Lake Charles City Council Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council convened on September 8, 2026, for an agenda meeting. The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the reading of a lengthy agenda covering demolition ordinances, cooperative agreements, bid authorizations, and zoning amendments. Council members engaged in discussion on project funding, property maintenance, and public safety. One member of the public presented testimony regarding the city's security contract.

Consent Calendar

• Routine items addressed include:
  • Appointment of a chairman to review bids for Project CP 3537 (Gosport Recreation Splash Pad) and Project CP 3051 (2025 Citywide Striping Package).
  • Ordinances ordering demolition of structures at 711 Fall Street, 312 Maple Street, 1302 11th Street, 1517 Martha Street, 641 6th Street, 802 North Simmons Street, 913 Fifth Avenue, 1011 Orange Street, 1415 8th Street, 1432 Fournette Street, 1433 Shaw Street, 1616 Legion Street, and 4508 Autumnwood Lane, some subject to tax liens.
  • Ordinances authorizing cooperative endeavor agreements with the Louisiana Department of Treasury for the Pryon Lake Pedestrian Bridge and electrical street lights on Saudi Street.
  • An ordinance amending Section 24-4-205-5A of the Zoning Ordinance relative to variance limitations.
  • Resolutions authorizing advertising for bids for Project CP 3545 (West McNeeley Street Drainage Improvement), issuance of a request for proposals for city light maintenance, and advertising for bids for Project LCR 109 (Citywide Sidewalk and Median Enhancements).
  • A resolution setting a date to appoint a member to the Recreation District No. 1 of Ward 3 Board.
  • Ordinances for final action: settlement of a claim in a lawsuit (Jennifer White et al. vs. Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2, et al.), cooperative endeavor agreement with DOTD for Pryon Lake Road Pedestrian Bridge, cooperative endeavor agreement for park improvements at University Park and Nelson Road Park, and acceptance of bids for Project CP 3445 (Shell Beach Drive Bridge over Bayou Coolee repair) and Project CP 3537 (Gosport Recreation Splash Pad).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Miles Brown (1020 4th Avenue) addressed the council regarding the city's security contract. He referenced a vote on January 21, 2026, that approved a six-month contract and noted the council is now considering renewal. Mr. Brown presented video evidence showing what he described as inadequate pat-down procedures at city facilities, contrasting with standard screening at the 14th Judicial District Court and city court. He argued that the contract cost escalated from an initial $50,000 to $75,000 and urged the council to consider purchasing an X-ray scanner. He suggested that using city police or giving raises to existing city security staff (estimated at $15,000–$20,000) could be more cost-effective long-term. Mr. Brown emphasized his comments were not an attack on current personnel but a call for improved safety. He also requested that when citizens yield their speaking time to him, it not be assumed they agree with his positions.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Marks raised several requests and inquiries:
  • Requested that formal applications for projects submitted to OCD (sports complex, Gosport Recreation Center, community center on Appaloosa Street) be provided to the council by October 1, 2026, to verify compliance.
  • Requested written documentation on reallocation of funds from projects that had funding pulled (ABC School Project, Green Coast, Second Harvest, Railroad Avenue) and the reasons.
  • Requested written status updates on the three active projects (sports complex, Gosport recreation center, community center), including budget compliance, potential extra funding sources, and estimated timeline from groundbreaking to completion.
  • Asked about city policy when a vehicle is abandoned on private property. Property owners are responsible for removal and may receive citations. Code enforcement (Ms. Bruce Hard) confirmed property owners must contact a tow service. Councilmember Fondell noted tow companies may remove the vehicle at no cost to the owner if they can claim a lien.
  • Reported streetlights on Illinois Street near Brentwood Park are out again after being replaced about a month ago; requested Integrated to check for a short.
  • Asked for update on the tire shop on Warren Street; code enforcement indicated it was recently compliant but will reinspect upon new complaint, and the owner has been warned that further violations will go directly to hearing and fines.
  • Inquired about speed bumps on alleys off Mitchell and Oregon; councilmember Marks noted the city no longer installs speed bumps on alleys, and those present may have been installed by residents or an HOA. Staff will investigate ownership.
  • Reported on a landlord meeting regarding evictions: state law requires marshals to place belongings on the right-of-way within 24 hours. Landlords were receptive to responsibility. The city is working with city court to update ordinances to prevent curb dumping.
  • Asked about properties sold to the state (adjudicated properties); Mr. Bigueras explained the city has a lien for back taxes, and after three years the property can be sold to a third party, with the city recouping funds. Owners can redeem within three years.
  • Asked about commercial demolitions: handled like residential, with a lien placed against the property.
  • Requested clarification of terms on the demolition list: "on hold," "agenda meeting," "default date," "council meeting" – Ms. Bruce Hard explained each.
• Councilmember Bilbo discussed the beautification budget for commercial business districts. He expressed concern that money should not be allocated to beautify privately owned properties; instead, new property owners should be required to bring properties up to code, and licenses should not be transferred until violations are corrected. Staff clarified beautification funds in the budget are for city-owned property.
• Councilmember Young spotlighted the "Love Our Waterways" cleanup events on September 12 and 19, 2026, thanking volunteers and groups like Clean Bayou.
• Council President proposed reintroducing a resolution to Entergy and the Louisiana delegation regarding unused FEMA dollars from hurricanes. He argued that Entergy ratepayers should receive the same treatment as co-op members who received FEMA funds for infrastructure, and that the Public Service Commission-approved surcharge should be reimbursed by FEMA. He requested the resolution be run again with possible tweaks.
• Introduction of New City Engineer: Councilmember Wendy Watson introduced Matt Reshard as the new city engineer. Mr. Reshard is a licensed professional civil engineer with experience since 2012, serving as a full-time city employee.

Key Outcomes

• The council proceeded with the listed agenda items; no vote tallies are recorded in the transcript.
• Councilmember Marks’ requests for documentation and status updates are to be fulfilled by October 1, 2026, and written explanations for fund reallocations are to be provided.
• The streetlight issue on Illinois Street is to be referred to Integrated for investigation.
• The tire shop on Warren Street will be reinspected upon new complaint.
• The speed bump inquiry on Mitchell and Oregon will be investigated for ownership.
• The eviction ordinance discussion will be coordinated with a scheduled meeting with city court.
• The resolution regarding FEMA funds for Entergy infrastructure is to be revisited.
• Public comment from Miles Brown will be considered as the council decides on renewal of the security contract.