Town Council Meeting Minutes 5/19/09

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on May 19, 2009 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CLECO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing explaining changes in the Franchise Agreement from 30 years to 25 years. Alderman Dugas thanked CLECO for being a great corporate citizen noting CLECO is always there with assistance when needed. He is very comfortable in extending the CLECO Franchise agreement. Alderman Campbell thanked CLECO for their patience while working on the agreement. Alderman Lemons noted he thought the agreement was fair. Alderman Patterson mentioned the visit to CLECO’s new power plant and planning for future fuel alternatives. Eric Schouest/CLECO General Manager mentioned their employees live and work in the communities. He thanked Town Attorney, Edward Deano and Council for their participation. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

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

Alderman Lemons made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the April 21, 2009 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher went over citations/arrests for the month. Alderman Campbell mentioned the Neighborhood Watch Program’s kick off meeting will be held June 4, 2009 at Town Hall and the entire community is invited to attend and refreshments will be served. She advised all residents to sign up on the email list at nw@townofabitasprings.com. Lt. Escher mentioned the Neighborhood Watch Meeting will be a little different than normal due to the town working with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department.

FIRE DISTRICT #8:
Fire District #8 representative, Eric Givens gave a monthly recap. He mentioned their rating was a 4 advising this will save on home owners insurance. Alderman Lemons applauded the Fire Department for their hard work.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora reported zero complaints for the month and mentioned this was a 40% reduction from this time last year.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported DOTD has the Sidewalk Project under review. Comments should be received by next week. Once it is out of the review period it will be at least 3 months before they go out to bid. The DOTD review should be back in a couple of weeks for the landscape of the Roundabout. He mentioned the meeting for the sewer plant was good and within the next 4 to 6 weeks he will meet with DEQ for field review. He also mentioned DEQ wants to know present and future growth plans. Mr. Thibodeaux reported on the Handicap Accessory structure noting it was over budget and plans were modified. New bids will be in on Thursday, May 21, 2009.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to substitute the new CLECO Franchise Agreement Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the CLECO Franchise Agreement as amended, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to amend the agenda to add a Resolution authorizing Mayor Fitzmorris to sign the CLECO Franchise Agreement, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote: YEAS: 4, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Mayor Fitzmorris to sign the CLECO Franchise Agreement, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote: YEAS: 4, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to introduce the Video Taping Ordinance Amendment noting anyone is allowed to tape or video all public meetings but prior notification is required, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

Mayor Fitzmorris read the Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation & Tourism Support Resolution noting he is fully in support of the Resolution. He said this will be sent to all Local Representatives. Alderman Patterson made a motion to adopt the Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation & Tourism Support Resolution, seconded by Alderman Dugas. Vote: YEAS: 4, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT:1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSENT:0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to amend the agenda to add the Higher Education Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 4, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSENT: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris read the Higher Education Resolution expressing how strongly he feels about this. He mentioned College’s and Universities are not able to lobby.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Higher Education Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 4, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Lemons made a motion to introduce the St. Andrews PUD Zoning Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 4, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris noted work on the Park and Ride has begun. Alderman Campbell mentioned the Trailhead Market will be held June 6, 2009. She remarked on the Gospel Jubilee and the Trailhead noting it was a huge success.

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

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 19TH DAY OF MAY 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 05-09