Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on August 17, 2010 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, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the July 20, 2010 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Patterson, Vote: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

DEPUTY ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher commented on the successful turn out for National Night Out Against Crime and thanked all participants. Lt. Escher gave a monthly recap mentioning some stolen bikes recovered are still at Town Hall. Lt. Escher advised everyone to lock cars doors, put bikes in back yards and do not leave anything in mailboxes. He noted most burglaries happen when doors are left unlocked. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked Lt. Escher, Alderman Campbell and all of the residents who participated in National Night Out Against Crime and for making it a huge success.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Fire District # 8 Representative gave a recap of calls for the month. He commented on the decrease in calls.

TOWN MARSHAL:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a brief summary for the month advising it has been a quiet month.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Mayor Fitzmorris announced the down payment for the Traffic Circle fountain has been made and work should start at the end of next week, Mr. Kenny Davis with Arc Welding will install the fencing around the fountain. Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned Friends of the Park sponsored a drinking fountain that will go behind the little gazebo for people to fill jugs. The elevator will be installed at the Pavilion to make it handicap accessible at the end of the month. The sidewalks have been staked and work should begin soon. Brad Nobles/Kyle Associates noted a pre-construction meeting was held Friday, August 13, 2010 regarding sidewalks. He mentioned there will be an inspector out at all times to answer any questions that come up. Mayor Fitzmorris was happy to announce by waiting on the sidewalks the town has received complete funding for the project and the town only has to pay for the inspection.
A resident inquired on Abita Oaks drainage. Mayor Fitzmorris explained the Town Engineer was out but noted NRCS was checking to see if they could clean The area between Abita Oaks and St. Charles Street. Alderman Dugas gave a more detail report on drainage plans as determined between the original project Engineer/Surveyor and the Town Engineer.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris explained the Louisiana Municipal Association Municipal Aid Agreement Authorization Resolution. Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Louisiana Municipal Association Municipal Aid Agreement Authorization Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote was: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to amend the agenda adding Emergency Agreement Contract Authorization Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris explained the need for an Emergency Authorization Resolution.
Alderman Dugas Made a motion to adopt the Emergency Agreement Contract Authorization Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell announced a blood drive will be held at Town Hall on August 18, 2010 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm for Liz Perrin. The Playground will be two years old this year and a party will be held at the park August 29, 2010 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. She noted the last day to register to vote is September 1, 2010, early voting is September 18, 2010 thru September 25, 2010 at the Justice Center in Covington. Alderman Patterson mentioned the Annual Chili Cook-off will be held October 30, 2010 at the Trailhead. Alderman Campbell noted the Abita Springs Water Festival will be held October 9, 2010 at the Trailhead.

Alderman Dugas motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Patterson.

After a motion and second to adjourn a resident Lynn Christiansen asked to repeal Ordinance #357 Mayor and Town Council Salary Increase. Mayor Fitzmorris asked Town Attorney, Edward Deano for guidance on how to continue after a motion and second for adjournment. Town Attorney replied a vote should be taken on adjournment motion. Mayor Fitzmorris called for a vote. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

MEEING ADJOURNED.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 17TH DAY OF AUGUST 2010.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 7-10

Gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances in your home to fuel gas supply pipes. Some older brass connectors have come apart, causing fires and explosions resulting in deaths and injuries.

These older brass connectors have a serious flaw in how their tubing was joined to their end pieces. Over time, the end pieces can seperate from the tubing and cause a serious gas leak, explosion, or fire. To our knowledge, these dangerous uncoated brass connectors have not been made for more than 20 years, but many of them are still in use. The older these connectors get, the greater the possibility of failure.

Although not all uncoated connectors have this flaw, it is very difficult to tell which ones do. Therefore, any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with either a new plastic-coated brass or new stainless steel connector. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should always be replaced whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.

WARNING: Only a qualified professional should check your connector and replace it if needed. Don’t try to do this yourself!

Moving the appliance, even slightly, whether to clean behind it or to inspect its gas connector, can cause the complete failure of one of these older weakened connectors, possibly resulting in a deadly fire or explosion.

If you have any questions, please contact your plumber.

Abita Springs will host “movie night” in the Abita Springs Park. The movie will begin at 8pm. The admission is free. Soft drinks and popcorn will be sold. Please feel free to bring blankets and/or chairs. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Should you need any additional information, please contact Town Hall at (985) 892-0711.

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on July 20, 2010 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Contiguous Lot Laws Ordinance Amendment public hearing. Mayor Fitzmorris explained to residents in detail the changes in the Contiguous Lot Laws showing a diagram. Discussion followed on previous lot laws and lot sizes. Alderman Campbell made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Recreation/Park Certificate of Indebtedness Ordinance public hearing explaining the town is looking to use 1 mil out of the park millage to pay the Certificate of Indebtedness. The money will be used to add shade shelters by the water feature and building an amphitheater in the park where the Pavilion was previously located. Alderman Lemons grant applied for by Friends of the Park for partial funding for Nature Trails in the Park. Alderman Campbell expressed her eagerness to complete the projects in the park. Alderman Edmiston commented on her excitement to watch all of the children utilizing the park. Alderman Lemons noted his support of the bond. Mr. Pouncey questioned all of the money being spent on beautifying the park, when he felt more streets needed to be fixed and there are stumps needed to be removed from ditch areas. Alderman Dugas advised Mr. Pouncey the money that will be used in the Park is dedicated to the Park and can not be used for other projects. Ms. Dorothy Pouncey discussed some blighted properties and doing something with the property where an old school was on St. Charles Street. Ms. Dorothy Pouncey expressed her disappointment with people removing election yard signs. Mayor Fitzmorris advised her to report the sign issue to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Mayor Fitzmorris also noted the town is cleaning some property the town owns or has possession of on 8th Street and also behind Phillip’s Abita Lumber. Plans are to build small park areas. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Municipal Infrastructure Program. He explained that the town is working with Darrell Williamson with Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson on a CDBG for the MIP. Mr. Williamson noted the Town of Abita Springs is eligible to apply for up to a 2 million dollar grant to install new water/sewer lines. He explained this is in addition to the Parish CDBG funds. Mr Williamson explained it is a long process noting the importance of completion due to a tight deadline of August 31, 2010 for the application.
Alderman Lemons announced he is in support of this program. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Edmiston.

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 May 18, 2010 regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Patterson, Vote: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

DEPUTY ESCHER/STPSO:
Lt. Escher announced National Night Out Against Crime was scheduled for August 3, 2010. He mentioned several parties are planned and hope for more and a bigger turn out than last year. Lt. Escher gave a recap of citations/arrest for the month. He commented on the amount of bicycle thefts in the area and explained some bikes were returned to the rightful owner.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Alderman Lemons gave a recap of calls for Fire District #8 explaining most of the medical calls were for heat related issues. He mentioned the Fire Department is hosting a dedication for John T. Prats St. Fire Station on Hwy 59. The dedication will start at 11:00am and end at 1:00pm on Saturday July 24, 2010. There will be food, drinks and music. He urged all residents to attend.

TOWN MARSHAL:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a brief summary for the month. He discussed the 3 complaints received.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported the sidewalk project is going thru DOTD and should get a Notice to Proceed in the next couple of weeks. He explained the fencing for the Traffic Circle has been approved by the State, utilities have been installed and the foundation should be started in the next few weeks. He noted French Fountains are installing the fountain in the Traffic Circle and the fountain behind the little gazebo. A resident questioned Mr. Thibodeaux about the drainage issues at Abita Villas. Mr. Thibodeaux and Mayor Fitzmorris explained drainage is not part of the developmental agreement with Lonesome Development and would be the responsibility of the Home Owners Association. Mayor Fitzmorris explained the town has not accepted the roads in Abita Villas at this time.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Contiguous Lot Laws Ordinance Amendment, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.
Alderman Lemons made a motion to adopt the Recreation/Park Certificate of Indebtedness Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote: YEAS: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Mayor Fitzmorris was pleased to announce Coastal Waste is now accepting glass and cardboard as recycling items. He mentioned how successful the recycling program has been and informed residents Abita Springs recycles as much as Covington or more. Ms. Christiansen questioned the amount of people recycling and commented on it being unfair for those who choose not to recycle but have to pay for the service. Discussion followed on bin distribution, participation and rates.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris acknowledged the passing of Mr. Robert Green. Mayor Fitzmorris noted he was the town’s very first Prosecutor and described his enthusiasm, explaining how contagious it was. Mr. Green loved what he was doing and he and Clerk of Court, Kathy Armand, had a wonderful working relationship. Mr. Green was a perfect fit in the Town of Abita Springs. Mayor Fitzmorris read the Proclamation. Ms. Betsy Green thanked Mayor Fitzmorris and Council for their support.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced State Representative, Scott Simon and Senator, Ben Nevers, to talk about LGAP 2010. Representative Simon described what a special place Abita Springs is. He explained getting the LGAP money will allow for the elevator at the park to access the Pavilion. Having the elevator will increase the amount of people that can utilize the Pavilion at one time. Senator Nevers announced what an honor it was to be here in the Town of Abita Springs. He noted all of the small towns he represents in St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish and Washington Parish. He believes there is not a small town any more efficient than the Town of Abita Springs and the Mayor and the Council have been an inspiration to him. He thanked Representative Simon for all of the hard work he has done. Both were proud to announce the $19,600.00 LGAP for Abita Springs.

Mayor Fitzmorris introduced Brian Huval with Laporte, Shert, Romig & Hand. Mr. Huval summarized the 2009 Audit and explained the process of approval. Mayor Fitzmorris advised the entire Audit can be accessed by a link on the town’s website. Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the 2009 Audit, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Edmiston made a motion to adopt the Municipal Infrastructure Program Funding Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Edmiston Made a motion to adopt the Municipal Infrastructure Program Authorization for Application Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Prosecutors Appointment Resolution appointing Michael Montalbano and Brian Trainor, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Resolution recommending Jonathan Davis for the Recreation District 11 Board, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Patterson made a motion to adopt the Sewer District 6 Plant Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Aldermen Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the 2010 Millage Resolution, seconded by Aldermen Campbell. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Alderman Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell advised if anyone wanted to host a block party for Night out Against Crime please contact her at Town Hall so they can be put on the list. She commented on the huge success of Movie Night at the park and was excited to announce there were about 100 people at the event. She thanked the Ladies Progressive Club for making it all possible. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked the Museum Committee and Mr. and Mrs. Soules for their participation.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 15TH DAY OF JUNE 2010.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 6-10

* Last Day to Register to Vote…9/1/10

* Time Period to Request a Mail Ballot from Registrar
(other than Military and Overseas)…8/3/10 - 9/28/10

* Deadline for Registrar to Receive Voted Mail Ballot
(other than Military and Overseas)…10/1/10

* Early Voting Begins…9/18/10

* Early Voting Ends…9/25/10