Council rescinds condemnation

During the Crowley City Council’s meeting Tuesday night, it was business as usual as they dealt with issues such as condemnations, issuing liquor permits and paying bills.
However, before the city’s governing body could begin looking at the items on their agenda, they honored a man who had sat alongside them dealing with similar issues for 16 years.
Former Alderman Willie Clement recently passed away and Mayor Greg Jones presented his family members with a letter of bereavement on behalf of a thankful city.
Clement served Ward 3, the position currently held by Alderwoman Dr. Ezora Proctor, for four terms. Two of his family members were on hand for pictures with the council during the emotional presentation.
When the council got down to business, a public hearing was held to consider whether to proceed with the condemnation of the property located at 911 Ross Ave.
During the council’s August meeting, the property’s owner, Judy Ann Monroe Clement, was given 30 days to show sufficient improvement to the property to avoid it’s condemnation.
The council was pleased that Clement had noticeably changed the property’s appearance and a motion was passed which rescinded the home’s condemnation.
During the Public Works Committee’s report, the council approved entering into a contract with Huval & Associates for a structural evaluation and recommendations for several bridges throughout the city.
The streets listed as having the bridges the group will evaluate are:
• Avenue G;
• North Ditch and Avenue N;
• Avenue D;
• Center Ditch and Jacob Avenue; and
• Bayou Blanc and Pine Street.
The cost of the evaluation to the city will be $5,500.
The council also renewed liquor and beer permits to three local businesses — Bud’s Den at 421 N. Parkerson Ave.; Bayou Bend Golf Club at 427 W. Hoyt Avenue; and The Crawfish Nest and Market at 805 W. Second St.
During the Insurance and Personnel Committee’s report, Tim Cradeur was introduced as Crowley’s new Wastewater Superintendent.
“Stand up and take a bow, Tim,” smiled Jones. “Tim is very deserving of this position and I’m sure he will do a good job.”
The council also agreed to a motion to pay Guinn Construction the amount of $55,699.16 for the repairs made to the facultative pond levee and ultra-violet disinfection systems at the waste water treatment plant.
It was the fifth partial payment to the company since the work on the plant began.
During the Zoning and Annexation Committee’s report, a call for a public hearing was made to introduce a Gateway Overlay District Summary with boundary recommendations from Northern Avenue north to the corporate limits.
If the measure is passed, it will help the appearance of this area of the city by requiring that owners who build there use brick, stucco or other attractive materials on the front of their businesses.
The next Crowley City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. Committee meetings will be held on Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.