News

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This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by Tammany Utilities.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 Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by an automated phone call, signs placed throughout the neighborhood and notices on the Parish Government’s social media sites.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.

St. Tammany Parish citizens are reaping the dividends from their Parish Government’s modernization over the last six years. Taxpayers will see an estimated $1.45M decrease in property taxes paid to run Parish Government in 2017, with the decision by Parish President Pat Brister and the Parish Council to keep taxes lower for residents.

Parish Government has changed and upgraded its use of technology, and realized efficiencies and cost savings through revamping its organizational structure. All while trying to keep pace with the Parish’s explosive growth, and the demands to do more with less.

“The responsibility and privilege of public service involves the good stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and as such we continue to work every day to fulfill that responsibility, and respect that privilege in every fiscal decision we make,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We will continue to provide services to our residents in the most efficient, cost-effective ways possible, and more importantly, to give our residents the most value for their tax dollars.”

For another year, ad valorem tax millage rates in St. Tammany Parish Government will remain at the rolled back rate adopted by the St. Tammany Parish Council. The estimated savings to taxpayers earned by keeping the millage rates in place, is estimated to be approximately $2.9 million over a two-year period.

The assessed ad valorem tax millage rate to run Parish Government is 7.25. These funds are allocated to general government, drainage maintenance, Public Health, and the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter.

Additionally, Parish Government, through responsible fiscal management, earned a Triple A (AAA) Bond rating from Standard and Poors in 2015, and continues to have one of the highest and most favorable bond ratings of Parish Governments in the State.

The St. Tammany Parish Council plans to adopt the resolution to establish these rates at the July 13, 2017 Parish Council Meeting.

Lacombe, LA (JUNE 23, 2017) – Ochsner Health System (Ochsner) has reached an agreement to lease the recently closed Louisiana Heart Hospital property from Stirling Properties. Ochsner, working together with each of its partners, St. Tammany Parish Hospital (STPH) and Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH), plans to repurpose the recently closed building to open a Post-Acute Care Hospital to include long-term acute care, skilled nursing and inpatient rehabilitation services in one convenient St. Tammany location. This effort will also result in job growth and expanded administrative services in the region by opening a dedicated North Shore Service Center.

“We are excited that this facility will once again be opened and provide much-needed medical services for our residents as well as jobs for our local health care workforce,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We appreciate Ochsner’s commitment to St. Tammany Parish, and we look forward to another leading-edge healthcare facility, providing high-quality medical care.”  

The new facility represents an opportunity that is the first of its kind in the parish. One that allows Ochsner, along with each of its partners, St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Slidell Memorial Hospital, to work together and more cost effectively integrate the full continuum of care for patients.  Along with increased access to more post-acute care services, this is better for patients because it connects them to a larger, organized network of care.

“With each of our partners, St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Slidell Memorial Hospital, we are deeply committed to the North Shore region and providing patients with increased access to post-acute care services close to where they live and work,” said Warner Thomas, President and CEO, Ochsner Health System. “Over the next five years, we expect to invest nearly $15 million to deliver new and innovative models of care while also growing jobs and expanding administrative services in St. Tammany.”

Over the next 12-18 months, Ochsner, working with its partners, plans to open a 30-bed long-term acute care unit to provide intense specialized care for patients with serious medical conditions; a 25-bed skilled nursing facility to provide highly skilled medical care for patients working through a short-term rehabilitation or for those suffering with a chronic condition who need longer-term care; a 30-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit for patients who need intensive rehabilitative care in an inpatient setting to help them regain the highest degree of independence; and an occupational rehabilitation area.

“Since we formed a strategic partnership with Ochsner in 2014, we have been able to add new services, expand and enhance oncology infusion services, launch a comprehensive Neuroscience program and open a thriving pediatric subspecialty clinic in Covington,” said Patti Ellish, CEO, St. Tammany Parish Hospital. “Our announcement today further illustrates Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s joint commitment to enhance access to quality healthcare services across the continuum of care.”

In addition to expanding healthcare services, the new facility will house a North Shore Service Center with a focus on non-patient care office functions, keeping vital back-office support jobs in St. Tammany Parish. Today, the organizations provide nearly 7,000 jobs in the parish, and with this addition, the potential to retain 190 jobs and add 125 more.

“Together, with Ochsner, we have been able to build upon our strengths at Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore, bringing additional access, value, expertise and technology to our patients in east St. Tammany,” said Bill Davis, CEO, Slidell Market SMH-Ochsner Partnership. “Now, through each of our service district’s partnerships with Ochsner, we have the opportunity to make a significant investment in our community by offering critical post-acute care services, growing jobs and expanding administrative services on the North Shore.”

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About Ochsner Health System
Ochsner Health System is Louisiana's largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system. Driven by a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate, coordinated clinical and hospital patient care is provided across the region by Ochsner's 28 owned, managed and affiliated hospitals and more than 50 health centers. Ochsner is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Hospital" across three specialty categories caring for patients from all 50 states and more than 90 countries worldwide. Each year Ochsner employs more than 17,000 employees, nearly 1,100 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts nearly 1,000 clinical research studies. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About St. Tammany Parish Hospital

A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is recognized for quality, safety and the patient experience by Leapfrog, Hospital Compare, Healthgrades, CareChex and Women’s Choice. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no ad valorem tax funding. Learn more at stph.org.

About Slidell Memorial Hospital

Slidell Memorial Hospital is a full-service 229-bed acute care not-for-profit community hospital located at 1001 Gause Blvd., in the heart of Slidell. The hospital’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our community. Founded in 1959, SMH serves as a primary healthcare resource for families in St. Tammany Parish, La.; and Pearl River County, Miss. The Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center also provides comprehensive care to patients across the Gulf Coast. Other SMH facilities include the SMH Imaging Center, SMH Heart Center and the SMH Sleep Center. For more information on all of SMH’s services, visit slidellmemorial.org. The hospital’s main phone number is (985) 280-2200.

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.

The St. Tammany Parish Council welcomed its newest member tonight with the appointment of David R. Fitzgerald. The Council District 2 seat was left vacant by the passing of Dennis Sharp earlier this month. The nomination and vote to elect an interim Councilman was held at a special meeting this evening. The Council also passed a resolution to call for an Fall election to be held in October, with a runoff in November (if necessary), for a replacement to serve out the remainder of the term.
 
"Thank you for your votes of confidence.  Dennis & I were raised and grew-up together.  I plan on serving as Dennis would have to carry on his legacy," said Councilman Fitzgerald.

The Council accepted resumes from the public last week, and conducted interviews with the list of potential nominees to fill the open seat.

BOIL ADVISORY RESCINDED

MEADOW LAKE SUBDIVISION AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES

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.

If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 643-1376.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

 Alton Community in Slidell

Alton Water System (PWS 1103145)

On the evening of Tuesday June 6, 2017, an electrical surge during a thunderstorm damaged the well motor and pump causing 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.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Thursday, June 8^th. 

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.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

MEADOW LAKE SUBDIVISION AND PORTIONS OF FRENCH BRANCH ESTATES

Meadow Lake Water System (PWS 1103146)

During thunderstorms the evening of June 5, 2017, Tammany Utilities’ (TU) Meadow Lake well site experience an electrical surge that knocked out the well motor and resulted in a loss of water pressure.  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, are under a Precautionary Boil Advisory.

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

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container.  The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil.  (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.) Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.Tammany Utilities will rescind this BOIL ADVISORY upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals ‑ Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Wednesday, June 7^th. 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, press releases and notices on the Parish Government’s social media sites.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2017, in observance of Memorial Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Business hours resume on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 8 a.m.

On-Line or In-Print

St. Tammany Parish Government has released its 2016 Annual Report. The report pinpoints in detail, the revenues and expenditures of St. Tammany Parish Government, as well as accomplishments by departments within Parish Government. To save on cost, limited numbers of the Annual Report are printed, and the remainder of entire report can be reviewed at www.stpgov.org. 

“Your government paved approximately 150,000 linear feet of roads, routinely maintained drainage ditches and detention ponds, assisted families in their times of need, kept tens of thousands of pounds of hazardous waste from entering into our environment, and helped over 800 animals find new homes,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We have and will continue to work hard to be good stewards of your tax dollars, and we are committed to making Parish Government more efficient each and every day. As always, we welcome and encourage residents to be engaged in the work of your Parish Government.”  

Printed copies of the reports are available for pickup at Parish Government Offices, and a digital copy of the report can be viewed at www.stpgov.org.  Printed copies will be available in St. Tammany Parish libraries beginning the week of May 15, 2017.

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, located at 31078 Hwy. 36 in Lacombe, will close on Saturday, April 29, 2017 because this location is a polling place for the Municipal Primary Election. Business hours resume on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 8 a.m.

St. Tammany Parish Litter Abatement crews and Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, cleared 52,090 pounds of litter over 133 miles, in the month of March — the first full month of the implementation of two full-time crews utilizing St. Tammany Parish trusties. In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Litter Abatement team regularly deploys a third crew and a claw truck. The third crew is a Community Service Crew made up of litter violators who have earned a sentence of picking up the litter they have been a part of creating, as well as persons convicted of crimes through the 22^nd Judicial District Court, such as DWI convicts, and misdemeanor offenders. 305 workers participated in the cleanup during the month of March.

“Our Litter Abatement team, part of the Department of Environmental Services (DES), Keep St. Tammany Beautiful and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, have taken the resources available to us at a low cost to taxpayers, and made an astounding impact, in such a short time, upon the entire community,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “The residents of St. Tammany spoke up about the litter problem, and we listened and took further action. The results speak for themselves. As we continue to address this ongoing issue, we hope that our residents will join us in this fight to put an end to litter.”

“We are utilizing trusty labor in a positive way that directly impacts our quality of life here in our Parish. This, in turn, keeps the cost of this program at a minimum expense to our taxpayers,” said Randy Smith, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff.

The full-time Litter Cleanup crew, utilizing trusties from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Tammany Parish Government Litter Abatement employees, has been operational since early February, 2017. The DES — Community Service Crew has been operational since May of 2001. 

Among the debris collected were 241 tires, 850 pounds of miscellaneous items, 2,327 filled orange disposal bags, and 127 filled large gray bags. The claw truck pulled in 13, 160 pounds of trash.

Visit www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org  to sign up as volunteer for upcoming events, to report litter violators, or to report a roadway or dumping area in need of cleanup. 

Briarwood Terrace Water System (PWS 1103079)

On Thursday, April 20, 2017, beginning at 9:00 AM, Tammany Utilities (TU) will be turning the water off to the customers identified above so that necessary work can be performed on the water system.  Water service will be restored by 5 PM Thursday, April 20th.

Once water service is restored, out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with Department of Health 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 ‑ Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Friday, April 21st. 

Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by hand delivered notices.  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 Friday, April 14, 2017 in observance of Good Friday. In addition, the Department of Animal Services, located at 31078 Highway 36 in Lacombe, will close on Saturday, April 15, 2017. All offices resume business hours on Monday, April 17, 2017. 

LIMITED PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

1667 – 1671 Foy; 1610 – 1800 Lamarque; 1549 – 1845 Labarre;

1605 – 1637 Marigny; and, 1551 – 1632 Clausel Streets in Mandeville, Louisiana

Briarwood Terrace Water System (PWS 1103079)

On April 1, 2017 at approximately 2:30 PM, a contractor broke a water main near the the intersection of Labarre Street and Foy Street in Mandeville, Louisiana.  To repair the line, Tammany Utilities (TU) had to turn off the water to the customers identified above on Foy, Lamarque, Labarre, Marigny, and Clausel Streets.  As a result of the line break and subsequent 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.

The fifth annual Rubber Duck Regatta and EGGStravaganza, takes place this year from noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Admission to the event is just one dollar per person. Join us at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Mandeville on the green, for an event filled with fun for the entire family.

The day is filled with family-friendly festivities, which include an Easter Egg hunt with 15,000 eggs for three separate age groups: ages nine-12, ages four and under, and then ages five to eight; live entertainment; arts and crafts from Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery as well as the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, and the famous Quack-Off beauty contest, all for a nominal fee of $1 per person. Of course there will be a guest appearance by the Easter Bunny. Walgreens will even be on hand taking photos with the Easter Bunny at a cost of $3.

The day culminates with the Rubber Duck Regatta when one lucky duck will win $500 if he crosses the finish line first. Adopt-a-duck tickets can be purchased at the Kids Konnection playground on Koop Drive, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center’s Volunteer Auxiliary Gift Shop, The Duck’s Nest, or at www.kidstownsttammany.org. For more information on this event call 985-867-9490.

All proceeds from this event go to the construction of Kids Town, a western-style railroad town designed for interactive play. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please call 985-867-9490 if you would like to sponsor this event. 

Residents of St. Tammany can now utilize an interactive map on the newly launched Progress page, at www.stpgov.org/progress. This map pinpoints infrastructure projects that are in the works, near completion, or have recently culminated, as well as information on several other larger initiatives that will impact roadways and drainage that are currently underway, or prepared to launch. Collaborative initiatives with other agencies will also be included. Visitors can click on the icons featured in the map, and learn about what is happening at that location, how far along the project is, and what the expected end date will be.

“Your Parish Government works daily to put your tax dollars to their best use, to ensure that our infrastructure is sound — to facilitate the needs of our residents, to welcome new growth, and to accommodate economic development,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Progress does take time, but we want residents to know that this work on the foundational needs of St. Tammany is ongoing in how we handle scheduled maintenance, road and drainage improvements, and the implementation of new projects as needed.”

Every day, St. Tammany Parish Government Maintains 4348 Parish Roadways (equivalent to 1548 miles of roads), 1208 lateral ditches, 64 detention ponds, 144 bridges. In 2016, St. Tammany Parish Government paved nearly 150,000 linear feet of roadways.

For more information on these and future infrastructure projects, visit www.stpgov.org/progress.

St. Tammany Parish Government and project facilitators from Design Workshop held a project implementation vision workshop focused on the St. Tammany Gateway Overlay Project, on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Koop Drive Council Chambers. This workshop, which was open to the public, gave participants the opportunity to review design alternatives and offer input, to further the establishment of the vision for each of the six Economic Development Districts located at I-12 interchanges throughout the Parish. 

“The vision for each of these districts is to underscore the distinctive identities of each of these communities, and to entice the visitor, or the resident driving by to come into that community,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This is a proven strategy for increasing economic development by enhancing the attractiveness of the community and the businesses within the community, and as a result, commerce and revenue are increased.”

In addition, the Gateway Overlay Project will develop green space, and set up design standards which will elevate future development for new businesses. At the culmination of this process, the Parish hopes to have identified specific projects and put development standards in place to create a vibrant destination with a mix of existing establishments and new businesses. To view the design alternatives, click here. 

Faubourg Coquille Water System Water Main Flushing

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier reopens tomorrow, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 7 a.m., for the spring season. Pier patrons are invited to come out and enjoy free coffee to kick off the spring season, and Military (active and retired) as well as Senior Citizens fish for only $1 on opening day, as every Wednesday at the Pier is Military and Senior Citizens Day. All other patrons 12 years of age and older fish for $3 and sightsee for $1. Children under 12 are free. The Pier is located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road near Slidell. Spring hours for the Pier are Wednesday through Sunday, 7a.m. – 7p.m.

To learn more about the St. Tammany Fishing Pier visit: www.sttammanyfishingpier.com or keep up with the Pier on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/sttammanyfishingpier.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, February 27, and Tuesday, February 28, 2017 in observance of Mardi Gras. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Business hours resume on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 8 a.m.

St. Tammany Fishing Pier to Open for Spring Season One Week from Today

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier will reopen one week from today, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 7 a.m. Pier patrons are invited to come out and enjoy free coffee to kick off the spring season, and Military (active and retired) as well as Senior Citizens fish for only $1 on opening day, as every Wednesday at the Pier is Military and Senior Citizens Day. All other patrons 12 years of age and older fish for $3 and sightsee for $1. Children under 12 are free. The Pier is located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road near Slidell.

To learn more about the St. Tammany Fishing Pier visit: www.sttammanyfishingpier.com or keep up with the Pier on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/sttammanyfishingpier.

On February 17, 2017 at approximately 7:00 AM, a water leak developed in our water line near the intersection of Clausel and Orleans in Mandeville, Louisiana.  To repair the line, Tammany Utilities (TU) had to turn off the water to the above customers on Orleans, Clausel, Foy, and America Streets.  As a result of the line break and subsequent 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.

For Release: February 17, 2017

Contact:  Ronnie Simpson, 985-898-5243

Camp Salmen Education Series Returns with A Spring 2017 Session

The Camp Salmen Education Series, designed to accentuate the inherent beauty and wonder of Camp Salmen Nature Park in Slidell, and to teach students and the general public about the natural and human history of the park and the Bayou Liberty/Bonfouca Basin, returns in March of 2017.

“Camp Salmen Nature Park is in itself, an outdoor classroom,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Collaborations like these, that help to educate our youngest citizens, are essential to keeping the history of places like Camp Salmen Nature Park alive in our community.”

4^th and 5^th grade students from Brock, Alton and Bonne Ecole Elementary Schools will participate in the series, Spring B-Wet Watershed Training Program, which will be patterned after the successful 2016 fall programs conducted for 4^th and 5^th grade students from Carolyn Park and Mayfield Elementary Schools. Students will explore a wide range of topics this spring including: wetlands ecology, water quality, watershed history and a special census of macroinvertebrate critters mucked from the muddy banks of Bayou Liberty.

These educational programs are made possible through a collaborative partnership by St. Tammany Parish Government, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the St. Tammany Parish School Board, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, LSU-Ag Center, Louisiana Sea Grant and the citizen’s support group, Friends of Camp Salmen Nature Park.

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All non-emergency office of St. Tammany Parish Government will close on Monday, February 20, 2017, in observance of Presidents’ Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will close on Saturday, February 18, 2017 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Office hours resume on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 8 a.m. 

Reid Falconer, the Louisiana State Representative or District 89, will introduce a bill, at the request of Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, to name the Madisonville Public Library after former long-time Madisonville Mayor, Peter “Pete” Gitz. Brister consulted with Donald Westmoreland, Director of St. Tammany Parish Libraries, and Jean Pelloat, current Madisonville Mayor, before making the request. The bill, which seeks to “…name the library in honor of a living person,” will be introduced in the next regular Legislative Session, which begins on April 10, 2017.

“The contribution Mayor Gitz has made to Madisonville is remarkable,” said Pat Brister. “He has helped shape this community into the place that it is today — a place full of history that has a family-friendly atmosphere —and we felt it very fitting to name this public gathering place after him.”

“It is my honor to draft this bill for introduction and bring it to the State Legislature,” said Representative Falconer. “Mr. Gitz is a model public servant. I am proud to support this effort to honor his unending commitment and devotion to his community.”

Peter Gitz served the Town of Madisonville for four consecutive decades. He has seen the Town of Madisonville through growth change, hardship and plenty. He has been a mentor and a friend to many. His accomplishments include a concrete bulkhead along the Tchefuncte River spanning 1400 feet; his part in helping to open the Maritime Museum, the launch of the Wooden Boat Festival, and the newest branch of the St. Tammany Parish Library.

Hurricane Katrina damaged the Madisonville Branch of the library located on Cedar Street, and a temporary branch was opened in a rental facility on Highway 22. The Town of Madisonville then donated 1.5 acres on Main Street to the library for the construction of a new library branch, which began in 2012. This facility was opened to the public in September of 2013. 

St. Tammany Parish Government, Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office announced today the kickoff of a full-time, joint, litter abatement initiative to clean up Parish roadways. The collaborative endeavor, and labor of love, will utilize two litter abatement vans as well as St. Tammany Parish Jail trustees, who will deploy Monday through Friday, and execute cleanup operations assigned to them by the St. Tammany Parish Litter Abatement office. The Litter Abatement cleanup crew kicks off on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 8 a.m. 

“We are committed to maintaining our quality of life here in St. Tammany, and as such, we must be committed to continued beautification which includes purposeful, consistent and uncompromising litter abatement efforts,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany President. “When we collaborate with other agencies in our Parish, we can use complementary resources to achieve continual, extraordinary results.”

“We take litter seriously here in St. Tammany,” said Randy Smith, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff. “It is an eyesore and a tax burden. This joint operation will give our crews, the opportunity to give back to the community, and at the same time, help to tackle a challenging issue here in St. Tammany.”

In addition, Brister also announced plans to roll out litter abatement initiatives including: the increased awareness of the trash hauling regulations, and penalties that will be incurred when regulations are violated, for local hauling companies; work with local dumps and transfer stations to help enforce their own rules as well as Parish ordinances; litter sweeps by Parish Code Enforcement officials; and to work with Justices of the Peace and Constables, who enforce litter laws, to encourage them to stay the course and maintain aggressive enforcement.

Residents can learn more about the various initiatives through Keep St. Tammany Beautiful or sign up to volunteer, at www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org.

Parish officials also encouraged local businesses to come together and show their love for St. Tammany and to encourage residents and employees to keep their parking lots and business sites clean by encouraging the proper disposal of trach and debris.  Littering is a crime under state law, as well as a violation of Parish Ordinances. State fines can range from up to $250 per incident to up to $1000 an incident for illegal dumping sites. Ordinance violations at the Parish level carry a fine of no less than $250 for a first offense.

To report litter violations please complete a Litter Prevention Form found on the Keep St. Tammany Beautiful Website, here. To request cleanup of a roadway in St. Tammany, please submit a Road Cleanup Request form found here.

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, made an emergency declaration Tuesday evening for the entirety of St. Tammany Parish, in response to the impact of the Severe Weather Event that impacted this area on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. This declaration is a procedural process that enables Parish Government to better coordinate any and all local, state or federal resources necessary to support public safety and recovery.

Any homeowner, commercial business, school, or church who incurred damage during this event is asked to call the St. Tammany Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at, (985) 898-2359 to report the damage so that preliminary damage assessments can be completed. 

The State announcedan emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana the afternoon of Tuesday, February 7, 2017, following the destruction of a severe storm system that moved through much of southeast Louisiana, including Ascension, Livingston, Orleans, St. James, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes.

Emergency Declaration 

St. Tammany Parish Government is asking citizens to provide public commentary to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District (CEMVN), regarding the Louisiana Wetlands Rapid Assessment Method (LRAM), used to calculate compensatory mitigation requirements when wetlands, streams and other aquatic resources are adversely affected through unavoidable, impacts through authorized activities. Authorized activities can be found under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The interim version of the LRAM, released in early 2016, replaced the Modified Charleston Method as the accepted wetlands credit calculation tool. Comments on the LRAM will be accepted through Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

Written comments regarding the LRAM should be submitted to CEMVN by March 8, 2017 at: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District CEMVN-OD-S 7400 Leake Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70118-3651 Comments may also be submitted electronically to Mr. Stephen Pfeffer of the Regulatory Branch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., who can be reached at (504) 862-2099.

The LRAM Guidebook and associated spreadsheets are available on the RIBITS webpage at: http://ribits.usace.army.mil. To navigate to LRAM, select “New Orleans” under Filter View for District and then click on the “Assessment Tools” navigation bar.

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Today (February 2, 2017), Tammany Utilities 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 Fishing Pier to Open for Spring Season One Month from Today

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier will reopen four weeks from today on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 7 a.m., after a three-month seasonal closure.  Military (active and retired) as well as Senior Citizens will fish for only $1 on opening day, as every Wednesday at the Pier is Military and Senior Citizens Day. All other patrons 12 years of age and older fish for $3 and sightsee for $1. Children under 12 are free. The Pier is located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road near Slidell.

To learn more about the St. Tammany Fishing Pier visit: www.sttammanyfishingpier.com or keep up with the Pier on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/sttammanyfishingpier.

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On January 31, 2017, at approximately 9 AM, Tammany Utilities will be turning the water off to the above referenced customers in Quail Creek Subdivision to make a repair on a leaking water main near the intersection of Octavia and Sycamore.  Water service will be restored by 5 PM.  As a result of the leak and subsequent pressure loss for the repair, 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.

We anticipate that the earliest this advisory will be rescinded is Thursday February 2^nd. Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by hand delivered notices.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

The 2017 Parish-level St. Tammany Parish Poetry Out Loud Competition was held on Tuesday, January 17, at Covington High School.  Eight St. Tammany Parish High Schools with a total of 23 students, competed in the eighth annual competition. The top three finalists who advanced to the State Championship coming up in March, at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge, are as follows: First Place, Dejeune Richardson of Covington High School; Second Place, Jane Kent of Lakeshore High; and Third Place, Camryn Caserta of Covington High.

Winners from each state who advance in their respective competitions, will then compete for the National Poetry Out Loud Championship in Washington D.C.

Created by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a program that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through exploration, memorization and performance. The inspiration for this competition is to promote the art of poetry in both the classroom and the community. Participants are scored on performance and accuracy by a panel of judges. The St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs coordinates this competition for the students in our Parish.

To learn more about the Poetry Out Loud Competition and what students and schools can win through this competition, visit www.poetryoutloud.org/about.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Business hours resume on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 8 a.m.

You can learn more about St. Tammany Parish Government at www.stpgov.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

On Friday, January 6, beginning at 4p.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 Monday, January 9, 2017. Citizens should bring bedding, comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that household pets, alcohol and firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.

The Department 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 is asking, not just its customers but all St. Tammany residents, to wrap their pipes and take the necessary precautions to prevent pipes from 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.

Out of an abundance of caution, non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will close at 3p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017, in advance of potential hazardous winter weather. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, January 7, 2017.  Offices will resume business hours on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 8 a.m.

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On January 5, 2017 at approximately 9:00 AM, a water leak developed in our main serving customers along South Lane.  To repair the line, Tammany Utilities (TU) has had to turn off the water to the above customers on South Lane, West Court and Solar Court in Mandeville, Louisiana.  As a result of the line break and subsequent 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, signs placed in your neighborhood and posts to the Parish’s social media sites and webpage.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 276-6400.

On the April 29, 2017 Municipal General Election ballot, voters will be asked to consider the continuation of two Parish-wide Jail and Justice System sales taxes. The rates and terms of both taxes have been reduced from ¼¢ each to 1/5¢each (a 20% decrease), and from 20-year renewals to 10-year renewals (a 50% decrease). The estimated annual sales tax revenue projected in 2017 would be $9.6 million, which is a combined reduction of $5 million per year to the citizens of St. Tammany. In addition, 10% of the revenue collected, or an estimated $960,000 will be allocated to the 22^nd Judicial Specialty Courts, which will provide a guaranteed revenue stream for these programs going forward. The remaining 90 % or $8,640,000 will fund the essential operational costs of the Justice Center Complex, the satellite offices on the East side of the Parish (the Towers Building), and operational support expenses of the Justice Center agencies which for 2017 are budgeted at $7,751,830. Any remaining revenue will be placed in an account for projected future needs or emergency expenses. All monies spent from this account will require approval by the St. Tammany Parish Council.

“This tax directly impacts our quality of life here in St. Tammany. Our specialty courts alone help to keep the jail population lowered through rehabilitation programs for non-violent offenders who need behavioral health care, drug or alcohol rehabilitation and  a chance to re-enter society with the skills to become productive citizens,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “When voters made it clear that they were not ready to support a 20-year tax which included funding for future projects, we reduced the rates by 20% and cut the terms in half to create a sustainable revenue source for the next ten years to fund essential operational needs.”

“These tax renewals are vitally important to the way we protect St. Tammany,” said Randy Smith, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff. “This jail tax continuation has direct impact on the way we operate day-to-day in our Parish, and we work cooperatively with every agency in the Justice Center, so the continuation of the Justice Center tax will impact these relationships as well. We want every citizen to continue to feel safe and to obtain the help and services they need when they need them. ”

Prisoners who enter the specialty courts are less likely to be incarcerated again after the program is complete. According to the Louisiana Public Health Institute, drug court participants have a 5.4% recidivism rate after two years, compared with a 36% recidivism rate for offenders on felony probation without drug court or treatment, and a 31% recidivism rate for offenders who are incarcerated. Just over 500 prisoners completed specialty court programs in St. Tammany Parish in 2014, according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office.

The 22nd Judicial District Court handles over 6000 civil cases and 5,000 criminal cases a year, all with 10 judges in separate courts. The Justice Center alone houses seven different agencies with a total of 545 employees. For questions on the two tax continuations email inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Friday, December 23, 2016 and Monday, December 26, 2016 in observance of Christmas. The Department of Animal Services will also close Saturday, December 24, 2016. Business hours resume on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 8 a.m.

The Tammany Trace, Kids Konnection Playground, and Camp Salmen Nature Park will close on Saturday, December 24, 2016 and Sunday, December 25, 2016. 

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Finance was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, for the 13^th consecutive year. This is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The comprehensive annual financial report, or CAFR, is evaluated every year and the award is given based on standards reached in the report. These include, demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story, and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Leslie Long, Chief Financial Officer, Laura Reine Lyons, Senior Accounting Manager and Annie Perkins, Assistant Director of Finance are the recipients named on the award.

“This is a testament to the meticulous and efficient work of our Finance Department, and it also speaks to the level of care Parish Government expends in the use of taxpayer dollars,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish Government. “We are pleased to have earned this prestigious recognition again.”

The St. Tammany Parish 2016 online adjudicated auction announced last May, has resulted in the placement of 26 properties back into commerce and on the tax rolls, and an estimated $300,000 in gross profit for St. Tammany Parish Government  from 21 of those 26 property sales.  St. Tammany Parish Government will realize additional profits following the closings of the remaining five property sales.

“In addition to fighting blight, reclaiming tax dollars, and offering the opportunity to residents to own property in St. Tammany, this auction process is an instrument to improve our quality of life both aesthetically and fiscally,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “As abandoned or neglected property is reclaimed or sold to a different owner, there is a high chance it will be improved in some way. These are not just personal investments for the new owners, they are investments into our community and will continue to make St. Tammany the vibrant and thriving place we call home.”

Interested buyers can visit www.civicsource.com to view a map, a list, or a street view of the inventory of 335 adjudicated properties currently available, and register to participate in the auction. An additional 140 properties are set to be released on December 16, 2016 and properties are added on-average, once a month.  Registered users then nominate properties that will initiate the process through a $750 deposit and place the nominated property into an active auction. With CivicSource as the auction facilitator, the final sale price of each property includes a clear title, title insurance, and closing fees. The initial $750 deposit will go toward the sale price of the winning bid. Complete details about the online auction process are available at www.civicsource.com/help, or interested buyers can call (888) 387-8033, Monday-Friday from 8a.m.-5p.m. to speak with a help representative from CivicSource and have their questions answered.

St. Tammany Parish Government has been awarded $3,765,625.00 in Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding.  The funding, which comes as result of the Spring 2016 flooding and is administered through the State of Louisiana and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, will be used for projects to protect people and property from future natural disasters. The Parish will evaluate existing risks and vulnerabilities, as well as use its Mitigation Plan to determine the best use of these critical funds.

“St. Tammany appreciates the award of this grant and will dedicate the funding to help prevent future devastation from natural disasters,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “The project, or projects, that will be funded through this dedicated grant will join a long list of Hazard Mitigation work we have completed or that is already underway. Whether its marsh restoration, drainage improvements or any number of large infrastructure projects that can help protect our citizens, we remain committed to the prevention of loss of life or property at the hands of a disaster.”

St. Tammany Parish Government’s ongoing Water Quality Initiative that will restore optimum water quality to specific areas that are currently categorized as deficient, has been advanced through a $300,000.00 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Program. The Parish’s Department of Environmental Services will utilize the grant to fund a partnership with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) for a project to improve water quality in specific river basins, or watersheds. The St. Tammany Parish program which is designed to improve overall public health, will conduct individual sewerage system inspections in areas of St. Tammany Parish, and will use data collected in these inspections and from other sources to determine the best course of action to restore water quality in deficient areas.

“The partnership between St. Tammany Parish Government and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation gives Parish Government the opportunity to double our resources and our expertise, in preserving our natural resources and our beautiful Parish,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Our ultimate goal in these initiatives, is to not only provide a rich quality of life for our current residents through better water quality and increased overall public health, but to obtain the information we need to continue to improve these initiatives, so that we leave a legacy of responsible stewardship of natural resources for future generations. Additionally, we are grateful to the EPA for the grant and this implementation of the Gulf of Mexico Program”

The Water Quality Initiative has led to improved wastewater treatment through the utilization of regional wastewater treatment facilities, increased compliance of individual homeowners’ sewerage systems, and overall citizen education on responsible wastewater management. These grant-funded inspections are one component of this EPA-Gulf of Mexico Program supported grant initiative, and will allow the Parish’s Environmental Services Department to study and improve water quality in St. Tammany.

Keep St. Tammany Beautiful and the St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services held Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day (HHW) last month at the St. Tammany Parish Government Koop Drive Campus in Mandeville. Nearly 50 volunteers collected 234 tires and a combined total of 133,450 pounds of paints and chemicals, batteries and e-waste. Over 800 households participated and just over 700 vehicles came through collections lines.

“Events like HHW Day, illustrate collaboration,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We work collectively with vendors and volunteers to offer this service at no cost to our residents so that they can properly dispose of their household hazardous waste. As a result, residents have the opportunity to lessen their waste burden, our community is cleaner, and we add to the overall quality of life for everyone.”

To see photographs from HHW Day, visit www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org. To volunteer for future Keep St. Tammany Beautiful events, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Keep St. Tammany Beautiful and the St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services held Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day (HHW) last month at the St. Tammany Parish Government Koop Drive Campus in Mandeville. Nearly 50 volunteers collected 234 tires and a combined total of 133,450 pounds of paints and chemicals, batteries and e-waste. Over 800 households participated and just over 700 vehicles came through collections lines.

“Events like HHW Day, illustrate collaboration,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We work collectively with vendors and volunteers to offer this service at no cost to our residents so that they can properly dispose of their household hazardous waste. As a result, residents have the opportunity to lessen their waste burden, our community is cleaner, and we add to the overall quality of life for everyone.”

To see photographs from HHW Day, visit www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org. To volunteer for future Keep St. Tammany Beautiful events, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President, and the Commission on Cultural Affairs will present the 12^th Annual President’s Arts Awards at the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center, on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Each year, the President’s Arts Awards honors local artists and arts patrons who have contributed to the culture here in St. Tammany Parish, through their work. 

“Each year, when we celebrate the President’s Arts Awards, the foundational significance of the arts in our community is reinforced,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We are fortunate in that we have the distinct privilege of enjoying the talents of world-renowned artists here, so very close to home. We look forward to the development of our Cultural Arts District and Performing Arts Center — a place where these artists, as well as future generations of artists — can showcase their talents so that every  person can experience the richness of the arts in many forms.”

The 2016 award winners are:

·         Lifetime Achievement in the Arts – Emery Clark

·         Native Son Award – Marty Sixkiller

·         Visual Artist of the Year – Adam Sambola

·         Culinary Artist of the Year – Michael Fredrick

·         Arts Patron of the Year – Carlos Sanchez and David Fennelly

·         Performing Artist of the Year – Gary Mendoza

·         Literary Artist of the Year – David Armand

·         Musical Artist of the Year – Bobby Ohler

·         President’s Award – St. Tammany Art Association

The Arts Awards present an opportunity to recognize our local artists, musicians and performers who have achieved success in their respective fields. This year’s award recipients have been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as special talents in their disciplines. All have made a significant contributions and commitments to the development of the arts in St. Tammany Parish.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 28^th from 6p.m. until 8p.m. at the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center located in historic downtown Covington. Guests will be treated to food and beverages from local restaurants, live music and entertainment. For more information on this event call (985) 898-3011.

Programs are 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. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.

Alton Community Energized by Cleanup Day

The St. Tammany Parish community of Alton experienced a massive clean-up effort last month that resulted in the collection and disposal of over 300 bags of trash. Keep St. Tammany Beautiful sponsored and organized the cleanup day event in conjunction with the St. Tammany Parish Department of Inspections and Enforcement, St. Tammany Parish Councilman T.J. Smith and leaders from the community of Alton. Members of the St. Tammany Parish Government staff volunteered their time in assisting Councilman Smith, 40 members of the Alton community from local churches and neighborhoods groups, Beta Club members from Alton Elementary and their sponsor, in the collaborative collection effort. The litter that was bagged and collected was hauled away by the St. Tammany Parish Litter Abatement Program, which utilizes citizens with court-mandated community service hours. Additionally, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Public Works mobilized the following work week to cut ditches and remove weeds around street signage in the area.

“We are incredibly proud of the work of Keep St. Tammany Beautiful and all the volunteers completed in the Alton Clean-up Day,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This a wonderful beginning to our Keep St. Tammany Beautiful chapter’s efforts to improve our quality of life, while preserving the natural beauty of our Parish. This program, and many more that Parish Government spearheads, will assure the conservation of our natural resources and keep this Parish a place where businesses want to locate, and families want to raise their children.”

Keep St. Tammany Beautiful also provided volunteers and the necessary equipment like safety vests, trash bags, gloves, grabbers and bottled water. For more information on Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, visit, www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org. To sign up as a volunteer for future events sponsored by Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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PHOTOS: Steve Bordelon, Volunteer, St. Tammany Parish Government Code Enforcement Officer; Kenny Wortman, St. Tammany Parish Government Director, Inspections and Enforcement and son Kenny Wortmann, Jr.; Lance Theriot, St. Tammany Parish Government Code Enforcement Officer;Left to Right:  Charlie Mcmooain, Alton resident, St. Tammany Parish Councilman T.J. Smith, Willie Mearis, Alton resident ; Alton Elementary School Teacher Cheryl Nichols cleans up with members of the Beta Club

Today (December 1, 2016), Tammany Utilities 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.

The St. Tammany Fishing Pier, located at 54001 East Howze Beach Road near Slidell, will close on Thursday, December 1, 2016 for the winter season, and reopen on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. For more information on the Pier visit fishingpier.stpgov.org.

On November 29, 2016 at approximately 12:30 PM, a contractor hit one of Tammany Utilities (TU) water distribution lines.  To repair the line, TU has had to turn off the water to the above customers in Bedico Creek Subdivision.  As a result of the line break and subsequent 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.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Thursday, December 1^st.

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

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On November 29, 2016 at approximately 12:30 PM, a contractor hit one of Tammany Utilities (TU) water distribution lines.  To repair the line, TU has had to turn off the water to the above customers in Bedico Creek Subdivision.  As a result of the line break and subsequent 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.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Thursday, December 1^st.

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

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All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed on Thursday, November 24, 2016, as well as Friday, November 25, 2016, in observance of Thanksgiving. The Department of Animal Services will also close on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Business hours for all offices resume on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 8 a.m. 

The Tammany Trace, Camp Salmen, Kids Konnection Playground, and the St. Tammany Fishing Pier will also close on Thursday, November 24, 2016. Regular hours for these facilities will resume on Friday, November 25, 2016.

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Today (November 15, 2016), Tammany Utilities 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.

The Annual Holiday of Lights in St. Tammany Parish kicks off on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 5:45 on Koop Drive in Mandeville. This free event runs run for two consecutive weekends, on Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy entertainment from local schools and areas performance groups, trees donated by Winn Dixie decorated by schools and other organizations, kiddie rides, and this year, Rudy the live Reindeer from Zoo to U will make a special guest appearance on Saturday, December 3^rd at 7:30 pm.

Santa will be on-hand for pictures with the children at a cost of $15.00 each printed while you wait, and refreshments will be available for purchase. The Holiday of Lights is open the weekends of December 2 and 3, and December 9 and 10, 2016, from 6p.m.  – 8:30 p.m. at Koop Drive in Mandeville directly behind the Kid’s  Konnection Playground.

Friday December 2, 2016

Kickoff Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President

And Santa                                                                              5:55-6:05 p.m.

Abita Springs Children’s Academie                              6:05-6:30

Kehoe France                                                                       6:30 – 7p.m.

Woodlake Elementary                                                      7 - 7:30 p.m.

Young Performers Society                                              7:30- 8p.m.

Frank Levy Playmakers                                                     8-8:30 p.m.

Saturday December 3, 2016

Madison Tripp                                                                      6 -6:30 p.m.

Cedarwood School                                                             6:30- 7p.m.

Rudy the Reindeer                                                             7:30- 8:30 p.m.

Friday, December 9, 2016

Marigny Elementary                                                          6-6:30 p.m.

Lancaster Elementary                                                       6:30- 7p.m.

Northshore Home School                                                7-7:30 p.m.

Drama and Music                                                                7:30- 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Northlake Academy of Music Choir                            6-6:45 p.m.

Northlake Performing Arts Society                             6:45-7:15p.m.

Singsations                                                                           7:15-8:30 p.m.

For more information please call the Tammany Trace Trailhead at 985-867-9490.  

Due to the failure of a well pump, the Northridge Water System lost pressure on Thursday November 10, 2016.  As a result of the pressure loss and in accordance with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regulations, Tammany Utilities (TU) is issuing a precautionary BOIL ADVISORY for the above referenced subdivisions 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.  Because of the Veterans Day Holiday, TU is uncertain of when the LDH laboratory will be able to return sample results.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Saturday, November 12^th and the latest, Tuesday, November 15^th.

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

St. Tammany Parish officials announced today that long-standing traffic challenges on Louisiana Highway 22 in Madisonville are set to be addressed beginning Monday, November 21, 2016. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), will implement a temporary drawbridge opening schedule and traffic study. The Madisonville drawbridge will remain closed during the week, at 8 a.m., 5 pm., and 6p.m. and open on the hour for the remainder of the day through 7p.m. It will open on signal between 7p.m. – 6a.m. On weekends, the bridge will open every hour from 6 a.m. -7p.m.  At the same time, three separate traffic studies will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Louisiana Highway 22 (Mulberry Street), including the installation of a traffic signal in lieu of a four-way stop sign.

These temporary changes are part of a plan to determine what permanent solutions to traffic challenges — both marine and automobile— will ultimately be implemented. “It is gratifying to me to see agencies working together to face challenges in our community,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “It is through these collaborative efforts that we find lasting solutions. While these measures are temporary, they are part of a bigger effort to permanently resolve this problem. We appreciate the patience of motorists and mariners as we work on this issue.”

“For District 4, this traffic is a concern that residents have brought to me since the start of my term as their Councilman,” said Mike Lorino, St. Tammany Parish Councilman, District 4. “I would like to thank the USCG, the LADOTD, Senator Jack Donahue, Representatives Schroder and Falconer, and Mayor Pelloat for their enduring efforts to begin to find solutions through working together. And I would like to thank residents and boaters, in advance, for their patience as we work toward a permanent solution. We realize that everyone is affected, and we will do our best to find an all-encompassing resolution. ”

“I am very excited about the new temporary closure times for the Madisonville Bridge.  This change is designed to improve traffic flow through the Town of Madisonville during peak drive-time hours without a significant impact on our river boaters,” said Jean Pelloat, Mayor of Madisonville. “I am equally pleased with the three planned studies to be conducted over the next several months in cooperation with St. Tammany Parish Government, LADOTD, our State representatives and the USCG. I would like to thank everyone who has been working so diligently to improve the traffic flow through our community and trust that the upcoming studies will produce a permanent solution that will be embraced by both land transportation and water vessel traffic.”

The deviation in the drawbridge schedule will run through May of 2017, and the traffic studies will occur during the same timeframe. 

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., plan to bring your Household Hazardous Waste to 21490 Koop Drive in Mandeville, for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day 2016.  Please bring your patience too, as this event attracts lots of people. This event is a program of Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, open to St. Tammany Parish residents, and provides an opportunity for residents of St. Tammany to dispose of their Household Hazardous Waste at no cost. To view the flyer for specifics on what will be accepted, visit www.keepsttammanybeautiful.org/events.

To volunteer for Keep St. Tammany Beautiful please email you contact information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 for the Open Primary/ Presidential/ Congressional election. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 8 a.m.

Offices will also be closed on Friday, November 11, 2016 in observance of Veterans Day. The Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, November 12, 2016 as well. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 8 a.m.

For information on the upcoming election please visit www.stprov.org.   

The St. Tammany Parish Board of Adjustment shall hear testimony for and/or against the following variance/appeal cases brought before it for the Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Board of Adjustment meeting at 3:00PM, located on the 3ird Floor of Building “B”, conference room, in  the St. Tammany Parish Government Complex, 21454 Koop Drive, Parish Council Chambers, Mandeville, Louisiana:

BOA CASE NO. 2016-442-BOA

Request by applicant for a variance of a rear yard setback requirement in an A-4 Single Family Residential zoning district from 25' required to approximately 22' requested. The property is located at 1001 River Court, Mandeville, Louisiana.

Applicant: Michael S. Cyr

BOA CASE NO. 2016-443-BOA

Request by applicant for variances of monument sign requirements in an MD-1 Medical Residential zoning district for border width from 2' permitted to approximately 12.4' requested and sign area from a maximum of 32 square feet permitted to approximately 81 square feet requested. The property is located at 601 Holy Trinity Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana.

Applicant: St. Anthonys Garden

BOA CASE NO. 2016-444-BOA

Request by applicant for a variance of landscaping requirements in a NC-4 Neighborhood Commercial Institutional zoning district. The property is located at 2235 9^th Street, Mandeville, Louisiana.

Applicant: Kifayat Khan, P.E. (for Perverz Mussarat)

BOA CASE NO. 2016-445-BOA

Request by applicant for a variance of a front yard setback requirement in an A-2 Suburban zoning district from 50' required to approximately 44' requested. The property is located at 24455 Azalea Lane, Lacombe, Louisiana.

Applicant: Elizabeth Behrens

On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, the St. Tammany Parish Council introduced two ordinances for adoption of the 2017 Parish Operating Budget, and the 2017-2021 Parish Capital Improvement Budget and Program. Copies of both budgets will be made available for review by October 3, 2016 at the Parish Council Office and the following Parish Library Branches: Abita Springs, Bush, Causeway, Covington, Folsom, Lacombe, Lee Road, Madisonville, Mandeville, Pearl River, Slidell Robert Blvd, South Slidell. To view the Parish’s paper-less version of the proposed budgets, it is available online on the Parish’s website (http://www.stpgov.org/departments/finance).

Budget hearings are scheduled at 6pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 and Wednesday, October 19, 2016. The Parish Council will also take public comments concerning both budgets during its regularly scheduled monthly Council Meeting, in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2016 prior to voting on the proposed budgets.

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A relatively low-tech method of imitating a natural marshland was implemented to help clean freshwater ponds contaminated by stormwater runoff. This research is being funded by St. Tammany Parish Government in cooperation with scientists at Southeastern Louisiana University and the wetlands assimilation company Comite Resources, Inc.

The effort is intended to improve water quality throughout St. Tammany through several water quality initiatives. Included is a project in the Del Sol subdivision of Covington that utilizes an innovative, yet relatively low-tech method of imitating a natural marshland that will help clean freshwater ponds contaminated by stormwater runoff. The $222,000 pilot project is a component of the newly initiated St. Tammany Parish stormwater management plan, a project that was launched to help the Parish determine the most efficient and effective methods to retrofit other stormwater retention ponds, turning them into water quality enhancers, according to Parish officials.

“Improving water quality and our environment in the Parish are crucial,” said St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister. “As we continue to research and implement the latest, most effective strategies to address pollution and stormwater runoff problems, we will continue to make great strides in improving the overall quality of our water throughout the entire community. Success will also make this pilot project replicable throughout St. Tammany and mimicked throughout the country.”

Members of the Water Environment Federation,a not-for-profit technical and educational organization representing water quality professionals around the world, who are in New Orleans for the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference during the week of September 24-28, 2016, toured the natural marshland site in the Del Sol neighborhood, as a conference activity, to learn about Best Management Practices that are being applied to existing stormwater ponds. Registrants who attended that tour were from throughout the United States, as well as Singapore and Mexico.

The project is being funded by the parish and implemented by Southeastern Louisiana University wetlands expert and Professor Gary Shaffer and graduate student Zach Leggett who are working with Racheal Hunter of Comite Resources, Inc. based in Zachary, La.

Rainwater runoff enters the Del Sol pond from three directions, carrying with it sediment, oils, tar, fertilizers and herbicides that accumulate in the subdivision’s watershed and contaminate the pond.

Leggett and Shaffer are evaluating the cleaning effects of a man-made floating marsh in the eight-acre pond. Leggett’s hands-on project is the focus of his master’s thesis at Southeastern.

“The floating plants take out the excess nutrients and turbidity, or cloudiness, in the water, including fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other materials that can be harmful to water quality,” Leggett said.

Last fall, Leggett and his team constructed a star-shaped, eight-armed frame of PVC piping with four-foot wide vinyl coated crab wire between the piping that acts as a platform and serves as a supporting structure for marsh plants, such as maidencane, arrowhead and spider lily. The plants attached to the netting, serve as a natural filtering mechanisms for the pond water. The predominant water plant used in the structure is maidencane, an inexpensive plant that is easily propagated in the University’s greenhouses before being transplanted into the frame.

“The maidencane roots are full of gas, so the plants tend to float on top; this makes it ideal for this kind of structure,” explained Shaffer. “Maidencane is a good plant for this purpose; the roots grow about 20 inches deep and suck up the excess nutrients in the water and help clean the pond. As an added benefit, the structure also becomes a huge refuge for small fish and other species.”    

While water quality tests are only in the early stages, Shaffer said the pond has become much clearer with a huge reduction in turbidity, or cloudiness. In addition, he said, the frames are full of minnows and juvenile fish, which greatly improves the ecosystem function of the pond.

“We expect the turbidity and nutrient levels at the site will be significantly reduced, which means we would be successful in our efforts to remove the contaminants and clear the water,” said Leggett. “And it would tell us whether maidencane is the ideal plant for this process.”

Hundreds of ponds in St. Tammany Parish are in need of water quality improvement, according to Parish officials. The Parish’s floating marshlands project, if successful, will play a significant and relatively inexpensive role in improving water quality. “

The research project and its final report are expected to be completed in 2017 after the plants have completely covered the platform.

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Photos: Marshland Del Sol: Southeastern Louisiana University biological sciences graduate student Zachary Leggett ties plants to a floating platform he constructed that will serve as a floating marshland to help clean stormwater contamination in the Del Sol subdivision in St. Tammany Parish. Del Sol Tour: Members of the Water Environment Federation,a not-for-profit technical and educational organization representing water quality professionals around the world, in New Orleans for the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference tour the natural marshland site in the Del Sol neighborhood.

St. Tammany Parish Government Urges Citizens To Avoid Bogue Chitto River Until Cleared by State Health Experts After Mississippi Sewerage Spill

As a precautionary measure, St. Tammany Parish Government is strongly urging its citizens and visitors to temporarily cease swimming, wading and fishing in the Bogue Chitto River. Parish Government has been in contact with State regulatory agencies and will await the results of the State’s river testing, and more importantly the clearance of the river for any potential adverse health risks. St. Tammany is also asking its citizens to look for updates from the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Parish Government as the situation progresses.

The advisory is a direct result of a spill of six million gallons of stormwater and sewerage that was caused by a levee breach on the Bogue Chitto River near Brookhaven, MS. The Mississippi and Louisiana Departments of Environmental Quality, and the Louisiana Department of Health have all issued a “Water Contact Advisory” for the river on both sides of the state line.

For more details:

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3994

https://www.deq.state.ms.us/MDEQPres2.nsf/28ce80ddea27fe0886256b28006d8a70/714f3f3e71eb78f0862580300076ac8f?OpenDocument

In keeping with the guidelines set forth by FEMA, St. Tammany Parish Government is working to incorporate the newest format of the FEMA Elevation Certificate, in order to comply with FEMA guidelines, by 2017. The new format of the FEMA Elevation Certificate is now available for inspectors and land surveyors, here. An original copy of this document is required by St. Tammany Parish Government in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for new residential and commercial construction, for homes and businesses that are located within a flood zone.

Elevation Certificate formats from 2012 and 2015 will still be accepted through December 31, 2016. Beginning January 1, 2017, only the newest format of the Elevation Certificates will be accepted. Residents and contractors can obtain complete information on the permitting process at www.stpgov.org/departments/permits.

The St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs announces the Decentralized Arts Funding grant awards for the 2016-2017 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 as administered by St. Tammany Parish Government.  

“We have a deep appreciation for the arts here in St. Tammany as the arts are vital to our heritage and our identity,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “So many of our locals — born and raised here have gone on to share their artistic talents worldwide. We want the next generation to have the same opportunities to come into their artistic fullness, and this is one small way we can work towards that goal.”

 Guidelines for next year’s Decentralized Arts Funding program will be available in March 2017, 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 .

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of Labor Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, September 3, 2016 as well. Regular business hours resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 8 a.m.

STPCares.org is Live        

Following the announcement one week ago by St. Tammany Parish political, business, religious and community leaders of a collective response effort to pool resources and help those affected by the recent flooding, the website www.stpcares.org is live. 

“The St. Tammany Community has responded extremely well to our calls for help, and we are grateful,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We want to remind everyone however, that the recovery process is long and needs are abundant, so we ask that our residents visit www.stpcares.org and make the decision to help.”

The website offers options to give of your time, manpower, resources and /or money. There is a way to contact the STPCares administration to offer housing options, resources for those rebuilding, and free or reduced-cost professional services that will benefit flood victims. There are also options to sign up to volunteer with various organizations, or to make monetary contributions to various organizations.

To contact STPCares, click here, or call 985-898-3215. Visit the newly launched site at, www.stpcares.org. 

Government, community and business leaders came together today to announce STPCares — Community Flood Response. This collective response effort will pool resources to help those affected recover faster and stronger than they would by isolated efforts. It will offer to citizens a clearinghouse of trusted resources from which to donate and volunteer.

Officials from St. Tammany Parish Government, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation, the East St. Tammany Chamber, the St. Tammany West Chamber, the Northshore Homebuilder’s Association, the Northshore Business Council, the Northshore Community Foundation, and several other agencies, were on-hand to pledge participation and support of this unified effort which will be managed by Kevin Davis, the former Director of the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

“While in a Bible study, we started talking about our community and our residents coupled with the surrounding communities, and we knew we had to offer help,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We, as Louisianans, do not sit idly by as our neighbors struggle. When we are faced with this level of destruction and loss, our people seek to lighten the burden when we can. We step in if we are able, and those of us who were spared, help the broken become whole again.”

The St. Tammany Parish Public School System will provide a physical space and administrative help to STPCares while it is in operation.  Partnerships and aide could include: shared manpower, use of Parish facilities and resources, temporary housing and monetary help.

To reach STPCares visit www.stpgov.org/STPCares . To contact STPCares to offer help call 985-898-3215 or email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

St. Tammany Parish has received a disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This declaration makes Federal funding available to affected individuals. If you are a resident of St. Tammany, and your home or business was damaged by flood waters over the past week, you may qualify for FEMA assistance.

“This is another avenue for possible relief for St. Tammany Parish residents who need help after the weekend’s flooding,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We appreciate being added to the declared disaster and we urge all our citizens who have received damage to call FEMA or go online to register.”

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

St. Tammany Parish Government will begin to transition from response to recovery for the current flooding disaster. The following actions will be implemented today:

1.     Parish’s Emergency Operations Center will be ramping down and closed

2.     Disaster Shelter at Coquille Sports Complex will be closed

3.     St. Tammany Parish Public Works and Engineering will begin conducting assessments of road and bridge damage

4.     Department of Inspections and Enforcement will make plans for Preliminary Damage Assessment teams to cover the Parish to document damage to homes and structures beginning tomorrow morning at 7:30a.m.

Parish President Pat Brister has waived the permit fees for rebuilding resident’s homes that sustained damage as a result of the flooding over the last several days. Parish President Brister has also reached out to Tangipahoa Parish President Robbie Miller to offer assistance of St. Tammany Parish Government’s damage assessment teams. Several of St. Tammany Parish Government employees will be providing technical support to augment the effort of Tangipahoa Parish.

St. Tammany Parish residents that have sustained damage from this flooding event are asked to contact Parish Government via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by calling 985-898-2700, and leaving a message with name, street address and contact telephone number.

Based on current National Weather Service rain predictions of the possibility of flooding, St. Tammany Parish Government will distribute sandbags at the following locations on Friday, August 12, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., and on Saturday, August 13, 2016, from 7 a.m. – 7p.m.

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

St. Tammany Parish Public Works - Covington Barn
1305 N. Florida St., Covington

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, Twitter and Instagram.

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Health and Human Services is currently conducting a Community Needs Assessment. This assessment will provide baseline data and analysis so that Parish Government, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and its partners, can establish needs-based priorities, set goals, and develop a community services strategy.

The public is invited to attend one of the following Public Input meetings to offer opinions that will be part of the compiled data.

The public meetings are as follows:
 

Monday, August 22, 2016 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Folsom Recreation Center, 13296 LA-40, Folsom, LA 70437

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 – 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon – St. Tammany Parish Government Council Chambers, 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 – 1:30- 3:30 p.m. – Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2^nd Street, Slidell, LA 70458

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Bush Community Center, 81605 Hwy 41, Bush, LA 70431

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2^nd Street, Slidell, LA 70458

Thursday, August 25, 2016 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – St. Tammany Parish Government Council Chambers, 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471

St. Tammany Parish Department of Health and Human Services is also collecting information through an online Community Needs Assessment Survey which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

The survey can be found at: https://www.research.net/r/StTammanyParishCommunityNeedsAssessment.

Councilman Toledano is holding a District 5 Community Meeting on Monday, August 15th at 6:00PM in Council Chambers at 21490 Koop Dr., Mandeville to discuss Zoning Case 2016-294-ZC and Zoning Case 2016-295-ZC.

Resumes are being accepted now from individuals who wish to be considered for a board position on the St. Tammany Fire District 12 Board of Commissioners. The commission plays a crucial role in providing guidance, input and oversight to the governing structure of Fire District 12. The positions are strictly volunteer, require a time commitment, and a willingness to invest the volunteer’s knowledge, expertise and service. Individuals with experience in finance and accounting are preferred. The Board of Commissioners hold regular meetings, generally on the second Thursday of every month. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of District 12.

Interested applicants should send a resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for consideration by Friday, August 12, 2016.

The St. Tammany Parish Department of Technology has been ranked in the top four counties in the nation by the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Digital Survey Awards, in counties with populations of 150,000-249,999. This 2016 recognition marks the sixth consecutive year that the St. Tammany Parish Department of Technology has been recognized.

This survey identifies the very best examples of how Counties/Parishes make the most of the resources they have at their disposal and use them for digitizing government, including open data and transparency, cybersecurity, procurement, content resource management, emergency preparedness and business continuity. The Center for Digital Government considers the counties recognized as the most innovative and pioneering in the country.

“Our Technology Department team remains on the cutting edge. St. Tammany Parish Government has embraced technology as a tool to increase efficiency in all areas of government,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “Internally, we continue to innovate our systems so that we can increase our operational speed, and save taxpayers money, and externally, we continue to innovate the systems the public will utilize to interact with government, therefore decreasing their wait times  and trips into Parish offices.”

Rick Loggins, Director of the St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Technology, attributes all of the recognition to the staff of the Technology Department, a highly skilled and committed workforce, President Brister and the executive leadership for their support in fostering a culture of innovation with a customer service orientation, and the support of the St Tammany Parish Council.

“Technology is ever-changing, and so as such, we remain focused on integrating those changes into our systems to achieve optimal usage by our Parish Government employees, as well as optimal usage by our customers,” Loggins said. “Our goal is to make our services in every area, as user-friendly as possible. As we succeed, our residents ultimately benefit. ”St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Technology Ranked Earns Top Ten Ranking in the Nation Sixth Year in a Row

The Tammany Trace will close in two locations on Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21, 2016, from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Between Mandeville and Lacombe, the Trace will close between Bremerman Road and John’s Road. In Lacombe, the Trace will close between South 17^th Street and South 12^th Street. These closures are to address causes related to cracking throughout the Trace and to aid in the repair of these cracks. Trace users should be prepared to go around these areas. Thank you.

www.tammanytrace.org

The Tammany Trace will close in two locations on Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21, 2016, from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Between Mandeville and Lacombe, the Trace will close between Bremerman Road and John’s Road. In Lacombe, the Trace will close between South 17^th Street and South 12^th Street. These closures are to address causes related to cracking throughout the Trace and to aid in the repair of these cracks. Trace users should be prepared to go around these areas. Thank you.

www.tammanytrace.org

The Tammany Trace will close in two locations on Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21, 2016, from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Between Mandeville and Lacombe, the Trace will close between Bremerman Road and John’s Road. In Lacombe, the Trace will close between South 17^th Street and South 12^th Street. These closures are to address causes related to cracking throughout the Trace and to aid in the repair of these cracks. Trace users should be prepared to go around these areas. Thank you.

www.tammanytrace.org

St. Tammany Parish introduced the architectural design team led by Wilson Butler Architects, who have been selected to design the Parish's proposed Cultural Arts District. The Parish selected the team several months ago to begin the design process and provide expertise in determining the scope and vision for this long-term project. 

“This Cultural Arts District will invigorate the economy here in St. Tammany Parish, add another essential component to our exceptional quality of life, enhance arts education, and provide a place that will create jobs and commerce,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “We realize that the recent developments in Baton Rouge may have changed our course, but they have not derailed our long-term vision. As we adjust for these circumstances, we will continue to work to provide a home for the arts and a place that will serve our children's needs into the future, and that will have the most profound generational impact.” 

"We have a great program, a realistic budget and an absolutely gorgeous site," said Scott Wilson, Director of Boston- based Wilson Butler Architects. "The hallmark of a successful process is the people — bringing it all together creating an arts center that will be cherished for 100 years.  Our design team is exceptional and, I must add, the Parish leadership and management team seem outstanding as well.  All together, tremendous success is inevitable."

While the Cultural Arts Districts is currently in the conceptual phase, the architectural team, as well as the internal St. Tammany Parish Government team, is utilizing the findings of a feasibility study conducted in 2014, input from potential user groups, the public and stakeholders, to develop programming and begin the design phase to satisfy those needs. Programming is expected to include live concerts of every musical genre, festivals, art exhibits and theatre performances. In addition, the Performing Arts Center, slated to anchor the District, will be multifaceted to include an educational component, as well as enable the arts community, the business community and the private sector, to access the facility for various uses like large-scale exhibitions, seminars and speakers, and private events. The educational component of the facility will focus on the youth in St. Tammany and offer programming designed around fostering the innate talent of school-aged children.  

The natural landscape of the Tchefuncte River and the thick tree canopy are central design features and will be incorporated into the project at every level. In addition to the Performing Arts Center — nature trails, the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, and a full-service hotel and restaurant are among the many amenities the District will encompass. 

Today (July 8, 2016), Tammany Utilities received confirmation from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals 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.

“We are heartbroken by the events of this week in Baton Rouge, Minnesota and last night in Dallas. We will support and defend our law enforcement officers who protect our citizens day in and day out, with their very lives. Leadership, at every level, must come together with members of law enforcement, residents in our communities, religious leaders and each other, to find a solution to the violence in our country. Our prayers are with all of the families who lost their loved ones this week in these incidents.”   

Single family new construction permit numbers reached their highest numbers in nine years, during the month of June, 2016, in St. Tammany Parish. The number, 144, also represents a 56 % increase from the same month in 2015, and a 26% increase from last month — May, 2016.

“These numbers are an indication that the economy in St. Tammany is strong, diverse and attractive and people wish to be a part of it,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President.  “It also speaks to our processes here in St. Tammany Parish Government. We strive to make obtaining a permit as efficient as possible because we realize that time is of great value to everyone. St. Tammany is a desirable place to call home, and these numbers certainly reinforce that sentiment.”

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

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On Thursday June, 30, 2016, beginning at 8:30 AM, Tammany Utilities (TU) will be repairing a leaking water main along Cross Gates Boulevard.  The work will require that the water be turned off to Tammany Utilities customers in the limited area along Willow Wood Drive, Goldenwood Drive and Cross Gates Boulevard, shown below. Service will be restored by 5 PM Thursday June 30, 2016.

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 and Hospitals ‑ Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Friday, July 1^st. 

Customers affected by this advisory will be advised when it is rescinded by hand delivered notices.  If you have any questions, please call Tammany Utilities at (985) 643-1376.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2016, in observance of Independence Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, July 2, 2016. Offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 8 a.m. 

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY

 Alton Community in Slidell

Alton Water System (PWS 1103145)

On Friday, June 10, 2016, at approximately 5:30 PM, an electrical issue caused the Alton Water System to lose pressure.  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 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 and Hospitals ‑ Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our system have shown the water to be safe.  We anticipate that the earliest the BOIL ADVISORY will be rescinded will be Tuesday, June 14^th. 

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) 643-1376.

For five consecutive days,beginning Monday,June 13,volunteers from the Lifewaygroup, WorldChangers, will give new life to thehomes of low to moderate-income families in St. Tammany Parish. This year, the World Changers group includes 140 participants, from nine different churches and six different states —Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.  The homeowners were selected through an application process,and many are disabled and/orelderly.  Residences who will receive repairs are located in Abita Springs, Covington, Lacombe, and Madisonville and unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.   This is the fifth year the group has worked with St. Tammany Parish Government.

“World Changers every year, comes here and improves the lives of those who need it most, and we are so grateful for their presence,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This is an example of why we value collaboration here in St. Tammany, because when we work together — public, faith-based and private organizations — and bring our strengths together, so much is accomplished, and so many people’s lives are impacted in a positive way.”

Dr. Bill Boren, Family Life Pastor at First Baptist Church Covingtonand Project Coordinator for the local project added,“This World Changers project is a great opportunity for partnership between theNorthshore Baptist Association of Churches and local Parish Government.  It is wonderful to see how we can work together to help our community.  By the end of the week, St. Tammany Parish, a wonderful place to live, will be even better.  World Changers is a wonderful picture of faith in action.”Many of the local churches are supporting the event by providing lunch each day to the volunteers at the worksites.The studentswill be housed at First Baptist Church of Covington for the week.

Approximately $25,000 in materials used to complete the repairs,like lumber, paint, windows and doors,are purchased through a Community Development Block Grant (CBDG).Repairs and improvements to the homes included building ramps and decks, replacing siding, doors and windows, pressure washing, tree trimming and landscaping.  On average,the expense for participating students to volunteer and take part in this project is $300,an expense incurred solely by the volunteers.By harnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers,the Parish’s investment yields a great impact,both economically and socially, to the community.

Formoreinformation about World Changers,visit www.lifeway.com/worldchangers.

The annual St.  Tammany  Parish  Fishing  Pier  Hokie  Gajan  Family  Fishing  Rodeo  is Saturday, June 18, 2016.This year the event  will honor the late Hokie Gajan, Northshore native and lover of all things bound to nature. Come and meet Hokie’s family, create some of your own fish stories, support the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier, and Honor Hokie’s passion.

St. Tammany Parish Government has partnered with the Gajan family and Gajan’s Got Game, the foundation Hokie’s family started in his name. Sponsors of the rodeo include, Pro Printers and Sportsmen’s Warehouse.  Registration begins at 6 a.m. and weigh-in is at noon. Entry fees are $10 for everyone 12 and older, and $5 for everyone under the age of 12. Cash and checks are the only forms of payment that will be accepted. Prizes will be awarded to the top two fish in each of the six categories, in each age group (adult and child). Weighmaster’s Top Pick will also be awarded. Complete rules as well as the registration form can be found at www.sttammanyfishingpier.com. For additional information call 985-649-1922. The St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier is owned and operated by St. Tammany Parish Government. It is located near Slidell at 54001 East Howze Beach Road.

Partners Launch Tammany Trails

St. Tammany Parish Government as well as the Louisiana Office of State Parks and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries were on-hand today at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, to kick off Tammany Trails. Tammany Trails is a co-branding partnership between local, State and Federal Agencies to promote the green and blue trails, both primitive and improved, throughout our entire Parish no matter the agency they fall under. This initiative also seeks to form partnerships among agencies at all levels to focus on recreation, conservation, tourism and economic development. Through an online presence, Tammany Trails will provide mapping and other resources related to the navigation of the trails. In addition, Tammany Trails will incrementally implement signage on the greenways and blueways throughout St. Tammany.

“This is a collective mission that is multidimensional and will achieve multiple objectives,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “And I want to commend our partner agencies for their enthusiasm and participation. St. Tammany is often known for setting a pace in our State on innovation and Tammany Trails is no exception. Our natural resources are one of our most valuable assets, not just in St. Tammany, but throughout the entire State of Louisiana, so to work together to raise awareness about how they enhance our unparalleled quality of life, and to give our children and their children this gift to utilize, care for, and conserve — this will impact our community on several levels for generations.”

“Our State Parks are treasured amenities in Louisiana, and to raise awareness about the possibilities that are open to families, tourists and anyone who just wishes to enjoy nature, is a great thing for our state,” said Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Louisiana. “We welcome this initiative and stand with St. Tammany Parish Government and our partner agencies as together we build on the future of Tammany Trails.”

“Any initiative that increases access to the outdoors is a program that our agency will rally behind,” said Charlie Melancon, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “We are proud to partner with St. Tammany Parish and the Tammany Trails program to encourage access to the many miles of trails and waterways in the Parish.”

The benefits of co-branding trail ways include: increased visibility, added tourism opportunities, conservation of these natural resources and the economic impact of having such a wealth of available outdoor recreational opportunities to locals and visitors alike. As lagniappe, the formation of these partnerships at all levels of government can have great impact on this effort when working as one. To learn more about Tammany Trails, visit www.tammanytrails.org.

The following partner agencies thus far:

§  St. Tammany Parish Government – The mission of St. Tammany Parish Government is to provide and enhance services that support the health, safety and quality of life of our residents and communities in a transparent, efficient and fiscally responsible way

§  The Lieutenant Governor’s office

§  Office of Louisiana State Parks

§  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Pearl River Wildlife Management area

§  Northlake Nature Center

§  Wildlife and Fisheries

§  Land Trust for Louisiana

§  The Nature Conservancy

§  City of Slidell

§  The Tammany Trace Foundation

§  Town of Abita Springs

§  City of Covington

§  City of Mandeville

§  Town of Pearl River

§  St. Tammany Recreation Districts #1

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St. Tammany Parish Government received their second rebate check in the amount of $23, 212.04 from Cleco, as part of the CitySmart—Commercial and Industrial Solutions Program. The first check, presented in November of 2015, was in the amount of $36,234.55.  Over the past sixteen months, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Facilities Management identified several areas in which to maximize energy efficiency through the installation of new energy efficient technologies. Once these changes were in place, Cleco verified the improvements and calculated program incentives based upon the estimated annualized energy savings.

The grant incentive that was earned in this period includes upgrades performed at the Justice Center, the Wellness Center, Building B, on Koop Drive, and the Fairgrounds Annex building. 

Pictured L to R: Vince Talazac, CLEAResult; Scott Biggers, Manager , Community and Business Development, Cleco Power, LLC; Daniel R. Schaus, Principal Governmental Affairs Representative, Cleco Power, LLC; Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President; Richard Fields, Project Manager, St. Tammany Parish Department of Facilities Management.

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government will be closed, on Monday, May 30, 2016, in observance of Memorial Day. In addition, the Department of Animal Services will be closed on Saturday, May, 28, 2016. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 8 a.m.

After three beneficial meetings, Parish Presidents from the South Louisiana region have decided to form an organized association, with set meetings on a regular basis. The original meeting occurred in St. Tammany Parish in February of this year. This was an informal coalition-building, idea exchange to discuss many of the pressing and critical issues that are facing the State. The group has since met two additional times for the same purpose. At their meeting last week, it was decided that this informal coalition would now be formalized.

“These meetings have yielded amazing results,” said Brister. “Not only have we gotten to know one another personally and professionally, we have learned that though we come from different regions, and different sized communities, we all face similar problems. When we come together, we exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and work together as a force in our region to advocate for what is best for our residents at the local level. It is a phenomenal resource for each one of us.”

In addition, the Chief Administrative Officers (CAO) for each Parish involved have decided to from their own coalition for the same purpose.  To date, 21 Parishes have been invited to participate. 

The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) recognized Kelly Rabalais, Executive Counsel and Director of the Legal Department for St. Tammany Parish Government, with the Excellence in Government Award 2016 Merit Award. The annual award, established in 1994 by the BGR, recognizes government employees and private citizens for outstanding performance and creative problem-solving.

Kelly has been with St. Tammany Parish Government since 2007. Among the accomplishments that earned recognition are: facilitating Parish Government’s purchase of the Southeast Louisiana Hospital and her diligent work to ensure that the Parish will be able to accomplish the multiple goals planned for this property; her leadership role on the Safe Haven project — a multi-agency, continuum of care behavioral health facility slated to locate on the Southeast Hospital campus; and leading efforts to revise personnel policies in more than a decade.

“Kelly defines leadership by example through her actions every single day,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “She is protective, proactive and innovative in her role as Executive Counsel. She is a brilliant motivator and a positive force in our organization. Kelly will take whatever steps are necessary and right to make extraordinary things happen, and she will see a project through down to the smallest detail. She is a driving force in bringing the operations of Parish Government into the future as we continue grow. We are very proud of Kelly, and we are grateful to BGR for taking the time to recognize excellence in government, as public servants are often overlooked for the work they do daily to better their communities.”

In her role as Executive Counsel and Director of the Legal Department, she serves as chief legal advisor and provides legal representation to the Parish President, Parish  Administration and Parish Departments. Major functions provided by the Legal Department include: process and conduct all land acquisitions; review and approve all contracts; receive and process all records requests; review public bid proposals and requests for proposals, respond to bid protests, enforce contracts, and provide legal advice on procurement issues. They are also responsible for the administration of the Risk Management Office.

The BGR is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization that is dedicated to gathering information on government and other public issues.