city hall receives façade improvement

VOLUME 5 :: WINTER 2015
City of
ISSUE 5
ST. GABRIEL
A CIT Y OF P R IDE , P ROGR ES S A N D POS SIBI L ITIES
UPCOMING
EVENTS
APRIL 3
GOOD FRIDAY
Community Fellowship
APRIL 4
EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA
STANDING MEETINGS
ST. GABRIEL CITY COUNCIL
3rd Thursdays at 6:00 pm at
City Hall Council Chambers
(also aired on Cox Ch. 4 on
Wednesdays and Sundays)
ST. GABRIEL PLANNING &
ZONING COMMISSION
2nd Wednesdays at 6:00 pm at
City Hall Council Chambers
CITY HALL RECEIVES
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
A
s follow up to the makeover
to the exterior of City Hall began
of their customer service and
the second week of August and took
administrative offices, the
approximately two and half months
City of St. Gabriel recently embarked on
to complete. Modernized lighting,
the second phase of its renovations to
colorful accents, decorative landscaping
City Hall with the Façade Improvement
and a newly erected image of the City
Project. Funded fully by a FEMA grant
seal are just a few features of the façade
at a cost of $140,000, improvements
improvement.
Phase of Levee
2 First
Trail Complete
from the
6 Letter
Mayor
Gabriel
7 St.Christmas
Gala
VOLUME 5 :: WINTER 2015
CITYOFSTGABRIEL.US
ISSUE 5
Second Phase Of
Sidewalk Project
Gets Underway
W
ith the first phase of the
Bayou Paul Sidewalk
4th Annual
Ghostly
Get-Together
Better Than Ever
Project completed in
Carville, St. Gabriel has begun its
second phase on Bayou Paul Lane
East, stretching approximately one
mile in length. In addition, drainage
improvements are being made in an
Gregory Pickett, Melvin Lodge, Jesse Thomas, Melvin Thomas, Eddie York
effort to assist in preventing future
CITY HOSTS FIRST
VETERANS DAY
PROGRAM
flooding or water build up while
constructing the new sidewalk. The
projected cost of Phase II was initially
estimated at $920,000.
am very excited to be
“ Iworking
on the second
Phase of the City’s Sidewalk
improvement Project. With
the many children in our
community I’m sure parents
will also see the benefit.
”
—Mayor Lionel Johnson
FIRST PHASE OF LEVEE TRAIL
COMPLETE
“Heroes At Home”
O
I
n its fourth year in 2014, the
City’s Annual Ghostly GetTogether continued to grow.
Held on Thursday, October 30th at
the St. Gabriel Community Center,
area children were able to trick or
treat indoors and have the option of
doing it all over again the following
n Veterans Day, November
St. Gabriel veterans. This program
day in their community. As with
11, 2014, the City of St.
honored two families within the
every year, the City’s goal is to create
Gabriel held its very own 1st
community whose outstanding service
a fun and safe environment for
Annual Veterans Day program. This
record couldn’t go unnoticed. The
kids to come together and enjoy
Construction for a second phase,
was the city’s chance to show support
Thomas family service years totaled 91
Halloween. This year, by changing
City has the Office of State Parks to
including a levee promenade, is
and appreciation for veterans near
years and 10 months and the Joseph
the date, the City also provided
thank for this wonderful addition to
planned for early 2015.
and far for the countless sacrifices
family has served for 98 years. It was
families the option of still enjoying
T
he City of St. Gabriel is happy
areas, benches, racks and receptacles.
to announce that the newly
The trail can be accessed from
created multipurpose levee
the corner of LA 30 and LA 75.
trail is now open for public use. The
The Bayou Paul East sidewalk is
the amenities available locally. At
and extreme situations that they were
truly an honor to acknowledge these
door-to-door trick-or-treating on
expected to be complete in late
a cost of $210,112, the
put in as veterans, America’s bravest
families for a job well done in service
Halloween night as well. Kids from
8-foot wide, half-mile
men. Our speaker for the event was
to our armed forces.
all over came together to enjoy the
bike and pedestrian path
retired veteran Corporal Jeremy Blunt.
evening’s festivities which included
was constructed for the
The program brought together many
the City’s renowned haunted house.
purpose of giving the
different aspects of our community:
In addition, local sponsors such as
community a recreational
our students at both MSA East and East
Iberville Bank, St. Gabriel Hardware
means of travel and
Iberville Schools for a combined band,
Store, local social clubs, and many
exercise. Donned
our Youth Challenge Program color
others set up booths for trick or
with striped lanes and
guard, and our very own American
treating. In addition to outdoor
commuter signage, the
Legion Post 583, which serves as
spacewalks and a food station, a
trail also features rest
home site for approximately 25 of our
photographer was onsite to capture
March 2014.
every moment of the night.
2
3
VOLUME 5 :: WINTER 2015
CITYOFSTGABRIEL.US
ISSUE 5
A PIZZ-OF
A MIRACLE
B
aton Rouge-based Rotolo’s
Annual Gumbo With
The Mayor Draws
Record Crowd
Although the
Pizzeria has selected St. Gabriel
facility does not
to house its new manufacturing
handle meat
site. The newly founded business,
products, the
owned by Mitchell Rotolo, had its
company can
Mayor Johnson hosted Gumbo
ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday,
manage anything
with the Mayor, an annual fall
October 22.
from dry packages to bottled sauces. The
On November 17, 2014
Citizens of the area have also looked
Rotolo’s restaurant chain only occupies
at this new spin-off as an opportunity of
about 20% of space in the warehouse
growth. This is one of many businesses
has doubled in size to about 11,000
leaving room for other companies to
that have opened in the area within a
square feet, says Mr. Rotolo. It has also
expand their goods into the St. Gabriel
span of a few short months.
created a new company name, “Angelica’s
area.
With the move, the pizza chain’s
existing food manufacturing warehouse
Foods,” to attract food-savvy buyers and
bringing local residents together
CITY HOSTS PUBLIC
FORUM FOR SCHOOL
BOARD AND JUSTICE OF
THE PEACE CANDIDATES
Mr. Rotolo says he’s not forgetting
Mr. Rotolo hopes to bring about
about his pizza fans closer to home.
“Eventually we want to see more
clients into the growing community.
several employment opportunities to the
Former NFL Saints player Joe Horn has
City. “We’ve already started our hiring
restaurants in Baton Rouge and
jumped on the bandwagon and is having
process,” he stated. “We have high hopes
surrounding areas,” he said. “It’s time to
his barbecue sauce line produced and
for this company and also the City of St.
branch out and continue to spread the
bottled at the facility.
Gabriel.”
Rotolo’s brand.”
SENIOR CENTER FAVORS FALL FISH FRY
I
4
event held for the purpose of
n advance of
Thanksgiving, the City
of St. Gabriel Senior
“We’re grateful for those who
attended. Not only did they have an
opportunity to eat great fish, but an
Department hosted a mid-
opportunity to fellowship with one
day fish fry on November 14,
another,” Pastor Thomas said. “The
2014. Senior citizens within
Senior Center is moving forward
the City and surrounding
and doing great things and I look
areas gathered to indulge in
forward to seeing new faces and
an afternoon of southern
having upcoming support from those
fried catfish, soft music and fellowship.
in the community to make the Center
Hosted by Pastor Alfred Thomas,
a better place. We have a lot to offer
Senior Center Coordinator, and held at
including dinners and several trips
City Hall, this was the second annual
that indulge into experiences like
fish fry.
never before.”
T
for an evening of dining and
socializing with the Mayor. “I
wanted to create a relaxed and
welcoming setting for residents
to freely express any questions
or concerns they may have
for me concerning the state of
the City or any other official
he Mayor’s Office Division of
by group to present their platform and
matter,” Mayor Johnson said.
Special Projects held a public
enlighten the audience on why they
“The event worked well last
forum on Wednesday, October
should be chosen to represent the east
year, so we decided to continue
29, 2014 at the St. Gabriel Community
side. Throughout the event we allowed
to offer this additional access
Center. This forum was held to allow
question and answer segments in
to city decision-makers in an
our citizens an opportunity to meet
order to involve the audience and each
informal setting.”
with the candidates and hear their
candidate was required to answer each
platform for change in our area. The
question as it pertained to how they
held at St. Gabriel City Hall,
candidates that attended this event
would function if they were elected into
culminated with a tour of the
were those that were running for
their desired position.
new administrative and Senior
Justice of Peace and School Board
The forum was very enlightening as
positions. The candidates were
it gave citizens on the east side a chance
able to set up tables with election
to see the changes that are attempting
paraphernalia so that the citizens were
to be made around them. Our citizens
able to walk around and gain extra
were also able to gain that personal
knowledge and ask those personal
connection that is wanted but not
questions that concerned them most.
always able to happen due to the size of
The candidates were randomly chosen
the parish.
Gumbo with the Mayor,
Center renovations.
5
VOLUME 5 :: WINTER 2015
CITYOFSTGABRIEL.US
ISSUE 5
LETTER FROM THE MAYOR:
LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD
A
s a St. Gabriel native and lifelong
experience these days. When I see traffic, I
resident, I have always had
think about how to lessen the issue. When
pride in our community and
I see an open ditch or flooded yards, I
our City. Our residents, both longtime
consider what sources might be available
and new neighbors, are fantastic people
to help improve drainage and create
who embrace the pride, progress and
walkways. When I see an abandoned or
possibilities of St. Gabriel.
dilapidated property, I consider how to
Beyond the completed initiatives, people
C
transform it into a safe green space or even
who attended.
hristmas spirit and love
gratitude for those who attended. He
flooded the room as the City
also expressed what Christmas means
hosted its Annual Christmas
to him and the City, “I think Christmas
dance to slow rhythmic live music played
Gala on Friday, December 12th at the
is a time for love and family support,”
by the One More Time Band. The night
he stated, “St. Gabriel is a family and
switched from a casual movement to a
it needs our love and support for
Christmas Carol sing along as the band
continual progression”.
interchanged from its normal segment to
often wonder what physically goes on at
improved housing. When I hear about a
St. Gabriel Community Center.
City Hall. When St. Gabriel’s residents first
new company interested in our area, my
Altered to compliment the
elected me as Mayor and I walked in the
ears perk up and I immediately want to
holidays the Community Center was
doors of City Hall in July 2011, I thought
know the details and impacts.
transformed into a lavish, but lovely
To get citizens into the Holiday spirit
Partakers had the chance to listen and
some classic Christmas hits.
bright, with City enhancements set to
ballroom with decorations consisting
and exemplify the gift of giving Mayor
significant strides as a City as we celebrate
continue as we will see the completion
of red, white, and silver and Christmas
Johnson and the City of St. Gabriel
wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He
member, I had a huge learning curve.
our 20th anniversary. We’ve offered several
of the levee promenade, expansion of
inspired centerpieces on each table.
gave away gift cards and cash prizes.
thanked them for attending and shared
Looking back, I remember all the initial
community events to build an even closer
the Community Center, renovation
The event began with a formal
A photo station adorned with silver
requests and questions that came into City
community as we celebrate together.
of the Senior Center, construction of
welcome speech from Mayor Lionel
and gold served as a complimentary
new ones next year. It’s safe to say the
Hall. For each, I had to immerse myself in
It is there that your many questions,
a turning lane on Highway 30 and
Johnson, Jr., who expressed his
gesture from the mayor to all
Christmas Gala was a success.
suggestions, and concerns have helped
Highway 74, Bayou Paul sidewalk, new
shape my understanding of how this City
Police Department facility and more.
like a mechanical clock, with amazing
can continue to be a great example of “A
I’ve been proud to work alongside our
numbers of moving parts that all need
City on the Move.”
dedicated staff, City Council members
I knew what the inner workings of City
Hall were like. Even as a former council
the City’s processes to find answers.
Quickly, I learned that the City is much
Looking back, I believe we’ve made
the progress is expected to continue.
every staff member has many roles, and
We’re constantly working to improve
as Mayor, it has been my honor to learn
procedures within the city to increase
reasons to celebrate our progress and
T
Sale. Spearheaded by Pastor Alfred
families. The Art Sale was held at the St.
more about as well as lead these layers of
efficiencies. Staff members are better
possibilities. To each of you who’ve
Thomas, the sale consisted of pieces
Gabriel Community Center where several
tasks involved in keeping the City running
organized, with clearer understandings
asked a question, offered a suggestion,
ranging from duck tape crafted purses to
citizens came out and supported. Pastor
smoothly.
of their roles and expectations. Our
participated in an event, or explained
popsicle stick rocking chairs. Mr. Nolan
Thomas and Mr. Johnson have high hopes
I look at the City differently now, and a
heightened focus on customer service
your concerns along the way – thank
Johnson, an Art Advisor at the center,
for next year, with optimism that the event
simple walk down the street is a different
will always be a priority. The future is
you. I appreciate you.
has been working with the seniors for
will be even bigger and better.
Looking forward, I’m excited that
and community residents in making
our community better.
St. Gabriel, we have so many
As the night came to an end, the Mayor
his desire to see the same faces and
SENIOR ARTS & CRAFTS SALE
Each department has multiple functions,
to work together smoothly to tell time.
6
CITY OF ST. GABRIEL CELEBRATES
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA
o spark up the Holiday Season
over 6 months now, helping them to create
St. Gabriel’s Senior Center
memorable tokens to bring home and
hosted its very first Arts & Crafts
share with the community and also their
7
VOLUME 5 :: WINTER 2015
CITYOFSTGABRIEL.US
ISSUE 5
C I T Y O F S T. G A B R I E L
E
P UTTING
R ESOURCES
I NTO
D EVELOPING OUR
E NTIRE CITY
EAST IBERVILLE INC. DONATES
HOLIDAY TURKEYS
CONTINUING OUR PATH FORWARD WITH
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
ast Iberville Inc. continues to be
a dedicated supporter of the area
with its annual holiday community
$3.1 MILLION
service. In the previous newsletter an article
2012 BOND SALES
about the Thanksgiving turkey donations
inaccurately identified the donor of those
turkeys. To clarify, East Iberville Inc. not only
COSTS PER PHASE:
delivered the turkeys to the needy, but also
=$100K
HOMES IMPACTED:
=10 HOUSES
(Rough estimates on housing numbers between 2012-2014)
donated them and has done so for 11 years
now. The City appreciates the longstanding
commitment of East Iberville Inc., whose
motto is to develop, coordinate, and enhance
on Tuesday, November 18, the staff of
in need. The City and its residents wish
good neighbor relationships to continuously
East Iberville Inc. arrived at City Hall to
to commend East Iberville Inc. for its
improve the community. Consequently,
deliver several turkeys to those that are
continued generosity.
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR YOUR
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AT THE
ST. GABRIEL COMMUNITY CENTER?
STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR OF THE
FACILITY SO YOU CAN TAKE FULL
ADVANTAGE OF THE FITNESS CENTER
AND OTHER AMENITIES.
CALL 225-642-9873
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
8
ELECTION DATES
PHASE I
$1.6 MILLION
PHASE I
137
PHASE II
$500K
PHASE II
45
PHASE III
$1 MILLION
PHASE III
133
MARCH 28
MUNICIPAL PRIMARY
35 STREETS TOTAL
Last Day To Register To Vote: 2/25/15
MAY 2
MUNICIPAL GENERAL
Last Day To Register To Vote: 4/1/15
1st-6th Streets
Asphodel Drive
Bank Drive
Belle Terre Drive
Chancellor Avenue
Clocktower Drive
Evergreen Drive
Faculty Drive
Fieldhouse Avenue
Golden Gate Drive
Grace’s Drive
Grenada Drive
Knottoway Drive
Landry Street
Madewood Drive
Magnolia Drive
Margaret Drive
Maryland Street
Monroe Lane
Morris Street
Ointment Street
Plantation Drive
Politz Avenue
Rose Down Drive
Smith Street
South Club Avenue
Tiger Avenue
PHASE IV (Coming Soon) - Early 2015
$2.1 MILLION
PHASE V
TBD
9
ST. GABRIEL
CITY HALL
5035 IBERVILLE STREET
ST. GABRIEL, LA 70776
225-642-9600
HOURS:
MONDAY – THURSDAY:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
FRIDAY:
8:00 AM – 12:00 NOON
STOP BY CITY HALL
TO PAY ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING BILLS
IN PERSON:
CABLE OR SATELLITE
CELL CARRIERS (AT&T, VERIZON, SPRINT)
ENTERGY
GAS
SEWER
TELEPHONE
WATER
REMINDER:
A
TAX SEASON HELP AVAILABLE
s tax season begins, St.
9 am to noon every Saturday through
Gabriel area residents are
April 11, 2015.
reminded that the free tax
The program has assisted more than
preparation service offered by IRS-
75 residents a year since 2007 while
certified students at East Iberville High
providing excellent work experience
School and the Math, Science and Arts
and community service hours to the
Academy will once again be available
students. Coordinator Tracy Warren and
beginning on Tuesday, January 20, and
the student teams offer the service at the
continuing from 3-6 pm every Tuesday,
St. Gabriel Community Center’s newly
Wednesday and Thursday, and from
renovated computer lab.
HappyNew Year!
P O S TA L C U S TO M E R
LO C A L
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