City Council meeting preview: January 23rd, 2025

MANDEVILLE — The City Council’s primary agenda items with descriptions for the January 23rd, 2025, regular meeting are provided here. This is based on the revised published agenda, which was updated Sunday, January 19th.

The meeting is scheduled for January 23rd, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Mandeville City Hall.

Introduction of ordinances:

Ordinance 25-03

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Ordinance 25-03 would amend Section 10-70 of Mandeville’s Code of Ordinances, redefining “permanent parking” as parking between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., instead of the previous six-hour rule, to ease police enforcement, meaning even brief parking would become prohibited in the outlined streets and areas. The ordinance would expand prohibited parking areas to include both sides of Woodrow Street from Girod to Carroll Streets (with exceptions for certain residents), General Pershing Street from Girod to Carroll Streets (with exceptions for apartment residents), and the city-owned Trailhead parking lot. These changes aim to promote orderly use of public spaces, accommodate community needs, and optimize police resources. Violators will face penalties under Section 1-9 of the Code of Ordinances.

Ordinance 25-05

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Ordinance 25-05 proposes the annexation of approximately 2.89 acres of land, encompassing portions of Lots 3 and 4 in Square 117, into the corporate limits of the City of Mandeville, which is the north side of Florida Street between Foy Street and Clausel Street. The annexed property will be designated as B-2 (Highway Business District) for zoning purposes, promoting commercial development, generating additional tax revenue, and creating employment opportunities. The ordinance also specifies revenue-sharing terms with St. Tammany Parish, allocating 80% of sales tax revenue to the City and 20% to the Parish, in accordance with prior agreements. The annexed property will fall within Council District 3, and the City’s zoning map will be updated to reflect these changes. The ordinance includes provisions ensuring its enforceability, even if specific sections are deemed invalid by a court.

Ordinance 25-06

(Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman)

Ordinance 25-06 proposes changes to “Sec. 2-6 – Indemnity” introducing several modifications to clarify and expand the scope of indemnification and exclusions for city employees, officers, and officials. While the original text allowed the City to select defense counsel and required officials to pay for their own counsel if they chose independent representation, the proposed changes permit officials to select their own defense counsel, subject to city council approval, which cannot be unreasonably withheld. This adjustment provides greater autonomy to those seeking legal representation while maintaining oversight to ensure responsible decision-making.

The proposed changes also expand the exclusions to indemnification. The original text excluded coverage for actions unrelated to legitimate governmental objectives, criminal or malicious behavior, and acts performed outside the course of employment. The proposed changes refine these provisions by explicitly stating that acts outside the “course and scope” of employment are excluded and by adding two new exclusions: lawsuits initiated by or at the request of the City (e.g., disciplinary proceedings) and punitive damages awards. These additions aim to safeguard city resources while ensuring that only legitimate claims related to public service are covered.

Finally, the proposed changes enhance clarity by separating reimbursement obligations into a new section. Both versions require officials found liable for excluded acts to reimburse the City for defense costs, but the proposed changes explicitly state that the City may recover attorneys’ fees incurred in enforcing reimbursement obligations. These revisions emphasize clarity, accountability, and precision, ensuring the ordinance balances protections for public servants with the responsible use of city resources.

Special Event Permits:

Approval of ‘Krewe of Eve Parade’ Preparations

(District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire)

Approval of the Viewing Stage for Milestone Project Services- “Krewe of Eve Parade” to be held February 21, 2025 from 4:00-10:00pm. Rain Date: N/A Location: 1265 West Causeway Approach Median (See Map) Approval Requests: Permission to set up stage in the median (50 people), Council approval of location. Contingent upon: Certificate of Insurance, Council approval of location, agree to remove stage after parade.

Unfinished Business:

Adoption of Ordinance 24-46

(District II Councilman Kevin Vogeltanz)

Ordinance 24-46 proposes authorizing the Mayor of Mandeville to execute the necessary documents to establish and purchase a drainage and access servitude on Lots 1 and 2 in the Lewisburg Subdivision for $307,403.00, as appraised by Murphy Appraisal Services. This servitude will support improvements to the Old Golden Shores drainage system, specifically the primary outfall channel running from Elm Street to Lake Pontchartrain, addressing drainage needs for the surrounding area. The transaction will include reasonable closing costs, and the property transfer must be free of encumbrances. The ordinance takes effect immediately upon the Mayor’s signature.

New Business:

Approval of Change Order No. 3

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Approval of Change Order No. 3 for the 2022 Roadway & Drainage Maintenance Contract adding new pay items X-018, no change in contract limit or time.

Adoption of Resolution 25-02

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Resolution 25-02 would authorize the Mayor of the City of Mandeville to execute an amendment to the professional services agreement with Fairway Consulting+Engineering for upgrades to Lift Stations 13, 18, and 37. The amendment extends the agreement by one year, through November 9, 2025, to allow the consultant to continue construction administration services. The extension does not modify the scope of work, add additional fees, or change the maximum compensation under the original agreement. This resolution ensures continuity in the project’s administration without increasing costs.

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