BB sets rules for contract work in city

The city council here now has rules and processes needed to provide for the exclusion of contractors who fail to meet minimum performance standards in work done for the city.
Adopted at the June 9 council meeting was an ordinance to keep such contractors from bidding on or participating in further work for the city for a specified period of time.
The ordinance, based on a similar one in Lafayette, provides for contractors to be barred or suspended for failure to perform according to the terms of their contracts. It specifies such things as defaulted contracts, unsatisfactory performance, faulty workmanship or materials, repetitive judicial challenges or non-payment of subcontractors as justification for debarment.
Contractors designated for such actions will be given the opportunity to answer criticisms and contest proposed actions. A committee will be designated to hear appeals and the maximum term for debarment will be decided by the committee, but will not exceed three years.

Engineering Review •Mayor Ricky Calais reported that the Poydras Street water service extension will begin on June 22.
•Bids for the Martin Street sidewalk project were rescheduled to be opened on June 16 and work should begin in July.
•The Baldwin Street drainage project should begin in late June or early July.
•The “crawfish” bridge restoration project has been delayed and is now expected to begin in October.

In other business:
•A 13-acre tract of city-owned property on Brick Street, the site of an abandoned landfill, will be leased to Hebert’s Tree and Stump Removal to allow the disposal of trees and branches. The company currently uses an adjacent parcel for the same purpose and will pay the city $750 annually.
•There will be a reduction in the General Alimony property tax millage rate for 2020. The new 4.23-mill rate, down from last year’s 4.49 mills, will preserve the existing income for the city, making allowance for a net increase in current assessed property values.
•Calais commented on the fact that DOTD District Engineer Manager Bill Oliver has announced his retirement. Calais expressed gratitude for Oliver’s help in bringing many much-needed projects to fruition over the years. “He has been a great friend to the city and will be missed,” the mayor said.