KINDER — Police have begun issuing citations to people who illegally park vehicles on sidewalks.

Mayor Estes LeDoux said Monday police have issued nearly two dozen warnings to violators in the last two months, but have now begun issuing citations.

“For the past two months they have issued warnings, but the warnings are over and they are strictly writing citations for blocking or parking on a (public) sidewalk,” LeDoux told the council.

LeDoux issued a warning to residents in September saying the town had a problem with people blocking or parking on the sidewalks, especially at the end of the driveways.

“We spent close to $70,000 repairing sidewalks and they can’t understand they can’t park on the sidewalk, so now they will be reminded when they have to pay a fine,” LeDoux said.

Many of those who have been issued warnings or citations have been repeat offenders, he said.

In other matters, the council agree to seek $35,000 in Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) funds from the Louisiana Office of Community Development to purchase grass maintenance equipment.

“We are in dire need of equipment for the town for grass maintenance,” LeDoux said. “When we cut ditches, there is no way of doing it. We do as much as we can with a weed eater.”

The town needs the right maintenance equipment to keep up with the grass, he said.

“There are a lot of areas where we have no way to take care of it,” LeDoux said.

Councilman Lowell Keys said the equipment is needed because “grass is a big problem for the town.”

The town has until Dec. 13 to submit the application to the state, according to the town’s engineer.

The LGAP program provides funds for needed infrastructure and long-term capital improvements in rural areas including fire and police protection, sewer projects, water systems, roads, drainage and equipment.

The town has used the funds in the past to make improvements to streets, drainage and sidewalks.

(American Press Archives)