Committee discusses Water Oversight Committee and master-plan amendment to address recurring water issues

The Livingston Parish Master Plan Review Committee discussed two related water initiatives the group may send to the parish council: creation of a Water Oversight Committee to investigate recurring water-quality and service problems across wards, and development of a parish-wide water plan. Committee members said either approach would require amending the master plan before formal council consideration.

"The 1st proposal was simply just creating a committee to oversee ... the areas for the water," Chair Sabrina said, explaining the oversight body would examine persistent local problems and coordinate with utilities and state contacts. Committee members argued the committee should include knowledgeable, nonpartisan participants who can span political administrations and link residents to technical expertise.

Members noted the Department of Health had been present at earlier discussions and supported bringing geographically diverse participants (for example, representatives from different wards and Magnolia) so the committee could both investigate complaints and advise on technical fixes. One member described the oversight body as a referral and advisory group rather than an authority that replaces existing boards.

The committee agreed to prepare materials for the July meeting and recommended that documents be shared with parish council members in advance to allow them to read and study the proposals before a formal presentation.

Next steps: The group plans to refine the proposals, capture suggested membership and the required master-plan amendment language, and present that package to the parish council for consideration at the upcoming meeting.