mayor Henagan reported that the painting contractor will arrive next week to remove paint from the Memorial Bricks placed around the flag pole at the Railroad Museum.
Chairman Tracey Brown recognized two visitors: Clayton Davis and Terry Johnson, who are running for District Judge of the 14th Judicial District, Division B, which covers DeQuincy, Starks, Westlake, Moss Bluff and Bell City. The incumbent is Rick Bryant who announced he will not seek re-election.
Chairman Tracey Brown recognized Ezell Woods, Jr. who stated he wants to begin a ministry in DeQuincy and would like to purchase and renovate the building next to Capital One Bank, which is owned by the city.
Council members are concerned that the building will not pass inspection by the Fire Marshal and that Mr. Ezell should resolve this issue before beginning renovations. Previous to this meeting, the city was considering demolishing the building; however, Mr. Woods stated he has a contractor who believes the building can be renovated at a reasonable cost.
Mayor Henagan stated that he would like to apply for funds from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for drainage efforts/construction of a new road along Boise Avenue that would extend to Highway 12. After much discussion, it was decided to obtain additional information before any decisions were made and that a special session can be called, if necessary.
Requests for bids on the 25 kilowatt generator that the city wants to sell has resulted in the sale of the generator to the City of Slidell for $5,001.
A public hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 11 to discuss adoption of an adjusted millage rate of 5.86 set by the Parish Tax Assessor. On the same date, a public hearing is scheduled to discuss rolling forward the adjusted rate of 5.86 back up to the prior year’s maximum of 6.02 mills.
City Planner Larry Smith gave recommendations from the Mobile Home Committee to the City Council regarding amendments to the current mobile home ordinance. Item 6 of the proposed mobile home ordinance should be amended to say “skirting should be installed within 30 days of utility connections or the permit will be revoked”.
Additional discussion was heard regarding wind zone requirements and whether the owner or renter is responsible for upkeep of a property. The mobile home proposal is still being discussed.
Judy Landry, City Council member, mentioned that the picnic tables at the Baseball Complex were in need of repair along with several bleachers. Mrs. Coleman stated that the city was preparing to send letters to property owners who had neglected to keep the grass cut on their property.
The tax renewal for the Ward 6 Recreation District was endorsed by the Council.
Sonny Chandler stated that the paint contractor for the flag pole at the museum had not used a drop cloth and there was paint splatters all over the memorial bricks that surround the flag pole.
Mr. Chandler requested that the Council follow up on the progress of clean up of the paint splatter.
Mr. Chandler also requested that the City Council dig out the culvert at the corner of Boise Street and Smith as it is causing his property to flood quite often.
Eric Wood stated that he is extremely proud of the City’s response for the funeral of PFC Bryan Thomas. Rev. Otha Green also expressed his thanks to Mayor Henagan for the city’s response at the funeral.
Rev. Jerry Crise announced that Officer Tom Threet has asked members of the DeQuincy Ministerial Alliance to assist with the National Night Out event, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5, and the public is invited to participate in this event.
