Town Of Abita Springs

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

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CLECO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing explaining clairification is still needed on the franchise agreement. Alderman Dugas made a motion to table, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

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

Alderman Patterson made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the February 17, 2009 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 3, Campbell, Dugas, and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Alderman Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to table the December 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 3, Campbell, Dugas, and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Alderman Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher went over citations/arrests for the month. Alderman Campbell questioned Lt. Escher on an email she received. He advised the email was his and that he sends information to his Neighborhood Watch contacts.

FIRE DISTRICT #8:
Fire District #8 representative, Eric Givens reported on calls for the month. He informed the residents of the 6 new fire fighters that were hired noting the Fire Department will have four people on duty per shift. Mr. Givens announced the Crawfish Festival will be held April 17-18, 2009 at the C.J. Finn Ball Park.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a monthly recap of noncompliance issues mentioning he is working closely with Animal Control to help with all animal complaints.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux noted he spent time with the Public Works Department complementing Public Works Director, Johnny Clay and APWS on our well maintained Plant and lift stations. He noted DOTD sent Kyle Associates comments on the sidewalk project and Kyle Associates will revise plans and return to DOTD to bid out project. Mayor Fitzmorris announced we are moving forward with the elevator tower at the Pavilion advising bids will need to be submitted for the job. Alderman Patterson inquired on the lighting and landscaping on the traffic circle. Brad/Kyle Associates stated changes were made and the request has been sent to Baton Rouge for approval. Mayor Fitzmorris explained the Traffic Circle is property of the State.

Bryan Gowland listed the events that are taking place at the trailhead. He advised there is music at the park every Sunday. Ms. Lynette Soules spoke about the exhibit at the Museum “Abita Experience” she complimented Mr. Gowland and Mr. Spicuzza on the exhibit. There are about 100 people a weekend that come by to see the exhibit. She mentioned the Jazz Brunch will be held at the Quail Farm Sunday, March 21, 2009.

Mayor Fitzmorris thanked Bryan Gowland and David Spicuzza for the wonderful job at the Museum. He also thanked the Museum Committee for their hard work and time dedicated to the Museum. He is very proud and thankful for all of the dedicated members and volunteers.

Alderman Campbell advised residents to view the website as it is updated frequently. She mentioned all activities are listed on the webpage and she noted on April 19, 2009 Friends of the Park will host Earth Fest.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to table the CLECO Franchise Agreement Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote: YEAS: 3, Campbell, Dugas, and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Alderman Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris reported the process began on the criteria for the Cross Connection Survey. Once the criteria is completed it will go before Public Committee.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to introduce the 2008 Budget Revision Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

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

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 17TH DAY OF MARCH 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 03-09

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