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St. Martinville council approves festival closures, HDC appointment, consultant contract and personnel moves; seeks to retain Section 8 program
Summary
At its Feb. 17 meeting, the St. Martinville council approved street closures for the Annual Acadian Memorial Festival and a Candlelight Vigil, appointed a Historic District Commission member, authorized a $4,800 consultant contract (3-2 vote), hired a Utility Department cashier, terminated an employee, and authorized a letter to HUD to retain the city's Section 8 program.
The St. Martinville Mayor and City Council on Feb. 17, 2025 approved a package of permits, appointments, a consultant contract and personnel actions and authorized a request that HUD allow the city to retain its Section 8 program.
Permits and events: The council unanimously granted permission to close Evangeline Boulevard and South New Market Street for the Annual Acadian Memorial Festival on Saturday, March 15, 2025, including authorization for the sale of alcohol. The council also unanimously approved closing the same streets for a Candlelight Vigil in memory of Shantell Brown on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m.
Appointments and boards: At the request of Richard Lanthier of the Historic District Commission, the council unanimously appointed Charlie Maraist Jr. as a voting member of the Historic District Commission to replace Sam Hayes.
Consultant contract: Mayor Jason Willis sought authorization to enter into an agreement with Karen White Consulting to present information to residents on the differences between the city's legislative charter and the Lawrason Act at a cost of $4,800. That motion passed on a 3-2 roll call: Yeas Councillors Jonas Fontenette, Janise Anthony and Flo Chatman; Nays Mike Fuselier and Carol Frederick.
Code enforcement and property matters: Building Code Inspector Rodney Richard reviewed the permit process and discussed a dilapidated house at 112 Labbe Street. Ron Beauchamp, representing the property owners, said they intend to repair the house. Inspector Richard told the council a homeowner may board a house for up to two years while completing repairs to meet property maintenance standards.
Ordinance referrals and research: The council tabled an ordinance discussion on penalties for outside utility companies that fail to obtain permits when working on city streets to allow mayoral research into other municipalities— approaches. The council directed City Attorney Allan Durand to prepare an ordinance requiring installation of cut-off water valves when ownership is transferred or reconnections require inspection and to research implementing addresses on all homes and businesses if the existing 911 statute does not require it.
Personnel actions: The council unanimously approved hiring Carly Simoneaud as a cashier for the Utility Department at paygrade 105 ($12.00 per hour), effective March 3, 2025. Based on the mayor—s testimony, the council unanimously approved termination of Dennis Menard for a no-call/no-show.
Section 8 program: Interim Section 8 Executive Director Constance Boudreaux updated the council and said constituents have asked the city to retain the Section 8 program rather than transfer it to St. Martin Parish Government. Ms. Boudreaux stated she would consider remaining as permanent director if HUD approves the program staying with the city. The council authorized Mayor Willis to sign a letter to HUD requesting rescission of the Jan. 13, 2025 request to transfer the program to the parish.
Adjournment: With no further business, Mayor Willis adjourned the meeting.
