Metropolitan Council Meeting and Recognition Ceremony - May 27, 2026

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.