Baton Rouge Metro Council Recognition and Regular Meeting – March 25, 2026

The Metropolitan Council of East Baton Rouge Parish held a recognition ceremony in the afternoon honoring community members and organizations, followed by a regular council session at 4:00 PM. The regular meeting approved amendments to the drag racing ordinance, several contracts and land sales, and adjusted pay plans, while deferring a settlement due to low reserves.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: February 25, 2026, March 11, 2026, and March 18, 2026 council meetings.
• Introductions: All items introduced except Item 11 (deleted); public hearing for Item 4 changed from April 8 to April 22, 2026.
• Condemnations: Items 58, 60, 62–64, 70–72 to proceed; 30-day deferrals for Items 67–69; 60-day deferral for Item 61; 90-day deferrals for Items 59, 65, 66, 73, 74; Item 57 deleted.
• Routine Approvals: Items 75–82, 84 (motion to delete passed), 86–91, change orders (Items 144–148), low bids (Items 149–150), and emergency items (151–152) approved without opposition.
• Administrative Matters: Two items failed to be introduced due to an objection to the waiver of rules.

Public Comments & Testimony

• One email comment was received opposing Item 77 (contract with Franklin Associates). A representative explained the contract involves reapplying a $3 million state grant for alternative projects. No other public testimony was presented.

Discussion Items

• Item 83 – Drag Racing Ordinance Amendments: Councilman Goday outlined four amendments: expanding the definition of spectator to include those who promote events via social media; creating a dedicated fund for fines to support law enforcement; aligning the impound period with state law (up to 30 days); and penalizing private property owners who knowingly allow stunt driving. Councilman Dunn Jr. expressed concerns about penalizing innocent bystanders caught in traffic. Councilman Hearst questioned redirecting general fund fines to a police fund given budget deficits. Deputy Chief Noel detailed enforcement costs. After debate, the ordinance passed (motion by Hudson, second by Goday).
• Item 85 – Settlement Authorization: Councilwoman Racca deferred the item for two weeks because the appropriating language would force withdrawal from low reserves. Finance Director Angie confirmed that reserves are at a concerning level, and each settlement must be assessed.
• Item 86 – DOTD Agreement: Councilman Dunn Jr. inquired about community connections (bike paths, sidewalks). Fred from Transportation and Drainage confirmed the state will pay for improvements, with city responsible for future maintenance. Approved.
• Item 87 – MoveBR Capacity Project: Fred explained the design study for South Flannery Road from Goodwood to Florida, including sidewalks and drainage. Approved.
• Item 89 – Head Start Position Classification: Councilman Kenny asked for clarification. Head Start administration requested changing the position from unclassified (at-will) to classified (civil service protected) to improve recruitment and align with policy council wishes. Approved.
• Adjudicated Properties (Items 92–137): Items 97, 103, 105, 106 deleted; Items 96, 116, 117 deferred for 30 days; others approved.
• Appointments: Housing Authority of East Baton Rouge – Shalinda Lynn Ferris reappointed. Volunteer Fire Department (Allison St. Armalee) – Oliver Batisse replaced by Bertha Miles; Brenda Cheney replaced by Eula Coates; Claude Douglas replaced by Brenda Sullivan; Elmo Morgan reappointed; Evan Stasia replaced by Kendall Coleman.

Key Outcomes

• Drag Racing Ordinance (Item 83) passed – Expands penalties for spectators, creates a dedicated law enforcement fund, allows impound up to 30 days (aligned with state law), and penalizes private property owners who knowingly permit events.
• Settlement (Item 85) deferred two weeks – To evaluate impact on reserves.
• Reconsiderations: Item 72 deferred 30 days; Items 52 and 55 deleted.
• Recognitions during ceremony: Women's History Month honors to Cynthia Owens Green, Kathy Littles, and others; Southern University Laboratory School boys basketball state champions; Mama Seabell Day proclaimed; welcome to recording artist Tussie; recognition of Therese Trusclair and Dream Day Foundation (declared March 11 as Dream Day Foundation Day).