Archive | Gov’t

Tom Schedler Addressing Pachyderms of GBR Tonight

    Secretary of State, Tom Schedler, will address the Pachyderms of GBR meeting on Thursday, May 23rd  at 6:30 p.m. at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 3084 College Drive, Baton Rouge, 70808. (6:30 to 7:00 – Socializing; 7:00 – Meeting)

    Schedler will focus on the Department of Justice’s suit against the State of Louisiana and a number of Louisiana state agencies and officials alleging that Louisiana’s governmental agencies were not registering the recipients of state benefits to vote with sufficient vigor.  Furthermore, the DOJ is demanding that the Secretary release the private, personal information of every registered voter in Louisiana.
    The DOJ’s lawsuit, essentially a copycat suit to one filed by Project Vote and the NAACP in New Orleans in May of 2011, is in spite of the fact that Louisiana is ranked fourth in the entire country in terms of voter registration with over 84% percent of the eligible electorate registered to vote.
    Cost for the buffet is $13.00, drink, tax, gratuity and ice cream included.  Pachyderm meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome.  Reservations are requested.  RSVP: 225-644-5728 or e-mail: info@pachydermsofgbr.org  For more information, visit the Pachyderms on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PachydermsofGBR

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Agenda for Board of Adjustments Meeting Tomorrow

 

PUBLIC NOTICE
 
The City of Central Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on May 23, 2013 at 5:00pm at Kristenwood Meeting Facility, 14025 Greenwell Springs Rd, Central, LA 70739 to consider the following item(s):
 
BOA-4-13 This property is located at 13036 Morgan Meadow Avenue on the south side, east of the Shoe Creek Drive intersection on Lot 223 of the Morgan Place Subdvision. The applicant request the Board of Adjustments to grant a waiver of Section 9.201 A (1) of the Unified Development Code to allow an accessory building that exceeds 1,000 square feet in the A1 Single Family Residential Zoning District.  The applicant proposes to construct a 1,500 square foot structure.  The applicant is James T. Brunett.
 
BOA-5-13  This property is located at 11737 Blackwater Rd on Tract D-3-B-1.  The applicant request the Board of Adjustments to grant a waiver of Section 9.201 A (2) of the Unified Development Code to allow an accessory building that exceeds 1,600 square feet in the Rural Zoning District.  The applicant proposes to construct a 2,000 square foot structure.  The applicant is Pat Milton.

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Republican Party Established in Central

Press Release

    The incorporators of the City of Central Republican Party, Inc. are pleased to announce the formation of a group of Republicans for the purpose of seeking the achievement of common goals for the benefit of the public on major issues facing our local, state and national population.  To reach its goal the purpose of the organization will be:
    1. Offering the opportunity for education review and discussions of any topic ordinances, statutes or regulations;
    2. To work in conjunction with other local groups, elected officials and concerned citizens for the purpose of educating, informing and presenting ideas, concepts and philosophies with a view to reaching common goals and presenting platforms in support of such goals or in opposition to any legislation contrary to good government or sound constitutional construction;
    3. To bring to the Republican Party at all levels the ideas, thoughts and beliefs of the citizens of the City of Central.
    Membership and the opportunity to serve in various capacities is open to the public.  For additional information contact the organizers as follows:
Debbie Dougherty: 571-4252,  debbd318@aol.com
Ron Erickson, Sr.: 954-2927,  broron777@aol.com
Walton J. “Ti” Barnes, II: 262-2212,  
barnesii@bellsouth.net
 

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Public Transportation Plan Meeting Monday

The City of Central, Louisiana, will host a public meeting to seek input on the development of the Long Range Transportation Plan for the City.  The Open House Format meeting will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013, from 5 PM to 7 PM in the Central Branch Library at 11260 Joor Rd. 

The plan that is being developed will act as a blue-print for guiding elected officials toward meeting the City’s transportation needs. It proposes how the transportation resources should be managed and serves as a frame-work for transportation investment decisions.

The public is invited to attend and view exhibits by Neel-Schaffer, Inc., the planning consulting firm hired to prepare the Plan. 

The public meeting will provide the citizens an opportunity to shape the City’s vision by expressing their input on the existing transportation system, deficiencies, growth patterns, future needs and priorities.

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Tonight’s City Council Meeting Agenda

The City Council will meet in a public meeting tonight at 6PM at Kristenwood.  The agenda is as follows:

I. Preliminary Business
1) Call to Order
2) Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3) Roll Call
4) Approval of the minutes from the April 23, 2013 council meeting
 
II. Unfinished Business
None
 
III. New Business
1) Mayor’s report and presentations.
2) Introduction of the following item(s) (with public hearing to be held at the May 28, 2013, council meeting):
a) An ordinance to amend Chapter 2 of Title 9 (Licensing and regulation of trades and occupations) to define food truck vendors and to provide for related matters. (By Mayor Pro Tempore Washington)
b) An ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 401(B) of Chapter 4 of Title 1 authorizing acceptance of payment devices for local charges and to provide for related matters. (By Mayor Pro Tempore Washington)
c) An ordinance to amend the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year General Fund Budget to appropriate an additional $7,064.93 for emergency road repairs in the Amber Lakes and Village Lakes subdivisions and to provide for related matters. (By Mayor Pro Tempore Washington)
3) Public Hearing and action regarding the following instrument(s):
a) A resolution to clarify the terms of office for the Planning Commission and to 
provide for related matters. (By Mayor Pro Tempore Washington)
b) An ordinance to amend the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year General Fund to recognize 
additional revenue for contractors’ license fees and to appropriate funds for 
management fees for issuance of contractors’ licenses and to provide for related 
matters. (By Councilman LoBue)
c) An ordinance to amend and re-enact the schedule of fees to add a permit fee for 
repair or replacement or repair of meter pan, riser pipe and/or weatherhead and to 
provide for related matters. (By Councilman LoBue)
d) An ordinance to enact Chapter 10A of the Unified Development Code to provide for 
design standards for nonresidential structures in designated areas and to provide for 
related matters. (By Councilman Washington)
Zoning Commission considered the proposed ordinance at the April 25, 2013 Zoning 
Commission meeting to adopt architectural standards for nonresidential structures in 
the City of Central along specific roadways. The item was discussed and was 
deferred by the Zoning Commission for further study to be done by the sponsor.
e) An ordinance to amend the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year Half-Cent Sale Tax Budget to 
appropriate fund for preparation of bid specifications and advertising for the 2013 
Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program and to provide for related matters. 
(By Councilman Messina) 
f) A resolution to concur in the Metro Council Resolution enlarging the boundaries 
of Central Fire Protection District No. 4 and to provide for related matters. 
(By Councilman Moak)
This item was submitted after the deadline for submission of items to the 
agenda and will be heard only upon unanimous consent by the council to 
to consider this item at the May 14, 2013 council meeting.
 
IV. Zoning Cases
1) Introduction of the following item(s) (with Public Hearing to be held at the May 28, 2013 council meeting:
a) RZ-3-13 Rezoning from Rural to HC-1 (Heavy Commercial-One): This property is the proposed Tract 2 of subdivision of a certain 21.1 acre tract formerly of the Quentin Bourke Tract and is located on the west side of Sullivan Road, near the Brent Avenue intersection in Section 68, T6S, R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is requesting to rezone from Rural to HC-1 (Heavy Commercial One) for a lumber/ home improvement retail center. Applicant: Darrin Vince. (By Councilman Moak)
Commission Action (April 25, 2013): A motion to approve RZ-3-13 with Staff’s recommendation was made by Mr. Graydon Walker, seconded by Mr. Wilson Reado.
Vote: 6 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillain, Burns, Giles, Rauls, Reado, Walker), 0 nays, 1 absent (Mr. Johnson) and the motion carried.
b) SNC-1-13 Street Name Change: This street (private servitude of access) is located approximately one quarter mile east of Frenchtown Road with access via Central Thruway. The applicant is proposing to change the street name from Porche Lane to A. J. LeBlanc Road. Applicant David LeBlanc. (By Councilman Moak)
Commission Action (April 25, 2013): Deferred from the March 21, 2013 meeting) A motion to approve SNC-1-13 was made by Mr. Graydon Walker, seconded by Mr. Wilson Reado. Vote: 6 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillain, Burns, Giles, Rauls, Reado, Walker, 0 nays, 1 absent (Mr. Johnson) and the motion carried.
2) Discussion and action regarding the following case(s):
a) PUD-2-12 Myrtlewood Concept Plan: The property is located on the south side of Core Lane near the Northeast Drive intersection west of Joor Road in Section 31, T5S, R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant is proposing a residential planned unit development consisting of forty five (45) lots. Applicant: Ron Haisty, Jr. (By Mayor Pro Tempore Washington)
Commission Action: A motion to deny PUD-2-12 was made by Mr. Graydon Walker, seconded by Mr. Harry Rauls. Vote: 6 yeas (Messrs: Burns, Giles, Johnson, Rauls, Reado, Walker), 0 nays, 1 absent (Mr. Bonvillain) and the motion carried.
 
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

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Costs Being Assessed for Blighted Property

    The City of Central held Administrative Hearings in March and assessed hearing costs of up to $500 each against five Central property owners for failure to comply with ordinances against blighted property.   The City provides notice of the violations and gives the property owners ample opportunity to clean up the property before any hearing is held.  In general the ordinances require that excessive weeds be cut back and rubbish removed from property in the city.  If the violation is cured before the matter comes to a hearing, no costs are assessed.

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Transportation Plan Public Meeting May 20th

    The city of Central has hired Neel-Schaffer, Inc. to perform a Transportation Plan study for the city of Central in order to develop current and long-range planning efforts to improve roadway networks and designs around the city. A public meeting will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013 at the Central Branch Library on Joor Rd from 5pm to 7pm to gather public input and hear details on the study.

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April 2013 Building Permits

 

From the City of Central
    During the month of April 2013 in the city of Central, a total of 14 new residential permits were issued.  The total valuation of these permits was $3,130,126.
    Within these permits, six were issued in Woodstock with an average valuation of $233,775; three in Burlington Lakes with an average valuation of $187,323; two in Morgan Springs with an average valuation of $141,752; one in Northwoods valued at $252,114; one on Joor Rd valued at $311,016; and one on Blackwater Rd valued at $318,874.
    Building valuation is the price based upon the square footage of the home used for permitting purposes.  The actual selling price of the home is usually higher than the valuation and depends upon amenities installed by the builder.
    On the commercial side, permits were applied for the following commercial structures:
1) Remodeling; 10633 Hwy 64.
2) Addition to Storage Facility; Leader Properties, LLC; 12919B Hooper Rd; 5,149 sq. ft.
3) Additional Buildings; St. Alphonsus School; 13940 Greenwell Springs Rd.; 4,976 sq. ft.
4) Remodeling; Oak Point Grocery; 14485 Greenwell Springs Rd.; 44,821 sq. ft.
5) Remodeling; 9550 Hooper Rd; 4,000 sq. ft.

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Safety Improvements Coming to Greenwell Springs Road This Year

 

From the City of Central
    The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) conducted a Road Safety Assessment (RSA) of La. 37 (Greenwell Springs Road) from Sullivan Road to La. 409 (Liberty Rd). As a result of the assessment, DOTD has identified several improvements that can be made to enhance the safety of this roadway.
    The RSA program was implemented by DOTD in 2010 to help identify safety enhancements that can be made to roads in the state highway system. This approach gathers input from local officials and legislators, local and state police, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and DOTD personnel to determine any existing safety-related needs along a specific route and identify opportunities for safety enhancements to address… those needs.
    As a result of the RSA, two projects are being developed to improve Greenwell Springs Road. The first project will install centerline rumble strips, raised pavement markers and update striping. DOTD estimates that it could accept bids on this project as early as summer 2013. The second project will enhance drivers’ sight distance by removing trees and clearing vegetation along the right-of-way. Bids on this project could be accepted as early as fall 2013.
    In addition to these projects, several other improvements have been made or are currently underway in this area. This includes the new $19.9 million Magnolia River Bridge, which created a new four-lane bridge structure, adding 10-foot outside shoulders and widening La. 64 from Greenwell Springs Road to La. 1019. Work on this project was completed in November 2012.
    In addition, construction is underway to install turn lanes on Greenwell Springs Road at its intersection with La. 3034 (Magnolia Bridge Road). Specifically, work on this $1.2 million project consists of adding an additional right turn lane to the northbound Greenwell Springs approach, an additional through lane to the eastbound La. 3034 approach and an additional dedicated left turn lane to the southbound Greenwell Springs approach. Work began in March 2013 and is expected to be complete in summer 2013.
    These improvements, coupled with the upcoming projects identified in the RSA, will positively impact this area by improving traffic flow and providing motorists with a safer and more efficient commute.
    The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 930 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

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City of Central Advertisement for Bids PEC Project Number 11209 2013 Road Maintenance Program

 

    In accordance with the LA Public Bid Law, sealed bids for the 2013 Road Maintenance Program will be received by the City of Central until 2:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at:
CENTRAL CITY HALL
13421 Hooper Road, Suite 9
Central, LA  70818-2900
Attn:  2013 ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAM BID DOCUMENT
Or electronically via www.publicpurchase.com under the City of Central agencies category.
    Complete Bidding Documents may be viewed at:
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS CORPORATION
7600 GSRI Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA  70820, AND
AGC/F. W. DODGE DIVISION, MCGRAW HILL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
666 North Street
Baton Rouge, LA  70802
    Copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from Professional Engineering Consultants Corporation at the above address upon deposit of $150.00 per set.  Deposits will be refunded as provided by LA Public Bid Law, if returned in good condition no later than ten (10) days after bid deadline. 
    Only bids of individuals or entities with applicable licensure will be considered.  Bidders shall comply with LA R.S. 38:2212(A)(1)(c).  All bids must be accompanied by security in favor of the City of Central equal to at least 5% of the sum of the base bid and all alternates, in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or written by a surety company meeting the requirements of LA R.S. 38:2218.  Sureties must be signed by the surety’s agent or attorney-in-fact, accompanied by appropriate power of attorney.  
    The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond signed by the surety’s agent or attorney-in-fact meeting the requirements of LA R.S. 38:2219.
    The City of Central reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause.  The provisions and requirements of LA R.S. 38:2212(A)(1)(b), those stated in this advertisement, and those required on the bid form shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived. 
CITY OF CENTRAL
Shelton “Mac” Watts, Mayor
 
The following streets are included in the 2013 Street Rehab Program:
Amber Lakes Subdivision:
1)  Amber Lakes Dr  2)  River Birch Ave  3)  Lynwood Ave  4)  Green Ash Dr
Village Lakes Subdivision:
1)  Magnolia Crossing Dr (overlay and patch)   2)  Villa Trace Ave (patch)
Washington Ln
Frenchtown Rd (Draughns Creek to Planchet)
Planchet Rd (Frenchtown to Thibodeaux Rd).

 

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