Patterson council looks at tax rates, praises Council on Aging

PATTERSON -- The City Council on Tuesday moved toward setting property tax rates for this year and traded expressions of gratitude for the Council on Aging's service to the city's seniors.

At its regular monthly meeting, the council introduced separate ordinances setting the property tax that supports general fund operations at 8.3 mills and the tax for the public improvement bond for waterworks issues at 12.1 mills.

The 8.3-mill general alimony rate is unchanged. The waterworks bonds have been refinanced, allowing the city government to lower the rate from the original 16 mills.

If the ordinances follow the normal course, they'll be the subjects of a public hearing and passage votes at the March 1 City
Council meeting.

Also Tuesday, St. Mary Council on Aging Director Beverly Domengeaux said her organization served 5,750 meals in congregant settings in Patterson during the 2020-21 year and delivered 15,000 meals to homebound seniors, including frozen dinners delivered by Second Harvest.

The council also provided 400 homemaker visits.

When Domengeaux became the director 18 years ago, Council on Aging spent about $400 a year in Patterson, she said. Last year, spending was nearly $130,000.

The City Council and the audience rose to give Domengeaux a round of applause.

"There's a passion," Mayor Rodney Grogan said. "She has a passion for those she serves."

In other action Tuesday:

--The council approved the subdivision of property at 1400 Main St. Owner Roger D. Thompson of Patterson made the request. "I want to retire from the work required of owning this much property," Thompson wrote in his application.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval.

--The commission also recommended that the city government buy 8 acres at 2116 La. 182/Main St. for annexation and development.

The property is owned by Egle-Brown Properties LLC. The commission recommended the property for development and annexation.

The council agreed to seek an appraisal.

--The council approved the permit for the Krewe of Amani Parade at 1 p.m. Feb 28. The council also gave its OK to plans for a block party at the end of the parade, including a recommendation from Police Chief Garrett Grogan that the party should end at 5 p.m.

--The council approved a can shake fundraiser for Voodoo softball 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 5.

--The council authorized City Attorney Russel Cremaldi to send letters to property owners along the cul-de-sac on Shady Grove Lane. The city government has plans to improve Shady Grove, including the cul-de-sac. But city maps show encroachment by property-owners on the right of way there.

--The city government is delaying the awarding of the contract for new gas and water meters south of the railroad tracks. The bid requirements were changed within 72 hours of the original date, leading to a Providence Engineering recommendation that the bid award be delayed.