St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – August 11, 2026

Note: The meeting date per the official transcript and minutes is Monday, August 10, 2026, not August 11 as indicated in the summary instructions. The following summary uses the date from the instruction but reflects the actual meeting content.

The St. Charles Parish Council met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Courthouse, Hahnville, with 8 members present (Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler) and one absent (Heather Skiba). The meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM, followed by prayer and pledge. The council approved the minutes of the July 27, 2026 meeting unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.

Special Business (Proclamations)

• 2026-0237: Recognition of the 2026 12U All-Star Basketball – AAA Biddy Basketball World Champions. Assistant Director of Youth Sports Daniel Luquet and Coach Joshua Plaisance spoke. The proclamation was read.
• 2026-0240: Recognition of the 2026 8U All-Star Softball – All American Youth Sports State Champions. Daniel Luquet spoke. The proclamation was read.
• 2026-0216: In Memoriam: Adrian Leon Petetant, a former St. Charles Parish employee. The proclamation was read.
• 2026-0257: Recognition of Robin Robicheaux for service on the St. Charles Parish Library Board of Control. Sponsored by Councilmember Fisher; Ms. Robicheaux was not present.

Reports (Finance and Administrative Activities)

• 2026-0243 – Department of Community Services: Director Joan Diaz presented an annual report highlighting the department’s work as a safety net, including LIHEAP assistance ($300,000 for heating/cooling), emergency food assistance (averaging 100 bags per month), summer food program (7,000 meals in six weeks), homeowner housing repairs (multiple grants), and youth programs at community centers. Council members praised the team’s efficiency and impact.
• 2026-0249 – Procurement Office: Procurement Officer Brenda Campos reported on the office’s work: processed 9,673 purchase orders and 36 solicitations in 2025; held four online surplus auctions generating $106,000 in revenue; implemented a centralized procurement program, updated procurement policy and templates, and introduced OpenGov contract management software. She noted that future surplus auction resolutions will come before the council, as recommended by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
• 2026-0250 – Parish President Remarks/Report: President Matthew Jewell provided updates on capital projects: Montz pump stations (1 and 2) – $32 million investment, nearing completion; Murray Hill and Destrehan Drive drainage improvements – $2.1 million, on track for September 1; Ormond CN Railway Culverts ($10.5 million) – first bore anticipated in late August; Des Allemands boat launch – $4.99 million, dock construction underway; Ormond Drainage Center – phase one nearing completion; Primrose Canal phase 1B – 30% complete, $1.5 million; Kindler lift station – electrical installation pending. Also announced SBA disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Arthur, animal shelter adoption flights, and Check the Chip day. Sales tax revenues were up 3% for June and 5.7% year-to-date.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Milton Allemand (Hahnville) spoke on several items:
  • On the annual tax ordinance (2026-0235), he expressed concern about the parish’s tax burden and rising costs, noting that the decrease in assessed value (about $70 million) and the millage reduction should be put in context of overall tax collections. He urged the parish to control spending and avoid “entertainment business.”
  • On the Ormond Center drainage change order (2026-0251), he questioned whether the engineering firm was accountable for undisclosed utility conflicts and noted that cost increases by item appeared high (60-70%), even if the overall change was under 10%.
  • On the Ormond CN Railway change order (2026-0253), he criticized the practice of allowing work to proceed without council approval of funds, stating “you can’t allow people to do work the governing authority has not approved.” He also noted that the school board had overspent, and he worried about setting a precedent.
  • On the Hahnville Library CMAR contract (2026-0220), he argued that the CMAR process bypasses public bid law and that the public will never know if a lower price was available. He suggested the new library be named “St. Charles Parish Library at Hahnville” and other branches be considered branches.
  • On the wastewater generator maintenance contract (2026-0242), he questioned why the parish cannot do the work in-house, noting the “minor inspection” attachment lacks detail and that the contract does not cover fuel refilling. He recommended that major inspections be completed before hurricane season.
  • On the Ama Park Renovations (2026-0229), he noted that a previous request for improvements at Holy Rosary ball fields was ignored and asked whether a committee of residents helped design the Ama Park project.
  • On the surplus property resolution (2026-0230), he asked where auction proceeds go and whether the council tracks lease vehicle sales.

Discussion Items

• Annual Ad Valorem Tax Ordinance (2026-0235): Finance Director Grant Dussom reported that total assessed value decreased by about $70 million (3% drop), primarily due to a $39 million decline in inventory value. The parish will keep the tax rate the same, resulting in a 3% tax decrease. Public comment from Milton Allemand. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Civil Service Board Amendment (2026-0247): Personnel Officer Dayna Parker explained that the Louisiana Civil Service League dissolved, so the ordinance replaces the appointing authority with the Director of the Department of Civil Service, State of Louisiana. No public comment. Adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Ormond Center Drainage Change Order No. 1 (2026-0251): Engineering Director Miles Bingham explained that the change order ($271,095.41 increase, 30 days) was needed to avoid undisclosed conflicts with Entergy lines. The alignment of culverts had to be offset, and old pipes filled. Councilmember Fisher noted Entergy changed their position after initial approval. Chairman Pilié noted the challenges of brownfield construction. The project is expected to be completed by end of year. Adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Destrehan WWTP Aeration Basin Change Order No. 1 (2026-0252): Wastewater Director David deGeneres reported a $71,532 increase and 133-day extension due to piping conflicts and manufacturing delays. This is an upgrade from Hurricane Ida damage. A future no-cost change order may be needed for blower automation. Adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Ormond CN Railway Culverts Change Order No. 1 (2026-0253): This $1,005,921.76 increase and 60-day extension results from two work change directives. The first saved $128,865 by changing water line installation method. The second, costing nearly $600,000, arose because a gas line was not where indicated by utility locates, requiring permanent sheet piling. Council discussion focused on the large change order, but members acknowledged the railroad’s restrictions on pre-construction potholing and the need to keep the contractor working. President Jewell explained that the gas company wanted to charge the parish to relocate their line, but the parish refused. The project is expected to be completed by November/December 2026. Adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Hahnville Branch Library CMAR Contract (2026-0220): Library Director Leann Benedict presented the $9,040,972 guaranteed maximum price from Woodward Design + Build, which is under the $9.2 million budget. The project has been in planning for a year, with pricing at 30, 60, 90, and 100% design. The Library Board of Control approved the price in May. Councilmember Fonseca supported the CMAR process, noting it allows cost-saving decisions during design. Councilmember Comardelle favored CMAR for quality and low change order rates. President Jewell noted that an independent cost estimator (ICE) validates the price. The project includes a new library at the parish seat with a backup generator and higher wind standards. Adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Wastewater Generator Preventative Maintenance 2026 (2026-0242): David deGeneres explained that the $99,735 contract with ARCCO covers oil changes, filter changes, and load bank testing for 32 generators. This is a significant savings over renting generators ($500,000/year). The parish’s own staff performs weekly checks. Discussion addressed whether the work could be done in-house, but deGeneres stated the department lacks the staff capacity given 350 lift stations. Adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Ama Park Renovations (2026-0229): Parks and Recreation Director Duane Foret presented the $1,208,100 contract with Pintail Contracting Services for renovations including new ball field fencing, batting cage, permanent restroom, playground, covered basketball court, parking, and lighting. The council approved an amendment to correct a typo (“flighting” to “lighting”). The project is part of a cohesive parks master plan. President Jewell and councilmembers defended the plan, noting that the parish is following the 2012 master plan (updated in 2020 with public surveys) and consolidating underused pocket parks into regional facilities. The project replaces amenities at St. Mark’s Park, which has low visitation. Adopted unanimously (8-0).

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Ordinances:
  • 2026-0235: Annual ad valorem tax ordinance (Enactment No. 26-8-1) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0247: Civil Service Board appointment amendment (Enactment No. 26-8-2) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0251: Ormond Center Change Order No. 1 (Enactment No. 26-8-3) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0252: Destrehan WWTP Change Order No. 1 (Enactment No. 26-8-4) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0253: Ormond CN Railway Culverts Change Order No. 1 (Enactment No. 26-8-5) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0220: Hahnville Library CMAR contract (Enactment No. 26-8-6) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0242: Wastewater generator maintenance contract (Enactment No. 26-8-7) – 8-0.
  • 2026-0229: Ama Park Renovations contract (Enactment No. 26-8-8) – 8-0, with amendment.
• Adopted Resolution:
  • 2026-0230: Surplus property disposition (Enactment No. 6919) – 8-0.
• Appointments:
  • Michael D. Heath to Communications District (Council representative) – 8-0 (Enactment No. 6920).
  • Kevin Gauthier to Communications District (EMS representative) – 8-0 (Enactment No. 6921).
  • Armond Bourque to Communications District (President’s Office representative) – 8-0 (Enactment No. 6922).
• Deferred Appointments:
  • Library Board of Control District VI representative (deferred to August 24 meeting at request of Councilmember Fisher).
  • Communications District Firemen’s Association representative (deferred to August 24 pending nomination).
• Announced Vacancy: Library Board of Control District II representative.
• Meetings Scheduled: Coastal Zone Advisory Committee (Aug 11), Community Action Advisory Board (Aug 12), Pontchartrain Levee District (Aug 17), Board of Adjustments (Aug 20), next Council meeting (Aug 24).
• Public Hearings on 2027 Budget: October 20 (9 AM), October 22 (1 PM), October 26 (6 PM).
• Adjournment: Motion by deBruler, second by Comardelle, carried 8-0.