By Crystal Nix
The DeQuincy City Council met Monday, Dec. 14, for their regular monthly meeting.
The city has asked residents to please put their trash out the night before. The contract with Waste Management allows for pickup as early as 4 a.m.
Mayor Riley Smith said the last few months have been strenuous, but because of a great staff, the city is ahead of the job. Mayor Smith and the council commended all city employees on their hard work and dedication to the city.
About six homes condemned by the city have been torn down, and council members said several homes have been demolished by homeowners in their districts. Hurricane debris cleanup is going well. Public works has been busy keeping debris pushed out to the road. Debris cleanup should continue through the end of March.
The Christmas Parade and fireworks were a success this year.
Mayor Smith said he has been in contact with Market Basket and they are planning on rebuilding in DeQuincy, however the location is still not known.
The city will soon begin Phase I of the wastewater plant rehab project. About ninety-five percent of the material has been delivered.
The council authorized Mayor Smith to sign documents regarding a hundred percent, $1,000,000 grant dedicated for airport repair and recovery due to Hurricane Laura.
Bro. Wayne Neyland, pastor of The Pentecostal Church of DeQuincy appeared before the city council this week to ask the city to abandon some alleyways on the church’s property to make room for expansion of the church. The church will move a natural gas line located there, and re-route it to the west side of the property (East side of Green St.) The re-routing will be funded by the church and meet all state requirements.
The City Council tabled the request until City Attorney Doug Cox can acquire the land descriptions needed by the council to take the proper action. A special meeting will be called to address the matter.
Officers for 2021 were elected for the city council. Denise Maddox will serve as president, with Mark Peloquin serving as vice-president.
A public hearing will be held Jan. 11, 2021 to revisit Sunday alcohol sales within the city limits at restaurants and local stores holding alcohol permits.
The city council will address amending their personnel police ordinance to allow city employees to receive wages in lieu of unused vacation time during the January city council meeting. Many employees have been unable to use vacation time this year due to COVID and hurricane events.
The city council approved the re-appointment of Jerry McCaig to serve as the Commissioner of the Housing Authority.
