Lake Charles City Council Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council met on March 10, 2026, to consider a range of routine and substantive items, including demolition orders, public works contracts, pay increases for city employees, and ongoing discussions about homelessness, property standards, and major capital projects. The meeting included public comments and extensive councilmember reports and deliberations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved multiple demolition orders for properties at 1621 2nd Avenue, 711 Fall Street, 2201 Highway 171, 1400 North Shaddock Street, 18th Street, 1505 McNabb Street, 411 Galpe Drive, and 317 South Louisiana Avenue (front house only).
• Approved ordinances for final action: purchase of a new three-wheel sweeper for Public Works; Lock Park Inclusive Playground (project LCR 401); Millennium Park Fall Service Replacement (project CP 3140); Public Works New Facility Phase 2 (project DR002); and removal of a yield sign and installation of a stop sign at Center Street and Sycamore Street to create a three-way stop.
• Approved resolutions: setting a public hearing date for a special exception request at 4820 Nelson Road; authorizing advertisement for bids for wastewater treatment plant sewer rehabilitation (project CP 3520); and authorizing advertisement for bids to purchase bus stop signage.

Introductions (First Readings)

• Ordinance modifying Chapter 21-2B to adopt a water rate structure based on the 2025 water rate study.
• Ordinance authorizing pay increases for three Marshals Office employees and adjusting the pay plan.
• Ordinance authorizing pay increases for Lake Charles City Court employees.
• Ordinance authorizing pay increases for career service, non-career, part-time, and temporary employees.
• Ordinance authorizing pay increases for civil service employees in the Fire Department.
• Ordinance authorizing pay increases for civil service employees in the Police Department.
• Ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Moffat & Nickel.
• Ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Providence Engineering.
• Ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Spell Structural Consulting LLC.
• Ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Lawsaw Engineers Inc.
• Ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Elos Environmental.
• Ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Blue Wing Civil Consulting LLC.
• Companion ordinances for items 32 and 33.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Miles Brown (020 Fourth Avenue): Acknowledged improvements in the city's public records response over the past month and a half, noting timely acknowledgments and corrected records. Expressed concern about the timeline for the Capital One project (sports complex) and asked whether the council had received documentation on Enterprise Boulevard funding over 20 years (response: not yet, due to staff workload). Commented on homelessness, stating it is a persistent problem but observed that certain areas (south of Prien Lake Road and west of Ryan Street) have fewer panhandling and squatting issues.
• Andrew Smith (4121 West Javon Lane): Raised the homeless encampment on Kirkman Street, noting that despite reporting to Councilman Fondale and property standards, the encampment remains. Referenced pending federal bills (House Bill 619 and Senate Bill 196) that would ban homeless encampments. Asked what ordinances are in place. Chief responded that vagrancy and panhandling ordinances exist but enforcement is challenging due to lack of shelter space. Mr. Smith also reported that a real estate agent found a burned house occupied by homeless individuals making meth, and that they were arrested but later returned. He offered to meet with the mayor to discuss ideas.
• Yolanda Beasley (2525 17th Street, President of O Park Neighborhood Watch): Repeated concerns about Miami Tire on Highway 14, noting that a year after requesting a fence, it still has not been installed and trash is accumulating. Also raised issues with the old Kroger parking lot on Highway 14 where people sell food, washing powder, and operate food trucks without permits. She requested enforcement. The city noted that the tire shop has been to administrative hearings and will be followed up; the Kroger lot is under redevelopment and the city will contact the property owner about unauthorized activities.

Discussion Items

• Councilman Belboat (District C):
  • Requested exploration of annexing areas south of Morganville and southeast to increase population and attract businesses.
  • Reported unauthorized use of the old Kroger parking lot (Highway 14) for barbecues and vending on weekends; asked for enforcement of trespassing ordinances. The Mayor noted the site is undergoing zoning review for redevelopment.
  • Raised continued issues with Miami Tire (tire shop) regarding blight, lack of fence, and tires spilling into neighborhoods. The city stated the shop was mandated to put up a fence but has not complied; they will follow up and enforce fines.
  • Expressed concerns about crime in the “flower streets” area (Rose Tulip, etc.), noting that seniors are afraid to leave their homes. He called for holding landlords accountable for problem tenants, possibly through an occupational license requirement for landlords with multiple properties. Deputy Chief Godey suggested organizing neighborhood watch groups and working with Neighborhood Patrol Officers (NPOs). The council discussed the possibility of amending ordinances to increase fines on landlords.
  • Reported a tire shop at the corner of Prien and Lake (five-way at 14) with excessive tires; asked for stronger enforcement.
  • Requested installation of speed humps or rumble strips near T.H. Watkins and O Park Elementary schools, as many young children are walking home and drivers speed through stop signs.
• Councilman Fondale:
  • Highlighted a large homeless encampment on Kirkman Street (DOTD property) and called for quicker removal. The city’s Property Standards Director (Ms. Paula) explained that DOTD has new protocols to clear encampments and overgrowth, but they are waiting on feedback from social services. She also clarified the city’s process: police give a deadline for removal, then the city cleans up, but people often return.
  • Stated that homelessness is a citywide issue and urged the council to start addressing it collectively, noting the lack of a homeless shelter. The Mayor mentioned that the city is working with Catholic Charities and other groups, and that a group of pastors may be willing to help.
• Councilman Young:
  • Congratulated Fire Chief Carter on being appointed to the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana Board, noting it is a big win for Lake Charles.
• Councilman Marks:
  • Raised multiple property standards complaints: a tire shop at Warren and Prien Lake Road turning into a junkyard; inoperable vehicles in alleys in O Park area; specific addresses with overgrowth and junk (2806 Warren, 1204 18th, corner of 21st and 4th).
  • Questioned the city’s funding process: whether any money comes to the city that is not reimbursed and whether the council has oversight of all spending. The administration confirmed that almost all federal/state grants are reimbursement-based, and the council must approve initial expenditures.
  • Asked for documentation of the site approval for the sports complex (moved from Fitzer Rider to the lakefront). The Mayor stated that OCD has approved the site verbally but will issue a formal letter only as part of a total authorization package. Councilman Marks expressed frustration that no written confirmation has been received after three months.
  • Inquired about a cooperative endeavor agreement with Lake Charles North (approved three months ago). The administration reported that the agreement was sent to the attorney, who responded with minor changes, and it will be signed soon.
  • Raised concerns about the amphitheater project: stated that the council has not voted on the location (Civic Center site) and that the previous council’s vote for Lake Charles Rebound did not specify the site. He argued that $20 million should be invested only after the council discusses location and revenue potential. The Mayor and Mr. Cardone clarified that discussions are ongoing and no final decisions have been made; they are meeting with all council members. Councilman Marks also noted that the Enterprise Boulevard project was listed as a priority in the bond covenant and asked if it will be completed with available funds. The administration stated that they intend to complete it in phases as additional funds become available.
  • Asked about the Gospel Center project: the city is exploring concept drawings for redeveloping the park, using some COVID funds moved from JD Clifton. Councilman Marks cautioned against moving money away from Railroad Avenue improvements, noting that property values there are rising but streets are dilapidated.
• Councilman Harvey (not present during discussion, but mentioned in the context of Enterprise Boulevard and Gospel Center).

Key Outcomes

• The council directed staff to investigate annexation possibilities for areas south of Morganville and to report back.
• Staff will follow up on enforcement at the old Kroger lot, Miami Tire, and other property standards complaints, including issuing citations and sending repeat violators to administrative hearings.
• The council will explore amending ordinances to increase penalties on landlords for repeated nuisance properties.
• The city will work with school officials and the Metropolitan Planning Organization to study speed humps near T.H. Watkins and O Park Elementary schools.
• The council will engage with community groups and the parish to address homelessness, including potential collaboration with pastors and Catholic Charities.
• The administration will continue meeting with council members to finalize the Lake Charles Rebound project list, including the amphitheater location and Enterprise Boulevard phasing.
• The cooperative endeavor agreement with Lake Charles North is expected to be signed after minor revisions.
• The council will receive a tutorial on the Lake Charles Rebound covenant to clarify project priorities.
• The public comment period closed with no further business; the meeting adjourned.