In his monthly report, Mayor Larry Alexander gave the council an update on grants and town projects. He said the Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant was completed. The town received a trails grant for sidewalks down Main St. to the park. This project will compliment the Safe Neighborhood Sidewalk program near the school. He said it was suppose to start in April but has been delayed.
A project to scope water and sewer lines and manholes with a camera will be underway soon. The program will identify where broken pipes and other issues exist. Councilman Ryan Rozas asked the mayor how much of the streets will be torn up to do this. The mayor said it depends where the issues are identified, and he hoped they were not in the middle of the street.
Alexander is also working on infrastructure like having two pumps in every lift station. He said he is working on buying more pumps. He hopes with two, one will not do all the work and overheat. The two pumps will work together. He hopes to have this project completed over the next year.
Under comments for the pubic, Mark Daigle brought up his water bill. He said his bill went from $38 to $46 and $75. He believed the rate was too high for one person. Both the mayor and councilmen attempted to ask if the customer had looked to see if any mechanical errors were occurring on the customer’s side (examples – toilet and hot water tank). Daigle refused to budge, saying he knew how to handle mechanical issues. Alexander said they have checked his meter numerous times. Alexander also presented him with a printout of his account for the past year. Daigle learned the utility rates were set by a study, and testing of the water showed negative foreign particles despite Daigle’s claims that there were problems.
“I’ve heard no trouble with anyone else,” Councilman Gary Marcantel said. “I’ve drank the water for 60 years, and I’m still alive.”
Steven McKay, CPA with Rosier, McKay and Willis presented the budget for the 2024-25 year. Total revenue in the general fund for 2023-24 was $1,085,670 with a deficit of $734,110. Revenue for 24-25 would grow to $1,249,800 and end with a surplus of $1,700. The council will have the month to review the numbers. Two ordinances were introduced – one to amend the operating budget of 23-24 to bring the budget within the five percent variance set by the state and the other to introduce the budget for 24-25.
In other business, the council:
•Leased a backhoe for $1,800 a month for five years. One months rent of the backhoe was $4,500.
•Learned the flag project to have the poles and flags operational in the town would cost $1,500 this year. The veterans upkeep the poles and flags. Alexander said last year, it cost the town $2,000.
•Approved monies designated for the veterans park to upgrade playground equipment and add a 20×30 pavilion with benches for a picnic area. Council members asked if the restroom could be checked daily for trash and cleaned. Alexander said it would be added to the list. Also noted the money for Recreation District Four in that area was not part of the town’s budget. That money would be used for the ball park and that facility in the recreation district.
•Approved a JSA with the local drainage board. The town would help with a trailer and dump truck services when the drainage area was cleaned.
•Agreed to take down canoe signs coming into Oberlin and fix signs in the area of District Four for Councilwoman Janice Simon.