Submitted by Rep. Richardson’s Office

Crews continue to set forms and install reinforcing steel for the next deck pour. This should take place the week of 9/26. Also, crews continue to set girders, forms, and cast caps to prepare for future pours.

The contractor has completed driving all piles. They have cast 22 of the 28 caps. They just completed the 2nd of 12 concrete pours for the bridge deck. For questions or comments, contact DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683) or e-mail dotdcs@la.gov. The center is open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also visit the project’s Web page by going to www.dotd.gov and clicking on "Projects" from the Programs & Projects section of the main menu on the left-hand side of the page and selecting the LA 64 Magnolia Bridge Replacement Project link. You can also follow the La. 64 Magnolia Bridge Replacement Project on Facebook. Again, we thank you for your feedback and patience during this construction. Additionally, at your convenience, please let us know how we are doing by filling out our Customer Service Survey.

The City Council will meet this Tuesday, September 27 at 6 PM at Kristenwood in a piblic meeting.  The agenda is as follows:

The rules for conducting such public hearings are as follows:

1)         In compliance with R.S. 42:14(d) and Ordinance 2011-8, members of the public will be allowed to speak on any item upon which a vote is to be taken that is included on the agenda. The applicant will speak first for a period not to exceed 10 minutes. Other proponents will speak next, then the opponents. Each speaker will be allowed not more than three minutes. The speakers are requested to limit their remarks and to avoid duplication in their presentations.

2)         The proponents will be allowed three minutes for rebuttal.

3)         Each councilman will be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes to express his views on any one subject without interruption from the other members upon initial consideration and five (5) minutes for rebuttal.

I.          Preliminary Business

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of minutes from the September 13, 2011 council meeting.

II.        Unfinished Business

            None

III.       New Business

1. Mayor’s report and presentations
2. Report from Doug Browning, City of Central Chief of Police concerning deputy patrolling within the city.  (Council Member Messina)
3. Transportation Planner Committee—Each Councilman appoint one person to this committee by no later than Friday September 30, 2011.  The purpose of the committee will go over the RFP’s and decide on the Transportation Element Plan Consultant for the City of Central (Councilman LoBue)
4. Report from IBTS concerning services provided to the City of Central.
5. Introduction of the following item(s) (with public hearing to be held at the October 11, 2011council meeting).
6. To amend and re-enact Appendix J of Title 7, The Unified Development Code, and to provide for related matters. (Council Member Washington)
6. Public Hearing and action regarding the following instrument(s):
7. An Ordinance to amend the 2011-2012 Annual Budget to appropriate $104,268.04 of the City of Central’s One Half-Cent Sales and Use Tax for Revised Right-of-Way Maps, Roadway Final Plans, and Sewer Final Plans in Compliance with Phase II, Part 5, (Final Right-of-Way Map) and Phase III (Final Plans) in connection with the

Hooper-Sullivan Intersection Improvements (State Project DOTD No. H.002320 and City-Parish Project No. 11-TL-HC-0032) and the Hooper Road Improvements (Joor to Sullivan, State Project No. H.002317 and City-Parish Project No. 08-TL-HC-0034.) (Council Member Moak)

2. An Ordinance to amend the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Budget for the One-Half Cent Sales and Use Tax Dedicated for Road Improvements to Appropriate $5,000 to Soil Testing for Frenchtown Road and to Provide for related matters.  (Council Member DeJohn)
3. An Ordinance to establish a seven-member Council with five members to be elected from single-member Districts and two members to be elected at-large and to provide for related matters.  (Council Member Messina)
7. Other items for discussion by council:

None

IV.       Zoning Cases

1. Introduction of the following item(s) (with Public Hearing to be held at the October 11, 2011 council meeting):
2. RZ-1-11 Rezoning of Portion of Tract Y of the Thomas H. Robertson Property. 

This property is located on the east side of Joor Road near the Hooper Road intersection north of Morgan Place Subdivision.  The applicant is proposing to rezone from R(Rural) to LC-1 (Light Commercial One District) for a contractor business.  (Applicant:  Paul J. Burns).

2. RZ-2-11 Rezoning of Lots 26, 27, 28 and 29 of Indian Mound Subdivision. 

This property is located on the southwest corner of the Chickasaw and Liberty Road intersection.  The applicant is proposing to rezone from A-1 (Single Family Residential), B-1 (Transition), C-1 (Light Commercial) to A-2 (Single Family Residential) for single family residential land use.  (Applicant Mickey L. Robertson)

2. Discussion and Action regarding the following case(s):
3. RZ-10-08 Rev Site Plan Revision (Deferred from July 28^th Meeting) – This property is located on the south side of Wax Road between Willowbrook Dr. and W. Brookside Dr. on Lot Y of the Brian Tract, being in Sections 8 & 9, T-6-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA.  The applicant is proposing to increase the square footage of the shopping center from 21,360 sq. ft. to 25,908 sq. ft. (Applicant:  Kimble-Development of Central)

Commission Action (August 25, 2011):  A motion to defer RZ-10-08 Revision was made by Wade Giles, seconded by Mr. Paul Burns.  Vote:  6 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillain, Burns, Giles, Rauls, Reado, Walker), 0 nays and 1 absent (Mr. Johnson).
Commission Action (September 22, 2011):  The Zoning Commission will hear this case on September 22, 2011.

V.        Other Business

1. Public Comment

* Restricted to items not on the agenda.  A Public Comment Request to Speak Card must be turned in to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting in order to be considered. Public comment is limited to 10 speakers with three minutes each.

2. Announcements
3. Adjournment

Submitted by Deana Vickry

CENTRAL, LA – September 13, 2011    

    Billy Nungesser, the  parish president of Plaquemines challenging incumbent Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is coming to Central. So is New Orleans attorney Joseph Cao, qualified to run against Attorney General Buddy Caldwell.

    They are among many of the qualified Republicans accepting invitations to speak this Monday for the MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM and Membership Meeting of Republican Women of Central.

    “Barbecue and Saucy Political Conversation” are on the menu for this event at Pitt Crew Barbecue, located on the corner of Hooper and Shady Bluff Roads in Central, LA. Doors open at 6p.m., meeting and “stump speeches” begin at 6:30p.m. Cost is $15 per person for the meeting, including barbecue buffet, cold drinks and homemade desserts by RWC members and door prize drawing.

    All state elected positions are up for grabs – Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Commissioner of Forestry and Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, Senate, State Representatives and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).  For the first time in our state’s history, Republicans outnumber Democrats as registered voters, and in some races there are no democratic or other challengers.

    “We must become better acquainted with all Republican candidates in this important October 22nd election,” said RWC President Joan Lansing. “This forum gives the public a chance to meet those qualified as Republicans in a casual, social setting.”

    Also attending are Central residents seeking election to the newly formed State Senate District 6: State Rep. Mack “Bodi” White and Michael J. Mannino, Jr.

    Areas of Central and Livingston both fall into State Senate District 13 where incumbent Dale Erdey is being challenged by another Republican, newcomer Derek Babcock. Both are attending.

    When State Rep. White announced his candidacy for the Senate, his seat in District 64 became available and two newcomers, attorney Barry Elkins and Livingston Parish Republican Valarie Hodges, stepped up to run. Both will offer their qualifications, platforms and visions for the job.

    In nearby District 63 in Baker and Brownfield area, first-time candidate Barbara Thomas is the only Republican in her race.

    EBRP Sheriff and Republican candidate “Sid” J. Gautreaux, III and EBRP Coroner candidate Dr. William “Beau” Clark and incumbent of 8 years Dr. Shannon Cooper will be attending.

    Zachary City Police Chief candidate David McDavid is the only Republican in his race, and looks forward to meeting residents of the area.

    Voter registration, party affiliation change, and absentee ballot request forms will be available.

    Co-hosting the event is the re-organizing and revitalized Republican Women of Baker/Zachary led by Jeannette Boggs of Zachary, LA. The two groups are partnering to include all Republican candidates in the northern part of East Baton Rouge Parish.

    Reservations and information can be made by emailing republicanwomenofcentral@yahoo.com. Information on RWC and membership can be found on www.lfrw.org/republicanwomenofcentral or by contacting Betsy Barnes, Membership Committee Chairwoman at (225)333-0018.

    For information on membership in the Republican Women of Baker/Zachary, please contact President Jeanette Boggs, email jnettboggs@att.net or (225)936-1378.

From the City of Central

  The following bridges have recently been inspected by DOTD and noted critical deficiencies.  They are being posted with a 5-ton weight limit.  No vehicles over 5 tons are to travel over these bridges.   The map below shows the bridge locations. 
800445:  Hubbs Road over Beaver Bayou
800444:  Devall Road over Drainage Canal

Photo by Mia Freneaux

    Last Friday night, a large group met at Kristenwood in Central to celebrate Rep. Clif Richardson’s return for another term as a State Representative.  As the qualifying for Representative and Senate candidates closed at the end of the week, it became evident that Richardson would be running unopposed.  Richardson, a Republican from Central, is a former Justice of the Peace who was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2007 after the seat was vacated by the late Donald Ray Kennard.  Rep. Richardson will continue to serve District 65 for another four years.  Congratulations!

From the City of Central

AGENDA
CITY OF CENTRAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, September 22, 2011 6:00pm
Kristenwood Meeting Facility
14025 Greenwell Springs Road

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Recitation of Rules
5. Approval of Minutes ( August 25, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting)
6. Amendments and Consent Agenda

PUBLIC HEARING CASES (NEW BUSINESS):

7. SS-8-11 Subdivision of Lots 26, 27,28, and 29 of  Indian Mound Subdivision This property is located on the southwest corner of the Chickasaw and Liberty Road intersection in Sections 41, T5S, R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing to create seven (7) lots for single family residential land use. (Applicant: Mickey L. Robertson) This is a companion case to RZ-2-11.
8. SS-9-11 Subdivision Tract Y of the Thomas H. Robertson Property This property is located on the east side of Joor Road near the Hooper Road intersection north of Morgan Place Subdivision in Sections 7 and 70, T-6-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing to separate a single family residence and a contractor business. (Applicant: Paul J. Burns)

PUBLIC HEARING CASES (OLD BUSINESS):

9. PUD-2-11 Twin Lake Estates Landscape Plan and Restrictions This property is located on the north side of Denham Road between the White Oak Run Drive and Hidden Creek Drive intersections in Sections 21 and 42, T-5-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing a landscape plan for a single family residential development. (Applicant: Jim Clark)

10.   Announcements

11.  Adjourn    

The item(s) on this Agenda will be heard by the Central City Council on October 11, 2011, unless the item(s) is deferred by the Commission.

AGENDA
CITY OF CENTRAL ZONING COMMISSION
Thursday, September 22, 2011 6:00pm
Kristenwood Meeting Facility
14025 Greenwell Springs Road

1.   Call to Order

1. Roll Call
2. Recitation of Rules
3. Approval of Minutes (August 22, 2011 Zoning Meeting)
4. Amendments and Consent Agenda

PUBLIC HEARING CASES (NEW BUSINESS):

5. RZ-1-11 Rezoning of Portion of Tract Y of the Thomas H. Robertson Property. This property is located on the east side of Joor Road near the Hooper Road intersection north of Morgan Place Subdivision in Sections 7 and 70, T-6-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing to rezone from R (Rural) to LC-1 (Light Commercial One District) for a contractor business. (Applicant: Paul J. Burns)
6. RZ-2-11 Rezoning of  Lots 26, 27, 28 and 29 of Indian Mound Subdivision. This property is located on the southwest corner of the Chickasaw and Liberty Road intersection in Sections 41, T5S, R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing to rezone from  A-1 (Single Family Residential) , B-1 (Transition),   C-1 (Light Commercial) to A-2 (Single Family Residential) for single family residential land use. (Applicant Mickey L. Robertson) This is a companion case to SS-8-11.

PUBLIC HEARING CASES (OLD BUSINESS):

7. RZ-10-08 Rev Site Plan Revision (Deferred from August 25th Meeting) This property is located on the south side of Wax Road between Willowbrook Dr. and W. Brookside Dr. on Lot Y of the Brian Tract, being in Sections 8 & 9, T-6-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA.  The applicant is proposing to decrease the square footage of the shopping center from 21,360 sq. ft. 19,200 sq. ft.  (Applicant:  Kimble Development of Central)
8. Announcements
9. Adjourn

From the City of Central website

            Building permits slowed during the month of August 2011 within the city of Central. A total of 6 new residential permits were issued.  The total valuation of these permits was $1,062,878. 

            Within these permits, one was issued in Village Lakes with a building valuation of $187,762; two in Morgan Springs with an average valuation of $160,724; two in Burlington Lakes with an average valuation of $159,741; and one on a private parcel of land with a valuation of $234,186.  So far this year, a total of 95 new residential building permits have been issued.  This is in line with building permits through the same period in 2010 in which 94 new residential building permits were issued.

• Access to markets (include transportation and telecommunications)
• Labor (include a summary of the workforce and education especially related to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) capabilities and training)
• Resources (natural resources, manufacturing and any particular services highly associated with the community, utilities including electricity, natural gas, and water – costs, quality, availability and potential for growth)
• General Business Climate (Economic development organization, leadership development, funding for economic development)
• Access to capital for financing or low interest loans for small business or new business start-ups
• Brief overview of quality of life aspects of the community (housing, cultural/recreational opportunities, medical, retail, crime)
• Steering Committee meetings have been scheduled through November of 2011 and are posted on the LaDRC website.
• All other pertinent reports and minutes have been uploaded to the LaDRC website to date.

Tuesday's City Council meeting will be held at 6 PM at Kristenwood.  The agenda includes the following:

I. Preliminary Business

(1) Call to Order

(2) Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

(3) Roll Call

(4) Approval of minutes from the August 23, 2011 council meeting.

II. Unfinished Business

None

III. New Business

1) Mayor’s report and presentations.

2) Report to be given at the September 27, 2011 council meeting by Doug Browning, City of Central Chief of Police concerning deputy patrolling within the city. (Council Member Messina)

3) Introduction of the following item (with public hearing to be held at the September 27, 2011council meeting).

a) An Ordinance to amend the 2011-2012 Annual Budget to appropriate $104,268.04 of the City of Central’s One Half-Cent Sales and Use Tax for Revised Right-of-Way Maps, Roadway Final Plans, and Sewer Final Plans in Compliance with Phase II, Part 5, (Final Right-of-Way Map) and Phase III (Final Plans) in connection with the Hooper-Sullivan Intersection Improvements (State Project DOTD No. H.002320 and City-Parish Project No. 11-TL-HC-0032) and the Hooper Road Improvements (Joor to Sullivan, State Project No. H.002317 and City-Parish Project No. 08-TL-HC-0034.) (Council Member Moak)

b) An Ordinance to amend the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Budget for the One-Half Cent Sales and Use Tax Dedicated for Road Improvements to Appropriate $5,000 to Soil Testing for Frenchtown Road and to Provide for related matters. (Council Member DeJohn)

c) An Ordinance to establish a seven-member Council with five members to be elected from single-member Districts and two members to be elected at-large and to provide for related matters. (Council Member Messina)

4) Public Hearing and action regarding the following instrument(s):

a) A Resolution to study the feasibility of improving Frenchtown Road while Frenchtown Road is closed for completion of the Central Thruway. (Council Member DeJohn)

b) Other items for discussion by council:
None

IV. Zoning Cases

(1) Introduction of the following item(s) (with Public Hearing to be held at the September 27, 2011 council meeting):
None

(2) Discussion and Action regarding the following case(s):
a) RZ-10-08 Rev Site Plan Revision (Deferred from July 28th Meeting) – This property is located on the south side of Wax Road between Willowbrook Dr. and W. Brookside Dr. on Lot Y of the Brian Tract, being in Sections 8 & 9, T-6-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing to increase the square footage of the shopping center from 21,360 sq. ft. to 25,908 sq. ft. (Applicant: Kimble-Development of Central)
Commission Action (August 25, 2011): A motion to defer RZ-10-08 Revision was made by Wade Giles, seconded by Mr. Paul Burns. Vote: 6 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillain, Burns, Giles, Rauls, Reado, Walker), 0 nays and 1 absent (Mr. Johnson). Central City Council Agenda Tuesday, September 13, 2011

V. Other Business

(1) Public Comment
* Restricted to items not on the agenda. A Public Comment Request to Speak Card must be turned in to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting in order to be considered. Public comment is limited to 10 speakers with three minutes each.

(2) Announcements

(3) Adjournment

Submitted by Betsy Barnes

Pictured: John J. Price, Harold Williams. Billy Thompson, Joan Lansing, Debbie Dougherty, Betsy Barnes

    John J. Price has been named chairman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Party following the resignation by former chairman Harold Williams.  Williams announced that he has resigned as chairman of the East Baton Rouge Republican Party Parish Executive Committee in order to run for the Louisiana House of Representatives in the newly created District 101.  The North Baton Rouge district, created in the recently completed legislative session, centers at Florida Boulevard and includes neighborhoods like Sherwood Forest, Monticello, Brookstown and Merrydale.  

    Williams, 43, said while there is no formal requirement that he resign as chairman of the Republican Parish Executive Committee in order to run for the legislature, he felt it was the right thing to do and would allow him to devote more time to his campaign  while addressing the needs and problems of the district.   Williams qualified for the new legislative seat when formal qualifying opened Tuesday. The election is scheduled for October 22, 2011. 

    Williams is the owner of 1st Team Insurance Agency and is a former uniformed officer with the Baton Rouge City Police.  He is currently a member of the Baton Rouge Reserve Officers Association and previously served as a member of the East Baton Rouge ABC Board.    

    Williams said John J. Price has now replaced him as chairman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Party.  Price, a local attorney, is a lifelong Republican and has been a member of the EBR Republican Parish Executive Committee since his election in 2008.  He was elected vice chairman of the EBR Republican Parish Executive Committee in 2010 and also currently serves on the Republican State Central Committee.