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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Mayor disaster recovery pick up for vote

Resolution authorizing mayor to enter contract with Lambert Consultants was deferred at last meeting

MANDEVILLE — This is the Mandeville City Council’s published agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 27th, 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 13, 2021, regular meeting minutes

Reports and announcements:

• Proclamation for Pollinator Week, June 21 – June 27, 2021
• Proclamation for Raedan Stephens, 2021, Louisiana Student of the Year
  

Old business:

1. Adoption of Resolution 21-18: 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 Richard C. Lambert consultants, LLC, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   See related story: UPDATE: Mayor disaster recovery pick vote delayed
   
2. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-13: an Ordinance for the city council of the City of Mandeville to amend Ordinance number 20-12, the capital budget of the City of Mandeville and for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
3. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-14: an Ordinance of the City of Mandeville levying and imposing taxes on property subject to taxation in the City of Mandeville, state of Louisiana, for the year 2021 in accordance with the provisions of article vii, section 23(b) and (c) of the 1974 Louisiana constitution and R.S. 47:1705 (b) (1) and (2). (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
4. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-17: an Ordinance for the city council of the City of Mandeville to amend Ordinance No. 20-13, the operating budget of the City of Mandeville and for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   

New business:

1. Approval of the special event and liquor application for the City of Mandeville Light Up the Lake, Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 6-8pm to be located on the lakefront between Coffee & Carrol streets. Request waiver of food and drinks on the lakefront for picnics from 10am – 9pm along with street closures – see map attached (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
   
2. Approval of the special event and liquor application for OLL Festival of the Lake, Friday November 5th thru Sunday, November 7th to be located at 312 Lafitte Street. Request street closures – see map attached (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
   
3. Approval of the special event and liquor application for the Mande Milkshakers Shakers and Shoes Sock Hop Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 5-9pm to be located at the Mandeville trailhead. (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
   
   
4. Approval of the special event and liquor application for St. Ann Wine Bar’s Wineaux de Mayo, Saturday, May 29, 2021, from 5pm – midnight to be located at 22 St. Ann Dr. Request approval for alcohol and music in the parking lot and extended hours outdoors until midnight. (Councilman Kreller, District II)
   
   
5. Approval of change order #1, effluent pump station modification A/E Project 2101a04, formerly No. 2001a03 in the increased amount of $32,100.00 for a total contract price of $208,200. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
6. Approval of change order #1, lift station 12 and 24 rehabilitation A/E Project No. 2101a03 formerly Project #1701a07 in the increased amount of $58,572.00 for a total contract price of $646,802. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
7. Approval of substantial completion of lift station 12 and 24 rehabilitation A/E Project No. 2101a03 formerly Project #1701a07 for a total contract price of $646,802. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
8. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-19: a Resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville authorizing travel expenses for historic preservation district commission member Jeff Bernard to attend the Keeping History Above Water Conference in Charlestson, SC, from June 13-15, 2021, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Zuckerman, At-Large)
9. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-20: 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 the Beau Rivage Homeowners’ Association (BRHOA) for the irrigation project for Lou’s lot; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
   
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-21: a Resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville accepting the proposals for the sunset point restrooms project A/E Project No. 2101a05 and authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with the apparent lowest proposer BSD construction, LLC and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Kreller, District II)
11. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-22: a Resolution of the city council of the City of Mandeville accepting the bids for the trailhead splash park rehabilitation project A/E Project No. 2001a02 and authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with the apparent lowest bid franchise horticultural services, inc. And providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilwoman McGuire, District III)
    
    

Public comment:

Finance report:

Projects in progress (status report):

Adjournment

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Council asks for more time to review contract details while expressing support for plan and firm

(This is the complete coverage story. You can read the original news flash from May 13, 2021, here…)

MANDEVILLE — A vote on Mayor Clay Madden’s pick for the city’s disaster recovery contractor was deferred for two weeks by the City Council after a round of tough questioning at its May 13, 2021, meeting.

Resolution No. 21-18, which would authorize the mayor to contract Richard C. Lambert Consultants LLC to manage the city’s disaster recovery efforts, was deferred on a 3-1 vote, with only District I Councilwoman Rebecca Bush against the delay.

Madden presented his case for authorizing the contract “as soon as possible.” He said he had reviewed existing disaster recovery plans for the city and found them lacking.

“Inconsistent, outdated and incomplete, I learned that the city has five emergency management plans which we found on our computer drive. I found them to be individually and collectively inadequate to meet our needs,” Madden said.

Madden said he believes it is important that Mandeville’s plans be coordinated with St. Tammany Parish’s plans, which currently they are not.

Madden said the project was competitively bid and reviewed by a committee he assembled, which included Clarence Powe, director of St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) and Dexter Accardo, the previous director of St. Tammany Parish OHSEP.

He said Lambert Consultants was the clear choice.

The mayor and City Attorney Elizabeth Sconzert would respond to numerous questions from council members during the debate period that followed.

Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman picked over the wording of the contract pertaining to which items are fixed deliverables and how work would be requested, billed and paid, as well as what the specified spending caps really mean for the city in non-disaster years.

The contract in question is potentially worth as much as $3.875 million, if federal disasters are declared every year, or $251,000 if no disasters are declared over the next three years.

The so-called “caps” in the three-year contract stipulate that payments to Lambert Consultants in non-disaster years shall not exceed $99,000 in 2021 — the “planning year” — and $76,000 in each subsequent year.

But if there are presidentially declared disasters, those caps increase to $1.375 million and $1.25 million, respectively.

Councilman at Large Rick Danielson followed up on Zuckerman’s line of questioning by asking Sconzert about non-disaster years and what they would mean financially to the city. She said that if there are no disasters, no money would be spent, except in the first year of the contract, which is the planning year.

However, Richard Lambert and Ben Plaia, representing Lambert Consultants at the meeting, indicated there would be expenses every year of the contract, regardless of a presidentially declared disaster. Plaia said training, rehearsals and other tasks would be necessary every year of the contract to unsure a constant state of readiness.

The terms of the contract provide for numerous services, such as coordinating with FEMA and other organizations, training personnel, disaster rehearsals, as well as yearly reviews of the plan to ensure sub-contractors and other key personnel are still available and in place.

Zuckerman also took issue with entering a contract before the expected budget adjustment that would set aside the necessary funding.

Originally slated for a vote at the April 22nd meeting, that budget adjustment had to be delayed due to a “technical” issue and is now scheduled for the next meeting on May 27th.

But Sconzert said that with a resolution the council is only authorizing the mayor to get the process started and after consulting the budget director, there would be no problem in the two weeks before the budget adjustment is adopted.

The skeptics on the council seemed satisfied with the need or even the urgency to adopt a plan and a contractor, but instead they took issue with the timing.

Zuckerman said he only found out the contract was on the agenda over the weekend preceding the meeting. The official agenda was published Saturday, May 8th, along with the contract, leaving four business days to review and ask questions of the administration.

District III Councilwoman Jill McGuire said, “I don’t have a problem with the plan. I think it’s important … I just wish we would have had more time to have reviewed it… I’m just asking as a courtesy … I don’t want to hold anything up, but at the same time I want to make a good decision.”

McGuire said the Madden administration was very responsive in providing answers to her questions but that four days wasn’t enough time for her to be prepared to vote.

“There are a lot of constituents, they read up on this stuff, and they have questions, and it’s our responsibility to give them the information,” she added.

Like Zuckerman, McGuire said she’d be more comfortable voting on the contract at the same time as the accompanying budget adjustment, even though Sconzert insisted that part of the funding is already set aside.

Madden responded, “Out of respect — y’all respected me when I asked for two more weeks (to tweak his staff restructuring plan at the April 8, 2021, meeting) — I’d be happy to work with you over the next two weeks.”

Bush said she was ready to move forward, with hurricane season fast approaching. “I’m against deferment… I think we would be foolish not to proceed,” she said.

Before the vote, council members expressed strong support for Lambert Consultants, saying they were well-qualified for the job.

“I am familiar with Mr. Lambert’s firm… very qualified firm. I don’t have any issues with the firm whatsoever,” Zuckerman said.

Ultimately, the council as a whole wasn’t ready to act on the resolution. Zuckerman, Danielson and McGuire voted to defer the resolution until the May 27th meeting. District II Councilman Skelly Kreller is out on sick leave.

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After extensions and delays, the digital message boards are now illegal in Mandeville

Flash: Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 7:40 PM

MANDEVILLE — The City Council tonight (May 13, 2021) killed what would have amounted to a reprieve for some electronic signs in the City of Mandeville after they were outlawed five years ago and given a grace period which ended January 1st of this year.

Ordinance No. 21-02 would have amended existing city code adopted in 2015, which outlawed “Electronic Message Centers” starting January 1, 2021, after a five year amortization period. The City effectively extended the original January 1st deadline to May 1, 2021, as part of its COVID-19 accommodations.

This ordinance would have created an exception for signs whose digital components comprise 50% or less of the sign face surface, allowing them to operate until January 1, 2022. Those larger than 50% would be illegal.

Councilman at Large Rick Danielson, who introduced the ordinance, made a motion to withdraw his ordinance, and the council unanimously agreed.

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Some argue ‘electronic message centers’ never really left, enforcement resumes pending vote

Updated: Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 4:27 PM: Clarifies suspended enforcement until after vote.

MANDEVILLE — Electronic signs could get new life in Mandeville if the City Council adopts a controversial ordinance which softens a city law adopted five years ago along with a grace period to phase out the signs, which ended January 1st.

Proposed Ordinance No. 21-02 would amend existing city code adopted in 2015, 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 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.

This new ordinance, if adopted by the City Council at its May 13th meeting, would create 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. Those larger than 50% would have to shut down immediately.

The City effectively extended the original January 1st deadline to May 1, 2021, as part of its COVID-19 accommodations. Additionally, Mayor Clay Madden said in a statement that City Attorney Elizabeth Sconzert advised against sending out enforcement letters while there is pending legislation on the matter.

If the ordinance is rejected by the City Council, the mayor said the ban will be enforced immediately.

R&R Care Solutions, 1808 N. Causeway Blvd., Tuesday, May 11, 2021. This sign would not fit within the 50% rule proposed in the ordinance, and is in apparent violation, pass or fail. Mayor Clay Madden said in a statement, enforcement would resume immediately after the May 13th meeting vote. (Source: Mandeville Daily)

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:

The Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 27th to recommend that the City Council not extend the grace period any further.

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.

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.”

Madden released a statement at the April 27th Planning & Zoning Commission meeting saying that he is against the new ordinance.

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.

According to eyewitness reports, a number of the existing electronic signs continue to operate, which are technically in violation of city code, and could be cited by the City now that the May 1st COVID-19 extension has elapsed.

Next Meeting : The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 13th, 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.

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Council to vote on controversial electronic sign ordinance

Could give new life to signs that were to have been phased out by now

MANDEVILLE — This is the Mandeville City Council’s published agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 13th, 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:

1. Adoption of the April 22, 2021, Regular Meeting Minutes
   

Reports and Announcements:

Old Business:

1. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-02: an ordinance for the city of Mandeville to enact a twelve-month amortization on section 10.5.3.11 electronic message centers or digital signs of the land use regulations of appendix a- comprehensive land use regulations of the city of Mandeville and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   Read meeting preview story concerning Ordinance No. 21-02…
   
2. Adoption of Ordinance No. 21-03: an ordinance of the council of the city of Mandeville amending section 17-86 of chapter 17 of the city of Mandeville code of ordinances and section 5.1.15 of appendix a- comprehensive land use regulations of the city of Mandeville and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Zuckerman, At-Large)
   
3. Adoption 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, Louisiana adjacent to Golden Shores subdivision, Section A, Sq 5, Lot 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 Danielson, At-Large)
   

New Business:

1. Approval of the special event application for the Recreation District #1 Father’s Day Fishing Rodeo to be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 8am – noon at the sunset point fishing pier. Registration opens Friday, May 14, 2021. (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
2. Approval of Change Order No. 1 Bayou Castine bulkhead repair A/E Project No. 2101A01, formerly No. 1801A08 in the amount of $77,590.00 (Councilman Zuckerman, At-Large)
   
3. Approval of substantial completion Bayou Castine bulkhead repair A/E Project No. 2101A01, formerly no. 1801A08 as of April 8, 2021, for the final construction cost of $999,814.00 (Councilman Zuckerman, At-Large)
   
4. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-16: a resolution of the city council of the city of Mandeville authorizing the mayor of the city of Mandeville to renew a professional services agreement between the city of Mandeville and Compliance Envirosystems, LLC, for Mandeville sanitary sewer evaluation and rehabilitation, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
5. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-17: a resolution of the city council of the city of Mandeville establishing procedures on how ordinances, with recommendations from the planning and zoning commission, are placed on the regular council meeting agendas and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
6. Adoption of Resolution No. 21-18: 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 Richard C. Lambert consultants, LLC, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
7. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-13: an ordinance for the city council of the city of Mandeville to amend ordinance number 20-12, the capital budget of the city of Mandeville and for other matters in connection therewith (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   
8. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-17: 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)
   
9. Introduction of Ordinance No. 21-14: an ordinance of the city of Mandeville levying and imposing taxes on property subject to taxation in the city of Mandeville, state of Louisiana, for the year 2021 in accordance with the provisions of article vii, section 23(b) and (c) of the 1974 Louisiana constitution and R.S. 47:1705 (b) (1) and (2). (Councilman Danielson, At-Large)
   

Public Comment:

Projects in Progress (Status Report):

Adjournment

Kristine Scherer, 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.

Date of Notice: May 7, 2021, 1:00 PM

Source: City of Mandeville Official Website