Council hires police officer in 4-1 vote

By PAUL KEDINGER
Managing Editor

Members of the Rayne City Council Monday night approved the hiring of a police officer recommended by Police Chief Carroll Stelly, but not before hearing two residents strongly object to the hiring of Jeremy Abshire, currently serving as an Iota police officer. Abshire will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Danny Burleigh.
This was the second time the Council has considered Stelly’s recommendation. After hearing objections from several residents during their October 27 meeting, Council members voted to table the issue. Before casting their votes Monday night Council members had to formally undo their tabling action.
At that time, Chief Stelly reaffirmed his recommendation, citing Abshire 11 years as a police officer and that he was Post certified. It was also reported that Stelly met with Councilmen Calise Michael Doucet and Jimmy Fontenot, who serve on the police committee. Fontenot announced he agreed with Stelly’s recommendation.
Following new procedures, detailed by Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux at the beginning of the meeting, persons wishing to address the Council must complete a speaker’s request form and submit it to the City Clerk. (See related story.).
Three persons made such a request regarding the hiring issue, but one declined to speak.
First to speak was Crystal LeBlanc, who said, “We know nothing about this man.” She also spoke about untrained officers and just having a badge didn’t give an officer the right to treat others poorly.
Dexter Harmon in his remarks called for the resignation of Chief Stelly and accused the officer “of a sickness.” He said Abshire removed his badge and equipment and engaged in a fight in the headquarters of the Crowley Police Department with a man he identified as Telly Savoy. He alleged a police coverup and that Savoy was tazed and never charged. Crowley Police Chief K.P. Gibson reported Abshire resigned, an internal investigation was completed and Abshire was not terminated Gibson declined to address Harmon’s statements further due to privacy laws.
Before casting the sole negative vote Councilwoman Cutrese Minix noted she had received numerous telephone calls and spoken to many of her district’s residents and felt she needed to represent her constituents. Council members Kenneth Guidry, Lendell “Pete” Babineaux, Calise Michael Doucet and Fontenot cast their yes votes without comment.
Before the Council acted to remove the tabling of an ordinance regarding the closing of the railroad crossing on Parkerson Street, Mayor Robichaux revealed a representative of BNSF Railroad agreed to make a $35,000 payment to the city accepting the closure, fix the Arena Street crossing and inspect all city crossing as well as Lama Road outside the city limits.
A public hearing on closing the crossing will be held at 6 p.m. during the Council’s meeting Dec. 14.
The Council also approved a resolution to commit an additional $275,000 to $300,000 as the local portion for the construction costs associated with sewerage improvement for the Barbara Street pump station and force main project. The city is seeking funding under the Community Block Grant. The commitment of added local fund should improve the city’s chance of securing the grant, according to City Engineer Tim Mader. The city has already agreed to pay between $130,000 and $150,000 for engineering and administrative services. He told Council members the added funds won’t be needed until 2017, if the grant application is successful.
In other business, the Council approved a street drive for Knights of Columbus Council 1897 in support of the Daily Manna Christian Service Center on Dec. 18 and 19.
Two police department vehicles were declared surplus and will be sold at auction.
Mayor Robichaux announced the annual Christmas parade will be held on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.