Baldwin resident demands probe

The May meeting of the Town of Baldwin was held Wednesday at Baldwin Town Hall.
Following opening preliminaries for the meeting, former alderman Anthony Gibson asked to address the mayor and board of aldermen. Gibson said he called weeks ago and asked to be put on the meeting’s agenda, but was not included.
Mayor Donna Lanceslin informed him it had been decided at a previous meeting that all requests to be included on the agenda must be submitted in writing. The council agreed to expand the agenda to hear Gibson’s concerns.
“There is a letter and a recording floating around town concerning the lady who resigned here in Baldwin,” Gibson said.
Although she was not named during the meeting, Thor Frederick resigned from the town’s board of aldermen in April due to health issues.
Mayor Lanceslin told Gibson they were already aware of the situation and it is an ongoing case under investigation.
Gibson asked that the town call in State Police to investigate the case because he didn’t feel the town was investigating.
Baldwin Police Chief Harry Smith verified there is a tape in evidence and there is currently an ongoing investigation.
Alderman Clarence Vappie stated that the Louisiana Secretary of State is already involved.
Town Attorney Joseph Tabb informed Gibson that anyone is at liberty to call the State Police and ask them to conduct an investigation.
Mayor Lanceslin said the town was not going to call in State Police and informed Gibson he was free to do so if he wished.
In other business, Mayor Lanceslin and the board of aldermen:
—Announced that annual political financial disclosures are due May 15, 2015.
—Announced the St. Mary Parish Drinking Water Protection Program meeting will be held May 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Community Center.
—Heard from Lanceslin that May is Senior Citizens Month and there will be a special recognition of older workers with a special luncheon and award ceremony to be held at Cypress Bayou Casino May 20.
—Received a letter from Greater New Hope Baptist Church announcing that its annual Fellowship Fair will not be held this year.
—Approved the adoption of an ordinance for reduction in bond rate for Series 2010 Limited Tax Revenue Bonds.
—Adopted the 2015 millage rate of 11.81.
—Approved the use of the Baldwin Community Center for the Summer Food Service Program from June 15 through July 24.
The program offers free lunch and breakfast to school children during the summer.
—Heard Chief Harry Smith ask that the two personnel recommendations the board was scheduled to vote on be tabled.
—Heard from Kayron Smith who asked for permission to hold a bucket drive for Baldwin Youth Baseball on June 6 and asked that the town sponsor the Male Softball League. Both were approved.
—Heard from Kenny Perry about a request from his business partner, Chet Howard for an occupational license for Deep Cover Solutions LLC. According to Perry, the company will manufacture and sell firearms from a home located at 100 Ronnie St. in Baldwin. Perry assured the mayor and board that all safety precautions and all laws were being followed to conduct this business. The request was approved.
—Received a letter from Avrianna Depass of Dynamic Prancing Dolls requesting a building to rent for her dancers to practice in. Lanceslin said the only available building was the old fire station. Alderman Gene St. Germain informed the mayor and board the old fire station is full of things that would first have to be moved and the building has no air conditioning. The request was tabled.