Louisiana residents can purchase needed items free of sales tax as they prepare for the 2008 hurricane season.

The inaugural 2008 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday takes place on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25. The holiday is an annual, statewide event created by the Louisiana Legislature to assist families with the important job of protecting their lives and property in the event of a serious storm.

During the two-day holiday, tax free purchases are allowed for the first $1,500 of the sales price on each of the following items:
* Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles;
* Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-band radios;
* Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting;
* Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits;
* Gas or diesel fuel tanks;
* Batteries - AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (automobile batteries and boat
batteries are not eligible);
* Cellular phone batteries and chargers;
* Non-electric food storage coolers;
* Portable generators;
* Storm shutter devices - Materials and products manufactured, rated, and
marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from
storms (La. R.S. 47:305.58).

The 2008 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 25.

The sales tax holiday does not extend to hurricane-preparedness items or supplies purchased at any airport, public lodging establishment or hotel, convenience store, or entertainment complex.

For more information, visit www.revenue.louisiana.gov or contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue at 225-219-2700.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
BUFFERS & CONFORMING USES REZONE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing discussing zoning. Alderman Campbell showed specific detail on rezoning using a map and answered questions. Discussion followed on previous rezoning and areas included. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Lemons.

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

Alderman Lemons made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the March 18, 2008 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher gave a brief summary on all traffic citations/arrest for the month of April as well as commenting on response times.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Alderman Lemons announced the Fire Department District #8 Annual Crawfish Boil is set for May 3, 2008 at the Park. He noted some of the vendors and entertainment that will be there.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He commented on items that were closed and items still open.

Mayor Fitzmorris reported on the action taken for removal of FEMA Trailers. He noted letters were delivered to occupants with the number to FEMA for trailer removal or rental assistance.

PARK COMMITTEE:
Mayor Fitzmorris reported that the Museum opened and the Smithsonian Exhibit “New Harmonies” is on loan to the town for 6 weeks. He mentioned there will be music every Sunday through May 3, 2008. Mayor Fitzmorris summarized the research for a water feature. Alderman Patterson described the water and light feature design and options. A proposed design was shown. Construction on water feature is planned to begin in May.

FRIENDS OF THE PARK: Alderman Campbell announced that building of the playground will begin on June 25, 2008 and end on June 29, 2008. She expressed the need for volunteers and noted that Friends of the Park are still having fund raisers. Alderman Lemons announced Friends of the Park received a grant from Northshore Community Foundation for $20,000.00.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Buffers & Conforming Uses Rezoning Historic Commercial District to C2 District Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

NOTE: 5 Minute Break

Alderman Patterson motioned to accept the amendments as read to the Buffers & Conforming Uses Rezoning Historic Commercial District to Residential/Commercial District Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adopt the Buffers & Conforming Uses Rezoning Historic Commercial District to Residential/Commercial District Ordinance as amended, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris welcomed Mr. Alahmed who was requesting Cahill Street revoked due to a portion of the house being on the street. Discussion followed and it was suggested that Mr. Alahmed to return to Public Committee with his request.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Lemons made a motion to adopt the NIMS Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote YEAS: 5 Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Alderman Patterson made a motion to adopt the Verizon Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5 Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Alderman Lemons motioned to introduce Hwy. 59 Rezone Residential to Residential/Commercial Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

Brad Nobles with Kyle Associates stated that South Utility Extension is on track. He noted landscape plans are being looked at for the Round a Bout and Sidewalk construction should start around April 28, 2008.

Alderman Dugas motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 15th DAY OF APRIL 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 4-08

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

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

LT. ESSURE/STPSO:
Mayor Fitzmorris welcomed Lt. Fred Escher. Lt. Escher is a resident of Abita Springs. He has been with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office for 8 ½ years. Lt. Escher is certified in Crime Prevention. Discussion followed regarding his previous experience.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Representative from Fire District #8 reported on the calls for the month. He mentioned the Annual Crawfish Boil is set for May 3, 2008.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He commented on items that were closed and items still open.

PARK COMMITTEE:
Mr. Gowland thanked the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for all of the work completed. Mr. Gowland gave an update advising the Trailhead is almost complete. They are working on a few final touch up’s. Ms. Cognivich reported on the success of the Jazz Brunch. She recapped on how wonderful the experience was and thanked everyone for their participation. She commented on how beautiful the Quail Farm was and they wanted to make the Jazz Brunch an annual event. Alderman Lemons reported on Friends of The Park discussing fund raisers and new members. Alderman Patterson discussed some of the proposals that have been received for the water feature.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Campbell made a motioned to introduce the FEMA Trailer Resolution requesting and requiring the removal of all FEMA trailers, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote YEAS: 4 Campbell, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Dugas

Brad Nobles with Kyle & Associates advised that McDonald Construction will start the Sidewalk Project on March 31, 2008 and Kapco Diversified, LLC will start the South Utility Project next week.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Campbell made a motion to introduce an Ordinance Changing a Portion of Historic Commercial Zoning to C2 Zoning, seconded by Alderman Lemons.
Alderman Campbell made a motion to introduce an Ordinance changing a portion of Historic Commercial Zoning to Residential/Commercial Overlay Zoning, seconded by Alderman Lemons.

Mayor Fitzmorris discussed trade marking the Logo for the Town of Abita Springs. He mentioned he has already spoken with an Attorney recommended by Edward Deano, our Town Attorney. There is a $2500.00 retainer fee. Discussion followed on why the Town should proceed with Trade marking the Logo. Alderman Campbell motioned to allow Mayor Fitzmorris to move forward with this, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

Mr. Cognivich and the VFW Post 8720 would like to donate a flag and a flag pole to the Trailhead. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked the VFW for their donation.
Alderman Campbell discussed the Whole Town Garage Sale scheduled for March 29, 2008 and the Abita Opry activities that will be on March 24, 2008. Discussion followed on the Town website.

Mayor Fitzmorris motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 18th DAY OF MARCH 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 3-08

• New Harmonies calendar for April and May 2008

Apply in person at 22161 Level Street, Abita Springs or send resume’ to P.O. Box 461, Abita Springs, LA 70420. Equal Employment Opportunity

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

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

Alderman Campbell made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the January 15, 2007 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0

Alderman Dugas motioned to accept the October 2007 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0 and ABSENT: 0

LT. CARDINALE’S/STPSO:
Lt. Cardinalie announced his retirement date is March 10, 2008. Lt. Cardinalie mentioned that Officer Revere will be the new Deputy in town. Major Sharp with the STPSO advised they will replace Lt. Cardinalie with a suitable person and thanked him for his 20 years on the force. Captain Lintz, the District Commander with the STPSO, gave an annual report and commented on our safe community. Mayor Fitzmorris and the Board of Aldermen thanked Lt. Cardinalie for a job well done and stated that the STPSO has exceeded our expectations.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He commented on items that were closed and items still open.

PARK COMMITTEE:
Mayor Fitzmorris reported that the Longbranch Building and the Pavilion are almost complete. Alderman Campbell thanked Abita Pharmacy for the donation of $5,500.00 to Friends of the Park. She commented on the design from Learning Structures for the playground equipment and noted that there are a few minor changes. Alderman Lemons commented that Friends of the Park will have a table at the Jazz Brunch with a sign up sheet for volunteers and will also be selling bags, t-shirts, etc.

Mayor Fitzmorris noted the Push Mow Parade was a success and thanked Mary Davis, Michelle Kelsey and all of the volunteers for their hard work.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Patterson motioned to introduce the Resolution authorizing the Mayor to negotiate, authorize and execute a contract for sidewalks in the Town of Abita Springs, seconded by Alderman Dugas Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0

Alderman Dugas motion to add the South Utility Extension Resolution to the agenda, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson NAYS:0 ABSENT: 0

Alderman Dugas motioned to adopt the South Utility Extension Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston Vote YEAS: 5 Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris commented on the situation regarding gas pressure. He noted that we are servicing the gas lines and apologized for any inconvenience. Discussion followed regarding the service that is being done.

Alderman Dugas motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 19th DAY OF FEBRUARY 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 2-08