Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on September 16, 2008 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2008 MILLAGE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing explaining that 2008 is an assessment year. Discussion followed on how assessments are made and values determined. He noted the numbers were not received and a decision would be made once numbers are received. Note was made that the Millage will be tabled until the October 2008 Town Council Meeting. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

VIDEO TAPPING ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Video Taping Ordinance Public Hearing noting we may be first to have a Video Taping Ordinance. Mayor Fitzmorris read the Ordinance and explained it was just putting a few rules in effect. Alderman Edmiston made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Cynthia Ann Backe running for constable – Ward 10, Mary Devereux running for Judge, Division K and Dawn Amacker running for Family Court Judge.

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

Alderman Dugas made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the August 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 May 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 mentioned the increase of traffic and speeding since Hurricane Gustav and noted the situation was being addressed. He advised they have begun the walk through at the schools. Alderman Campbell thanked the STPSO for all of their help during the storm.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Alderman Lemons gave an update for Fire District #8. They had 48 calls and most of them were medical. He mentioned the Town has a Burn Ordinance and copies can be picked up at Town Hall or at the Fire Department. Alderman Lemons noted they are looking for Volunteers at the Fire Department. He advised the CPR class was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He thanked his wife and the Town for all of their cooperation. He noted he is working with Animal Control regarding a dog issue.

PARK COMMITTEE & FRIENDS OF THE PARK:
Mayor Fitzmorris reported on minor damage at the Park. He thanked Ron Blitch for his generous donation and noted the Princess Statue will be in next week. Alderman Lemons stated there is an inmate crew cleaning up debris at the park and described some of the items that were damaged from the storm and flooding. Alderman Patterson announced the Abita River Chili Cook Off will be held at the Park on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. All entry fees and admissions can be found on their website at www.abitariverchilicookoff.com.

ENGENEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mr. Brad Nobels/Kyle Associates reported on debris pick up. There are three trucks running and 6 loads were made today. He mentioned they will meet next week with DOTD regarding the Traffic Circle. Mr. Franklin Kyle/Kyle Associates noted all information has been submitted for the sidewalks and should hear something this week.

STORM UPDATE:
Mayor Fitzmorris thanked Parish President Kevin Davis, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Fire Chief Gary Mendow and Alderman Greg Lemons for all of their help and support during Hurricane Gustav. He mentioned Alderman Lemons was a liaison for the Town and he stayed at the EOC Building during the storm and updated the Town website and called with valuable information. Mayor Fitzmorris expressed his gratitude to the Aldermen, Town employees and the Community. Mayor Fitzmorris noted he is honored to be Mayor of such a wonderful community. Mayor Fitzmorris urged all residents to get their debris out as debris will only be picked up for the next week; FEMA has not declared St. Tammany Parish for category A reimbursement for debris pick up.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Edmiston made a motion to accept the Video Taping Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to table the 2008 Millage, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris introduced resident Lynette Soules. Ms. Soules spoke about Proposition No. 2. Explaining it was a renewal not a tax increase. Ms. Soules explained that 2 Mills will be split between COAST and STARC and how it benefits the two organizations.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 16th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 9-08

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