The Jefferson Parish Council meets Wednesday to attack blight, restrict electronic signs, make Mardi Gras float riders wear masks and suspend building permit fees. As if that's not enough, it also is set to hire attorneys, to award a contract for installing bus-stop benches and selling advertising on them and to tell the Legislature not to send more money...
The Jefferson Parish Council meets Wednesday to attack blight, restrict electronic signs, make Mardi Gras float riders wear masks and suspend building permit fees. As if that's not enough, it also is set to hire attorneys, to award a contract for installing bus-stop benches and selling advertising on them and to tell the Legislature not to send more money for building the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
Here is a preview of seven issues on the council's 117-item agenda:
- The anti-blight measure would let administrators maintain or repair a foreclosed home then send the bill to the neglectful lender.
- For almost two years, parish officials have been studying how to regulate electronic variable message signs, a topic that divided business interests and homeowner groups. Last week, the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Civic League of East Jefferson reached a compromise agreement on some modifications to it.
- In a continuing effort to tighten up on Carnival parades, Councilwoman Cynthia Lee-Sheng offers a proposal to make float riders remain "constantly costumed" and masked. The measure is especially aimed at the two truck parades that roll after the Krewe of Argus on Fat Tuesday in Metairie.
- Property owners wouldn't have to pay permit fees in the next six months for demolition and repairs related to Hurricane Isaac, under another measure that the council will consider.
- Two parish committees -- the Charter Advisory Board and the Ethics and Compliance Commission -- are asking the council for professional help, the the council will consider whether to hire attorneys for them.
- The bus bench advertising contract was controversial the last time it was awarded. This time, however, the incumbent vendor appears poised to win it again. Its only competitor, in line to be disqualified, offered less guaranteed money but potentially more revenue for the public.
- Councilman Chris Roberts wants to block more state money to build the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Parish President John Young is likely to oppose the measure.
The council meeting begins at 10 a.m. at the General Government Building in Gretna.