Mamou to sell adjudicated property

The sale of town-owned property and noisy parties dominated a light agenda of the Mamou Town Council at its regular April meeting earlier this week.
Mamou acquired some property in 2001 and 2006 through tax sale adjudications. It is now considering placing the property up for sale. It will be the first time that the town goes through the process of opening up bids for the sale of adjudicated property.
Town Attorney Peter Savoy will be meeting with representatives of the Louisiana Municipal Association to review and understand the process involved in placing the property for sale.
One of the properties consists of two empty lots. The two lots surround a homeowner on the north and south of 641 Second Street.
The other property, located at 812 Third Street, is causing some concern to the council. An abandoned house is on the property. Neighbors have complained that squatters are entering the structure, possibly engaging in illicit activity. According to Leisa Deshotel, councilman-at-large, the unnamed neighbors are interested in purchasing the property.
Savoy indicated that once he understands the legal process for carrying out a sale of the property, the process should take no longer than six months.
Deshotel also brought up concerns about a loud party that was recently held at the Mamou Skating Rink. The party, which featured live rap music, lasted until the early morning hours. Councilman Robin Young also said that he was contacted by constituents with the same concerns.
When people phoned the police station to complain, she said that they were told that it was a party sponsored by Mayor Ricky Fontenot; and that there was nothing the police could do about the noise.
Fontenot said that he had nothing to do with the party. “First of all,” Fontenot chuckled, “if it was my party, there wouldn’t be any rap. Zydeco maybe, but not rap.”
Chief of Police Robert McGee said that he would check into the dispatch logs to find out more about the situation.
Parties that are held on public property are supposed to end by 1 a.m. However, both Fontenot and McGee reiterated that Mamou has a loud noise ordinance, which affects public and private property. Any noise, at any time of the day that disturbs the peace is an occasion for the police to warn the offenders. If the noise persists, then a citation can be written.
The council agreed to expand the number of appointed members to the Savoy Medical Management Group from four to five members. In addition, it approved adding Dr. Andrew Minardi as a new representative for doctors on the board. It also accepted the resignation of Paula Manuel, and it replaced her with Lovelin Pancho, chief of the Coushatta Tribe.
In police business, McGee received approval to move an officer to work traffic violations full-time. The pay will be $15/hour. The new position will be opened up to existing officers first. If an existing patrolman accepts the position, then McGee will need to hire a new patrolman for the police force.
McGee also agreed to work on training officers for crossing guard duties at the schools.