Council reviews contracts for Pepperplex leagues; short resolution alters November meeting date

The New Iberia City Council discussed and moved forward Thursday on two ordinances authorizing agreements that would let local youth leagues use the New Iberia Pepperplex and considered a separate resolution to move the November regular meeting from Nov. 5 to Nov. 6 because the state declared Nov. 5 a legal holiday.

The ordinances (No. 202423 and No. 202424) would authorize the mayor to negotiate and execute agreements with Evangeline Little League and the Iberia Soccer Association, respectively, to host their sports seasons at the Pepperplex. Council members described the arrangements as similar agreements, with a city facility-use fee of $17.50 due to the city for each player/registration as discussed in the meeting. Council members asked staff to proceed so contracts could be signed.

Why it matters: The Pepperplex is a major municipal facility the council has emphasized finishing and opening; Mayor Pro Tem and council members said they are awaiting $2,500,000 from the state to finish remaining work at the complex and that the contracts will let organizations begin using the fields while final construction continues.

Council discussion and practical details: Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Gonsalves and council members Brooke Marcotte and Didi Johnson Reed led the council through public hearings for each ordinance. A council member clarified that the $17.50 charge is the city fee for league use and maintenance of the fields and that leagues may continue to collect additional fees for uniforms or other services at their discretion. A resident urged the council to ensure access for lower-income children and asked the city to consider transportation options; the mayor pro tem said staff and the police chief discussed using a city van for transport and mentioned applying for grant funding for electric buses and charging stations.

Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows the council moved to open and close the public hearings and moved the main motions for both ordinances and for Resolution No. 24107 (changing Nov. 5 meeting to Nov. 6). The transcript records motions, seconds, and the mayor asking members to “vote your machines,” but the transcript does not include the roll-call tallies or final recorded outcomes for those agenda items.

What comes next: Staff will finalize contracts with the two leagues under the terms discussed; the council requested staff continue to pursue state funding for the Pepperplex construction and to explore transportation options. The clerk will publish the change to the November meeting date as required.