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St. Charles Parish council approves DEQ loan, local traffic changes and several land and board actions
Summary
At its July 7 meeting, the St. Charles Parish Council adopted a Department of Environmental Quality loan ordinance and a set of related resolutions, approved traffic and property measures and confirmed appointments, mostly by unanimous vote.
The St. Charles Parish Council on July 7 voted on a package of ordinances and resolutions including final approval of a Department of Environmental Quality loan for parish wastewater work, changes to local speed and parking rules, several property transactions, and appointments to local authorities and boards.
The council unanimously passed Ordinance File No. 2025-0169 authorizing the parish to accept a DEQ loan of up to $10,000,000 for wastewater improvements tied to a voter-approved tax. Bond counsel Jason Akers of Foley & Newdel told the council the loan will carry a low fixed interest rate (0.95%), the loan cost is expected to be about $600,000, and current millage revenue provides coverage for the new debt service.
The council also passed two related measures: Resolution File No. 2025-0180, continuing the parish president’s appointment to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority board for a two-year term; and Resolution File No. 2025-0181, approving the terms of a loan and pledge agreement in connection with a limited tax bond to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Akers said the DEQ loan program has public-safety restrictions required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency–authorized federal law and that the parish’s consolidated waterworks and wastewater district must sign the loan agreement.
In other actions, the council:
- Adopted Ordinance File No. 2025-0170 to revise speed limits in Highland Estates subdivision, creating a 15 mph zone on Mistletoe Drive and lowering other subdivision speeds to 20 mph; the change was introduced by Councilman David Fisher and approved unanimously.
- Approved Ordinance File No. 2025-0171 to acquire property at 706 Paul Frederick Street for the Kindler and Paul Frederick roadway and drainage improvement project; the appraised price cited by staff was $19,557.66 and the purchase/expropriation passed unanimously.
- Adopted Ordinance File No. 2025-0172 to install “no overnight parking” signs along the median of South Fashion Boulevard (Via Canal to Union Drive). The motion passed with Councilman Mike Comerdale recorded as the lone “nay.” Public commenters both opposed and supported the change; homeowner Louis Martinez urged signs to reduce safety issues caused by cars left overnight on the median, while resident Matthew Allshaus said signs would “take away the character of the boulevard.”
- Approved Resolution File No. 2025-0174 granting a waiver for subdivision geometric standards to consolidate eight lots into two, following planning commission approval.
- Confirmed an appointment to the civil service board (Resolution File No. 2025-0164): Patrick O’Malley was nominated by Councilwoman de Bruyere and seconded by Councilman Comerdale, and the motion to close nominations and appoint O’Malley passed unanimously.
The council also approved the minutes from its June 16 regular meeting (motion by Councilman Fisher, second by Councilwoman Wilson) and adjourned by unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance
- File 2025-0169 (Ordinance, DEQ loan up to $10,000,000): Passed unanimously. - File 2025-0180 (Resolution, appointment to LCDA board): Passed unanimously. - File 2025-0181 (Resolution, loan and pledge agreement for limited tax bond): Passed unanimously. - File 2025-0170 (Ordinance, Highland Estates speed limits): Passed unanimously. - File 2025-0171 (Ordinance, purchase/expropriation of 706 Paul Frederick St., appraised $19,557.66): Passed unanimously. - File 2025-0172 (Ordinance, no overnight parking on South Fashion Blvd. median): Passed; Councilman Mike Comerdale voted no. - File 2025-0174 (Resolution, subdivision waiver consolidating 8 lots into 2): Passed unanimously. - File 2025-0164 (Resolution, civil service board appointment of Patrick O’Malley, term 08/01/2025–08/01/2028): Passed unanimously.
Why this matters: The DEQ loan and related actions set terms for new borrowing to pay wastewater improvements that are tied to a voter-approved tax; the traffic and parking ordinances change local rules in residential areas; the property acquisition enables a roadway and drainage improvement project; and appointments continue governance of local authorities.
No votes in this package failed outright; one ordinance (0172) drew a single dissenting vote during the council roll call.
