Waveland City Government

Saturday, September 30, 2006

What's Your Ward?


You'll be automatically taken to the website for the city of Waveland...

Friday, September 29, 2006

Absentee Voter Information

The state has set up a great site with all the information you need to know.

Go to:

www.katrinavoters.com

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Our Proposal to the Candidates

We sent out the following letter to all 18 candidates (both mayoral and aldermen) running for office. The letters were mailed via priority mail with delivery confirmation on October 18th, 2006:

Dear Waveland Candidate,

Coastal Community Watch would like to offer you a unique and free way to reach hundreds of potential voters. If you’d like to participate in this new community service, please read the instructions below and contact us immediately with your e-mail address and/or cell phone number. We need this information BEFORE the primaries if you’d like to participate.


CCW is an internet based organization with 800 plus members - mostly residents and property owners in the Hancock Coastal area. We're concerned mainly with developmental issues – hoping that we’ll rebuild wisely and create a great legacy for future generations. "Keepin' the Coast for our Kids," is our motto. To read more about us, go to:

www.coastalcommunitywatch.blogspot.com.

Many of our members will be your voters and we want them to have a chance to know you better. To help with this, we've planned a new and exciting venue for candidates in the upcoming elections. Here’s how it will work:

1. Contact us now - before the primaries - with your name, phone number and e-mail address. We won't release this information to anyone else. E-mail us at ellis@datasync.com or telephone Karen Eustis at (info for candidates only).

2. After the primaries, we'll immediately e-mail the final candidates with a list of questions related to the future of Waveland - compiled with input by Waveland community leaders and residents. If you don’t have an e-mail address, we can fax it to you (if this is the case, let us know in advance and provide us with a fax number).

3. You'll have one week to e-mail us back your answers. We do ask that you find some way to e-mail them back so that we don’t have to retype them. When you return your answers, we're also asking that you send us a small jpeg of yourself and a short personal profile (100 words or less). If you're not computer savvy, perhaps one of your friends or campaign workers can help. If you have no one you can call on, one of our members will volunteer to help with the computer end of things.

4. We've already set up a website specifically for Waveland public officials. It has sections for each ward and for the mayor's position. We'll post your answers there, along with your profile and photo. In each section incumbents will be listed first. If there’s more than one opponent in a single category, they’ll be listed in alphabetical order. To look at the site, you can go to: www.servewaveland.blogspot.com . The format is all ready to go – all we have to do is put in your information.

5. When the answers from all participating candidates have been put onto the website, we’ll then alert all 800 of our members to the site, urging them in turn to e-mail all their Waveland voting friends. We will also send out press releases to all local media outlets to publicize the site. Since it's a new and novel approach, we expect an enthusiastic response.

THE BOARD OF CCW WILL NOT RECOMMEND ANY CANDIDATE. Our members and other voters will be able to read your answers and make their own decisions. Any candidate who does not contact us before the primary will still be listed on the site with the explanation “chose not to participate.” Any participating candidate who doesn’t return answers before the deadline (after the primaries) will be listed with the explanation of “no response.” After the election, the winners will remain on the website, giving you more connection with the community you’ve chosen to serve.

THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY SERVICE and we're hoping for 100% participation from candidates. After all, who can afford to pass up an opportunity to get your views out to hundreds of active voters? It will also be especially helpful for Waveland voters who are currently living out of the area due to circumstances and are voting absentee.

We're thrilled to be able to offer this platform to both you and the residents of Waveland. Our hope is to engage as many people as possible in the process of local government - after all - an active community is a healthy one!

As a candidate, you goal is to serve your city and we thank you for your efforts. If you have any questions, please e-mail Ellis Anderson at ellis@datasync.com or Karen Eustis at KEustis@aol.com



The Crew at Coastal Community Watch

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Lili Stahler's answers


1. What do you think are the three most important issues now facing the city of Waveland? Please list by priority.

INFRASTRUCTURE – I feel that the basic “quality of life” issues are most important.
Waveland residents, both living here and returning, are faced with the day to day aggravations, street lighting, ditches, road surfacing, dead trees, abandoned and blighted houses, debris and mosquitoes. With these day to day problems, it is difficult to focus on the larger issues. I believe that Waveland has made great strides since the storm but it’s time to focus on getting things “back to normal”.

COMMUNICATION – I feel that communication between city government and Waveland residents could be improved. We are all in this together and need to be apprised of “what’s going on”. We are able to handle the bad news and look forward to the good news.
Waveland needs to communicate to its residents – THE PLAN. There must be a plan, but I don’t know about it. I want to see a Four Year Plan with a Timeline so that we are all apprised of “where we are going”.

RESIDENT RETURN- The longer it takes for our residents to return, the more we lose as they settle somewhere else permanently. We want our people back. We should make every effort to contact our Pre-Katrina citizens and assist them in their efforts to return.


2. What role, if any, do you see “Smart Code” playing in our future development?

As an overlay to existing codes, with options, especially in the commercial areas – Coleman Avenue, Waveland Avenue and Central Area, and Highway 90, it would assist in making the areas functional and attractive.

Through the Coleman Avenue Coalition, a task force, led by Steve Hand, explored the Smart Code for Coleman Avenue. The results were most impressive.


3. How do you feel about the vision of Waveland that came out of the recent planning "charrette” sponsored by the Governor’s Commission. What actions, if any, should the city take to implement the plans?

I attended all or the Charrette meetings in Waveland. The team listened to the interests and concerns of various neighborhoods. They drew and re-drew. I believe they came up with a comprehensive plan for the city that is both attractive and functional. To me, the plan may be a bit ambitious. As I stated in Question 2, with the Smart Code, the commercial districts could certainly adopt many of the Charrette ideas and recommendations.

For common green space in neighborhoods and city wide, if funding is available, it would certainly add to our quality of life.

For residential building, it should be the Planning and Zoning Board’s responsibility to offer the ideas and recommendations of the Charrette. Their office should be knowledgeable and able to assist those planning to rebuild by making available and encouraging them to read the Pattern Book and Summary Report.


4. How do you stand in regards to the proposed marina at the foot of Coleman Avenue and why?

The Charrette rendering of the marina, pier and lighthouse was most attractive. Further discussion with residents, feasibility study and funding options would be necessary for me to make a decision.

5. Should current single-family zoning along the beach be changed to allow more high-density development? Why or why not?

I do not believe in high-density development for Waveland beachfront. We had one at the foot of Coleman Avenue and I would not oppose re-building a development on that site. My hope is to see the beachfront rebuilt in keeping with the original character and essence of Waveland.

6. What impact do you feel that the County’s plans for a major resort district adjacent to Waveland would have on the community?

The impact will be an increase in sales tax revenues both on the Highway 90 and the Coleman Avenue Business Districts. I do not feel that it will be a threat to the core and essence to the City of Waveland as long as Waveland maintains strict enforcement of land use and building codes.

7. The officials of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County are currently making efforts to coordinate comprehensive plans. Would you lend support to Waveland joining the effort? Why or why not?

I believe that Waveland should always be open to discussion with Bay St. Louis and Hancock County. We are all part of the same community. Good ideas stem from discussion and participation.

8. There has been exploration by the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland in regards to combining the two city’s governments (or at least some services) to save money. How do you feel about such proposals? What services or departments, if any, do you think might benefit from such cooperation?

I am opposed to combining the city governments of Waveland and Bay St. Louis. I think each city should maintain its own unique identity. With the annexation that both cities have experienced each should maintain its own character. I am not opposed to discussions of combining some services and would certainly participate in such review or study. Unfortunately, in the past, I have seen that, in many cases, combining and enlarging creates a larger set of problems and cost always seem to go up not down.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Ricky Geoffrey's answers

1. What do you think are the three most important issues now facing the city of Waveland? Please list by priority.

The most important issue, in my opinion, facing us right now is rebuilding Waveland bigger and better than before. We need to encourage more businesses and homeowners to return, as well as new businesses. I feel it is very important also for the elected officials as well as appointed employees, other city employees (including police, fire, and public works departments), not to mention the people we all serve here in Waveland, to learn how to work together so the rebuilding will go as smoothly and successful as possible. Another very important issue is the sewage and drainage. I know this has been a sore subject for a lot of people. We tried to solve this problem before Katrina ever hit. I feel because of Katrina we now have an opportunity to take advantage of funds that would not have been available to us. It is my sincere hope that we can finally solve these problems for all of Waveland.

2. What role, if any, do you see “Smart Code” playing in our future development?

Any plan that will make our Waveland residents safer is worth studying.

3. How do you feel about the vision of Waveland that came out of the recent planning "charrette” sponsored by the Governor’s Commission. What actions, if any, should the city take to implement the plans?

I feel all options available to us should be looked at and taken into consideration especially if it is to make the citizens safer. Also, of lesser importance, if it is cost effective.

4. How do you stand in regards to the proposed marina at the foot of Coleman Avenue and why?

Before hurricane Katrina there was debate on a marina at Coleman Avenue. I feel the same now as I did then. I polled quite a few people on the subject. Most were against it. I feel the people of Waveland should have the final say.

5. Should current single-family zoning along the beach be changed to allow more high-density development? Why or why not?

Although condos would bring in more people and hence more revenue I personally feel it would take away the city’s natural charm. But again this is something all Waveland residents should be allowed to vote on.

6. What impact do you feel that the County’s plans for a major resort district adjacent to Waveland would have on the community?

Sorry to repeat myself, but I have the same basic answer as the last question.

7. The officials of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County are currently making efforts to coordinate comprehensive plans. Would you lend support to Waveland joining the effort? Why or why not?

I would consider joining any effort if I felt it would help our Waveland residents.

8. There has been exploration by the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland in regards to combining the two city’s governments (or at least some services) to save money. How do you feel about such proposals? What services or departments, if any, do you think might benefit from such cooperation?

I personally have always felt like Waveland could stand on it’s own. But decisions that impact Waveland residents this much should be voted on by the people. I have faith that together we will all work to rebuild our fair city for a better future for ourselves.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Brian Schmitt's answers


1. What do you think are the three most important issues now facing the city of Waveland? Please list by priority.

Infrastructure rebuilding
Drainage/Roads
Cleanup


2. What role, if any, do you see “Smart Code” playing in our future development?

Like any plan, it hasa its good and bad points. I think by updating our comprehensive plans and ordinances we can achieve some of the things in the “Smart Code.” We could hold workshops to school ourselves (city officials) and the citizens of Waveland and also extract those parts that will work for the city.


3. How do you feel about the vision of Waveland that came out of the recent planning "charrette” sponsored by the Governor’s Commission. What actions, if any, should the city take to implement the plans?

I think Coleman Avenue could be a place that we could start implementing some ideas form the charrette provided the businesses/property woners agree. Any part of that process that could possibly land us state or federal funding should be explored.


4. How do you stand in regards to the proposed marina at the foot of Coleman Avenue and why?

Didn’t know one was proposed. I am for some type of commercial growth at the foot of Coleman Avenue. If that development is a marina ooor any associated business that rings debt to the city, the citizens of Waveland should vote on the approval of such.


5. Should current single-family zoning along the beach be changed to allow more high-density development? Why or why not?

I am against high-rise condos on the beach. I think there are other alternatives.


6. What impact do you feel that the County’s plans for a major resort district adjacent to Waveland would have on the community?

I have concerns on whether or not the infrastructure can handle the development and whter or not the county will provide for Waveland the money/services needed to maintain that part of the infrastructure that will be affected by increased traffic, waste water, etc.


7. The officials of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County are currently making efforts to coordinate comprehensive plans. Would you lend support to Waveland joining the effort? Why or why not?

Yes. Waveland is only an inhale or exhale of breath away from Bay St. Louis and the county. With a coordinated effort, you might not know when you leave one and enter another. Working together we can maximize the funding we receive on the rebuilding effort.


8. There has been exploration by the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland in regards to combining the two city’s governments (or at least some services) to save money. How do you feel about such proposals? What services or departments, if any, do you think might benefit from such cooperation?

After looking into this further and listening to the people, the idea of the two cities combining is not one I would support. Sharing any service would be first and foremost have to benefit the citizens of Waveland. I think we should being with looking at ourselves for ideas that will save money.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Charles Piazza's answers


1) What do you think are the three most important issues now facing the City of Waveland?

a) housing
b) reworking of gas and sewer lines city wide
c) zoning

2) What role, if any, do you see "Smart Code" playing in out future development?


Smart code is a complex system of mixed use zoning and design standards.
For example: Three to four story buildings offering both housing and commercial spaces. Coleman Ave. has had this in place before hurricane Katrina.

3) How do you feel about the vision of Waveland that came out of the recent planning "charrette" sponsored by the Governor's Commission? What actions if any, should the city take to implement the plans?

The "charrette" offered higher density City areas with places to live and work, and areas that follow Smart Code building.

4) How do you stand in regards to the proposed marina at the foot of Coleman Ave and why?

When I served on the Board of Aldermen from 1998-2002, I voted against the marina. My reason for this "no vote" is that I felt it would put an extra tax burden on out citizens if the marina could not be self supporting.

5) Should current single-family zoning along Beach Blvd. be changed to allow more high- density development? Why or why not?

If this was to change on the beach front, I feel that out residents in surrounding areas would be forced to sell their property and move some place else. We need out residents to come back home, not be driven away.

6) What impact do you feel that the county's plan for a major resort district adjacent to Waveland have on the community?

This would be similar to a double edge sword. This would give Waveland an increased tax revenue, but also put more traffic on out local streets.

7) The officials of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County are currently making efforts to coordinate comprehensive plans. Would you lend support to Waveland joining the effort? Why or why not?

I cannot answer this question at this time.

8) There has been exploration by the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland in regards to combining the two City's governments (or at least some services) to save money. How do you feel about suck proposals? What services or departments, if any, do you think might benefit from such cooperation?

At the time, I do not think it would be feasible to merge the two cities. But the option of merging police and fire departments should be looked at. Merging these two departments could perhaps lower insurance costs to residents, while increasing the manpower of these departments.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

The List of Questions

On November 8th, we sent the following list of eight thought-provoking questions to the eleven candidates who made it through the primaries.


1. What do you think are the three most important issues now facing the city of Waveland? Please list by priority.


2. What role, if any, do you see “Smart Code” playing in our future development?


3. How do you feel about the vision of Waveland that came out of the recent planning "charrette” sponsored by the Governor’s Commission. What actions, if any, should the city take to implement the plans?


4. How do you stand in regards to the proposed marina at the foot of Coleman Avenue and why?


5. Should current single-family zoning along the beach be changed to allow more high-density development? Why or why not?


6. What impact do you feel that the County’s plans for a major resort district adjacent to Waveland would have on the community?


7. The officials of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County are currently making efforts to coordinate comprehensive plans. Would you lend support to Waveland joining the effort? Why or why not?


8. There has been exploration by the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland in regards to combining the two city’s governments (or at least some services) to save money. How do you feel about such proposals? What services or departments, if any, do you think might benefit from such cooperation?


 
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