The Chataignier Village Council heard an update Monday on its sewer plant filter system which is still down.
Village Engineer Ronnie Landreneau explained “a letter was sent to the general contractor last week after a meeting we had here at the village hall recommending they take some action.”
Landreneau went on to explain, the village received a response from the contractor acknowledging they received the letter along with a positive response.
“They will get with the manufacturer of the pump today (Monday) and will hopefully be getting back to us with a plan of action tomorrow.”
Village Administrator Gail McDavid, who is also a police officer for the village, told the council earlier in the meeting that state police is cracking down on four-wheelers, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes being driven on the highways.
“Penalties range from numerous citations up to impounding or towing the vehicle,” McDavid said.
Mayor Justin Darbonne stated there are exceptions for farmers who go from field to field, utility workers, and survey crews.
Councilwoman Carilyn “Tu” Arvie, then, addressed the council regarding a police officer being on sick leave for two or three months following a surgery and still being paid.
“I just want to know why we are still paying him if we don’t have a sick leave policy,” she said. “He should get paid as long as he’s working, but, if he’s out sick with surgery, we shouldn’t be paying him.”
Mayor Darbonne stated the officer is now back working.
After more discussion, Village Attorney Greg Vidrine explained, “If there’s not one, there needs to be a paid time off policy.”
Village Clerk Laken Fontenot explained there was no record of such a policy when the last audit was performed.
Mayor Darbonne, as a result, asked Vidrine to draw up a policy.
Later in the meeting, the council approved having Bourque Signs install new welcome signs for the village which were paid for by grant money.
In his mayor’s report, Mayor Darbonne said, “Town hall will remain open as of now. If anything changes, we may just use a drop box like everybody else is doing.”
Then, on Tuesday, Mayor Darbonne reported the Easter Egg-stravaganza is cancelled and may be rescheduled for a later date.
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Tony Marks
Editor