City of Gonzales honors GOMS

     The City of Gonzales held two regular meetings on Feb. 15 and Feb. 22, respectively. The back-to-back meeting schedule came by way of a Mardi Gras closure. All council members were present for each session.

     The Feb. 15 meeting was festive with the Mayor and Council celebrating the achievements of both the Gonzales Middle School basketball team and its coach, Dwayne Andrews. Each team member was given a certificate acknowledging them for winning the 2015-2016 season championship. Andrews was awarded a key to the city and mayoral proclamation, proclaiming Feb. 15, 2016 as Dwayne Andrews Day in Gonzales.

     In other business, meeting minutes form the Jan. 11 and Jan, 25 council meetings were approved, as well as minutes from the Feb. 1 regular meeting of the Zoning Commission.

     Darryl Hambrick of the African American Museum in Donaldsonville was awarded his requested special event permit to host the Museum’s Gospel in the Park fundraiser on May 7 at Jambalaya Park.

     In her engineering report, city engineer, Jackie Baumann requested and received approval on two sewer items – balancing change order number one in the amount of a decrease and substantial completion for the contract with Gulf Coast Underground.

     Traffic counts have been completed on La. 30 at St. Elizabeth’s intersection.

     Baumann’s noted in her Feb. 22 report that she is addressing DHH comments on the treatment plant upgrades, Conway lift station and Edenborne regional lift station. DOTD will host a public meeting on April 26 form 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Civic Center regarding the comprehensive study of proposed solutions for the Ashland to I-10 part of the La. 30 at I-10 project.

     In the recreation report, Alvin Russo advised the council that the Carver Park lighting rehab project, as well as the Carver School lighting project are both bidding. The dog park fence is complete, drinking fountains for both dogs and humans are being installed and grass seed has been placed.

     Ascension parish Schools representatives gave a presentation on the April 9 bond item that will appear on election ballots.

     A discussion of change of code of ordinance chapter 20 utilities was discussed. The vote will occur in two weeks to decide if the way the fees are paid will be changed.

     Minutes of the Feb. 15 Recreation Commission meeting were approved.