A Message from Mayor Mark “Tony” Gulotta

As Mayor since 1993, I believe the achievements of the Board of Selectmen and staffs have been extensive. I take this opportunity to identify and reflect on the following major accomplishments:

  1. Sound financial management and reporting resulting in improved community wealth and an ongoing financially viable local government
  2. Enacted utility rate reduction
  3. Completion of street overlay program in Year 1996
  4. Completion of Northside Fire Station and renovation of Central Fire Station on Meriam Street
  5. New face lifts on both water towers
  6. Development of Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park adjacent to Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, featuring lighted walkways, picnic area, water pavilions and floating piers
  7. Installation of 21 old-fashioned street lights along Louisiana Highway One
  8. Created an 8-year pay plan and City employee manual
  9. Implemented Utility Customer Service campaign
  10. Received $8 million in federal funds for various public improvements
  11. Created 300 jobs in downtown area since the implementation of the Plaquemine Main Street Program
  12. Improved facades of 27 downtown businesses under the Plaquemine Main Street Program
  13. Implemented W.W. Harleaux/Captain T.T. Harris Street tree planting program and improved walking pathways
  14. Contracted with Association for Retarded Citizens to support litter efforts
  15. Aggressively cleaned up abandoned properties and vehicles
  16. In 1996, acquired former Plaquemine High School on Ferdinand Street now known as City of Plaquemine Activity Center (COPAC)
  17. COPAC (City of Plaquemine Activity Center) features a gym, soccer, football, senior walking track and recreational programs for all citizens
  18. COPAC Day Youth Camps offered during summer months since Year 1996
  19. Received $600,000 in Year 2006 for housing rehabilitation from the Louisiana Office of Community Development
  20. Completion of five (5) Habitat for Humanity homes in the Plaquemine area as of Year 2006
     
    My administration has worked hard to develop an outstanding plan for success and continued improvement in the 21st century. Information from business, residents, community-based organizations, staff, management, elected members, governmental bodies and other stakeholders has helped shape the direction to be taken.
     
    The next few years will continue to see many changes which will result in improved service, commercial and business opportunities, improved efficiency and effectiveness. There will also be many changes with the development of new housing, street upgrades, improved waste management services and more.
     
    Major issues to be addressed in the next three years include:
  • Continue to aggressively seek federal and state grants for housing rehabilitation and public improvements;
  • Continue to reduce and control utility bills with better customer service;
  • Continue to pursue potential commercial and residential development;
  • Continue to provide opportunities for all our children through COPAC activities;
  • Continue to work for a safer and more prosperous community with police and fire departments;
  • Continue the development of Bayou Plaquemine Water Front Park as a recreational site;
  • Continue to develop a community and conference center at COPAC;
  • Continue to fully support Plaquemine Main Street Program.

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