St. Martinville council gives demolition deadlines, to study noise ordinance and automated meters

The St. Martinville City Council on Dec. 15 granted two property owners time to remove dilapidated structures and directed follow-up on a resident complaint about noise and utility billing.

Blair Boudreaux, identified in the minutes as the owner of a nuisance property at 322 Columbus Street, was granted 90 days to demolish the structure and remove debris after a motion by Councilman Mike Fuselier and a second by Councilwoman Flo Chatman. Separately, Delanny Johnson was given 30 days to demolish a dilapidated structure on his property at 204 Governor Mouton; that motion was moved by Councilwoman Chatman, seconded by Councilman Fuselier and approved unanimously.

A resident, Errol Greig Jr., "voiced complaint of excessive loud music being played on the south end of the City" and asked whether the city has an ordinance addressing the matter. The council agreed that City Attorney Allan L. Durand will research the issue and that Greig’s concern will be placed on the agenda of the next council meeting.

Councilwoman Carol Frederick asked about the timeframe for receiving requested information from the utility department when customers report billing discrepancies. City Attorney Durand recommended the mayor speak to the utility department about implementing automated water meters and the potential for an increased number of billing errors; Mayor Jason Willis responded that the goal is to be sensitive to customers and to improve responsiveness.

No fines, enforcement dates beyond the demolition deadlines, or dollar estimates for demolition were recorded in the minutes.