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Hammond council adopts land‑use variance, event waiver and several spending measures in April meeting
Summary
The Hammond City Council approved a set of routine but consequential measures on April 8, including a conditional‑use variance to place a mobile home in RS‑3 zoning, an amended Cinco de Mayo street closure and open‑container waiver through 9 p.m., and acceptance of a $250,000 parish grant with a $370,000 city match for road work.
The Hammond City Council on April 8 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions covering land use, street closures for a community event, a parish grant for road improvements, vehicle and food contracts and the city’s annual insurance renewal.
Mobile home variance: The council gave final adoption to an ordinance granting a conditional‑use variance for Chris Ruffin to place a mobile home at 106 Alexander Road in District 1 in RS‑3 zoning. The council noted planning and zoning approved the request 5–0 at the prior commission meeting. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Cinco de Mayo street closure and open‑container waiver: The council approved a resolution authorizing La Coretta (restaurant) to close West Charles Street in front of the restaurant and a portion of the Casa De Fresca parking lot on May 5, 2025, and to waive the open‑container law in the closed area. Applicant Kylie Payne said, “It is gonna end at 9PM,” and the council amended the request so the open‑container waiver would end at 9 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
West Minnesota Park Road grant and match: The council accepted a $250,000 grant from Tangipahoa Parish for improvements to West Minnesota Park Road and authorized a cash match of up to $370,000 from the grant match fund; City staff said the parish grant “can only be used for this project.” The council voted to approve the grant acceptance and matching funds.
Parks truck purchase: A resolution authorized purchase of a 2025 Ford F‑150 extended cab truck for the Parks & Grounds Department from Bill Hood Ford for a total cost reported at $42,107; staff said insurance paid about $24,000 toward replacement and the parks budget will cover the remainder. The council approved the purchase.
Food service contract for jail: The council authorized a contract with Lamb Food Service for jail food with an estimated annual amount of $75,440. The contract vote was not unanimous: Councilman Wells voted No; other members voted Yes.
Insurance renewal: The council authorized renewal of the city’s insurance coverage for the policy period beginning May 1, 2025. Don Steele of Steele Insurance Services reviewed the package and noted a multi‑carrier arrangement for property and a favorable 13% decrease in commercial property premium; the council approved the renewal.
Why it matters: The measures affect land use, public events and several municipal operations — road repairs funded in part by parish dollars; vehicle and equipment replacement; jail operations; and city risk management through insurance renewal.
Votes at a glance: See below for each recorded vote and brief details.
