Natchitoches council adopts proclamations, routine resolutions and introduces short-term rental rezoning

The Natchitoches City Council on Sept. 8 adopted a series of routine measures, heard community comment on sickle-cell awareness and introduced an ordinance to rezone a Williams Avenue property for a proposed short-term rental.

Why it matters: The meeting combined ceremonial business, grant- and contract-related votes, and the introduction of a zoning change that will return for a future vote. Several items carry modest budget implications or are contingent on outside approvals (state program sign-off or construction bids).

The council opened with prayer and adopted the Aug. 25 minutes by motion and roll call. Council recognized Jericus Anderson as the city's employee of the month and then heard a proclamation read by Councilwoman Laura Smith Kirkendall declaring Sept. 2025 as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Judith Pace Walters, speaking for Delta Sigma Theta, Northwestern State student groups and allied organizations, urged the council to adopt the proclamation and announced a community blood drive scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to noon in front of the Martin Luther King Center.

The council approved multiple resolutions by roll call: an amendment to the city's maintenance agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (which increases DOTD-funded right-of-way cuttings), and a reimbursement agreement with LA DOTD for general aviation maintenance at the Natchitoches Regional Airport that will fund up to $9,009.79 of eligible costs this year. Both measures were described by staff as annual, routine funding arrangements.

Council also moved and approved to appoint Matthew Nowlin as special counsel to handle workers'compensation matters following the retirement of the city's prior counsel; Nowlin said he represents municipalities across central Louisiana and has already begun transition discussions with the outgoing firm.

In other action, Councilman Harrington introduced Ordinance 31 of 2025 to change the zoning of a property on Williams Avenue from R-1 to R-1 special exception so the owner can apply for a short-term rental permit. Harrington described several neighboring properties that are already being used as short-term rentals; the item was introduced for first reading and will return to the council for a vote at a future meeting.

Votes at a glance: - Minutes (08/25/2025): adopted (roll call, motion carried) - Proclamation (National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Proclamation 0742025): adopted (roll call, motion carried) - LA DOTD maintenance agreement amendment (Resolution 0272): adopted (roll call, motion carried) - Airport reimbursement (Resolution 073): adopted; state to reimburse up to $9,009.79 (roll call, motion carried) - Appointment of special counsel (Resolution 076): adopted (roll call, motion carried) - Ordinance 31 of 2025 (rezoning for short-term rental): introduced (first reading; vote scheduled at next meeting)

What's next: The zoning ordinance will be set for a future vote; the council flagged that several items remain contingent on state approvals or contractor bids. The mayor and staff encouraged residents to attend upcoming community events and to use the city app for updates.

Attributions: Quotes and specific statements in this article are drawn from council statements and public comment as captured in the meeting transcript. Judith Pace Walters said the blood drive "will be from 8 to noon" on Sept. 13; staff described the airport reimbursement as "about $9,000"; council members confirmed motions and roll-call votes as recorded by the clerk.