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St. Martinville council abandons two rights-of-way, shortens meeting time and centralizes utility permit authority
Summary
The St. Martinville City Council on Dec. 15 adopted three ordinances: it abandoned Solitude Street and Solitude Lane (transferring the rights to the adjoining owner), moved regular meetings to 5:30 p.m., and gave the city utility director authority over permits affecting utility rights of way; all votes were unanimous.
The St. Martinville City Council unanimously adopted three ordinances at its Dec. 15 meeting that change local land-use, meeting procedures and permitting authority.
Ordinance 25-16 abandons the dedication of Solitude Street and Solitude Lane, finding they "have never been paved, maintained, or used in any manner as a public thoroughfare." The text states the abandoned property passes to the adjoining owner, Sara Beth Wood Fournet, by operation of state law. Councilman Jonas Fontenette offered the ordinance and Councilwoman Janise Anthony seconded it; the minutes record the vote as yeas: M. Fuselier, C. Frederick, J. Fontenette, J. Anthony and F. Chatman.
The council also adopted Ordinance 25-17 to change the regular council meeting time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Councilwoman Flo Chatman offered the ordinance and Councilwoman Janise Anthony seconded it; the measure passed unanimously.
Ordinance 25-18 amends the 2008 ordinance governing permits for use of city rights of way by adding a provision that an application involving city utilities "shall be addressed to the Director of the City Utility Department," who will be the proper authority to make determinations affecting the city's electric utilities. Councilman Jonas Fontenette offered the ordinance, which passed on a unanimous vote.
Taken together, the ordinances transfer two unused rights-of-way to a private owner, change the council's meeting hour, and concentrate decision-making about work that affects city utility infrastructure in the utility director's office. The ordinances were recorded as adopted on Dec. 15, 2025, and the minutes show no recorded opposition.
