Art district approved by Covington council

If the application is approved by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Covington’s historic district will also be named a Cultural Arts District. The resolution in support of the application passed at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting by a 7-0 vote.

This designation will allow original artwork to be sold in the area without sales tax. A form will be filled out by the seller stating why it qualifies as original art, but gallery owner Susan Brunner and artists Linda Dautreuil, Suzanne Hugh and others welcome the move.

At issue previously for the council was the loss of income through potential lost sales tax revenue. When it was revealed that the actual dollar amount would translate into other revenue for the city, such as increased traffic to restaurants and other art purchases, it was agreed the new district will probably bring more revenue and have a greater economic impact for the city.

Also at the council meeting:

• Pam Perrett appeared to register a complaint about the condition of the culvert in front of her house. The city engineer will be inspecting the culvert and give her an estimate of cost to repair and possibly enclose it.

• Councilman Marty Benoit has volunteered to transfer old council meetings and records to CDs from cassette tapes in order to preserve the records for the future. In addition, a copy will be made of each cassette before transfer to CD.

• The council approved an ordinance annexing property to the city by a vote of 7-0. The property is located at 1031 Collins Blvd. adjacent to Holden’s Wrecker Service and has extended its parking area.

• The City Council invited citizens to the Trailhead ribbon cutting to be held May 30 at 5:30 p.m. The economic development office moved to the facility early due to the recent damage at the Greater Covington Center. Their phone number is 898-4731. The Covington trailhead is located at the corner of East Lockwood and North New Hampshire streets.