Lake Charles City Council Meeting - December 3, 2025

The Lake Charles City Council convened to address public safety infrastructure, zoning amendments for business districts, demolition of severe property damage, and multiple public works procurement bids. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to debating the necessity and scope of private security contracts for City Hall and the transit center, resulting in a motion to restrict the contract scope and defer final approval pending further clarification. The meeting also included updates on short-term rental zoning and appointments to the Convention Visitors Bureau board.

Consent Calendar

• Appointed a chairman to review bids for Project CP 3414 (Southwest Water Treatment Plant Backup Power Improvements).
• Appointed a chairman to review bids for Project CP 9778 (L C E C A D railing and seating) and amend the budget as necessary.
• Accepted the lowest responsible bid for a new rear-load refuse truck from Martin Truck ($256,624).
• Accepted the lowest responsible bid for an eight-yard dump truck from Martin Truck ($121,240), following an amendment to specify the vehicle type.
• Accepted the only bid received for a four-wheel sweeper from Utility Truck and Equipment Company ($378,000).
• Accepted bids for traffic control products under a 12-month contract (renewable for 12 months) from Vulcan Incorporated, Trantex Transportation, and Newman Signs.
• Accepted the settlement of the claim Hames vs. Union Carbide Corporation et al. (Docket 2024-4641).
• Appointed a member to the Southwest Zena Convention Visitor's Bureau Board (see Public Comments section).
• Accepted Project CP 2881 (10 Pin Alley Phase Two) as substantially complete and authorized the 45-day lien period.
• Authorized advertising for sealed bids for Project DR010 (New Fire Training Facility).
• Authorized advertising for sealed bids for Project LC R401 (Lock Park Inclusive Playground).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Earl Joseph Banks Jr. testified regarding the demolition of a structure at 1901 7th Street, describing the property as having a collapsed roof, collapsed walls, and severe interior, window, and weather damage. He offered photographic evidence and proof of service to the Department of Security. Position: Expressed full support for the demolition ordinance.
• James Anderson identified the structure at 1901 7th Street as his mother's home, damaged during a storm. He stated he could not afford to fix it and requested the city demolish it and place it on a payment plan. Position: Expressed support for demolition and asked for a repayment arrangement.
• Cullen Washington appeared to contest the Nelly Lutcher District Overlay Standards regarding the installation of horizontal versus vertical Hardi board on his radio station facade. He argued the material is the same regardless of orientation and inquired about variances, noting he installed it vertically based on prior interactions. Position: Expressed strong opposition to the strict horizontal design requirement and requested a variance, arguing the rule change is unfair because it appeared on a previous docket item.
• Pastor Lewis Gillary spoke in support of Hardi Plank's durability against hurricanes but acknowledged the city's need for specific design standards (horizontal with a six-inch drop) for the overlay district. Position: Expressed support for the addition of Hardi Plank materials but accepted the requirement for horizontal installation to maintain aesthetic standards.
• Miles Brown expressed concern regarding a proposed contract with Allied Universal for security services. He highlighted the limitations of current guards, the potential for liability if rights are violated, and the financial risks to the city. *Position: Expressed conditional support for improved security but strong concern regarding the scope of enforcement, liability, and the need for strict accountability and training before contract approval.

Discussion Items

• Demolition of 1901 7th Street: The Council reviewed evidence of severe structural damage and voted to approve the demolition ordinance. All members noted the agreement that the property is a hazard.
• Nelly Lutcher District Zoning Amendment: Council members discussed amending zoning standards to include stucco and Hardi board (Hardy board) on front facades. Cullen Washington raised objections regarding the mandatory horizontal orientation and six-inch reveal. Councilman Fundale and Mayor Bigueras clarified the amendment was added specifically to address concerns like Washington's, but maintained that once a standard is established, all buildings must comply. A suggestion was made to apply stucco paint to the existing vertical Hardi board to meet the aesthetic criteria, though the city inspector noted the ordinance currently mandates horizontal placement for Hardi board specifically.
• Allied Universal Security Contract:
  • Mayor Bigueras explained the current gap in security coverage for the Finance, HR, and Mayor's offices, citing assault risks at the Transit Center and the high cost ($60/hour) and unavailability of reserve marshals, as well as the understaffed nature of the Lake Charles Police Department (23 officers short).
  • Councilman Harvey expressed a preference for utilizing in-house Lake Charles Police Department personnel rather than hiring an external middleman, arguing the city should assign qualified internal staff despite recruitment shortages.
  • Councilman Visnos and others raised concerns about the definition of "post-certified" guards, rules of engagement, liability, and the potential for these guards to be tested by activists. They requested clarification on training and insurance coverage.
  • Councilman Young proposed an amendment to omit the "downtown lakefront" from the contract scope to reduce costs and focus strictly on the high-risk areas of City Hall and the Transit Center.
  • Councilman Billboard and others supported the amendment and a motion to defer final approval for two weeks to allow for questions regarding the security company's qualifications and insurance.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition Ordinance (1901 7th St): Passed 7-0. The Council voted to demolish the structure and authorize the agreement for the demolition.
• Nelly Lutcher Zoning Amendment: Passed 7-0. The Council approved the amendment to add stucco and Hardi board (with a specific six-inch reveal on horizontal bases) to the allowable facade materials in the district.
• Public Works Bids:
  • Reject and rebid for the three-wheel sweeper (no bids received).
  • Accepted bids for: Rear-load refuse truck, eight-yard dump truck, and four-wheel sweeper.
  • Accepted multi-category bid for traffic control products.
• Security Contract (Allied Universal):
  • Amendment Passed 6-1: The contract was amended to provide security only for City Hall and the Transit Center, omitting the downtown/lakefront areas.
  • Deferral Motion Passed 7-0: Final approval of the contract was deferred for two weeks to allow the Council to review training protocols and insurance details for the "post-certified" guards.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Passed 7-0. Short-term rentals are removed from permitted use in residential/neighborhood districts and must now undergo a conditional use process.
• Convention Bureau Appointment: Tiffany Celestine was selected to fill the expiring term on the Southwest Zena Convention Visitors Bureau Board (4 votes for Celestine; no votes for Savary or Xavier in the final tally due to procedural clarification).
• Public Hearing Scheduling: A date was set for a public hearing regarding the major conditional use permit for the runway manufacturing facility at 2925 Industrial Avenue.
• Budget Amendment: The meeting included a budget amendment for the Allied Universal professional services agreement, subject to the two-week deferral.