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Letters to Leaders

Letters to Leaders

MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, JUNE 15, 2022

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Good afternoon,

Throughout my tenure as Parish President, transparency, accountability and availability have been ideals that my administration has placed on the forefront.

We work tirelessly to answer the calls for information and remain diligent in gathering the facts. This is why I have scheduled an informational meeting for our residents to learn about Risk Rating 2.0 and its impacts on flood insurance rates directly from a FEMA representative.

My administration has been demanding information and a delay to the implementation of the program, which could skyrocket flood insurance rates for some throughout our parish.  I highly encourage residents to be in attendance on Wednesday, June 15 at 3 p.m. in the St. Tammany Parish Council

Chambers.  The meeting will also be live-streamed on STPG-TV and the St. Tammany Parish Government Facebook page. 

Dozens of questions were submitted in advance. Please encourage your neighbors, friends and family to attend or tune in to demand accountability and answers from FEMA.

Last week, I joined lawmakers and other coastal Parish Presidents in Washington, D.C. to sit down with Senator John Kennedy in his office, to discuss more funding for the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).

Currently, we have millions of dollars invested in several projects parish-wide to improve our coastal restoration and protection including, near the Madisonville Lighthouse, Lock No. 1 in Pearl River and Fritchie Marsh in Slidell.

If you would like more information about GOMESA visit RevenueData.DOI.gov.

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, MARCH 3, 2022

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Good morning,

I hope you all enjoyed a safe and festive Mardi Gras. I was happy to see our communities join together to celebrate the return of Carnival to the Northshore after the absence of parades last year due to COVID-19.

Tonight at its regular monthly meeting, the Parish Council will consider introduction of my proposed zoning density moratorium ordinance.

As Parish President, I recognize that continuing land and subdivision development at the current pace without addressing the infrastructure needs will be detrimental to the quality of life to which we are accustomed.  With the identification and funding of planning and engineering initiatives currently underway, and with funding of critical infrastructure improvements in place and budgeted, this will help us catch up to the pace of current development.  The proposed ordinance suspends high-density residential zoning/rezoning/re-subdivision applications in order to protect and preserve the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens.  The proposed parish wide zoning density moratorium allows for development of property under its current zoning classification, does not apply to property zoned for commercial uses, and does not prohibit the issuance of building permits in any zoning classification.

I encourage our citizens to attend the meeting to voice your thoughts on the proposed ordinance. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Parish Council Chambers on Koop Drive.

As always, should you have questions or if I may be of assistance to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Friday, February 18, 2022

Good Afternoon,

Happy Mardi Gras! This weekend Carnival continues in St. Tammany Parish, as six krewes will roll through our communities. I want to personally wish all of our krewes and parade-goers a successful, safe and fun season. Please refer to this schedule to stay up-to-date with all parades.

 

Our Department of Animal Services uses plastic cups during their rescue flights to find homes for pets throughout the country. If you have any unwanted cups, please consider donating them to our shelter.

I am happy to share that our efforts to improve infrastructure is off to a fast start in 2022. Through a partnership with DOTD, we are replacing two bridges, on Hosmer Mill Road near River Road and Million Dollar Road near LA 25. The bridges will experience intermittent closures for crews to perform work related to the project. DOTD has also shared that they are anticipating the opening of the U.S. 11 Hwy Bridge in Slidell by the end of March.

This week, our Grants Department started the process to elevate the first of 77 homes, which experience frequent flooding, through the facilitation of a $32 million grant. Through grant funding in 2021, we helped raise ten homes. If you would like more information on this program, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As always, please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance in any way. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, JANUARY 6, 2022

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Good afternoon,

I hope your holiday season was filled with peace, happiness, and joy, and you were able to enjoy well-deserved time with family and friends.

We were presented with many challenges in 2021, including COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida; however, I am happy to say that the year finished on a promising note.

As we look onward in 2022, and in order to protect and better the quality of life in our Parish, we must address an alarming reality. Residential development is outpacing roads, drainage, utilities and other critical infrastructure.

One of my top priorities is addressing and improving infrastructure in the near future and long-term. We are working to finalize sustainable plans focused on development, drainage, transportation, wetlands and overall growth. However, we must limit high-density residential zoning applications so that we may accurately plan and address the glaring needs to preserve the quality of life that we are accustomed to in St. Tammany Parish.

On Monday, January 3, I proposed a parishwide moratorium on rezoning parcels to increase density for residential development. If you would like to review the proposed “Parishwide Moratorium on Density” ordinance, please click here.

The ordinance is expected to be introduced at the Parish Council meeting on February 3, before being considered for adoption at the Parish Council meeting on March 3. The proposed moratorium would remain in effect for six (6) months after adoption.

Though we have made great strides in our fight against the COVID-19 variants, we are still faced with the reality of the global pandemic. We are certainly within another surge, as the positivity rates throughout our communities have spiked, and that is why we are encouraging everyone to take the necessary precautions.

If you are not feeling well, please consult with your medical professionals regarding protection from COVID-19, including vaccination, and take steps you deem necessary to protect yourself and your family.

As I have expressed throughout 2021, it continues to be my top priority to keep us moving forward by balancing the health of our community with the health of our economy.

As always, should you have questions or if I may be of assistance to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DECEMBER 17, 2021

Friday, December 17, 2021

Good morning,

As this year comes to a close, my administration has reflected on the growth St. Tammany Parish has experienced and is focusing efforts on new, innovative ways to improve our communities.

One of the many ways we can enhance our quality of life is through preserving our natural habitats and wetlands. Through creative bonding, the Parish generated $25 million from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds we received to move these critical initiatives forward.

Currently, we are working to construct a breakwater at the mouth of the Tchefuncte River.  That project will prevent further erosion in Madisonville along the river.  We are also working to restore drainage on the Pearl River.  This includes dredging near the mouths of the Davis launch and Lock launch canals. We will also be upgrading the boat ramp at Lock No. 1 in addition to coastal preservation and hurricane protection. On the latest episode of my monthly show, Open Mike, I talked about some of the many projects we have under way to prioritize those efforts.

Earlier this week, we celebrated the official opening of the Crisis Receiving Center at the Safe Haven Campus. We know there is a great need for mental health services in our Parish and region; being able to provide aid for our neighbors and loved ones who are in need is vital. The Safe Haven Crisis Receiving Center is the first standalone CRC in the state.  It is designed to provide identification, intervention and stabilization for those in a behavioral health crisis.  The goal for the facility is to identify and connect patients to the most appropriate level of treatment for them.

I invite you to enjoy the holiday season at our Holiday of Lights on Koop Drive and other holiday events throughout the Parish. For those last-minute gifts, please remember to shop locally to support our local businesses.

From my family and St. Tammany Parish Government, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.  My holiday message may be viewed here.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DECEMBER 9, 2021

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Good morning,

With the end of the year approaching, we would like to observe the multitude of improvements made within St. Tammany Parish Government over the past year.

We have continued to aggressively pursue avenues to upgrade infrastructure and services, and improve the quality of life in St. Tammany.

One of the many efforts that I am particularly proud of has been the rejuvenation of our Department of Animal Services. When I took office in 2020, we restructured the department and prioritized animal life-saving efforts. I am proud to say that the Animal Services team has continued to deliver a life-release rate of more than 95%, which denotes a No-Kill shelter.

We have been making critical road and drainage improvements throughout our Parish, including an upcoming $1.5 million project on River Road from LA 437 to LA 25. Enhancements include 3.5 miles of asphalt mill and overlay; the re-alignment of the intersections on River Road at LA 437 and LA 25; efficiency and safety improvements at other intersections; and drainage and guardrail upgrades. To view a brief video showing the current condition of River Road, please click here.

On December 8th, the Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee within our state legislature conducted the annual DOTD Road Show at the St. Tammany Parish Council Chambers. The meeting was constructive and beneficial for all parties involved. I was happy to be in attendance prioritizing our needs, requesting efforts to alleviate traffic and fighting for funding within our community. I am proud of the partnerships between our local, state and federal partners that can provide better infrastructure for our citizens.

Please do not forget the importance of reminding our citizens to shop locally for the holidays.  This is a critical time of year for local businesses and it would help them immensely to show our support.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Thursday, December 2, 2021

The regular monthly meeting of the St. Tammany Parish Council will be held this evening at 6:30pm at which time the 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets will be discussed and adopted.  I wish to thank Chief Financial Officer Leslie Long, my Executive Team, Department Directors, and Staff for their expertise and patience in preparing this document which will serve us as a revenue and spending guide for the upcoming fiscal year.  If you would like to review the 2022 Budgets, please click here.

I maintain my commitment to providing a streamlined and responsive government, placing sensible controls on unbridled development, and using our public monies wisely and efficiently on priorities which address our basic and most pressing needs.  We remain vigilant as we address the challenges of COVID-19 and the Delta Variant and the recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida’s destructive impact on August 29.

The submitted Budget document reflects projected revenue from dedicated sources – Sales Tax District No. 3, Ad Valorem, Licenses, and Fees and is used to fund Parish Government offices, functions, services, and capital improvement projects. 

St. Tammany Parish Government is obligated or mandated by state law to fund certain offices and agencies which contribute greatly to supporting our Criminal Justice System.  At this time, we do not have dedicated funding to meet our full obligations to the District Attorney, Sheriff, 22nd JDC, and other offices.  Based upon the revenue available in our General Fund for 2022, this Budget will support only a small percentage of their total needs. We will continue to search for short-term and long-term funding solutions.

My other priorities for 2022 include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Improvements to local streets and roadways
  • Projects to improve local and regional drainage and detention
  • Repairs to and replacement of local bridges
  • Projects to enhance shoreline protection and coastal restoration
  • Planning initiatives for traffic and transportation improvements
  • Expansion of services and improvements at our Safe Haven Behavioral Health Campus
  • Growth and improvements to our water and wastewater utility systems
  • Enhancements to parks and recreational facilities and assets
  • Maintenance and improvements to our public buildings and facilities

Your continued support during these challenging times is appreciated and will allow us to serve our citizens at the highest level.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, NOVEMBER 23, 2021

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to remember and honor the life of Pearl River Mayor David McQueen, who passed away Saturday, surrounded by his family. Mayor McQueen was an honorable man, who spent the last 35 years serving Pearl River as Mayor and Alderman. I will certainly miss his friendship, support and public service.

On Thursday, many of our Parish citizens will gather with their families for the first time in nearly two years to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are truly blessed and I am exceptionally thankful for my loving family, health, steadfast faith, and partnerships with each and every one of you, who help make St. Tammany Parish a desirable place to live and work. It is my sincere hope that your Thanksgiving be filled with compassion, joy, and above all else, gratitude.

My administration continues to focus on finding innovative, creative ways to pursue funding to better our community.

Crews are currently analyzing three ring levees in the Kingspoint and Oak Harbor subdivisions in the Slidell area, in an effort to lower the base flood elevations and reduce flood insurance rates. The work consists of performing surveys, cross sections and boring work, and you may see the activity in these neighborhoods.

Earlier this week, I announced that we have taken the next step to provide much-needed relief to the LA Hwy. 1077 corridor from I-12 to Hwy. 190 in the Goodbee area. With the results of a study, near-term and long-term recommendations were offered and we are actively pursuing funding to make the project a reality. You can access the study by clicking here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Good Morning,

First, I’d like to thank all who acknowledged our critical needs and voted in the election this past Saturday to support funding for the Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility, the District Attorney’s Office, the 22nd Judicial Court, and other governmental agencies. 

Naturally, I am disappointed to see the results of our efforts to properly fund our state-mandated responsibilities for the criminal justice system as our 0.40% sales tax proposition did not receive a favorable vote of our citizens. Nevertheless, the need for funding is still real and imminent, and we will continue meeting with stakeholders to assess the situation and determine our next steps. There are many challenges ahead, but we will continue working to provide vital services offered by St. Tammany Parish Government to our community.

I would like to extend my congratulations to St. Tammany Parish School System, City of Mandeville, Fire Protection District No. 7, and Recreation District No. 11, all of which received a favorable vote for millage renewals to support their operations.

We know that debris removal remains on the minds of many in St. Tammany Parish. I am happy to share that our contractor and debris monitor have provided an interactive map and daily update, which can be found at http://www.stpgov.org/ida. I would like to thank our citizens for their patience and understanding during this process. 

The 15th Annual President’s Arts Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 18. This year’s honorees are a remarkable group of individuals that I take great joy in honoring. For information on this year’s recipients, please click on this post from the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

As always, should you have questions or if I may be of assistance to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,


Michael B. Cooper
Parish President

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