Jefferson City

During this campaign, we’ve made choices about which ideas to promote. Public safety has dominated the agenda because we can’t be a successful city until the violent-crime problem is solved. We must be safe, and we must feel safe.

There is, however, a lot more to being mayor. This week, I’m sharing five initiatives we’ll advance immediately in January 2024. There are more we’ll discuss next year. I selected these five because they suggest the imagination and innovation that will be the hallmark of the change I aim to bring.

First, a Shreve administration will come alongside seniors and others victimized by rising assessed property values to enable them to freeze their property taxes until they sell their home. The program would create a Freeze Fund by using the city’s bonding authority. Each year, the amount of tax above the frozen level would be paid by the fund. When the home is sold, the money is repaid to the fund from proceeds of the sale.

It’s simple, easy and fair. It encourages, instead of discourages, rising property values. And most important, it makes it possible for seniors to stay in the neighborhoods they have loved and been part of their whole lives.

Second, I’ll assemble a blue-ribbon panel to review our city’s public transportation model, with an eye toward better, higher technology that’s flexible and assures service to those who most need it—while saving taxpayers up to $30 million annually. Our trunk line “mass transit” is an antiquated concept.

We can do better. Information technology exists to support a door-to-door public transportation model. Indy should have the best and most modern public transit in the country.

Third, using the mayor’s authority to charter schools, we will pilot four “micro schools” in our most disadvantaged neighborhoods. They will serve 25 students at each location. Technology can enable individualized instruction for every single student. In addition to their core mission of providing high-quality education, these schools will become the nexus of a variety of social services, especially early childhood education.

Fourth, when the city and county merged via Unigov, there was a companion bill that passed the Legislature called “minigov.” It recognized that, while Unigov would foster efficiency and a coordinated vision for a vibrant metropolis, the best government is that which is closest to the people. So, minigov gave certain powers for land use and zoning to neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, the idea was never adopted by the new City-County Council. It was a good idea, and we should do it! Additionally, I propose we take, say, 10% of public works funding and let neighborhood associations decide how to spend it. Residents know which sidewalks need to be built or replaced better than a bureaucrat downtown. When local neighborhoods have a real ability to govern, more people will be engaged in civic life.

And, finally, something that might be a small but impactful policy involves fallen leaves. Raking is great exercise, but bagging is a pain. Literally. It’s also terrible for the environment—all those plastic bags going into the trash. Hundreds of cities vacuum leaves from the curbside and recycle them. If I am elected mayor, rake or blow your leaves to the curb—but you are done bagging them.

There’s much more behind each of these ideas. Learn more about them at my campaign website.

We must be innovative at every turn. We must tackle giant issues, as well as simple ones. We must see far over the horizon—and right in front of our noses. We can embark on a new beginning in Indianapolis. We just must have the courage to embrace change. It’s time.•

__________

Shreve is the Republican candidate for mayor.

Originally Appeared Here

JEFFERSON CITY — The speaker of the Missouri House said Thursday he is “absolutely not” going to resign over filing false expense reports for the past five years.

Dean Plocher

In an interview on “This Week in Missouri Politics,” a state politics podcast, Rep. Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, dismissed calls by fellow Republicans that he step down.

“I look forward to leading the House to produce good conservative legislation such as property tax cuts, personal property tax reform,” Plocher said. “There’s a lot of good things to do.”

Plocher, who is running for lieutenant governor in the 2024 election, used campaign money to pay for conferences, flights and hotels and then asked to be reimbursed for some of those costs by the House. Last week, amid inquiries from the Post-Dispatch and the Missouri Independent, Plocher began the process of paying back nearly $4,000.

On the Thursday podcast, he defended his actions but also called the situation “embarrassing.”

“We found the errors. We made the reimbursements. I think that’s the honest correct thing to do,” Plocher said. “I caught it and I’m grateful that I caught it. I own it. The buck has to stop with me.”

The speaker, who is elected by members of the House to preside over the chamber, has faced calls by his GOP counterparts to resign.

Freshmen Rep. Mazzie Boyd, R-Hamilton, said she’s lost confidence that Plocher can lead effectively.

“I believe he needs to devote his time to clearing his name and serving his district, and he cannot do all that while remaining Speaker of the House. That is why I am calling on him to resign as Speaker,” said Boyd, who worked in the Trump administration and for the former president’s campaign operation.

“I believe we need a new leader with integrity, to help House Republicans move this state forward,” Boyd said in a statement.

Other Republican House members calling for Plocher’s ouster include Reps. Doug Richey of Excelsior Springs and Chris Sander of Lone Jack.

Others who’ve joined the anti-Plocher chorus include Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, who is running for governor. Former Sen. Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, signaled Wednesday he is planning to run for lieutenant governor against Plocher.

Some in the House are backing Plocher.

“I encourage fellow Republicans, many of whom are publicly speaking against Dean, to let the process play out as it will, and stop trying to take advantage of another’s plight for political gain,” Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, said in a statement posted on social media.

Plocher faces another potentially significant hurdle Friday when members of the House Ethics Committee meet behind closed doors to discuss a “personnel inquiry” related to Plocher’s firing of his chief of staff, Kenny Ross.

Ross, who served three previous speakers, vacated his office after Plocher was questioned over his attempt to muscle an $800,000 software purchase through the House without going through the normal bidding process.

House administrators opposed the purchase and a committee of lawmakers voted against buying the software.

Plocher said Ross’ firing was not in response to the dust-up over the purchase, but part of a long-range reorganization of his operation.

“This has been in ongoing discussion within my office on how I was going to handle it,” he said.

Plocher also declined to comment on the Ethics Committee meeting.

“The Ethics Committee was appointed. They have a duty they have a job. I trust that they take it seriously and I trust that they’re going to come to the conclusions that they come with in the proper way,” Plocher said. “I do not want to get involved in this.”

The committee investigates complaints of ethical misconduct by members of the House.

The harshest punishment the panel can recommend is the expulsion of a member. They also can issue lesser sanctions.

Newly elected Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, addresses the chamber to outline legislative goals for the 2023 session.

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Originally Appeared Here

MALVERN, Pa. & JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., October 25, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–3SI Security Systems and Wren Solutions are pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Kushner as Chief Executive Officer. The announcement comes on the heels of the merger between 3SI and Wren earlier this year.

“I feel privileged to lead these remarkable organizations that are helping to create a safer world,” Matt shared. “3SI and Wren have well-established reputations for protecting people, recovering assets, and preventing losses through innovative technologies and strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies. They recognize the importance of collaborating with those who confront crime in their communities daily and focus on providing purpose-built solutions to support the capture and successful prosecution of criminals, ultimately disrupting the cycle of crime.”

Matt brings 35 years of experience as an accelerated growth and business transformation leader in the global health, safety, and security technology industries to his new role. Most recently, he served as the Global President of Stanley Security, where his visionary leadership was instrumental in driving the company to the forefront of the industry. Under Matt’s guidance, Stanley Security underwent a transformative evolution, moving from a traditional integration security company to a cutting-edge customer experience and tech-driven enterprise with a strong focus on Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and the strategic utilization of data-driven insights.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Kushner as our new CEO,” said Andrew Wren, President of Wren Solutions. “His extensive knowledge of the security industry, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership skills make him the ideal choice to lead 3SI and Wren into the future.”

Keith Deaton, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “I can’t think of a better fit to lead our combined business. His experience and unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence will transform the future of our companies.”

Story continues

Matt’s appointment comes at an exciting time, as he will guide the strategic union of 3SI, Wren, and 3SI’s CovertTrack division, allowing them to scale their operations, diversify their product portfolios, and leverage enhanced capabilities to drive new security innovation and deliver on their safer world mission.

“This dynamic organization possesses untapped potential to advance its mission of disrupting the cycle of crime,” added Matt. “This can be accomplished with our dedicated teams and unwavering dedication to providing state-of-the-art security technology reinforced by strategic acquisitions. In this moment of time when criminal incidents are at unprecedented levels, we can and will contribute more significantly.”

About 3SI Security Systems and Wren Solutions

With a combined 90 years of experience, 3SI and Wren are leading global security technology providers. Our offerings, encompassing GPS tracking and video analytics, empower law enforcement agencies to stop crime, leading to more than 18,000 arrests. Our services are trusted by financial institutions, retailers, and over 10,000 law enforcement partners. Furthermore, 3SI’s CovertTrack division actively provides local and federal agencies with custom-built solutions for proactive crime prevention.

Discover more at saferworld.solutions.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023214937/en/

Contacts

Press:
3SI Security Systems
Mary Pifer
VP, Global Marketing & Product Management
mpifer@3si.com

Originally Appeared Here

The city’s Human Relations Commission is seeking applicants who can and will attend meetings so the body can reach quorum.

The commission is supposed to meet at 9 a.m. every third Friday at City Hall, but has only been able to gather at least five of the nine commissioners three times since the beginning of 2022.

The commission met quarterly for all of 2022, meaning there were four scheduled meetings for the year: one in January, April, July and October. Only the January meeting reached a quorum with seven of the nine commissioners present.

For 2023, the commission has attempted meeting in January and then every month since April, with the only meetings occurring in June and August.

The commission is unable to perform official business without a majority — five commissioners — so meeting minutes remained unapproved and the commission without elected officers for more than a year and a half.

Chair Kimberley Woodruff has grown frustrated.

“Life happens, everybody is not required to be at every single meeting, but try to be at as many as you can so that we can reach quorum and be able to hold a meeting,” Woodruff said to the present commissioners back in August. “I hate when folks plan to do something, and we all get here, and we’re missing one to reach quorum.”

Woodruff said attendance has become a problem. She and Ward 2 Councilman Mike Lester, also the commission’s council liaison, wondered if the timing of the meeting was a cause.

“It’s important to participate so that each commissioner knows what’s going on, what our plans are. I believe that people choose to be on this commission because they care,” she said.

Woodruff said she’s asked several individuals on the commission who haven’t shown up in months about adjusting the meeting time with no response.

Woodruff said she alerts every commissioner each month of the meeting time and date and asks for those unable to come to notify her.

According to city code, a person’s position will be deemed vacant if this person has not attended at least two-thirds of the regularly scheduled meetings of the board or commission for one year or has missed three consecutive meetings.

On the commission is Chair Kimberley Woodruff, Donna Adams, Jamie Howard, Frank Rycyk, Jane Barnes, Lorraine Schofield, JoDe Layton-Brinker, Seth Bauman and Andria Hendricks.

The HR commission was scheduled to meet Friday, but only Woodruff, Howard, Rycyk and Schofield were in attendance. Woodruff said Layton-Brinker, Barnes and Adams notified Woodruff in advance they wouldn’t be able to show.

At the official August meeting, Schofield, Woodruff, Layton-Brinker, Rycyk and Barnes were present.

At the June meeting, the same five were present. In January, of the current commissioners, Rycyk, Woodruff, Adams, Cavette and Barnes were present; Schofield, Howard and Layton-Brinker had not yet been appointed.

Layton-Brinker, Bauman and Hendricks have terms expiring in December.

Woodruff encouraged those in the room Friday to share the application with friends who may be interested. She said the commission’s goal is to encourage diversity and acceptance in the Jefferson City community.

The commission has, in years past, hosted a Speakers Series in which people are able to share and teach about their own culture, experience or knowledge. Kylar Broadus, founder and director of the Trans People of Color Coalition, spoke in June 2021 about being a Black trans man in America during the series “Radical Listening: Stories of Strength from the Trans Community.”

Woodruff said commissioners do not have to agree for the body to be effective.

“We’re looking for someone who’s interested in educating the community on different things that could bring us together, unite us, not divide us. That does not mean that we look for somebody who has the same opinions as us. You certainly need different opinionated people. Somebody who is deeply involved in the community and wants to see us grow together is the goal,” Woodruff said.

The application is available on the city website.

Originally Appeared Here

More than a dozen artists fanned out Sunday morning across Jefferson City.

They set up easels and mixed paint with their subjects in clear view, making sidewalks and small patches of grass their studios for the day.

Kaylee West picked a spot at the corner of Jefferson and West High streets and positioned her easel to get an unobstructed view of High Street’s morning activity. West said she found the yellow trees against the red and gray brick buildings inspiring.

“It helps me know what I’m painting and how to capture how it feels to be outside,” the 16-year-old painter said of painting outdoors. “I apparently like to challenge myself.”

West was one of 15 artists who participated in the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department’s inaugural Plein Air Art Competition. “En plein air” is a French expression that refers to the act of painting outdoors with a subject in full view.

Leann Porrello, cultural arts specialist for JC Parks, said many neighboring communities host plein air art events and “with us being the Capital City and having so many historic buildings and things, we thought it was only appropriate to invite the artists to our community to get out there and paint.”

Artists from Jefferson City and beyond worked on their paintings from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Their work was then collected and showcased at a reception Sunday evening at McClung Park, where interested buyers could purchase the paintings. Funds went to the artists directly and to support the Jefferson City Art Club.

“It’s a good balance of people from here and people coming from out of town just to come paint in our city,” Porrello said. “There will be a lot of different perspectives of what beauty is in Jefferson City.”

Artists could choose anywhere to set up for the day. The Parks Department also offered some specialty locations for artists to reserve, such as the Missouri State Penitentiary and Missouri River Bridge.

“It’s kind of a cool glimpse into our city from an artist’s perspective,” Porrello said.

Janis Burgin set up her outdoor studio at Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian’s Island. She was planning to paint two canvases: one of the Missouri River Bridge and another of the State Capitol Building.

“It’s just true art — you’re painting what you see, not what you think you see,” Burgin said as she added foliage to the banks of the Missouri River on her canvas. “It’s just true. There’s no cheating about it.”

Burgin said she knew she wanted to spend a day painting at Adrian’s Island upon taking her first trip soon after the Bicentennial Bridge was completed.

“As soon as it was open for the public, I came, and I’ve wanted to paint that bridge ever since,” she said. “But, you know, you get busy.”

Burgin is the resident artist at Art Gallery-Studio off Northeast Drive and has been teaching art for more than 30 years. She studied under Bob Ross, host of “The Joy of Painting” PBS show, and became a “Certified Ross Instructor” after also completing five years of art school. She instructs weekly “painting-in-a-day” courses, among others.

Burgin is a member of the Jefferson City Art Club and previously sat on the board of Capital Arts. She said she participated in the plein air event to help ensure the community builds on the momentum created around art in recent years.

“Jefferson City has really grown in the arts,” she said. “And I love it because art can do a lot for people. It’s good therapy.”

Burgin said she’s interested in hosting a workshop on plein air painting ahead of next year’s event. Some of her students joined her Sunday at Adrian’s Island to watch her work.

Ben Cook has been studying under Burgin for about a year and a half and is learning how to mix colors and define a scene’s composition. He said he’s thinking about participating in next year’s Plein Air Art Competition and “wanted to see (Burgin) do it in action first.”

Cook said he already has some locations in mind for next year.

“I’d love to get local landmarks,” he said, “whether that be the Governor’s Mansion or the garden there or probably some of the other historical places.”

Porrello said she’s excited to see the event grow next year, adding the Parks Department is already generating new location ideas.

Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
Artist Kaylee West adds yellow to a tree included in the landscape of High Street she painted Sunday during the first Plein Air Art Competition sponsored by the Jefferson City Parks Department. West, 16, was one of more than a dozen artists to participate.

Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
Artist Janis Burgin works on one of two landscape paintings she created Sunday at Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian’s Island. Burgin painted the Missouri River Bridge and the State Capitol Building for the first Plein Air Art Competition hosted by the Jefferson City Parks Department.

Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
16-year-old artist Kaylee West adds to the High Street landscape she painted Sunday for the Plein Air Art Competition sponsored by the Jefferson City Parks Department. West said painting outdoors helps to keep her true to the subject matter.

Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
Artist Janis Burgin mixes paint to add to her landscape of the Missouri River Bridge during Sunday’s Plein Air Art Competition sponsored by the Jefferson City Parks Department.

Originally Appeared Here

In addition to the 14 constitutional amendments all Texans will be asked to vote on, Southeast Texans will see a myriad of city, schools and other tax rate increases.

Port Neches voters may even see a few candidate-led races.

We’re breaking down our local ballot items here:

Jefferson County

City of Nome

Proposition A — “The adoption of a local sales and use tax in the City of Nome, Texas at the rate of 1.50%. This is an increase of 0.50% from the existing 1.00%.” 

Currently, the sales and use tax rate in the Nome is 7.75%. This includes the sales and use tax of 6.25% for the state of Texas, 0.5% for Jefferson County and the city’s 1%, according to the ordinance.

The increase would bring sales tax in Nome to 8.25%, the maximum combined tax rate in Texas.

City of Port Neches

Proposition A — “The reauthorization of a local sales and use tax in the City of Port Neches at the rate of one-fourth of one percent (.25%) to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets. The tax expires on the fourth anniversary of the date of this election unless the imposition of the tax is reauthorized.”

If passed, the proposition will reauthorize a 0.25% sales and use tax for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.

“It’s not an increase, it just takes a portion of the sales tax,” City Secretary HollyAlexander said. “It’s already in place and it’s just reauthorizing the tax.”

The tax was originally passed in 2019 to last four years. Previously, 0.5% of sales tax went to economic development. The 2019 election decreased that to 0.25% and used the other 0.25% for streets. 

Port Neches City Council Place 3 — Mike Beaty or Jim Wallace

The election features Mike Beaty and Jim Wallace running for the office currently occupied by John Davenport.

Wallace is a retired BCSP Operator ExxonMobil Chemical Plant.

He is running on platform Port Neches’ residents, and what will most benefit them, as a guiding light when making city decisions, according to the Jim Wallace – Candidate Port Neches City Council Place 3 Facebook page.

“My family, church community and friends have been very supportive to reassure that I will be instrumental in meeting the needs of this position for our wonderful city,” Wallace said on his Facebook campaign page. “I intend to faithfully serve and uphold standards of the City Council for our city of Port Neches.”

 

 

“The citizens of Port Neches deserve a Place 3 City Council member who will represent and work for what is best for the entire city, not just a select few groups or entities,” the Facebook page states. “If you want a representative who will always stand up for whatever is best for the entire community and who is not beholden to any special interests, then Mike Beaty is the man you need to support for the City Council election.”

Port Neches-Groves Independent School District

School Board Trustee Place 6 — Brenda Duhon or Melanie Plaia Miller 

Brenda Duhon and Melanie Plaia Miller are running for the three-year position currently occupied by Dallon James.

Duhon retired from the district in 2021 after serving in several positions over 30 years, starting as a high school business teacher and ending as the assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction/Technology, according to Duhon’s campaign website.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that every student at (Port Neches-Groves ISD) has opportunities for success and am committed to putting students first,” Duhon said on her campaign page. “My experience at (Port Neches-Groves ISD)provided me an understanding of many facets of the school district which uniquely prepares me for the role of a (Port Neches-Groves ISD) school board member.”

Miller previously served as the Place 4 Trustee, a position she was first elected to in 2010 after defeating then incumbent Gary Stretcher, according to Enterprise archives.

School Board Trustee Place 7 — Jake Lefort or Jordyn Collida

The election features incumbent Jake Lefort and challenger Jordyn Collida, who are both running for the three-year position.

Lefort has served two terms in the position.

Lefort’s on social media states that if reelected, he will do his best to ensure that the district’s standards remain high to provide the best education and atmosphere for the students.

“Every decision that I make will be one that helps further the success of our children, teachers and the success of the community that I love,” Lefort said on his Facebook page. “I stand up for our teachers, students and our mascot and traditions.I will always be responsive and listen to all constituents.”

As the owner and director of Building Blocks Head Start Academy of Groves, Collida started her career in an early education classroom, according to Jordyn Collida – PNG ISD Parent’s Voice Facebook page.

On the page, Collida said she believes her experience and knowledge is a unique asset that the school board has not had before.

“I have taught a classroom full of little minds and have seen first hand how no two students learn the same or have the same needs,” Collida said on the Facebook page. “I have seen first hand that teachers don’t just teach their class but they lead and mold the literal future. Teachers are the backbone to not just (Port Neches-Groves) but to any community and deserve more.”

Sabine Pass Independent School District

Proposition A — “Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.05135 per $100 valuation in Sabine Pass Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 4.48 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $681,590.”

The rate is comprised of a maintenance and operations tax rate of $0.76800 per $100 and a debt service tax rate of $0.28335 per $100 of such taxable
assessed value. Both are rates set annually by the district’s Board.

“(The) combined tax rate of $1.05135 represents an increase of approximately $681,590 in maintenance and operations tax revenue to the District in the 2023-2024 school year (and a potentially larger amount annually thereafter), which is approximately 4.48 percent higher than the amount of maintenance and operations tax revenue collected in the preceding year,” the Notice of Election states.

Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District 10

Proposition A — “The issuance of $3,700,000 of Jefferson County Water Control & Improvement District No. 10 unlimited tax bonds and levying the tax to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds to pay for and finance the design, construction and equipping of the wastewater collection, transportation and treatment facilities of the district.” 

The Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District 10 is looking for voters to approve $3.7 million in tax bonds for the finance, design and equipping of wastewater collection, transportation and treatment facilities in the district.

The board of directors decided the best option for the district was to move its treated wastewater into the Neches River. For over 60 years, the water has been discharged into the Rodair Gully, which the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has classified an impaired stream, Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District 10 General Manager Tommy McDonald said.

The overall project to relocate the wastewater discharge to the Neches River will cost an estimated $9.7 million and includes a disinfection basin, a pump station and a two-mile force main pipeline.

Jefferson County has given a $6 million grant from its federal COVID Recovery and American Rescue Plan Act funds to the district for the project, McDonald said. However, the district has to finance the remaining $3.7 million, which is what voters will be decide on in the proposition.

“If we raise the water rates, I think on a 2,000 gallon bill, which is pretty minimum, it’s roughly going to go up $15 per month,” McDonald said. “If it’s a 5,000 gallon water bill, it will go up $25 per month and so on.” 

The tax bond would come out to an increase of about $59.08 a year per $100,000 of property valuation.

The water district is an unincorporated area between U.S. 69 and Texas 347 between the Beaumont and Nederland city limits.

Hardin County

Hardin County Emergency Service District No. 3

Proposition A –“The adoption of a local sales and use tax in the Hardin County Emergency Services District #3 at the rate of two percent, excluding any area of the district where a local sales and use is already imposed at a rate of two percent.” 

Hardin County Emergency Service District No. 7

Proposition A — “Confirmation of the creation of the Hardin County Emergency Service District No. 7 and authorization of the levy of a tax not to exceed the rate allowed by section 48-E , Article III, Texas Constitution which provides for the levy of a tax not to exceed five (5) cents on each $100.00 valuataion of ad valorem property situated in the situated in the district.”

The passing of the proposition would create Hardin County Emergency Service District No. 7 in the Thicket Votaw area. This would turn the Votaw-Thicket Volunteer Fire Department into its own emergency service district.

In addition, the proposition would raise property tax 5 cents on every $100 of value in the area.

Orange County

City of  West Orange

Proposition A — “To adopt a sales and use tax at the rate of one-fourth of one percent for the promotion and development of new and expanded business enterprises and to undertake projects as described in Chapters 501 and 505 of the Texas Local Government Code (The Development Corporation Act), as amended.”

Within the proposition, a sales and use tax of 0.25% would be adapted in the city of West Orange for a special economic development corporation. 

The tax would be used for promotion and development of new expanded business enterprises.  It is a type B economic development corporation which can use money for recreational community facilities, affordable housing projects, water supply of conservation, business enterprises that can create or retain jobs, business development and more.

Little Cypress-Mauriceville  Consolidated Independent School District

Proposition A — “Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.0612 in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Consolidated Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 8.81 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $922,179.”

If passed, the proposition will enact a $1.0612 per $100 of value tax rate in the school district for the current year.

The tax will bring an increase of 8.81% in money brought in over last year, a total increase of $922,179. 

It is a tax ratification election, which is used for smaller districts, and would give the district more money from Austin, which it can use for safety, security and to raise salaries.

Originally Appeared Here

Until eighth grade, Carter Bremer went to school on a standard five-day schedule. After moving to Harrisburg, he stopped going to class on Mondays.

Now a senior at Harrisburg High School, Carter has spent just four days a week in school for the past five years, giving him more time to spend on sports, a job and college-level classes.

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Originally Appeared Here

Main photo courtesy DepositPhotos.

Interior work has been permitted to begin at 714 Baronne St., the ground-floor, retail component of 710 Baronne St., itself a 69,000-square-foot redevelopment in the Warehouse District. In addition to the 9,000 square feet of commercially used space, 46,000 square feet on the upper levels are being built out to house 31 luxury rental units, operated by Heirloom, which announced plans to relocate their headquarters to New Orleans in 2022. This commercial space is believed to be the latest in Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans restaurant offerings, in addition to Emeril’s Brasserie, a new, French-inspired restaurant at Caesars’ redevelopment of the former Harrah’s Casino. Lagasse’s concept at 714 Baronne St. is yet to be formally named and announced. Built between 1895 and 1908, 710 Baronne St. formerly housed the Abbott Auto Company, a luxury automobile manufacturer, much in keeping with its Warehouse District neighbors. The edifice itself featured a Renaissance Revival façade, which has been fully preserved and maintained in the redevelopment. Additional stories are focused on the back of the structure, so as not to compromise its architecturally significant fronting. Adaptive reuse continues to proliferate both the Warehouse District and CBD; 710 Baronne St. undoubtedly strikes a balance betwixt contemporary usage and historic roots.

Uptown, work has commenced on the Mercy Hall Redevelopment at Loyola New Orleans. Located at the corner of Freret and Calhoun Streets, the new dormitory hall is slated to house 612 beds (126 suites) and 210,157 square feet across seven stories. Of this, 3,000 square feet is earmarked for community space, 2,000 square feet as the lobby and entrance, and the 1,000-square-foot balance for pre-function use. In April of 2023, New Orleans City Council approved the demolition of the former Mercy Hall, itself built in 1960 as Mercy Academy, and serving as the upper school for female students of neighboring Holy Name of Jesus Parish. The latest iteration, which will provide housing for significantly more students than could be in its previous design, is particularly timely, as an increasing number of neighborhood residential stock has been redeveloped for off-campus student housing. Mercy Hall has been designed specifically to meet the demand for apartment-style living, therefore intending to ease pressure for students seeking this type of housing. Designed by Woodward Design, Mercy Hall is evocative of the Mid-Century Modern architectural style proliferating Loyola’s campus.

In Jefferson Parish, permits were granted to 1500 River Oaks Road West, a two-story building housing several local businesses, boasting
Elizabeth Novit

additional access and visibility from Dickory Avenue (also known as LA 3154). This area is sandwiched between the City of Harahan, and Elmwood, a census-designated-place within Jefferson Parish, which has experienced a strong influx of commercial development in recent years, both in the way of national retail tenancy, and office space. Elmwood historically has primarily been inundated with industrial usage, though its frontage on Clearview Parkway, lending access to myriad parts of Jefferson Parish, has led to larger-scale retail construction. As neighbor to Elmwood’s shopping corridor, Dickory is beginning to see new construction and tenancy primarily in the office sector. For tenants and property owners seeking entrance into this submarket, the purchase or lease of older commercial stock presents a viable opportunity to achieve proximity to Elmwood’s new development at a more conservative price.

Commentary courtesy Elizabeth Novit, associate – retail sales and leasing. She can be reached at [email protected] or 847-370-1362.

Permits:

Orleans Parish

TOP COMMERCIAL PERMITS

• $67.3 million, 2020 Calhoun St, Audubon, New residence hall for Loyola University, Woodward Design Build
• $6.36 million, 714 Baronne St, Central Business District, Interior buildout for restaurant
• $1.48 million, 4501 N Miro St, Bywater, Renovation and maintenance work
• $674,221, 630 Mandeville St, Marigny, Renovation and addition to existing warehouse including 2ndstory dwelling
• $540,000, 1300 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd Ste A, Central City, Build-out of 8,900 sq. ft clinic on ground floor, Blanchard Timothy

TOP RESIDENTIAL PERMITS

• $1.09 million, 1134 First St, Garden District, Interior renovation of existing residence, M. Carbine Restorations
• $742,068, 7401 Onyx St, Lakeshore – Lake Vista, Interior and exterior renovation to single family home, Bostick Builds LLC
• $409,788, 9004 Pritchard Pl, Hollygrove, New Construction single Family home, DiGiovanni Construction Co. LLC
• $369,300, 2309 Jefferson Ave, Freret, Renovation downstairs can only be storage with flood vents installed, Power Source Builders LLC
• $325,000, 920 Congress St, St Claude, Renovation of and addition to an existing single-family dwelling

Jefferson Parish

TOP COMMERCIAL PERMITS

• $2.45 million, 1500 River Oaks Rd, Jefferson, Commercial Remodeling/Renovations, TASCH LLC
• $948,868, 4200 Houma Blvd, Metairie, Commercial Remodeling/Renovations, Clement Building Company LLC
• $645,200, 1200 S Clearview Pkwy, Jefferson, Commercial Remodeling/Renovations, Ryan Gootee General Contractor
• $273,245, 4809 Yale St, Metairie, Commercial Remodeling/Renovations, Dietz Builders LLC
• $252,580, 2901 David Dr, Metairie, Commercial Remodeling/Renovations, DACP Construction LLC

TOP RESIDENTIAL PERMITS

• $1.5 million, 224 Rosewood Dr, Metairie, Residential New Single Family Residence, Greg Scarpelli Construction LLC
• $700,000, 318 Phosphor Ave, Metairie, Residential New Single Family Residence, LH Builders LLC
• $450,000, 1701 Riviere Ave, Metairie, Residential New Single Family Residence, Gootee Construction
• $442,000, 320 Arlington Dr, Metairie, Residential renovations, Schneider Construction & Restoration
• $438,315, 503 Kent Ave, Metairie, Residential New Single Family Residence, J Guillory Builders LLC

St. Tammany Parish

TOP COMMERCIAL PERMITS

• $250,000, 2045 Florida Ave, Mandeville, Commercial Remodel, Douglas Cook Enterprises LLC
• $65,700, East End Blvd @ Lakeshore Blvd East, Slidell, New construction, D&D AV Solutions
• $65,000, 2040 Hwy 59, Mandeville, Remodel, DKC Construction LLC
• $28,466, 800 Winward Drive, Covington, Sign, Buras Signs
• $7,408, 4095 Hwy 59, Mandeville, Sign, Chapman Canopy INC

TOP RESIDENTIAL PERMITS

• $472,900.00, 15103 Arleen Normand Dr, Covington, Single family, Meier Custom Homes
• $376,750, 31 Pinecrest Dr, Covington, Remodel, Eagle Eye Renovation
• $330,000, 28075 Maria Dr, Lacombe, Modular
• $260,000, 27158 Snead Dr, Abita Springs, Single family
• $260,000, 19167 S Fitzmorris Rd, Covington, Remodel

Permit data courtesy ELIFIN, which can be reached at 800-895-9329.

Originally Appeared Here

City staff members found more than $3 million for next year’s budget during the last two weeks.

Ward 5 Councilman and budget committee chair Jon Hensley said the city council will likely adopt the Jefferson City 2024 fiscal year budget during Monday’s council meeting.

The city’s deadline for finalizing the budget is Nov. 1., though the council will not meet again until Nov. 6.

The budget has remained on the agenda’s informal calendar since August while the budget committee approved the document and sent it to the council Sept. 21. Finance Director Shiela Pearre said previously that staff members always need a few weeks after the committee finishes to finalize the budget and include the changes made during committee meetings.

At the last council meeting, the budget bill read $79.2 million, while a substitute bill included in Monday’s agenda states the total budget for next year is $82.4 million.

Staff members projected the city’s general budget at $39 million for next year; this account saw an increase of $626,000 since the last budget bill.

Neither Henlsey nor Pearre were available for comment on where the funds came from.

——

Also at Monday’s meeting, Clint Smith, the director of Planning and Protective Services, will provide another update on the city’s yard waste contract.

The council has been debating since Sept. 5 about how to continue with the free city service after the council unanimously voted against accepting a controversial bid.

Originally, city staff recommended a contract with Korte Tree Care; Korte’s only site is across the Missouri River Bridge. Several residents — and the owner of a landscaping company that bid for this same contract — approached the council with concerns about debris falling from vehicles and onto the highway leading to crashes.

The city then entered into negotiations with Kris Scheperle, owner of All Seasons Landscaping. All Seasons Landscaping currently holds the contract to operate the dropoff site and has since 2010. The city has paid Scheperle $984,000 during the last five years for this service.

Scheperle said he didn’t agree with the prices the city offered and he felt the city wanted him to do it for almost nothing, though Ward 5 Councilman Mark Schwartz said that was a “ludicrous” statement at the last council meeting.

“It’s well over $17,000 a month of taxpayer money that we’re offering Mr. Scheperle to do this,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz also said Scheperle adjusted his contract during negotiations to be paid more than his original bid of $1.3 million; Schwartz did not specify exactly how much Scheperle added to the price.

——

There will be a public hearing about an ordinance that would rezone a half-acre property from general industrial to general commercial in order to permit a drive-through dry cleaning business in the area.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the re-zoning application during its Sept. 21 meeting and passed the application on to the council.

The property owner, Nick Schrimpf, submitted the application and attended the meeting in September. He said he bought the property and planned to use the space for his dry cleaning business, Nix Corp, but soon found the property was classified under general industrial, which only allows businesses that deal with manufacturing, material processing or landscaping.

Brian McMillian, a senior project engineer with Central Missouri Professional Services, also attended the meeting. He said he’d been assisting Schrimpf with setting up the business and was surprised to find it wasn’t a general commercial zone, which allows general trades and commercial services.

He also said he and Schrimpf assumed Schrimpf’s dry cleaning business might fall under industrial use since Schrimpf set the structure up so that he washes and handles the clothes in the same building.

“Usually the first thing I do is check the zoning, but with Sonic right next door and what their use is, they actually do the dry cleaning in the building and to me, it seemed like industrial use. It’s like it fit both of those zones,” McMillian said.

McMillian said he and Schrimpf were rushed in completing the process because Schrimpf’s lease on his current facility, Dix Road Cleaners located at 404 Dix Road, is ending soon.

McMillian said Schrimpf’s business would benefit the local community.

“There’s no dry cleaners anywhere in this area,” McMillian said.

——

Mayor Ron Fitzwater has one appointment scheduled for Monday’s meeting.

Pat Thomas is recommended to serve a full term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, replacing commissioner Donna Stallings.

Mayoral appointments go first through the city’s administration committee. Thomas’ name was a hot topic during the last committee meeting.

Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Ahlers praised Thomas’ experience working at the state capitol and said she has served on several local commissions to better her own community.

Ward 2 Councilman Aaron Mealy, however, did not approve of replacing Stallings. He said Thomas may be qualified to serve the commission well, but it feels unfair to Stallings, who has only served one term so far.

Under city charter, Jefferson City residents can serve two consecutive terms, three years each, on one commission.

Former Mayor Carrie Tergin appointed Stallings, along with Roger Schwartze and Chris Duren, to the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2020. Fitzwater extended Schwartze’s and Duren’s terms another three years; they are set to expire in May 2026.

Mealy said this felt purposeful.

“I’ll be very blunt with this when I say I feel like Donna was picked out of three people as the lowest-hanging fruit and the least likely to make a lot of noise in terms of getting off the commission,” Mealy said.

The administration committee ultimately approved the recommendation to go to council.

All committee members but Mealy — Ahlers, Ward 3 Councilwoman Erin Wiseman, Ward 4 Councilman Randy Wright and Ward 5 Councilman Jon Hensley — voted to support the mayor’s decision to appoint Thomas to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Commssioner nominations from the mayor require a majority of council’s approval.

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The consent agenda includes approval to apply for a state loan.

City staff members plan to request funds to cover the design costs for a new air control tower at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport. The grant is through the Missouri Department of Transportation and would provide $629,000 for archtitectural services.

The airport would be responsible for matching 10 percent of the total cost. Operations Divisions Director Britt Smith said this money would come from half-cent capital improvement sales tax fund.

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Also at the meeting, Fitwater will present Dick Preston with a key to the city to celebrate his 55 years of work as a news anchor for KRCG. Preston announced his retirement on air last week.

Roxy Van Pool, the event director of the Tunnels to Towers 5K, will present the fastest firehouse award to Jefferson City Fire Department.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall in the council chambers.

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA — It was a night to forget for the Jefferson City Jays.

The Jays turned the ball over four times and were blanked in the second half, leading to a 29-14 victory for the Battle Spartans in Central Missouri Activities Conference play.

“It doesn’t feel good,” Jefferson City coach Damon Wells said. “But I do believe there is a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow from this and progress.”

Battle got started early.

It took the Spartans just four plays to drive 82 yards, and Alex Fernandez hit Jayden Donnelly for a 70-yard touchdown on the final play of the drive to give Battle an early 7-0 lead following the first of three made PATs by Patrick Nkongoro.

“We didn’t limit explosives and we turned the ball over four times,” Wells said. “That’s definitely not a recipe for success. But like I mentioned, if we can learn from it and grow from it, we’ll be better for it.”

Jefferson City fumbled the ball away on its opening snap from scrimmage and the Spartans took over at their own 44-yard line to follow.

The Jays were able to force a three-and-out and got the ball back at their own 22.

Jefferson City was able to drive 78 yards in 11 plays and punched in a touchdown on a 2-yard Jacob Wilson quarterback sneak. The extra-point attempt missed wide right and the Spartans were able to cling to a 7-6 with 1:47 left.

“I was proud of the boys and I was proud of their fight,” Wells said.

Following a Battle punt, the Jays turned it over for the second time as Donnelly was able to jump an out route for an interception and return it to the Jays’ 35.

Eight plays later, Chris Brown ran in a 16-yard Wildcat keeper to extend the lead to 14-6 with 5:34 left before halftime.

Jefferson City had an answer this time, though.

On the 10th play of the drive with the Jays facing a third-and-15 at the Spartan 28, Zach Barnes took a delayed, misdirection handoff 28 yards to the end zone.

Lakendrie Carlisle ran in the 2-point conversion, and the two sides went to the locker room tied at 14.

“That was huge,” Wells said. “We want to always try to win the middle eight, and that coupled with the fact we were getting the ball off halftime, I thought really gave us an opportunity.”

Both teams’ first possession of the second half came up empty, and the Jays missed a golden opportunity to take the lead to follow.

Jefferson City had the ball second-and-7 at the Spartan 13, but Carlisle had the ball punched out on the carry, and Battle took back over at its own 6.

Six plays later, Fernandez hit Daqual Wright for a 55-yard touchdown to put the Spartans ahead for good. Following an illegal substitution penalty on the PAT, Brown ran in the 2-point to make it 22-14 with 10:57 left in the game.

The Jays turned it over on downs in Battle territory to follow, and the Spartans put the game away with an 11-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a Kee’on Marshall 3-yard touchdown to create the final margin with 2:37 left.

Wilson was picked off for the second time on the following possession, and Battle was able to kneel out the clock after picking up one first down.

Jefferson City (4-4, 3-3 CMAC) was led by Barnes with 16 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Wilson finished 4-for-11 passing for 67 yards and two interceptions while adding 9 rushing yards and a score.

Battle (3-5, 3-3) was led by Marshall with 22 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown, Wright had nine catches for 99 yards and a touchdown and Fernandez finished 13-of-21 passing for 168 yards and two scores.

The Jays will wrap up the regular season next Friday against Moberly, ranked No. 9 in Class 3 by the Missouri Media Rankings. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Adkins Stadium.

Originally Appeared Here