Council seeks state funds to replace MLK center

By PAUL KEDINGER
Managing Editor

The Rayne City Council Monday night  authorized Mayor Roland Boudreaux to apply for state capital outlay funds to replace the Martin Luther King Center located next to Armstrong Middle School after the building was described as in major disrepair, with a wall and window separating from the structure.
The 2013-2014 city budget earmarks $50,000 to be used with a potential grant to replace the MLK Center.
The Council approved the preliminary plat recommended by the Planning Commission for Carmichael Center Phase 1 to be created off Highway 35 (Church Point Highway).
The Council also approved variances allowing Ron Myers to put at trailer at 703 S. Bradford St, and to open a dog grooming business at 801 E. Butler and a variance allowing Simon Richard to place a trailer at 517 Ann Drive and erect a fence 17 feet from the street.
Council members adopted a resolution to execute an intergovernmental agreement permitting  the Acadia Parish Police Jury  to place one roll off dumpsters on a city right of way for debris collection. The city will assume all liability.
Mayor Boudreaux presented a sketch of a proposed veterans memorial park at the intersection of Gossen Drive and Oak Street. He also presented a list of factors suggested by architect Mark Lalande.
Lalande’s list included a lighted flagpole, landscaped trees and shrubs, and an effort to place some military equipment at the entrance to the memorial.
As envisioned, the a committee of volunteers, including representatives from the American Legion and civic organizations, would be formed and the memorial would be funded by private donations.
The promotion of four city police officers, Eddie Guidry, Joseph Credeur, Richard Gary and Nicholas Broussard, to the rank of sergeant was approved as requested by Chief Carroll Stelly
In other action, the Council:
• Encouraged voters to cast their ballots for the renewal of the city recreation tax on Saturday;
• Set Halloween trick or treat hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for children 12 and under;
• Approved a street drive Dec. 20 and 21 by Knights of Columbus Council 1897 in support of the Daily Manna Christian Care Center;
• Adopted a one week lease with the Rayne Chamber of Commerce of the Frog Festival fairgrounds for a fee of $10;
• Tabled a request from Brandy Stuckey to operate a mobile snow-cone vehicle until more information is provided;
•Tabled a “saggy pants ordinance after City Attorney Larry Richard expressed concern about its constitutionality;
• Tabled a proposal to install a stop sign at Lessley and Arenas Street after Alderman Paul Molbert suggested a traffic study be conducted and the owner of a day care center be consulted for her input; and
• Appointed Shelia Roberts to the Rayne Housing Authority Board to represent residents.