By Evalin Hester
The DeQuincy City Council meeting held on Monday, Nov. 8, in Council Chambers was called to order by Denise Maddox, Council President. The minutes for the Oct. 11, regular meeting and the Agenda for Nov. 8, were both approved by the Council.
The Council approved the high bid of $12,555 on the 2003 Bobcat Excavator 331 by Johnny Tolbert. One bid was received on the 1997 Ditch witch, but the bid was received after the time line that was set. The City will re-advertise for bids on said piece of equipment.
The rail spur located on the west end of the city limits will get a face lift. The Council approved the low bid for the work to take place on the rail spur. The bid was awarded to Vision Industrial Services LLC. After the work is complete, there will be a routine maintenance for the rail spur. The bid for this job was $62,400.
Three structures located in District #2, 110 Self St. and 808 and 807 Pugh St. were discussed at length about condemnation. The council decided to table all three until next council meeting.
The Council discussed the structure located at 309 LeBlanc St. Pat Brummett, has sent a letter with no response and the letter has been recorded at the courthouse. The property has been abandoned and is considered a danger, a nuisance and unsafe. The Council voted to move on with the process. The City will go out for bid to bring the structure down and clean up the lot.
The City has received a grant of $135,000 to be divided by each district. The council was asked at the October meeting to turn in the top three streets in their district that needed much repair. This grant can’t fix all the streets but is a start to improving the streets in our town.
City Reports
Mayor Riley Smith commented on the work at the sewer plant. Almost all the work is complete, just waiting on the lighting to be completed. The City Christmas parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.
Fire Department
Johnny Copeland fire chief was out of town and the report was given my Mayor Smith. They had eight calls out for the month of October. Two structure fires, three to assist Acadian with cardiac arrest, one for fire alarm at Family Dollar and two vehicle fires.
Police Department
Chief Casey Whitehead gave this report for the month of October:
Fines and Bonds, $26,587.11; Complaints, 269; Arrest, 14; Warrants served, 4; Violations, 221; Warnings, 127.
Calls for service are given here by districts: Dist. 1 – 69, Dist. 2 – 38, Dist. 3 – 77, Dist. 4 – 50, CPSO – 34, BPSO – 1, Patrol Miles – 5907.
Street Department
Hank Frazier Street Department Head reported two gas services were killed on Edgewood and Hall Streets. Four gas services were installed on H. Robertson Rd., Hargrove Loop, Corley Rd. and Highway 389. Five culverts were installed on West Park Loop and Overton Street. Other work includede repaired gas leak on Rainwater Rd. and patched pot holes in all districts.
Sewer Department
Work done:
Repaired sand filter at Wastewater Plant and repaired sewer main in alley on Chavis Square.
Installed new sewer tap on Green and Hereford Street. Performed maintenance on Edgewood lift station and Wilcox lift station.
Financial Report
Valecia Royer gave the financial report for October: Year to Date Totals: Total Revenue $575,325.10, FYE 9/30/2022 Total Revenue: $4.521,710.00, Remaining Budget; Total Revenue: $3,946,384.90. Year to Date Totals: Total Expenses $563,655.02; FYE 9/30/2022, Total Expenses $6,166,670.00; Remaining Budget, Total Expenses: $5,603,014.98.
Council Concerns
Judy Landry, commented she was pleased with work done on Yoakum St. Mark Peloquin asked questions concerning the grant received by the city for the potholes and how was it to be distributed among the district. Peloquin is glad to see all the Christmas decorations going up.
Ronda Jacobs addressed property at 704 N. Perkins St. She asked the Code Enforcement Officer Ronnie Collins for his view point and it has yet to come up to satisfactory condition. There is a list of things done and to be done to said property.
Denise Maddox’s concern was on the property located at Boone and Bishop Street. The property owners are working on the succession so they can move forward.
