Rayne City Council approves plans for city projects

RAYNE - The main action taken during Monday’s City Council meeting was the approval for plans to issue utilities revenue bonds topping at $2,600,000 for the construction and improvements of the city’s outdated water treatment system.
“The city has been waiting a long time for this to finally happen,” stated Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux of the ongoing process. “Once this project is complete, the city’s infrastructure will be on the right track providing what our citizens need.”
David Henderson with Foley & Judell, L.L.P. Law Firm, was in attendance for the meeting and discussed specifics of the ordinance and procedures to occur
“I think we’re looking at a May 14 date for the official closing,” Henderson stated.
Under new business, the financial update, which displayed the city in a good position, was given by City Clerk Annette Cutrera, who noted the report was in “real-time” as the new computer program has been installed and is in operation as a very efficient system.
The Council voted to replace Louis Thomas with Randy Guidry for a five-year term on the Youth Recreation Board.
In addition, Jim Broussard was replaced by Pam Hollingsworth for a five-year term on the Youth Recreation Board.
Under permit department/demolition projects, six properties were presented for action, including:
• 407 Bailey Ave - revisited by the Council and continued until June meeting for discussion and action taken, if any;
• 405 6th Street - given 90 days to demo;
• 610 Karen Drive - given 90 days to update and for house to be in compliance;
• 612 Karen Drive - given 90 days to update and for house to be in compliance;
• 612 1/2 Karen Drive - given 90 days to update and for house to be in compliance;
• 511 Kathy Drive - given 90 days to demo; and
• 208 Melanie Street - ongoing project was given six months to submit plans for renovation while continue to clean property.
City Engineer Tim Mader gave a brief report of the LCDBG FY 2020-21 Project. Action will be determined as the best possible project and application for the grant will be determined once the public hearing process is completed and approved.
The Council adopted the project resolution authorizing a public hearing in accordance with the required citizen participation process for the program funding application.
Robichaux gave an update of the Edgewood re-surfacing project noting the contracts have been signed and wotk is expectd to begin in mid-May.
He also noted the remaining four street projects (West Jeff Davis, North Polk Street, 7th Street and South Eastern) are still in the DOTD process.
Robichaux gave an update of The Boulevard sidewalk project which is set to pour cement in the last section for completion.
Rayne Recreation Director Dwayne Derise invited everyone to attend the Summer Program opening ceremony slated Saturday, April 27, at 9 a.m. as baseball and softball seasons begin.
Before adjourning, it was announced the annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt was to be re-scheduled due to expected inclement weather for the upcoming weekend.
Robichux also reminded everyone of the upcoming Frog Festival (May 8-11) with the grand parade slated Thursday evening this year to open the fun weekend of events.