Duson Council names Judice as police chief

Kip Judice, a 30-year veteran of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department was appointed Duson’s new police chief during the Town Council meeting March 17.
Although Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux was prepared to ask the candidates to speak, the Council members canceled that step and moved to vote, unanimously approving Judice to lead the police department.
Prior to the vote Mayor Thibodeaux termed the appointment of “critical importance” to the town.
He reviewed the firing of former chief Frank Andrew in July 2014, the appointment of Joe Caillet as interim police chief, Caillet’s decision to campaign for police chief of Rayne and the creation of a panel of law enforcement officials to review and trim the 18 who applied for the position to five candidates.
The fall election of a new Council prompted the delay in the appointment.
Mayor Thibodeaux added the police department’s evidence room was found to be in shambles for the past 15 years, and repeated notices from the district attorney’s office.
“We’re at a crossroads,” remarked Mayor Thibodeaux about the appointment. “We’re not going backwards.”
Following his appointment, Judice said he was humbled by the confidence the council has placed in him. He said he would strive to develop a very professional law enforcement agency for Duson. “The people will be treated with respect,” he said, adding he would have “an open door policy,” and planned to walk door-to-door to meet with residents.
The position of Duson police chief pays an annual salary of $51,000.
Interim chief Caillet will remain in office until Judice familiarizes himself with the department and assumes his new role.
In other business, the Council heard a proposal from Kevin Naquin, regarding maintaining the town’s current 5 fire rating.
Naquin, the District 1 representative on the Lafayette City-Parish Council, asked the Council members to make a commitment to hire a paid fireman if the parish council would fund a position for a second fireman.
Naquin noted the Duson Volunteer Fire Department services the largest unincorporated area in Lafayette Parish and Judice and Milton Fire Departments must also respond to alarms in the Duson service area due to the lack of volunteers.
When the Council indicated its willingness to enter such an arrangement, Naquin said he would return with more details.
Don Cravins, a partner with former state senator Nick Gautreax in Direction Solution Strategies LLC, proposed the Council consider pursuing a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district option to fund economic development and intrastructure along the town’s I-10 corridor.
He also discussed the town’s seeking approval from the State Legislature to impose a motel/hotel tax in the town. He noted Rep. Jack Montoucet has drafted such legislation on behalf of the town.
Cravins, former Opelousas mayor, noted Duson is the only parish municipality without a motel/hotel tax.
The ultimate goal, Carvins said, would be the creation of a frontage road along Interstate 10.
Paul Guilbeaux, vice chairman, and Steven Picou, executive director with the Lafayette Airport Commission, thanked Duson of its support of a one cent sales tax to finance improvements to the Lafayette Airport. The tax will be collected between April 1 and November 30 of 2015.
Mayor Thibodeaux commended Karen Laviolette, new town clerk, as she discussed the town’s finances. She formerly served as Opelousas city clerk from between 2007 and January 2015.