Louisiana Council Prepares For Pipeline Workers
April M. Fronick • Editor
In preparation for a large influx of laborers working on the pipeline that will extend through
Pike County, the City of Louisiana is looking at a temporary ordinance to accommodate
travel trailers and recreational vehicles.
The council was set to vote on a temporary ordinance allowing such dwellings in all areas
but those zoned residential (R1) during the regular meeting Monday, July 14. The matter
was tabled, however, until a new ordinance could be drafted by Tom Cunningham. The
issue will be addressed in a Planning & Zoning public hearing on July 24 at 5:30 p.m. The
council will meet in special session immediately following the hearing.
Mayor Don Giltner told council members the new ordinance would not circumvent the
Planning & Zoning Commission as the one slated for approval could have. He further
assured landlords and others present at the meeting the city was going to do everything
possible to accommodate workers and the potential for income they will bring to the
community.
“We want the pipeline people in our community,” he said. “We want to make space for
them.”
Laborers looking to temporarily locate in Louisiana should have little difficulty. The city is
requiring those with sites to have pay a one-time fee of $100 that covers proper, routine
inspections (that will include inspection of power ampage and sewer).
Those with sites in the residential R1 zone will have to apply for a special use variance
with the Board of Adjustment.
Mayor Giltner provided council members with a map of potential sites for travel trailers and
recreational vehicles. There may be over 50 currently. The mayor said he would like to
see over 100 sites properly inspected and made available to the workers.
It is estimated laborers from Panhandle Eastern Construction and Rex Express Pipeline
could be in the area for up to 18 months. Mayor Giltner pointed out those individuals will
have disposable income to spend in local restaurants, shops, etc.
“This council is not holding up the process,” he assured those in attendance Monday night.
He added Louisiana would like to profit from the work that will be moving through the area.
In other business, City Administrator Bob Jenne reported a final tally on expenditures from
the Mississippi River flood. The city incurred $42,000 in expenses from the high waters. It
was reported that FEMA has agreed to cover 90 percent of that total and SEMA will pick
up 5 percent. The other 5 percent ($2,100) will be the city’s burden. It was also noted
FEMA will defray 75 percent of costs for debris removal and SEMA will cover the other 25
percent.
The council also:
•approved a request by the Louisiana Country Colorfest committee to provide the same
level of support as in years prior.
•approved the mayor to sign off on the DREAM Initiative grant.
•agreed to provide a level of support if approved for the grant that will include $2,500
annually for three year. The Louisiana Economic Development Committee has agreed to
pick up the other $2,500.
•agreed to close a portion of Georgia Street, between 3rd and Main Streets in front of the
Eagle’s Nest, on Sunday, Aug. 17 to accommodate a group of motorcyclists that will be
gathering in Louisiana from 2-6 p.m. Karen Stoeckley, owner of the Eagle’s Nest, is
closing operations that day to accommodate the group.
•approved an amendment to Ordinance 500.360-selling, transfer, lease or otherwise
dispose of dwelling without notice of compliance with IPMC and current certificate of
occupancy.
Mayor Giltner reminds citizens that tree branches are to be cut back to eight-feet over
sidewalks and 14-feet over streets. Property owners are responsible for land into the
center of the street.
It was also pointed out that emergency sirens will be tested Tuesday (today). Mayor
Giltner said there have been many residents angered by the tests, but the tests are
necessary to ensure all emergency equipment is operating safely and as it should.
Flood Expenditures Will Be Covered Largely By Federal & State Government