Council receives LMA award for text messaging system while tackling property enforcement challenges

BRUSLY — The Brusly Town Council held its committee meeting Monday, August 4th, addressing ongoing derelict property enforcement, progress on the sewer lagoon project, and various municipal improvements.

Derelict Property Updates Show Mixed Progress

Mayor Scot Rhodes provided updates on four properties currently under review. The most encouraging news came from 506 East Main, where the Blue House across from St. Mary had shown "very good progress" with a new tin roof installation, though it "has got a long way to go."

Other properties in various stages of enforcement include:

• 540 Courtney Street: Certified letter sent, follow-up planned
• 1108 West Main: Owner requested meeting to discuss trailer situation
• 102 North Labauve: Property owner "The Bulldog" plans to start cleanup next week

The mayor emphasized this isn't a unique problem for Brusly. At the LMA convention's small town mayors conference, derelict properties dominated discussion, with the mayor from Thibodeau reporting 57 houses torn down.

Sewer Lagoon Project Nearing Completion

Public Works Director Shane Sarradet reported all 17 aerators were functional, with the units "chewing air down at about a 45-degree angle to make bubbles" for proper water treatment.

UPDATE: At the August 11th meeting, engineer Toby Fruge confirmed Water Sector approved the change order funding. "Everything went without a hitch. We got the funding," Fruge reported. The contractor has been notified and committed to begin work immediately. However, a time extension will be needed beyond the September 22nd deadline, though all funding remains available until December 31, 2026.

LMA Technology Award Recognizes Innovation

The town had received recognition at the Louisiana Municipal Association convention for its text messaging system. The system, which costs just $20 monthly, sends text reminders to traffic ticket holders about court dates.

"For $20, it's amazing when we send that text out and we just get flooded with people paying their tickets," Rhodes said. The system even includes payment links, allowing recipients to pay directly from their phones.

The town won the Community Achievement Award for Technology and Creativity, competing against municipalities statewide. Council members each received individual plaques recognizing their support.

Budget and Administrative Updates

Bills and Invoices: The council discussed improving invoice descriptions after confusion over an $800 charge that required clarification, according to a correction from Town Clerk Blaine Rabalais. The mayor noted the importance of clear descriptions on municipal invoices.

Speed Trailer: The new speed monitoring device is operational on St. Francis Street, set to activate warning lights at six miles per hour over the speed limit. Unlike the previous unit that never worked properly, this one features blue and red warning lights that "grab your attention" without cameras.

UPDATE: The council approved Harold Stansberry's hiring at the August 11th meeting, retroactive to July 30th at $22.51 per hour as a Corporal Level 2.

The hire would replace Logan Anderson, who was scheduled to ship out to the Marines on August 12th.

Infrastructure and Maintenance

Public Works Report: July brought challenges with nine rain events totaling six and a half inches, six sinkholes along River Road, and a windstorm that blew debris back into cleaned streets. The department took delivery of new maintenance equipment, including a UTV and truck.

Waste Pro Schedule: Following miscommunication, the debris pickup schedule was clarified. Waste Pro will collect oversized items during the second full week of each month, starting August 11th.

Looking Ahead

September Meeting Change: Due to Labor Day, the September committee meeting will be held Tuesday, September 2nd instead of the usual Monday.

Mayor's Schedule: Rhodes announced he'll be out of town intermittently during August but will remain accessible by phone and email. He plans to attend the teacher convocation at Brusly High School.

Court Date Update: The town's court date has been moved to September 10th.

Community Recognition

The mayor highlighted the new Hyundai plant construction between Donaldsonville and White Castle, which will bring approximately 6,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions. The facility will be "the only plant that manufactures cars from making steel all the way through" outside of South Korea, potentially bringing South Korean workers and families to the area.

The comprehensive updates demonstrated ongoing municipal improvements while acknowledging persistent challenges like property enforcement and infrastructure maintenance that require sustained attention and community cooperation.

The Brusly Town Council meets regularly on Monday evenings. For more information about municipal services or to report concerns, contact Town Hall at (225) 749-2909.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect a correction provided by Town Clerk Blaine Rabalais regarding an invoice amount, and to include developments from the August 11th council meeting.

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