The Kinder Council met later in July due to the holiday observed earlier this month. On Monday, the council held a public hearing to finalize the issuance of bonds totaling no more than $3.35 million (Bonds Series 2021) to make improvements to its wastewater treatment plant.
Since earlier this year, the council has been meeting with its bond attorney to refinance bonds for a savings of almost $750,000. This was the final step in the process and all council members present voted to approve the ordinance, 4-0. (Angie Van Norman was absent from the meeting.) The council also learned, there are DEQ monies, totaling $335,000, that could be applied to the project regardless of the outcome of the vote.
In other business, the council:
•Adopted a resolution to adopt the adjusted millage rates for 2021 as supplied by the parish assessor.
•Learned from Wesley Miller, Pan American Engineers, they were prepared to ask for bids to begin the process of awarding the project to upgrade the town’s sewer plant. Miller said they would wait to award the project later in the year because free money is expected to be awarded in a grant form. He said the town may qualify for some of those funds which may be announced in November or December. Mayor Wayland LaFargue said the information they had suggested the money may be awarded in September. It was agreed to wait to see if the town received any money for the project.
•Learned the town is preparing to replace the damaged welcome signs. Councilman Chris Fontenot said an inquiry had been made by a local organization who is waiting to add their emblem to the signs.
•Fences have been done at the city barn and all pump stations at a cost of approximately $40,000.
•Discussed properties in the city that need to be torn down or repaired and the process of getting property owners to make those repairs or clean up their property.
•Learned the mayor has been trying to get the prison crew to come work in the town but the rain is preventing this work.
