Chataignier to enforce sewer bill collections

Chataignier residents who remain delinquent in paying their sewer bills after the beginning of February face having their water service turned off until they pay a $25 reconnection fee.
During the village council’s monthly meeting December 16, Chataignier Mayor Jackie Thomas said there are “a lot” of people who are behind on their water bills.
Wilbur Rozas, town clerk, said the town will send letters out by the end of December informing residents of the agreement with the independent Chataignier Water System to cut off water distribution to people who have failed to pay their sewer bills.
Later during the meeting, the mayor read sections of the 2013 audit report, noting it stated there were no findings of irregularities.
Rozas added the mayor and council “should be very proud” of the audit findings, which noted the village does not have any debts.
He also said he and Mayor Thomas have been looking for a source of a grant to pay for a civic center, possibly at the town’s recreational park.
The council voted in favor of a resolution to seek a state grant of $25,000 to replace or repair the city’s water distribution lines that are at least 30 years old.
When the mayor asked those in the audience if there were any comments, a couple of residents stated ditches were clogged by leaves and other debris, causing drainage problems. One said the problems exist “all over town” and the lack of proper drainage causes problems with mosquitos during the summer.
Mayor Thomas said she had looked at areas where the problems were reported, and said drainage was “very bad” at certain locations. She said she had been in touch with the Evangeline Parish Police Jury about the problem and and was told there are limits to what the parish personnel and equipment can be used for in incorporated areas. She also said she has contacted state officials about drainage problems along State Highway 29.
The mayor and council were briefed by Daniel Brasseaux, the town’s fire chief and parks and recreation manager, on a recent training session he attended on how to respond to chemical spills. The session was presented by Sigma Consulting and Training of Winter Haven, Florida.
Brasseaux gave the mayor a booklet that he received that describes areas covered during the training, including regulations enforced by the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act and other federal agencies.
The council's newest councilman, Gail McDavid, thanked the people involved with coordinating the village's Christmas parade. "It was very well handled," he said, adding, "We appreciate the job they did."
Following the village's tradition, each of the council members and the mayor wished the residents of Chataignier a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Rozas also said he hoped to win the Powerball lottery so he can make a donation to the village. Mayor Thomas also said she wishes she can find grants to fund facilities "so we have somewhere the children can play," in order to "finish my fathers dream." Her late father, Herman Malveaux, was mayor of Chataignier.