– The new rendition of the St. Martinville City Council met for the first time Monday evening and selected a returning member to serve as the Mayor Pro Tempore in a quick meeting at City Hall.
District 3 Councilman Jonas Fontenette, who was re-elected in a three-way race in May, was chosen for a oneyear term as Mayor Pro Tem by fellow council members. The Mayor Pro Tem serves as acting mayor when the elected mayor is absent.
The council, which welcomed three new members, also addressed three nuisance/ dilapidated properties during the meeting. New members included Brad Horton in District 1, George Choplin in District 2 and Monica Charles in District 4. District 5 Councilwoman Flo Chatman ran unopposed for her seat and returns to the council.
The council tabled discussion of property at 2085 Terrace Highway until the next meeting. That discussion may be in executive session because of possible litigation.
The council voted to take three bids and accept the lowest qualifying bid to tear down a dilapidated structure on Denbas Street, located in District 4. Charles, who won a runoff race with incumbent Janise Anthony in June, made the motion calling for bids, which passed unanimously.
City Planning & Zoning Coordinator Otis Chatman said the property owners have been trying to work out how to pay for the work, as they are not the owners of the mobile home on the property.
Nuisance property at 211 Hyacinth was cleared by the owners before bids were taken by the city for the work, Chatman informed the council, so the city did not have to take action on the property.
Mayor Jason Willis also discussed abandoned cars on properties, which he said is becoming more of an issue than dilapidated buildings. The city is working to clear cars off of nuisance properties in addition to buildings, high grass and fallen trees.
The council voted to appoint municipal officers, including Interim Police Chief Andrew Broussard, City Clerk Lorrie Poirier, Streets Superintendent Brian Francis, Utility Superintendent Mike Douet, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office and School Board as tax collector, City Attorney Allan Durand and City Magistrate Eddie Guidry.
Council
In other business The mayor discussed ongoing events in the city including training for the Lawrason Act for the city council and others in the city government that was to be held Wednesday. The city’s government structure was changed last year when residents voted to switch from a Legislative Charter to the Lawrason Act.
The city’s summer programs also continue with basketball summer league continuing each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Martinville Senior High School’s girls’ gym.
Cultural camp resumes daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. starting July 20 with a sports camp at Adam Carlson Park, followed by a historical camp starting July 27.
The swimming pool is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Swim lessons are available from 10 a.m.-noon Monday through Thursday and on Saturday and Sunday. The splash pad also is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
