Acting on a recommendation from city attorney Ryland Percy, the Gonzales Council agreed to form a committee geared to allow recreational vehicles to park on the grounds of city hall during the Jambalaya Festival without providing electrical hookups.

Percy said at the regular meeting Tuesday a nominal fee would end the current policy of letting vehicles park free from the status of being a donation. He said the city should not allow RV electrical hookups on the grounds of city hall during the Jambalaya Festival.

Members adopted a motion by Councilman Kenny Matassa to meet with the Jambalaya Festival Association to “discuss issues at hand” regarding the parking and hookup situation brought before a  previous council meeting in May by Gonzales resident Gary LaCombe.

LaCombe disclosed that the city allowed RVs to hook up to city water and electricity outlets at no charge during the Jambalaya Festival in the lot bordered by Cornerview Street next to City Hall.

LaCombe noted at the time that city hall wiring is not set up for the heavy loads required by RVs, which led to voltage drops during the festival.

Mayor Johnny Berthelot said the breakers in the hookups were installed to power the city’s Christmas lights and were not designed for 30-amp recreational vehicle use.
He said the city had no policy regarding use of the area during the festival, but that hookups were allowed on a first come, first serve basis for free.

A discussion ensued during the May meeting with council members discussing liability issues that could occur if voltage drops were to cause damage to an RV electrical system. Then members directed city attorney Ryland Percy to look into legal issues concerning use of the hookups.

In an unrelated matter, Councilman Alvin “Bully” Dragg announced he will not run for re-election to the council.

“I won’t be seeking election in the fall,” he said. “We are going to have some good men running and the city is going to keep going forward.”

Dragg, who has served a total 16 of years on the council since 1980, received a standing ovation after his announcement.

In another matter, Police Chief Bill Landry recognized and presented distinguished service metals and service bars to six SWAT team members for their performance in the line of duty during a shooting incident involving an armed and barricaded suspect last summer at an apartment complex across from St. Elizabeth Hospital on Hwy. 30.

Landry said the SWAT team members relied on their training, did not retreat and completed their assignment. Recognized were officers Sherman Jackson, David Breaux, Tony Billiott, Gary Ferrari, District Chief and SWAT Team Medic Preston Landry, and Detective Steve Nethken.

In other business, the council approved increases in grass cutting rates. Lots measuring 50 by 120 feet are now $35 for the first lot, and $25 for additional lots; 75 by 120 foot lots are $39, with each additional lots $29; 200 by 200 foot lots are $45, with additional lots $35; one acre of property is $47, and each additional acre $33.