Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on September 15, 2009 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

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 August 18, 2009 regular monthly meeting, 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 accept the May 2009 financial reports, seconded by Alderman Patterson, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher gave a brief recap of citations/arrests for the month. He advised the next Neighborhood Watch Meeting will be held at Town Hall on October 15, 2009 at 7:00pm. Discussion will be on Halloween safety and Halloween events in the town.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Fire District #8 representative, Troy Lange gave a recap of monthly calls. He noted calls are down this month from this time last year.

TOWN MARSHAL:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora reported on recent activity in the town. He suggested all residents should check with the town before cutting any trees.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported Sidewalk Project should be bid out by end of year through DOTD and the Roundabout Landscape Project is currently going through the Environmental Clearance Process.

ALDERMAN DUGAS LEFT THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.
Mr. Thibodeaux mentioned 95% of road paving has been measured and bids should start within the month for street improvements. Negotiations between the Parish and the town are still in progress regarding Sewer District 6 Plant.

OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris noted a Public Hearing was already held on the Town Home/Condo Ordinance. Mayor Fitzmorris gave a recap of things discussed at the Public Hearing. He then recommended the changes as suggested by Planning & Zoning. Mr. Day inquired on drainage issues and Mayor Fitzmorris explained the drainage has to be addressed by the property owners and they have agreed to address the situation. Discussion followed on not having a change in density or vehicle parking. The Fire Department previously reported fire hydrants are pumping 750 gallons per minute and fire trucks are able to access the roads. It was also mentioned that green space will be maintained by the Homeowners Association. Ms. Lynn Christiansen expressed her concern for safety of the children in the area and suggested building a park on the oddly shaped part of the development. She volunteered to pay for the recreation equipment and noted that those who live in the area will be glad to help with maintenance and will plant trees and other foliage. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked her and noted Alderman Dugas had to step away because his bank owns the property being discussed.
Alderman Edmiston made a motion to amend the Town House/Condo Amendment Ordinance as noted, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Dugas, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Patterson made a motion to adopt the Town Home/Condo amendment as amended, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Dugas, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell discussed all activities taking place in Abita from September thru November. She also suggested all residents visit the website as it is updated daily.
ALDERMAN DUGAS RETURNED. She announced the Water Festival date is set for November 14, 2009. This will be a grand opening for the park/trailhead mentioning Mr. and Mrs. Cognevich were voted Citizen of the Year and will be honored at the Water festival.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris spoke about the Resolutions for online banking noting the town is going to start automatic deposit. Alderman Dugas made a motion authorizing Mayor Fitzmorris to execute the online banking resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to authorize Mayor Fitzmorris to apply for the LGAP Grant, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson. NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Vernon Brou who discovered a new moth. The name of the moth is Lithopane Abita. Mr. Brou does insect research and this is one of many he has described in Scientific Literature. He had samples of the Moths in Town Hall on display.

Mayor Fitzmorris discussed the Millage Proposition Ballot noting the mils are existing mils that would be redirected. He explained at this time there are no dedicated funds and this would allow 1 mil for lighting and 2 mils maintenance of the park. He advised the election will be held October 17, 2009,

Alderman Edmiston made a motion to adjourn the September 15, 2009 Town Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 15TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 09-09

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