August 11, 2003 - Iberville and West Baton Rouge Parishes Strategic Plan Updates

The meeting of the Dow Community Advisory Panel was held on Monday, August 11, 2003 at 6:00 P.M. in the Dow Conference Center in Plaquemine, Louisiana.

Those in attendance were:

Mary Alice Crockett	Jim Dickerson	Wayne Fourroux
Joannette Gullotto	Prince Gray, Sr.	Lorenzo Price
Rosemary Young	Dottie Vaughn	Randolph Ware
Plant Representatives	Facilitation Team
Earl Shipp	Danny Cavalier, Facilitator
Donna Carville	Anna Zebeau, Recorder
Babs Babin
Chris Baldridge

Panel members Dr. Debbie Barker, Dr. Antonio Edwards, Georgia Harmason, Bonnie Kleinpeter, Charlie Tobias, Jesse Wilson and Rev. Matthew Young were unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Hank Grace, Executive Director of the Iberville Chamber of Commerce, was present as a guest.

Iberville Parish Strategic Plan
Mr. Barry Marionneaux gave an overview of the Iberville Parish strategic plan. A copy of the Iberville Strategic Plan is attached. This strategic planning process began in 1999. A strategic plan is simply a “road map” for the community that will be implemented. A community is in need of a parish-wide “master plan” (a vision). Iberville Parish will be a diverse community that celebrates their rich heritage while embracing the future. Its flourishing economy will provide the basis for educational opportunities and cultural advances which will afford every citizen the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. The Parish President and Parish Council have approved this master plan project. A sum of $300,000 was approved to do the plan. A contract was made with Patrick Moore and Associates (landscape architects) to assist in developing the master plan. This firm is currently surveying the parish to determine how the parish land use is being utilized. A master land use plan program will be put into place that the citizens of the parish have played a role in developing. A draft of the master plan will be reviewed in the next two or three months.

A panel member asked who has the authority to initiate this parish-wide zoning plan. Mr. Marionneaux stated that the Parish Council has the authority. Mr. Earl Shipp stated that in the past when Dow had questions regarding zoning issues it was bought up at a public hearing at the parish council meetings. Mr. Marionneaux stated that public notices are placed in the local newspapers informing the public of the hearings on issues.

The major points covered in this plan are 1) Education and Workforce Development, 2) Economic Development and 3) Parish Image. It was stated that Iberville Parish has a negative image that the parish citizens must address and change. It was suggested that a newsletter be sent out to the citizens of the parish informing them of issues and activities in the parish. Inform the citizens of positive things and educate them on issues. The Iberville Chamber of Commerce, along with local businesses, is assisting in the implementation of the plan. Mr. Hank Grace informed the CAP that copies of the strategic plan were available at the Chamber Office. An Implementation Management Committee has been formed (made up of citizens from the parish) and this committee created an implementation management chart that outlines who will be responsible for doing what and when they are responsible for completing their charge. A panel member asked how many parishes in the state have a plan already in place. Ms. Donna Carville stated that about 12 parishes have a strategic plan that have been implemented or is in the process of being developed.

The CAP had a discussion on the parish ferry service. Recommendations that were given were to 1) have an efficiently running ferry or two ferries in place, and 2) have a signal / sign (green light / red light) placed at certain areas in town that would indicate if the ferry was running. It was mentioned that the Louisiana Dept. of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) and local legislators are working on solving the Plaquemine ferry service problem.

Major points identified in this plan were 1) Economic Development, 2) Education, 3) Land Use / Orderly Growth, and 4) Transportation. Goals for each major area identified were discussed. (See attachment for details) The West Baton Rouge Parish strategic plan is currently in process of implementation. A multitude of task forces, committees, advisory councils and coalitions were formed to assist in implementing the plan. The West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce has been a tremendous asset to the strategic planning process.

Mr. Marionneaux informed the CAP that the strategic plan supports the Louisiana Airport Authority putting in the new airport project in Iberville and Ascension Parishes. It was mentioned that Iberville Parish was made up of 40% of families living in poverty and this new economic development project should offer new jobs for Iberville residents. A one-stop shop is needed in this parish to assist local and new businesses with business incentives, permits, taxes, etc. (business-friendly image) Mr. Earl Shipp stated that from an economic development point of view, Dow could not expand without strong zoning plans in place. It is crucial for economic growth in the parish.

Governmental Update
Ms. Donna Carville gave a brief governmental update to the CAP. Congressman Billy Tauzin will be visiting the Dow site in St. Charles Parish. Dow will be discussing the cost of natural gas with the Congressman and the impact it has on this industry. Another issue that will be discussed with the Congressional delegation is the need for asbestos litigation reform.

Responsible Care Performance Measurements
Ms. Chris Baldridge reviewed Dow’s Responsible Care Performance Measurements from June 10 – August 11, 2003 (See attachment).

“Dow in the News” / Upcoming Events
Ms. Babs Babin reviewed the “Dow in the News” and Upcoming Events to the CAP. (See attachment).

Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Dow CAP was scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2003 at 6:00 P.M. at the Dow Conference Center. Topics of discussion will be 1) a summary of the survey (7 Habits of Effective CAPs); 2) a presentation by the Coast Guard; and 3) plant security. A DEQ presentation was requested for the October CAP meeting.

There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.