The Kinder Council entered executive session during the mayor’s report to discuss strategic planning for its gas system. Councilwoman LaToya Tunwar was the only person who opposed going into executive session, because she said she had no information on the issues at hand. Over an hour later, the council returned to the regular meeting. Councilwoman Angie Van Norman made a motion authorizing the city attorney to negotiate with the Coushatta Tribe within the parameters set forth by the council in executive session. (The town does supply natural gas to the casino’s facilities). The council approved the motion unanimously.
The council agreed to adopt a resolution allowing the town to declare a strip of land on Fourth Avenue as surplus. The land exists between the old hardware store and library in Kinder. Mayor Wayland LaFargue chose the process of economic development rather than public bid for this land. The council voted to designate it as surplus and gave the mayor authority to seek one or more purchasers for the land.
In his report, Public Works Superintendent Eric Fontenot explained the town received two of the three trucks they purchased from the water company had arrived. He said the crew was working on a line by the Catholic Church on Tuesday. He said he and Miller had discussed isolating water valves around town so the whole town didn’t have to be shut off for emergency repairs. Fontenot is also working on providing a monthly report to the council on water production and losses. He also expected all digital meters to be installed soon since there were only 28 sites left.
In other business:
•The council agreed to return adjudicated property back to the owners. The family made the request. Back taxes, etc. will have to be paid.
•Heard an update from Wesley Miller, engineer with Pan American Engineers. Miller said the waste water project is going well. Approximately 25 percent of the $4.5 million project has been billed and paid. He said the survey work on the Nixon project was completed. He also reported the town was waiting on capital outlay improvement monies, which will be awarded in June. Miller added the town’s LCDBG (Community Development Block Grant Program) application was on track to be submitted by the deadline for November 16. The town is seeking $800,000 for streets through LCDBG funding.
•Council members learned bridge repairs should begin in the spring.
