Public Meetings - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council held a regular meeting on June 24, 2026, beginning with a presentation portion featuring recognitions of summer camps, faith leaders, and veterans, followed by the regular agenda including consent items, public hearings, numerous routine approvals, and a detailed presentation on the CPERS pension system by the board and independent actuaries. The meeting concluded with emergency items and a reconsidered administrative matter. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the June 10, 2026 Metropolitan Council meeting and the June 17, 2026 zoning meeting (motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilman Dunn Jr., carried). Public Comments & Testimony - Tasha Mateira requested an additional extension on her condemnation item 89 due to difficulty obtaining a structural engineer; Councilwoman Coleman advised her to work with her legislative assistant. - During the CPERS presentation, council members questioned consultants and board members about the pension study, proposed changes, and feasibility of a defined contribution plan. Councilman Hearst expressed concern that reducing benefits (e.g., drop modifications) could make retiring employees poorer. Councilman Dunn Jr. and others questioned the impact of splitting contribution rates between public safety and non-public safety, the unfunded accrued liability (UAL), and the withdrawal liability related to the City of St. George. Councilwoman Rocka asked about national averages for contribution rates (48.8% for public safety is high compared to 20–25% typical for other municipalities, even accounting for Social Security). Discussion Items - CPERS Pension Review Presentation (Item 139): Kevin Sullivan (USI actuary) presented an overview of the plan’s funded status (declining from over 70% in 2013 to 60–65% in 2024), increasing employer contribution rates (now over 40%), and sources of losses (investment returns, salary surprises, the DROP program, etc.). He outlined six proposed plan design options for non-public safety and several for public safety, all aimed at reducing risk rather than cutting core benefit multipliers. The board recommended splitting the employee base into public safety and non-public safety, eliminating free military time purchase, eliminating the non-vested death benefit (spousal $600/month for non-service-connected deaths), reducing the DROP from five years to three years with interest starting only at termination, and removing the two-for-one leave trade option. These changes would apply only to future hires. Investment consultant John Breth reported that CPERS’ portfolio is broadly diversified and in line with peer systems, but recent market volatility has contributed to actuarial losses. Shelley Johnson, actuary, explained that splitting the employer rate would reduce non-public safety rate from 38.1% to 34.5% and increase public safety rate to 48.8% (based on 2027 valuation). Board chair Jay Daniels confirmed the board is open to additional council input before its July meeting. - Administrative Matter (Reconsidered): Authorizing amended subrecipient agreement with East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority for Cyprus at Ardendale Phase 1 affordable housing project using ARPA funds. The amendment clarifies payment flows among layered entities (Partner Southeast, LP) to ensure compliance with a disbursement-based framework. Project is built and occupied; final payments to contractors (e.g., Milton Womack contractors) are pending. CSRS representative confirmed minimal risk with the restated agreement. Motion carried after reconsideration. - Other Items: Numerous routine items approved: leases, donations (police vests, ShotSpotter contract, Ryan White HIV/AIDS funding), professional services contracts (traffic data collection, EMS blood program with LifeShare Blood Center), change orders, adjudicated properties, and appointments deferred to July meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar & Introductions: Approved as read (motions carried). - Condemnations: Proceed with most items; 30-day extensions for items 77, 80, 89; 60 days for item 90; 90 days for items 74 and 87; delete item 82. Defer items 111, 125, 128 to July meeting. - Item 93 (Bayou Found Economic Development District cooperative endeavor): Deferred to August 26, 2026 (motion by Councilwoman Rocka, second by Councilwoman Amorosa, carried). - Items 94–108: All approved with no opposition (various motions). - Item 109 (EMS blood products contract): Approved (motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Coleman, carried). - Adjudicated Properties (110–130): Approved with deletions (113, 121) and deferrals (111, 125, 128) (motion by Councilman Dunn Jr., second by Councilman Hearst, carried). - Appointments (131–135): All deferred to July meeting except item 135 (Housing Authority reappointment of Brandon Kelly) – motion carried to defer as well, but Councilwoman Coleman later moved to reconsider 134 for Beverly Clayburn; deferred to July 22 to confirm residency. - Change Orders (136–138): Approved (motion carried). - CPERS Report: Received for information; no formal action taken. Council members requested further analysis of full reform options, including defined contribution plans and voluntary options for current employees. Board will consider input at its July meeting. - Emergency Items (140–144): All approved: official journal (Advocate), hospital assessment due date extension, workforce contract extension (Eckard Connects through state single-state transition), library janitorial contract renewal, rescheduling July 15 meeting to July 22 at 3:30 p.m. (motions carried). - Reconsidered Administrative Matter (Cyprus at Ardendale): Motion to waive rules carried with no objection; then item debated and approved (motion by Councilman Hearst, second by Councilman Kenny, carried).

The board met to approve routine personnel actions, set examinations, and receive a presentation from the Office of the State Examiner on a new digital personnel action system. All motions passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: The agenda was amended to add an Office of the State Examiner presentation (agenda item 17) and to include Matt Kelly and James Thomas in the rehire list (amendment to item 12). The amended agenda was approved. - Minutes: Approved the minutes from April 27, 2026, and May 18, 2026. - Personal Action Forms: Approved personal action forms for the Baton Rouge Fire Department and Baton Rouge Police Department. - Examinations (Police): Called for examinations for Police Criminal Information Specialist, Police Cadet, and Criminal Intelligence Analyst. - Applications (Police Captain): Accepted applications for Police Captain. - Rejected Application (Police): Rejected the application of Tanya Winley for Police Communications Officer 2 (posting period 3/27/26–4/6/26) due to not meeting the five-year confirmation requirement. - Rejected Application (Fire): Rejected the application of Kyle Duncan for Deputy Fire Chief with waiver (posting period 3/27/26–4/16/26) because the applicant was still a promotional district chief. - Test Results Accepted (Fire): - Fire Communications Officer 2: 8 passed, 3 did not pass, 1 did not show. - Fire Communications Officer 3: 2 passed, 1 did not pass, 0 did not show. - Fire Inspector 1: 3 passed, 4 did not pass, 0 did not show. - Test Scores Accepted (Police): Police Fingerprint Technician 1: 1 did not pass, 3 did not show. - Rehires (Police): Approved rehire of former officers Xavier Barge (resigned Feb. 17, 2026, good standing), Judd Daryl McGee (resigned Feb. 2, 2026, good standing), James Thomas (left Nov. 2024), and Matt Kelly (left June 2022). These individuals will not need to retake the civil service entrance examination. - Examinations (Fire): Called for examinations for Hazardous Materials Officer, Assistant Chief of Investigations, Fire Investigator, Medical Training Officer, Fire Apparatus Technician, and Fire Inspector 2 (with a waiver to allow unconfirmed Fire Inspector 1 candidates to take the exam, as the eligible list was exhausted). - Certification Date Correction: Corrected the certification date for Lee Peoples in the Fire Department due to an administrative error identified during an internal audit. - Substitute Appointments (Fire): Noted the following substitute appointments effective May 30, 2026: John Borchen (Assistant Chief of Special Services), Kyle Morris (Chief of Fire Prevention), Lawless Threaton (Assistant Fire Chief of Prevention), and Darrell Brown (Fire Inspector 2). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Report on Board Accommodations: Board members reported an ongoing search for reasonable accommodations for board operations. Space at the BRPD complex is being considered, but Joseph Butler (building and grounds) has not provided cost estimates. The board’s budget has no allocated funds, so any funding would require a special request. No timeline was given. The board will revisit the topic as more information becomes available. - Office of the State Examiner (OSE) Presentation on New Technology: Ms. Bordelon and Mr. Jimmy Henry presented the new online Personnel Action System. Key points: - The system has officially launched; Baton Rouge is scheduled to go live the week of August 2, 2026, as a stress test for the system. - The system is designed to digitize personnel records, ensure compliance with civil service law, and flag potential violations before approval. - Department roles: department user (enters PAFs), department chief or designee (approves), appointing authority (approves). Board roles: board secretary (Ms. Harris) and two board member licenses (chairman and vice chairman). The OSE cannot afford licenses for all board members. - Departments must verify employee records (names, SSNs, dates of birth, class status, salary, pay cycle) within three weeks; the OSE will provide current records for review. - After verification, the OSE will conduct a meeting with department users, the board secretary, and the chairman/vice chairman to log in and provide training. - The system will generate PDFs of PAFs for the board secretary to disseminate to all board members prior to meetings. - The OSE will comment on actions via a microphone icon if compliance issues are identified. - The system is due to be fully completed by December 2026; Baton Rouge’s large jurisdiction will serve as a stress test. - Board members asked about access; only the chairman and vice chairman will have login credentials, but the secretary can print PDFs for all members. Key Outcomes - All motions carried unanimously with no recorded opposition. - The board acknowledged the OSE presentation and will proceed with preparations: designating department and board users, verifying employee records within three weeks, and scheduling a training meeting for the week of August 3, 2026. - The accommodation search remains ongoing; no immediate action was taken. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council held a zoning meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, with a quorum present. The council consolidated items 2 and 3 for one vote, then considered Plan Baton Rouge 3, the downtown small area plan. All items were approved without opposition. Consent Calendar / Items 2 & 3 - Future EBR Transportation Element Amendment, Major Street Plan: approved reducing the right-of-way shown as 125 feet to no less than 100 feet for the Burbank Drive segment between Milford Avenue and West Parker Boulevard. Planning staff recommended approval based on more detailed review and determinations from the Department of Transportation and Drainage that the reduction was appropriate. - SPUD 126 LLC Collective Student Housing: approved rezoning from General Residential A4 to Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD) for high-density multifamily residential or commercial use on property north of Burbank Drive and east of Milford Avenue. Planning staff certified the request. - Developer representative Charles Landry was present to answer questions; no public comment was offered on these items. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman McComey and passed with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Dexter, Vice President of Civic Leadership Initiatives at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, spoke in support of Plan Baton Rouge 3. He recounted the success of Plan Baton Rouge 1 and 2, citing $3 billion in combined public and private investment over two decades and more than 80% implementation of Plan Baton Rouge 2's 104 proposals. He said Plan Baton Rouge 3 targets more than $1.5 billion in early investment, over 5,000 new jobs, $37 million in additional annual tax revenue, and tripling downtown's residential population over the next decade. He emphasized that the plan was built through surveys, public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder interviews, and urged approval. - Laura Caning, Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications for Visit Baton Rouge, expressed support for the plan on behalf of the parish's destination marketing organization. She praised the riverfront focus and the proposed redevelopment of the Raising Cane's River Center, including an adjacent headquarters hotel and convention center. She noted Baton Rouge is one of the largest U.S. cities without a dedicated convention center with an attached hotel, and that cities such as Savannah, Waco, Rochester, Tulsa, and Mobile are investing in downtown convention centers. She said the plan would improve downtown's overall visitor experience. Discussion Items - Plan Baton Rouge 3 is a small area plan for downtown Baton Rouge's historic core, generally bounded by the Mississippi River on the west; Oklahoma Street, Nicholson Drive, and Myrtle Avenue on the south; the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad Corridor on the east; and Choctaw Drive, adjacent rail spur, and the North Third Street and Elon Street Corridor on the north. Planning staff recommended approval. - Councilwoman Cole spoke in support, saying the plan represents continued momentum, partnership, and investment, and that successful implementation must include all districts. She made the motion to approve; a seconding council member seconded, and the motion carried without opposition. Key Outcomes - Items 2 and 3 were approved together by voice vote with no objections. - Plan Baton Rouge 3 was approved by voice vote with no opposition. - The meeting adjourned after the votes.

The Baton Rouge Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 15, 2026, to consider zoning changes, a comprehensive plan amendment, and conditional use permits. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a student housing development with a road right-of-way reduction, and an accessory dwelling unit conversion. All items were approved. Consent Calendar - Items 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10 (rezoning requests for Nicholson Drive, Corsey Boulevard, Curtis Street, Millerville Road, and South Sherwood Forest Boulevard) were approved as consent items. Items 11 and 12 (Faith Tabernacle of Zachary and Voices of Mercy Outreach Ministries) were deferred to September 21, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received on consent items. During the public hearing for items 5 and 6, applicant Gary Hawkins spoke in favor of his proposed accessory dwelling unit, describing the property's prior blighted condition and the improvements he made. Two messages of opposition were received by the planning commission office but no speakers appeared at the meeting. Discussion Items - Items 2 & 3: FutureBR Transportation Element Amendment and LV Collective Student Housing: The applicant proposed a high-density multifamily residential development with 2,816 square feet of commercial space and a reduction in the right-of-way width on Burbank Drive from 125 feet to no less than 100 feet. Staff recommended approval. The commission approved the items on a motion by Commissioner Maxie, seconded by Commissioner Coleman. - Items 5 & 6: Case 1726 (Rezoning) and Cup 526 (Conditional Use Permit) for 9965 Meadowdale Drive: Applicant Gary Hawkins sought to rezone from single-family residential A1 to A2 and obtain a conditional use permit for an accessory dwelling unit converted from an existing building. Staff noted the rezoning may alter neighborhood character and could not certify it, but certified the CUP if the rezoning passed. The applicant spoke about improving the property. Commissioner Addison moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Batts. Vice Chairman Grout expressed concern about spot zoning but did not object. Commissioner Fowler noted similar developments are common in the area. The motion passed. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: All consent items approved unanimously. - Items 2 & 3: Approved unanimously. - Items 5 & 6: Approved unanimously (with discussion but no recorded opposition). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 20, 2026. - The commission also approved the minutes of the May 18 meeting and recognized employee of the month Jasmine Thomas.

The Metropolitan Council held a regular meeting on June 10, 2026, beginning with presentations recognizing community leaders and a high school valedictorian. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar and then debated two major items: a contract amendment for homeless encampment cleanup and a cooperative endeavor agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a task force focused on violent crime. Following extensive public comment and council discussion, the DHS agreement was approved on a 7-3 roll call vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from May 27, 2026 Metro Council meeting and June 2, 2026 Airport Commission meeting. - Introductions of multiple resolutions and condemnations (items 2-14) were read and moved to committee. - Routine approvals of items 59 (amended contract for community outreach), 60 (janitorial services), 61 (EMS substation design), 63-72 (budget amendments, contracts, and other authorizations), 73-74 (board appointments), 75-78 (change orders and low bids) were passed with little or no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda Martin (via video, owner of Studyville) presented her children's book Henry the Star Spangled Spaniel, recognized by the council for promoting literacy and civic education. - Angel Franklin (valedictorian of Baker High School) was recognized for her academic achievement and announced she will study kinesiology at Southern University. - Marcella Hernandez (licensed social worker) opposed item 62, expressing concerns that the DHS task force could lead to immigration enforcement, erode trust, and divert resources from crime prevention programs. - Reverend Alexis Anderson opposed item 62, citing ongoing fear in immigrant communities and arguing the agreement would harm families. - Christina Casas (community organizer) opposed item 62, emphasizing the need for crime prevention investment rather than federal enforcement. - Rosalie Washington opposed item 62, questioning the source of guns and calling for funding to community organizations. - Sarah Lewis IO (community advocate) asked why the partnership was needed now, noting that existing community programs had been defunded. - Tanya Wolf (advocate for detained immigrants) questioned the distinction between HSI and ICE, raised concerns about collateral arrests, and requested the council read the full agreement. - Salomon Panewa (rescue and recovery volunteer) described loss of trust in law enforcement and urged investment in education and health. - Scott Sonye (Navy veteran) opposed item 62, citing erosion of trust in federal law enforcement. - Amelia Herrera (Afro-Latina community member) shared personal experiences with ICE profiling and opposed the agreement. - Enola Geyer (Freedom Road Socialist Organization) opposed item 62, contrasting the $1.15 million with inadequate compensation to victims of police misconduct. - Milton Mitchell Jr. questioned who benefits from increased policing and civil asset forfeiture. - Roxana Chapa (court interpreter) reported that fear of ICE is causing people to avoid court and report crimes, and opposed item 62. - An email comment in opposition to item 65 (Move BR project) was noted. Discussion Items - Item 59 – Contract Amendment for Community Outreach Coordinator - The mayor's office requested a $35,000 increase (total $70,000) for John T. Kennedy to clean up homeless encampments and address 311 backlogs. - Councilman Hearst questioned duplication with DPW and blight department services. The mayor's office responded that Kennedy works alongside DPW, focuses on areas that DPW cannot due to staffing or hazmat issues, and uses his own vehicle. - After further questioning about legal authority and hazmat certification, the council approved the motion with a second. - Item 62 – Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with DHS Homeland Security Investigations - The agreement would accept $1,157,000 in federal funds to renovate unused space at BRPD headquarters for a task force combining federal, state, and local law enforcement to target violent gun crime, gangs, and drug trafficking. - Chief Murphy emphasized that the task force would not involve ICE or immigration enforcement, and that this merely consolidates existing partnerships under one roof for better coordination. - Public speakers overwhelmingly opposed, arguing that HSI is part of ICE, that the agreement could be expanded, and that it would increase fear and undermine community trust. - Council members debated: some supported the deferral for community dialogue, while others argued that rejecting the grant would push the task force to another agency, removing council oversight. - A substitute motion to approve the item was made and seconded. After a roll call vote, the motion carried 7-3. Key Outcomes - Item 62 approved (7-3 roll call: Goday, Moak, Adams, Noel, Hudson, Amorosa, Coleman voted yes; Hearst, Kenny, Harris voted no). The agreement will move forward to allow use of federal funds for renovations. - Item 59 approved (unanimous voice vote). Contract amendment for homeless encampment cleanup passed. - All other items on the consent and regular agenda were approved by voice vote or without objection. - Appointments: Dr. Deanna Curris Martin was appointed to the Lane Regional Medical Center board; Ali Renhoff Martinez was appointed to the Chaffalaya Trace Commission. - Meeting adjourned after the votes.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council held a regular meeting on May 27, 2026, preceded by a recognition ceremony. The meeting featured presentations from the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, recognitions of community members and organizations, and public hearings on property condemnation and a proposed economic development district. The council voted on numerous items including settlements, budget amendments, and deferrals. Recognitions & Presentations - Public Works Week & Scholarships: Trevor Burrus (APWA Baton Rouge/Louisiana Branch President) recognized Public Works Week and presented scholarships to Braylon Million (Dutch Town High senior, 3.8 GPA, plans to study construction management at ULL) and Christy Carey (city signal technician and civil engineering student at LSU, 3.2 GPA). - New Light Missionary Baptist Church: Councilman Anthony Kenny recognized the church's 131 years of service and 52nd church homecoming. Pastor Gilwright thanked the council. - Coach Bonita Johnson: Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman recognized the University High girls' basketball head coach as Advocate Star Girls Coach of the Year. A parent praised her impact on his daughter. - Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank: Councilman Rowdy Goede introduced new CEO Liz Pfeiffer and Development Director Brian Hightower. They reported a 28% increase in food demand in 2025, distributing nearly 12 million meals (14.3 million pounds). Key statistics: 1 in 4 children in East Baton Rouge Parish are food insecure; 1 in 6 individuals overall; 26,000 neighbor visits per month in the parish. They noted reduced federal support and the impact of SNAP benefit issues. They highlighted a new mobile market and partnerships with OLOL hospital. - District 5 Recognitions: Councilman Darrell Hearst recognized Sergeant Kevin Hawkins (Park Forest Middle School JROTC instructor, community servant), Leslie Hookfin (school board president and recent Southern Law School graduate), and Coach Johnny Duncan (Glen Oaks track coach who brought multiple state championships). The council also heard from the Charles Kelly Center choir who performed two songs. Public Comments & Testimony - Condemnation Item 60 (7272 Burbank Drive): Dr. Byron Jasper, a physician whose clinic is next door, spoke in support of condemnation, describing the property as a dangerous eyesore with a history of SWAT standoffs and inadequate conditions for tenants. Patients George Becknell and Brandon Weber echoed safety concerns. Property owner Brent Honore and investor Burnell Davis opposed condemnation, stating they have plans to renovate the 24-unit condo complex (12 units already renovated) and have a purchase agreement pending. They requested a 60-90 day extension. Council voted to proceed with condemnation (with deferrals for other items) but allowed item 60 to proceed immediately. - Item 77 – Bayou Fountain Economic Development District (EDD): Lisa DePlanchary and other DePlanchier family members (owning 57% of the acreage in the EDD) spoke in opposition, stating they were blindsided, that the EDD was formed without their knowledge, and that developer Charlie Stringfellow had publicly used their land in proposals without consent. Attorney Steve LeJon noted the feasibility study recommended securing land first, which did not happen. Councilwoman Jennifer Raka clarified that the EDD does not take property, only levies sales taxes, and that boundaries can only be amended by ordinance. She moved for a 30-day deferral to allow further discussion. The motion carried. Discussion Items - Item 77 – EDD Debate: Councilwoman Raka defended the EDD process, noting no legal requirement to post signs or notify landowners, and that the project (youth sports complex) had broad community support. She stated the EDD is a tool to fund infrastructure improvements in District 12. The DePlanchier family requested removal from the district. The council deferred the vote for 30 days. - Item 73 – United BR Homeless Encampment Contract: An amendment adding $50,000 for extra police officers to accompany outreach workers when clearing encampments was discussed and approved. - Item 74 – ECO Behavioral Health Coalition Contract: Discussion clarified the removal of rental assistance language from opioid funds; the change was recommended by auditors. - Item 76 – Federal Lobbying Contract with Cornerstone: Councilman Hearst questioned the value, and the mayor's office reported receiving $3 million in federal appropriations (stormwater, crime intelligence, police vehicles) through the contract, justifying the $156,000 annual amount. - Item 79 – Sewer Fee Refund: A refund of $172,075.23 for erroneous billing on an irrigation meter was explained and approved. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Items (2-5): Introductions and minutes approved unanimously. - Condemnations (Items 52-61): Council voted to proceed with items 52, 53, 55, 56, and 60 immediately; defer items 58 and 59 for 30 days; defer items 54 and 57 for 60 days; and defer item 61 until August 12, 2026. Motion carried. - Settlements (Items 62-64): Approved settlements for auto accidents: Crystal Lee ($10,379.51), Troyana Hamilton ($35,000), and Shakita Morgan ($85,127.53). - Item 65 – Pay Plan Amendment: Deleted as unnecessary. - Item 66 – Police Equipment Grant ($27,460): Approved. - Item 67 – Police Vehicle Purchase ($1.7 million): Approved. - Item 69 – HUD Grant ($1 million): Approved. - Item 70 – Demolition Contract Amendment ($6,298.59): Approved. - Item 71 – Set-Free Ministry Contract Extension: Approved (no additional funds). - Item 72 – MOU for HIV/AIDS Housing Assistance ($600,000): Approved. - Item 73 – United BR Contract Amendment ($50,000): Approved. - Item 74 – ECO Behavioral Health Contract Amendment: Approved. - Item 75 – Fire Department RMS Services Contract ($7,400 increase): Approved. - Item 76 – Cornerstone Lobbying Contract ($156,000): Approved. - Item 77 – Bayou Fountain EDD: Deferred 30 days (to second meeting in June). - Item 78 – Lease Agreement: Deleted (previously passed as emergency). - Item 79 – Sewer Fee Refund ($172,075.23): Approved. - Item 80 – Property Maintenance Penalties Increase: Approved. - Items 82-87 – Various contracts for appraisals, debris removal, design services, and engineering (totaling $532,000): Approved. - Item 88 – PILOT for Howell Senior Village: Approved. - Adjudicated Properties (Items 89-107): Approved with deletion of items 95 and 97. - Appointments (Items 108-111): Deferred: IDB appointment (60 days), Board of Appeal (second meeting June), and Commissioner (second meeting June). Item 110 (Baton Rouge Board of Commissioners) approved. - Change Orders & Final Acceptances (Items 112-117): Approved. - Proclamation (Item 118): Approved declaring June 2 as Mississippi River Day. - Item 119 – Retirement System Report: Deferred 30 days pending board meeting. - Emergency Items 120-121: Declared emergencies and approved: AI platform contract ($140,000) and Airport District agreement compliance.

The Baton Rouge Planning and Zoning Commission met on the evening of May 18, 2026, at City Hall, with Chairman Washington presiding and a quorum present. The commission approved prior minutes, acted on a consent agenda, and agreed to reorder its agenda to hear a pulled consent item and a wireless tower application before the Plan Baton Rouge 3 small area plan. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the April 20 meeting were approved by motion of Commissioner Boyd, seconded by Vice Chairman Grout, with no objections. - The commission approved consent items 4, 6, 7, and 8: Item 4 (Beaumont Lane street name change to Eliza Beaumont Lane), Item 6 (Johnny W. and Sabert G. Turner Track flag lot subdivision), Item 7 (Jesse L. Webb property flag lot subdivision), and Item 8 (Jerry B. Noble Track flag lot subdivision). Staff certified all items as consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Unified Development Code. - Item 3 (M CUP 126, a proposed sand and gravel mining operation at 7740 and 9400–9500 Pettit Road) was deferred by the planning director to July 20. - Item 5 (CUP 810, St. Joseph’s Academy) was pulled from the consent agenda because a public speaker card was submitted, and it was heard in regular agenda order. - The remaining consent agenda was approved on a motion by Commissioner Addison, seconded by Commissioner Ellender, with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Atkinson, a resident directly next to St. Joseph’s Academy, opposed CUP 810. He said the parking expansion would push institutional development deeper into the Garden District, add pavement in an area where he has documented flooding and runoff, worsen traffic congestion, and continue the school’s expansion into a residential neighborhood. He argued that alternative parking options exist and asked the commission to reject the proposal. - Michael Grace, an attorney at Taylor Porter, opposed Plan Baton Rouge 3 on behalf of two clients. He stated that Girod REO LLC, owner of a $12 million property north of the Queen Casino, objected to any proposed rezoning of that property for recreational use, and that First Presbyterian Church, which recently purchased a block for millions of dollars between the interstate and the existing church, objected to any proposed rezoning for residential use. Discussion Items - Item 5 – CUP 810, St. Joseph’s Academy Additional Parking (2927 and 3015 Broussard Street): Thomas Taylor of Wright Landscape Architecture, representing St. Joseph’s Academy, presented a plan to connect two existing campus parking lots, remove a disused building, repurpose another building as an office, and add about 28–29 parking spaces. He said the property is already on campus and no zoning change was requested. Staff certified that the request meets the minimum criteria for a conditional use permit. The commission approved the item on a motion by Commissioner Ellender, seconded by Vice Chairman Grout, without objection. - Item 9 – Wireless Tower 226, Verizon Wireless Facility (4354 South Sherwood Forest Boulevard): Chip Lines, representing Verta Wireless/Verizon, proposed a 125-foot wireless communication tower on a 110-foot-wide lot in an area zoned rural but surrounded by commercial uses. The applicant requested waivers from applicable setback requirements; the tower would be about 170 feet from commercial structures to the north and west, and the nearest residence is about 850 feet away. The tower would accommodate Verizon plus up to two additional carriers. No speaker cards opposed the item. The commission approved it on a motion by Commissioner Maxie, seconded by Commissioner Addison. - Item 2 – Plan Amendment 2-26, Plan Baton Rouge 3 Small Area Plan: Eric Dexter of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Joshua Brooks of Sasaki presented the downtown small area plan, covering the area bounded by the Mississippi River, Oklahoma Street, Nicholson Drive/Myrtle Avenue, the Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Railroad corridor, and Choctaw Drive. They described roughly 12 months of engagement with thousands of residents through workshops and surveys, and noted that Plan Baton Rouge 1 and 2 had leveraged about $3 billion in investment. The plan includes six guiding principles, about 80 recommendations, two miles of activated riverfront, 5,000 new residential units, an estimated 7,000 new downtown residents, and about $1.5 billion in early investments, with projections of $10 million in additional sales tax revenue and $27 million in annual property tax revenue. The document length was cited inconsistently: Dexter described it as about 148 pages, while Brooks referred to a 180-page document. After the public hearing, a Sasaki representative said the plan is conceptual, illustrative, and not prescriptive. Director Holcomb clarified that adopting the plan as a small area plan does not change zoning or existing property development rights. Commissioner Boyd asked whether a fallback location exists for the proposed sports and entertainment complex near the casino; Sasaki representatives said they would seek partnership with property owners rather than direct their investments. Commissioner Coleman expressed strong support for the collaborative process, and the commission approved the plan amendment on a motion by Commissioner Coleman, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, without objection. Key Outcomes - Approved the April 20 meeting minutes. - Deferred Item 3 (Pettit Road sand and gravel mining CUP) to July 20. - Approved consent items 4, 6, 7, and 8. - Approved CUP 810 for St. Joseph’s Academy additional parking. - Approved WT 226 for the Verizon wireless facility as requested, with the application including the requested setback waivers. - Approved Plan Baton Rouge 3 as an official small area plan and amended FutureBR to incorporate it. - Director Holcomb announced that staff will review and bring forward Unified Development Code amendments related to data centers in response to a recent Metropolitan Council resolution. - The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2026; the planning office will be closed May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day.

The Baton Rouge Metro Council held a regular meeting on May 13, 2026, preceded by a recognition ceremony. The main agenda item was a proposal to amend the 2026 pay plan for city-parish employees, including constables, public works, and other staff, with an average 3.5% increase and implementation of a market-based pay study. After extensive public testimony and council debate, the measure was approved 10-1, with Councilman Hudson voting against. The council also voted to delete a mowing contract with the state due to a funding deficit, and approved various other items. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from April 22 and April 30, 2026 meetings. - Introductions of items 2-16 (including police vehicle purchases, cooperative endeavor agreements, sewer fee refunds, property maintenance fines, engineering services, tax payments, condemnations, and adjudicated properties) were read and approved. - Items 36-45: Timeframes set for public hearings; items 39, 40, 41 deleted. - Items 47-48: Deleted. - Item 49: Deferred for two weeks. - Item 50: Deleted. - Item 51: Deleted. - Items 52-68: Approved (including airport services, mosquito abatement tax election, data center UDC review, various contracts, settlements, change orders). - Items 69-71: Appointments approved except item 70 (deferred). - Items 72-74: Change orders approved. - Item 76: Landscape maintenance contract approved. - Item 77: Perkins Road overpass contract approved. - Item 78: Emergency lease agreement approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Ben Klein: Expressed support for pay raises but raised concerns about fiscal responsibility and oversight of federal grants, citing a 2024 internal audit and specific projects (Hughes Consultant Group, Housing for Heroes, Healthy City initiative). Urged the city to account for repayment of misspent funds. - Robert Joyner: Supported the pay amendment, noting that current wages ($10.50–$14.75/hr) are below Walmart and Amazon, leading to high turnover and unfilled positions. - Constable's Office Representatives (multiple speakers): Argued that constables are law enforcement performing critical duties (serving warrants, court security, jail transport, fugitive arrests) and deserve equitable pay. Cited low wages, understaffing, and difficulty retaining officers. - Cindy Pennington (Traffic Engineering): Stated traffic engineering employees earn $12/hour, work emergencies (hurricanes, floods, ice storms) without extra pay, and have lost 4 people in two weeks. Urged approval to retain experienced staff. - Trevor Heap (Traffic Engineer): Noted eight engineers have left in his eight years; he is considering leaving due to pay. Supported raises to compete with other departments. - Lloyd Permaul (AFSCME): Argued that the selective approach (police raises approved April 22, others delayed) is unfair. Urged equal treatment for all public servants. - Eugene Smith (DPW): Described the critical role of complaint investigators and noted that maintenance workers earn $10.74/hour. Asked for support. - Deputy Chief Sharon Douglas (BRPD): Stated 73 civilian BRPD employees were not included in police raises; some live in poverty and work multiple jobs. Urged approval. - Sergeant Pat Tozan (Constable's Office): Served 52 years; emphasized constables do law enforcement work and need a raise to stay competitive. - Sergeant Mark Buller (Constable's Office): Detailed duties of jail division, including transport, security, and dispatch. Said the office is understaffed and underpaid. - Dustin Conde (Baton Rouge Union of Police): Read a letter supporting raises for all city employees, calling it a necessary investment. - Jacqueline Lindell Germany (Retired employee): Asked for consideration of retirees and noted that lowest-paid workers need the most help. - Harold Greer (AFSME Local 3030): Urged the council to keep its word and approve raises. - Sergeant Lee (Constable's Office): Asked for raise to improve recruitment and retention. - Captain Brian Furman (Constable's Office): Longest-serving employee (27 years); said low pay forces deputies to work overtime, missing family events. - Judge Ebadman's Phil Alexander (Chief Judge, Baton Rouge City Court): Noted staff has shrunk from 150 to 57; employees work multiple jobs. Urged passage. - Hagar Brown (DPW, 23 years): Said she fears retiring on an unlivable wage; works for the city as a single mother. - Marion Bloom: Criticized lack of funds for youth programs while giving raises to law enforcement; threatened a recall. - Aaron Brent (DPW, age 69): Works three jobs; pleaded for a raise to make city jobs worthwhile. - Byron Davison (DPW): Said surrounding parishes pay more; urged the city to become the top payer in the state. Discussion Items - Item 46 - Pay Plan Amendment: The mayor's office presented the proposal as a market correction based on the 2023 MAG study, moving from 45% to 65% of market value. The average raise is 3.5%, but some employees will get more. Funding comes from freezing approximately 100 vacant funded positions, saving $4.6 million annually, with annual cost of $4.4 million. The mayor emphasized this is a

The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council held a special meeting on April 30, 2026, to consider the appointment of John McClendon as the new parish attorney. The meeting featured public testimony and extensive debate among council members regarding the urgency, process, and potential conflicts of interest. Public Comments & Testimony - The District Attorney spoke in support of John McClendon, citing his professionalism, fairness, and ethical character as both a friend and legal opponent. - Donald Luther, a resident, congratulated the council on the choice, calling McClendon a great member of the community who works hard to improve lives. Discussion Items - Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman strongly opposed the rushed appointment, arguing it bypassed a fair hiring process and created a conflict of interest because McClendon may have represented clients adverse to the city. She questioned the emergency nature, stating that criminal subpoenas do not justify a hasty civil appointment. - Councilwoman Lori Adams, a sponsor of the ordinance, defended the urgency, citing a $22.6 million lawsuit against the council and grand jury subpoenas requiring legal representation for council members. She stated she verified there was no ethical concern before voting. - Councilman Kenny expressed concern about the lack of a formal process and potential inconsistency with future appointments, though he had no issue with McClendon personally. - Councilman Harrison requested a two-week delay to allow other candidates a fair opportunity to present themselves. - Councilman Brandon Noel acknowledged the rushed timeline but stated the urgency of pending litigation outweighed concerns about process. He noted that previous appointments (e.g., Greg Rome) followed a similar informal process. - Councilwoman Rocco criticized the toxic division on the council and stated she gave all candidates council members' contact information, urging them to take responsibility for their own decision-making. - Councilman Hudson supported McClendon based on his qualifications and experience, emphasizing the goal of selecting the best person for the parish. - Councilman Gardeck urged unity and support for the eventual appointee regardless of the vote outcome. - Councilman Moe explained his change of heart from opposing a rush to supporting it after learning of the subpoenas and lawsuit. Key Outcomes - The council voted to approve John McClendon as parish attorney. Roll call vote: 7 yes (Noel, Moe, Adams, Amoresa, Hudson, Rocca, Gardey), 2 no (Coleman, Kenny), 2 absent, 1 abstain. - John McClendon accepted the appointment, stating he is honored and ready to begin work immediately to serve the parish.