Lake Charles City Council Agenda Meeting - September 29, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council held an agenda meeting on September 29, 2026, to discuss and introduce multiple items including demolitions, bids, public hearings, and resolutions. The meeting opened with a prayer, pledge of allegiance, and a recognition of Caitlin Deeds, who received the Nightingale Award. Council members raised concerns about various district issues, and several members of the public spoke on specific agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Trehan and Jacqueline Shelton (residents near 3rd and 6th Street) expressed strong support for the proposed fire training facility at the original site, stating that earlier concerns about 24/7 operation and trash burning were inaccurate. They urged the council not to move the project.
• Shan Andrus (1515 10th Street) explained that after a water system change, his auto-draft was lost for four years, resulting in a $3,235 arrearage. He asked why service was not disconnected earlier and requested a manageable payment plan.
• Miles Brown (10204th Avenue) requested that the city fulfill his public records request for emails that he believes were omitted from a prior response.
• Wesley Stewart (1515 10th Street) described a stop work order related to a FEMA substantial damage assessment. He argued that the post-hurricane appraisal used to cap repairs at $50,000 was inaccurate, and requested a review based on pre-storm value.
• Melissa Buxton (Bucks Cajun Corner) raised concerns about homeless individuals loitering and panhandling downtown, and awaited the city's plan for enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Fire Training Facility Location (Related to Resolution 25): Councilman Bilbao opposed moving the facility to his district (District C), citing safety concerns about a propane tank and noise. He stated he had received hundreds of calls from constituents who opposed it. Councilman Harvey and others argued that the project had been misrepresented and that the facility would be a beneficial anchor. The administration confirmed that the item is deferred indefinitely pending a response from HUD.
• Water Utility Billing Issue: Mayor Simeon stated that the city will work with the water division and Mr. Andrus to find a solution, including possible payment arrangements for the arrears.
• Stop Work Order (FEMA Substantial Damage): Mayor Simeon directed staff to work with Mr. Stewart to explore additional appraisals per FEMA rules, noting that the city must follow federal regulations.
• Street Conditions on Railroad Avenue: Councilman Harvey reported poor road conditions and lack of maintenance by Union Pacific. Mayor Simeon said funds have been identified to start an overlay project, and staff will engage with Union Pacific.
• Homelessness Downtown: Mayor Simeon acknowledged an increase in homeless individuals and stated that the city is working with the marshal's office to ask people to move on, and is investigating whether individuals are being transported into the city. A coordinated response will be communicated to businesses.
• Tire Dumping in District A: Councilman Harvey reported ongoing illegal tire dumping, particularly in vacant lots. The mayor noted that the city cannot store tires without a permit and emphasized the need to identify and prosecute dumpers. Limited portable cameras are available.
• Communication Barriers: Councilman Harvey stated that he has not received email responses from city administration for months. Mayor Simeon responded that Harvey has not attended regular work sessions and that he prefers direct conversation over email. Harvey contended that he attends when possible and requested written responses.
• Other Items: Councilman Marks raised issues about tree-trimming contracts with Entergy, grandfathering of short-term rentals (Airbnbs), security contract flexibility, smart code revision, management of adjudicated properties, and clarifications on camper/vehicle parking ordinances. Staff responded with updates or commitments to follow up.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on any agenda items; the meeting served to introduce items and gather public input.
• The fire training facility resolution (Resolution 25) will remain deferred until a reply from HUD is received.
• Administration committed to assisting Mr. Andrus with a payment plan for the water arrearage and to reviewing Mr. Stewart's stop work order in light of FEMA guidelines.
• The city will continue efforts to address homeless loitering, tire dumping, and street conditions on Railroad Avenue, with follow-up at future meetings.
• Multiple council requests (e.g., Entergy contract review, smart code revision, short-term rental grandfathering rules, adjudicated property list) were acknowledged and will be addressed by staff.