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Iberia Parish Council orders cleanup of 7306 Poufe Road after heated public hearing, exempts camper and working equipment
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Summary
After a lengthy public hearing with neighbors and the property owner, the Iberia Parish Council approved a nuisance‑abatement resolution for 7306 Poufe Road, giving the owner 15 days to remove most items; the council amended the measure to exempt an on‑site camper and operational tractors/machinery.
The Iberia Parish Council on April 22 voted to find the property at 7306 Poufe Road (parcel 01005179998) a public nuisance and ordered abatement after a public hearing in which neighbors described safety and health hazards and the owner asked for more time.
Neighbors said piles of tires, vehicles and other materials near the road had lowered property values and posed public‑safety concerns. "If a hurricane comes, all of the boats, cars, tractors, trucks are gonna come slamming against my house," said Monica Bouillon, a nearby resident, urging prompt action.
Property owner Craig Dujon acknowledged the condition and apologized, saying he has been working to clean the site but asked for additional time because some items represent his livelihood. He also said a contractor hired by the parish previously removed and damaged some belongings and disputed receiving certain notices. "I'd like just more time to get it right," Dujon said.
Legal counsel and parish staff reviewed the enforcement record, noting certified notices and prior abatement steps, and recommended the council adopt a resolution authorizing the parish to solicit bids for cleanup, perform abatement if the owner does not act, and place any abatement costs as a lien on the property. Counsel described the usual schedule: passage of the resolution, a 15‑day removal period, solicitation of bids if necessary, and recovery of costs through a lien if the parish performs the work.
Council members debated whether to allow specific items to remain. After discussion the council amended the resolution to exempt the camper and any machinery that can be demonstrated as operational, while ordering removal of other items found to be nuisances. The amendment and the main motion were approved.
Parish staff said abatement expenses (contractor, administrative and advertising costs) would be billed to the property and could become a lien recorded against the parcel. Council members urged the owner to use the 15‑day window to remove personal items he wishes to preserve and to coordinate with staff about what can remain.
The council’s action closes a multi‑year code‑enforcement case, according to staff, and gives the parish authority to contract to clear the property if compliance is not met within the ordered timeframe.
