[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6181444,"mediaKeyId","5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6","parentId",5113001,"title","City launches expanded drainage program: cameraing, cleaning contracts and a vac-truck purchase","audioSeconds",1077,"startMs",5319000,"endMs",6396000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6&start=5319&end=6396","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6/thumbnail_5319000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6181444/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/City-launches-expanded-drainage-program-cameraing-cleaning-contracts-and-a-vac-truck-purchase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6181444-092b05b7b24be5cc830284a421aabc74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145061&Signature=W-J2AaaSEO9rzCLMFwRkGRvBgI9pk9iq8wRLp61eyF8-Hg4N2VwvHPM8udWVtN4W-tq79Zf8Rei6MxhfdfOxq2GeMooOQp80SlC6kHyonOygnLmO1Lxb7sWIR6tfkIlSR8fUNHusb5E0ZKJt-za6GcAIFRaC2c3~5B2LQu7ngx958v6h2k6qK-S01TDQVzG5XRI~3gNtbewj7a3KJ2gK14KbvGGa5CD4k7Zmwj01Sa5GS7sQbmihkaVTmeZyp9i4s0LvEB8CiXgdmjMcdVijxc9WLHdAhd1IO~QvVkPPMzPegHD-Ww8XdKaVz~ICNeZa2pFaLW96OafxBU7YBXEseQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of New Iberia, LA","date","2025-07-02T00:44:37Z","article","The City Council on Tuesday authorized a series of actions to accelerate stormwater work after repeated localized flooding: staff won approval to hire contractors to camera and evaluate drainage lines, to contract cleaning crews and to purchase equipment — including a vac truck — as the city bands contractors and in‑house crews to address chronic problem areas.

Mayor and staff described a two-track approach: one contract will perform closed-circuit-television camera inspections and provide GIS-tagged video and survey data for flood-prone areas; a second firm, Louisiana Hydroblast Solutions LLC, will perform line cleaning and maintenance using trailer-mounted vac and hydro-excavation equipment. Both contracts were presented as initial, targeted efforts on neighborhoods that have experienced flooding.

The mayor said the city had secured multiple new drainage funding streams, including capital-outlay and grant funds, and that the camera and cleaning contracts — expected to cost roughly $78,000 and $100,000 respectively for the initial targeted areas — will help prioritize follow-on capital projects. “This is gonna give us eyes, ears, and equipment inside pipes all over town,” the mayor said, describing the value of combined video inspection and cleaning capacity.

Staff said the survey and camera data will feed hydrology modeling to show where main trunks are at capacity and where additional inlets, upsized pipes or detention solutions are required. The mayor also said the city is pursuing state grants and has identified $4.2 million (state capital outlay and other sources referenced during discussion) to support larger drainage projects; he described a $3 million grant the city is preparing to expend on a detention pond project pending final state approvals.

Why it matters: Repeated recent storms have caused new residential flooding in neighborhoods that had not flooded historically; staff said modern camera + GIS inventories and targeted cleaning will help prioritize and sequence capital investments and get immediate relief in critical locations.

What’s next: Contractors will begin work in prioritized neighborhoods, surveyors will capture elevations for hydrology modeling, staff will compile a citywide drainage map and the mayor said the city will continue to seek additional state funding and to use a combination of in-house crews and contractors for recurring maintenance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Mtg 070125","oneSentenceSummary","Council authorized contracts for storm-drain cameraing and cleaning, approved a drainage maintenance agreement and introduced budget language to buy a vac truck; the mayor described a coordinated effort using GIS, survey and hydrology work funded by recent state and ARPA allocations.","taxTitle","New Iberia, Iberia Parish, Louisiana","taxId",50478,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_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":73,"_74":73},6181449,"Council awards large road program contracts and coordinates Pollard Street sewer repairs",0,4088000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6&start=4088&end=4088","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6/thumbnail_4088000.jpg","/articles/6181449/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/Council-awards-large-road-program-contracts-and-coordinates-Pollard-Street-sewer-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6181449-dd997ebd8d3e061a2bfc3780284151a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145061&Signature=dP2hAfiteWCrA9BS-qqyUrAcoBjgFZhsAs814vb5zq3b8DvEfaLgWxF~IdqgLspA25NPhcjkceIv8iQpjDuP7PpqGKHyOglb74~-7CuIcp9yR-LD5PGMSRejJGdVV~884jfzvNj5CWaLuaEu3XYsf1LqABAYGapN0dimaurro0ieUIvj5AsuCH5N7Ide7QFlYtQCC9L4u~dBUwaQE8pe8SPvZMtvPh7RNw9CqexNIzVRzr2qUW5DdrXF25JsFECkX6h-LSYwBVbJmYQY2zXwHMb1pFkK00nmbB2hLduNo5~VAx-c1An8epzPMyXwSx8tTzEOJY3RQntvTtILpPoOPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on Tuesday advanced a multi-million-dollar road and sewer package, awarding an asphalt overlay contract and authorizing a contract for the Pollard Street sewer replacement that city staff said was necessary before final road surfacing.

Bids opened June 26 for the 2024 asphalt overlay project; Triumph Construction LLC was the low bidder at $6,455,166.24 and the council approved awarding that contract. Staff said the amount was above some engineer estimates but within funds available, and the project includes several named streets and phases of work.

At the same meeting, the council addressed the Pollard Street sewer replacement. Staff outlined a prior procurement sequence: an earlier bid for a trenchless lining approach came in over budget and was rejected; a follow-up conventional replacement estimate was higher. Staff said they reworked budgets across road and sewer programs, returned to the market and secured a bid from Triumph Construction that was roughly $25,000 cheaper than the first round and affordable after reallocating road funds and drawing on sewer project savings.

“We reverse engineered the whole thing, and now we are ready to do it because we need to get this done so that we don’t hold up our road contractor,” the mayor said, describing the timetable challenges and the need for coordination between sewer and road contractors.

Staff warned of temporary road closures and traffic disruption while the sewer line is excavated and replaced; engineers and contractors will coordinate schedules so that sewer replacement precedes major resurfacing to protect the new pavement’s longevity. Staff also described testing and sampling procedures required for reconstruction streets and said contractors will notify affected residents in advance with tags and a formal public notice.

Why it matters: The awards advance a long-awaited road program that city leaders describe as critical to improving aging pavement and related infrastructure. The Pollard Street sewer replacement will reduce long-term maintenance risk to the roadway by repairing failing pipe before overlay.

What’s next: Staff will finalize contracts, require staging agreements with property owners for contractor laydown areas, issue construction schedules and post a color-coded map of streets under construction so residents can plan around disruptions. Council members were told one major concrete reconstruction contract will be a longer (300 working day) project, while some overlay phases are expected to begin in the coming weeks.","Council approved contracts and awards for a multi-project road program (asphalt overlay, concrete reconstruction and overlays) and separately authorized a contract to replace the Pollard Street sewer after a prior bid rejection and budget reallocation; staff explained coordination between sewer work and road resurfacing.",{"_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":73,"_74":73},6181454,"City moves ahead on community-center renovations; sewer lining and sprinkler certifications included",765,2217000,2982000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6&start=2217&end=2982","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6/thumbnail_2217000.jpg","/articles/6181454/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/City-moves-ahead-on-community-center-renovations-sewer-lining-and-sprinkler-certifications-included","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6181454-9b960cd648ff73c45b1d406dd7b09c83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145061&Signature=MH--4yTlpPlH2gvg~J4yxgiYNb7vUs83yfiMBIY3sf02Y-DA7h3zBbCt6R9JNbs1TFoz-EaIYyYBb2Paqb6ArhyMU8Kk~VfYdIAuPcFwnPrsFyIuD7f17fR3Yrql8kt--CEghOzpzLVQdrjLs4Prk59mVcvea5RK-vIL723ubzDgkc~hxeoVxIy4bQ0F-uGL21pfgexSrcMyqS3McjsIgB6tLROCeTGf~Zl1DMFl68FHHj0XnjKUZGi40giTpXymwVwY6GZH-sD4fvVzFskaO74LeqHZFOu4EbQVOKIx8GH5MsanNESrtqb~KjxHpIZlo2mLSXj1NkDT0eamCcEnVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on Tuesday approved change orders and took actions intended to complete renovations at multiple community centers, addressing persistent sewer blockages, finishing restroom upgrades and certifying a completed sprinkler system.

City staff presented change order number 2 for an American Rescue Plan Act-funded project covering community-center and Bank Avenue restroom upgrades. Staff described a sewer pipe-lining approach — removing fixtures, descaling cast-iron pipes with a flex-shaft device, jet-flushing debris and inserting an inflated polymer liner that forms a new pipe inside the old one. Staff said some locations may require short tunneling runs to access problem sections.

“It’s a sewer pipe lining system…kinda like when you have a stent in your arteries,” a city staff member explained during the presentation. The staff member said terracotta lines at Sierra Gates did not require the lining method, and that the work would not reline the terracotta run; instead crews will line the front and back restroom runs where cast iron was scoped and found to have scaling and low spots.

Staff estimated the larger restroom phases could be finished this fall, with one back-bathroom phase at MLK to reopen in a few weeks. The council approved the change order and was told the contractor estimates roughly 14 working days per building for the lining operation, plus time for fixtures, tile and finishing.

Separately, the council approved a certificate of substantial completion for the Sierra Gates sprinkler system project after an inspection with the state fire marshal. City staff said the city will arrange for an updated occupancy determination tied to the new sprinkler and alarm system upgrades.

Why it matters: The restroom, sewer and sprinkler work affects frequently used community facilities — including shelter space used by the Red Cross during hurricanes — and staff said the work would reduce chronic maintenance burdens and improve safety and accessibility.

What’s next: Staff will track punch-list work, verify warranty terms with contractors, coordinate any tunneling needs, and pursue final occupancy reviews with the state fire marshal.","Council approved change orders and contract actions to address chronic sewer problems at community centers, finish restroom upgrades and accept substantial completion of a sprinkler system; staff described sewer lining and tunneling methods to fix cast-iron piping.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6181459,"Council on Aging details Meals on Wheels wait list and operating shortfalls to council",248,132000,380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6&start=132&end=380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6/thumbnail_132000.jpg","/articles/6181459/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/Council-on-Aging-details-Meals-on-Wheels-wait-list-and-operating-shortfalls-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6181459-45c5985216de9730e1711b3f19bdf53c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145061&Signature=oimpO0kGCgsObbfS~T2wWprry1rXuO0xrCaXlYDf4GwlQoCKC2FRK~z-ptKPulNdeJuz01X5Ab-xw7rRO5N~AJSTOEy2mITnb7fbcFOD9w5N7KJJEliKfxoYiXZOoHh244u0ifymC8bSrPjucoccQZW6OnpQBvnngVahzKY8nQVEVL0IG8ew5siPxaRUDP1XOeVBZLg1fr9~39pryxVc2D9gWZSFqW0XaUTMk4c9DWZVd6E7ulifEqgKHUhxxXceq0BofOgSNBncnDrG0MCiDTK2Fr1vJv5G1kQAYwleNxEUIWfEhoiaGmq1RNQ3r3XCsuA3vBHXUK79yRlh7-muTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The director of the local Council on Aging told the City Council on Tuesday that her agency is serving more home-delivered meals than its federal and state funding support covers and that 302 seniors remain on a wait list for Meals on Wheels.

Carol Whip, who identified herself as director of the Council on Aging, said the nonprofit — incorporated in 1977 — serves people aged 60 and older across the parish and relies on a mix of federal Title III funds and state dollars administered by the governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs.

“We deliver…we were contracted for 160 meals a day. That contract went up to 191 meals a day,” Whip said. “I have 302 senior citizens on a wait list for home delivered meals.”

Whip outlined program budgets: she said federal Title III funding for nutrition and related services was about $175,320 and state funding was about $274,662.50; she said the agency’s home-delivered meals program costs roughly $157,000 a year. She also described mileage, staffing and local fundraising needs: the program plans about 47,500 home-delivered meals and 43,000 delivery miles annually, and Whip noted drivers are paid at a reimbursement rate of 70¢ a mile.

Whip described eligibility and intake practices, saying the Council serves seniors based on need and a comprehensive assessment rather than strict means tests: “We base it on need. It’s not based strictly on the lack of money…We do a health assessment and what their needs are.” She said the agency asks for a small voluntary contribution for meals but will not refuse service to anyone who cannot pay.

Council members thanked Whip and several commented on volunteerism and program value. Whip also asked how residents can learn about services; she said phone and Facebook are primary contact points and that the agency conducts local outreach and fundraising events, including an upcoming Sugarcane Festival dance.

Why it matters: The presentation highlighted gaps between demand and current program funding and the limited flexibility of federal Title III and state allocations to meet local need. Whip’s figures provide a baseline for any council consideration of local funding, volunteer recruitment or program referrals.

What’s next: Whip left contact information and outreach materials with the mayor’s office for residents and council members to share.","The local Council on Aging described service demand, funding sources and an unmet waitlist for home-delivered meals; the director urged continued local support and noted a recent state funding increase.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6181464,"Louisiana Housing Lab seeks city help to build four affordable homes in West End",992,1060000,2052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6&start=1060&end=2052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113001-39f4d1d28d876548e4b5a9b05df0f4f6/thumbnail_1060000.jpg","/articles/6181464/New-Iberia/Iberia-Parish/Louisiana/Louisiana-Housing-Lab-seeks-city-help-to-build-four-affordable-homes-in-West-End","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6181464-edac124dba4ef07e458f7c82ae5a1df1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145061&Signature=Xdovuc-HEJaH8Ik7iJGbV4ncyILO9dlJvLCUu1CGUR0VsgTulp-bQAp-32zWATBV~giZmf1ALFthb7oE~S3-fLkesBqDQwQUSJKXoV6JzAbktzvK3ff4EStrVvyZgC6tXfBjoLLrWXnRxTXuiBlvYbTG0Da3eQ72dKEmt43cMvYhsbNDOWCsVZTVEyD0W8ZPbWcLdcUPkJXe9CceCc1RryR~gq0OUtWjhxjoYdQ5X1qa-LSeOTyMkj7BhoS7KdJ-kSeodh5yFaIxnfDi6LIMW-NEi-0WxaqK-tEckWYCGzf3-8q2gObMldbXZYBIvPyAE~XZl~eB0Kz1oMZ5ZAhD8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Advocates for affordable housing and the Louisiana Housing Lab on Tuesday asked the New Iberia City Council to back a four-unit homeownership project aimed at the West End neighborhood.

The ask came from Anat Zahnemann, a Hopkins Street resident and business owner, and Corey Saft, executive director of the Louisiana Housing Lab and a professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Zahnemann said the project is intended to support neighborhood revitalization and to supply affordable, high-quality homes near recent commercial and streetscape investment.

“The money is sitting there, and we are assuming it’s going forward,” Saft said of state funding secured through the Louisiana Housing Corporation. He described the development as “four, three-bedroom, two-bath” units built to high standards, including fortified roofs that, if feasible, could qualify for reduced insurance rates.

Zahnemann and Saft said the roughly $1 million project is primarily funded through Louisiana Housing Corporation programs for small-scale community housing development organizations (CHDOs). Saft said the project has passed environmental review and the site was cleared. He asked the council to help by waiving building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing permit fees to serve as part of the project match and to help publicize the opportunity so qualified buyers apply.

Saft described buyer eligibility as constrained: income limits are set by household size, and, for example, a five-person household must have gross income at or below $53,700 to qualify. He explained the financing uses a soft second mortgage that is forgiven after 15 years, making monthly payments affordable — typically set at about 30% of gross income.

Zahnemann said the lab will contribute roughly $100,000 of proceeds from another affordable house sale as the bulk of its required 10–15% match and that the group is seeking donated building supplies and other local support.

Council members and staff raised logistics: Councilmembers asked how soon construction could start (Saft said closing with prospective buyers could happen within about a month, with construction of all four units happening simultaneously and build-out about six months after start) and whether the nonprofit would consider buying and redeveloping dilapidated properties (Saft said CHDO programs sometimes support acquisition of adjudicated or dilapidated lots).

Why it matters: City staff and council members emphasized the West End’s ongoing commercial and streetscape work and said small, repeated infill homeownership projects could complement broader neighborhood investment. Zahnemann urged council members to connect potential buyers to the project and to consider fee waivers as a modest but important local match.

What’s next: The presenters left flyers and contact information with the mayor’s office and asked the council to promote the application window. Saft and Zahnemann said they will return with updates as they approach closing and as the state announces future application rounds.","A local CHDO and neighborhood advocates outlined a four-unit for-sale project funded by Louisiana Housing Corporation and asked the city to waive permit fees, help recruit qualified buyers and consider streetscape support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City launches expanded drainage program: cameraing, cleaning contracts and a vac-truck purchase

Council awards large road program contracts and coordinates Pollard Street sewer repairs

City moves ahead on community-center renovations; sewer lining and sprinkler certifications included

Council on Aging details Meals on Wheels wait list and operating shortfalls to council

Louisiana Housing Lab seeks city help to build four affordable homes in West End