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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

Parish Council & Boards — Tuesday, September 15, 2026

BodySt Charles Parish, Louisiana

SessionParish Council & Boards

DateTuesday, September 15, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:29:33

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Good evening and welcome to the St.

0:02

Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 6 p.m.

0:07

in the council chambers in the parish courthouse.

0:10

Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats.

0:14

This meeting is called to order with a prayer led by Miss Doris Menes Menez.

0:19

No, I'll never get it.

0:21

And the okay, you got it.

0:24

And the Pledge of Allegiance from Miss Cherie Tibodeau from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

0:30

Please stand.

0:42

Almighty God, our creator and protector.

0:46

We come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the blessings of liberty and the heritage of freedom in this great land.

0:56

We thank you for the vision and sacrifices of those who framed the United States Constitution and for all who have defended the ideals through the generations.

1:08

Instill in us a renewed sense of civic duty, unity, and national pride.

1:15

Grant wisdom to our leaders, strength to our armed forces, and safety to every community.

1:23

Help us to always strive for justice, peace, and goodwill toward all.

1:58

Thank you, Miss Menaz Menazes and Miss Tibodeau.

2:03

Getting closer at least.

2:06

Approval of minutes.

2:08

A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of August 24th, 2026.

2:13

We have a motion by Miss Fonsica and seconded by Mr.

2:16

Bruyne.

2:17

Please cast your vote.

2:29

And that passes with all present.

2:31

We have uh Miss Wilson and Mr.

2:33

Fisher absent tonight.

2:36

Special business proclamations, canvas returns, etc.

2:41

2026 0239 in recognition, eight and under all-star baseball 2026, Louisiana USSA state champions, Mr.

2:54

Jew.

3:00

Thank you, Chairman.

3:02

The Parish of St.

3:02

Charles, September 14th, 2026, in recognition.

3:05

Whereas St.

3:06

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

3:14

And whereas the St.

3:15

Charles Parish 8U All-Star Baseball team excelled through the 2026 season.

3:20

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

3:23

Charles Parish 8U All-Stars came home Louisiana U Triple SA state champions.

3:28

And whereas members of the St.

3:30

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

3:36

Charles of the 2026 St.

3:37

Charles Parish AU All-Star Baseball Team and their coaches.

3:40

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

3:43

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

3:48

Charles Parish AU Baseball All-Star Team, Luke Amond, Grayson Bergeron, Rex Daspett, Trace Dent, Hunter Felton, Drew Foster, Owen Hooper, Henry Kushler, Pierre Prince, Luke Sayuba, Evan Williams, and Wyatt Wyattworth.

4:07

Also head coach, Blake Prince and assistant coaches, Nick Eyman and Ross Hooper.

4:12

We can have all of our we got our players.

4:14

Can we have our coaches come up as well?

4:55

Coach, do you want to say a couple words of quote?

5:16

Um first of all, I'd like to congratulate the guys for all taking some extreme coaching, you know, sometimes I get a little out of control, and they did a great job with accepting the coaching and and displaying it on the field uh uh in a manner that you know I was really appreciative of them taking and understanding what I wanted them to do and putting it on the field in order to accomplish their goals.

5:46

Uh also I would like to cong uh thank all of y'all for having us.

5:50

Um obviously our season was over, but this gave us another chance to get the boys back together and uh you know get them to mingle and uh get to hang out one more time, right?

6:02

Um and last of all, thank you to the rec department for you know constantly making changes and uh keeping us up to date with what's going on with uh new sports.

6:14

Thank y'all, I think.

6:47

Oh, really?

6:52

Thank you, team and your coaches.

6:55

Uh you don't have to stay if you don't want to, but you're welcome to stay.

6:59

Okay, I'm gonna go to the house.

7:41

Okay, next, twenty twenty-six-two nine seven proclamation, Constitution Week.

7:47

Again, Mr.

7:48

Jewish.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural████████████████████████24%

Transportation Safety█████████████████17%

Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████15%

Public Records Access███████7%

Healthcare███████7%

Public Safety███████7%

Zoning And Land Use███████7%

Legal Affairs█████5%

Economic Development███3%

Summary of Proceedings

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Council met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Courthouse in Hahnville. Chairman Walter Pilié presided. Seven members were present (Mobley, Fonseca, Skiba, Pilié, Comardelle, O'Daniels, deBruler); La Sandra D. Wilson and Bob Fisher were absent. The meeting included proclamations, reports from the Hospital Service District, Legal Services, and the Parish President, public hearings on several zoning and ordinance items, and appointments to boards.

Special Business (Proclamations)

2026-0239: Recognition of the 8U All-Star Baseball team as 2026 Louisiana USSSA State Champions. Coach Blake Prince spoke. Read and accepted.
2026-0297: Proclamation for "Constitution Week" (September 17-23, 2026). Accepted by Daughters of the American Revolution members.
2026-0298: Recognition of Johnny Bourgeois for service on the St. Charles Parish Communications District (absent, plaque to be delivered).
2026-0299: Proclamation of Alligator Weekend (September 24-27) and recognition of Justin Goings as "Mr. Alligator." Goings spoke about Rotary scholarships.
2026-0300: Recognition of Kacey Lynn Beadle as 2026 Miss Alligator Festival Queen. She spoke on service.
2026-0301: Recognition of Elle Adeline Johnson as 2026 Teen Alligator Festival Queen. She spoke on service.
2026-0283: Announcement of Local Board of Review meeting on September 28, 2026, at 6 PM. Council review period September 16-30.

Reports

Hospital Service District (2026-0294): Chief Nursing Officer Jarrett Fuselier reported strong growth: EMS on track for ~7,000 transports (7% increase), adding an ambulance and sprint vehicle; new EMS headquarters moving to hospital campus; clinic growth (8%, over 21,000 patients); hospital discharges up 4%; top-decile patient experience; adding Da Vinci surgical robot; 44% growth in MRI access; over 200,000 lab tests; infusion services with 20% growth; expanded behavioral health. CEO Keith Dakis departing after five years. Councilmember Fonseca and Parish President Jewell thanked Fuselier and staff.
Department of Legal Services (2026-0295): Director Corey Oubre reported on department staffing, risk management integration, electronic bidding process, planning and zoning enforcement (closed 14 cases in two weeks, reducing older cases), litigation numbers (11 new files in 2026, 75 P&Z files, 17 insurance files), and reduction in vehicle accident lawsuits due to driver safety programs. Councilmembers thanked staff.
Parish President Remarks (2026-0296): Matthew Jewell reported:
- Ormond C-N project: Completed first and second borings beneath railway; will move to next site at Duca.
- Montz Pump Station #1 and #2: Significant progress, crews working on electrical/piping for #1, pump installation for #2. C C C Road closed through October 19 for discharge pipes.
- $10 million LED FastSite investment at Esperanza Business Park to extend Judge Edward Dufren Parkway; total project ~$25 million, construction expected 2027-2028.
- Online surplus auction through September 22 at govdeals.com.
- Community cleanup September 26 at Bonnet Carré Spillway.
- July sales tax collections nearly 5% higher than 2025 ($1.4 million additional).

Public Comments & Testimony

Milton Allemand (Hahnville) spoke repeatedly:
- On the weed/grass assessment ordinance (2026-0278): questioned whether habitual offenders actually pay, suggesting fines may be too low; later supported the e-bike ordinance but argued fines should be $500 not $100.
- On the e-bike ordinance (2026-0273): urged higher penalties, then later recommended tabling because multiple amendments changed the substance.
- On the asphalt maintenance agreement (2026-0289): questioned reuse of documents by consultant and defective work provisions; argued the parish should rely on common sense rather than engineering studies.
- On the Lakewood Pump Station contract (2026-0266): asked about contractor’s responsibility for unforeseen conditions per Article 7.04.
Allen Bryant (Destrehan) spoke on behalf of property owner for two rezoning petitions (2026-0279 and 2026-0288), stating he was available for questions.
Louis Authement (Luling) spoke on behalf of applicant for rezoning 2026-0280, explaining the old St. Gertrude Church property needs commercial zoning.
Earl Rhodes (St. Rose) spoke at length against the e-bike ordinance, arguing state laws already cover most issues and that enforcement of existing laws should come first. He questioned how many citations have been issued. His time was extended by a council vote (7-0).

Discussion Items

Planning & Zoning Petitions (all approved unanimously 7-0):
- 2026-0279: Rezone from R-1A and R-1A(M) to C-3 on Tract B, Coteau De France, 16825 Highway 90, Des Allemands (Sigmon Rental Properties). Councilmember Comardelle thanked applicant for investing locally.
- 2026-0280: Rezone from R-1A(M) to C-3 on Lot 9A, St. Gertrude Church Campus, Des Allemands (PDJ Enterprises). Comardelle supported repurposing storm-damaged property.
- 2026-0281: Rezone from C-3 to R-1M on a portion of Tract 1, Coteau De France, 117 Gwen Lane, Des Allemands (White Boot Investments). Comardelle appreciated cleanup.
Ordinance 2026-0278 – Delinquent Weed/Debris Assessment: The original ordinance levied assessment on 2025 tax bills. After reconsideration, an amendment changed the year to 2026. Final vote 7-0.
Ordinance 2026-0273 – Regulation of Motorized Bicycles, E-bikes, Scooters, and Dirt Bikes: Extensive discussion and multiple amendments.
- The Sheriff explained the need for local regulation due to state law gaps and increasing injuries (citing national data: 138,500 ER visits in 2024).
- Amendments adopted:
  - Remove “20 mph or” from speed limit reference (only “exceeding posted speed limit”). Vote 6-1 (Mobley nay).
  - Change the third whereas to delete “eliminate safety hazards.”
  - Replace “electric scooter” with “electric low-speed scooter” throughout.
  - Revise helmet requirements: operators/passengers under 17 on Class 1 & 2 electric-assisted bicycles and low-speed scooters must wear helmet; all operators/passengers on Class 3, motorized bicycles, motor-driven cycles, and electric dirt bikes must wear helmet. Established maximum $50 fine for helmet violations per state law.
  - Delete “plus court costs” from Section 15-30(c).
- Final ordinance as amended passed 7-0.
Ordinance 2026-0289 – Professional Services Agreement with Digital Engineering & Imaging for Asphalt Maintenance 2027 ($212,080.50): Approved 7-0 after discussion on the value of engineering assessments.
Ordinance 2026-0290 – Act of Revocation (Cajun Paradise Levee servitude): Approved 7-0.
Ordinance 2026-0266 – Contract with Cycle Construction for Lakewood Pump Station Discharge Modifications ($959,300): Approved 7-0 after discussion of standard contract language.
Resolution 2026-0288 – Support for Planning Commission approval of fleet services use and waivers for Sigmon Rental Properties: Removed from table and approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

All proclamations and recognitions were accepted by the council.
All three zoning reclassification ordinances (2026-0279, 0280, 0281) were adopted unanimously.
The weed/debris assessment ordinance (2026-0278) was amended to use tax year 2026 and adopted unanimously.
The e-bike regulation ordinance (2026-0273) was passed as amended (6-1 on one amendment, final vote 7-0).
The asphalt maintenance engineering agreement (2026-0289) and pump station contract (2026-0266) were approved.
The servitude revocation (2026-0290) was approved.
The fleet services waiver resolution (2026-0288) was approved.
Appointments:
- Library Board of Control (District VI): Althea Pollard nominated by Councilman Fisher (via Fonseca). Nomination closed and accepted.
- Communications District (Firemen’s Association): Wayne Duvall appointed. Accepted.
- Library Board of Control (District II): Lindsey Tullier reappointed for a five-year term. Confirmed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:29 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the St. Charles Parish Council meeting on Monday, September 14th, 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 led by Miss Doris Menes Menez. No, I'll never get it. And the okay, you got it. And the Pledge of Allegiance from Miss Cherie Tibodeau from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Please stand. Almighty God, our creator and protector. We come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the blessings of liberty and the heritage of freedom in this great land. We thank you for the vision and sacrifices of those who framed the United States Constitution and for all who have defended the ideals through the generations. Instill in us a renewed sense of civic duty, unity, and national pride. Grant wisdom to our leaders, strength to our armed forces, and safety to every community. Help us to always strive for justice, peace, and goodwill toward all. Thank you, Miss Menaz Menazes and Miss Tibodeau. Getting closer at least. Approval of minutes. A motion and a second are needed to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of August 24th, 2026. We have a motion by Miss Fonsica and seconded by Mr. Bruyne. Please cast your vote. And that passes with all present. We have uh Miss Wilson and Mr. Fisher absent tonight. Special business proclamations, canvas returns, etc. 2026 0239 in recognition, eight and under all-star baseball 2026, Louisiana USSA state champions, Mr. Jew. Thank you, Chairman. The Parish of St. Charles, September 14th, 2026, in recognition. Whereas St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department has long held a prominent place in the state of Louisiana and the United States as an outstanding parish and recreation program. And whereas the St. Charles Parish 8U All-Star Baseball team excelled through the 2026 season. And whereas on June 14th, 2026, the St. Charles Parish 8U All-Stars came home Louisiana U Triple SA state 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 of the 2026 St. Charles Parish AU 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 AU Baseball All-Star Team, Luke Amond, Grayson Bergeron, Rex Daspett, Trace Dent, Hunter Felton, Drew Foster, Owen Hooper, Henry Kushler, Pierre Prince, Luke Sayuba, Evan Williams, and Wyatt Wyattworth. Also head coach, Blake Prince and assistant coaches, Nick Eyman and Ross Hooper. We can have all of our we got our players. Can we have our coaches come up as well? Coach, do you want to say a couple words of quote? Um first of all, I'd like to congratulate the guys for all taking some extreme coaching, you know, sometimes I get a little out of control, and they did a great job with accepting the coaching and and displaying it on the field uh uh in a manner that you know I was really appreciative of them taking and understanding what I wanted them to do and putting it on the field in order to accomplish their goals. Uh also I would like to cong uh thank all of y'all for having us.

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