Hammond council approves alcohol permit, board appointments and building contracts; tables vehicle purchase

The Hammond City Council approved a slate of resolutions including an alcohol permit for a convenience store at 310 East University Avenue, reappointed and appointed members to city boards, and awarded multiple contracts for municipal building and park work. Council members tabled a proposed purchase of a Ford Explorer for the purchasing department pending additional information.

The most immediate action was approval of an application from Banny Food Mart LLC (the Yellow Store) at 310 East University Avenue to obtain an alcohol and tobacco permit. Applicant Sam Motani told the council he owns other local stations and that employees are trained; Council members voted to approve the permit, with Councilman Andrews recorded as abstaining.

Council members filled two seats on the Hammond Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board after hearing statements from nominees. Stanley Campbell and Charles Deliberto were appointed after nominations and council votes. The council also confirmed three Planning and Zoning Commission members: Ronald (Ron) Matthews, Monica Perez and Trey Tyser for four-year terms.

On facilities and parks work, the council accepted a $10,000 Louisiana Main Street Restoration grant and approved a $10,000 cash match for repairs to the Levy Building (Hammond Regional Arts Center). The council rejected all bids for Mooney Avenue Park picnic pavilions…