Crowley council approves liquor-code changes, sewer-fee adjustments and several grant and appropriation items

The Crowley City Council on Nov. 12 approved two ordinances and moved forward on multiple infrastructure and public‑safety items.

Council members adopted Ordinance 15‑52, which amends Chapter 3 (Alcoholic Beverages) to raise the local legal drinking age to 21 to comport with state law and to require permitting and closing‑time rules for establishments that operate like bars but permit patrons to bring alcohol onto the premises. Council discussion clarified the local sell/consumption timeline remains: sales until 2:00 a.m. and consumption allowed until 2:30 a.m. under the revised code. The ordinance includes standard severability and repeal language. The motion to adopt 15‑52 was offered and seconded and approved by roll call.

Council also adopted Ordinance 15‑53 to adjust sewer user fees following certification and recommendations from the city clerk, city engineer, city CPA and city auditor and the special sewer user fee review committee. A public commenter expressed opposition saying the city had taken on more than it can handle and that questions remained; council conducted a roll‑call vote and approved the ordinance.

On infrastructure, council confirmed committee actions to pursue a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) application to fund ammonia/nitrogen treatment improvements at the wastewater treatment facility and authorized a separate grant application for a new pump station at the Cedar Street Detention Basin, committing a local match (stated in the motion as 41% of project cost) and authorizing the mayor to enter into professional services contracts for design and grant administration. Council members said the pump‑station project would help satisfy elements of a DEQ compliance order related to wastewater.

On public safety and administrative business, the council approved appropriations from the traffic‑enforcement detail revenue fund to purchase crime‑camera equipment (not to exceed $150,000) as recommended by the Revenue & Finance committee and approved 2025–2026 beer and liquor permit applications in bulk, with one application held contingent on a completed submission; one council member recused on the permits vote at committee. The council also approved Payment Application No. 12 to Prestigious Contract Group LSE for the urban park and pavilion project in the amount $196,001.91 despite questions from a council member about the contractor’s schedule; the mayor’s office agreed to provide a copy of the contract on request.

The meeting included routine committee reports from Public Works, Recreation, Zoning & Annexation, Insurance & Personnel, Community & Economic Development, and Revenue & Finance. Council adjourned with the mayor wishing the community a happy Thanksgiving.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 15‑52 (liquor code amendments): adopted (roll call; motion carried). - Ordinance 15‑53 (sewer user fees): adopted (roll call; motion carried). - Grant authorization: LCDBG wastewater treatment application and Cedar Street pump‑station grant application: authorized (motions carried). - Appropriation for crime cameras (up to $150,000): approved. - Payment Application No. 12 to Prestigious Contract Group LSE (urban park & pavilion): approved ($196,001.91).

What’s next Council documents and certifications referenced (city clerk/city engineer/CPA/auditor recommendations) will be used to implement the sewer‑fee changes and to prepare the LCDBG and pump‑station grant packets; staff and the mayor’s office were directed to proceed with required contract and grant‑administration steps and to provide requested contract documentation to council members.