LOCAL

Ascension Parish Council notes: Bill Dawson, Randy James retirements recognized

Michael Tortorich
Gonzales Weekly Citizen

The Ascension Parish Council held its first meeting of the month, a relatively brief one, May 2 in Gonzales.

During the meeting, the council voted 7-4 against an ordinance that would remove language allowing the parish president to approve new position titles.

Prior to the vote, Councilman Joel Robert expressed concerns about giving such power to future parish presidents.

Robert initially requested an expiration of Dec. 31, 2027, but was advised against setting such a date by attorney Kenneth Dupaty. Robert's motion failed for lack of a second.

The Ascension Parish Council's Oliver Joseph (District 1) and Joel Robert (District 2) look on during a meeting held Jan. 4 at the Ascension Parish Courthouse in Donaldsonville.

During Parish President Clint Cointment's report:

  • He recognized Randy James for his 40 years of service as an employee in the parish's Department of Public Works in the Major Drainage Special Projects crew.
  • Cointment also announced the retirement of Bill Dawson, a former council member who continued to work as a parish employee in recent years.
  • The president offered congratulations to parish seniors who are graduating, noting the traditional pond jump held across from the campus of East Ascension High School in Gonzales and St. Amant High School's senior water day, which included assistance from the St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department.
  • He noted the ceremony held in Darrow to officially rename Joseph U. Pierre Park in honor of the former council member. Travis Turner, who represents District 3, led the event.
  • Cointment congratulated the St. Amant Gators softball team, which won its third straight state championship in Sulphur. Chairman Chase Melancon noted St. Amant has won titles 9 of the last 21 seasons.
  • The president concluded by reporting on the $4.5 million project to replace some 2,000 water meters in Donaldsonville. Oliver Joseph, who represents the area within District 1, was credited for his efforts concerning the initiative.

The next council meeting has been scheduled for May 16.

Gonzales Weekly Citizen and Donaldsonville Chief, part of the USA Today Network of Louisiana, cover Ascension Parish and the greater Baton Rouge area. Follow at facebook.com/WeeklyCitizen and facebook.com/DonaldsonvilleChief.