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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – July 27, 2026

Parish Council & Boards — Monday, July 27, 2026

BodySt Charles Parish, Louisiana

SessionParish Council & Boards

DateMonday, July 27, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:35:12

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0:06

Good evening.

0:08

And welcome to the St.

0:09

Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 6 p.m.

0:13

in the council chambers in the parish courthouse.

0:16

Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats.

0:19

This meeting is called to order with a prayer, prayer, and the pledge of allegiance from Pastor Charles Johnson Sr.

0:26

with the Mount Zion Community Community Church in Boutique.

0:42

Let us pray.

0:44

Father God, we give thanks to you once again for another opportunity.

0:58

And we just thank you once for for those that have been elected and those that have been called and chosen, Lord, to take care of the business of the church.

1:06

We pray right now that everything will be done, Lord, according to your will and according to we continue each and every day of their lives is our prayer.

1:17

Pledge allegiance to the flag, United States of America, the Tutoral Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

1:31

Thank you, Pastor Johnson.

1:34

Approval of minutes, regular meeting, July 13th.

1:37

A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of July 13th, 2026.

1:43

We have a motion by Mr.

1:44

Fisher and a second by Miss Skeba.

1:47

Please cast your votes.

2:08

In memoriam, Kirk Andre Freelew.

2:10

And uh Mr.

2:11

Jewell, think Chairman.

2:13

Parish of St.

2:14

Charles in Memorium, whereas on May 16th, 2026, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call amongst from amongst us one of his most work most worthy servants, Kirk Andre Freelew.

2:27

And whereas Kirk was born to the parents of the late Andrea Freelou and Reverend Dr.

2:33

Gary Bolden Sr.

2:35

And was a resident of St.

2:36

Charles Parish.

2:37

He was a proud father of two daughters, Paris and Paige Freelew, and one son, the late Brian Jones.

2:44

And whereas Kirk was a dedicated employee at Zachary for more than 20 years and continued his career with St.

2:50

Charles Parish in March of 2018 as a laborer in public works.

2:55

He was promoted to pump mechanic helper in June of 2020 and transitioned to a pump operator helper in September of 2020.

3:04

Kirk was also a dedicated St.

3:05

Charles Parish employee for eight years.

3:08

And whereas Kurt was a soft-spoken and kind-hearted and kind-hearted, never hastening to lend a helping a helping hand to anyone in need.

3:17

A gentle spirit, his gentle spirit was infectious to those around him, and he had a deep passion for motorcycles and vehicles of all kinds.

3:25

And you could always find him working on something.

3:28

One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at the racetrack, enjoying the thrill of a good race.

3:34

And whereas on behalf of the citizens of St.

3:36

Charles Parish, the Parish Council and the Parish President, we proudly posthumously honor Kurt Freelew for his exceptional service to our parish and his legacy of love and loyalty.

3:48

Now therefore be it resolved that we, the members of the St.

3:51

Charles Parish Council, and the Parish President duly assembled on this 27th day of July 2026.

3:58

Do hereby express our sincere sympathy to the family of Kirk Andre Freeleo, September 17th, 1971 to May 16th, 2026.

4:09

Be it further resolved that a page of the official minute book of the St.

4:14

Charles Parish Council meeting be set aside for the record of this memorial, and when this meeting is is adjourned, it shall be done in memory of Kirk Andre Freeleo.

4:23

May he rest in peace.

4:25

Here to receive this, we have uh Mr.

4:27

Aaron Freelew.

4:33

Okay, we'll make sure they get that.

4:37

She goes by that.

4:48

Thank you, Mr.

4:49

Jewell.

4:50

Next, 2026-0227 proclamation, National Heat Stroke Awareness Month.

4:56

Very appropriate.

4:57

Miss Uh De Bruyer.

5:00

Thank you, Mr.

5:01

Chair.

5:02

Proclamation.

5:03

National Heat Stroke Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder to educate ourselves about the dangers of extreme heat exposure.

5:11

This condition can escalate quickly, leading to severe death complications.

5:16

And whereas recognizing the signs of heat stroke, implementing preventive measures in vehicles, and staying safe during extreme heat events are essential steps in creating a safer environment for everyone.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Economic Development█████████████████17%

Procedural███████████████15%

Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████14%

Affordable Housing████████████12%

Personnel Matters██████6%

Budget Equity Analysis█████5%

Workforce Development█████5%

Procurement Management█████5%

Public Health████4%

Summary of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – July 27, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Hahnville. All nine council members were present. The meeting included a moment of silence for Kirk Andre Friloux, a proclamation for National Heatstroke Awareness Month, reports from the Port of South Louisiana, the Housing Authority, the Parish President, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as action on three zoning petitions, a budget amendment, a workforce board lease, a grant resolution, and multiple board appointments. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:35 PM.

Consent Calendar

Approval of Minutes (July 13, 2026): Moved by Councilmember Fisher, seconded by Councilmember Skiba. Unanimously approved (9–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

On Zoning Petition 2026-0224 (R-1A to R-1A(M) – Stein Management, LLC):
- Mr. Mark Brady (Norco) opposed rezoning, stating it would constitute spot zoning, devalue property, and increase rental properties.
- Mr. Matthew Perret (Norco) opposed, noting the neighborhood had agreed years ago to prohibit trailers.
On Zoning Petition 2026-0225 (C-2 to R-1A – Billy Butler for Moore New Homes):
- Mr. Milton Allemand (Hahnville) spoke in favor, noting the lot had been residential for 150 years and honoring Vietnam War hero Larry Trey.
On Zoning Petition 2026-0226 (R-1A to O-L – Robert Gilbert):
- Ms. Julie Hebert, representing the applicant, explained the family wished to build a home and small stable, avoiding development of 130–150 homes.
- Mr. Robert Gilbert and Ms. Shelby Gilbert (Gonzales) stated their desire to preserve the land and build a forever home.
- Mr. Thomas Faucheaux (Luling) expressed no objection to the two homes but raised concerns about access via Diane Drive instead of the established Terry Drive stub-out. His speaking time was extended by three minutes (motion carried 9–0).
On Budget Amendment 2026-0214:
- Mr. Milton Allemand (Hahnville) cautioned that the consolidated budget had increased ~60% over ten years while population had not grown, raising the tax burden on residents. He noted 30% of parish residents are working poor.
On Grant Resolution 2026-0244:
- Mr. Milton Allemand questioned the source of Delta Regional Authority funds and noted that grant money ultimately comes from taxpayers.

Reports (Finance & Administrative Activities)

Port of South Louisiana (2026-0232): CEO Julia Fisher-Cormier reported the port is the second largest in the U.S., handles 60% of U.S. grain exports (46 million short tons, 18 million from St. Charles Parish), and has $10 billion in private investment in the tri‑parish area over two years – none in St. Charles. The port’s priorities are fueling the economy, feeding the world, and fortifying infrastructure. She expressed interest in collaborating on the I-310/US 90 interchange project.
Housing Authority (2026-0233): Executive Director Jedidiah Jackson reported serving 53 families in public housing and 241 through vouchers. The agency’s HUD assessment score rose from 24 (2023) to 65 (2024), lifting it out of “troubled status.” The Housing Choice Voucher program is now a “high performer” (100% CMAP) with a 99.8% PIC accuracy score. The authority is pursuing a RAD/Section 18 blend conversion to redevelop shuttered properties, having received a CHAP commitment from HUD. Councilwoman Wilson and Councilwoman deBruler commented, with the latter commending the director.
Parish President Remarks (2026-0234): President Matthew Jewell reported on preparations for Tropical Storm Arthur (minimal impacts, 1.5 inches of rain), road closures for the Montz pump station project, filter media replacement at the West Bank water treatment plant, free small business classes, a microchip event for pets, construction of sand volleyball courts (85% complete), 7,107 summer meals served, and a household hazardous waste collection scheduled for September 12, 2026. Councilman Fisher asked about tire acceptance (to be confirmed) and noted that public works was behind on grass cutting due to personnel and equipment shortages, but new employees and repaired tractors would help.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Jeff Duhe reported that St. Charles Parish is eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) due to its contiguity to parishes in the federal disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Arthur. The loans cover working capital for businesses and nonprofits; the application deadline is March 30, 2027. He clarified that homeowner and renter assistance is not available in St. Charles. Councilwoman deBruler asked about vehicle damage loans; Duhe reiterated the EIDL is for businesses only.

Discussion Items

Ordinances Introduced for Publication (August 10, 2026 public hearing):
- 2026-0235 (annual property tax levy) – Introduced.
- 2026-0247 (civil service board amendment due to dissolution of Louisiana Civil Service League) – Introduced.
- Additional supplemental ordinances: 2026-0251, 0252, 0253 (change orders for drainage, wastewater, and culvert projects); 2026-0220 (CMAR contract for Hahnville Library, $9,040,972); 2026-0242 (wastewater generator maintenance, $99,735); 2026-0229 (Ama Park renovations, $1,208,100) – All introduced.
Planning & Zoning Petitions:
- 2026-0224 (R-1A to R-1A(M)): Planning & Zoning Director Michael Albert explained the department and Planning Commission recommended denial. Councilman Fisher noted he received over 30 emails and calls opposing, and called it spot zoning. Vote: all 9 nay – failed.
- 2026-0225 (C-2 to R-1A): Albert reported both department and Planning Commission recommended approval. Councilwoman Wilson asked for support. Vote: 9 yea – approved (Enactment No. 26-7-4).
- 2026-0226 (R-1A to O-L): Albert reported the department and Planning Commission recommended approval (downzoning from potential subdivision to two homes). Councilman Comardelle supported, citing the family’s efforts and past obstacles. Councilwoman O’Daniels confirmed the vote was solely on rezoning. Vote: 9 yea – approved (Enactment No. 26-7-5).
Ordinances Scheduled for Public Hearing (introduced July 13, 2026):
- 2026-0214 (Budget Amendment No. 1): Finance Director Grant Dussom explained the rollover of 2025 unspent funds. President Jewell noted the millage rate is at a 34‑year low, and the budget increase reflects historic grant funding. Councilman Fisher supported the technical amendment. Vote: 9 yea – approved (Enactment No. 26-7-6).
- 2026-0222 (Workforce Board Lease): The council approved an amendment to correct the lease expiration and term (beginning August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, at $1,500/month). Legal Director Corey Oubre stated the amendment was not substantial. Motion to amend by Councilmember O’Daniels, seconded by Councilmember deBruler (9-0). The ordinance as amended was then approved (9-0) (Enactment No. 26-7-7).
Resolutions:
- 2026-0244 (Delta Regional Authority Grant Application): Grants Officer Carla Chiasson explained the $500,000 federal grant would fund culverts under the CPKC railroad for the Fairfield/Oakland drainage project. Councilwoman O’Daniels supported, noting 20+ years of flooding. Vote: 9 yea – approved (Enactment No. 6918).
Appointments:
- 2026-0204 (Communications District – Council Rep): Councilman Fisher nominated Michael D. Heath for reappointment (4-year term). Nominations closed (motion Fisher, second Fonseca, 9-0).
- 2026-0205 (Communications District – EMS Rep): Mr. Kevin Gauthier was nominated by the Hospital Service District. Nominations closed (motion deBruler, second Skiba, 9-0).
- 2026-0213 (Communications District – President’s Office Rep): Mr. Armond Bourque nominated by Parish President. Nominations closed (motion deBruler, second Skiba, 9-0).
- 2026-0207 (Library Board of Control – District VI): Deferred to August 10 meeting (motion Fisher, second O’Daniels/Comardelle, 9-0).
- 2026-0245 (Resignation of Johnny Bourgeois from Communications District): Accepted (9-0).
- 2026-0246 (New appointment for Firemen’s Association vacancy): Vacancy announced; nomination to be accepted August 10.

Key Outcomes

Minutes of July 13, 2026 approved.
Zoning petition 2026-0224 (R-1A to R-1A(M) in Good Hope Plantation) failed 9–0.
Zoning petition 2026-0225 (C-2 to R-1A in Hahnville) approved 9–0.
Zoning petition 2026-0226 (R-1A to O-L in Friloux-Donnaud Estate) approved 9–0.
Budget Amendment No. 1 (2026-0214) approved 9–0.
Workforce Board lease (2026-0222) amended and approved 9–0.
Grant resolution (2026-0244) for CPKC culvert project approved 9–0.
All listed appointments to the Communications District were accepted (Michael D. Heath, Kevin Gauthier, Armond Bourque); resignation of Johnny Bourgeois accepted; Library Board appointment deferred.
Adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. And welcome to the St. Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, July 27, 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, prayer, and the pledge of allegiance from Pastor Charles Johnson Sr. with the Mount Zion Community Community Church in Boutique. Let us pray. Father God, we give thanks to you once again for another opportunity. And we just thank you once for for those that have been elected and those that have been called and chosen, Lord, to take care of the business of the church. We pray right now that everything will be done, Lord, according to your will and according to we continue each and every day of their lives is our prayer. Pledge allegiance to the flag, United States of America, the Tutoral Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Johnson. Approval of minutes, regular meeting, July 13th. A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of July 13th, 2026. We have a motion by Mr. Fisher and a second by Miss Skeba. Please cast your votes. In memoriam, Kirk Andre Freelew. And uh Mr. Jewell, think Chairman. Parish of St. Charles in Memorium, whereas on May 16th, 2026, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call amongst from amongst us one of his most work most worthy servants, Kirk Andre Freelew. And whereas Kirk was born to the parents of the late Andrea Freelou and Reverend Dr. Gary Bolden Sr. And was a resident of St. Charles Parish. He was a proud father of two daughters, Paris and Paige Freelew, and one son, the late Brian Jones. And whereas Kirk was a dedicated employee at Zachary for more than 20 years and continued his career with St. Charles Parish in March of 2018 as a laborer in public works. He was promoted to pump mechanic helper in June of 2020 and transitioned to a pump operator helper in September of 2020. Kirk was also a dedicated St. Charles Parish employee for eight years. And whereas Kurt was a soft-spoken and kind-hearted and kind-hearted, never hastening to lend a helping a helping hand to anyone in need. A gentle spirit, his gentle spirit was infectious to those around him, and he had a deep passion for motorcycles and vehicles of all kinds. And you could always find him working on something. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at the racetrack, enjoying the thrill of a good race. And whereas on behalf of the citizens of St. Charles Parish, the Parish Council and the Parish President, we proudly posthumously honor Kurt Freelew for his exceptional service to our parish and his legacy of love and loyalty. Now therefore be it resolved that we, the members of the St. Charles Parish Council, and the Parish President duly assembled on this 27th day of July 2026. Do hereby express our sincere sympathy to the family of Kirk Andre Freeleo, September 17th, 1971 to May 16th, 2026. Be it further resolved that a page of the official minute book of the St. Charles Parish Council meeting be set aside for the record of this memorial, and when this meeting is is adjourned, it shall be done in memory of Kirk Andre Freeleo. May he rest in peace. Here to receive this, we have uh Mr. Aaron Freelew. Okay, we'll make sure they get that. She goes by that. Thank you, Mr.

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