Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on April 21, 2009 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CLECO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing explaining the legal wording should be completed in the next couple of weeks. Alderman Dugas made a motion to table the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Lemons.
2008 BUDGET REVISION ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing and explained the need for a budget revision. He explained the changes were due to Hurricane Gustav and the FEMA reimbursement. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

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 March 17, 2009 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the December 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 discussed the burglaries in town advising that 90% of the burglaries were unlocked vehicles. Lt. Escher suggested taking valuable items out and locking their vehicles. He noted car burglaries are happening parish wide. Alderman Campbell advised residents that Town of Abita Springs is starting a Neighbor hood Watch Program and plans are to have a meeting in May. She also noted the town is starting a comprehensive email list and encourages everyone to sign up.

FIRE DISTRICT #8:
Fire District #8 representative gave a monthly recap. He announced the Fire Department was pleased with the turn out of the Crawfish Festival noting the weather held a lot of people off.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a monthly recap of noncompliance issues mentioning most of his complaints are animal related. He noted he was working closely with St. Tammany Parish Animal Control.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mayor Fitzmorris reported a meeting was held with our Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux, Plant Operator/APWS and Public Works to discuss the sewer plant and plans to update and apply for funding through DEQ with a 0.95% interest rate. He also reported on the meeting with St. Andrew Village utility proposal. Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned Jean Thibodeaux was checking on repairs needed for Hickory Bridge and noted the Handicap Assessory Building was out for bid. Scott Grow/Kyle Associates gave an update on the sidewalks. He mentioned they are about 90% complete they will send in a scamadic irrigation plan this week.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to table the CLECO Franchise Agreement Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the 2008 Budget Revision Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris read and discussed the Fair Housing Proclamation. He declared April 2009 is Fair Housing Month.

Mayor Fitzmorris displayed the sign for the Maintenance Barn in appreciation and memory of Mr. Charles Fredricks Jr.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Ms. Lynn Christiansen. Ms. Christiansen inquired why there are no Ordinance’s requiring fences around swimming pools. She expressed her concern and reasoning for such an Ordinance. Mayor Fitzmorris explained to Ms. Christiansen that we have checked with other Municipalities regarding the Ordinances and there were no other Municipalities with this type of Ordinance. Mayor Fitzmorris explained that most home owners insurance companies require the home owner to have a fence around pools. Discussion followed on fencing around pools. Mayor Fitzmorris explained Ms. Christiansen should address concern with Planning & Zoning Commission.

Alderman Campbell announced the Jazz Brunch and Plein Eir were a huge success. She advised that the next couple of events coming up are the Market in the Park on May 2, 2009, Abita Opry on May 16, 2009 and the Gospel Jubilee on May 17, 2009.

Mayor Fitzmorris reviewed the Maintenance Report.

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

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 21ST DAY OF APRIL 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 04-09

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