Mamou council discusses buses parking on resident’s property

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One new Mamou Council Member dove right in to addressing complaints on behalf of his constituents during the Town of Mamou’s first council meeting of the year.
Newly elected councilman Sheaky Thomas shared he received a complaint from a resident in his District regarding a school bus parking on her property and leaving ruts in her yard near Mamou Elementary School.
Mayor Ricky Fontenot said he had also received a complaint from the resident in the past and it was addressed by contacting the bus company First Student. He then added, “It’s a rainy season and a bus is heavy, so we can ask them to stay on the street.”
Since this discussion, Thomas has reached out to First Student to resolve the issue. According to Thomas, First Student has addressed the issue. However, he said, “I spoke with a manager at First Student who said if the person catches a bus doing it again to get a bus number and First Student will see about it.”
The Evangeline Parish School Board Superintendent Darwan Lazard was also contacted in regard to this issue, and he stated, “As a school district, we always want to work with parents, families, citizens, municipalities and other community partners for the benefit of the entire parish. I am grateful to First Student Manager Hubert Mabe and Acting Transportation Supervisor Johnny Deshotel for promptly and properly addressing this matter as soon as they were made aware of it.”
The council also made several appointments during the meeting. Those appointed to town positions were: Leisa Deshotel, Mayor Pro Temp.; Guy Pucheu, Municipal Clerk and Tax Collector; Peter Savoy, Town Attorney; Kelly Tate, Mayor’s Court Magistrate; Robin Young, Police Commissioner; Kolder, Slaven and Company, Inc., audit firm; Dion Guillory, Gas Superintendent; Olen John Lowe, Water Superintendent; and Robin McGee, Waste Water Superintendent.
Other items approved were:
•Hire Willie Ray Shillow as a part time police officer to assist with Kid’s Mardi Gras and to sometimes assist with school traffic.
•Move officer Luke Fruge, who is POST (Peace Officer Standard Training) certified, from sergeant to detective.