Council adopts Jake‑brake signage resolution, names Windy Lane, introduces two ordinances and approves board reappointments

The Livingston Parish Council took several procedural and operational actions at its March 12 meeting, approving signage to stop unmuffled compression braking, naming a private drive for 911 purposes, introducing two ordinances with public hearings set for March 26 and completing multiple board reappointments.

After staff and members debated whether the Jake‑brake prohibition required an ordinance, council members cited a legal opinion that the parish could proceed by resolution and clean up conflicting ordinance language. Councilman Coates proposed amending the agenda and adopting a resolution to authorize the parish president to apply for and sign for Department of Transportation regulatory signage prohibiting unmuffled compression (Jake) brakes in a 1,200‑foot zone around the LA 42/LA 63 intersection; the substitute motion passed on a voice vote.

Council also adopted a resolution to name an unnamed private service road Windy Lane (Windy Pond Lanes) for 911 addressing off Oliver Wheat Road in Council District 8. Councilman Coates moved the measure and Councilwoman Sandeford seconded; the item passed unanimously. The council noted the street length is estimated between 1,100 and 1,500 feet.

Two ordinances were introduced for later public hearing: proposed ordinance 26‑01 would declare certain Department of Public Works movable equipment surplus and authorize sale by internet or public auction (public hearing 6:00 p.m., March 26); proposed ordinance 26‑02 would amend chapter 117 (zoning division 4 R2 single‑family) to clarify that manufactured, mobile and modular homes are not permitted in R2 (public hearing 6:00 p.m., March 26). Resident Brian Clements questioned whether the wording would change parish practice; staff and council said the text is intended as a cleanup and not to alter current interpretation.

The council approved adoption of February 20 and February 26 meeting minutes (recorded 8 yes, 1 absent — Councilwoman Sandifer) and voted to reappoint multiple members to fire protection districts, drainage districts and the Livingston Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Staff reminded council that state law requires a letter of recommendation for tourism board appointments; Lynn Sibley had submitted an acceptable letter and her reappointment passed.

Why it matters: The signage resolution addresses a neighborhood noise complaint and establishes a process to request DOT regulatory signs; naming the private drive improves 911 addressing. The ordinance introductions initiate public hearings on surplus property procedures and zoning definitions that could affect where manufactured homes are allowed.

Next steps: Public hearings for the two introduced ordinances are set for 6:00 p.m. on March 26, 2026. Staff will prepare the formal resolution language authorizing DOT application for signage and will present ordinance committee revisions to remove conflicting language.