Duson Council discusses costs, possible trash removal fees

“We have to do something,” remarked Duson Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux about removal of large amounts of tree branches and excessive trash from curbsides in the town.
He outlined the problem and associated expense incurred by the town in removing the branches and other debris during the June meeting of the Duson Town Council.
To cover the cost of sending city workers to collect and dispose of branches and the cost of dumping fees, the mayor and council members discussed amending the public nuisance ordinance to charge homeowners a $25 fee.
Mayor Thibodeaux also raised the issue created by renters dumping trash on the curbsides when they vacate a house. He suggested landlords be required to remove the trash within a specified time.
In addition, he suggested contractors should be required to dispose of construction debris instead of expecting the town to clear the debris.
The Council initially discussed having City Attorney Brad Andrus draft proposed amendments but then voted to table the issue.
In other action, Police Chief Kip Judice asked the Council to consider creating a committee to provide recreational activities for the town’s young people. He suggested by committee could be funded by donations from citizens and businesses.
Mayor Thibodeaux mentioned the possibility of preparing a basketball court adjacent to the community center.
Chief Judice also reported the town’s three casinos have approached him about providing extra police protection from midnight to 5 a.m.
Judice said he suggested the casino operators establish a joint fund to pay the expenses of guards, rather than expecting the town to shoulder the added expense.
The Council agreed to spend an estimated $26,000 to repair and refurbish a submergible pump and motor on the town No. 4 water well. Members also agreed to put aside funds to cover the cost of annual inspections for the town’s two wells.
To insure the Duson Fire Department is manned, the Duson Council entered an intergovernmental agreement with the Lafayette Consolidated Government, with the Council and parish government each agreeing to pay the salary of a certified fireman. The cost to the town is $540 per week, reported Mayor Thibodeaux. The contract covers June to October.
Town Clerk Karen Laviolette reported she and Chief Judice plan to review the police department’s budget for the coming year. Mayor Thibodeaux noted prior to hiring Judice as police chief, the town was paying 400 hours of overtime each month.
Mark Garber addressed the council and audience regarding his candidacy for sheriff of Lafayette Parish.

By Paul Kedinger
Managing Editor
Rayne Acadian-Tribune