Chester Cedars stepping down as city attorney

After 19 years as the city’s legal advisor, attorney Chester Cedars is leaving that position on the first of the
At the end of the Dec. 8 City Council meeting, Cedars caused a period of shocked silence with the announcement of his intention to step aside. He said that Breaux Bridge, which is in the midst of a strong resurgence, will need more from its attorney in the coming years than his many competing responsibilities will allow.
Cedars said that he will help the city find a good replacement. He told the Teche News that he will remain at his post as St. Martin Parish government legal council and assistant district attorney.
He said that Breaux Bridge will cope with the change, saying “No one is indispensable.” Judging by the wide eyes around the council room, though, it was hard to imagine everyone agreed with that.
Cedars expressed great respect for Mayor Ricky Calais, the board of aldermen and other city officials and consultants.
In other business, Calais said that much of his priority list for his first year as mayor has proceeded at a good pace. He credited the aldermen and the effective staff at city hall for the progress of the past year.
District A representative Brenda Castille Hobbs congratulated the mayor, staff and advisors for a productive year. She cited some of the more consequential successes of the year for city government.
These included, among other things, the water system extension north of I-10, drainage projects, traffic improvements including acquisition of the Dorsett property and the planned roundabout on Grand Point, many park improvements, beautification efforts such as Project Front Yard, progress on addressing blighted properties, revamping city ordinances and improving zoning compliance.
District E representative Gary “Bimmie” Champagne took a few minutes to advocate for the continued spirit of volunteerism in the city. He said that, with the bridge in line for a repainting by the state, it is time for the concrete portions of the bridge to be pressure-cleaned. The project is undertaken periodically by the Kiwanis, and they will need volunteers.
Champagne also said that it has been nine years since the Veterans’ Home was painted and it needs to be done again in the spring. Citizens can also get involved in Bayou Teche clean-up efforts. Projects such as these help make Breaux Bridge the success story it is. Volunteers can contact city hall at 332-2171.
Finally, Calais and the board presented a plaque to the St. Bernard School football team for winning the 2015 Christian School Football Championship.