Dear Councilmen, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Public Works - Bids were opened today to repair the closed crossings over the 20 Arpent Canal (Oak Drive, Angelique Drive, Nancy Drive, and Maureen Lane). Bids will be opened on Tuesday, May 13th for Fire Station #2 and the Jean Lafitte force main. Bids for the Council on Aging will be opened Tuesday, May 20th. Engineering work has begun for temporary repairs on Jean Lafitte Parkway contingent upon FEMA approval.

Resident Services - The office is handling 50 to 75 residents each day by phone or walk-in. With the new computerized resident services system set to be online in the next two weeks there should be a reduction in phone or walk-in activity. Code enforcement books are ready and the inspectors will begin writing summons in the next week. Liens are being placed on lots and houses for grass that is cut by parish government. To date parish government has cut over 350 lawns. The Rediscover District C group is planning to be the first group to partner with parish government in cutting non compliant lots in their area.

Tourism - The Office of Tourism is now on NOTV (the TV Station in Hotel Rooms) and is airing the St. Bernard's promotional TV ad in 100 Hotels or 23,505 hotel rooms in the Metropolitan area. This is part of the "Tourism Recovery Grant" to attract visitors to St. Bernard Parish.

Attendance for the Art in April Festival was estimated to be approximately 5,000 and four High School Seniors received a $1,000 scholarship to continue their education in the arts. A visit from the Ambassador of Spain to the United States was successful this past weekend and ongoing activity to promote economic development partnerships is anticipated.

Recreation - The community playground rebuild is near completion with the grand opening ceremonies scheduled for May 18th which should include Radio Disney. The St. Bernard baseball and softball summer leagues have begun practice and team selection with over 500 children participating. Practices and games will be held at Carolyn Park, Patricia Park, Vista Park, Chalmette Middle field and hopefully Gauthier before the summer is out. Another UWF event will be held on May 24th at Frichter Gym.

Internal demolition began on the back hall of the Ballroom but has been delayed for a couple of days due to a legal issue which hopefully will be resolved on tomorrow. Advertisement of bids for Val Riess Park will begin next week with actual Phase One work beginning in early July.

Community Development - Appeal hearings are scheduled to begin next month and planning procedures are being prepared. Tonight's agenda also includes an introduction of coastal use permit fee adjustments which will allow increased revenues appropriate to the size and impact of projects.

Administration - Attached to this report is a review of the first 100 days of the current term. While there continues to be much work left to be done, I believe that together we have begun to create positive momentum for our recovery and growth. Recently I had the opportunity to meet with President Bush, outgoing Recovery Chairman Powell and his replacement General Odell. The President and his staff expressed continued support and commitment to our recovery. Issues relative to the MRGO closure plan, the need for continued support of demolition activity, and the need for federal level support for hospital services in St. Bernard Parish were all discussed.

Repairs to the government building continue and the target date of mid August for completion remains attainable despite some anticipation of delays of two to three weeks. This is irrespective of the council chambers target date remaining on schedule for a June completion.

Sincerely,

Craig P. Taffaro, Jr.
Parish President