Town Of Abita Springs

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The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on September 16, 2008 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2008 MILLAGE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing explaining that 2008 is an assessment year. Discussion followed on how assessments are made and values determined. He noted the numbers were not received and a decision would be made once numbers are received. Note was made that the Millage will be tabled until the October 2008 Town Council Meeting. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

VIDEO TAPPING ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Video Taping Ordinance Public Hearing noting we may be first to have a Video Taping Ordinance. Mayor Fitzmorris read the Ordinance and explained it was just putting a few rules in effect. Alderman Edmiston made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Cynthia Ann Backe running for constable – Ward 10, Mary Devereux running for Judge, Division K and Dawn Amacker running for Family Court Judge.

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

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

Alderman Dugas motioned to accept the May 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 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 to date. Lt. Escher mentioned the increase of traffic and speeding since Hurricane Gustav and noted the situation was being addressed. He advised they have begun the walk through at the schools. Alderman Campbell thanked the STPSO for all of their help during the storm.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Alderman Lemons gave an update for Fire District #8. They had 48 calls and most of them were medical. He mentioned the Town has a Burn Ordinance and copies can be picked up at Town Hall or at the Fire Department. Alderman Lemons noted they are looking for Volunteers at the Fire Department. He advised the CPR class was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He thanked his wife and the Town for all of their cooperation. He noted he is working with Animal Control regarding a dog issue.

PARK COMMITTEE & FRIENDS OF THE PARK:
Mayor Fitzmorris reported on minor damage at the Park. He thanked Ron Blitch for his generous donation and noted the Princess Statue will be in next week. Alderman Lemons stated there is an inmate crew cleaning up debris at the park and described some of the items that were damaged from the storm and flooding. Alderman Patterson announced the Abita River Chili Cook Off will be held at the Park on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. All entry fees and admissions can be found on their website at www.abitariverchilicookoff.com.

ENGENEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mr. Brad Nobels/Kyle Associates reported on debris pick up. There are three trucks running and 6 loads were made today. He mentioned they will meet next week with DOTD regarding the Traffic Circle. Mr. Franklin Kyle/Kyle Associates noted all information has been submitted for the sidewalks and should hear something this week.

STORM UPDATE:
Mayor Fitzmorris thanked Parish President Kevin Davis, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Fire Chief Gary Mendow and Alderman Greg Lemons for all of their help and support during Hurricane Gustav. He mentioned Alderman Lemons was a liaison for the Town and he stayed at the EOC Building during the storm and updated the Town website and called with valuable information. Mayor Fitzmorris expressed his gratitude to the Aldermen, Town employees and the Community. Mayor Fitzmorris noted he is honored to be Mayor of such a wonderful community. Mayor Fitzmorris urged all residents to get their debris out as debris will only be picked up for the next week; FEMA has not declared St. Tammany Parish for category A reimbursement for debris pick up.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Edmiston made a motion to accept the Video Taping Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to table the 2008 Millage, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris introduced resident Lynette Soules. Ms. Soules spoke about Proposition No. 2. Explaining it was a renewal not a tax increase. Ms. Soules explained that 2 Mills will be split between COAST and STARC and how it benefits the two organizations.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 16th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 9-08

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on August 19, 2008 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CAHILL STREET REVOCATION ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Public Hearing and reported the appraisal for Cahill Street was $12,000.00. Ms. Christianson inquired on the property value. Mayor Fitzmorris commented on the appraisal value being for the street only and the house sitting in the right of way. Discussion followed on P&Z recommendation, not building on right-of-way and not being a need for the street. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

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

Alderman Campbell made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the July 15, 2008 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT:1 Alderman Edmiston.

Alderman Dugas motioned to accept the April 2008 Financial Reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston.

LT. ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher gave a brief summary on all traffic citations/arrest to date. Lt. Escher discussed a few burglaries and answered questions for residents.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Mr. Givens from Fire District #8 gave a brief summary of all calls. He noted that the Fire Department will hold a Community CPR Course September 13, 2008 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm any interested party may attend. Mr. Givens reminded the residents they are still looking for Volunteer Firefighters.

TOWN MARSHAL REPORT:
Town Marshal Joe Candilora gave a recap for the month. He commented on the letters that were delivered to Abita East Apartments regarding items being flushed into the system.

PARK COMMITTEE & FRIENDS OF THE PARK:
Mayor Fitzmorris explained the Water Feature is operating and the lighting is being installed now. They are coordinating the water and the lights. He mentioned the Council adopted a Resolution in support of Friends of the Park applying for a LA Trails Program Grant. Alderman Lemons noted that Friends of the Park is working on refurbishing the picnic shelters and finishing up some odds and ends on the playground. Alderman Campbell informed residents there will be a work day at the park Saturday, August 23, 2008 if any of the residents were interested in coming to help out.

ENGENEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mr. Franklin Kyle/Kyle Associates reported the sidewalk plan at hand meeting was done last week and they have signed a contract on the roundabout for landscaping and lighting with PRC. He stated that Southeast Utility Extension is complete.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas motion to amend the Cahill Street Revocation Ordinance as read, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Edmiston.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Cahill Street Revocation Ordinance as amended, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Edmiston.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris introduced John W. Schwab Jr. with BCS Enterprises, LLC. Mr. Schwab presented information regarding the LA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and their services. Discussion followed on their background, experience, fees and management.
Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the LA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Resolution with a prioritized prospective list from Council, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons, and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1 Edmiston.
Alderman Campbell made a motion to introduce the Video Tapping Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Dugas, Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Edmiston.

Mayor Fitzmorris advised a letter was sent out from Cleco for a scheduled electrical outage on August 20, 2008 at 11:45 pm. He mentioned the outage will only last for 4 hours and if the weather is bad the electrical outage will be postponed until the following week.

Alderman Dugas motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 19th DAY OF August 2008.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 8-08

Saturday, October 11, 2008
10am - 6pm
Abita Springs Park

For information, visit the website at www.abitariverchilicookoff.com or send an email to info@abitariverchilicookoff.com or call Town Hall at 985-892-0711.

Hurricane Vegetative Debris pick up started Monday, September 15th. Please be advised that there will only be one sweep through town for Hurricane Vegetative Debris. All other lawn maintenance debris will be picked up by Coastal Waste Services. Lawn maintentance debris must be placed near the garbage bin and bundled in 4×4x6 piles.