Mayor Larry Alexander’s report to his council included project updates.
He said the town has several ongoing projects including new sidewalks, fiber optic cable, sewer improvements, etc. At times, these projects do put a strain on the town’s maintenance department when workers respond to project sites to mark the town’s lines, etc.
In conjunction with the sidewalk program, Alexander said the ditches in District II were done. Some drainage issues will be fixed as the project goals are met. The mayor explained a culvert that collapsed was replaced under Ninth St., and another culvert would help to reroute some of the runoff from the courthouse area. He said the bank parking lot’s catch basins would be replaced to meet the needs of the area.
Under the sewer work, old clay pipes, installed in 50s and 60s are being replaced. He said residents wanted streets to be repaired, but they were waiting for the sewer work to be completed before making roadway repairs.
Mayor Alexander said the crews were easy to work with and doing a great job of cleaning up after themselves.
The town is also securing data for LDH noting materials used for all waterlines going in and out of homes in the community. A federal government project is looking to replace lead water lines. The data will be used for the grant process. The mayor said he did not know how the grants would be used, but he wanted to let the council know that they would learn more in the future.
In other business, the town:
•Introduced an ordinance to update the distance alcohol establishments had to exist from religious structures. Mayor Alexander said it appears the former council had addressed this matter in May of 2024, but no documentation existed. It would be easier, to restart the process, so he asked the council to introduce it. There will be a hearing before the next meeting, and then it could be approved at that meeting. The meeting should be held on Tuesday, November 12, since the 11th is Veterans Day.
•Approved payment of bills.
•Approved minutes of the September minutes.
•Approved a special events permit for Yum’s Yum’s LLC at the Allen Parish Fair.