The Natchez Village Council met Thursday, June 1 at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The Mayor, Police Chief, village attorney, all three aldermen, and the head of the sewage department were all present as were approximately 15 citizens.
After the meeting opened, Chief of Police Michael Gillie, Jr. gave a report, stating there were several reports of thefts at a local business and of a person loitering around that business under the influence of drugs.
Mayor Patsy Ward Hoover gave her report. There was some good news in that the Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant was been submitted and the village park is now fully open. She also stated that Huntington Court Reporters and Transcription Service is implementing an internship program for high school students paying $10.00/hr., a superb opportunity for youth in the village. Mayor Ward-Hoover stated she “loves what she is seeing in the community. Everything is cleaned up. I’m pleased by what I see.” The village received no bids for the water sector grant and will be re-running an advertisement for bids.
The mayor also introduced the new Village Clerk, Ms. Brandi Carpenter, a Natchez native and 2019 NSU Alumna with degrees in Business and Accounting. Ms. Carpenter is also a current graduate student at LSUS.
Cleave Davis of the Sewer Department reported that all 4 lift stations have been updated and the sewer system is operating more efficiently.
The council failed to approve the minutes from the May 4, 2023 meeting due to a lack of a second.
There were no appointments to boards or commissions.
There was an introduction of an ordinance for the first proposed operating budget for the fiscal year beginning June 30, 2023, and ending June 2024. Mayor Ward-Hoover stated that personnel from the Louisiana Legislative Auditors assisted with the preparation of the budget. Alderman Monique Sarpy abstained while Aldermen Johnson and Hoover voted yes.
There were no public hearings or resolutions. On other agenda items, the council briefly discussed time limits for regular meetings with Alderman Shelia Johnson stating she felt 1 hour to an hour and a half was a good time limit for a meeting.
The council also approved hotel fees and milage for the mayor to attend the Louisiana Municipal Association Conference.
There were no visitors for non-agenda items. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm.
