Councilman Trae Welch, who represents District 1, gave an update to Kiwanis members last week at the March 11 meeting on what goals he is trying to acheive with city-parish.

District 1 is comprised of the northern most part of East Baton Rouge Parish which includes the communities of Zachary, Baker, Chaneyville, and parts of Central.

A maintenance program is in the works, Welch said, on drainage issues that have become apparent after Hurricane Gustav.

Litter is also a problem in the District 1 area, and the plan to try and institute seasonal workers more than five months out of the year to pick up litter and cut grass, is currently being discussed. Although that would help the issue, Welch stressed that the litter laws need to enforced as well.

Kiwanis members also voiced their concerns for road and traffic conditions throughout Zachary.

McHost Road is the latest of roads to be rehabbed in the area with plans to widen it.

Other concerns are the intersections of 39th and Main streets and Old Scenic (Hwy. 964) at Highway 64.

Welch said that there are plans for studies to be done at these particular intersections. Possible plans to put a boulevard from Highway 61 to Old Scenic, widening that part of Hwy. 64, is also being discussed.

“The problem in the past has been that these people in leadership positions have based these issues and concerns on a handshake deal,” said Welch. “I want to do away with that and really get some things done.”

Welch also explained that city councils from each community must approach city-parish separately and plead their case in order to get funds allocated for different projects and programs.

Welch also conducts a monthly District 1 meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, rotating between Zachary, Baker and Chaneyville. He updates citizens on issues and concerns of the community and what goals are being acheived successfully. The next Metro 1 Council meeting is planned for 6 p.m. on April 7 at the Zachary library.