Mayor proclaims Lung Cancer Awareness Month; police and public-works present October activity and new reporting app

Mayor read a proclamation declaring November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month for the City of Central, citing national statistics about incidence, screening benefits and research gaps and urging residents and providers to prioritize early detection. "Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in The United States and Louisiana," the mayor read aloud while presenting the proclamation.

The Central Police Department presented October operational statistics, reporting 391 911 hang-ups, 344 neighborhood patrols and business checks, three DWIs (two crash-related), 78 crashes (17 in parking lots), 129 traffic stops and 80 tickets during the month. Police staff explained that the $150,000 budget amendment introduced earlier would support building upgrades, lighting, perimeter alarm/message-board equipment and breaching/entry kits to support first responders.

Planning and public-works staff (IBTS/Torres Freeman) reported permits and inspections for October (96 permits issued, 263 inspections completed), code-enforcement activity and public-works metrics (149 new work orders, 139 completed; a reported completion rate of about 89%). Staff also showed examples of roadside excavation and drainage work completed during recent months.

The city announced a new citizen-service app, GoWell, launching Dec. 1 to allow residents to submit, track and receive updates on work requests; staff said the app will improve transparency on the status of open work orders. Mayor’s office announcements closed the meeting with holiday event details and adjournment on a council motion.

What’s next: staff will implement the GoWell rollout starting Dec. 1 and proceed with procurement and installation steps for police equipment after the budget amendment is finalized.