By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor
Secretary-Treasurer Chester Granger, during the first meeting of the newly-installed Evangeline Parish Police Jury held January 9, surprisingly announced his plans to retire around mid-February of this year. Granger, an employee of the police jury for 26 years, said, “It seems to be a time to take a different path. I’ve learned so much working with you guys. It’s been one heck of a ride.” He added, “I started out in the field working on an excavator then I moved up to public works and then secretary-treasurer.” Granger continued, “I want to give special thanks to Bryan (Vidrine, Police Jury president). He helped me a lot this past year. I just really appreciate his patience with me in learning the curve. I was in public works for 15 years. I really do appreciate everything that y’all did for me and my family. Granger added, “Don’t underestimate what you have in that office. Your office staff is top notch.”
Vidrine stated, “I appreciate the work you have done over the years. You were a great public works director and good secretary-treasurer.”
Juror Ryan Ardoin said, “Evangeline Parish would not be where we are today without you. I appreciate how hard you work.”
Vidrine then discussed the future, saying he would like to put a committee together to discuss and compile a qualifications and job description list for the position, allowing applicants to know what kind of work they are in for. He said, “I foresee us having to put someone as an interim (secretary-treasurer) while searching for the right person. I don’t want this to be a four - five week decision. It is gonna take months to find enough candidates that we feel are qualified for the position.”
In his reports, Public Works Director Jody Snoddy asked for the jury to approve several recommendations, including moving Blaze Burge from Region B yard to D. Burge was replaced by Kevin Melancon in Region B. For Region C, Snoddy recommended Randal King be made full time and Mike Lazard part time. Snoddy also asked the jury to grant Robert Coker purchasing authority. The jury approved all of Snoddy’s requests.
Engineer Ronnie Landreneau gave a brief update on the sewer work in Wyble Subdivision, noting bids were to be taken this week, but there were several questions that needed to be addressed, As a result, the deadline was extended by one week until next Tuesday. He noted work on improving the infrastructure at Industrial Park was 60-65 percent complete and bids for material commissions will be advertised for in the spring. The construction of a new road to the new detention center and improvements to the waste water treatment plant are underway, as well as the extension of sewer, water and gaslines to the new facility will then begin. Landreneau also stated CDBG funds will soon be available to apply for in February and asked the council to start thinking about projects to apply for.
In other business, the police jury:
•Approved the IRS standard mileage rates for 2024 at 67 cents per mile.
•Reappointed Vidrine as president for this year and Kevin Veillon as vice president. Both thanked the jury members for reappointing them.
•Reappointed Wanda Verrette, Paula Darbonne and Opal Andrus to the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission.
•Appointed Chauncey Fontenot to replace Tim Causey as constable until the next election on November 5, 2024.
•Appointed JD Bank, Investar Bank, Basile State Bank and Evangeline Bank and Trust as the jury’s fiscal agents.
•Appointed officers and committees for the 2024 fiscal year.
•Appointed Leila Fontenot as permits clerk, with a three percent raise and full time status following her 90-day trial period.
•Adopted a Ward Five Fire District Tax Renewal at 11.53 mills.
•Approved keeping the monthly meetings on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m., with committee meetings at 5 p.m. prior to the regular meeting on the same day.
•Approved President Bryan Vidrine to travel to Washington D.C., with APC (Acadiana Planning Commission) funding most of the trip, including hotel and flight, with the EPPJ covering the rest of the expenses. He stated, “This is a good event and we usually come back with grants or opportunities to apply for grants. It is a good way for Evangeline Parish to be on the map.”
•Approved attending the Annual Police Jury Convention in Lake Charles, which will be held February 28 - March 1.
•Approved paying one percent of the HUD director’s salary for 2024.
•Appointed Shawn Devillier to the District 2 Fire Protection Board for a term of two years.
•Hired Nick Reed as a part time worker for Region B.
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