Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE – An aging fleet of St. John the Baptist Parish vehicles might soon begin a major overhaul, a process that could potentially span three to five years, according to Chief Financial Officer Robert Figuero Jr.

Figuero received permission from the Parish Council during a video meeting this past Wednesday to enter into discussions with Enterprise Fleet Management for leasing of vehicles, likely the majority of which will be trucks.

Figuero said the average of the fleet, which totals about 80 vehicles, is 11 years old.

“This will allow the parish to update our motor vehicle fleet, which will increase efficiency, boost employee morale and reduce our costs associated with maintaining an old fleet,” Figuero said.

He added that the new vehicles will ensure social distancing practices for the foreseeable future but when questioned, stressed the parish “does not want to get into a position where every parish employee has their own vehicle.”

He said the plan is to take the older vehicles, which along with high maintenance costs also present safety risks, out of service. His hope is to potentially sell them at a state auction and use the proceeds to pay for the new vehicles.

“We will not be increasing the number of vehicles,” he said.

Figuero said he chose Enterprise because 44 parishes statewide are using the agency, with few complaints.

“Everybody is satisfied with their pricing,” he said. “It seem liked a smart move.”

In other council news, Figuero said the long-awaited water meter project is moving forward but delays appear likely because of the coronavirus pandemic. He said the virus has affected the supply chain for parts and other supplies because some plants have had employees contract the virus, resulting in a shut down.

Additionally, he said at least one contractor is reluctant to send employees to Louisiana from out of state because of virus concerns, which could potentially delay software installation.

Figuero said “everything is being reviewed right now,” including the possibility of additional costs, but he should know more in 30 to 60 days.

President Jaclyn Hotard said the West Shore Levee Project appears to be on schedule. She said she is in constant contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Pontchartrain Levee District and is receiving word the pandemic will likely not cause a delay in the project, which is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2023 or the first quarter 2024.

Hotard also said the parish is being more aggressive in the demolition of blighted property. She explained the parish has two options regarding blighted property, the first being obtaining a judgement through the courts, which can be lengthy.

The second is an inspection of the property in question by an engineer and if the structure is determined to be in imminent danger of collapse having the parish tear it down.

Hotard said she has increased funding by $75,000 for demolition of blighted properties.

“We should be more aggressive,” Hotard said of timely demolition of blighted properties, which has presented a problem in the past.

– Submitted by Richard Meek, contributing writer to L’OBSERVATEUR