LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / May 5, 2000

HAHNVILLE – Constables and justices of the peace got their long-awaited 20 percent pay raise Monday night from the St. Charles Parish Council.Justices of the peace and constables earn $4,379.70 per year, plus $900 instate supplemental pay. This has been the pay rate since 1991. The actionraised the local pay contribution to $5,256 each, and also granted annual cost of living adjustments.

Stephen Black, president of the parish association of constables and justices of the peace (and constable for District 5), reminded council members during discussions that most of their own expenses come out of their own pockets, including costs for photocopying, cellular phones and fax machines.

Councilman Barry Minnich, an early opponent of the pay raise, came around this time with the group making a good-faith effort in providing a breakdown of their activities.

Audience members also offered several suggestions. Pat Elfer of St. Roseurged that constables aggressively enforce litter laws. Bruce Lemmerman ofDestrehan suggested the parish cable channel run a list of services available to the public from these public officials. Milton Alleman of Hahnville urged thepublication of fees charged for various services such as auto title transfers and marriages.

In other activity, the Parish Council: Approved an amendment to the parish zoning ordinance returning 20 feet of setback currently charged to residents fronting a drainage canal. “It’screated an outrageous problem,” Planning Director Bob Lambert said. Theamendment applies only to lots created before Dec. 15, 1999. New lots afterthat date will still have to comply with the setback requirement.

Approved home occupation permits for “Expressions Hair Salon” at 127 Gassen Lane, Luling; “Mary L. Ertel, licenses massage therapist” at 113 DixieDrive, Des Allemands; and “Killona’s Kitchen” at 221 Post St., Killona. Honored the 12-year-old boys’ basketball national champions and 11- and 12-year-old girls’ basketball state champions.

Heard a report from New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial’s Military Advisory Committee on the economic and social impact of the military presence in southeast Louisiana.

Approved unanimously a letter of no objection to the raising of the Willowridge levee by land developer Rathborne Land Co. to its previous 4.5-foot level. The levee was breached and damaged during storms in fall 1998.Ramchandran commented, “I am not inclined to support this, but the residents who bought property in good faith need to be protected.”

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