Parish reports new road equipment, bridge work and green-waste site purchases; beaver dams keep recurring

Road, Bridge and Drainage Director Kevin updated the jury on new equipment and ongoing projects, including a recently delivered white-goods trailer and a new pot-patcher to help crews maintain parish roads.

Kevin said crews removed many beaver dams across Bayou Shauvin and other waterways but that dams frequently reappear within days. "We blowing those dams out tomorrow because they're holding water back in people's pastures and they can't graze their cattle," he said, adding that the crew removes 20–25 beaver dams in a period but that the structures are often rebuilt.

County engineers reported progress on off-system bridge projects and lettings: the Monroe Fork Bridge contractor had mobilized and DOTD is coordinating crane and right-of-way work, and several other bridge letting dates were listed through 2028. The March Field bridge was repaired and deck work nearly complete.

On solid-waste and facility items, staff presented quotes for a green-waste site: a 4-inch trash pump (~$12,000) with electrician work (~$8,000) and fencing/gate quotes (not to exceed $15,000). Cleco agreed to run power from Highway 1 and staff said permits were in order for the site. The jury also moved to advertise a new garbage contract with suggested terms (short initial term with option extensions, not to exceed five years).

Administrative items on the business docket included authorization requests to send staff to the LEMC conference and a payment item for Pan-American Engineers for phase one of a recreation and education complex; each was presented for action during the business portion of the meeting.

No formal contract awards or binding purchase approvals were recorded in the transcript; staff were directed to proceed with the procurement process, finalize quotes and return with recommended contract language for jury approval.