The Kinder Council received reports Monday night on finances, police activities and proposed changes to the town’s Ordinance No. 832, which deals with electric golf carts.
Traci Fontenot, town clerk, presented the monthly report on finances and noted the town’s fiscal year was at the halfway mark. She explained spending appeared to be within the budget guidelines at this time of the fiscal year, and collections of fines were higher than normal indicating the fiscal year looked good at this point. Kinder’s property tax collections are at 86 percent as of December 31. Those who have not taken care of property taxes should call city hall to address the taxes. At this point, Fontenot said penalties will be added to the taxes, but it is important to take care of them now.
Police Chief Paul Courville noted in December, his department handled two batteries, eight controlled substance arrests, two damage property complaints, two juvenile incidents and four thefts.
In his report Michael Holmes, town attorney, presented information to the council on its present ordinance concerning the use of electric golf carts on municipal roadways. There has been some discussion of adding utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to this ordinance. The state has drafted a section on the use of UTVs on roadways and how municipals can utilize UTVs. Licensing, proof of insurance and other documentation is handled by The Louisiana Department of Public Safety Office of Motor Vehicles. It was agreed the council would study the information and discuss it at the February meeting.
Wesley Miller, town engineer, said one septic aerator pump has to be installed. The pumps were repaired recently.
Miller said on the 15th he will meet with a specialist from Minnesota to see what recommendations he has to repair and/or update the water treatment plant project in Kinder. The town is presently pursuing funding to update its plant.
In final comments, Councilwoman LaToya Tunwar reported she would sponsor a Black History Program in February for the community at the Long-Johnson Park.
