Tensas PJ discusses drainage, safety at meeting

Drainage was a main topic at the Tensas Parish Police Jury meeting on April 14.  
The Village of Waterproof requested that the Jury maintain the ditches along Mississippi Street.  Jury President Woodrow Wiley Jr. stated that, “Every property owner pays a drainage tax.  I pay the tax like everyone else.”  The jurors agreed to ‘clean’ the ditches.
The Courthouse will receive upgrades soon to take place in three phases, the first of which is addressing the issue of drainage.  The jury had agreed to maintain the courthouse drainage in the past, but did not have the funds available to do so.
James Arceneaux voiced his concerns about standing water on his land hindering his ability to plant crops.  He said that he “can’t lose 30-50 acres” and that he is “trying to make a living and pay taxes”.
The Jury discussed contacting the Drainage Board in District 3.  “The Corps of Engineers was supposed to maintain the diversion canal”, said Todd Merriett.   “Taxes were paid for that purpose”, stated President Wiley.  Work orders are supposed to be written and submitted to the Jury by the Drainage Board, but none have been received.
In a letter from Mayor Caldwell Flood, the Village of Waterproof also requested that a tree be removed from 401 Main Street.  Sherry Ward, who neighbors the yard with the tree, said that debris from the dying tree has caused damage to her house and power lines.  She pleaded with the Jury, stating that she was “not the only one in danger”, and that the owner of the home couldn’t afford to have the tree removed.  The tree is located on private property and is not obstructing the public right of way, therefore the Jury cannot legally take action to have it removed.
The State of Louisiana has asked that signs directing to Parish government buildings be posted along Highway 65.
Results of road inspections have been received, and several issues will be contended with.  The road gravel which is currently being used is too large, and granite will replace it.  The poor condition of Ferguson Road was discussed, and it was decided that Concordia Parish Police Jury should be contacted about it.   The Jury members unanimously agreed that dangerous culverts throughout the Parish need to be changed, notably Shackleford Road in Newellton and near Yucatan.  The Department of Transportation and Development and Chase will be asked to fund new culvert pipes and pit run.  
No bids were received on the Ford 6610S tractor, which was posted in the Tensas Gazette on April 1.  Bids were received for the purchase of a Bush Hog and nurse trailer.  Nelson Tractor won the bid for the Bush Hog in the amount of $13,739.05.  Goldman Equipment Company won the bid for the nurse trailer in the amount of $5,945.00.  
The National Day of Prayer will be observed at noon on May 7 on the Courthouse lawn.   The National Day of Prayer  is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". Each year since its inception, the president has signed a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

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