The Dubach Town Council spent much of an unusually long meeting Monday discussing the town’s water system and raising concerns about ongoing natural gas work in town.
The Sept. 21 meeting stretched to about 80 minutes, with extended discussions on water infrastructure and the natural gas replacement project underway in Dubach.
Mayor Mona Wilson and all five council members — Evelyn Graham, Monquie Roberts, Mary Billberry, Angela Dunn and Kyle Hennigan — were present.
Much of the council’s attention centered on the condition and future of Dubach’s water system. Council members reviewed a water tank inspection and questioned whether the town had received enough technical information to determine whether repairs or eventual replacement would be the better investment.
Hennigan requested additional details concerning the qualifications of those conducting the inspection, as well as measurements showing the condition and remaining thickness of portions of the tank where paint was flaking and oxidation was present.
Water operator Keith Peper said he would obtain additional information from the inspection company. He said some emergency repairs will have to be completed regardless of the town’s longer-term plans.
The discussion came as Dubach faces substantial water and sewer expenses. Wilson said more than $40,000 has already been spent from the water and sewer account on expenses outside general maintenance, with more than $32,000 in emergency repairs still anticipated.
Painting the interior and exterior of the wells could cost approximately $100,000 each, according to an estimate discussed at the meeting. A completely new tank could cost more than $500,000 once demolition of the existing tank and site preparation are included.
Council members also discussed pursuing grants and other financing for a more comprehensive infrastructure project. Hennigan said financial and engineering contacts he made through the Louisiana Municipal Association were willing to meet with town officials concerning possible infrastructure improvements in the $3 million to $5 million range.
The water discussion later returned during public comment when a resident complained of reduced water pressure following a water line break and repair. The resident said another nearby household was experiencing similar problems.
Peper said a previous test showed 58 pounds of pressure at the residence but agreed to return with a town employee to test the meter and pressure again.
Natural gas work underway around Dubach also generated lengthy discussion.
Hennigan said he had contacted Delta Utilities after receiving concerns about work associated with the gas replacement project. He questioned the identification of workers, the number of open excavations and whether some holes were adequately protected.
He said some excavations were deep and close enough to roads and parking areas to create potential safety concerns, particularly with the Chicken Festival approaching. Hennigan said he had contacted the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, fire department, State Fire Marshal’s Office and state Rep. Chris Turner about his concerns.
Town officials said barricades, fencing and tape were being used around work areas. Peper said the gas contractor has remained in contact with town officials and has mapped water lines, sewer lines and manholes discovered during the project. He said the town is expected to receive a PDF of that mapping when the second phase of work is completed.
The council also returned to the manufactured-home ordinance Hennigan introduced during a special-called meeting Sept. 14.
Wilson said the proposed ordinance had been sent to the town attorney for review because some provisions overlap with Dubach’s existing mobile-home regulations.
Hennigan said his principal concern is ensuring larger developments involving multiple manufactured homes receive council review before permits are issued. He said an individual placing a manufactured home on his or her own property is different from a multi-unit development.
The council voted to table the proposal until October to allow the attorney to review and revise it.
Dubach Police also introduced Emmanuel Seals of Ruston as the department’s new officer. Seals said he has more than 10 years of law enforcement experience and is retired from the military after 23 years of service. He is POST-certified but will need to complete a refresher course.
Seals, who currently works as a school bus driver, told the council he plans to emphasize community policing and is prepared to work evenings and weekends. Police officials also told the council a retired deputy is interested in serving as a part-time Dubach officer if the town decides to add the position.
The council also discussed establishing rental rates for the town ballpark. Suggestions included different rates depending on use of lights and the concession stand, along with a possible deposit to ensure cleanup. A final decision was tabled until October while officials gather comparable rates from other facilities.
Council members also discussed a building inspection involving 178 Main St., with concerns raised that an inspection did not adequately address both properties involved in a complaint. Town officials agreed to consult with the town attorney concerning an additional inspection.
Wilson also announced plans being discussed with First Baptist Church for an “Honor Our Veterans” event Nov. 14. The church is hoping to partner with other churches and organizations for the event, with activities planned at the church during the afternoon followed by burgers and the town’s postponed July 4 fireworks show at the park that evening.
