Chataignier changes traffic fines

Submitted by admin on Thu, 05/22/2008 - 19:19

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

CHATAIGNIER - The Chataignier Council approved an ordinance at its meeting Monday, May 19, to increase the maximum fine for traffic violations to $500.

The ordinance, which was introduced at the council’s April meeting, will increase the village’s current $100 maximum fine. Village Attorney Bruce Rozas said the state allows a maximum of $500 for traffic violations and believed the village should follow the state laws.

The ordinance also will change the way fines 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.

The ordinance will be in effect beginning May 29.

The council also approved the first phase of its fence construction project at the ballpark. This first phase will be to construct a fence from the entrance gate to the restrooms. The council approved spending $2,725 to complete this phase.

The second phase will be to construct a fence to cover the backstop area in the ballpark.

In other business, the council:

•Agreed to have its attorney send letters to two property owners in the village. Village Clerk Wilbur Rozas read a letter the village received regarding property on Martin Luther King Street with long grass and an abandoned trailer. Councilman Alton Thomas Jr. added there is a residence on Rozas Street with several deteriorating vehicles in the yard. The council agreed to send these property owners letters asking them to attend hearings to be held at the council’s next meeting. At these hearings, the owners will be given an opportunity to explain why their properties should not be considered nuisances.

•Thanked the family of Jimmy Arvie for planting flowers and grooming the flower beds around the village hall.

•Learned the new elderly apartments being constructed in the village are not quite ready to begin housing people. However, Mayor Herman Malveaux said he spoke to Village Engineer Ronnie Landreneau, who informed him the apartments should be ready in the very near future.