Iberia Street resurface work may begin today below track

Work on resurfacing of Iberia Street from the railroad track to Chatsworth Road should begin this week.
Rain delays kept the contrator tied up on other projects, Mayor Raymond Harris said Tuesday. “The project should begin tomorrow (Wednesday),” Harris said.
The project was supposed to begin about a month ago.
The city is partnering with the parish on the job since part of that end of the street is outside the city limits.
Also Tuesday, St. Mary Council on Aging Director Beverly Domengeaux reported to the city council that that 532 people in Franklin are over age 65. COA is only able to take care of about 5 percent of those with many on a waiting list. The agency serves 26,500 home-delivered meals in the Franklin area, 864 homemaker visits, 2,221 transportation services and 1,118 respite and sitter services.
The agency came up $107,000 short of government funding but was able to make up the difference with fundraisers and grants, Domengeaux said.
COA will hold its annual meeting Friday at 6 a.m. at the Patterson Civic Center.
Also, COA staffer Verline Keenze reminded the mayor and council that there is a state constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot to create a new slot for a state department, which needs voter approval. That would be the Louisiana Department of Elderly Affairs, which would provide additional protection to senior services. She urged the voters to approve that item.
City Inspector and Zoning Officer Jean Paul Pellerin recommended a 60-day extension after a property owner obtained a demolition permit for property at 527 Seventh St. The council agreed.
He also said no one has responded to notifications regarding derelict property at 505 Sixth St., and recommended that the council appoint an attorney in the absence of owner to proceed with a hearing. The council agreed again.
In other business, Rep. Sam Jones (D-Franklin) told the council that the city’s recent purchase of the Crowell gym via a state grant is a sign of growth. It will be used by the Council on Aging and Jones urged that other groups be allowed to use it for activities.
He also lauded the city for development along the Charenton-Navigation and Drainage Canal with parish and state cooperation. Work on the industrial site will begin soon for infrastructure needs.
—Mark Bogan told the city council that on Nov. 6 at the AARP building in Morgan City the third Veteran’s Dinner will be held.
—Consultant Lou Cutrera briefed the mayor and council on the St. Mary Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and the council passed a resolution approving it.
—Resolutions were passed for a capital outlay funding request; entering a cooperative agreement with the state for $10,000 in Bayou Teche paddle race funding; authorizing renewal of a contract with a firm for delinquent property tax collection; lifting the open alcohol container law for the Franklin Harvest Moon Festival and also the Garden City Riders trail ride.
—Appointed on the mayor’s recommendation Tony Scelfo and Ronnie Williams as alternate members to the Franklin Historic District Commission.