Dustin Hinkle

The meeting covered several key discussions and votes. Public comments were heard regarding an upcoming ordinance on golf carts and safety regulations. The Board approved the financial statement for October 2025, which detailed fund balances and revenue status. Occupational License Applications, specifically for MedCentris, and Sign Applications, for Natchez Ballet Academy/Miss Lou Dance Academy, were approved. The Board noted an announcement for a free public movie night on the riverfront. A presentation was given on the Complete Streets Program, outlining next steps for map adoption and policy development. Approvals were granted for the 2026 Beer and Liquor Permits and authorizing the signing of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's compliance questionnaire. The Board approved travel for any member wishing to attend the LMA Mid-Winter Conference. An Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Ferriday for garbage pickup assistance was approved, with a follow-up planned in 30 days. An Ordinance introduction concerning fees, grass, and weeds was noted, as was an introduction of an ordinance pertaining to golf cart usage, following state law. Several tabled Hydroelectric Town Projects from a previous meeting were addressed, including moving the Skateboard Park and Polk Park Entrance projects to the following year's meeting agenda, approving the Special Needs field item pending a CEA with the Rec Board, and moving forward with a CEA with the Concordia Parish School Board to convert tennis and basketball courts for $48,500. Funds totaling $133,000 were approved for repairs to the complex's tennis and basketball courts, and a $1,000 marker for Memorial Day was approved. The repair of the Hydro Building, previously approved for $300,000, was placed on hold.

The meeting included public comments regarding adding an agenda item to discuss revoking business licenses, which the Board agreed to look into. Key agenda items involved the presentation and review of the September 2025 financial statement, which detailed fund balances and net changes through September 30, 2025. The Board approved one occupational license application for Raceway of Vidalia and voted to maintain employee retention payments at the same level as previous years. Additionally, the Board accepted the Louisiana DEQ Environmental Audit for the Town Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was reported as a good report. Mayor's Updates covered progress on Hwy 131, Polk Park development, the addition of a Farmers Market, bids for pickleball court conversions, and updates on the Pumping Station, tree removal, Convention Center painting, and engineering completion for D.A. Biglane. A lengthy discussion addressed procedures for the Blighted Court. The Board then entered and exited Executive Session to discuss possible litigation, subsequently passing a resolution authorizing the Mayor to contract with Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello and Joseph A. Boothe to investigate legal claims related to PFAS contamination in the Town's water systems.

The meeting included discussion and a vote on the approval of an occupational license application, specifically for Help from the Heart Adult Daycation. A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 664, concerning the enforcement of health, safety, and welfare, and for administrative adjudication of public health, housing, fire code, and environmental violations. The board also discussed and approved the ordinance. Approval was granted for Carson Cupit as a Reserve Officer for the Vidalia Police Department. Bids for the Town of Vidalia Phase 3 Tree Removal Project were reviewed and the lowest bid was approved. Updated funding amounts for Hydro Royalty Projects were also approved. The Mayor provided updates on the sinkhole repairs, the road closure of Hwy 131, the Slough Pumping Station, and work at Polk Park, including a Fitness Court and pond expansion. An update on the Trash Can Program, American Cruise Line ramp expansion, and D.A. Biglane Road repairs were given. The board entered and exited an executive session to discuss Vidalia Police Department Personnel, and a vote was held on matters discussed in the session.

The meeting covered topics such as the review of the financial status for April 2017, motor vehicles bids, adoption of the millage rate, and the pre-filing of a new ordinance for flood damage provision. It also included discussions on hydro fund reserves, the seminar elementary property, adoption resolutions, and street drainage improvement projects.

The meeting included a public hearing and discussion regarding the hydro royalty calculation and potential rebates. The town's hydro royalties are down 1.2 million dollars this year. The discussion also covered the participation problem, the 38 meals calculation, and the factors affecting hydro production, such as the control exerted by the core mutiny and issues with the Red Dawn transmission line. There was also discussion about how to deal with excess reserves in the future and to limit future councils from obligating future revenues other than that amount for any kind of problem.