LAPLACE — To assist with communications efforts between the Parish and the Public, St. John the Baptist Parish entered into a three-year agreement with the Deaf Action Center of New Orleans for sign language services.

The contract is activated upon request as the services are used specifically for press conferences and during emergencies.

Hourly rates apply each time the contract is activated.

A contract with Tetra-Tech for disaster debris monitoring services was also renewed this month by the Parish Council.

The pre-positioned contract, according to St. John Parish Government, is a critical stipulation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reimbursement of related costs and is activated with a Notice to Proceed in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

Parish Council members also granted authorization to enter a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the St. John Parish School Board to provide transportation services for Recreational Programs including the St. John Parish Summer Camp.

Applications are being accepted for this year’s camp and can be submitted to the Recreation Department at 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve.

Parish President Natalie Robottom also received authorization to sign an agreement with Xavier University to continue serving as the fiscal agent and host institution on behalf of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center to staff the Business Training Center in Reserve.

The one-year agreement for  $162,564 provides technical assistance including workshops and seminars in connection with the Small and Emerging Business Development Program.

To date, seven FastTrac sessions have been offered with 105 individuals completing the course and graduating. The next graduation is scheduled May 25.