Lake Charles City Council Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council met on July 15, 2026, to address multiple agenda items including demolitions, property tax renewals, a new outdoor lighting ordinance, a cooperative endeavor with the sheriff’s office, and amendments to public comment rules. Several items were deferred to future meetings. The meeting began with a presentation honoring a local student.

Presentation

• Councilman Harvey and Councilman Visanat recognized Shelby Jubert, a Barbe High School senior, who was named the National Senior Leadership Ambassador for the National Beta Convention. She and her parents were congratulated by the council.

Discussion Items

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without comment.
• Item 1 – Appointment of Chairman for RFP: An appointment was made to review a request for a proposal for a food, beverage, and recreational establishment on the lakefront. The item was approved.
• Item 8 – Demolition at 1716 22nd Street: The owner, a truck driver, called in from Missouri and agreed to demolition but requested 30–60 days to remove belongings. The council approved the demolition with the requested delay.
• Item 15 – Demolition at 1400 North Shaddock Street: The owner, Pastor Lawrence Nash, had previously requested time after losing a son. No one appeared at the meeting. Councilman Harvey moved to defer the item for 30 days to August 19, 2026, and to send certified mail to the owner. The motion passed.
• Item 16 – Modification of RCIP LDIC Project: A resolution to modify the location and scope of a community resilience hub (purchase of land from the Catholic Church) was deferred to the August 5, 2026 meeting pending an appraisal. Councilman Mark raised concerns about using the same appraiser who appraised a sports complex property. The deferral motion passed 7-0.
• Item 17 – Change Order for Wastewater Treatment Plant: A resolution allowing a greater than 10% change order for the wastewater treatment plant (project CP 3426) was approved after discussion about late change orders. Vote was 7-0.
• Item 18 – Outdoor Lighting Ordinance: An ordinance sponsored by Councilman Visanat was approved to regulate outdoor lighting to reduce light trespass and glare. It limits lights to 10,000 lumens and requires inward/downward direction, with exceptions for emergency services. Modeled after Baton Rouge’s ordinance. Approved 7-0.
• Item 19 – Property Tax Millages for 2026: The council authorized the existing property tax millages (streets, recreation, police salaries) for 2026. The total millage is 14.98 mills, generating approximately $13.6 million annually (13% of general fund revenue). Approved 7-0.
• Item 20 – Cooperative Endeavor with Sheriff’s Office: An ordinance to fund two sheriff’s office positions for the Real Time Crime Center was approved. The city will reimburse the sheriff for two zero-to-three year deputy salaries, and the county will provide 24/7 access. The agreement is for one year, renewable. Approved 7-0.
• Item 21 – Littering Ordinance on Bord du Lac Drive: An ordinance prohibiting littering on Bord du Lac Drive and the lakefront promenade between midnight and 5 a.m. was approved. Council members noted officer discretion and the need to inform the public. Approved 7-0.
• Item 25 – Special Election for Property Tax Renewals: A resolution calling a special election on December 12, 2026, for renewing three property taxes (streets, recreation, police salaries) was approved. The taxes are renewals, not increases; if not passed, they would become new taxes. Council urged early public education. Approved 7-0.
• Item 27 – Rules for Public Comments: Amendments to city council rules regarding public comment were approved. Changes clarify time donation (donor must be present) and allow a two-thirds vote to extend the 12-minute maximum. A display clock was suggested for future. Approved 7-0.
• Item 28 – Claim Settlement (Introduction): An ordinance authorizing settlement of a lawsuit (Nicholas Buck et al. vs. City) was introduced for approval at the August 5 meeting. No discussion.
• Items 22-24 – Resolutions: Items 22 (acceptance of sewer loop project), 23 (acceptance of lakefront parking garage phase 2), and 24 (public hearing on a structure at 740 Cleveland St on September 2, 2026) were approved as a group.
• Deferrals: Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 26 were deferred to August 19; items 9, 12, 13, 14 deferred to August 19; items 10 and 11 were deleted.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on final action items were unanimous (7-0) except where noted as deferred.
• Item 8 (demolition at 1716 22nd St) approved with owner’s request for 30-60 day delay.
• Item 15 (demolition at 1400 N Shaddock) deferred 30 days to August 19, 2026.
• Item 16 (resilience hub land purchase) deferred to August 5, 2026, pending appraisal; council requested a different appraiser than the one used for the sports complex.
• Item 25 (special election) set for December 12, 2026.
• Items 22-24 and 27 approved with no opposition.
• Item 28 introduced; final vote at August 5, 2026 meeting.