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• 2 New Orleans Council members skip meeting

  May 16, 2012 10:42 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Two New Orleans City Council members are staying away from the latest council meeting - effectively blocking the council from conducting business. Jon Johnson and Cynthia Hedge-Morrell had walked out of a council meeting earlier this month. With one council vacancy unfilled, the council had too... more »

• Tangipahoa council tables proposed oil permits

  May 16, 2012 10:26 AM

  AMITE, La. (AP) - The Tangipahoa Parish Council has declined to adopt a proposed ordinance that would have regulated and required a permit for companies to drill for oil and gas in the parish. The Advocate reports the proposal was spurred by an increase in drilling activity and expected activity... more »

• New Roads council increases court costs

  May 16, 2012 9:02 AM

  NEW ROADS, La. (AP) - The New Roads City Council has adopted an ordinance that will increase court costs in Mayor's Court from $45 to $65. The Advocate reports the measure passed Tuesday after a public hearing during which no one spoke in opposition of the change. Mayor Robert Myer... more »

• Hammond council sets hearing on sewer rates

  May 16, 2012 9:00 AM

  HAMMOND, La. (AP) - The Hammond City Council has agreed to hold a public hearing and vote on a proposed ordinance raising sewer and water rates by 4 percent in the new fiscal year starting July 1. Mayor Mayson Foster tells The Advocate the city has not increased its sewer... more »

• Council Fires Dog Catcher, Passes Horse Introductory Ordinance Play Video

  May 8, 2012 11:23 PM

  A controversial case for the Opelousas City Council was closed Tuesday, with another hot topic being opened. Council members had to decide the fate of small animal warden, or dog-catcher, Donald Tyler. "Mr. Tyler was offered two chances, and on both of the chances he failed," said Alderman... more »

• Welsh Town Council suspends officer

  May 3, 2012 10:32 AM

  WELSH, La. (AP) - A Welsh police officer accused of not following policy and procedures has been reprimanded. The American Press reports the town council unanimously upheld Police Chief Tommy Chaisson's recommendation to suspend Officer Debbie Robbins for seven working days after a 50-minute executive session on Tuesday. After the... more »

• Ascension council proposes pay increase

  April 20, 2012 9:48 AM

  GONZALES, La. (AP) - Ascension Parish Council members have taken the first step toward giving themselves a 33 percent pay increase, boosting their pre-tax salaries from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. The council introduced the increase on a 7-3 vote Thursday. The proposal will be set for a public hearing... more »

• Councilman to Hold Public Forum on Smoke-Free Bars Play Video

  April 9, 2012 7:09 PM

  A program to recognize Lafayette bars for becoming smoke-free didn't get much recognition itself. With no bars voluntarily agreeing to make the transition, the question is being raised: should smoking in bars be a choice or not? "I was hoping that the industry would quote unquote fix itself and... more »

• Mardi Gras complaints prompt council action

  April 6, 2012 9:35 AM

  PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) - Public indecency - and some dogs - will now be prohibited from parades and other events in Pascagoula. The Mississippi Press reports that Mardi Gras shenanigans prompted action by the city council. The separate ordinances were drafted by City Attorney Eddie Williams. Williams says he patterned... more »

• Council member wants probe into tire slashings

  April 5, 2012 11:25 AM

  THIBODAUX, La. (AP) - A Thibodaux City Council member is pressing for a council investigation into allegations that a police department veteran paid two men to slash tires on dozens of police cars, even though the accusers have retracted the story. Glenn Watkins and his nephew Jonathan Watkins last year... more »

• Alexandria council votes to increase utility rates

  April 4, 2012 9:55 AM

  ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - The Alexandria City Council has voted to increase utilities rates to help pay for future infrastructure improvements. The Town Talk reports those two items were among the big-ticket changes in the 2012-13 budget approved by the council Tuesday by a 6-1 vote. District 1 Councilman Ed... more »

• Baton Rouge council takes no position on bus tax

  March 29, 2012 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council as a whole took no position on whether to support a 10.6-mill property tax to revamp the parish bus system, voting instead to delete the item after a lengthy public hearing and debate. The Advocate reports Councilwoman Denise... more »

• Some LCG Councilmen Will Wear Hoodies For Trayvon Martin Play Video

  March 27, 2012 2:00 AM

  As rallies are held across the country demanding justice in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, two LCG councilmen plan to take a stand on the matter Tuesday, by wearing hooded sweatshirts to the city-parish council meeting. "We're going to do that to send a clear cut message, that... more »

• LC council to consider new noise ordinance

  March 26, 2012 8:17 AM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach says he plans to present a noise ordinance to the city council that will be easier for police to enforce. The council last week voted to repeal measures in the old ordinance -- approved in 2003 - that set decibel... more »

• Several Controversial Items Discussed at LCG Council Meeting Play Video

  March 20, 2012 10:56 PM

  From the RedFlex contract to bans on smoking and the downtown bar levy, several hot topics were discussed at Tuesday's Lafayette Consolidated Council. "Imagine how it feels that in order to provide for my family I must march right back into the toxic environment that nearly killed me," said... more »

• Applications open for youth council spots

  March 14, 2012 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Applications are open through Thursday for positions on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council. The council facilitates communication between youth and the Legislature and gives students the opportunity to be involved in the workings of state government. The Advocate reports two student members are elected... more »

• Welsh Council Turns Down Police's Request for More Patrols on I-10 Play Video

  March 7, 2012 7:26 PM

  A controversial interstate patrol program is under review in Welsh. It's called the Traffic Enforcement Detail (TED), and has the potential to generate hundreds of thousand of dollars for the small town. But Welsh officials are hesitant to move full speed ahead with the program. A few years ago... more »

• Qualifying opens for seats on Houma Tribal Council

  March 5, 2012 6:02 AM

  GOLDEN MEADOW, La. (AP) - Qualifying for seats on the Tribal Council of the United Houma Nation remains open through March 30. The Franklin Banner-Tribune reports the Tribal Council is composed of 10 districts in Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Mary, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. Candidates must be a registered... more »

• Donaldsonville council to redraw districts

  March 1, 2012 8:43 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE, La. (AP) - Donaldsonville City Council members have approved a proposal to redraw council district lines, setting the stage for a vote on the matter late this month. The Advocate reports the council has worked during the last month to redraw district lines according to the latest U.S. Census... more »

• Council urged to settle school worker suit

  February 16, 2012 10:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The East Baton Rouge Metro Council's Finance and Executive Committee has recommended that the full council settle with a former elementary school employee who sued the city-parish seven years ago over toxic-mold issues at the school. The Advocate reports Richard Brown, a former custodian at... more »

• Lafayette council to decide tax vote

  January 24, 2012 10:24 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Lafayette voters could be asked as early as April to approve a new half-cent sales tax dedicated to funding the police and fire departments. The Advocate reports the City-Parish Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to put the measure on an April 21 ballot.... more »

• Baker council increases sewer fees

  January 11, 2012 10:35 AM

  BAKER, La. (AP) - The Baker City Council has approved new sewer service rates to go into effect Jan. 20. The new rates are a flat fee of $14 per month for residential users, including seniors, and $18 plus 30 cents per 1,000 gallons for commercial users. City Attorney Ron... more »

• Hammond council prohibits sale of animals at sites

  January 5, 2012 9:17 AM

  HAMMOND, La. (AP) - The Hammond City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting the sale of animals in outdoor areas within the city limits. The council adopted a companion resolution Tuesday calling on the Tangipahoa Parish Council to consider enacting an ordinance outlawing roadside selling of animals throughout the... more »

• Lafayette Council to Vote on Bar Security Fee

  December 15, 2011 8:18 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Lafayette City-Parish Council is set to vote Tuesday on whether to stop collecting a fee charged to downtown bars to help pay for a special weekend police detail. The possible repeal of the fee comes after several downtown bars have stopped paying it and are... more »

• Mermentau Council Seeks to Remove Police Chief Play Video

  December 12, 2011 11:21 PM

  The Mermentau police chief is in hot water, after being arrested last week in Crowley. Monday night the Mermentau Village Council heard complaints from citizens and decided what action, if any, they can take. Police Chief Amber Dubois was noticeably missing from Monday night's meeting. But she still managed... more »

• St. Landry Council Seeks Review of Contracts

  November 17, 2011 12:49 PM

  OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) - The St. Landry Parish Council has voted unanimously to ask the state Legislative Auditor's Office to review all contracts approved during the two terms served by parish President Don Menard. On Wednesday, council member Pam Gautreau questioned Menard's hiring of former Opelousas Mayor Mike Thibodeaux as... more »

• St. Martin Council Approves Bond Sale

  October 5, 2011 12:31 PM

  ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (AP) - The St. Martin Parish Council has passed a resolution without opposition to sell bonds worth $7.34 million to repair roads and bridges across the parish. Bond attorney Scott Crawford said he believed the last resolution of support passed by the council in September would allow... more »

• Alexandria council considers smoking ban

  October 3, 2011 7:26 AM

  ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - The Alexandria City Council will take up for vote on Tuesday an ordinance that would eliminate all smoking in public workplaces in the city. The Town Talk reports the ordinance is being proposed by council President Roosevelt Johnson. Mayor Jacques Roy and members of his administration... more »

• Lake Charles council delays alcohol fine vote

  September 22, 2011 9:38 AM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - The Lake Charles City Council has deferred action on a bid to increase fines levied on businesses that sell alcoholic beverages to people under 21. The American Press reports a vote on the issue is scheduled to take place on Oct. 19. City Council President... more »

• Greyhound Settlement Pending Council Approval Play Video

  September 22, 2011 12:28 AM

  Pending approval by the Lafayette City-Parish council, Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has tentatively reached a settlement with Greyhound Lines. Greyhound filed suit against LCG back in June of 2008, after the newly-seated council rescinded a zoning change approved by the outgoing council the previous fall. The new council took... more »

• Redistricting Forces Malbreaux to Withdraw From Race Play Video

  September 14, 2011 2:54 AM

  Due to population shifts in the 2010 census, council lines in Lafayette Parish were redrawn earlier this year. That means some residents will find themselves in new council districts when the changes officially take effect in January. Among the voters impacted by the changes, at least one candidate for public... more »

• St. Martin council to publish bond details

  September 7, 2011 9:58 AM

  ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (AP) - The St. Martin Parish Council has approved publishing the details of the parish's plan to issue up to $8.5 million in bonds. The Advocate reports Parish President Guy Cormier will borrow the money from the Louisiana Local Government and Environmental Facilities Authority through the issuance... more »

• Are Politician's Statements Degrading Toward St. Martinville? Play Video

  September 6, 2011 11:13 PM

  A political candidate takes aim at one Acadiana city, and Tuesday night some city leaders fire back. It's a back-and-forth between State House of Representatives District 96 candidate Raymond "Shoe-Do" Lewis and the City of St. Martinville. Is it a political game, an insult, or maybe just words of... more »

• Neighborhoods Divided Over Annexation Play Video

  July 5, 2011 1:06 AM

  A proposal by Lafayette Consolidated Government to annex an unincorporated area of the parish is raising some eyebrows. Tuesday night the City-Parish Council will consider an introductory ordinance to annex land mainly consisting of two subdivisions between Lafayette and Broussard: Walker's Lake and Hernandez Heights. "We would hope that... more »

• Port Allen council appoints new mayor

  June 30, 2011 9:37 AM

  PORT ALLEN, La. (AP) - One day after Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis resigned, then drove to federal court in Baton Rouge to plead guilty to a racketeering charge, the City Council has selected his successor. The Advocate reports the council voted 3-1 Wednesday to install Mayor Pro Tem R.J.... more »

• Vote to Split Lafayette Gov. Could Come in October

  June 4, 2011 10:43 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - A proposal to replace Lafayette's consolidated city-parish government with separate governments for the city and the parish could go before voters as early as October. A charter commission formed by the City-Parish Council to explore changes in local government recommended in April that voters should decide... more »

• Lafayette council to consider Horse Farm ordinance

  April 1, 2011 10:00 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Lafayette City-Parish Council will consider an ordinance for final adoption Tuesday that opens the door for official to spend up to $6 million purchasing the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Horse Farm to convert into a public park. The council approved the introductory ordinance allowing... more »

• Bikers Help a Local Charity Play Video

  January 15, 2011 11:19 PM

  Bikers in Scott are helping a local charity. Saturday, the "Rig Riders Motorcycle Club" donated 75-hundred dollars to help the elderly in need. Representatives from the Lafayette Council on Aging's "Meals on Wheels" were on hand at Cajun Harley Davidson to accept the donation. more »

• Mary Morrison Selected to Fill Husband's Vacant Council Seat Play Video

  January 5, 2011 12:36 AM

  Mary Morrison, wife of outgoing Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Purvis Morrison was appointed to serve out the remaining year of her husband's term. Mr. Morrison was elected the Mayor of Scott back in the fall, and it was during his campaign that his wife first thought about seeking the seat. ... more »

• Lake Charles council limits adult stores

  December 16, 2010 9:31 AM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - People who want to open sexually oriented businesses in Lake Charles will have to do so in industrial areas. The Lake Charles City Council votedb 7-0 Wednesday to amend a city law that outlines where such businesses are allowed in order to minimize juveniles' exposure... more »

• Embezzlement Investigation in City of Delcambre Play Video

  December 13, 2010 11:40 PM

  One small Acadiana town is working through big money problems. KATC's Maddie Garrett was at the Delcambre City Council meeting Monday night and uncovered new information about an embezzlement investigation in the city. After its yearly audit, the City of Delcambre came up short by roughly $7,000. "It's significant for... more »

• Audit raises questions about Jefferson nonprofit

  November 15, 2010 9:49 PM

  GRETNA, La. (AP) - A publicly funded nonprofit program for underprivileged youth in Jefferson Parish could provide little or no documentation for many expenditures, including more than $100,000 paid to a firm owned by state Rep. Girod Jackson, according to a state legislative audit. The audit also said Jefferson Parish... more »

• Coulee Project Vetoed Play Video

  October 14, 2010 7:20 PM

  The $800,000 Anslem Coulee drainage project is put on hold, for now. The project would have provided some relief to residents in Lafayette Parish's District 9, who say the coulee brings problems like mosquitos and flooding. Councilman William Theriot, who represents the district, added the line item on September... more »

• 5 indicted in DeSoto Council on Aging case

  October 13, 2010 9:54 PM

  MANSFIELD, La. (AP) - A DeSoto Parish grand jury on Wednesday indicted the former director of the DeSoto Council on Aging, three members of her family and a board member on charges they took thousands of dollars from the social-service agency and used the money for themselves. The grand jury... more »

• Go-cups Debate Returns to Lafayette Council

  October 4, 2010 7:20 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Lafayette City-Parish Council will once again take up a proposal to ban go-cups and other open alcoholic containers, two weeks after defeating the measure in a 5-4 vote. No major changes have been made to the ordinance, which would prohibit such containers in downtown Lafayette... more »

• Candidate for Council Squashes Dropping Out Rumor

  September 27, 2010 12:54 PM

  Candidate for City Council in Ville Platte wants to put a stop to a rumor about ending her candidacy. Myra "Griffin" Fontenot is still running for City Council District D in Ville Platte. "I have been receiving phone calls and I have been confronted by people of my community about... more »

• Council Members set to Hear Former Housing Authority Board Members

  September 21, 2010 5:57 PM

  Lafayette council members will hear from three men dismissed last month from the Lafayette housing authority board tonight. Joe Dennis, John Freeman Jr and Leon Simmons are listed on the council agenda. They say they were unfairly let go following a questionable audit of the housing authority. ... more »

• N.O. Council says It's Time to get Rid of FEMA Trailers

  September 21, 2010 9:38 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - It's time to get rid of nearly 260 FEMA trailers remaining of the 23,300 installed after Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans five years ago, several City Council members say. The trailers spoil the city's image of recovery, Housing and Human Needs Committee members agreed during Monday night's... more »

• Vendor for Government Monitoring Named

  September 19, 2010 3:50 PM

  Press Release: City-Parish President Joey Durel announced the selection of Acadian Monitoring Services, L.L.C. for Lafayette Consolidated Government's Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) system. Over twenty vendors from around the country responded to the RFP, and an internal team reviewed the proposals and made a recommendation to President Durel. The AVL... more »

• Heated arguments over a zoning change in Opelousas

  September 15, 2010 9:18 PM

  St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz is sent looking for a new site for an administrative building. This comes after a heated discussion at an Opelousas city council meeting. A deal was in place for the Sheriff's office to buy an old Courvelle Toyota dealership between Main St. and Union... more »

• Lafayette Council Has Voted To Ban Go-Cups and Cruising

  September 8, 2010 5:33 PM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Lafayette City-Parish Council has voted to ban go-cups and cruising from two areas of the city. Any open containers of alcohol would be barred from the Surrey Street corridor and downtown Lafayette, where police say nightlife has led to traffic and safety problems. The cruising... more »

• Ex-Gretna Council Member Gets 17 Years in Prison

  August 23, 2010 6:12 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A former Gretna city council member who was convicted of taking money for his support of zoning variances has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. In April, a federal jury convicted 48-year-old Jonathan Bolar of charges that included extortion, wire fraud and failing to file... more »

• San Diego's city council has banned "floatopia" parties

  July 26, 2010 9:33 PM

  SAN DIEGO (AP) - San Diego's City Council has banned so-called "floatopia" parties where people booze it up on inner tubes offshore. The council voted 8-0 Monday to close the loophole on a beach alcohol ban that was approved by voters in November 2008. Several speakers told the council that... more »

• Special Council Meeting-Offshore Moratorium

  June 14, 2010 3:17 PM

  Tomorrow afternoon there will be a special council meeting at 5:15 pm to consider adoption of resolution requesting an end to offshore exploration moratorium at Lafayette Parish Council Auditorium. Present to support the resolution will be the Lafayette Parish Council; City-Parish President; LEDA President; LCVC President; Black Chamber leadership;... more »

• Lafayette Annexation

  June 2, 2010 10:48 AM

  A decision yesterday from the Lafayette City Parish Council over a hot piece of property. The council voted to annex the Les Vieux Chenes Golf Course again. Earlier, the council voted to rescind its April vote that did the same thing, that decision came after the city of Broussard... more »

• St. Martin Council Passes Hay-Ride Safety Law

  June 2, 2010 7:16 AM

  ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (AP) - The St. Martin Parish Council has approved a new ordinance intended to make parish hay rides safer for both participants and motorists. The ordinance was modeled on a similar St. Landry Parish ordinance and requires trail ride organizers to buy $1 million in liability insurance... more »

• Gonzales Council Cuts Pay Raises

  May 25, 2010 9:12 AM

  GONZALES, La. (AP) - The Gonzales City Council has approved a measure to reduce the rate at which annual merit raises are given to city employees. The ordinance, approved Monday, brings city regulations governing pay raises in line with changes laid out in the 2011 budget. The change reduced the... more »

• Lafayette City-Parish Council Extends Deadline for Submission of Resumes

  May 19, 2010 5:46 PM

  With regard to the Lafayette Charter Commission created by Ordinance No. O-074-2010, due to the insufficient number of resumes received from individuals of the minority race who reside outside of any municipality in the Parish of Lafayette, the Lafayette City-Parish Council has extended the deadline for the submission of resumes... more »

• Lafayette City-Parish Council to Consider Allowing Advertising on Buses

  May 17, 2010 6:15 PM

  The Lafayette City-Parish Council will consider a resolution on Tuesday to allow advertising on the exterior and interior of Lafayette Transit System Buses. Right now, some buses advertise "The University of Louisiana at Lafayette." This would expand revenue sources by opening up ad space to any business. more »

• Lafayette council set vote on security fee

  February 16, 2010 8:24 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Lafayette City-Parish Council will vote this week on whether to scrap a security fee for downtown bars implemented last year. Councilman Brandon Shelvin is seeking to rescind a security fee the council imposed on downtown bars to help pay for a stronger police presence to... more »

• Judge: Felony bars ex-police juror from election

  February 12, 2010 10:36 AM

  ABBEVILLE, La. (AP) - A state district judge rules that a former Vermilion Parish police juror cannot run for Abbeville City Council because he pleaded guilty in 2005 to a felony. Ernal "E.J." Broussard says he will appeal the ruling handed down Thursday by Judge Marilyn Castle. Councilman Francis Touchet... more »

• Local Boy Scout Council To Plant Trees In Atchafalaya Basin

  January 19, 2010 12:20 PM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Evangeline Area Council of the Boy Scouts will leave their mark on the Atchafalaya Basin this year by planting cypress tree as part of a yearlong celebration of scouting's 100th anniversary. On Feb. 20, 800 Scouts will gather in the Basin to create what will... more »

• City-Parish Council Moves Forward With Courthouse Demolition

  December 16, 2009 4:35 PM

  The Lafayette City-Parish Council is getting closer to finalizing plans to demolish the old federal courthouse downtown. The council voted to give President Joey Durel the authority to approve requests for access to the property. This is one of the first steps needed for the environmental studies and assessments... more »

• The Rant: "Right on Red" Penalty Reduced

  October 21, 2009 10:47 AM

  In the controversial issue of the red light penalty reduction, do you think the council made the right decision? Tell us what you think. Email your RANT to hoyt.harris@katctv.com and stay tuned to KATC and KATC.com when we air your opinion on our late edition. more »

• LCG Votes on Vetoed Items Play Video

  October 21, 2009 8:43 AM

  The Lafayette City Parish Council is immersed in the budget tonight, voting on the items vetoed earlier this month by Parish President Joey Durel. Durel vetoed the items for two reasons, he felt there was not enough discussion and not enough information. Tonight the council got an earful. Earlier... more »

• White House to review La coastal restoration

  October 16, 2009 8:10 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - President Barack Obama's adviser on environmental issues says the White House will do a complete review of coastal restoration projects in south Louisiana and try to get the work moving more quickly. Nancy Sutley, the chairwoman of the White House's Council on Environmental Quality, says the... more »

• Juvenile Center Negotiations Continue

  October 2, 2009 10:35 AM

  OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) - The St. Landry Parish Council as passed a resolution allowing president Don Menard to continue negotiations with state officials and private landowners to locate a proposed regional juvenile therapeutic center in the parish. That decision Thursday night followed a lengthy presentation by state juvenile justice officials... more »

• LGC: Non-Profits will Receive Funding Again

  September 30, 2009 10:08 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Twenty-three nonprofit organizations that received funding from Lafayette Consolidated Government this year will receive funding again in the 2009-10 fiscal year that begins November 1. The Lafayette City-Parish Council voted 6 to 3 Tuesday to approve funding for all agencies for a total of $452,723. The... more »