Vivian aldermen adopt procurement and property resolutions, approve grant applications and personnel actions

Mayor Ronnie Festavan called a special meeting of the Town of Vivian Board of Aldermen to order Feb. 12, 2026, where the board unanimously adopted a set of administrative resolutions and approved personnel actions.

At the start of the meeting, the board accepted a monthly financial report and Mayor Festavan read a statement from the town’s consultant, Veronica Brown, summarizing three audit items: a 2025 budget finding that actual expenditures in the Industrial Development Fund exceeded budgeted amounts by more than 5%; a significant deficiency tied to unreconciled interagency accounts; and a material weakness involving untimely or inaccurate bank reconciliations for three accounts. Festavan said the town has begun corrective measures and that most accounts have been reconciled.

The board then moved to several formal actions. By unanimous vote of those present (four yes, zero no), the board adopted Resolution No. 2 of 2026 establishing procurement, purchasing and record‑retention policies and affirming compliance with Uniform Guidance and ARPA requirements. The motion to adopt Resolution No. 2 was made by Alderman Samuel Hodge and seconded by Alderman Raymond Williams.

Also by unanimous vote, the aldermen adopted Resolution No. 3 of 2026 authorizing the mayor to sell and transfer certain town property to Allen’s Electric Motor Service, Inc., pursuant to a lease‑with‑option‑to‑purchase and Ordinance No. 752 of 2020 (motion: Samuel Hodge; second: James Martin). Resolution No. 4 of 2026 declared a Gravely Treker side‑by‑side ATV surplus and authorized sale to the highest bidder (motion: Samuel Hodge; second: Raymond Williams).

The board authorized two grant applications: Resolution No. 5 of 2026 authorized application to the Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP) and Resolution No. 6 of 2026 authorized application to the Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF). Both grants were approved unanimously; the CWEF motion was moved by James Martin and seconded by Robert Green Jr.

On personnel matters, Mayor Festavan recommended reappointing Toni Kendrick as the town’s representative to the Caddo Parish Fire District No. 8 Board of Commissioners. The board approved the reappointment unanimously (motion: Raymond Williams; second: Samuel Hodge). The board also approved Police Chief Ryan Nelson’s recommendation to hire Maverick Caldwell as a part‑time patrolman at $18.00 per hour; the hire was approved on a probationary status through the May 11, 2026 regular meeting (motion: Robert Green Jr.; second: Samuel Hodge).

Votes at a glance: • Resolution No. 2 (procurement/ARPA compliance): motion by Samuel Hodge; second Raymond Williams; vote: 4‑0‑0. • Resolution No. 3 (property sale to Allen’s Electric Motor Service, Inc.): motion by Samuel Hodge; second James Martin; vote: 4‑0‑0. • Resolution No. 4 (surplus property: Gravely Treker ATV): motion by Samuel Hodge; second Raymond Williams; vote: 4‑0‑0. • Resolution No. 5 (LGAP grant application): motion by Samuel Hodge; second Raymond Williams; vote: 4‑0‑0. • Resolution No. 6 (CWEF grant application): motion by James Martin; second Robert Green Jr.; vote: 4‑0‑0. • Reappointment — Toni Kendrick to Caddo Parish Fire District #8 Board: motion by Raymond Williams; second Samuel Hodge; vote: 4‑0‑0. • Hiring — Maverick Caldwell, part‑time patrolman at $18/hr, probation through May 11, 2026: motion by Robert Green Jr.; second Samuel Hodge; vote: 4‑0‑0.

The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. following routine announcements from the mayor. The board set several items for further review at its March 9, 2026 regular meeting.