To Cluck or Not To Cluck

At the Madisonville City Council meeting on Feb. 13 there was a lot to crow about — particularly, the lack of roosters and chickens in the town.

As the meeting started, many people were in favor of the roosters and chickens, claiming without them, the city of Madisonville loses its charm.

Deborah Olsen said, “These chickens will give Madisonville its small town feel back.” Olsen simply wants chickens of her own without her neighbors complaining.

Those against the chickens and roosters feel that they will be a nuisance to the town because they are noisy and do not smell pleasant.

Councilman Hitzman said, “What is the difference between a barking dog and crowing rooster?” This raised the question of what the definition of a nuisance really is and discussion continued.

After a long discussion, Mayor Pelloat suggested the council revisit the argument at the next meeting on Feb. 27.

Next, Tony Zalenca came to the floor to request a conditional permit for his new restaurant, The Blind Tiger, at DeZaire Marina and the council debated.

Councilman Doran wanted to “Wait for the master plan from CPEX before approval.” He was immediately challenged by Councilman Haddox.

Haddox was seconded by Councilmen Bounds and Hitzman, but opposed by Councilmen Bouey and Doran. The motion passed and Zalenca was granted a conditional permit.

Another man, Brett Freret, had requested a conditional permit for a restaurant at the Sawmill Docks. Councilman Haddox motioned to approve, but was not seconded by anyone.

Councilman Hitzman told Freret, “I need a better understanding of this proposal.” After this discussion ensued, and it was clear Freret was not prepared.

Councilman Doran made a motion to revisit the master plan, but nobody seconded.

Haddox once again motioned to approve the permit and is seconded by Hitzmann. He was opposed by Councilmen Doran, Bouey and Bounds. This permit will be on the agenda for the Public Committee Meeting in February.

In a lighter conversation, Lora Haddox, employee of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, stood to talk about the calendar she put together for the upcoming year.

Haddox explained the Wooden Boat Festival would be held on October 12–13, 2019 and a golf tournament May 17, 2019.

Haddox then told those in attendance that the Maritime Museum is now on Amazon Smiles, which allows them to earn .5 percent every time a purchase is made when choosing the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum.

Mayor Pelloat offered Diane Burkhardt of the Mimosa Queens, a proclamation to make her an honorary citizen of the year. The council motioned to approve and Burkhardt accepted her title.