Tangipahoa Parish Council adopts four ordinances, approves $130,859.12 excavator purchase and pedestrian project

Chairman David Vial presided over the Tangipahoa Parish Council meeting on April 28, 2025, where the council adopted four ordinances, approved the purchase of a John Deere 75P excavator for Road & Bridge and approved two resolutions including a pedestrian improvements authorization for US 51 in Amite.

The council adopted T.P. Ordinance No. 25-10 to set a 15 mph speed limit on Gasline Road in District 4. The motion to adopt was made by Councilman Joseph Havis and seconded by Councilman Darrell Sinagra; the roll call vote was recorded in favor by the full council.

The council also approved T.P. Ordinance No. 25-11 to authorize sale of an 8.33-acre surplus parcel in Tickfaw to the Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 and to authorize the Parish President or designee to execute closing documents. The measure passed on a motion by Havis, seconded by Joey Mayeaux.

T.P. Ordinance No. 25-12, amending Chapter 38 (Solid Waste) to revise definitions and criteria for transfer-station siting, passed on a motion by Brigette Hyde, seconded by Darrell Sinagra.

T.P. Ordinance No. 25-13 granted a variance to the special classification property development standards (Section 36-112) for Michael Petitto (Assessment #528609, Lot 9, District 3). The ordinance passed after a motion by Louis Joseph, seconded by Joseph Havis; Councilman Lionell Wells was recorded as abstaining from that vote.

Under the Parish President's report, the council approved purchasing a John Deere 75P excavator from Doggett for the Road & Bridge department at a price of $130,859.12. The approval was made on a motion by Louis Joseph, seconded by Brigette Hyde.

On resolutions, the council adopted T.P. Resolution No. R25-11 authorizing the Parish President to execute documents for Project H.015862 (US 51: Amite Pedestrian Improvements). Separately, Nick Gagliano introduced Joseph Parker, Director of the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, to present plans related to T.P. Resolution No. R25-12; the council adopted R25-12 to foster economic development cooperation between Tangipahoa Parish and the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance.

The council approved several appointments to the Keep Tangipahoa Beautiful board, reappointing Steve Nelson (District 2), Linda Wicker (District 3), Jeanette Patanella (District 4) and Vic Couvillion (District 5) for second terms expiring May 2027; reappointing Carolyn Howard (District 8) to a first full term; and appointing Dennis "DJ" Pevey (District 10) and Trey Hawkins to first terms expiring May 2027.

Votes at a glance — selected outcomes: T.P. Ordinance No. 25-10 (15 mph on Gasline Road): adopted, roll call unanimous; T.P. Ordinance No. 25-11 (sale of 8.33-acre Tickfaw parcel): adopted, roll call unanimous; T.P. Ordinance No. 25-12 (solid waste code amendments): adopted, roll call unanimous; T.P. Ordinance No. 25-13 (variance for Michael Petitto): adopted, 9 yeas, 0 nos, 1 abstain (Lionell Wells); Purchase of John Deere 75P excavator (Road & Bridge): approved, roll call unanimous; T.P. Resolution R25-11 (US 51 pedestrian improvements): adopted, roll call unanimous; T.P. Resolution R25-12 (Scenic Rivers economic development): adopted, roll call unanimous; Keep Tangipahoa Beautiful appointments: approved, roll call unanimous.

The meeting record notes no public speakers on the advertised ordinances and no beer, wine or liquor permits or legal matters were presented. With no further discussion the council adjourned; the minutes were signed by Council Clerk Jill DeSouge and Chairman David P. Vial.