Henderson seeks state grant for street repairs

HENDERSON – Mayor Sherbin Collette and the Town Council Monday took steps to secure more state money for street improvements.

Streets targeted for improvements include the Talley Subdivision, Batiste Street and Louis Drive, Collette said.

The council also agreed to increase the sewer plant’s capacity to handle sludge and simplified the billing process for the Henderson-Nina Water System, which collects for trash collection and sewer as well as water.

And in a separate matter, Councilman Ray Robin, who also runs the sewer plant, announced a hike in the basic water rate from $10.49 to $11.83. The increase, the first in nearly five years, is necessary to cover the increasing cost of chemicals, Robin said.

Mayor Collette told the council that Richard Mienville, a consultant who helps the town get Louisiana Community and Development Block Grants, said the pot is larger for the coming year – $30 million instead of $20 million – and the chance of securing money for street improvements is good.

The council authorized Collette to appoint an engineer and administrator for the grant application. Engineering fees will cost the town about $30,000, Collette said.

The council agreed to use $15,000 in existing grant money toward a down payment on a 30 cubic yard dewatering or roll off container to handle sludge deposits at the sewer plant. The container, which costs $27,250 new, can be paid off in installments, Councilmen Robin said.

Robin said it has become necessary to rent an extra container to back up the existing 20 cubic yard tank for several days nearly once a month at a cost of $100 a day.

In addition to the rental fee, the town is subject to fines by the Environmental Protection Agency if sludge is not adequately dried.

“Right now I’m saying it’s a good idea (to buy a second roll off container), but soon you might hear me saying we absolutely need it,” Robin said.

Beyond the economic consideration, it’s the best thing to do for the environment, noted Councilman Jody Meche.

The council voted to request in writing for the Henderson Nina Water System to begin collecting deposits for new customers, and for the town to transfer deposits on account to the system to simplify the billing process.

About 10 accounts a month have to be “closed and locked,” Robin said.

And in other action, the council voted to pay $500 to the Judicial Children and Youth Planning Board, a new entity of the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The amount represents 8 percent, based on population, of the parish’s share of $7,000. The 16th Judicial District also includes Iberia and St. Mary parishes.