Breaux Bridge considers infrastructure financing

At the July 11 city council meeting, Mayor Ricky Calais said the city is considering engaging a company that offers an unusual approach to government infrastructure financing.

Sustainability Partners LLC (SP) is an Arizona-based company that provides financing as well as project management and warranty service with no up-front cost to governmental entities  it serves. They recoup their investment through a monthly usage fee agreement.

Calais said several municipalities and other entities in the Acadiana area make use of SP’s services. He added that the company is well established and has a very good reputation.

The mayor was authorized, pending agreement by City Attorney Bart Hebert and the Public Works Department, to contract with SP for resurfacing the baseball and softball fields at Parc Hardy with artificial turf.

Calais said improvements are needed to keep up with the desires of young families to provide high-quality recreational facilities for their children. The artificial turf will avoid rain-outs due to muddy field conditions. Providing quality facilities, he said, can make the difference when families are making decisions about whether or not to make their home in Breaux Bridge.

The monthly cost to the city will depend on whether it is decided to install efficient LED field lighting at the same time, and whether they elect to take the option of fully turfing the four smaller softball fields. The large fields will only receive turf on the infields.

The estimated cost to have SP apply turf to all eight infields and change the lighting will be just over $19,000 per month. SP will be responsible for any work they are contracted to do. The warranty period goes on for as long as the city continues to make the payments.

Calais commented that, with the only recreational facilities offered by the city being the baseball and softball fields and the walking track, they need to be in as good condition as possible.

The mayor also said that, in the near future, the city should consider adding more recreational opportunities such as city tennis courts.

In other business:

•Assistant Police Chief Terry Latiolais said that it is becoming more difficult to find well-qualified applicants for patrol officers.   

Hes added that there are now 11 patrol officers on the roster. The ideal number, he said, would be 14.

•Calais reported that, for the first time, the city is seeking a certified civil engineer to fill the position of Public Works director.