Berwick council recognizes student, teacher, officers

BERWICK — The Town Council spent much of its Tuesday meeting passing out kudos to heroes in the classroom and in law enforcement.

The council recognized Berwick Elementary’s Student and Teacher of the Year and the Police Department’s Reserve Officer and Police Officer of the Year.

The council also took a step toward passing along an increase in sewer fees to the town’s residents.

Berwick Elementary’s Student of the Year is Lux Beadle, daughter of Jessica and Gabe Beadle.

Principal Debbie Domingue said the Student of the Year is the Beta Club reporter and a quiet but accomplished student.

Teacher of the Year Maria Templet had the chance to move to second grade but chose to remain a first-grade teacher, Domingue said.

The Police Officer of the Year is Jose Salvador Jr., who has been with the force for two years after moving over from Morgan City.

Assistant Chief JP Henry said Salvador is always eager to take on assignments. He was officially promoted to sergeant Wednesday.

Larry Besse, who was celebrating his 75th birthday, received a reserve officer award named for the late longtime reservist Hilton Rebardi Jr. Lily Rebardi, Rebardi’s wife, was on hand for Wednesday’s presentation.

Besse’s association with the Police Department goes back to the 1970s.

“I’ll be here as long as I can,” Besse told the council.

Police Chief David Leonard said the reserve officers are an important part of the department’s work.

“They always had our back,” Leonard said. “They are the silent majority.”

The proposed ordinance is a response to a fee increase by the St. Mary Parish Wards 5 and 8 Joint Sewer Commission.

Sewer fees are based on the amount of water used by each home and business.

The residential rate for the first 2,000 gallons of water consumption would go from $8.50 to $10.

The minimum monthly charge for commercial and industrial customers would rise from $10 to $15. The monthly minimum for commercial and industrial customers that require grinder pumps would go from $25 to $30.

After the first 2,000 gallons, the charge would go from $3.50 to $5 for each 1,000 gallons for all customers.

A public hearing is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. at the March 14 Town Council meeting, when a passage vote could also happen.

Also Wednesday:

—The council passed a resolution of respect for longtime public servant John Tholen.

—Another resolution reappoints Mayor Duval Arthur and Chief Administrative Officer Newell “Bubba” Slaughter to the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority board.

Duval was appointed director, and Slaughter as an alternate, for four years.

—The council passed a resolution supporting the Bayou State Trail Association’s effort to create a walkable trail across Louisiana. The trail would pass through Berwick.

—The council approved a can shake fundraiser for American Legion Post 242. The can shake, set for 8 a.m.-noon March 4 at the La. 182-U.S. 90 intersection, will raise money for the post’s scholarship fund.