City of Gretna Legals: Mayor Councilmen

CITY OF GRETNA LEGALS
Gretna City Officials

Mayor
Belinda Cambre Constant
Councilmen
Dist. at Large: Wayne A. Rau
Dist. 1: Milton L. Crosby
Dist. 2: Joseph A. Marino III
Dist. 3: Mark K. Miller
Dist. 4: Jackie J. Berthelot
Chief of Police
Arthur S. Lawson, Jr.
Justice of the Peace
District 1: Vernon J. Wilty III
City of Gretna
Gretna City Hall
Second Street & Huey P. Long Avenue
P.O. Box 404
Gretna, LA 70054-0404
Telephone (504) 363-1500
Website: www.gretnala.com
Gretna Police Department
200 Fifth St.
Gretna, LA 70053
Telephone (504) 366- 4374
City of Gretna
MEETING NOTICE
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna will meet in regular session
on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., on the second floor Council Chambers
of Gretna City Hall, Second Street and Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana.
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK
CITY OF GRETNA
Publish: April 1, 2015 The New Orleans Advocate
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The Mayor and Council of the City of Gretna met this day on Wednesday,
March 11, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., in Regular Session with the following members
present: Mayor Belinda C. Constant; Council Members: Wayne A. Rau, Milton
L. Crosby, Joseph A. Marino III, Mark K. Miller, Jackie J. Berthelot.
Absent: None.
Opening Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Mark Broussard, Chaplain with Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office and Jail
Ministry offered a prayer upon the opening of the meeting followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America.
Notice of the Meeting
Notice of the Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna
scheduled for Wednesday March 11, 2015; published in the Wednesday edition
of the New Orleans Advocate on March 4, 2015, and posted on the Gretna City
Hall Bulletin Board on Wednesday, February 27, 2014.
Opening Remarks by the Mayor. None
Amend Agenda
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, IT WAS
RESOLVED to amend the Council Regular meeting Agenda for March 11, 2015
to add four (4) ordinances for introduction: An ordinance amending Chapter 18,
Article I - In General., Section 18-7.- Maximum height of fences on residential
property, paragraph (4); An ordinance supplementing and amending the Gretna
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3- Administrative Adjudication of Public Health,
Housing, Fire Code, Environmental and Historic District Violations; Section
3-7.- Hearing procedures, paragraphs (h), (k) and (n); An ordinance nullifying
Ordinance No. 4636 which provided for the acquisition of the adjudicated
property located at 615-617 Solon Street by the City of Gretna pursuant to La. R.
S. 47:2236 and an ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1,
2014 to March 31, 2015 to recognize current status of large Police capital projects
at year end, increasing expenditures and grant revenue by $1,000,000 for the
New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters project and reducing expenditures
and grant revenue by $270,000 for the Renovations to the Police Maintenance
Building project.; one presentation for the Westbank Boys & Girls Club of
Southeast Louisiana, and the same were unanimously approved.
Presentations:
Jefferson Transit Gretna Local route
Mr. Ryan D. Brown, Director of Transit Administration for Jefferson Parish
thanked everyone involved in spearheading this endeavor on the city council;
thanked Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet, Councilman at Large
Chris Roberts and Mr. Brett Lawson and the Parish President the Honorable
John Young. It was very good news not only for Gretna but for the transit
overall. Everyone is excited for bringing the Gretna Local back into service.
He introduced Mr. Pierre Orlando, General Manager and route expert. Thanked
the Transit Board and the Chairman Bryan Adams (State Representative).
Jefferson Transit oversees public transportation for the urbanized portion of the
Eastbank and Westbank of Jefferson. The goals are to provide quality transit
services for the passengers travelling to and from major employment centers.
Passengers will be able to connect to the RTA, Kenner Local and also with the
River Parish airport route. He provided statistics and logistics on the services
and ridership that Jefferson Transit provides. A map of the Gretna local route
was shown on the PowerPoint and was explained step by step. MITS services
provide transportation to the senior citizens and the disabled who are unable
to use public transportation and although Gretna did not have a route MITS
continued its service. Park & Ride facility is available at the Wilty Terminal
and Walkertown Terminal. All the Jefferson Transit (JET) vehicles are ADA
accessible with bike racks. Importantly during emergency evacuation, JET
vehicles play a crucial role in evacuating resident out of harms way. The fare to
ride the Gretna Local will be $1.50; and that is in keeping with the present fare
fees. Jefferson Parish riders will be able to plan their by googling the Jefferson
Transit schedules. Is a good day not only for Gretna but for Jefferson Parish!
Mayor Constant echoed on the thanks to all the elected officials of Jefferson
Parish as mentioned by Mr. Ryan D. Brown and to everyone involved in this
endeavor and for understanding how important that this bus be unique to the
city. It will be good for the government offices in this area and the citizens from
all over Jefferson Parish needing access to the government complex. The Gretna
bus will be smaller and will be reflective of just Gretna; there will be no outside
advertising. It will be picking up at most of the points of interest that the people
have expressed need for.
Councilman Rau stated is a great project because it will give people access to
and from Downtown. Thanks for all the cooperation given to the city in getting
this project accomplished.
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, following
resolution was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the
following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and Berthelot
Nays: None.
Absent: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-017
A resolution endorsing the new Gretna Local route supported by Jefferson
Transit.
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, welfare and safety
of the citizens of the City of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the elected officials of Gretna to have public
transportation services returned to the city; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Transit has added a bus route within the City of Gretna;
and
WHEREAS, the city may gain economic development opportunities with the
passengers using the new local route to do business and enjoy the cultural
aspects of the city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Gretna,
Louisiana, acting as governing authority of said City that:
The new Gretna Local route supported by Jefferson Transit is hereby endorsed.
Visit Gretna City Park Month (May 2015)
Councilman Miller stated that a year ago an effort began to gain more interest in
City Park; joined with the Gretna Community Association to bring people out to
the park. Had activities for the children and for the senior citizens to show what
the park has to offer. This year would like to continue the events and offer the
same activities and bring people to the park and keep bringing awareness to it.
Will do an Observatory Night, will continue the youth Fishing Rodeo and a nice
senior day with fun and games and will try to add a BMX race during the Visit
Gretna City Park Month. He invited everyone go out to Gretna City Park and
visit. Dates for the events will be available shortly through social media.
Updating the Gretna Historic District Guide Book, Clio Associates, LLC
Councilman Marino stated that when the Historic District Guide Book was
introduced it was prepared by CLIO Associates Miss Gabrielle Begue and Miss
Beth Jacob and recently they have updated the book and made changes in the
book to reflect changes in the new process with the Historic District Commission.
Miss Beth Jacob stated they had the honor of drafting the Gretna Historic
District design guidelines which were published in April of 2014 and hoped
they have been a helpful tool for the community. Again they have been asked to
do updating to the Gretna Historic Guide Book. The powers of the HDAC was
strengthened and the committee which has now been renamed Historic District
Commission is no longer advisory in nature but has the power to the issuance of
a Certificate of Appropriateness which is required before obtaining a building
permit and beginning an these changes have been updated in the guideline. Also
extended the Section in Part 5 to address porches and added more samples of
suitable replacements and new porch railings. Added a new section on elevating
existing buildings; focusing on the most appropriate approaches for the types of
residences found in Gretna from Shotgun houses to Bungalows. Provided specific
guidelines to address the most common design issues associated with building
elevation; namely, impacts of the streetscape resulting from the additional
building height; impacts to foundation and porches and extended entry stairs.
This is to help ensure that the taller buildings, whether elevated a few additional
feet to meet base flood elevation or a full story to provide additional living or
garage space; but they all continue to fit within the historic district.
Councilman Marino pointed out the guide book is available in the Building
Department at City Hall. Copy of the book can be purchased and is available
online. The book is an amazing collection of Gretna historic homes, photographs
of homes, detailed drawings done. This guide book was a joint project of Mayor
Constant, Councilman Crosby (District 1) Councilman Marino (District 2); and
was very proud of it. He thanked Miss Gabrielle Begue and Miss Beth Jacob for
their original job and the revisions done. The guide book is an excellent resource
for the city.
Miss Jacob explained, Guidelines: Repair & Renovation 5; generally the
guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior Standards and they included
those standards within the guide book. When you have a conditional issue you
start with maintenance by doing your best to maintain the historic fabric that you
have and maintain the historic integrity of your building. If that is not possible
and adjustment is needed then you repair it, which you stick with the original
materials and repair it; if not possible then replacement is recommended,
which is replacing wood siding with wood siding. All of the sections covered;
foundations, porches, doors & windows, walls and roofs that was the approach
taken. Provided design guidelines for best practices and how to repair and
replace when appropriate these materials.
Miss Jacob summarized that vinyl siding can be problematic from a historic
preservation standpoint for several reasons: Moisture or breathability of the
walls; when you install vinyl over existing wood siding that can trap moisture
within the wall leading to problems with rot and mold. This deterioration
happens out of sight because it is behind the vinyl and you dont see it
till removed. By the time you become aware there is a problem it may have
gone too far. The wood walls in most of the existing historic buildings were
designed to breathe and vinyl inhibits that. Another issue is durability of vinyl;
manufactures claim that vinyl is low maintenance but it degrades in the sunlight
gradually causing brittleness, fading and other deterioration. Even though they
are newer materials, they claim improved breathability and improved coatings,
these are relatively new and we have to see how the performance is in 20 to 30
years. Concerned about sustainability in the manufacturing process, toxins that
are produced and the fact that vinyl cannot be recycled and then there is the
aesthetics arguments. It simply does not have the same material quality as wood.
Vinyl can be problematic when it is used to conceal architectural details or trim.
Lastly, it does not the meet the Secretary of the Interiors standards as suitable
replacement material. Using vinyl on a historic building could impact the ability
to get tax credit. For the majority of the wood frame buildings found in Gretna
Historic District; wood is much more suitable cladding material than vinyl.
Mayor Constant thanked Miss Jacob and Miss Begue for the update on the
Gretna Historic District Guide Book; it is an incredible resource for anyone who
is looking to restore an old home.
Westbank Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana
Judge Marion Edwards expressed appreciation for all the cooperation received
from the mayor and city council for the Boys & Girls Club. He presented
the members from the board of directors Brian Heiden, Jim Barse, Ronnie
Gauthreaux, Katie Ives, Community Development Coordinator from the regional
office and Will Noble manager of the Boys & Girls Club in Gretna. This is truly
been a community project and are very proud of the Boys & Girls Club and
members work very hard to get good grades and what they accomplish on a daily
basis playing basketball and learning about life. The building was renovated by
the LeBron James Foundation; they are still a few items to be repaired.
Mayor Constant thanked everyone and expressed that the elected officials of the
city understand what it means to have an outstanding Boys & Girls Club within
the city limits servicing the Westbank of Jefferson Parish. -- Judge Edwards
announced they will hold a Breakfast Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25, 2015
at Thanh Thanh Restaurant (131 Huey P. Long Avenue,) and invited everyone to
attend the fundraiser. Mayor Constant read the proclamation and presented it to
the Westbank Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana.
New Business recognition.
Agape Angels Academy Child Development Center (72 Westbank Expressway)
Bishop Gerald Hawkins, Mrs. Era Hawkins.
Councilman Berthelot read and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to
acknowledge and welcome Agape Angels Academy Child Development Center
as a new business to the City of Gretna. Mrs. Hawkins briefed on the activities
of the business, and thanked the City of Gretna for recognizing and welcoming
their business into the community.
Seersucker Restaurant & Catering (938 Hancock Street) Jonathan Hostetler,
Blaine Bergeron, Owners.
Councilman Crosby read and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to
acknowledge and welcome Seersucker Restaurant & Catering as a new business
to the City of Gretna. Mr. Bergeron briefed on the activities of their business,
and thanked the City of Gretna for recognizing and welcoming their business
into the community.
Vida Saludable (2214 Belle Chasse Highway) Yolanda Ayala, Owner
Councilman Berthelot read and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to
acknowledge and welcome Vida Saludable as a new business to the City of
Gretna. Interpreter for Miss Ayala briefed on the activities of her business, and
thanked the City of Gretna for recognizing and welcoming her business into the
community.
Variance Request: 99 Westbank Expressway
99 Westbank Expressway - Ratification of Variance requests approved October
8, 2014.
Expressway Four LLC, Applicant (District 2)
1. For front yard setback for commercial structure.
2. For interior landscaping.
3. For additional monument sign.
4. For Conditional Use based on site plan; landscape plan and architectural
elevation.
Mr. Mark Morgan, City Attorney explained on the notice provisions for variances
and noticed it could be interpreted differently. As traditionally interpreted, the
actual posting on request for variances on the property was not required. In the
abundance of caution, both going forward and for the purposes of today, Mayor
Constant has agreed that the policy would be to post all variances, resubdivisions
and rezoning requests. As a courtesy to the applicant and assure that since this is
large project the city posted the variance request at the property and allow for a
subsequent public hearing and a vote by the City Council.
On motion by Councilman Marino and seconded by Councilman Crosby, IT
WAS RESOLVED to ratify the approval of the variance requests 1. For front yard
setback for commercial structure; 2. For interior landscaping; 3. For additional
monument sign; and 4. For Conditional Use based on site plan; landscape plan
and architectural elevation as were previously approved at the October 8, 2014
Council meeting and the same was unanimously approved by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilman Marino, Crosby, Rau, Miller and Berthelot
Nays: None
Absent: None
Councilman Marino clarified the Council already considered these variance
requests; one of the things that we posted the property was for the sign to go
on 11th Street for the grocery store. This matter has already come before the
Council and approved the four variances at the previous meeting; again the
applicant felt the need for the city to post the property. At this time the City
Council is ratifying; reaffirming the same decision made at the October 8, 2014
meeting. Nothing is being changed from what was proposed then.
The City Clerk read aloud in its entirety all items listed on the Consent Agenda
as follows:
CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of Meeting Minutes: February 11, 2015 Council Regular meeting.
Alcohol Beverage Permit Application(s):
(1) Big EZ Seafood, 1632 Lafayette Street
NHV Nguyen, Applicant-Owner (District 4)
(2) Gator Bait - 1215 Porter Street - (Change of ownership)
Torrey A. Riley, Sr., Applicant (District 1)
Adoption of Ordinance(s) by Consent:
ORDINANCE NO. 4655
An ordinance approving the resubdivision of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna
Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana INTO Lot
7A, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision
by Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie, Inc., dated February 4, 2015.
Municipal Address: 624-626 Lafayette Street
WHEREAS, JES Gretna Properties, LLC is the owner of Lots 7 and 8, Square
11, Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana;
and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned owner has resubdivided Lots 7 and 8, Square
11, Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana
INTO Lot 7A, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and
resubdivision of Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie, Inc., dated February 4, 2015, and
desires approval of same, all in accordance with ordinances relative to same; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of
Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:
SECTION I: The plan of resubdivision of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna
Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana INTO Lot
7A, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision
of Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie, Inc., dated February 4, 2015, be and the same is
hereby approved.
SECTION II: The Mayor of the City of Gretna is hereby authorized, empowered
and directed to sign and execute all acts, plans and documents necessary and
proper in the premises to give full force and effect to this ordinance.
Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this
ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight
on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor,
in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor
returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
Mr. William Bane, Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., City Engineer reviewed the subject
resubdivision request and offered the following observations for 624-626
Lafayette Street resubdivision request:
Existing Conditions
The existing properties consist of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision.
These two lots are occupied by a residential house which straddles the line
between the two lots. There is a rear yard behind the building and side yards
on either side.
Proposed Re-subdivision
It is proposed to combine the two lots into one lot to be called 7A. The combined
lot has an area of 9,000 square feet.
Comments
According to the City of Gretnas zoning map, the lots are zoned BC-1. The
minimum lot size for C-1 is 4,000 square feet for a single family dwelling. The
created lot has an area of 9,000 square feet.
According to the City of Gretnas Code of Ordinances, the front yard requirement
for C-1 is 20 feet. The side yard requirement is 5 feet. The rear yard requirement
is 20 feet. 10.15 feet is provided in the front, which does not meet the minimum,
but does not become worse due to this resubdivision. The side yards are 15.5
and 17 feet, meeting the requirement. The rear yard is over 50 feet, meeting the
requirement.
The resubdivision of the lots is requested to combine the two lots into one for the
single residential unit. The area and yard requirements have all been met. This
resubdivision is recommended for approval.
ORDINANCE NO. 4656
An ordinance amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances Chapter 102 - Zoning
and Subdivisions. Article IV. - Signs. Section 102-161. - Prohibited signs, (17).
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest in the health, safety and welfare of
its citizens; and
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WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has the need to clearly define terms and
regulations within the ordinances governing zoning and subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, certain paragraphs where numbered incorrectly and clarification of
certain regulations was necessary.
Chapter 102 - Zoning and Subdivisions. Article IV. - Signs. Section 102-161. Prohibited signs, (17) of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, Code of Ordinances is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 102-161. - Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
(17) Signs located on utility poles and city-owned medians or neutral ground
and rights-of-way, public benches or any other form of public property unless
advertising official city sponsored events or otherwise explicitly authorized by
the city.
Adoption of Resolution(s) by Consent:
A resolution to accompany the 2015 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention
(MWPP) Environmental Audit Report sent to the State of Louisiana Department
of Environmental Quality.
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, welfare and safety
of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna wishes to comply with the provisions as
established by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, acting as
legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:
The 2015 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Environmental
Audit Report has been reviewed and corrective action is planned to address all
deficiencies listed within the document.
A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to approve
and authorize Change Order No. 3 for the F. H. Myers Construction Corp.
contract as General Contractor for the construction of the New Addition at
Gretna Police Headquarters for the Gretna Police Department and the City of
Gretna, Louisiana in the additional amount of $31,602.00 and adding sixteen
(16) calendar days to the contract time.
WHEREAS, the Architect/ Engineer directed the General Contractor to revise
plumbing fixtures. This request is to process the additional time not incorporated
in Change Order No. 2; and
WHEREAS, the Architect directed the General Contractor to modify the
architectural second floor plan. This is an Owner requested modification; and
WHEREAS, the Architect directed the General Contractor to provide a credit to
remove door vision panels. This is an Owner requested modification; and
WHEREAS, the Architect/ Engineer directed the General Contractor to provide
rough-ins for security cameras (design by MS Benbow per their coordination
with Owner); and
WHEREAS, the Architect/ Engineer directed the General Contractor to modify
the second floor for mechanical, electrical and data and additional electrical and
data work. This is an Owner requested modification; and
WHEREAS, the Architect directed the General Contractor to relocate precast
concrete panels with windows. This is an Owner requested modification; and
WHEREAS, the Architect, Burgdahl & Graves, recommends that the City of
Gretna, Louisiana accept Change Order No. 3.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Gretna, Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:
Mayor Belinda Constant is hereby authorized and directed to approve and
execute Change Order No. 3 for the F.H. Myers Construction Corp. contract as
General Contractor for the construction of the New Addition at Gretna Police
Headquarters for the Gretna Police Department and the City of Gretna, Louisiana
in the additional amount of $31,602.00 and adding sixteen (16) calendar days
to the contract time; and that she be directed to have a copy of this resolution
recorded with the recorder of Mortgages of the Parish of Jefferson, State
of Louisiana, as originally filed on April 11, 2014, Instrument No. 11414097,
Mortgage Book 6411, Page 519.
A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to
recognize substantial completion and to execute the Certificate of Substantial
Completion on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, for the Precipitator No. 1
Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna, Louisiana.
WHEREAS, Gottfried Contracting LLC as Contractor, has substantially
completed the Precipitator No. 1 Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna, Louisiana,
in accordance with the Plans and Specifications contained in the Contract
Documents pertaining thereto; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting through its Mayor and
Council, recognizes the substantial completion of the Precipitator No. 1
Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, the Engineers as represented by Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., have visited
the site, verified that the Contractor performed the work as bid with punch list
items to be addressed, and has recommended that substantial completion be
granted with an effective date of March, 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, final acceptance of the project will not occur until the Contractor
has provided a clear Lien and Privilege (L&P) Certificate and provides all other
close-out documentation as required by the contract specifications; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Gretna,
Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:
Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby authorized and directed to recognize
substantial completion and to execute the Certificate of Substantial Completion
on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, for the Precipitator No. 1 Rehabilitation
for the City of Gretna, Louisiana upon substantial completion being established
and verified by the City Administration; and that she be directed to have a
copy of this resolution recorded with the Mortgage and Conveyance Office of
Jefferson, State of Louisiana, as originally filed on July 16, 2014, Instrument No.
11427971, Mortgage Book 4620, Folio 884.
A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to execute
for and on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, Change Order No. 3 for
an increase of $32,967.00, and adds (31) calendar days to the contract for the
renovation of the Historic Post Office as a Cultural Center for the Arts, Gretna,
Louisiana.
WHEREAS, Roof Technologies, Inc., the Contractor provided Koch and Wilson
Architects, the Architect of Record, with Change Order No. 3 to repair the old
Historic Post Office building; and
WHEREAS, Koch and Wilson Architects met with the City Administration to
receive concurrence on the necessity of the scope changes; and
WHEREAS, Koch and Wilson Architects directed the Contractor to install a
new micro-topping floor; this is an owner requested modification; and
WHEREAS, the Architect, Koch and Wilson, recommends that the City of
Gretna, Louisiana accept Change Order No. 3; and
WHEREAS, the Contractor, Roof Technologies, Inc. has provided documentation
for this change order for labor and overhead to perform these activities; and
WHEREAS, Koch and Wilson Architects has reviewed this change order with
the Administration and recommends the change order amount and additional
days be added to the contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Gretna,
Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:
Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby authorized and directed to execute for and
on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, Change Order No. 3 for an increase
of $32,967.00, and adds (31) calendar days to the contract for the renovation of
the Historic Post Office, Gretna, Louisiana as a Cultural Center for the Arts; and
that she be directed to have a copy of this resolution recorded with the recorder
of Mortgages of the Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, as originally filed on
December 3, 2013, Instrument No. 11358842, Mortgage Book 4598, Page 894.
On motion by Councilman Berthelot and seconded by Councilman Rau, IT WAS
RESOLVED to approve and adopt all the items read aloud from the Consent
Agenda for the March 11, 2015 Council Regular meeting, by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Berthelot, Rau, Crosby, Marino and Miller
Nays: None
Absent: None
No comments by citizens.
Consideration and Adoption of Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda:
following vote:
Nays: None
Absent: None
A resolution directing and authorizing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to submit
a request to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the upgrade of
the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street,
Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $5,000,000 this legislative session.
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WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, safety and welfare
WHEREAS, the city highly recognizes the fire safety needs for all the citizens
and businesses of the City of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, these needs can be met by upgrading the David Crockett Volunteer
Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the city realize that this new construction could be significantly
accomplished with the help of the State of Louisiana through its Capital Outlay
Program; and
WHEREAS, said Capital Projects request is submitted for consideration at the
upcoming 2015 Legislative Session for the State of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the City recommends submission of a request for State Funding
consideration through the Capital Outlay Program for the upgrade of the David
Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna,
Louisiana in the amount of $5,000,000 this legislative session.
Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby directed and authorized to submit a request
to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the upgrade of the David
Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna,
Councilman Rau explained this Capital Outlay request was being made for
the David Crockett fire station because it desperately needs a new station. The
current station has been there since the late 40s; it is undersized for the size
of the fire trucks; it is inadequate to house the firefighters. The former Harley
Davidson property next door was purchased and available to build. Attempts to
make this Capital Outlay request now, is to get it in line for the Capital Outlay
Program, which may not occur this year but would like to submit it so that when
funds become available it would be on the Capital Outlay Program and the State
would get approval for this money.
Councilman Marino stated he understood that making this additional request
this year for Capital Outlay projects, will not set aside or harm any other requests
the city already have in place.
following vote:
Nays: None
Absent: None
A resolution directing and authorizing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to submit a
request to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the rehabilitation
of Gretna City Hall, located at 2nd Street & Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna,
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, safety and welfare
WHEREAS, the city highly recognizes the dire needs for the Gretna City Hall
ongoing rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, the city realize rehabilitation to the Gretna City Hall building can
be met with the aid of the State of Louisiana through its Capital Outlay Program;
and
WHEREAS, said Capital Projects request is submitted for consideration at the
upcoming 2015 Legislative Session for the State of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the City recommend submission of a request for State Funding
consideration through the Capital Outlay Program for the rehabilitation of Gretna
City Hall, located at 2nd Street & Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana in the
amount of $3,500,000 this legislative session.
Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby directed and authorized to submit a request
to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the rehabilitation of Gretna
City Hall, located at 2nd Street & Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana in the
amount of $3,500,000 this legislative session.
Mayor Constant explained this resolution was to request capital outlay project
funds for the restoration of City Hall building. This request is basically a place
marker for new request and will not interfere with any other Capital Outlay
project request already submitted.
Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance(s):
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Miller, the
following ordinance was amended by the following vote to read: (See underlined)
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Miller, Crosby, Marino and Berthelot
Nays: None
Absent: None
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
OF TWO PERCENT (2.00%) IN THE RIVER EXPRESS DEVELOPMENT
ZONE 1, CITY OF GRETNA, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE DISTRICT);
DESIGNATING AN EQUAL AMOUNT TO THE ADDITIONAL HOTEL
OCCUPANCY TAX FROM SUCH INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN
SALES FOR SERVICES THAT MANDATE THE COLLECTION OF
AN OCCUPANCY TAX AND HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX RECEIVED
BY THE CITY OF GRETNA GENERATED WITHIN THE DISTRICT;
DESIGNATING THE INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN AD VALOREM TAX
IN THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER
27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS
AMENDED; AND PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES TO
REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING
FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING.
Mr. Mark Morgan, City Attorney explained this was a process that began with
the annexation of the 15-acress at the most north and east portion of the City of
Gretna. Several months back, an economic development district was defined
and it borders with the annexed area. The second part of that process was to
establish a taxing plan such that the city could create a trust fund for which
the developer could seek reimbursement for infrastructure cost, which could be
thought of as a tax incentive for the development going up at the site currently.
The funding of the trust fund comes from three sources; (1) Add-valorem tax the
value of the property is frozen at the pre-investment level (property tax would
stay frozen at the underdeveloped level for up to eight years) that would result in
savings to the developer which he can get as credits from the trust fund for the
infrastructure improvements because he would not be paying the high taxes on
the development, estimated at $50,000,000. (2) Is a 2% tax, which is collected
from people occupying the hotel rooms. (3) Is an additional 2%, which comes
from the already established hotel/motel tax which is collected by the parish and
a portion of which the city get and then the associated sales tax on a hotel room;
that is the purpose for the amendment; need to clarify that sales tax was only
on occupied hotel rooms and not on other sales taxes that may occur within that
district. Once those three sources of taxes are pooled they are put into a trust
fund and can only be taken out of the trust fund if the developer presents the city
with actual receipts they spent on the development of infrastructure related to
the property. Any surplus funds would flow back into the city and can be used
as regular taxes. The total value of credits that can be taken by the developer
for reimbursements for those infrastructure costs is $2,000,000; and those costs
must be drawn out of trust fund within an eight year period. The cap goes by
dollar amount and by time.
Mr. Michael Sherman, Counsel for BN Management of Harvey explained
that development would be transformational, and will exceed $50,000,000 in
investments. Will create several hundred new jobs at the hotels and associated
developments of retail and restaurant on the site. This site has been challenging
to work on; has been decades of failed development plans in its former state; had
to be innovative to make it work and in partnership with everyone it has been
done in a way that there is risk is on any of the citizens or taxpayers of Gretna;
the entire risk is borne solely and entirely by the developer. If the developer
does not deliver, the developer does not get the incentive generated from the
economic activity on the site. The Marriott is moving quickly; hotel number 2 is
in design; then hotel number 3 will be in design while working on finishing up
development of restaurants and associated retail. Again, no risk to the citizens
of Gretna and not a single penny of this incentive is money that exists today;
is all incremental revenue generated if this development is as successful as we
believe it will be. Hotel number 1 is estimated to be opening and operating by
September 1, 2015.
Councilman Rau, expressed thanks for this largest single economic development
project in the history of this city and it has been through the cooperation of Mike
Sherman and Mr. Bui who has been upfront with everything.
Mayor Constant expressed thanks to Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer
(New Orleans District C) who promised as she was leaving office to have the
incinerator abated from the property.
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the
following ordinance as amended was read and adopted by the following vote:
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
ORDINANCE NO. 4657
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
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OF TWO PERCENT (2.00%) IN THE RIVER EXPRESS DEVELOPMENT

ZONE 1, CITY OF GRETNA, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE DISTRICT);
DESIGNATING AN EQUAL AMOUNT TO THE ADDITIONAL HOTEL
OCCUPANCY TAX FROM SUCH INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN
SALES FOR SERVICES THAT MANDATE THE COLLECTION OF
AN OCCUPANCY TAX AND HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX RECEIVED
BY THE CITY OF GRETNA GENERATED WITHIN THE DISTRICT;
DESIGNATING THE INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN AD VALOREM TAX
IN THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER
27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS
AMENDED; AND PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES TO
REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING
FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING.
WHEREAS, Part II, Chapter 27, Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes
of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 33:9038.31, et seq.) (the Act) authorizes
municipalities, parishes and certain other local governmental subdivisions to
create economic development districts to carry out the purposes of the Act,
which economic development districts are political subdivisions of the State
of Louisiana and possess such power and authority and have such duties as
provided by the Act and other law; and
WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 4645 adopted on January 15, 2015, the governing
authority of the City of Gretna, State of Louisiana (the City) created the River
Express Development Zone 1, City of Gretna, State of Louisiana (the District),
in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.32; and
WHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:9038.39 permits the District to levy an additional hotel
occupancy tax for authorized purposes; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.39, and in order to finance and
fund certain Projects, the District desires to levy an additional hotel occupancy
tax of two percent (2.00%) within the boundaries of the District (the REDZ
Tax), which will be used to reimburse costs of economic development projects
as defined in the Act; and
WHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:9038.34 permits the City of Gretna to pledge to the
District a portion of the sales and hotel occupancy taxes received by the City of
Gretna and generated within the District; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.34, and in order to finance
and fund certain Projects, the governing authority of the City of Gretna, in
its capacity as governing authority of the District, desires to designate to the
District an amount equal to the REDZ Tax levied in this ordinance, from such
incremental increase in sales and hotel occupancy tax received by the City of
Gretna and generated within the boundaries of the District (the Incremental
Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax), which will be used to reimburse costs of
economic development projects as defined in the Act; and
WHEREAS, LA. R.S. 33:9038.33 permits the City of Gretna to pledge to the
District the full amount of ad valorem tax incremental increase generated within
the District; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.33, and in order to finance
and fund certain Projects, the governing authority of the City of Gretna, in
its capacity as governing authority of the District, desires to designate to the
District such incremental increase in ad valorem property tax generated within
the boundaries of the District (the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax), which will
be used to reimburse costs of economic development projects as defined in the
Act; and
WHEREAS, the Act provides for the creation of a special trust fund for the
furtherance of economic development projects, as defined in the Act; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Act, the governing authority of the City of
Gretna, in said ordinance creating the District did further create a special trust
fund, named the REDZ 1 District Trust Fund (the Trust Fund) into which
the above levied and pledged additional hotel occupancy (REDZ Tax), sales and
hotel occupancy (Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax), and ad valorem
incremental taxes (Incremental Ad Valorem Tax) shall be deposited, and may
be loaned, granted, donated, or pledged for the purpose to fund economic
development projects elected by the District in the manner provided by the Act.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Gretna City Council
acting as the governing authority of the City of Gretna and of the District that:
SECTION 1. Adoption of Findings. All of the above WHEREAS clauses are
adopted as part of this ordinance.
SECTION 2. Levy of Hotel Occupancy Tax. In accordance with La. R.S.
33:9038.39 and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto,
there is hereby levied in the District, effective September 1, 2015, and expiring
September 1, 2023, an additional hotel occupancy tax of two percent (2.00%),
upon the furnishing of sleeping rooms, as defined by law (the REDZ Tax).
As provided by La. R.S. 33:9038.39, no election shall be required in connection
with the levy of the District Tax, since there are no qualified electors in the
District, as certified by the Jefferson Parish Registrar of Voters by certification
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 3. Designation and Pledge of Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy
Tax. In accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.34 and other constitutional and
statutory authority supplemental thereto, there is hereby designated and pledged
an amount equal to the REDZ Tax, from the increase in sales for services that
mandate the collection of an occupancy tax and hotel occupancy tax above
the baseline sales tax allocation of $0, generated within the boundaries of the
District, which are received by the City of Gretna (the Incremental Sales and
Hotel Occupancy Tax).
SECTION 4. Incremental Ad Valorem Tax. In accordance with La. R.S.
33:9038.33 and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental
thereto, there is hereby designated and pledged the incremental ad valorem tax
generated within the boundaries of the District, levied by the City of Gretna (the
Incremental Ad Valorem Tax). The ad valorem tax subject to this section is
only that millage levied by the City of Gretna and no other millage.
SECTION 5. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the REDZ Tax, the Incremental
Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax, and the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax shall be
used to pay the costs of economic development projects, as defined in the Act.
SECTION 6. Tax Collectors. The REDZ Tax and the Incremental Sales and
Hotel Occupancy Tax are hereby authorized to be collected by the Sales
Tax Collector, which shall mean the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, or its
successor in the role of parish wide tax collector. The Incremental Ad Valorem
Tax is hereby authorized to be collected by the Property Tax Collector, which
shall mean the Gretna Tax Collector.
Collectors named herein are empowered and directed to carry into effect the
provisions of this ordinance, to appoint duties, assistants or agents to assist it
in the performance of its duties, and in pursuance thereof to make and enforce
such rules as it may deem necessary. All taxes, revenues, funds, assessments,
moneys, penalties, fees or other income which may be collected or come into the
possession of the Collectors under any provision or provisions of this ordinance
relating to the REDZ Tax, Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax, or the
Incremental Ad Valorem Tax, as described herein, shall be promptly deposited
by the Collectors into the account of the REDZ 1 District Trust Fund, provided,
however, any amount which is paid under protest or which is subject to litigation
may be transferred to a separate account established by the Collectors with said
fiscal agent pending the final determination of the protest or litigation.
SECTION 7. Designation of Baseline Sales Tax Collection Incremental
Increase. The Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax designated to the
District pursuant to Section 3, above, is the increase in sales and hotel occupancy
tax generated in the District, subsequent to its creation. The initial annual
baseline sales tax collection rate for the District, hereby designated by the City
Council to be used in determining the sales and hotel occupancy tax incremental
increase pursuant to the Act, is the amount of the sales and hotel occupancy tax
collected in the District in the most recent completed fiscal year prior to the
establishment of the District. It is hereby designated to be zero ($0) (the Initial
Annual Baseline Sales Tax Collection Rate). The monthly baseline collection
rate, which is the initial annual baseline collection rate divided by twelve (12),
is hereby designated to be zero ($0) (the Initial Monthly Baseline Sales Tax
Collection Rate).
SECTION 8. Designation of Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate. The
Incremental Ad Valorem Tax designated to the District pursuant to Section
4, above is the increase in ad valorem property tax generated in the District,
subsequent to its creation. The initial annual baseline collection rate for the ad
valorem area levied in Gretna is the amount of the ad valorem property taxes
collected in the ad valorem tax area, known as the District, in the most recent
completed fiscal year prior to the establishment of the District. It is hereby
designated to be Twenty One Thousand, Eighty-Eight Dollars and Forty Five
Cents ($21,088.45) (the Initial Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate).
SECTION 9. Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office Certification. The Jefferson
Parish Sheriffs Office, which collects sales and hotel occupancy tax in the
Parish, has furnished the certification in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
B, as to the accuracy of the Initial Annual Baseline Sales Tax Collection Rate.
The Clerk of the City of Gretna is authorized and directed to publish such
amount in the official journal of the City of Gretna, one time, as required by
La. R.S. 33:9038.34(C). If the amounts of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection
Rate are not contested within thirty days after the said publication, then such
amounts shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and no court shall have
any jurisdiction to alter or invalidate the designation of the amount of the Initial
Annual Baseline Collection Rate.
SECTION 10. Tax Collector Certification. The Tax Collector of the City of
Gretna, which collects property taxes for the City has furnished the certification
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in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, as to the accuracy of the Initial

Annual Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate and is authorized and directed to
publish such certification in the official journal of the City of Gretna, one time, as
required by La. R.S. 33:9038.33(C). If the amounts of the Initial Annual Baseline
Property Tax Collection Rate are not contested within thirty days after the said
publication, then such amounts shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and
no court shall have any jurisdiction to alter or invalidate the designation of the
amount of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate.
SECTION 11. Notice to Public. The City Council hereby acknowledges and
affirms the prior publication of a notice describing the levy of the REDZ Tax and
the designation and pledge of the Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax
and the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax, and informing the citizens of the date of
consideration of this ordinance, said notice having been published once a week
for two weeks in the official journal of the City of Gretna, in the form of notice
attached hereto as Exhibit D.
SECTION 12. Authorization of Officers. The Mayor and City of Gretna officials
are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to do any and all things
necessary and incidental to carry out the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 13. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance shall be held to be
illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision
of this ordinance, but this ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such
illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or
statutory provision enacted after the date of this ordinance which invalidates or
makes legal any provision of this ordinance which would not otherwise be valid
or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this ordinance.
SECTION 15. Publication; Effective Date. This ordinance shall be published one
time in the official journal of the City of Gretna, and shall become effective as
provided by law.
Provided that a majority of the City Council of the City of Gretna have voted in
favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law
at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of same to the
Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the
Mayor returns same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
Mr. Mark Morgan pointed the city will be working with the developer on a
cooperative endeavor agreement as to how exactly the funds can be removed
from the trust fund.
The title was read as follows: An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic
Preservation Section 529 Historic District Permit - Criteria by adding
paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited.
On motion by Councilman Marino and seconded by Councilman Miller, IT
WAS RESOLVED to go into discussion on this ordinance regarding the vinyl
siding prohibition.
Councilman Rau opened discussion; he questioned what was now in discussion
from the deferred ordinance or what was just read An ordinance amending
Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic District Permit Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited.
Councilman Marino pointed out he introduced the ordinance requesting that
vinyl siding be prohibited in the future on all properties that included new
construction and existing homes located within the historic districts. Have been
discussing individually back and forth the matter, to possibly scaling it down to
a ban on new construction only, which he had not amended yet; and at this time
he would like to have public input as it is.
Councilman Rau stated that since the requested deferral on the adoption of the
ordinance, he was perturbed that at one point the vinyl siding would be prohibited
to new construction only. In speaking with Councilman Marino, he understood
it only had to do with new construction but now the ordinance alludes it would
be a ban on everything. In discussions with two council members; it was the
understanding they would support a moratorium on introduction of vinyl and new
structures to allow more time to look at ways of regulating vinyl. He would like
a moratorium for six months to have more time to look into ways of regulating
without banning. This prohibition would adversely affect Councilman Crosbys
district and the economics and affordability of it may make it prohibitive to some
of his constituents. Councilman Rau adamantly expressed he was not in favor of
banning anything for the public; is not good.
Councilman Marino explained that originally he wanted to introduce a ban on
vinyl siding in the entire historic districts; which would mean that if you have
vinyl siding, when it comes off you do not put it back. He scaled it back to try
to make it for everyone to say no new siding on new construction and if you do
not have vinyl siding on an existing you cannot do vinyl siding; that is where
we are now and which is the ordinance that was deferred for 60-days. After
discussion with other council members and noting that he may not have support
to pass it, he scaled it back again to amend it to say no vinyl siding on new
construction only. That is what we have been discussing and tried discussing it
with Councilman Rau. He would rather the ordinance be adopted as it exists, but
If he is not going to have the support to pass; he is willing to amend it to say the
ban would be on new construction only. The ban on just new construction affects
a handful of properties per year. He has been trying to get to something where
this council can agree on so that we can help and preserve our historic districts.
Councilman Marino tonight is only proposing a ban on new construction only.
Councilman Rau stated he was against a ban of any kind on new construction. A
ban is something people do not want; they do not like to be told what they cannot
do. The National Historic Register District, Chapter 16; since the Federal
designation does not restrict any private property owners rights, changes to
National Register building such as vinyl siding are unregulated. He explained
how the historic districts within the City of Gretna came about after the City of
Gretna was placed on the National Historic Register. It was never the intent of
the citys ordinances to restrict people into what they could do with their own
homes. If proper grade of vinyl is used and done correctly it would be very
difficult to define it from wood. At this time he is asking for the newly created
Historic District Commission (HDC) to have a set of guidelines created by this
Council, giving them guidance on how vinyl siding can be used.
Citizens speaking on the ordinance as introduced. Re: Banning vinyl siding.
Mrs. Stephanie Dieterich explained the metamorphosis that the City of Gretna
has experienced and now it is going through a renaissance and has become the
area where everybody wants to live. Property values are some of the highest
in the Westbank. Vinyl distorts the look of an old home; it takes away the
uniqueness and style and it can also cause serious damage to the wood lying
beneath. She witnessed beautiful homes torn down for car lots and commercial
metal buildings. No one cared about this part of the city and it was in decline.
The very things that people were covering up years ago are now treasured
(trim, molding, wood floor and high ceiling etc.) Vinyl is another cover up that
distorts the look of an old home; it takes away the uniqueness and style and can
also cause serious damage to the wood beneath and vinyl siding on a historic
devaluates it. She asked that people do their own research; plastic on a historic
home is not a good thing.
Mr. Zach Dieterich a Gretna resident and Historic District Commission volunteer
stated he was here as a citizen and property owner. He told the story of two fancy
homes that were built side by side in 1905. One of the homes was modernized
and other left intact. The home with vinyl siding is concealing an infestation
of rot and termites. The owners were not aware of the moisture trapped behind
their vinyl siding that created a perfect habitat for termites. Gretnas historic
districts are not the place for vinyl siding and if vinyl siding is not good enough
for New Orleans Historic District it should not be good for Gretna and should
not settle for less; therefore he was not in favor of vinyl siding.
Mrs. Laurie Ledet a Gretna resident stated that part of old Gretna was designated
a National Register Historic District in 1985. She explained she had a copy of all
the inventoried houses and buildings that made up the Historic District (over 700
contributing elements.) This research was done by Dr. Mary Curry and the State
Preservation Office. The Historic District Commission is in place to protect and
preserve the integrity of the Historic Districts. There has been a Spring Tour of
Homes showcasing the beautiful restorations that have taken place in Gretna.
Preservationists have come to Gretna because it is a National Register District
and spent thousands of dollars buying and restoring houses; preservationists
are taxpayers too. She commented on a letter sent to home owners regarding
the Historic Guideline Book; highlighted pages showing parts related to wood
siding, the maintenance, the repair of, the replacement of; this book was at a cost
to taxpayers of over $22,000, which was money well spent. The book clearly
state do not apply siding or aluminum vinyl siding over wood siding. It talks
about the real danger of vinyl trapping moisture leading to the deterioration of
the underlying wood. We need to be consistent and vote to protect the integrity
and authenticity of our National Register Historic districts banning the use of
vinyl from now on going forward.
Miss Melanie Andrews a Gretna resident stated she was here to urge the Council
to reconsider ban of vinyl siding in the two historic districts. Vinyl siding has
been growing in popularity due to the improved look, long lasting quality and
low maintenance. The high cost and frequency of repainting combined with
wood tendency of deterioration over time and the high cost of replacing wood
with wood, has made vinyl siding very popular with property owners. The city
has many houses with vinyl siding new and old construction and the time to
address this was long ago. Vinyl siding is now manufactured in a way that it can
match historic structures in design, color, texture and visual quality. If attention
is paid to the materials and the construction no matter what the integrity of the
building and the neighborhood with its historic look should not be diminished.
She pointed out that constituents are tired of governments overregulating,
micromanaging and overreaching. This mandate would give way to more
structures with peeling paints, rots and deterioration when it is not affordable to
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repair, thus leading to fines and liens. Any neglected property can fit into not so
appealing category regardless of materials, faulty construction and or repairs.
It must be trusted that property owners will make the best decision based on
advice from the Historic District Commission, the council, the new handbook
as well as guidance from the permits and inspection departments. She urged the
Council to vote no on the banning of vinyl.
Mr. Abel J. LeBlanc a Gretna resident stated he enjoyed living in the City of
Gretna and is the architecture that brought him here. Based on what he has heard
tonight, he urged the Council members to carefully think about their decisions
on how they want to vote. Some of the decision may not attract future prospective
buyers to this area. The charm is what this area is all about and they could be
some happy mediums but he would like to see a moratorium that would stop any
new homes from being constructed with vinyl siding in the Historic District.
Miss Beth Jacob and Gabrielle Begue, Clio Associates, LLC. Miss Jacob stated
that the comments she made regarding vinyl siding earlier in the meeting,
were based on her experience as preservation architect. Her concerns were
focused on troubles with moisture entrapments, the components and durability
of the material, sustainability and the aesthetics character of the material. The
guidelines are based on current historic preservation best practices and also try
to adhere to the Secretary of the Interiors standards. The guidelines are intended
to provide information to homeowners to help them make informed decisions
about their properties and investments. Small changes made to a single building
over time can impact the integrity of the entire district. Ultimately, vinyl is a
complicated issue and it will be up to the Council to decide how stringent they
would like to enforce it.
Miss Begue encouraged using in discussions the use of hardie board as a
replacement material on the secondary and rear elevations especially and
perhaps requiring wood only on the faade, which could be a happy medium
that should be discussed.
Miss Begue reiterated this information is included in the guideline and reiterated
on the States residential historic preservation incentive programs 25% tax credit
for owner-occupied homes. That would help offset some of the cost of using
wood other materials more expensive than vinyl.
Councilman Marino stated that the only way to get a tax credit is if you came
back with a similar or suitable material. You could not use historic tax credit to
add vinyl to an old home.
Miss Begue reiterated they require wood siding on the faade and secondary
elevation and rear they required hardie as an alternative.
Miss Sevilla Finley a Gretna resident stated that the City of Gretna is a close
knit small community and very unique. She came tonight to address water
fluoridation. About 30-years there was a public hearing in this Council Chamber
regarding adding fluoridation to the citys water and she was one of two people
protesting. At that time there was enough scientific studies to see how people
reacted to fluoridation. The city fluoridated the water and now people are going
to be done something else they might not want to do. If vinyl siding is banned
it is taking away choices away from the citizens and they should be able to
make their own choices. Children are being diagnosed with autism, Alzheimer
and Parkinson Disease. In addition to requesting taking the fluoride out of the
drinking water, she is requesting not banning vinyl siding. It would cause people
to lose their homes because if they cannot to upkeep it they will be cited with
fines and liens and consequently their property confiscated. It is discriminatory
to non-affluent citizens. It would be idyllic if everybody would have an affluent
situation and have beautiful restored houses; we do the best we can and should
have that option to make our own decisions and to be respected.
It was confirmed that all Council members were in receipt of copies of pictures
sent by Mrs. Laurie Ledet.
Mr. Peter Spera, a Gretna resident and a member of the Historic District
Commission and licensed architect stated that application of vinyl to old historic
structures does change the functionality of the home because wood siding on an
older home does allow vapor in the home to be released . Application of vinyl
siding traps moisture inside which will eventually lead to rot and most of the
time when vinyl is installed trim pieces are cut off, vinyl covers up the molding
of windows and in overall is slapped on houses with disregard to details. In new
construction, vinyl is put right up the windows without trim or details. What
makes a historic district is the subtle details, the trim pieces, the siding hits the
window at the bottom; edge of siding aligns with the edge of the window. When
installing hardie or wood there is an understanding how to install siding and
things can be corrected. As a commission member, a licensed architect and as
a resident of Gretna living in a Shotgun home, he strongly supports the ban on
vinyl siding 100%.
Councilman Rau provided a brief review in response to the speakers opinions.
Real estate values have not diminished because of vinyl siding. He would like the
Council to regulate the use of vinyl siding by the Historic District Commission.
He believed they are exceptions to a total ban that can be considered and if
done with the appropriate materials or with appropriately graded vinyl and also
regulate the way that it is applied, we can achieve a happy medium without
completely banning vinyl to everybody in every circumstance living in the
historic districts.
Councilman Marino stated that the very idea you live in a historic district
means that your property is regulated by the Historic District Commission. The
purpose of the commission is to regulate the exterior of your home with regards
to materials, design, style, etc. The reason why property values are so high is
because your home is in a historic district and you are getting the benefit of the
property valued being high it is a historic district which is regulated. Benefits of
being in historic district are increased opportunity for tourism, distinct sense of
identity, bolstered community pride, increased property values, neighborhood
stability. What we are trying to do is save a historic district that we have and
every time we lose a home you cant replace and if we dont actively try to
maintain and preserve our historic district, it would not exist. Enough is enough
with vinyl in the historic district it does not belong in it. When talking about
the high graded vinyl, nobody uses that; low grade or inexpensive is what we
are getting even on new construction. We need to actively change what we have
done in the past in our historic district and try to protect it. His position is that
he would like to have no vinyl siding in the historic districts; if vinyl is taken
down it should never go back up. He modified/amended the ordinance to say
everybody that has vinyl siding is grand-fathered in and when your house needs
to have it replaced or repaired it can be done. The ordinance on the table right
now is a ban on new construction and ban on adding it to old homes. Rather than
seeing this ordinance fail, he would rather amend the ordinance to just include
banning vinyl on new construction only and that is an average of five homes a
year. Nobody else would be affected by it, other than your property valued would
continue to go up.
Councilman Marino at this time proposed to amend the ordinance to state Vinyl
siding on new construction in the historic districts is prohibited.
Mrs. Laurie Ledet suggested polling citizens in the historic districts relative to
banning vinyl siding on historic homes, maybe tonight the Council can ban it
on new construction and in the near future re-address it to include no homes in
historic district going forward. We want the houses to look the best they can be.
Councilman Rau offered a substitute motion to establish a 6-month moratorium
on all vinyl siding under any circumstances, new or old construction in the
historic districts, no introduction of vinyl siding; and to conduct a study to
establish regulations regarding the use of vinyl siding on new construction
and on old construction in the historic districts to be used as guidelines for the
Historic District Commission to use in the regulation of vinyl siding use on new
construction and old historic building. Councilman Rau stated that more input is
needed from all sources relative to matter of vinyl siding.
Councilman Marino stated he was not in favor of a moratorium involving a study
regarding vinyl siding.
Mayor Constant reviewed the substitute motion; to establish a 6-month
moratorium on all vinyl siding under any circumstances, new or old construction
in the historic districts, no introduction of vinyl siding for 6-month until further
study can be done, until conversations can be had with others relative to vinyl
siding.
Citizens speaking on the substitute motion proposed by Councilman Rau:
Miss Melanie Andrews suggested to the Council to make it specific that
homeowners can do ongoing repairs and maintenance to their homes so that
they do not feel tied down with doing repairs and maintenance.
Mr. Zach Dieterich stated he was not in favor of a moratorium on vinyl siding;
this substitute motion is more stringent and restrictive than the proposed
ordinance. This is the second time the decision on vinyl is paused. It was
deferred in January for 60-days; council members met with constituents and
industry representatives and he believed the decision should be made tonight. It
would not be fair to the citizens to push it off for another six months.
Mrs. Laurie Ledet believed it should be voted tonight to ban vinyl siding from
new construction only; she was not in favor of hearing from home builders or
siding installers. Mrs. Ledet stated she makes it a point to attend the meetings
every month and so should the opposition have done the same.
Mrs. Sevilla Finley appreciated the passion of her neighbor to ban vinyl. She
appreciated and thanked Councilman Rau for wanting to do more study because
it is a serious subject for all and not everybody has the income to do the ideal
thing. Now again there is an effort to railroad citizens to do something that some
of us citizens might not want to do.
Mrs. Stephanie Dieterich stated she agreed with Councilman Marino in the ban
of vinyl siding on new construction because they are only five or six a year.
She has noticed that new construction of hardie plank and those houses are in
demand but she also seen some shoddy new construction with cheap vinyl siding
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for sale and cannot sell. The new construction that is hardie plank is much more
in keeping with the historic districts; the house look more like old style houses
and they fit in and vinyl houses do not. She believed a decision must be made
that vinyl siding on new construction in the historic districts is prohibited. We
need some type of stand, because we need quality construction, quality people
to live in the city. Vinyl construction does not have the durability, it does not
have the appeal and there is nothing nice about vinyl siding. We should vote on
Councilman Marinos amendment, ban vinyl siding on new construction in the
historic districts.
Councilman Marino stated he met with the Louisiana Home Builders
Association; they were all talking about the benefit of high end expensive vinyl
siding; but that is not what we have and is not what is being built now; nobody is
using high graded expensive vinyl siding. He reiterated he was not in favor of a
moratorium at all. A moratorium is an actual study; you are stating that we need
more time to have a comprehensive study done.
RESOLVED to vote on a substitute motion to establish a 6-month moratorium
on use of vinyl siding on all new and old constructions in the historic districts
(repairs and maintenance can be done;) and to conduct a study to establish
regulations regarding the use of vinyl siding on new and old constructions in the
historic districts to be used as guidelines by the Historic District Commission
in the regulation of vinyl siding use on new and old historic buildings; but under
those circumstances repairs can be done by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby
Nays: Councilmen Marino, Miller and Berthelot
Absent: None
Abstain: None
The substitute motion failed to pass on a 3/2 vote.
On motion by Councilman Marino and seconded by Councilman Miller, the
following ordinance as amended was read and adopted section by section and
then as a whole by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Marino, Miller and Berthelot
Nays: Councilmen Rau and Crosby
Absent: None
Abstain: None
ORDINANCE NO. 4658
An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic
District Permit - Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited.
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest in the health, safety and welfare of
its citizen; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest protecting the property values
of homes within the historic district and new construction with quality and/
or historically compatible material protects these interests and preserves the
integrity of the historic district; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna desires to promote the preservation of historic
districts, buildings and landmarks for the educational, cultural, economic, and
general welfare of the public through the preservation, protection, and regulation
of such districts, buildings, and landmarks, within the city; and
WHEREAS, the use of vinyl siding in renovations is inconsistent with the
purpose historic preservation because of its tendency to accelerate and/or hide
the deterioration of original materials and detract or disturb the proportions of
original window and door frames.
An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic
District Permit - Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited read
as follows:
Section. 52-9. - SameCriteria.
The city shall adhere to and seek compatibility of structures in the district in
terms of size, texture, scale, and site plan. The following guidelines shall be
applied in evaluating applications for an historic district permit:
(7) Vinyl siding on new construction in the historic districts is prohibited.
Historic District Commission Appeals:
624 Monroe Street - Exterior renovations by Richard Cotten, Applicant-OwnerDenial by HDC.
Mr. Mark Morgan recapped on the new Historic District Commission meeting
held on Monday, March 2, 2015 of which he was in attendance. The former
Historic District Advisory Committee met as the new Historic District
Commission. The Historic District Commission considered several properties;
they used all aspects of the new ordinance and gave some Certificates of
Appropriateness. They converted some of the hearings to preliminary hearing
and advised some of the applicants to comeback with correct application next
month. Unpleasantly, they have to deny one applicant. He reminded the Council,
they have delegated their authority over this particular item to an appointed
body. The way that the new chapter is set up is that body has the authority to
issue or deny that certificate. Once that occurs, the applicant has the right to
appeal to the Council a denial. The only thing that has to be considered at this
time is the item that was denied. Not be tempted to engage in other matter related
to the property. Again he encouraged to consider only the matter appealed.
Miss Danika Gorrondona, Building Official stated that the denial form was
signed by Mr. Daniel Rosenthal, which states that new construction previously
approved in particular the amount of brick foundation exposed at the base of
house does not match the originally submitted plans.
Miss Gorrondona explained that the plans that were submitted and reviewed
by the former Historic District Advisory Committee had a reveal of a brick
veneer of 26 and then 3 at porch; and what we have today upon receipt of their
elevation certificate is 15-1/2 Photographs were shown on screen of the home
in discussion.
Mr. Morgan stated the Council can consider everything the applicant has to say;
do not base decision on the decision of the individual members or anything that
was said at the HDC meeting. Council can look at everything and not restricted
in any way by what occurred at the HDC meeting. The Council is not limited to
anything that was presented. The Council does not have to base its decision on
the split vote that occurred at the HDC.
Miss Gorrondona reviewed the initial application approved vs what was actually
done.
Mr. Morgan explained that what occurred in this case; the applicants made a
proposal to Historic District Advisory Committee but they built something
different and once they built something different they had a problem because
they no longer had HDC approval. The question before HDC was whether it
was historically appropriate and whether or not they would therefore issue a
certificate of appropriateness. The Council can look at what they built and make
a decision as to whether or not it is historically appropriate. The HDC looked
at what they built and determined that it was not. He encouraged them to stay
away of what was proposed as to what was built. Their charge is to certify as
appropriate and they determined that it was not appropriate. The only thing the
Council is truly considering is the HDC denial of what they built approved as
appropriate for the historic district.
Councilman Crosby stated he was in attendance; four voted against and three
voted for it. The vote was too close for him and believed this matter should be
approved.
Miss Gorrondona added that Mr. Mike Hinyub was asked to go out there and
get the measurements upon inspection. In our efforts to reach a happy medium
we reached out to the contractor for this location on numerous occasions to try
to facilitate a response or answer to at least manage to get a higher reveal of
the brick if the owner was amenable to it that would match what was originally
submitted.
Mr. Mike Hinyub, Building Inspector stated he took the measurements of the
faade; it is actually a veneer, it does not extend under the house, is merely on
the face. Conceivable it could be raised by removing some of the siding to give
more of a reveal in his opinion. It cannot be done at the porch but it can be done
at the building itself. It would be about 16 or 17 based on what we have come
up with without tearing anything apart. The measurements on that drawing are
my measurements.
Mr. Richard R. Cotten, Applicant-Owner gave a brief explanation on the home
in discussion. When the home was under construction, he sent an e-mail to
the permit office and called and told them there would be an issue with the
measurements. He was supposed to be contacted by the inspector which never
happened, so they continued with the project. Upon final inspection, inspector
measured the bricks (there will be a problem) the inspector also stated that if the
measurement he has now would have been on the initial plans, this matter would
not be before the Council at this time. He went back to the architect and had the
plans done to the measurements as the house stands now.
Councilman Marino stated this house, what was proposed and what was built;
this is not what HDC envisioned him building when initially proposed and this is
an inexpensive vinyl home. Once again, all the homes with the same theme have
not followed the plans and they have stop work order on them.
The only issue now is Monroe Street and only the fact that the Historic District
Commission in their wisdom determined that what was built was not historically
appropriate.
Mr. Cotten stated he knew it was going to be an issue during construction and
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communication breakdown happened.

Mr. Morgan stated he reviewed the Building file and there was nothing in the file
that authorized the deviation from the plan that was originally approved Historic
District Advisory Committee.
Mr. Peter Spera, Historic District Commission member provided his opinion
on this matter. He was one of the members voting in favor to certify it. At the
meeting it was noted there was no possibility of raising it, and Mr. Morgan
advised everyone to only think of the building as it presently is. The way it
was constructed, there was nothing that could be done. Understanding a little
about construction, he had to understand there was nothing much to do on this
property and that was one of the reasons he voted in favor of the appropriateness;
but today with the additional information that it could have been raised, his vote
would be different.
On motion by Councilman Crosby and seconded by Councilman Marino, IT
WAS RESOLVED to reverse the decision of the Historic District Commissions
decision (in favor of the property owner) and to accept what is currently
constructed now, by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Crosby, Berthelot and Rau
Nays: Councilmen Marino and Miller
Absent: None
Reports:
Police Department - None
City Engineer (Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc.). Mr. William Bane, P. E. provided a
monthly Project Status report dated March 11, 2015, said report uploaded to
the paperless agenda as part of the Agenda packet and on file in the office of the
City Clerk.
Departmental Reports distribution:
Monthly reports dated March 11, 2015 were distributed, to Mayor and Council
Members; said reports are on file in the City Clerks Office from the following
departments: Department of Public Works, Building Official Department,
Historic District Advisory Committee and Code Enforcement Department.
Council District Reports:
Councilman at Large Councilman Rau Nothing to report.
District One Councilman Crosby
McDonoghville sign
Councilman Crosby informed that the entrance sign is about 98% complete.
Very soon will have a new look on Stumpf Boulevard and Franklin Street.
District Two Councilman Marino
Park at triangle area (Wiedman Street)
Councilman Marino reported they are preparing to make a park at Hamilton
Street and Wiedman Street by fencing the area around the triangle and eventually
replacing the sign.
Mayor Constant stated there were a master plan of the area, and an illustration of
it. It was introduced as Hamilton Park.
District Three Councilman Miller
Cleaning wooded areas around City Park
Councilman Miller publicly thanked Mr. Danny Lasyone, Public Works Director
and Amie Hebert, Recreations Superintendent for all the cleanup work being
done at Gretna City Park. Clearing a large area of brush out and keeping the
good trees remaining there. Will be planting more trees and once this phase is
complete will have photographs to show everyone. He also thanked Councilman
Rau who volunteered to take some photographs.
District Four Councilman Berthelot
Councilman Berthelot publicly thanked Mr. Danny Lasyone, Public
Works Director, Mike Baudoin, Public Utilities, Amie Hebert, Recreations
Superintendent and Angel Gonzales, Code Enforcement for all the hard work
they do for the city.
Mel Ott Park Capital Outlay projects
Councilman Berthelot reported that 60 tree plantings have been completed. The
Ball Field lighting is complete. The Mel Ott Multipurpose Center sound system
is complete. The Parking Lot Lighting is complete. The Lighted Sign is complete
and the pending project, the Playground Renovation will begin in the very near
future.
Tree trimming is ongoing, especially on Timberlane Drive with the difficult
trimming of bamboo.
Introduction of Ordinances:
Per the Lawrason Act, the ordinances introduced tonight are placed on the
Agenda for informational purposes. They do not need to be read aloud, should
not be discussed and will be considered at the beginning of business for next
month.
The preambles/titles of Items A through F (Introduction of Ordinances) sheet;
draft ordinances are available on or upon completion of next months Agenda
Packet.
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A. An ordinance adopting the City of Gretnas Budget for the Fiscal Year of
April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 and authorizing the Mayor to sign contracts here
within stated in the budget instrument.
B. An ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to
March 31, 2015 to recognize $35,000 from Change Order #3 for the Gretna
Cultural Center for the Arts Project.
C. An ordinance amending Chapter 18, Article I - In General., Section 18-7.Maximum height of fences on residential property, paragraph (4).
D. An ordinance supplementing and amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 3- Administrative Adjudication of Public Health, Housing, Fire
Code, Environmental and Historic District Violations; Section 3-7.- Hearing
procedures, paragraphs (h), (k) and (n).
E. An ordinance nullifying Ordinance No. 4636 which provided for the
acquisition of the adjudicated property located at 615-617 Solon Street by the
City of Gretna pursuant to La. R. S. 47:2236.
F. An ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to
March 31, 2015 to recognize current status of large Police capital projects at
year end, increasing expenditures and grant revenue by $1,000,000 for the New
Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters project and reducing expenditures
and grant revenue by $270,000 for the Renovations to the Police Maintenance
Building project.
Citizen(s) Addressing the Mayor and City Council:
Mr. Chad Morrow a Gretna resident (Fried and 11th Streets) was in attendance
of the meeting to express the many concerns of the area residents. He stated
they were feeling neglected because they have not been kept informed on the
progress of the development. He knows these activities are made public through
the news media but they were told that they would be e-mailed to be kept
informed. They heard about this ratification late last night via e-mail and are
not always the most convenient way to get to the meeting. He did not get an
opportunity to express on the issue the Council heard tonight. The area residents
hope that the promises made at previous meetings to take a look at traffic on
11th Street and pay attention to trucks whether or not they are in violation of
a NOT TRUCK ROUTE. Residents hope the city monitors and pays attention
to those concerns once the store opens and just wanted the Council to know
they will be paying attention. He reminded everyone that this is a commercial
development but the fact that the city has allowed the rear of the property to have
entrance both for vehicles and pedestrians and that would mean that this is a
commercial development that will have residential neighbors on either side of it
with immediately adjacent residences on both sides. Almost every day they are
picking up trash from the side of their yard either from vehicular or pedestrian
traffic using Fried Street to get to the Expressway. The fact that there will be a
commercial development that has entrances and exits so adjacent to residential
houses will not be favorable; there will be more trash. The charm of the city
could potentially be lost if this project is not handled properly. As this project
moves forward the area residents who are most affected by this development
request being kept aware via representatives on the progress.
Councilman Marino explained to Mr. Morrow on what the Council did tonight
was not introducing anything new; these variances that they applied were all
approved at the October 8, 2014 Council meeting. The city was requested by
the property through their legal processing; they felt that in order for it to be
properly even though it was already voted on; that the city should advertise it.
It was advertised; there is nothing different from what was already approved in
October 8, 2014. He has met with people in the neighborhood to the extent that
the city gets information from the property owner. The name of the property is
still not even officially released by the property owner. The city has been giving
the residents information as they receive it. The elected officials of the city
have all met with developers and relayed all the concerns the resident have with
regards to this development; concerns regarding construction and the impacts
on the neighborhood.
Mr. Will Bane, City Engineer stated the developers have submitted plans for
demolition; then submitted construction documents showing everything; all
those plans were reviewed, they met all the requirements of the ordinance except
for the four variances for the portions of the ordinances they did not meet. Those
variances were advertised and the Council has now voted to ratify the vote of
October 8, 2014.
Mr. Marino stated that regarding the demolition, they have a plan in effect for
run-off and for containing all of the construction debris on the property and
minimizing the impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Mr. Bane re-emphasized that for the demolition and construction debris they
have provided a sheet showing how they are going to control the dirt so that it is
not washed off into the canals and cause drainage problems; they will contain
it all on site.
Councilman Marino reiterated stated that the owners and the developers listened
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when the city gave them the residents concerns and he has been impressed with
the amount of dollars they are spending to try to take this site from demolition
to site craft; put in the drainage, put in the landscaping, plant the trees, contain
it all; they have minimized the look of the gas station at the front end and have
built a berm at the rear and put a row of trees.
Mr. Morrow stated he felt somewhat placated but what the most concerns
everyone is the operational concerns; and he wanted to ask the Council to be
mindful of these concerns because they are many children living on 11th Street
and they love their street. The business exit will change the dynamics of 11th
Street with regards to the amount and various types of traffic.
Councilman Marino stated the city is limited on what it can or cannot do. He
has expressed to Mr. Morrow and to other area residents that they city intends
to look at the traffic pattern that will be created. Concerns should be sent to him
for him to pass them onto the developers and he will forward their responses to
the residents.
Mayor Constant stated that Fried Street traffic pattern is a perfect example of a
re-evaluation of traffic pattern and trying to make it better for a neighborhood
and street, a new 3-way stop sign was installed. There are options in the area
with Governor Hall and there are some traffic studies that can be done with
regards to traffic patterns. She is committed to work with the Council member
and with City Engineer as what was done on Fried Street; it can be done again on
Governor Hall and the other side streets as well.
Mr. Mark Morice a Gretna resident thanked the Mayor and Council member
for removing the illegal lien that was placed on his house three years ago. He
was not sent a notice but noticed in his reviewing of the public records. Really
big, as far as government in moving towards some sort of resolution; and as
he explained to one of the council members, how he could negotiate when he
was under pressure. He would like to ask tonight to discuss removing the lien
altogether, the documentation which stated he had trash debris or some type
of dangerous fence; because his fence was not trashed debris or dangerous. In
his 400-plus file there was nothing alleging that the fence was trashed debris
or dangerous and he believed it should be taken out as well. Further he wanted
to thank you all for returning the fine money; he was finally getting his money
back he was forced to pay in fines from the convictions that were overturned
three years ago. He paid those monthly and finally got his money back it goes
a long way; and it hard for him to negotiate on money that is rightfully his,
per the Appeals Court. Two months ago he came in and asked to sit down and
resolve our matters and been saying that for years. He did not think there was
any legitimate attempt by the city at all to resolve the matters. He was told the
city was under the guidance of the counsel. Is not a matter of not listening to
your legal counsel but when the people elect each of you and oath is taken to
uphold the laws and the Constitution not to listen to your counsel; that oath is to
follow the law. There are things that are inherently wrong about the way all this
happened. He is here again tonight to see if this matter can be resolved. He asked
that discussion happen on giving him the money to put up a new fence, he wants
to put up a nice fence. Please take into consideration his comments and thanked
everyone for whatever part done in removing the lien and hopefully legitimate
conversations could happen prior to trial or put in the hands of someone else to
make the decision. He believed all of the underlined matters, pretty much has
been taken care of, now. So let us move ahead and get to some resolution, it
always works better. Thank you.
Executive Session
Mark Morice vs. City of Gretna, et al
RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council go into Executive Session at 8:55
p.m., to discuss the matter of Mark Morice vs. the City of Gretna, et al, and the
same was unanimously approved.
The Mayor and City Council reconvened from Executive Session at 9:39 p.m.
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Berthelot, IT WAS
RESOLVED to adjourn the Mayor and City Council Regular Meeting for April,
8 2015 at 9:40 p.m., and the same was unanimously approved.
S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT
MAYOR
CITY OF GRETNA
STATE OF LOUISIANA
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK
CITY OF GRETNA
STATE OF LOUISIANA
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK

City of Gretna Legals: Mayor Councilmen

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CITY OF GRETNA LEGALS

Gretna City Officials

OF TWO PERCENT (2.00%) IN THE RIVER EXPRESS DEVELOPMENT

in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, as to the accuracy of the Initial

communication breakdown happened.

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