Parks water system getting attention

The Village’s water system is benefiting from its share of Federal American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The ARPA grants can only be used for COVID related losses with just a few exceptions. One of these exceptions is for water or sewer system improvements. The Village is taking advantage of that clause and the opportunity to improve its large but aging water infrastructure.

The five water wells are all undergoing major maintenance in the form of replacement of their outer well casings. Mayor Kevin Kately also reported that the inspection and testing of all the system’s fire hydrants is complete and three new hydrants have been added.

Additional water main valves are also being added to allow areas to be isolated rather than shutting down the whole system when repairs are being done.

Police Business

Council member Myra Yvonne Narcisse said she had been asked whether the Village actually needs as many patrol officers as it currently employs. Police Chief Reginald Cluse said the department has been understaffed in the past and the current number (five),  is the minimum needed.

A resident attending the meeting said she was unable to reach the police when a vehicle ran into her house last October. Cluse responded that the Village has an intergovernmental agreement with St. Martin Parish allowing Sheriff’s Office service from the parish through the 911 system when that happens. The resident said she had called 911 and gotten help from a deputy.

In other business, the council approved the amended budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year after a few questions from council members were answered.

Council member Kanisha Potier wanted information about the Village’s health insurance policies and about tax income generated by the Dollar General store.