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Record of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting - March 16, 2026: Proclamations, Solar Energy Ordinance, and Appointments

Parish Council & Boards — Monday, March 16, 2026
BodySt Charles Parish, Louisiana
SessionParish Council & Boards
DateMonday, March 16, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:25:46

Original source
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0:03

Good evening and welcome to the St.

0:05

Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at 6 p.m.

0:10

in the council chambers in the parish courthouse.

0:12

Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats.

0:16

This meeting is called to order with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance from Deacon Donnie Hills with the First Baptist Church in Parody.

0:24

Please stand.

0:40

Good evening.

0:42

Heavenly Father before his comes to give you all the praise, and glory.

0:47

Lord, we thank you, Lord, for allowing us to see another day.

0:51

Live another moment because the next moment is not a promise.

0:54

And I mean right now, Lord, we pray that everything is done decently and in order, and that every voice is heard and listened to.

1:02

We prepared our law for our prayers.

1:04

President and the council that you will give them the knowledge and the understanding.

1:09

The most importantly, Lord, the wisdom to apply so that the decision that they make would be for the best of St.

1:14

Charles Parish.

1:16

Lord, you chose them for a reason and a season.

1:18

Let them realize the importance of listening to the people.

1:21

The most important for listen to you.

1:24

Realize the Father Lord that only what we do for you will last.

1:27

So Lord, I lift them up to you right now, Lord.

1:29

Use them in a positive way.

1:31

And Lord, in all their decisions, make it let them seek your counsel first, because your daughter's never made a mistake.

1:39

So though we praise you right now.

1:41

Lord, you're going to have your way, but use us in a positive way so we can be a positive influence here in St.

1:47

Charles Parish.

1:48

Jesus' name we pray.

1:50

Amen.

1:53

We pledge allegiance to the flag of the States of America.

2:01

One nation under God and the visible liberty justice for all.

2:11

Thank you, Deacon Hill.

2:15

Approval of the minutes.

2:17

A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of March 2nd, 2026.

2:23

We have a motion by Mr.

2:24

Bouillet and uh a seconder by Miss Skeba.

2:28

Please cast your votes.

2:35

And that passes unanimously.

2:42

We have a deviation from the regular agenda.

2:45

A motion and a second is needed to deviate from the regular order of the agenda to take up file number two zero two six-zero zero nine four.

2:54

It's a matter not on the agenda.

2:56

That is 2026-0094 in memorium, Jacob M.

3:01

Dufreen Sr.

3:05

We have a motion by Mr.

3:07

Bouillet and a second by Mr.

3:09

Carnaval to deviate from the regular order of the agenda to take up file number 2026-0094.

3:16

If there's anyone who would like to come up and speak on the deviation, please do so now.

3:21

Please state your name and address for the record, and you have three minutes to speak.

3:26

Seeing none public comment on the deviations closed.

3:31

Vote on the deviation.

3:33

We have any council discussions.

3:37

Seeing none, please cast your vote on the deviation only.

3:45

And that passes unanimously.

3:49

All right, so 2026-0094 in memorium, Jacob M.

3:58

Dufreen Sr.

4:01

And Mr.

4:02

Rouye, could you address this?

4:04

Thank you.

4:06

Thank you, Mr.

4:07

Chair.

4:09

The Parish of St.

4:10

Charles in Memorium, whereas on December 26, 2025, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call from amongst us one of his most worthy servants, Jacob M.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Health███████████████████████23%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████16%
Procedural█████████████13%
Public Records Access████████████12%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Personnel Matters████████8%
Environmental Protection████4%
Arts And Culture███3%
Procurement Management███3%
Summary of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting - March 16, 2026: Proclamations, Solar Energy Ordinance, and Appointments

The St. Charles Parish Council met on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Courthouse in Hahnville. All nine council members were present. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour 26 minutes, adjourning at 7:36 p.m. The agenda included multiple proclamations, a presentation from the St. Charles Community Health Center, reports from the Parish President, public hearings on three ordinances, two resolutions, and appointments to boards. All votes were unanimous (9-0).

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the regular meeting of March 2, 2026, were approved unanimously.
  • Deviation from Agenda: The Council unanimously approved a deviation to take up File No. 2026-0094 (In Memoriam: Jacob M. Dufrene, Sr.), a matter not on the original agenda. The memoriam was read and presented to the family.
  • Special Business (Proclamations): The Council read and accepted the following proclamations without debate:
    • 2026-0095: Recognition of Justin Paul Taravella as an Eagle Scout.
    • 2026-0096: United Way of St. Charles 5K Bridge Run Day (March 28, 2026).
    • 2026-0097: Child Abuse Prevention Month (April 2026).
    • 2026-0098: Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Financial Literacy Month (April 2026).
    • 2026-0099: Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month (April 2026).
    • 2026-0100: Need to Feed Month in St. Charles Parish (April 2026).
    • 2026-0101: Fair Housing Month (April 2026).
    • 2026-0092: National Community Development Week (April 6–10, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ordinance 2026-0082 (Large Solar Energy Systems): Jeff Arnold, representing American First Energy Project Louisiana, a nonprofit energy policy group, commented. He commended the parish for opting out of state Act 279 and for taking local control. However, he expressed concern that the proposed 300-foot setback for large solar systems is extreme and may cause developers to bypass the parish, noting that 30 feet is the national standard. He stated that a 300-foot setback could make projects financially non-viable. He also mentioned his involvement in drafting solar ordinances for St. Helena and St. Tammany Parishes.
  • No other public comments were offered on any agenda item.

Reports

  • St. Charles Community Health Center: Gensey White (Operations Manager), Coretta Lagarde (American Heart Association), and Danielle Barrios (Health Coach) presented. Key initiatives include:
    • A new lipoprotein(a) blood test for inherited heart disease risk, available in April 2026. The center is one of ten nationwide selected for a three-year cohort on this.
    • Maternal health kits for new mothers (blood pressure cuff, infant CPR kit, resources) available starting March 19, 2026.
    • A CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program: a 12-month program with weekly sessions for 16 weeks then monthly follow-ups, aiming for 5–7% weight loss and 150 minutes of weekly activity. Open to all parish residents.
  • Parish President Remarks/Report: Parish President Matthew Jewell provided updates on:
    • Ribbon cutting for the Sunset Pump Station Bar Screen Cleaner project (automated bar screens, canal widening, $12.5 million project with $6 million from CPRA; phase two will replace pumps and engines).
    • Ribbon cutting for the Deputy Jeff G. Watson Road extension (1,270 feet of roadway, lighting, parking for future dog park).
    • Construction progress on the Montesano (Mosquito) Drainage Project (concrete crossing beams, discharge pipes).
    • Des Allemands Boat Launch: contractor mobilized equipment and a construction barge for new launch installation.
    • Evangeline Road: replaced nearly 2,000 feet of culverts with larger sizes to improve drainage.
    • New Sarpy: replacing aging galvanized pipe with polyethylene pipe on St. Charles Street.
    • West Bank canal cleaning near Pat's Court.
    • Tour of Emergency Operations Center by Harry Hurst Middle School students.
    • Book signing event at animal shelter with Mimosa Elementary second graders.
    • Reminders: Trash Bash (April 18), Swamp School registration, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performance (April 18, $25 tickets, sponsored by IMTT, Shell, Valero, Dow).
    • Ribbon cuttings for Ballet Images (nonprofit ballet) and Gonzo Smokehouse (relocated to larger space).

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 2026-0082 – Large Solar Energy System (LSES) Development Standards: The ordinance amends the zoning code to add standards for large solar systems, including setbacks (300 feet), landscaping, and glare regulations. Planning & Zoning Director Michael Albert recommended approval, noting it had passed through the Planning Commission and Legislative Committee. Councilwoman O'Daniels thanked staff for proactive work and for addressing solar between 10 and 75 acres with decommissioning rules. Councilwoman Fonseca acknowledged Mr. Arnold's earlier email that spurred action to opt out of state regulations. After public comment and closed hearing, the Council voted unanimously to enact (Enactment No. 26-3-6).
  • Ordinance 2026-0083 – Substance Abuse Regulations for Parish Employees: Personnel Officer Dayna Parker presented updates to the policy, last amended in 2020. Changes modernize language, clarify expectations for prescription and over-the-counter medications, strengthen enforcement for safety-sensitive positions, expand authority for fit-for-duty evaluations, and clarify random drug testing and reasonable suspicion procedures. The policy's core intent remains to ensure a safe workplace. No public comment or council discussion; approved unanimously (Enactment No. 26-3-7).
  • Ordinance 2026-0087 – Purchase/Expropriation of 5.72 Acres for Drainage Canal (Luling): Legal Services Director Corey Oubre explained the need to acquire additional property along an existing drainage canal for widening and maintenance. Public Works Director Miles Bingham stated it is the top priority in the watershed and will increase drainage capacity by 30–40%, serving areas north of the railroad and connecting to the Kinler-Paul Frederick project. Councilwoman Wilson asked about timeline; President Jewell noted they have communicated with main parties and hope for an arm's-length transaction. Councilwoman O'Daniels clarified it is not a quick-take expropriation; the parish will first prove public need and then negotiate value. Approved unanimously (Enactment No. 26-3-8).
  • Resolution 2026-0091 – FY27 Congressional Funding Request for Des Allemands Bulkhead Project: Grants Officer Carla Chiasson requested authority to submit a funding request for phase three of the bulkhead project to the FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Account. Councilman Comardelle asked if it is the next phase; Chiasson confirmed it is phase three, and they are lining up funding for phase two. Approved unanimously (Enactment No. 6895).
  • Resolution 2026-0093 – Certification of Bidding Compliance for Des Allemands Boat Launch Project: Chiasson presented the resolution as a required deliverable for the CPRA funding agreement. No public comment or discussion. Approved unanimously (Enactment No. 6896).

Key Outcomes

  • All votes were unanimous (9-0) on every item brought to a vote.
  • Ordinances Adopted:
    • 26-3-6: Amended zoning to add Large Solar Energy System standards.
    • 26-3-7: Updated substance abuse policy for parish employees.
    • 26-3-8: Authorized purchase/expropriation of 5.72 acres for drainage improvements in Luling.
  • Resolutions Adopted:
    • 6895: Authorized submittal of FY27 congressional funding request for Des Allemands Bulkhead Project.
    • 6896: Certified compliance with public bid law for Des Allemands Boat Launch Project.
  • Appointments Confirmed:
    • Nick Nassar appointed to the River Parishes Transit Authority (term to expire January 9, 2028).
    • Steven E. Dorand appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission as District III Representative (unexpired term to May 31, 2029).
  • Appointment Deferred: The appointment to the Communications District (EMS representative) was deferred to the April 6, 2026 meeting pending receipt of a nomination.
  • Next Meetings: The next regular council meeting is Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (note three-week lapse). A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to consider a resolution calling an election on ad valorem taxes for Recreation and Council on Aging.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the St. Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, March 16th, 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 the pledge of allegiance from Deacon Donnie Hills with the First Baptist Church in Parody. Please stand. Good evening. Heavenly Father before his comes to give you all the praise, and glory. Lord, we thank you, Lord, for allowing us to see another day. Live another moment because the next moment is not a promise. And I mean right now, Lord, we pray that everything is done decently and in order, and that every voice is heard and listened to. We prepared our law for our prayers. President and the council that you will give them the knowledge and the understanding. The most importantly, Lord, the wisdom to apply so that the decision that they make would be for the best of St. Charles Parish. Lord, you chose them for a reason and a season. Let them realize the importance of listening to the people. The most important for listen to you. Realize the Father Lord that only what we do for you will last. So Lord, I lift them up to you right now, Lord. Use them in a positive way. And Lord, in all their decisions, make it let them seek your counsel first, because your daughter's never made a mistake. So though we praise you right now. Lord, you're going to have your way, but use us in a positive way so we can be a positive influence here in St. Charles Parish. Jesus' name we pray. Amen. We pledge allegiance to the flag of the States of America. One nation under God and the visible liberty justice for all. Thank you, Deacon Hill. Approval of the minutes. A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of March 2nd, 2026. We have a motion by Mr. Bouillet and uh a seconder by Miss Skeba. Please cast your votes. And that passes unanimously. We have a deviation from the regular agenda. A motion and a second is needed to deviate from the regular order of the agenda to take up file number two zero two six-zero zero nine four. It's a matter not on the agenda. That is 2026-0094 in memorium, Jacob M. Dufreen Sr. We have a motion by Mr. Bouillet and a second by Mr. Carnaval to deviate from the regular order of the agenda to take up file number 2026-0094. If there's anyone who would like to come up and speak on the deviation, please do so now. Please state your name and address for the record, and you have three minutes to speak. Seeing none public comment on the deviations closed. Vote on the deviation. We have any council discussions. Seeing none, please cast your vote on the deviation only.

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