Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on May 20, 2008 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

Alderman Dugas gave the Invocation and Alderman Edmiston led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Rick Swartz who is running for District Judge, Division C.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
HWY 59 REZONE RESIDENTIAL TO RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing discussing zoning and the importance of rezoning (Rangeline) Hwy 59. Alderman Campbell showed specific detail on rezoning using a map. Discussion followed on previous rezoning and areas included. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Edmiston.

Mayor Fitzmorris called roll and present were Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson.

Alderman Lemons made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the April 18, 2008 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Patterson, Vote: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0

Alderman Dugas motioned to accept the January 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher gave a brief summary on all traffic citations/arrest to date. Lt. Escher noted that the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has stepped up patrols in the area as well as on the trace.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Alderman Lemons announced that Fire District #8 had their Annual Crawfish Boil May 3, 2008 at the Park. He noted the Fire Department raised around 25,000.00 and the head count was around 4000. Alderman Lemons reported on calls.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He commented on items that were closed and items still open.

Mayor Fitzmorris reported on the action taken for removal of FEMA Trailers. He noted letters were delivered to occupants with the number to FEMA for trailer removal or rental assistance.

PARK COMMITTEE:
Mayor Fitzmorris reported this weekend will be the last weekend for the Smithsonian Institute Exhibit. There has been 2000 people visit the exhibit. Alderman Patterson mentioned that Rick Edward will be the contractor on the water feature and they will be on site within the next 10 days.

FRIENDS OF THE PARK: Alderman Campbell advised the building dates for the playground will be June 24, 2008 thru June 29, 2008 and that volunteers are needed. She noted it will take about 260 people per day to have the playground equipment completed by June 29, 2008. Alderman Lemons mentioned the North Shore Foundation gave a grant of $20,000.00 and Cleco made a $1,000.00 donation to Friends of the Park. Alderman Lemons noted that Friends of the Park now has a website www.Abitafriendsofthepark.org, the website also has sign up forms.

Mr. Brad Nobles with Kyle Associates noted they are ahead of schedule with the South Utility Extension and work on the Sidewalks should start within the next week.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Hwy 59 Rezone Residential To Residential/Commercial Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Patterson made a motion to introduce the Open Container Ordinance Amendment, seconded by Alderman Lemons.

Alderman Lemons made a motion to introduce the Tree Ordinance Amendment, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

Alderman Dugas motioned to introduce Cahill Street Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Edmiston.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to introduce the Bed & Breakfast Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

Mayor Fitzmorris explained the CDBG – Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Resolution. Alderman Dugas made a motion to accept the Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

Alderman Dugas motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 15th DAY OF MAY 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES5-08

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