[StBernard] St. Bernard Council to vote on water and sewer measures, and Old Arabi construction permits

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Council to vote on water and sewer measures, and Old Arabi
construction permits
Print Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune By Benjamin
Alexander-Bloch, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 
Email the author | Follow on Twitter 
on April 01, 2014 at 8:30 AM, updated April 01, 2014 at 9:59 AM

The St. Bernard Parish Council on Tuesday evening is expected to vote on
some water and sewer measures, along with introducing an ordinance that
would penalize contractors for beginning construction in Old Arabi without
proper permits.

The Parish Council is scheduled to hold its regular biweekly meeting at 7
p.m. Tuesday in its Council Chambers, 8201 W. Judge Perez Dr. in Chalmette.

In terms of the Old Arabi matter, the council is set to introduce an
ordinance that would subject contractors to a $200 fine if they begin work
in Old Arabi "on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or
plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits."

The ordinance states that "emergency work shall not be subject to the
penalty when filed the next working day" and that "homeowners shall not be
subject to the penalty for repair work performed on their residence."

In other matters, the council is set to vote on a administration request for
two new employees for the Department of Water and Sewer. It also is set to
introduce an ordinance that would require that department to give 24 hours
notice to residents before any disconnection of water services.

At its last meeting on March 18, the council tabled a vote on a possible
water and sewer rate increase, with Councilman Ray Lauga asking for that
postponement pending an independent audit of the sewer and water department.

President Dave Peralta said the administration still is looking into the
best firm to hire to conduct that audit, which is expected to take several
months once underway.

The proposed increase likely will not return to the council for a vote until
that audit is completed. The current proposal would increase rates by 34
percent to help improve infrastructure in a water system that has been
scrutinized since a brain-eating amoeba was found in the system last fall.

For residents who use 10,000 gallons a month, the proposed increase would
amount to a jump from $34.27 to $46.70.

Stay tuned to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for coverage of the council
meeting.