LAPLACE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Council voted unanimously Tuesday to request Parish President Natalie Robottom to ask for the resignation of Director of Utilities Virgil Rayneri.

Rayneri continues to lead the department in the ongoing water scandal — in which two parish employees have been indicted and an Attorney General’s investigation is ongoing — after the Aug. 27 announcement that water taken in a sample two weeks earlier from Water District 1 tested positive for Naegleria fowleri ameba, commonly known as the “brain-eating” ameba.

“Due to serious issues with the utilities department that have come to light in the recent past, tonight I made a motion requesting President Robottom to request the Utilities Director to resign immediately, or terminate in accordance with the provisions of the St. John the Baptist Home Rule Charter,” Councilman Michael Wright said. “I was pleased to have the unanimous support of my fellow council members — our message was sent loud and clear.”