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Rayne City Council hears updates

Upgrades to begin on infrastructure projects

RAYNE - A rather abbreviated City Council meeting Monday evening saw Mayor Charles Robichaux and members of the Council approve a long-awaited project.
With no objections heard or brought forth for a resolution to issue utilities revenue bonds topping at $2,600,000 for the construction and improvements of the city’s outdated water treatment system, the Council authorized city officials to proceed with the preparation of the documents required for the issurance of the bonds and obtain approval of the La. State Bond Commission.
Concerning the DOTD City Road Improvement Project, the Council approved a resolution to approve plans and specifications and authorizing the advertisement for bids and designing the time and place the bids will be received for the Edgewood Subdivision street improvement.
Robichaux noted the funds have been received by the city from DOTD in the amount of $281,000 for the city to complete the project.
The lone change made to the initial project was an alternate proposal for medians to remain by removing and replacing barrier curbs with mountable curbs to fore-go additional damage by large vehicles.
Under new business, the financial update was given by City Clerk Annette Cutrera, who noted the “numbers look good” and “we are in a good place at this time of the year.”
The Council considered and approved the following items as declared by the street, water and electric departments as surplus: Shindaiwa 24” hedge trimmer, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 5, Redmax weed eater unit 9, Gravy mower unit 2, Redmax hand blower, Redmax weed eater, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 8, bush hog skeleton, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 2, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 12, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 3, Brother fax machine and Craftsman cordless drill.
Also considered was a recommendation from the Rayne Planning and Zoning Commission Board from their January 24 meeting to approve the re-zoning of Lots 3-8 and East 25’ of Lot 2 Block 17 of Cunningham Addition which would include Lot 1 and west 15’ of Lot 2 owned and occupied by the City of Rayne from R-1 to C-1. The Council approved the recommendation.
Under permit department/demolition projects, three properties were presented for action, including:
• 705 Wiltz - 30 days to demolish;
• 605 Third Street - 30 days to demolish; and
• 814 Chappuis - 90 days to demolish.
Also addressing the Council during the meeting were Mike Richard of Acadian Ambulance and Terry Broussard on behalf of the local American Legion for the upcoming 100th American Legion Birthday Celebration..
City Engineer Tim Mader gave a brief update of the following items:
• Barbara Street Pump Station Project in the home stretch with completion closing in;
• DOTD Street Improvement Project to begin bids for the Edgewood Subdivision Street Improvement Project on Feb. 28; and
• LCDBG 2020-21 Project to determine the best possible project and application for a grant presented to Council during the March Council meeting.
A last-minute item introduced by Councilman Jimmy Fontenot was the addition of motorized bikes now being seen about the city. Police Chief Carroll Stelly stated the bikes, regular or motorized, are to adhere to normal travel laws as to stops signs, signal lights, etc.
Stelly also suggested if problems continue, an ordinance may be brought forth by the Council for any changes they see fit.

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