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St. Martinville council tightens grass standard, grants abatements and reviews demolition funding
Summary
Council members clarified that the city's nuisance grass ordinance bars grass taller than 12 inches citywide, granted owners limited time to abate or present demolition plans, and heard that a judge approved an injunction requiring removal of debris at 950 Seiber Rd within 75 days.
The St. Martinville City Council on July 7 clarified enforcement of the nuisance grass ordinance and took several actions and time-limited grants related to dilapidated properties.
Councilman Mike Fuselier moved, with Councilwoman Flo Chatman seconding, that the council interpret the nuisance grass ordinance to prohibit grass taller than 12 inches anywhere inside city limits with no exceptions. The motion passed unanimously; Planning & Zoning Coordinator Otis Chatman was instructed to send letters to property owners whose grass exceeds that 12-inch threshold.
The council granted property owner Eddy Greig until the first council meeting in August to continue cleaning a nuisance property at 2085 Terrace Highway and required him to present a plan for remaining work. His son, Jeremy Greig, told the council he would assist with the cleanup.
Sharon Batiste received a two-week extension to decide whether to proceed with demolition of a dilapidated structure at 604 Ledoux through the city’s Clearance Grant program or to advise the council of alternate plans. Separately, Planning & Zoning reported that Melia Hamilton did not appear to a scheduled hearing about 609 Church Street; based on inspectors’ evidence the council declared that property a nuisance and directed staff to send Ms. Hamilton a notice to abate within 10 days.
City Attorney Allan L. Durand reported that Judge Hamilton approved the city’s injunction against D. Daspit’s property at 950 Seiber Road, giving Mr. Daspit 75 days from July 2, 2025 to remove removable items between the road and his fence, except a children’s swing set, a trampoline and any operable vehicle.
Councilwoman Flo Chatman proposed using $70,000 from proceeds of the Opera House sale to demolish adjudicated dilapidated properties; City Attorney Durand was asked to review which adjudicated properties are eligible for sale or demolition. The proposal was discussed but no formal funding action was taken at the meeting.
What happens next: staff will send required abatement notices, Otis Chatman will track compliance deadlines, and the city attorney will report back on legal authority to use Opera House sale proceeds for demolitions.
