Bogalusa moves to remove three hazardous cemetery trees; public works reports progress on service orders

The Bogalusa City Council on Nov. 4 introduced an emergency ordinance authorizing the mayor or fiscal administrator to approve proposals to remove three large, hazardous trees in the city-owned Bogalusa Cemetery for safety reasons. The council discussed bids and cited a total estimated cost of about $5,475 for removal of three trees.

During public comment, residents urged the council to move quickly, saying fallen limbs and damaged trees have blocked access to graves and posed hazards to visitors. One resident described being unable to reach a family member's grave because of fallen debris and urged a prompt remedy.

Council members confirmed the emergency procedure allows work to proceed immediately, with formal ratification or regular ordinance action to follow at a later meeting. The transcript records motions and a roll call discussion about bids; it does not contain an explicit final tally for the cemetery item in the public read record.

Separately, the council read a letter from the Public Works Department summarizing October operations: nearly 300 citizen work orders received, approximately 85% addressed; ongoing pothole work; substantial mowing progress; repairs and renovations at Avenue U ballpark (doors replaced; flooring repairs planned); completion of erosion and culvert work on Beverly Street; and a stated goal to respond to sewer complaints within 24 hours in most cases. The Public Works communication also noted preparations for upcoming events including a Washington Parish prayer ceremony and Christmas-in-the-park activities.

Council members said they would continue to oversee cemetery safety work and invited residents to submit specific work orders for other public-works needs. The council scheduled follow-up on procurement and contract details at an upcoming meeting.