OFFICIAL MINUTES OF

CITY OF GRETNA

Gretna, LA

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna met this day on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 5:30 p.m., in Regular Session with the following members present: Mayor Ronnie C. Harris; Council Members: Raylyn R. Beevers, Belinda C. Constant, Vincent E. Cox III and Wayne A. Rau.

Absent: Jonathan C. Bolar

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Opening Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance

A silent prayer was offered after the roll call and thereafter the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America was recited.

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Publication/Posting of Meeting Notice

Notice of the meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna, scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2009 was published in the Thursday, February 5, 2009 edition of the Gretna Times-Picayune and posted on the Gretna City Hall bulletin board.

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Approval of previous month’s Minutes

On motion by Councilman Cox and seconded by Councilwoman Constant, IT WAS RESOLVED to approve the January 5, 2009 Special meeting minutes, the January 12, 2009 Regular meeting minutes and the January 21, 2009 Special meeting minutes, and the same were unanimously approved.

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Amendments to the Agenda

On motion by Councilman Cox and seconded by Councilwoman Constant IT WAS RESOLVED to amend the February 11, 2009 meeting agenda to move up Other Matters, Item No. 12 B (3) Event Request for Gretna No. 2 Academy–“3rd Annual Gretna Jubilee Fundraiser” scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2009

On motion by Councilman Cox and seconded by Councilwoman Rau to add two resolutions, six ordinances and a Liquor License application to the agenda for consideration (1) A resolution authorizing Mayor Ronnie C. Harris to enter into a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Gretna Police Department and the 24th Judicial District Court (I CAN DRUG COURT PROGRAM) to provide a person from the Gretna Police Department to serve as the Drug Court Compliance Officer; (2) A resolution ratifying the establishment of the “go live date” for the issuance of citations for violations of Section 90-506 as December 15, 2008; Add five ordinances for introduction; (3) An ordinance to amend the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 adopted April 9, 2008; (4) An ordinance of the Gretna Council amending Chapter 90. Traffic and Vehicles - Article VII Electronic Enforcement-Section 90-407 Enforcement Procedures, Section 90-408 Administrative Adjudication Hearing, Section 90-507 Enforcement Procedures and Section 90-508 Administrative Adjudication Hearing; (5) An ordinance to amend the Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 90, Traffic and Vehicles, Article I - In General, by adding Section 90-6 Display of Plate; (6) An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1945 of the City of Gretna, adopted by the City Council on the 12th day of July 1989, more particularly amending the zoning classification of Lot 22A, Square 131, McDonoghville Subdivision, Gretna, Louisiana, from C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C-2 (General Commercial), and directing, authorizing and empowering the Code Enforcement Official to alter and amend the Official Zoning Map of the City of Gretna; (7) An ordinance amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 90, Traffic and Vehicles, Article I - In General, by amending Section 90-2 Switching or Altering License Plates; (8) An ordinance amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 102, Zoning and Subdivisions, Section 102-4, Violations - To provide for minimum fines and maximum jail sentences for first, second and third offenses and removal of utilities for third offenses and (9) to add a Liquor License approval for Rancho Tipico Restaurant at 516 Gretna Boulevard, John Lopez, Applicant and the same were unanimously approved.

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Event Request:

Gretna No. 2 Academy – 3rd Annual “Gretna Jubilee Fundraiser” for Saturday, March 7, 2009

Mr. Brady Garrity, Dad’s Club of Gretna No. 2 Academy Magnet School Representative, provided a brief synopsis of the annual event that had been hosted by Gretna No. 2 Academy Dad’s Club. Over the past two years has been very successful and through funds raised they have able to purchase a mobile laptop computer lab, outfit the school auditorium with state-of-the-arts lights and sound system, purchase a mobile science lab and some state-of-the-arts light boards, which enhances the day-to-day educational opportunities of the children.

This year in a growth effort and in conjunction with the other Westbank magnet schools, they have joined forces with Thomas Jefferson High School and Ruppel Academy Magnet Schools. All three schools will be hosting the Gretna Jubilee this year. This year, it is the hope to expand the event to include approximately 40 restaurants, the entertainment for this year event would be the “Rebirth Brass Band” and the three schools will be sharing the funds to purchase arts and technology equipment as have been done in the past.

Mr. Garrity respectfully requested the assistant of the Mayor and City Council for the use of the Gretna Market for Saturday, March 7, 2009.

Mayor Harris stated he has attended the event and it was a lot of fun and had great food. He expressed that every school should have an active parents organization too because parental involvement makes a difference in a school and the City of Gretna want to be part of the team to make the event successful.

On motion by Councilwoman Constant and seconded by Councilwoman Beevers, IT WAS RESOLVED to approve the use of the Market to the Dad’s Club of the Gretna No. 2 Academy, Thomas Jefferson High School and Ruppel Academy Magnet Schools – to host the “3rd Annual Gretna Jubilee Fundraiser” scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2009, and the same was unanimously approved.

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Reports of City Committees:

Historic District Advisory Committee items:

1. 202 Hamilton Street - HDAC recommended favorable approval for Roof addition

- George Anglada, Applicant

2. 337-339 Monroe Street - HDAC recommended favorable approval for demolition/renovation front of building - Barbara James, Applicant

3. 700 Monroe Street - HDAC supports renovations as opposed to demolition for Preliminary discussion for possible demolition/renovation to property - Michelle Autin, Applicant

4. 830 3rd Street - HDAC recommended denial for new construction - David Miles, Sr., Applicant

5. 492 Hamilton Street - HDAC recommended favorable approval as submitted for new door - Ericka Breaux, Applicant

6. 500 Lafayette Street - HDAC recommended approval for adding wording to existing sign only for new sign - Camila Dalazen, Applicant

7. 422 8th Street - HDAC recommended approval with modifications (operable shutters) for Renovations - 2nd story addition - Kendrick Harris, Applicant

Miss Danika Gorrondona, Building Official reported that the Historic District Advisory Committee met on January 5, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. There were seven (7) Historic District Advisory Committee applications considered: (1) 202 Hamilton Street-roof addition. HDAC recommended favorable approval; (2) 337-339 Monroe Street for demolition/renovation front of building. HDAC recommended favorable approval; (3) 700 Monroe Street for preliminary discussion for possible demolition/renovation to property. HDAC supports renovations as opposed to demolition; (4) 830 3rd Street for new construction. HDAC recommended denial; (5) 492 Hamilton Street for new door. HDAC recommended favorable approval as submitted; (6) 500 Lafayette Street – HDAC recommended approval for adding wording to existing sign only for new sign; and (7) 422 8th Street for renovations and second story addition. HDAC recommended approval with modifications (operable shutters).

Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) report:

Mr. Joe Marino, Chairman of the Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) submitted a written report on file in the Clerk’s office.

On motion by Councilwoman Constant and seconded by Councilman Cox, IT WAS RESOLVED to accept the Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) favorable recommendations and to grant permits to the applicants of (1) 202 Hamilton Street for roof addition; (2) 337-339 Monroe Street for demolition/renovation front of building; (5) 492 Hamilton Street for new door for new sign and (7) 422 8th Street for renovations and second story addition, and the same were unanimously approved.

(3) 700 Monroe Street - possible demolition/renovation to property

Miss Danika Gorrondona, Building Official stated that (3) 700 Monroe Street came before the HDAC. She stated that this application was an odd scenario because it involved a potential purchaser of the property. The prospective buyer was seeking help and guidance from the Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) and was represented at the Council meeting. The HDAC expressed they were not in favor of demolition but were in favor of the rehabilitation of this structure because of its historic significance to the McDonoghville neighborhood.

Councilwoman Constant expressed that she had conversations with Miss Michelle Autin and pointed, out at this point the more appropriate action would involve the Demolition by Neglect ordinance because this property has been neglected for several years, it was brought before HDAC and they were not in favor of demolition.

Councilman Cox expressed confusion and asked the reason for application. Miss Gorrondona stated that it was confusing because normally the actual property owner would come before HDAC but as the prospective buyer, she wanted to know what could be done with the property. Miss Autin was not in favor and did not want to demolish the structure and that was reflected in her application. Miss Autin met with HDAC members independently and with one of the members, an architect, expressed he was against demolition and favored rehabilitation of the structure.

Councilwoman Constant asked if the city should consider citing the property owner. Miss Gorrondona stated that the Demolition by Neglect was a good reason to cite the property owner.

Councilwoman Beevers added Miss Mary Lou Eichhorn of the Historic New Orleans Collection informed her that the structure dated back circa Civil War, before World War II. She pinpointed the ironwork of this house was of significance circa the World War II and asked Miss Gorrondona if she was aware of anything about the structure.

Mayor Harris pointed out we are dealing with an absentee owner and believed there were certain specific problems with proper service of citations and the City should encourage new local ownership of the property. He understood the city had to do a Demolition by Neglect to get the owner to do what they are supposed to do but it will be difficult because of the absentee location. He wondered the exact question being posed to the Council and asked if directions were given to the applicant by the HDAC. Miss Danika Gorrondona responded that the HDAC was opposed to demolition but for rehabilitate.

Mayor Harris clarified Miss Michele Autin (the prospective buyer) was asking the City, if she bought the property, what would she be allowed to do with the property. Miss Autin replied that she would purchase the property at a reasonable price based on numerous realtors suggested sale price and from several appraisers that would not put it in writing because of the condition of the property. She stated that she has made written offers to the owners, but they seem to be holding out for some pie-in-the-sky notion that the house has more value.

Mayor Harris asked Mr. Mark, City Attorney, the issue of Demolition by Neglect, if the city places the current property owners places on notice, would it be merely citations or will it be a situation where the city can take constructive action in order to stop the decline of the house or could it be both.

Mr. Morgan replied stating that there was a distinction between Demolition by Neglect in the Historic District and Demolition by Neglect in areas of the city outside the Historic District. Outside the Historic District, it would be a citation but within the Historic District the city can actually take action to preserve the property and then lien the property for those efforts.

Councilwoman Constant stated to effectuate the ordinance in place and move on what is needed to begin the preservation of the property.

Mayor Harris expressed the concerns he had to use the Demolition by Neglect is that if there is a hole in the roof, the city could go in and fix the roof to prevent further damage but it does not mean it would renovate the entire structure. He asked the City Attorney for guidance as to how far the city can move with this structure and how much money it would entail. Money was placed in the budget for demolition but no money for Demolition by Neglect type of property. If it was the direction of the city to say lets do Demolition by Neglect, he would direct the Building Official to make a report and get estimates of what the city needed by the letter of the law and no further and bring it back to the City Council to make a decision. Based on his understanding and experience that when there are out-of-state absentee landowners, proper service of a citation is one aspect, proper payment of the fine and court appearance was a problem and the issuance of a fine is something else. It’s not a panacea because it does not solve all issues because we write a citation. The second thing would have to take place as well.

Councilwoman Constant asked to start the process, cite the property owners with the ordinance in place, fine them and begin to use the ordinance as the City Attorney just advised. Mayor Harris stated the city would effectuate the ordinance but not sure if the process would get to the point of a fine because he was leery about a court appearance. Miss Gorrondona added that the property owners had local relatives in town.

Mayor Harris directed the Building Official to cite them. He suggested outlining the problem, define a cost and bring it back before the Council for determination. He expressed to Miss Autin that the city was unwilling to play a lever in this matter but the city will take the necessary action to stop the deterioration of the property.

Councilman Rau thanked Miss Michelle Autin for her interest in preserving the city’s history.

(4) 830 3rd Street for new construction

Mr. Joe Marino, Chairman for Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) addressed the Mayor and City Council and stated the reasons why the HDAC voted on a denial for new construction was because it did not resemble anything in the Historic District. The Historic District Advisory Committee is interested in building homes that resemble or blend in the Historic District. The plans that were presented were good plans, but the comments he heard were that the plans for the new construction resembled an American Double Townhouse with two entrance porches. The reason again was not the dislike of the design, it was because the home would not blend and would not fit well in the Historic District.