By Evalin Hester
During the Monday, Oct. 10 Council Meeting, Mayor Riley Smith announced that Sherri Breaux is training to take over the position of City Clerk when Pat Brummett retires. Mayor Smith said Breaux will be a good employee. Elizabeth Richard has been hired to work in the Utility Department.
City Reports
DeQuincy Farmers Market will be in full swing on Satuday, Oct. 15, with over 90 booths. Come out and check out all the great Fall items the vendors have to offer.
DeQuincy’s Fall Fest/National Night Out will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. A good time to be had by all.
Harry Truman Methvin has passed and would like everyone please keep his family in our prayers.
Mayor Smith was authorized to accept the highest bid received on the surplus vehicle which was a 2014 White Ford Truck that had a minimum bid of $500. The highest bid was from Bobby Frank for $1500.
Resolutions
One resolution was adopted to authorize Mayor Smith to accept the DeQuincy Industrial Airpark’s Capital Improvement Plan for 2023-2027. This includes future improvement plans for the Airport. This is covered by grants which is bonded through Federal and State Grants.
Another resolution was adopted authorizing Mayor Smith to accept a grant from DOTD for runway/apron rehab. The City has already got the grant and it is 100% state approved.
A resolution was adopted and authorized Mayor Smith to accept a grant from DOTD for their match for the drainage design. This is also Federal and State funded and will be used for airport.
The Council voted and passed the Public Hearing and adopted an ordinance amending the FYE 09/30/2022.
Mayor Smith was authorized to act on behalf of the City of DeQuincy in all matters concerning the Cooperative endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana and City of DeQuincy for the Street Rehabilitation, FP&C Project No. 50-M64-22-02. The city received $750,000 to repair the streets. This should take place in about 6 to 8 months.
David Jones address the Council regarding an extension on his variance to live in a travel trailer on his property at 201 Jefferson St. He asked for a 6-month variance for his travel trailer while he makes his repairs. He is working with three organizations to help with his repairs. He is working with SW Relief Collection, Restore America and the Mennonites. The Council and Jones agree to have a meeting with himself and two council members. He will provide the council with all necessary paperwork and they will move forward from there.
The Council also has been working on several locations in town to get them all cleaned up. They have had their inspector to inspect some of the homes and they have been found unsafe and will be demolished, others they are going through the proper channels to have them taken care of.
Code Enforcement
During the month of September, there were 22 notices issued: 20 weeds, offensive accumulations – Ordinance #924, two dangerous structures – Ordinance #604. Twelve of these have been corrected leaving 10 still pending.
Fire Department
The DeQuincy Fire Department was called out to assist Ward 6 Fire with woods fire, two structure fires and one vehicle fire. Fire Chief Johnny Copeland said there is burn ban in effect starting Oct. 11.
To read the rest of this story, please see page four of the print edition of The DeQuincy News.
