Mamou Council finalizes rental terms for town’s rec complex

MAMOU — Mayor Ricky Fontenot and council members, during the May 10 meeting of the Mamou Town Council, continued the discussion of the rental fees and agreement for the Mamou Recreational Complex from the previous meetings.
Council member Jessica Fontenot was still concerned about the use of alcohol on the premises for youth events, such as proms and homecomings. She said she wanted no alcohol on the premises at all for such events. When council member Charles Reed said that wouldn’t happen, it was noted that those issues were addressed in the ordinance where it said any parent that purchases alcohol for their minor child must be present with the child at the event.
Reed wanted to approve the ordinance with the option to revise as needed later. However, Attorney Peter Savoy noted that the council would have to go through the entire process each time changes were made so he suggested either adopting the ordinance as is or waiting to get it exactly how they want it before adopting it. Following the discussion, the council adopted the ordinance as is.
In addition to the discussion about the facility’s rental rates, the council also discussed setting requirements for the use of the facility as a walking track. Under the proposed ordinance, residents could sign up at city hall and have access to the complex Monday-Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for walking for an annual fee of $25. Those signing up would also have to sign a waiver of liability. The ordinance includes a stipulation about the building’s unavailability during events the location is rented out for. Council member Leisa Deshotel stated that she would like to see additional hours available for those who would like to walk after work. The hours will be discussed further before a final ordinance is up for adoption at next month’s meeting.
Rodley Fontenot addressed the council to appeal the demolition of his building. The council informed him he would either have to bring the location up to code and in compliance or it will have to be torn down. Reed stated the council has tried to work with him on the issue and Deshotel stated that the location has to be secure. The council agreed to give Fontenot an extension until July 19 to bring his property up to code or have the building torn down.
Town office manager Glenn Breaux discussed the need to update the computer equipment for the police department. He said the software from PD Connectors out of Baton Rouge is a good fit but the purchase was put on hold due to wiring and electrical issues in the building. The program has a maximum fee of $150 per month, but the cost would be covered by fees paid online. He said that if the new software is installed the way the building is now, it would be worse than what the department already has. In order to take advantage of the “basically free” program, the servers and wiring in the building would have to be upgraded as well. The program will be linked to the state police and court system and the department will be trained on how to use the new system for no cost. Premier Data out of Opelousas was recommended for the job and Breaux stated the cost for the equipment, wiring and installation of the new software would be approximately $19,000. Mayor Fontenot said the funds were not available in the police department’s budget, but if allowed and in compliance with the bid law, the money could be taken out of the capital outlay fund.
Breaux also discussed a possible increase in deposits for utility costumers in rental properties. He noted that the current rates do not cover the unpaid bills left by customers who move before paying their bills. He suggested increasing the water deposit from $75 up to $125 and the gas deposit from $125 up to $200. He said the nearly two and a half month billing cycle is very lenient but most of the trouble comes from renters. Attorney Savoy said he would put together an ordinance to introduce at the next meeting.
Chief Brent Zackery went through a long list of personnel recommendations for the council to approve, including the movement of juvenile officer Katina Richard, who lost a runoff to Zackery in March, to patrol and a change in her salary. He appointed Phyllis Soileau to the posistion of assistant chief and also asked to hire several part-time patrol officers and dispatchers. Each recommendation was approved by the council.
Council member Freddie Matthew wanted to discuss Richard’s pay and job performance but was informed that was not allowed, as Richard would need 24-hour notice so that she would have the right to be present. As the discussion kept going, Mayor Fontenot and Savoy warned they were getting dangerously close to crossing the line and that Zackery had the right to place Richard where he sees fit and all the council could do was vote on Zackery’s recommendation.
During the public comment period at the end of the meeting, a couple of residents spoke up about the police department. Terry Richard asked Zackery why officers were allowed to go out into the streets without all of the proper protective gear. Zackery stated that as soon as he found out about the situation, he made sure the officer received a vest and that he is doing all he can to be sure all post certified officers on the streets have all of the protective gear they need.
Lorenzo Richard discussed the issue of not having a Dare/juvenile officer and asked who would be taking care of those children. Chief Zackery said residents could call him, the assistant chief or Detective Brandon Stagg with any issues. Zackery stated that officers can become trained to work with the juveniles and that the department is in a transition period.
In other business, the council:
•Approved the minutes of the April 13 regular meeting.
•Approved Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the town’s annual audit.
•Heard the police activity report from Chief Zackery.