A parcel of land measuring 260 feet by 65 feet wide was officially donated during an Act of Exchange at the Zachary City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 14.

Members of the Zachary Men's Club, Floyd Pelichet and Jesse Spears, attended the meeting to witnesses their donation of the land which will eventually become the new Zachary Food Pantry.

The City of Zachary has agreed to build the new food bank, and the low bid for construction was accepted at $303,000.

"Although we've been through many hurdles, we hope to have the new building completed by Thanksgiving," Mayor David Amrhein said. "We owe the Zachary Men's Club a great debt of gratitude."

Once construction is completed on the new building, the Zachary Rotary Club has expressed interest in landscaping the front of it as part of a community service effort, said Amrhein.

Other City Council action included:

RECOGNITIONS: Zachary's new Economic Development Director Kate MacArthur was introduced to the council by Randy Olson, Economic Development/Governmental Relations committee chair. "Please be patient with us as we allow Kate to get settled in her new position," Olson said. "She's a great fit for Zachary, and we're happy to have her."

WAIVERS: A waiver with exceptions was granted to Uniquities Resale/Consignment owner Monica Wilson, allowing resale items to be showcased outside her business at 5037 Main St. The waiver was granted with exceptions despite the city's Unified Development Code that states no items can be placed outside a storefront unless it's considered heavy retail (i.e. The Home Depot, Walmart).

"Are we giving an unfair advantage to the larger retail stores?" Councilman Tommy Womack asked.

"I think there's a big difference with larger retail stores displaying their items," said Councilman Francis Nezianya. "They have more room and larger parking lots."

Councilman Brandon Noel added that he'd like to see the number of items displayed kept at a minimum.

"Either we're going to go by the UDC or we're going to throw it out," Amrhein said after much debate on the matter.

Wilson presented a petition of 240 signatures and said if she didn't get a waiver allowing her to display her items, she'd have to move out of Zachary or shut down. "We're willing to make corrections and to make it as attractive as we can," she said.

Councilman Dan Wallis made a motion to grant a waiver allowing the items outside but no more than eight feet from the structure of the building.

• Another resale and consignment shop, Turn the Page, 20040 Plank Road, was granted the same waiver with the same exceptions.

• Jonathan Aldy was granted a waiver allowing him to operate an internet car dealership from 4640 E. Central at Church Street.

Aldy, who lives next door, said the vehicles would be kept behind a wooden fence out of public view, all sales would be by appointment only and there would be no foot traffic.

Formerly Bayou Cajun Pest Control, the site is currently zoned CS (commercial storefront) like all the businesses surrounding it. However, to operate a car sales/service business, a site must be zoned CG (general commercial).

Planning and Zoning suggested a CS zone but with the recommendation of a waiver since it's a "non-traditional car business."

ANNISON PLANTATION: A resolution was tabled by the council that would terminate the City of Zachary's ownership of the Annison Plantation House.

City Clerk Jean Byers, also the museum director, said two parties interested in taking over the restoration of the plantation - and who wish to remain unidentified - could not attend the meeting.

The plantation home was first donated to the city by Ethel Annison in 2002 but renovations have cost the city nearly $150,000. Amrhein said the wish is to keep the historical district together in one area.

McHOST ROAD: A request to enter into a contract with a surveyor was approved for the McHost Road project. Councilman Womack said he will be approaching citizens urging them to attend a public meeting on Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council chambers.

"The information should be presented in one voice though, in an effort to get the proper information out there," he said.

The City Council meets again on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 6:30 p.m.