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May 20, 2008 Dear Councilmen, Ladies and Gentlemen: Public Works - Bids were opened today for Council On Aging, Fire Station #2 and the Water system repairs. Bids will be opened on May 27th for the Water and Sewer Administration Building repairs. The drainage basin and drain line clean-out project began yesterday to address clog drain lines and catch basins throughout the parish. Resident Services - All area supervisors now are equipped with laptops in the field which allows for real time communication with the Resident Services office. This improved technology should make responses to resident's concerns even more efficient. Finishing touches to the Internet based resident services office are underway and are expected to be finished shortly after Memorial Day. Recreation - The Recreation Department is sponsoring another UWF event Saturday, May 24th at Frichter Gym. A coach's clinic was held last night and there was approximately 60 coaches in attendance to review coaching skills for our youth teams. The coaching staff at Chalmette High School should be recognized for their outstanding participation. Also the St. Bernard Parish All Star Program is now reestablished and in full function with teams for both boy's baseball and girl's softball in action. All Star teams are actively seeking support within the community. Through a partnership with the school system Kenilworth Fields are being re-sod and the preliminary field preparation work at Hannan High School has begun. Residents can rent the refurbished pavilions for family gatherings or picnics at two Chalmette parks. The cost is $100 for 3 hours with a $100 clean-up deposit. The pavilion at Vista Park on Victory Drive has access to the playground equipment at that site, and the pavilions at the St. Bernard Community Playground in Torres Park behind the government complex are adjacent to the newly refurbished 14,000-square foot wooden playground area. The facilities can be rented for the following periods on Saturdays and Sundays: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 2 to 5 p.m.; and 6 to 9 p.m. For more information call 504-278-4295. Community Development - Applications for volunteers to serve as condemnation/demolition hearing panelists. Hearings have been scheduled from June 2, 2008 through the remainder of the year. Volunteers will be divided into teams of three and will be responsible for making recommendations to the Department of Community Development, Office of Safety and Permits regarding the status of condemned structures. For more information please contact 278-4310. The time required for residential permit applications had been taking 2 - 3 weeks. We have taken steps to reduce the time frame to 5 days or less. Applications must be completed in order for a permit to be granted. The checklist for required items for resident applications will also be available at the parish website. (www.sbpg.net) Administration - Our new and improved website is scheduled to be rolled out by the June 17th Council Meeting. The website will provide virtual access to all government services. Online payments are available for water bills and there has been an increase each of residents accessing the online service. Permitting and Recreation Department registration will also be added to the website design. A time clock system is being installed for administrative personnel and is scheduled to begin at the start of the next pay period. Recently I have undergone extensive training in follicle purification and restoration - In other words I will be washing hair at a fundraiser at the Hair Gallery in Chalmette, 115 W. Morales Drive Thursday, May 22nd from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. All proceeds will go to the Recreation Department. Reservations are recommended (277-8607). Sincerely, Craig P. Taffaro, Jr. |
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President's Past Reports