East Baton Rouge Metro Council Meeting - April 8, 2026

The Metropolitan Council of East Baton Rouge Parish met on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber, chaired by Councilwoman Laurie Adams (District 11). The meeting opened with recognitions for LSU President Dr. Wade Roos, youth leadership participants, robotics students, track athletes, and meteorologist Demar Singleton. Following the recognitions, the council proceeded with its regular agenda, including numerous introductions, public hearings, appointments, and reports. Key actions included approval of multiple consent items, settlements, contracts, appointments, and an emergency measure, as well as a detailed report on condemned property rescissions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the March 25, 2026 council meeting.
• Introduced items 2 through 13 (ordinances for economic development district, sales tax refund, millage election for mosquito abatement, bond authorizations, EMS pay plan and position amendments, retirement system addition).
• Approved DPW recommendations as amended: proceed with items 30,31,34,35,37,40,42,47,48,49,51,54,56,59,62,63; defer item 38 for two weeks; defer items 57,39,33,43,44 for 30 days; defer items 45,46,58,52,36,41 for 60 days; defer item 50 until July 22, 2026; delete items 53,60,61,32,55.
• Approved settlements: Item 66 (Del Zecchio Banks, total $70,759.45) and Item 67 (Latasha M. Surf, total $47,795.46).
• Approved acceptance of donation ($15,000 for police canine, Item 69) and cooperative endeavor agreement (recovered 2023 Dodge Charger valued at $52,000, Item 70).
• Approved supplemental agreement ($5,000 for fire department SARS building design, Item 71).
• Approved engineering services contract ($2,032,820 for street and road rehabilitation inspection, Item 72).
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with LA Department of Health (up to $136 million for local provider participation program, Item 73).
• Approved grant acceptance ($50,000 from LA Supreme Court for city court technology, Item 74).
• Approved rescission of notice (condemned property sold and demolished, Item 75).
• Approved appointments: Patrick Goldsmith to Capital Area Finance Authority (Item 78); Dolores Watts to Library Board of Control (Item 79); George Dean and Lewis Kelly Jr. to Fire District 3 (Items 80-81); Michael Williston to Fire District 4 Central (Item 82); Sharon Graves and Richard Fort to Fire District 6 (Items 83-84).
• Approved change orders (Items 85-87): pest control ($84,387.26), registrar of voters tenant build-out ($34,664), McHugh Road improvements ($31,093.62). Item 85 was initially approved with one objection but later reconsidered and re-approved after clarification.
• Approved low bid for U.S. 61/Scenic Highway/Harding Boulevard project ($4,072,836.15 to Hard Rock Construction, Item 88).

Public Comments & Testimony

The council received one emailed comment supporting Item 69 (police canine donation) and one emailed comment opposing Item 85 (pest control change order). No members of the public appeared to speak during public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Condemned Property Rescission Report (Item 89): Rachel Lambert of the Development Department presented a report on 67 rescissions granted in 2024-2025 across eight districts. Roughly 40% had favorable outcomes (remodeled, under renovation, or demolished by owner); 48% showed no improvements; 9 properties were re-condemned. The report prompted discussion about the rescission process, timelines, resources for owners, and potential process improvements. Council members suggested better communication of available housing funding and workshops.
• Emergency Measure – Las Brujas Coffee and Grocery (Item 90): Councilwoman Coleman introduced an emergency item to waive distance requirements for an alcohol beverage permit at 3101 Government Street. The business opened March 22, 2026. After declaring an emergency (2/3 vote, 8 in favor), the council approved the waiver.
• Administrative Matter B (Retention of Parish Attorney Greg Rome): A motion to waive the rules to hear a resolution requesting Greg Rome reconsider his retirement failed due to an objection from Councilman Moak, so the matter was not considered.

Key Outcomes

• Votes and Decisions (all unanimous unless noted):
  • Consent calendar as listed above.
  • Deferred Item 64 (Paula Williams settlement) for 30 days.
  • Deleted Item 65 (Shawana Duncan settlement) with Councilwoman Rocca abstaining.
  • Deleted Item 68 (purchasing director agreement).
  • Deferred Items 76 and 77 (parish attorney position adjustments) for two weeks.
  • Waived rules and introduced Administrative Item A (flood control program pre-application).
  • Declared emergency and adopted Item 90 (2/3 vote, 8 in favor).
• Reconsideration: Councilwoman Coleman moved to reconsider Item 85 after initial approval; after discussion, the change order was re-approved.
• Future Actions: The council will explore workshops and town halls on blight and housing resources. Councilwoman Harris announced “Paddling for Peace” on April 17 at 6 PM at Shopper's Value.