Town Of Abita Springs

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

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

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

Alderman Campbell made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the June 16, 2009 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Patterson, Vote YEAS: 3, Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to accept the January 2009, February 2009 and March 2009 financial reports, seconded by Alderman Patterson, Vote: YEAS: 3, Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher gave a recap citations/arrests for the month. He commented on extra patrol at the park and around town. Mayor Fitzmorris noted he has spoken with Lt. Escher and situations have been addressed. He expressed his appreciation for Lt. Escher and the Deputies working in the Town of Abita Springs keeping our community safe.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora, reported on complaints for the month. He advised he is on patrol for 2 hours and does office duty 1 hour daily.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported the final revision for the sidewalks should be returned to DOTD next week then go out for bid. Landscaping at roundabout has been reapplied for through RPC and DOTD. He noted the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement has been received for the Handicap Accessory Structure and they are moving forward on this project.

Bryan Gowland thanked the Ladies Progressive Club for their generous donation for shade shelters for the park and noted construction has begun. He explained how unique the shade shelters will be and mentioned they will resemble old railroad depots. On August 29, 2009, the Indian Princess will be revealed. The princess was caste in Italy and donated to the town by Ron Blitch. He stated the Indian Princess will be the most unique and special feature located on the Tammany Trace.

Mayor Fitzmorris thanked the Ladies Progressive Club for everything they have done. Ms. Sandra Root announced the Ladies Progressive Club will give out $17,000.00 dollars in scholarships this year to Abita young adults.

NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Lynn Christiansen discussed recycling with Coastal Waste advising she has observed recycling is not welcomed nor wanted in the town. Mayor Fitzmorris advised he has met with Coastal Waste to see where we are with participation. It was noted at that time we were at 25% participation level. He also explained that prior to Hurricane Katrina the participation rate was high. Mayor Fitzmorris explained when recycling started a decision was made to give it one year then go back and revisit. The Town has informed residents about recycling via notices on the back of the utility bills, newsletters, website, and notices placed around town. Mayor Fitzmorris stated that we would continue to promote recycling and revisit participation in the fall.

Mayor Fitzmorris explained the Community Action MOU Authorization Resolution on how the program works noting we will follow the same criteria as Community Action. Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned Town of Abita Springs is the only Municipality to promote Community Action and this will be one of his proudest achievements within the community. Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Community Action MOU Authorization Resolution, seconded by Alderman Dugas. Vote YEAS: 3, Alderman Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris read the Library Property Resolution explaining Abita Springs has been in need of a larger library for sometime, mentioning our library not only serves Abita Springs but local surrounding areas. He explained the property is located on Hwy 36 across from the fire station next to the ballpark. Mayor Fitzmorris encouraged all residents to attend the next meeting advising the time and location of the meeting will be posted on the town website and emailed to those that have registered their email addresses. Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Library Property Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote YEAS: 2, Alderman Campbell and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 1, Alderman Dugas.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Mr. Alan Offner/ Foley & Judell, LLP. Mr. Offner explained the Series 2009 State Bond Commission Application Resolution. Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt Series 2009 State bond Commission Application Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote YEAS: 3, Alderman Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mr. Alan Offner/Foley & Judell, LLP introduced the Street Improvement Bond Ordinance explaining interest rates from banks. Discussion followed on streets to be paved. Alderman Dugas made a motion to introduce the Street Improvement Bond Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote YEAS: 3, Alderman Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris commented on the Redirecting Bond Mils Election Resolution noting in the past when new mils were available they were used to bond out more money. He explained we have 4 mils to work with and Mr. Offner’s recommendation is to dedicate 2 mils to the park for maintenance and equipment and dedicate 1 mil to lighting for streets and give 1 mil back to residents. Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Redirecting Bond Mills Election Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 3, Alderman Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to add the Phillips Abita Lumber Property Donation Authorization Resolution to the agenda, seconded by Alderman Dugas. Vote YEAS: 3, Alderman Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris read and explained the Phillips Abita Lumber Property Donation Authorization Resolution explaining where the property was located. He thanked Phillips Abita Lumber for their generous donation.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Phillips Abita Lumber Property Donation Authorization Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 3, Alderman Campbell, Dugas and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 2, Alderman Edmiston and Lemons, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris announced how pleased he was to have the town people involved in the community. He thanked Bryan Gowland and David Spicuzza for their dedication and hard work, acknowledging the park would not be here without the community involvement.

Alderman Campbell discussed the National Night Out Against Crime on August 4, 2009. She asked all residents to come out and participate. Alderman Patterson announced the 2nd Annual Abita River Chili Cook Off will be held September 26, 2009, at the Trailhead. There will be vendors and live music. Information is available on the town website or www.abitariverchilicookoff.com.

Mayor Fitzmorris noted the town audit can be found on the State Legislative Auditors website or a link from the town website. He mentioned the progress on putting all Ordinances on line.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adjourn the July 21, 2009 Town Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 21ST DAY OF JULY 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 07-09