PORT ALLEN - The Port Allen city council approved the purchase of a motorcycle to start a traffic division for city police department. 

Port Allen Police Chief Donovan Mitchell said Wednesday night's agenda item is only the initial phase in getting the division started. 

The chief told WBRZ that he would still need to get two officers certified in riding, along with additional necessary training.

Pending approval, Mitchell said it would be near the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027 when the division would be fully functional. 

Additionally, the council did not make a decision on an ordinance that would allow current Marshal Sonney Massey to exercise his authority outside a courtroom, including issuing tickets and making arrests.

A new law requires city leaders to give him permission to do so because the city's population is less than 40,000 people. That law goes into effect in January 2027.

The council's next meeting is Sept. 2 at 5:30 p.m.