Wright: Parish Council stays busy through May

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, May 24, 2017

The May 9 Council meeting was packed full of action items.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Council approved to extend a number of Parish agreements that improve Parish services and ultimately the quality of life for all.

We authorized a four-year agreement with Capital One Bank to continue serving as the fiscal agent for the Parish.

Capital One Bank provides financial services such as banking, payroll and bond services.

Through the assistance of a fiscal agent, the finance department keeps a transparent and contingent record of all governmental financial obligations.

We also entered into a three-year agreement with Deaf Action Center of New Orleans for sign language services to assist with communications efforts between the Parish and the Public.

This contract will be activated upon request as the services will be used specifically for press conferences and during emergencies.

The Council renewed our contract with Tetra-Tech, Inc. for disaster debris monitoring services.

Although we hope we do not have to activate, this is a pre-positioned contract is a critical stipulation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reimbursement of related costs and is activated with a Notice to Proceed in the event of natural or manmade disasters.

Authorization was also given to enter a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the St. John Parish School Board to provide transportation services for Recreational Programs including the St. John Parish Summer Camp.

Applications are currently being accepted for this year’s camp and can be submitted to the Recreation Department at 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve.

Last night the Council authorized the solicitation of proposals for disaster restoration and recovery services for parish buildings.

We also approved solicitation of bids for street lighting materials and supplies as well as a farm/agricultural lease for property located in Edgard.

I also want to take the opportunity to welcome our new District 7 Councilman, Tom Malik.

Tom was sworn in at the May 9 Council meeting.

Congratulations Tom, and we all look forward to working with you.

Michael P. Wright is St. John the Baptist Parish Council District 5 representative and Council vice chairman. Contact him at District5@sjbparish.com or m.wright@sjbparish.com.