CITY OF GRETNA LEGALS

City of GretnaMEETING NOTICEThe Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna will meet in regular session on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., on the second floor Council Chambers of Gretna City Hall, Second Street and Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana./S/ NORMA J. CRUZCITY CLERKCITY OF GRETNAPublish: April 1, 2015 The New Orleans Advocate***The Mayor and Council of the City of Gretna met this day on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., in Regular Session with the following members present: Mayor Belinda C. Constant; Council Members: Wayne A. Rau, Milton L. Crosby, Joseph A. Marino III, Mark K. Miller, Jackie J. Berthelot.Absent: None.Opening Prayer/Pledge of AllegianceMr. Mark Broussard, Chaplain with Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office and Jail Ministry offered a prayer upon the opening of the meeting followed by the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America.Notice of the MeetingNotice of the Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna scheduled for Wednesday March 11, 2015; published in the Wednesday edition of the New Orleans Advocate on March 4, 2015, and posted on the Gretna City Hall Bulletin Board on Wednesday, February 27, 2014.Opening Remarks by the Mayor. NoneAmend AgendaOn motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, IT WAS RESOLVED to amend the Council Regular meeting Agenda for March 11, 2015 to add four (4) ordinances for introduction: An ordinance amending Chapter 18, Article I - In General., Section 18-7.- Maximum height of fences on residential property, paragraph (4); An ordinance supplementing and amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3- Administrative Adjudication of Public Health, Housing, Fire Code, Environmental and Historic District Violations; Section 3-7.- Hearing procedures, paragraphs (h), (k) and (n); An ordinance nullifying Ordinance No. 4636 which provided for the acquisition of the adjudicated property located at 615-617 Solon Street by the City of Gretna pursuant to La. R. S. 47:2236 and an ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 to recognize current status of large Police capital projects at year end, increasing expenditures and grant revenue by $1,000,000 for the New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters project and reducing expenditures and grant revenue by $270,000 for the Renovations to the Police Maintenance Building project.; one presentation for the Westbank Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana, and the same were unanimously approved.Presentations:Jefferson Transit Gretna Local routeMr. Ryan D. Brown, Director of Transit Administration for Jefferson Parish thanked everyone involved in spearheading this endeavor on the city council; thanked Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet, Councilman at Large Chris Roberts and Mr. Brett Lawson and the Parish President the Honorable John Young. It was very good news not only for Gretna but for the transit overall. Everyone is excited for bringing the Gretna Local back into service. He introduced Mr. Pierre Orlando, General Manager and route expert. Thanked the Transit Board and the Chairman Bryan Adams (State Representative). Jefferson Transit oversees public transportation for the urbanized portion of the Eastbank and Westbank of Jefferson. The goals are to provide quality transit services for the passengers travelling to and from major employment centers. Passengers will be able to connect to the RTA, Kenner Local and also with the River Parish airport route. He provided statistics and logistics on the services and ridership that Jefferson Transit provides. A map of the Gretna local route was shown on the PowerPoint and was explained step by step. MITS services provide transportation to the senior citizens and the disabled who are unable to use public transportation and although Gretna did not have a route MITS continued its service. Park & Ride facility is available at the Wilty Terminal and Walkertown Terminal. All the Jefferson Transit (JET) vehicles are ADA accessible with bike racks. Importantly during emergency evacuation, JET vehicles play a crucial role in evacuating resident out of harms way. The fare to ride the Gretna Local will be $1.50; and that is in keeping with the present fare fees. Jefferson Parish riders will be able to plan their by googling the Jefferson Transit schedules. Is a good day not only for Gretna but for Jefferson Parish!Mayor Constant echoed on the thanks to all the elected officials of Jefferson Parish as mentioned by Mr. Ryan D. Brown and to everyone involved in this endeavor and for understanding how important that this bus be unique to the city. It will be good for the government offices in this area and the citizens from all over Jefferson Parish needing access to the government complex. The Gretna bus will be smaller and will be reflective of just Gretna; there will be no outside advertising. It will be picking up at most of the points of interest that the people have expressed need for.Councilman Rau stated is a great project because it will give people access to and from Downtown. Thanks for all the cooperation given to the city in getting this project accomplished.On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, following resolution was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and BerthelotNays: None.Absent: NoneRESOLUTION NO. 2015-017A resolution endorsing the new Gretna Local route supported by Jefferson Transit.WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the City of Gretna; andWHEREAS, it is the desire of the elected officials of Gretna to have public transportation services returned to the city; andWHEREAS, Jefferson Transit has added a bus route within the City of Gretna; andWHEREAS, the city may gain economic development opportunities with the passengers using the new local route to do business and enjoy the cultural aspects of the city.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as governing authority of said City that:The new Gretna Local route supported by Jefferson Transit is hereby endorsed.Visit Gretna City Park Month (May 2015)Councilman Miller stated that a year ago an effort began to gain more interest in City Park; joined with the Gretna Community Association to bring people out to the park. Had activities for the children and for the senior citizens to show what the park has to offer. This year would like to continue the events and offer the same activities and bring people to the park and keep bringing awareness to it.

Gretna City Officials

MayorBelinda Cambre Constant

CouncilmenDist. at Large: Wayne A. RauDist. 1: Milton L. CrosbyDist. 2: Joseph A. Marino IIIDist. 3: Mark K. MillerDist. 4: Jackie J. Berthelot

Chief of PoliceArthur S. Lawson, Jr.

Justice of the PeaceDistrict 1: Vernon J. Wilty III

City of GretnaGretna City HallSecond Street & Huey P. Long AvenueP.O. Box 404Gretna, LA 70054-0404Telephone (504) 363-1500Website: www.gretnala.com

Gretna Police Department200 Fifth St.Gretna, LA 70053Telephone (504) 366- 4374

Will do an Observatory Night, will continue the youth Fishing Rodeo and a nice senior day with fun and games and will try to add a BMX race during the Visit Gretna City Park Month. He invited everyone go out to Gretna City Park and visit. Dates for the events will be available shortly through social media.Updating the Gretna Historic District Guide Book, Clio Associates, LLCCouncilman Marino stated that when the Historic District Guide Book was introduced it was prepared by CLIO Associates Miss Gabrielle Begue and Miss Beth Jacob and recently they have updated the book and made changes in the book to reflect changes in the new process with the Historic District Commission.Miss Beth Jacob stated they had the honor of drafting the Gretna Historic District design guidelines which were published in April of 2014 and hoped they have been a helpful tool for the community. Again they have been asked to do updating to the Gretna Historic Guide Book. The powers of the HDAC was strengthened and the committee which has now been renamed Historic District Commission is no longer advisory in nature but has the power to the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness which is required before obtaining a building permit and beginning an these changes have been updated in the guideline. Also extended the Section in Part 5 to address porches and added more samples of suitable replacements and new porch railings. Added a new section on elevating existing buildings; focusing on the most appropriate approaches for the types of residences found in Gretna from Shotgun houses to Bungalows. Provided specific guidelines to address the most common design issues associated with building elevation; namely, impacts of the streetscape resulting from the additional building height; impacts to foundation and porches and extended entry stairs. This is to help ensure that the taller buildings, whether elevated a few additional feet to meet base flood elevation or a full story to provide additional living or garage space; but they all continue to fit within the historic district.Councilman Marino pointed out the guide book is available in the Building Department at City Hall. Copy of the book can be purchased and is available online. The book is an amazing collection of Gretna historic homes, photographs of homes, detailed drawings done. This guide book was a joint project of Mayor Constant, Councilman Crosby (District 1) Councilman Marino (District 2); and was very proud of it. He thanked Miss Gabrielle Begue and Miss Beth Jacob for their original job and the revisions done. The guide book is an excellent resource for the city.Miss Jacob explained, Guidelines: Repair & Renovation 5; generally the guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior Standards and they included those standards within the guide book. When you have a conditional issue you start with maintenance by doing your best to maintain the historic fabric that you have and maintain the historic integrity of your building. If that is not possible and adjustment is needed then you repair it, which you stick with the original materials and repair it; if not possible then replacement is recommended, which is replacing wood siding with wood siding. All of the sections covered; foundations, porches, doors & windows, walls and roofs that was the approach taken. Provided design guidelines for best practices and how to repair and replace when appropriate these materials.Miss Jacob summarized that vinyl siding can be problematic from a historic preservation standpoint for several reasons: Moisture or breathability of the walls; when you install vinyl over existing wood siding that can trap moisture within the wall leading to problems with rot and mold. This deterioration happens out of sight because it is behind the vinyl and you dont see it till removed. By the time you become aware there is a problem it may have gone too far. The wood walls in most of the existing historic buildings were designed to breathe and vinyl inhibits that. Another issue is durability of vinyl; manufactures claim that vinyl is low maintenance but it degrades in the sunlight gradually causing brittleness, fading and other deterioration. Even though they are newer materials, they claim improved breathability and improved coatings, these are relatively new and we have to see how the performance is in 20 to 30 years. Concerned about sustainability in the manufacturing process, toxins that are produced and the fact that vinyl cannot be recycled and then there is the aesthetics arguments. It simply does not have the same material quality as wood. Vinyl can be problematic when it is used to conceal architectural details or trim. Lastly, it does not the meet the Secretary of the Interiors standards as suitable replacement material. Using vinyl on a historic building could impact the ability to get tax credit. For the majority of the wood frame buildings found in Gretna Historic District; wood is much more suitable cladding material than vinyl.Mayor Constant thanked Miss Jacob and Miss Begue for the update on the Gretna Historic District Guide Book; it is an incredible resource for anyone who is looking to restore an old home.Westbank Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast LouisianaJudge Marion Edwards expressed appreciation for all the cooperation received from the mayor and city council for the Boys & Girls Club. He presented the members from the board of directors Brian Heiden, Jim Barse, Ronnie Gauthreaux, Katie Ives, Community Development Coordinator from the regional office and Will Noble manager of the Boys & Girls Club in Gretna. This is truly been a community project and are very proud of the Boys & Girls Club and members work very hard to get good grades and what they accomplish on a daily basis playing basketball and learning about life. The building was renovated by the LeBron James Foundation; they are still a few items to be repaired.Mayor Constant thanked everyone and expressed that the elected officials of the city understand what it means to have an outstanding Boys & Girls Club within the city limits servicing the Westbank of Jefferson Parish. -- Judge Edwards announced they will hold a Breakfast Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Thanh Thanh Restaurant (131 Huey P. Long Avenue,) and invited everyone to attend the fundraiser. Mayor Constant read the proclamation and presented it to the Westbank Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana.New Business recognition.Agape Angels Academy Child Development Center (72 Westbank Expressway) Bishop Gerald Hawkins, Mrs. Era Hawkins.Councilman Berthelot read and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to acknowledge and welcome Agape Angels Academy Child Development Center as a new business to the City of Gretna. Mrs. Hawkins briefed on the activities of the business, and thanked the City of Gretna for recognizing and welcoming their business into the community.Seersucker Restaurant & Catering (938 Hancock Street) Jonathan Hostetler, Blaine Bergeron, Owners.Councilman Crosby read and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to acknowledge and welcome Seersucker Restaurant & Catering as a new business to the City of Gretna. Mr. Bergeron briefed on the activities of their business, and thanked the City of Gretna for recognizing and welcoming their business into the community.Vida Saludable (2214 Belle Chasse Highway) Yolanda Ayala, OwnerCouncilman Berthelot read and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to acknowledge and welcome Vida Saludable as a new business to the City of Gretna. Interpreter for Miss Ayala briefed on the activities of her business, and thanked the City of Gretna for recognizing and welcoming her business into the community.Variance Request: 99 Westbank Expressway99 Westbank Expressway - Ratification of Variance requests approved October 8, 2014.Expressway Four LLC, Applicant (District 2)1. For front yard setback for commercial structure.2. For interior landscaping.3. For additional monument sign.4. For Conditional Use based on site plan; landscape plan and architectural elevation.Mr. Mark Morgan, City Attorney explained on the notice provisions for variances and noticed it could be interpreted differently. As traditionally interpreted, the actual posting on request for variances on the property was not required. In the abundance of caution, both going forward and for the purposes of today, Mayor Constant has agreed that the policy would be to post all variances, resubdivisions and rezoning requests. As a courtesy to the applicant and assure that since this is large project the city posted the variance request at the property and allow for a subsequent public hearing and a vote by the City Council.On motion by Councilman Marino and seconded by Councilman Crosby, IT WAS RESOLVED to ratify the approval of the variance requests 1. For front yard setback for commercial structure; 2. For interior landscaping; 3. For additional monument sign; and 4. For Conditional Use based on site plan; landscape plan and architectural elevation as were previously approved at the October 8, 2014 Council meeting and the same was unanimously approved by the following vote:Yeas: Councilman Marino, Crosby, Rau, Miller and BerthelotNays: NoneAbsent: NoneCouncilman Marino clarified the Council already considered these variance requests; one of the things that we posted the property was for the sign to go on 11th Street for the grocery store. This matter has already come before the Council and approved the four variances at the previous meeting; again the applicant felt the need for the city to post the property. At this time the City Council is ratifying; reaffirming the same decision made at the October 8, 2014 meeting. Nothing is being changed from what was proposed then.The City Clerk read aloud in its entirety all items listed on the Consent Agenda

as follows:CONSENT AGENDA:Approval of Meeting Minutes: February 11, 2015 Council Regular meeting.Alcohol Beverage Permit Application(s):(1) Big EZ Seafood, 1632 Lafayette StreetNHV Nguyen, Applicant-Owner (District 4)(2) Gator Bait - 1215 Porter Street - (Change of ownership)Torrey A. Riley, Sr., Applicant (District 1)Adoption of Ordinance(s) by Consent:ORDINANCE NO. 4655An ordinance approving the resubdivision of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana INTO Lot 7A, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision by Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie, Inc., dated February 4, 2015.Municipal Address: 624-626 Lafayette StreetWHEREAS, JES Gretna Properties, LLC is the owner of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana; andWHEREAS, the aforementioned owner has resubdivided Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana INTO Lot 7A, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision of Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie, Inc., dated February 4, 2015, and desires approval of same, all in accordance with ordinances relative to same; andNOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:SECTION I: The plan of resubdivision of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana INTO Lot 7A, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision of Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie, Inc., dated February 4, 2015, be and the same is hereby approved.SECTION II: The Mayor of the City of Gretna is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to sign and execute all acts, plans and documents necessary and proper in the premises to give full force and effect to this ordinance.Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.

Mr. William Bane, Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., City Engineer reviewed the subject resubdivision request and offered the following observations for 624-626 Lafayette Street resubdivision request:Existing ConditionsThe existing properties consist of Lots 7 and 8, Square 11, Gretna Subdivision. These two lots are occupied by a residential house which straddles the line between the two lots. There is a rear yard behind the building and side yards on either side.Proposed Re-subdivisionIt is proposed to combine the two lots into one lot to be called 7A. The combined lot has an area of 9,000 square feet.CommentsAccording to the City of Gretnas zoning map, the lots are zoned BC-1. The minimum lot size for C-1 is 4,000 square feet for a single family dwelling. The created lot has an area of 9,000 square feet.According to the City of Gretnas Code of Ordinances, the front yard requirement for C-1 is 20 feet. The side yard requirement is 5 feet. The rear yard requirement is 20 feet. 10.15 feet is provided in the front, which does not meet the minimum, but does not become worse due to this resubdivision. The side yards are 15.5 and 17 feet, meeting the requirement. The rear yard is over 50 feet, meeting the requirement.The resubdivision of the lots is requested to combine the two lots into one for the single residential unit. The area and yard requirements have all been met. This resubdivision is recommended for approval.ORDINANCE NO. 4656An ordinance amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances Chapter 102 - Zoning and Subdivisions. Article IV. - Signs. Section 102-161. - Prohibited signs, (17).WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest in the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; and

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WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has the need to clearly define terms and regulations within the ordinances governing zoning and subdivisions; andWHEREAS, certain paragraphs where numbered incorrectly and clarification of certain regulations was necessary.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:Chapter 102 - Zoning and Subdivisions. Article IV. - Signs. Section 102-161. - Prohibited signs, (17) of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows:Sec. 102-161. - Prohibited signs.The following signs are prohibited:(17) Signs located on utility poles and city-owned medians or neutral ground and rights-of-way, public benches or any other form of public property unless advertising official city sponsored events or otherwise explicitly authorized by the city.Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.Adoption of Resolution(s) by Consent:RESOLUTION NO. 2015-018A resolution to accompany the 2015 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Environmental Audit Report sent to the State of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, welfare and safety of its citizens; andWHEREAS, the City of Gretna wishes to comply with the provisions as established by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, acting as legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:The 2015 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Environmental Audit Report has been reviewed and corrective action is planned to address all deficiencies listed within the document.RESOLUTION NO. 2015-019A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to approve and authorize Change Order No. 3 for the F. H. Myers Construction Corp. contract as General Contractor for the construction of the New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters for the Gretna Police Department and the City of Gretna, Louisiana in the additional amount of $31,602.00 and adding sixteen (16) calendar days to the contract time.WHEREAS, the Architect/ Engineer directed the General Contractor to revise plumbing fixtures. This request is to process the additional time not incorporated in Change Order No. 2; andWHEREAS, the Architect directed the General Contractor to modify the architectural second floor plan. This is an Owner requested modification; andWHEREAS, the Architect directed the General Contractor to provide a credit to remove door vision panels. This is an Owner requested modification; andWHEREAS, the Architect/ Engineer directed the General Contractor to provide rough-ins for security cameras (design by MS Benbow per their coordination with Owner); andWHEREAS, the Architect/ Engineer directed the General Contractor to modify the second floor for mechanical, electrical and data and additional electrical and data work. This is an Owner requested modification; andWHEREAS, the Architect directed the General Contractor to relocate precast concrete panels with windows. This is an Owner requested modification; andWHEREAS, the Architect, Burgdahl & Graves, recommends that the City of Gretna, Louisiana accept Change Order No. 3.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:Mayor Belinda Constant is hereby authorized and directed to approve and execute Change Order No. 3 for the F.H. Myers Construction Corp. contract as General Contractor for the construction of the New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters for the Gretna Police Department and the City of Gretna, Louisiana in the additional amount of $31,602.00 and adding sixteen (16) calendar days to the contract time; and that she be directed to have a copy of this resolution recorded with the recorder of Mortgages of the Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, as originally filed on April 11, 2014, Instrument No. 11414097, Mortgage Book 6411, Page 519.RESOLUTION NO. 2015-020A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to recognize substantial completion and to execute the Certificate of Substantial Completion on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, for the Precipitator No. 1 Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna, Louisiana.WHEREAS, Gottfried Contracting LLC as Contractor, has substantially completed the Precipitator No. 1 Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna, Louisiana, in accordance with the Plans and Specifications contained in the Contract Documents pertaining thereto; andWHEREAS, the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting through its Mayor and Council, recognizes the substantial completion of the Precipitator No. 1 Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna; andWHEREAS, the Engineers as represented by Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., have visited the site, verified that the Contractor performed the work as bid with punch list items to be addressed, and has recommended that substantial completion be granted with an effective date of March, 2, 2015; andWHEREAS, final acceptance of the project will not occur until the Contractor has provided a clear Lien and Privilege (L&P) Certificate and provides all other close-out documentation as required by the contract specifications; andNOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby authorized and directed to recognize substantial completion and to execute the Certificate of Substantial Completion on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, for the Precipitator No. 1 Rehabilitation for the City of Gretna, Louisiana upon substantial completion being established and verified by the City Administration; and that she be directed to have a copy of this resolution recorded with the Mortgage and Conveyance Office of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, as originally filed on July 16, 2014, Instrument No. 11427971, Mortgage Book 4620, Folio 884.RESOLUTION NO. 2015-021A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to execute for and on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, Change Order No. 3 for an increase of $32,967.00, and adds (31) calendar days to the contract for the renovation of the Historic Post Office as a Cultural Center for the Arts, Gretna, Louisiana.WHEREAS, Roof Technologies, Inc., the Contractor provided Koch and Wilson Architects, the Architect of Record, with Change Order No. 3 to repair the old Historic Post Office building; andWHEREAS, Koch and Wilson Architects met with the City Administration to receive concurrence on the necessity of the scope changes; andWHEREAS, Koch and Wilson Architects directed the Contractor to install a new micro-topping floor; this is an owner requested modification; andWHEREAS, the Architect, Koch and Wilson, recommends that the City of Gretna, Louisiana accept Change Order No. 3; andWHEREAS, the Contractor, Roof Technologies, Inc. has provided documentation for this change order for labor and overhead to perform these activities; andWHEREAS, Koch and Wilson Architects has reviewed this change order with the Administration and recommends the change order amount and additional days be added to the contract.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby authorized and directed to execute for and on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, Change Order No. 3 for an increase of $32,967.00, and adds (31) calendar days to the contract for the renovation of the Historic Post Office, Gretna, Louisiana as a Cultural Center for the Arts; and that she be directed to have a copy of this resolution recorded with the recorder of Mortgages of the Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, as originally filed on December 3, 2013, Instrument No. 11358842, Mortgage Book 4598, Page 894.On motion by Councilman Berthelot and seconded by Councilman Rau, IT WAS RESOLVED to approve and adopt all the items read aloud from the Consent Agenda for the March 11, 2015 Council Regular meeting, by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Berthelot, Rau, Crosby, Marino and MillerNays: NoneAbsent: NoneNo comments by citizens.Consideration and Adoption of Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda:On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, following resolution was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and BerthelotNays: NoneAbsent: NoneRESOLUTION NO. 2015-022A resolution directing and authorizing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to submit a request to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the upgrade of the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $5,000,000 this legislative session.

WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; andWHEREAS, the city highly recognizes the fire safety needs for all the citizens and businesses of the City of Gretna; andWHEREAS, these needs can be met by upgrading the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna, Louisiana; andWHEREAS, the city realize that this new construction could be significantly accomplished with the help of the State of Louisiana through its Capital Outlay Program; andWHEREAS, said Capital Projects request is submitted for consideration at the upcoming 2015 Legislative Session for the State of Louisiana; andWHEREAS, the City recommends submission of a request for State Funding consideration through the Capital Outlay Program for the upgrade of the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $5,000,000 this legislative session.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as governing authority of said City that:Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby directed and authorized to submit a request to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the upgrade of the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Station #1, located at 1136 Lafayette Street, Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $5,000,000 this legislative session.Councilman Rau explained this Capital Outlay request was being made for the David Crockett fire station because it desperately needs a new station. The current station has been there since the late 40s; it is undersized for the size of the fire trucks; it is inadequate to house the firefighters. The former Harley Davidson property next door was purchased and available to build. Attempts to make this Capital Outlay request now, is to get it in line for the Capital Outlay Program, which may not occur this year but would like to submit it so that when funds become available it would be on the Capital Outlay Program and the State would get approval for this money.Councilman Marino stated he understood that making this additional request this year for Capital Outlay projects, will not set aside or harm any other requests the city already have in place.No comments by citizens.On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, following resolution was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and BerthelotNays: NoneAbsent: NoneRESOLUTION NO. 2015-023A resolution directing and authorizing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to submit a request to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the rehabilitation of Gretna City Hall, located at 2nd Street & Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $3,500,000 this legislative session.WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; andWHEREAS, the city highly recognizes the dire needs for the Gretna City Hall ongoing rehabilitation; andWHEREAS, the city realize rehabilitation to the Gretna City Hall building can be met with the aid of the State of Louisiana through its Capital Outlay Program; andWHEREAS, said Capital Projects request is submitted for consideration at the upcoming 2015 Legislative Session for the State of Louisiana; andWHEREAS, the City recommend submission of a request for State Funding consideration through the Capital Outlay Program for the rehabilitation of Gretna City Hall, located at 2nd Street & Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $3,500,000 this legislative session.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as governing authority of said City that:Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby directed and authorized to submit a request to the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program for the rehabilitation of Gretna City Hall, located at 2nd Street & Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana in the amount of $3,500,000 this legislative session.Mayor Constant explained this resolution was to request capital outlay project funds for the restoration of City Hall building. This request is basically a place marker for new request and will not interfere with any other Capital Outlay project request already submitted.No comments by citizens.Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance(s):On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Miller, the following ordinance was amended by the following vote to read: (See underlined)Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Miller, Crosby, Marino and BerthelotNays: NoneAbsent: NoneAN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX OF TWO PERCENT (2.00%) IN THE RIVER EXPRESS DEVELOPMENT ZONE 1, CITY OF GRETNA, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE DISTRICT); DESIGNATING AN EQUAL AMOUNT TO THE ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FROM SUCH INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN SALES FOR SERVICES THAT MANDATE THE COLLECTION OF AN OCCUPANCY TAX AND HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF GRETNA GENERATED WITHIN THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING THE INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN AD VALOREM TAX IN THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED; AND PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES TO REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING.Mr. Mark Morgan, City Attorney explained this was a process that began with the annexation of the 15-acress at the most north and east portion of the City of Gretna. Several months back, an economic development district was defined and it borders with the annexed area. The second part of that process was to establish a taxing plan such that the city could create a trust fund for which the developer could seek reimbursement for infrastructure cost, which could be thought of as a tax incentive for the development going up at the site currently. The funding of the trust fund comes from three sources; (1) Add-valorem tax the value of the property is frozen at the pre-investment level (property tax would stay frozen at the underdeveloped level for up to eight years) that would result in savings to the developer which he can get as credits from the trust fund for the infrastructure improvements because he would not be paying the high taxes on the development, estimated at $50,000,000. (2) Is a 2% tax, which is collected from people occupying the hotel rooms. (3) Is an additional 2%, which comes from the already established hotel/motel tax which is collected by the parish and a portion of which the city get and then the associated sales tax on a hotel room; that is the purpose for the amendment; need to clarify that sales tax was only on occupied hotel rooms and not on other sales taxes that may occur within that district. Once those three sources of taxes are pooled they are put into a trust fund and can only be taken out of the trust fund if the developer presents the city with actual receipts they spent on the development of infrastructure related to the property. Any surplus funds would flow back into the city and can be used as regular taxes. The total value of credits that can be taken by the developer for reimbursements for those infrastructure costs is $2,000,000; and those costs must be drawn out of trust fund within an eight year period. The cap goes by dollar amount and by time.Mr. Michael Sherman, Counsel for BN Management of Harvey explained that development would be transformational, and will exceed $50,000,000 in investments. Will create several hundred new jobs at the hotels and associated developments of retail and restaurant on the site. This site has been challenging to work on; has been decades of failed development plans in its former state; had to be innovative to make it work and in partnership with everyone it has been done in a way that there is risk is on any of the citizens or taxpayers of Gretna; the entire risk is borne solely and entirely by the developer. If the developer does not deliver, the developer does not get the incentive generated from the economic activity on the site. The Marriott is moving quickly; hotel number 2 is in design; then hotel number 3 will be in design while working on finishing up development of restaurants and associated retail. Again, no risk to the citizens of Gretna and not a single penny of this incentive is money that exists today; is all incremental revenue generated if this development is as successful as we believe it will be. Hotel number 1 is estimated to be opening and operating by September 1, 2015.Councilman Rau, expressed thanks for this largest single economic development project in the history of this city and it has been through the cooperation of Mike Sherman and Mr. Bui who has been upfront with everything.Mayor Constant expressed thanks to Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer (New Orleans District C) who promised as she was leaving office to have the incinerator abated from the property.On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the following ordinance as amended was read and adopted by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and BerthelotNays: NoneAbsent: NoneAbstain: NoneORDINANCE NO. 4657AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX

OF TWO PERCENT (2.00%) IN THE RIVER EXPRESS DEVELOPMENT ZONE 1, CITY OF GRETNA, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE DISTRICT); DESIGNATING AN EQUAL AMOUNT TO THE ADDITIONAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FROM SUCH INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN SALES FOR SERVICES THAT MANDATE THE COLLECTION OF AN OCCUPANCY TAX AND HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF GRETNA GENERATED WITHIN THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING THE INCREMENTAL INCREASE IN AD VALOREM TAX IN THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED; AND PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAXES TO REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING.WHEREAS, Part II, Chapter 27, Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 33:9038.31, et seq.) (the Act) authorizes municipalities, parishes and certain other local governmental subdivisions to create economic development districts to carry out the purposes of the Act, which economic development districts are political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana and possess such power and authority and have such duties as provided by the Act and other law; andWHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 4645 adopted on January 15, 2015, the governing authority of the City of Gretna, State of Louisiana (the City) created the River Express Development Zone 1, City of Gretna, State of Louisiana (the District), in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.32; andWHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:9038.39 permits the District to levy an additional hotel occupancy tax for authorized purposes; andWHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.39, and in order to finance and fund certain Projects, the District desires to levy an additional hotel occupancy tax of two percent (2.00%) within the boundaries of the District (the REDZ Tax), which will be used to reimburse costs of economic development projects as defined in the Act; andWHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:9038.34 permits the City of Gretna to pledge to the District a portion of the sales and hotel occupancy taxes received by the City of Gretna and generated within the District; andWHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.34, and in order to finance and fund certain Projects, the governing authority of the City of Gretna, in its capacity as governing authority of the District, desires to designate to the District an amount equal to the REDZ Tax levied in this ordinance, from such incremental increase in sales and hotel occupancy tax received by the City of Gretna and generated within the boundaries of the District (the Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax), which will be used to reimburse costs of economic development projects as defined in the Act; andWHEREAS, LA. R.S. 33:9038.33 permits the City of Gretna to pledge to the District the full amount of ad valorem tax incremental increase generated within the District; andWHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.33, and in order to finance and fund certain Projects, the governing authority of the City of Gretna, in its capacity as governing authority of the District, desires to designate to the District such incremental increase in ad valorem property tax generated within the boundaries of the District (the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax), which will be used to reimburse costs of economic development projects as defined in the Act; andWHEREAS, the Act provides for the creation of a special trust fund for the furtherance of economic development projects, as defined in the Act; andWHEREAS, in accordance with the Act, the governing authority of the City of Gretna, in said ordinance creating the District did further create a special trust fund, named the REDZ 1 District Trust Fund (the Trust Fund) into which the above levied and pledged additional hotel occupancy (REDZ Tax), sales and hotel occupancy (Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax), and ad valorem incremental taxes (Incremental Ad Valorem Tax) shall be deposited, and may be loaned, granted, donated, or pledged for the purpose to fund economic development projects elected by the District in the manner provided by the Act.NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Gretna City Council acting as the governing authority of the City of Gretna and of the District that:SECTION 1. Adoption of Findings. All of the above WHEREAS clauses are adopted as part of this ordinance.SECTION 2. Levy of Hotel Occupancy Tax. In accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.39 and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, there is hereby levied in the District, effective September 1, 2015, and expiring September 1, 2023, an additional hotel occupancy tax of two percent (2.00%), upon the furnishing of sleeping rooms, as defined by law (the REDZ Tax).As provided by La. R.S. 33:9038.39, no election shall be required in connection with the levy of the District Tax, since there are no qualified electors in the District, as certified by the Jefferson Parish Registrar of Voters by certification attached hereto as Exhibit A.SECTION 3. Designation and Pledge of Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax. In accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.34 and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, there is hereby designated and pledged an amount equal to the REDZ Tax, from the increase in sales for services that mandate the collection of an occupancy tax and hotel occupancy tax above the baseline sales tax allocation of $0, generated within the boundaries of the District, which are received by the City of Gretna (the Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax).SECTION 4. Incremental Ad Valorem Tax. In accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.33 and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, there is hereby designated and pledged the incremental ad valorem tax generated within the boundaries of the District, levied by the City of Gretna (the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax). The ad valorem tax subject to this section is only that millage levied by the City of Gretna and no other millage.SECTION 5. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the REDZ Tax, the Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax, and the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax shall be used to pay the costs of economic development projects, as defined in the Act.SECTION 6. Tax Collectors. The REDZ Tax and the Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax are hereby authorized to be collected by the Sales Tax Collector, which shall mean the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, or its successor in the role of parish wide tax collector. The Incremental Ad Valorem Tax is hereby authorized to be collected by the Property Tax Collector, which shall mean the Gretna Tax Collector.Collectors named herein are empowered and directed to carry into effect the provisions of this ordinance, to appoint duties, assistants or agents to assist it in the performance of its duties, and in pursuance thereof to make and enforce such rules as it may deem necessary. All taxes, revenues, funds, assessments, moneys, penalties, fees or other income which may be collected or come into the possession of the Collectors under any provision or provisions of this ordinance relating to the REDZ Tax, Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax, or the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax, as described herein, shall be promptly deposited by the Collectors into the account of the REDZ 1 District Trust Fund, provided, however, any amount which is paid under protest or which is subject to litigation may be transferred to a separate account established by the Collectors with said fiscal agent pending the final determination of the protest or litigation.SECTION 7. Designation of Baseline Sales Tax Collection Incremental Increase. The Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax designated to the District pursuant to Section 3, above, is the increase in sales and hotel occupancy tax generated in the District, subsequent to its creation. The initial annual baseline sales tax collection rate for the District, hereby designated by the City Council to be used in determining the sales and hotel occupancy tax incremental increase pursuant to the Act, is the amount of the sales and hotel occupancy tax collected in the District in the most recent completed fiscal year prior to the establishment of the District. It is hereby designated to be zero ($0) (the Initial Annual Baseline Sales Tax Collection Rate). The monthly baseline collection rate, which is the initial annual baseline collection rate divided by twelve (12), is hereby designated to be zero ($0) (the Initial Monthly Baseline Sales Tax Collection Rate).SECTION 8. Designation of Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate. The Incremental Ad Valorem Tax designated to the District pursuant to Section 4, above is the increase in ad valorem property tax generated in the District, subsequent to its creation. The initial annual baseline collection rate for the ad valorem area levied in Gretna is the amount of the ad valorem property taxes collected in the ad valorem tax area, known as the District, in the most recent completed fiscal year prior to the establishment of the District. It is hereby designated to be Twenty One Thousand, Eighty-Eight Dollars and Forty Five Cents ($21,088.45) (the Initial Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate).SECTION 9. Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office Certification. The Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, which collects sales and hotel occupancy tax in the Parish, has furnished the certification in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, as to the accuracy of the Initial Annual Baseline Sales Tax Collection Rate. The Clerk of the City of Gretna is authorized and directed to publish such amount in the official journal of the City of Gretna, one time, as required by La. R.S. 33:9038.34(C). If the amounts of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate are not contested within thirty days after the said publication, then such amounts shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and no court shall have any jurisdiction to alter or invalidate the designation of the amount of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate.SECTION 10. Tax Collector Certification. The Tax Collector of the City of Gretna, which collects property taxes for the City has furnished the certification

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in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, as to the accuracy of the Initial Annual Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate and is authorized and directed to publish such certification in the official journal of the City of Gretna, one time, as required by La. R.S. 33:9038.33(C). If the amounts of the Initial Annual Baseline Property Tax Collection Rate are not contested within thirty days after the said publication, then such amounts shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and no court shall have any jurisdiction to alter or invalidate the designation of the amount of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate.SECTION 11. Notice to Public. The City Council hereby acknowledges and affirms the prior publication of a notice describing the levy of the REDZ Tax and the designation and pledge of the Incremental Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax and the Incremental Ad Valorem Tax, and informing the citizens of the date of consideration of this ordinance, said notice having been published once a week for two weeks in the official journal of the City of Gretna, in the form of notice attached hereto as Exhibit D.SECTION 12. Authorization of Officers. The Mayor and City of Gretna officials are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to do any and all things necessary and incidental to carry out the provisions of this ordinance.SECTION 13. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance shall be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this ordinance, but this ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the date of this ordinance which invalidates or makes legal any provision of this ordinance which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this ordinance.SECTION 15. Publication; Effective Date. This ordinance shall be published one time in the official journal of the City of Gretna, and shall become effective as provided by law.Provided that a majority of the City Council of the City of Gretna have voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day follow ing the Clerks presentment of same to the Mayor, in accor dance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.Mr. Mark Morgan pointed the city will be working with the developer on a cooperative endeavor agreement as to how exactly the funds can be removed from the trust fund.The title was read as follows: An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic District Permit - Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited.On motion by Councilman Marino and seconded by Councilman Miller, IT WAS RESOLVED to go into discussion on this ordinance regarding the vinyl siding prohibition.Councilman Rau opened discussion; he questioned what was now in discussion from the deferred ordinance or what was just read An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic District Permit - Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited.Councilman Marino pointed out he introduced the ordinance requesting that vinyl siding be prohibited in the future on all properties that included new construction and existing homes located within the historic districts. Have been discussing individually back and forth the matter, to possibly scaling it down to a ban on new construction only, which he had not amended yet; and at this time he would like to have public input as it is.Councilman Rau stated that since the requested deferral on the adoption of the ordinance, he was perturbed that at one point the vinyl siding would be prohibited to new construction only. In speaking with Councilman Marino, he understood it only had to do with new construction but now the ordinance alludes it would be a ban on everything. In discussions with two council members; it was the understanding they would support a moratorium on introduction of vinyl and new structures to allow more time to look at ways of regulating vinyl. He would like a moratorium for six months to have more time to look into ways of regulating without banning. This prohibition would adversely affect Councilman Crosbys district and the economics and affordability of it may make it prohibitive to some of his constituents. Councilman Rau adamantly expressed he was not in favor of banning anything for the public; is not good.Councilman Marino explained that originally he wanted to introduce a ban on vinyl siding in the entire historic districts; which would mean that if you have vinyl siding, when it comes off you do not put it back. He scaled it back to try to make it for everyone to say no new siding on new construction and if you do not have vinyl siding on an existing you cannot do vinyl siding; that is where we are now and which is the ordinance that was deferred for 60-days. After discussion with other council members and noting that he may not have support to pass it, he scaled it back again to amend it to say no vinyl siding on new construction only. That is what we have been discussing and tried discussing it with Councilman Rau. He would rather the ordinance be adopted as it exists, but If he is not going to have the support to pass; he is willing to amend it to say the ban would be on new construction only. The ban on just new construction affects a handful of properties per year. He has been trying to get to something where this council can agree on so that we can help and preserve our historic districts. Councilman Marino tonight is only proposing a ban on new construction only.Councilman Rau stated he was against a ban of any kind on new construction. A ban is something people do not want; they do not like to be told what they cannot do. The National Historic Register District, Chapter 16; since the Federal designation does not restrict any private property owners rights, changes to National Register building such as vinyl siding are unregulated. He explained how the historic districts within the City of Gretna came about after the City of Gretna was placed on the National Historic Register. It was never the intent of the citys ordinances to restrict people into what they could do with their own homes. If proper grade of vinyl is used and done correctly it would be very difficult to define it from wood. At this time he is asking for the newly created Historic District Commission (HDC) to have a set of guidelines created by this Council, giving them guidance on how vinyl siding can be used.Citizens speaking on the ordinance as introduced. Re: Banning vinyl siding.Mrs. Stephanie Dieterich explained the metamorphosis that the City of Gretna has experienced and now it is going through a renaissance and has become the area where everybody wants to live. Property values are some of the highest in the Westbank. Vinyl distorts the look of an old home; it takes away the uniqueness and style and it can also cause serious damage to the wood lying beneath. She witnessed beautiful homes torn down for car lots and commercial metal buildings. No one cared about this part of the city and it was in decline. The very things that people were covering up years ago are now treasured (trim, molding, wood floor and high ceiling etc.) Vinyl is another cover up that distorts the look of an old home; it takes away the uniqueness and style and can also cause serious damage to the wood beneath and vinyl siding on a historic devaluates it. She asked that people do their own research; plastic on a historic home is not a good thing.Mr. Zach Dieterich a Gretna resident and Historic District Commission volunteer stated he was here as a citizen and property owner. He told the story of two fancy homes that were built side by side in 1905. One of the homes was modernized and other left intact. The home with vinyl siding is concealing an infestation of rot and termites. The owners were not aware of the moisture trapped behind their vinyl siding that created a perfect habitat for termites. Gretnas historic districts are not the place for vinyl siding and if vinyl siding is not good enough for New Orleans Historic District it should not be good for Gretna and should not settle for less; therefore he was not in favor of vinyl siding.Mrs. Laurie Ledet a Gretna resident stated that part of old Gretna was designated a National Register Historic District in 1985. She explained she had a copy of all the inventoried houses and buildings that made up the Historic District (over 700 contributing elements.) This research was done by Dr. Mary Curry and the State Preservation Office. The Historic District Commission is in place to protect and preserve the integrity of the Historic Districts. There has been a Spring Tour of Homes showcasing the beautiful restorations that have taken place in Gretna. Preservationists have come to Gretna because it is a National Register District and spent thousands of dollars buying and restoring houses; preservationists are taxpayers too. She commented on a letter sent to home owners regarding the Historic Guideline Book; highlighted pages showing parts related to wood siding, the maintenance, the repair of, the replacement of; this book was at a cost to taxpayers of over $22,000, which was money well spent. The book clearly state do not apply siding or aluminum vinyl siding over wood siding. It talks about the real danger of vinyl trapping moisture leading to the deterioration of the underlying wood. We need to be consistent and vote to protect the integrity and authenticity of our National Register Historic districts banning the use of vinyl from now on going forward.Miss Melanie Andrews a Gretna resident stated she was here to urge the Council to reconsider ban of vinyl siding in the two historic districts. Vinyl siding has been growing in popularity due to the improved look, long lasting quality and low maintenance. The high cost and frequency of repainting combined with wood tendency of deterioration over time and the high cost of replacing wood with wood, has made vinyl siding very popular with property owners. The city has many houses with vinyl siding new and old construction and the time to address this was long ago. Vinyl siding is now manufactured in a way that it can match historic structures in design, color, texture and visual quality. If attention is paid to the materials and the construction no matter what the integrity of the building and the neighborhood with its historic look should not be diminished. She pointed out that constituents are tired of governments overregulating, micromanaging and overreaching. This mandate would give way to more structures with peeling paints, rots and deterioration when it is not affordable to

repair, thus leading to fines and liens. Any neglected property can fit into not so appealing category regardless of materials, faulty construction and or repairs. It must be trusted that property owners will make the best decision based on advice from the Historic District Commission, the council, the new handbook as well as guidance from the permits and inspection departments. She urged the Council to vote no on the banning of vinyl.Mr. Abel J. LeBlanc a Gretna resident stated he enjoyed living in the City of Gretna and is the architecture that brought him here. Based on what he has heard tonight, he urged the Council members to carefully think about their decisions on how they want to vote. Some of the decision may not attract future prospective buyers to this area. The charm is what this area is all about and they could be some happy mediums but he would like to see a moratorium that would stop any new homes from being constructed with vinyl siding in the Historic District.Miss Beth Jacob and Gabrielle Begue, Clio Associates, LLC. Miss Jacob stated that the comments she made regarding vinyl siding earlier in the meeting, were based on her experience as preservation architect. Her concerns were focused on troubles with moisture entrapments, the components and durability of the material, sustainability and the aesthetics character of the material. The guidelines are based on current historic preservation best practices and also try to adhere to the Secretary of the Interiors standards. The guidelines are intended to provide information to homeowners to help them make informed decisions about their properties and investments. Small changes made to a single building over time can impact the integrity of the entire district. Ultimately, vinyl is a complicated issue and it will be up to the Council to decide how stringent they would like to enforce it.Miss Begue encouraged using in discussions the use of hardie board as a replacement material on the secondary and rear elevations especially and perhaps requiring wood only on the faade, which could be a happy medium that should be discussed.Miss Begue reiterated this information is included in the guideline and reiterated on the States residential historic preservation incentive programs 25% tax credit for owner-occupied homes. That would help offset some of the cost of using wood other materials more expensive than vinyl.Councilman Marino stated that the only way to get a tax credit is if you came back with a similar or suitable material. You could not use historic tax credit to add vinyl to an old home.Miss Begue reiterated they require wood siding on the faade and secondary elevation and rear they required hardie as an alternative.Miss Sevilla Finley a Gretna resident stated that the City of Gretna is a close knit small community and very unique. She came tonight to address water fluoridation. About 30-years there was a public hearing in this Council Chamber regarding adding fluoridation to the citys water and she was one of two people protesting. At that time there was enough scientific studies to see how people reacted to fluoridation. The city fluoridated the water and now people are going to be done something else they might not want to do. If vinyl siding is banned it is taking away choices away from the citizens and they should be able to make their own choices. Children are being diagnosed with autism, Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease. In addition to requesting taking the fluoride out of the drinking water, she is requesting not banning vinyl siding. It would cause people to lose their homes because if they cannot to upkeep it they will be cited with fines and liens and consequently their property confiscated. It is discriminatory to non-affluent citizens. It would be idyllic if everybody would have an affluent situation and have beautiful restored houses; we do the best we can and should have that option to make our own decisions and to be respected.It was confirmed that all Council members were in receipt of copies of pictures sent by Mrs. Laurie Ledet.Mr. Peter Spera, a Gretna resident and a member of the Historic District Commission and licensed architect stated that application of vinyl to old historic structures does change the functionality of the home because wood siding on an older home does allow vapor in the home to be released . Application of vinyl siding traps moisture inside which will eventually lead to rot and most of the time when vinyl is installed trim pieces are cut off, vinyl covers up the molding of windows and in overall is slapped on houses with disregard to details. In new construction, vinyl is put right up the windows without trim or details. What makes a historic district is the subtle details, the trim pieces, the siding hits the window at the bottom; edge of siding aligns with the edge of the window. When installing hardie or wood there is an understanding how to install siding and things can be corrected. As a commission member, a licensed architect and as a resident of Gretna living in a Shotgun home, he strongly supports the ban on vinyl siding 100%.Councilman Rau provided a brief review in response to the speakers opinions. Real estate values have not diminished because of vinyl siding. He would like the Council to regulate the use of vinyl siding by the Historic District Commission. He believed they are exceptions to a total ban that can be considered and if done with the appropriate materials or with appropriately graded vinyl and also regulate the way that it is applied, we can achieve a happy medium without completely banning vinyl to everybody in every circumstance living in the historic districts.Councilman Marino stated that the very idea you live in a historic district means that your property is regulated by the Historic District Commission. The purpose of the commission is to regulate the exterior of your home with regards to materials, design, style, etc. The reason why property values are so high is because your home is in a historic district and you are getting the benefit of the property valued being high it is a historic district which is regulated. Benefits of being in historic district are increased opportunity for tourism, distinct sense of identity, bolstered community pride, increased property values, neighborhood stability. What we are trying to do is save a historic district that we have and every time we lose a home you cant replace and if we dont actively try to maintain and preserve our historic district, it would not exist. Enough is enough with vinyl in the historic district it does not belong in it. When talking about the high graded vinyl, nobody uses that; low grade or inexpensive is what we are getting even on new construction. We need to actively change what we have done in the past in our historic district and try to protect it. His position is that he would like to have no vinyl siding in the historic districts; if vinyl is taken down it should never go back up. He modified/amended the ordinance to say everybody that has vinyl siding is grand-fathered in and when your house needs to have it replaced or repaired it can be done. The ordinance on the table right now is a ban on new construction and ban on adding it to old homes. Rather than seeing this ordinance fail, he would rather amend the ordinance to just include banning vinyl on new construction only and that is an average of five homes a year. Nobody else would be affected by it, other than your property valued would continue to go up.Councilman Marino at this time proposed to amend the ordinance to state Vinyl siding on new construction in the historic districts is prohibited.Mrs. Laurie Ledet suggested polling citizens in the historic districts relative to banning vinyl siding on historic homes, maybe tonight the Council can ban it on new construction and in the near future re-address it to include no homes in historic district going forward. We want the houses to look the best they can be.Councilman Rau offered a substitute motion to establish a 6-month moratorium on all vinyl siding under any circumstances, new or old construction in the historic districts, no introduction of vinyl siding; and to conduct a study to establish regulations regarding the use of vinyl siding on new construction and on old construction in the historic districts to be used as guidelines for the Historic District Commission to use in the regulation of vinyl siding use on new construction and old historic building. Councilman Rau stated that more input is needed from all sources relative to matter of vinyl siding.Councilman Marino stated he was not in favor of a moratorium involving a study regarding vinyl siding.Mayor Constant reviewed the substitute motion; to establish a 6-month moratorium on all vinyl siding under any circumstances, new or old construction in the historic districts, no introduction of vinyl siding for 6-month until further study can be done, until conversations can be had with others relative to vinyl siding.Citizens speaking on the substitute motion proposed by Councilman Rau:Miss Melanie Andrews suggested to the Council to make it specific that homeowners can do ongoing repairs and maintenance to their homes so that they do not feel tied down with doing repairs and maintenance.Mr. Zach Dieterich stated he was not in favor of a moratorium on vinyl siding; this substitute motion is more stringent and restrictive than the proposed ordinance. This is the second time the decision on vinyl is paused. It was deferred in January for 60-days; council members met with constituents and industry representatives and he believed the decision should be made tonight. It would not be fair to the citizens to push it off for another six months.Mrs. Laurie Ledet believed it should be voted tonight to ban vinyl siding from new construction only; she was not in favor of hearing from home builders or siding installers. Mrs. Ledet stated she makes it a point to attend the meetings every month and so should the opposition have done the same.Mrs. Sevilla Finley appreciated the passion of her neighbor to ban vinyl. She appreciated and thanked Councilman Rau for wanting to do more study because it is a serious subject for all and not everybody has the income to do the ideal thing. Now again there is an effort to railroad citizens to do something that some of us citizens might not want to do.Mrs. Stephanie Dieterich stated she agreed with Councilman Marino in the ban of vinyl siding on new construction because they are only five or six a year. She has noticed that new construction of hardie plank and those houses are in demand but she also seen some shoddy new construction with cheap vinyl siding

for sale and cannot sell. The new construction that is hardie plank is much more in keeping with the historic districts; the house look more like old style houses and they fit in and vinyl houses do not. She believed a decision must be made that vinyl siding on new construction in the historic districts is prohibited. We need some type of stand, because we need quality construction, quality people to live in the city. Vinyl construction does not have the durability, it does not have the appeal and there is nothing nice about vinyl siding. We should vote on Councilman Marinos amendment, ban vinyl siding on new construction in the historic districts.Councilman Marino stated he met with the Louisiana Home Builders Association; they were all talking about the benefit of high end expensive vinyl siding; but that is not what we have and is not what is being built now; nobody is using high graded expensive vinyl siding. He reiterated he was not in favor of a moratorium at all. A moratorium is an actual study; you are stating that we need more time to have a comprehensive study done.On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, IT WAS RESOLVED to vote on a substitute motion to establish a 6-month moratorium on use of vinyl siding on all new and old constructions in the historic districts (repairs and maintenance can be done;) and to conduct a study to establish regulations regarding the use of vinyl siding on new and old constructions in the historic districts to be used as guidelines by the Historic District Commission in the regulation of vinyl siding use on new and old historic buildings; but under those circumstances repairs can be done by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Rau, CrosbyNays: Councilmen Marino, Miller and BerthelotAbsent: NoneAbstain: NoneThe substitute motion failed to pass on a 3/2 vote.On motion by Councilman Marino and seconded by Councilman Miller, the following ordinance as amended was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Marino, Miller and BerthelotNays: Councilmen Rau and CrosbyAbsent: NoneAbstain: NoneORDINANCE NO. 4658An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic District Permit - Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited.WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest in the health, safety and welfare of its citizen; andWHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest protecting the property values of homes within the historic district and new construction with quality and/or historically compatible material protects these interests and preserves the integrity of the historic district; andWHEREAS, the City of Gretna desires to promote the preservation of historic districts, buildings and landmarks for the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through the preservation, protection, and regulation of such districts, buildings, and landmarks, within the city; andWHEREAS, the use of vinyl siding in renovations is inconsistent with the purpose historic preservation because of its tendency to accelerate and/or hide the deterioration of original materials and detract or disturb the proportions of original window and door frames.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:An ordinance amending Chapter 52 Historic Preservation Section 529 Historic District Permit - Criteria by adding paragraph (7) Vinyl Siding Prohibited read as follows:Section. 52-9. - SameCriteria.The city shall adhere to and seek compatibility of structures in the district in terms of size, texture, scale, and site plan. The following guidelines shall be applied in evaluating applications for an historic district permit:(7) Vinyl siding on new construction in the historic districts is prohibited.Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.Historic District Commission Appeals:624 Monroe Street - Exterior renovations by Richard Cotten, Applicant-Owner- Denial by HDC.Mr. Mark Morgan recapped on the new Historic District Commission meeting held on Monday, March 2, 2015 of which he was in attendance. The former Historic District Advisory Committee met as the new Historic District Commission. The Historic District Commission considered several properties; they used all aspects of the new ordinance and gave some Certificates of Appropriateness. They converted some of the hearings to preliminary hearing and advised some of the applicants to comeback with correct application next month. Unpleasantly, they have to deny one applicant. He reminded the Council, they have delegated their authority over this particular item to an appointed body. The way that the new chapter is set up is that body has the authority to issue or deny that certificate. Once that occurs, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Council a denial. The only thing that has to be considered at this time is the item that was denied. Not be tempted to engage in other matter related to the property. Again he encouraged to consider only the matter appealed.Miss Danika Gorrondona, Building Official stated that the denial form was signed by Mr. Daniel Rosenthal, which states that new construction previously approved in particular the amount of brick foundation exposed at the base of house does not match the originally submitted plans.Miss Gorrondona explained that the plans that were submitted and reviewed by the former Historic District Advisory Committee had a reveal of a brick veneer of 26 and then 3 at porch; and what we have today upon receipt of their elevation certificate is 15-1/2 Photographs were shown on screen of the home in discussion.Mr. Morgan stated the Council can consider everything the applicant has to say; do not base decision on the decision of the individual members or anything that was said at the HDC meeting. Council can look at everything and not restricted in any way by what occurred at the HDC meeting. The Council is not limited to anything that was presented. The Council does not have to base its decision on the split vote that occurred at the HDC.Miss Gorrondona reviewed the initial application approved vs what was actually done.Mr. Morgan explained that what occurred in this case; the applicants made a proposal to Historic District Advisory Committee but they built something different and once they built something different they had a problem because they no longer had HDC approval. The question before HDC was whether it was historically appropriate and whether or not they would therefore issue a certificate of appropriateness. The Council can look at what they built and make a decision as to whether or not it is historically appropriate. The HDC looked at what they built and determined that it was not. He encouraged them to stay away of what was proposed as to what was built. Their charge is to certify as appropriate and they determined that it was not appropriate. The only thing the Council is truly considering is the HDC denial of what they built approved as appropriate for the historic district.Councilman Crosby stated he was in attendance; four voted against and three voted for it. The vote was too close for him and believed this matter should be approved.Miss Gorrondona added that Mr. Mike Hinyub was asked to go out there and get the measurements upon inspection. In our efforts to reach a happy medium we reached out to the contractor for this location on numerous occasions to try to facilitate a response or answer to at least manage to get a higher reveal of the brick if the owner was amenable to it that would match what was originally submitted.Mr. Mike Hinyub, Building Inspector stated he took the measurements of the faade; it is actually a veneer, it does not extend under the house, is merely on the face. Conceivable it could be raised by removing some of the siding to give more of a reveal in his opinion. It cannot be done at the porch but it can be done at the building itself. It would be about 16 or 17 based on what we have come up with without tearing anything apart. The measurements on that drawing are my measurements.Mr. Richard R. Cotten, Applicant-Owner gave a brief explanation on the home in discussion. When the home was under construction, he sent an e-mail to the permit office and called and told them there would be an issue with the measurements. He was supposed to be contacted by the inspector which never happened, so they continued with the project. Upon final inspection, inspector measured the bricks (there will be a problem) the inspector also stated that if the measurement he has now would have been on the initial plans, this matter would not be before the Council at this time. He went back to the architect and had the plans done to the measurements as the house stands now.Councilman Marino stated this house, what was proposed and what was built; this is not what HDC envisioned him building when initially proposed and this is an inexpensive vinyl home. Once again, all the homes with the same theme have not followed the plans and they have stop work order on them.The only issue now is Monroe Street and only the fact that the Historic District Commission in their wisdom determined that what was built was not historically appropriate.Mr. Cotten stated he knew it was going to be an issue during construction and

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communication breakdown happened.Mr. Morgan stated he reviewed the Building file and there was nothing in the file that authorized the deviation from the plan that was originally approved Historic District Advisory Committee.Mr. Peter Spera, Historic District Commission member provided his opinion on this matter. He was one of the members voting in favor to certify it. At the meeting it was noted there was no possibility of raising it, and Mr. Morgan advised everyone to only think of the building as it presently is. The way it was constructed, there was nothing that could be done. Understanding a little about construction, he had to understand there was nothing much to do on this property and that was one of the reasons he voted in favor of the appropriateness; but today with the additional information that it could have been raised, his vote would be different.On motion by Councilman Crosby and seconded by Councilman Marino, IT WAS RESOLVED to reverse the decision of the Historic District Commissions decision (in favor of the property owner) and to accept what is currently constructed now, by the following vote:Yeas: Councilmen Crosby, Berthelot and RauNays: Councilmen Marino and MillerAbsent: NoneReports:Police Department - NoneCity Engineer (Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc.). Mr. William Bane, P. E. provided a monthly Project Status report dated March 11, 2015, said report uploaded to the paperless agenda as part of the Agenda packet and on file in the office of the City Clerk.Departmental Reports distribution:Monthly reports dated March 11, 2015 were distributed, to Mayor and Council Members; said reports are on file in the City Clerks Office from the following departments: Department of Public Works, Building Official Department, Historic District Advisory Committee and Code Enforcement Department.Council District Reports:Councilman at Large Councilman Rau Nothing to report.District One Councilman CrosbyMcDonoghville signCouncilman Crosby informed that the entrance sign is about 98% complete. Very soon will have a new look on Stumpf Boulevard and Franklin Street.District Two Councilman MarinoPark at triangle area (Wiedman Street)Councilman Marino reported they are preparing to make a park at Hamilton Street and Wiedman Street by fencing the area around the triangle and eventually replacing the sign.Mayor Constant stated there were a master plan of the area, and an illustration of it. It was introduced as Hamilton Park.District Three Councilman MillerCleaning wooded areas around City ParkCouncilman Miller publicly thanked Mr. Danny Lasyone, Public Works Director and Amie Hebert, Recreations Superintendent for all the cleanup work being done at Gretna City Park. Clearing a large area of brush out and keeping the good trees remaining there. Will be planting more trees and once this phase is complete will have photographs to show everyone. He also thanked Councilman Rau who volunteered to take some photographs.District Four Councilman BerthelotCouncilman Berthelot publicly thanked Mr. Danny Lasyone, Public Works Director, Mike Baudoin, Public Utilities, Amie Hebert, Recreations Superintendent and Angel Gonzales, Code Enforcement for all the hard work they do for the city.Mel Ott Park Capital Outlay projectsCouncilman Berthelot reported that 60 tree plantings have been completed. The Ball Field lighting is complete. The Mel Ott Multipurpose Center sound system is complete. The Parking Lot Lighting is complete. The Lighted Sign is complete and the pending project, the Playground Renovation will begin in the very near future.Tree trimming is ongoing, especially on Timberlane Drive with the difficult trimming of bamboo.Introduction of Ordinances:Per the Lawrason Act, the ordinances introduced tonight are placed on the Agenda for informational purposes. They do not need to be read aloud, should not be discussed and will be considered at the beginning of business for next month.The preambles/titles of Items A through F (Introduction of Ordinances) sheet; draft ordinances are available on or upon completion of next months Agenda Packet.

A. An ordinance adopting the City of Gretnas Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 and authorizing the Mayor to sign contracts here within stated in the budget instrument.B. An ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 to recognize $35,000 from Change Order #3 for the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts Project.C. An ordinance amending Chapter 18, Article I - In General., Section 18-7.- Maximum height of fences on residential property, paragraph (4).D. An ordinance supplementing and amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3- Administrative Adjudication of Public Health, Housing, Fire Code, Environmental and Historic District Violations; Section 3-7.- Hearing procedures, paragraphs (h), (k) and (n).E. An ordinance nullifying Ordinance No. 4636 which provided for the acquisition of the adjudicated property located at 615-617 Solon Street by the City of Gretna pursuant to La. R. S. 47:2236.F. An ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 to recognize current status of large Police capital projects at year end, increasing expenditures and grant revenue by $1,000,000 for the New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters project and reducing expenditures and grant revenue by $270,000 for the Renovations to the Police Maintenance Building project.Citizen(s) Addressing the Mayor and City Council:Mr. Chad Morrow a Gretna resident (Fried and 11th Streets) was in attendance of the meeting to express the many concerns of the area residents. He stated they were feeling neglected because they have not been kept informed on the progress of the development. He knows these activities are made public through the news media but they were told that they would be e-mailed to be kept informed. They heard about this ratification late last night via e-mail and are not always the most convenient way to get to the meeting. He did not get an opportunity to express on the issue the Council heard tonight. The area residents hope that the promises made at previous meetings to take a look at traffic on 11th Street and pay attention to trucks whether or not they are in violation of a NOT TRUCK ROUTE. Residents hope the city monitors and pays attention to those concerns once the store opens and just wanted the Council to know they will be paying attention. He reminded everyone that this is a commercial development but the fact that the city has allowed the rear of the property to have entrance both for vehicles and pedestrians and that would mean that this is a commercial development that will have residential neighbors on either side of it with immediately adjacent residences on both sides. Almost every day they are picking up trash from the side of their yard either from vehicular or pedestrian traffic using Fried Street to get to the Expressway. The fact that there will be a commercial development that has entrances and exits so adjacent to residential houses will not be favorable; there will be more trash. The charm of the city could potentially be lost if this project is not handled properly. As this project moves forward the area residents who are most affected by this development request being kept aware via representatives on the progress.Councilman Marino explained to Mr. Morrow on what the Council did tonight was not introducing anything new; these variances that they applied were all approved at the October 8, 2014 Council meeting. The city was requested by the property through their legal processing; they felt that in order for it to be properly even though it was already voted on; that the city should advertise it. It was advertised; there is nothing different from what was already approved in October 8, 2014. He has met with people in the neighborhood to the extent that the city gets information from the property owner. The name of the property is still not even officially released by the property owner. The city has been giving the residents information as they receive it. The elected officials of