ST. BERNARD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - AGENDA
December 4, 2018 7pm
13. Adopt Resolution SBPC #1896-12-18, a resolution supporting the introduction and passage of
legislation to enable St. Bernard Parish to impose and collect a Hotel/Motel Tax to supplement the
funding of the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department. (Councilmember Lewis)
https://www.sbpg.net/AgendaCenter/Council-2
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Sunday, November 25, 2018
VOTE
early voting starts November 24 2018 and ends December 1 2018
Election Day is December 8 2018
St Bernard Parish Home Rule Charter Amendment
Shall Article II, Section 2-01.1 of the Home Rule Charter of the Parish of St. Bernard, State of Louisiana, be amended to read as follows: (a) A person who has served as a councilman representing a councilmanic district for more than two and one-half (2 1/2) terms in three (3) consecutive terms may not qualify for the office of councilman representing a councilmanic district for the next succeeding term; (b) A person who has served as a councilman-at-large for more than two and one-half (2 1/2) terms in three (3) consecutive terms shall not qualify for the office of councilman-at-large for the next succeeding term; (c) This section shall apply to each initial persons elected as councilmen or councilmen-at-large and to all subsequent persons elected to the aforesaid offices under this charter?
https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/SampleBallot
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Budget Considerations
According to a Together Baton Rouge Report's ITEP Search Tool , the industrial tax exemptions in St Bernard Parish could afford us to
keep our fire stations open. Our budgets might change such that we could also give
our school board employees and teachers a long awaited pay raise, and continue to
fully fund all of our parish pension’s obligations, without being asked for more sales and property taxes.
We could fund drinking water improvements, along with
improvements to roads and bridges, pedestrian cross walks, fishing
piers, drainage and sewerage improvements, grass cutting and canal maintenance,
books for our libraries, art and stem initiatives, recycling and composting, farm
to table initiatives, bicycle and walking paths, public transportation, healthcare
access, workforce development, free adult lifetime learning courses, senior citizen
outreach, parks and recreation programs, criminal justice reforms and re-entry programs, affordable housing, and on and on.
Instead of increasing property tax mileages, those dollars from
exemptions could fully fund the intended municipal services. Instead of the
Lake Borgne Basin Levee District refusing to do their job because residents
voted down a tax increase, the LBBLD property tax mileage could be lowered, while
increasing services. https://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2018/07/st_bernard_doesnt_have_to_acce.html
Some of the other tax dollars which we do pay are used to
fund projects like the St Bernard Economic Development board which seeks to
place a container yard in the N P Trist Middle School neighborhood, and its
operator, Port of Orleans, would not pay property taxes. https://canthecontainers.com/
Come on St Bernard, we can do better than this. Our
community would also benefit if more and more parish workers and school board
employees returned from the north shore and actually lived in St Bernard Parish
and contributed to our economy base. The public sector in St Bernard Parish is
said to be the larger employer: fire department, sheriff department, school
board and teachers, parish government workers, public works employees, state
judicial court, justice of peace, constables, lake borgne basin levee
employees, St Bernard Port, St Bernard Parish Hospital, etc. And then there are
all the out of parish (sometimes out of state) workers at the large
industrialized plants which are the benefactors of all these exemptions. Our community would benefit greatly if the majority of
all these jobs were actually domiciled jobs.
Here’s a partial list of St Bernard Parish exemptions
according to the report, and the number of actual jobs loss or created by these
costly subsidies:
American Sugar Refining Inc. | (St Bernard)
7415 Peters Road
Arabi, LA 70032
Arabi, LA 70032
# exemptions: 15
# of years with ITEP (of last 20): 19
1st year receiving ITEP (post-1997): 1999
Most recent year receiving ITEP: 2014
COST OF EXEMPTIONS: $5.7 M
NEW JOBS PROJECTED: 35
ACTUAL JOBS RESULT: -110
SUBSIDY PER JOB: $5,716,632 for a
loss of 110 jobs
Year 1 of ITEP, # of jobs: 446
Most recent year, # of jobs: 336
PARISH SUBSIDY RANK: 3
STATE SUBSIDY RANK: 244
TYPE: Company
Rain CII Carbon, LLC | (St Bernard)
700 Coke Plant Rd
Chalmette, LA 70043
Chalmette, LA 70043
# exemptions: 19
# of years with ITEP (of last 20): 18
1st year receiving ITEP (post-1997): 2000
Most recent year receiving ITEP: 2016
COST OF EXEMPTIONS: $4.8 M
NEW JOBS PROJECTED: 10
ACTUAL JOBS RESULT: 1
SUBSIDY PER JOB: $4,771,185 per job
created
Year 1 of ITEP, # of jobs: 36
Most recent year, # of jobs: 37
PARISH SUBSIDY RANK: 4
STATE SUBSIDY RANK: 262
TYPE: Company
PBF Holding Company, LLC | (St Bernard) (dba Chalmette
Refining)
500 W Saint
Bernard Hwy
Chalmette, LA 70043
Chalmette, LA 70043
# exemptions: 57
# of years with ITEP (of last 20): 19
1st year receiving ITEP (post-1997): 1999
Most recent year receiving ITEP: 2017
COST OF EXEMPTIONS: $115.3 M
NEW JOBS PROJECTED: 60
ACTUAL JOBS RESULT: -71
SUBSIDY PER JOB: $115,320,991 for a loss of 71 jobs
Year 1 of ITEP, # of jobs: 570
Most recent year, # of jobs: 499
PARISH SUBSIDY RANK: 1
STATE SUBSIDY RANK: 33
TYPE: Company
Valero Refining - Meraux LLC | (St Bernard)
2500 E Saint
Bernard Hwy
Meraux, LA 70075
Meraux, LA 70075
# exemptions: 4
# of years with ITEP (of last 20): 14
1st year receiving ITEP (post-1997): 2004
Most recent year receiving ITEP: 2015
COST OF EXEMPTIONS: $88.7 M
NEW JOBS PROJECTED: 21
ACTUAL JOBS RESULT: 41
SUBSIDY PER JOB: $2,163,844 per job
created
Year 1 of ITEP, # of jobs: 236
Most recent year, # of jobs: 277
PARISH SUBSIDY RANK: 2
STATE SUBSIDY RANK: 42
TYPE: Company
St Bernard: Parish Report
St Bernard Parish,
LA
# exemptions: 119
# companies receiving ITEPs: 10
COST OF EXEMPTIONS: $221.3 M
NEW JOBS PROJECTED: 293
ACTUAL JOBS RESULT: loss of 408 jobs
SUBSIDY PER JOB: $221.3 M for a loss
of 408 jobs
TOTAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS IN 2016: $45.1 M
LOST REVENUE TO ITEP IN 2017: $12.8 M
ITEP AS % OF PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED: 28%
LOST REVENUE FOR –
School district: $3.7 M
Sheriff: $2.8 M
Fire: $2.5 M
Parish & other entities: $1.2 M
Library Taxes: $336.2 K
Health: $783.2 K
Parks & Rec: $197.2 K
Roads: $277.1 K
Levee: $1.0 M
Drainage: 0
TYPE: Parish
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Particulate Matter unhealthy levels in air
Unhealthy levels of particulate matter PM2.5
LDEQ issues an air quality notice for Chalmette
based on levels of particulate matter measured at the Chalmette Vista Air Monitor
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/CHALMETTEVISTA/Date/2018-11-03
Sensitive Groups are CHILDREN, ACTIVE ADULTS, the elderly, people with asthma and other illnesses. REDUCE EXERTION OUTDOORS
The Chalmette Vista Monitor is located adjacent to Bluebird Park
LDEQ issues an air quality notice for Chalmette
based on levels of particulate matter measured at the Chalmette Vista Air Monitor
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/CHALMETTEVISTA/Date/2018-11-03
Sensitive Groups are CHILDREN, ACTIVE ADULTS, the elderly, people with asthma and other illnesses. REDUCE EXERTION OUTDOORS
The Chalmette Vista Monitor is located adjacent to Bluebird Park
-----Original Message-----
From: DEQ AQI Notifications
To:
Sent: Sat, Nov 3, 2018 3:15 pm
Subject: AQI Exceedance Notification - Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
From: DEQ AQI Notifications
To:
Sent: Sat, Nov 3, 2018 3:15 pm
Subject: AQI Exceedance Notification - Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
|
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Unhealthy Sulfur Dioxide Levels
CORRECTION: The LDEQ sent AQI Exceedance Notifications twice this week for Sulfur Dioxide levels in Chalmette Vista neighborhood. Both readings were at 3AM and have been changed to N/A for calibration of monitor.
Just when residents thought it was safe to leave the windows open with the cool Fall temperatures, the LDEQ sent out a notification when the Sulfur Dioxide reading spiked over night and reached a one-hour average of over 155 parts per billion The EPA health standard for sulfur dioxide is 75 ppb SO2. Sulfur Dioxide at the 12 ppb SO2 level triggers headaches and other adverse effects.
Site Data from the air monitor at Chalmette Vista Louisiana
http://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/CHALMETTEVISTA/Date/2018-10-14
The Louisiana DEQ issued an exceedance notice about the air quality being unhealth for sensitive groups: Sensitive Groups are CHILDREN, the elderly, & ACTIVE ADULTS.
-----Original Message-----
From: DEQ AQI Notifications
To:
Sent: Wed, Oct 17, 2018 4:15 am
Subject: AQI Exceedance Notification - Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Just when residents thought it was safe to leave the windows open with the cool Fall temperatures, the LDEQ sent out a notification when the Sulfur Dioxide reading spiked over night and reached a one-hour average of over 155 parts per billion The EPA health standard for sulfur dioxide is 75 ppb SO2. Sulfur Dioxide at the 12 ppb SO2 level triggers headaches and other adverse effects.
Site Data from the air monitor at Chalmette Vista Louisiana
http://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/CHALMETTEVISTA/Date/2018-10-14
The Louisiana DEQ issued an exceedance notice about the air quality being unhealth for sensitive groups: Sensitive Groups are CHILDREN, the elderly, & ACTIVE ADULTS.
-----Original Message-----
From: DEQ AQI Notifications
To:
Sent: Wed, Oct 17, 2018 4:15 am
Subject: AQI Exceedance Notification - Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
-----Original Message-----
From: DEQ AQI Notifications
To:
Sent: Sun, Oct 14, 2018 4:15 am
Subject: AQI Exceedance Notification - Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
|
Monday, September 10, 2018
Evacuation Route Needed
Alex Cohen is in St. James Parish, Louisiana.
8
Since day one L'eau Est La Vie Camp - No Bayou Bridge has been echoing the calls from the people of St. James demanding that they be given a evacuation route.
St. James is a predominantly African American free slave community, which is surrounded by tank farms, refineries, and other fossil fuel industry infrastructure. Currently only one road leads in and out of St. James and in the event of an inevitable pipeline disaster, residents could be trapped.
This road use to be used by the public as another way out until Marathon Pipeline LLC stole this land which now houses over 100 oil storage tankers and blocked the road with this gate and private security. The #BayouBridgePipeline now runs through this land and community as well before ending at its final destination. Making an already dangerous situation, explosive.
In order to secure an evacuation route for St. James all Governor John Bel Edwards has to do is give this road back to the people, instead he spends the majority of his time bent over for the oil & petrochemical Industry.
Environmental racism lives here.
CALL LOUISIANA GOVERNOR EDWARDS NOW – demand that he give St James an evacuation route: http://nobbp.org/call/
Friday, August 24, 2018
Air Quality Day Notice for New Orleans Region
An Air Quality Action Day has been declared for New Orleans for Friday August 24
Active children and adults, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor activities and exertion.
La DEQ Meraux Site Data
http://deq.louisiana.gov/
| Thursday, August 23 2018, light northerly winds behind a departing front will gradually transport smoke from wildfires in the western U.S. and Canada into Louisiana, increasing particle concentrations. In addition, increasing sunshine and warm temperatures will enhance ozone production. As a result, AQI levels will be Moderate in most locations. Friday, as a surface high pressure system move over Louisiana, calm to light winds will reduce pollutant dispersion, and lingering smoke will continue to increase particle levels throughout Louisiana. In addition, mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-90s will enhance ozone formation. Therefore, AQI levels will be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport, and Moderate elsewhere in the state. Saturday, increasing southerly winds will aid dispersion and transport cleaner air into the state. However, warm temperatures and sunny skies will continue to aid ozone formation. These conditions will yield Moderate AQI levels in most locations. |
DEQ is forecasting an Ozone Action Day for Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John, St. Tammany, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. The weather conditions will be favorable for the formation of ozone.
The Air Quality Index indicates that ozone will be at the orange level, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Increasing ozone levels may cause unhealthy air quality during afternoon hours. Active children and adults, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor activities and exertion.
Area residents are encouraged to take one or more of the following
voluntary actions to help reduce the formation of ozone::
• Drive less. Carpool, walk and bike, combine errands and care for your car. Be sure your gas cap is on tight.
• Refuel your vehicle, mow grass and use gas powered lawn equipment and off road vehicles after 6 p.m.
• Postpone chores that use oil based paint, varnishes and solvents that produce flame.
• If you barbeque, use an electric starter instead of starter fluid.
• Take your lunch to work or walk to lunch
• Conserve Energy in your home
Incorporating these tips into your daily routines can make a significant difference. We all have a stake in better air quality.
SPREAD THE WORD by telling family, friends, co-workers and neighbors about OZONE ACTION DAYS.
More information about current air quality and what you can do to help prevent ozone formation is available online at the DEQ website www.deq.louisiana.gov. For questions, please call 225-219-3489 (weekdays).
The Air Quality Index indicates that ozone will be at the orange level, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Increasing ozone levels may cause unhealthy air quality during afternoon hours. Active children and adults, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor activities and exertion.
Area residents are encouraged to take one or more of the following
voluntary actions to help reduce the formation of ozone::
• Drive less. Carpool, walk and bike, combine errands and care for your car. Be sure your gas cap is on tight.
• Refuel your vehicle, mow grass and use gas powered lawn equipment and off road vehicles after 6 p.m.
• Postpone chores that use oil based paint, varnishes and solvents that produce flame.
• If you barbeque, use an electric starter instead of starter fluid.
• Take your lunch to work or walk to lunch
• Conserve Energy in your home
Incorporating these tips into your daily routines can make a significant difference. We all have a stake in better air quality.
SPREAD THE WORD by telling family, friends, co-workers and neighbors about OZONE ACTION DAYS.
More information about current air quality and what you can do to help prevent ozone formation is available online at the DEQ website www.deq.louisiana.gov. For questions, please call 225-219-3489 (weekdays).
Thursday, July 26, 2018
little neighborhoods, big gains
UPDATE:
Post from July 2018
Should it be legal to force people out of their homes to benefit a private company? Thankfully a Louisiana State Constitutional Amendment in 2006 gives us some protection. Unfortunately, sometimes people are still pushed out by Master Land Use Plans and Zoning Changes or forced out by politicians and strong armed corporations, sometimes in the name of a protective greenspace, sometimes for a zoning change trade for a promise of a ball park or donations. Sadly, we are not alone.
The Institute for Justice’s most famous case is coming to the big screen near you!
In order for this special screening to take place, the organizers of the screening need to sell a minimum number of tickets by Wednesday, September 19. You can purchase your ticket here for this special event:
Special Screening of Little Pink House
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
6:30 PM
AMC Clearview Palace 12
4486 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Metairie, LA 70009
Purchase tickets here: https://www.tugg.com/events/little-pink-house-ykn8
As you may know, Little Pink House showcases the true story of IJ client Susette Kelo, a small-town paramedic who buys her first home—a cottage—and paints it pink. When politicians plan to bulldoze it for a corporation, she fights back, taking her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Even after she lost in court, her struggle sparked a nationwide backlash against eminent domain abuse that today helps millions of Americans better protect what is rightfully theirs. You can watch the film trailer here.
I hope you’ll be able to make it to this special screening—and bring family or friends. Little Pink House is a wonderful portrayal of the enduring impact of one woman’s courage—and IJ’s unwavering legal and grassroots efforts. It’s a terrific opportunity to introduce newcomers to our work and encourage them to join our fight to restore vital constitutional protections for individual liberty.
Scott G. Bullock
President and General Counsel
Institute for Justice
Post from July 2018
Should it be legal to force people out of their homes to benefit a private company? Thankfully a Louisiana State Constitutional Amendment in 2006 gives us some protection. Unfortunately, sometimes people are still pushed out by Master Land Use Plans and Zoning Changes or forced out by politicians and strong armed corporations, sometimes in the name of a protective greenspace, sometimes for a zoning change trade for a promise of a ball park or donations. Sadly, we are not alone.
From an email from Institute for Justice:
If you have some down time this weekend, I hope you will consider sharing your support of the Institute for Justice by gathering your family and friends to watch a special film. As the successful theater run of Little Pink House comes to a close, you can hold a private showing by purchasing the film through Amazon and other services.
As you probably know, Little Pink House is the true story of IJ client Susette Kelo’s heroic fight to save her little pink cottage—and her neighborhood. While it has been 13 years since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed government agencies to take homes and businesses for private development using eminent domain, the massive impact of this case and IJ’s work continues.
This movie is in many ways a tribute to the courage of all IJ clients, and an illustration of the power of IJ’s style of public interest litigation, communications, activism, research, and legislative advocacy. While watching the film, I hope you will consider making adonation to support the Institute for Justice and our fight for people like Susette.
Scott
Scott G. Bullock
President and General Counsel
Institute for Justice
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
