News

Closure for Christmas Holiday

St. Tammany Parish Government offices will be closed from Friday, December 23, through Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holidays.

Business hours will resume Tuesday, December 27, at 8 a.m.

Closure for New Year's Holiday

St. Tammany Parish Government offices will be closed from Friday, December 30, through Monday, January 2, in observance of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Business hours will resume Tuesday, January 3, at 8 a.m.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Thursday, November 24, 2022 and Friday, November 25, 2022 in observance of Thanksgiving. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Business hours resume on Monday, November 28, 2022.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month, let's continue to raise awareness and destigmatize talking about mental health.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.

If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Need someone to talk to regarding your mental health? Thanks to a grant from Northshore Community Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - St. Tammany is able to provide free online therapy for 90 days. Sign up at https://wellconnectedns.com/

SEPTEMBER ST. TAMMANY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLED, DUE TO HURRICANE IDA

ST. TAMMANY, LA. – Due to power outages and other impacts caused by Hurricane Ida, the monthly St. Tammany Parish Council meeting, scheduled for September 2, 2021, has been cancelled.

Further details regarding items on the September agenda will be released when plans are finalized.

“Today is an important day for the future of St. Tammany Parish,” said Parish President Mike Cooper. “For our Parish to continue to be a highly desirable place to live and work, there is a need for effective planning and management of future growth. Proper drainage is imperative in increasing our resiliency in the years to come as we address the flood protection needs of our citizens.”

The Parish-wide Comprehensive Drainage Plan will be a crucial, $900,000 initiative funded solely by the 1.69 drainage millage, which renewal was passed with overwhelming support by the voters of St. Tammany in March 2021. The Parish Council authorized the expenditure at its regular meeting on July 8.

St. Tammany has been, and continues to be, at high risk for flooding events. The Louisiana Watershed Initiative Action Plan lists St. Tammany as one of the most impacted Parishes from the two flooding events in March and August 2016. Additionally, the Watershed Initiative’s Action Plan predicts St. Tammany to be the state’s most vulnerable Parish to flooding by the year 2043.

“I want to personally thank the citizens of St. Tammany for prioritizing our future in passing the drainage millage that supported this plan,” said Cooper. “We can no longer be reactive in regards to flooding. My administration is taking the necessary steps now to analyze the existing flood hazards, as well as predict future conditions, in order to mitigate deficiencies and reduce future problems. This is the first step in protecting our communities from ensuing flooding incidents.”

St. Tammany Parish faces unique challenges regarding stormwater management, especially riverine and coastal influences which are intricately connected to present-day flooding issues. The Parish is forced to accommodate storm water that comes from outside of St. Tammany Parish borders and travels the various rivers through the Parish to its ultimate outfall. The Parish has many areas with little relief at the termination of drainage basins, which can present challenges in maintaining adequate capacity in the systems.

The plan will include a combination of drainage improvement initiatives, which will utilize current and future parish funds to leverage outside funding sources through State and Federal participation, grants, non-profit and/or private entities.

MANDEVILLE, LA. – St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announces work on the Soult Street upgrade project is expected to begin this week.

“Providing reliable, efficient roads in St. Tammany Parish is a top priority for my administration,” said Cooper. “Once completed, navigating Soult St. will become safer and improve navigability, especially near intersections and Mandeville Middle School. This roadway is vital, as it connects U.S. 190 to LA 1088, and I am elated to move forward in increasing the quality of life for our neighbors.”

The $2.6 million project includes a mill and asphalt overlay of Soult St., turn lanes at U.S. 190 & LA 1088, extends the turn lane at Mandeville Middle School and improves the turn radius at several intersections among other related improvements.

The project is scheduled to begin on July 26, 2021, with completion expected in Summer 2022. All work is weather permitting.

St. Tammany Parish Government appreciates your patience and reminds all drivers to travel with caution through work zones. Please be aware of crews and their equipment.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper encourages all residents to celebrate safely during the Independence Day weekend.

“We appreciate our citizens’ desire to celebrate the independence and freedoms that we all enjoy,” said President Cooper. “We also ask that our residents practice safety when spending time on the water, watching fireworks displays and through all other Independence Day celebrations.”

St. Tammany Parish Government urges neighbors to attend public fireworks displays, which are created by professionals. If you choose to use fireworks, please follow these few tips:

• • Only allow adults to handle fireworks.
• • Read labels and follow directions.
• • Never aim or throw fireworks at other people.
• • Only light fireworks away from homes.
• • Wet rooftops and other dry areas near your home.

The St. Tammany Parish Council passed a resolution, authored by District 10 Councilwoman Maureen O’Brien, promoting fireworks safety, in addition to encouraging citizens to be courteous to neighbors and pets.

While fireworks can be a great source of enjoyment, they can also be distressing to pets and those living with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders. The resolution, which was passed unanimously, asks residents to be respectful of the time, place and manner that fireworks are used.

For an Independence Day message from Parish President Mike Cooper, please click here.

The St. Tammany Parish Council has voted to call a special election for voters to consider allowing a casino complex in St. Tammany Parish.

“From the beginning, I have expressed my desire for the voters of St. Tammany to decide the future of a gaming and entertainment venue at a specific location on Lake Pontchartrain in Eastern St. Tammany,” said Parish President Mike Cooper. “I appreciate the interest from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment to invest into our community, and I look forward to seeing more information provided in the coming months on how the casino could benefit Slidell and all of St. Tammany.”

The Council’s Resolution, which was decided 8-6, will allow the people of St. Tammany the ability to decide whether or not they want a casino in St. Tammany Parish.

The Special Election will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper is asking residents to use care when traveling in St. Tammany, as spring rains have caused high water on some roadways. Forecasters predict the possibility for storms could return Friday. 

“Our Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring the forecast and watching river levels. Our Public Works crews are checking roadways and placing high water signs where needed. We ask citizens to stay tuned to local weather, and drive with care,” President Cooper said. “All road updates are posted at www.stpgov.org/storm.”

Residents are asked to report flooded structures to 985-898-2574.

Camp Salmen Nature Park, located at 35122 Parish Parkway Slidell, is closed due to high water. Storm information is posted at www.stpgov.org/storm, and on Parish Social Media channels.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for St. Tammany Parish until Saturday morning.

Camp Salmen Nature Park to Reopen Friday, March 26, 2021 — Some Trails to Remain Closed Until Water Recedes

Camp Salmen Nature Park will reopen at 12 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021. Citizens are advised that some trails still have water and these trails will be closed for public use. These trails will be marked with barricades and/or signage which means they are closed. Citizens are asked to please refrain from going around the barricades. 

Camp Salmen Nature Park is located at 35122 Parish Parkway Slidell.

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services is closed, Saturday March 20, 2021 because it is a polling place for the Saturday March 20, 2021 Primary Election. Business hours resume Monday, March 22, 2021 at 8 a.m.

Assembling the Community's Vision 

The second edition of the New Directions 2040 Newsletter has been released. Read the entire newsletter here.

Ochsner Health Systems Community COVID-19 Testing in Slidell This Week — December 1 – December 4

Ochsner Health System is offering Community COVID-19 testing this week in the Slidell area —Tuesday, December 1, 2020 through Friday, December 4, 2020 at the Fritchie Park Gym, 905 W. Howze Beach Road. The testing site is open from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. COVID-19 testing is open to Louisiana residents, age two and older.

Members of the community who wish to be tested should bring an ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all test kits have been utilized. Testing schedules are subject to change due to weather.

For more information about Ochsner’s community testing resources, please visit www.ochsner.org/testing.

Ochsner Health Systems Community COVID-19 Testing in Slidell This Week — November 17 – November 20, 2020

Ochsner Health System is offering Community COVID-19 testing this week in the Slidell area —Tuesday, November 17, 2020 through Friday, November 20, 2020 at the Fritchie Park Gym, 905 W. Howze Beach Road. The testing site is open from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. COVID-19 testing is open to Louisiana residents, age two and older.

Members of the community who wish to be tested should bring an ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all test kits have been utilized. Testing schedules are subject to change due to weather.

For more information about Ochsner’s community testing resources, please visit www.ochsner.org/testing.

21^st Annual Drive-Thru Holiday of Lights will Take Place this Christmas Season

St. Tammany Parish President, Mike Cooper announced that a modified version of the 21st Annual Holiday of Lights will go forward this Christmas season as a drive-thru only event.

“We are all ready for something positive. What could be more positive than keeping this tradition alive even through COVID-19,” Cooper said. “While we know the experience will be slightly different, we will still have the experience, and that is the most important thing for us — to give our citizens the Holiday of Lights event in 2020.”

The Holiday of Lights display will be open on Koop Drive in Mandeville, as a drive-thru only sightseeing event, Fridays through Sundays from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in December, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas night. Dates and drive-thru procedures will be announced closer to the kick-off of the event.

14^th Annual President’s Arts Awards Slated for November 19th

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced today that the 14^th Annual President’s Arts Awards recipients will be honored at the President’s Arts Awards presented by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs, Thursday, November 19, 2020, at an outdoor ceremony at the Koop Drive Trailhead Pavilion. Attendance will be limited to recipients and their families as COVID-19 protective protocol will be in place.

“We are happy to be able to host this event at the Koop Drive Trailhead. I want to thank the Commission for their hard work and their attention to every detail in keeping safety in mind in planning this event, for the honorees,” Cooper said. “The arts are a vital part of our community.  I look forward to celebrating my first Arts Awards as Parish President and recognizing the wealth of artistic talent here in St. Tammany. I offer sincere congratulations to every recipient.”

The honorees are as follows:

• Visual Artist – Gretchen Armbruster
• Literary Artist – Mike Artell
• Culinary Artist – Abita Brewing Company
• Performing Artist – Mel Rogers
• Musical Artist – Lee Hicks
• Patron of the Arts – Painting with a Twist
• President’s Award (Posthumously) – Gardner Schneider Kole
• Native Son Award – Lesslee Fitzmorris Mitchell
• Lifetime Achievement – Patricia “Pat” Clanton
• Outstanding Service Award – Kim Bergeron

Ochsner Health Systems Community COVID-19 Testing in Slidell Underway this Week

Ochsner Health System is offering Community COVID-19 testing this week from Tuesday, November 3, 2020 through Friday, November 6, 2020, at the Fritchie Park Gym, 905 W. Howze Beach Road, in Slidell, from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. COVID-19 testing is open to Louisiana residents, age two and older.

Members of the community who wish to be tested should bring an ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all test kits have been utilized. Testing schedules are subject to change due to weather.

For more information about Ochsner’s community testing resources, please visit www.ochsner.org/testing.

Non-emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government Closed November 3, 2020

Non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Tuesday, November 3, 2020 for election day. Business hours resume Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 8 a.m.

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed in Observance of Columbus Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, October 12, 2020, in observance of Columbus Day. In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close Saturday, October 10, 2020.

Office hours will resume Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 8 a.m.

Statement From St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper on the 2020 Census

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper wants all St. Tammany residents to be counted in the 2020 Census. He reminds citizens there is still time to respond, and that our responses impact the future of St. Tammany.

“Census data, collected every ten years, helps determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to hospitals, fire departments, and schools. It determines how resources are allocated for roads, and other resources in each community—including ours,” Cooper said. “The results of the Census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and your political representation at all levels off government. Please respond if you haven’t already. You still have time. Let’s make the Census count for St. Tammany.”

St. Tammany’s current response rate is 69%, second in the State to St. Charles Parish with a response rate of 69.7 %. Anyone wishing to respond  may visit: my2020census.gov. According to my2020census.gov , the questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Field data collection and online response opportunities will end September 30, 2020, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Census Bureau in early August, 2020.

Ochsner Health Systems Community COVID-19 Testing in Mandeville Underway this Week

Ochsner Health System is offering Community COVID-19 testing this week from Wednesday, September 16, 2020 through Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Mandeville Community Center located at 3090 E Causeway Approach in Mandeville. Testing is available from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. COVID-19 testing is open to Louisiana residents, age two and older.

Members of the community who wish to be tested should bring an ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all test kits have been utilized. Testing schedules are subject to change due to weather.

For more information about Ochsner’s community testing resources, please visit www.ochsner.org/testing.

The Bayou Lacombe drawbridge on the Tammany Trace is again operational, and open to marine traffic. Crews made the repair the morning of Saturday, September 12, 2020. Parish Government thanks citizens for their patience.

The Bayou Lacombe drawbridge on the Tammany Trace remains in the down position and closed to marine traffic due to the mechanical failure noted one week ago. Crews have identified the issue, and the parts needed for repair are on order.

Parish Government anticipates the arrival of the necessary parts within the next 24 hours. When the part arrives, the bridge will be repaired as soon as possible.

We will continue to post changes and updates on the Tammany Trace website at www.tammanytrace.org, and on the Tammany Trace Facebook page.

Mechanical Failure has caused the Bayou Lacombe drawbridge on the Tammany Trace to remain in the down position and closed to marine traffic for what is expected to be approximately one week. Crews have identified the issue, and the parts needed for repair are on order. Changes and updates will be shared on the Tammany Trace website at www.tammanytrace.org, and on the Tammany Trace Facebook page.

Non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in observance of Labor Day.

In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close Saturday, September 5, 2020. Business hours resume Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 8 a.m.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, the host for all of St. Tammany Parish Government websites will be performing system upgrades that will require a server shutdown for 2 hours. 

St. Tammany Parish Government websites will not be available from 5 AM to 7 AM on August 18, 2020. 

Sites affected:

• www.stpgov.org
• www.campsalmennaturepark.org
• www.tammanytrace.org
• www.sttammanyfishingpier.com
• www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org
• www.safehavenstp.org

Alternating Lane Closure Alert for Harrison Ave (Covington)

A geotech company will have alternating lane closures on Harrison Ave, between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm from 8/12/20 through 8/16/20, while crews take core samples for the Design of the Harrison Ave Improvements Project.

Motorist can expect some delays and are encouraged to take alternate routes if possible.

Today, St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced exciting news about events taking place during the month of August and beyond for the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter. The shelter gratefully welcomes as a partner Mardi Paws, the super krewe for k9s. Together they will host several initiatives to increase adoptions, expand education, and raise awareness about the shelter.  The kick-off to this partnership will be joint participation in Clear the Shelters 2020, a nation-wide, month-long fee-waived “Adopt and Donate” effort starting Saturday, August 1, 2020.  Mardi Paws will lend a paw to this event by giving away a free backpack of Summer Lovin’ swag to everyone who adopts a cat or dog from the shelter during the month of August.

“We are very excited about Clear the Shelters 2020. The expansion of the event to the entire month of August will undoubtedly help many of our animals who need homes. In addition, this event will truly highlight our relationship with Mardi Paws as they work so closely with us to feature the work of our committed shelter employees and to partner with us in finding homes for these animals,” Cooper Said. “Our shelter accepts every animal brought in, and we work every day to place adoptable animals in loving forever homes. This is an opportunity for citizens to help us find homes for these animals. With adoption fees waived for the month of August, we hope to surpass our monthly adoption records.”

"Mardi Paws is all about pups and we're excited to partner with our St. Tammany Parish open admissions Animal Shelter this summer. They take in thousands of abandoned, surrendered and stray animals each year, they can't possibly re-home all of these animals without the community's help," said Denise Gutnisky, Founder Mardi Paws. “We know this partnership will mean positive outcomes for the animals, and hopefully raise awareness about how the community can make a difference, and this is what we hope to achieve.”

Mardi Paws has donated over 70 crates to Support the recent Wings of Rescue Transport flights, and is currently raising money to fund a fall 2020 flight for St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parish Shelters. Over 100 animals —including cats and dogs — from the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter, on four separate Wings of Rescue flights, have been rehomed in 2020.

This year’s Clear the Shelters event will be virtual. Anyone wishing to adopt can make an appointment with Animal Services by calling 985-809-0183. This year, GreaterGood.org is joining with Clear the Shelters to raise money for shelters around the country. To support the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, follow this link.  Money raised for the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter will fund costs such as crates for pups for rescue transports; foster supplies such as: crates, bottles, puppy/kitten milk replacer and heating pads; toys; treats; and cat hideaway boxes, to name a few.

The Summer Lovin’ Swag backpack from Mardi Paws includes: Summer Lovin’ T-shirt, three free days of camp + bath for dogs at Camp Bow Wow, Covington, MedVet Leading Specialty Healthcare for Pets pop-up water bowl, Tito’s Vodka for Dog People Bandana, and a Bag of Marsh Dog treats.

To learn more about Clear the Shelters 2020, and to see adoptable pets, visit, www.cleartheshelters.com.

Also, look for these ongoing and upcoming events with Mardi Paws: Mutts to the Rescue— www.MuttsToTheRescue.com; #LendAPaw — donate supplies, or become a sponsor; Bark Week — a Barky & Sharky spoof of the The Discovery Channel's ever-popular Shark Week to promote shelter adoptions — www.barkweek.org; and Wings of Rescue donation campaign to raise money for a St. Tammany Parish/Tangipahoa Parish Transport.

To date, in 2020, over 451 animals were rehomed through compassionate, credible rescue group partnerships and 432 animals have been adopted directly from the Animal Shelter.  All animals who leave the shelter for adoption have a complete checkup, are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. The Department of Animal Services is open by appointment for anyone wishing to adopt and animal, or foster an animal to adoption. Call (985) 809-0183 to make an appointment, and visit,  www.stpgov.org/pets to view animals available for adoption.

Adoption hours at the Animal Services Shelter are Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 12PM and 1PM to 4PM.

Due to early voting for the Municipal General Election, the Board of Adjustments (BOA)  meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2020, has been postponed. This meeting will now be held ahead of the September 1, 2020 BOA meeting. The August agenda will be at the start of the meeting, and the September meeting agenda will follow. In addition, also due to early voting, the start of August 4, 2020  Zoning Commission Meeting has been pushed back to 6:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. 

View the Board of Adjustments Agenda here. 
View the Zoning Commission agenda here. 

These meetings will be open to the public. Seating may be restricted due to COVID-19 capacity guidelines. Attendees will be required to wear a face mask or covering and will be required to submit to a temperature check before entering the Council Chambers.

Louisiana Department of Health Opens COVID-19 Mobile Testing Site in St. Tammany Parish
In Partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health and the Louisiana National Guard, COVID-19 testing will be available in St. Tammany Parish through a mobile COVID-19 testing site location in St. Tammany, Friday, July 17, 2020 at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, located at 1301 N. Columbia St. in the Covington area. The testing site will be open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

To be tested, residents must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Louisiana ID.  The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own noses onsite while in their vehicles, observed by a trained medical volunteer to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and drop the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-thru site. Those being tested will need to wear a mask and stay in their cars for verification of eligibility criteria, ID check and self-administered test. Walk up testing is not preferred due to safety concerns. 

Ochsner Testing Site Continues Through End of Week
Ochsner Health System continues to conduct COVID-19 testing in St. Tammany through Thursday, July 16, 2020 – Friday, July 17, 2020  at Celebration Church Slidell Campus, located at 1000 Caruso Blvd., Suite 201. The site opens at 9 a.m. Testing is open to Louisiana residents. You do not need to show symptoms to get tested.

Members of the community who wish to be tested should bring an ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all test kits have been utilized.

Testing schedules are subject to change due to weather.

Road or Lane Status
ST. TAMMANY PARISH- I-12: US 190 TO LA 59

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 2:42 PM

ST. TAMMANY PARISH - I-12: US 190 TO LA 59
S.P. H.011152

From Monday, July 20, 2020 through Friday, July 24, 2020, there will be alternating left and right lane closures on US 190 (both East and West) at the I-12 Overpass. These closures will be from the hours of 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, weather permitting. This is to allow the contractor to perform bridge demo operations.

One lane of traffic will remain open at all times.

There will be no vehicle restrictions and emergency vehicles will have access on US 190. Motorists may encounter a slight delay during this time.

There will also be a FULL RAMP CLOSURE for I-12 Eastbound as follows:

• On Thursday, July 23, 2020 and Friday, July 24, 2020, there will be a FULL RAMP CLOSURE of the I-12 Eastbound off-ramp to US 190 West (Exit 63B). This closure will be from the hours of 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, weather permitting. This is to allow the contractor to mobilize equipment.

Detour Section
Motorists traveling I-12 EB wishing to exit US 190 West (Exit 63B) may take Exit 63A towards US 190 East and transition to US 190 West at Fairway Dr/Judge Tanner Blvd.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Project Contact
Lacey McCaskill, P.E.
Area Engineer East
St. Tammany and Washington Parish
985-871-8519
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
www.dotd.la.gov

$2.2 Million Bridge Replacement Project in the Slidell Area Begins Monday, July 6, 2020

A $2.2 million infrastructure enhancement project in the Slidell area begins July 6, 2020, barring any unforeseen delays. The project, part of a $30 million Bond Package announced in March of 2019, will include the replacement of two bridges on the I-10 Service Road in the Slidell area south of Lake Village Boulevard, drainage improvements, and the mill and overlay of the entire roadway. The roadway will be closed before each bridge from just south of Sign Lite to just north of Louisiana Log Homes to all motor vehicle traffic for the expected duration of the 224 – day project.

Motorists are asked to plan to use North Pearl Drive and Lake Village Boulevard as alternate routes until the project is complete in early 2021.  McDonald Construction of Slidell is the contractor for this project.

St Tammany Parish to Hold Public Meeting for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Covington, LA – St Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) is in the process of updating the St Tammany Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan and will hold a public meeting on the plan update process. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, this meeting will be held virtually to keep the steering committee and public participants safe and following the guidelines set by both the CDC and our Governor.

The Public Meeting will be held on June 18^th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM through a virtual platform.  Meeting details: Zoom Meeting
https://lsu.zoom.us/j/99617973759?pwd=RVZMcVV3VmI0OTNpVytrZUNGM3pHUT09

Meeting ID: 996 1797 3759
Password: 513833
 

Natural hazards have the potential to cause property loss, loss of life, economic hardship, and threats to public health and safety. While an important aspect of emergency management deals with disaster recovery (the actions that a community takes to repair damages), an equally important aspect of emergency management involves hazard mitigation - sustained actions taken to reduce long-term risk to life and property. These actions are things we do today to be more protected in the future.  Some examples of mitigation actions include elevating buildings in flood hazard areas, installing hurricane clips and storm shutters, relocating critical facilities out of hazard areas, and using fire-resistant construction materials in wildfire hazard areas. Hazard mitigation actions are essential to breaking the typical disaster cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. With careful selection, they can be long-term, cost-effective means of reducing risk and helping to create a more sustainable and disaster-resilient community.

A hazard mitigation plan describes an area’s vulnerability to the various natural hazards that are typically present, along with an array of actions and projects for reducing key risks to these hazards. While natural disasters cannot be prevented from occurring, the continued implementation of mitigation strategies identified in the plan will gradually, but steadily, make our communities more sustainable and disaster-resilient.

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) requires all states and local governments to have a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible to apply for certain types of federal hazard mitigation project grants. Hazard mitigation plans must be: (a) implemented on an ongoing basis, and (b) updated every five years to ensure that they remain applicable representations of local risk and locally-preferred risk reduction strategies.

Residents of St Tammany Parish are asked to participate in a survey about public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in the parish.  The survey results will be used in the development of the plan. This short web-based survey can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sttammanyhm2020

St Tammany Parish to Hold Public Meeting for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Covington, LA – St Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) is in the process of updating the St Tammany Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan and will hold a public meeting on the plan update process. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, this meeting will be held virtually to keep the steering committee and public participants safe and following the guidelines set by both the CDC and our Governor.

The Public Meeting will be held on June 18^th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM through a virtual platform.  Meeting details: Zoom Meeting
https://lsu.zoom.us/j/99617973759?pwd=RVZMcVV3VmI0OTNpVytrZUNGM3pHUT09

Meeting ID: 996 1797 3759
Password: 513833
 

Natural hazards have the potential to cause property loss, loss of life, economic hardship, and threats to public health and safety. While an important aspect of emergency management deals with disaster recovery (the actions that a community takes to repair damages), an equally important aspect of emergency management involves hazard mitigation - sustained actions taken to reduce long-term risk to life and property. These actions are things we do today to be more protected in the future.  Some examples of mitigation actions include elevating buildings in flood hazard areas, installing hurricane clips and storm shutters, relocating critical facilities out of hazard areas, and using fire-resistant construction materials in wildfire hazard areas. Hazard mitigation actions are essential to breaking the typical disaster cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. With careful selection, they can be long-term, cost-effective means of reducing risk and helping to create a more sustainable and disaster-resilient community.

A hazard mitigation plan describes an area’s vulnerability to the various natural hazards that are typically present, along with an array of actions and projects for reducing key risks to these hazards. While natural disasters cannot be prevented from occurring, the continued implementation of mitigation strategies identified in the plan will gradually, but steadily, make our communities more sustainable and disaster-resilient.

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) requires all states and local governments to have a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible to apply for certain types of federal hazard mitigation project grants. Hazard mitigation plans must be: (a) implemented on an ongoing basis, and (b) updated every five years to ensure that they remain applicable representations of local risk and locally-preferred risk reduction strategies.

Residents of St Tammany Parish are asked to participate in a survey about public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in the parish.  The survey results will be used in the development of the plan. This short web-based survey can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sttammanyhm2020

Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. Draft Action Plan Submitted by Advisory Council to Parish President Cooper for Final Review – Statement from St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper and Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corporation CEO

“In accordance with the accelerated timeline I requested, I received the Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. Draft Action Plan from the St. Tammany Economic Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Council this afternoon. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Advisory Council for their commitment to creating a plan that focuses on the safe, swift, sustainable reopening of our local economy while carefully monitoring the ongoing pandemic and the impacts on public health.”

Cooper went on to say, “I commend their dedication to hearing the concerns of our local business community through a dedicated email address for receiving public comments, a series of industry-specific focus groups, and elected official briefings. This engagement from the public shaped the Action Plan.”

“I look forward to reviewing the Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. draft Action Plan with my team over the course of the weekend and providing detailed feedback to the Advisory Council on Monday. The draft submitted to me today is also publicly available for all businesses and communities in the Parish to begin making plans to prepare for the possible expiration of the Governor’s extended statewide Stay-at-Home order on May 16, 2020.”

“We will all be watching the Governor’s press conference on Monday afternoon to understand what the plans for Louisiana will be moving forward. My team, in collaboration with the Advisory Council will then review the guidance from the Governor alongside this draft action plan to determine next steps for St. Tammany and its phased reopening under the new business normal. I do intend to hold a comprehensive press briefing on Tuesday to share the final Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. Action Plan with St. Tammany.”

“Getting this plan together to reopen our economy has been an important endeavor and the members of President Cooper’s Advisory Council have taken this initiative very seriously,” says Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corporation CEO. “Working with healthcare experts, business professionals and receiving public feedback from various sectors of our economy directly shaped the recommendations included in this action plan. The plan positions St. Tammany Parish with a strong opportunity for sustainable economy recovery.”  

The Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. Action Plan can be downloaded at http://sttammanycorp.org/live-safe-work-safe-shop-safe-action-plan/.

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed for Mardi Gras

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, February 24, 2020, and Tuesday, February 25, 2020, for Mardi Gras. In addition the Department of Animal Services is closed Saturday, February 22, 2020. Business hours resume on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 8 a.m.
 
Have a safe and Happy Mardi Gras!

Three St. Tammany Parish High School Students Advance to 2020 Poetry Out Loud State Competition

The 2020 Parish-level St. Tammany Parish Poetry Out Loud Competition was held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Covington High School.  Eight St. Tammany Parish High Schools with a total of 22 students, competed in the ninth annual competition. The top three finalists who advanced to the State Championship coming up at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge on March 7, 2020 are as follows: First Place, Justin Basse of Covington High School; Second Place, Jessee Gille of Pearl River High School; and Third Place, Jacob Simmons of Covington High.
 
“I’d like to congratulate these three students and wish them luck at the State level in their bid for a spot in the national competition,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “We appreciate your time and preparation for this chance to proudly represent St. Tammany.”
 
Winners from each state who advance in their respective competitions, will then compete for the National Poetry Out Loud Championship in Washington D.C.
 
Created by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a program that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through exploration, memorization and performance. The inspiration for this competition is to promote the art of poetry in both the classroom and the community. Participants are scored on performance and accuracy by a panel of judges. The St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs coordinates this competition for the students in our Parish.
 
To learn more about the Poetry Out Loud Competition and what students and schools can win through this competition, visit www.poetryoutloud.org/about.
 

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PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT: St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs (CCA) Chair Laura Prisco; 1^st Place Winner Justin Basse of Covington High), 2^nd Place winner Jessee Gille of Pearl River High, 3^rd Place winner Jacob Simmons of Covington High, CCA Vice Chair Kelly Elliott
 

Offices Closed Monday January 20, 2020 in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, January 20, 2020, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, January 18, 2020.  Business hours resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 8 a.m.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

The St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs to host the 11th Annual Poetry Out Loud Competition

The 2019-2020 Poetry Out Loud competition will be held Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Covington High School. Twenty three students representing eight St. Tammany Parish high schools will compete in the poetry recitation competition. First, second, and third place winners will advance to the state competition to be held in Baton Rouge at the Capitol Park Museum on March 7, 2020.
 
“Poetry Out Loud is a competition that offers each participant great opportunities and a chance to meet students from all around St. Tammany,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “We are fortunate to have the partnership between our schools and our hard-working Commission on Cultural Affairs, to host this event.”
 
A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages thestudy of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country.


 

Holiday Closures and Christmas Tree Recycling

Non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close Monday, December 23, 2019, through Wednesday, December 25, 2019, for Christmas. The Tammany Trace and Kids Konnection will close Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, 2019, reopening Thursday, December 26, 2019. Office hours resume Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 8 a.m. Non-emergency offices will close, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020, in observance of the New Year. Office hours resume Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 8 a.m.

Christmas Tree Recycling

St. Tammany Parish Government will begin accepting Christmas trees for recycling after Christmas.  Trees can be brought to the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds at 1515 North Florida Street in Covington and The Old Levee Board Property at 61134 Military Road in Slidell, during daylight hours. Trees must be stripped of all decorations —ornaments, lights, tinsel, etc. and the stands must be removed completely to be eligible for the program. Flocked trees will not be accepted at the drop-off sites.

Holiday Updates From St. Tammany Parish Government

The 20th Annual Holiday of Lights will take place over two December weekends: December 6, 7 and 13, 14, 2019, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Koop Drive in Mandeville. A complete entertainment lineup will be released soon.

Non-Emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close Thursday, November 28, 2019 and Friday, November 29, 2019. The Department of Animal Services will close Saturday, November 30, 2019 as well.

Christmas closures for Parish Government are as follows: non-emergency offices will close Tuesday, December 24, 2019 and Wednesday, December 25, 2019.

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier, located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road in the Slidell area, will close on Thanksgiving Day— Thursday, November 28, 2019. The Pier will close Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 6p.m. for the winter months, and is expected to reopen in the spring, on or around March 1, 2020.

In addition, the following closures will take place at other St. Tammany recreational facilities during the holiday season:

In November, the Tammany Trace and the Kids Konnection are closed Thanksgiving Day —Thursday, November 28, 2019. These facilities re-open Friday, November 29th. In December, these facilities will close Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, reopening Thursday, December 26th. Camp Salmen Nature Park will close Thursday, November 28, 2019 and will reopen Friday, November 29, 2019 at 9 a.m.

St. Tammany Parish Public Works Crews in Final Week of Debris Pickup

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that the final day for debris pickup by the Parish’s Public Works crews, for debris caused by Tropical Storm Olga, will be Friday, November 22, 2109. Residents are asked to place un-bagged, vegetative, non-construction debris, curbside in the right-of-way for crews to easily access.  Anyone who has questions, is asked to fill out a work order request form here.

Non-Emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2019 in observance of Veterans Day. The Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, November 9, 2019 as well.

Business hours resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

Wings & Wheels Cancelled

The annual 2019 Wings & Wheels scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the St. Tammany Regional Airport in Abita Springs, is cancelled because of the National Weather Service forecast of inclement weather on Saturday.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and Wings & Wheels on Tap for Saturday, October 26, 2019 in St. Tammany

Two free events opened to the public, sponsored by St. Tammany Parish Government, are slated for Saturday, October 26, 2019. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day offers residents the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste, and Wings & Wheels gives residents the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of classic cars and airplanes and at the same time visit the St. Tammany Regional Airport.

“Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day offers our residents the chance to take advantage of the proper disposal of things that would otherwise be very costly to get rid of, and do so in an environmentally conscious way. Wings & Wheels is a leisurely way to spend a Saturday, while appreciating classic cars and airplanes, and the people who work to keep them in pristine condition” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We want our residents to come out and enjoy both events.”

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is from 8 a.m. -12 p.m. Plan to come to the Centerpoint Park and Ride, adjacent to Northshore Technical Community College located at 65556 Centerpoint Boulevard in the Lacombe area. For a full list of sponsors, as well as a list of what is and what is not accepted, visit www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org/events.

Stop by Wings & Wheels 2019 at the St. Tammany Regional Airport in Abita Springs, from 10 a.m. – 4p.m., for a free event featuring local area classic cars, motorcycles, and aircraft. See experimental, high performance aerobatic, WWII and general aviation aircraft on display. This event is dedicated to the preservation of general aviation, classic cars and motorcycles. Airplane rides, food and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Wings & Wheels is sponsored by St. Tammany Parish Government, Air Reldan and Camellia Beans.

To see more information about these events, visit our Facebook page, @sttammanyparish.

St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, her administration and emergency operations personnel continue to monitor any potential impacts of Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen (PTC), as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center has issued Tropical Storm Warnings for Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl River, as forecasters predict there is potential for PTC Sixteen to develop into Tropical Storm Nestor over the next 24 hours.

Parish Government is following its emergency preparedness planning, and will have its Public Works and Tammany Utilities personnel on call if needed, out of an abundance of caution. Parish Government remains prepared in the event conditions are predicted to worsen. Parish Government will also be pre-positioning high water signs in low-lying areas in the event tidal, wind and/or rain conditions make it necessary to close or post roads. 

Parish Officials will continue to closely watch this system and are asking residents to do the same. The St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is receiving continual updates from the National Weather Service, and is closely monitoring the track and intensity of PTC Sixteen in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Parish Government will announce any emergency preparedness information to the public, contingent on the forecast, through the local media, our website, and through social media on Facebook and Twitter. Citizens can also sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish by visiting www.stpgov.org.  

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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed in Observance of Columbus Day

A non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed, Monday, October 14, 2019, in observance of Columbus Day. The Department of Animal Services will also be closed Saturday, October 12, 2019, as it is a polling place for the Gubernatorial Primary Election.
 
Office hours resume on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 8 a.m.

FY20 Decentralized Arts Funding Grants Announced for St. Tammany and St. Bernard Parishes

The St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs announces the Decentralized Arts Funding (DAF) grant awards for the 2019-2020 cultural season. The St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs administers the DAF Program for both St. Tammany and St. Bernard Parishes. The grants include awards for cultural projects and organizational support, which provides direct support for arts organizations’ full seasons of work.
 
St. Tammany Parish

                                                                               
St. Bernard Parish
 

Project Assistance

The purpose of the DAF program is to provide funding for arts and cultural projects in every parish of the state. Applicants compete only with other organizations in their parish and decisions are made locally by a diverse review panel comprised of members of the local community. The Decentralized Arts Funding Program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by St. Tammany Parish Government. 
 
“The arts are vital to our heritage and our identity, and these competitive grants are one small way we can ensure that this heritage is preserved for the next generations,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We have tremendous talent here locally, and so many of our native sons and daughters have gone on to share their gifts with the rest of the world. This program helps us continue to fuel the arts here in St. Tammany.”
 
Guidelines for next year’s Decentralized Arts Funding program will be available in Spring 2020, and the Commission on Cultural Affairs will conduct informational workshops to assist applicants. For more information, call 985-867-5095 or visit http://www.stpgov.org/arts-grants.

Long-time St. Tammany Planning/Zoning Commissioner Loy Raymond "Pug" Lorren Dies

Loy Lorren, affectionately known as “Pug,” passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019. He was 81. Mr. Lorren served on the St. Tammany Parish Planning and Zoning Commission since 2012, and was an active community advocate, who willingly gave of his time and thoughtful expertise to contribute to the betterment of St. Tammany Parish.

“Our hearts go out to Pug’s family. He was a fair and steady hand on the Commission and we were very fortunate to have known him, and called him a friend. He served our community well,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “He listened to all sides, and was thoughtful in his decision-making. We will all miss him.”

“Pug Lorren gave his time and passion for the preservation of the Parish he called home,” said Marty Dean, St. Tammany Parish Councilmember. “He was a good friend, a great and selfless public servant, and he will be sorely missed.”

Mr. Lorren will be laid to rest on Friday, October 11, 2019. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Parish President Pat Brister Issues Parish-Wide Burn Ban

Parish President Pat Brister announced today that she has signed an Executive Order issuing a Parish-wide burn ban. Due to lack of rainfall, coupled with a lengthy period of extreme heat, conditions currently exist that allow for timber, underbrush and general vegetation to be extremely dry and easily flammable. To prevent the potential of severe danger and damage of fire-related incidents, as well as hazard to life and property of the citizens of this Parish, the ban on outdoor burning activities has been implemented for the next thirty (30) days.

Outdoor burning is immediately prohibited, with the exception of prescribed burns by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), those trained and certified by the LDAF, and by those who conduct prescribed burns as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Rights to Farm Law (LSA R.S. 3:3601, et seq.).

SERVICE INTERRUPTION and

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

Autumn Wind Subdivision, Lazy Creek Subdivision, Abita Avenue, State Street, All Tammany Utilities Customers Along Hwy 59 Between Marion Lane and Hoffman Rd., Marshall Road, Florence Rd., North Lane, South Lane,  and Pine Grove Industrial Park

Briarwood Terrace Water System (PWS 1103079)

On Thursday, September 26, 2019, Tammany Utilities (TU) will repair a leaking water main on the corner of Hwy 59 and Marshall Road.  At the same time, TU will be relocating our water main for the Louisiana DOTD project at the Trace and Hwy 59.  The work will be performed at night to cause as little disruption to our customers as possible.  The customers identified above will have their water turned off at 10:00 PM on Thursday September 26, 2019, so that TU can complete this work.  Once service is restored, in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health regulations, the customers listed above and shown below will be under a Precautionary Boil Advisory.

This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by Tammany Utilities.  It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container.  The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil.  (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

Tammany Utilities will rescind this BOIL ADVISORY upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.  

Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by one or more of the following methods: hand-delivered notices, signs placed in the neighborhoods, automated phone calls and/or notices on the Parish Government’s web and social media sites.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

Non-Emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government Closed in Observance of Labor Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, September 2, 2019 in observance of Labor Day. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, August 31, 2019 as well. Business hours resume on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 8 a.m.

13^th Annual President’s Arts Awards Slated for September 26^th

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that the 13^th Annual President’s Arts Awards recipients will be honored at the President’s Arts Awards presented by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs, Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum.

“I want to thank the Commission on Cultural Affairs for their hard work in selecting the recipients, and building an event that will honor our local arts community,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This event is our way of saying thank you to our local artists, our arts patrons, and to all of our residents — for your continued investment in the arts, and the future of the arts, for our community.”

The ten recipients are as follows:

Visual Artist of the Year - Marcia Holmes

Literary Artist of the Year - Michelle Hirstius

Culinary Artist of the Year - Palmettos on the Bayou

Performing Artist of the Year - Café Luke Dinner Theatre

Musical Artist of the Year - Missi Spinosa

Patron of the Year - Covington Three Rivers Art Festival

President’s Award - Northlake Performing Arts Society

Native Son Award - Ian Somerhalder

Lifetime Achievement (Posthumously) - Willie Paretti

Outstanding Service Award - Jennifer Bushnell.

The 13^th Annual President’s Arts Awards is dedicated to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Willie Paretti, who passed away in April of this year. Paretti was a founding member of the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs. 

Scheduled Water Main Repair will Necessitate Service Interruption and Precautionary Boil Advisory

Faubourg Water System (PWS 1103149)

If weather permits, Tammany Utilities (TU) will begin maintenance work to repair a leaking water main on Tuesday, August 6, 2019. Water service will be temporarily interrupted beginning at 9 a.m. in the following areas: Tuscany West Subdivision, Northpointe Business Park, Ashland Oaks Business Park, RTD Beverage, and 71313 and 71325 Highway 1077, in the Covington area. Once water service is restored, a Precautionary Boil Advisory will be in place, in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health regulations.

The Boil Advisory will remain in effect until rescinded by Tammany Utilities.  It is recommended that residents disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), water for making ice, water for brushing teeth, and before using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods, by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container.  The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil.  (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

Tammany Utilities will rescind this Boil Advisory  upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.  

Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by an automated phone call, signs throughout the affected area, and notices on the Parish Government’s web and social media sites.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE PARISH GOVERNMENT COMPLEX, 21490 KOOP DRIVE, OFF HIGHWAY 59, MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA:
AGENDA REVIEW COMMITTEE MTG. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019 AT 6:00 PM
COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE MTG. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019 AT 6:00 PM
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY. JULY 31, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M.
DRAINAGE/MITIGATION STUDY WORKGROUP WEDNESDAY. JULY 31, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M.

REGULARCOUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2019 AT 6:00 PM

Please click here to read the Executive Order to declare a Parish-wide State of Emergency.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - Revised Date - WEDNESDAY JULY 31, 2019

The St. Tammany Parish Drainage/Mitigation Study Workgroup (DMSW) has been meeting since January 2019 to review the current drainage mitigation ordinances. The DMSW consisted of citizens, current Council members, former Council members, engineers and developers. Their task was to review the current drainage ordinance, take public input and make recommendations to the full Council for potential change, if any. All of the meetings have been open to the public and have embraced the public’s input. Accordingly, Council Chairman Mike Lorino called for a special Council meeting on July 15^th; however, scheduling conflicts warranted a Revised Date of Wednesday, July 31, 2019 following the 6:00 pm Agenda Review Committee Meeting in Council Chambers, for the DMSW to make their report to the Council members.

Non-Emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are Closed in Observance of Independence Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Thursday, July 4, 2019 and Friday, July 5, 2019, in observance of Independence Day. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, July 6, 2019, as well. Business hours resume on Monday, July 8, 2019.

In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Council meeting, traditionally held the first Thursday of each month, will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 6p.m.

CANCELLED - Special Council Meeting for June 24, 2019

Please be advised that due to a notification issue, the Special Council Meeting Scheduled for Tonight, Monday, June 24, 2019 has been CANCELLED. If and/or when the meeting is rescheduled, new notifications will be sent. If you have any questions or need any more information, please feel free to contact the Council Office at 985-898-2591.  

Monday, June 17, 2019

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2019

The St. Tammany Parish Drainage/Mitigation Study Workgroup (DMSW) has been meeting since January 21, 2019 to review the current drainage mitigation ordinances. The DMSW consisted of citizens, current Council members, former Council members, engineers and developers. Their task was to review the current drainage ordinance, take public input and make recommendations to the full Council for potential change, if any. All of the meetings have been open to the public and have embraced the public’s input. Accordingly, Council Chairman Mike Lorino has called for a special Council meeting to be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 6:00pm in Council Chambers, for the DMSW to make their report to the Council members.

Access the Workgroup's Packet here.

The St. Tammany Parish Drainage/Mitigation Study Workgroup (DMSW) has been meeting since January 21, 2019 to review the current drainage mitigation ordinances. The DMSW consisted of citizens, current Council members, former Council members, engineers and developers. Their task was to review the current drainage ordinance, take public input and make recommendations to the full Council for potential change, if any. All of the meetings have been open to the public and have embraced the public’s input. Accordingly, Council Chairman Mike Lorino has called for a special Council meeting to be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 6:00pm in Council Chambers, for the DMSW to make their report to the Council members.

Non-Emergency Offices Closed In Observance of Memorial Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019 for Memorial Day. In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services is closed on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Business hours resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.

The Council’s Census Workgroup will meet this Thursday, May 23, 2019 in Council Chambers at 1:00pm to discuss possible precinct splits and hear a presentation by the Regional Partnership Specialist from the Atlanta Region Census Center.

Temporary Closure of Northshore Beach for Completion of Scheduled Maintenance

St. Tammany Parish Government will temporarily closed Northshore Beach, located off Carr Drive on Lake Pontchartrain in the Slidell area, for scheduled maintenance to address erosion of the beach on Tuesday, May 14, and Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Parish Government’s Department of Public Works will begin on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, their scheduled work to restore areas where the beach has eroded. Completion of the work is expected to take two days, but is dependent on weather and tidal conditions. 

Parish Government is asking citizens who use the beach to remain off the property and out of the area until the work is complete for safety concerns, and in order to not hinder or slow down the work being done by our crews. This work is scheduled periodically to maintain the beach for safe use by residents. 

Animal Services Closed Saturday, May 4, 2019

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services is closed on Saturday, May 4, 2019 because this facility is a polling place for the Municipal Primary Election. Business hours resume on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 8 a.m.

Animal Services Closed Saturday, May 4, 2019

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services is closed on Saturday, May 4, 2019 because this facility is a polling place for the Municipal Primary Election. Business hours resume on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 8 a.m.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

AGENDA REVIEW COMMITTEE MTG. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 AT 6:00PM

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 AT 6:00 PM

Non-emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government Closed on Good Friday

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed Friday, April, 19, 2019, in observance of Good Friday. The Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, April 20, 2019 as well. Business hours resume on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 8 a.m.

The April meeting for Parish Council District 11 will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 in the library of the Bayou Woods Elementary school located off Carroll Road.
The following items will be discussed:
1. Ordinance for introduction amending the St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, Section 130-5 - Definitions to include additional language in the definition of Funeral Home.
2. Ordinance for introduction providing for the sale of Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) of Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2019 of Sales Tax District No. Three of the Parish of St. Tammany, State of Louisiana, prescribing the form, terms and conditions of such bonds and providing for the payment thereof; authorizing an agreement with the paying agent; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
3. Ordinance for introduction to authorize the Parish of St. Tammany, through the Office of the Parish President, to acquire certain parcels for the purpose of expanding the Slidell Branch Library.
4. Resolutions to approve an Industrial Tax exemption for businesses in St. Tammany.
5. Resolutions to acknowledge the receipt and review of the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Environmental Audit Report for several Utilities operations in St. Tammany Parish.
6. Resolution supporting legislation granting Justice of the Peace Courts and Constables in St. Tammany Parish jurisdiction regarding the enforcement of the Parish Code of Ordinances relative to property standards and nuisance violations.
7. Ordinance for adoption providing for the sale of not exceeding Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) of Sales Tax Bonds, in one or more series, of Sales Tax District No. Three of St. Tammany Parish and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
8. Ordinance for adoption amending the St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code, Section 130-55 Notice Requirements to include additional abutter notice provisions.
9. Motion to refer to the Zoning Commission for recommendation an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact the St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 Licenses, and Chapter 130 Unified Development Code, to provide definitions and regulations regarding short term rentals, to add short term rentals as a permitted use in certain commercial and mixed use zoning districts within unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, and to provide for penalties and fines for violations
Anyone wishing additional information concerning the meeting should call Parish Councilman Steve Stefancik at 985-649-4580.
Steve Stefancik
Parish Council District 1

St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services Closed Saturday, March 30, 2019 for Municipal Primary Election

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, March 30, 2019. This facility is a polling place for the Municipal Primary election. Business hours resume on Monday, April 1, 2019.

The next meeting of the Drainage/Mitigation Study Workgroup will be held in Council Chambers at 6:00pm on Monday, March 11, 2019.  Following is the agenda:

Chairman’s opening remarks

Presentations:

              Evelyn Campo - La. Watershed Initiative

              Matthew Allen - flood water storage mitigation and flood issues

Continue discussion of existing Ordinance

Public comment

Date of next meeting

Adjourn

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed for Mardi Gras

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, March 4, 2019 and Tuesday, March 5, 2019 for Mardi Gras. In addition the Department of Animal Services is closed Saturday, March 2, 2019. Business hours resume on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.Have a safe and Happy Mardi Gras!

The St. Tammany Parish Council Census Workgroup will meet in Council Chambers Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 3:00pm to discuss the upcoming census and where the Parish is in the process.

Offices Closed in Observance of President’s Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, February 18, 2019, in observance of President’s Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Business hours resume on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 8 a.m.

St. Tammany Retains Best Place to Escape in Louisiana According to National Travel Blog for the Second Year in a Row

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that the travel company Expedia, named an area in St. Tammany, as the best place to escape in Louisiana. In their January travel blog — The Best Places to Escape in Every State — Expedia named the Mandeville area as the “Best Place to Escape” in the State of Louisiana. Expedia describes Mandeville as “….made for slowing life down to a drawl. Located on the placid shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the town is the right setting for sailing off into the sunset…” They go on to tout the lodging options, the opportunities to enjoy the surrounding natural and recreational amenities, paddle the blue ways and to take a moment to relax at a high-end spa.

“Congratulations to Mandeville for retaining this designation on a national level,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “St. Tammany as a whole has treasures that those of us who live here, appreciate and work with pride every day to preserve. We certainly appreciate all visitors who choose us as their vacation destinations and we invite them to experience our people, our culture, our great food, and our exceptional way of life.”

Read the entire blog from Expedia here.

Countryside, Eagle Landing, Northridge Estates, Spring Lakes, and Goodbee Square Subdivisions--Northridge Water System (PWS 1103181)

On Monday, December 31, 2018, the well pump failed on our Northridge Water System. Due to the failure of the well pump, the Northridge Water System lost pressure. As a result of the pressure loss and the work being done on the well, Tammany Utilities (TU) is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY for the above referenced subdivisions serviced by this water system in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regualtions.

Out of an abundance of caution, a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY is in place for the customers identified above. This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by Tammany Utilities. It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

Tammany Utilities will rescind this BOIL ADVISORY upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.

Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by an automated phone call, signs placed throughout the neighborhood and posts to the Parish’s social media sites and webpage. If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

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Hydrologist with National Weather Service have determined that the Tchefuncte River has crested at US Hwy 190, and has begun to slowly recede. The “Tchefuncte River Near Covington” gauge began to fall this evening, and read 27.4ft at 7:30 p.m.  The National Weather Service is predicting that the River will begin to slowly fall, and will measure below flood stage (20.0ft), at this gauge, by Monday, December 31, 2018.

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The National Weather Service has changed its prediction for the Tchefuncte River’s crest for the river gauge located at the Tchefuncte River at US Hwy 190 in the Goodbee area, from midday today (Saturday, December 29, 2018) to 6 a.m. tomorrow morning (Sunday, December 30, 2018). However, they did not adjust the river level when the crest occurs, which is still predicted to be 30 ft.

Because of the National Weather Service’s change in predicted timing for river cresting, St. Tammany Parish Government’s emergency shelter will remain open another night. The shelter, run in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is located at Coquille Parks and Recreation, 13505 LA Hwy 1085, in the Goodbee area. Residents who would like to use this shelter are advised to bring food, bedding and any necessary medications.

Parish Government will also extend the hours for distribution of sandbags today, Saturday, December 29, until 5 p.m. Sandbags can be picked up at the St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Covington Barn, located at 1305 N. Florida Street, in Covington.

Other river gauges have shown water receding: Bogue Falaya River near Camp Covington (near LA Hwy 25 @ Million Dollar Road) | Crested 54.24ft (approximately 2 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2018) | Currently 44.25ft and falling (approximately 8 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018)

Bogue Falaya River at Boston Street, Covington|  Crested 11.9ft (approximately 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2018) | Currently 10.9ft and falling (approximately 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018)

Tchefuncte River near Folsom | Crested 22.42ft (approximately 5 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2018) | Currently 18.97ft and falling (approximately 9 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018)

Additionally, the Bogue Chitto River near Bush is predicted to crest at 15.5ft, at 6 p.m. tonight.

At this time, and based on the National Weather Service’s reports, the Parish’s Emergency Operations still believe that there is a potential for flooding in neighborhoods along both sides of the Tchfuncte River, particularly in low-lying areas that have seen flooding in the past. Residents should consider a voluntary evacuation.

December 28, 2018

Sandbag Location Opens in St. Tammany Parish

Due to the National Weather Service’s prediction of high river levels for the Tchefuncte River basin, St. Tammany Parish Government will open a location for the distribution of sandbags on Friday, December 28, beginning at 1:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday, December 28, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sandbags can be picked up at the St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Covington Barn, located at 1305 N. Florida Street, in Covington.

Residents in Low-Lying Areas Near Tchefuncte River Asked to Consider Voluntary Evacuation
 
The National Weather Service has informed us they are predicting high river levels for the Tchefuncte River basin. Neighborhoods along both sides of the Tchefuncte River, particularly in low-lying areas that have seen flooding in the past, should be aware of the possibility of flooding tonight and into tomorrow, and those residents should consider voluntary evacuation. As we receive other assessments from the National Weather Service we will distribute their detailed information. 
 
As of now, residents in low-lying areas in or around the Tchefuncte River, North of I-12 to LA Hwy 40 (including Park Lane), should consider a voluntary evacuation. For more information on river levels, please visit the National Weather Service website https://water.weather.gov/ahps/.

St. Tammany Parish Announces Emergency Declaration
 
St. Tammany Parish Government has made an emergency declaration in response to potential flooding in the Tchefuncte River basin. This declaration is a procedural process that enables Parish Government to better coordinate any and all local, state or federal resources necessary to support public safety.
 
Residents in neighborhoods along both sides of the Tchefuncte River, particularly in low-lying areas that have seen flood waters in the past, should be aware of the possibility of flooding, and those residents should also consider voluntary evacuation.
 
Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the forecast, and to cooperate with requests from emergency officials, and to obey any traffic signs and barricades indicating impassable roads and high water. If you feel that you are in danger, please make the decision to evacuate out of harm’s way. If you need assistance doing so, call 911.
 
Emergency Shelter to Open Friday Evening at 5 p.m. in Goodbee Area

Due to the National Weather Service prediction of high river levels for the Tchefuncte River basin, St. Tammany Parish Government will open an emergency shelter, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, at Coquille Parks and Recreation beginning at 5 p.m. this evening (December 28, 2018). Coquille is located at 13505 LA Hwy 1085, in the Goodbee area. Residents who would like to use this shelter are advised to bring food, bedding and any necessary medications.

Because of this potential flooding prediction, neighborhoods along both sides of the Tchefuncte River, particularly in low-lying areas that have seen flooding in the past, should consider a voluntary evacuation.
 

Holiday Closures from St. Tammany Parish Government

Non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, December 24, and Tuesday December 25, 2018, in observance of Christmas. In addition, the Department of Animal Services is closed Saturday, December 22, 2018. Business hours resume on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at 8 a.m.

In observance of the New Year, non-emergency offices will close as follows: Monday, December 31, 2018 and Tuesday January 1, 2019. The Department of Animal Services will close Saturday, December 29, 2018 as well. Office hours resume on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 8 a.m. The January, 2019 St. Tammany Parish Council meeting is scheduled on its regular day, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 6 p.m.

The Tammany Trace and the Kids Konnection are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, reopening on December 26th. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

St. Tammany Parish Government will Accept Christmas Trees for Recycling

St. Tammany Parish Government will begin accepting Christmas trees to recycle for use in a cooperative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rebuild the Big Branch Marsh. Trees can be brought to the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds at 1515 North Florida Street in Covington and The Old Levee Board Property at 61134 Military Road in Slidell, during daylight hours. Trees must be stripped of all decorations —ornaments, lights, tinsel, etc. and the stands must be removed completely to be eligible for the program. Flocked trees cannot be accepted at the drop-off sites as they cannot be used for the project.

Holiday of Lights Events Cancelled For Saturday, December 8, 2018

The Holiday of Lights events for tonight, Saturday, December 8, 2018 have been cancelled. Officials made the decision to cancel this evening’s events as a precautionary measure for safety reasons related to excessive rainfall, standing water in the event area and the electrical infrastructure of the event.

Barring any unforeseen issues, the final weekend of Holiday of Lights is scheduled to go on as planned, December 14 and 15, 2018 from 6p.m.  – 8:30 p.m. on Koop Drive in Mandeville directly behind the Kid’s Konnection Playground.

ICYMI: Animal Services Millage Renewal on the December 8, 2018 Ballot

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services millage renewal is on the December 8, 2018 ballot during the Open General/Special Primary Election. Voters will be asked to renew the ten-year, one mill property tax — expected to generate an estimated $2,021,348 a year — to continue to fund the maintenance, operations, equipment and capital improvements of the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter run by the Department of Animal Services. The current assessed rate is .82 mills and costs the owner of a property worth $200,000 in St. Tammany, with a homestead exemption, approximately $10.25 per year. 

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The mission of Animal Services is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of people and animals in St. Tammany Parish by: protecting the rights of people from dangers and nuisances caused by uncontrolled animals, ensuring the legal protection of animals from mistreatment, and promoting, motivating and enforcing responsible pet ownership. The Animal Shelter provides a safe and clean facility for stray animals or unwanted pets.

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, December 8, 2018 as it is a polling place for the 2018 Open General/Special Primary Election. Business hours resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 8 a.m. 

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The mission of Animal Services is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of people and animals in St. Tammany Parish by: protecting the rights of people from dangers and nuisances caused by uncontrolled animals, ensuring the legal protection of animals from mistreatment, and promoting, motivating and enforcing responsible pet ownership. The Animal Shelter provides a safe and clean facility for stray animals or unwanted pets.

Holiday Updates From St. Tammany Parish Government

The 19th Annual Holiday of Lights will take place over two December weekends: December 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2018, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Koop Drive in Mandeville. Keep an eye out for a complete entertainment lineup to be released soon.

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier, located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road in the Slidell area, will close on Thanksgiving Day— Thursday, November 22, 2018.  On Sunday, December 2, 2018, the Pier will close at 6p.m. for the winter months. The Pier is expected to reopen in the spring, on or around March 1st.

In addition, the following closures will take place at St. Tammany recreational facilities during the holiday season:

In November, the Tammany Trace and the Kids Konnection are closed on Thanksgiving Day —Thursday, November 22, 2018. These facilities re-open on Friday, November 23rd.  In December, these facilities will close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, reopening on December 26th.  Camp Salmen Nature Park will close on Friday, November 23, 2018.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Thursday, November 22, and Friday November 23, 2018 in observance of Thanksgiving. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, November 24, 2018. Business hours resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2018.

Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, November 12, 2018 in observance of Veterans Day. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, November 10, 2018. Business hours will resume on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 8 a.m.

Offices Closed for the Congressional Primary Election

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 for the Congressional Primary Election, as many Parish Offices serve as polling places. Business hours resume at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

The monthly meeting for Parish Council District 11 constituents will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 7:00 PM in the library of the Bayou Woods Elementary School located off Carroll Road.

The following items will be discussed:

• 1. Ordinances adopting and establishing the 2019 Operating Budget and 2019-2023 Capital Improvements Budget
• 2. Ordinance for introduction authorizing the execution of an extension option and the amendment of the existing Contract Agreement, pursuant to LA R.S. 33:4791.1, between St. Tammany Parish Government and Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc for the provision of Emergency and Non-emergency Ambulance Services within specific service areas of St. Tammany Parish
• 3. Ordinance for introduction amending Parish Code of Ordinances to add new Section 14-33 to 14-36 to regulate Fire Alarm Systems and provide for penalties for repeat false fire alarms
• 4. Ordinance for introduction amending the Official Parish Zoning map to reclassify 20,000 square feet located north of South Street, east of Hickory Street, being lot 6, Slidell Manor Subdivision, 411 South Street, Slidell from A-4 (Single Family Residential District) to I-2 (Industrial District)
• 5. Appeal of Zoning Commission Denial on October 2, 2018 to rezone 5.82 acres located north of LA Highway 433, west of Galatas Lane, east of Faciane Road, being 30425 LA Highway 433, Slidell, from A-2 (Suburban District) and RO (Rural Overlay) to NC-5 (Retail and Service District)
• 6. Ordinance(s) for adoption providing for the sale of Utilities Revenue Refunding Bonds and Limited Tax Refunding Bonds
• 7. Ordinance for adoption amending Sec 2-183 of the St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances for the Reorganization of the Parish Legal Department
• 8. Ordinance for adoption amending the St. Tammany Parrish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article III, Parish Council, section 2-79 entitled: Council Personnel
• 9. Ordinance for adoption amending the official Parish Zoning Map to reclassify 0.520 acre located west of Dixie Ranch Road, south of Idlewild Pines Road from A-2 (Suburban District) to A-3 (Suburban District)
• 10. Any other items of interest concerning District 11 constituents

Anyone having questions concerning the meeting should contact District 11 Parish Councilman Steve Stefancik at 985-649-4580.

Steve Stefancik
Parish Council District 11

DecamanUSA Makes its Debut in the Continental USA Right Here in St. Tammany

In early November, St. Tammany will host the upcoming DecamanUSA — the first event of its kind to take place in the continental Unites States.  The race is a multi-day triathlon expected to attract an international field of ultra-triathletes to compete in four separate ultra-distance triathlons. Fontainebleau State Park will be the home of the Athlete’s Village; the Tammany Trace the site of the running and cycling portions of the races; and Lake Pontchartrain and the University of New Orleans’ 50-meter pool, the site of the swimming portion of the race.

“We are proud to be the hosts of this exciting endurance event,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “There is no other place like St. Tammany — we have so much to offer. We welcome DecamanUSA and these ultra-triathletes to our community, and we want to thank the race directors for choosing our community as the setting for this event. We hope you will enjoy our home as much as we do.”

Wayne Kurtz, five-time finisher of the DECA, and Steve Kirby, both race directors, culminated their four-year search for the ideal race location right here, in St. Tammany with a base camp at Fontainebleau State Park.

“It’s been a long journey looking for a closed course venue that had an international airport, and we are so excited for the event to finally come to fruition,” said Kurtz.  “The local assistance has been amazing.”

“The St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission is thrilled to welcome these extreme athletes and their teams to our area for this 13-day event.  Many have traveled internationally to be a part of the DecamanUSA and we are excited to showcase St. Tammany Parish to our visitors,” said Donna O ‘Daniels, President and CEO of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission.

The Classic Deca triathlon consists of a continuous 24-mile swim, followed by 1,120-mile bike ride, and a 262-mile run.  Athletes are expected to race for up to 13 days with the top finishers completing the event less than 10 days. The three other events including a 1x10 Ironman format: 2.4- mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2- mile run x 10; continuous Quintuple: 12- mile swim, 562-mile bike ride, and 131-mile run; and 1x5 Ironman races. 

The first DECA was held in Mexico in 1992. In the November event, 46 athletes representing 16 countries will make up the largest field of athletes in the history of the Deca Triathlon.  Countries represented include:  USA, Hungary, United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, New Zealand, Italy, Guernsey, Switzerland, Norway, Bosnia, Mexico and Guatemala.  Wayne Brown, a local, ultra- distance triathlete from Livingston, will compete in the Classic DECA. 

The events will span from November 6^th- November 19^th.  Visit decamanusa.com for complete race details, or to learn more about the race itself.

St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, her administration and emergency operations personnel continue to monitor any potential impacts of Hurricane Michael, as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. Parish Government is following its emergency planning, and has instituted its Storm in the Gulf protocols out of an abundance of caution. Although the predicted path of this system by the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center modeling is not expected to have significant impact on St. Tammany at this time, Parish Government remains cautiously optimistic and prepared in the event conditions change. However, Parish Government will be pre-positioning high water signs in low-lying areas in the event tidal, wind and/or rain conditions make it necessary to close or post roads.

Parish Officials will continue to closely watch this system and are asking residents to do the same. The St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is receiving continual updates from the National Weather Service and is closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Michael as it gains strength in the Gulf.  

Based upon the forecast, Parish Government will announce any emergency preparedness information to the public through the local media, our website, and through social media on Facebook and Twitter. Citizens can also sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish by visiting www.stpgov.org.

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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

Offices Closed in Observance of Columbus Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, October 8, 2018 in observance of Columbus Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Business hours resume on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 8 a.m.

A community meeting for Parish Council District 10 constituents will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 6:30PM in the Council Chambers located at 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville 70471.

The following items will be discussed:

•             Proposed constitutional amendments - Reid Falconer, Louisiana State Representative
•             Update on St. Tammany Corp. formerly St. Tammany Parish Development District - Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corp. CEO
•             Update on 911 Communications - Rodney Hart, St. Tammany Parish Communication Director
•             Fire District No. 4 items on the upcoming ballot - Chief Kenneth Moore, Fire District No. 4
•             Update on Parish Government – Maureen O’Brien, District 10 Councilmember

If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Maureen O’Brien
Parish Council District 10
985-807-3778

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that an ordinance regarding changes to St. Tammany Parish Department of Development fees is being introduced at the September 6, 2018 Council Meeting. The fee adjustment will establish rates that are commensurate with the market and fee structures in other jurisdictions, because these Development fees have not increased since 2004.

Evaluation and changes of the development fees were addressed in the Administration’s rewrite of the Development Code, currently in draft form. Additionally, the fee increase was one of the suggestions brought forth by the Streamlining Budget Workgroup at the beginning of the summer. As laid out in the ordinance change, Parish officials will evaluate these fees periodically to make changes incrementally as the market requires.

“As we grow, it is vital that those that develop land and build homes, pay the real value of the services they receive. Our Development Department does a great job of assuring homebuyers that the house they purchase was built to the highest codes and standards. In order for us to do this, the primary users of this service must pay their share of that cost,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President.

Brister went on to say, “We re-evaluated every service we provide and thoughtfully applied market research to match the level of fees in other Parishes and Counties for these types of services. At the end of the day, only 10 of the 50 fees we currently charge will see an increase, but the changes we do make will put us in line with other jurisdictions.”

Among the proposed fee increases are: an increase of nine fees for service provided by the Department; the establishment of a credit card/e-check processing fee that the Parish is currently incurring for this service; and the reinstitution of a previous fee for the provision of Community Letter, suspended after Hurricane Katrina.

The increase in fees will cover the operational costs Parish Government incurs for providing certain services. Minimal fees will also be established to cover costs associated with three services which are currently free.

The revenue generated from the collection of these fees, estimated at just over $900,000 will enable the Department of Development to become a self-sustaining Enterprise Fund, which means the Department of Development will have its own funding source, and would no longer depend on subsidies from the Parish’s General Fund (approximately $868,000 in 2017) for operational costs.

If the Ordinance is adopted, the increases and changes will take effect immediately. To review the proposed changes to the Ordinance, click here.

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Non-Emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government Closed Wednesday Due to the Unknown Impacts of Tropical Storm Gordon

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced St. Tammany Parish Government offices will remain closed Wednesday, September 5, 2018, due to the unknown impacts of Tropical Storm Gordon. The Tammany Trace and Kids Konnection Playground will remain closed as well.

The Emergency Operations Center will be manned to carry out emergency response tasks. Residents are asked to continue to monitor the forecasts of this storm through the National Weather Service and local media outlets. In addition, residents are urged to monitor St. Tammany Parish Social Media sites as well as www.stpgov.org for continued updates.

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, Declares State of Emergency

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, has made an emergency declaration for the entirety of St. Tammany Parish in response to Tropical Storm Gordon. This declaration is a procedural process that enables Parish Government to better coordinate any and all local, state or federal resources necessary to support public safety.

 “We encourage residents to stay up-to-date on the forecast, and to cooperate with requests from emergency officials,” Brister said. “As this storm makes landfall we ask everyone to stay off of the streets if it is not necessary for you to be out, and to obey any traffic signs and barricades indicating impassable roads and high water. We will continue to monitor the storm and share information over Social Media, our website and through the local news media.”

All non-essential Parish Government offices are now closed. St. Tammany Parish Government is working in cooperation with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Fire Districts, the National Weather Service, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Acadian Ambulance.

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Non-Emergency Offices of St. Tammany Parish Government Closed Due to the Threat of Tropical Storm Gordon

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced the closure of St. Tammany Parish Government offices on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, due to the expected impacts from Tropical Storm Gordon. In addition the Board of Adjustment and Zoning meetings scheduled for Tuesday afternoon and evening, have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The Tammany Trace and Kids Konnection Playground are closed as well. All branches of St. Tammany Parish Public Libraries are closed as well.

The Emergency Operations Center will be manned to carry out emergency response tasks. Residents are asked to continue to monitor the forecasts of this storm through the National Weather Service and local media outlets. In addition, residents are urged to monitor St. Tammany Parish Social Media sites as well as www.stpgov.org for continued updates.

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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

St. Tammany Parish Implements Storm in the Gulf Protocols

St. Tammany Parish has implemented its "Storm in the Gulf" protocols in response to Tropical Storm Gordon. Based on the projected path, St. Tammany Parish could see impacts from this storm. The St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is receiving continual updates from the National Weather Service and is monitoring the track of this system

We will continue to update the public about our emergency operations through the local media, our website at www.stpgov.org/departments/hsep, through social media on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org.

We are asking all residents to stay tuned to forecast updates from the National Weather Service. In addition, prepare for the possibility of a localized rain event, assure that all family members are accounted for and have a safe place to shelter from any potential foul weather. If you live in a low-lying area prone to flooding from heavy rain, or higher than normal tides, please pay attention to the forecasts. We ask that you clear storm drains, follow your family plan for a storm event, and pay close attention to weather forecasts and Parish officials as the storm moves into the Gulf of Mexico. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.

St. Tammany Parish is poised to fully activate our Emergency Preparedness plans if necessary.

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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.