Town Of Abita Springs

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on February 17, 2010 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

Mayor Fitzmorris expressed how proud he was of the New Orleans Saints and what an amazing time he had at the Super Bowl and at the Saints Parade. He shared his excitement for ridding in the Zulu Parade this year and what a wonderful experience it was.

PUBLIC HEARING:
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMPENSTAION ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris explained the raises noting it has been years since salaries were increased. He explained the increase will go into effect in 2011. Alderman Lemons noted he is fully giving his support for Mayor and Council Raises. He believes by increasing salaries more people will become involved in Government. Mayor Fitzmorris noted that being Mayor and Alderman there is a lot of responsibility. He feels this compensation is fair noting that built into the Ordinance is a cost of living raise that will be capped at 3% and includes 3% the Town Clerk salary. Alderman Patterson discussed the Public Committees and their function. A couple of residents commented on how much the town has grown and the responsibilities of the elected officials. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

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

Alderman Patterson made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the January 19, 2009, regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to accept the November 2009 financial reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

DEPUTY VAUTHIER/STPSO:
Deputy Vauthier gave a brief recap of arrest/citations for the month. He mentioned the Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2010 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Fire District #8 representative gave a brief recap of calls for the month. He noted the Fire Department has taken over the All Town Garage Sale and the date has been set for March 27, 2010.

TOWN MARSHAL:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a brief summary for the month. He explained it was a quiet month.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Administrative Assistant, Donna Kilpatrick gave an update on street paving. She noted the sidewalks are still on track for March 10th, 2010 and City/State Agreement for the Landscaping on the Traffic Circle was signed by the Secretary of State and executed on January 13, 2010.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt the Mayor and Council Compensation Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: YEAS: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Patterson made a motion to allow Walgreens High & Low Alcohol License pending ABC approval, seconded by Alderman Dugas. Vote was: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Lemons made a motion to allow SSA Quick Stop High & Low Alcohol License pending ABC approval, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Lemons made a motion to adopt the Hazard Mitigation Adoption Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote was: 4, Campbell, Dugas, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1, Alderman Edmiston, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell thanked the Museum Committee and the community for yet another great Push Mow Parade this year advising the proceeds will benefit the Trailhead and Park. She advised there will be a Neighborhood Watch Meeting held at Town Hall on March 24, 2010 and the Annual All Town Garage Sale will be held on March 27, 2010.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 17TH DAY OF JANUARY 2010.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor

TC MINUTES 2-10

The following minutes were taken from the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on January 19, 2010 at the Town Hall in Abita Springs.

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

PUBLIC HEARING:
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT USES WITHIN BOUNDRY OF CLTURE DISTRICT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the public hearing discussing the uses in the boundaries of the Cultural District. Allowable uses were established and Specific uses requiring a Special Use Permit were also determined. He explained the Special Use Permit process and noted businesses needing a Special Use Permit would go before the Planning and Zoning Committee to determine use. Alderman Campbell 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 Edmiston made a motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the December 15, 2009, regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to accept the October 2009 financial reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

DEPUTY VAUTHIER/STPSO:
Deputy Vauthier gave a brief recap of arrest/citations for the month. He commented on the Town of Abita Springs being a quiet community.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Fire District #8 representative/Troy Lange gave a brief recap of calls for 2009 and for the month of January 2010. He noted the Fire Department has taken over the All Town Garage Sale and the date has been set for March 27, 2010.

TOWN MARSHAL:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a brief summary for the month. He mentioned there was extra patrol on parking in front of businesses.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported the road paving bid came in within budget and Barriere Construction, LLC was the lowest bidder. He was excited to report he had received the sidewalk proposal draft. Mayor Fitzmorris noted the Request for Qualifying Statements for Engineering Services for the CDBG Project went out for advertisement.

Mayor Fitzmorris commented on the cold weather noting it was the coldest weather in 20 years. He explained a couple of the issues with the water and gas due to the cold weather. Mayor Fitzmorris noted bills will be high and the town is willing to work with residents on them. He thanked the maintenance department for all of their hard work making sure everyone had gas and water.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Lemons made a motion to amend the Midtown Cultural District Uses as noted, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt the Midtown Cultural District Ordinance as amended, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Alderman Lemons made a motion to adopt the Fire District #8 Board Appointment of Mr. Fred Schroder Resolution, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote was: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Patterson made a motion to adopt the Street Improvement Bid Acceptance Resolution, seconded by Alderman Edmiston. Vote was: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to introduce the Mayor & Council Compensation Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to amend the agenda to add the Saints NFC Championship Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell. Vote was: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0 ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Edmiston made a motion to adopt the Saints NFC Championship Resolution, seconded by Alderman Campbell, Vote was: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson.

Alderman Edmiston noted Covington High School is looking for volunteers to judge the Senior Research Project. Anyone interested should call Mary Lewis at Covington High School.

Alderman Campbell announced Bryan Gowland received the Presidents Award at the St. Tammany Parish 5th Annual Arts Awards. She noted the Push Mow Parade will be held on February 6, 2010 and sign up will begin at 8:00am at Town Hall.

Town Clerk, Jennifer Oalmann mentioned WSTE will soon start clearing the town right of way.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Edmiston.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 19TH DAY OF JANUARY 2010.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 1-10

Saturday, March 27, 2010 (Rain or Shine - No Rain Date)

Finn Ball Park - Hwy 36 (East of town, next to District #8 Fire Station)
Booth Space Available; $60 12×12; $100 12×24

At home garage sale mapping fee $10.
Maps available at Town Hall. - Day of garage sale only.

For questions, booth space rental, and to be placed on the map, call Abita / Waldheim Firefighters Association at (985) 893-1383 for information…Leave a message and someone will call you back.

Please be advised that a subcontractor of Washington St. Tammany Electric Cooperative will begin cleaning public right of ways during the week of January 18, 2010. Should you have any questions, please contact the Town of Abita Springs at 985-892-0711.

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

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

PUBLIC HEARING:
2010 PROPOSED BUDGET ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the public hearing and went over proposed numbers for 2010. He explained decreases and increases in revenue collected and expenses paid out. Mayor Fitzmorris also noted the budget has to be a balanced budget. Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned the special section on the 2010 Budget was due to the redirection of 1 mill for lighting and 2 mills for the park and playgrounds. Mayor Fitzmorris noted recycle was revisited and participation has increased. Alderman Lemons gave a brief summary about the 80% increase in recycling and a school program set up to recycle through Coastal Waste. Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned he is encouraged by the participation percentage and would like to extend recycling for another year.
Mayor Fitzmorris explained he tries to give employee pay raise every year but no raises were budgeted for employees. He expressed his appreciation to the employees for their understanding in regards to the town’s situation. Alderman Patterson made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Lemons.

HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT USES WITHIN BOUNDRY OF CLTURE DISTRICT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the public hearing noting this ordinance needs to go before Planning and Zoning again to get their approval and this should be done by January. Alderman Campbell made a motion to defer to the January 19, 2009 Town Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Lemons.

PARKING AMENDMENT ORDINANCE: Mayor Fitzmorris opened the Parking Amendment public hearing discussing the Parking Amendment Ordinance explaining the clarification in the language will help the town enforce the parking rules. Alderman Dugas made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

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 November 17, 2009, regular monthly meeting, seconded by Alderman Lemons, Vote YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Dugas made a motion to accept the August 2009 and September 2009 financial reports, seconded by Alderman Campbell, 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 explaining more warnings are being given due to the Holiday’s. He explained in detail some issues that happened in the past month advising all residents to lock their homes and cars. Lt. Escher announced he would be leaving in January and returning in May. He joined the United State Army Reserve as an Assistant Chaplin. Community Relations Officer, Eddie Vauthier was introduced to take Lt. Escher’s place while out. Mayor Fitzmorris expressed how proud he is of Lt. Escher and how he will be missed noting what he is doing is important and he is confidant that all would be handled.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Alderman Lemons gave a report for Fire Department #8 noting a 10% increase in calls since this time last year. He advised that all six new fire fighters have passed the Fire Fighter 1 course and Hazmat course.

TOWN MARSHAL:
Town Marshal, Joe Candilora gave a brief summary for the month. Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned the decrease in complaints since Town Marshal Candilora has been out patrolling the streets.

ENGINEERING PROJECT REPORT:
Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported that a lot of the Road Paving bid packets were picked up by local contractors and a couple of addendums were sent out noting if recycled asphalt is used the town would be able to asphalt more roads. He advised the bid opening has been rescheduled until December 18, 2009 at 2:00pm. Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux reported on the progress of the Sidewalk Project and the chance to receive some Stimulus money for the project. He also reported on the Roundabout Landscaping, CDBG gas and water valve project and noted the Handicap Accessory Structure was complete. Discussion followed on meeting with the DEQ Loan Program and storm water infiltration. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked Valarie Horton with the State and Town Engineer, Jean Thibodeaux for their hard work on the Sidewalk Project. The Handicap Accessory Structure is complete and Mayor Fitzmorris commented on a job well done by Southern Homes.

Mayor Fitzmorris discussed the seven inches of rain that was received since Friday, December 11, 2009 explaining that we are in good shape with drainage. He noted the Abita River was high but we have had very little street flooding. Discussion followed on lift stations and drainage.

Alderman Campbell mentioned on Thursday, December 17, 2009 in the lighted field across from Town Hall Trinity Baptist Church will begin Christmas Caroling at 6:30. She noted schools are decorating the Christmas trees in the park. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked the Ladies Progressive Club for the donation of the lights and Cleco for putting up the lights. Mayor Fitzmorris thanked Pastor Baker with Trinity Baptist Church for the beautiful Widow’s Banquet and how much they enjoyed it. Alderman Campbell also mentioned the Push Mo Parade will be held on February 6, 2009 and the 2010 theme is “What were you thinking”. She noted line up starts at 8:00am and parade rolls at 11:00am.

Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned Mr. Stire passed away this week noting he was on the Council. He also mentioned that Mr. David Root will be honored at the Saints game on Saturday for the People’s Health Award.

OLD BUSINESS:
Alderman Dugas made a motion to adopt of the 2010 Proposed Budget Ordinance, 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 defer the Historic Commercial District Uses Ordinance until the January 19, 2009 Town Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Patterson. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

Alderman Campbell made a motion to adopt of the Parking Amendment Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Lemons. Vote was: YEAS: 5, Campbell, Dugas, Edmiston, Lemons and Patterson, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 0, ABSTAIN: 0.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Fitzmorris mentioned the February 16, 2009 Town Council Meeting falls on Mardi Gras day explaining this is a holiday and the office will be closed. Alderman Dugas made a motion to reschedule the February 16, 2009 Town Council Meeting to Wednesday, February 17, 2009, seconded by Alderman Campbell.

Mayor Fitzmorris wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Alderman Patterson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Dugas.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED THIS 15TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2009.

________________________ _______________________
Jennifer Oalmann, Town Clerk Louis Fitzmorris, Mayor
TC MINUTES 12-09