2008-0108
INTRODUCED BY: PAUL J. HOGAN, COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT IV
ORDINANCE NO.
Title
An ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances by adding restrictions on individuals appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Chapter 19 Planning and Development, Article I. In General, Section 19-1. Planning and Zoning Commission.
Body
WHEREAS, there are currently no restrictions with regards to individuals being appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and,
WHEREAS, the appointment to the Commission of individuals with significant economic dealings with the Parish gives the appearance of possible impropriety and gives the appearance that one could be forced into coercion; and,
WHEREAS, the appointment to the Commission of an individual whose spouse has significant economic dealings with the Parish gives the appearance of possible impropriety and gives the appearance that one could be forced into coercion; and,
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Council to eliminate appearance of impropriety and the possibility of coercion with regards to the appointment of members to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION I. That Chapter 19 Planning and Development, Article I. In General, Section 19-1. Planning and Zoning Commission is hereby amended by adding the following:
d) The owner(s) of a business, partner(s) in a business, and individual(s) with a Parish contract(s) and/or one who receives other types of economic benefits from the Parish in excess of $5,000 per year (with the exception of retiree benefits) are prohibited from serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, unless the individual divest themselves of the contract(s) and/or the economic benefit received from the Parish.
e) An individual whose spouse has a Parish contract(s), and/or whose spouse holds an appointed position within the St. Charles Parish Government, and/or whose spouse receives other economic benefits from the Parish totaling more than $5,000 per year (with the exception of retiree benefits) are prohibited from serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, unless the spouse divest themselves of the contract(s), the appointed position, and/or the economic benefit received from the Parish.
f) Prior to being nominated, potential appointees to the Commission shall be required to fill out and have notarized a questionnaire/affidavit which addresses the restriction called out in Sections (d) and (e) above.
g) Any appointee in violation of (d) and (e) above or one who becomes in violation during the course of their appointed term are required to immediately notify the Parish Council with a letter of resignation.
Vote
The foregoing ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
And the ordinance was declared adopted this_____ day of ____________, 2008, to become effective five (5) days after publication in the Official Journal.
Restrictions to PZ Members
CHAIRMAN:_________________________________________
SECRETARY:________________________________________
DLVD/PARISH PRESIDENT:____________________________
APPROVED:______________ DISAPPROVED:_____________
PARISH PRESIDENT:_________________________________
RETD/SECRETARY:__________________________________
AT:_______________ RECD BY: ________________________