Walmart corporate says masks still required, but local Walmarts quietly drop enforcement
MANDEVILLE — The City of Mandeville is following the state and parish in dropping its COVID-19 mask mandate in all public buildings. Local businesses can still opt to require their customers to wear masks but few seem to be doing so.
Last week, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the state was easing its mask mandate, having been in effect since July 2020, as Louisiana’s new cases of COVID-19 have continued to drop to record lows while the state vaccination rate is steadily climbing.
Almost immediately after the state’s announcement, St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the parish would follow the state’s lead and no longer require businesses to comply. Mandeville’s announcement came shortly after Cooper’s proclamation.
According to reports, the only Mandeville area businesses keeping their mask requirements in place — at least for now — belong to national retail chains, like Walmart, Fantastic Sam’s and a few others.
Walmart released a statement to the Mandeville Daily declaring that Louisiana Walmart stores will continue to require masks:
“We serve millions of Americans every week and believe our policy of requiring associates and customers to wear masks in our stores has helped protect them during the pandemic, and we’re not lifting those measures at this time…”
However, the Mandeville Daily observed an apparent easing of mask enforcement since Edwards’ announcement at both the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Mandeville and Walmart Supercenter in Covington.
Shoppers not wearing masks were seen entering these stores without being prompted at various times of day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, although store employees themselves did appear to still be following Walmart’s stated mask policy.
Witnesses have told the Mandeville Daily that before Gov. Edwards announcement, Walmart strictly enforced its rule: no mask, no entry.
This would seem to indicate an unofficial change in mask policy at local Walmarts, contradicting Walmart’s official statement for Louisiana.
Council will receive a negative recommendation on the red-hot issue, which could be voted on as early as May 13th
Released: Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 7:49 PM Updated: Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 6:47 AM
MANDEVILLE — The Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously tonight (April 27, 2021) to recommend that the City Council not extend a grace period on electronic signs that was supposed to have expired January 1, 2021.
The commission did not return a recommendation on language in the proposed ordinance that would create a new carveout for electronic signs based on the portion of their structure that is actually signage. The commission also voted to recommend in favor of hiring a consultant to examine current signage codes in general, not just electronic signs.
Proposed Ordinance No. 21-02, introduced at the March 11, 2021, City Council meeting, would amend existing city code adopted in 2015 (sections 10.5.3.11(2) and 10.5.3.11(3) of the Appendix A – Comprehensive Land Use Regulation Ordinance (CLURO)), which outlaws all electronic signs — described in code as “Electronic Message Centers” — starting January 1, 2021. The so-called “amortization period” from 2015 until now was technically a grace period, which allowed businesses who already owned such signs to write off their depreciation before shutting them down. However, a number of those signs are reportedly still in operation.
The City posted a notice on its website in March 2021 that notified the public that enforcement of sign regulations had been “relaxed” as part of its COVID-19 accommodations. The statement reads, “the City will resume enforcement of the sign regulations beginning May 1, 2021.”
According to city code, Appendix A, Division II, Section 10.3.2 (Item 17), an electronic message center is defined as:
“Electronic Message Centers or Digital Signs. An electrically activated, changeable sign with a variable message and/or graphic presentation capability that can be electronically programmed by computer from a remote location or at the sign. Also known as an EMC or digital sign, these signs typically use arrays of LED lights to create an illuminated message.”
This new ordinance, if adopted by the City Council — possibly at the May 13th meeting — would extend that grace period while also creating an exception for signs whose digital components comprise 50% or less of the sign face surface. Those electronic signs would be allowed to continue to operate until January 1, 2022.
There were 11 signs permitted under the grace period which ended January 1st, two of which have been turned off. Five of the 11 are gas station signs. Of the nine remaining, seven would be allowed to continue operating under proposed Ordinance No. 21-02. This means that those seven fit within the 50% carveout in the proposal.
Editor’s Note: The proposed ordinance’s “50%” is referring to area, not dimensions. This means that a six-by-four-foot electric sign (area of 24 square feet) would only have to add a one-foot border or frame to become compliant. The one-foot border would make the outer dimensions eight-by-six feet (area of 48 square feet) making the original sign 50% of the outer sign face. See the illustration below:
Source: MandevilleDaily.News
Mayor Clay Madden submitted a statement that was entered into the record stating he is against the ordinance.
The Planning & Zoning Commission does not act on legislation. They can only make recommendations to the council on proposed ordinances and other issues.
According to eyewitness reports, a number of the existing electronic signs, which are technically in violation of existing city code, and could be cited by the City starting May 1st, continue to operate.
Below are several examples of electronic message centers contained in the City of Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission media packet for the April 13, 2021 meeting:
3555 Highway 190, Mandeville, LA – (Source: City of Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission)
2050 Florida St., Mandeville, LA – (Source: City of Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission)
2720 Florida St., Mandeville, LA – (Source: City of Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission)
1808 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA – (Source: City of Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-08: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mandeville adopting the job classification, position description, and pay scale for the positions of Director of Administration, and Grants and Contract Administrator, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Council Danielson, At-Large).
Failed, 1-3 (Danielson: No, Zuckerman: No, Bush: Yes, McGuire: No, Kreller: Absent)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-11: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting extended parking of motor vehicles along a portion of General Pershing Street, Square 46, lying between Lafitte Street and Girod Street, for any period of time longer than six (6) hours on all days, including holidays, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
Amended to change “six(6) hours” to “eight(8) hours”. All in favor. Amended to change to “overnight parking” (instead of “eight(8) hours”) regardless of holidays or weekdays. All in favor. Amended Ordinance Adopted, 4-0 (Kreller: Absent)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-12: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting parking of motor vehicles along that portion of Christian Court located in Woodstone Subdivision, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-13: An ordinance for the City Council of the City of Mandeville to amend Ordinance No. 20-12, the Capital Budget of the City of Mandeville and for other matters in connection therewith. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Withdrawn due to technicality; to be corrected and reintroduced at May 6th, 2021, meeting
Council says ‘not right now’ to DOA; lack of details, recent referendum cited
Final Release: Friday, April 23, 2021, at 7:52 AM Original Release: Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 8:14 PM
MANDEVILLE — The City Council voted down Mayor Clay Madden’s staff restructuring proposal, killing the idea of a director of administration post — for now — while giving the mayor a promise to work with him moving forward.
Several on the council went as far as to commend the mayor on the progress they’ve seen so far in his administration, promising to reassess the idea of a director-of-administration-type position as well as other potential changes if things continue to improve.
“Things are running so smoothly now at City Hall. Trilby (Lenfant) is doing awesome. Let’s come back in a year and see where we’re at then,” District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire told the mayor during debate.
The mayor sealed the fate of his reorganization plan during his opening remarks to the council when, in a prepared statement, he spelled out the only change he would be willing to accept to the ordinance, effectively giving the council no choice but an all or nothing vote.
“The one change I am prepared to make if the council feels it’s necessary is a process that would eliminate the financial commitment for those positions. I would support that,” he read.
Madden highlighted one of his original reasons for proposing the director of administration post: “Passing this ordinance to create the director of administration position would just be formalizing what we’ve already been doing. I believe in what I’m proposing.”
He also said he had spoken with voters during the last two weeks — some were supportive, some expressed questions and concerns, while others had issues that were more “political in nature.”
After the mayor’s remarks, each member of the council took turns explaining what they liked and disliked about the plan.
As an elected representative, my job is to really analyze what’s being proposed and make decisions that are in the best interest of the city… What is it that we’re trying to fix?
— Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman
Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman kicked off the discussion period by expressing frustration at how divided the community had become on the director of administration issue.
“Many of the people I’ve spoken to … are enthusiastically for the proposal, many are adamantly against… And what I found is both sides seem to dismiss each other. That’s troubling to me,” said Zuckerman.
Zuckerman noted that the previous City Council voted to lower the mayor’s salary (while Donald Villere was mayor and before Zuckerman was elected), a change that was later ratified by the voters.
Zuckerman concluded his remarks by saying he could get behind the grants and contracts administrator position. “I would propose we move forward with what we can agree on… we could at least chip away at this … and that we can work together over the rest of your term. I very much enjoy working with you.”
District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush, a staunch ally of the mayor on this issue, expressed continued support for the plan, reading a letter from one of her constituents into the record, which said in part that Mandeville has added roughly 2,500 residents and its budget has almost doubled in the last 10 years.
“Spending big money and managing large projects requires a more specialized governmental structure than a mayor, council and department heads,” she read.
McGuire indicated she might support such a proposal in the future. “I do feel that if we were to have a director of administration, it would allow you to do the stuff that needs to be done so that Mandeville is not reactive … I’m open to it eventually, but I cannot vote for it right now.”
Like Zuckerman, she cited the referendum last year to reduce the mayor’s salary as one reason for not getting on board yet.
Councilman at Large Rick Danielson told the mayor that when the two first talked about the idea of a restructuring ordinance, he was under the impression it would have more specifics.
“When we first talked, I really felt the plan should provide all of those details… the who, what, when, where, why, and how much. And we never really got that.” He told the mayor he would need to see more details.
Danielson did, however, reassure the mayor that he has the support of the council moving forward. “You have an incredible team. You have five council members that will do anything to work with you and your team.”
He concluded by echoing the positions of Zuckerman and McGuire, that he would be willing to support a contracts and grants manager only. “I do not see the need — right now — for a director of administration position, as it’s been laid out.”
The City Council voted down the ordinance without amendments, 3-1, with only District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush voting in favor. District II Councilman Skelly Kreller is out on medical leave.
At the end of the night, Madden told the Mandeville Daily, “I respect the council’s decision. My administration will continue to move Mandeville forward with the tools that we have. I am confident we will exceed expectations. “
-30-
Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman questions Mayor Clay Madden during debate at the April 22nd Mandeville Council meeting.
This was the original breaking news flash and is out-of-date.
Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 8:14 PM
ORIGINAL FLASH: Mayor’s restructuring plan rejected by council
Council says ‘not right now’ to director of administration, expressed support for grants and contracts administrator
MANDEVILLE — Mayor Clay Madden’s staff restructuring plan was rejected tonight as the City Council killed the idea of a director of administration post while giving the mayor a promise to work with him moving forward.
Several on the council went as far as to commend the mayor on the progress they’ve seen so far in his administration, promising to reassess the idea of a director-of-administration-type position as well as other potential changes if things continue to improve.
“Things are running so smoothly now at City Hall. Trilby (Lenfant) is doing awesome. Let’s come back in a year and see where we’re at then,” District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire told the mayor during debate.
Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman added, “I would propose we move forward with what we can agree on, and then see if we can work together later to address these other things.”
The City Council voted down the ordinance 3-1, with only District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush voting in favor. District II Councilman Skelly Kreller is out on medical leave.
I respect the council’s decision. My administration will continue to move Mandeville forward with the tools that we have. I am confident we will exceed expectations.
— Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden
Developing…
-30-
Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman questions Mayor Clay Madden during debate at the April 22nd Mandeville Council meeting.
Controversial director of administration post remains sticking point
MANDEVILLE — Mayor Clay Madden’s proposed director of administration post has drawn a lot of heat lately, prompting the new mayor to publish an open letter asking voters to get their council members behind the measure, which is up for a vote tomorrow night (April 22, 2021).
The outcome of the vote is far from certain. The City Council has two options: vote on the plan as is, or vote on the plan with amendments. Any amendments would have to be approved by the mayor, he being the author of the ordinance.
The mayor could opt to ask the council to kill his legislation for him, instead of settling for a partial victory, where he could potentially see just the grants and contracts administrator advance while allowing the director of administration to be stripped out via amendment.
The two new posts were seemingly the mayor’s response to a recent efficiency audit, commissioned by the city late last year. The study recommended sweeping changes to the city’s organization chart and department processes.
The Mandeville Efficiency Study, prepared by Pyramid Consulting, LLC, and published January 20th, was requested by Madden upon entering office and approved by the City Council.
Critics of the mayor contend the director of administration post is unnecessary and would be a waste of resources. Some even suggested that the plan is a step toward a city-manager style government.
However, Madden told the Mandeville Daily in a recent interview that both Covington and Slidell have positions under their mayors called “chief administrative officer” (CAO) to whom all other directors report.
But Madden said his proposed director of administrator does not have the same authority as those positions, and would not be in charge of other directors.
The director of administration is somebody that will work in conjunction with the mayor and will have a supervisory role over projects, but not people.
— Mayor Clay Madden
He added, “I never wanted it to be a CAO, because that implies deputy mayor… which is higher than the other directors.”
Next Meeting : The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd, at 6 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center located at 3090 E. Causeway Approach. The statewide mask mandate and social distancing will be observed. Read the agenda published by the City of Mandeville.
Mayor’s plan to add two high-level positions up for vote
Council may amend restructuring proposal before a vote
MANDEVILLE — This is the Mandeville City Council’s published agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd, at 6 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center. Council meetings are open to the public.
Paul Spitzfaden Community Center 3090 E. Causeway Approach Mandeville, Louisiana 70448
In order to comply with Governor Edwards Executive Order, masks will be required if you wish to attend the city council meeting. We also ask for you to please respect social distancing for everyone’s protection.
Minutes:
Adoption of the April 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
Reports and Announcements:
Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Mandeville to designate May 9-15, 2021, as Police Week.
Old Business:
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-08: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mandeville adopting the job classification, position description, and pay scale for the positions of Director of Administration, and Grants and Contract Administrator, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Council Danielson, At-Large).
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-11: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting extended parking of motor vehicles along a portion of General Pershing Street, Square 46, lying between Lafitte Street and Girod Street, for any period of time longer than six (6) hours on all days, including holidays, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-12; An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting parking of motor vehicles along that portion of Christian Court located in Woodstone Subdivision, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
New Business:
Approval of special event liquor license for El Paso Mexican Grill, Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to be located at 1461 North Causeway Blvd., no rain date. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Introduction of ordinance No. 21-13: An ordinance for the City Council of the City of Mandeville to amend Ordinance No. 20-12, the Capital Budget of the City of Mandeville and for other matters in connection therewith. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Public Comment:
Finance Report:
Projects in Progress (Status Report):
Adjournment
Kristine Sherer, Council Clerk
City of Mandeville 3101 E. Causeway Approach Mandeville, LA 70448 985-624-3145
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact, Kristine Scherer, Council Clerk, at 985-624-3145, describing the assistance that is necessary.
Concedes changes to proposal are inevitable to please majority on council
MANDEVILLE — Mayor Clay Madden’s embattled restructuring plan will likely not survive a City Council vote in its current form, but the new mayor remains adamant that significant changes are needed at City Hall, some of which he says have already been implemented in an ad-hoc manner but still need to be formalized in the name of transparency.
However, critics of his proposal, including some on the council, have taken issue with one item in particular: the mayor’s call to create a new “Director of Administration” to address problems cited in a recent efficiency study.
Former longtime city council member Trilby Lenfant, who is filling the mayor’s executive assistant post on an interim basis, has taken on duties that were never considered part of the executive assistant’s job in previous administrations, Madden said.
Conducted in late 2020, the study found that program and contract management responsibilities were being handled on an “ad-hoc basis” or “not performed at all.”
Madden says his restructuring proposal would merely formalize the actual role Lenfant is already fulfilling, giving her a more accurate job title and description. The mayor’s proposal would also include a boost in pay.
“I just always thought that position (executive assistant) could be doing more than just answering phones and doing the mayor’s schedule,” said Madden.
He said now his concern is that by having Lenfant continue to perform a much-expanded role beyond the official job description creates the appearance of impropriety. “I think the way I went about it (with a director of administration title) was the more transparent way because I’m saying this is what we really want to do.”
Madden did indicate, however, that the exact title of the new position was not all that important to him. “I sometimes think if we had just called it ‘operations manager’ would that have helped.”
“I did not think ever that we needed to bring in a new position that would be a boss of other directors. I just wanted an operations person that has a skillset higher than a person that answers phones,” he emphasized.
Madden said he took into consideration how other cities in our region are structured. Covington, he said, has a “chief administrative officer” (CAO) while Slidell has two such positions. “I never wanted it to be a CAO, because that implies deputy mayor… which is higher than the other directors.”
Hammond has a director of administration. “I liked what Hammond did, because it is under the direction of the mayor and not anyone else’s boss.”
And according to Madden, in 1987 the Mandeville City Council actually voted for an organization chart that included a director of administration. Each year, the council approves a new organization chart as part of its budgeting process.
For whatever the reason, the post was never filled and ceased to exist the next year with a new budget.
First, the mayor wants to create a “Director of Administration” that will handle day-to-day operations and programs management, including coordination between the various departments. Essentially, this post would be an extension of the mayor, reporting directly to the chief executive yet not having authority over personnel, just projects.
Second, he wants to reduce the existing executive assistant post — currently held by Lenfant — to a role similar to a clerk or secretary, in both pay and responsibilities. Lenfant would be reassigned to the new director of administration position.
Finally, he wants to create a “Grants and Contracts Administrator” to do exactly what the name suggests. Madden told the Mandeville Daily this position should “more than pay for itself” as new revenue would be generated for the city. This part of the proposal isn’t meeting much resistance from the council.
The City Council could choose to amend Madden’s ordinance before the April 22nd vote, but the mayor would have to agree to those changes, else the ordinance would die, forcing the mayor to start the process all over.
Madden said he is pleased with the changes that are happening at City Hall so far, especially with morale, and he wants to keep the momentum. “I decided that because I knew that morale was low all over… I wanted to have a one-on-one meeting with every employee. I want to know every employee’s first name.”
Madden said he is almost finished with the one-on-one interviews and has learned a lot from the process. “The feedback that I’ve gotten from employees is that morale has gotten a lot better.”
Next Meeting : The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd, at 6 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center located at 3090 E. Causeway Approach. The statewide mask mandate and social distancing will be observed. Read the agenda published by the City of Mandeville.
Details reasoning behind two new top positions and plan to move city away from ‘antiquated’ model
MANDEVILLE — Mayor Clay Madden has released an open letter to the citizens of Mandeville on social media asking for their support getting his embattled staff restructuring plan adopted by the City Council.
Madden lays out his reasoning for the proposal, which includes the now-controversial “director of administration” position, which he argues came from the findings of the 2021 Mandeville Efficiency Study, conducted when he entered office. Critics of the plan say the new post is not justified by the recent efficiency report.
In an effort to keep the community informed, the Mandeville Daily’s policy is to report and publish such statements or letters from the chief executive when deemed appropriate. The issue is up for a vote at the April 22 council meeting.
Editor’s Note: The Mandeville Daily was granted a one-on-one interview with the mayor to discuss these issues and more. That story is in development and will be published shortly. To be notified of breaking stories, click the “Follow” button in the lower-right screen.
Here is the text of Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden’s open letter published on social media April 13, 2021:
Dear Friends,
As is common practice in government, new leadership often brings change to an existing organization. You may recall that I commissioned an operational efficiency audit shortly after taking office.
That report pointed out operational deficiencies in city government. The first seven months of my term have confirmed those and other deficiencies, such as lack of centralized contract oversight, lack of comprehensive emergency operations plans, lack of proper interdepartmental operations management, outdated technology, etc.
In addition to moving forward with updated financial software and other implementation actions, I have proposed to the council Ordinance # 21-08 which includes two new positions: a director of administration and a contracts/grants administrator.
The Director of Administration will operate under the direct supervision and authority of the Mayor and will basically be responsible for interdepartmental coordination and initiation and oversight of administrative projects.
I am committed to meet and exceed your expectations as an accessible and responsive mayor involved in your issues and concerns, and working closely with the city council to advance the goals/vision for the city.
As mayor and chief executive officer of the city I remain focused on providing you with an efficient and effective government that works for you, with an emphasis on addressing long standing, unresolved, big picture problems such as water management/flooding, traffic, getting empty retail back into commerce and others. Mandeville is in competition with other municipalities for big project dollars needed to address these and other issues.
Other local mayors, with Director of Administration positions already in place, are afforded more time and effort to compete for big project dollars. Mandeville must do the same and have an administrative structure that allows the mayor time to focus on the big picture and the future.
The position of Grants and Contracts Administrator will establish a position focused on actively seeking grant money, saving taxpayer money. Grant funding can provide for not only critical infrastructure projects but also beautification, parks, purchase of green space cultural arts , and other projects which will enrich our community. Additionally, this position will provide much needed centralized oversight of all city contracts, a weakness identified in the operations efficiency audit.
The addition of both of these proposed positions will come at no additional cost to taxpayers as we will realize a cost savings from eliminating positions deemed no longer necessary. In fact, the long term goal is to have the grants/contracts position pay for itself, as has been demonstrated in other cities.
The current antiquated business model at City Hall has not been working effectively. Doing things the same old way does not adequately address current and future needs and goals. Mandeville is overdue to realign our business model to meet our challenges. With my plan, we will be able to do new things, correct things needing to be fixed, focus on major issues affecting our city and quality of life, streamline operations, improve efficiency and integrate new technology that will overall allow my administration to better serve you.
I ask for your support for my plan . As taxpayers, less costly and more efficient government is something everyone should be expecting and demanding.
If you agree, I would appreciate you letting your city council members know you support my plan. As always, please do not hesitate to call, text or email me at 985-630-8578.
Recommends restructuring organization chart and procedures
Finds flaws in IT operations that put city at risk
MANDEVILLE — A recently released efficiency audit, commissioned by the city late last year, recommends sweeping changes to the city’s organization chart and department processes in a “rapid phased approach” as opposed to a chain of incremental adjustments over a longer period of time. The study also takes issue with how information technology services are handled by the city.
The Mandeville Efficiency Study, prepared by Pyramid Consulting, LLC, and published January 20th, was requested by at-the-time incoming Mayor Clay Madden and approved by the City Council.
Editor’s Note #1: We have chosen to provide reporting on the 2021 Mandeville Efficiency Study even though it was released in January, long before the Mandeville Daily began publication. This 2021 study has become part of the current story — having been mentioned as part of the official record both by council members and the public — regarding Mayor Clay Madden’s restructuring proposal, which is up for a vote at the April 22nd City Council meeting.
Editor’s Note #2: We will refer to the most recent “Mandeville Efficiency Study” as the “2021” study. However, it should be noted that this study was actually conducted in late 2020 immediately after Mayor Clay Madden took office and before any significant changes could take place. This study makes frequent reference to the “2010 City of Mandeville Operations Efficiency Study” which was actually published in early 2011. For purposes of clarity, this piece will refer to the most recent study as “the 2021 study” and the one conducted in 2010 as “the 2010 study.”
Restructuring organization and processes needed
The study recommends the organization chart and department processes for the city should be restructured, and done so together because they are so tightly integrated. A so-called “matrix” organizational structure for contract and program management should be adopted.
The study favors an upfront yet phased implementation of these changes instead of trickling them out over time. By announcing all the changes up front, the study suggests the city can deal with any blowback or issues all at once and then let the rollout proceed.
“Small adjustments to an organization chart actually take longer and are much more painful (emotionally and politically). Furthermore, a series of small changes keeps people in chaos… This is far more difficult for staff than one big change,” the report reads.
City lacks contract and program management
The study takes issue with how Mandeville manages programs and handles its contracts. It recommends establishing “management responsibility” for both programs and contracts.
This could be interpreted to mean creating new positions for each or both combined, or even assigning such responsibilities to existing staff. Both programs and contracts often span multiple departments.
Currently, Mandeville does not have a documented policy or procedure for managing programs. “… all projects are at best performed on an ad hoc basis and in many instances are not performed at all.”
As for contracts, the responsibility of initiating and approving contracts is split between the city attorney and purchasing; there is no structure in place to monitor the terms and fulfillment of contracts.
What’s more, the city has no formal documentation that follows the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s best practices recommendations for handling the life cycle of a contract, the study found.
Mandeville ranks lowest on CMMI scale
The study uses the Capability Maturity Model Integration scale for project management and contracting process areas developed at Carnegie Mellon University. It identifies Mandeville as being only at level one capability — “processes unpredictable, poorly controlled and reactive” — on the five-level scale, and that a “reasonable” target would be level two within two years.
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a process level improvement training and appraisal program. Administered by the CMMI Institute, a subsidiary of ISACA, it was developed at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).
The study identifies a number of operational “gaps” and lays much of the blame for Mandeville’s problems on poor structure, staffing deficiencies, and a lack of documented procedures. The study suggests these issues have led to poor morale and a lack of productivity, with the staff feeling generally overwhelmed.
Employee input shaped recommendations
These organizational recommendations were based largely on feedback from the workers themselves.
The authors of the study conducted employee surveys, interviewed department heads, and analyzed current operating procedures to paint a picture of how well Mandeville city government functions.
Small adjustments to an organization chart actually take longer and are much more painful (emotionally and politically).
— 2021 Mandeville Efficiency Study
Survey shows workers unhappy and not motivated
Of the 20 issues employees were asked about in the survey, being overworked, unhappiness and lack of motivation topped the list of problems, or “weaknesses.”
“People in the organization are happy and motivated” drew negative responses from 26 of the 38 workers completing the survey. “People are chronically overworked” also received 26 negative responses.
However, one of the more telling revelations was in what respondents identified as “strengths” in Mandeville’s organization.
Overwhelmingly, they believe they have the skills necessary to do their jobs, they know what those jobs are, and they’re producing quality work. Thirty of the 38 agreed that “Individuals have the skills and abilities to meet their assignments.” (See a complete table of responses at the end of this story.)
Focus groups reveal discontent with other areas
The authors of the study conducted five focus groups, whose purpose was to identify “opportunities for improvement.”
Participants told interviewers they needed better structure, better communication, better technology, better training, and enough people to handle the workload.
Department heads cite staffing levels, training
The heads of all five departments of the City of Mandeville – Finance, Planning, Public Works, Human Resources and Cultural Development – seemed to echo common themes or gripes at City Hall: the need for improved information technology as well as addressing staffing shortages.
An issue that was raised by the Human Resources director concerned the requirement that creating or changing civil service job descriptions (excluding police) requires that an ordinance be adopted by the City Council.
The study offered this as a possible explanation as to why department heads might be reluctant to update roles and responsibilities as changing times might demand.
Despite this, the authors of the study did find that overall job descriptions and job duties were well-maintained.
Lack of IT disaster plan raises red flags
Mandeville does not have an Information Technology department, and more importantly it does not have a “disaster recovery/business continuity plan,” which is a common term and best practice among organizations this size. Currently, IT is part of the Finance Department.
The 2010 City of Mandeville Operations Efficiency Study had recommended that a formal IT steering committee be established due to a lack of “formal IT governance process and communication forum between the various departments.”
The 2010 recommendations said that at a minimum the membership of such a committee should include the IT consultant, Finance Director, Public Works Director, Planning and Zoning Director and HR Director.
The city’s 2010 remediation response went so far as to set a timeline for the formation of the committee to be the second quarter of 2011. However, the 2021 report determined that as of today this committee does not exist and there are only annual budgeting discussions concerning IT with department directors.
Mandeville outsources much of its IT services. The 2021 report is critical of Mandeville’s practices in this area.
Background on Cyber Threats: A successful ransomware attack – where a bad actor tricks an employee into providing their internal network credentials – could potentially bring all electronic services to a halt. These attacks work by sending employees fake emails that look like legitimate communications from the IT staff or internal login screens. The unsuspecting user types in their password and then the entire network becomes compromised. It happens to companies all the time.
One of the primary recommendations of the 2021 study is to move to cloud-based services, which can offer some protection from attacks, but is no guarantee. It only ensures that if the organization is compromised, it would be possible to restore services, but not without potentially significant downtime.
No Internal Audit Program
Yet another issue the 2021 study identifies is that Mandeville still has no formal internal audit function, this despite the 2010 City of Mandeville Operations Efficiency Study recommendation that the city implement one.
The 2021 Mandeville Efficiency Study points out that even though there is an ordinance from 2008 (amended in 2010) that establishes an internal audit committee, no such committee exists today. The study concludes that this ordinance — 08-39 — is likely still active and enforceable should the current City Council wish to reactivate this internal audit committee.
The Mandeville Daily could not find record of the internal audit committee being codified. There is an existing “Financial Oversight Committee” in City Code Section 18, Article I, established in 2012 by Ordinance No. 12-20, but this does not appear to be the same committee referenced in the 2021 study.
Typically, after ordinances are passed, they are codified and placed into the city code, arranged by subject area. That does not appear to be the case with the internal audit committee.
Editor’s Note #3: Glen Runyon, the managing director of Pyramid Consulting, LLC, the firm that conducted the 2021 study, was appointed in 2009 to a seat on this very same internal audit committee, the Mandeville Daily has learned. (He also had applied to fill the post of interim mayor after the Eddie Price resignation in 2009, but Edward “Bubby” Lyons was picked for that five-month post instead.) This editor’s note is made as part of standard full disclosure to the reader.
Recommendations made to departments
The study makes numerous recommendations to policies and procedures relating to the Planning, Finance and Public Works departments.
Results of the employee survey conducted as part of the 2021 Mandeville Efficiency Study. The Weighted Average values are calculated by assigning 2 points fo ‘Agree’ and ‘Disagree’ and just 1 point to ‘Somewhat Agree’ and ‘Somewhat Disagree’ respectively. Each question is considered to be either negative or affirmative, resulting in the net negative or positive values in the right-hand column.
’Follow’ us to receive updates and get notified the instant breaking reports are posted
MANDEVILLE — The Mandeville Daily provided record-fast yet accurate coverage of the latest City Council meeting. Within hours of the April 8th meeting, we posted a “FLASH” update with the lead and basic narrative, followed the next morning by the complete story. Other outlets didn’t publish until at least Saturday.
With the Mandeville Daily, you don’t have to wait days to learn what happens at the City Council meeting. And moving forward, we hope to respond even faster. The internet provides the means to keep the reader expeditiously informed.
If you’d like to be notified of flashes and stories, use the “Follow” feature in the lower-right corner of this screen. (You will be asked to confirm via your email inbox afterwards.) It’s that easy. You’ll get notified the minute we publish. Also, bookmark us at MandevilleDaily.News.
Council delays action on measure after contemptuous debate over reason for deferral request
Final Release: Friday, April 9, 2021, at 12:19 PM
MANDEVILLE — The City Council voted to defer action on Mayor Clay Madden’s now controversial proposal to add a new director of administration position to handle day-to-day operations for the city.
The proposal, first introduced at the March 25th meeting, would add two new positions, the other being a grants and contracts administrator, but that post is not the one meeting resistance from some on the Council as well as the public.
The restructuring proposal had been scheduled for a vote at last night’s (Thursday, April 8, 2021) meeting, but when the item came up for consideration Madden instead asked the council to defer action on the measure for two weeks so that he could potentially tweak the plan.
Madden said he had received last-minute feedback from certain parties which could have an effect on the proposal, and he wanted time to take those concerns into account before final action. “My desire is to have y’all vote at the next meeting. Good, bad, or indifferent, I want it to be voted on.”
This seemed to frustrate District II Councilman Skelly Kreller who demanded to know “Why? Why do you want to defer suddenly now?” Madden refused to say exactly who he had talked to that prompted him to ask for the delay, only that it occurred later in the week and he thought it important enough to make this request.
Kreller kept pressing Madden for details. “All of this was dropped on us today, or last night… And we always talk about transparency.”
Madden fired back at Kreller, “As you know I was on the council for eight years and I don’t believe I ever voted against a deferral when the mayor or another councilman simply wanted … additional time.“
If you’re against it, vote against it. I’m asking for another two weeks out of respect.
— Mayor Clay Madden
Some in attendance shared Kreller’s sentiment. Local Eric McVicker, 603 Tops L Drive, addressed the Council with prepared remarks in which he urged that the Council vote on the matter as publicly advertised.
McVicker said that adding a director of administration post is a step toward turning Mandeville into a city-manager form of government.
He added that only 4% of the voters in the primary election last summer voted for a candidate who would favor a city-manager type government for Mandeville. “We deserve better. And we expect better,” he concluded.
In the July 11 election, Chad Bordelon, the only candidate to run on the platform of turning Mandeville into a city-manager government, received just 4% of the vote.
Several Mandeville politicos rose in opposition to deferring the vote.
Jeff Lyons, who ran unsuccessfully for the District III Council seat in 2016 and who is the son of a former Mandeville mayor, expressed sharp criticism for the mayor’s plan: “He wants to tweak the position just to make it more palatable. He’s adding another layer of supervision that’s totally unnecessary.”
Michael Pulaski, who lost the District II Council seat to Kreller in the July 11 election, only addressed the merits of the deferral itself, doubting there would be enough time to change the ordinance by the next meeting. The city charter requires a vote within 30 days of introducing an ordinance.
It sure seems like a lot of these negative opinions may be really rooted in old political grudges and not based on what’s good for the city.
— Janet Smith, Mandeville
However, a number of those in attendance expressed strong support for Madden’s proposal. Janet Smith, 1164 Rue Chinon, said she believes his plan reflects filling the “gaps” found in a recent efficiency report.
Smith is referring to the comprehensive Mandeville Efficiency Study, prepared by Pyramid Consulting, LLC, which was published January 20. It cites numerous deficiencies and recommends restructuring the organization chart and department processes, among other things.
“It sure seems like a lot of these negative opinions may be really rooted in old political grudges and not based on what’s good for the city,” she added.
At the end of debate, Councilman at Large Rick Danielson, District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire and Madden discussed the technicalities involved in making revisions to an ordinance already up for a vote while still meeting the requirement for public advertisement. Generally, they agreed that as long as the changes were minor, the current ordinance could be amended and voted on at the next meeting.
Otherwise, the current ordinance would have to be voted down and the mayor would have to start the process over. McGuire pointed out that if no action is taken, the ordinance is automatically adopted, and therefore it must be voted down and not just withdrawn.
Madden’s insistence on moving forward with the current ordinance as opposed to scrapping it now could indicate that a majority on the Council would be satisfied with only minor changes, allowing the ordinance to be adopted on April 22.
Further indication of how the findings in the efficiency report are related to the mayor’s restructuring proposal came at the end of the meeting in what at first seemed to be an unrelated discussion.
Glenn Runyon of Pyramid Consulting, LLC, who conducted the efficiency report for the city, raised concerns that software recently approved as part of an amended budget, based on recommendations found in the efficiency report, would be wasted if Madden’s proposal were to be rejected.
Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman disagreed and pressed Runyon to specify which software would only be used for either of the new positions in Madden’s proposal.
Ultimately Runyon conceded that the software is needed regardless, suggesting, however, that a new position would be needed to train or manage those who would use that software.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22.
-30-
The Mandeville City Council discusses Mayor Clay Madden's proposal at the April 8, 2021, meeting (Mandeville Daily/William Kropog)
Mayor Clay Madden after the April 8, 2021, meeting (Mandeville Daily/William Kropog)
The Mandeville City Council hears from the public at the April 8, 2021, meeting (Mandeville Daily/William Kropog)
Vincent Liberto memorial, waste water testing results, tax renewals, traffic citation report round out long agenda
MANDEVILLE — This is a summary of the remainder of the items on the agenda for the Mandeville City Council meeting held on April 8, 2021. Moving forward, these “The rest of the story” pieces will provide you, the reader, an account of action taken on each item on the agenda, in the order in which it appeared. Consider this an agenda “scorecard.”
Reports and Announcements
Mayor Clay Madden and Police Chief Gerald Sticker revealed plans for a permanent Vincent Liberto memorial to honor the fallen officer as well as the status of the makeshift memorial near the site of his murder near the intersection of Highway 190 and Highway 22.
Madden said the plans include a permanent marker with American and U.S. Marine Corps flags near the top of the overpass, which will be renamed the “Vincent Liberto Overpass.”
The mayor and Sticker said they wanted the public to understand that the makeshift memorial is going to be respectfully dismantled over time as the new plans move forward, and not to be alarmed by the changes.
More to follow on this story.
Presentation
Waste Water Treatment Plant Audit
Presentation by Curtis Environmental regarding the Waste Water Treatment Plant Audit. Followup discussion regarding the traffic/noise issue.
Police Chief Gerald Sticker gave a followup report on traffic and noise citations during 2020.
More to follow on this story.
Old Business
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-04: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville to rezone Lots 15 and 16, Square 51, being 820 Lamarque St., City of Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, State of Louisiana, from R-1, Single Family Residential District to B-1, Neighborhood Business District; and providing for further matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-08: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville adopting the job classification, position description, and pay scale for the positions of director of administration, and grants and contract administrator, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-09: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville to acquire a lease for the Mandeville Department of Motor Vehicles Office and for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Adoption of Resolution No. 21-05: A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the City of Mandeville, State of Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
This is a resolution authorizing the special election to renew two millage taxes, or ad valorem taxes, providing revenue for operating and maintaining the police department. The City will authorize the maximum allowed, which is customary, but only levy a portion of that amount.
Currently, the maximum authorization for the maintenance and operations ad valorem tax is 5.08 mils but the City is currently only assessing 1.44 mils. And the salary and benefits maximum is 3.38 mils but only 0.94 is being assessed.
The Mayor asked the city to renew the same maximum rates again, but pointed out, and the Council seemed to agree, that based on revenue projections the city may actually collect even lower amounts than what is being collected now.
Councilman at Large Rick Danielson also mentioned that council would like to consider lowering the city sales tax rate as well.
More to follow on this story.
Adoption of Resolution No. 21-13: A resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville Proclaiming April 8, 2021 as “Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Day to Support and Celebrate Monarch Conservation” (Councilman Kreller, District II)
Adoption of Resolution No. 21-14: A resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville confirming the city attorney’s appointment for assistant city attorney (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
This resolution confirms the appointment of Laurie M. Pennison as the assistant city attorney to City Attorney Elizabeth Sconzert.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-06: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville to affect the annexation of a portion of ground in Section 45, Township 8 South, Range 11 East, St. Tammany Parish, 86A, into the corporate limits of the City of Mandeville, designating the property for purposes of zoning as a R-1, single family residential district and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
This ordinance will now move to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-10: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville revoking the dedicated portion of Monroe Street between Lamarque and Foy streets in accordance with the legal description and survey prepared by Randall W. Brown & Associates dated October 11, 2019; Declaring that portion of street as surplus and no longer needed for city use; disposing of that portion of street at public sale; authorizing the mayor to execute all necessary documents; and designating the property for the purposes of Zoning R-1 Single Family Residential District, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
This motion was withdrawn by District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire do to a change in plans by the property owners.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-11: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting extended parking of motor vehicles along a portion of General Pershing Street, Square 46, lying between Lafitte Street and Girod Street, for any period of time longer than six (6) hours on all days, including holidays, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
This ordinance will be discussed at the next meeting April 22, 2021.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-12: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting parking of motor vehicles along that portion of Christian Court located in Woodstone Subdivision, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
This ordinance will be discussed at the next meeting April 22, 2021.
Topping a long agenda, the proposal initially met resistance when introduced last month
MANDEVILLE — The City Council will consider final passage of the mayor’s staff restructuring plan, including the addition of two new high-level positions. The proposal met resistance from some on the council when the measure was introduced last month.
On the heels of several high-profile departures at Mandeville City Hall filled during the opening months of his administration, Mayor Clay Madden faced backlash at the March 25th meeting from at least one council member over adding the two positions.
The positions — “Director of Administration” to head daily operations and “Grants and Contracts Administrator” to oversee contracts and grant-writing — would be appointed by the mayor. Madden plans to tap his acting executive assistant Trilby Lenfant to fill the would-be administration director post.
District II Councilman Skelly Kreller argued against the need for the positions during the nearly-four-hour meeting, which would assume a number of the duties historically handled by the mayor while reducing the role of the new executive assistant moving forward.
According to Madden, the city stands to see a net savings of $174,483 by the change, including the compensation for the two proposed positions.
The director of administration is somebody that will work in conjunction with the mayor and will have a supervisory role over projects, but not people.
More About Trilby Lenfant: Trilby Lenfant is currently serving on an interim basis as Mayor Clay Madden’s executive assistant. Ms. Lenfant is a former Mandeville City Council member who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2010. She previously served in St. Tammany Parish President pat Brister’s administration.
Meeting Details: The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 8th, at 6 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center located at 3090 E. Causeway Approach. The statewide mask mandate and social distancing will be observed. Read City Council Meeting Agenda – April 8, 2021 for the complete agenda.
Paul Spitzfaden Community Center 3090 E. Causeway Approach Mandeville, Louisiana 70448
In order to comply with Governor Edwards Executive Order, masks will be required if you wish to attend the city council meeting. We also ask for you to please respect social distancing for everyone’s protection.
Minutes:
Adoption of the March 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
Reports and Announcements:
Presentation:
Presentation by Curtis Environmental regarding the Waste Water Treatment Plant Audit. Followup discussion regarding the traffic/noise issue.
Old Business:
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-04: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville to rezone Lots 15 and 16, Square 51, being 820 Lamarque St., City of Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, State of Louisiana, from R-1, Single Family Residential District to B-1, Neighborhood Business District; and providing for further matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-08: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville adopting the job classification, position description, and pay scale for the positions of director of administration, and grants and contract administrator, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-09: An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville to acquire a lease for the Mandeville Department of Motor Vehicles Office and for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
New Business:
Approval of the substantial completion of the Fire District 04 Station 42 Warning Signs… A/E Project No. 2101A02 as of March 19, 2021 in the amount of $28,400.00 (Councilman Kreller, District II)
Approval of the substantial completion of TO#3, 2018 Roadway & Drainage Maintenance Contract… A/E Project No. 1801A02 as of March 3, 2021 in the amount of $551, 936.53 (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Adoption of Resolution No. 21-05; A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the City of Mandeville, State of Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Adoption of Resolution No. 21-13; A resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville Proclaiming April 8, 2021 as “Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Day to Support and Celebrate Monarch Conservation” (Councilman Kreller, District II)
Adoption of Resolution No. 21-14; A resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville confirming the city attorney’s appointment for assistant city attorney (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-06; An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville to affect the annexation of a portion of ground in Section 45, Township 8 South, Range 11 East, St. Tammany Parish, 86A, into the corporate limits of the City of Mandeville, designating the property for purposes of zoning as a R-1, single family residential district and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-10; An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville revoking the dedicated portion of Monroe Street between Lamarque and Foy streets in accordance with the legal description and survey prepared by Randall W. Brown & Associates dated October 11, 2019; Declaring that portion of street as surplus and no longer needed for city use; disposing of that portion of street at public sale; authorizing the mayor to execute all necessary documents; and designating the property for the purposes of Zoning R-1 Single Family Residential District, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-11; An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting extended parking of motor vehicles along a portion of General Pershing Street, Square 46, lying between Lafitte Street and Girod Street, for any period of time longer than six (6) hours on all days, including holidays, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-12; An ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville prohibiting parking of motor vehicles along that portion of Christian Court located in Woodstone Subdivision, establishing penalties for violation thereof and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
Public Comment:
Projects in Progress (Status Report):
Adjournment
Kristine Sherer, Council Clerk
City of Mandeville 3101 E. Causeway Approach Mandeville, LA 70448 985-624-3145
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact, Kristine Scherer, Council Clerk, at 985-624-3145, describing the assistance that is necessary.
Mandeville Daily 