The Oberlin Council had a short but busy January meeting as they approved closing a LCDBG project and did some hiring and firing of employees.
A public hearing before the council meeting announced the end of the LCDBG (Louisiana Community Development Block Grant) that constructed and rehabilitated the town’s sewer main line and pump station at five lift stations. The town received $695,000 but spent $683,193.75 leaving $11,806.25.
Mayor Joseph “Moochie” Manuel said this was a good grant, because the town did not have to put any money up with the grant to utilize it. He and the council members questioned whether they could use the $11,806.25 to make other repairs in the sewer system. They will contact the person responsible for overseeing these funds to see if the town can use these monies.
The council also learned some of the workers were learning how to change burnt relay switches and other small things in the area of the sewer system.
The council hired Nicole Duplechain as the town’s financial clerk. Charlotte Artis, city clerk, said this is their third clerk. She said the first took a few months to complete banking for the town. The next person was a little quicker, and Duplechain did it in four days.
“She took the initiative and figured it out,” Artis said. “That’s who you want in this job.”
A council member also explained he asked her for some paperwork, and she quickly gave him the documentation.
The council also fired its Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Johnson after Chief Grady K. Haynes explained Johnson had not shown up for shift work on December 14, 15, and 18th after he appeared angry at the town hall on the 11th and cursed some employees. Haynes said Johnson missed another six days in December, and he wasn’t put on the January schedule. He also never came forth to discuss the issues with the chief. Haynes thanked him for his service, but ultimately had to recommend Johnson to be relieved of his duties.
