City agrees to co-sponsor spring concert

The city of Crowley held its first city council meeting of 2014 Tuesday night. During the meeting, the group agreed to co-sponsor a free concert series, renewed liquor/beer permits for two area businesses and looked into the condemnation of area properties. 

The meeting began on a lighter note when Crowley Mayor Greg Jones called upon Chief of Police K.P. Gibson to give the invocation for the first time ever. 

“Only took you 11 years,” laughed Chief Gibson prior to giving the invocation. 

Following his prayer, Gibson smiled and asked Mayor Jones, “Do you see what you’ve been missing?” 

The concert series, which will be called Greetings from Levy Park, has four dates lined up for this spring.

The date for the first installment of the series was listed as being March 20. Local businessmen Keeffer Kelbaugh, Ken Gordon as well as Crowley Chamber of Commerce CEO Amy Thibodeaux were among the group that approached the council with the idea. 

The council also agreed to consider the condemnation of two properties. The properties are located at 917 E. Sixth St. (owned by the unopened succession of Verna Hoffpauir Marx) and 1214 W. Eighth St. (owned by Andrew Goodwill). 

“Mr. Goodwill came in and approached the council and told us he wants to proceed with the condemnation but his wife is really ill. I’d like to ask the council to show a little compassion,” asked Alderman Vernon “Step” Martin. 

“How long ago did he come in?”asked Alderman Elliot Dore. 

Martin replied that it had been six months. 

Mayor Jones stated that it would be 30 days nevertheless and if Goodwill could begin his work during that time it would be considered. 

The council agreed and both properties condemnations will move forward.

The council also agreed to grant beer and liquor permits to two of the better known establishments in Crowley — Sam’s Bar and South Park Liquor, better known as Neg’s. 

A resolution authorizing Mayor Jones to execute a motion of understanding with the Department of Transportation and Development and an agreement with BNSF, regarding closure of the Avenue D crossing of the BNSF Main Line Railroad Tracks was also agreed upon. 

There will be more on Tuesday’s city council meeting in our next edition.