VILLE PLATTE CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS NEW FUNDING, INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The Ville Platte City Council met Tuesday night, with city officials reporting progress on infrastructure, public safety, historic preservation and community development, while also announcing several upcoming programs and events.
One of the new initiatives announced at the meeting is a Youth Leadership Mentorship after-school program for young people ages 10 through 17.
Natasha Edwards and Tomasina Johnson announced the program, which is being presented by T’John Resources. Registration begins September 12th at 104 West Cotton Street in Ville Platte.
The program is designed to provide area youth with leadership and mentorship opportunities after school.
Street improvements also remain a priority for the city. Mayor Ryan Leday Williams and Councilman Bryant Riggs have been reviewing streets throughout Ville Platte to determine where available funding for street repairs can have the greatest impact.
The city is also continuing its efforts to improve infrastructure and secure outside funding.
Mayor Williams announced that the city has received approval for $75,000 in funding for improvements to City Hall. He thanked State Representative Rhonda Butler for helping secure the investment.
The city has also been awarded $21,000 through the Certified Local Government Historic Preservation Program, using National Park Service funding. The money will help the city move forward with officially establishing and registering Ville Platte's historic district.
An additional $10,000 Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant has been secured for beautification and historic district signage. The mayor credited grant consultant Raquel Manuel for helping obtain both the historic preservation and beautification funding.
The city's Phase Four water distribution project is also moving forward. Mayor Williams said he recently met with representatives from Senator Heather Cloud's office, DOTD and City Clerk and Tax Collector Donald Bergeron to review the project.
The condition of Main Street and LaSalle Street was also discussed. City officials say the two heavily traveled corridors will need to be overlaid after the necessary water infrastructure work is completed.
City Engineer Ronnie Landreneau reported that the city's sewer lift stations are complete, although generators still need to be tested. Equipment for the new water well has also been ordered.
Landreneau received approval from the Council to advertise for new bids for the city's fire station, subject to the project manager's approval of revised plans.
Public safety was another major topic at Tuesday night's meeting.
The Ville Platte Fire Department reported 19 incidents within the city and 12 incidents in the fire district during August, for a total of 31 calls.
The department also installed six smoke alarms in local homes.
Fire Chief Chris Soileau announced that the department's annual fund drive is now underway. Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at the fire department.
Fire Prevention Week will be observed October 4th through October 10th. This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety," with an emphasis on properly charging devices and using the appropriate equipment.
The Ville Platte Police Department responded to 490 calls during August. Officers issued 15 citations and made 28 arrests, including 10 felony arrests.
Police also investigated 25 accidents during the month, with no fatalities reported.
The city is also receiving additional assistance to improve public safety. A $50,000 Louisiana Government Assistance Program, or LGAP, award will allow the city to install additional street cameras throughout Ville Platte.
The expanded camera system is expected to provide law enforcement with additional tools to help deter crime, assist investigations and improve neighborhood safety.
Beyond infrastructure and public safety, the mayor outlined several upcoming community and economic development initiatives.
The city is partnering in the first annual La'Kingdom Marketplace — Nutcracker Holiday Shopping event, scheduled for November 14th and 15th. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase local vendors, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The city will also host sessions designed to help farmers, entrepreneurs and small-business owners access workforce and business development resources.
The Louisiana Small Farmers Business Development and Technical Assistance Program will hold sessions October 21st and October 28th, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Partners include the LSU AgCenter, Southern Ag Center, Delta Regional Authority, America's SBDC Louisiana, the USDA Farm Service Agency and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The city is also supporting Rock the Block 2026, scheduled for Thursday, October 29th, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. The event will provide children and families with a safe and positive opportunity for community fellowship.
For adults, the Sunday Kickball League continues this Sunday, September 13th, at 2 p.m. at Ville Platte Recreation Park.
And looking ahead to the holiday season, the city is partnering with SOCKA to host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 22nd at the Northside Civic Center.
Mayor Williams said the city's approach is to aggressively pursue available funding, address long-standing problems and continue building partnerships that can bring new opportunities to Ville Platte.
The latest announcements include funding for City Hall improvements, historic preservation, beautification and public safety, along with continued work on water and road infrastructure.
City officials say the goal is to continue making improvements that strengthen Ville Platte's neighborhoods, businesses, public safety and overall quality of life.
