Baton Rouge Press Releases

Businesses can offer services, discounts through �By Baton Rouge�

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Baton Rouge area businesses have a new high-tech tool to offer their goods and services to the area�s growing film and television industry. The new �By Baton Rouge� program features an app that producers can use on their iPhones or ipads to find local vendors for their projects.

Last year, the film and television industry spent an estimated $200 million in the Baton Rouge area, and the new �By Baton Rouge� app will allow local businesses to try and land a piece of that action.

�Whether your business is a restaurant, a bar, a hair salon, a plant nursery, a baby nursery, a lumber yard or an office supplies outlet, this new app will allow you to offer your goods and services directly to the film and movie industry,� Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden said in unveiling the new app today.

Mayor Holden noted that the new app will even allow local businesses to sweeten the deals for the film and television productions by offering discounts or even complimentary services.

�Through this new app, prospective vendors can offer a percentage off their entire purchase or a complimentary service. Like any other business, film and television productions are always looking for vendors who will positively impact their bottom line,� the Mayor added.

The application was developed by and is offered through Reel-Scout Inc., a company that has gained a reputation for its work with film offices across the country. Reel-Scout also offers the only nationwide location library for the film and television industry. Since 2004, Reel-Scout�s software has been used by film offices to market their city, region, or state�s locations to film and television productions across the world. Through the Reel-Scout service, film and television productions can search for on-line photos of possible shooting locations in different states to help find suitable places to film their projects. Over the last eight years, Reel-Scout�s client list has expanded from a single film office to more than 70 film offices today.

With �By Baton Rouge,� Reel-Scout is expanding the program from prospective locations to possible vendors and businesses that offer services needed by film productions.

To register for �By Baton Rouge,� simply go to www.filmbatonrouge.com and click on �Vendor Discounts� along the right side of the screen. You will go to a site where you can sign up to display your goods and services, and even set discounts.

The program will provide participants with �By Baton Rouge� decals for their storefront entrance to help identify those businesses as film and television friendly.

All qualified film and television productions will receive �By Baton Rouge� vendor discount cards that will list the name of the production, along with beginning and ending dates. The card will expire at the ending date in order to prevent any misuse of the program.

The new �By Baton Rouge� app will be available at no cost to all film and television productions to search not only for vendors and shooting locations, but also for crew members.

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Metro Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards to Hold Quarterly Citizens Advisory Council Meeting

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

District 5 Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards invites the public to attend her next Citizen Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012 at the Coca Cola Plant located at 9696 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70811. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. Special guests are East Baton Rouge Parish Director of Aviation, Anthony Marino and Edgar Cage of Together Baton Rouge with a Transit Reform Presentation. Residents are encouraged to come to receive District 5 updates, plus ask questions and voice their concerns about what�s happening in their community.

Citizen Advisory Council meetings are held quarterly with meeting locations rotating throughout District 5 community. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday April 23, 2012 at the LSU/North Baton Rouge Clinic, 5439 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70811.

AVAILABILITY OF LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE FUNDS (LIHEAP)

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The East Baton Rouge/Office of Social Services is announcing the availability of funds dedicated to assist eligible low income households with their energy payments. All applications are taken on a first come, first served basis according to the names on the waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list for assistance, please call on Friday mornings between the hours of 8:00am and 12:00pm (noon) to your local Office of Social Services location based in the community centers around the Parish. Applications will be taken beginning January 3, 2012. Applications are taken by appointment only.

An eligible household is one whose total income is at or below the levels listed in the table below and who have not received a previous benefit within the past six months. Applicants must provide, at a minimum, the following documentation at the time the application is taken: (1) Copies of each household member�s social security card (2) Proof of income of all household members age 18 or older (3) a copy of an energy bill (must be within the last 12 months) (4) a photo I.D. of the applicant (5) Another document which was mailed to the applicant at the service address indicated on the energy bill and which lists the same address as the service address on the energy bill. If it is determined additional documentation is required the applicant will be notified at the time of application. Households reporting Zero Income must provide additional documentation. All information provided is subject to verification. Intentional misrepresentation of information may result in criminal prosecution of the applicant and anyone assisting in the misrepresentation.

Income eligible applicants who have received a Disconnect Notice and who have not received assistance for a Disconnect Notice in the prior 12 months may also apply.

Household Size Maximum Income

Per household per month

1 1719

2 2248

3 2777

4 3305

5 3834

6 4363

7 4462

8 4562

Office of Social Services LIHEAP Application sites located in Parish Community Centers:

LIHEAP Application Sites

Centers Phone Zip Code

Central Office

4523 Plank Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70805

358-4561 70805

70807 (North of Blount Rd.)

70811 (North of Hooper Rd.)

70714

Caneyville Community Center

13211 Jackson Road

Zachary, LA 70791

654-3309 70739 (North of Hooper Rd.)

70770

70791

Delmont Service Center

3535 Riley Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70805

357-5013 70739 (South of Hooper Rd.)

70811 (South of Hooper Rd.)

70812

70818 (West of Johor Road)

Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center

950 East Washington St.

Baton Rouge, LA 70802 389-4814

389-4896 70801 70802 (So. of Govt. St.)

70808 70809 70810

70817 70820

Dr. Martin L. King Community Center

4000 Gus Young Ave.

Baton Rouge, LA

389-7679

389-7625 70802 (North of Govt. St.)

70806 70814 70815

70816 70817

70818 (East of Johor Rd.)

70819

Jewel J. Newman Community Center

(North Baton Rouge Community Center)

2013 Central Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70807

778-1007

778-0969

70807 (South of Blount Rd.)

70813

Rural Program

5736 Rollins Road

Zachary, LA 70791

658-7494

70791

City-Parish Launches ConserveBR Energy Efficiency Outreach Program

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Mayor Holden Challenges Citizens and Businesses to Start It, Save It, Own It

Baton Rouge, LA � Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden officially kicked off the ConserveBR energy efficiency outreach program at a press conference held today at the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company plant located at 9696 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA. The Coca-Cola production and distribution facility, constructed largely with recycled materials and designed to incorporate energy conservation measures in its daily operations, opened in April 2009 and became the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in the United States to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

At the press conference, Holden announced plans for widespread energy efficiency outreach to be conducted through in-person meetings, website tools and resources, citizen dialogues via social media, and by challenging citizens to become a part of the initiative through the ConserveBR Energy Ambassador Program.

�Today is an important day for us all as citizens of Baton Rouge, and for this great place that we all call home,� said Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden. �ConserveBR is about taking a stand, and it�s about making a change. Without each of our citizens working together to conserve our precious natural resources, save energy, and utilize more efficient technologies, we cannot positively affect the future our children and grandchildren deserve. This is about taking tomorrow�s future and putting it in our hands today.�

�We designed our new plant with environmental sustainability in mind, and it is a corporate responsibility that we take very seriously. We congratulate the Mayor on his administration's commitment to the environment through ConserveBR and we encourage Baton Rouge citizens and corporations to get involved,� said Baton Rouge Coca-Cola President, Darian Chustz.

The ConserveBR program, targeted toward both City-Parish employees and Baton Rouge citizens, is designed to emphasize the immediate need to have all citizens, businesses, and City-Parish employees do their small part to help ensure a sustainable Baton Rouge for the present and future.

As part of the effort, the City-Parish has launched a new website (www.ConserveBR.com) to serve as a resource for citizens interested in learning how to conserve or be more efficient with energy, and to engage those same citizens in an ongoing dialogue of commitments to conservation and environmental sustainability throughout Baton Rouge.

�Whether it�s installing a programmable thermostat in your house, which can save both money and precious resources, or it�s turning off lights and copiers when you leave your office each day, these are easy things each of us can do to make a real impact in terms of both saving money and preserving our local environment,� continued Holden. �In fact, many of these techniques or different ways of doing things are too easy not to do � and it�s incumbent upon each of us to change our behavior, and to make it happen. I challenge all of our citizens to join this effort and become a part of our ConserveBR Energy Ambassador team.�

The ConserveBR Energy Ambassador program, defined by the ConserveBR slogan (�Start It. Save It. Own It.�), involves citizens signing up to be a �Starter,� a �Saver,� or an �Owner� through an electronic form located at the ConserveBR website or via enrollment cards printed on 100 percent recycled paper as they each make a commitment to �Start�, �Save�, or �Own�.

Commitments to join the program may range from basic energy savings measures (�Starters�), to more comprehensive approaches typically implemented by an office manager or business owner (�Savers�), to energy efficiency advocates, or other partners who will spread the message of the ConserveBR program to others (�Owners�). Additional information on the ConserveBR Energy Ambassador program, including ways to �Start�, �Save�, and �Own�, is accessible on the ConserveBR website.

Mayor Holden also announced plans to develop a comprehensive and interactive web-based conversation about energy efficiency and conservation in the Baton Rouge area via popular social media platforms Facebook (www.facebook.com/conservebr) and Twitter (@ConserveBR).

�Our team is committed to providing the people of Baton Rouge with the information they require and the motivation they need to make a change and to be more efficient with their energy usage,� said Holden. �For anyone in need of additional information on how to start saving, or for those interested in learning more about what the City-Parish and our partners are doing to conserve Baton Rouge, I urge you to join the conversation today by finding us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.�

ConserveBR, an outreach program fully funded by an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) awarded to the City-Parish by the United States Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), is part of a larger energy efficiency and conservation effort led by the City-Parish to implement various projects and initiatives. Each of these efforts are designed to maximize sustainable development and promote both energy efficiency and conservation as East Baton Rouge Parish continues to show positive population growth at a rate six-times that of the rest of the state of Louisiana.

Other ongoing programs, funded by the same U.S. Department of Energy grant, include the following:

� The installation of LED lighting in governmental facilities, including the governmental building (City Hall), to replace light fixtures dating back to 1975 and provide increased lighting efficiency, resulting in approximately 90 percent savings over standard bulbs and fixtures in a twelve-story building with over 205,000 square feet of occupied tenant base;

� The remodeling of the old Baton Rouge Junior High complex, which will serve as a new governmental facility for City-Parish employees and includes designs and retrofits to reduce energy usage and costs, enhance indoor environmental quality, provide an Energy Management System (EMS) to support sustainable and effective operations, and serve as a model of historic preservation and building rehabilitation for other community sectors; and

� The development of a Sustainability Master Plan, which will specifically address a vision for energy efficiency and conservation and detail the activities, along with specific goals and outcomes, needed to provide multi-sector leadership at the City-Parish level for addressing and maximizing environmental sustainability.

�We understand that true change happens when we lead by example,� said William Daniel, Acting Director of the Department of Public Works. �As Mayor Holden asks all of us as citizens to do better with our collective energy usage, we�re committed to working internally at the City-Parish through infrastructure improvements and workforce training as we lay the groundwork for a more effective, efficient, and empowered local government while we work to create a sustainable Baton Rouge for current and future generations.�

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Through the ConserveBR program, the City-Parish is committed to working with the citizens of Baton Rouge to develop a sustainable place that our children and grandchildren can forever call home. To do this, we must change the way we consume our precious resources and start acting more efficiently with our energy usage, save the Baton Rouge environment for the present and future, and own any action (large or small) that can help accomplish these goals. It�s our Baton Rouge, and now is the time � together, we must ConserveBR.

Start It. Save It. Own It.

For more information on the ConserveBR program, please visit our website at www.ConserveBR.com, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConserveBR, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ConserveBR.

Mayor Holden Encourages Capital Region Citizens and Businesses to Learn Facts on Baton Rouge Loop

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Misinformation Campaigns Stand to Prevent Relief from Traffic Congestion

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden, who serves as Chairman of the Capital Area Expressway Authority, is encouraging citizens and businesses in the Capital Region to take time to learn the facts about the Baton Rouge Loop project in light of increasing traffic congestion in the Capital Region.

�We have seen our current interstate system completely shut down several times this week due to accidents, while daily traffic demands are paralyzing a system that is tremendously over-burdened,� Holden said. �At the same time, we are receiving complaints from frustrated citizens in some of the most congested areas that misinformation campaigns by some opponents are confusing citizens about what the Baton Rouge Loop would accomplish for the region.�

�We understand the legitimate concerns of citizens when any major public works project is considered and we try to address those concerns while keeping in mind what is best for the great majority of the people,� Holden said. �Differences of opinion can be worked through, but it is unfortunate that some Loop opponents are resorting to misinformation.�

Holden said opponents have alleged several far-fetched ideas, including:

� The Loop project would take as much as a half-mile wide corridor, or over 2600 feet. Fact: It is expected to be only around 400 feet wide.

� Private property will be confiscated without fair compensation. This is false; the Louisiana Constitution requires that property owners receive just compensation.

� With high walls and a wide corridor, the project will create a �Great Wall of China� in Central. This is false. There will be no high walls and no wide corridor � this is a 4-lane road as are many of the other proposed routes through Central.

� The Loop will not help traffic congestion. This is false. The Loop will save millions of hours for people stuck in congestion.

� The people are against the Loop. This is false. Every public opinion survey taken indicates a strong majority in favor of the project, including polls taken by some opponent groups.

�These stories would be laughable if they weren�t so damaging to any efforts to address traffic congestion in and around Baton Rouge,� Holden said.

�Our traffic congestion chokes off economic development for the Capitol Region and adversely affects quality of life,� said Holden. �Opponents do not offer any positive solutions, only a hope that we can live with the status quo. But every day I hear from citizens who live or work in our area and want some relief from traffic.�

Holden pointed out that the North Bypass portion of the Baton Rouge Loop has been in the State�s Master Plan for many years, and traffic studies show that segment of the Loop could be built and paid for by toll revenues.

�I�m also encouraged by local city councils who are taking a cautious look at this project before taking positions,� Holden said. �I hope we can work together as a region to find a route that can be built to serve the needs of the local communities.�

Public hearings are scheduled to be held next week in each of the five parishes that would be impacted by the proposed Loop project. Holden said the hearings are part of a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement required by the Federal Highway Administration and are an opportunity for local residents to provide written or recorded comments on the project.

The public hearings are to get citizens input on the Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement that is currently available for viewing at www.brloop.com . Printed copies are also available at area public libraries.

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Bat Found Positive For Rabies

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control & Rescue Center is reminding all Dog, Cat & Ferret owners to ensure that their pets are vaccinated against rabies by a licensed Veterinarian and are registered and tagged, after a bat was found to be positive for rabies in the Town of Central, in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The ACRC was contacted by the local branch of the State Office of Public Health today. Dr. Gary Balsamo, the State Public Health Veterinarian has had contact with Hilton M. Cole, the Director of the EBRP ACRC.

The bat was observed on the ground by a citizen on Oct. 6th. The bat was found disoriented in a yard during the day and was picked up by a resident. The resident was fortunately wearing gloves. The resident then called the ACRC who advised them to call the OPH. OPH sent a sanitarian out and testing was conducted. The test results came back positive for Rabies, a fatal disease.

Cole said that pet owners must ensure that all their dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated initially at three (3) months of age and then either annually or triennially thereafter. Only a licensed Veterinarian may vaccinate a dog against rabies. Owners are required to place the rabies vaccination tags on their pet�s neck. Cole recommends that people should avoid wildlife, not pick up injured wild animals, obey the parish animal control ordinances, and visit their Veterinarian for all vaccinations annually. Strays or animals acting strangely should also be reported.

Dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies to form a barrier between humans and wildlife. The wild animals are the reservoir for rabies.

$150,000 grant awarded for affordable housing in EBR

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Money will help15 families acquire homes through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is awarding a $150,000 grant to help 15 low-income families purchase homes through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge.

The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant, provided through Whitney Bank, is part of $11 million that is being awarded this year to a total of 53 affordable housing projects in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas�s five-state district, which includes Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and New Mexico. In all, these projects will result in the creation or rehabilitation of 1,653 housing units for deserving families.

Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden, who helped Habitat for Humanity secure the grant, said the money will change the lives of 15 East Baton Rouge families by making them homeowners.

�Home ownership has always been an important part of the American Dream, and this grant will help 15 East Baton Rouge families achieve that dream,� Mayor Holden said.

Lynn Clark, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge, said the grant money will be used for down payments that will make mortgage payments more affordable for the 15 benefitting families.

�We are very grateful to Whitney Bank and Mayor Holden for partnering with Habitat to secure this down payment assistance for 15 very low income families,� Clark said. �This grant highlights both Mayor Holden and Whitney Bank�s commitment to making decent, affordable housing a reality for low income families.�

According to Michael Lambert, government and industry liaison for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas� corporation communications, the bank has awarded more than $214 million in AHP grants since the project was created in 1990 to help approximately 40,000 families obtain safe, affordable and quality housing.

Each year, 10 percent of the Federal Home Bank of Dallas� profits are set aside for AHP grants, which are used to purchase, construct or rehabilitate single-family, transitional, and multi-family project for very low- to moderate-income families. It is one of 12 district banks in the FHLB System created by Congress in 1932.

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EAST BATON ROUGE FEATURED IN BEST-PRACTICES DVD

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Emergency Management Institute in Maryland Highlights First Responders

BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge Parish has been recognized as a place of �best-practices� for emergency management and featured in a training program by the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). The video, Emergency Management, Involving the Whole Community, features how local elected officials in Baton Rouge prepare their community and aid in the development of emergency preparedness and response programs. The ultimate goal is to show how a successful community�s program is transferrable to other communities. EMI intends to use the video as a base for an independent study course which will be available, free of charge, to the public in the near future.

The filming prominently features the Emergency Operations Center for the City-Parish. EMI collected tips, achievements, and stories through interviews with senior administrators and vital members from the private sector. Among those interviewed are Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden, public safety departments, and representatives from the medical, energy, and business communities, as well.

EMI, based in Emmitsburg, Maryland, was established in 1951 and is the official national training site for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Department of Homeland Security. EMI serves as the national focal point for the development and delivery of emergency management training.

East Baton Rouge Parish has always strived for excellence in emergency management. Recognition by EMI is validation that the City-Parish administration and first responders are continuing to meet a higher standard in fulfilling the mission to provide the best service to citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish while serving as a model for the rest of the nation.

To view the video, click on the following link below.

Mayor Holden, officials unveil plan to fund CATS� budget shortfall

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden today joined officials from the state Office of Community Development and the East Baton Rouge Mortgage Finance Authority in unveiling details of his plan to fund the the Capital Area Transit System�s projected $1.29-million budget deficit this year.

Without the funding arranged by Holden, CATS would have been forced to terminate bus service in October. In January, CATS officials and the CATS board had proposed cuts in the bus service to eliminate the deficit, but those changes were rejected by the Metro Council.

�We have secured the funding needed to prevent the anticipated shut-down of public transit services this year,� said Mayor Holden, �but we must continue to work to secure a permanent funding model to serve East Baton Rouge Parish.

�I have pursued local, state and federal resources since the Metro Council did not approve the CATS administration�s plan and it became obvious they were running out of options to keep the buses rolling. I am very appreciative that the state Office of Community Development and the East Baton Rouge Parish Mortgage Finance Authority worked with us to help CATS address their shortfall. Successful cities have successful public transit systems and it�s critical that we provide service for working people, senior citizens and riders who simply prefer to use public transit.�

CATS Chief Executive Officer Brian Marshall noted that Mayor Holden has no legal responsibility for CATS, but helped find the money to keep the bus system in operation as part of his commitment to good quality of life for all citizens in the parish.

�If the funding had not come through, thousands of citizens in the parish would not have been able to go to work, school, or the hospital� Marshall said. �In addition, 150 CATS employees would be unemployed.�

Pat Forbes, executive director of the state Office of Community Development, announced at today�s press conference that CATS will receive $500,000 from his office�s Disaster Recovery Unit to help keep the CATS buses rolling through the end of the year. Forbes said the funds are from OCD�s Local Government Infrastructure program, which uses Community Development Block Grant dollars provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help local municipalities recover from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Plans call for $382,006 of the funding provided by the OCD�s Disaster Recovery Unit to be used for fuel, with the remainder earmarked to lease transit vehicles

�Baton Rouge is now home to many Katrina evacuees who rely on the buses to access their jobs and other basic services,� Forbes said. �We are pleased to join together with East Baton Rouge Parish, CATS and the EBR Mortgage Finance Authority to ensure that the city�s public transportation system continues to operate for all of its residents.�

Last week, CATS� governing board accepted a $500,000 grant from the East Baton Rouge Mortgage Finance Authority, whose primary function is provide affordable housing and to help fund economic development projects. The money from the EBRMFA will be considered a loan in the event that CATS start receiving a dedicated revenue source, and would have to be paid off in seven years.

"The MFA Board is very pleased to be able to assist CATS in this time of financial emergency, said Astrid Clements, chairwoman of the East Baton Rouge Mortgage Finance Authority. �We believe our funds will help to insure that many of our citizens will have transportation to get to their jobs and thereby maintain housing and other necessities for their families.

�Because this is a one-time funding from the MFA, our Board strongly endorses all efforts to secure a new and adequate source of permanent funding for CATS,� Clements added.� The MFA Board also thanks Mayor Holden for his leadership on this very important initiative."

The combined $1 million from both grants will be used as a local match to obtain for federal grants that will provide additional money to erase CATS deficit for the remainder of 2011, according to CATS Chief Financial Officer Gary Owens.

Owens said the grants are aimed at low-income and disabled workers who are reliant on public transit, and will require CATS to extend the Goodwood Boulevard and the Harding Boulevard route to serve more disabled and low-income riders.

Owens said CATS had initially projected its budget deficit at $1.29 million, but later revised it upward to $1.5 million due to rising fuel costs. However, in recent weeks, fuel prices have declined, prompting CATS officials to revert their projected shortfall back to the original $1.29 million.

In an effort to come up with a long-term solution for CATS, Holden appointed a Blue Ribbon Commission on Transit earlier this year that is proposing a package of new taxes and route expansions aimed at increasing bus ridership. The proposed package is tentatively slated to go before East Baton Rouge voters in the fall of 2012.

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Mayor Holden taps Gwendolyn Hamilton for top-level post

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden has appointed Gwendolyn Hamilton, a former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services, as an assistant chief administrator in his office.

�We are happy to have someone of Gwen�s caliber, not only for her extensive work experience, but also for her community relationships,� Holden said Tuesday.

A veteran administrator, Hamilton�s experience also includes a five-year stint in the Governor�s Office under former Gov. Mike Foster.

Hamilton comes to the City-Parish from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, where she served as senior vice president of education reform since October 2008.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Hamilton worked for nearly four years as the senior director for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation/Plan Baton Rouge, where she was responsible for coordinating and developing the revitalization of Old South Baton Rouge. She also acted as the Foundation�s liaison to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board.

From November 2001 to January 2004, Hamilton served as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services under former Gov. Foster. As DSS Secretary, she was responsible for more than 5,000 employees and a $978.5-million budget. Hamilton also served as Acting DSS Secretary from June 1999 to October 1999.

From October 1996 to October 2001, she served in the Governor�s Office, initially as a deputy education policy advisory and later as executive director for the Children Cabinet, where she assisted with the development and coordination of policy, resources and services for children and families.

From September 1991 to October 1996, Hamilton worked as vice president of corporate affairs for the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, where she assisted in formulating and administering the corporation�s policies and procedures, and coordinated the activities of the Human Resources and Public Relations departments.

Prior to that, Hamilton worked as office administrator for the law firm of Blache, Perkins & Koch from 1985 to 1991, and for the Social Security Administration in Baton Rouge from 1973 until 1984.

A native of Baton Rouge, Hamilton holds a bachelor�s of science degree from Southern University.

In addition to her considerable experience as an administrator, Hamilton also previously served as a board chair for the Louisiana Housing Finance Authority and board member of the Louisiana State Board of Ethics.

Hamilton started work in the Mayor�s Office last Wednesday.

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Grants of up to $750 available to spruce up neighborhoods

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

�Love Your Block� Neighborhood Improvement Program Now Accepting Applications

Community gardens, landscaping, new signage, graffiti removal and neighborhood clean-up campaigns are just some of the projects that could qualify for up to $750 in grant money under the City of Baton Rouge�s new �Love Your Block� program.

Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation and Exxon Mobil Corporation, the new program encourages neighbors to work together to fight blight and make their block a better place to live. The program will provide at least 20 grants of up to $750 apiece for block beautification and improvement.

The Love Your Block initiative was developed under a $200,000 Cities of Service Leadership Grant, funded jointly by the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, to encourage and promote volunteerism.

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden said the Love Your Block program can ultimately help to reduce crime in Baton Rouge. He said studies have shown that crime often thrives in neglected neighborhoods.

�By encouraging volunteers to help revitalize these blighted neighborhoods, we�re hoping to make Baton Rouge a better and safer place for everyone,� Mayor Holden said.

Applications for the �Love Your Block� grants are currently being accepted, and can be downloaded with instructions at www.brgov.com/batonrougeproud To qualify, each group must:

� Be volunteer-led. Eligible groups include, among others, neighborhood, tenant and block associations, as well as community garden groups, and school and church-based groups,

� Demonstrate the ability to mobilize a minimum of 10 neighborhood volunteers to take part in the Love Your Block project,

� Submit a �Love Your Block� application that includes signatures and phone numbers of at least 50 of the residents on the block.

� Send two representatives to a Love Your Block workshop in the Fall of 2011,

For more information on Baton Rouge Proud, please email us at brproud@brgov.com.

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City of Baton Rouge/Parish of EBR Service Fee Business Office Announces New Office Location

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The Service Fee Business Office has moved to 1100 Laurel Street, Suite 234, at the old Baton Rouge Junior High School building located near Florida Boulevard. Payments for sewer user fees, garbage fees, and water can be made at this location or at Baton Rouge Water Company located at 8755 Goodwood Boulevard.

The Service Fee Business Office, through Baton Rouge Water Company, partners with CheckFreePay, offering convenient locations to pay your bill throughout the parish by cash or money order (no checks), including locations at most Walmart Stores. A list of CheckFreePay locations can be found at www.brwater.com or by calling the Sewer Fee Business Office at 389-5378. Other payment choices include: Payment by credit card by calling Baton Rouge Water/Parish Water Company at the number listed on your bill or you can pay online by visiting www.brwater.com. Payment drop boxes are also available for checks and money orders at both 1100 Laurel Street and 8755 Goodwood Boulevard.

Contact Person:

Greta Meche, Service Fee Manager

225 389-5378

gmeche@brgov.com

Metropolitan Council District 5 Announces Citizen Advisory Council Meeting

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Metropolitan Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, District 5, will host her next Citizen Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, May 23, 2011, at Redemptorist High School Library located at 4000 Saint Gerard Ave, Baton Rouge, La 70805. The meeting will be held at 6pm. All residents are encouraged to attend to receive important council and community updates. Citizen Advisory Council Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month; between the months of January and October 2011. This year�s meetings will be held at rotating school sites within District 5. The next meeting will be June 27, 2011 at Sharon Hills Elementary School located at 6450 Guynell Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70811

Mayor Holden, FUTUREBR Planning Team Release Draft of EBR Vision

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Mayor-President Melvin L. "Kip" Holden and the city-parish planning team led by national planner John Fregonese today released the draft of the Vision for East Baton Rouge Parish's comprehensive master plan that includes input from thousands of parish residents and stakeholders obtained through a year-long planning effort.

The 60-page document is a summary of the plan that will guide decisions about housing, economic development, transportation, land use, the environment, and urban design for the next twenty or more years for the City of Baton Rouge and the unincorporated areas of the parish. The Vision for the plan includes the core values and goals, the conceptual vision for the future and an executive summary of the comprehensive plan that will follow later this spring.

"Today marks a milestone in our FUTUREBR planning process," said Mayor Holden. "one that represents the collective will of our diverse neighborhoods and the voices of our people."

More than 1,500 citizens participated in public workshops and meetings over the past year while more than 3,400 provided input through an extensive survey process that helped guide the planning team in developing the Vision for East Baton Rouge Parish. The next step will be to gather additional public input on the Vision before the planning team delivers a Comprehensive Master Plan, a Strategic Implementation Plan and a Monitoring Plan. FUTUREBR updates the Horizon Plan that was adopted by the Planning Commission and Metro Council in 1992 and has been regularly updated since then.

Holden accelerated the update of the city-parish plan to address additional development and service pressures on the city-parish following the hurricanes in 2005. He also worked closely with the 2010 Census to assure those areas of East Baton Rouge Parish that were identified for low performance in the mail-in Census phase were counted. "We are at a critical juncture in our history," Mayor Holden said. "With East Baton Rouge Parish now confirmed as having the largest population in the state, this new comprehensive master plan will position us to take advantage of state and federal funding opportunities for a city and parish of our size."

Fregonese said the extensive and meaningful public input the process received should help the plan be embraced by the public for implementation. "We held seven community workshops and 15 district open houses that allowed us to test planning scenario options and hear directly from citizens, with the best results reflected in this Vision," said Fregonese. "We selected key neighborhoods and districts based on their strategic location and anticipated redevelopment potential and worked with other organizations that have neighborhood planning efforts underway. Our goal was to preserve the most cherished aspects of the city's neighborhoods while allowing them to evolve to meet the needs of future growth."

Transportation planning is another important part of the FUTUREBR process, with the public making it clear they want a robust network that includes not only well-connected streets, but also the ability to use other modes of transportation in and around the parish to help relieve traffic congestion. Improved local and regional connectivity as well as bicycle and pedestrian improvements are all included in the Vision, along with a goal of building a bus system that captures the "optional" riders who have transportation alternatives in addition to the "riders of need" who are dependent on the system for transportation.

The FUTUREBR Vision also focuses on a housing mix for East Baton Rouge Parish that will provide a competitive advantage for the future population with its emerging market segments. All aspects of the Vision are aimed at creating a strong economic environment that attracts and retains quality jobs, revitalizes employment centers and provides a quality of life that supports the workforce.

City-Parish Planning Director Troy Bunch said the public is asked to review and provide input on the draft Vision by accessing it online at www.FUTUREBR.com or at the City-Parish Planning Commission Office, 1755 Florida Street, Third Floor or any East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library. "We anticipate that the draft of the full plan will be available for public review in April and the remaining three components developed in the planning process will be sent to the Planning Commission in May. Following their favorable recommendation, we will ask the Metropolitan Council to schedule its public hearing and final adoption in late June or early July."

###

FUTUREBR is the update of East Baton Rouge Parish's comprehensive master plan for land use and development by the Office of the Mayor-President and the City-Parish Planning Commission.

Fregonese Associates is an award-winning urban and regional planning firm based in Portland, Oregon. They have worked on plans in cities across the country including Chicago, Dallas, Salt Lake City and Denver. In Louisiana, Fregonese Associates was involved with the Louisiana Speaks project and has been selected to lead a team to develop a best practices manual for Louisiana coastal communities.

Film industry spent $196 million in Baton Rouge in 2010

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Motion picture productions filming in the Baton Rouge area spent an estimated $196 million here in 2010 and accounted for 33,500 hotel and motel room nights, according to an economic impact report released to the Baton Rouge Film Commission Tuesday.

In all, 26 films and television projects were made in Baton Rouge last year, resulting in an estimated Louisiana payroll of $116 million.

"Our Baton Rouge Film Commission has done a tremendous job selling our city as a great place for production," said Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden, "and they have set even higher goals for the future."

Holden said Baton Rouge Film Commission Executive Director Amy Mitchell-Smith works closely with his office to aggressively pursue projects and overcome any obstacles which could send film productions to another city.

"With our success, Baton Rouge is building an experienced workforce that makes filming here even more attractive to the television and movie industry," Holden said. "Although the state tax credits help, we still have to be creative enough to show that Baton Rouge can provide diverse locations, top notch infrastructure, and the ability to manage the logistical challenges that arise with projects of all budgetary ranges. This year, Third Street was transformed into a street in Hong Kong and the city-parish provided a location appropriate for a NASA laboratory, which showcases our wide range of capabilities; but we still compete every day to be successful with this industry."

Nearly two-thirds of the local spend for 2010 came from two blockbuster projects � the vampire-themed fantasy romance, �The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,� and �Battleship,� a science-fiction thriller based on the popular Milton Bradley board game.

According to the state Office of Entertainment Industry Development records, �Battleship� spent an estimated $67.6 million in Baton Rouge in 2010, and had a Louisiana payroll of $37.7 million.

The state records show that Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn had an estimated local spend of $65.5 million in the Baton Rouge area in 2010, and is estimated to spend another $32.7 million in 2011 as it continues filming here.

"What sets Baton Rouge apart is our continued passion and commitment to the motion picture industry," said Mitchell-Smith. "As a result our film commission office is extremely responsive in catering to the vast needs specific to each and every production."

Please see attachment for a breakdown of the estimated economic impact by film last year.

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National Study says Red Light Cameras at Intersections Save Lives

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

A study released today by the Arlington, Va.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that red light enforcement cameras saved 159 lives over a five-year period in 14 U.S. cities.

The study projects that 815 deaths in intersection-related accidents could have been avoided from 2004-80 if the photo enforcement cameras had been used in all 99 U.S. cities with populations over 200,000.

�Red light enforcement programs reduce the citywide rate of fatal red light running crashes, and, to a lesser but still significant extent, the rate of all fatal crashes at signalized intersections,� the study concluded. �Cities wishing to reduce fatal crashes at signalized intersections should consider red light camera enforcement.�

The researchers found that the combined per capita rate of fatal red light running crashes fell 35 percent in the 14 cities that used enforcement cameras from 2004-2008, compared to 1992-96. The rate also fell in the 48 cities without camera programs in either period, but only by 14 percent.

The rate of all fatal crashes at intersections with signals � not just red light running crashes � fell 14 percent in the cities with cameras from 2004-08, but increased by 2 percent in the cities without cameras.

"The cities that have the courage to use red light cameras despite the political backlash are saving lives," Institute president Adrian Lund said in a press release that was issued Tuesday.

In the attachment, please find a copy of the study, along with a breakdown of the accident data by city.

Baton Rouge was not included in the study because it did not start using red-light cameras until 2008.

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Baton Rouge Wins National Recycling Award

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

BATON ROUGE WINS NATIONAL RECYCLING AWARD

Recycle Rouge will receive 2007 Award for Outstanding Public Education Program in the Nation at Denver National Recycling Coalition conference.

For Immediate Release: Media Contact:

September 12, 2007 Susan Hamilton: 225 389 5194; 571 9591

Baton Rouge, Louisiana � The Baton Rouge Recycling Program, a division of the City-Parish Department of Public Works, will be recognized by the National Recycling Coalition as a recipient of the �2007 Beth Brown Boettner Award for Outstanding Public Education,� at a ceremony to be held on Monday, September 17th at the 26th Annual Recycling Congress and Expo in Denver, Colorado. Each year, the National Recycling Coalition presents eleven awards to different outstanding organizations in several different categories. The Outstanding Public Education award recognizes the best in recycling practices, honoring a program that shows innovation and leadership in public education and a recycling program that will become the standard for the future.

The 2007 award recognizes efforts of the Baton Rouge Recycling Office to educate community residents about waste reduction, and particularly about the city�s newly expanded �single-stream� recycling program. The single stream program consists of three key components: 64-gallon recycling carts; the addition of new recyclable materials (all sizes cardboard and plastics #1 through #7); and no more sorting of recyclable materials.

�The award-winning Baton Rouge recycling initiative illustrates the ability of a partnership between government and citizens to drive success,� said Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden. "The 30 percent increase in the amount of recyclables collected to date demonstrates that the community is responding to recent enhancements to the Baton Rouge recycling program accompanied by effective outreach.�

Susan Hamilton, Recycling Director for the City-Parish stated: �We attribute our success to in-depth strategic planning, effective networking with local leaders, a creative grass-roots public outreach effort and partnerships with community businesses, such as The Dow Chemical Company, ExxonMobil, Kleinpeter Farms Dairy, L.L.C., Associated Grocers, and Southern Scrap Recycling-Baton Rouge.�

�Our goal of increasing recycling by 50 calls for even greater increases in participation in the coming months, and we look forward to enrolling even more Baton Rouge residents in our expanded program. Recycling is one of the easiest ways in which each of us can play a role in protecting our environment and making our community sustainable,� she continued.

Residents wishing to participate in the Baton Rouge easy to use residential recycling program may sign up for service by calling the city�s contractor, The Recycling Foundation, at 925-3442, or signing up online at www.brgov.com/cartrequest

Mayor Holden Asks Citizens to Honor Second Katrina Anniversary

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden ordered the flags over city-parish buildings throughout East Baton Rouge Parish flown at half mast today in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina as he also called for continued compassion for its victims.

�As Louisiana pauses on this second anniversary of the storm, please remember those who continue to deal with the physical and emotional devastation in their lives,� Holden said. �The compassion displayed by the people of East Baton Rouge Parish in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita must continue to be the trademark of our wonderful city and parish.�

Holden said all citizens should feel an obligation to be humanitarians and to help those who are suffering. �Our response to the devastation to our state lifted Baton Rouge to national and international prominence,� Holden said. �As the floodwaters rose in New Orleans, our city was flooded with a devastated population. I continue to be tremendously proud of Baton Rouge�s response and our level of preparation for future emergencies.�

Mayor Holden Calls for Investigation

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Today, I am calling upon the Justice Department, through U.S. Attorney David Dugas, to begin an immediate investigation at the federal level relative to the incident where two of our employees were fired upon. Holden said it is important that we send a signal as a Baton Rougeans that we are not going to tolerate this type of crime in our community. The community has worked too hard for too many years to allow a few misguided individuals to destroy our efforts to create One Baton Rouge. Our employees are dedicated public servants. Neither they nor the community deserve the treatment they received at the hands of individuals who did not care for life, safety or property.

Baton Rouge Lands Customer Service Center for Staples, Inc.

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Business Recruitment Win the Result of New City-Parish/BRAC Partnership;

Staples Bringing 400+ New Jobs, Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Area

Baton Rouge, La. (July 30, 2007) � The Honorable Melvin �Kip� Holden, President of East Baton Rouge Parish and Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge, today announced the successful recruitment of a national customer service center for a leading Fortune 500 company. Staples, the world�s largest office products company, has selected Baton Rouge as the location for an innovative new contact center for its North American Delivery business.

The new �virtual� Staples contact center will support a team of customer service representatives who work entirely from home. The center will provide a training facility for new representatives as well as office space for management and support staff. Staples is recruiting about 60 work-at-home customer service representatives and a variety of management and support positions, including team managers and service trainers, to prepare for the scheduled October opening. Staples plans to have more than 400 contact center jobs in Baton Rouge over the next four years. The new center is located on Highlandia Drive in Baton Rouge.

�This is our first major recruitment of a national company as a result of our economic development initiative for East Baton Rouge Parish in partnership with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber,� Holden said, �but it�s only the beginning of great things to come. This partnership allows us to provide on-going, seamless coordination for business recruitment between the parish and the state which increases our success in attracting quality jobs for Baton Rouge.�

The project, codenamed �Project Star� during the site selection process, represents the latest success for a new business development partnership between the City-Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). Under terms of the partnership, which was formalized in January, BRAC is responsible for conducting national marketing, business recruitment, and business retention and expansion activities for East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge. The partnership is modeled after successful public/private economic development ventures in other midsize communities like Knoxville, Mobile, Nashville, and Raleigh.

�Baton Rouge is a first-rate location to operate our new contact center, helping provide customer service excellence for our growing delivery businesses� said Joe Doody, president of Staples North American Delivery. �The people of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the City-Parish, and Louisiana Economic Development have been terrific to work with in making this new facility possible. Staples is a great place to work and we look forward to building our team here with great people from the Baton Rouge area.�

The project was formally announced at a press conference this afternoon at the Camelot Club. Staples Vice President Doug Woodard, Mayor-President Kip Holden, LED Secretary Mike Olivier, and BRAC President/CEO, Stephen Moret were on hand to make the announcement.

Staples� North American Delivery unit, serving businesses of all sizes, is comprised of the Staples Contract division, Staples Business Delivery, and Quill Corporation.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.