Noise violations in city are discussed

On the March 9 meeting of the Ville Platte city council, the council heard from a resident who was there to complain about the Creole House (on MLK St.) which violates noise ordinances and allows parties to continue all hours of the night. Recently, one event lasted until 6:30 a.m. Residents of the neighborhood are subject to music, street dancing, and other activity which leave them sleep deprived. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said the owners have continually promised to respect the neighborhood and obey ordinances, but have broken those promises.
The neighborhood resident said she has called the police on them in the past, but the officers did nothing to help. Councilman Lionel Anderson also witnessed the mayhem caused by the events held at the Creole House. Vidrine said she will speak to the police department to send more officers to help. She added if the police need help, they can call the sheriff’s department for help, and the State Fire Marshal’s office can go shut down the building. Vidrine said she will get with the legal department to see about shutting down the business.
Vidrine said she was happy with the mass, drive-thru vaccine held at the Northside Civic Center on March 4. She thanked the Louisiana Department of Health, the Evangeline Parish Health Unit, and the Louisiana National Guard for assisting. She also announced Governor Edwards has expanded the age group for vaccine eligibility to ages 16-64 for those with underlying conditions. She said if anyone needs an immediate vaccine, Southwest Primary Care in Opelousas is providing vaccines. Call for an appointment at 337-678-9000. She also said anyone can get on the list with the Evangeline Parish Health Unit.
Vidrine also announced the new Louisiana Rental Assistance Program that opened Friday. The program is for renters and landlords. Renters who has past-due rent, or landlords who have past-due mortgages related to COVID-19, they will be able to apply to the program. Evangeline Parish has over $2.2 million allocated through the Louisiana Housing Corporation. The website to apply is LASTATERENT.COM. The phone number is 877-459-6555.
Councilman Bryant Riggs talked about catalytic converters being stolen in town. “It’s time to hold people accountable,” he said. Riggs also said he is looking forward to the COVID relief bill where there will be money for infrastructure for municipalities. “I want to make sure we take that money and put it where it’s supposed to go.” He asked the mayor to get with city attorney Eric LaFleur to see about refinancing the city’s bonds. Additionally, Riggs wants to get the street department workers to $11 an hour to be ahead of a more-than-likely minimum wage increase.
Anderson complained about littering in his district and asked to monitor the street cameras to catch the litterers. He further complained about abandoned cars. Vidrine said there is an ordinance against abandoned cars, and will see about enforcing the ordinance.
Ville Platte Fire Department Captain Chris Soileau said the department’s staff members have a combined fire service experience of over 125 years. He commended his staff, saying they have been dedicated to the community. “We are grateful and blessed as a department to have our personnel year after year, and our new personnel as well.” He asked citizens when they see fire department staff in public, to take a moment to thank them.
Councilwoman Faye Lemoine and Councilman Mike Perron both brought up issues with the city dog pound, requesting changes and upgrades. Further information about the city dog pound will be in the Sunday issue of the Ville Platte Gazette.
Before the meeting, a moment of silence was held in honor of Ville Platte broadcasting legend Jim Soileau, who passed away March 8.