Permit issued for new LaGrange’s owner, Richard

During the Crowley City Council meeting Tuesday night, the council agreed to a liquor permit for LaGrange’s Food Mart, amended fees for the local animal control shelter and issued formal condolences to the family of Rita Johnson, the former Crowley Main St. Coordinator, who passed away last week. 

During the invocation, Alderman Bryan Borill offered condolences to Alderwoman Mary Melancon who’s grandson recently died. 

The council seemed especially pleased to grant the liquor permit to the new owner of LaGrange’s Supermarket, Lee Richard, who recently bought the store which operated in for decades in south Crowley.

“Thank goodness,” said Alderwoman Melancon in a relieved tone. “I don’t care who bought it I’m just glad that someone did and it’s staying open.” 

The store had become somewhat of a south Crowley institution prior to facing financial  challenges under the longtime ownership of Norma LaGrange. It seemed to be the general consensus of the council that keeping the store open was a boost for south Crowley, if not the entire city.

During the Community and Economic Development Committee’s report, the city offered their condolences to the family of Rita Johnson, the former coordinator for Crowley Main St. who passed away last week. Alderman Vernon “Step” Martin stated that he was pleased to see Johnson being recognized by the city. 

New fees for the procedures of the Crowley Animal Shelter were passed during the meeting. Under the new policies, the council agreed to amend the transfer fee of the animals to $10, lower the housing fee from $20 per day to $10 per day and amend the wording of “trap rental fee of $25” to a “trap deposit fee of $25.”

The council also agreed to a partial payment to the Coastal Bridge Company for the Street Improvement Projects for the fiscal year of 2012-2013. The payment was in the amount of $528,473.50. 

Prior to Mayor  Jones adjourning the meeting, Alderman Martin wanted to address a letter which ran in the Post-Signal on Sunday, Sept. 29. The letter, which was written by Charles King, implied that Martin missed the meeting, during which raises for the council were passed, because he didn’t want it to affect his upcoming election.

“Just for the record I want to state that I was at the birth of my granddaughter,” said Martin. “We have given this man nothing but respect and for him to suggest otherwise...I have a problem with that.

“And had I been here I would have voted for the raise.” 

The next Crowley City Council meeting will be held on Nov. 12.