[{"_1":2,"_105":-5,"_106":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6121326,"mediaKeyId","2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c","parentId",2703138,"title","Council discusses traffic signals, no‑left‑turn options and stop signs after accident data shows local trouble spots","audioSeconds",461,"startMs",1929000,"endMs",2390000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c&start=1929&end=2390","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c/thumbnail_1929000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6121326/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/Council-discusses-traffic-signals-noleftturn-options-and-stop-signs-after-accident-data-shows-local-trouble-spots","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121326-d3693db99c2f152551fd5b76f9bfd5dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181495&Signature=iY6FPpSjOwtd5QoWxNNztGIZWVcjF4cfcKbH3DV50OhkzVEhwWBGTwyOmdMrjKTw1uxzou1BYWthFShRhxUQ1RZBR53s7qlfnvQatKjgZii2wAfSRdiSnJ0rk7RC271k9FPo61UZQ~Y3rzAol-5LZ8nYgiStCirvrKiOuapRPBlyGpMUvf0u7zaa~6VLrsyK38v8J4UHCuEtjI0vdfF1ODf1lL848f4v4sj2ALrMOt7F9-ZknWXwA89sDPfmfAefHPKoohT4Y3nnWy~e~JDzgazKvnm7k99qgJAprTRsqLq85ghpbn0QlJ0d-cZrI4BRu4Uq6ydgn2nSO-H0jmH5wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-19T14:41:26Z","article","Council members discussed recurring crashes and sightline problems at the South Lewis Street and 20 Arpitt Road intersection and asked staff to compile a list of intersections for a broader study and potential grant applications. Councilor David Merrill introduced the item citing constituent requests and a report from Captain Leland that showed roughly 10 crashes at the intersection between 2022 and 2025.

Why it matters: council members said expected residential growth across the bayou and increasing traffic volumes heighten the need to address several intersections, not just the one spot. The discussion prioritized a coordinated study that would allow the city to apply for grants or engineer‑level recommendations rather than pursuing ad‑hoc fixes at a single site.

What staff and council proposed
• Data collection and scope: council asked staff to collect crash and traffic‑count data on multiple intersections (examples cited: Lewis & 20 Arpitt, Darby Lane at Jane Street/LA‑182, Louisville Road & Lewis) to present consolidated options and costs.
• Engineer study: council suggested hiring a traffic engineer (council referenced a prior consultant, Dean Teagle) to evaluate feasibility, recommend options and provide cost estimates for several intersections so the city can prepare grant applications.
• Short‑term measures: council discussed interim, low‑cost measures including “no‑left‑turn” channelizers (plastic lane separators), stop‑sign changes and targeted enforcement by police. Council members noted compliance with signs often requires enforcement to be effective.
• Equity across town: the mayor asked that staff include multiple problem intersections in any study so the city does not single out one neighborhood while neglecting others.

Next steps
Council asked staff and the mayor’s office to coordinate with Parks/Engineering and the police chief to assemble a list of priority intersections, obtain estimates from a traffic engineer, and explore grant opportunities. Council members emphasized returning with unified cost and feasibility information so the council can make a cohesive funding decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting, March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council requested staff to gather data on several intersections including South Lewis and 20 Arpitt, to seek grant funding and to consider a traffic engineer study and interim measures such as no‑left‑turn fixtures or plastic channelizers to reduce left‑turn crashes.","taxTitle","New Iberia, Iberia Parish, Louisiana","taxId",50478,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6121330,"Council lets owner repair 626 E. Saint Peter under strict schedule, with demolition as fallback",454,1181000,1635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c&start=1181&end=1635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c/thumbnail_1181000.jpg","/articles/6121330/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/Council-lets-owner-repair-626-E-Saint-Peter-under-strict-schedule-with-demolition-as-fallback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121330-f4a8a8d9e11358d27b0d9c5ceaf200e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181495&Signature=N9r7PblIV5b2fs1bLW94eL4aBwhmpAybo0XhMhXCJ00-W3mywiQl7d32qEqBXoYhDle5sEjeUFPHL0QAKYAnvxnXHEY~2IZiz0sc4iKFAH65QyiGbUlYpiEL1SqNRaftdncJ~jv8dOjoddqtiEIHtOj8SFBqyYXkDYgBZU-9Shn3PRG4I0mvAD3wVAw74g6tWRPG5f~IOKKubE-0eg8DV2t09rnpMa63se1gTIpq0n1CO7Ynz2nMUSkB-zU6UhT7EVsQTR3csFRY-Jfp2t5C8mxcO-7XcJIBtH~kC6pIcilUtfZvjs38E1~0kMdOYnkIPfHguTP7kLlRcx4ZwKG0jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Iberia City Council voted to pursue a negotiated repair agreement with the owner of 626 East Saint Peter that gives the owner the option to repair the structure under a strict timetable instead of immediate city‑led demolition. City staff said the council had previously voted to demolish the property but that the owner appealed; the agreement would let the owner complete work subject to inspection deadlines and an enforceable default provision.

Why it matters: the decision allows the owner an opportunity to restore the property while protecting the city by reserving the right to demolish the building if the owner misses any deadline. The council framed the action as an unusual, case‑by‑case experiment rather than a precedent that obligates the city to offer the same terms in every future case.

Key points of the agreement presented to council
• Option and risk: city staff said the owner, identified in the record as Miss Asma, may choose to proceed with repairs under an agreement that requires her to dismiss her court appeal and sign a general release. Staff told the council the owner bears all cost overruns, delays and increased scope; if she fails to meet the schedule the city may demolish the property without further proceedings.
• Schedule and code references: the agreement sets an inspection‑verified schedule with the following milestones: obtain permit by March 21, 2025; by April 29, 2025 complete exterior repairs necessary to make the building safe and fit for human occupancy under sections 102 and 111 of the International Property Maintenance Code; by May 13, 2025 complete electrical service and bring the building into compliance with Article 230 of the National Electrical Code; by July 22, 2025 complete plumbing/sewer work and any rewiring needed to meet Articles 310 and 398 of the National Electrical Code; and by Sept. 18, 2025 complete all remaining work.
• Enforcement: inspections will verify compliance; any missed deadline constitutes default and permits the city to proceed with demolition without further appeal under the terms staff described.
• Owner commitment: Miss Asma addressed the council and said she planned to sign the agreement and complete the work. The council urged her to meet deadlines and warned that invested funds could be lost if the work is not completed.

Council discussion and context
Council members, the city attorney and inspection staff discussed alternatives including owner‑led demolition and the legal implications of an appeal. Corporal Tim (police) and others questioned whether offering this agreement would create a required precedent for other properties; council members said this case is unusual and the city will not be obligated to repeat the arrangement in every future case. A council member referenced a prior estimate of roughly $20,000 as an example of owner investment risk if the property were later demolished.

Vote and next steps
The council voted to proceed with the repair agreement and authorized staff to finalize paperwork and inspections. Staff will verify permit issuance and subsequent milestone compliance and will return to demolition if the owner defaults.","The council voted to let the property owner at 626 East Saint Peter sign an agreement to repair her house under a multi‑deadline schedule verified by inspections; failure to meet deadlines will allow the city to proceed with demolition without further proceedings.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6121335,"Little Brooklyn Park contract approved; council trims amenities after bid irregularity and settles on $406,900 base cost",112,418000,530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c&start=418&end=530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703138-ce8bf6913f6a0a59122bbcb28ae24c3c/thumbnail_418000.jpg","/articles/6121335/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/Little-Brooklyn-Park-contract-approved-council-trims-amenities-after-bid-irregularity-and-settles-on-406900-base-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121335-632ee0677154dadbb1bfef0af907cfac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181495&Signature=VZCfzR5311PMZbQal93g9qFPrffsHXkeeUBxIcLvvPYfcaHffViFQ1fKlaI1kzYiU~9gob6SqNs5Sc840fQ5iQy40WJLz-vCYajymnB4b~xLUElglEWj4hNFEhA-5tzWAESphyI3xZyZxRfB8X1P1FlBGc7-GZUypU3PHnkny0RC4CepYHs4jrmnlDi09zUiJKxhb6iVpTOJIVY4KUvgpH1SBDC0ybJZXkGoR3t5t3thxovQq~K4Ag8wpV1w41DQurhSqVypM25vgtcwObHQuNUqkpH0D44jALtdoMlky~sal1mic6MPEu26Yegly6wsConVNn6eTCNtYQDYVvjXng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Iberia City Council approved an award for the Little Brooklyn Park project and authorized the mayor to execute contract documents contingent on approval by the governor’s Office of Facility Planning and Control. City staff told the council the project will proceed with a contractor after the lowest bidder withdrew, and that scope reductions were made to bring the project within budget.

The council’s presentation said a bid opening on Feb. 19 left E and L Construction Group as the recommended contractor after the low bidder withdrew because of a mathematical error. Staff said the council settled on a $406,900 contract amount that reflects value engineering: the project removes the drinking fountain (listed in the record as a $2,300 reduction once associated connection and drain work were considered), reduces freestanding light posts from three to one (pavilion lighting remains), and scales back mural and allowance items to lower costs.

Why it matters: the park is a pocket infill park intended to serve nearby residents and bus‑stop users; the scope reductions affect amenities city leaders had discussed installing and may be revisited if additional funds or community contributions are found.

Details presented to council
• Bid and award: staff said the lowest bidder withdrew due to a mathematical error; staff recommended proceeding with the next qualified bidder. The resolution on the agenda names P and L Construction Group as the awarded contractor; the transcript records staff describing E and L Construction Group as the contractor recommended after the low bid withdrawal, creating an inconsistency that staff said would be resolved in contract documentation and is subject to state facility planning approval.
• Contract amount and value engineering: base contract reported as $406,900. Deduct alternate 2 (plumbing/drinking‑fountain removal) and other allowances for murals and minor park fixtures were used to reduce cost. Staff described the drinking fountain removal as a substantial cut once connection and drainage costs were included.
• Lighting: freestanding light posts reduced from three to one; pavilion lighting retained and will be on a switching system. Staff said the single pole plus pavilion lighting and adjacent street lighting should provide nighttime illumination; they also said staff can return later to add lighting if safety concerns arise.
• Use and management: Parks & Recreation will maintain the site; reservations of the pavilion will follow standard Parks & Rec procedures.

Council comment and next steps
Council members asked about sightlines, lighting adequacy and mural funding; staff said the site is small (described approximately as 30 by 60 feet) and functions primarily as a bus‑stop shelter and pocket park rather than a sports site. The contract award is contingent on approval from the governor’s Office of Facility Planning and Control before the city executes contract documents.

Votes and contingencies
The council approved the resolution awarding the contract by voice vote; the award is contingent on the state agency’s approval and on resolution of an internal discrepancy about the awarded bidder's exact legal name in contract documents.

Project contacts and implementation
Parks & Recreation and Public Works staff will finalize contract documents once state approvals are received and will return to council if additional funding or scope changes are required.","Council approved an award for Little Brooklyn Park contingent on state approval. Staff described a withdrawn low bid, selection of the next bidder, a base contract of $406,900 and scope reductions that removed a drinking fountain and reduced light posts and mural allowances.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":101,"_53":102,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":103,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":104,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6121336,"New Iberia council approves contracts, budget amendments and administrative agreements; several items contingent on state approvals","/articles/6121336/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/New-Iberia-council-approves-contracts-budget-amendments-and-administrative-agreements-several-items-contingent-on-state-approvals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121336-5ddc038cb3aaaa7d1be953592df318de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181495&Signature=T3RInsbeRgIfDwjPKl8ziuWe01WUcOs5plU-jTbrPnzIMdhnhMmy9R2jtDGLbWI7CjgmvCe4GpAAIMLPABb1VNiQGBJjczNnfMx8TvQKy29XUKsTpzcYinmXd9-uYwNrVbeaoYB7n6~1HEOZ0jMBHHa8uRBGiNM2iANb-lGCYjgpfWavrE2CY-r~nxuBRddaeRdforFQe39u3ogay2U0IeYbngAHszCAxDX94Ni~WL9BnN4oTZFZTweUVhTUJO7UoVtrcvmDZ3l6ih2KlcWxCRHjaom~AXhvB6UcIYKx4g90gDYJHYLPZCaR~A9x69GOCijAWNCiwnyIF3sDxIfjCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Iberia City Council on the evening of the meeting approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering maintenance and capital projects, contract awards and administrative agreements, many of which passed with no public comment and will proceed subject to required external approvals.

Council members approved contracts and budget amendments that included funding adjustments for subdivision and wastewater work, an award of a Little Brooklyn Park contract contingent on approval by the governor's Office of Facility Planning and Control, and multiple service agreements for wastewater-plant work. The council also authorized a free cyber‑readiness assessment offered by the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and approved retaining outside land‑use counsel for situations where the city attorney has a conflict.

Why it matters: the votes clear contracts and budget changes that will move small‑scale parks and wastewater upgrades into procurement and construction phases, while establishing administrative capacity through outside counsel and a cyber assessment that the council described as a no‑cost security review.

Key items and outcomes (Votes at a glance)
• Ordinance - preventative maintenance agreement for City Hall HVAC with Kalkishi Mechanical Contractors, Ordinance No. 2025‑05 — opened, public hearing closed, motion carried. Outcome: approved.
• Ordinance - controlled investment/service agreement for City Hall HVAC with Calfee Shoe Mechanical Contractors, Ordinance No. 2025‑06 — opened, public hearing closed, motion carried. Outcome: approved.
• Special ordinance - budget amendment for Touch Haven Subdivision access, Special Ordinance No. 2024‑2025‑12 — opened, public hearing closed, motion carried. Outcome: approved.
• Special ordinance - budget appropriation for Little Brooklyn Park, FTNC No. 50ML12204 / Special Ordinance No. 2024‑2025‑13 — opened, public hearing closed, motion carried (see separate article for project details). Outcome: approved.
• Special ordinance - budget appropriation for Superstrive wastewater plant headworks upgrade and rehabilitation — opened, public hearing closed, motion carried. Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑29 — declare certain city vehicles surplus and authorize sale in accordance with state law. Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑30 — award contract for Little Brooklyn Park to P and L Construction Group, FB & T No. 50ML12204; authorization contingent on approval from the governor’s Office of Facility Planning and Control. Outcome: approved (contingent on state approval).
• Resolution No. 25‑31 — authorize agreement with Statewide Electrical Services LLC related to belt press operations at T Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant. Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑32 — authorize agreement with Domaine Zabo and Associates LLC related to T Bayou wastewater project (water sector funding). Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑33 — execute memorandum of agreement with Louisiana GOHSEP for a cyber readiness assessment (no‑cost assessment). Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑34 — retain Dean Watney to advise the city on planning, zoning, subdivision and land‑use matters where the city attorney has a conflict of interest. Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑35 — grant a width variance from 50 feet to 30 feet for an access entry into a proposed commercial development from Queen City Boulevard. Outcome: approved.
• Resolution No. 25‑36 — action related to 626 East Saint Peter Street (District 5): council voted to proceed with the negotiated repair agreement with property owner and to verify compliance by inspections; the agreement includes a schedule of deadlines and a default clause allowing demolition if deadlines are missed. Outcome: approved (see separate article).

What the council did not decide tonight: no projects were tabled for later study in the votes listed above; a number of items will require follow‑up approvals from state agencies or inspections before work begins.

Council members generally moved business through with few public comments; several agenda items were opened for public hearings and closed with no speakers. The meeting record shows the council asked staff to follow up where external approvals are required or where additional funding or design choices may be needed.","The New Iberia City Council voted to approve multiple ordinances and resolutions on contracts, budget amendments and administrative agreements, including a park contract contingent on the governor's office, wastewater plant work, and agreements for cyber readiness and outside counsel.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses traffic signals, no‑left‑turn options and stop signs after accident data shows local trouble spots

Council lets owner repair 626 E. Saint Peter under strict schedule, with demolition as fallback

Little Brooklyn Park contract approved; council trims amenities after bid irregularity and settles on $406,900 base cost

New Iberia council approves contracts, budget amendments and administrative agreements; several items contingent on state approvals