Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on February 17, 2009 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ABITA LUMBER ANNEXATION: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing and explained the process and property to be annexed. He noted amendments were needed to correct property description and zone Historic Commercial. Discussion followed on Davis Cemetery Road and Abita Lumber’s commitment to doing business in Abita Springs. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close, seconded by Alderman Lemons.

CLECO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing noting clarification was needed in the language of the agreement and it will go back to Public Committee for review. Mr. Passman commented on franchise fees being passed on to residents. Note was made the franchise fee remained at 4%. Alderman Dugas made a motion to continue the Public Hearing until next month, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

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 January 20, 2009 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Dugas, Vote: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas motioned to accept the October 2008 and November 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher went over citations/arrests for the month. He noted his door is always open for any questions or concerns. Discussion followed on traffic circle flow and it was noted that DOTD was contacted to put signage.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a monthly recap of noncompliance issues. He noted Animal Control is assisting in several animal complaints and reminded everyone to keep animals on a leash.

FIRE DISTRICT #8: Representative from Fire District #8 gave a monthly recap of all calls. He announced the Town Garage Sale was set for March 28th, and the Crawfish Festival will be held Friday, April 17th from 4:00pm -12:00pm and Saturday, April 18th from 12:00pm to 10:00pm. The Crawfish Festival bands will be Rockin Doopsie on Friday, April 18th, and Voodoo Funk and Soul on Saturday, April 19th, at C J Finn Ballpark.

ENGENEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Scott Grow/Kyle Associates reported on the sidewalks explaining they are expecting to receive the comments from DOTD by Friday and bids will be sent out. He mentioned the Harrison extension is in progress.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Jean Thibodeaux who will be the in house engineer for the town and noted Mr. Thibodeaux will be in charge of all developments. Mr. Thibodeaux said he is honored to work with the Town of Abita Springs.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Patterson made a motion to amend the Abita Lumber Annexation Ordinance as noted, seconded by Alderman Dugas. Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Abita Lumber Annexation Ordinance as amended, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to continue the Cleco Franchise Agreement Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. VOTE: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Ms. Donna Breaux, Executive Director for St. Andrew’s Village. Ms. Breaux explained St. Andrew’s Village is a community for adults with special needs. She made her presentation explaining their eagerness to become a part of our wonderful community. She noted Villagers will participate in the local community through activities such as movies, dining, ball games, doctors, concerts and shopping. They are encouraging volunteers to become involved in the community. She explained the houses in the community are being designed to look like the homes in the Town of Abita Springs. St. Andrew’s Village will employee 100 full time positions once it is up and running. Mayor Fitzmorris and the Board of Aldermen welcomed St. Andrew’s Village to our community.

Mayor Fitzmorris discussed the Cross Connection Moratorium Resolution explaining there is a meeting scheduled on Thursday, February 19, 2009 with an Official of the Department of Health and Hospitals for clarification. Mayor Fitzmorris reported Shelly King, Public Works Assistant made phone calls and sent letters to the businesses suggesting they not proceed with the Cross Control Device until clarification was received from the Department of Health and Hospitals. Alderman Lemons made a motion to adopt the Cross Connection Moratorium Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote was: YEAS 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSTAIN: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell reported the Push Mow Parade was a huge success and was pleased to have Ms. Myrtle Leveson as Grand Marshal. She mentioned the up coming events were the Trailhead Market, Abita Opry and the Jazz Brunch. Alderman Campbell suggested everyone visit the town website at www.townofabitasprings.com as it is often updated with the Town’s events.

Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the Town Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 02-09

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