Aside from voting unanimously to increase utility rates, the Ville Platte City Council Monday heard from Maxine Jack who was there to discuss the flooding issue on her street, but she spent most of her allotted time scolding the audience for some of the harsh comments concerning the utility rate increases. She then explained the flooding with water entering her house. She said the canals on Railroad Avenue need tending to. The mayor said the city is going to use a tractor for the canal, and she asked for citizens to stop throwing file cabinets and sofas in the canals, calling it “tacky.”
Mayor Jennifer Vidrine announced the monthly expense report for May was $216,722.01, up $9,022.63 more than April. That money accounts for repairs on well #9 and the purchase of a flow meter that measures gas pressure through the line.
The council approved new software to make the police department more efficient and more accountable. The cost will be a little over $94,000
Police Chief Neil Lartigue presented his report. There were 34 arrests made during the month of May. There was a total of seven accidents with one injury. There was a total of 153 traffic violations. Chief Lartigue also announced the potential hiring of two police officers. The Council approved the hiring, pending paperwork, post certifications, physicals and budget.
Fire Chief Chris Harrison reported for the month of May there were 111 grass fires, one structure fire, two extrications, one vehicle fire, one gas spill, and 22 service calls. In total, there were 32 calls.
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NANCY DUPLECHAIN Associate Editor