Berwick council talks zoning, recognizes local contributions

BERWICK — The Town Council had praise to pass around at Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting.

The Berwick High Student and Teacher of the Year were recognized on the eve of the school’s state semifinal baseball game. The Delta Sigma Theta sorority marked one in a series of Red and White Days, and the former police chief thanked the Berwick Housing Authority director for his service and a $31,000 check.

Police Officer Bao Tang was promoted to sergeant Tuesday.

The council also heard from two Whitworth residents who have a zoning concern.

The Whitworth residents are Cary Laiche and Darrell Webster. Their concern centers on two lots on the street in Country Club Estates Subdivision, near the intersection with Tournament Boulevard.

Laiche told the council he believes that a local business is using the 70-foot-by-75-foot lots as a place to store items related to the business. He quoted Berwick zoning regulations that prohibit that use in a residential zone.

Mayor Duval Arthur said he has talked to the business owner about the complaint. Arthur said Planning and Zoning Director Gary Beadle will check for violations of the zoning rules.

Also Tuesday:

—The council gave Berwick High Student of the Year Brooklyn Duay a Beacon Shines On certificate, which the council awards to people who make a positive contribution to the town.

Acting Principal Amber Monceaux said Duay is a 4.0 student, a track and volleyball athlete, and a cheerleader.

She’s the daughter of Rachel and Kenny Duay and was accompanied Tuesday by her aunt, Brigget Roberie.

The school’s Teacher of the Year is Tony Linn, who wasn’t present for Tuesday’s meeting. He was attending Berwick High’s state baseball semifinal.

—The council heard Phyllis Glover talk about the work of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Representatives have been attending local government meetings this month in support of Red and White Day in honor of the sorority, which includes St. Mary Parish and Jeanerette.

The Delta Sigma Theta goals are educational development, economic development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.

—The council received a check for $31,787 from Berwick Housing Authority Director Clarence Robinson. The money represents a payment in lieu of taxes to the town government.

Robinson was praised by council members, led by former Police Chief James Richard, for his work with both the Berwick and Morgan City authorities. When Robinson took the leadership roles in both authorities under a cooperative endeavor agreement, the Berwick organization was in poor shape financially, and the Morgan City authority faced financial and ethical problems.

Now the authorities have substantial financial reserves — 6-1/2 months’ worth in Morgan City’s case — and funds for improvements in public housing.

—Berwick Police Officer Bao Tang’s promotion became official Tuesday when wife Paige Tang pinned sergeant’s chevrons on his collar at the meeting.

Tang, who has also served on the Morgan City police force, and his wife were joined by daughters Olivia, 7, Alida, 4, and Madeline, 1.