Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on July 15, 2008 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

Alderman Lemons gave the Invocation and Alderman Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Allison Hopkins Penzato who is running for District Court Judge.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Major Tim Lintz with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Office. Major Lintz introduced Lt. Chuck Smith and advised he will now be over the Abita Springs district.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CAHILL STREET ORDINANCE: Alderman Dugas made a motion to table, seconded by Alderman Patterson.
RULES, REGULATIONS AND RENTAL FEES ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing. Alderman Campbell explained the Ordinance would allow rental fees and rules to be set by Resolution and voted on by the Council. Alderman Dugas mentioned setting fees and rules by Resolution was suggested from the Town Attorney. Alderman Lemons described the process of setting fees and regulations by Resolution. Alderman Lemons made a motion to close, seconded by Alderman Edmiston.
MINIMUM LOT SIZE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing and explained the intent of the Minimum Lot Size Ordinance. Alderman Dugas noted it is consistent with the layout for future demographics. He also noted it is a way to deal with economy and growth. Alderman Lemons expressed support of the Ordinance and noted density of homes allowed would not change. Discussion followed on new developments are required to have sidewalks. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

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 June 17, 2008 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT:0

Alderman Dugas motioned to accept the March 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 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 and a resident complemented the STPSO on a job well done.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
A Representative from Fire District #8 gave a brief summary of all calls. He also suggested that before burning all residents should pick up a copy of the Burn Ordinance that is available at the Fire Department. He mentioned the Fire Department is looking for volunteers 18 years of age and older.

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

PARK COMMITTEE & FRIENDS OF THE PARK:
Alderman Campbell thanked everyone that helped with the playground and expressed how proud she was of the community and playground. Alderman Lemons commented on the work accomplished and thanked the 90 to 100 people per day working on the playground. Donata Henry also thanked everyone and encouraged all to volunteer and join Friends of the Park. Alderman Patterson reported the Water Feature should be completed soon. Alderman Edmiston and other citizens commented on all the help received from Friends of the Park, Board members and people that volunteered from out of town. Mayor Fitzmorris noted he was proud of the community and to be a part of it.

ENGENEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mr. Franklin Kyle/Kyle Associates reported the sidewalks were going to be delayed a few months but this would be an opportunity to get more sidewalks. Mayor Fitzmorris expressed disappointment of delay but was glad to hear additional sidewalks may be available. Discussion followed on which side of the street the sidewalks would go and if sidewalks would interfere with trees and roots. Mr. Brad Nobles/Kyle Associates mentioned that the Landscaping and Lighting for the roundabout is still being worked on and the information has been submitted to Enhancement Development.

Alderman Dugas motioned to alter the order of business moving Coastal Waste Resolution to the top of old Business, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote YEAS: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0.

OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Mark Fridge and Cindi Fisher from Coastal Waste. Mayor Fitzmorris explained the purpose of a rate increase and noted that residents have contacted the Utility Department regarding recycling. Representatives from Coastal Waste answered questions from residents regarding the recycling procedure acceptable items, bins, etc. Aldermen and residents expressed their support and objections to recycle and increasing rates at length. Alderman Lemons made a motion to increase rates and allow for recycle, seconded by Alderman Edmiston vote was YEAS: 4, Campbell, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 1, Dugas. Mayor Fitzmorris noted that recycling will start September 1, 2008 and advised all residents who were interested in participating to contact the Utilities Office.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to table the Cahill Street Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Dugas. Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0
Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Rules, Regulations and Rental Fees Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0
Alderman Dugas made a motion to amend the Minimum Lot Size Ordinance as read and noted, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0
Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Minimum Lot Size Ordinance as amended, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT:

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Campbell read and commented on Rules and Regulations on Public Properties. Alderman Lemons expressed his disagreement on closing the road going into the park. Discussion followed on safety, filling water jugs accessibility, parking, green space and the master plan for the trailhead/park.
Alderman Campbell made a motion to accept the Public Property – Rules & Regulations Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, and Patterson, NAYS: 1, Alderman Lemons, ABSENT: 0
Alderman Campbell made a motion to accept the Public Property – Rental Fees Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston, Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0
Alderman Edmiston made a motion to accept the Verizon Wireless Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 15th DAY OF July 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 7-08

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