Lake Charles City Council Meeting - March 4, 2026

A regular meeting of the Lake Charles City Council was held on March 4, 2026, beginning with a prayer led by Councilman Fundale and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Visena. Roll call showed all seven council members present: Mr. Philbo (Bilbo), Mr. Young, Mr. Har, Mr. Marks, Mr. Vizeno (Visena), Mr. Fondale (Fundale), and Mr. Weatherford. The meeting lasted approximately 17 minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved with a 6-4 vote.
• Item number five (not specified in transcript) was deferred to March 18, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Miles Brown (10204th Avenue) spoke during the public hearing on the settlement of claim (item 7). He expressed concern that the settlement amount was not disclosed publicly and questioned why the city would settle a case involving alleged excessive force without a reprimand of the officer. He noted he watches body camera footage and said 90% of interactions are positive, but this case was disturbing. He urged the council to update policies to prevent recurrence. He did not oppose the settlement itself.

Discussion Items

• Points of Privilege – Councilman Visena recognized the Lake Charles Police Department, Fire Department, and Entergy for their rapid response to a fire on Big Lake Road earlier that week. He noted power was restored in under two hours, preventing a potential catastrophe. Councilman Bilbo introduced Mr. William Chadwick of JRE Brokerage, who is involved in leasing several commercial properties (former Hobby Lobby, Conn’s, Logan’s). Mr. Chadwick described the city’s proactive outreach as rare and beneficial for attracting retailers. He reported that several properties are receiving interest and news may be forthcoming in weeks.
• Appointment of Chairmen to Review Bids – The council appointed chairmen for various projects:
  • Three-wheel sweeper for Public Works (streets division): Councilman Bilbo
  • Lock Park Inclusive Playground (project LCR 401): Councilman Young
  • Millennium Park Fall Surface Replacement (project CP 3140): Councilman Young
  • Public Works New Facility Phase Two (project DR002): Councilman Marks Each appointment also authorized budget amendments as necessary.
• Public Hearing on Demolition – 521 Kingsley Street. Mr. Hester presented that the residential structure suffered hurricane damage (roof, exterior walls, open windows). The property was owned by multiple parties (Letitia Michelle Funtnow, et al.) and had been continued from February 18 for proper notice. No owners or opposition appeared. The council voted 6-4 to proceed with normal delays for demolition.
• Settlement of Claim – Ordinance authorizing settlement in the case of Ronald C. Reshard vs. City of Lake Charles and Michael Cartwright (14th Judicial District Court, Docket 20025-58A). The settlement amount was not disclosed in open session. After public comment, the council voted 6-4 to adopt the ordinance.
• Resolutions for Condemnation Hearings – Resolutions 8 through 17 were adopted by consent, setting public hearings for April 15, 2026, on structures located at: 2217 Broad Street, 902 Camellia Street (garage only), 1729 Broadmore Drive, 3704 Brentwood Drive, 2725 Louisiana Avenue, 704 11th Street, 1201 13th Street, 2110 Railroad Avenue, 2107 Clarinda Street, and 2105 Clorinda Street.
• Introduction of Ordinances by Consent – The following ordinances were introduced and will be read into the record the next day at 1:00 p.m. in city chambers.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes (6-4).
• Deferred item 5 to March 18, 2026.
• Appointed chairmen for bid reviews on four projects.
• Voted 6-4 to proceed with demolition of 521 Kingsley Street.
• Voted 6-4 to authorize settlement of claim (amount not disclosed).
• Adopted resolutions 8-17 by consent, setting condemnation hearings for April 15, 2026.
• Introduced ordinances by consent for second reading.