Idea to install 32 ‘lift stations’ floated to council members recently too

Official says inspect check valves alone as first step

MANDEVILLE — A recently killed task order could have brought back to the table a proposal to raise the seawall along Lakeshore Drive, if not for a stand taken by some on the City Council at its July 8th meeting.

Task Order 4A/B (a two-part task order) was pulled from consideration once it became apparent it did not have the votes. It was the wording of the task order that drew scrutiny from Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman and District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire.

The task order, potentially worth $250,000 in and of itself, would have authorized Principal Engineering Inc. to inspect the seawall system along Lakeshore Drive and then offer proposals to address future “tidal protection alternatives” based on its previous analyses and proposals, which include a 2019 $2 million proposal to raise the seawall by a foot.

McGuire raised concerns at the meeting that it could have negated the need for a promised “Flood Summit” where various experts — such as land planners, hydrologists, coastal engineers, general engineers, horticulturists, and others — might gather to discuss and offer comprehensive solutions to address Old Mandeville’s flooding.

On the surface, the task order appeared to be a mundane but necessary maintenance inspection of the seawall, but a careful reading of its language reveals that it could have opened the door to a controversial $2 million plan to raise the Lake Pontchartrain seawall by a foot, a proposal that was presented to the public on Sept. 8, 2019, by Principal Engineering and then-Mayor Donald Villere.

The task order contained two parts, A and B, but it effectively would have done three different things:

1. Part A called for Principal Engineering to conduct the inspection of the seawall;
2. Part A also called for an inspection of the check-valve system designed and implemented by Principal Engineering several years ago, whose effectiveness is now being questioned; and
3. Part B called for Principal Engineering to propose flood and tidal protection options to the city and help choose a path forward based on its “data and knowledge” from previous analyses and proposals, including the 2019 proposal to raise the seawall by a foot.
   

The stated reason at the 2019 public forum at City Hall for raising the seawall a foot would be to reduce wave energy during flooding — not to prevent flooding — and Villere and other officials at the forum specifically said as much, but added that making this change would have a positive effect on which homes lie in the FEMA Flood Insurance Rates Map’s more affordable “AE” zones versus the less affordable “VE” zones.

FEMA requires the purchase of flood insurance in certain areas defined by Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) zones.

The estimated cost of the project at the time was approximately $2 million, according to documents provided by Principal Engineering.

Zuckerman said that a determination concerning Mandeville’s future “tidal protection alternatives” should be made by a panel of various experts, like what would be assembled at a flood summit, and not a single engineering firm.

“I’d like to see a comprehensive team put together and a comprehensive strategy. I just don’t think it ought to be treated like another roadway project that we’re hiring an engineering firm to go solve that problem,” Zuckerman said.

During the 2019 presentation by Principal Engineering, computer-simulated photographs were on display depicting views of the lake from near the seawall, not the roadway, making it appear that an observer’s view of the lake would not be obstructed if an additional foot were to be added.

However, Mandeville Daily conducted its own line-of-sight experiments, including videos, photographs with props, and computer-simulated photographs in an effort to objectively demonstrate the difference a one-foot extension would make visually from the road surface. (See media at end of story.)

These findings reveal that the view of Lake Pontchartrain would be completely or mostly blocked for someone in a sedan-size vehicle or bicycle on the roadway surface at most points along Lakeshore Drive.

However, the view is far less obstructed as the observer walks up the raised, grassy ground toward the seawall as Principal Engineering’s presentation confirmed. By design, the Lakeshore Drive road surface is the lowest point along the lakefront.

Zuckerman and McGuire both said that Part B of Task Order 4 was unrelated to the scope of work spelled out in Part A, and that in Part A, inspecting the check-valve system should be done first and before anything else is approved or considered, because the results of that inspection would determine what the next step should be.

Zuckerman told Mandeville Daily the first thing that needs to happen is to inspect just the check valves with cameras. “Let’s find out for sure if those are working before we authorize a large-scale inspection or revive plans to raise the seawall.”

Zuckerman said that based on previous conversations with Public Works Director Keith LaGrange Jr., he believes there is uncertainty as to whether the check valves work as intended.

It was Principal Engineering that played a significant role in the design and implementation of the so-called check-valve system that was intended to allow water to flow out to Lake Pontchartrain but not inland.

He said LaGrange told him that he thinks the check valves will never work as Principal Engineering intended and had proposed removing them completely at one point.

McGuire, whose district includes the seawall, raised concerns at the July 8th council meeting about having the same firm that designed the check-valve system be the one to inspect it, considering there is a question as to whether or not it’s working.

Another option, which Zuckerman said was informally presented to council members by LaGrange recently, is the idea to install an array of 32 so-called “drain lift stations” along Lakeshore Drive that would completely replace all existing gravity driven drainage.

A lift station is a water pump of sorts, that could help speed the rate at which water recedes after flooding, but because this system would replace all gravity driven drainage, it would be vulnerable to factors such as mechanical issues, availability of operators, and electricity outages, according to Zuckerman.

Zuckerman says this plan would forever change the “character” of the lakefront, with these lift stations being spaced approximately every 230 feet.

“We really need to assemble this team of experts from various fields that we keep talking about before we do this (lift stations) or any other idea like raising the seawall. We have to quit just talking about it and do it,” he added.

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Planning & Zoning Commission rejects special use permit to build carwash on West Causeway Approach

4 Mandeville politicos attend, 3 speak against

UPDATE: July 14, 2021, at 6:19AM — Adds quotes, comments and other information
FLASH: July 13, 2021, at 7:03PM

MANDEVILLE – The Planning & Zoning Commission rejected a special use permit application to build a carwash on West Causeway Approach tonight (July 13, 2021) by a vote of 5-0, before another standing-room-only crowd.

The proposal, debated at a standing-room-only meeting in June, called for the construction of a 4,320-square-foot building on a 200-by-400-foot property on the east side of West Causeway Approach, which abuts Fontainebleau Subdivision. The properties to the north and south both have office buildings on them. Skipper Drive is directly across from the site.

Rhonda Alleman, President of the Fontainebleau Homeowners Association, again made her case before the commission, but this time, reading into the record a letter signed by representatives from other home owners associations and local businesses — 10 in all — that claim they would have been adversely affected by the proposed carwash.

“You have the authority to maintain the desired nature of the corridor and prevent this permanent damage and destruction in our community,” the statement read in part.

The commission received feedback from several other concerned citizens and heard and watched video and audio statements from various homeowners in other areas of Mandeville who claim to have been adversely affected by carwashes similar to the one proposed for West Causeway Approach.

Several elected officials addressed the commission during the relatively short debate period, compared to the June work session.

Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman spoke to relay feedback he’s collected from members of the community. “The vast majority of the opposition I’ve received … has been really in opposition to the compatibility to the surrounding properties and the development along that approach… I really haven’t had any feedback in support of this use, but I have received overwhelming opposition to it.”

Zoning Chairman Nixon Adams told Zuckerman, “You know, of course, if everybody in this room, including us, really didn’t like carwashes, it really wouldn’t matter. We’ve got to have whatever findings as to why this is incompatible with the area.”

Adams continued by saying that the commission had requested information from the applicant — Chris Donner, who did not attend the meeting as he did the June work session — but they hadn’t received any further information. “We work with the facts we got.” Adams concluded.

Zuckerman agreed, saying that while some of the negative feedback he’s received was because people simply don’t want a carwash, but “most of it has been centered around the incompatibility with the office complexes and the residential (neighborhood) behind it.”

Mayor Clay Madden spoke against the carwash permit, saying of the commission, “I think the Planing & Zoning Commission exists to be that human element… and not just something on paper.”

This led to a brief discussion among commission members and the mayor, expressing their desire to have the CLURO (Comprehensive Land Use Regulations Ordinance) further examined to possibly avoid conflicts over “compatibility” in the future.

Commission Member Ren Clark said, “We’re just the people … charged with interpreting CLURO to the best of our abilities and to give findings about a particular deal.”

District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush was the last to speak from the public, saying, “You’re looking at CLURO … you have what you need — health, safety, welfare, compatibility — so all of the factors you’re hearing are important… you have what you need to deny.”

District II Councilman Skelly Kreller was also in attendance but didn’t speak.

The vote itself was an uneventful 5-0 to deny, compared to the June work session where a parliamentary procedure gaffe on a different issue added to the tension in the room that night.

The property was annexed into the City of Mandeville in 2003 and zoned as Planned Combined Use (PCUD). The proposed use in this application is permitted with the approval of a zoning permit, or “Special Use Permit.”

According to information released by the Planning and Development Department, a zoning permit was approved in 2014 for the previous property owner, who also proposed a carwash facility, but that approval was contingent on special conditions, including restricting hours of operation, noise, and signage among other things.

Planning Chairwoman Karen Gautreaux and Commission Member Jeff Lahasky were not present at the meeting. Lahasky has moved outside Mandeville city limits and hence resigned, effective June 30th. Ren Clark’s term expires at the end of August.

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Was offered job last night (July 12th)

Announcement expected today

UPDATE: July 13, 2021, at 1:25PM — Confirms Schliem accepted post
FLASH: July 13, 2021, at 9:33AM

MANDEVILLE — FBI Special Agent Todd Schliem has accepted the Mandeville police chief position, replacing Gerald Sticker who retired in June, sources familiar with the selection process and who preferred not to be identified in this Mandeville Daily exclusive have confirmed.

When contacted by phone this morning (July 13th), Schliem would neither confirm nor deny that he would be the next police chief, saying, “That may be a bit premature,” and that he would call Mandeville Daily back.

Since that call this morning, sources have confirmed that Schliem has accepted the post and an announcement is expected today (July 13th).

Schliem, 57, who has lived in Mandeville since 2007, has 22 years of experience as a special agent with the FBI, according to his LinkedIn profile and other public information sources.

According to sources, Schliem has experience as an investigative assistant with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, as well as other relevant work experience.

On his LinkedIn profile, he includes the following licenses and certifications: Federally Certified Polygrapher, Certified Crisis Negotiator, and Certified SWAT Operator.

He lists the University or Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as his educational experience, according to LinkedIn.

Mandeville Daily had previously opted not to publish the complete list of all seven applicants for police chief, out of an abundance of precaution and privacy concerns due to social media, even though such information is protected as “public” according to Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 et seq.

Developing…

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Planning & Zoning Commission set to vote on West Causeway Approach carwash permit

MANDEVILLE – An incendiary special use permit application before the Planning & Zoning Commission to build a carwash on West Causeway Approach is up for a vote tonight (July 13, 2021).

The proposal, debated at a standing-room-only meeting in June, calls for the construction of a 4,320-square-foot building on a 200-by-400-foot property on the east side of West Causeway Approach, which abuts Fontainebleau Subdivision. The properties to the north and south both have office buildings on them. Skipper Drive is directly across from the site.

More than 70 locals packed the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center to voice their concerns over the proposal at the June 22nd work session.

The property was annexed into the City of Mandeville in 2003 and zoned as Planned Combined Use (PCUD). The proposed use in this application is permitted with the approval of a zoning permit, or “Special Use Permit.”

According to information released by the Planning and Development Department, a zoning permit was approved in 2014 for the previous property owner, who also proposed a carwash facility, but that approval was contingent on special conditions, including restricting hours of operation, noise, and signage among other things.

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RELATED STORY: Planning & Zoning procedural gaffe causes confusion over vote outcome

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Rhonda Alleman, President of the Fontainebleau Homeowners Association, and a procession of other residents who live or work near the proposed site made impassioned pleas before the commission, asking them to deny the request, set for a vote at the next meeting.

The Planning & Zoning Commission will vote on the matter at its July 13th meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center in Mandeville.

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Members express concern that longterm process should not already be locked in to one firm

Withdraws task order so that it can be reworked to address concerns raised during debate

Principal Engineering was to conduct seawall, culvert and check valve assessment of wall then propose options to address flooding based on previous analyses

Principal Engineering offered plan to raise seawall at least one foot in 2019

UPDATED: July 9, 2021, at 12:02 PM — Clarifies and expands references to Task Order 4A/B.

UPDATED: July 9, 2021, at 7:42 AM — Adds quotes, comments from council members, mayor and Public Works; Clarifies that Principal designed the plans for the check valves but did not actually install them.

UPDATED: July 8, 2021, at 9:30 PM — Corrects description of procedure that withdrew the item from consideration.

MANDEVILLE — The City Council tonight (July 8, 2021) killed a task order that would have authorized Principal Engineering Inc. to inspect and possibly clean the seawall system along Lakeshore Drive and then offer proposals to address future tidal and flooding concerns.

To prevent a vote to reject, Councilman at Large Rick Danielson withdrew Task Order #4A Seawall, Culvert, & Check Valve Condition Assessment; and Task Order #4B Old Mandeville Tidal Protection Decision Facilitation & Scoping from consideration at Mayor Clay Madden’s request — a potentially $250,000 contract — so that it can be overhauled to address the concerns raised during debate at tonight’s meeting.

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Editor’s Note: This story is being developed into a separate piece on Task Order 4A/4B and recent tidal protection proposals and their potential effect on Lakeshore Drive. Check back for that release…

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Most of the opposition came from Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman who led the charge against the task order from the outset, insisting that the inspection of the existing seawall and a proposal for future flooding alternatives should be separate issues.

Zuckerman, joined by District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire and District II Councilman Skelly Kreller, said the City of Mandeville needs to form a task force to study the lakefront flooding situation as a whole and not be locked in to previous proposals.

“I’d like to see a comprehensive team put together and a comprehensive strategy. I just don’t think it ought to be treated like another roadway project that we’re hiring an engineering firm to go solve that problem,” Zuckerman said.

A portion of the debate involved a back-and-forth between McGuire and Zuckerman and Director of Public Works Keith LaGrange Jr.

Zuckerman indicated he had previous conversations with LaGrange that led him to believe the check valves may not work properly or that they are the wrong valves. “Based on some of the conversations we’ve had, they may never work, they may never serve their purpose… if I’m getting mixed signals… I’ve gotta ask why we’re spending the money on it.”

LaGrange said a majority of the money in Task Order 4A would involve hiring a dive team for the inspection, not particularly dealing with the check valves. The entire task order is worth approximately $250,000.

McGuire said she had heard from constituents who had a problem that an outside firm wasn’t being contracted to do the inspection.

Principal Engineering designed the check valve system plans in 2015, according to LaGrange, and this task order would have had them do the inspection too. “I’m just concerned that it’s not like a third party independent source,” McGuire added.

Andre Monnot, Vice President, Principal Engineering, who was unhand to answer questions before the council, took exception to McGuire’s comments: “That seems like you’re suggesting we can’t maintain objectivity or somehow we have something to defend.”

However, McGuire replied that she is not questioning Principal’s integrity but rather she represents constituents who raised concerns about the appearance of the arrangement.

Task Order 4A, as written, generally deals with inspection and assessment of the existing seawall components. Task Order 4B seems to revive the previous work and proposals done by Principal Engineering to propose future tidal protection solutions.

Danielson also questioned the need to combine the two issues into one item. “There are a lot of moving pieces with this.”

The opposition expressed concerns that portions of Task Order 4A and all of Task Order 4B (see text below) would lock in Principal Engineering and their previously proposed solution presented to the public during Mayor Donald Villere’s administration on Sept. 8, 2019, that included building a one-foot wall on top of the existing seawall. Critics of that plan complained at the time it would ruin the aesthetics of the lakefront as seen from Lakeshore Drive and not really address the flooding problem.

Specifically, the wording under “Scope of Work” for proposed Task Order 4 (A and B) was called into question. At one point in debate, some on the council floated the idea of stripping out Task Order 4B, which most directly ties Principal Engineering to a proposed longterm solution, but McGuire pointed out that even 4A reads as if Principal Engineering’s solution (raising the seawall) has already been selected (see text below).

McGuire further explained that she was under the impression when she won office that there would be a “Flood Summit” (also referred to as a “dream team” and “task force” during debate) where experts from different fields would come together to discuss solutions. Zuckerman had earlier described the process that he’d like to see, including assembling a task force to explore all options and not continue down the path that the task order seemed to create due to its wording.

In Task Order 4A, it was “suitability for the Old Mandeville Tidal Protection alternative selected” that was the so-called poison pill for some on the council. The concern was that it implied the decision has already been made.

In Task Order 4B the problem was that the wording “Engineer (Principal Engineering) has performed analysis on lower cost alternative solutions,” seemingly referring to the previous proposals or work by Principal Engineering, including raising the seawall.

Also, the wording “After the City has identified a Tidal Protection Alternative, Engineer (Principal Engineering) shall prepare a written scope and graphical exhibits” would seem to tie Principal Engineering to whatever solution the city ultimately agrees upon, with or without a “Flood Summit.”

Ultimately the council agreed the task order would have to be completely reworked.

Later in the evening, Madden tried to assuage McGuire and Zuckerman’s concerns about having a flood summit or task force and the wording of Task Order 4, telling the council his intentions originally were to have a flood summit similar to his recent traffic summit.

“Because COVID sort of prohibited those big meetings, I had several people, mostly your constituents (speaking to McGuire), come to me and say ‘Please do not have a flood summit, we’re begging you.’”

“If we had one meeting where we invited five different engineering firms to come and present, that meeting would last until one or two a.m.,” Madden continued.

He said he’d like to have “several flood summits” instead. “We’re going to hire a consultant to tie it all together.”

Based on comments by council members during debate and the wording of Task Order 4B, some seemed concerned that “consultant” has already been determined to be Principal Engineering, although the mayor did not specifically say that.

Madden continued, “What is going to be proposed at the beginning is just going to be a first step… We could still have different ideas about flooding after that.”

McGuire quipped, “So it’s going to be more of a ‘Here’s what we’re going to do’ kind of meeting” to which Madden replied, “No, it’s going to be more of a ‘here’s what we’re proposing… let’s gather input.’”

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Could see the end to center turn lane, add greenery along corridor

MANDEVILLE — The City Council is moving forward with a feasibility study for a Florida Street makeover that could see the end of the so-called “suicide turn lanes” and replace them with medians and u-turn lanes, similar to the improvements made to Highway 190 between I-12 and Covington a few years ago.

The council voted 5-0 tonight (July 8, 2021) to adopt Resolution No. 21-29 which authorizes Mayor Clay Madden to contract Neel-Schaffer Inc. to perform what is called a “Stage 0 (zero) Feasibility Study,” which is step two in the process.

The City of Mandeville had previously hired Forte and Tablada Inc. to develop a conceptual layout depicting a much-changed Florida Street (U.S. Highway 190) between Carondelet Street and Jackson Avenue.

The concept calls for the existing center turn lane to be replaced with grassy medians including left-turn lanes and u-turns to improved the safety and aesthetics along the heavily trafficked corridor.

Mayor Clay Madden highlighted the Florida Street project during his recent annual “Traffic Summit,” saying he is excited to get it moving.

MANDEVILLE — The City Council voted down a proposed zoning amendment 5-0 last night (July 8, 2021), which would have allowed a Livingston Street fourplex to be re-zoned to R3 Multi-Family. It is currently zoned as R1 Residential.

The procedure maneuver called for the council to give a yes or no vote to move the item forward to be introduced as an ordinance at the next meeting. Instead the council opted to kill it. It had not received a “favorable” recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.

The property had been granted a legally “non-conforming” exception years ago when the zoning in the area was changed. This status was lost, however, when the previous owners turned off the utilities for six months or more, which means in order for the new owner to operate the home as a multiple family rental, it would have to be re-zoned to R3 Multi-Family by the City Council. This is also referred to as “spot zoning.”

The parcel lies just to the west of Woodlake Elementary School in Old Mandeville.

This issue was at the center of a procedural snafu at the June 22nd Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, where a poorly worded motion caused a vote to be mis-tallied before the matter was finally set straight. The commission ultimately voted not to return a favorable recommendation to the council.

Request failed to receive ‘favorable’ recommendation from P&Z Commission

MANDEVILLE — The City Council will give a final yes or no on a proposed zoning amendment, which would allow a Livingston Street fourplex to be re-zoned to R3 Multi-Family. It is currently zoned as R1 Residential.

The property had been granted a legally “non-conforming” exception years ago when the zoning in the area was changed. This status was lost, however, when the previous owners turned off the utilities for six months or more, which means in order for the new owner to operate the home as a multiple family rental, it would have to be re-zoned to R3 Multi-Family by the City Council. This is also referred to as “spot zoning.”

The parcel lies just to the west of Woodlake Elementary School in Old Mandeville.

This issue was at the center of a procedural snafu at the June 22nd Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, where a poorly worded motion caused a vote to be mis-tallied before the matter was finally set straight. The commission ultimately voted not to return a favorable recommendation to the council.

The City Council meeting is tonight (July 8th) at 6 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center.

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RELATED STORY: Up For Vote: Florida Street makeover study, ‘Spot zoning’ fourplex from R1 to R3

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RELATED STORY: Planning & Zoning procedural gaffe causes confusion over vote outcome

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City Council Meeting Agenda – July 8, 2021

Could lead to end of shared turn lane, see medians and beautification along corridor

Council to vote on request that failed to receive ‘favorable’ from P&Z Commission

UPDATE: July 6, 2021, at 3:31 PM — City Council Clerk issued update to July 8 Agenda, removing two items and updating info on Resolution No. 21-29.

UPDATE: July 3, 2021, at 4:45 PM — Adds concept art/renderings from Dufreche-Perkins and Associates LLC from October 4, 2019.

MANDEVILLE — The City Council will consider moving forward with a feasibility study for a Florida Street makeover that could see the end of the so-called “suicide turn lanes” and replace them with medians and u-turn lanes, similar to the improvements made to Highway 190 between I-12 and Covington a few years ago.

If adopted at the July 8th City Council meeting, Resolution No. 21-29 would authorize Mayor Clay Madden to contract Neel-Schaffer Inc. to perform what is called a “Stage 0 (zero) Feasibility Study,” which is step two in the process.

The City of Mandeville had previously hired Forte and Tablada Inc. to develop a conceptual layout depicting a much-changed Florida Street (U.S. Highway 190) between Carondelet Street and Jackson Avenue.

The concept calls for the existing center turn lane to be replaced with grassy medians including left-turn lanes and u-turns to improved the safety and aesthetics along the heavily trafficked corridor.

Mayor Clay Madden highlighted the Florida Street project during his recent annual “Traffic Summit,” saying he is excited to get it moving.

Also on the agenda, the City Council will give a final yes or no on a proposed zoning amendment, which would allow a Livingston Street fourplex to be re-zoned to R3 Multi-Family. It is currently zoned as R1 Residential.

The property had been granted a legally “non-conforming” exception years ago when the zoning in the area was changed. This status was lost, however, when the previous owners turned off the utilities for six months or more, which means in order for the new owner to operate the home as a multiple family rental, it would have to be re-zoned to R3 by the City Council. This is also referred to as “spot zoning.”

The parcel lies just to the west of Woodlake Elementary School in Old Mandeville.

This issue was the center of a procedural snafu at the June 22nd Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, where a poorly worded motion caused a vote to be mis-tallied before the matter was finally set straight. The commission ultimately voted not to return a favorable recommendation to the council.

Below is the City Council’s published agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 8th, at 6 p.m. at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center. Council meetings are open to the public.

Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

Paul Spitzfaden Community Center
3090 E. Causeway Approach
Mandeville, Louisiana 70448

MINUTES:

1. Adoption of the June 24, 2021, Regular Meeting Minutes

REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Mandeville City Council is soliciting resumes for two (2) of their appointment to the Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission. Please send your resume to the attention of: Mandeville City Council Clerk, 3101 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448 or kscherer@cityofmandeville.com. Deadline: Monday, July 12, 2021, for 1st appointment and Monday, August 2, 2021, for 2nd appointment.

PRESENTATIONS:

Presentation about the Results of 2020 Fiscal Year Audit from Laporte.

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

(Removed July 6th by Clerk of Council)1. Appointment of Jeff Bishop and Reappointment of Lucinda Beacham and Vaughan Sollberger to Historic District Commission

2. Approval of special event and special event liquor for OMBA Sips of the Season, Friday, December 3, 2021 – 5:00p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with Rain Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 6:00p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (notice start time1 hr. later). Location on Girod St. – map attached. (Councilwoman McGuire)

3. Approval of liquor license for Papillon’s by Gio, LLC to be located at 690 Lafitte St, Mandeville. (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)

4. Approval of Task Order #4A Seawall, Culvert, & Check Valve Condition Assessment; and Task Order #4B Old Mandeville Tidal Protection Decision Facilitation & Scoping with a total value of NTE $250,000 unless increased by amendment. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)

5. To consider whether to move forward with a proposed zoning amendment. Z21-06-04. Livingston. Under CLURO Art. 4.3.1.2.4, the Council has to make a final yea or nay vote on any proposed Zoning Amendment. Request a rezoning from R-1 Single Family to R-3 Multi-Family. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)

(Revised July 6th by Clerk of Council)6. Adoption of Resolution No.21-29; A resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville authorizing the mayor of the City of Mandeville to execute a professional services agreement between the City of Mandeville and Neel-Schaffer and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (For a Hwy 190 traffic study between Carondelet and Jackson at $400,000) (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)

(Removed July 6th by Clerk of Council)7. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-19; A ordinance to appropriate funds relative to and for adoption of the capital improvement budget for the City of Mandeville for fiscal year 2021-2022; and to establish the administration of expenditures thereof and to provide for related matters. (Council)

(Removed July 6th by Clerk of Council)8. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-20; An ordinance to appropriate funds relative to and for adoption of the operating budget for the City of Mandeville for fiscal year 2021-2022; and to establish the administration of expenditures thereof and to provide for related matters. (Council)

9. Discussion of scheduling budget work sessions.

10. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-21; An ordinance for the city council of the City of Mandeville to amend ordinance number 20-13, the operating 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

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Safety, parking and noise cited as concerns over converting the single-family residential property

UPDATED June 25, 2021 at 8AM: Corrects date of meeting and vote tally.
UPDATED June 25, 2021 at 9:30PM: Corrects who voted against.

MANDEVILLE — A recently renovated home in Old Mandeville received a 3-2 approval from the City Council last night (June 24, 2021) as a short-term rental property, but only after the council reduced its occupancy restriction from 10 to six.

The property in question, located at 2032 Jefferson Street near Nuvolari’s Ristorante and the Grapeful Ape cocktail bar, had previously gained a “favorable” recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission in May.

Short-term rentals are defined as 30-days or less, which means the property in question — allowing up to 10 occupants as presented to the council — would likely attract groups or families attending local special events, such as weddings or other parties.

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RELATED STORY: Council votes to review sign code

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The council expressed concerns over a range of issues, all centered around the 10-occupancy limit in the proposal — including emergency egress, parking, and noise issues — and it wasn’t long before discussion turned to reducing that number.

District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire said, “I’m just concerned about enforcement and the types of people that would be renting this… I don’t feel are coming to have a quiet little getaway with their families. I think this is geared more towards a bachelorette party, and I think that’s been a big concern for short-term rentals in general.”

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RELATED STORY: The rest of the story: June 24, 2021, Council Meeting

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Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman raised concerns about the 2015 International Residential Code, saying that when changing the designated use of a structure — in this case going from single-family residential to short-term rental — the request should be treated similarly to a new-construction request.

“If you were doing a new structure like this … I don’t think you could count a lot of those areas as sleeping areas… the intent of the IRC in building codes is to protect life and create for a safe occupancy,” he said.

District II Councilman Skelly Kreller also expressed concerns over the maximum occupancy, comparing the upstairs open floorpan to “more like a dormitory.”

Planning and Development Director Car Bartholomew told Zuckerman that the Fire Chief would still have to do an inspection and would consider the safety issues he had expressed.

Owners of the property Kelly and Rob Boyd addressed the council, attempting to allay concerns, indicating their plans to add additional parking, and that they had specified the 10-occupancy number only because of the way the permit process works, asking for “maximum” limits.

Bush asked Mrs. Boyd who their “ideal” renters would be, to which she replied, “The ideal would be families.”

Councilman at Large Rick Danielson brought the matter to its conclusion when he asked the Boyds, “If this were amended to six, would that still be of interest to you?”

Mr. Boyd chuckled, saying, “Actually, I’d rather it be six,” with Mrs. Boyd adding, “or less!”

The council approved an amendment offered by District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush, limiting the occupancy to six instead of 10, before adopting the ordinance 3-2, with McGuire and Kreller voting against.

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Action does not open current rules to change

Expert would return report, recommendations for review

MANDEVILLE — The City Council tonight (June 24, 2021) approved a comprehensive review of the city’s sign code, an action which stems from the recent electronic sign controversy which came to a head at the May 13th meeting with an ordinance to extend a grace period being pulled from consideration at the last minute.

With a 5-0 vote tonight, the council adopted Resolution No. 21-26, which confirms a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission at its April 27th meeting that the city should retain a consultant to conduct a full review of the city’s sign code.

District II Councilman Skelly Kreller said he had received feedback from constituents who were concerned that this action could open the door to the return of electronic signs, but that he wanted to let everyone know that this is only a review.

“The most important word in this, it’s just a review,” Kreller added.

Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman said, “I drove around the city and looked around. I think the review might actually result in some improvements.”

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RELATED STORY: The rest of the story: June 24, 2021, Council Meeting

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Councilman at Large Rick Danielson addressed the issue of gas station pricing signs, and he said that too would be included in the review and something that the city would need to look at in the future.

Before the vote, Zuckerman offered a technical amendment, cleaning up some of the language, including adding the words “legal” and “planning” to the verbiage. That amendment was approved.

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RELATED STORY: Short-term rental gets thumbs up after occupancy limit reduced

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Planning and Development Director forces new motion after committee member votes mis-tallied

MANDEVILLE — A parliamentary snafu at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting last night (June 22, 2021) left members believing that a motion to return an unfavorable recommendation to the City Council on a rezoning issue failed when it had actually passed, causing them to continue to debate and consider other options.

The commotion had the effect of riling up an already agitated, standing-room-only crowd, most of whom were there to voice their concerns over a proposed carwash development planned for West Causeway Approach.

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RELATED STORY: Residents turn out in droves against proposed carwash as ‘incompatible’ with corridor

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But first they were forced to sit through what at times, according to one observer, bore a closer resemblance to an Abbott and Costello routine than a Planning & Zoning meeting.

The rezoning issue in question was concerning Item Z21-06-04, Omar Hamide’s request to rezone property on Livingston Street from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-3 Multi-Family. This type of rezoning is often referred to as “spot zoning” and city planners try to avoid it unless there are compelling reasons.

In these matters, it is the job of the Planning & Zoning Commission to make recommendations to the City Council as “favorable,” or not. The council is not obligated to abide, but more often than not, it does.

After a brief discussion on the matter, Commission Member Ren Clark made a motion: “I move that we recommend the City Council deny the request.” Typically, it is preferred to have motions stated in the affirmative, not the negative. This is what likely started the confusion that was to follow.

To make matters worse, some commission members weren’t following the parliamentary rules and procedures adopted by the commission.

Planning and Development Director Cara Bartholomew said that each member is supposed to state simply “for” or “against” to make it easy to record the outcome of motions and for the public to understand what is happening.

The Planning & Zoning Commission, like other government bodies, is subject to the Louisiana Open Meetings Law, also known as “the Sunshine Law.”

At this particular meeting, with the unusually large crowd, it was especially hard for everyone to follow what was going on. A number of commission members tend to lean back in their chairs and not speak into the microphones, making it even harder for those in the back of the room to hear.

This is how the vote played out (transcribed from the official video of the meeting, starting at the 39:25 mark):

The recording secretary began a roll call vote.

Planning Chairwoman Karen Gautreaux: “Against.” Initially, the secretary took this to mean she was against the motion, but apparently Gautreaux was trying to say that she wanted the City Council to vote “against” the proposal.

Zoning Chairman Nixon Adams: “I’m gonna vote against it too.” Moments earlier he had been making an argument against “spot zoning” and this seemed to be an about-face.

Bartholomew suspected that Gautreaux meant to say she was “for” the motion, based on earlier discussion, and asked for a clarification, or essentially, she was calling a “point of order” or “point of information.”

Even though the commission adopted its own form of parliamentary procedure, it still uses the well-established “Robert’s Rules of Order” as a failsafe. Any member or staff member, such as a parliamentarian, can call a point of order or point of information. This ability is crucial in open meetings because once a public body breaks its own rule or procedure — even by accident — the damage is done and it becomes part of the official record. This is what Bartholomew was trying to stop from happening.

Gautreaux said, “I’m sorry, I’m actually for the request to deny.” This meant she was in favor of the motion, and it didn’t help matters that she accidentally used the word “request” instead of “recommendation.”

Adams chimed in: “I’m actually voting against it… I’m completely waffling on this.”

Commission Member Ren Clark: “I’m for.” This was another vote “for” the motion. At least Clark is using the for-against phrasing members are supposed to use. So far, the tally is 2-1 in favor. But this is where the trouble started.

Next, Commission Member Mike Pierce uttered: “Deny.” He obviously meant that he wanted to recommend that the council “deny” the request, which was part of the wording of the motion. It meant his intention was to vote “for” the motion despite using the word “deny.” But Adams incorrectly perceived this as a vote “against” the motion.

Commission Member Brian Rhinehart also said: “Deny.” He too was saying he wanted to recommend that the council “deny” the request, which means he wanted to vote “for” the motion. But again, Adams thought he meant he was voting “against” the motion.

Adams now thinks the tally is 3-2 against when it really is 4-1 in favor.

Commission Member Jeffrey Lahasky: “Against.”

Commission Member Simmie Fairley: “I’m against.”

At this point, the motion should have carried 4-3 and the matter would have been closed with the commission not returning a “favorable” recommendation. Unfortunately, Adams thought the motion failed 5-2, and he immediately declared that it had failed.

Adams then moved the discussion to exploring other options. At one point he floated the idea of returning a “favorable” recommendation but with conditions. However, Bartholomew told the Mandeville Daily that in this case, that would not have been allowed.

It wasn’t long before Bartholomew noticed something was askew, asking for a clarification from the chair. She realized that two of the members, presumably Mike Pierce and Brian Rhinehart who both had said “deny,” intended to vote in favor of the motion, not against it as Adams had believed.

Bartholomew again tried to reign in the situation, saying, “You already made a motion and voted on it.”

Adams rebutted, “But that’s just a denial. It didn’t pass. You can make another motion.”

Bartholomew then stated incredulously: “The motion to recommend denial did not pass.”

She told the Mandeville Daily that because the commission is supposed to either return a “favorable” recommendation or nothing (in this type of rezoning case), and they had taken a vote that did not result in a “favorable” recommendation, the issue should have been over.

Bartholomew suggested they make a new motion, but this time make it in the affirmative and simpler.

However, more confusion was injected into the situation when Gautreaux said, “I think the motion would be to deny or vote negatively on the item to not recommend to the council to approve. What would be the proper wording for that?” A few audible gasps and chuckles could be heard from the crowd, obviously at the blatant double negative phrasing by Gautreaux just after Bartholomew suggested against that.

“You can make a motion … to recommend approval of the rezoning, and then you can vote yes or no,” Bartholomew told Gautreaux.

“So we can make an approval to recommend the re-zoning, and if we don’t agree with that we could vote no,” Gautreaux replied.

The motion as Bartholomew suggested was offered and voted on. It failed to carry by the same 4-3 vote that the original, negatively phrased motion should have carried earlier but was apparently mis-tallied, which would have resulted in the exact same outcome: the City Council would not receive a “favorable” recommendation.

After the vote, Adams tried to offer another motion on the subject, saying “I’ll try one.” This drew a loud murmur from the audience, as Bartholomew tried to explain to him that the failed motion means that the City Council will not receive a “favorable” recommendation, and the matter is settled.

Lahasky interjected, telling Adams, “You don’t have to get to an approval,” to which Adams quipped, “We don’t have to, but I’d actually like to.”

Adams said he wanted to make a recommendation to the council that the property owner would have to raise it eight feet among other things. To this, the 70-plus attendees seemed to grow even more discontent as their murmur escalated to a rumble.

Finally, Adams relented and the committee moved on to discuss the proposed carwash.

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Standing-room-only P&Z crowd voice concerns over proposed development

Cite 2003 ordinance: ‘some uses are incompatible with the desired nature of the corridor’

UPDATE: July 4, 2021, at 2:05 PM — Corrects date of next Planning & Zoning meeting to July 13th.

MANDEVILLE — A proposed carwash for West Causeway Approach abutting a residential neighborhood met stiff resistance at a standing-room-only Planning & Zoning Commission meeting tonight (June 22, 2021).

More than 70 locals packed the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center to voice their concerns over a proposal which would construct a 4,320-square-foot building on a 200-by-400-foot property on the east side of West Causeway Approach, which abuts Fontainebleau Subdivision. The properties to the north and south both have office buildings on them. Skipper Drive is directly across from the site.

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RELATED STORY: Planning & Zoning procedural gaffe causes confusion over vote outcome

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Rhonda Alleman, President of the Fontainebleau Homeowners Association, made an impassioned plea to the commission to deny the request, citing city code, Ordinance No. 03-13:

“West Causeway Approach corridor has developed into an area characterized by residential uses, light commercial and office uses and … The City Council wishes to maintain this character of the corridor, and … some uses are incompatible with the desired nature of the corridor,” she quoted.

“So as we address a permit for a densely commercial, high volume car wash in an already established corridor of office and residential, one would have to ask, how could this happen,” she said.

More than a dozen other residents spoke at the meeting, echoing Ordinance No. 03-13’s language of “incompatible” to describe the proposed carwash. They all expressed similar concerns: the noise of the vacuums, glare from the lights, water runoff, environmental concerns over oil and waste, heavier traffic near in an already heavily trafficked school zone area, and attracting crime to the area.

The property was annexed into the City of Mandeville in 2003 and zoned as Planned Combined Use (PCUD). The proposed use in this application is permitted with the approval of a zoning permit, or “Special Use Permit.”

According to information released by the Planning and Development Department, a zoning permit was approved in 2014 for the previous property owner, who also proposed a carwash facility, but that approval was contingent on special conditions, including restricting hours of operation, noise, and signage among other things.

Planning and Development Director Cara Bartholomew told the commission that those special conditions do not carry over to this application.

Chris Donner, the developer of the proposed carwash, said he would like to keep many of those conditions in his plans for this carwash. Donner said he is a longtime resident of St. Tammany Parish and desires to create a development that is compatible with the area.

Donner listened to the myriad complaints and near the end of the meeting he attempted to address those concerns. Among other things he said he is working with the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission (GNOEC) to allay traffic concerns. The GNOEC has traffic oversight over West Causeway Approach.

The proposed carwash’s water recovery and filter system is state of the art and doesn’t pollute the environment, he added.

A minor dustup occurred in the closing minutes when Donner cited a noise study that downplayed the noise threat from carwashes, to which a number a those in attendance reacted sharply. When pressed by members of the commission, Donner admitted the study was subjective.

District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush also spoke against the proposed development, which would be built in her district.

Tonight (June 22, 2021) was a “work” session which means the issue was discussed but not voted on. The Planning & Zoning Commission would vote at its next meeting July 13th at 6:30 p.m.

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Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda – June 22, 2021

MANDEVILLE – A special use permit application to the Planning & Zoning Commission to construct a carwash facility on West Causeway Approach is drawing attention on social media in the lead-up to tonight’s meeting.

The proposal calls for the construction of a 4,320-square-foot building on a 200-by-400-foot property on the east side of West Causeway Approach, which abuts Fontainebleau Subdivision. The properties to the north and south both have office buildings on them. Skipper Drive is directly across from the site.

The property was annexed into the City of Mandeville in 2003 and zoned as Planned Combined Use (PCUD). The proposed use in this application is permitted with the approval of a zoning permit, or “Special Use Permit.”

According to information released by the Planning and Development Department, a zoning permit was approved in 2014 for the previous property owner, who also proposed a carwash facility, but that approval was contingent on special conditions, including restricting hours of operation, noise, and signage among other things.

Current applicant Chris Donner stated that his submitted site plan reflects those previous conditions, according to the city documentation.

Tonight is a “work” session which means the issue will be discussed but not voted on. The public is allowed to participate in the discussion at work sessions.

The Planning & Zoning Commission would vote at its next meeting.

Below is the published agenda for tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, which is scheduled for 6:30PM:

Paul Spitzfaden community center
3090 E. Causeway Approach
Mandeville, Louisiana 70448

Notification of Filing Case Addendum – Any additional information determined to be needed by the Commission in order to make a decision regarding a case shall be required to be submitted to the Planning Department by the end of business on the Friday following the meeting at which the additional information was requested or the case will automatically be tabled at the next meeting.

New Business

SU21-06-03 – Frank Stuart and Vincent Luizza request a Special Use Permit to Section 6.2.6, Condominium Residence, Square 1, Parcel 3, City of Mandeville, 2055 Lakeshore Dr, Zoned B-3 Old Mandeville Business District

(APPLICANT REQUESTED TO WITHDRAW)

SU21-06-04 – Chris Donner is requesting a Special Use Permit to Section 6.4.9, A&E Wash, to allow the construction of a car wash facility at 1255 West Causeway Approach, currently zoned Planned Commercial Use District (Ordinance 03-13).

V21-06-16 – Brian Ball requests an exception to CLURO Section 8.1.1.4 Allowed Setback Encroachments, Sq. 9, Lot 2A, B-3 Old Mandeville Business District, 1929 Claiborne St.

Requests to place HVAC & Generator on the East side of the house

Z21-06-04 – Omar Hamide requests a rezoning from R-1, Single Family Residential District, to R-3, Multi-Family Residential District, City of Mandeville, A Parcel of Land within Square 54 being 1701-1707 Livingston St.

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City makes announcement via Facebook

UPDATE: June 22, 2021 at 10 AM – Adds city lifting advisory for area.

MANDEVILLE — A boil-water advisory that had been issued to a small area of Old Mandeville Friday (June 18, 2021) has been rescinded by the City of Mandeville, according to a post made to the official Facebook account.

The boil-water advisory had to remain in effect until today because the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals won’t accept testing samples on Fridays or weekends, and there’s a 24-hour turnaround on those results.

The city issued the boil-water advisory to a limited area south of Florida Street (U.S. Highway 190) after a water main ruptured Thursday night (June 17, 2021), forcing workers to effect repairs, according to reports and a release by the city.

The precautionary boil-water advisory was in effect for an area between Jackson Avenue on the west to the east side of Atalin Street, and between Madison Street north to Villere Street. (See map.)

The main ruptured near the intersection of Monroe and Atalin streets, filling a ditch with rushing water while city workers repaired the damage.

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PRESS RELEASE (June 18, 2021):

BOIL WATER ADVISORY!

Due to a water main rupture in the 1400 Block of Monroe St, water service was interrupted to make the repair. The City has issued a Boil Advisory for those residences within the Blue shaded area. The Boil Advisory will remain in effect until rescinded by Mandeville Public Works.

It is recommended that only the customers located in the affected area disinfect their water by boiling before consuming. Boil water for one full minute in a clean container.

The Precautionary Boil Water Advisory will be rescinded by Mandeville Public Works upon notification from the Louisiana Department Of Health that our water samples collected are safe.

City Council Meeting Agenda – June 24, 2021

Proposal stems from electronic sign wrangle that ended in defeat of extension last month

UPDATE: June 21, 2021 – Updates deadlines for P&Z appointments, updates the link to Resolution No. 21-26, and removes Resolution No. 21-29 from consideration.

MANDEVILLE — The City Council will consider a resolution that will initiate a review of the City of Mandeville’s complete sign code, regulations and enforcement, possibly involving the hiring of an outside consultant.

This action stems in part from a recommendation returned by the Planning & Zoning Commission at its April 27th meeting when they also recommended against adopting what would have amounted to another extension to certain electronic signs in the city.

Editors Note: Proposed Resolution No. 21-26 is now available to be viewed on the City of Mandeville website. It is still scheduled for a vote June 24, 2021.

Below is the City Council’s published agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 24th, 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

MINUTES:

Adoption of the June 10, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes.

REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Presentation by Julie Agan with the Council On Aging St. Tammany.

Code Enforcement Update from Kenny Mathieu.

2. The Mandeville City Council is soliciting resumes for two (2) of their appointment to the Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission. Please send your resume to the attention of: Mandeville City Council Clerk, 3101 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448 or kscherer@cityofmandeville.com.
   Deadline: Monday, July 12, 2021 for 1st appointment and Monday, August 2, 2021 for 2nd appointment.
   

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-15: an ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville approving a conditional use permit for the use designated under CLURO section 6.4.42.3 lodging (transient) short-term rental: whole house rental, located on 315 Lafitte St., sq. 11, a portion of lot 19; zoned b-3 old Mandeville business district; approving site plan, floor plan, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
   
2. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-16: an ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville approving a conditional use permit for the use designated under CLURO section 6.4.42.3 lodging (transient) short-term rental: whole house rental, located on 2032 Jefferson St. sq. 10, lot 12; zoned b-3 old Mandeville business district; approving site plan, floor plan, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
   
3. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-18: an ordinance of the city council of the City of Mandeville creating sections 8-21 through 8-26 of the code of ordinances of the City of Mandeville; to regulate fire alarm systems and provide for penalties for repeat false alarms and to permit St. Tammany Fire districts to elect to adopt the regulations set forth herein; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Approval of the special event and liquor application for St. Ann Wine Bar, Friday, July 9, 2021 from 5pm-midnight to be located at 22 St. Ann. Request approval for alcohol and music in the parking lot and extended hours outdoors until 11:00 pm. (Councilman Kreller, District II)
   
2. Approval of the substantial completion of TO#4, 2018 Roadway & Drainage Maintenance Contract A/E Project No. 1801A02 as of June 3. 2021 in the amount of $541,686.67 (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
3. Approval of Task Order #6. 2018 Roadway & Drainage Maintenance Contract A/E Project No. 1201A12, formerly 1801A02 in the NTE amount of $800,000.00 (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
4. Approval of change order #2, work order #2 for the Erosion Control for WWTP Levees, A/E Project No. 2101A09, formerly 1701A06 in the amount of $1,245,000.00 to bring the new total to $1,845,000.00 (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
5. Approval of the Amendment of Task Order #1, Bayou Castine Bulkhead Repair, A/E Project No. 2101A01, formerly No. 1801A08 in the amount of $13,557.50 for a total resident inspection cost of $43,557.50. (Councilman Zuckerman, At-Large)
   
6. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-24: a resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville authorizing the mayor of the City of Mandeville to execute an agreement between the City of Mandeville and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and development in connection with state project no. H013406 and federal project H013406 for a bicycle/pedestrian pathway along west causeway approach starting at the Mandeville pedestrian westside connection and ending at Monroe Street and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
7. Adoption of Resolution 21-25: a resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville recommends that the administration establish and discuss additional procedures in preparation of the city budget (Council)
   
8. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-26: a resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville confirming the recommendation of a review of the city’s sign code by the planning and zoning commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
9. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-27: a resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville authorizing the mayor of the City of Mandeville to execute a maintenance agreement between the City of Mandeville and the state of Louisiana Department of Transportation and development, office of engineering (DOTD) for mowing and litter pickup for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-28: a resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville authorizing the mayor of the City of Mandeville to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of Mandeville and ozone music education foundation, inc.; and providing for other matters in CONNECTION THEREWITH (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
    
11. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-30: a resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville authorizing the mayor of the City of Mandeville to execute a professional services agreement between the City of Mandeville and high tide consultants, llc and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
    

PUBLIC COMMENT:

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS (STATUS REPORT):

Mobile pumping system deployed at Carondelet Street and Lakeshore Drive

Appears to have sped up receding waters, but official cautions more data needed

FLASH: June 19, 2021, at 6:27 AM
UPDATE: June 19, 2021, at 11:48 AM — Mayor Clay Madden releases statement.
UPDATE: June 19, 2021, at 5:48 PM — Most of Lakeshore reopens after pump deployed.
UPDATE: June 20, 2021, at 9:18 AM — Wrap-up after Lakeshore Drive fully open.
UPDATE: June 22, 2021, at 8:00 AM — Adds comment from Public Works Director.

MANDEVILLE — Lakeshore Drive is open again after a mobile pumping system was deployed at the western end near Carondelet Street in an effort to speed up the receding waters Saturday (June 19, 2021).

This would mark the first time such a measure was tried, according to available information. Officials have removed most of the barricades that had been put in place overnight Friday when the flooding started.

Public Works Director Keith Lagrange Jr. told the Mandeville Daily it is difficult to determine if the pump helped or to what degree. A number of factors affect how fast flood waters recede from Lakeshore Drive, including the severity of the weather system, how fast it moves through the area and at what angle the winds and surge travel. He said more data is needed and he plans to try the pumping system again during future weather events.

Mayor Clay Madden had earlier asked the public to stay off Lakeshore Drive while it was under water Saturday (June 19, 2021) as City of Mandeville Public Works Department workers assessed “pumping capabilities.”

The City of Mandeville had erected barricades overnight to close off Lakeshore Drive to outside traffic and potential sightseers as waters begin to rise with Tropical Storm Claudette passing through the area today.

A familiar sight to residents of Old Mandeville, the barricades are intended to prevent sightseers from potentially stalling their vehicles or pushing standing water into homes along Lakeshore Drive.

Tropical Storm Claudette, which only received its official status overnight, isn’t expected to be a significant or lasting event for Mandeville, according to published reports, with most of the rain predicted to extend into Mississippi and Florida.

Lakeshore Drive is typically closed in these situations as long as there is standing water that could affect motorists, nearby homes or businesses.

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PRESS RELEASE (Mayor Clay Madden – June 19, 2021, at 11:40 AM):

Lakeshore Drive is currently under water. Please stay out of the area unless you live there. Our Public Works Department is currently assessing pumping capabilities. More to come soon.

Thanks citizens and council for support over illustrious 28-year MPD career

Updated June 11, 2021, at 3:26PM: Changes “outgoing” to “retiring” in lead for clarity.

Watch Video: Retiring Police Chief Gerald Sticker honored at City Council meeting.

MANDEVILLE — Fighting back tears, retiring Mandeville Police Chief Gerald Sticker addressed the Mandeville City Council for the last time last night (June 10, 2021), thanking them and the citizens of Mandeville for supporting him in his 28 years of service to the city.

“On the grand scheme of things and with very few exceptions, I’ve never had a bad day working for the City of Mandeville,” the outgoing chief told the council.

Sticker’s career with the city started in 1992 as a reserve officer, after he had served honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in the first Gulf War from 1990-91.

Sticker worked his way up through the ranks in the Mandeville Police Department, serving in the criminal patrol division, investigations division, and also as public information officer, earning a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and graduating the FBI National Academy along the way. He was appointed chief in 2016.

His last official day will be Friday, June 18th, when he will make his ceremonial “10-7” call, which quite simply means “out of service” or “end of service.” The final radio transmission is a custom among law enforcement agencies when one of their own retires after a distinguished career.

“I love this city enough to step aside and let somebody with a fresh set of eyes and a fresh pair of hands take over and take it to the next level.”

— Mandeville Police Chief Gerald Sticker

Madden read a proclamation honoring the chief’s service and presented him a gift from the city, to which the chief received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

A somber yet grateful Sticker shared his thoughts on his as-yet-unnamed successor: “I hope that individual is very talented … and will do this city justice, but I promise you one thing — they won’t love this city more than I do, and its people. Thank you.”

Mayor Clay Madden announced Sticker’s retirement May 28th, saying Sticker had informed him of his decision to retire. “The announcement was unexpected … I understand and respect his decision,” Madden said in an announcement.

“Chief Sticker has been a tremendous team member and leader to the Police Department. He led the Mandeville Police Department with honor through its darkest day with the death of Captain Vincent Liberto Jr. in 2019. I deeply appreciate Gerald’s friendship and service. I salute him for his career accomplishments and certainly wish him well in his future endeavors.”

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Discussion to be limited to Mandeville projects

Panelists to include officials from all levels of government

Town hall will discuss range of highway and road projects

June 21, 2021, 5:30-7:00PM at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center

MANDEVILLE — Mayor Clay Madden issued an update concerning this event:

PRESS RELEASE (June 15, 2021):

I would like to take this time to clear up any confusion about the Traffic Summit next week. This meeting is hosted by me and the City of Mandeville for the benefit of the residents of Mandeville. If you live outside the Mandeville city limits, you are more than welcome to attend as this is a public meeting. However, this meeting has an agenda and ONLY the projects outlined below will be discussed. We will not be discussing, for example, Highway 1077, as that is not in Mandeville. So again, ONLY the projects below will be discussed. This meeting also has a beginning and end time. Panelists will speak first and then we will take questions. As the host, my job is to keep the meeting moving. Two years ago, this format worked fine. The goal of this meeting is to get all agencies in one room to better communicate project details. When elected officials attend meetings, they always bring business cards usually with their cell phones and email addresses. Therefore, if you have a question about a project not on the meeting agenda, my suggestion would be to get business cards and perform follow up questioning after the meeting. The additional benefit of this meeting, compared to the meeting two years ago, is it will be live streamed and recorded for viewing via the City of Mandeville’s Facebook page and city website.

PRESS RELEASE (June 7, 2021):

Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden has organized and called the second annual Mandeville Traffic Summit. The public meeting will take place on Monday, June 21 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Paul Spitzfaden Community Center on East Causeway Approach.

Panelists will include: Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden, Parish President Mike Cooper, State Senator Patrick McMath, State Representative Richard Nelson, Parish Councilman Mike Lorino, and representatives from U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator John N. Kennedy, and U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise’s offices, General Manager of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission Carlton Dufrechou, Larry Sharp from the District 62 office of the LADOTD, and Jeff Rosel of the Regional Planning Commission.

Topics to be discussed will include:

1) Hwy 190/Hwy 22 interchange improvements

2) Monroe Street/East Causeway intersection improvements

3) Highway 22 widening

4) Interstate 12 upgrades and improvements

5) U.S. 190 Streetscape and Access Management (Carondelot to Clausel in Mandeville)

6) General Causeway updates

Source: Mayor Clay Madden Official Facebook Account

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After string of controversies and hot-button issues, council adopts special event permits as social life returns to normal in Mandeville

Updated June 11, 2021, at 6:30 a.m. – Adds references and links to other agenda items.

MANDEVILLE — As things are returning to normal around Mandeville now that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be behind us, the City Council has approved a string of special-event permits at its last several meetings, plus some routine house-keeping tasks. There was, however, one noticeable difference with tonight’s meeting — no controversies.

Tonight, the council approved the Mande Milkshaker’s 4th of July Parade (July 4, 2021, from 4-5 p.m.) and the Old Mandeville Business Association’s Sip & Stroll (Sept. 25, 2021, from 5-9 p.m.).

The council also approved “The St. Tammany Farmer (www.sttammanyfarmer.net)” as the official journal of record for the next fiscal year. State law (R.S. 43:142) requires every government body which is subject to the “Open Meetings Law” have a journal of record. Editor’s Note: The St. Tammany Farmer was purchased by the Georges Media Group in 2018 and all its operations and archives were folded into the operations of The Times-Picayune | The Morning Advocate (Nola.com). There is still a printed product named “St. Tammany Farmer” which is distributed on the Northshore via subscription and coin-operated paper machines.

Historic Preservation District Commission Chairman Jeff Bernard presented a year-in-review report to the Council, detailing the commission’s efforts to preserve and promote historic Old Mandeville.

Retiring Police Chief Gerald Sticker was honored by Mayor Clay Madden for his 28 years of service to the city.

Since early March, each council meeting had seen at least one wrangle or another, some predictable, others not so much.

The May 27th meeting was expected to see the quick passage of Madden’s disaster response and recovery pick, which had been thoroughly debated at the May 13th meeting.

But District II Councilman Skelly Kreller, who was returning from a medical leave that night, opted to grill the mayor in an extended debate session before that resolution was finally adopted 3-1.

The disaster response and recovery pick had originally been scheduled for a vote at the May 13th meeting, but after a lengthy debate, a majority opted to delay the vote, citing the need to have more time to respond to concerns from their constituents.

The May 13th meeting also served as the death knell for the controversial electronic sign and billboard extension, a hot-button issue in the community, one that had triggered debate at prior meetings as well as a couple of Planning & Zoning meetings.

And the March 25th, April 8th and April 22nd meetings were dominated with Madden’s so-called staff restructuring plan, where he proposed creating a “Director of Administration” post. The plan met fierce resistance from a vocal segment of the community, which made a compromise impossible, and the proposal went down in flames.

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Mandeville Event Alert: Another sign that things are getting back to normal is the return of the “Trailhead Pop-Up Party” concert events. The next one is tomorrow (Friday, June 11, 2021) at 6:30 p.m., featuring Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. See the Mandeville events schedule here.

Light agenda to kick off the summer

Council to consider special event permits and official journal

MANDEVILLE — This is the Mandeville City Council’s published agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 10th, 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

MINUTES:

Adoption of the May 27, 2021, Regular Meeting Minutes

REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Historic District Preservation Commission Year in review presentation.

OLD BUSINESS:

None.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Adoption of the special event permit for the Mande Milkshakers 4th of July Parade, Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm to be located on the Lakefront between Harbor and Lafitte. Requesting street closure (see attached map). (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
2. Adoption of the special event and special event liquor application for Old Mandeville Business Association’s Sip & Stroll, Saturday September 25, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to be located on Girod Street between Woodrow and Lakeshore Dr. Requesting waiver of food and drinks and street closure (see attached map). (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
3. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-23: A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mandeville awarding the St. Tammany Farmer as the City of Mandeville’s official journal for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large) Editor’s Note: The St. Tammany Farmer was purchased by the Georges Media Group in 2018 and all its operations and archives were folded into the operations of The Times-Picayune | The Morning Advocate (Nola.com). The St. Tammany Farmer doesn’t have its own beat reporters, like for Mandeville City Council, since the 2018 acquisition, relying on the reporting pool of Nola.com for its news coverage. There is still a printed product bearing the name “St. Tammany Farmer” which is distributed on the Northshore via subscription and coin paper machines.
   
4. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-15: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mandeville approving a conditional use permit for the use designated under CLURO section 6.4.42.3 lodging (transient) short-term rental: whole house rental, located on 315 Lafitte st., sq. 11, a portion of lot 19; zoned b-3 old Mandeville business district; approving site plan, floor plan, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
5. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-16: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mandeville approving a conditional use permit for the use designated under CLURO section 6.4.42.3 lodging (transient) short-term rental: whole house rental, located on 2032 Jefferson st. sq. 10, lot 12; zoned b-3 old Mandeville business district; approving site plan, floor plan, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
6. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-18: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mandeville creating sections 8-21 through 8-26 of the code of ordinances of the City of Mandeville; to regulate fire alarm systems and provide for penalties for repeat false alarms and to permit St. Tammany Fire Districts to elect to adopt the regulations set forth herein; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   

PUBLIC COMMENT:

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS (STATUS REPORT):

Kreller accuses mayor of ‘inflammatory rhetoric’ to pressure council; says city already has emergency ‘plan’

Update: Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 6:10 AM: Expands coverage, adds quotes, updates ‘disaster recovery’ to ‘disaster response and recovery’ in all references.

Original Flash: Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 7:58 PM

MANDEVILLE — The City Council approved Mayor Clay Madden’s pick for the city’s disaster response and recovery contractor at its May 27th meeting, despite a contentious back-and-forth between the mayor and District II Councilman Skelly Kreller.

A vote had been deferred from the May 13th meeting because a majority on the council wanted more time to review the contract. This was Kreller’s first meeting back since early April when he took a leave of absence to recover from a medical procedure.

Resolution No. 21-18, which authorizes the mayor to contract Richard C. Lambert Consultants LLC to manage the city’s disaster response and recovery efforts, was adopted on a 3-1 vote, with Kreller standing alone in opposition. District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush was absent.

Kicking off the hour-and-fifteen-minute debate that preceded the vote, Kreller said the City of Mandeville already has an emergency plan that was created in the year 2000. “Seems to me… why do we need to reinvent this whole thing, and spend $99,000 initially and other moneys? I just can’t get ahold of that…”

Kreller asserted that the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) updated the state’s plan in 2016 and provided training to then-mayor Donald Villere and other city officials. “They brought everybody up to what is needed in an emergency preparedness situation. What is this new consulting firm going to add to that? I can’t see it,” he said.

Madden rebutted by telling Kreller that the two men have a “deep philosophical difference” on what emergency preparedness means to the city.

“Talking about plans being updated every year — that is false. That is absolutely untrue,” the mayor added.

Kreller also said he felt that $99,000 for the first year was over-priced to which Madden countered: “I disagree with you on that… I don’t think that’s a lot of money… I think we owe it to our constituents…”

Kreller interrupted the mayor mid-sentence, “You see, you bring that up ‘we owe it to our constituents’… Our constituents have been safe for years, and I think when you use that rhetoric, it really is inflammatory.”

He accused the mayor of falsely alarming people via social media: “And the posting that you did on Facebook, it almost looked like you were trying to influence the council … and you were stirring up the residents of the city.”

Kreller was referring to a post made to the official Mayor Clay Madden Facebook account on May 25th, where Madden makes his case for the need for a better disaster response and recovery plan. The post read in part:

“We need an up-to-date plan, specific for Mandeville that can really protect our citizens and their families. It is critical that this be in place BEFORE an emergency, not when or after it happens. We need to do this now because unfortunately there is currently no real, functional, up-to-date plan in place for Mandeville. We cannot rely on old plans that identify deceased/retired persons as responsible for functions related to search and rescue, road clearing, and utility restoration. We cannot rely on plans that were cut and pasted from the internet. We need a real plan, put together by experts. Isn’t that what you expect?”

We need to do this now because unfortunately there is currently no real, functional, up-to-date plan in place for Mandeville.
— Mayor Clay Madden

The post in question seemed to mirror the points the mayor made at the May 13th council meeting when the resolution was introduced. Public officials often take to social media to explain their positions on issues and ask voters to urge their elected officials to vote a certain way, however, in this case Madden did not ask readers to take any action such as contacting their council members, but instead provided his own contact information. The only reference to the City Council was to specify when the vote would occur.

Editor’s Note: You can read the mayor’s Facebook post here or see the entire post at the bottom of this story.

Responding to Kreller’s accusation, Madden again reiterated his reasons for asking for the contract. “We need subject matter experts,” the mayor said, emphasizing why Lambert Consultants had been selected over two other firms.

Ben Plaia, representing Lambert Consultants at the meeting, said the current plan that Kreller was referring to was basically full of holes and incomplete.

Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman said he was in favor of hiring Lambert Consultants, but the one concern he originally had with the contract was concerning the non-disaster years, where the city could spend up to $99,000 the first year and $76,000 each subsequent year. He said when the matter was introduced May 13th, he wondered why the contract didn’t just have a lump-sum agreement but instead a task-order agreement.

“Now I kind of understand that, because we don’t have to spend all that… We may not not necessarily spend the money … in years two and three,” he said.

City Attorney Elizabeth Sconzert confirmed that the City Council would have to approve task orders to spend any of the “up-to” amounts specified in the contract.

Plaia said he would like to have Mandeville’s emergency preparedness plan completed in 45-60 days.

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Kreller accuses mayor of ‘inflammatory rhetoric’ to pressure council; says city already has emergency ‘plan’

This story is dated.

Read the final complete updated coverage here posted May 29, 2021…

Original Flash: Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 7:58 PM

MANDEVILLE — The City Council approved Mayor Clay Madden’s pick for the city’s disaster recovery contractor tonight (May 27, 2021), despite a contentious back-and-forth between the mayor and District II Councilman Skelly Kreller.

A vote had been deferred from the May 13th meeting because a majority on the council wanted more time to review the contract. This was Kreller’s first meeting back since early April when he took a leave of absence to recover from a medical procedure.

Resolution No. 21-18, which authorizes the mayor to contract Richard C. Lambert Consultants LLC to manage the city’s disaster recovery efforts, was adopted on a 3-1 vote, with Kreller standing alone in opposition. District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush was absent.

Kicking off the hour-and-fifteen-minute debate that preceded the vote, Kreller said the City of Mandeville already has an emergency plan that was created in the year 2000. “Why do we need a consultant… Why do we need to reinvent this whole thing… Why suddenly now,” he asked at different times during the discussion.

Madden rebutted, “I disagree with that. I think we need an updated and upgraded plan… We owe it to our constituents.”

Kreller directly accused the mayor of falsely alarming people via social media by saying they are in danger due to a lack of a cohesive and up-to-date emergency plan.

“I think when you use that rhetoric, it’s inflammatory… You were trying to stir up … and influence this council,” Kreller said.

The mayor reiterated his reasons for asking for the contract, which he had detailed at the previous meeting. He described five “partial” plans and how most of those are in draft form and many of the people named as having responsibilities are no longer with the city.

“We need subject matter experts,” the mayor added, emphasizing why Lambert Consultants had been selected over two other firms.

Ben Plaia, representing Lambert Consultants at the meeting, said the current plan that Kreller was referring to was basically full of holes and incomplete.

Developing…

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