News

St. Tammany Parish Officials Closely Monitoring Tropical Wave

Invest 91L, a tropical wave, is now located in the Southern Bahamas. There still exists some uncertainty as far as the path of this system, but forecasters expect it to enter the eastern Gulf of Mexico early Monday. Parish Officials are closely watching 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 this system.

Based upon the forecast track, we will announce any emergency preparedness plans to the public as they happen 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 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. We ask that you 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.

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, Monday, September 3, 2018, in observance of Labor Day. In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, September 1, 2018 as well. Business hours resume on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 8 a.m.

$299,000 EPA Grant will Continue Water Quality Improvement Initiatives by St. Tammany Parish Government

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced an EPA grant award in the amount of $299,000 for Parish Government to continue water quality initiatives within St. Tammany. This proactive project, which will include nearly 3,000 inspections, will include pollution source tracking for water quality restoration in the Bayou Liberty Watershed and homeowner education on proper maintenance of their on-site aerated treatment units. Parish Government continues to replicate this program throughout St. Tammany, with significant, measurable water quality improvements.  In October of 2017, preliminary reports from the Ozone Woods neighborhood, where a similar initiative is underway, showed a nearly 400% improvement in biochemical oxygen demand, one of many indicators of water quality.
 
“As more individual units are repaired and the natural ecosystem stabilizes, we will continue to see the natural environment thrive. This is the result we hoped for and expected, as our water quality is paramount,” said Pat Brister, Parish President. “In the first subdivision we started this initiative, the failure rate of Aerated Treatment Units (ATUs) in the project areas, was close to 50 %. This number has been drastically reduced to 14% — so we are definitely moving in the right direction.”
 
St. Tammany Parish Government will partner with Southeastern Louisiana University on this upcoming project. There are thousands of individual ATUs and septic tanks installed in unincorporated St. Tammany, operated and maintained by homeowners. While these homeowner sewer systems are required to be permitted by the State Department of Health, many fail to meet current, more stringent design standards which could contribute to the decline of surface water quality in the Parish.  
 
As part of these initiatives, and through a decentralized management approach, inspectors have been performing individual, on-site sewerage system inspections in areas of known impaired water quality since October of 2016 with special focus on areas of greatest known impairment.
 
 Since October of 2016, inspections were started in the Bayou Liberty Watershed in Ozone Woods subdivision in Slidell and are now near completion. In the Abita River Watershed, inspections are underway in the Tammany Hills subdivision in the Covington area. In the Bayou Cane/Bayou Castine Watershed, DES recently completed inspections in the Hidden Pines subdivision in Mandeville and inspections are currently underway in areas of unincorporated Mandeville. As part of continued education and outreach, St. Tammany Parish today is hosting the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Enviroschool, to educate small commercial sewer systems owners on the most current standards required by the DEQ to operate these systems effectively, while being environmentally responsible.
 
Read more about our Water Quality initiatives here.
 

St. Tammany Parish Council Authorizes Animal Services Millage Renewal on December Ballot

The St. Tammany Parish Council adopted a resolution at their August meeting last night, to place the Animal Services millage renewal on the December 8, 2018 ballot during the Open General/Congressional 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 one mill tax costs the owner of a property worth $200,000 in St. Tammany, with a homestead exemption, approximately $12.50 per year.  

“I thank the Parish Council for voting to put this measure on the ballot. This millage renewal is clearly important to our residents, and it is vital to the Department of Animal Services’ ongoing operations,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We encourage people to seriously consider this renewal and to go out and vote in the December election.”

Northshore Beach Reopened

Northshore Beach in the Slidell area, located off Carr Drive on Lake Pontchartrain, is now reopened to the public after a brief one-day closure, as St. Tammany Parish Government’s Department of Public Works corrected erosion issues. Crews brought in several loads of sand to rebuild the beach and address the issues. The work was expected to take several days, however, due to the efficiency and diligence of Public Works crews, the job was completed in one day. Special thanks to Public Works for their efforts.

Temporary Closure of Northshore Beach Due To Erosion and Safety Concerns

St. Tammany Parish Government has temporarily closed Northshore Beach, in the Slidell area, due to significant erosion of the beach, and safety concerns caused by that erosion. Parish Government’s Department of Public Works began work today to correct the problem. Completion of the work is expected to take several days, which is dependent on weather and tidal conditions.

The beach, located off Carr Drive on Lake Pontchartrain, has seen a greater level of tidal erosion than it has historically experienced. Because of this erosion, underwater obstructions have become a safety hazard, making it necessary to close the beach temporarily to rebuild the beach and alleviate the potentially dangerous 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. We apologize for the inconvenience, but the work is being conducted out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our citizens.

Permit Numbers — Key Economic Indicator — Show Increase in First Two Quarters of 2018 over 2017

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today, two of the Parish’s key economic indicators show a strong, healthy economy and reflect investor confidence in St. Tammany. Both single family new construction and commercial permits are up in the first two quarters of 2018 over the same time period in 2017. Single Family new construction totals rose by 8.8% from 635 from January – June 2017, to 691 in the same time period in 2018. Commercial construction permits showed a 16.58% increase, from 187 in the first six months of 2017 to 218 in the first two quarters of 2018.

“Permit numbers correlate directly to the economic health of our community,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We have an educated and ready workforce, and an unmatched quality of life. These elements attract businesses who are willing to make investments here. As these businesses invest today, they also invest in the futures of our children and families and their opportunities to live and work here.”

She went on to say, “In 2017, we had a benchmark year for permits and it looks like 2018 is slated to make its own history. We will continue to implement initiatives with a focus on these new investments in our Parish like our Path to the Future, which prioritizes road infrastructure projects, and our Development Code rewrite to ensure the continued streamlined establishment of standards, so that every structure built in St. Tammany reflects our vision to maintain our unique, identifiable qualities.”  

To see permit totals visit, www.stpgov.org/departments/permits.

The St. Tammany Parish Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 6 p.m. at 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville — Council Chambers — to discuss setting the millage rates for the Coroner’s taxes under its jurisdiction.  A notice of this public hearing is available on www.stpgov.org under Public Notices, and in the St. Tammany Farmer, the Parish’s Official Journal.

This is not a new tax and the Parish shall not exceed the voter approved maximum millage rate.  The public notice provides information to the public that Parish Council is requesting input before setting millage rates.

The St. Tammany Parish 2018 Operating Budget is available at www.stpgov.org. The Adopted Ordinance regarding the budget can be reviewed here. The Coroner’s budget can be found on pages 5 and 9 of the adopted Ordinance.

St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister and the Office of Homeland Security on Tuesday, hosted the Parishes and Municipalities Working Together meeting at the St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center in downtown Covington. Representatives were present from local municipalities, as well as the Louisiana Office of Public Health, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Federal Highway Administration. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the coordination of the Parish, local municipalities, towns and villages in advance of Hurricane season — or any event that would require a widespread emergency response — and their collective work on initiatives which impact the entire community as a whole.

“We all serve the same constituency and we are all neighbors with the same goals — to do our best to keep this community safe,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Meetings like this give us the opportunity to share knowledge and bring all of our individual resources to the table, and put forth a united effort when one is needed.”

“It’s very important that all Parish and Municipalities pool their efforts when it comes to emergencies,” said Greg Lemons, Mayor, Town of Abita Springs. “After all we are citizens of St Tammany Parish, this allows us to maximize our resources.”

“As the Mayor-elect of Slidell I really appreciate being invited to this event. This type of overall community initiative is exactly what I campaigned on during my race for the mayor’s office,” said Greg Cromer, Mayor-Elect of the City of Slidell. “We look forward to partnering with the Parish and the municipalities of the parish to assure that we are well prepared for any emergency that we may face.”  

Among the topics discussed were work on implementing a FEMA High Water Mark Initiative in St. Tammany, roadway responsibility in the aftermath of a storm, shelter coordination and emergency response training.

St. Tammany Parish Government Implements Storm in the Gulf Protocols in Advance of Tropical System

St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister and the Parish’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are receiving continual updates from the National Weather Service and are monitoring the track of the broad low pressure system currently located south of the Gulf of Mexico. As the chance for tropical development and heavy rain is predicted, St. Tammany Parish Government has implemented its "Storm in the Gulf" protocols. This includes preparations by our Public Works Departments making sure that catch basins and culverts are free of debris, trucks and equipment are staged and ready, and retention ponds are pumped down so that they can retain more water. Additionally, Tammany Utilities is proactively monitoring its systems and lift stations to mitigate system issues brought about by storm water inundation. St. Tammany Parish Government personnel are poised to fully activate our Emergency Preparedness plans if necessary, as well as stand up the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with essential personnel and partner agencies, if needed.

We are asking all residents to 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. 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 and beyond. Please follow St. Tammany Parish Government on Facebook and Twitter for updates as they occur. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.

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Stay connected to St. Tammany Parish Government and learn about emergency preparedness plans as they happen through social media on Facebook and Twitter and the local media. Residents can also call 985-809-2300 for recorded updates. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.

Make a House Your Home Event Will Explore Homeownership Opportunities in St. Tammany

St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the St. Tammany East and West Habitat for Humanity affiliates, the Northshore Housing Initiative, and the Louisiana Housing Corporation, will host the Make a House Your Home event on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 11 a.m.-1p.m. at 520 Old Spanish Trail, in Slidell, on the 1st floor of the Towers Building. Interested parties are invited to come and learn about homeownership opportunities in St. Tammany Parish.

This event is free and open to the public. It is kid-friendly. Refreshments will be provided. For more information or questions regarding this event, call 985-898-3074.

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

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018, in observance of Memorial Day. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Business hours resume on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 8 a.m.

St. Tammany First Parish Government in the State of Louisiana to Partner with Local Communities to Complete U.S. Census Boundary Annexation Survey

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, applauded the work of the St. Tammany Parish Government Geographical Information Systems (GIS) team in their collaboration with five local communities, who do not have GIS capabilities, to complete the U.S. Census Bureau’s Boundary Annexation Survey (BAS).  As the first Parish Government in the State of Louisiana to collaborate with the Census Bureau through the Consolidated BAS Agreement, the Parish assisted four local communities in completing the required mapping of their municipal boundaries.  The St. Tammany Parish GIS team met personally with the Mayors, or their designees, in the towns of Abita Springs, Pearl River, Madisonville and the Village of Folsom.  The boundary work in the Village of Sun is still in progress. 

The work involved assessing boundary issues, creating reusable maps of record, and establishing clean and accurate boundary lines. Using electronic GIS capabilities, St. Tammany Parish Government was able to provide this service at no cost to the local communities. The benefits of establishing accurate boundaries include an accurate population count that helps to determine the allocation of revenue by the U.S. Census.  The Census estimates that for every individual added to the population of a jurisdiction, that municipality receives over $2,100 in additional federal funds that go to schools, roads and other critical needs.  One example of how an accurate population count benefits St Tammany Parish residents.

“We already have this capability, so when the time came for this survey — completed every ten years — we offered our GIS services to community leaders because it helps them to establish accurate numbers, but it also helps us for future planning,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “St. Tammany Parish is once again a pacesetter as the first Parish in Louisiana to partner with the Census and our local communities in this survey.”

The U.S. Census estimates the population of St. Tammany Parish at 256,327 , as of July 2017. Read more about the U.S. Census Bureau’s BAS here.

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The Department of Technology is responsible for the support of all electronic and computer functions of Parish Government and the maintenance of a secure and recoverable technical environment to ensure the delivery of information and services to the community and Parish workers. As a division of the Department of Technology — Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — provides maps and graphics by compiling and analyzing geographic data from various sources. GIS is also responsible for continuous database updates. Archive Management—also a division of the Department of Technology— department plans and develops archival collections. In addition they also advise and assist researchers in the application of archival materials in research activities, and recommend pertinent materials available in libraries, private collections, or other sources for inclusion in archives.

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

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Friday, March 30, 2018 in observance of Easter. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, March 31, 2018. All business hours resume on Monday, April 2, 2018 at 8 a.m.   

St. Tammany Parish Government Saves $150,000 in Insurance Premiums for 2018

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that St. Tammany Parish Government will see a 3% discount on health insurance premium rates for the upcoming enrollment period. The $150,000 savings is, in part, thanks to employee participation in the Humana Go365 wellness program.

“Our employees absolutely contributed to this savings as 40% of our enrolled members reached a status that helped to trigger the reductions. We are incredibly proud of them as they continue to accomplish their health goals, in addition to contributing to cost-savings for the entire Parish,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “I applaud and thank our Human Resources Department as well as all of our departmental representatives of the Wellness Committee, as they continue to educate our employees on the benefits of participation in the program, and also realize the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle.”

The St. Tammany Parish Government Wellness Committee is made up of representatives from each department who meet periodically to discuss the Humana Go365 Program, who then share program information with their fellow employees. Humana is the insurance provider for St. Tammany Parish Government employees. Wellness committee members assist people in achieving their wellness goals, they offer technical support with the Go365 app, and they educate fellow employees on the overall benefits of participation in the program. In addition to overall premium reductions, employees earn personal incentives as well. Silver Status is reached when employees meet certain milestones related to the improvement of their personal health and well-being.

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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.

Water Quality Adaptation Planned in Newly Acquired Pond

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that Parish Government has purchased just over 30 acres of land containing a four-and-one-half-acre pond, near the Abita River north of Harrison Avenue in the Covington area. Plans for the property include:  the conversion of the pond into a water quality pond through aeration or plantings, and the redirection of stormwater flow from two adjacent subdivisions after the construction of inlets from the neighborhoods into the pond, and an outlet from the pond into the channel that drains into the river. Over time the water quality of the Abita River is expected to increase through enhanced oxygenation and filtration when stormwater drains into the river.

“Our water quality initiatives send cleaner runoff into our waterways, and over time increase the health of our natural ecosystems,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President.  “This project, like most, will address more than one issue upon completion, and the return on our investment will be beneficial in several ways, and well worth it.”

The property is located just west of the Singing River subdivision in the Covington area. It was purchased at market value, for $630,000.

Parish Government Offices Closed in Observance of Presidents’ Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, February 19, 2018, in observance of Presidents’ Day. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, February 17, 2018. Business hours resume on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

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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.

Crews Move to Third Location of Trace Maintenance Project Monday, February 12, 2018

Crews will begin the third location of a four-part project to repair and reconstruct sections of the Tammany Trace on Monday, February 12, 2018, weather permitting, in the Lacombe area from Bremerman Road to John’s Road. Like the previous sections, this area will undergo mill and overlay, and in some areas complete reconstruction. Each location will take approximately 30 days to complete, barring any weather delays. Segments of the Trace under construction will be closed to users. Parish Government will release maps in advance of construction for each area, as dates are subject to change.

The third location in the Lacombe area will span 574 linear feet. Approximately 3,562 linear feet of the path will be repaired when all four areas of the project are completed. The budgeted cost for this project is $236,058, and Leon Lowe and Sons, Inc. is the contractor.

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The Tammany Trace hosts more than 300,000 visitors per year from all over the United States and the world. St. Tammany Parish Government purchased the abandoned Illinois Central Railroad corridor in 1992. With the help of grants and federal dollars St. Tammany Parish Government has asphalted 27.10 miles, remodeled railroad trestles into pedestrian bridges, and maintained the Trace for hiking, biking and horseback riding on the separate equestrian path which parallels the Trace in several places. The trace was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in fall 2017.

Parish Government Offices Closed in Observance of Mardi Gras

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, February 12, 2018 and Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in observance of Mardi Gras. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, February 10, 2018.

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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.

Water Quality Pond Project in Mandeville Area will Have Multiple Benefits

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that the Bayou Chinchuba Water Quality Pond project in the Mandeville area, is now complete. The immediate benefits of this project are two-fold. Neighborhoods located downstream of this pond should see increased oxygen levels in Bayou Chinchuba, and increased storm water drainage capacity. Expected long-term benefits of this process include: the disintegration of waste products before they enter Bayou Chinchuba, resulting in higher oxygenation, which can result in a healthier ecosystem for native plants and animals to thrive. 

“This initiative, like most we undertake, was designed in-house by one of our own engineers and is multi-faceted; it has the benefit of increased water quality as well as added drainage capacity,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “It is also expected to have long-term, positive, ecological impacts. Future generations will one day thank us for taking the time to preserve our remarkable natural amenities.”

This project partially EPA Grant-Funded, was to design and build a water quality pond within the footprint of the existing detention pond in the Oak Island subdivision in the Mandeville area. Components of the project include: a drainage pipe from Bayou Chinchuba into the pond; the construction of a weir connecting the existing pond; excavation; construction of a wrap-around berm; installation of a  bubbler, or aerator within the pond including the electrical mechanism for operation; fencing and sod. The bubbler aerates water that flows into the water quality pond from Bayou Chinchuba, and as a result, the water sees an increase in oxygen levels when it flows back into the bayou. The pond is located south of Sharp Road and north of Oak Island Drive. The cost of the project was $486,573.

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To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. 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.

Second Location of Trace Maintenance Project Begins Monday, February 5, 2018

The second location of a four-part project to repair and reconstruct sections of the Tammany Trace begins on Monday, February 5, 2018 in the Mandeville area from Molitor Street to Rapatel Street.  Like the previous section, this area will undergo mill and overlay, and in some areas complete reconstruction. Contractors are in the final days of the first location in the Covington area from 7^th Street to 11^th Street, and so this area remains closed. Approximately 3,562 linear feet of the path will be repaired when all four areas of the project are completed.

This second location will span 826 linear feet. Each location will take approximately 30 days to complete, barring any weather delays. Segments of the Trace under construction will be closed to users. Parish Government will release maps in advance of construction for each area, as dates are subject to change. The budgeted cost for this project is $236,058, and Leon Lowe and Sons, Inc. is the contractor.

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The Tammany Trace hosts more than 300,000 visitors per year from all over the United States and the world. St. Tammany Parish Government purchased the abandoned Illinois Central Railroad corridor in 1992. With the help of grants and federal dollars St. Tammany Parish Government has asphalted 27.10 miles, remodeled railroad trestles into pedestrian bridges, and maintained the Trace for hiking, biking and horseback riding on the separate equestrian path which parallels the Trace in several places. The trace was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in fall 2017.

St. Tammany has the Best Place to Escape in Louisiana According to National Travel Blog

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.

“Mandeville has such a diverse array of amenities to offer, and this recognition by Expedia is well-deserved,” 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 welcome all visitors to make us their vacation destination and experience our people, our culture, our great food, and our exceptional way of life.”

The entire blog from Expedia can be read here.

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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.

BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

MADISONVILLE WOODS SUBDIVISION

Madisonville, Louisiana

Madisonville Woods Water System (PWS 1103147

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.

If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Update for Thursday

St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Update for Thursday

The following information pertains to the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center status on Thursday, January 18, 2018:

- Only court that will be open will be Judge Swartz's Court for trial.

- Sheriff’s Office and Registrar of Voters will be open.

- District Attorney will open to the Public at 11 a.m.

- St. Tammany Assessor, Clerk of Court and St. Tammany Parish Government Offices are closed.

St. Tammany Parish Government Winter Weather Update and Closures

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will remain closed on Thursday, January 18, 2018, due to the high potential for continued severe winter weather and icy road conditions. In addition to Parish Government Offices, the Kids Konnection Playground at the Koop Drive Trailhead,  and the Tammany Trace will also close tomorrow. STAR Transit will open at noon on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Officials continue to urge people to stay off of the roads.

“Residents are urged to stay off of the roads if you do not absolutely need to travel,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “The freezing temperatures are not allowing the ice on the roads to completely melt, and so icy conditions remain in many places. Do not travel if you do not have to.”

St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, has opened a warming shelter for those in need. Residents can shelter in the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. The shelter will remain open as determined by the duration of the freezing temperatures.  Parish Government will update as necessary. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

Crews with the Parish’s Department of Public Works (DPW) have been working to spread sand on 72 Parish, and some State, bridges to help mitigate the potential for ice. As the weather turns colder and the possibility for ice forming on roads and bridges increases, the potential for delays in some emergency services may occur.

The St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center is advising citizens to use extreme caution while driving overnight, and tomorrow morning, on area streets and highways due to the potential of ice on the roads. The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning for St. Tammany for tonight and these severe weather conditions are conducive to producing dangerous road conditions, as roads may still have water on them from yesterday’s precipitation. Additionally, they are urging people to dress appropriately for “feels like” single digit temperatures from wind chill.

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PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

100-135 Woods Drive in Madisonville, Louisiana

Madisonville Woods Water System (PWS 1103147)

On January 17, 2018, the Madisonville Woods Water System lost pressure due to the freezing conditions.  As a result of the pressure loss and in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regulations, TU is issuing a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY for the above referenced addresses serviced by this water system.

Once water service is restored and out of an abundance of caution, a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY will be 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 hand delivered notices, and posts to the Parish’s social media sites and webpage.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

St. Tammany Parish Warming Shelter Open

With temperatures  currently freezing,  and a Wind Chill Advisory in place, the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, has opened a warming shelter for those in need. Severe cold weather protocols are also in place. Designated employees have been placed on notice for activation if the weather dictates.

Residents can shelter in the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. The shelter will remain open as determined by the duration of the freezing temperatures.  Parish Government will update as necessary. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

Parish and State officials are urging residents to stay off of the roadways as the conditions are hazardous. “Residents are urged to stay off of the roads if you do not absolutely need to travel,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Pay close attention to weather forecasts and news outlets for updates on conditions as the weather moves through. Do not travel if you do not have to.”

 The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use care when using portable natural gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When using any portable heater beware of flammable surroundings.

The Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety.

In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use heat sources such as space heaters and fireplaces with care, to prevent  fires, and to be mindful of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. To stay abreast of the weather forecast, please keep up with the National Weather Service here: www.weather.gov, and monitor local news outlets.

Roadway Conditions Continue to Deteriorate — Residents Urged to Refrain from Driving

As roadway conditions continue to deteriorate, Parish and State officials are urging residents to stay off of the roadways. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) is reporting that I-12 is closed from LA 1077 to Baton Rouge, and I-55 is closed both Northbound and Southbound from Hwy 190 in Hammond to the Mississippi state line. Additional closures are expected. In addition, the Causeway Bridge is closed due to poor visibility.

“Residents are urged to stay off of the roads if you do not absolutely need to travel,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Pay close attention to weather forecasts and news outlets for updates on conditions as the weather moves through. Do not travel if you do not have to.”

The LADOTD posts road conditions at 511.org. In addition, stay abreast of weather conditions at www.weather.gov.  Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use heat sources such as space heaters and fireplaces with care, to prevent  fires, and to be mindful of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

St. Tammany Parish Warming Shelter Remains Open as Freezing Temperatures Continue

With temperatures expected to continue to dip below freezing to possibly into the teens here on the Northshore over the coming days, the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, will continue to keep open a warming shelter for those in need. Severe cold weather protocols for Parish Government Operations are also in place. Designated employees have been placed on notice for activation if the weather dictates.

Residents who need shelter can do so at the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. The shelter will remain open as determined by the duration of freezing temperatures. Parish Government will update as necessary. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use care when using portable natural gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When using any portable heater beware of flammable surroundings. They are also reminding residents to use heat sources such as space heaters and fireplaces with care, to prevent fires.

The Parish’s Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety and offer them comfort.

In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock.

To stay abreast of the weather forecast, please keep up to date with the National Weather Service: www.weather.gov,  and monitor local news outlets.

St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission Postpones January 16, 2018 Meeting

The St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission Meeting, scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, January 16, 2018, has been postponed due to the forecast of severe winter weather. The meeting is rescheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 6 p.m.in Council Chambers at 21490 Koop Drive in Mandeville. For any questions, please call the Department of Development, Planning at 985-898-2591.

St. Tammany Parish Government Winter Weather Update and Closures

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, due to the forecast of severe winter weather. In addition to Parish Government Offices, the Kids Konnection Playground at the Koop Drive Trailhead, and the Tammany Trace will also close tomorrow.

Crews with the Parish’s Department of Public Works (DPW) began working at 10:30am this morning to spread sand on 72 Parish, and some State, bridges to help mitigate the potential for ice.

As the weather turns colder and the possibility for ice forming on roads and bridges increases, the potential for delays in some emergency services may occur. Additionally, as tree limbs begin to break from the weight of the ice or snow, power lines may be adversely affected and temporary power outages could be possible. Any emergencies should be reported by calling 911. 

The St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center is advising citizens to use extreme caution while driving overnight, and tomorrow morning,  on area streets and highways due to the potential of ice on the roads. The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning for St. Tammany for tonight and these severe weather conditions, coupled with precipitation, are conducive to producing dangerous road conditions. Additionally, they are urging people to dress appropriately for “feels like” single digit temperatures from wind chill, coupled with the lower temperatures and moisture from precipitation.

St. Tammany Parish Warming Shelter Opens as Freezing Temperatures Reach the Northshore

With temperatures expected to dip into the low thirties to twenties here on the Northshore over the coming days, the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, will open a warming shelter for those in need. Severe cold weather protocols are also in place. Designated employees have been placed on notice for activation if the weather dictates.

On Friday, January 12, 2018, beginning at 4 p.m. residents can shelter in the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. The shelter will remain open as determined by the duration of the freezing temperatures.  Parish Government will update as necessary. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use care when using portable natural gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When using any portable heater beware of flammable surroundings.

The Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety.

In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use heat sources such as space heaters and fireplaces with care, to prevent  fires, and to be mindful of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. To stay abreast of the weather forecast, please keep up with the National Weather Service here: www.weather.gov, and monitor local news outlets.

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St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, January 15, 2018 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Business hours resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 8 a.m. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, January 13, 2018 and on Monday, January 15, 2018 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Business hours resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 8 a.m. 

Coastal Protection Project Moves Forward as St. Tammany Parish Government and the Levee Board Select Engineering Firm

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that St. Tammany Parish Government and the St. Tammany Levee, Drainage, and Conservation District (St. Tammany Levee Board) have selected Neel-Schaffer, Inc., to begin the first phase of the St. Tammany Parish Coastal Protection Project— a collaborative initiative between St. Tammany Parish Government and the St. Tammany Levee Board, made possible with $2 million in funding from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) through an Intergovernmental Agreement. This project is part of the ongoing flood mitigation efforts by St. Tammany Parish to increase protection for all residents, and to increase resiliency following natural disasters that impact our community.

“This is another step forward in creating a comprehensive flood protection plan for our Parish,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Our Levee Board has continued to work diligently, with limited resources, to get this project off of the ground, and we applaud them for their dedicated time and intensive efforts.”

“I am excited to share in the announcement of the selection of a consultant for this project,” said Henry Di Franco, Chairman, St. Tammany Levee Board. “The Levee Board will continue to work hand in hand with Parish Government to identify critical projects to enhance flood protection for all of the St. Tammany Parish coastal zone.”

During this first phase of the project, Neel-Schaffer, Inc., will be tasked with analyzing and updating the 2012 Northshore Hurricane and Flood Protection Study for St. Tammany Parish with newly completed and current proposed projects in the St. Tammany Parish Coastal Zone. A gap analysis will then be performed to identify new projects to further protect vulnerable areas. A benefit/cost analysis of proposed projects will then be completed to determine project priority and viability. Any funds remaining after completion of these tasks will go toward Engineering and Design of prioritized alternatives. 

Nine engineering firms submitted proposals which were evaluated by a team of St. Tammany Parish Government employees and St. Tammany Levee Board representatives. 

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The St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District is a nine-member board, created during the 2014 Louisiana Legislative session, populated by gubernatorial appointments from various communities throughout St. Tammany. It is a political subdivision of the state and has the primary duty to …establish, construct, operate, or maintain flood control works related to hurricane protection, tidewater flooding, saltwater intrusion, and conservation.

REASCINDED JANUARY 6, 2018

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

Cross Gates, The Bluffs, The Landings, Turtle Creek,

Willow Wood and Autumn Lakes Subdivisions

Cross Gates Water System (PWS 1103053)

Sometime on January 4, 2018, the tubing supplying the chlorine disinfection at the Willow Wood well failed causing the chlorine concentration in the supplied water to fall below the state mandated levels in some portions of the Cross Gates Water System.  The failure of this tubing was discovered on January 5^th and repaired allowing normal disinfection to resume.  Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health regulations, a precautionary boil advisory is in place for Tammany Utilities (TU) customers in Cross Gates, The Bluffs, The Landings, Turtle Creek, Willow Wood, and Autumn Lakes Subdivisions.

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 and Hospitals ‑ Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.

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

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 Covington Fair Grounds at 1515 North Florida Street in Covington and The Old Levee Board Property at 61134 Military Road in Slidell, during daylight hours, from now until Friday, March 2, 2018. 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.

St. Tammany Parish Announces Warming Shelter to Remain Open through Saturday as Freezing Temperatures Linger

With freezing temperatures expected to linger from the low thirties to twenties here on the Northshore through the end of the week,  the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, will extend the operations of the warming shelter through Saturday, January 6, 2018, for those in need. The shelter is currently open in the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use care when using portable natural gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When using any portable heater beware of flammable surroundings. Severe cold weather protocols are also in place. Designated employees have been placed on notice for activation if the weather dictates.

The Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety.

In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock.  To stay abreast of the weather forecast, please keep up with the National Weather Service here: www.weather.gov, and monitor local news outlets.

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St. Tammany Parish Warming Shelter Opens as Freezing Temperatures Reach the Northshore

With temperatures expected to dip into the low thirties to twenties here on the Northshore over the coming days, the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, will open a warming shelter for those in need. Severe cold weather protocols are also in place. Designated employees have been placed on notice for activation if the weather dictates.

On Sunday, December 31, 2017, beginning at 1p.m. residents can shelter in the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. The shelter will remain open until the morning of Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use care when using portable natural gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When using any portable heater beware of flammable surroundings.

The Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety.

In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock.  To stay abreast of the weather forecast, please keep up with the National Weather Service here: www.weather.gov, and monitor local news outlets.

BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

ST. GERTRUDE HEIGHTS

Covington, Louisiana

St. Gertrude Water System (PWS 1103154)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.

If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, January 1, 2018 and Tuesday, January 2, 2018, in observance of the New Year. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Business hours resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, January 1, 2018 and Tuesday, January 2, 2018, in observance of the New Year. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Business hours resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Close in Observance of Christmas

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, December 25, 2017 and Tuesday, December 26, 2017, in observance of Christmas. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Business hours resume on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

St. Gertrude Heights in Covington

St. Gertrude Water System (PWS 1103154)

On Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at approximately 5:00 PM a water main broke at the St. Gertrude water well causing a loss in pressure.  Once service is restored, and out of an abundance of caution, all Tammany Utilities customers in St. Gertrude Heights, will be under a Precautionary Boil Advisory in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health regulations.

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 hand delivered notices, signs placed at the entrances to neighborhoods and subdivisions, 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.

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BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

MEADOW LAKE AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES

Slidell, Louisiana

Meadow Lake Water System (PWS 1103146)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.  Tammany Utilities apologizes for the inconvenience and will issue appropriate usage credits in the next billing cycle. Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded. If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at 985-643-1376 (East). 

UPDATE: PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY MEADOW LAKE SUBDIVISION AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES MEADOW LAKE WATER SYSTEM (PWS 1103146)

The Precautionary Boil Advisory remains in effect for Tammany Utilities customers in Meadow Lake Subdivision and a portion of French Branch Estates.  Our well contractor expects to receive the replacement parts for the water well today.  Once received, they will begin reassembling the well shaft in their shop and will install the well shaft early next week.  Once the well is put back in service, TU is required to collect samples and submit them to the state laboratory for analysis.  The Boil Advisory will not be rescinded until results from the collected samples demonstrate that your water is safe to drink. We expect that results from the sampling will be received by Thursday, December 21^st.  Please continue to check the St. Tammany Parish website for updates.  We apologize for the inconvenience this event has caused.

UPDATE: PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY  MEADOW LAKE SUBDIVISION AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES  Meadow Lake Water System (PWS 1103146)

This is a boil advisory update

The Precautionary Boil Advisory remains in effect for Tammany Utilities customers in Meadow Lake Subdivision and a portion of French Branch Estates.  On December 11^th 2017, Tammany Utilities’ well contractor opened the well to perform maintenance.  They discovered that some parts had significant wear on them and needed replacement.  The replacement parts have been ordered and are expected to come in on Thursday December 14, 2017 or Friday, December 15^th of this week.  Once the well is put back in service, Tammany Utilities is required to collect samples and submit them to the state laboratory for analysis.  The Boil Advisory will not be rescinded until results from the collected samples demonstrate that your water is safe to drink.  Please continue to check the St. Tammany Parish website for updates.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

MEADOW LAKE SUBDIVISION AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES

Meadow Lake Water System (PWS 1103146)

On Monday, December 11, 2017 at 8 AM Tammany Utilities will be performing required maintenance on the Meadow Lake water well.  We do not anticipate a loss of water pressure during the work but out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with the Louisiana Department of Health regulations, all Tammany Utilities customers in Meadow Lake Subdivision and portions of French Branch Subdivision, as indicated in the image below, will be under a Precautionary Boil Advisory effective at 8 AM on Monday, December 11^th.

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 and Hospitals ‑ 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 at the entrances to neighborhoods and subdivisions, and notices on the Parish Government’s social media sites.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

MEADOW LAKE SUBDIVISION AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES

Meadow Lake Water System (PWS 1103146)

On Monday, December 11, 2017 at 8 AM Tammany Utilities will be performing required maintenance on the Meadow Lake water well.  We do not anticipate a loss of water pressure during the work but out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with the Louisiana Department of Health regulations, all Tammany Utilities customers in Meadow Lake Subdivision and portions of French Branch Subdivision, as indicated in the image below, will be under a Precautionary Boil Advisory effective at 8 AM on Monday, December 11^th.

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 and Hospitals ‑ 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 at the entrances to neighborhoods and subdivisions, and notices on the Parish Government’s social media sites.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

St. Tammany Parish Government Extends Some Closures Due to Hazards Posed by Freezing Conditions

St. Tammany Parish Government officials announced today that, Camp Salmen Nature Park, Kids Konnection Playground and the Tammany Trace will remain closed until noon on Saturday, December 8, 2017. STAR Transit will operate from 10 a.m. until 4p.m. on Saturday. The Holiday of Lights will resume as scheduled on Saturday, December 9, 2017 beginning at 6p.m.

St. Tammany Parish Government designated personnel will be on-hand to handle any issues that may arise due to weather conditions.

St. Tammany Parish Warming Shelter Opens as Freezing Temperatures Reach the Northshore

With temperatures expected to dip into the low thirties to mid-twenties here on the Northshore over the coming weekend, the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the New Orleans Mission, will open a warming shelter for those in need. Severe cold weather protocols are also in place. Designated employees have been placed on notice for activation if the weather dictates.

On Friday, December 8, 2017, beginning at 1p.m. residents can shelter in the Giving Hope Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294 Highway 190 in Lacombe. The warming shelter will remain open until the morning of Monday, December 11, 2017. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds residents to use care when using portable natural gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When using any portable heater beware of flammable surroundings.

The Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety.

In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock.

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed Friday Due to the Threat of Severe Winter Weather

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Friday, December 8, 2017, due to the forecast of severe winter weather. STAR Transit, Camp Salmen Nature Park, Kids Konnection Playground and the Tammany Trace will close as well. The Holiday of Lights events is cancelled Friday, December 8, 2017, but is scheduled to resume on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

St. Tammany Parish Government designated personnel will be on-hand to handle any issues that may arise due to weather conditions.

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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.

Dropping Temperatures Trigger Cold Weather Preparations

With a Winter Weather Advisory going into effect this evening from the National Weather Service, and freezing temperatures predicted for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, St. Tammany Parish Government has instituted its severe cold weather protocols. As of 8 a.m. Thursday morning, the Parish’s Department of Public Works has placed designated employees on notice for activation if the weather dictates, and it becomes necessary to prep roads for freezing conditions.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in close contact with the National Weather Service and is continuing to monitor the situation. Tammany Utilities advises that in the event of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents with elderly individuals in their families to make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat their residences. Furthermore, they are asking residents if they know of at-risk families or neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather, to please check on them during the evening and morning hours to confirm their safety. The Department of Animal Services asks pet and livestock owners to take precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of animals in their care, including bringing pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing over for livestock.

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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 monthly meeting for Parish Council District 11 constituents will be held on Wednesday, December 6th at 7:00PM in the library of Bayou Woods Elementary school located off Carroll Road near Slidell.
The following items from this month's agenda will be discussed:

1. A Resolution to appoint a Chairman of the Parish Council for the calendar year 2018
2. A Resolution to appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council for the calendar year 2018
3. An Ordinance adopting the 2018 Parish Operating Budget
4. An Ordinance to establish the 2018-2022 Parish Capital Improvement Budget and Grant Awards
5. An Ordinance to authorize St. Tammany Parish Government, through the Office of the Parish President, to purchase or otherwise acquire burial space for indigent cremains
6. A Resolution to acknowledge the authority, pursuant to Home Rule Charter, Sections 1-04, 1-06, 3-01 and 3-09, for St. Tammany Parish Government, through the Office of the Parish President, to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the St. Tammany Parish Assessor and all other Tax Recipient Bodies for reimbursement of expenses pertaining to review of exemptions and assessment freezes
7. Any other items of concern to District 11 constituents

Anyone wishing additional information concerning the meeting should call Councilman Stefancik at 985-649-4580.

Steve Stefancik
Parish Council District 11

St. Tammany Regional Airport will get Lighting Upgrades through Grant Award

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that the St. Tammany Regional Airport has been awarded approximately $886,667 in combined funding from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Aviation Group (LA DOTD) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for airfield lighting improvements. The project will be funded by an FAA grant in the amount of $798,000 combined with a 10 percent funding match from the LA DOTD Aviation Group in the amount of $88,667.

“As we continue to enhance the safety features and amenities of our regional airport, we, in turn increase the traffic and the economic viability of this facility,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This is another way we maintain our diverse economy.”

Improvements are set to include the installation of a new power generator, as well as the installation of runway and taxiway edge lighting, and all incidentals to facilitate operation of the lighting. Additional upgrades are slated for the airport, including: the extension of the existing runway, extension of the apron, a perimeter fence, a new access road, a new terminal and a new corporate hangar. The St. Tammany Regional Airport is located on Airport Road in Abita Springs. It is owned by St. Tammany Parish Government and maintained by the Department of Facilities Management.

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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.

BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

910 – 987 Richmond Court in Mandeville, Louisiana

 Briarwood Terrace Water System (PWS 1103079)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

LIMITED PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

910 – 987 Richmond Court

in Mandeville, Louisiana

Briarwood Terrace Water System (PWS 1103079)

On November 28, 2017 at approximately 11:00 Tammany Utilities (TU) turned the water off to the above customers to make an emergency repair to the water main at the end of Richmond Court in Mandeville, Louisiana.  As a result of the loss in pressure and in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regulations, TU is issuing a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY for the above referenced addresses serviced by this water system.

Once water service is restored and out of an abundance of caution, a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY will be 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 hand delivered notices, a sign along Richmond Court, and posts to the Parish’s social media sites and webpage.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Serves Nearly 500 Households

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President announced today that the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, held in early October, served 476 households. Volunteers collected a combined total of 95,497 pounds of paints and chemicals, batteries and e-waste. This event, sponsored by St. Tammany Parish Government and a program of Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, was held in partnership with Keep Slidell Beautiful and the City of Slidell.

“This annual service is something we offer to residents at no cost and we appreciate that people take the opportunity to utilize it,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This is a program of our Keep St. Tammany Beautiful Chapter. I applaud them on another successful event.”

To learn more about Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, visit www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org. To volunteer for Keep St. Tammany Beautiful please email your contact information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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St. Tammany Parish is committed to sustainability through initiatives like Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, launched in 2015, the implementation of green energy throughout our Parish-owned facilities, daily litter abatement crews, our Green Guide, elevated water quality standards, and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days. To learn more or to volunteer with Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, visit, www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org.

St. Tammany Fishing Pier Closes for Winter

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier, located at 54001 East Howze Beach Road near Slidell, will close on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 6 p.m. for the winter season.  It will reopen in early 2018. For more information on the Pier visit fishingpier.stpgov.org.

Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2017 and Friday, November 24, 2017 in observance of Thanksgiving. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, November 25, 2017. Business hours resume on Monday, November 27, 2017.

St. Tammany Parish Ongoing Flood Mitigation Efforts Aided by Additional Grant Funding

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that approximately $6 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding will augment ongoing Parish Government initiatives to support the continued commitment to flood mitigation and resiliency within St. Tammany. In late September, St. Tammany Parish was awarded $2.3 million in (HMGP) dollars on the heels of the 2016 floods that impacted this area. This is in addition to the $3.7 million announced in December of 2016. This funding will be used to further flood mitigation efforts Parish Government works toward every day.

“Water is part of our daily life here, and as such, we must find ways to manage its impact when necessary, and this funding helps us to continue to do so,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “These projects are well thought out, and based on data we gather about how water impacts certain areas of our community. They are designed to have lasting protective impact.”

These initiatives include the elevation of 87 homes as of early August 2017. In addition, 17 home elevations are in progress, and 50 have had funding approved, but have not yet started. St. Tammany Parish Government has acquired five homes that have experienced losses through repetitive flooding. This process, the most permanent form of flood mitigation, is voluntary, and involves the purchase of the homes from the owners, removal of the structures, and maintenance of the property by Parish Government, thereby removing the home from a flood hazard area.

Applications have been submitted for the newly awarded grant- funded dollars, to utilize this money for projects like, the creation of a detention pond which will accommodate approximately 35 acres of flood plain storage within the Bogue Falaya Basin in the Covington area — a portion of St. Tammany that experienced severe flooding in 2016. Other projects include: road elevation projects in various areas near Slidell as well as lateral drainage improvement projects in the most heavily impacted areas of the Parish.  These projects are all pending approval from FEMA, before they can proceed.

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To learn more about this, and any other road or drainage projects in your area that your Parish Government is working on visit, www.stpgov.org/progress and use our interactive map. You can also learn more about these projects when you sign up for Parish emails at www.stpgov.org.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

Myrtle Grove Subdivision

69445 - 69531 Hwy 1077, 101 Brewster Rd., 140 and 146 President Madison, and 201-214 Muskogee Trail in Madisonville

Faubourg Coquille Water System (PWS 1103149)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded. If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

Emerald Forest Extension Roadway in Covington Area now Open

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today the opening of Emerald Forest Extension in Covington. The roadway will now extend from Highway 190 through to 11^th street. The extension was designed as part of ongoing infrastructure and drainage improvements.

“This roadway ties in to overall efforts to make travel for our residents more efficient, to increase connectivity throughout the Parish, and to improve drainage at the same time,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Residents in these surrounding neighborhoods now have an alternative route for travel that we hope will ultimately save them time.”

The project was completed in just over one year, at a cost of $1.7 million. The roadway was extended by 4700 feet from Garden Walk Drive through to 11^th Street. In addition, subsurface drainage was installed. Plans are under consideration to extend the roadway even further to an existing street closer to Highway 59, and will be determined after the completion of a feasibility study.

Kids Konnection Scheduled Maintenance will Require Partial Playground Closures

Beginning Friday, November 10, 2017, scheduled maintenance and repair work on the playground tiles at the Kids Konnection Playground on Koop Drive in Mandeville, will get underway. The work will require sections of the playground, under repair, to be closed off to activity. In addition, a portion of the parking lot will closed off for the staging of equipment and the placement of a dumpster to dispose of waste.

Parents, caregivers and children should be mindful of the activity and avoid the areas under repair. The work is expected to take just under two weeks, weather permitting. The first area to undergo repair will be the 5-12-year-old area which is expected to take about five to seven days.

You can call the office at 985-867-9490 with any questions or to check the status. 

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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.

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

Non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Friday, November 10, 2017, in observance of Veterans Day. In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Business hours resume on Monday, November 13, 2017 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.

WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION & PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

Myrtle Grove Subdivision

69445 - 69531 Hwy 1077, 101 Brewster Rd., 140 and 146 President Madison, and 201-214 Muskogee Trail in Madisonville

Faubourg Coquille Water System (PWS 1103149)

On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, beginning at 8:30 AM, Tammany Utilities (TU) will temporarily turn the water off to the above identified customers so that maintenance can be performed.  Service will be restored by 5 PM Tuesday, November 6, 2017.

Once water service is restored, out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with Department of Health and Hospital regulations, a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY will be 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 (LDH) ‑ Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.   The earliest TU expects to receive this confirmation from LDH is Thursday, November 9^th. Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by signs placed in the neighborhoods, notices on the Parish Government’s web and social media sites and hand delivered notices.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

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BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

 907-919 Cross Gates Blvd in Slidell

Cross Gates Water System (PWS 1103053)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.

If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

500 Magnolia Ridge Court, and 201, 203, and 205 Hawthorne Hollow in Madisonville, Louisiana

Faubourg Coquille Water System (PWS 1103149)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.

If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

Windermere Subdivision, Aldridge Oaks Subdivision, and 740, 746, 750, and 756 Brewster Road in Madisonville, Louisiana

Faubourg Coquille Water System (PWS 1103149)

Tammany Utilities has received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health that the water we provide you is safe for consumption.  Therefore, the Boil Advisory is rescinded.

If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

St. Tammany Parish Government sees 400% Improvement in Water Quality Indicators in Preliminary Tests

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services (DES), in partnership with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) has nearly completed on-site sewerage system inspections in certain areas of Slidell, as they continue to implement grant-funded initiatives to study and improve the water quality in water bodies throughout St. Tammany. Preliminary testing results following these initiatives show a 400% improvement in biochemical oxygen demand, one of many indicators of water quality.

“Our focus is to improve and maintain the quality of our water, reduce pollution, and preserve our natural resources,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We are meeting this challenge where it is, and taking proactive steps to address the issue.”

It is estimated that there are thousands of individual Aerated Treatment Units (ATUs) and septic tanks installed in unincorporated St. Tammany, operated and maintained by homeowners. While these homeowner sewer systems are required to be permitted by the State Department of Health, many fail to meet current, more stringent design standards which could contribute to the decline of surface water quality in the Parish.  

As part of these initiatives, and through a decentralized management approach, inspectors have been performing individual, on-site sewerage system inspections in areas of known impaired water quality since October of 2016 with special focus on areas of greatest known impairment.

Inspections were started in the Ozone Woods subdivision in Slidell and are now near completion with additional inspections to follow in the Bayou Liberty Watershed. In the Abita River Watershed, inspections are underway in the Tammany Hills subdivision. In the Bayou Cane Watershed, DES recently completed inspections in the Hidden Pines subdivision in Mandeville and inspections are currently underway in areas of unincorporated Mandeville.  

Systems that are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations will be required to make necessary repair/replacement to fulfill the requirements of the law. Financial assistance may be available for low to moderate income households for repair or replacement.  The inspector will leave information with homeowners on the types of financial assistance available and how to qualify.

Data collected in these inspections will be used to assist in determining the best courses of action to take to improve the water quality of our local watersheds for the protection of public health and water resources. In addition, this initiative will help ensure that existing and future on-site sewer systems are properly operated and maintained.

For more information on this project visit, www.stpgov.org/initiatives/water-quality.

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To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. 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.

Parish President Brister Kills Sales Tax

Today, Parish President Pat Brister moved to rescind the ¾ cent Economic Development District Sales Tax that was enacted on January 1^st of this year.

“I have spent a great deal of time listening to taxpayers and business leaders across St. Tammany Parish, and it is clear that they are not in favor of this Economic Development Tax,” said Brister. “I have given notice to Sheriff Randy Smith to halt any collections on this tax, and will be asking that an ordinance be passed in the coming weeks to officially remove this new tax from being collected. While the revenue generated was helpful for economic development in the Parish, my primary job is to be responsible to the needs of residents of St. Tammany and it is clear that they do not want the tax.”

The 2016 Economic Development District Taxes were adopted by the Parish Council at the November council meeting, and took effect on January 1, 2017. There are six new Economic Development Districts along the I-12 corridor, which generated revenue to pay for infrastructure improvements, aesthetic changes and road construction inside these districts.

Thankful Thursdays Beginning October 19, 2017 at the St. Tammany Fishing Pier

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that Thankful Thursdays will begin at the St. Tammany Fishing Pier beginning tomorrow, October 19, 2017. The pier will now open on Thursdays from 7a.m. until 6 p.m.  On Thankful Thursdays, veterans, active duty military and first responders fish free of charge, everyone 12 years old and over fishes for $3. The Pier could be unmanned during Thursday operations. Patrons who need assistance will need to call, 985-867-9490.

The schedule for the Pier is now as follows: Thursday –Sunday, 7a.m. -6pm. The Pier is located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road near Slidell.

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After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the original I-10 Twin Spans, the Parish worked cooperatively with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to repurpose the structure for public use. After securing funding through local, state and federal sources, the 650 foot St. Tammany Fishing Pier was opened to the public in June of 2012, making history as the first public fishing pier in the region since the 1960s.

Sandbag Distribution Begins Friday in St. Tammany Parish

Parish President Pat Brister announced today that St. Tammany Parish Government will distribute sandbags on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 7a.m. – 6p.m.  and on and Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the following locations:

St. Tammany Parish Government- Building C
21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville

St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Airport Road Barn
34783 Grantham College Rd., Slidell

St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Fritchie Barn
63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River

St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Keller Barn

63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe

Residents are asked to clear any debris from culverts and drainage pathways, and to monitor the weather forecast in the coming days through your local media outlets. St. Tammany Parish Government will have updates on Facebook and Twitter.

St. Tammany Parish Implements Storm Protocols

Tropical Storm Nate is now located near the Gulf of Mexico. There still exists some uncertainty as far as the path of this system. 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. St. Tammany Parish has implemented its storm protocols. 
 
Based upon the forecast track, we will announce any emergency preparedness plans to the public as they happen through the local media, through social media on Facebook and Twitter, and, if necessary, through ALERT St. Tammany. Residents can also call 985-809-2300 for recorded updates. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org.
 
Parish President Pat Brister, and the administration of St. Tammany Parish Government, are  asking all residents to prepare for the possibility of a tropical event. We ask that you clear storm drains and drainage ditches, and if you see a potential problem call our Public Works Department at 985-898-2557. 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 activate our Emergency Preparedness plans if necessary.

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Stay connected to St. Tammany Parish Government and learn about emergency preparedness plans as they happen through social media on Facebook and Twitter, the local media and, if necessary, through ALERT St. Tammany. Residents can also call 985-809-2300 for recorded updates. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.

St. Tammany Parish to Participate in Statewide Hurricane Relief Effort for Puerto Rico

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that  the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, has joined in a State-wide donation drive directed by Governor John Bel Edwards and led by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), for the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Two drop-off locations are now open in St. Tammany: First Baptist Church in Covington located at 16333 LA-1085 will collect items Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.; and Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell, located at 360 Robert Boulevard will collect items Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The drive will run from today, until Wednesday, October 11, 2017.

This is a targeted, needs-based donation drive and organizers ask that only items that have been requested be donated. Those items exclusively include: diapers, non-perishable formula, baby wipes, bottles and nipples, and feminine care products.

To read more about the statewide relief effort, visit gov.louisiana.gov/page/PuertoRico.

 
The monthly meeting for Parish Council District 11 constituents will be held on Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00PM in the library of Bayou Woods Elementary school located off Carroll Road near Slidell.
The following items will be discussed:

1. An ordinance for introduction establishing a no parking zone on Liberty Street and Jefferson Street
2. An ordinance for approval to amend the code creating a new section relative to Parish Road Overlay projects
3. An ordinance to amend Chapter 11 of the code to create a new section requiring operators of Tours on Waterways of the Parish to Provide Sanitary Facilities to Customers
4. An update on the lawsuit brought by the District Attorney against Parish Government
5. Any other items of interest to constituents of District 11

Anyone wishing additional information concerning the meeting should contact District 11 Councilman Steve Stefancik at 985-649-4580.
Steve Stefancik
Parish Council District 11
 

Make a House Your Home Event Will Explore Homeownership Opportunities in St. Tammany

St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the St. Tammany East and West Habitat for Humanity affiliates, the Northshore Housing Initiative, and the Louisiana Housing Corporation, will host the Make a House Your Home event on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 11 a.m.-1p.m. at 520 Old Spanish Trail, in Slidell, on the 5^th floor of the Towers Building. Interested parties are invited to come and learn about homeownership opportunities in St. Tammany Parish.

This event is free and open to the public. It is kid-friendly. Refreshments will be provided. For more information or questions regarding this event, call 985-898-3074.

Progress in Pavement in St. Tammany

All lanes of the Highway 21 Widening Project in Covington are currently being wrapped up by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) and their contractor, and are now open to drivers. To view current LADOTD Projects in our area, District 62, visit their website at wwwapps.dotd.la.gov.

St. Tammany Parish Government is asking for the public’s input and ideas.  The Parish’s Path to the Future Program, introduced at a Public Input Meeting last week, is now available for review online at www.stpgov.org/path. Residents can view the plan, as well as watch the Thoroughfare Plan presentation video, to learn more about the plan.

Residents can also offer their input via email, through October 21, 2017, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please include Path to the Future in the subject line.

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To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. 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.

St. Tammany Parish Government recognized for energy saving success

Receives $43,001 in incentives from Cleco’s CitySmart® Program

Pineville, La., Sept. 26, 2017 – Cleco awarded St. Tammany Parish Government $43,001.42 in cash incentives for its commitment to energy efficiency. 

St. Tammany Parish Government, a Cleco customer and participant in Cleco’s CitySmart Program, completed lighting upgrades that help improve energy usage and reduce energy costs.  In total, 2,208 fixtures were upgraded to LEDs across four buildings saving 430,014 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this is the equivalent of eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from 34,005 gallons of gasoline or the electricity use of over 31.9 homes for one year. 

“This program has yielded incentives that we are touting today, but the ripple effect of these savings will continue for years to come,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “The taxpayers will ultimately reap the benefits through the lowered energy costs which will be compounded through these energy-efficient enhancements to our facilities. I applaud our Facilities team for their hard work. ”

Since participating in Cleco’s City Smart Program, St. Tammany Parish Government has received $102,448.01 in incentives and is estimated to save over 1,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. This kWh savings is projected to continue over the extended life expectancy of the new LEDs that were installed.

Cleco’s CitySmart Program is designed to provide assistance and financial incentives for installing energy efficiency measures in large commercial and industrial facilities owned or run by municipal or parish governments.

“The CitySmart Program is one of many energy efficiency programs that provide assistance and financial incentives to Cleco customers for installing energy efficiency measures that reduce energy consumption,” said Richard Sharp, director of Cleco Solutions. “There also are programs available to residential customers, as well as small and large privately owned businesses.”

Launched in November of 2014, Cleco’s energy efficiency programs have awarded its customers over $4.5 million in incentives for completed energy efficiency projects which can lead to lower bills for customers.  Incentives include rebates for energy efficient improvements, such as duct sealing, air sealing, LED retrofits, insulation upgrades, air conditioning tune-ups and mail-in rebates for energy efficient appliances.  In addition to the monetary benefits, the programs have reduced energy consumption by over 48 million kWh which is the equivalent of eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from 3,795,797 gallons of gasoline, according to the EPA.

For more information about Cleco’s energy efficiency programs, call 1-877-622-4047 or visit www.cleco.com. 

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About St. Tammany Parish Government

To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

About Cleco

Cleco is a regional energy company that conducts substantially all of its business operation through its primary subsidiary, Cleco Power. Cleco Power is a regulated electric utility company that owns nine generating units with a total nameplate capacity of 3,310 MWs and serves approximately 288,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana and Mississippi.  For more information about Cleco, visit www.cleco.com.
 

St. Tammany Parish Government Announces Completion of Oak Harbor Boulevard Elevation Project

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced the completion of the Oak Harbor Boulevard elevation project in the Slidell area. 

“This project was the result of many discussions based on data with Councilman Binder, the City of Slidell, the residents of Oak Harbor, and our own Public Works and Engineering teams regarding storm-season safety, and concerns of the residents in Oak Harbor,” Brister said. “Our primary focus was — and still is — the safety of our residents during any disaster situation, and flood protection.”

“I want to thank the St. Tammany Parish Government Public Works and Engineering teams for following through until the end on this endeavor,” said Jerry Binder, St. Tammany Parish Councilman, District 12. “We are grateful for their determination and resolve, and for the excellent communication between all parties involved— Public Works, Engineering and myself — which made the outcome all the more easy to attain.”

“While this is a Parish project, it benefits not only the citizens of St. Tammany, but also the residents of the City of Slidell,” Freddy Drennan, Slidell Mayor, noted. “This project is the result of agencies working together to benefit many.”

This project increases the protection of the Oak Harbor Ring Levee by raising the roadway to meet or exceed the height of the levee, seamlessly connecting the levee system. The cost of the project was $1,053,620.

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To learn more about this, and any other road or drainage projects in your area that your Parish Government is working on visit, www.stpgov.org/progress and use our interactive map. You can also learn more about these projects when you sign up for Parish emails at www.stpgov.org.

PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT: S. Michele Blanchard, St. Tammany Parish Council Vice Chairman, District 13; Shannon Davis, Director, St. Tammany Parish Department of Public Works; Freddy Drennan, Mayor, City of Slidell; Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President; Jerry Binder, St. Tammany Parish Councilman, District 12; Val Vanney Jr., Councilman District D, City of Slidell; Mike Noto, Assistant Director of Public Works-Operations, St. Tammany Parish Government; Christopher Corvers, Project Manager/QC, Department of PW/Engineering, St. Tammany Parish Government

St. Tammany will Unveil Proposed Major Streets Plan at Public Input Meeting Thursday Night

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that a proposed major streets plan will be unveiled at a Public Input Meeting Thursday, September 21, 2017. Upon implementation, this plan will take a focused, systematic approach to making Capital Road Improvements. This is a visionary plan that includes improvements of existing roadways, and the design and creation of future roads to ultimately increase capacity, traffic flow and safety.

“We want our residents who drive these roads, to have a say in shaping this plan to fit our specific needs as a community,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Increasing capacity efficiency on our roadways is a topic everyone is concerned about, and we are addressing this issue head-on.” 

St. Tammany Parish Government has begun to implement several road projects with the goal of increasing connectivity and drivability throughout St. Tammany. Projects pulled directly from the plan that are currently underway include: the Mandeville Bypass Road, which will link Highway 1088 and Highway 190 near Pelican Park; Harrison Avenue design, which is slated to widen Harrison Avenue,  add subsurface drainage and turning lanes to increase safety and traffic flow; the Highway 1077 Connector Road, which will connect to Highway 21 by way of Ochsner Boulevard; and  the proposed Seymour Meyers Boulevard Extension to Perrilloux Road in Madisonville, this road will connect Highway 1077 to Highway 1085 at this location. An additional project slated to begin in 2018, is the Stone Street Extension in Slidell, which will enhance connectivity and provide an alternate route for commercial traffic, to divert it from neighborhood streets. In addition various intersection improvements are planned to improve traffic flow in the Slidell area.

The public is invited to review the draft of the plan at the public meeting on Thursday at 6p.m. in St. Tammany Parish Council Chambers at 21490 Koop Drive in Mandeville. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Development and Planning, in coordination with the planning team from Freese and Nichols, Inc., drafted the plan.  

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To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

In anticipation   of the Tammany Trace’s Induction into the National Rail-Trail Hall of Fame on Monday, September 25, 2017, Access St. Tammany Television will air special programming featuring a trek along the Tammany Trace. Viewers can travel through 27 miles of the newest Hall of Fame inductee, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2017, and running continuously until 6 a.m. Monday, September 25, 2017.

Access St. Tammany is available through multiple service providers. Charter communication subscribers can find us on Channel 197 SD, and Channel 710 HD with the digital cable box. AT&T U-verse subscribers can find us on Interactive channel 99, menu item Access St. Tammany. Web users and smart TV owners can view our high definition web stream at www.stpgov.org.

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Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

The St. Tammany Parish Government Office of Inspections and Enforcement has prompted the removal or retrieval of 11 sunken boats from the waterways in the eastern parts of St. Tammany , including the areas of Coin Du Lestin and Eden Isles, since early 2016, at no cost to St. Tammany Taxpayers. This was accomplished through a focused effort to increase owner compliance, and ultimately follow through by having the owners remove the vessels in question. According to Inspections and Enforcement officers, it would cost taxpayers a minimum of $3000.00 for Parish Government to remove and properly dispose of a sunken vessel. They add that many more sunken vessels remain in St. Tammany Waterways.

Sunken vessels pose several threats to navigational safety. These vessels can release pollutants into the waterways such as gasoline and engine fluids, they can move around during a severe weather event and especially during a storm surge. This displacement can cause a vessel to become a projectile during a storm event, or can move the vessel into the navigational path of other boats on the waterway.

“We will continue to fight blight every way we can, especially when it poses a threat to public safety, at as little cost to taxpayers as possible,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Our Inspections and Enforcement Department works closely with our Parish Council members, who regularly request action on behalf of constituents in their districts, as well as with individual residents who report these dangerous violations.”

The Office of Inspections and Enforcement asks that anyone who wishes to report a sunken vessel, to please call the 985-898-5214, where you can report this violation anonymously. 

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To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

St. Tammany Parish will ask Voters to Consider Jail and Justice Center Sales Tax Renewals in Spring 2018

St. Tammany Parish Government announced today that voters will be asked to consider two 1/5 cent sales tax renewals dedicated to the St. Tammany Parish Jail and the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center, to satisfy State-mandated cost. The election will be held in March of 2018 on the Municipal Primary Election ballot. The renewals lost by a razor-thin margin last April of less than one vote per precinct, with a voter turnout of less than 10 percent.

“We have taken an even harder look at our operating budget since April, and we have implemented cost-saving measures, however, this is not sustainable for the long-term,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Without this revenue, our Criminal Justice System will be unrecognizable and very different from the efficient and extremely effective system we have in place today.”

The taxpayers of St. Tammany are required, by law, to provide funding for the Justice System through Parish Government. Without these dedicated funds, monies must be redirected to fulfill these State-mandated costs. Since the tax renewals failed last April, St. Tammany Parish Government has implemented a standstill operating budget; placed many large initiatives on hold; instituted a hiring freeze, including not filling positions that become vacant (currently at 71); consolidated offices; reduced operating hours at the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier; Camp Salmen Nature Park; cancelled the annual Holiday of Lights; and other cost-cutting measures will be forthcoming. Additionally, Parish Government has requested impacted agencies, like the District Attorney and the Sheriff’s Jail operations, to make appropriate cuts to their budgets and take actions similar to Parish Government’s, in order to reduce spending.

“Financial support of our criminal justice system is just that important. I ask the voters to seriously consider these two tax renewals,” said Brister. “I urge all voters to educate themselves on the impact on our justice system that the loss of revenue from these taxes will have, and inform their friends and families as well.”

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The original taxes were passed at a rate of ¼ cent each, with a term of 20 years, and to fund the construction, operations, and maintenance of the St. Tammany Jail and Justice Center. The renewal rate has been reduced to 1/5 cent each, and the term reduced to 10 years. The debt for the construction will be paid by the end of the current tax but the operations and maintenance costs will remain. In addition, a portion of the sales tax revenues will be dedicated to the 22^nd Judicial Specialty Courts such as Veterans Court and Drug Court.

St. Tammany Parish Government’s Administration and Emergency Operations Center are monitoring Hurricane Irma. 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.

Based upon the forecast track, we will announce any emergency preparedness plans to the public as they happen through local media, through social media on Facebook and Twitter, and, if necessary, through or Parish-wide notification system, ALERT St. Tammany. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org.

We are asking all residents to continue to monitor the situation and check their family disaster plans, and make updates to their plans if necessary. For more information on storm preparedness, please visit www.ready.gov.

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

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Stay connected to St. Tammany Parish Government and learn about emergency preparedness plans as they happen through social media on Facebook and Twitter, the local media and, if necessary, through ALERT St. Tammany. Residents can also call 985-809-2300 for recorded updates. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.

The monthly meeting for Parish Council District 11 constituents will be held at 7:00PM on Wednesday, September 6 in the library of Bayou Woods Elementary School located off Carroll Road west of Slidell.
The following items will be discussed:
1. An Ordinance for introduction amending the Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20, Road and Bridges, Article I, in General, by creating a new Section, Procedures and Specifications Relative to Parish Road Overlay Projects.
2. An Ordinance for introduction amending Chapter 11 of the St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, entitled Health and Sanitation, to create Section 11-004.00 Requiring Operators of Tours on Waterways of St. Tammany Parish to Provide Sanitary Facilities to Customers.
3. A Resolution supporting the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 1, doing business as St. Tammany Parish Hospital, utilizing a property within the boundaries of St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 2, doing business as Slidell Memorial Hospital.
4. An Ordinance for Adoption adopting and enacting a new 2017 Code of Ordinances of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana; providing for the repeal of certain provisions not included therein; providing penalties for the violation thereof; providing for the manner of amending such code; and providing when such code and this ordinance shall become effective.
5. An Ordinance for Adoption amending the Official Parish Zoning Map to reclassify 1.74 acres located on the northwest corner of Antler Street and Sticker Street, being Lot 30, Deer Haven Subdivision from A-2 (Suburban District) to A-3 (Suburban District).
6. An Ordinance for Adoption declaring multiple tax adjudicated properties as surplus property and to authorize St. Tammany Parish to proceed with the process for the advertising and sale of such adjudicated properties.
7. A Notice of a Public Meeting that will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 6:00PM at Council Chambers discussing plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held within the Parish of St. Tammany, State of Louisiana, to authorize the levy of sales and use taxes.
8. Any other items of interest to District 11 constituents.
Anyone wishing additional information concerning the meeting should contact District 11 Councilman Steve Stefancik at 985-649-4580.

St. Tammany Parish Government announced today that the annual Holiday of Lights celebration, which would have marked its 18^th year in 2017, will not take place this year due to a lack of funding. This change is part of an overall cost-savings approach in order to achieve a balanced operating budget for 2018, as Parish officials wrangle with an anticipated $18 million revenue shortfall after the razor-thin failure of two sales tax renewals last April. This includes a standstill 2017 operating budget with several initiatives now on hold, a hiring freeze, reduced manpower and operating hours at some facilities, and the consolidation of offices.

The celebration, held at the Koop Drive Trailhead in December, spans two weekends and features entertainment by local school groups, kiddie rides and a tour of the light display on Koop Drive, at no charge to the general public.

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President has said in the past that all areas of spending are under assessment, and some areas including recreation may in be in jeopardy for the foreseeable future as officials reprioritize.  She emphasized that state-mandated obligations and necessary and required priorities are the focus as her team prepares the 2018 budget.

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today a $330,000 project to install a sidewalk along the south side of Ben Thomas Road in the Slidell area, from Highway 11, to just west of Bryan Road. The sidewalk will span approximately 2,000 linear feet and is slated to be four feet in width. It will give residents safe pedestrian access and add to the walkability and aesthetic appeal of the area. In addition, the ditches along this stretch will be subsurface to accommodate the new sidewalk.

The design and planning phases of the project, funded through a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant, are currently complete. Following the bid process, contractor selection, and construction time accounting for weather delays, the project has an estimated completion date of early summer of 2018.   

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To learn more about where your tax dollars are invested, visit www.stpgov.org/initiatives. Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2017, in observance of Labor Day. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday September 2, 2017. Office hours resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 8 a.m.

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Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. Follow us on social media on Facebook and Twitter.

The St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs announces the Decentralized Arts Funding grant awards for the 2017-2018 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 Decentralized Arts Funding 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, and as administered by the St. Tammany Parish. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works. 

Guidelines for next year’s Decentralized Arts Funding program will be available in March 2018, 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.

St. Tammany Parish Implements Storm in the Gulf Protocols

Tropical Storm Harvey is now located in the Gulf of Mexico. There still exists some uncertainty as far as the path of this system. 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. St. Tammany Parish has implemented its "Storm in the Gulf" protocols. 

Based upon the forecast track, we will announce any emergency preparedness plans to the public as they happen through the local media, through social media on Facebook and Twitter, and, if necessary, through ALERT St. Tammany. Residents can also call 985-809-2300 for recorded updates. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org.

We are asking all residents to 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. We ask that you clear storm drains and drainage ditches, and if you see a potential problem call our Public Works Department at 985-898-2557. 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 activate our Emergency Preparedness plans if necessary.

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Stay connected to St. Tammany Parish Government and learn about emergency preparedness plans as they happen through social media on Facebook and Twitter, the local media and, if necessary, through ALERT St. Tammany. Residents can also call 985-809-2300 for recorded updates. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.

Combined Road and Drainage Project in Slidell Will Benefit Two Residential Areas

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that residents who live in the Lake Village subdivision of Slidell, will soon see a drainage improvement initiative begin to take shape via a roadway just to the south — North Pearl Drive. Simultaneously, residents who live along and travel North Pearl Drive, will see roadway and sidewalk enhancements designed to make vehicular and pedestrian travel smoother.

“By combining these two projects into one master project, our engineering department has found a way to save time, maximize funding, and create an efficient, beneficial product that will give residents relief in two separate but closely placed areas,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “In addition, pedestrians in the area will see sidewalk improvements that will increase the walkability of the path overall.”

Crews will lay a subsurface drainage pipe from Lake Erie Drive and North Pearl to the existing drainage canal in the Lake Village subdivision, and tie in the Lake Village area to the new pipe, creating a dedicated drainage avenue for the subdivision. The dedicated drainage for North Pearl Drive will remain in place. Following completion of the drainage work, crews will replace the section of the sidewalk that the drainage pipe is located under on North Pearl, from Lake Erie, north to the drainage canal, with a new sidewalk that will bring it into ADA compliance. In addition, North Pearl Drive will be milled and overlaid from Lake Erie to Gause Boulevard.

The bid process for this project opens at the end of this month. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2019, barring any unforeseen delays.

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To learn more about this, and any other road or drainage projects in your area that your Parish Government is working on visit, www.stpgov.org/progress and use our interactive map. You can also learn more about these projects when you sign up for Parish emails at www.stpgov.org.

Combined Road and Drainage Project in Slidell Will Benefit Two Residential Areas

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced today that residents who live in the Lake Village subdivision of Slidell, will soon see a drainage improvement initiative begin to take shape via a roadway just to the south — North Pearl Drive. Simultaneously, residents who live along and travel North Pearl Drive, will see roadway and sidewalk enhancements designed to make vehicular and pedestrian travel smoother.

“By combining these two projects into one master project, our engineering department has found a way to save time, maximize funding, and create an efficient, beneficial product that will give residents relief in two separate but closely placed areas,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “In addition, pedestrians in the area will see sidewalk improvements that will increase the walkability of the path overall.”

Crews will lay a subsurface drainage pipe from Lake Erie Drive and North Pearl to the existing drainage canal in the Lake Village subdivision, and tie in the Lake Village area to the new pipe, creating a dedicated drainage avenue for the subdivision. The dedicated drainage for North Pearl Avenue will remain in place. Following completion of the drainage work, crews will replace the section of the sidewalk that the drainage pipe is located under on North Pearl, from Lake Erie, north to the drainage canal, with a new sidewalk that will bring it into ADA compliance. In addition, North Pearl Street will be milled and overlaid from Lake Erie to Gause Boulevard.

The bid process for this project opens at the end of this month. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2019, barring any unforeseen delays.

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To learn more about this, and any other road or drainage projects in your area that your Parish Government is working on visit, www.stpgov.org/progress and use our interactive map. You can also learn more about these projects when you sign up for Parish emails at www.stpgov.org.

As summer winds down, and school is back in session, the hours at two, Parish-owned and operated recreational facilities will be reduced beginning Sunday August 20, 2017, as Parish officials continue to hammer out a balanced budget as required by the St. Tammany Parish Home Rule Charter.

“We are currently assessing all areas of spending as we adjust to the anticipated loss of revenue from the razor-thin failure of two critical sales tax renewals last April,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This significant funding loss, an $18 million shortfall, will result in budget cuts across Parish government, as our Parish Home Rule Charter requires a balanced budget. We have state-mandated obligations that we must meet and though we are doing everything possible to preserve all the services our residents enjoy, certain areas, such as recreation, may be in serious jeopardy for the foreseeable future.”

Camp Salmen Nature Park, located at 35122 Parish Parkway in Slidell, will now open only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m. The St. Tammany Fishing Pier, located at 54001 Howze Beach Road near Slidell, will now open only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. – 6p.m.

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You can stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Parish Government when you sign up for email updates at www.stpgov.org. On the right-hand side of the home page, click on Sign Up For Parish Updates, and this will take you to our sign-up page. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Long-awaited Drainage Project in Slidell Steadily Moves Forward

The Lower W-15 Area/Lower French Branch Basin Drainage Improvement Project in Slidell, formally announced by St. Tammany Parish Government last January, continues to move forward as the design for the detention pond is complete, and the bid to construct the pond is now open.

“This first step, building the 54-acre pond will, on its own, improve the movement of the water out of the residential areas during heavy rain events or flooding situations, and improve the conveyance capacity of the surrounding canals,” said Pat Brister St. Tammany Parish President. “As a result, it will offer multiple benefits to the entire French Branch area including increased drainage upstream and downstream.”

Construction of the detention Pond is just one component of the overall drainage improvement project that also includes the widening of the W-15 Canal, expected to go out to bid by the end of 2017. The pond, designed by Duplantis Design Group, PC, is a 54-acre gravity storage pond, with an average depth of over six feet, which is equivalent to over 107 million gallons of water when filled to capacity. The Lower W-15 Area/Lower French Branch Basin Drainage Improvement Project is funded in part by a $7.9 million Hazard Mitigation Grant, and $1.8 million in Parish funds. Construction of the pond is expected to be complete in early 2019.

To sign up for email alerts regarding St. Tammany Parish Government projects, click here.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

Cross Gates, The Bluffs, The Landings, Turtle Creek, and Willow Wood Subdivisions

Cross Gates Water System (PWS 1103053)

Due to a failure of a well pump and motor, Tammany Utilities has been providing water from a secondary source and on Saturday, August 5, 2017 Tammany Utilities is installing a replacement well pump.  Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health regulations, a precautionary boil advisory is in place for customers in Cross Gates, The Bluffs, The Landings, Turtle Creek and Willow Wood Subdivisions.

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 and Hospitals - Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe. We anticipate that the earliest the Boil Advisory will be rescinded will be Tuesday, August 8th.

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

Safe Haven Continues Forward Momentum as Search Begins for Operator

With accessible, sustainable behavioral health care at the forefront of its mission, Safe Haven, continues to move forward in St. Tammany Parish as the search for a facility operator begins in earnest this week.

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, in 2015 assembled a team to create Safe Haven, a local, multi-agency behavioral health facility that will address the needs of not only St. Tammany and the surrounding region, but also serve as a replicable model for the state as a whole. “The Safe Haven Advisory Board has worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “The dedication of each member from various areas of the public and private sectors, has resulted in this endeavor clearly beginning to take shape, and with each phase brings our community closer to an accessible, collaborative, continuum of care of behavioral health services.”    

In addition to the search for a full-time operator of the facility, plans are currently underway for renovations of various buildings on the campus; one to house a peer-run drop-in facility in partnership with the National Alliance for Mental Illness, St. Tammany Chapter, and one to house the Family Promise Day Center.

The Safe Haven operator is expected to be selected in early fall of 2017. To sign up for updates on the progress of Safe Haven visit www.safehavenstp.org.

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In 2015 Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, announced her administration’s vision of developing a comprehensive system of behavioral health care in St. Tammany. Safe Haven will provide a collaborative healing environment for the behavioral health continuum by creating a high-quality, coordinated, sustainable and humane network of care anchored in St. Tammany Parish. The facility will serve as a comprehensive multi- faceted program and a “single point of entry” into the Behavioral Health continuum of care for law enforcement, the judiciary and local area hospitals.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

 Alton Community in Slidell

Alton Water System (PWS 1103145)

On August 1, 2017, a broken water line and its subsequent repair, caused the Alton Water System to lose pressure.  Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health regulations, a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY is in place for Tammany Utilities customers in the Alton Community.

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 notices on the Parish Government’s social media sites.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.