OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – August 24, 2026

Parish Council & Boards — Monday, August 24, 2026
BodySt Charles Parish, Louisiana
SessionParish Council & Boards
DateMonday, August 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:04:03

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good evening.

0:03

Good evening.

0:04

And welcome to the St.

0:06

Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, August 24th, 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 by Father Paul Clark with our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Anville.

0:29

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

0:34

O Holy Ghosts, personal love and goodness in the Godhead.

0:38

Thou breathest upon us in streams, the divine goodness through thy graces and gifts.

0:44

Eternal thanks be to thee for the spiritual life thou givest to us and preserves through the holy sacraments.

0:53

Although we do not deserve thy love nor correspond with it, thou ceasest not to bless and sanctify us.

0:59

Therefore we thank thee with the Father and the Son, and today especially for thy unfathomable mercy, which is above all thy works.

1:08

Praise and thanksgiving be to thee forever.

1:11

Amen.

1:29

Thank you, Father Clark.

1:34

Approval of minutes, regular meeting, August 10th, 2026.

1:38

A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 10th, 2026.

1:43

We have a motion by Mr.

1:44

Fisher and a second by Mr.

1:46

Carmadell.

1:47

Please cast your vote.

1:56

It passes unanimously.

1:58

Special business proclamations, canvas returns, etc.

2:04

2026-0238 in recognition.

2:10

2026 Louisiana USS State Champions.

2:15

And uh Mr.

2:16

Jewell, can you address this?

2:22

Parish of St.

2:23

Charles, August 24th, 2026 in recognition.

2:26

Whereas the St.

2:27

Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department has long held a prominent place in the state of Louisiana, United States as an outstanding parish in the recreation program.

2:35

And whereas the St.

2:36

Charles Parish 7U All-Star Baseball team excelled throughout the 2026 season.

2:42

And whereas on June 14th, 2026, the St.

2:45

Charles Parish 7U All-Stars came home Louisiana U Triple SA champions, and whereas members of the St.

2:54

Charles Parish Council and the Parish President wish to recognize the outstanding performance of the members of the St.

3:01

Charles Parish 2026 7U All-Star Baseball Team and their coaches.

3:05

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

3:07

Charles Parish Council, and the Parish President do hereby recognize the 2026 St.

3:12

Charles Parish 7U Baseball All-Star Team, Bo Caps, Anderson Carrier, Elijah Dole, Trayson Freeleo, Senate Hayes, Creed Hemstead, Beckham Landry, Reed Landry, Maverick Monson, Tans Pierce, Owen Terre, Tristan Trapanier, Head Coach, Richard Dole, Assistant Coaches, Sam Carrier, Brighton, Brighton Trapanier, and Tori Pierce.

5:03

Also want to thank the rec department for making this possible and of course all the parents of the boys for uh continued support through uh sponsorships, fundraising, all that stuff, and uh super proud of you guys, man.

5:14

You guys work hard this season and it showed congrats to you guys.

5:18

Thank y'all.

5:26

Congratulations.

5:49

Definitely hurting cash.

6:03

We may be blessed tonight.

6:06

So we may be blessed tonight.

6:08

Yeah.

6:09

No.

6:11

Unless she comes in later.

6:38

Let's call a mic.

6:44

All right.

6:46

Continuing, 2026-0219 in memorium, Mr.

6:50

Raymond Hicks.

6:51

Mr.

6:52

Jewel, could you please address Chairman?

6:56

The Parish of St.

6:57

Charles in Memorial.

6:58

Whereas on June 2nd, 2026, God in his Almighty Infinite Wisdom saw fit to call from amongst us one of his most worthy servants, Raymond Hicks.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████████████26%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Water And Wastewater Management████████████12%
Public Safety██████6%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Public Records Access███3%
Youth Programs██2%
Summary of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting – August 24, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Council met on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Courthouse in Hahnville, Louisiana. The meeting was called to order with a prayer and pledge of allegiance by Father Paul Clark of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. The minutes of the August 10, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes (August 10, 2026): Motion by Mr. Fisher, second by Mr. Comardelle. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Milton Alamo (Hahnville): Spoke on multiple items. Opposed the ad valorem assessment levy for delinquent weed/grass removal (2026-0269) but it was postponed; supported the amendment to eliminate copy fees for electronic records (2026-0263), arguing residents should not be charged for records they already paid for; raised concerns about funding the Engineers Canal Pump Station improvements (2026-0265) from the 1-2-3 levy fund, noting that the pump station is not part of the original hurricane protection system; questioned the effectiveness of grass and weed liens, noting chronic violators.
  • Triniece Davis Boyd (704 Kinler Street): Requested the parish purchase her property at 920 Kinler Street and allow her to buy 620 Kinler Street, citing design issues with a sewage control panel that would lower resale value and create liability.
  • Bobby Donaldson (Norco): Spoke in support of the Engineers Canal Pump Station project (2026-0265), stating it was long overdue.
  • Lloyd Frickey (Sunset Drainage District): Supported the flood damage prevention amendment (2026-0271), noting it eliminates the need for variances and saves residents time and money. He also complimented the district’s drainage improvements.

Discussion Items

  • 2026-0254 – Residential Mitigation Program: Ordinance approving a Professional Services Agreement with Barowka and Bonura Engineers and Consultants, LLC at $7,250 per structure for program administrative/management services. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0259 – EJES Amendment No. 2: Amendment to increase the contract for engineering services for Kinler and Paul Frederick Roadway and Drainage Improvements by $95,000 (total $839,851). Public hearing: Milton Alamo questioned whether engineering covers all phases. Mr. Bingham clarified that phase one drainage design is complete and roadway design is being worked on. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0260 – Alpha Testing Amendment No. 2: Amendment to increase the testing and inspection contract by $150,000 (total $650,000). Public hearing: Alamo criticized the practice of returning for more funds. Council members Fisher and Jewell explained that the contract allows task orders and saves money by catching issues early (e.g., boat launch concrete grooving, pile testing). Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0263 – Copy Fees for Electronic Records: Ordinance to amend the fee schedule to revert to no charge for electronic records pending state guidance. Public hearing: Alamo in support. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0265 – GIS Engineering for Engineers Canal Pump Station: Ordinance approving a $1,423,978 contract for design refinement and permitting. Public hearing: Donaldson in support; Alamo raised funding source concerns. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0269 – Ad Valorem Assessment for Delinquent Weed/Grass Removal: Administration requested indefinite postponement because a new ordinance (2026-0278) was introduced. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0270 – Zoning Ordinance Update for C-2 and C-3 Districts: Update to consolidate terminology and regulations. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0271 – Flood Damage Prevention for Sunset Drainage District: Re-establishes the 1992 FIRM maps and sets minimum building elevation at 0 feet NAVD88. Public hearing: Frickey in support. Council discussion noted that elevation certificates are still required and no more variances will be needed. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0272 – Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with St. Charles Parish Public Schools: For maintenance of a parking area adjacent to Norco Elementary. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026-0288 – Automobile Fleet Services Waivers: Tabled contingent on the paired rezoning (2026-0279) not being introduced in time. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolutions:
    • 2026-0264 – CPRA Intergovernmental Agreement for Cousins Pump Station T-Wall (BA-0280): $16.7 million award from Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
    • 2026-0284 – USDA Housing Preservation Grant Application: Application for $10,000 per home for 12 low-income residents. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
    • 2026-0285 – Emergency Housing Waiver: Authorizes the Parish President to waive land use regulations for temporary housing during declared emergencies. Public hearing: Alamo questioned sunset provisions. Passed unanimously.
    • 2026-0286 – Subdivision Waiver for PDJ Enterprises: For lot frontage on private St. Gertrude Lane. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
    • 2026-0287 – Accessory Dwelling Unit in Luling: For 20 Bernice Drive. Public hearing: no comments. Passed unanimously.
  • Appointments:
    • 2026-0207 – Library Board of Control District VI: Appointed to fill unexpired term ending April 1, 2027. Passed unanimously.
    • 2026-0246 – Communications District (Firemen’s Association): Deferred to September 14, 2026 pending nomination.
    • 2026-0228 – Library Board of Control District II: Lindsey Tullier reappointed to a five-year term. Passed unanimously.

Reports

  • Arc of St. Charles: Reported serving over 100 individuals, progress on construction (bids due next day), and highlighted day program, vocational training, and community integration.
  • Department of Waterworks (Greg Gordon): Reported on water system model nearing completion; call center statistics (27,143 calls from May 2025 to April 2026, 99.4% answer rate, 97% service level, average 105 calls/day, 16 seconds to answer); West Bank clarifier upgrade ($2.7 million contract); West Bank E-plant design ($4 million design, $3 million capital outlay award); filter media replacement; billing process improvements.
  • Parish President’s Remarks: Social media workshop, microchip event (40 animals), public works training, West Bank treatment pond improvements (reduced from 60 to 7 acres, deepened to 7 feet), King Cat fishing tournament (Sept 18-19), fall basketball registration.

Key Outcomes

  • All votes were unanimous except where noted.
  • 2026-0269 postponed indefinitely.
  • 2026-0288 tabled.
  • 2026-0246 deferred to next meeting.
  • Next regular council meeting: September 14, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Good evening. And welcome to the St. Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, August 24th, 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 by Father Paul Clark with our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Anville. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. O Holy Ghosts, personal love and goodness in the Godhead. Thou breathest upon us in streams, the divine goodness through thy graces and gifts. Eternal thanks be to thee for the spiritual life thou givest to us and preserves through the holy sacraments. Although we do not deserve thy love nor correspond with it, thou ceasest not to bless and sanctify us. Therefore we thank thee with the Father and the Son, and today especially for thy unfathomable mercy, which is above all thy works. Praise and thanksgiving be to thee forever. Amen. Thank you, Father Clark. Approval of minutes, regular meeting, August 10th, 2026. A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 10th, 2026. We have a motion by Mr. Fisher and a second by Mr. Carmadell. Please cast your vote. It passes unanimously. Special business proclamations, canvas returns, etc. 2026-0238 in recognition. 2026 Louisiana USS State Champions. And uh Mr. Jewell, can you address this? Parish of St. Charles, August 24th, 2026 in recognition. Whereas the St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department has long held a prominent place in the state of Louisiana, United States as an outstanding parish in the recreation program. And whereas the St. Charles Parish 7U All-Star Baseball team excelled throughout the 2026 season. And whereas on June 14th, 2026, the St. Charles Parish 7U All-Stars came home Louisiana U Triple SA champions, and whereas members of the St. Charles Parish Council and the Parish President wish to recognize the outstanding performance of the members of the St. Charles Parish 2026 7U All-Star Baseball Team and their coaches. Now therefore be it resolved that we, the members of the St. Charles Parish Council, and the Parish President do hereby recognize the 2026 St. Charles Parish 7U Baseball All-Star Team, Bo Caps, Anderson Carrier, Elijah Dole, Trayson Freeleo, Senate Hayes, Creed Hemstead, Beckham Landry, Reed Landry, Maverick Monson, Tans Pierce, Owen Terre, Tristan Trapanier, Head Coach, Richard Dole, Assistant Coaches, Sam Carrier, Brighton, Brighton Trapanier, and Tori Pierce. Also want to thank the rec department for making this possible and of course all the parents of the boys for uh continued support through uh sponsorships, fundraising, all that stuff, and uh super proud of you guys, man. You guys work hard this season and it showed congrats to you guys. Thank y'all. Congratulations. Definitely hurting cash. We may be blessed tonight. So we may be blessed tonight. Yeah. No.

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