OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – January 26, 2026

Parish Council & Boards — Monday, January 26, 2026
BodySt Charles Parish, Louisiana
SessionParish Council & Boards
DateMonday, January 26, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 58:04

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

Good evening and welcome to the St.

0:09

Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6 p.m.

0:15

in the council chambers in the parish courthouse.

0:17

Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats.

0:21

This meeting is called to order with a prayer in the Pledge of Allegiance from Pastor Clint Jeff with Life Fellowship Community Church in Desalman.

0:39

Let's pray.

0:41

Father in heaven, we come before you in the name of your son Jesus.

0:46

We humbly ask that during these proceedings that you give wisdom and guidance, direction to those that serve this parish.

0:59

Every decision made, God, I pray that through it all your will be accomplished.

1:06

Jesus, you taught your disciples, the model of prayer.

1:16

God, I pray that as the decisions are made tonight, that ultimately your will be accomplished.

1:25

We understand, may we recognize that nothing happens or takes place without you allowing it.

1:34

God, I pray that each one, Father, in this place of government, would recognize that.

1:42

I would humbly serve your will and accomplish God what's best for this parish and the people that reside here.

1:51

Thank you, God, for this opportunity.

1:53

It's a privilege to serve in this capacity and to do the business of government in this region of Louisiana.

2:02

So we pray blessings upon this evening and all that is accomplished.

2:08

May it honor and glorify your name.

2:10

We pray these things in the strong, matchless name of Jesus.

2:14

Amen.

2:17

I pledge allegiance to the Father of the United States of America.

2:32

Thank you, Pastor Jett.

2:37

Approval of the minutes of motion.

2:41

Regular meeting January twelfth, twenty twenty-sixt.

2:46

A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January twelfth, twenty twenty-six.

2:52

We have a motion by Mr.

2:55

Carmadell and a seconder by Miss Wilson.

2:58

Please cast your votes.

3:07

And that passes unanimously.

3:33

Thank you.

3:34

Um this is to recognize um Dwayne Harris's service and time that he has given to his community.

3:46

And so the St.

3:47

Charles Parish Council and the Parish President deeply appreciate your years of service, Mr.

3:52

Harris on the St.

3:54

Charles Parish Board of Adjustment.

3:56

Dwayne Harris served as a district five representative of the St.

4:00

Charles Parish Board of Adjustment from September 19, 2022 and to December 7, 2025.

4:07

And I believe Mr.

4:08

Harris is here to accept this.

4:15

Thank you all so much.

4:41

I got you.

4:58

Oh, appreciate it.

5:01

Thank you, uh Matt Jew and uh Ms.

5:05

Daniels.

5:05

Thank you all so much for uh this appreciation for four years of service.

5:10

I appreciate it, and I was glad to serve the people of uh St.

5:14

John Parish and the residents of St.

5:16

Charles Parish, that we were able to help some people that was in distress or had hardship.

5:22

So that board was a blessing to me and to the people that we did help.

5:27

And uh take a moment, I'd like to have my little family to stand up.

5:31

We're from District 5 of St.

5:33

Rose.

5:40

Glad to serve you all.

5:41

Thank you.

5:42

Thank you, Mr.

5:42

Harris.

5:43

Thank you.

5:43

You're welcome.

5:46

2026 0030 proclamation would wear Red Day for Women in St.

5:53

Charles Parish.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████16%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████12%
Community Engagement███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Public Health██████6%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – January 26, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Council met on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Hahnville, LA. The meeting included proclamations, reports from the Grants Office and Parish President, introduction of ordinances, public hearings on three ordinances, consideration of several resolutions, appointments, and a special matter regarding the Sunset Drainage District. All votes were unanimous except one absent vote. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:58 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of minutes from the regular meeting of January 12, 2026 (unanimous).
  • Introduction of ordinances for publication/public hearing on February 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM:
    • 2026-0023: Change Order No. 1 (Final) for LA 18 Cast Iron Water Main Replacement, Phase III, decreasing contract amount by $85,019.76.
    • 2026-0025: Amendment to Chapter 8 (Elections) to revise legal descriptions of Council Districts 1 and 7.
    • 2026-0028: Zoning classification change from R-3 to C-3 on Lot 15-A, Block 6, Mosella Subdivision, Boutte.
    • 2026-0038: Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with St. Charles Fireman’s Association for opioid settlement funds up to $200,000 for chest compression systems and AEDs.
    • 2026-0039: Professional Services Agreement with Huseman & Associates for courthouse electrical replacement engineering ($79,855).
    • 2026-0041: Change Order No. 2 (Final) for Sunset Screen Cleaner, decreasing contract amount by $192,662.65 and time by 129 days.

Proclamations

  • 2026-0029: Recognition of Dwayne E. Harris for service on the St. Charles Parish Board of Adjustment (District V representative, Sept 2022 – Dec 2025).
  • 2026-0030: Proclamation declaring February 6, 2026, as “Wear Red Day for Women in St. Charles Parish” to raise awareness of heart disease.
  • 2026-0031: Proclamation declaring February 7, 2026, as “Krewe of Montz Day” for the 41st Mardi Gras parade.

Reports

  • Grants Office Report (Carla Chiasson):
    • In 2025, $8.5 million awarded for 19 projects; 26 applications requesting $147 million outstanding; $25.2 million in pending awards.
    • Since 2020, over 60 homes elevated; 19 currently under construction; 18 homeowners preparing to enter construction.
    • Return on investment of 5,043% on grants office funding since Parish President Jewell took office.
    • Four capital projects under construction (Des Allemands Boat Launch, Ormond CN Railroad Culverts, Montz Pump Station, Primrose Canal Phase 1B out to bid).
    • Five capital projects in design (CDBG projects in New Sarpy and St. Rose).
    • Continued work on FEMA Hurricane Ida public assistance (4 worksheets remaining) and hazard mitigation grants.
  • Parish President Remarks (Matthew Jewell):
    • CC Road in Montz closed northbound and southbound between KCS Railroad and Airline through March 13, 2026, for pile driving.
    • Montz Pump Station foundations poured; superstructure to follow.
    • West Bank River intake pylon rehabilitation completed (replaced wooden pilings with metal).
    • Spring sports registration last day is January 27; late fees apply.
    • Valero St. Charles Refinery volunteers improved New Sarpy Park on MLK Day.
    • Senior dance (Krewe of G Old Timers) on February 12.
    • LIHEAP energy assistance appointments available.
    • River Parishes summer work experience program applications close March 1.
    • Upcoming events: Trash Bash (April 18), Fishing Rodeo (May 9), July 3 celebration (America 250), Toy Fund (Dec 12).
    • Cold weather safety reminders; SCP Alerts sign-up available.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Laurie Delaune (Paradis) spoke in support of her waiver request (2026-0027) for a two-lot minor subdivision, stating she had “a lot of money invested.” No other public comments were made on any items.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 2025-0401: Primrose Canal Cleaning and Improvements, Phase 1B contract with Curranco, LLC ($1,507,765.04). Public Works Director Miles Bingham presented. Councilwoman Wilson asked about cleaning of 40 Arpent Canal and permit expiration. Approved 8-0 (Councilman Fisher absent).
  • Ordinance 2026-0018: No overnight parking on Weinnig Drive in Luling. Councilwoman Skiba noted multiple resident complaints and safety hazards. A resident survey showed majority support. Public Works Director Bingham confirmed the issue. Approved 9-0.
  • Ordinance 2026-0022: Temporary and permanent right-of-way easement for International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT) on Abadie Lane, St. Rose. Councilwoman Skiba moved to amend the ordinance and agreement to narrow the pipeline use to “a 10-inch pipeline to transport food-grade vegetable oil from Bunge Chevron to a storage location” instead of broad language covering various hydrocarbons. Legal Director Corey Oubre supported the clarification. Motion to amend passed 9-0. The amended ordinance then passed 9-0.
  • Resolution 2026-0020: Water Meter Replacement Project – Phase VII (Community Water Enrichment Fund allocation $156,000). Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution 2026-0027: Waiver from Subdivision Regulations for Laurie Delaune (lot without frontage). Planning staff recommended denial; Planning Commission recommended approval. Ms. Delaune spoke. Councilman Comardelle supported, citing odd lot layout from historical Texaco ownership. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution 2026-0034: Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with CPRA for Des Allemands Boat Launch (BA-0237). New agreement needed after previous funding agreement expired July 31, 2025. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution 2026-0035: Turtle Pond Pump Station Upgrades (Local Government Assistance Program allocation $60,000) for local share of $3 million project. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution 2026-0036: IGA with CPRA for Upper Barataria Risk Reduction Sunset Pump Station Upgrade (BA-0285), $5.5 million budgeted in CPRA 2026 annual plan. Passed 9-0.
  • Appointment 2025-0329: Victor L. Buccola appointed to Board of Adjustment as District II Representative (term Dec 7, 2025 – Dec 7, 2029). Confirmed unanimously.
  • Appointment 2026-0016: River Parishes Transit Authority vacancy. Deferred to February 9, 2026, pending receipt of required nomination from AFL-CIO or Chamber of Commerce.
  • Special Matter 2026-0037: Council sitting as Sunset Drainage District governing authority, supporting the IGA for Sunset Pump Station Upgrade. Passed 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • All three ordinances (2025-0401, 2026-0018, and 2026-0022 as amended) passed with unanimous support (one absent vote for 2025-0401).
  • All five resolutions (2026-0020, 2026-0027, 2026-0034, 2026-0035, 2026-0036) passed unanimously.
  • Victor L. Buccola confirmed to Board of Adjustment.
  • River Parishes Transit Authority appointment deferred to February 9, 2026.
  • The Council, acting as Sunset Drainage District, approved resolution supporting the CPRA IGA for the Sunset Pump Station Upgrade.
  • Meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the St. Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers in the parish courthouse. Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats. This meeting is called to order with a prayer in the Pledge of Allegiance from Pastor Clint Jeff with Life Fellowship Community Church in Desalman. Let's pray. Father in heaven, we come before you in the name of your son Jesus. We humbly ask that during these proceedings that you give wisdom and guidance, direction to those that serve this parish. Every decision made, God, I pray that through it all your will be accomplished. Jesus, you taught your disciples, the model of prayer. God, I pray that as the decisions are made tonight, that ultimately your will be accomplished. We understand, may we recognize that nothing happens or takes place without you allowing it. God, I pray that each one, Father, in this place of government, would recognize that. I would humbly serve your will and accomplish God what's best for this parish and the people that reside here. Thank you, God, for this opportunity. It's a privilege to serve in this capacity and to do the business of government in this region of Louisiana. So we pray blessings upon this evening and all that is accomplished. May it honor and glorify your name. We pray these things in the strong, matchless name of Jesus. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the Father of the United States of America. Thank you, Pastor Jett. Approval of the minutes of motion. Regular meeting January twelfth, twenty twenty-sixt. A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January twelfth, twenty twenty-six. We have a motion by Mr. Carmadell and a seconder by Miss Wilson. Please cast your votes. And that passes unanimously. Thank you. Um this is to recognize um Dwayne Harris's service and time that he has given to his community. And so the St. Charles Parish Council and the Parish President deeply appreciate your years of service, Mr. Harris on the St. Charles Parish Board of Adjustment. Dwayne Harris served as a district five representative of the St. Charles Parish Board of Adjustment from September 19, 2022 and to December 7, 2025. And I believe Mr. Harris is here to accept this. Thank you all so much. I got you. Oh, appreciate it. Thank you, uh Matt Jew and uh Ms. Daniels. Thank you all so much for uh this appreciation for four years of service. I appreciate it, and I was glad to serve the people of uh St. John Parish and the residents of St. Charles Parish, that we were able to help some people that was in distress or had hardship. So that board was a blessing to me and to the people that we did help. And uh take a moment, I'd like to have my little family to stand up.

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