CITY OF GRETNA LEGALS

Gretna City Officials

Mayor
Belinda Cambre Constant
Councilmen
Dist. at Large: Wayne A. Rau
Dist. 1: Milton L. Crosby
Dist. 2: Joseph A. Marino III
Dist. 3: Mark K. Miller
Dist. 4: Jackie J. Berthelot
Chief of Police
Arthur S. Lawson, Jr.
Justice of the Peace
District 1: Vernon J. Wilty III
City of Gretna
Gretna City Hall
Second Street & Huey P. Long Avenue
P.O. Box 404
Gretna, LA 70054-0404
Telephone (504) 363-1500
Website: www.gretnala.com
Gretna Police Department
200 Fifth St.
Gretna, LA 70053
Telephone (504) 366- 4374
CITY OF GRETNA
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
The following ordinances will be considered for adoption by the City Council of
the City of Gretna at a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 5:30 P.M.,
Mayor and Council Regular meeting at Gretna City Hall, 740 Second Street,
Gretna, Louisiana, 2nd Floor Council Chambers.
An ordinance approving the resubdivision of Lots 6 and 7, Square 10, New
Gretna Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana
INTO Lot 6-A, Square 10, New Gretna Subdivision, as per the plan of survey
and resubdivision of Mandle-Edwards Surveying, Inc., dated February 23, 2015.
Municipal Address: 517-519Amelia Street
An ordinance approving the resubdivision of Lots 5A and 3A1, Square 7,
Village of Mechanickham Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State
of Louisiana INTO Lots 5A1 and 3A2, Square 7, Village of Mechanickham
Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision of Gilbert, Kelly and
Couturie, Inc., dated March 6, 2015. Municipal Address: 201 Huey P. Long
Avenue
An ordinance approving the resubdivision of Lots A1, 4, 5, 6 and Parts of Lots
3, 7 and 8, Square 88, McDonoghville Subdivision, City of Gretna, Parish
of Jefferson, State of Louisiana INTO Lot A2, Square 88, McDonoghville
Subdivision, as per the plan of survey and resubdivision of Dufrene Surveying &
Engineering, Inc., dated March 26, 2015. Municipal Address: 615 Kepler Street
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK
Publish: April 15, 2015 (New Orleans Advocate)

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna met this day on Wednesday,
March 25, 2015at 5:30 p.m., in Special Session for Capital Projects Review with
the following members present: Mayor Belinda C. Constant; Council Members:
Wayne A. Rau, Milton L. Crosby, Joseph A. Marino III, Mark K. Miller, Jackie
J. Berthelot.
Absent: None.
Opening Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance
A prayer was offered by Councilman Crosby and thereafter the Pledge of
Allegiance of the United States of America was recited.
Notice of the Special Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of
Gretna, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2015 was published in the New
Orleans Advocate on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 and Monday, March 23, 2015
and posted on the bulletin board in front of Gretna City Hall on Friday, March
20, 2015.
Amendment to Agenda
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, to amend
the agenda to add an event request for the Jefferson Parish SPCA Vaccination
Day at Mel Ott Park on Saturday, March 28, 2015 and rename the Item 3-A to
read Capital Projects Review, and the same was unanimously approved.
Mayor Constant stated that with this Capital Project review is also the opening
of the annual Budget meeting hearing.
Presentation(s):
Capital Projects Review Mrs. Raylyn Stevens, Finance Director
Mrs. Raylyn Stevens, Finance Director, gave an overview of the Gretna Capital
Projects 2015-2016:
Riverboat Fund 17 which total revenue was derived from funds received from
the Boomtown Casino and is expected to have revenues of $1,875,000 for the
Fiscal Year of 2015-2016.
RIVERBOAT FUND 17
Project Revenue
FY 2015-2016 $1,875,000.00
NET REVENUE $1,875,000.00
Of the revenues from the Boomtown Casino, 45% is transferred out to other
funds for specific purposes:
USES OF FUND:
Transfer to General Fund for debt $ 433,078.00
Council District I $ 110,000.00
Council District II $ 110,000.00
Council District III $ 110,000.00
Council District IV $ 110,000.00
Mayor and Council at Large $ 110,000.00
Landscaping $ 65,000.00
Capital Outlay Seed Money $ 826,922.00
Total $1,900,000.00
The remaining $826,922.00 will be used to increase the Capital Outlay Seed
money. Recalled, last year we putting aside money to help the city fund the
citys match for what the Capital Outlay request we match to the State. As
of the beginning of Fiscal Year 2015-2016, we have an estimate of $798,500
ending with the budget year that ends March 31, 2015. With the addition of the
$826,922.00 that will bring it to an increase of 103% of $1,625,422.00 in the
Capital Outlay matching fund money.
The projected revenue for this year is the same as last years.
The next slide showed the historical review of the Boomtown revenues from
2003-2004 to the projected 2015-2016. The slide showed a five year decline
in revenues; now with this year it is projected to be at $1,875,000; which is a
conservative number. There is an optimism that the trend of decline reverses and
stays even, inclusive of the new hotel that will increase the revenue and could
start with a better year.
Mayor Constant stated she believed it is appropriate in looking back at 20032004, before Hurricane Katrina and all of the influx of recovery funding elevated
it to $3,100 prior to that it was stable.
COMMITTED FOR CAPITAL OUTLAY MATCHING FUNDS
Beginning balance $ 798,500.00
Additional FY 15-16 Funding $ 826,922.00
ENDING BALANCE $1,625,422.00
SUMMARY
Projected Revenue Uses of Funds Committed Seed Money
$1,875,000.00 $1,048,078.00 $826,922.00
Projects in Progress
BUILDING IN THE FUTURE
Hancock Street Canal Improvements
Cultural Center for the Arts, Planning & Construction
Gretna City Hall Exterior & Interior Renovation Phase I
McDonoghville Fire Station
Racetrack Detention Pond Phase II
Mel Ott Exterior Lighting & Improvements
Stumpf Boulevard Force Main
Jefferson Parish Waterline Connection
All of these projects that are currently projected and already started are worth
$9,500,000. We are currently 33% of the cost into those projects; with the
projects remaining cost to go of $6,300,000.

This represents the amount of money we have requested in the projects for the
Capital Outlay request that are occurring in 2015. The total Capital Outlay
Matching Funds needed is $1,834,000.00, which we currently will have 89% of
that, in Fund 17.
The Capital Projects Funds was distributed tonight to all; was for presentation
purposes and being reported as an internal control tool and it will not be included
in the Budget.
Capital Outlay Request 2015
BUILDING FOR BEYOND
Match 25th Street Reconstruction $ 725,000.00
Downtown Drainage Improvements (Seeking CDBG funds) $ 750,000.00
Stumpf Boulevard Force Main $ 391,000.00
Cover Stumpf Boulevard Canal-Match $ 144,250.00
Gretna City Hall Exterior & Interior Renovation Phase I (Fund 31) $ 475,000.00
Lafayette Street Fire Station-Alternate (Fire Fund 10) $1,250,000.00
12 Whitney Water main loop $ 573,750.00 Total Capital Outlay Matching
Funds needed $1,834,000.00
The Capital Projects Funds was distributed, and it was for presentation purposes
only. It is reported as an internal control tool and will not be included in the
Budget.
Project Cost
Lafayette Street Fire Station $ 5,000,000.00
12 Whitney Water Main Loop $ 2,295,000.00
Cover Stumpf Boulevard Canal $ 577,000.00
City Hall Renovations $ 3,500,000.00
Stumpf Bypass $ 1,564,000.00
Downtown $ 3,000,000.00
25th Street Reconstruction $ 2,900,000.00
Summary of Funds - Fiscal Year General Fund Budget 2015-2016
General Fund 49.46%
Fire Protection 10.03%
Garbage 4.19%
Recreation 2.17%
Social Services 0.61%
Street Lights 1.34%
Tourism .79%
Ambulance 4.25%
Home Incarceration 2.32%
Court Security 3.24%
Court Security 2nd Parish .79%
Municipal Water 8.31%
Debt Service 3.30%
The General Fund budget was based on the following:
An increase in City Administration pay of 3% through the annual savings
realized from the refinancing
of the 2004 Sales Tax Bonds.
An increase in City Police pay of 6% for uniformed, post-certified officers and a
3% pay increase for support staff.
The funding of $165,000 in Public Works equipment for the purchase of a new
street sweeper.
An increase in contractual services in the Public Works budgets of $66,000.
An increase of $50,000 to the Salary and Separation Committed Fund Balance.
The elimination of the Wellness Program stipend.
Mayor Constant publicly acknowledged Mrs. Raylyn Stevens, Finance Director
for a job well done. She also recognized Mr. Floyd Yeager and Mrs. Marisa
Rawls for their cooperation in preparing the Budget.
Councilman Marino raised questions regarding the Capital Outlay requests
for 2015 (November 1, 2014) relative to match money. Mrs. Stevens provided
answers to questions made.
Presentation of the Budget
2015-2016 Budget Message from the Mayor
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council:
The City of Gretna ended fiscal year 2013-2014 with a $4.2M unassigned fund
balance in the General Fund and a projected fiscal year 2014-2015 unassigned
fund balance of $4.3M. The proposed budget document for fiscal year 2015-2016
is presented as balanced.
The City of Gretna is now beginning to realize the positive financial impact
of several innovative economic development projects involving the closing
of Franklin Street and the annexation of 11-acres of property bordered by the
Westbank Expressway, Whitney Avenue and the Donner Canal. The Franklin
Street closure has led to the development of several new retail pads including,
Planet Fitness, Smoothie King, Twin Peaks, and Moes Southwest Grill which
have boosted sales and property taxes derived from the Westside North Shopping
Center. The most notable new developments in the Westside North Shopping
Center were the newly constructed Rouses Supermarket and the recent relocation
of Carr Drug Store. Sales tax experienced a dramatic dip for several months, as
budgeted, with the closure of the Casey Jones Supermarket in anticipation for
the opening of the new Rouses Supermarket. As a result of the major overall
expansion of the Westside North Shopping Center, sales tax has rebounded over
the recent months and property tax assessments have increased. These moderate
increases have been earmarked in the FY 2015-2016 General Fund budget to
bolster the Citys Public Works budget. With the annexation of an 11-acre tract
of vacant land, the City of Gretna will realize significant future benefits from
the development of a $50M hotel complex. The first of three planned hotels is
well underway with a completion date expected in September, 2015. The hotel
complex is expected to attract several nationally recognized restaurants as
well as other retail opportunities. Several other viable and exciting economic
stimulating projects are currently well underway throughout the City. These and
future developments have shown immediate value to the City; however, future
profits are expected to be fully realized over the next 2 to 5 years. This surge of
new construction throughout the City has also created a temporary increase in
permitting and fee revenues.
The Citys residential footprint has also emerged as a viable source of economic
growth. This is evident through both new construction and renovations while
maintaining stable and increasing property values. The City has renewed
emphasis on maintaining the integrity and vibrancy of its historic districts. As
demographic preferences shift, the housing stock found in the historic districts
is conducive to attracting and retaining younger households. The City is
dedicating significant attention to improving public right-of-way in the historic
districts as a catalyst for local revitalization. These areas are likely to continue
to serve as economic development drivers for the City.
Through the direction of the Mayor, the City of Gretna refinanced the 2004
Sales Tax Bond Issue in an effort to benefit from lower bond interest rates. The
refinancing will generate $400,000 in savings over the remaining life of the
bonds. The refinancing of the 2004 Sales Tax Bonds will mean an immediate
annual savings in debt service interest expense of $68,000. This reduction
in expense will directly increase the FY 2015-2016 General Fund sales tax
revenues. The $68,000 savings will be used to fund a 3% increase in City pay.
This is just one example of the City utilizing budget efficiencies through lower
interest rates for the benefit of providing enhanced City Services.
The major focus of the Citys prior years budget consisted of projects related
to quality of life and beautification efforts throughout the entire City. While
revenues and expenditures remain relatively flat, the FY 2015-2016 General
Fund budget is centered on bricks and mortar projects necessary for street and
drainage repair and improvements.
The General Fund
The General Fund budget was based on the following:
An increase in City Administration pay of 3% through the annual savings
realized from the refinancing of the 2004 Sales Tax Bonds
An increase in City Police pay of 6% for uniformed, post-certified officers and a
3% pay increase for support staff
The funding of $165,000 in Public Works equipment line item for the purchase
of a new street sweeper
An increase in contractual services in the Public Works budget of $66,000
An increase of $50,000 to the Salary and Separation Committed Fund Balance
The elimination of the Well Program stipend
The Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget was only made possible through
the collaborative efforts of the Mayor, Chief of Police and the City of Gretnas
directors and department heads. The General Fund Budget was created to best
support the basic services to residents for streets, drainage, police protection and
general administration.
Additional highlights in the City of Gretnas Budget are:
Fire Protection
The construction of the new McDonoghville Fire Station has begun in the FY
2014-2015 with completion expected by the end of Fiscal Year 2015-2016. This
new fire station is being financed through the state capital outlay programs and
the required City matching funds. These funds are currently in place with any
additional cost being funded by the David Crocket Volunteer Fire Company.
The Fire Protection Fund receives 19.50 mills of dedicated Ad Valorem taxes.
The current and anticipated increase in property assessments throughout the
City of Gretna has generated an increase in Ad Valorem Tax revenue in the fund.

This increase will now enable the Fire Protection Fund to support the salary of
4 Dispatcher positions. These salaries will be shifted from the General Fund
creating a potential savings of $200,000.
Garbage Fund
The garbage contract with IESI was renewed during the FY 2014-2015. The
current years revenues reflect adequate funding for the three levels of charges for
our residents, non-profits and commercial accounts. Through the collaborative
efforts of the Mayor, the IESI contract was negotiated as follows:
No additional cost added
The addition of curb side recycling
The annual CPI has been waived for 2014 and 2015
Any future increases in the contract cost as a result of the future Consumer Price
Index (CPI) calculation will necessitate an evaluation of current garbage fees.
Social Services Fund
The Social Services Fund reflects stable income from its millage. This millage
is designed to pay for transportation cost and the dedication of the accumulation
of fund balance for future vehicle purchases. A new Trolley style vehicle is
currently budgeted at $150,000 in the FY 2015-2016 budget to support senior
services.
Street Lighting Fund
The Street Lighting Fund receives revenues through a dedicated millage. Utility
and Repair & Maintenance expenditures re-main flat. Excess revenues are
dedicated to the purchase of additional decorative lighting fixtures needed for
the completion of the Downtown Street Lighting Improvement project.
Capital Projects
The Capital Projects budget is included for presentation purposes only.
Outside security services provided to Jefferson Parish Courts by the Gretna
Police Department will continue and with the passage of this budget, it will
authorize the administration to enter into renewal contracts with the various
Parish Courts. Additionally, the annual Department of Transportation and
Development (DOTD) maintenance grass cutting cooperative endeavor
agreement will be authorized with the adoption of this ordinance.
Respectfully Submitted:
Belinda C. Constant
Mayor
Adoption of Ordinances:
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the
following ordinance as amended was read and adopted section by section and
then as a whole by the following vote:
Yeas: Council Members Berthelot, Crosby, Marino, Miller, and Rau
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
ORDINANCE NO. 4659
An ordinance adopting the City of Gretnas Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1,
2015 to March 31, 2016 and authorizing the Mayor to sign contracts here within
stated in the budget instrument.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, acting as
legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:
The City of Gretnas Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2015 to March 31,
2016 is hereby adopted and the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign contracts here
within stated in the budget instrument.
Provided that a majority of the City Council of the City of Gretna have voted in
favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law
at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of same to the
Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the
Mayor returns same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
Event Request approval:
Jefferson Paris ASPC Vaccination Day at Mel Ott Park (March 29, 2015)
On motion by Councilman Berthelot and seconded by Councilman Rau, IT WAS
RESOLVED to approve the event request by West Jefferson High School ROTC
members to host a 5K Walk-Run Marathon on April 26, 2014 through the City of
Gretna, contingent upon all the necessary paperwork have been met and satisfied
as required by the City of Gretna, and the same was unanimously approved.
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Berthelot, the
following ordinance was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole
by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Berthelot, Crosby, Marino and Miller
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
ORDINANCE NO. 4660
An ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March
31, 2015 to recognize $35,000 from Change Order #3 for the Gretna Cultural
Center for the Arts Project.
WHEREAS, the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015
was adopted by Ordinance No. 4393 on March 26, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the Council strongly supports the Cultural Center project and its
expected impact on the quality of life for the citizens of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, Change Order #3 is required to complete the project; and
WHEREAS, amendments to the budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 and
March 31, 2015, are presented for approval as follows:
31-5-605-7116 Cultural Center Project $ 35,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, acting as
legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:
The Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 is hereby
amended to recognize $35,000 from Change Order #3 for the Gretna Cultural
Center for the Arts Project.
Provided that a majority of the City Council of the City of Gretna have voted in
favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law
at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of same to the
Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c) (2) unless the
Mayor returns same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
This change order is for the concrete stain flooring for the interior of the black
box and the flooring in the concession the ticket areas.
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the
following ordinance was read and adopted section by section and then as a whole
by the following vote:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller, and Berthelot
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
ORDINANCE NO. 4661
An ordinance amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March
31, 2015 to recognize current status of large Police capital projects at year end,
increasing expenditures and grant revenue by $1,000,000 for the New Addition
at Gretna Police Headquarters project and reducing expenditures and grant
revenue by $270,000 for the Renovations to the Police Maintenance Building
project.
WHEREAS, the Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015
was adopted by Ordinance No. 4393 on March 26, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the status on the New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters and
Renovations to the Police Maintenance Building project varies from the original
estimate for construction activities for this fiscal year, and
WHEREAS, amendments to the budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 and
March 31, 2015, are presented for approval as follows:
31 -4544 Federal Grant GDP Building Funding $ 1,000,000
31-5-605-7178 New Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters $ 1,000,000
31-5-605-7179 Renovations to the Police Maintenance Building $ (270,000)
31-4545 State Grant GDP Building Funding $ (270,000)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, acting as
legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:
The Budget for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 is hereby
amended to recognize the current status of large Police capital projects at year
end, increasing expenditures and grant revenue by $1,000,000 for the New
Addition at Gretna Police Headquarters Project and reducing expenditures
and grant revenue by $270,000 for the Renovations to the Police Maintenance
Building Project.
Provided that a majority of the City Council of the City of Gretna have voted in
favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law
at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of same to the
Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c) (2) unless the
Mayor returns same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
At the request of Councilman Marino, the Introduction of Ordinances was
removed from the March 25, 2015 Council Special meeting Agenda.
On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Miller, IT WAS
RESOLVED to adjourn the March 25, 2015 Mayor and City Council Special
Meeting (Capital Projects Review) at 6:08 p.m., and the same was unanimously
approved.
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT
CITY CLERK MAYOR

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CITY OF GRETNA CITY OF GRETNA

STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA
A TRUE COPY:
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ CITY CLERK
CITY OF GRETNA
STATE OF LOUISIANA

On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the
following resolution was offered:
ORDINANCE NO. 4662
An ordinance amending Chapter 18 Article I-In General Section 18-7 Maximum
height of fences on residential property, paragraph (4).
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has interest in the health, safety and welfare of
its citizen; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an obligation to provide its citizens with
ordinances that clearly describe permitted activities in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, acting as
legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:
The City of Gretna hereby adopts an ordinance amending Chapter 18. Article
I-In General Section 18-7 Maximum height of fences on residential property,
more particularly amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
Sec. 18-7. - Maximum height of fences on residential property.
(4) Columns spaced not less than five feet apart shall not exceed seven feet when
measure in the same manner described in paragraph (3) above; gateway arbors,
trellises or any other structure erected as part of or over a permitted gate on a
fence shall not exceed eight feet when measure in the same manner described in
paragraph (3) above.
Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this
ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight
on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor,
in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor
returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and Berthelot
Nays: None
Absent: None
ADOPTED: APRIL 8, 2015 APPROVED: APRIL 9, 2015
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT
CITY CLERK MAYOR
CITY OF GRETNA CITY OF GRETNA
STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA
Ordinance presented to the Ordinance returned from the
Mayor on April 9, 2015 Mayor on April 9, 2015
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK CITY CLERK
A TRUE COPY:
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK

On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the
following Ordinance was offered:
ORDINANCE NO. 4663
An ordinance supplementing and amending the Gretna Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 3- Administrative Adjudication of Public Health, Housing, Fire
Code, Environmental and Historic District Violations; Section 3-7.-Hearing
procedures, paragraphs (h), (k) and (n).
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, welfare and safety
of the citizens of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, the enactment of the administrative adjudicated process has
provided the City an additional tool to address regulatory and public health
issues; and
WHEREAS, certain amendments to the procedures of the administrative
adjudicated process need to be enacted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of
Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that:
The Gretna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3- Administrative Adjudication
of Public Health, Housing, Fire Code, Environmental and Historic District
Violations; Section 3-7.-Hearing procedures, more particularly paragraphs (h),
(k) and (n) are hereby amended as follows:
Section 3-7. -Hearing procedures.
(a) Prior to holding an administrative hearing for public health, housing, fire
code, environmental, or historic district ordinance violations, or any matters
involving licensing and permits and any other ordinance violations that may be
determined by the Gretna City Council, the city agency or department having
enforcement responsibility shall notify the property owner of the alleged violation
and may notify any known tenant or lessee of any violation alleged. A minimum
of twenty (20) days after notification by the city agency or department must pass
prior to any hearing date for the alleged violation. Notice of the alleged violation
shall be posted on the property and mailed via US First Class mail, postage
pre-paid, to the owner. Should a hearing be required, the municipal court clerk
shall cause notice of a scheduled hearing to be sent at least fifteen (15) days in
advance of the hearing date. Ownership and lessee information shall be obtained
via the records located in Jefferson Parish Mortgage and Conveyance Office, the
Sheriffs Office or the Gretna Water Department. The hearing notification shall
state the time, date and location of the hearing, and state the alleged violations;
and it shall be sent by certified or registered U.S. mail to the owner, and the
violator if he/she is not the owner, or personally served on the owner and/or
violator at the address(es) as listed in the assessors office of the parish or address
obtained from other reliable source upon verifying ownership and/or tenancy
information with the mortgage and conveyance office and/or sheriffs office or
other reliable source and at any additional address if the enforcement agency
desires to have service made at multiple addresses. The date of the postmark
shall be deemed to be the date of delivery which will be a minimum of fifteen

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(15) days prior to the scheduled hearing. Any notification so sent and returned
by the U.S. Post Office shall be considered as having fulfilled the notification
requirement. Proof of notification via mail, posting of notices and attempts at
service shall be entered in the record of each case prior to the hearing.
(b) In addition to the personal or mail service required by paragraph (a) of this
section, if a violation relates to property, a copy of the hearing notice shall be
affixed in a prominent location on the property on which a violation is alleged,
or if safe access to the property is not reasonably practicable, on some prominent
fixture on the adjacent public right-of-way as near as possible to the property, at
least five (5) days in advance of the date of the hearing. It shall be unlawful for
any person other than an agent of the city to remove such notice posted on the
public right-of-way prior to the commencement of the hearing.
(c) The notice of violation shall be, as much as possible, in laymens language
susceptible of understanding by a person of normal capacity, and shall, in large
print, inform the person noticed of the need to comply and the risk of penalties
and liens being imposed.
(d) When any person charged with violation and noticed to appear at a hearing
fails to appear, said failure to appear shall be considered an admission of liability
for the charged violation; provided that the notice requirements established
in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section have been satisfied, and provided
further that the city magistrate, in his sound discretion and for good cause
shown, may vacate an order issued on the basis of such an admission and re-open
the proceedings, and shall do so when requested by the appropriate director.
(e) Any order compelling the attendance of witnesses or the production of
documents shall be enforced by the magistrate court or by any other court of
competent jurisdiction, in the same manner as any subpoena in a civil manner.
(f) Complaints may be initiated by the public and violation notices will be issued
upon the submission of affidavits and/or documentary evidence sufficient to
prove the existence of health, housing, fire code, environmental, or historic
district ordinance violations, or any matters involving licensing and permits
and any other ordinance violations that may be determined by the Gretna City
Council, as determined by the enforcement agency or department director.
(g) Any administrative adjudication hearing held under the provisions of this
chapter shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of evidence as adopted
by the magistrate court. Testimony of any person shall be taken under oath. The
person charged with the ordinance violation may present any relevant evidence
and testimony at such hearing and may be represented by an attorney at law.
However, his/her physical presence shall not be required at the hearing, and a
failure to appear shall not be deemed an admission under paragraph (d) of this
section, if documentary evidence, duly verified by such person, is submitted to
the city magistrate prior to the date of the hearing.
(h) In determining the amount of any fine or penalty, the city magistrate shall
consider the age, financial circumstances and physical and mental capacity of
the violator and the degree of hardship which the fine or penalty will impose,
and shall weigh those factors against the degree of culpability of the violator
and the gravity of the offense, and the damage to the public health, safety,
welfare, and convenience and the cost to the parish or to others occasioned by
the offense. The fine imposed shall not be less than $100 or greater than $250 for
any single violation that is considered a first offense. The maximum fine for a
repeat offender shall be $500.
(i) At the close of the hearing, the city magistrate shall issue a final order stating
whether or not the person charged is liable for the violation, the amount of
hearing costs, any fine or costs assessed against him or her and a date by which
the violation(s) shall be corrected. If a matter is taken under advisement by the
city magistrate, said order shall be issued not more than thirty (30) legal days of
the close of the hearing. The final order shall be served via certified or registered
mail to the parties the hearing notice was served. The final order shall notify the
violator of the right of appeal. The date of the postmark shall be deemed to be
the date of delivery and considered as having fulfilled the notification of order
requirement.
(j) The city magistrate may, for each separate violation, order the payment of
fines and hearing costs, the total of which shall not exceed the maximum which
may be imposed on a misdemeanant by the parish courts; provided, however,
that no civil fines or hearing costs imposed may exceed those specified for the
criminal violation of the same ordinance. All such fines and costs shall be paid
into the general fund, unless it is otherwise provided by law. The director of
finance may authorize the hearing officer or the head of the enforcement agency
or department to accept payment on his behalf.
(k) The city magistrate, for good cause, may suspend all or a portion of his
final order and may make any suspension contingent on the fulfillment of some
reasonable condition. However, in no event shall the city magistrate suspend the
imposition of the minimum $100 fine as provided for in section (h) above.
(l) In cases where the city magistrate or director has reason to believe that an
order will cause dislocation or other hardship to a violator, or some other person,
the director shall furnish a copy of the order and a brief statement to the nature
of the hardship to the office of the mayor and to any other public or private officer
or agency he deems appropriate.
(m) Interlocutory orders shall be served in the manner provided by any specifically
applicable state law or, if no other law applies, by a duly commissioned peace
officer by personal or domiciliary service; provided that interlocutory orders
may be served by mail on a respondent who has actually been served with a
notice of violation or who has made an appearance.
(n) Any order assessing a fine or costs and/or ordering remediation or corrective
action on or prior to a certain date may be enforced by the Magistrate Court of the
City of Gretna. The city attorneys office may file contempt or other enforcement
proceedings by making an order executory in the Environmental Section of the
Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court or the Parish Courts of Jefferson Parish.
Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this
ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight
on the tenth day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor,
in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor
returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and Berthelot
Nays: None

LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGALS

Absent: None
ADOPTED: APRIL 8, 2015 APPROVED: APRIL 9, 2015
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT
CITY CLERK MAYOR
CITY OF GRETNA CITY OF GRETNA
STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA
Ordinance presented to the Ordinance returned from the
Mayor on April 9, 2015 Mayor on April 9, 2015
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK CITY CLERK
A TRUE COPY:
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK


On motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Crosby, the

following ordinance was introduced:
ORDINANCE NO. 4664
An ordinance nullifying Ordinance No. 4636 which provided for the acquisition
of the adjudicated property located at 615-617 Solon Street by the City of Gretna
pursuant to La. R. S. 47:2236.
WHEREAS, there is a general concern for the health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna is desirous of improving economic development
and subsequent quality of life for citizens of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna seeks to control the number of abandoned
properties and to slow urban blight by placing abandoned properties back into
the stream of commerce; and
WHEREAS, La. R. S. 47:2236 provides for a procedure for the City to claim
ownership of properties that have been adjudicated to the city for more than five
years previously; and
WHEREAS, the below described property had been adjudicated to the City of
Gretna for more than five years, and
WHEREAS, the City of Gretna desired to acquire the below described property
to be used for any valid public purpose, up to and including public auction, lot
next door sale, or donation; all as provided for by state law, and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the passing of Ordinance No. 4636 acquiring title to
said property, the City became aware of a defect in the original tax sale from the
1980s, thereby making the prior adjudication a legal nullity, necessitating the
nullification of Ordinance No. 4636.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council, acting as
legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that:
The City of Gretna hereby nullifies previously adopted Ordinance No.
4636 claiming ownership of the following described property that had been
erroneously adjudicated to the city for more than five years previously:
A CERTAIN LOT OF GROUND, etc. situated in the town of McDonoghville,
now forming part of the City of Gretna, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana,
designated by the number 6 of Square No. 87, bounded by Madison, Monroe,
Cook, and Solon Streets. Said Lot measures sixty feet (60) front on Solon Street,
by one hundred and twenty feet (120) in depth between equal lines.
Save and excepting therefrom:
A CERTAIN LOT OF GROUND, being part of Lot No. 6 of Square No. 87,
measuring twenty-five feet (25) front on Hamilton (Solon) Street, by a depth
of sixty feet (60) between equal and parallel lines, and being the twenty-five
feet (25) nearer to Monroe Street, conveyed by Jules Nicholes, to Virginia W.
Miller, by Act passed before C.W. Rossner, then Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio
Notary Public, on November 15, 1909, registered in COB 28 Folio 774, Parish of
Jefferson, State of Louisiana.
Being the same property acquired by Annie S. Justice by Act before Anthony
Wambsgams, Notary Public, dated July 22, 1957, registered at COB 429, Folio
185.
Being further acquired from the Succession of Annie S. Justice, docket no. 440969 on the docket of the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson,
by judgment rendered therein on October30, 1992, and recorded in the Parish of
Jefferson on the 9th day of November, 1992 at COB 2797, Folio 281.
The following party is the last known owner of record:
Virginia Williams a/k/a Virginia Miller and/or Estate & Heirs of Virginia
Williams a/k/a Virginia Miller
The following parties are interested parties, as defined by state law:
City of Gretna
Internal Revenue Service
State of Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation
Robert P. Meade
Provided that a majority of the City Council have voted in favor of this ordinance,
this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth
day following the Clerks presentment of the same to the Mayor, in accordance
with Louisiana R.S. 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns the same, unsigned to
the Clerk during that ten-day period.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Councilmen Rau, Crosby, Marino, Miller and Berthelot
Nays: None
Absent: None
ADOPTED: APRIL 8, 2015 APPROVED: APRIL 9, 2015
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT
CITY CLERK MAYOR
CITY OF GRETNA CITY OF GRETNA
STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA
Ordinance presented to the Ordinance returned from the
Mayor on April 9, 2015 Mayor on April 9, 2015
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ /S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK CITY CLERK
A TRUE COPY:
/S/ NORMA J. CRUZ
CITY CLERK