Tangipahoa Parish Council approves bids for jail roof and Hoover Road water-line work, schedules CVB budget hearings

David Vial, chairman of the Tangipahoa Parish Council, presided over the council’s Oct. 28 regular meeting in Amite, where members approved seeking bids for two infrastructure projects funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money and set public hearings on Convention and Visitors’ Bureau budget ordinances for Nov. 12.

The council voted to seek bids for a full replacement of the parish jail roof, a project Parish President Miller described as a long-term undertaking funded with ARPA grant money. The motion to seek bids was made by Councilman Louis Joseph and seconded by Councilman Lionell Wells; the roll-call vote recorded eight yeas (Darrell Sinagra, John Ingraffia, Louis Joseph, Buddy Ridgel, Lionell Wells, David Vial, Brigette Hyde, Strader Cieutat) and two absences (Joseph Havis, Joey Mayeaux). The motion carried.

In a separate action, the council approved seeking bids to relocate water lines on Hoover Road Phase 2, a project described by President Miller as extending from the park south to Highway 22. Miller said ARPA funds would be used for the work and could serve as the local match for awarded capital outlay. The motion by Councilwoman Brigette Hyde, seconded by Councilwoman Strader Cieutat, passed on the same recorded roll-call (eight yeas, two absences).

On the legislative side, the council introduced two ordinances concerning the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. T.P. Ordinance No. 24-48, an amendment to the 2024 CVB budget (amending T.P. Ordinance No. 23-69), and T.P. Ordinance No. 24-49, the proposed 2025 CVB budget, were both introduced and scheduled for public hearings on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The introductions were approved by motion with the same eight-yes roll-call and two absences.

The council also adopted the minutes of its Oct. 15 meeting on a motion by Councilman Lionell Wells, seconded by Councilman John Ingraffia; the roll call again recorded eight yeas and two absences. No members of the public requested to speak during public input.

The meeting included several presentations and updates. Heather Koepp, program director at the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology and president of the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologist, presented a proclamation and background for Radiologic Technology Week, Nov. 3–9, 2024. Ginger Tastet reported on the Roxy’s Toolbox program: seven participating schools, 14 classes and about 295 students per week; she named poster winners from Mater Dolorosa, Independence, Courtney Christian Academy (Hammond), Loranger and Roseland Montessori.

Don Bates and Trevor Besse of Osprey Initiative Co. gave an update on Tangipahoa’s participation in Keep Louisiana Beautiful Week, upcoming litter-control projects, a proposed master service agreement and education funding needs. Parish President Miller also recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National First Responder Day, and reminded residents about the Nov. 5 election (the renewal of a 1-cent sales tax).

Tracie Schillace advised residents that the FEMA group policy-holder program was expiring and urged policy renewals. Chairman Vial reminded the public that early voting ends the following day, listed voting site information, and noted a Trunk-or-Treat event at the Florida Parishes Arena on Oct. 31.

With no further business, Councilman Lionell Wells moved to adjourn; there was no opposition and the meeting was adjourned. The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, when the public hearings on the CVB budget ordinances will be held.