Lake Charles City Council Meeting Summary - November 25, 2025

The City Council of Lake Charles convened for a regular meeting to address public health awareness, approve routine ordinances, discuss significant infrastructure funding issues, and respond to constituent concerns regarding safety, annexation, and neighborhood conditions. The meeting featured a presentation on lung cancer screening rates, followed by executive discussions on the demolition of the Place Vendome property and the status of flood control projects.

Consent Calendar

• Appointed chairman to review bids for Sewer Rehabilitation (CP 3237), Southwest WTP Backup Power (CP 3414), and LCEC ADA railing/seating (CP 9778).
• Authorized the demolition of structures at 1901 7th Street and amended the budget as necessary.
• Amended zoning ordinance standards for the Nelly Lecture District Overlay.
• Accepted lowest responsible bids to purchase a new rear-load refuse truck, three-wheel sweeper, six-yard dump truck, and four-wheel sweeper for the Public Works Department.
• Authorized a 12-month contract (renewable for 12 months) for traffic control products.
• Authorized a professional services agreement with Allied Universal for security coverage at City Hall, the Transit Division Building, and the Downtown Lakefront.
• Approved the settlement of the claim SMS versus Union Carbide Corporation et al. (Docket 2024-4641) and authorized an executive session to discuss the matter.
• Amended Section 12-53 regarding permanent uses.
• Appointed a member to the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau Board.
• Accepted project CP 2881 (10 Pen Alley, Phase 2) as substantially complete.
• Set a public hearing for a major conditional use permit request regarding a runway matting manufacturing facility at 2925 Industrial Avenue.
• Authorized advertising for sealed bids for a new fire training facility (DR010) and Lock Park Inclusive Playground (LCR 401).
• Introduced ordinances to amend variances limitations, accept bids for CP 9778, accept bids for Murphil Drive drainage (CP 3224), and renew the joint animal control agreement with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Selena Monsagani (University of Holy Cross student, American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative): Expressed full support for increasing lung cancer awareness and screening rates in Lake Charles. She stated that only 2% of high-risk individuals in Louisiana are currently screened, significantly lower than the national average, and urged the council to partner in creating public service announcements.
• Mr. Bilbo: Inquired about the flooding on Sixth Avenue near the Capstone at the Oaks apartment complex, expressing concern that a drainage project was delayed.
• Mr. Bill: Asked about the annexation process for properties on Carbino Road and areas southeast of Lake Charles, specifically seeking clarity on the steps required to initiate annexation for areas like the Tank Farm and Watercrest II.
• Councilman Funds: Thanked the Mayor and Recreation Department for the new Team Center at Macmillan Park and inquired about the timing of hot dog events.
• Councilman Vizano: Requested an official update on the erosion and collapsing ditch on West MacNeese and Weaver Road, expressing concern that the issue was worsening and affecting school principals' concerns.
• Councilman Harvey (District A): Requested a SWOT analysis of the Downtown Development Authority's (DDA) performance over the last three years. He also expressed strong concern about the safety of children at the Gosport pool regarding the low height of the fence, prioritizing it as a safety hazard over budget constraints. He requested a traffic study at Reed and Kirby streets following a tragic incident where residents lost two pets. He urged for a community meeting update on ditch projects in District A and requested clarification on the Enterprise Extension timeline and the dumping of debris along Railroad Avenue.
• Mr. Marks: Questioned the criteria for DDA board appointments, noting a lack of District A residents on the board. He advocated for expanding the definition of "downtown" to include the I-10 corridor and Net Luchiculture. He requested data on sales tax generation by district.
• Mr. Marks: Highlighted the inability to effectively manage a tenant running a chop shop at Mr. Lloyd's property, noting the property owner's failure to pay fines and the ongoing frustration of neighbors.
• Carrie Withers: Expressed concern that a zoning permit appeal notification sign has not yet been placed in her neighborhood as legally required.
• Darrell Robinson: Reported missing streetlights on Monroe Street (south side) and requested immediate repair.
• Kevin Franklin: Expressed strong concern regarding increased criminal activity, panhandling, and vandalism (breaking into houses) by individuals in the area around Monroe, Roosevelt, and Fifth Avenue, citing a recent shooting and the presence of homeless individuals loitering near the Walmart gas station.
• Louella Franklin: Echoed Kevin Franklin's concerns, stating that residents are being targeted by thieves during the day while working out.
• Tammy Palmer Edwards: Advocated strongly for a traffic study and a stop sign at the intersection of Reed and Kirby streets after her dog was killed by a speeding car; she expressed support for the initiative to improve safety for children and pets in the downtown area.

Discussion Items

• Ditch and Drainage Funding: Councilman Bilbo questioned the delay of the drainage project at Sixth Avenue/Capstone. Mr. Herman reported that state funding from the Louisiana Watershed Initiative was pulled due to project overages in Plaquemines Parish, leaving the city without funds for the estimated $6 million project. The council discussed the need for engineering packages but acknowledged the current lack of immediate resources.
• Annexation Process Council: Council members discussed annexation procedures, noting that the process differs for areas with registered voters versus those without, and that water/sewer services may not be immediately available upon annexation. Councilman Marks clarified that the DDA board appointments prioritize business owners in the district, though not necessarily current residents, and the Mayor confirmed an intent to expand the downtown district definition to include the I-10 corridor.
• Pool Fence and Safety: Councilman Harvey emphasized that the low fence at Gosport pool is a safety hazard for children, noting it is lower than fences at other pools. The administration confirmed the fence meets current standards due to value engineering but acknowledged funding constraints. Councilman Marks suggested seeking "Lake Charles Rebound" funds for the fencing issue.
• Traffic Study (Reed and Kirby): Councilman Harvey and Ms. Edwards discussed the tragic loss of pets at the Reed and Kirby intersection. The Mayor confirmed a request for a traffic study, expected to take a few weeks to complete.
• Place Vendome Demolition: Legal and administrative staff discussed the complexity of demolishing the Place Vendome property. It was determined that while some buildings were condemned, others were not, requiring a separate ordinance for their removal. The council authorized the demolition of the condemned buildings immediately while legal vetting occurs for the remainder.
• Chop Shop and Illegal Activity: Councilman Marks raised the issue of the unauthorized chop shop at a property owned by Mr. Lloyd. The administration noted that the property owner has not paid fines and that the tenant is the primary actor. Legal options, including injunctions, are being considered, though enforcement is difficult without criminal charges.
• Ditch Closure and Education: Councilman Marks suggested that covering ditches can cause flooding in flat areas and advocated for a comprehensive study and public education campaign to explain the necessity of keeping certain ditches open for retention.

Key Outcomes

• Project Funding Cut: The Sixth Avenue drainage project was confirmed as unfunded due to the withdrawal of state Watershed Initiative funds; the city will proceed with engineering but lacks immediate capital.
• Demolition Authorization: The Council approved the demolition of the specific buildings currently under condemnation order at Place Vendome, with a separate ordinance to follow for the remaining structures.
• Traffic Study Initiated: A traffic study for the Reed and Kirby intersection was accepted as a priority action item for the administration.
• Streetlight Repair: Councilman Bilbo committed to addressing the streetlight repair on Monroe Street.
• Neighborhood Patrol: Chief Kirk agreed to review the possibility of increasing neighborhood patrols in the Monroe/Roosevelt area and requested contact information from concerned residents.
• Tree Removal: The administration agreed to coordinate with Entergy to trim trees obstructing lighting on Monroe Street.
• Ditch Education: The council agreed to drill down on the Brick study findings and develop a Public Service Announcement to educate constituents on the function of ditches versus the desire to cover them.
• Sales Tax Data: Legal counsel declined providing taxpayer-specific sales tax data by district due to state confidentiality laws, though general business data by taxpayer name was deemed possible.