RSS Feed

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for plans to issue utilities revenue bonds topping at $2,600,000 for the construction and improvements of the city’s outdated water treatment system.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.

RAYNE - Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at Cunningham CME Church in Rayne, for Lester Joseph Harmon Sr.
Lester Joseph Harmon Sr., affectionately known by most as “Private,” was born in Branch on September 27, 1939, to Ernest and Harriet Harmon.
A devoted man of God, he was a dedicated member of Cunningham C.M.E. Church in Rayne. A faithful servant, he served the church in a number of ways, but was committed to being a member of the Joint Board of Finance and a Steward.
Pré was a die-hard Lakers fan, who often ‘talked to Kobe,’ and was dedicated to his family and his many friends. After retiring from BFI Waste Services, he became affectionately known as a part of the Wal-Mart Family as “Mr. Lester.”
On Friday, April 5, the gates of Heaven opened and the angels of God descended to Rayne to carry Lester to his final resting place.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years, Jane Lois Phillips Harmon of Rayne; his children, Rita Butler Guidry (Harold), Ursula Hawkins, Harvey Hawkins, Lester Harmon Jr., Dexter Harmon (Phyllis), Marlon J. Forman, all of Rayne, and TeRand Lair of Lafayette. He helped to raise Kenneth Ray, Darrell, the late Jasper Dale Phillips, Stephanie Clark and Stacey Davis of New Orleans; one brother, Harold Harmon; one sister, Elnora Charles of Rayne; sisters-in-law, Lillie Harmon, Gertrude Cole and Delores Board of Rayne; two godchildren, Magnolia Hollier and Corey Wilridge of Rayne; devoted friends, Al and Wendy Francis, L.J. and Marie Nickson, and Louis Domingue Sr., all of Rayne, and Warren “Buck” Buchanan of Houston, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Harriet Harmon; six brothers, Lawrence “Tabby”, Gatta Sr., Percy “PR”, Wilton Sr., Howard and Ernest Harmon; and three sisters, Odelia “Baby Sis”, “Tut” Harmon and Sadie Bell Harmon.
The family has requested viewing be observed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Cunningham CME Church in Rayne.
Kinchen Funeral Home Inc., 1011 North Saint Antoine Street, Lafayette LA 70501, is in charge of arrangements. Additionally, condolences to the family can be expressed on the website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.