By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

CONVENT – The St. James Parish Council on Wednesday decided to hold off on action on an ordinance to ban residents from charging fees for admission to big events at the parish’s District 5 recreational facility.

District 5 Councilman Charles Ketchens proposed the ordinance at the request of the District 5 Recreation Board. The district includes parts of Vacherie, St. James and Welcome on the west bank of St. James Parish.

Ketchens said residents of District 5 pay a 1-mil property tax for recreation, which helps pay for the park. He said numerous calls from constituents regarding implementing gate fees for large events prompted the recreation board’s discussions about the legislation. Ketchens said it gives the board more say-so about regulating activities at the park.

A handful of residents at the meeting Wednesday opposed enforcement of the ordinance, saying it would endanger annual events held at the park, including the parish’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Residents said it could also endanger fundraisers held at the facility that benefit the community.

St. James Parish President Dale Hymel also voiced opposition of the legislation during his president’s report. Hymel said in a veto message that the council cannot restrict the use of the park in this fashion.

“All St. James Parish residents should be allowed to use the park facilities,” Hymel said. “I call on the Parish Council to consider amending this resolution to allow all residents of St. James Parish the use of the District 5 park.”

The council decided to postpone all action on the proposed ordinance until after a public meeting between Ketchens and District 5 residents, which will be held Nov. 1.