The Donaldsonville City Council met in a special meeting to adopt two resolutions for the city.
The most popular is the half cents sales tax to be placed on the May 1 ballot. The city council has worked for several weeks to implement a plan for the city.
The half cents sales tax would be levied in perpetuity with 80 percent of the proceeds of the tax for constructing, improving, and maintaining capital improvements, and the remaining 20 percent to be dedicated for economic development.
"I feel we are unprepared and we are pushing this to meet a deadline," said Councilman Rev. Charles Brown.
Councilman Emile Spano said the economy is terrible right now. "As councilmen we should stand up and do what's right," he said. "I don't feel we have done everything possible."
After only meeting for 30 minutes, the council knew they were all having their doubts.
"I am all for the tax, but I feel as if we are rushing this, and doubts have come out," said Councilman Reginald Francis.
All councilmen raised their doubts. Council chairman Raymond Aucoin made the motion to adopt it, but no second motion was made.
The council also met to adopt to levy a 20-year-10-mills property tax for acquiring, constructing, improving, and maintaining capital improvements.
Aucoin made the motion, and once again, no second motion was made.
 

Track season has begun for all High Schools. However, the team from Donaldsonville High School that many are used to seeing has made some changes over the past few months. 
One of the major differences is that this year the Tigers are participating in both indoor and outdoor track under the leadership of a new coach, Trent Ellis.
"The difference [between indoor and outdoor track] is there aren't as many events in indoor track as outdoor track and they do not have as many teams competing indoor," said Coach Trent Ellis.
Ellis brings to Donaldsonville High a brand new track program and holds an impressive coaching resume. Ellis coached a club team (Future) for 12 years. He also coached at Baton Rouge High, Scotlandville High, Baker High, and Christian Life Academy. His credentials do not stop there. He has also coached on the collegiate level at the University of New Orleans (UNO) up until the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Under his belt he has collected a State Championship title and two state runners - up titles.
Academics play a big role in the Athletics program at Donaldsonville High, and track and field is no exception. Each student is expected to maintain a 2.5 grade point average and a minimum of 17 on the American College Test (ACT), needed for colleges and universities. Track has led to many college opportunities for those who participate, offering scholarships for most.
Like all great teams the assistant coaches are a big part of the foundation.
Teremine White, Ajia Morand, Latrice Duncan, Nakiya Walker, Brian Richardson, Ricky Semien, and Raquel Walker all hold an important duty for the track and field team. Not only do they help with practices and training the athletes they also play a major part in fundraising and many other aspects.
"The girls are training to be more competitive on both the district and regional levels," Ellis said.
The team consists of many underclassmen this year. Brionka Dunn, Beaunca Lewis, and Maiya Miles lead the pack as female athletes to look out for in the future. A collective amount of strong runners are expected to join the Tigers when basketball season concludes.
A part of the program consists of excessive training. The athletes warm up and do muscle building exercises that range from weight- lifting to training with the medicine ball.
In the past couple of months the Tigers were prepping for their first indoor track meet. Coach Ellis said he was quite pleased and the team even managed to come out with first place in the 800-meter relay. The winners of this event were Justin Breaux, Jordan Rosemond, Shaqueel Babin, and Javontae Wilson. They blasted past the finish line with a time of 1.33 minutes.
Ellis acknowledged that there were some technical glitches that the team had to work on, however, he was overall pleased with the outcome of their first indoor meet. Ellis says that the track program is here to take their claim and plan on stopping at nothing less than a state championship.

The Varsity and Junior Varsity Track schedule is as follows:

February 9-10 LSU last chance Qualifier
February 20- State Indoor Meet (LSU)
February 27-  "Ronnie Rabalais" Tip Off Meet- Donaldsonville
March 5- West Feliciana Invitational
March 12- Scotlandville
March 13- Southern University-Johnny Thomas memorial track meet
March 19- John Williams Invitational @ Port Allen
March 20- East Ascension Invitational
March 26 "Legends" Invitational- Donaldsonville
April 1-4- Texas Relays - University of Texas at Austin
April 9- Tiger Classic- Donaldsonville
April 16- St. Amant
April 21-(Wednesday) District 7-2A Championships - Donaldsonville
April 27-(Tuesday) Regionals- Donaldsonville
May 6-(Thursday) State- LSU
 

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Why he’s
In the news
With nine years of teaching under his belt, Daryl Comery has finally received his reward.
Comery has been named Donaldsonville High School teacher of the year for 2009.
He always tells his kids to never put limits on themselves.
As a native of Donaldsonville and a product of the Donaldsonville public school system, he is a working progress of achieving goals.
He recalls that his past life decisions led to his good ways.
Comery recalls the process of voting for teacher of the year.
He says that the teachers drive it and ballots are sent out and teachers nominated those who they felt worthy. Couple of weeks after, his name appeared in the top three, and then the announcement was made in December that he had won.
About his Background
He teaches Special Education classes at DHS and is in his fourth year at Donaldsonville High. Prior to DHS, Comery taught at Belle Rose Primary.
"As a man of God, my life fell in place," he notes.
He says that he had to learn how to practice what he is teaching his kids. He let's his students know that everyone will not be an athlete or a singer, but he encourages all his students to find something they are good at.
" I want them to know that there is more out there than bad things," he says.
He uses life experiences to show kids that other things exist than television and they have options.
Hobbies and other interests
Not only is Comery known for educating students during school, but he also spends time in the community by tutoring on Thursdays at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he serves on the Youth Committee. He also coached AAU Basketball for two years.
"I try to be the male figure for the community, although he's a resident of Prairieville now, he is still active in the Donaldsonville community.
Comery recalls that he couldn't get to where he is today if it hadn't been for his mentors, who are now his co-workers.
"Coach Greg Hill, and Mrs. Richard served as my mentor growing up," he said. "With the help of Brian Richardson, I wouldn't be in this position."
In his own words
Comery says he is thankful for being teacher of the year, he enjoys when students come and say how proud they are of him and how he serves as living proof of how you can venture down the wrong path and do right and end up on top.
He says his goal now is to continue showing the kids they can be successful and trying to show that as long as they are productive and as long as they continue to put God first you will strive.
He makes mention that without his paraprofessionals Grace Vaughn, and Crystal and Travina Brooks. There help in the classroom is amazing he says.
"The peace of mind I have now, I wouldn't trade for a million bucks," he adds with a smile.
"I love these kids and Donaldsonville is where my heart is, so it is near and dear to me."

HOW TO SUBMIT Send nominations to email address editor@dvillechief.brcoxmail.com or 120 Railroad Ave., Donaldsonville, LA 70346 or fax to 225-473-4060.