Patterson council makes decision on road program

PATTERSON — The Patterson City Council settled Tuesday on a plan to fix some of the city’s roads.

The council authorized consulting engineer Melanie Caillouet to advertise for bids on the work, which will improve at least eight and possibly as many as 12 of the city’s lesser-traveled roads.

The work will be financed with $587,000 in proceeds from a 2021 bond issue that did not require an increase in taxes.

After launching two other road programs focusing on streets that get used more, the city government began looking at the small roads, many of them covered only in gravel or with pavement in bad condition.

That original list of potential projects included 24 streets, the work on which would cost more than the $587,000.

On Tuesday, the council settled on a list that includes Shady Grove, Eighth, Ninth, 10th, 11th, Taft, Jake and Bridge.

Two sets of streets were earmarked for work if the bids come in lower than expected. The first alternative is Tall Timber and Fern. The second is St. Mary and St. Lucy.

St. Mary and St. Lucy were originally identified as the first alternative, but council members moved Tall Timber and Fern ahead of them.

Councilman Ray Dewey Sr. made the suggestion because he believes Tall Timber is more heavily traveled.

So as of now, Shady Grove and Bridge will get full asphalt overlays. Jake would get asphalt near Ibert’s Mortuary and limestone the rest of the way.

Eighth, Ninth, 10th, 11th, Taft, St. Mary, St. Lucy, Tall Timber and Fern would get new limestone.

Also Tuesday:

—The city is moving ahead with plans to replace water meters south of the railroad tracks and gas meters for Bayou Vista customers served by Patterson’s system.

The cost estimate is $450,000. Funding was obtained through the state government's capital outlay budget.

—Human Resources Director Holden Murray announced a fundraiser to pay for renovation of the Community Center gym.

Personalized name plates are available for $30 each. The name-plates will be placed on the gym’s wall.

Information is available at the Community Center or City Hall.