Crowley aldermen approve liquor-license renewals contingent on fines, OK pavilion payment and equipment purchases

The Crowley Board of Aldermen amended the agenda to include a Class B liquor-license renewal, then took several votes on licenses, construction payments and equipment financing during its regular meeting.

In public safety business, the council considered renewal of a 2026 beer and liquor license for Thin Enterprises (DBA More for Less, 726 E. 2nd St.). The public safety committee had recommended denial, but after administration and council members reviewed new information and visited the premises, Alderman Court moved to approve the renewal "contingent upon all fines and penalties being collected and paid," a condition the council adopted. The motion carried; Alderman Vernon Martin recorded an abstention.

A separate Class B renewal for Mart Incorporated (1764 North Parkston Avenue) was approved by the council without recorded opposition.

On capital and contract matters, aldermen approved payment application No. 16 to Prestigious Construction Group LLC for the Urban Pavilion in the amount of $113,050.68. Council discussion included criticism from Alderman Vernon Martin about apparent workmanship and oversight; city officials said they are working with the architect (CSRS), the contractor and the bonding company to complete punch-list items and to avoid overpayments while issues are resolved.

The utility and finance committees reported construction payments and procurement approvals: a partial payment estimate No. 3 of $89,299.86 to Space Construction Company Inc. (duckweed-pond project) and partial payment estimate No. 4 of $325,181.12 to COD Construction of Louisiana LLC (drainage improvements) were reported by committee chairs. The Revenue and Finance Committee also reported approval of a purchase of a street sweeper for up to $360,880, contingent on state bond commission approval.

Votes at a glance

- Agenda amendment to add one Class B liquor-license renewal: roll-call amendment approved (unanimous among those present) (SEG 462–479).

- License renewal — Thin Enterprises (DBA More for Less, 726 E. 2nd St.): approved contingent on payment of fines and penalties; motion carried; Alderman Vernon Martin abstained (SEG 700–857).

- License renewal — Mart Incorporated (1764 N. Parkston Ave.): motion carried; renewal approved (SEG 859–887).

- Payment application No. 16 — Prestigious Construction Group LLC (Urban Pavilion): $113,050.68; motion carried; one opposition recorded (Alderman Vernon Martin) (SEG 905–1142).

- Partial payment estimate No. 3 — Space Construction Company Inc.: $89,299.86; committee-approved and moved to council (SEG 592–627).

- Partial payment estimate No. 4 — COD Construction of Louisiana LLC (drainage improvements): $325,181.12; committee-approved and moved to council (SEG 653–671).

- Purchase authorization — street sweeper: up to $360,880, contingent on bond commission approval; council approved committee recommendation (SEG 1221–1235).

Alderman Court, who led the public safety committee, said the council had discretion to accept or reject committee recommendations and that the full board was now free to consider the renewal based on new information. "The motion included that would be contingent upon all fines and penalties being paid," Court said during the discussion. Mayor and staff emphasized that the council had the final say and asked clerks and the attorney to ensure procedure was followed before votes.

Several aldermen sought more detailed cost and punch-list information for the pavilion before additional payments; the mayor said he had spoken with the architect and bonding company and expected resolution of outstanding construction items.

The council adjourned after adopting millage rates and completing committee reports.