Employment Record
1987 – Present Contractor, Axcess Construction Management Services, Inc.
Duties & Responsibilities: Axcess Construction Management Services, Inc. has designed and constructed residential and commercial structures under the direction and supervision of Joe Mistich for almost 25 years. This corporation currently holds licenses in building construction, municipal and public works construction, highway, street, and bridge construction, heavy construction, as well as commercial and residential construction. It is a design/build construction company that includes all phases of construction from its architectural design through all phases of construction. This corporation, owned and run by Joe Mistich, has built private homes as well as small and large commercial buildings including the Olympic Wrestling Center at Archbishop Rummel High School, an auto collision center warehouse/office complex, the build-out of individual businesses in shopping centers, boathouse and docking facilities in Venice, Louisiana, a child daycare center, a meat distribution facility, and even the restoration of a condo/commercial building on Charters St. located in the Historic French Quarter . Over the years, Axcess Construction Services, Inc. has designed and built a private facility including a crawfish shaped pool, a separate commercial kitchen/entertainment center including work-out facility, tennis court with children’s play-area, and has constructed and maintained a private golf course. Axcess has successfully completed many residential remodels as well as repairs on foreclosed properties. Also, Axcess was selected as an exclusive partner of Siemens AG for an innovative directional boring and subterranean pipeline project as well as prepared multiple oilfield sites for operational rollout and equipment construction for a major energy company.
1995 – 2005 Director of Public Works, City of Mandeville, LA
Duties & Responsibilities: As Director of Public Works, Joe Mistich was responsible for the City of Mandeville’s infrastructure including water service, wastewater service and treatment, street improvement and maintenance, drainage and storm water improvement and maintenance, and construction and maintenance of public buildings and grounds. The Public Works Director supervises 40 full-time employees that maintain approximately 85 miles of streets, 170 miles of drainage arteries, six (6) wells, one (1) 750,000 elevated storage tank, 3850 water connections, 85 miles of water trunk lines, 85 miles of gravity sewer lines, 60 lift stations, and a wastewater treatment plant treating approximately 1,825 gallons of wastewater daily as well as seven public buildings, and all public land and playgrounds. He was also responsible for all repairs, upgrading, and construction of public improvements in these fields. He worked with the Planning & Zoning Board to approve or disapprove utility and drainage plans in conjunction with the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Ordinances. He was responsible for all water connections as well as water treatment and quality. He worked with the City Engineer to review all construction by developers to insure quality roadwork, drainage, and public utilities for the citizens of Mandeville.
1993 – 1995 Engineering Assistant, City of Mandeville, LA
Duties & Responsibilities: Assist Public Works Director with Department coordination of projects, acts as liaison with residents, Planning Department and Planning and Zoning Committee members regarding capital projects and subdivision infrastructure construction.
1990 – 1992 Instructor, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Duties & Responsibilities: Instruction of Architectural Furniture Design for lecture and lab class for School of Architecture. Superintendent of Facilities Maintenance for School of Architecture
1985 – 1986 Independent Contractor
Duties & Responsibilities: Repairs and Re-modeling Construction
1982 – 1985 Student Trainer (Part Time) LSU Athletic Department
Duties & Responsibilities: Football Trainer. Part-time remodeling and new construction within the University Athletic Department
JOB RELATED TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1997 Mandeville Seawall Reconstruction – This $5million project was funded by the State. This 1.5 mile project prevents wave erosion along Lake Pontchartrain. Joe Mistich was instrumental in securing funding and overseeing construction for this major drainage improvement in the City of Mandeville.
1998 EPA Region 6 Environmental Excellence Award for Public Water Supply Operation and Management in the IIB Category – This honor was presented to Mandeville Water Department under the Supervision of Joe Mistich for its outstanding operation, maintenance, and management of the public water supply system. This honor is bestowed on only one community in a five- state region.
1998 Mandeville Trailhead / Cultural Interpretive Center –Because City of Mandeville lacked a “center of town” focus, the Trailhead was conceived and constructed to create specific overlay guidelines. Joe Mistich was instrumental in allocation of $1million funding from HUD, as well as being active in design review assuring architecture reflects area style and construction. An additional $430,000 funds have been procured through his office as Phase 2 of this project.
1998 Drain Team – Joe Mistich created a community watch style organization associated with drainage and public education and awareness. Quarterly meetings are held at Department of Public Works with additional meetings for Hurricane Awareness and Night Out Against Crime. There are approximately 25 active members in this organization.
1999 Project Impact Community – FEMA project funded with $250,000 federal award to build a disaster resistant community. Mandeville city was chosen because of the innovative approach to educate public through the Drain Team.
1999 Bayou Chinchuba Drainage – Clearing and grubbing of the major drainage artery, project funded through the Department of Natural Resources. Joe Mistich instrumental in acquiring $300,000 funding as well as working to improve drainage canal without disturbing natural waterway and habitat.
1999 Hazard Mitigation – Three year project funded by FEMA for approximately $1 million for property acquisition and flood-proofing residences that have experienced repetitive flooding damage. Drainage input and surveys by the Department of Public Works provided important information for determination of floodplain management.
2000 Retrofit of Wastewater Treatment Plant for Wetland Assimilation – The City of Mandeville was facing an EPA mandate to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. Faced with building a mechanical plant or upgrading the existing biological treatment facility, Joe Mistich was instrumental in processing and providing data proving the feasibility of an environmentally sound, low energy consumption, wastewater treatment utilizing wetland assimilation. Wetland assimilation is a process wherein treated effluent is disbursed into a wetland ecosystem enhancing the flora and fauna of the area. It is also instrumental in decreasing the salt water intrusion facing coastal wetlands along Lake Pontchartrain.
2001 Tammany Trace Tunnel – The Mandeville Trailhead is connected to a 31 mile long pedestrian/bicycle path that traverses St. Tammany Parish. Because this pathway crossed a major highway, a pedestrian tunnel under US Highway 190 funded by State grant was designed. Joe Mistich played an important part in securing $1.5 million funding for public safety.
2001 Acquisition of 1200 acre wetland- $1million property acquisition funded through US EPA, Department of Natural Resources for preservation and use in wetland assimilation. An additional $1 million was pledged by the US COE to build a wetland restoration pipeline that would disburse the treated effluent across the entire expanse of this property. This project is scheduled for completion in summer, 2005. The acquisition of this property will also ensure that this critical wetland will be kept out of commerce or mitigation and will remain in public trust.
2002 Public Works Facility – Joe Mistich personally supervised the retrofit of antiquated portable classrooms into a 26,000 sq.ft. public works facility. He innovatively utilized fourteen portable buildings incorporating them into office, classroom facilities, kitchen, locker rooms, and storage areas at a cost of approximately $16/sq. ft. This building houses all Public Works offices and employees as well as the classroom facility for the Wetland Interpretative Program.
2002 Wetland Interpretative Program- This Educational program created by Joe Mistich was funded by USEPA for $92,000 that initially set-up a classroom facility. The educational program allows area school children to tour a constructed wetland and make water quality samples. They then go into a classroom facility where they study specific science related to wetland ecology using “hands-on” scientific equipment geared for every age level. As of December, 2004, over 2,775 students, teachers, and adults have visited this facility learning about the water quality and environmental science of their area. An additional $65,000 was secured from USEPA in 2005 to assist with ongoing programs.
Sample of Projects from 2003-2011 with Axcess Construction:
David Weber-DECS Investments Inc.
DECS Investments Inc. has contracted Axcess Construction Management Services Inc. to perform renovations and repairs to 16 of their investment properties in the last year alone. The company uses Axcess primarily because of the experience and know-how that V.P. Joseph Mistich brings to the table, utilizing his value engineering, and LEED Green Associate abilities in order to provide energy efficiency and high quality finishes without the cost so commonly associated with the two.
First Community Bank
Axcess Construction Management Services Inc. performs the maintenance and repair work for multiple First Community Bank facilities from Chalmette LA, to Albany LA. All of the work performed by Axcess from window replacement to A/C work is carefully reviewed by Joe Mistich and the Axcess team to ensure that the bank and its patrons are satisfied with their surroundings while carrying out day to day operations.
Medical Magnet Renovations to Hammond High School VO-TECH Building
Axcess Construction was awarded the job to renovate the medical magnet at Hammond High School, This project was seemingly tailor-made for Axcess Construction, as the new facility’s purpose will be for Athletic rehabilitation training purposes. V.P. of Axcess Construction Joe Mistich’s time as a trainer for the LSU football team gave Axcess an edge on the competition as the equipment being installed in the new facility is very similar to that that LSU uses in rehabbing its injured players.
Covington Commons Phase 1 Construction
Covington Commons is a joint venture commercial development that will include a first class Franco’s health club among other top name vendors. This 80 plus acre development will cater to not only the residents of Covington, but those from the surrounding areas of Folsom, Abita Springs, and Mandeville. Under the direction of Joseph Mistich, V.P. of Axcess Construction Management Services Inc., this development will certainly bring new opportunities for business owners in St. Tammany and a great family oriented market place for its residents and their families. Currently under phase 1 of construction, Covington Commons is receiving a solid foundation and subsurface drainage system.
Scariano Brothers Inc.
The Scariano Brothers Meat Company facility is a design build facility comprising over 15,000 square feet of office space and over 29,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space. Joseph Mistich V.P of Axcess Construction Management Services Inc. is the one responsible for this unique plant. Utilizing different design build techniques, Joe and his team were able to complete the construction of this large refrigerated facility for far less money, and in a shorter time period than similar builds would have required. Joe Mistich’s LEED Green Associate credentials also enabled him and his team to build the large facility to be drastically more efficient than the company’s smaller previous facility.
Brian Rhodus Home Elevation
Elevation and shoring of 1800 square foot home to meet post Katrina flood elevation requirements. Work completed in accordance with federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program standards under the direction of Joseph Mistich, Vice President/Project Manager of Axcess Construction Management Services Inc. of Mandeville Louisiana.
Siemens Pipeline
Installation of a 12” Methane force main of 20,000 feet in Baton Rouge area. Supplies reclaimed landfill methane gas to local refineries as an alternate fuel source.
Chartres Street Condos
Historic property fronted on French Quarter (Chartres St. and Pirate’s Alley). Historical facades maintained during entire renovation in compliance with the Vieux Carre Commission (the historical regulative body governing the French Quarter). Project is a sustainable residence and commercial building and includes unique design elements inside and out and project is nominated for multiple design awards.
Private Golf Course and Residence
Cypress on the Green is the most demanding residence we have worked on and it continues to provide us with opportunities as it continues to expand. This 21,000 sq. ft. private residence, located on 180+ acres, consists of 15 unique structures that were design-built from the ground up and one four bedroom guest house that was completely remodeled from the original farmhouse. We manage a full nine-person B&G and facilities staff, with a fulltime on-site manager.
My Little Sprout Daycare
Design-build daycare implementing sustainable reflective roof and insular properties with window and shutter orientation to reduce radiant solar heat effects. Post-evaluation indicated that the innovative design resulted in 40% reduction in energy costs.
INITIAL AND LIFELONG EDUCATION
2005 Tulane University Masters Degree in Architecture
School of Architecture
New Orleans, Louisiana
1990 Tulane University Bachelor Degree in Architecture
School of Architecture
New Orleans, Louisiana
1985 Louisiana State University Bachelor of Science Degree
General College Emphasis in Construction Management
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1995 Basics of Facilities Compliance under the ADA
1996 National Council of Architectural Review Board Certification
1997 Leadership St. Tammany West Graduate
1999 National Emergency Training Center
Project Impact Building Consensus in Disaster Resistant Communities
1999-2003 National Hurricane Conference
56.5 Professional hours
2001 Region VI Federal Emergency Management Agency & St. Tammany Parish Office of Emergency Management
Terrorism Training
2002-2004 Building Officials Association of Louisiana, Continuing education
2009 LEED Green Associate Designation by GBCI
PUBLICATIONS AND/OR PRESENTATIONS
1999 A Use Attainability Analysis of Municipal Wastewater Discharge to Coastal Wetlands at Mandeville, La.
2002 Promoting Mitigation in Louisiana: Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Louisiana
2000 United States Environmental Protection Agency
“Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet Wetlands: Subsurface Flow”
2003 Louisiana Environmental Update
“Cleaning Water Nature’s Way and Helping Nature Along the Way”
2003 Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ)
13th Annual Conference
“Lake Pontchartrain: Dairies, Development and Clean Water”
2004 Public Broadcasting Documentary, “Clear Water – One Woman’s Dream”
MEMBERSHIPS
Northlake Chapter American Public Works Association
President 2000
President 2001
Board Member
2006 International Congress & Exposition Steering Committees
Drain Team Founder & Member
Keep Mandeville Beautiful Board Member
St. Tammany West Leadership Member – Graduate 1997
Louisiana Municipal Association Member
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation Member
Mandeville Trailhead Foundation Board Member
Architecture Institute of America Member
St. Tammany Parish Growth Management Committee
Board Member
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BIPAC)
Board Member
Neighborwoods Board Member
Community Regional Sewer Committee Board Member
St. Paul’s School Jazz N Roll Committee Chairman
Tchefuncte Middle School Accreditation Board Member
National LSU “L” Club (Letterman Association)
Lettered as Football Trainer, 1982-1985
President 2002-2004
AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS
1990 Charles E. Peterson Prize
Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the National Park Service and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia for measured drawings of the Gallier House to be deposited in the Library of Congress
1997 Certificate of Recognition from Mandeville Police Department
1997 American Public Works Association – Northlake Chapter
Person of the Year
1998 Region 6 Environmental Excellence Award for Public Water Supply Operation and Management in the IIB Category
1998 Outstanding Planning Award for Project/Program/Tool from American Planning Association
City of Mandeville Trailhead Project
1999 Certificate of Achievement by Emergency Management Institute and FEMA for reaffirming his dedication to serve in times of crisis through continued professional development and completion of: Project Impact: Building Consensus in disaster resistant communities
2000 Project Impact for participation and teamwork on the Project Impact Steering Committee
2001 Certificate of Recognition awarded in recognition of outstanding participation in National Engineers Week 2001
2003 Special Award from American Public Works Association- Northlake Chapter
Wetland Educational Program
2003 Award from Louisiana Rural Water Association for best tasting water in Louisiana
2003 Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Environmental Leadership Pollution Prevention
2003 Certificate of Recognition by RNC
2004 Governor’s Environmental Leadership Award for Community Environmental Outreach Achievement, for the development of an Environmental Interpretative
2004 President’s Volunteer Service Award
President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for 100 hours of volunteer service with Keep Mandeville Beautiful
2004 Governor’s Environmental Leadership Award
For the development of an Environmental Interpretative Program which describes an energy efficient method for wastewater treatment and provides an educational component that presents unique enrichment opportunities for the community.
Nomination: Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year