Legal Notice
CITY OF VILLE PLATTE
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 11, 2025
Mayor Ryan Williams called the special meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
After an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance, role was called. In attendance was Alderwoman Lemoine, Alderwoman Sam, Alderwoman Frank, Alderman Roy, Alderman Jagneaux, and Alderman Riggs. City Attorney Ludeau, City Clerk & Tax Collector Bergeron, Fire Chief Soileau and Police Chief Perry.
First item was a motion by Alderwoman Frank to approve the minutes of February 11th 2025. Seconded by Alderwoman Sam. Motion passed unanimously.
Second item was approval of the February 2025 financial reports that were emailed to the council. Mayor Williams asked if there were any questions on the financials. There being none, a motion by Alderwoman Frank, seconded by Alderwoman Sam to approve the financials as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
There were no public comments on agenda items.
First agenda item was a discussion on a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Ville Platte and Evangeline Economic Development District which was put together by Representative Rhonda Butler. The agreement includes an agreement for the city to contribute $500 in start-up money. A motion was made by Alderwoman Frank and 2nd by Alderman Roy. Motion passed unanimously.
Second agenda item was a presentation by Pat Derouselle, Executive Director of Evangeline Solid Waste Commission. Mr. Derouselle updated the council on the new contract for solid waste service for Evangeline Parish. The new contractor, beginning July 1, 2025 will be Bayou State. New trash receptacles will be provided to each household in the parish.
Third agenda item was an update on the parks project. Mayor Williams asked for a motion to approve soliciting requests for proposals on playground equipment for the 3 main parks. A motion by Alderwoman Frank to solicit proposals was 2nd by Alderman Roy. Motion passed unanimously.
Fourth agenda item was to review and select a vendor for the purchase and installation of new automated water and gas meters to replace all of the existing meters. After review of the submitted proposals, a motion to accept the proposal from Baton Rouge Win-Water was offered by Alderwoman Lemoine and 2nd by Alderwoman Frank. Motion passed unanimously.
Fifth agenda item was a discussion and review of the current application process for renting the city’s civic centers. City Attorney Ludeau has reviewed the application and is speaking with law enforcement and other municipalities to tighten up our process in order to make events safer for the public but not to put an undue burden for family type events. Mr. Ludeau will report back to the council at the next meeting.
Engineers report was presented by Toby Landreneau of Landreneau and Associates. Mr. Landreneau reported that the existing water and gas lines have been marked and the extension of sewer service for the new Tractor Supply will be ready to start. Mayor Williams added that all of the necessary materials have been delivered to the site and work will begin shortly. The Water Sector, water project is advancing with the underground utility location nearing completion. Once complete, advertising for bids will be done. Advertising will be done for 45 days and bids will be received, reviewed and presented to the council for acceptance. This completed his report.
Fire Chief Soileau reported
• In February, the fire department was dispatched to 7 incidents in the city, and 2 incidents in the surrounding fire district, totaling 9 incidents. 2 incidents in the city involved structures.
• Personnel have completed most of our annual pre-incident planning updates of commercial occupancies and multi-family dwelling complexes in the city and are currently wrapping up those activities.
• We recently received our Risk Management Recommendation Report from our Emergency Services Insurance Program. There were no “critical” recommendations, and we are addressing the medium- and low-priority recommendations. This ends my report.
Police Chief Thomas reported during the month of February his department responded to 387 calls, 49 citations, 36 arrest, including 11 felonies and 18 accidents. The police department is cracking down on speeding in town and running red lights.
Mayor Williams in his report stated:
Louisiana Folk Roots Balfa week is March 24-28 at Lakeview Park Campground.
LITACOR announcement: after extensive discussions, I’m thrilled to share that LITACOR has committed $750,000 toward the city’s required match for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revolving loan fund application we submitted in January! This funding will be a game-changer in addressing our city’s remaining water infrastructure needs.
The city has been actively addressing damages caused by contractors who have bored through our sewer lines, leading to costly repairs. So far, we’ve had to fix three major sinkholes—and that’s unacceptable. We will be seeking full reimbursement and pursuing legal action if necessary to protect taxpayer dollars from internet service providers (isp) for the broadband fiber project and other contractors.
Lift station renovation underway! E.B. Feucht & Sons LLC has officially begun the renovation of 19 lift stations funded by the state’s water sector program. Work is starting with the three largest lift stations at the wastewater plant, which process waste from across the entire system. From there, the team will move throughout the city to upgrade every remaining station. This is a huge step toward modernizing our infrastructure!
New Sewer Jetter arriving this week! I spoke with Mr. Charles Rumfola of Rumfola Sales, and I’m happy to report that our brand-new O’Brien model 7040 SC Sewer Jetter unit will arrive by the end of this week! With this cutting-edge equipment, our drainage crew will flush culverts throughout the city, tackling ongoing drainage issues in saturated areas.
Playground & court upgrades! I am requesting city council approval to proceed with purchasing new playground equipment and upgrading courts and coverings to provide our community with safe and enjoyable recreational spaces.
Old building demolition & future plans: the city is demolishing the deteriorated building across from city hall, formerly known as the old Soileau Recording Studio and World Treasures. For years, residents have voiced concerns about its unsafe condition—now, we’re taking action! After cleanup, the city will declare the property as surplus and follow procedures to sell it. This is a step forward in revitalizing our downtown area!
I want to bring to discussion the need for a code enforcement officer to help ensure our community remains clean, safe, and up to standards. This role will be critical in maintaining property values and improving the overall quality of life in Ville Platte.
Shoutout to our student-athletes! Congratulations to the Ville Platte High School boys & girls basketball teams for making it to the playoffs, and a special congratulations to girls’ basketball coach Rhonda Thomas for being named coach of the year for district 4-3a. Additionally, congratulations to the Sacred Heart High School girls and boys basketball teams and shout out to coach Shane Darbonne and coach Cody Jones for making the playoffs!
Congratulations to our Ville Platte native, coach Renotta Edwards, on becoming the district 5-2a coach of the year, along with the Oakdale Lady Warriors on another incredible season and a state championship victory! Your dedication and hard work inspire us all! This concludes the mayor’s report.
There being no further business to come before the council Alderman Riggs motioned and Alderman Roy seconded to adjourn. Motion unanimously passed and the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 PM
Signed: ______________________________
Mayor Ryan Leday Williams
Attested: ____________________________________
Donald Bergeron, City Clerk & Tax Collector
040325
Cost is $165.00