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St. Martinville council adopts ordinance to claim adjudicated lot and allocates $70,000 to clear blight
Summary
At its Nov. 3 meeting the St. Martinville City Council adopted Ordinance 25‑13 under La. R.S. 47:2236 to claim an adjudicated town lot, authorized Mayor Jason Willis to complete title paperwork, approved a $70,000 allocation from the Opera House sale to clear blighted property, and approved multiple event permits and agreements.
St. Martinville — The St. Martinville City Council on Nov. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 25‑13, authorizing the city to claim full ownership of a specified adjudicated parcel pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2236 after the three‑year redemption period under Article VII, §25 of the Louisiana Constitution had elapsed. The ordinance, offered by Councilmember Flo Chatman and seconded by Councilmember Janise Anthony, passed unanimously; it authorizes Mayor Jason Willis to execute the documents necessary to complete the acquisition.
The property described in the ordinance is a town lot bounded north by property of the Ladies of Progress Benevolent Association (Dames Du Progrès), south by Port Street, east by New Market Street and west by Catfish Alley. The ordinance’s text references recorded conveyance entries dating to 1917 and 1920 and states the parcel has been abandoned and adjudicated to the city. The council recorded no nays on the adoption vote.
The council also voted on how to spend proceeds from the recent sale of the Opera House to address blighted property in city limits. After discussion and competing motions, a motion by Councilmember Flo Chatman to allocate $70,000 passed. A substitute motion to allocate $50,000, made by Councilmember Mike Fuselier and seconded by Councilmember Carol Frederick, failed (Yeas: Mike Fuselier, Carol Frederick; Nays: Jonas Fontenette, Janise Anthony, Flo Chatman). The final allocation passed with a recorded vote in favor by Councilmembers Jonas Fontenette, Janise Anthony and Flo Chatman and opposed by Mike Fuselier and Carol Frederick.
Council actions approved other administrative items. At Mayor Jason Willis’s request, the council authorized the mayor to enter into an as‑needed professional services agreement with CSRS, LLC, with council approval required for each project. The council also authorized the mayor to execute a lease with the Greater St. Martinville Economic Development District for use of Maison Duchamp; City Attorney Allan L. Durand will prepare a lease containing a 60‑day cancellation clause.
Event and public‑safety permissions approved included unanimous permission to sell alcohol on Nov. 8, 2025 at the Veterans Day celebration on South New Market Street, requested by Danielle Fontenette, CRT Director of the Main Street Association; tentative permission was granted to hold a Christmas Festival on Dec. 14 and to permit alcohol sales there, subject to final approval upon receipt of Chief Martin’s assessment and recommendation. The council also granted permission for fireworks at the Fest of St. Martin de Tours on Nov. 11, 2025 provided the fire chief is present with a fire truck.
Mayor Willis reported administrative items including a Nov. 7 bid opening for the Main Street Enhancement Project, renovation of the Denbas Water Tower at approximately 90% completion, and a scheduled bridge inspection on Bridge Street Nov. 4–5. With no further business, the mayor adjourned the meeting upon a motion by Councilmember Flo Chatman and second by Councilmember Jonas Fontenette.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 25‑13 (adopted unanimously); allocation from Opera House sale — $70,000 approved (Yeas 3, Nays 2); CSRS, LLC agreement (authorized unanimously); lease for Maison Duchamp (authorized unanimously); Veterans Day alcohol sale (authorized unanimously); fireworks for Fest of St. Martin de Tours (authorized, conditionally).
