VINTON, LA

                January 20, 2009

 

                The Mayor and Council of the Town of Vinton, Louisiana, met in regular session at the regular meeting place of said Mayor and Council, in the Town Hall, Vinton, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m. on the 20th day of January, 2009, with the following members present:

 

                                                                                Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor

                                                                                Bliss Bujard, Council Member

                                                                                Harold R. Douga, Council Member

                                                                                William “BB” Loyd, Council Member

                                                                                Kevin Merchant, Mayor Pro Tem

                                                                                Edward J. Vice, Council Member

                                                                                                                                                               

                                ABSENT:                              None

 

                                ALSO PRESENT:               Thad Minaldi, Town Attorney

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The following Reports were submitted:

 

                                Total Payroll for December, 2008                                                                               $      87,644.90             

                                Total Receipts for December, 2008                                                            $    978,414.48

                                Total Disbursements for December, 2008                                                               $    740,146.49  

                                Total Bills for December, 2008                                                                    $    285,604.99

 

 

 

Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor called the meeting to order.  Chaplin Tatum led in prayer, and there followed the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

                                It was moved by Council Member Merchant that the minutes of prior meeting/s, copies of which were mailed to each Council Member, be approved as written.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Loyd and carried.

 

                                Mary Vice, City Clerk gave the monthly Administration Department report.

 

                                Bills for the month of December, 2008, were approved and payment authorized upon a motion by Council Member Douga, seconded by Council Member Loyd and carried.

 

                                Mayor Stinson updated the governing authority on pending grants and projects.

 

                                The following properties were inspected by the Fire Chief and determined to be in a dilapidated and dangerous condition endangering the public welfare.  The property owners were notified to be present to explain why the structures should not be condemned.

 

                                                                                1413 East Street  -  John Stoddard representing Leona P. Copeland

                                                                                1203 Loree Street – Lonny K. Hanks

                                                                                905 Vincent Street – Scotty E. Chabert Et Ux

                                                                                1519 Vincent Street – Jeffery S. McCardle

 

                                Mr. John Stoddard was present to discuss the improvements he made and the difficulties he is having in continuing his repairs.

 

                                After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Douga to defer the demolition process for 1413 East Street for 30 days, giving Mr. Stoddard time to make additional repairs and requesting that he report back to the governing authority at the February 17th council meeting to report on his progress.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Loyd and carried.

 

                                There were no representatives present for the 1203 Loree Street, 905 Vincent Street, and 1519 Vincent Street properties.

 

                                After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Douga to defer taking any further action on the other three properties until the attorney advises the governing authority on the proper legal process for demolishing these structures.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Bujard and carried.

 

                                Council Member Douga expressed his pride and appreciation to the citizens of Vinton for their ability to set aside personal differences and come together as a community to help one another during difficult times.  He stated he has witnessed this compassion and citizenry following the hurricanes and most recently following the tragic loss of Garrett Vice.

 

                                Ricky Fox, Chief of Police gave the monthly Police Department report.

 

                                Terry Vice, Director of Public Works gave the monthly Public Works and Electrical Department reports.

 

                                In the absence of the Fire Chief, Mayor Stinson gave the monthly Fire and Civil Defense reports.

 

                                Mrs. Mary Chaisson discussed with the governing authority and police chief future procedural changes that may be put in place to ensure the security and integrity of the police department evidence room in light of the most recent criminal charges filed against a former police department employee.

 

                                There being no further business to come before the Governing Authority, it was moved by Council Member Merchant that the meeting be adjourned.  The motion was seconded by Council Member Loyd and carried.

                                                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                                                Kenneth O. Stinson, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

___________________________

Mary O. Vice, City Clerk