Westlake Fire Department Lieutenant Dalton Bushnell and firefighter Connor Dickerson were celebrated for public heroism for rescuing a woman inside a burning structure by entering the house, waking her up and passing her out of the window to safety on Tuesday, Aug 6.

Westlake Mayor Hal McMillin read a proclamation at Monday’s meeting making Tuesday Bushnell and Dickerson Day. Fire Chief Jonathan Duff said he is submitting a record of the event to state authorities for a commendation.

Duff said if the woman that was rescued was asleep, she probably didn’t have a working smoke detector to rouse her. The Westlake Fire Department continues to offer smoke detectors free to the public and can install them if needed (in the district and in the city).

Golf carts are a go in Westlake beginning Wednesday, Sept. 4. Fair warning: New laws will be strictly enforced by the Westlake City Police Department. That includes driving a cart that hasn’t been officially permitted by the Westlake Police Department. The first fine starts at $150. The second is $250 and the third, $550. If the driver is fined a fourth time, the permit will be revoked.

The cost of the permit is $60 and will be good through December 2025. Don’t drive the cart to the police station, though.

“You’ll have to load your cart on a trailer and take it to the Police Department to get the permit,” said McMillin. “Then you can drive it.”     

Drivers will fill out an application that will include insurance, license number and other information.

City Council members Lori Peterson, Jeremy Cryer and Kenny Brown approved the new ordinance. Clayton Rougeou was absent, out of town on business. Freddie Harrison III opposed.

Harrison said his decision wasn’t made lightly. He has real concerns that the change could lead to an increase in public safety issues, strain on law enforcement resources with only two officers per shift.

“I considered the potential safety risks not only for our citizens but also for individuals who may not be familiar with our local laws and culture, including visitors and those who are new to our community.”

Follow the rules or be fined

The mayor outlined the rules at the meeting. No lawn mowers, tractors, four wheelers, ATVs or UTVs will be allowed.

Golf carts can only be operated on streets within the Westlake city limits. Carts must be insured. Drivers must be licensed.

“If kids are riding on the streets, they will be fined,” McMillin said.

Carts may not be operated on pipeline right-of-ways or state highways. The crossing of state highways will only be legal at designated crossings: Sampson Street at McKinley Street, Sulphur Avenue at Hilma Street and at Miller Avenue at Grace Street.

McMillin said golf cart drivers should yield the right of way to pedestrians and overtaking vehicles at all times.

Golf carts are not permitted on the sidewalks.

“Be very careful when on these carts. Be a defensive driver, and if a car needs to get around, just move and allow it,” he said.

Carts should not be operated in inclement weather such as fog and rain conditions that limit visibility.

Each cart will have to have rear vision mirrors on both sides, headlights, taillights, brake lights, turning signals, horn, and if the cart has a rear-facing seat, it must have a grab bar for safety. Drivers must be licensed.

Drivers must obey all Louisiana traffic laws governing possession of alcohol beverages or controlled substances.

McMillin gave a heads up to folks who are thinking of buying a golf cart now that they are legal to drive on city streets. Unless it’s white or beige with regular-sized tires, it will not be allowed at The National Golf Course of Louisiana. Plus, it will not only need to have a permit from the city, but also a permit from  The National. That permit is $395.

It is permissible to drive a personal cart to the National that is not permitted by them on the course, park it, and use their carts to golf.      Westlake Police Chief Crhis Wilrye committed to ticketing carts and drivers who do not follow the law.

“Over the weekend, I was out riding through the golf course and I came across four kids on their cart joyriding,” he said.

He sent them home to tell their parents, if they get caught out again, they will be fined and could have their car towed.

First responders commended, two dismissed

Senior Corporal Peavey Santiago and Briana Staggs were commended by McMillin and Wilrye for their successful execution of the city’s first National Night Out celebration. The Mayor said that Calcasieu Sheriff Stitch Guillory visited all three Night Out events, and the Westlake native reported Westlake’s being the best.

Council, administration and staff held an executive session during the Monday meeting to discuss action regarding two law enforcement officers. Chief Wilry said the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal investigation and upon completion of that investigation, he recommended the dismissal of officers Christopher Clark and Michael Boudreaux. Council approved.