Baldwin to apply for grant on water system issues

Baldwin’s aldermen passed a resolution Wednesday evening to apply for a capital outlay grant for funds to be used in drilling wells and connecting lines for the town’s water system.
This came on the heels of a visit earlier in the meeting from State Rep. Sam Jones, who reminded the board that the deadline for the grant application is Nov. 1, saying, “If we shoot for the sun, we might land on the moon. We will do our best.” to which, he added that most of the communities in the area came into existence around a water system, and that without a water system in place, the town might have a tough time staying afloat.
Alderman Donald Grimm spoke to a separate concern he had of trash cans being picked up by the town’s garbage service provider, Pelican Waste and Debris, and those trash cans not being returned to the curb; but instead, being kept, in effect disappearing, seemingly stolen.
Grimm was informed by Interim Town Clerk Tammy Richard that the bins were in fact being taken, but because the trash collection bill at the residence had not been paid and were being cut-off from service.
Grimm voiced displeasure at such a seeming betrayal of common courtesy on the part of the town, but was reminded shortly thereafter that such consequences of failure to pay garbage collection bills had previously fallen on the town to pay, rather than the citizenry; and that the town had voted, since realizing the monetary burden of such actions, to refer the consequences of non-payment to the residences in offense, which numbered 135, and Richards said only five called to complain.
Jennifer Lanceslin spoke on behalf of St. Mary Parish Red Ribbon Committee, calling attention to the 30th anniversary of the celebration of Red Ribbon Week, to take place parish-wide from Oct. 19-28.
Gloria Lawson of the Baldwin Beautification Club received permission from the board to hold a bucket drive on Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to raise funds for town beautification efforts, and she encouraged citizens interested in becoming members of the BBC to attend one of the meetings which take place on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Community Center.
In new business, Ohyge Little was named the town’s full-time firefighter, following a recommendation by Baldwin Fire Chief Lance Mire.
Mire also noted before leaving the podium that the town’s scheduled hydrant testing had been delayed until next week, to begin on Oct. 16.
Halloween trick or treat hours were approved for Oct. 31, to run from 6-8 p.m.
It was also approved to replace the fire system in the town’s community center, having recently been “red-tagged” by the Louisiana State Fire Marshall’s Office, for replacement.
The board decided to pay Concept Electric for the new system priced at $2,987.
In other business, the as-yet unresolved issue of the town’s requiring worker’s compensation insurance for town employees was promised further review, as Brown Insurance Agency is be working on a more affordable quote than had previously been proffered from two other companies set to the task.
Community announcements included:
—A community day is set to take place Nov. 3 at the basketball courts across the street from the police station in town. The event is free, and the focus will be the repainting and re-striping of the courts. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to the park for the event.
—Brittany’s Project announced they will hold a bonfire on Oct. 27 at their location off La. 187 in Franklin, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Billed as “an evening of fun with the family,” Brittany’s Project is asking anyone with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to feel free to attend.
—Baldwin’s Halloween Trunk or Treat will take place Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. at 808 Main Street, sponsored by the Baldwin Police Department. Fun, games and a costume contest will be afoot.
—Baldwin’s National Night Out will take place Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Baldwin Elementary, sponsored by the Baldwin Police Department. Interested parties are asked to come and bring their kids to interact with law enforcement personnel, and have some chili-Fritos.