New blowers on the way, condemned properties near deadline, and trash service going up slightly

PORT ALLEN — The Port Allen City Council moved through a full slate of committee business last Wednesday, approving sewer rehabilitation bids that came in well under budget, reviewing a trash collection contract renewal, and getting an update on two condemned properties nearing their July 11 deadline.

Sewer rehab bids come in under budget

Engineer Tony Arikol presented bid results for the city's Community Development Block Grant sewer rehabilitation project, which were opened June 24. The two lowest bids came in at $847,447.50 and $860,000 — both well below the project's $1.1 million budget.

"This is another thing you like to see," Arikol told the council, noting that the close gap between the top two bidders suggests contractors interpreted the plans consistently.

The project is 100 percent grant-funded. Arikol asked the council to authorize the mayor to award the contract contingent on final approval from the CDBG engineer, rather than waiting until the next regular meeting.

"That way you don't have to wait another month," he said. "They approve it like a day after the council meeting."

The remaining budget cushion will likely be used. Arikol said unexpected discoveries are common in sewer rehabilitation work and the city will want to address everything it finds while the funding is available.

Blower installed, more coming in September

Arikol also gave an update on the city's sewer blower replacement project. One new blower has been installed and is running after an initial electrical issue was resolved. A second existing blower needs a minor repair but will be brought back online, giving the city three working units.

The remaining blowers are expected to arrive in September. Arikol said manufacturers do not stock the 40-horsepower units the city needs, which has caused supply chain delays. Once delivered, installation should take about two weeks. The contract includes one year of maintenance and operator training.

Condemned properties approach deadline

Mayor Terecita Pattan updated the council on two properties that were given additional time at a prior meeting. Both are approaching their July 11 deadline.

At 451 Harry Brown Street, the occupant has cut the grass but bushes still cover the house. At 1205 Avenue C, the owner paid property taxes but has not paid condemnation fees. Both properties were previously condemned and ordered demolished.

Both will be placed on the condemnation review list for the August council meeting.

A third property — one that community volunteers had previously cleaned up — has reverted to its prior condition. The property owner told the mayor he "couldn't tell him what he can do in his yard."

The city attorney clarified that every letter the city has sent to that property owner has been a courtesy notice, not formal condemnation proceedings.

"All of the letters that this property owner has received has been as a courtesy," the attorney said. "'Hey, can you please clean this up? You're not in compliance with the ordinances.' Since that has not been effective, we can talk about putting it on the condemnation docket."

The mayor may direct the city attorney to begin formal condemnation proceedings and place the property on the August docket.

Republic Services contract going up slightly

The council reviewed the annual contract renewal with Republic Services for trash collection. The per-unit rate will increase from approximately $28 to $29.59 — roughly a $1.10 increase.

Mayor Pattan said WastePro, a competing trash hauler, met with her and staff in recent weeks but did not submit a formal bid or proposal for city services.

Councilwoman Charlene Gordon raised concerns about service quality, and Pattan noted recent complaints on Harry Brown Street. Republic Services representative Steve Smith was present for questions.

Copier upgrade coming through state contract

The city is looking to upgrade its copiers, printers, and scanners through a Louisiana state contract lease agreement with Applied Business Concepts (Sharp Electronics), running from August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

The city currently owns two copiers outright. One scanner no longer works and another is failing. Leases on three additional department copiers have expired.

The move from ownership to leasing would cost slightly more but would cover maintenance and toner. The biggest benefit: the copier used to print the city's roughly 2,500 monthly utility bills currently takes more than two hours and frequently jams. The proposed replacement would finish the job in under 45 minutes.

Full quotes will be provided before Wednesday's council vote.

Gas system contract holds steady

The council reviewed a contract renewal with Pipeline Integrity Partners, LLC for compliance assistance and inspections of the city's gas distribution system. The monthly cost is $1,810 — the same rate that has been in place since Mayor Pattan took office.

Youth leadership camp wraps up

In her closing correspondence, Mayor Pattan thanked everyone involved in the city's first youth leadership camp, including the Port Allen Police Department, the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Department, Our Lady of the Lake, Myrna Batiste, and Saida Hines.

A mock election was the highlight, with students filling in as council members and mayor. Pattan said the kids offered ideas for improvements the city and parish could work on together.

The Port Allen City Council meets on the first and second Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 375 Court Street, Third Floor.