Avoyelles Parish Police Jury Meeting Highlights: New Ordinances & Tax Election Set!

Police Jury Approves Ordinances, Sets Tax Renewal Election, Advances Parish Projects

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury met in regular session on April 14, at the parish courthouse in Marksville, with all jurors present.

The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The jury approved minutes from the March 10 regular meeting, as well as minutes from the Tourist Commission meeting held March 30 and the Planning Commission meeting held March 25.

Sixth Congressional District candidate Peter Williams addressed the jury and those in attendance, sharing his background as an agricultu- rist and tree farmer from Lettsworth and discussing his experience advocating for underserved communities.

Amy Guidry with Acadian Ambulance Service reported that the parish recorded 773 ambulance calls in March, including 603 emergency calls and 170 non-life-threatening calls. The average response time was 14 minutes and 53 seconds.

Following a public hearing with no opposition, the jury adopted a solar farm ordinance. Another public hearing was held with no opposition before the jury approved the abandonment of approximately 500 feet of Smith Road, as presented by Civil Works Director Kevin Bordelon.

The jury approved submission of an additional letter to the Louisiana Attorney General regarding the parish animal shelter, outlining supporting reasons.

Jurors authorized Wilbert Carmouche to apply for a CMP grant and to sign all related documents. The jury also approved recommendations from the Litter Committee, including fines for Jeffrey Clayton of Plaucheville and Melissa Shallington of Mansura, along with final notices issued to several individuals on the extension list.

The jury voted to call an election to renew the Health Unit ad valorem tax, with additional language to include an animal shelter. Joseph Frank was authorized to attend the LEMC Conference, and a proclamation for Avoyelles Parish Birthday Celebration was adopted.

A public hearing was scheduled for May 12 at 4:45 p.m. to receive comments on proposed amendments to the parish subdivision ordinance.

The jury approved payment of $18,960.50 to Pan American Engineers for Phase 1 work on the Recreation and Education Complex. Membership in the National Association of Counties, at a cost of $794, was noted but no motion was made.

Jurors voted to table quotes for soffit and gutter replacement at parish libraries. The jury also approved up to $20,000 for a pump, electrical work, and supplies at the green waste site, with one abstention recorded.

Additional approvals included $635 for litter trailer signage from HLA Signs, up to $15,000 for fencing and a gate at the green waste site, and selection of several properties for cleanup by parish crews.

The jury authorized solicitation of requests for proposals for a new garbage contract, contingent upon review by the Solid Waste Committee, full jury approval, and legal review.

Jurors also approved a lease agreement with Gerard Lacour for the Simmesport Health Unit. Prior to the vote, discussion included concerns regarding the number of health clinics in Simmesport compared to other areas of the parish and how health unit funds should be utilized. The measure passed with one dissenting vote.

The meeting concluded with approval for the Secretary-Treasurer to pay bills and a motion to adjourn.