LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / September 20, 2000

HAHNVILLE – A host of library employees successfully persuaded the St.

Charles Parish Council Monday not to have filters placed on library computers in an attempt to block internet pornography.

Parish attorney Bobby Raymond pointed out as well that the Library Board of Control has authority, not the parish government, over library operations, policies and procedures since its inception in 1948.

Several citizens spoke at the parish council meeting on behalf of the filtering software, spurred by an incident in a Jefferson Parish library branch where a man allegedly exposed himself to two young girls while surfing the internet for pornography.

Councilman G. “Ram” Ramchandran offered his ordinance based on parentscalling him and asking for such controls placed in St. Charles Parish.Among these were Ken Riggin of Luling, who said, “This is not perfect, but it’s a good start.”Also, the Rev. Joseph Molchanoff of First Baptist Church of Norco said theissue is not a matter of censorship, but responsibility to protect children.

On the other hand, library supporters stressed that such filters are ineffective, with new porn sites going on line faster than technology can keep up.

Willie Scott, president of the Library Board of Control, also pointed out the library addressed the issue two years ago with the installation of internet- access computers. At present, users are cautioned against such activity onpublic computers and could face revocation of their library privileges.

“We developed our policy in accordance with state and local law,” Scott stressed.

Public Services Librarian Julie Cancienne also affirmed, “Why spend money on filters which do not work when we have a policy that does work?” Library director Mary desBordes added, “Our staff has taken swift and effective action on the very few and minor instances.”She added, “Teaching and trusting children is what being a good parent is all about.”Councilman Barry Minnich said, “The library board is very capable, and I feel comfortable with the library staff. The morality of my children starts athome with me and my wife.”Ramchandran said he would meet with the library board to further address the issue and said his ordinance was aimed at giving teeth to the library’s policy which, he added, “does not have the force of law.”The vote was 6-2 against the ordinance, with Ramchandran and Lance Marino voting in favor and Clayton Faucheux absent.

In other matters, Ramchandran’s other major proposed ordinance, aimed at placing a moratorium on parish spending in the face of the impending sewer rate increase, was likewise decisively shot down by fellow council members.

The vote was 6-2 against, with only Marino siding with Ramchandran.

Finance Director Laura Toups said the ordinance is too restrictive and would place too many roadblocks in day-to-day operations.

“My department is understaffed – I’m trying to replace myself,” Toups said, saying her job position prior to her moving up into the directorship is still vacant.

Councilman Brian Fabre agreed, saying that in times of a hurricane the parish would not be able to rent a pump or generator without an emergency meeting.

Council member Dee Abadie suggested the parish take the $7 million in sales tax revenue to dedicate it totally to the Wastewater Department to head off the impact of a massive rate hike, as an alternative to Ramchandran’s ordinance. “I want to vote for this, but it will do more harm than good,” shesaid.

Parish President Albert Laque, however, said the spending is all in the budget written by the prior administration and said of Abadie’s proposal, “You can try to hoodwink the people all you want.”Council member April Black added, “I cannot vote for this and then go back to Bar-None and tell them what I’d done.”In other activity: Black offered $5 toward Stanford Caillouet’s proposal that every household send him that amount toward an investigation of parish government. It was refused. Carole Schonberg, president of the St. Charles Rotary Club, was honoredas “Ms. Alligator” as the 21st annual Alligator Festival is scheduled thisweekend at the West Bridge Park in Luling. The event finances 26 localscholarships and also assists agencies such as United Way, St. Charles Toy &Gift Fund and parish recreation.

A spokesman for Tetra Technology opposed that Norco company’s tax assessment before the parish Board of Review. Assessor Clyde “Rock”Gisclair is levying tax based on a $2,315,666 assessment; Gordon Pixler for Tetra said it should be $679,375.

Gisclair told the council the company has already enjoyed a 10-year industrial tax exemption and is now trying to have itself reclassified from a chemical plant to a fertilizer plant for a tax advantage.

The council, acting as the board of review, voted to support Gisclair.

Wayne Machado of Mosquito Control addressed the onslaught of mosquitos throughout the parish and said he has begun double shifts and additional aerial spraying to bring the pests under control.

The council approved a levy on tax bills of delinquent property owners where the parish has had to come in and cut the grass or pick up trash and debris.

Several citizens spoke against it, including Billie Breuille of Luling, who said, “I’m willing to test the law, just for the hell of it.”Caillouet also addressed the issue,and asked what of the parish’s own property where grass and trash accumulate? “What kind of hypocrites does that make this council?” he asked.

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