Natchitoches City Council adopts zoning change, signs off on multiple infrastructure completions and contract adjustments

The Natchitoches City Council voted to adopt a zoning ordinance and approved multiple resolutions dealing with HVAC work, wastewater lift-station rehabilitation and sludge-thickener equipment work during its February 2025 meeting.

The measures, each approved on voice or roll-call votes, included adoption of Ordinance No. 002 of 2025 (a zoning reclassification), a change order extending the schedule on the Event Center HVAC contract with ACA Mechanical Industrial LLC, and several certificates of substantial completion for construction projects across the city. Council members recorded unanimous “yes” votes on the items shown below.

Why it matters: The actions close out or adjust contracts for projects that affect city facilities and utilities — including the Natchitoches Event Center HVAC, multiple wastewater lift stations and sludge-thickener equipment at the wastewater treatment plant — and clear the way for final billing and project closeout.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance No. 002 of 2025 — Zoning reclassification for property described in ordinance title (final adoption). Outcome: adopted. Roll-call: Eli (yes); Nelson (yes); Smith (yes); Harrington (yes); PT (yes); Peachy (yes). - Resolution No. 12 of 2025 — Authorizing Mayor to execute Change Order No. 2 to the contract with ACA Mechanical Industrial LLC (HVAC improvements, Natchitoches Event Center; original award $708,500; prior change reduced amount by $162,000; change order increases contract time by 328 calendar days to a revised 508 days). Outcome: adopted (roll-call unanimous). - Resolution No. 013 of 2025 — Authorizing Mayor to execute Certificate of Substantial Completion to the contract with ACA Mechanical Industrial LLC (Natchitoches Event Center HVAC). Outcome: adopted (unanimous roll-call). - Resolution No. 014 of 2025 — Authorizing Mayor to execute Certificate of Substantial Completion to Dixie Overland Construction LLC (wastewater collection system rehabilitation; Granite Court and Mill Street lift stations). Outcome: adopted (unanimous roll-call). - Resolution No. 015 of 2025 — Authorizing Mayor to execute Change Order No. 1 final to the contract with Neesin (spelling in the record varies) / McNeans Brothers Construction (equipment replacement for sludge thickener No. 2, wastewater treatment plant; original award listed in record as $756,000). Outcome: adopted (unanimous roll-call). - Resolution No. 016 of 2025 — Authorizing Mayor to execute Certificate of Substantial Completion to McGinnis Brothers Construction LLC (equipment replacement, sludge thickener No. 2, wastewater treatment plant). Outcome: adopted (unanimous roll-call).

Details and context: Council members and staff said the ACA Mechanical change order reflects delays waiting for equipment; city staff described the change as no fault of the contractor. Several of the projects are grant- or loan-funded; the wastewater lift-station work was described in the meeting as largely financed through a combination of low-interest loan and grant funds. For the concession- and vendor-related items discussed at the meeting, the council only introduced an ordinance for future action (see separate item coverage).

What’s next: The council recorded certificates of substantial completion to begin final closeout and any remaining administrative steps. Any amendments to contract amounts or additional change orders will appear on future agendas.

Ending: All listed items passed by recorded roll-call votes during the session. Council members set the next regular meeting for the fourth Monday of the month and noted city offices will be closed for Presidents' Day.