DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / July 24, 2000

VACHERIE – The St. James Parish Council tabled action on the ordinancesetting and designating the adjusted property tax millage rates in St. Jamesat the written request of tax assessor Glenn Waguespack.

Councilman Timothy Roussel read the letter at Wednesday’s meeting which stated that the numbers on property values for schools, businesses and industries had not yet arrived so the millages have not yet been calculated to reflect this. Waguespack requested the council table action on the ordinanceuntil the industry tax could be properly assessed. So far the millage rateshave not changed since last year. but this year property values werereassessed so there may still be a change in what one will pay in property tax.

The ordinance establishing rules, regulations and fees for the use of St.

James Parish recreation parks passed unanimously with only councilman Ralph Patin absent due to an illness in the family.

The change in ordinances comes after multiple arrests were made in the last year during parties and gathering at the parks and the St. James WelcomeCenter. The ordinance is designed to help curb illegal behavior by restrictinghours of rental, setting rules on alcohol use, setting rental and security deposit fees and other requirements.

Also, the council is attempting to resolve difficulties with family subdivisions and their sale to public buyers, but no action was taken on an ordinance addressing that. Kevin Belanger of the South Central Planning andDevelopment Commission approached the council in the public meeting beforehand and assured members that after consulting members of banking companies, attorneys and developers, “I’m certain that 99 percent of your problems will be covered by this ordinance.”Councilman Jimmy Brazan reminded that the ordinance will not be a fix-all, but definitely a step in the right direction.

In other matters: Representatives from NY Associates of Metairie were on hand to present the current plans for the new Vacherie library to the council. The library, tobe located across the north parking of the current library/courthouse annex, will be three times the size of the current library.

At 10,000 square feet the library will greatly expand the space available for books and computer equipment. The main library in Lutcher is 20,000 squarefeet. The parking lot will be renovated as well to accommodate the library.The library will be a single story building, built of brick, close to the same color as the current building. It has been designed to meet hurricanestandards, assured the representatives.

Brenda Melancon was reappointed to the Economic Development Board, with the recommendation of Councilman Wilson Marlbrough Jr.

The resolution endorsing the Lafarge Corp.’s $25 million expansion projectwas passed. The resolution was tabled from the last meeting at the requestof Patin. Parish President Dale Hymel Jr. told the council that Patin hadreviewed the project, toured the facility and relayed his acceptance of the resolution.

Louisiana Utilities Supply Co. was awarded a contract for its bid on thewater line pipe for the utility division. Baton Rouge Winwater Works were alsogranted a contract for the fire hydrants for the utility division.

Gramercy will receive a 1983 John Deere Tractor from the parish. Thetractor is being replaced by new equipment and is currently in need of $600 of repairs. Gramercy, which is sharing the last donated tractor with Lutcher,is aware of the repair cost and will accept the vehicle, said Hymel.

Return To News Stories