City Council Meeting – September 2, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council met on September 2, 2026, to address a range of agenda items including demolitions, a lakefront development proposal, the FY 2026–2027 operating budget, and a proposed amendment to rules governing public comment at agenda meetings. The meeting began with a prayer, pledge, and roll call. Several items were deferred to future meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were taken during the general public comment period, as the agenda meeting format does not include a separate section. However, during the discussion of Resolution 23 (rules for citizens addressing the council), a member of the public, Mac Delafoss, addressed the council, expressing support for maintaining the current practice of zero-day notice for public comment at agenda meetings.

Discussion Items

• Personal Privilege – Recognition of Katie Harrington: Mayor recognized Katie Harrington, the city's Public Information Officer, for winning the 2026 National Information Officers Association “Best Use of Video” award for the “City Shift” series. A short video clip was shown. Harrington thanked the administration, video crew, and city employees.
• Item 2 – Demolition at 2344 C Street: A rehearing from July 1. The property had roof and exterior damage. The owner had hired a title company to quiet title; the realtor reported the title work was nearly complete. The council deferred the item for 30 days.
• Item 6 – Demolition at 621 Bank Street: A rehearing from August 5. The property had roof damage, broken windows, and was open to the public. The owner had previously appeared and indicated unresolved issues. The council deferred the item.
• Item 8 – Lakefront Food & Beverage Establishment: The city issued an RFP for a food, beverage, and recreational establishment on Track 3 of the lakefront (former Wildlife and Fisheries building). One proposal was received from Chris Lanya. A brief presentation was given, and the council voted 7–0 to accept the proposal.
• Item 11 – FY 2026–2027 Operating Capital Budget: The budget includes an $80 million increase over the prior year, primarily for capital projects. Key projects: southern wastewater loop ($34 million, funded by a DEQ loan at 0.95% interest and partnership with Calcasieu Parish Police Jury), West Prong Lake Road Pedestrian Bridge ($4 million via TAP grant), and participation in the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (Lake Street). Council members asked about grant reimbursement, cost-sharing with the parish, and the 18th Street improvement project. The budget was approved 7–0.
• Item 13 – Architectural Engineering Agreements: A bundled approval of A&E agreements for CIP projects. Council member Marks expressed concern about not having individual review of each project. Administration clarified that the projects are already identified in the budget and any changes would come back to council. The item was approved as presented (7–0).
• Item 14 – Right-of-Way Agreements: Authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute right-of-way agreements for capital projects. Council member asked for clarification on “ordinary activities.” Approved 7–0.
• Resolution 23 – Amendment to Rules for Citizens Addressing the Council: The existing rule required 15 days’ notice for public comment at agenda meetings. Council member Marks proposed amending to zero days. After debate, a motion to amend the resolution from 15 to 0 days passed 4–3 (Mr. Harvey, Mr. Weatherford, Mr. Fondell, Mr. Marks in favor; Mr. Bilbo, Mr. Young, Mr. Vivano against). The resolution as amended then passed on the same vote.
• Item 21 – Resolution to Advertise Sealed Bids for Downtown Light Pole Christmas Decorations: Mr. Harvey was appointed chairman for this item.

Key Outcomes

• Items 3, 4, and 5 were deferred to the October 7, 2026 meeting.
• Item 7 (combined structure at 1817 Elinor Street) was deferred to the September 16, 2026 meeting.
• Item 2 (demolition at 2344 C Street) deferred for 30 days.
• Item 6 (demolition at 621 Bank Street) deferred.
• Item 8 (lakefront development) approved 7–0.
• Item 11 (operating budget) approved 7–0.
• Item 12 (arts and cultural agreements) approved 7–0.
• Item 13 (A&E agreements) approved 7–0.
• Item 14 (right-of-way agreements) approved 7–0.
• Resolution 23 amended to eliminate the 15-day notice requirement, reverting to zero-day notice for public comment at agenda meetings. Passed 4–3.
• Item 21 chairman appointed (Mr. Harvey).
• Items 16–19 and 24–32 were read into the record and approved.