Port Allen officials outlined a $15 million, five-year sewer treatment plant project and defended existing blight ordinances during the city's inaugural town hall meeting Monday night at City Hall.

Mayor Terecita Pattan presided over the meeting with four city council members present, along with City Attorney Evan Alvarez and Municipal Clerk Rose A. Roche. Councilwoman Charlene Gordon was absent. The informal town hall format allowed for candid exchanges between residents and officials, with moments of humor alongside serious policy discussions.

Sewer Treatment Plant Top Priority

The city's aging sewer system dominated much of the discussion, with officials acknowledging the urgent need for a new treatment plant.

"You're looking at about a five-year build-out on it. And you're looking at least a minimum of $15 million to do it," one official told residents. "So that's what we're faced with."

The city recently received a $1.1 million grant for sewer repairs, though officials indicated the funds must be used for improvements to the existing system rather than property acquisition for a new plant.

The mayor and city officials have been actively searching for suitable land for the new facility, which requires 8-10 acres to accommodate proper buffer zones around the treatment plant to separate it from residential and commercial areas.

Officials said sewer issues have been less frequent lately, though one resident reported a neighbor on 7th and Georgia who "is constantly having problems with not being able to flush" despite multiple service calls from plumbers and city crews. The mayor said she would follow up on the specific case.

Blight Ordinances Already in Place

Several residents submitted questions about creating new ordinances to combat blighted properties, but City Attorney Alvarez clarified that comprehensive processes already exist.

"The city does have in place already ordinances to deal with blighted property, dilapidated structures," Alvarez explained. "Since 2017, since we have been in place, we have torn down a good bit of structures, dilapidated structures."

The existing process allows the city to condemn properties after external architect reports, with property owners given opportunities to make repairs or face city-hired demolition with costs added to their tax bills.

However, officials acknowledged challenges with "heir property" - family-owned properties that have passed through generations without proper succession documentation.

"Every house in this heir property, it will take thousands of dollars just to find out who we need to talk to," said one resident who served on a community development committee.

Limited Land Restricts New Housing

Residents also asked about ordinances to allow small homes, duplexes and tiny homes to address housing needs, but officials said the city lacks available land.

"There's really nowhere to build anything within the city," officials explained, noting the last annexation occurred under former Mayor Richard Lee.

The city is surrounded by the river, intercoastal waterway, and generations of privately-owned cane field property, leaving few options for new development.

Communication and Events Planning

Mayor Pattan announced plans for better community outreach, including an electronic message board and improved social media presence. The city's Facebook page has been updated, though the website still shows former Mayor Richard Lee's information.

"I want an electronic sign that runs. I wanted it as coming off the bridge," Pattan said, adding that city events are currently advertised on utility bills and through school flyers.

Citizens offered several practical suggestions for improving city communication:

• Hiring a student intern from Southern University or LSU to focus strictly on social media and building the city's online presence
• Using MailChimp for free email campaigns to residents
• Creating Facebook events with photos to grab attention, since "people don't read texts"
• Making live videos during event setup to generate real-time interest
• Contacting residents multiple times about events, noting "you have to really contact clients seven times" to be effective

One resident suggested Albany, Louisiana's solution of using a movable trailer with an electronic sign that can be positioned wherever needed - a lower-cost alternative to permanent installations.

The city plans to restart "Live After Five" events on the levee once temperatures cool, and is partnering with the West Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit for a July 15th health event at the community center.

Port Allen will host its Juneteenth celebration on June 21st and 22nd, welcoming the entire community to participate in the festivities.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

Citizens also suggested expanding health and wellness programming, building on existing resources like the Southern University Jaguar Bus for blood pressure checks and Jack's Running Club, which meets Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. for a 3.1-mile run/walk starting from Jack's Place in historic downtown Port Allen.

Residents proposed partnering with local biking groups for community rides and utilizing the community center for dance lessons. The Council on Aging already offers line dancing certain days of the week.

"Outreach is a big thing that we push for. We're always looking for an opportunity to do that," said one health department employee in attendance, encouraging residents to contact the West Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit for partnerships.

Infrastructure Updates

Mayor Pattan announced several infrastructure improvements:

• Four new park benches will be installed behind Conn Park for the walking trail
• The fountain pump failed and is being replaced
• City employees will take over lawn maintenance at City Hall starting July 1st
• The Louisiana Avenue cemetery has been cleaned up by volunteers

Future Projects

The city is exploring converting the old railroad depot into a welcome center and developing a special needs park. Officials are also considering Department of Education internships for August when the previous summer worker program was suspended.

"We want Port Allen to be a place that people want to come to visit and not pass through," Mayor Pattan said.

The mayor indicated town hall meetings may continue quarterly based on community response. Regular city council meetings are held the first and second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.