The Slidell City Council has approved a measure that would create a new city position: Main Street Program Director.
The council voted without debate on the item at its Nov. 12 meeting.
Mayor Greg Cromer, in an interview, said Slidell's Main Street Program at one time was under the control of city government, but years ago became autonomous and is overseen by a board.
"It's evolving back to the city now," Cromer said.
Cromer said the new director will be tasked with the keeping the city's Main Street Program vibrant.
The goal of national and state Main Street programs is to develop plans and strategies to keep downtown areas prosperous. The local organization has been known as Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and it has helped coordinate numerous festivals, parades, public art projects and business initiatives in that historic neighborhood since its inception.
The ordinance creating the new position in Slidell does not set a specific salary but has a range starting at $65,689. The position, currently vacant, will come under the Mayor's Office and and the new director will serve as an assistant to the mayor.
The ordinance spells out other duties for the position as well, including running the grant program and directing the city's emergency preparedness and response activities.
Several people have filled the director role of Olde Towne Slidell Main Street in the past year, but each was on the job for only a short time. Government and business leaders are hoping the position stabilizes after coming under city control.
Bob Warren and Andrew Canulette
East St. Tammany levee discussion continues
The Military Road Alliance, representing homeowner associations in eastern St. Tammany Parish, will meet Nov. 20 to get a flood protection status update from Dr. Stan Owen, a member of the St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District, informally known as the Levee Board.
The public is invited to attend the 7 p.m. meeting in the cafeteria of Boyet Junior High on Rebel Drive, one block off N. Pearl Street. Ample parking is available in front of and on the sides of the building. Dr. Owen will address the group and answer questions.
For more information, contact Robert Broome at (985) 774-1662 or email [email protected].