Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on October 21, 2008 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2008 MILLAGE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing noting after numerous emails and phone calls there has been no response from the Assessors office. He explained operation and bond expenses paid from advalorem taxes. Mayor Fitzmorris noted he hopes to receive numbers before the November Meeting and before preparing 2009 Proposed Budget.

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

Alderman Edmiston made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the September 26, 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 June 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Patterson, 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 noted the extra attention directed to the school zone areas.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Eric Givens/Fire District #8 gave a monthly recap. He mentioned that the Fire Department will host their Halloween activities here at Town Hall.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He noted he is working with Animal Control regarding a few dog complaints that were received.

PARK COMMITTEE & FRIENDS OF THE PARK:
Mayor Fitzmorris advised the Indian Princess statue is in and work is in progress to complete the base for the statue. Mr. Gowland thanked Mayor Fitzmorris and Town Council for all of their support with the Museum and noted the next exhibit is called “Abita Experience.” Alderman Campbell announced that Friends of the Park was hosting a Playground Party to show their appreciation for the sponsors and volunteers at the park on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 3-6pm. Alderman Lemons reported the damage caused to the park from Hurricane Gustav has been repaired and the picket fence has been put up. Alderman Patterson commented on the success of the Abita River Chili Cook off.

ENGENEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mr. Brad Nobels/Kyle Associates reported on the sidewalk project and noted we are waiting on DOTD to bid out the project. He also reported on the sewer plant donation proposal from Sewer District 6.

STORM UPDATE:
Mayor Fitzmorris noted that all storm debris has been picked up. He mentioned that Nicole/Kyle Associates met with FEMA regarding leaners and hangers.

Mayor Fitzmorris noted recycle pick up was scheduled for Tuesdays and the Cub Scout newspaper recycle bin was moved to the Finn Ball Park. He also reminded everyone to read the back of the bill and look at the website for current information.

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

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Mr. Dewald with Princess Springs, LLC. Mr. Dewald advised he was proud to be a member of the community. He stated Princess Springs, LLC. will donate 1 mil from each bottle of water sold to the Town of Abita Springs. He noted he would also like to be the official water for the Town of Abita Springs and would like to be the sponsor for the water feature. Mr. Hampton inquired on recycling of plastic bottles. Mr. DeWald commented on recyclable bottles in Nebraska and mentioned working with LSU for a recyclable bottle.
Alderman Edmiston made a motion to adopt the Princess Springs Official Water Authorization Resolution, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.
Alderman Campbell made a motion to introduce the Cross Connection Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to introduce the Harrison Annexation Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Edmiston.

Mayor Fitzmorris noted the General Fund has been covering some of the expenses of the Utility Fund. Discussion followed on last utility rate increases and how expenses have been cut. Brad Nobles/Kyle Associates reported on the DEQ Loan Program. Mayor Fitzmorris explained utility expenses are mandated expenses, repairs and materials are necessities. Utility adjustments will be discussed next month.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Sidewalk Resolution, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris reported the Town is part of the new Cultural District in Louisiana. Planning and Zoning Director, Cindy Chatelain explained the district is the original Historic District. She noted tax breaks were allowed on sales tax for certain items bought in the Cultural District.

Alderman Campbell asked everyone to go to zootoo.com and vote for St. Tammany Parish Humane Society to get a million dollar makeover.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 21st DAY OF OCTOBER 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 10-08

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