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Council delays sale of property to mill

Concerns voiced over Miller Stadium parking

An offer by a local business to purchase city-owned property may have hit a speed bump.
The city has been approached by Falcon Rice Mill, who is interested in purchasing a piece of property near historic Miller Stadium on West Mill Street.
At recent committee meetings the matter was postponed to next month.
However, a representative of Falcon Rice Mill spoke at the regular meeting, explaining that the industry has recently seen an increase in production thus the need for more space.
The property they hope to acquire from the city is across the street from the mill’s loading docks.
The property has been appraised at about $14,000, according to information provided to the council by Mayor Tim Monceaux.
But no action was taken on the matter since council members expressed concerns over the loss of parking for Miller Stadium, which already has limited parking available.
Following the meeting, various aldermen explained to the Post-Signal that they and the city certainly want to see the industry grow but “we have to be mindful of the parking for Miller Stadium.”
Another major concern is the cost to restore parking for the stadium will probably exceed the appraised value of the property.
The aldermen sent the motion back to committee with plans to work together in trying to find a solution to serve all parties involved.
In other business, Monceaux reported that sales tax revenue has increased by 4.21 percent; sewer user fees compared month-to-month increased 4.63 percent; and the budget analysis reports 24.6 percent of the budget having been used and everything should be at 24.99 percent at this time in the fiscal year.
The Revenue and Finance Committee recommended that the full council approve an appropriation for the purchase of street signs contingent upon receipt of information that funds are available along with the budget line item that will be affected.
After discussion, the motion was rescinded.
Currently there is $14,000 dollars left of the budgeted monies to purchase street signs. The council was told by the mayor that replacing every street sign in town would cost the city $60,000 to $70,000.
The council also discovered that the funds for the total replacement would come from the general fund.
The council has recommended that the mayor use current funds — $14,000 — to replace missing and unreadable signs through out the city. During standing committee reports, the council approved:
• A resolution to execute a servitude and/or right-of-way for drainage with 5 H Farms for drainage along and adjacent to the north side of the extension of West Hutchison Avenue;
• Procurement of a construction contact for the repair of deteriorated bridge piles for Pine Street Bridge, Avenue D Bridge, Jacobs Avenue Bridge, and Cedar Street Bridge;
• Renewal of a liquor license for Fire House Cafe on the condition it was approved by the Chief of Police and all late fees were charged, because the renewal was turned in after the December council meeting;
• An appropriation of $3,750 to provide and install electrical items for the light pole at Exit 82;
• Authorizing an appropriation of $9,799 for the repair of the “old jail” roof at the Criminal Justice Center with copper flashing and replacement of old grids and new acoustical grid system by E.L Habetz Builders;
• Co-sponsoring the 16th annual Gumbo Cook-off on Feb. 1, to be held in the parking lot of the Enterprise Center, allowing the sale of beer and wine.
The next regularly scheduled committee meetings will be on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. The next regularly scheduled city council meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb, 12, at 6 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the City Council Chambers at 426 N. Avenue F.

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