The New Planning & Zoning Commission

On December 19, 2011 the lame duck Ascension Parish Council fired all nine Planning & Zoning Commissioners and reduced the board to seven members with terms of one and two years.  Seven new members were appointed on February 8th by the Council:  Morrie Bishop, Robert Burgess, Jackie Calendar, Gasper Chifici, Paul Nizzo, Joshua Ory, Donald Songy.  Donald Songy was chosen as the Vice Chairman at the February 15th meeting, but no Chairman was chosen.  Mr. Burgess was absent and the Commission wanted to put him as chair.  At the March 14th meeting, Robert Burgess was seated and unanimously chosen as the chairman.


Placed on the March agenda for both the Planning and Zoning Commissions was a discussion to eliminate all subcommittees.  At the recommendation of Planning Director, Ricky Compton, all but two of the Commission were ready to eliminate subcommittees.
Because Robert's Rules of Order does not allow action on an agenda item up for discussion, no action was taken at this meeting.  It appears that all work will be done at the regular meetings on the second Wednesday of the month.  The present by-laws of the Commissions do designate two standing committees:  Subdivision Ordinance subcommittee and the Zoning subcommittee.  The previous Commission also had a Bylaws Subcommittee and a Master Plan subcommittee.


Most public bodies use subcommittees to do their work.  This allows for more discussion and additional public input in these meetings. Citizens need to follow the work of the new Commission carefully.


Planning staff has begun work on the Master Transportation Plan.  Each road in the parish will be placed in a category with specifications.  The concept of complete streets with sidewalks and biking paths is included and requires more right of way.  
Complete Streets were presented in the proposed Master Plan that was rejected by the public. Hwy. 42 is presently being redesigned as a complete street. 


The Commission will be addressing the Master Transportation Plan in upcoming meetings. Parish administration are discussing a half cent sales tax to be placed on the November ballot for roads.

The New Ascension Parish Council

Parish redistricting was completed and accepted by the courts in August 2011. Multiple candidates qualified in many of the Parish Council races in September.

Members of Concerned Citizens actively participated in many of these races. All races were decided on October 22nd except the Council District 4 seat, which had a run-off on November 19th. Because four councilmen ran unopposed, there were only seven races. It is encouraging to have four new councilmembers. The following are the members of the Ascension Parish Council which were sworn in on January 2nd for a four year term:

Council District 1 Oliver Joseph

Council District 2 Kent Schexnaydre

Council District 3 Travis Turner (new member)

Council District 4 Dan "Doc" Satterlee (new member)

Council District 5 Dempsey Lambert

Council District 6 Randy Clouatre (ran unopposed)

Council District 7 Chris Loar (ran unopposed)

Council District 8 Terri Casso (new member)

Council District 9 Todd Lambert (ran unopposed)

Council District 10 Bryan Melancon (new member)

Council District 11 Benny Johnson (ran unopposed)

Concerned citizens will continue to follow the Council and are hopeful that they will strive to put the community first in all decisions.

The first scheduled meeting will be this coming Thursday, January 5th, at 6:00 p.m. in Donaldsonville.

All Members of the Planning & Zoning Commission Removed

The outgoing Ascension Parish Council acted out of the ordinary at their last meeting on December 1st by introducing an ordinance to remove all nine existing members of the Planning & Zoning Commission, to reduce the Commission to 5 members and to set their terms. The agenda did not list the person who proposed the ordinance, but sources inside the government have verified that Parish President Martinez was behind the removal and reduction of members. This move came after a decision by the Planning & Zoning Commission on October 13th calling for an investigation of the Martinez administration, the planning staff and at least one commissioner for actions which were possibly unethical or criminal in nature. That investigation though not mentioned by the local media is still ongoing.

Although a newspaper article stated the reason for the ordinance would be explained by the parish president, Mr. Martinez did not speak about the ordinance at the introduction or at its passage on December 19th. The final ordinance passed differed from the original proposal:

1. Commissioners were removed immediately instead of serving until new members were appointed.

2. The original reduction of nine (9) members to five (5) was increased to seven (7).

3. The terms proposed were three (3) with 2 yr. terms and two (2) with 4 year terms, thereafter all serving 4 year terms. The final version was three (3) with 1 year terms and four with 2 year terms, thereafter each member shall serve a 2 year term.

New Maps for Redistricting

At the public hearing on June 1st, two new proposed maps were presented, setting aside the three previous proposals. Changes in the new Plan A and Plan B are focused in Districts 1 and 2. There will be a final public hearing on June 16th at the regular Ascension Parish Council meeting in the Gonzales Courthouse at 6:00 p.m. The Council will then decide which map will be sent to the Justice Department for approval.

2011 Proposed Redistricting Maps

These three proposed maps related to redistricting were presented to the Parish Council at their regularly scheduled meeting on May 19th.

The Council has scheduled two public hearings for the public to review these maps and make public comment. The first will be held in the Donaldsonville Courthouse at 300 Houmas Street on Thursday, May 26th at 6:00 p.m. The second hearing will be held on May 31 at 6:00 p.m. in the Gonzales Courthouse at 828 S. Irma Blvd-2nd Floor.

Read the presentations which were given at the May 5 and May 19 council meetings to look at statistics and demographics related to redistricting.

Present Councilmen and their Districts:

District #1 Oliver Joseph

District #2 Kent Schexnaydre

District #3 Adrian Thompson

District #4 Pat Bell

District #5 Dempsey Lambert

District #6 Randy Clouatre

District #7 Chris Loar

District #8 George Valentine

District #9 Todd Lambert

District#10 Dennis Cullen

District #11 Benny Johnson

Council Rejects Recommendations of Commission

At the May 5th meeting in Donaldsonville, the Ascension Parish Council rejected the unanimous recommendations of the Planning & Zoning Commissions to repeal the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) ordinances. These ordinances along with changes to the zoning tables which would have reduced density from 20 to 10 units per acre and removed future residential development in the crossroads commercial category were sent back to the Council's Strategic Planning Committee. The vote to allow PUDs to continue was 7 to 3 on all three recommendations with Councilmen George Valentine, Todd Lambert and Randy Clouatre voting no. The Chairman, Pat Bell, did not vote.

Councilman Valentine had made the original motion which was seconded by Todd Lambert for an up or down vote on these recommendations. However, the substitute motion made by Kent Schexnaydre and seconded by Dennis Cullen prevailed to send these recommendations back to the Strategic Planning Committee which Schexnaydre chairs. Voting to continue PUDs, TNDs and high density were Councilmen Joseph, Schexnaydre, Thompson, Dempsey Lambert, Loar, Cullen and Johnson. Although voting with Valentine and Lambert, Clouatre's comments during discussion were not favorable for the repeal of the PUD & TND ordinances or reducing density.

Citizens will continue to watch the Strategic Planning committee and any discussion related to these issues in the months to come. Strategic Planning meets the fourth Monday of each month at the Gonzales Courthouse at 6:00 p.m.

Council Refuses to Fund Master Plan Efforts

At their regular meeting of April 19th, the Ascension Parish Council in a five to four vote refused to fund the Master Plan Subcommittee budget of $28,000 to review and revise the current Master Plan. The budget primarily included funds for meeting rooms, clerical staff, and photocopying of documents which are charged to the Commission by the parish administration.

Councilman George Valentine made a motion to provide the funding with a second from Councilman Todd Lambert. Councilman Loar immediately made a substitute motion to deny funding with a second from Dennis Cullen. With Councilman Clouatre absent, Councilmen Kent Schexnaydre, Dempsey Lambert, Chris Loar, Dennis Cullen and Benny Johnson voted for the substitute motion denying the request of the subcommittee. Councilman Oliver Joseph, Adrian Thompson, George Valentine and Todd Lambert voted against the motion which denied funding. Chairman Pat Bell chose not to vote. Had he voted with the four councilmen he would have created a tie vote. The substitute motion would have failed and opened the door for a vote on the previous motion which would have funded the committee. It was obvious that Bell did not favor funding the efforts of the Planning Commission. These six councilmen (Pat Bell, Kent Schexnaydre, Dempsey Lambert, Chris Loar, Dennis Cullen and Benny Johnson) demonstrated by their actions that they are unwilling to harness the uncontrolled growth in Ascension and address our infrastructure needs. Citizens need to remember councilmen's voting record on important issues such as this when casting their vote in the upcoming October elections.

The Master Plan Subcommittee then met on April 25th and made the decision not to hold regular meetings for now. They are considering looking at firms located in the state to assist the Subcommittee. As dictated by the Parish Council's motion, the steering committee will work on finances for review and revision of the Master Plan for the 2012 budget.

Though efforts have been put on hold, the subcommittee will remain intact. When further decisions are made, we will inform citizens.

Meetings for Master Plan Revision Begin

The first meeting of the Master Plan Subcommittee to review and revise the Ascension Parish Master Plan was held on April 11th at 6:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works Auditorium on Churchpoint Road.  All appointees from business, government and the public sectors were present as well as six Commissioners.  Rules for public comment were adopted. Any citizen wishing to address the Subcommittee will be given three minutes at the beginning of a meeting prior to discussion. 


Good progress from the diverse group was made reviewing the purpose and guiding principles with all members participating. Discussion for the next meeting will begin on page eight of the present document and proceed as time permits.
  
Review and Revision Meeting Schedule


Monday, April 25, 2011  6:00 p.m. at DPW Auditorium 
Monday, May 9, 2011 6:00 p.m. at DPW Auditorium
Monday May 23, 2011 6:00 p.m. at DPW Auditorium  


All Ascension residents are welcome to attend. The current thirty-nine page Master Plan is placed here for your reference and review.  

Public Hearing to Consider Abolishing PUD & TND Ordinances

The Planning & Zoning Commissions will meet and have a public hearing on Wednesday, April 13th at 6:00 p.m. at the Gonzales Courthouse.  Up for consideration will be recommendations to the Parish Council for the PUD & TND ordinances to be abolished. Changes in the zoning tables will also be considered. The Commission is proposing lowering the present twenty units allowed per acre in Mixed Use to ten.


The clip below is from the April 7th Ascension Parish Council meeting held in Donaldsonville.  Ascension Parish Planning Director, Ricky Compton, is giving the definition of what a PUD is.  After listening to his description you will understand how the PUD is a loophole that circumvents current parish Zoning Codes and Subdivision regulations. 


Citizens are encouraged to attend.  

Budget for Master Plan To Be Discussed

On Monday, April 4th at the Gonzales Courthouse the Planning Commission will meet after the 6:00 p.m. Drainage Board meeting. Their discussion will center around the proposed budget of $28,000 for the Master Plan review and revision.


Councilman Chris Loar has refused to place the budget for the Master Plan on the Finance agenda later this month. All items requiring appropriation of funds must go to the Finance Committee first before being considered by the Parish Council.  By State law, the Council is responsible to provide all assistance necessary for the updating of the Master Plan.  Commission Chairman Michael Marchand is hoping to clear up any confusion on Monday, asking the Council to consider the Master Plan Budget this month as meetings for review begin on April 11th. 


Read the recent Advocate article.

Master Plan Subcommittee Formed

On March 23rd representatives where chosen from business, government and the public to work with the Planning Commission on a review and revision of the current thirty-nine page Master Plan.  These representatives will take part in discussion, but will not vote.  Only the nine appointed Commissioners on the Planning Commission will vote.  The following were chosen by citizens who attended meetings from those nominated:


Business Sector: Wes Ashworth, Clint Cointment, Roy Domangue, Mike Eades and Gary Fontenot


Government Sector: Scott Duplechin and Brad Walker


Public Sector:  Kathryn Goppelt, Cindy Quick, John M. Robert Sr., Tim Theriot and Samantha Thibodeaux  


The first meeting is set for April 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the DPW Auditorium.  Citizens are welcome to attend and make public comment while monitoring the progress of the subcommittee. 

Planning & Zoning to Begin the Master Plan Process

Meetings to begin the process for the review and revision of the current Master Plan will start on March 21, 2011, 6:00 p.m at the Gonzales Courthouse.  This first meeting will be to give an overview which was missed by the community when the February P&Z meeting was not aired on Channel 21.  


On March 23rd the Master Plan Subcommittee will meet at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for representatives of government, business, and the public respectively. At each of these three meetings, five individuals will be chosen to represent their segment of the community on the subcommittee. The nine members of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be the voting members.


WE ENCOURAGE CITIZENS WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED MASTER PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND INVITE OTHERS ON MARCH 23RD, 6:00 P.M. AT THE GONZALES COURTHOUSE!

Commission Subcommittees Meet

On Wednesday, March 16th the subcommittees of the Planning & Zoning Commissions will meet at 5:00 p.m. (Subdivision) and 6:00 p.m. (Zoning) at the Department of Public Works on Churchpoint Road.   Five amendments to the PUD, SPUD and TND ordinances which the Parish Council sent on March 3rd to the Commission will be discussed at the Zoning subcommittee. Citizens will continue to attend these meetings in hopes that the ordinances related to the PUDS will not just be amended, but abolished. 

Public Hearing for Abolishing PUD, SPUD, & TND Ordinances

The Planning & Zoning Commission has set a public hearing on Wednesday, April 13th at the Gonzales Courthouse at 6:00 p.m. to consider a recommendation to the Parish Council to abolish the PUD, SPUD and TND ordinances. Changes to zoning tables are also being considered that will reduce residential density. The Zoning Subcommittee has recommended abolishing all three ordinances and strengthening the Subdivision Regulations in order to address development issues.   

Discussion of PUD, SPUD, & TND Ordinances

The joint monthly meeting of the Planning & Zoning Committees is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the Gonzales Courthouse.  They will discuss the PUD, SPUD and TND ordinances now in place.  The Zoning Subcommittee has recommended abolishing all three and strengthening the Subdivision Regulations in order to address development issues.   


On Thursday March 3rd, the Parish Council sent five ordinances that were up for adoption to the Commission for consideration.  These ordinances came from the Strategic Planning subcommittee and would have amended the PUD and SPUD ordinances now in place.  Citizens continue to monitor the efforts of the Council to circumvent the Commission. We are hopeful that the ordinances related to the PUDS will not just be amended, but abolished when the Council receives the Commission's recommendation.

Moratorium Ordinance Pulled From Strategic Planning Agenda

As fast as it appeared, an ordinance to place a twelve month moratorium on residential, commercial and industrial development in Ascension was removed from the February 28th Strategic Planning Agenda. Representatives from industry, business and the public attended this meeting because of concern.  The people who attended were told that the ordinance was an educational exercise to educate the community on just what a moratorium is.  Just where this came from was not divulged at the meeting, but it was revealed after the meeting that Chairman Schexnaydre and Parish President Martinez directed in-house attorney, Toni Falterman to draft the ordinance.  Why this was considered is not known at this time.

Planning & Zoning Subcommittees Meet at DPW

On January 12th the Planning & Zoning Commissions had announced that their subcommittees would be meeting the third Wednesday of the month back to back at 5 and 6 p.m. at the Department of Public Works on Churchpoint Road. Previously these committees had met at 8 and 9 a.m. on Friday. At their first meeting they were informed by planning staff director, Ricky Compton, that he had not been authorized by the administration to give them a meeting room or staff after 5:00 p.m.


After a month of delay, Parish President Martinez finally agreed to give the Planning and Zoning Commissions a room to meet at the DPW Building on Churchpoint Road for their subcommittees.  The committees met on February 16th and discussed topics related to both planning (5:00 p.m.) and zoning (6:00) p.m.  


This an opportunity for public input that is essential in making our community better.  Citizens are encouraged to attend.

Commission Meeting Held in Absence of Video Programming

The February 9th Planning & Zoning Commission meetings were held at the Gonzales Courthouse without being video taped.  It was known prior to the meeting that President Martinez had decided not to video record the proceedings even after some commissioners and at least one councilman requested coverage.  


Citizens did, however, tape some of the meetings. The first clip is from the opening Public Comment Period.







The reconsideration for Mossy Oaks was scratched from the agenda, because of a consent order from Judge Holdridge.  
Comments by Commissioner Satterlee are recorded here.





The final approval for Stonegate Subdivision was denied because all the paperwork was not in order.  The same developer, Kevin Nguyen, of Mossy Oaks is developing Stonegate.  





The long awaited organization of the subcommittee for the Master Plan revision was presented by Chairman Michael Marchand.  





As soon as the master plan meetings are scheduled, we will post the dates and times on the blog. 

Subcommittee for Master Plan on P & Z Agenda

The P & Z Commission has placed the formation of a subcommittee to address possible revisions of the present 39 page Master Plan on their February 9th agenda.  Citizens are encouraged to attend and support the formation of this committee and the inclusion of citizens in the process.  The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Gonzales Courthouse.

Council Plans to Amend PUD Ordinance

The Parish Council meeting of February 3rd was cancelled due to inclement weather and rescheduled for Wednesday, February 9th at 6:00 p.m. in Donaldsonville.  The agenda for this meeting includes four ordinances to amend the current PUD ordinance.  The Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Councilman Schexnaydre, has not consulted the Planning Commission in these recommendations.  


The Zoning Subcommittee of the P & Z Commission met on January 26th and is recommending that the PUD/SPUD ordinance be repealed.  The Full Commission will address this item under subcommittee reports at their meeting on February 9th.