OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Regular Meeting of the Lake Charles City Council – August 19, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, August 19, 2026
BodyLake Charles, Louisiana
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, August 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 54:51

Transcript — Verbatim
0:32

Oh, you're right.

0:35

Okay, so on this one, I'll say they have requested these.

0:42

Calling our um regular August 19th meeting to order.

0:57

Oh, Heavenly Father, want to thank you for another day, Lord.

1:00

Pray and ask that you strengthen us and guide us.

1:02

Never let us be weary and well doing, Lord.

1:05

Pray and ask that you touch every family representative today, the administration, the my fellow colleagues, Lord.

1:11

Bless this meeting that it may be productive and fruitful.

1:13

In Jesus Christ's name we pray.

1:14

Amen.

1:17

I pledge allegiance to the flag in the United States of America.

1:31

All right, let's go ahead and you do our roll call and then I'm gonna is Chief Carter here.

1:36

Okay.

1:37

Call him up.

1:38

Uh we're gonna be making a presentation.

1:40

Let's go ahead and um do our roll call first.

1:45

Roll call first, and then we're gonna do the presentation with Chief Carter.

1:49

Here.

1:50

Mr.

1:50

Young.

1:51

Here.

1:51

Mr.

1:51

Harvey.

1:52

Here.

1:52

Mr.

1:53

Weather.

1:53

Here.

1:53

Mr.

1:54

Vizeno.

1:55

Here.

1:55

Mr.

1:55

Fondell.

1:56

Here.

1:56

And Mr.

1:57

Mark.

1:57

Here.

1:58

We have the call.

1:59

Thank you.

2:01

Chief Carter.

2:07

Good evening.

2:09

I'm Chief Carter, Fire Chief Lake Charles Fire Department.

2:14

It was it is my honor to uh submit this recommendation for honors and commendations for Lake Charles Fire Department personnel as written in this report.

2:26

At 093, the LCFD communications divisions received the report of a structure fire at 7 Eleven Fox Run Drive.

2:37

While companies were en route, communications advised that a possible victim remained inside and could not escape because of the fire conditions.

2:46

Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy fire conditions in a multifamily dwelling and with fire already extending towards an adjacent multifamily dwelling on the Bravo side.

3:00

The heat, smoke, and fire conditions progressively worsened with each moment.

3:07

From the time the first companies arrived, the mission was clear, or life was in danger.

3:13

Radio traffic was reduced to only a central emergency communications.

3:19

Engine seven forced entry, established fire attack and worked towards the uh reported victim's location at the rear of the structure.

3:29

Engine six secured the water supply and then joined the suppression operations.

3:35

Engine eight had command and operations and supported the team effort to control the fire.

3:50

Ladder six's crew was assigned to search and rescue.

3:55

With the primary access points cut off by heat and fire conditions, the latter six captain made the decision to conduct a vent enter isolate search operation from the Bravo Charlie side of the structure.

4:11

The crew encountered a privacy fence and other obstacles, but they did not allow those obstacles to lay to delay the rescue effort.

4:44

Firefighters performed under conditions that uh demanded immediate decisions and courage.

4:52

There was no hesitation in any of their efforts.

5:00

Ladder six carried out the direct rescue, but that life-saving outcome was made possible by the coordinated work of every company and officer on the scene.

5:09

Fire attack, water supply, command, exposure protection, search and rescue, and patient care all had to happen at the same time, and these crews made it happen.

5:24

This incident may be to them just doing their job, but their actions could not be seen as just simply doing their job.

5:36

A life was saved because these firefighters trusted their training, trusted in each other, and were willing to place themselves in danger as they would for anyone at any time when called upon.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Works██████████████████████████████████████████42%
Historic Preservation███████████████████████23%
Public Safety█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Procurement████████8%
Homelessness███████7%
Illegal Mechanic Shops██2%
Water And Wastewater Management█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Regular Meeting of the Lake Charles City Council – August 19, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council held its regular meeting on August 19, 2026, in the council chambers. The meeting included a fire rescue commendation, multiple deferrals of demolition orders, approval of a street renaming, and several routine contract and bid awards. Key votes were taken on demolition actions, franchise agreements, and board appointments.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes Approval: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.
  • Items 29–40: These items were placed on the consent agenda to be read into the record at 1:00 p.m. the following day (August 20) and were not individually voted on during this meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Alisa Stevens (Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana) spoke on item 2 (demolition at 1751 6th Avenue). She stated that the owner had passed away, a succession had been secured, and an application had been filed for the Community Development Home Reconstruction Program. She requested a deferral to allow the program to proceed, noting that demolition would disqualify the resident. The council granted a 90‑day deferral to November 18, 2026.
  • Julius Lee Fontno Sr. (owner of 2105 Clorinda Street) spoke on item 3. He explained that repairs were underway under an active permit and requested an extension until the permit expired in November. The council deferred the item to November 18, 2026, with the understanding that the permit expiration date was November 10.
  • Nikia Gillary (owner of 738 Iberville Street) spoke on item 7, a swimming pool in disrepair. She stated she was working with a contractor to clean and reline the pool and requested a deferral to complete the work. The council deferred to September 16, 2026.
  • Crystal Craven (Realtor) spoke on item 9 (312 Maple Street). She said the property was under contract with an investor who had been approved for a reconstruction loan; title work was pending and closing expected by August 31. She requested a 30‑day deferral to allow the sale to close. The council deferred to September 16, 2026.
  • Eric Dozier (resident) spoke on item 15, proposing to rename a block of 5th Street as “Coach Herman Weston Street.” He gave a history of Coach Weston’s career and his impact on the community. The family of Coach Weston was present. The council approved the renaming after discussion.

Discussion Items

  • Fire Rescue Commendation (Presentation): Chief Carter of the Lake Charles Fire Department recognized the Ladder 6 crew (Captain Jameson Welch, fire engineer/driver, and Firefighter Jacob Newton) for rescuing a victim from a structure fire at 7‑Eleven Fox Run Drive on an earlier date. He also commended all responding companies for their coordinated efforts that saved a life. The council acknowledged the firefighters.
  • Item 2 (1751 6th Avenue): The property is a severely burned residence with roof and wall collapse. The owner’s representative requested deferral to allow participation in a HUD‑funded reconstruction program. The council deferred to November 18, 2026, warning it was the final notice.
  • Item 3 (2105 Clorinda Street): The owner had an active repair permit. Council deferred to November 18, 2026, aligning with the permit expiration.
  • Item 4 (711 Fall Street): The owner was working to quiet title. Council deferred to September 16, 2026.
  • Item 5 (1900 Prejon Drive – burnt apartments): The council voted on demolition of four remaining structures circled in red (other units already had demolition ordinances). The ordinance was approved.
  • Item 7 (738 Iberville Street – swimming pool): The owner is cleaning and repairing the pool. Council deferred to September 16, 2026.
  • Item 8 (304 Cocktail Street): The owner’s contractor said a demolition permit would be pulled; demolition could be completed in 30 days. Council deferred to September 30, 2026.
  • Item 9 (312 Maple Street): The property is under contract for renovation. Council deferred to September 16, 2026.
  • Item 10 (1400 North Shadow Street): The property has been deferred multiple times; family deaths delayed action. Council ordered normal demolition delays (30/60/90 days) with no deferral.
  • Item 12: Contract with Super Kitchen Media LLC for airing council meetings for three years. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 13: Ordinance amending Appendix C of the City Code to grant a gas franchise to South Louisiana Gas Company (formerly CenterPoint). Approved unanimously.
  • Item 14: Renewal of ProFlex legal research subscription (Westlaw) for four years. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 15: Renaming a portion of 5th Street between First Avenue and Enterprise Boulevard to “Coach Herman Weston Street.” Approved unanimously after discussion about naming conventions.
  • Items 16 & 17: Bids awarded for two infrastructure projects: Hodges Street Waterline Extension (MPB Construction LLC – $295,597) and WWTP/McNabb & Klein Street Emergency Sewer Rehabilitation (Horseshoe Construction – $806,592). Both approved unanimously after confirming full funding.
  • Item 19: Resolution approving the mayor’s appointment of Joel Davidson as an alternate member of the Historic Preservation Commission. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 20: Appointment to the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau board to fill Tiffany Celestine’s unexpired term. The lodging association submitted three names (Aaron Zaveri, Nick Zaveri, Jatin Zaveri). Aaron Zaveri spoke in favor of his appointment. The council voted 6‑4‑1 to appoint Aaron Zaveri (Councilman Weatherford abstained due to employment with the CVB).
  • Items 22–27: Resolutions setting public hearing dates (October 7, 2026) for demolition orders on properties at 1809 Legion Street, 1925 9th Street, 2415 Fitz and Rider Road, 2338 C Street (garage), and 2202 Commercial Street. All approved.
  • Item 28: Resolution authorizing advertising for sealed bids for Mallard Cove Golf Club driving range improvements (Project CP 3492). Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Demolition orders: Items 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 were deferred to specific future dates; item 5 was approved for demolition of four units; item 10 was set on a normal demolition timeline.
  • Street renaming (item 15): Approved.
  • Contracts and franchises (items 12, 13, 14): All approved.
  • Bid awards (items 16, 17): Both approved.
  • Board appointments: Joel Davidson (HPC) approved; Aaron Zaveri (CVB) approved (6‑4‑1).
  • Future hearing dates: Set for October 7, 2026, for five properties.
  • Item deferrals: Items 6 and 21 deferred to September 2, 2026; item 11 was deleted; item 18 deferred without a new date.

The meeting adjourned after the consent agenda was noted for the following day.

Meeting Transcript

Oh, you're right. Okay, so on this one, I'll say they have requested these. Calling our um regular August 19th meeting to order. Oh, Heavenly Father, want to thank you for another day, Lord. Pray and ask that you strengthen us and guide us. Never let us be weary and well doing, Lord. Pray and ask that you touch every family representative today, the administration, the my fellow colleagues, Lord. Bless this meeting that it may be productive and fruitful. In Jesus Christ's name we pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag in the United States of America. All right, let's go ahead and you do our roll call and then I'm gonna is Chief Carter here. Okay. Call him up. Uh we're gonna be making a presentation. Let's go ahead and um do our roll call first. Roll call first, and then we're gonna do the presentation with Chief Carter. Here. Mr. Young. Here. Mr. Harvey. Here. Mr. Weather. Here. Mr. Vizeno. Here. Mr. Fondell. Here. And Mr. Mark. Here. We have the call. Thank you. Chief Carter. Good evening. I'm Chief Carter, Fire Chief Lake Charles Fire Department. It was it is my honor to uh submit this recommendation for honors and commendations for Lake Charles Fire Department personnel as written in this report. At 093, the LCFD communications divisions received the report of a structure fire at 7 Eleven Fox Run Drive. While companies were en route, communications advised that a possible victim remained inside and could not escape because of the fire conditions. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy fire conditions in a multifamily dwelling and with fire already extending towards an adjacent multifamily dwelling on the Bravo side. The heat, smoke, and fire conditions progressively worsened with each moment. From the time the first companies arrived, the mission was clear, or life was in danger. Radio traffic was reduced to only a central emergency communications. Engine seven forced entry, established fire attack and worked towards the uh reported victim's location at the rear of the structure. Engine six secured the water supply and then joined the suppression operations.

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