Ruston’s Pickleball Dreams Come True: The Ruston City Council has initiated the process to establish a privately-owned pickleball facility at the Sports Complex, a decision reflecting the growing popularity of the sport in the area. In addition to this significant move, the council also introduced ordinances that could lead to increased salaries for Mayor Ronny Walker and members of the Board of Aldermen.
Proposed Ordinances and Salary Increases
Among the ordinances presented is a proposal that, if passed, would result in a substantial hike in city water rates. Additionally, an ordinance was introduced to authorize the city to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Lincoln Parish School Board for the sale of city property.
This sale would facilitate the construction of a new softball field at the Ruston Sports Complex. These matters will be up for discussion and potential approval during the council’s upcoming meeting next month.
The salary increase proposal aims to provide Mayor Ronny Walker with a $20,000 raise, elevating his annual salary from $100,000 to $120,000. Similarly, the aldermen would see their compensation rise by $2,200, bringing their annual salaries to $14,400 if the proposal passes during the December meeting.
Approval for the Pickleball Facility
During a recent meeting, the Ruston City Council authorized the city to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Long, L.L.C. to lease or sell property for a six-court pickleball facility at Ruston Sports Complex.
“Primarily to the demand and growth of pickleball as a recreational sport, a local citizen has approached the city with a proposal to either lease or purchase property at the Sports Complex and allow a pickleball facility. This would be a private facility which would be completely subject to charging some sort of fee structure.” – (city attorney Bill Carter)
The proposed site is adjacent to the existing tennis courts, and city officials are currently evaluating survey results to finalize plans.
“This is an area near the tennis courts and we’re still in the process of looking at surveys and such.” – (Bill Carter)
Infrastructure Improvements and Agreements
In addition to the new pickleball facility in Ruston City, the Council approved a resolution to engage PIV Engineering for professional services concerning the West Kentucky Substation Improvement Project.
“We’ve been working on upgrading all of our substations, and this one will be our focus for the 2025 fiscal year. This is a budgeted expense, and we will definitely get it done before the end of the fiscal year.” – (Public Works Manager Andrew Halbrook)
The council also passed a resolution to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the state of Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development for modifications to the Tarbutton Road at Interstate-20 interchange.
“This is the Buc-ee’s interchange that we’ll be doing work on. And it’s just another step in the process. We hope the road construction will start in February or March.” – (Mayor Ronny Walker)
Additionally, Andrew Halbrook indicated that plans for Buc-ee’s permit design and contract should be finalized by the end of the month. The council approved resolutions authorizing contracts related to the East Kentucky Avenue Improvement Project for $10.3 million—$1 million under the initial estimate—and the I-20 North Service Road Water Line Project, awarding J-Bar Corporation the low bid of $730,705.40.
Surplus Property and Annual Agreements
The City Council also authorized the sale of scrap materials and damaged transformers as surplus movable property. Furthermore, they entered into a professional services contract with Riley Company of Louisiana, Inc., for engineering services related to the Airport Drainage Improvement Project.
In their final motion, the City Council authorized a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
“This is an annual agreement we have with the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs that outlines our funding to have a local office here in the parish. The total contribution for the city is 45% of the total cost for the parish, $6,540 a year or $545 a month as it was last year, so this is just extending an annual agreement we have with them.” – (Chief Financial Officer Julie Keen)
News in Brief: Ruston’s Pickleball Dreams Come True
The Ruston City Council has approved plans for a privately-owned pickleball facility at the Sports Complex, addressing the growing demand for the pickleball sport. Proposals also include significant salary increases for Mayor Ronny Walker and aldermen, alongside ordinances regarding city water rates and property sales for a new softball field. The council is set to discuss these measures in the upcoming December meeting.
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