Brakes pumped on controversial parking ordinance

Ordinance 25-03 not carried over from canceled Jan. 23 meeting

Executive session called to discuss Sucette Harbor lawsuits


Editor’s Note: The Councilwoman from District III notified the City Council that she legally changed her name from “Jill McGuire” to “Jill Lane.” Mandeville Daily will refer to her accordingly moving forward.


MANDEVILLE — A controversial parking ordinance will not be introduced at the February 13th City Council meeting as had been expected after the cancellation of the January 23rd meeting where it was slated for introduction on the published agenda.

Ordinance 25-03, sponsored by Councilman at Large Scott Discon, would shake up parking rules on Lakeshore Drive and at the Mandeville Trailhead, ending the practices of overnight school-bus parking on Woodrow Street and a local auto-repair business allegedly parking customer vehicles on General Pershing Street. The proposal, according to critics, would also add confusion to lakefront parking.

The Discon ordinance — which created a stir on social media — was the only voting item not to be carrying over from the January 23rd meeting after it was canceled due to snow.

Ordinance 25-03 could still be introduced at a future meeting, but as of publication date, it will not be introduced February 13th and hence cannot be considered at the subsequent February 27th meeting.


Related:


The February 13th agenda as of Mandeville Daily publication time can be downloaded here. The agenda packet (hosted on the city’s website) can be downloaded here.

The meeting is scheduled for February 13th at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Mandeville City Hall.

Executive Session: Sucette Harbor Lawsuits

The Mandeville City Council has scheduled an executive session under Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:16 and 42:17(A)(2) to discuss the ongoing federal lawsuit, Woodward Harbor, LLC v. City of Mandeville, case number 23-05824, currently before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Executive sessions are not open to the public.

This development follows U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long’s recent order for a settlement conference between the involved parties. The conference aims to facilitate discussions that could lead to a resolution, though it does not mandate a settlement. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, centers on disputes over zoning and property rights, with developers and city officials at odds.

The executive session will be held at the end of the February 13th meeting.

Introduction 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.

Lots 3 and 4 in Square 117, into the corporate limits of the City of Mandeville. (Mandeville Daily)
Lots 3 and 4 in Square 117, into the corporate limits of the City of Mandeville. (Mandeville Daily)

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.

A side-by-side comparison of the changes proposed by Ordinance 25-06 to city code. (Mandeville Daily)
A side-by-side comparison of the changes proposed by Ordinance 25-06 to city code. (Mandeville Daily)

Special Event Permits:

Approval of ‘Old Golden Gras Neighborhood Party’

(District III Councilwoman Jill Lane)

Special Event Permit Application for “Old Golden Gras Neighborhood Party” approved for February 23, 2025, from 11:00am-7:00pm on Copal St. Street closure and barricade usage contingent upon Council and Police approval.

Approval of ‘Krewe of Eve Parade’ Preparations

(District III Councilwoman Jill Lane)

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.

Adoption of Resolution 24-69

(Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman)

Resolution 24-69 authorizes the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Greenleaf Architects, APAC, for the City Hall renovations project. The agreement, signed on December 05, 2024, includes architectural design work for the New Council Chambers and other renovations.

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.

Approval of Change Order No. 5

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Approval of change Order No. 5 for the 2022 Striping Maintenance Contract adding an additional speed radar sign foundation, with no change in maximum contract amount or time.

Approval of Change Order No. 2

(District II Councilman Kevin Vogeltanz)

Approval of Change Order No. 2 for the Golden Glen Water System Replacement Project adding an additional 70 days to the time with the completion date of April 11, 2025.

Approval of Change Order No. 4

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Approval of Change Order No. 4 for the 2022 Asphalt Maintenance Contract to add pay items 04-001-04-011, no change in the maximum contract time or amount.

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.

Adoption of Resolution 25-03

(Councilman at Large Scott Discon)

Resolution 25-03 authorizes the Mayor to execute Amendment No.4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Fairway Consulting and Engineering, LLC. The amendment extends the agreement for an additional year and includes additional scope of work and fees.

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