Morgan City Council eyes infrastructure

The Morgan City Council on Tuesday moved to seek funding for infrastructure projects, including an upgrade to the city’s water treatment system.
The council also made three appointments to the previously inactive Wharf Board of Commissioners after hearing complaints about some of the behavior among shrimpers who use the wharf.
And Council of Aging Director Beverly Domengeaux delivered her annual report about programs serving 241 senior citizens in Morgan City.
Infrastructure
The council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Lee Dragna to apply for funding under the state-federal Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund.
The funding would go to the second phase of the city’s water plant upgrade that would allow water to be treated with fewer chemicals.
The city government would be looking at an application for a loan of $6 million-$7 million low-interest loan, up to 49% of which could be forgiven if the city meets the program’s criteria.
In a related matter, the council passed a resolution that will allow the city to continue being part of class action settlements with Dupont and 3M over chemicals that have appeared in local water systems.
The chemicals, known as PFAs, have been used in products include airport firefighting foam, nonstick cookware and fabric treatment. PFAs have been linked to health problems including cancer and liver and thyroid disease.
Morgan City’s participation in the lawsuits costs the city nothing for up-front legal fees. It’s not clear how big Morgan City’s share of any settlements would be.
Another council resolution sets out Morgan City’s wish list for capital outlay funding from the state government. On the list:
—$4.7 million for sewer system rehabilitation.
—$19.7 million for the Morgan City Wellness Center.
—$5.5 million for La. 70 resurfacing and drainage repairs.
—$3.4 million for Morgan City Lake End Parkway pier development.
—$6 million for La. 182 resurfacing.
Wharf commission
Two shrimpers appeared at the September council meeting with complaints that included harassing phone communication, improper mooring and repairs, and out-of-area captains selling shrimp at prices that undercut the locals.
The council is trying to revive the Wharf Board of Commissioners with three appointments approved Tuesday: Kevin Mayon, Daniel Fryou and Chad Miller.
The council also:
—Passed a resolution that will keep Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana as the administrator of the city government’s self-insured health coverage program for employees with no increase in premiums for the employees.
—Introduced an ordinance setting residential and commercial trash pickup rates at the vender’s price plus $3 per customer per month. The ordinance also allows for annual rate adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index-Urban.
—Introduced an ordinance requiring city permits for anyone performing directional boring or open trenching in city rights of way, even if state or federal permits have already been issue.
—Introduced an ordinance changing rules for temporary signs advertising elections or events. The would be allowed in residential or business zones up to 90 days before the event. The signs can be no larger than 48 inches by 48 inches and must be removed within 48 hours of the event’s completion.
—Appointed Eriq Blanchard to three city boards.
Blanchard, an unsuccessful candidate for the St. Mary Parish Council on Oct. 14, will have plenty of opportunity for public service. He was appointed to the planning and zoning, recreation and Main Street boards.
—Heard Domengeaux say the Council on Aging has prepared 22,000 meals, made 950 housekeeping visits and made 850 transportation trips in Morgan City.
The $180,000 in expenses here have come from the H&B Young Foundation ($145,000), the city government ($20,000) and the state and federal governments ($15,000).
“We all appreciate everything you do,” Dragna told Domengeaux.
“It’s a joy,” she replied.