Church Point man is new public works director

After appearing before a special meeting of the St. Landry Parish Council, Russell Schexnider, of Church Point, was hired as public works director.
The council also approved rehiring Novella Moore as finance director, who also appeared before the council meeting Wednesday at the Old City Market building.
The appointments were brought before the Parish Council for approval in February, but council members asked for their appearance.
The two jobs are the only ones in parish government that the council votes on. All other employees are hired by the parish president.
Parish President Bill Fontenot presented information on Schexnider and Moore to the council in February.
Schexnider has worked part time as a bridge inspector for the parish since January 2012 and for Huval and Associates Consulting Engineers from May 2010 to present. He retired as a bridge supervisor from the Louisiana Department of Transporation and Development in May 2010 after 24 years.
Moore has been director of finance since February 2014. She was Community Action Agency director from September 2012 to February 2014 and council clerk from November 2008 to September 2012.
Schexnider was the primary focus of council questions.
“What to you think is wrong at public works? What would you do to fix the problems they have there?” Timmy Lejeune, District 11 council member, asked.
“I don’t know if you call it problems,” Schexnider said. “There are some issues that need to be addressed.”
Schexnider stressed that public works employees, who tend to the parish’s road and drainage, need training, which often is available for at no cost.
Schexnider also pledged to be available “24/7” and do “whatever it is going to take.”
Fontenot said Tim Marks, who has served as public works director, would continue to be employed, but would focus on planning, record-keeping and worker compensation issues.
Schexnider and Fontenot agreed to do a better job of keeping council members informed about work progress.
Coby Clavier, District 13 council member, said, “I don’t get any calls back in a timely manner.”
Fontenot also said council members would be given the public works phone numbers.
Fontenot said Schexnider would be paid $28 an hour, Marks 26.50 an hour and Moore $26 an hour.
In other business, Jimmie Edwards, District 12 council member, introduced an ordinance to move the Precinct 10 voting poll in Ward 6 from the Amy Fire Station to Highland Elementary, 1341 Duck Ave., Eunice.
Clavier requested the intersection of North 8th Street and Murphy Richard Loop be studied for a change in traffic flow.