Pine Prairie Council approves hiring of full-time officer

PINE PRAIRIE — Mayor Terry Savant and council members, during the March 19 regular meeting of the Pine Prairie Village Council, approved Police Chief L.C. Deshotel’s recommendation to hire Clifford Wayne Clark Jr. as full-time officer, contingent upon his passing a drug screen physical exam. The council also approved Deshotel’s recommendation to appoint Officer Rick Ordner as assistant chief of police and accepted the resignation of Officer Shane Guillory.
A public hearing was set for April 14, prior to the next council meeting, to discuss the ordinance introduced regarding the use of golf carts on the streets. Under the ordinance, golf carts would not be allowed on the streets between the hours of 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m., as well as after sunset.
Savant said that between now and the next meeting, the ordinance would be put together, including age limit for go cart operators on the street and setting first, second and third offense penalties for ordinance violators.
During his reports, Savant said he was in the process of getting funding for a new scoreboard for the Dixie Youth boys field and possibly one for the girls field as well. He added he is working on the possibility of building two new batting cages outfitted with a roof, slab and netting and received a quote of $11,000.
Savant said he discussed the issue with the Dixie Youth boys and they will speak with the girls Dixie Youth organization about helping to pay for the project.
Savant also stated it would cost approximately $22,000 to have updated 911 equipment installed in the police units and that he was looking into assistance to help pay for it.
In other business, the council:
•Approved the minutes of the February 11, regular meeting.
•Approved the payment of monthly expenditures.