Port Allen Community Development Corporation

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, May 14, 2007
Time: 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Frances Alexander, Liz Holmes, Izetta McDowell, Reynard Douglas, Virginia Gough, and Terrell Joseph

Board Members Absent: Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, and Lynn Bradley

Guests Present: Mayor Derek Lewis and Kathryn Perry

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum was present at 6:30 pm.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the April 9, 2007, meeting minutes (Douglas/McDowell).

III. OLD BUSINESS

A. Election of New Chairman
This item was tabled for the next meeting.

B. Membership Drive
The Membership Committee was asked to contact Ms. Murray about becoming a CDC member. Virginia Gough announced that she will not be extending her term past June 2007. Ms. Gough has found a potential replacement and will give the Board a completed nomination form at the next meeting.

C. Planning Toolkit Update
A brief update of the Planning Toolkit presentation (Center for Planning Excellence) and Planning Commissioner Training (Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association) held on April 21, 2007, at the Port Allen City Council chambers was given. About a dozen people attended, including five CDC members, three Port Allen Planning and Zoning Commissioners, and three Board of Adjustment members. Copies of the Louisiana Speaks: Planning Toolkit and Louisiana Speaks: Pattern Book were provided to CDC members.

D. Annexation Update
Mayor Lewis raised some concerns whether the City of Port Allen Annexation Plan was a master plan and whether it contained enough detail. The Mayor and the City attorney discussed the plan after the City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 9, 2007.

The Mayor asked the Board about its goals, whether he and the Council need to be more involved, and whether the CDC needs funds in the budget. He also suggested that the City Council be added to the CDC meeting notice email list. The Board’s goals are to improve the Ferry area, including drainage, utilities, housing standards, street surfaces, and street connections. The CDC will focus on drainage improvements for the first phase of the program.

E. Education Program
Ms. Alexander stated that Cohn Elementary is making progress. Frances and Virginia will have an education project in the summer.

IV. THE FERRY

A. Develop Action Items
The following action items were identified:

1. Check the boundaries of the Town of West Baton Rouge subdivision at the Assessor’s Office to define the exact area of the Ferry (Shaw).

2. Clarify the “lot of record” issue, i.e. whether a property owner can rebuild or renovate buildings on a lot that does not conform with current zoning requirements (Shaw).

3. Form Image Improvement Committee and ask for volunteers.

B. Capital Outlay Request
The Mayor was unaware of any meetings held to discuss a capital outlay request. Shaw will develop a detailed infrastructure cost estimate to present to the Board.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
No items were discussed.

B. Image Improvement Program
The Board discussed whether improvements could include fixing up weather-beaten houses. More discussion is needed on specific improvement projects.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, June 11, 2007 at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman
o Membership Drive
o Education Program
o Ferry Action Items
o Capital Outlay Request
o Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o Image Improvement Committee

V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM (Gough/Terrell).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, April 9, 2007
Time: 6:10 PM - 7:45 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Frances Alexander, Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, and Terrell Joseph

Board Members Absent: Virginia Gough and Liz Holmes

Guests Present: Kathryn Perry, Lucien Cutrera, and Izetta McDowell

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Reynard Douglas called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum was present at 6:10 pm.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the March 12, 2007, meeting minutes after a motion (Gray) and second (Bradley).

III. OLD BUSINESS

A. Election of New Chairman
The Nominating Committee will continue to seek new members, especially Port Allen residents. The member nomination form was passed out for Board members’ use. Mr. Douglas agreed to contact Ms. Delores Morgan and Ms. Edith Murray from the ABC task force to gauge their interest in becoming CDC members.

B. Member Residency Requirements
Copies of the CDC bylaws and term limit charts were passed out. Ms. Gray recommended that additional members be sought from within the city limits before seeking to change the 50% residency requirement in the bylaws.

The Board discussed the issue of not allowing a husband and wife to serve on the Board at the same time, and suggested that Joyce and George Jenne discuss the matter when Joyce’s term expires in June 2007. Ms. Gray indicated that she would like to serve a third term when her current term expires; Ms. Alexander indicated that she was undecided; and Ms. Gough will be contacted regarding her interest in serving after June 2007.

A motion was made (Douglas) and seconded (Gray) to elect Ms. Izetta McDowell as a Board member. The vote was unanimous and Ms. McDowell was welcomed as a new Board member. Ms. McDowell lives within the city limits of Port Allen.

C. Annexation Update
The Port Allen Annexation Plan will be finished in a week or two. Shaw will present the plan to the City Council in a special meeting. The report suggests annexing a portion of the original proposed area as an option.

D. Education Program
The Board discussed restarting an education program after June 2007.

IV. THE FERRY

A. Development Alternatives-Ms. Alexander asked if the Board had made any decisions on the Ferry development alternatives. The alternatives were discussed at the February and March meetings, but no motions had been made. The alternatives will be presented as concept plans in the Annexation Plan and will outline drainage and utility improvements as well as possible street upgrades and layouts.

B. Capital Outlay Request-Deadline for submitting a capital outlay request for the 2008 state budget is November 1, 2007. If possible, the Board would like to meet with the Mayor, State Senator Marrionneaux, and State Representatives Cazayouz and Barrow to discuss a capital outlay request for the Ferry before the Legislative Session begins on April 30, 2007.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee-Initiate Zoning Assessment
Shaw passed out a zoning chart from the Annexation Plan that shows current Port Allen zones and proposed new zoning designations. The Board can move forward with suggesting updates to the zoning ordinance once the Annexation Plan has been accepted by the city.

B. Image Improvement Program
The Board discussed the idea of starting a beautification and cleanup campaign after election and other issues are out of the way after June.

C. Planning Toolkit Presentation
Shaw handed out a draft agenda for a “Planning Toolkit” presentation by the Center for Planning Excellence on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 8 am at the Port Allen City Hall. The Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association will present an additional three hours of Act 859 training for planning commission and board of adjustment members.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, May 9, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman
o Membership Drive
o Annexation Update (meeting with Mayor)
o Education Program
o Capital Outlay Request

V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM (Hubble/Gray).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date:              Monday, March 12, 2007
Time:              6:05 PM - 7:15 PM
Place:            Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present:  Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Frances Alexander, Reynard Douglas, Virginia Gough, Tabitha Gray, Joyce Jenne, and Terrell Joseph

Board Members Absent:  Lynn Bradley and Gary Hubble

Guests Present:  Kathryn Perry, George Jenne, and Arthell Brown

Type of Meeting:  Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I.    CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests.  A quorum was present at 6:15 pm.

II.    READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the February 12, 2007, meeting minutes after a motion (Gough) and second (Alexander).

III.    OLD BUSINESS

A.    Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
The Nominating Committee presented their nomination of Terrell Joseph to the Board as a candidate for Treasurer.  A motion (Holmes) and second (Gray) were made to hold a vote for Treasurer, which passed unanimously.  Board members discussed the Port Allen residency requirement as stated in the by-laws.  The issue of whether the at least 50% requirement should apply only to new members or to new members and Founding members was tabled until the next meeting.

A motion was made (Gray) and seconded (Holmes) to request that the Nominating Committee actively seek new members, especially Port Allen residents.  Joseph noted that the application form has not changed from the original one used.

B.    Web Site Status
No changes have been made since the website was opened to the public.

C.    Annexation Update
The Port Allen Annexation Plan is undergoing final review at Shaw.  At the mayor’s request, Shaw will present the report to Port Allen City Council when it is 100% complete.

D.    Education
No report presented.

E.    Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee

1.    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the CDC to act as a Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee at the February 28, 2007, meeting.

2.    City Council Presentation
The Planning and Zoning Commission presented the Advisory Committee proposal at the City Council Committee Meeting on March 7, 2007, to which the Council had no objections.

IV.    THE FERRY

A.    Development Alternatives - Shaw briefly showed a draft of the Ferry section of the Port Allen Annexation Report to Board members.

B.    Capital Outlay Request-Ms. Gray noted that the State Senate would be in session on Wednesday and Thursday, March 14 and 15.  She recommended that Shaw call Senator Robert Marrionneaux’s assistant, Danielle, to set up a meeting for Wednesday or Thursday.

V.      OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Holmes noted that three abandoned cars were moved recently to a location near Kentucky Avenue and Atchafalaya Street.  The Board suggested that the CDC write a letter of complaint to the Council and the Mayor, which Shaw agreed to draft.

VI.     TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, April 9, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall.  Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o    Election of New Chairman
o    Residency Requirements
o    Web Site
o    Annexation Update
o    Education
o    Ferry Development Alternatives
o    Capital Outlay

V.    ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM (Gray/Alexander).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date:              Monday, February 12, 2007
Time:              6:05 PM - 8:05 PM
Place:            Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present:  Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Frances Alexander, Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, Virginia Gough, and Tabitha Gray

Board Members Absent:  Terrell Joseph

Guests Present:  Lu Cutrera, Kathryn Perry, Jose Barro, and Claire Sarradet

Type of Meeting:  Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I.    CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests.  A quorum was present at 6:10 pm.

II.    READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the January 8, 2007, meeting minutes after a motion (Bradley) and second (Hubble).

III.    OLD BUSINESS

A.    Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
This issue was tabled until the next meeting.

B.    Web Site Status
The Board approved a motion (Bradley) and second (Gough) for Shaw to open the CDC website to the public.

C.    Annexation Update
The Port Allen Annexation Plan is 90% complete.  At the mayor’s request, Shaw will present the report to Port Allen City Council when it is 100% complete.

D.    Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
Ms. Holmes asked Claire Sarradet to place the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee on the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda (February 28, 2007).

IV.    THE FERRY

A.    Development Continuum-Alternatives Presentation - Shaw gave a Power Point presentation on four infrastructure improvement options for the Ferry district. The options ranged from upgrading existing streets and drainage, to adding street corrections, subsurface utilities and a boulevard along Atchafalaya Street.

B.    Zoning Issues
1.    Ferry

a.     Zoning Overlay District
CDC Board members discussed the possibility of not including Jefferson Street in the overlay district to allow for commercial development.  Possible overlay district boundaries would be Court Street, Roosevelt Street, rear lot lines along Kentucky Avenue, and rear lot lines along Alabama Street.

b.    Form-Based Zoning
Form-based zoning consists of architectural standards for materials, design, and landscaping, and can be included as part of the overlay district.

2.    Court Street/North Jefferson Mixed Use
This area was not discussed in detail, but the Ferry plan would allow for a mix of residential and commercial uses along Court and Jefferson Streets.

C.    Survey Estimates

A land survey of the Ferry area including rights-of-way, property lines, manhole locations, and drainage features could cost from $5,000 to $15,000.  Capital Outlay funds for Port Allen are not in the current state budget and will need a petition by State Representatives Donald Cazayouz and Regina Barrow, and State Senator Robert Marioneaux.  Mayor Lewis would present the capital outlay petition to the legislature.  Tabitha Gray agreed to ask their secretary to set up a meeting.

V.  OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Alexander announced that Cohn Elementary School is now a two-star school. The school offers tutoring two times a week with a turnout of about 60 students.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, March 12, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall.  Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o    Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
o    Web Site
o    Annexation Update
o    Education
o    Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o    Ferry Development Continuum
o    Capital Outlay

V.    ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM (Alexander/Gough).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, January 8, 2007
Time: 6:10 PM - 8:05 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Terrell Joseph, Frances Alexander, and Virginia Gough

Board Members Absent: Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne

Guests Present: Lu Cutrera, Kathryn Perry, Jose Barro, Brent Soileau, David Newman, Mayor Derek Lewis, Claire Sarradet, Barry Brewer, George Jenne, Sam Saird, and Herpreet Singh

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum of five members was present.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the December 11, 2006, meeting minutes after a motion (Alexander) and second (Gough).

III. OLD BUSINESS
A motion was made and seconded (Douglas/Joseph) to discuss Old Business items A through D at the next CDC meeting.

A. Terms of Members

B. Election of New Chairman and Treasurer

C. Web Site Status

D. Annexation Update

E. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
Ms. Holmes placed the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee on the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda (January 31, 2007). Shaw will make a brief presentation on the Advisory Committee to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

A. Louisiana Secretary of State Annual Report - Ms. Holmes signed the 2006 Domestic Corporation Annual Report which updated addresses and board member information. Shaw will mail the report with the $5.00 fee to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

V. THE FERRY

A. Presentation of Development Continuum - Shaw presented a “continuum” of development options for the Ferry district. The options ranged from taking no action to scattered improvements to multi-family and high density options.

B. Discussion - The development options and future direction of the Ferry area were discussed at length. Some audience members thought higher density development might be feasible especially near Court and Jefferson streets. Other members including property owners wanted to keep the neighborhood as single family residential and encourage owner occupied housing. One suggestion was to plan for more density, but start with single family residential. Ms. Singh from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Center for Planning Excellence encouraged the group to plan street connectivity in the early stages of development for traffic and safety.

A general consensus emerged that the zoning should be changed, perhaps to include an overlay district, and the street layout may need to be changed. Shaw will present a few of the development options in more detail at the next meeting and will address street rights-of-way, parking, mixed use, and possible architectural standards.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, February 12, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
o Web Site
o Annexation Update
o Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o Ferry Development Continuum

VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM (Douglas/Gough).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, December 11, 2006
Time: 6:05 PM - 8:10 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Reynard Douglas, Terrell Joseph, Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, and Virginia Gough

Board Members Absent: Susan Langlois, Lynn Bradley, and Frances Alexander

Guests Present: Aharon Varady, Kathryn Perry, and Lu Cutrera

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. Susan Langlois’ letter of resignation was accepted, bringing the number of board members to nine. A quorum of five members was present.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the November 13, 2006, meeting minutes after a motion and second by Mr. Douglas and Ms. Gough.

III. OLD BUSINESS
A. Election of New Chairman and Treasurer-Vote was tabled for next meeting when the Nominating Committee will present nominations for Treasurer and Chairperson. Term lengths for the initial board members were provided in the meeting handout (1 year: Frances Alexander, Virginia Gough, Tabitha Gray, Joyce Jenne; 2 years: Terrell Joseph; 3 years: Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Liz Holmes).
B. Web Site Status-Purposes of the web site are information sharing, fund raising, and marketing for business development. Aharon Varady gave board members the site address (portallencdc.org) and user information to view the draft web site. The web site includes the mission statement, CDC history, meeting minutes, school status, listserv, and a calendar for upcoming events. Board members were encouraged to provide photos and ideas for additional content.

C. Shaw Admin Agreement-Shaw will continue to work on administrative tasks such as meeting agendas and minutes and web site set-up. Longer term work will include assisting with the proposed annexation plan, the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee, revitalization of the Ferry area, and education improvements.

D. Annexation Update-Shaw is close to completion of the Port Allen Annexation Plan report. Zoning recommendations include a downtown overlay district, mixed use, and Planned Unit Development (PUD). The city will need to make decisions based on utilities, costs vs. benefits, desired future land use, and future budget needs. The inclusion or exclusion of Port Allen High School needs to be addressed as this issue was raised by more than one Council member. Shaw will provide a report abstract for the next CDC meeting.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

A. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee Opportunity
The Board made and seconded a motion (Joseph/Jenne) to discuss acting as a Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee. The Board voted 7-0 to serve as this Committee, and Ms. Holmes will put an item on the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda (January 31, 2007). The CDC will then take the Planning and Zoning Commission concurrence to the City Council. Shaw will tell the Mayor of the CDC’s interest when Shaw presents the annexation report.

B. CDC Status Change
The CDC serves as an educational organization until it creates a development plan. The CDC’s 501(c)(3) application says it “plans to create a revitalization master plan and then a strategic plan for use in implementing the master plan.” The application also states “Fund raising activities are proposed and will be implemented once the board completes its planning efforts and has a strategic plan in place.”

The general consensus was that fund raising cannot start until there’s a definite plan on how to use those funds for specific revitalization tasks, especially in light of past experience with Dow Chemical grant requests. Once the plans are in place, the 501(c)(3) forms will need to be updated to request revision to the CDC status.

C. Shaw Contract

1. Financial Statements
Shaw will provide monthly budget updates to the CDC.

2. CDC Master File
Chris Guerin brought the CDC “Master File” to City Hall. The files will be housed with Shaw until further notice.

V. THE FERRY
Shaw informed the Board that after discussions with the Moore Planning Group, the Ferry planning work will be done by Shaw. Shaw proposed to develop a continuum of options ranging from doing nothing to developing upper scale condominiums or commercial. Developing individual lots and renovating historic properties would require rezoning and/or a development overlay district. Capital outlay (state) funds may be available. Shaw will present the development continuum at the next CDC Board meeting. A group of representative property owners will assist in reviewing the development options. The following groups of property owners will be represented: (1) homeowners (Douglas); (2) owners of rental properties (Holmes); and (3) owners of unoccupied houses/vacant land. It was agreed that the brick homes would not be considered for redevelopment efforts at this time.

VI. EDUCATION/SCHOOLS
No discussion.

VII. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, January 8, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. This meeting will be a working session to discuss the Ferry development continuum. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
o Web Site
o Annexation Update
o Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o Ferry Development Continuum

VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM (Gough/Gray).

Date: Monday, November 13, 2006

Time: 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM

Place: Port Allen City Hall

Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Lynn Bradley, Frances Alexander, Reynard Douglas, Terrell Joseph, and Virginia Gough

Board Members Absent: Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, and Susan Langlois

Guests Present: Aharon Varady, Kathryn Perry, Camille Manning-Broome, and Brent Soileau

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. Call to Order

Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum of six members was present.

II. Reading and Acceptance of Minutes

The CDC Board approved the October 9, 2006, meeting minutes with one minor revision (Bradley/Alexander).

III. Old Business

A. Election of New Chairman—Vice-Chairperson Holmes appointed Reynard Douglas and Frances Alexander to join Virginia Gough on the Nominating Committee. The Committee will present nominations for Treasurer and Chair to the Board before the next Board meeting.

B. Bylaws

1. Number of Board Members

A discussion was held on the required number of Board Members. The current number of members (10) is within the range specified in the bylaws (no fewer than seven, no more than 13) and the Board did not see a need to change the membership number in the by-laws. Shaw will check the minutes to see who drew 1, 2, and 3-year term lengths after the first term.

2. Board Member Residency

Six of the ten CDC board members reside in Port Allen so the residency requirement is met (no less than 50%).

C. Web Site Status—Aharon Varady will call Barry Brewer, City Clerk, for a purchase order to pay the web server ($10/month or $120/year). Mr. Varady asked CDC members to think about logo designs and concepts. Ideas included the old ferry, new city hall, new gazebo, or posting pictures of Port Allen on the web site. The Web Site Committee will obtain a purchase order, acquire web space, solicit content, and set up a link to the Downtown Redevelopment Plan.

D. Shaw Admin Agreement—Mayor Lewis signed the Shaw/City of Port Allen agreement. Shaw will continue working on website development and meeting agendas/minutes. The CDC will discuss longer term items when Lu Cutrera is present. The CDC would like to know the contract term and receive statements on a regular basis to monitor the contract balance.

IV. New Business

A. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee Opportunity

Brent Soileau discussed the EBR Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee in case the CDC wants to set up a similar committee. Committee members serve at the Planning Director’s discretion and advise him on zoning and subdivision regulation changes. Members must live in Baton Rouge and be knowledgeable about zoning issues. Members include real estate agents, landscape architects, engineers, lawyers, and homeowners associations.

The Board discussed having the CDC act as a Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee. The Board was unsure about the role of the committee as Ms. Holmes is currently the Chairman of the Port Allen Planning and Zoning Commission. No further action was taken.

B. Annexation Update

1. Report

The annexation report will be finished just after Thanksgiving.

2. Meeting with Mayor and Council

The Mayor and Council had some questions at the Council meeting regarding the following topics: 1) the scaled back annexation plan; 2) the exclusion of the Port Allen High School; and 3) including the northwest side of LA 1. The Mayor requested that Shaw complete the report and meet with him before doing another Council meeting presentation.

V. The Ferry

Work is ongoing. No other details were presented.

VI. Education/Schools

Ms. Gough presented the 2005-2006 Accountability Results for West Baton Rouge Parish. The elementary schools improved but Port Allen High School was downgraded to academically unacceptable.

VII. Other Business

A. Membership

Vice-Chairperson Holmes asked Shaw to call Ms. Susan Langlois regarding her continued interest in being a board member. Tabitha Gray indicated her continued interest via email with Shaw.

B. CDC Status

Ms. Holmes wants Shaw to start the process to change the CDC’s status from an “educational” organization and clarify matching fund requirements.

VIII. Tentative Agenda for Next Meeting

The next meeting date is Monday, December 13, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall on Court Street. The Board will elect a new Chairman and Treasurer and discuss fundraising, the Annexation Plan, and the Ferry.

IX. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM (Gough/Joseph).

Date: Monday, October 9, 2006

Time: 6:15 PM – 7:25 PM

Place: Port Allen City Hall (new building)

Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Chairman Chris Guerin; Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes; Lynn Bradley; Frances Alexander; Reynard Douglas; Terrell Joseph; Gary Hubble; and Joyce Jenne

Board Members Absent: Virginia Gough; Tabitha Gray; and Susan Langlois

Guests Present: Aharon Varady; Kathryn Perry; and Lucien Cutrera

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. Call to Order

Chairman Chris Guerin called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. Joyce Jenne conducted roll call and a quorum was present.

II. Reading and Acceptance of Minutes

The CDC Board approved the September 11, 2006, meeting minutes after a motion was made and seconded (Douglas/Alexander).

III. Unfinished Business

Mr. Guerin opened the meeting by offering his resignation as Chairman of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors. After reading his letter of resignation and thanking all the board members present, he handed the meeting over to Vice Chairperson Ms. Liz Holmes and left the meeting.

A. Number of Board Members – This discussion was tabled until the next meeting in light of Chairman Guerin’s resignation.

B. Attendance Requirements – This item was also postponed until the next meeting.

C. Web Site Status – Aharon Varady gave an update on the proposed CDC website. The website would cost $120/yr. for a non-profit organization including a listserv for email distribution. Mr. Varady will coordinate further with the website committee members, Mr. Douglas and Mr. Joseph.

D. Shaw Admin Agreement – pending.

IV. Annexation Update

Members of the Shaw Group presented an update on water, sewer and safety issues which led to possible alternate annexation boundaries. Representatives from Water Districts 1, 2, 4, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, the City of Port Allen and the WBR Parish President attended a meeting at Shaw earlier that day to discuss issues related to future potable water supply.

Future development potential presented to the Parish Planning and Zoning office includes 500 units west of Port Allen, 500-700 units in RiverView, and 1,200 units north of Brusly. Issues relative to public safety were also presented. An alternate annexation plan could leave out the casino/truck stops, highway, commercial strip, and a lot of the area south of I-10.

V. The Ferry

The Ferry plan may include an overlay district similar to Baton Rouge’s Spanish Town overlay. New building could have “non-conforming” use if it were in line with the overlay.

VI. Education/Schools

No discussion.

VII. Other Business

Frances/Terrell made and seconded a motion to call Ms. Susan Langlois and Ms. Tabitha Gray regarding their continued interest in being board members. Ms. Jenne agreed to call Ms. Langlois and Ms. Gray.

VIII. Tentative Agenda for Next Meeting

The next meeting date is Monday, November 13, 2006, at 6 PM at the new Port Allen City Hall. The Board will discuss selecting a new chairman, number of board members, and the Ferry. The website committee will present an update report.

IX. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Date: Monday, September 11, 2006

Time: 6:10 PM – 7:38 PM

Place: Port Allen City Hall

Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Vice-Chairperson Ms. Liz Holmes, Scott’s United Methodist Church; Ms. Lynn Bradley, Bradley-Brewster & Associates; Ms. Virginia Gough, West Baton Rouge School Board (Retired); Ms. Frances Alexander, Cohn Elementary; Ms. Susan Langlois, Remax; Mr. Reynard Douglas, Port Allen Resident; Mr. Terrell Joseph, Port Allen Police Department; Mr. Gary Hubble, Times-Picayune Circulation & Distribution

Board Members Absent: Chairman Chris Guerin, West Baton Rouge Assessor’s Office; Ms. Joyce Jenne, Kitchen & Bath Design; Ms. Tabitha Gray, Louisiana State Senate

Guests Present: Mr. Aharon Varady, Shaw Group; Ms. Molly Porter, Shaw Group;

Mr. Brent Soileau, Shaw Group

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Ms. Liz Holmes and introductions of members and guests were made. Some discussion was made about the number of board members and lack of attendance.

Reading and Acceptance of Minutes:

There were no minutes to accept from the August meeting because there was no quorum. Therefore, no official business was conducted at that time.

Communications and Unfinished Business:

Support was voiced for the Bylaws’ requirement that fifty percent of the membership of the board should be from Port Allen with future members preferably being Port Allen residents as they are appointed. Discussion was held as to whether a “vital connection” to the community would be an appropriate substitute for the residency requirement.

As to Board membership numbers, it was noted that the Bylaws require no fewer than seven members and no more than twelve. The Board presently has eleven members. The Bylaws require that over 50% of the members be present to establish a quorum; that is, at least six members. The reason for the lack of attendance by board members was discussed. One board member, who admitted to infrequent attendance, said that the meetings often feel as though there is no direction and that there is much discussion but very little action. This member stated that they felt the board was often “spinning its wheels” and that nothing got accomplished, which is why they felt that attendance was inconsequential.

Due to the absence of the Chair, who had initially raised the issues for Board discussion, it was agreed that the matter would be tabled until the next meeting.

New Business:

1. The next agenda item discussed was the topic of education and schools. There was broad agreement that there should be a renewed focus on education in the area, which would help negate the stigma of “bad schools” and attract more young people of child-bearing age to the area. Positive attributes that were identified were a Head Start program that may be initiated in April, 2007, strong reading programs, some of which are unique to Port Allen (i.e. “Literacy for All”), and the fact that all schools are now out of corrective action. It was also mentioned that the schools had received $650,000 in grant money to implement the improvement plans. The need to accentuate and advertise these positive attributes was noted.

2. Mr. Varady led a discussion regarding the best strategy for fulfilling this need. He suggested creating a website to this end. It was suggested that a working committee be formed with a goal to create a website by a specific date, identified as a two-month timeframe. Mr. Varady agreed to train one or more committee members to manage the site. There was an idea expressed to have website visitors register in order to conduct targeted marketing campaigns. Mr. Douglas and Mr. Joseph both volunteered to man the committee and a motion was made and seconded to form a committee to explore the possibility of creating a website.

3. The Ferry district and the annexation process were then discussed. Much of the focus was on the availability of two lots for sale at the end of Kentucky Street with direct access to the levee. There was also some discussion regarding the annexation plan, the need to, and failure in some cases, to continue the existing street grid layout. Two examples of cul-de-sac developments were identified as well as the problems that are endemic of such developments. The possibility was discussed of adding new zoning classifications to the existing zoning ordinance, e.g. a recreational district, a batture district, and two overlay districts. One such overlay, the “Revitalization Overlay” would apply to the whole of Port Allen within its current boundaries; that is, “pre-annexation” Port Allen as it now exists. This overlay would allow new residential and light commercial development on small, presently non-conforming lots as a matter of right, removing the obstacles to new construction that owners wishing to demolish and rebuild now face. The second proposed overlay district is a “Mixed-Use Overlay” which would apply to Jefferson and Court Street. This overlay would encourage the ongoing intermingling of single-family residential housing with small restaurant, retail and service establishments, bolstering the area around the Ferry Landing and encouraging the revitalization of downtown and the Ferry District.

Tentative Agenda for Next Meeting:

The next meeting date was set for Monday, October 9, 2006 at 6 PM to be held at the Port Allen City Hall. Issues to be discussed at the next CDC meeting will include discussion on membership issues and lack of attendance. The Ferry and Annexation Plan will also be discussed and an update on the website will be addressed.

Adjournment:

A motion from Ms. Holmes to adjourn was offered and seconded by Mr. Joseph. The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM.

Time: 6:10 P. M.—7:20 P. M.

Place: Port Allen City Hall

Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Chairman Chris Guerin, Vice Chairperson Liz Holmes, Terrell Joseph, Virginia Gough, Tabitha Gray, and Lynn Bradley

Board Members Absent: Frances Alexander, Joyce Jenne, Susan Langlois, Reynard Douglas and Gary Hubble. (Ms. Langlois and Mr. Hubble did not receive the Notice of Meeting. Their e-mail addresses have since been updated).

Guests present: Lu Cutrera, Director of Planning, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. and attorney and staff member Molly McGraw Porter.

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Chris Guerin. Chairman Guerin called the roll and it was determined that a quorum was present due to the reduction in the number of Board Members. Although official business could be conducted, the Board noted that not all Members had received the Notice of Meeting as required by the Bylaws. After discussion it was decided by the Members present that only procedural matters would be resolved by a vote of the Members present, reserving all other official business for the August meeting.

Reading and Acceptance of Minutes:

Minutes of the March 6, 2006 meeting were reviewed and accepted.

Communications, Guest Speakers, etc.:

Lu Cutrera provided an update on the Port Allen Annexation process including Port property omissions, La. Hwy. 415 plans, and upcoming planning/design meetings with the City concerning the Ferry. The CDC will be notified and invited to attend presentations made regarding the Ferry by the Moore Planning Group.

Unfinished Business:

The Board discussed Membership issues and Ms. Porter briefly outlined CDC’s Bylaw provisions as they pertain to the following discussion points:

* Reduction in Number of Board Members
* Attendance Requirements
* Quorum and Voting Requirements

New Business:

1. The Board discussed the $60,000 in funding awarded to CDC by BRAF. BRAF requires that CDC raise $20,000 on its own accord as a prerequisite to future funding.

2. The Board also discussed the status of the 2006 Capital Outlay Bill [House Bill 2] and its capital outlay provisions for Port Allen. At the time of the Meeting, H.B.2 was on the Governor’s desk awaiting her signature. Since then, H.B. 2 has been signed into law as Act No. 27 with an effective date of July 11, 2006. Under its provisions providing general obligation bond funding to specified projects, Port Allen’s Downtown revitalization and redevelopment, land acquisition, infrastructure improvements, renovations, planning and construction projects have been allocated $100,000 in Priority 2 funding and $900,000 in Priority 3 funding.[1]

3. Chairman Guerin agreed to contact members to discuss changes in membership, ongoing participation and bylaw amendments.

4. As a matter of procedure, it was decided that the Shaw/CDC Administration Contract should be maintained through the City rather than initiating a banking account for CDC and the concomitant reporting requirements for non-profits that would entail.

Tentative Agenda for Next Meeting:

The next meeting date was set for August 14, 2006 at 6 PM at Port Allen City Hall. Should this meeting be held in the new City Hall, as expected, the Meeting Notice will so specify. Issues for the next CDC meeting will include a discussion and vote on the membership issues addressed at the July meeting, as well as an update on the Annexation and Ferry.

Adjournment:

A motion from Liz Holmes to adjourn was offered, and it was seconded by Tabitha Gray. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

[1] Priority 2 projects are those anticipated to begin by the first or second quarter of the fiscal year. It is presently anticipated that Priority 2 projects will require the sale of bonds or extension of lines of credit within six months after adoption of this Act. Priority 3 projects are those anticipated to begin in the third quarter of the fiscal year. It is presently anticipated that Priority 3 projects will require the sale of bonds or extension of lines of credit during the current fiscal year.