The Natchitoches City Council voted to condemn two unsafe buildings and approved several infrastructure-related measures during its March 9 meeting.
Council members unanimously adopted an ordinance declaring two structures on Second Street and Fourth Street unsafe. The action allows the city to move forward with demolition or repairs necessary to bring the buildings into compliance with the local building code.
In other business, the council approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to award the bid for Phase 2 improvements at the city’s water treatment facility. The contract was awarded to Lemoine Company LLC of Lafayette for $6.25 million, the lowest of three bids submitted.
City officials said the project represents the second phase of expansion and rehabilitation work at the city’s water treatment plants. The same company is currently constructing Plant No. 4, which officials said is nearing completion and expected to become operational in early April following a planned electrical shutdown to tie in the new facility.
Council members also introduced an ordinance establishing a human trafficking prevention and reporting policy for the city’s personnel policies manual. The proposed policy would require city employees and contractors to comply with state and federal laws related to preventing and reporting human trafficking. The measure will return for final consideration at the council’s next meeting.
Two resolutions related to infrastructure were also approved.
One resolution authorizes the mayor to advertise and accept bids for a concrete pavement replacement project on Second Street and Touline Street. The project is supported by state capital outlay funding, including $200,000 appropriated in 2023 for planning and an additional $2 million approved during the 2025 legislative session for construction.
Another resolution authorizes the mayor to execute a certificate of substantial completion for the city’s Fiscal Year 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program street improvements project. The work, completed by Regional Construction LLC, focused on roadway improvements in several housing areas throughout the city.
Earlier in the meeting, the council also recognized March as Women’s History Month in the city.
The next regular meeting of the Natchitoches City Council is scheduled for March 23.
