The new norm since the outbreak of the coronavirus has affected how municipal boards conduct public meetings. Most have gone to electronic means by using teleconferences, but two villages here in Evangeline Parish employed other unconventional means to conduct their meetings this week.
The Chataignier Village Council, on Monday, held its meeting in an empty village hall with the front doors open. The seating for the public was spaced out six feet apart, however, no members of the public chose to attend the meeting.
During the meeting, Mayor Justin Darbonne reported work is still being done on the sewer system and the village received a water enrichment grant in the amount of $13,200.00. He stated water risers and lids have been replaced, and boxes along with two meters have been changed so far.
Mayor Darbonne went on to report the village will begin issuing citations for weeds and grass once the COVID-19 is cleared. He added the new village signs are installed and the village is working on an employment policy for its employees.
In other business, the council adopted a resolution declaring April as Fair Housing Month.
A day later, on Tuesday, the Turkey Creek Village Council held its meeting outdoors in front of the police department with several members of the public standing, or sitting in golf carts, six feet apart on the other side of police tape.
Newly appointed Chief of Police Shawn Eckhart stated, “There has been a lot of great response from the community. I did make a public page for myself to be transparent as a chief, and I have been getting a lot of private messages with drug activity here. We are taking a look at that.”
Chief Eckhart commended officer Chris Lemaire on his work over the weekend related to the separate traffic stops which led to the seizure of illegal items.
The chief added the police officers participated in a program through Vests for Life and received bullet proof vests.
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Tony Marks
Editor