Sale of $1.5m bonds approved to build road for car dealership

“In five months, the city of Rayne will have a new car dealership,” exclaimed Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux as members of the City Council Monday night gave preliminary approval to the issuing of $1.5 million in bonds to construct an access road to fulfill an agreement with Sterling Recourses Corporation.
The access road will be located between McDonald’s Restaurant and Miss Maime’s Casino off Hwy 35 North to the dealership which will be located on 34.5 acres adjacent to Nation Road.
Bonding Attorney Jason Aker of Foley & Judell explained, once approval has been granted by the State Bond Commission and a buyer secured, the bonds will be issued at an interest rate not to exceed 5 percent per annum for a period of ten years.
Aker noted the $1.5 million will allow city officials “more flexibility.”
Mayor Robichaux said the “city was blessed,” noting his campaign commitment to bring business prospects to Rayne was supported by City Council’s members.
The new access road will “also open more real estate for sale” and create more jobs and new tax revenues for the city, said Robichaux. He reported the Sterling dealership will create 45 new jobs.
In a separate action, the Council authorized the mayor to pursue an agreement with Sterling Resources Corporation to construct the access road.
The Council also approved making Adams Alley a one-way street going south. Road signs will be erect to notify drivers the change will occur within 30 days.
An intergovernmental agreement with the Acadia Parish School Board to permit use of the facilities such as the Civic Center and high school gym was approved.
A variance was granted to Mary Solomon to build a carport to the property line at 615 Karen Drive was granted as recommended by the Planning Commission.
A street drive permit was approved for A&O 21st Century Club to raise funds for a back to school/family fun day in August. The street drive will be conducted July 31 and Aug. 1.
The Council approved the retirement of Tracy D. Carter as a member of the Rayne Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Road and the appointment of retired sheriff’s deputy Dowell D. Folds as his replacement.
The Council also entered into a cooperative agreement with the Acadia Parish Police Jury and the First Ward Drainage District to improve drainage in the parish’s rural area as well as within the city’s limits.
Noting tackling the drainage problems was another of his campaign commitments, Mayor Robichaux said efforts within the city depend on drainage outfalls be cleared outside the city as well. To that end, the city and police jury agree to provide one or more dump trucks to remove soil collected during Drainage District work projects.
The mayor also announced he has directed the city crews to top off trees over electric lines, and clear overgrown bushes along sidewalks. He also mentioned plans to install water service lines in the city’s parks, build barbecues for public use and convert a portion of the little used Fourth Street tennis courts into parking spaces and erect canopies for park users.
The Council appointed The Rayne Acadian-Tribune as its legal journal for the next fiscal year.