OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting: February 9, 2026 – Mardi Gras Proclamations, Zoning, Public Hearings

Parish Council & Boards — Monday, February 9, 2026
BodySt Charles Parish, Louisiana
SessionParish Council & Boards
DateMonday, February 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:31

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

Good evening and welcome to the St.

0:06

Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 6 p.m.

0:12

in the council chambers in the parish courthouse.

0:15

Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats.

0:19

This meeting is called to order with a prayer and a pledge of allegiance from Pastor Peyton Quinto with First Baptist Church in Lulling.

0:36

Let's pray.

0:38

Dear, thank you for this time that um we can be here today, God.

0:42

Just want to pray over all these councilmen, Lord, and just thank you for who they are and where you've placed them, God.

0:52

I pray that you can continue to guide them, lead them to wisdom as they lead our community, Lord.

1:01

Pray for all the workers that are in government, God.

1:06

I pray that we can just know that you are the one who sets these things up, Lord.

1:12

You're the one who places all these people here, and I pray that we can just do what we can to honor you.

1:19

Honor those that you've put in charge.

1:22

Love them, serve them well, Lord.

1:24

Um I pray that we can just follow those who are leading us, Lord.

1:28

It's in your name I pray.

1:29

Amen.

1:30

Amen.

1:33

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:40

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:50

Thank you, Pastor Quintan.

1:52

Approval of the minutes.

1:54

A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January 26, 2026.

2:07

Motion by Lessandra Wilson, seconded by Michelle O'Daniels.

2:12

Please cast your votes.

2:22

And that passes unanimously with Council Member Ping, Councilmember Fonsica, and Councilmember Fisher absent.

2:31

Special business proclamations, canvas returns, etc.

2:36

2026, 0040 plot proclamation.

2:40

Crew of G Old Timers Day.

2:43

President Julian.

2:51

Thank you, Chairwoman.

2:54

Proclamation, whereas on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, the crew of G Old Timers will hold its annual Mardi Gras dance at the Edward A.

3:02

Dufrin Community Center.

3:03

Judge Edward Dufrin Parkway, Louis, Louisiana.

3:06

And whereas this dance is traditionally enjoyed by hundreds of senior citizens of St.

3:11

Charles Parish each year for a day of fellowship and festivity.

3:15

And whereas this event is sponsored and organized by the St.

3:18

Charles Parish Council on Aging Incorporated, the St.

3:20

Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation, Primetime Seniors, their staff, and volunteers to make this event possible.

3:27

And whereas the residents and senior citizens of St.

3:30

Charles Parish are truly grateful for their dedication and hard work.

3:35

Now, therefore be it resolved.

3:36

We, the members of the St.

3:38

Charles Parish Council, and the Parish President do hereby proclaim Thursday, February 12th, 2026, as crew of G Old Timers Day.

3:46

Be it further resolved that on behalf of the citizens of St.

3:48

Charles Parish, we do hereby extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the St.

3:53

Charles Parish Council on Aging, St.

3:55

Charles Parish Parks of Recreation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Primetime Seniors, the staff members, and volunteers for their contributions to the crew of G Old Timers.

4:04

And here today to accept is Miss Keller, uh Miss April Keller and Dwayne Foray.

4:42

I'm supposed to, sir.

4:45

Members of the Council and Parish President Jew, thank you so much for the support of this wonderful event.

4:50

I want to remind everybody there's still time to get your name in.

4:53

We stand at 420 seniors in St.

4:56

Charles Parish as of today.

4:58

So we do have a little room.

5:00

And I uh I want to thank St.

5:02

Charles Parish Public School Foundation because they actually sponsored the live music and our uh hotel and hospitality curriculum at all satellite center that seem serve our seniors during this wonderwee fee event.

5:15

So thank you so much for your support.

5:18

And don't forget we have an a spirit contest, so come out in your Mardi Gras finest.

5:25

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Arts And Culture██████████████████18%
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████17%
Public Safety████████████████16%
Procedural█████████████13%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Community Engagement███3%
Personnel Matters███3%
Economic Development███3%
Summary of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting: February 9, 2026 – Mardi Gras Proclamations, Zoning, Public Hearings

The St. Charles Parish Council met on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Hahnville, Louisiana. With Chairman Walter Pilié absent, Councilwoman Michele deBruler served as Acting Chair. The meeting included multiple Mardi Gras proclamations and recognitions, departmental reports, a zoning change approval, passage of several ordinances, and public testimony regarding a longstanding zoning violation. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with three members absent (Fonseca, Pilié, Fisher). The meeting adjourned at 7:32 PM.

Proclamations and Recognitions

  • Krewe of G-Old Timers Day (February 12, 2026): Proclamation read and accepted by April Keller and Dwayne Foret. Over 420 seniors are registered for the event.
  • Hardline Mardi Gras Fest (February 14, 2026): Proclamation for First Baptist Church of Luling fundraiser, accepted by Pastor Peyton Quinto.
  • Krewe of Lul Day (February 14, 2026): Proclamation read, with King Billy Thigpen, Queen Sarah Becnel Thigpen, and Grand Marshal Suzanne "Sue" Landry Armand honored.
  • Krewe of Des Allemands Day (February 15, 2026): Proclamation read, with King Alvin "Ko" Hebert, Queen Nancy Bergeron Hebert, and Grand Marshals Trudy Babineaux Tastet and Darlene Zeringue honored.
  • Peanut Butter Collection Drive: Presentation by Jarrett Fuselier, Chief Nursing Officer, St. Charles Parish Hospital. The 33rd annual drive collects peanut butter for local food banks; a representative from Matthew 25 Food Bank thanked the community.

Reports

  • Risk Management/Safety (2026-0046): Officer Rechell Champagne reported on the department’s role in claims management, safety training, drug testing, and fleet oversight. In 2025, 280 in-house claims were managed (up from 160 in 2024), workers’ comp claims dropped from 41 to 26, and 344 drug screens were conducted.
  • Public Information Office (2026-0047): Director Francesca Holt Blanchard highlighted a 152% increase in Facebook followers since January 2020 (now 36,000), 12.8 million views, and 106,000 interactions in the past year. She discussed ADA compliance work for the parish website and the upcoming hire of a multimedia coordinator. Councilmembers praised the office’s communications efforts.
  • Parish President’s Remarks (2026-0048): Matthew Jewell reported that December 2025 sales tax collections were down nearly 10% compared to December 2024, but overall 2025 was up 5.83% over 2024, reflecting an additional $2.8 million.

Ordinances Introduced for Public Hearing (March 2, 2026)

The following ordinances were approved for publication and public hearing on March 2, 2026:

  • Change Order No. 1 for Raw Water Intake Structure Access Bridge Pile Replacement (decrease $2,370.00)
  • Polling Place Lease Agreement with The Bible Center Church for District 2, Precinct 3
  • Professional Services Agreement with Principal Engineering, Inc. for West Bank Water Treatment Plant (not to exceed $4,814,099.00)
  • Amendment to Chapter 8, Elections for permanent polling place change for Precinct 2-3
  • Contract with Centric Gulf Coast, Inc. for EADCC Sand Volleyball Courts ($660,000.00)

Planning and Zoning Petition – Approved

  • 2026-0028: Ordinance changing zoning from R-3 to C-3 on Lot 15-A, Block 6, Mosella Subdivision (14183 & 14189 Highway 90, Boutte) as requested by Brennen Friloux. Planning & Zoning Department and Planning Commission recommended approval. Councilman Comardelle noted the property had been rezoned from C-3 to R-3 in 2019 for a multifamily development that never materialized; the change corrects a spot zone. Unanimously approved as Enactment No. 26-2-1.

Ordinances Scheduled for Public Hearing – All Approved Unanimously

  • 2026-0023: Final Change Order No. 1 for LA 18 Cast Iron Water Main Replacement, Phase III (decrease $85,019.76). Waterworks Director Greg Gorden thanked the team; Council praised the clean project. Enactment No. 26-2-2.
  • 2026-0025: Amendment to Chapter 8, Elections to realign Council Districts 1 and 7 (portions of Pit Road, Alexander Street, Boutte Estates Drive) into a single district, correcting a 2023 redistricting error. Sponsored by Councilmembers Fonseca, Wilson, and deBruler. Enactment No. 26-2-3.
  • 2026-0038: Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with St. Charles Fireman’s Association for opioid settlement funds (not to exceed $200,000) for Lifeline ARM chest compression systems and LIFEPAK AEDs for nine volunteer fire departments. An amendment corrected the Association’s address to P.O. Box 733, Hahnville. Enactment No. 26-2-4.
  • 2026-0039: Professional Services Agreement with Huseman & Associates for courthouse electrical replacement engineering (not to exceed $79,855). Chief Operations Officer Darrin Duhe explained 16 remaining original panels need replacement. Enactment No. 26-2-5.
  • 2026-0041: Final Change Order No. 2 for Sunset Screen Cleaner project (decrease $192,662.65 and 129 days). Senior Projects Manager Sam Scholle noted the project included canal widening (adding ~6 acres of sump area) and a new access bridge. President Jewell highlighted removal of 70,000 cubic yards of material from Bayou Gish canal. Councilman Comardelle requested road repairs for Kerry Point due to heavy truck traffic. Enactment No. 26-2-6.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Cliff Buller (2026-0063), resident of 3 Canyon Lane, St. Rose, presented on behalf of the Barrow Ranch subdivision homeowners association. He detailed that Peter Chambers (10 Horseshoe Lane) operates a plumbing business (Peter Piper) despite a 2011 Council denial of a home occupation permit. He showed photos of multiple business vehicles, trailers, and building materials on the property, creating traffic hazards. He requested Council action to end the violation.
  • Kevin Couchis (2026-0064), 18 Pony Lane, St. Rose, echoed concerns about the same property, noting business vehicles and trailers parked since 2011, and safety risks from children playing near traffic.
  • Joann R. Dubroc (2026-0065), 11 Horseshoe Lane, stated she nearly had two accidents due to obstructed sightlines from parked vehicles. She claimed Mr. Chambers told her he obtained a permit in Jefferson Parish to override the denial. She urged enforcement.

In response, President Jewell noted the property has been inspected and Mr. Chambers claims he is selling the box truck. Planning & Zoning Director Michael Albert confirmed the department is coordinating with Legal. Councilwoman O’Daniels reviewed the file and stated that the 2011 denial explicitly prohibits branded vehicles; she called for consistent enforcement due to ongoing violations.

Resolution – Approved

  • 2026-0061: Resolution requesting a polling place change for Precinct 2-3 from Mimosa Park Elementary (temporary post-Ida) back to The Bible Center Church (422 Barton Avenue, Luling). Councilwoman Skiba explained the church has completed renovations, and the move avoids residents crossing Highway 90. Unanimously approved as Enactment No. 6891.

Appointments – Deferred

  • 2026-0016: Appointment to the River Parishes Transit Authority was deferred to March 2, 2026, pending receipt of the required nomination.
  • 2026-0044: Acceptance of resignation of Mr. Ed Griffin from the Planning & Zoning Commission (District III) was deferred.
  • 2026-0045: Resolution to fill the Planning & Zoning Commission vacancy was announced; nominations will be accepted on March 2, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • All four ordinances and one resolution voted upon were approved unanimously (6 yeas, 0 nays, 3 absent).
  • The Council directed Planning & Zoning and Legal to pursue enforcement of the 2011 denial of a home occupation permit at 10 Horseshoe Lane.
  • The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the St. Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, February 9th, 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 and a pledge of allegiance from Pastor Peyton Quinto with First Baptist Church in Lulling. Let's pray. Dear, thank you for this time that um we can be here today, God. Just want to pray over all these councilmen, Lord, and just thank you for who they are and where you've placed them, God. I pray that you can continue to guide them, lead them to wisdom as they lead our community, Lord. Pray for all the workers that are in government, God. I pray that we can just know that you are the one who sets these things up, Lord. You're the one who places all these people here, and I pray that we can just do what we can to honor you. Honor those that you've put in charge. Love them, serve them well, Lord. Um I pray that we can just follow those who are leading us, Lord. It's in your name I pray. Amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Quintan. Approval of the minutes. A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January 26, 2026. Motion by Lessandra Wilson, seconded by Michelle O'Daniels. Please cast your votes. And that passes unanimously with Council Member Ping, Councilmember Fonsica, and Councilmember Fisher absent. Special business proclamations, canvas returns, etc. 2026, 0040 plot proclamation. Crew of G Old Timers Day. President Julian. Thank you, Chairwoman. Proclamation, whereas on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, the crew of G Old Timers will hold its annual Mardi Gras dance at the Edward A. Dufrin Community Center. Judge Edward Dufrin Parkway, Louis, Louisiana. And whereas this dance is traditionally enjoyed by hundreds of senior citizens of St. Charles Parish each year for a day of fellowship and festivity. And whereas this event is sponsored and organized by the St. Charles Parish Council on Aging Incorporated, the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation, Primetime Seniors, their staff, and volunteers to make this event possible. And whereas the residents and senior citizens of St. Charles Parish are truly grateful for their dedication and hard work. Now, therefore be it resolved. We, the members of the St. Charles Parish Council, and the Parish President do hereby proclaim Thursday, February 12th, 2026, as crew of G Old Timers Day. Be it further resolved that on behalf of the citizens of St. Charles Parish, we do hereby extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the St. Charles Parish Council on Aging, St. Charles Parish Parks of Recreation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Primetime Seniors, the staff members, and volunteers for their contributions to the crew of G Old Timers. And here today to accept is Miss Keller, uh Miss April Keller and Dwayne Foray. I'm supposed to, sir.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com