Housekeeping duties across the state are underway as city councils begin receiving ARPA (America Rescue Plan Act 2021) funds from the federal government and amending their budgets. Kinder’s council took that step at Monday’s meeting, November 1, by introducing Ordinance No. 870. Attorney Michael Holmes explained the budget has to be amended because the first portion of the funds ($437,905) have arrived. He explained the ordinance was being introduced at this meeting and would be approved at the next meeting when they would discuss how to utilize the funds.
Councilman Chris Fontenot inquired about the time frame for the spending of the first part and receipt of the second part of the funds. Mayor Wayland LaFargue explained the second part would come when the first part was used. He said it appeared all the monies had to spent within four years. He said most of the money has to be used for water and sewage.
In other business, Eric Kuyper, commander of the Alvin L. Nevils American Legion Post 244, thanked the city for its support to the veterans as he invited them to the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, November 6, at The Grand Church. “We’re ready to feed 400 to 500 people,” he said. He gave them an overview of the project, and reminded them USMC Day, which celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps, is November 10, and Veterans’ Appreciation Day is November 11. He said the council would be invited to the American Legion’s meeting in January to discuss their plans for 2022.
Chief Paul Courville gave his “call” report for October stating there were 10 arrests for controlled substances, three burglaries, two damaged properties, two stolen vehicles, 10 thefts and 19 cases involving driving under suspension charges. He asked to hire Corporal Kevin Doise, which was approved, and to promote two officers who had fulfilled their probationary status to corporal – Taylor Jackson and Seth Whetstine.
In his report, Wesley Miller, Pan American Engineers, said the city had received four bids to clean and inspect all three water tanks in town, and the lowest was $38,400 from Southern Coatings LLC. He said they ranged from $38,400 to $76,710. He said $20,000 of the funds were coming from a grant. The rest of the funding will come from ARPA funds.
Miller said they did make the application for water funds, and if approved, they would be used for sewer pond improvements. He said the city’s match for the project could come from DEQ funding. He would keep the council advised as the grant process is completed.
Councilwoman Angie Van Norman asked about FEMA reimbursement money. The mayor said the end of the process is close. He said they meet every two weeks to make sure the process is moving forward and informed the council Kinder has received some money. He said the damaged pumps were fixed, and the town received its reimbursement. Now the town is waiting on the reimbursement for buildings damaged – city hall, police department and community center. The library has been fixed.
