Chataignier approves purchase of new fence

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

CHATAIGNIER - The Chataignier Village Council approved the purchase of a new fence for the ballpark during its meeting Monday, April 21.

The project will be conducted in two phases, according to Councilman Joseph Semien, with the first phase consisting of erecting a fence from the entrance gate to the restroom. The second phase will erect a fence to cover the backstop.

Village Attorney Bruce Rozas said the village will need to contact a fencing company to go to the ballpark and measure for the fence so an estimate can be provided for each phase of the project. The council agreed to acquire estimates and will discuss the issue further once those estimates are received.

In other business, the council:

•Proposed an ordinance that will possibly increase traffic fines and change the way they are collected. Rozas said people will be required to pay the fine immediately, which will serve as their bond. If that person contests the ticket and it is dismissed, they will get their funds back. If they do not show for court, that bond will then be forfeited and the village will collect it. Rozas said this is how many municipalities in this area are operating.

•Learned a smoke test of the sewer system will be conducted in the future. However, there has been no date set for the test. Councilman Alton Thomas said he wanted citizens to be aware the test will eventually occur so residents are not alarmed if they see traces of smoke back up into their homes.

•Approved resolutions opposing house bills in the Louisiana State Legislature. One house bill call for the elimination of local sales/use tax offices, with taxes being collected by the state, and the other house bill attempts to limit the amount of money municipalities can collect from traffic fines.