by Marilyn Miller

Tackling problems caused by young people at a “trailer park” and the governing of “uninhabitable” and unsightly residences and businesses were two major items on the agenda when the Dixie Inn Town Council met Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Town Hall.

Young people and some adults have caused “problem after problem,” according to two citizens whose private property adjoins the park where they reside. The problems range from trespassing and damage to property to trashing the area and damaging mailboxes.

“I’ve seen drug deals while sitting on my front porch,” alderman Nell Finlay told the council and audience, “My fences are torn down.”

One private citizen stressed that “it’s the adults, too. They come from Rascoe’s through my yard. And when I say something to them, they just say, ‘Oh, is this your property?’” Another member of the audience offered that “The biggest thing is bullying.”

“My autistic child came in crying the other day.” He was being physically accosted by older children in the park.

Dixie Inn Police Chief Jeffrey McNeill assured the board that he was addressing the problems, one answer being the placement of cameras in the area in the near future. “I have addressed this situation…but I can’t say more at this time. Just know that it is being worked on…”

The Board voted unanimously to “move forward on amending Ordinance #90,” which addresses the enforcement and clean-up of private properties that are not habitable within the Village limits. Dixie Inn’s ordinance is not clear about who pays for property that must be cleaned up or razed. Comments ranged from the levying of fines to billing a landowner after the Village has been forced to act.

Chief McNeill presented his monthly report, which shows that “My guys are working!” In the Arrests category for October, the seven people taken into custody “cleared 17 warrants for the Minden Police Department and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Other totals included 79 traffic stops (compared to 38 in September), 27 citations (compared to 14 in September), 10 LEMIS reports (calls not judged worthy of a call-out), 12 non-LEMIS calls; 57 building checks, 39 back-ups, 15 public assists, 23 calls for service, and five vehicle crashes (compared to one in September).

In other business, the aldermen:

• Approved the purchase of a new water meter for Cinnamon Creek;
• Approved Perryman Welding for the LLOP bathroom project at a cost of $140,000;
• Moved to begin returning some speed bumps to the streets of the Village. Chief McNeill highly recommended this;
• Tabled the discussion of Water/Maintenance supervisor Mike Chreene’s retirement and how he will be replaced. His retirement is scheduled for January 13, 2025.