Baldwin water tower leak investigated

A leak has shut down Baldwin’s water tower service for the time being.
Mayor Wayne Breaux reported Thursday at the Baldwin Board of Aldermen meeting that a leak was discovered. He said the tower undergoes regular maintenance under a contract with a service company and there was no evidence of rust or other issues.
Breaux said the representative from the service company asked him if there was a possibility of a bullet hole in the tower. The mayor said there have been reports of shots fired in that area.
“I hope that’s not the case, but if anyone hears shots please call the police department,” Breaux said.
In the meantime, the town water system has been turned off and the tower drained. The town then connected with Water and Sewer District 4’s system.
This has resulted in lower water pressure across Baldwin and the W&S 4 service area.
A crew is expected to be on site today.
Also Thursday, Alderwoman Margaret “Faye” Coleman said she needed to clarify the intent and purpose of the town’s beautification committee.
“When we organized the committee it wasn’t for myself or the members to clean up the community alone,” Coleman said. “The purpose was to encourage the community to help clean the Town of Baldwin up.”
She said she has received calls regarding trash in ditches as if she personally should go pick it up. “This should be a community effort,” Coleman said. “If you see someone do it, ask them to pick it up or keep up your property on your own. I love Baldwin but I don’t feel I should be a bag woman cleaning up on my own.”
Coleman said a clean up date will be set before the Christmas holidays. She said plans are also in the works for a Christmas program to include lighting and decoration.
Judging of lighting and decorations is tentatively set for Dec. 15.
In other business, Breaux reported that flood protection plans in the Bayou Choupique area took a step forward with receipt of confirmation that the project’s environmental impact review has been approved.
Also Thursday:
—Aldermen approved an ordinance regulating grass cutting on private property.
—Set Halloween Trick or Treat hours for Thursday from 6-8 p.m., a departure from the unincorporated areas which parish government set for Friday at the same hours in the unincorporated areas of the parish. Trick or Treat in Franklin also is Thursday.