Council OKs Parkerson Street railroad crossing closure

After repeatedly tabling an ordinance calling for the closing of the railroad crossing on Parkerson Street, the Rayne City Council Monday night approved the measure.
That step came after Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux revealed officials with the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway Company (BNSF) had finally agreed to his demand for $35,000 in compensation for the closure.
Though the railroad company had offered a $25,000 grant as an incentive to city officials, Mayor Robichaux, during a June 4 meeting with DOTD and BNSF officials, repeatedly insisted on $30,000 or more.
Mayor Robichaux also was insistent that DOTD and railway officials not seek closure of any other crossings, specifically mentioning the Polk Street crossing, and make repairs to other crossings in the city.
Monday evening, Mayor Robichaux reported BNSF officials agreed to pay $35,000 and make improvements to other crossings.
He noted he will be negotiating with officials to finalize the closing of the Parkerson crossing before the end of this year.
Budget hearing
The Council and Mayor approved a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, to review and adopt budget amendments for this fiscal year along with approving the budget for the coming year.
In other action, the Council approved a public hearing prior to the October 12 monthly meeting regarding an ordinance setting the salary of the city’s police chief at $53,000.
At a previous meeting, the Council had approved the salary increase, but later learned a public hearing was mandatory. As a result Chief Carroll Stelly reimbursed the city $1,569.24 for the difference in salary.
Mayor Robichaux commented that the police chief’s current salary was below salaries of police chiefs in other comparable cities.
The Council also acted on several recommendations by Chief Stelly. TheY accepted the resignation of Officer Tiffany Figaro Domingue, who plans to pursue a college degree, but will continue to serve as a reserve police officer.
Tyler Scott, currently serving as a reserve officer, was approved to replace Domingue.
The Council formally terminated Troy Menard for “good cause” as a part-time transportation officer hire Chris Menard as his replacement.
Troy Menard is currently incarcerated in the parish jail under a $300,000 bond. He has been charged with two counts of sexual battery on a minor; one count of lewd or lascivious acts on a minor; and one count of aggravated crime against nature.
The Council also declared a police department’s 2006 Dodge Charger as surplus to be sold at auction.
The Council accepted the resignation of Warren Julien, Sr. as a member of the Rayne Planning & Zoning Commission and appointed Sander Senegal to a five-year term as Julien’s replacement.
The Council authorized the mayor to enter into a project support agreement with Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA).
The agreement will reduce the costs to Rayne for electricity during the initial three years and eight months through May 2019 once the new LEPA generating plant in Morgan City begins operations in November.
Rayne is joined by Morgan City, Houma, Jonesville, Plaquemine and Vidalia which have entering into long term power sales agreements for the plant’s power output.
The Council granted the Rayne Lions Club a street drive permit for Nov. 6 and 7 to raise funds for the Lions Crippled Children’s Camp, Louisiana Eye Foundation and local charitable projects.
The Council tabled action on two demolition orders involving property on Malvern Street until its October meeting.
A resolution declaring Oct. 3-12 as Acadian Heritage Celebration period to mark the 250th anniversary of Acadians in Louisiana.