St. Charles Parish Council met Sept. 14, 2026; agenda included recognitions, a hospital service district report, a major public-safety ordinance for electric personal vehicles, multiple zoning requests, several public-works contracts (including Lakewood pump station), and budget/administrative updates. The council passed the e-bike ordinance as amended and approved several contracts and rezoning petitions.

Discussion Points

•$10M LED FASTsites loan announced to support road and utility extension for Esperanza Business Park.
•Clinic volumes and imaging increased; infusion services expanded and Da Vinci robot planned.
•Completion of CN borings requires continuous work while under active railway.
•Council supported business investment and repurposing damaged properties.
•Engineer/contractor selection discussed; public works to coordinate railroad/right-of-way issues where applicable.
•Hospital projected ~7,000 EMS transports in 2026 (Jared Fusilier).
•Legal staff and council debated how to align local provisions with state statutes and penalty caps.
•Muntz pump stations moving from structural work to pump installation and systems.
•Planned move of EMS headquarters to hospital campus; east-bank substation to remain.
•Project intended to alleviate debris build-up on discharge pipes in Cousins Canal and improve downstream flow.
•Public voiced support for stronger fines and educational outreach.
•Sheriff cited national injury trends and local incidents to justify local regulation.
•Staff and commission recommended approvals after review criteria.

Decisions

•Contract awarded for $959,300.
•Council noted the updates; no separate action taken at meeting.
•Ordinance 2026-0273 adopted as amended, effective immediately.
•Rezoning and special-use requests approved by council.

Directions

•Applicants to proceed with conditions and site-plan compliance.
•Begin contractor mobilization and construction; public works to provide updates.
•Council asked hospital to provide ongoing updates on leadership transition and service-line expansion.
•Legal to reconcile text with state law and publish final ordinance; Sheriff to lead education campaign in schools and on social channels.
•Public Works to continue construction and communicate closures; administration to return with progress updates.

Aug

Video

Saint Charles Parish Hospital District board convened a regular public hearing to recognize longtime executive-office employee Penny Main on her retirement, approve a $841,510 AHE replacement contract with BGSN, accept medical executive committee recommendations including multiple credentialing actions, hear a financial report showing July revenue ahead of budget, and receive facility and staffing updates.

Discussion Points

•560 days since last 'target 0' event presented as a major quality milestone.
•Board recognized Penny Main for service and announced her retirement.
•Chair asked for and recorded motion to approve AHE replacement bid.
•Hospital runs 40–50 community outreach events per year; auxiliary funded scholarships for four seniors.
•July financial results: infusion and outpatient lab growth, therapy volumes above budget, income favorable to budget and prior year.
•MEC approved clinical guideline and standing orders; credentialing files reviewed and recommended for approval.
•Phase 4 of flooring complete; entrance/registration project to start in December; multiple behind-the-scenes replacements under way; Eastbank EMS station nearing completion.
•Several new clinicians named (Dr. Atala — rheumatologist; Dr. Kaylee Denny — psychiatrist; Dr. Dyer — hospital medicine).

Decisions

•Board approved MEC recommendations and credentialing actions.
•Motion to award contract to BGSN for $841,510 approved.
•No formal board action; recognition only.

Aug

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for August 24, 2026

The Saint Charles Parish Council met Aug. 24, 2026, for a regularly scheduled session that included several proclamations and recognitions, a Waterworks department update with major plant and contract milestones, multiple engineering and drainage contracts and grant approvals, zoning and flood-elevation ordinance changes, and unanimous votes on introduced ordinances and resolutions.

Discussion Points

•BBEC selected via RFP to serve as program manager for residential elevation program.
•Contract fee cited as $7,250 per structure; presenter clarified funding comes from grants and homeowner cost-share.
•Contract will fund design refinement, cost-efficiency analysis and permitting work.
•CPRA awarded $16.7M for Cousins T‑wall project; project includes sump expansion and frontal protection.
•DFIRM inconsistencies and many granted variances in Sunset Drainage District prompted the change.
•Examples cited where testing caught defects (boat launch concrete grooves) and avoided downstream issues.
•GIS delivered 30% design drawings the same day.
•Model nearing completion; field calibration needed; importance of improved metering; $2.7M contract award for clarifier upgrade; $3M capital outlay for plant design; call-center metrics and staffing windows.
•Project aims to be bid in spring 2027.
•Public commenter flagged cost of elevation certificates (~$350) and time delays associated with variance requests.
•Staff credited Sam Scholl and Jessica Bonar for work on the proposal.
•Statement of activities is posted for public review; comments accepted through Sept. 4.
•Task-order approach allows for flexibility across projects and helps ensure contractors meet specifications.
•USDA grant would provide nearly $10,000 of home-rehab funding for each of 12 eligible households.

Decisions

•Amendment approved unanimously.
•Approved contract award and accepted Waterworks report.
•Approved professional services agreement.
•Council approved resolution and accepted funding.
•Ordinance adopted unanimously.
•Ordinance approved unanimously; variances to be eliminated for the Sunset district and minimum elevation set at 0.
•Resolution authorizing grant application passed unanimously.

Directions

•Adopt ordinance to align local code with FEMA guidance; staff to consider additional code clarifications to ease administrative burden.
•Execute intergovernmental agreement and begin coordination with CPRA and local contractors.
•Proceed with contract amendment and manage task orders across capital projects.
•Proceed with contracting and issue task orders once funding agreements are in place.
•Proceed with fabrication and installation schedule; begin field testing and pressure recorder data collection; report back on calibration results and permitting timeline.
•Proceed with permitting and final design refinement; report back with permitting milestones.
•Submit application and accept public comments on program details.

Aug

Video

The St. Charles Parish Housing Authority board met Aug. 25, 2026, approved routine minutes and financial items, adopted a resolution updating bank signatories to add a new finance director, and heard operational and RAD Section 18 conversion updates from Executive Director Jedediah Jackson. The board entered and resumed an executive session and adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

Discussion Points

•Board and staff agreed the deferral allows time to gather receipts/documentation required by consultants.
•Board members had no substantive questions during discussion.
•Environmental reviews complete; one property (Bouti) may require waiver; resident meetings planned for Sept. 8.
•Financing-plan materials uploaded to RAD Resource Desk; concept call to be requested from HUD.
•Jackson explained the purpose of the signatory update and welcomed Robin Moore.
•July rent and deposit totals; vacancy counts and repair status.
•Motion to accept June financials and defer July to next meeting.
•Motion to enter executive session and motion to resume were recorded as unanimous.
•No public comments were received during the public-comment periods.
•Plans to pursue bond and tax-credit applications in the coming months.
•Program income/expenditures for July; voucher lease-up counts and port-in/out metrics.
•Unit 262 leased; Unit 256 needs major repairs that may require procurement.
•Waiting lists for HCV and low-rent remain closed; policy to reopen by bedroom size when needed.

Decisions

•Executive session held; no public disclosure of its content during the meeting.
•June 2026 report accepted; July 2026 report deferred to Sept. 22, 2026.
•Resolution 26-08-25-01 adopted to add Robin Moore as signatory.

Directions

•Bank to prepare signature cards and finalize signatory access for Robin Moore.
•Board will be asked to approve submission of inventory removal application into PIC at a future meeting.
•Staff to prepare July reporting materials for Sept. 22 board packet.
•Staff to update the board regarding repairs and any required procurement actions.
•Staff to work with landlords on rent-increase requests and evaluate rent reasonableness.

Aug

Video

Saint Charles Parish Council held its regular meeting on Aug. 24, 2026; the council approved multiple contracts and resolutions, received reports from Waterworks and the parish president, adopted flood-elevation changes for the Sunset Drainage District and accepted a $16.7 million state award for the Cousins pump station project.

Discussion Points

•30% design was delivered that evening.
•BBEC selected via RFP to replace prior contract; $7,250 per structure is grant-funded.
•CPRA awarded $16.7M for Cousins T‑Wall and related pump station work.
•Modeling and calibration improvements to reduce water loss and improve fire-flow data.
•Need to complete design and obtain Corps permitting (Section 408).
•No public opposition during hearing.
•Planned clarifier replacement and multi-year Westbank plant design.
•Project includes a roughly 5‑acre sump expansion on parish land to store stormwater.
•Public commenter raised concerns about added elevation-certificate costs (~$350) and administrative burden.
•Reestablish 1992 map for Sunset Drainage District; prohibit building below sea level (minimum 0 ft NAVD88).

Decisions

•Contract approved.
•Contract approved unanimously.
•Contract for clarifier upgrade approved.
•Ordinance adopted; no variances for flood elevation permitted in district.
•Resolution to accept funding and execute agreement passed.

Directions

•Authorize contract and await funding agreement to issue task orders.
•Continue field testing and model calibration.
•Execute intergovernmental agreement and advance construction planning.
•Planning staff to prepare outreach and follow-up code amendments as needed.
•Proceed with contract execution and schedule delivery/installation.
•Proceed with permitting and design refinement; aim to bid in spring 2027.

Aug

Video

The St. Charles Parish Zoning Board of Adjustments on Aug. 20, 2026 approved three variances — an elevation variance for a Grand Bayou Road home, a taller monument sign for Holy Family Catholic Church in Luling, and an accessory-building size increase in Bayou Estates South — and voted to correct online minutes/results language after a discrepancy was raised.

Discussion Points

•Applicant argued raising to 8 ft would create exceptional hardship given stage of construction and inspected plumbing.
•Applicant described demolition of existing carport and building of new shop at same elevation with flood vents.
•Applicant explained sign will replace existing 8-foot sign and provide variable messaging for church and preschool events.
•Applicant stated house foundation surveyed at ~6.2 ft NAVD and raised survey benchmark concerns.
•Board member observed that the posted online result for a prior case listed waivers as approved even though the minutes showed approval with modifications.
•Board member raised sightline concerns; applicant said sign would be moved back from right-of-way.
•No public opposition recorded.
•Planning and Zoning staff agreed they can change the result listing to 'approved with modifications' and repost the entry.

Decisions

•Motion passed to accept minutes and direct online result update.
•Variance approved to allow construction at approximately 6.2 ft NAVD.
•Variance approved to permit 720 sq. ft. accessory building.
•Variance approved to permit a 10-foot monument sign at 135 Holy Family Lane.

Directions

•Planning and Zoning to file approved plan and update records.
•Planning and Zoning to repost the result page as 'approved with modifications' and maintain the minutes as the place to view specific modifications.
•Planning and Zoning to retain approved sign plan and update records.

Aug

Video

The St. Charles Parish Community Action Advisory Board met Aug. 12, 2026. Director Joan Diaz delivered the board's annual program and budget report highlighting LIHEAP and emergency-assistance spending, summer meal service and home-repair programs; the board approved minutes and adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Chair reminded board about storm preparedness and sandbag delivery to seniors.
•Completed repair counts and grant-funded ramp projects.
•Consideration of extending program dates next year.
•Director presented annual report and budget planning, listing LIHEAP and emergency-assistance totals.
•Program reach and operations (buses, field trips, meal prep).
•Quorum confirmed; minutes approved; alternate member Donnie White recognized.
•Staff presented June-July program counts and expenditure totals and noted certain funds are depleted.
•Volunteer labor reduced contractor costs and increased capacity.

Decisions

•Minutes approved; Donnie White recorded as alternate for Rose Lugo.

Aug

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for August 10, 2026

Saint Charles Parish Council met Aug. 10, 2026; council approved a slate of change orders and contracts, heard reports on community services and procurement modernization, recognized youth sports teams, and approved the annual ad valorem tax ordinance after a brief public hearing.

Discussion Points

•Centralization of procurement processes and adoption of OpenGov.
•Coordination and notification for 24-hour jack-and-bore operations.
•Department of Community Services report on emergency assistance, youth programs, homeowner rehab and volunteer projects.
•Extent and causes of large change orders (utility conflicts, railroad ROW restrictions).
•Park master-plan process and resident input for renovation priorities.
•Reasons for wastewater change order: piping conflicts and automation program fixes.
•Requests for transparency and options if GMP differs materially from independent estimates.
•Resolution process for declaring surplus items before online auction.
•Scope of generator preventive maintenance, whether it should be done in-house vs. by vendor.
•Status updates on multiple capital projects and scheduling.
•Whether CMAR bypasses public bidding and safeguards available (ICE, staged pricing).
•Whether pre-bid potholing could be expanded to reduce surprises.
•Whether some underused park parcels should be disposed to fund regional improvements.

Decisions

•Approved Aima Park contract.
•Approved GMP and CMAR contract.
•Approve generator maintenance contract and Destrehan Wastewater change order.
•Both change orders approved.

Directions

•Notify adjacent neighbors before overnight boring operations.
•Staff to clarify what 'minor' vs 'large' service covers and schedule maintenance around hurricane season.
•Staff to continue coordination with utilities and require appropriate on-site verifications where allowed by ROW owners.
•Staff to continue providing ICE and engineer estimates and proceed through design checkpoints.
•Staff to continue resident outreach and report construction schedule.
•Staff to monitor vendor automation corrections for wastewater plant.

Aug

Video

St. Charles Parish Council on Aug. 10, 2026 recognized youth sports teams, heard lengthy reports from Community Services and Procurement, approved several construction change orders and contracts (including a $1.005M change order for a railroad culverts project and a $9.04M library CMAR), and adopted the annual ad valorem tax ordinance with no rate increase.

Discussion Points

•Administration recommends holding the tax rate consistent with prior year.
•Assessed value decreased roughly $70M this cycle, driven by inventory valuation declines.
•Automation on blowers failed to meet specs and is being reworked by the vendor.
•Centralized procurement program and updated policy.
•CMAR process includes staged pricing and independent cost estimate (ICE).
•CN jack-and-bore project timing and continuous-boring requirement.
•Council concern about frequency/size of change orders and owner/utility accountability.
•Council confirmed this is an efficiency modification rather than storm restoration.
•Des Allemands boat launch construction progress and funding sources.
•Emergency assistance programs and LIHEAP funding (~$300,000).
•GovDeals to replace previous auction provider; transaction fees paid by buyers.
•HUD tenant-based rental assistance spending (~$81,000).
•Legal concluded typographical contract amendment was non-substantive.
•Months 1 & 2 pump station progress and $32M investment.
•OpenGov procurement and contract management rollout.
•Permanent sheet piles and utility conflicts were main cost drivers.
•Piping conflicts caused the need for additional fabricated piping and schedule extension.
•Project guided by master-plan input and parishwide survey results.
•Public comment period closed with no speaker seeking a change.
•Public comment raised concerns about bypassing public bid; staff explained safeguards.
•Public concern about engineering due diligence and cost increases.
•Scope includes fencing, batting cage, permanent restroom, playground equipment and covered, lit basketball court.
•Staff indicated funding was available and the change avoids contractor demobilization.
•Summer food program served ~7,000 meals in six weeks.
•The project will house the Louisiana collection and include higher wind standards and generator backup.
•Unforeseen underground utility conflicts required culvert realignment.
•Volunteer-run ramp and step fabrication reduced costs.
•Work change directives used to keep contractor moving.

Decisions

•Change order approved.
•Change order approved with one member absent.
•Contract and amendment approved.
•Contract approved under CMAR process.
•Ordinance opened and advanced for adoption.
•Resolution declaring movable property surplus approved.

Directions

•Procurement to present surplus exhibit and resolution prior to auctions.
•Staff to notify neighbors ahead of 24-hour boring operations.
•Staff to notify neighbors ahead of jacking operations and monitor settlement.

Aug

Video

The St. Charles Parish Planning Board of Commissioners met Aug. 6, 2026, to consider a series of resubdivisions, rezoning requests, a special-permit overflow vehicle storage plan, sign-size waiver, zoning-code updates and a proposed flood-elevation ordinance; most items were recommended to proceed to the parish council or approved with stipulations.

Discussion Points

•ADU meets applicable criteria; building footprint unchanged though a two-foot roof overhang encroaches a utility servitude.
•Applicant agreed to comply with landscaping if waiver is not granted; commission clarified 'temporary' staging durations.
•Applicant argued LED sign would not create traffic hazards.
•Applicant reduced sign size from previous request; staff explained overlay-zone calculations and setback allowances.
•Neighbor raised existing flooding that flows into a ditch he maintains.
•Neighbors reported a prior letter requiring their approval for resubdivision and raised unresolved legal questions.
•Neighbor urged a less intensive commercial zoning classification to reduce impacts.
•No public opposition was recorded.
•Proposal to use 1992 FIRM maps as baseline for Sunset Drainage District and add a 'no lower than 0' elevation for lowest floors.
•Rezoning recommended; special permit had deficiencies in buffers/hard-surface requirements but could be approved with conditions.
•Staff recommended approval citing adjacent commercial zoning and review criteria met.
•Staff recommended approving a width waiver for one lot; future development will require permitting.
•Staff recommended denial due to noncompliant frontage and geometry.
•Staff said changes were largely organizational and would not alter property rights.
•Staff said the change would eliminate the need for roughly 200 variances and raise finished-floor elevations by ~2–3 feet in many locations.
•Staff summarized an iterative process involving stakeholders and legislative review.

Decisions

•Board approved the ADU special permit unanimously.
•Board approved the reduced sign waiver with one abstention.
•Board recommended 2026-2-ORD be forwarded to council.
•Board recommended approval of the resubdivision and waiver; forwarded as recommendation to parish council.
•Board recommended rezoning and approved the special permit with three stipulations.
•Board recommended the ordinance amendment and will forward it to parish council.
•Board recommended the rezoning and will send the matter to parish council.
•Postponed for up to one month.

Directions

•Applicant to meet with abutting property owners and, if necessary, provide written agreement for staff review.
•Forward ordinance amendments to parish council for final action.
•Forward recommendation to parish council for final action.
•Forward rezoning and any waiver requests to parish council for final action.
•Future construction will require drainage review and standard permitting; staff to note drainage concerns in permitting guidance.
•Issue permit consistent with revised sign plan; document abstention in minutes.
•Item postponed and will return to agenda when issues are resolved.
•Proceed to permitting for plan review and confirm servitude compliance.
•Require revised landscaping plan or council waiver and restrict storage to Outcast Marine-related boats/trailers.
•Staff to provide lists of pending variances and follow up with district councilmember on minor wording clarifications before forwarding to council.

Jul

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for July 27, 2026

St. Charles Parish Council met July 27, 2026 in Hahnville for routine business, proclamations and several presentations, including a Port of South Louisiana update and a Saint Charles Parish Housing Authority annual report; the council held multiple zoning public hearings and approved budget and lease measures.

Discussion Points

•Authority plans RAD/Section 18 conversion with 90% project‑based vouchers, 10% tax‑credit/subsidy units, and has CHAP.
•Budget amendment is a rollover of unspent 2025 project funds.
•DRA grant will be used for culvert/conveyance improvements in Fairfield/Oakland.
•FAS and PIC score improvements (24→65; PIC 99.8%).
•HUD removed authority from troubled status.
•Lease clarifications to align effective dates and preserve residents' occupancy.
•Planning department and planning commission recommended denial.
•Port handles 46,000,000 short tons of grain annually; 18,000,000 short tons move through St. Charles Parish.
•Port recommended collaboration on transportation projects (I‑310/US‑90 interchange, I‑10 Reserve exit).
•Port reported $10,000,000,000 in private investment across its jurisdiction in the last two years; none reported in St. Charles Parish.
•Residents called the rezoning "spot zoning" and argued it would devalue property.
•Saint Charles Parish eligible for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses and nonprofits.
•SBA clarified difference between business EIDL and individual homeowner assistance tied to primary disaster declarations.

Decisions

•Budget amendment approved; lease approved; DRA resolution approved; multiple appointments confirmed.
•Motion to approve rezoning failed; zoning remains R‑1A.

Directions

•Authority to work with Standard Enterprises on comprehensive financing plan to submit to RAD Resource Desk later this year.
•Council to share SBA materials and encourage eligible businesses to apply.
•Finance to proceed with rollover accounting entries.
•Staff to prepare grant application and coordinate with Public Works.

Jul

Video

The St. Charles Parish Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met on July 28, 2026, approved revisions to its Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan, accepted May financial reports and deferred June reporting, reviewed occupancy and audit findings, received an update on a RAD Section 18 conversion and then entered executive session for personnel matters.

Discussion Points

•Audit findings and corrective measures described; staff to prepare a formal report.
•Board approved acceptance of May financials.
•Board asked no recorded substantive questions and moved to vote.
•Board entered and later exited executive session with no public disclosure of personnel details.
•Consultant Standard is preparing financing materials; resident meetings set for Sept. 8.
•Executive director announced the need for an executive session on personnel.
•No board-level substantive objections recorded.
•Reported rent, occupancy, and voucher metrics; identified units expected to be occupied by Aug. 1.
•Staff asked to defer June reporting to Aug. 25 for fuller review.
•Staff noted ACOP had not been updated since July 2024 and listed HUD-driven edits.
•Staff presented the packet memorandum listing HATMA, VAWA 2022, INSPIRE and RAD-related edits.
•Tax-credit application postponed to Jan. 2027; staff will seek tentative LHC letter.

Decisions

•Entered and exited executive session; no on-record personnel decisions disclosed.
•May financials accepted; June deferred.
•Resolution 26-07-28-01 adopted.
•Resolution 26-07-28-02 adopted.

Directions

•Staff to continue to update the board on occupancy and voucher leasing status.
•Staff to hold resident meetings and continue working with consultants on financing plan.
•Staff to implement revised administrative plan and complete required notifications.
•Staff to present June financials on Aug. 25, 2026.
•Staff to provide a corrective-action report addressing audit findings.
•Staff to publish and implement revised ACOP and report back in subsequent packet.

Jul

Video

Saint Charles Parish Council met July 27, 2026 in Hahnville. The meeting included a Port of South Louisiana update, a housing authority annual report and conversion plan, multiple zoning hearings (one denied, two approved), a budget rollover amendment, a resolution seeking a $500,000 Delta Regional Authority grant for drainage work, several appointments, and community announcements about storm prep and resident services.

Discussion Points

•2026-0226 proponents argued for preserving land and limiting overall development.
•Budget amendment is a rollover to carry 2025 unspent funds into 2026.
•CC Road closed through Aug. 11 for pump-station discharge-pipe work.
•Community events: small-business workshop Aug. 26, pet microchip Aug. 14, household hazardous waste Sept. 12.
•Council emphasized rezoning is distinct from subsequent plot-plan approval.
•Housing Authority removed from HUD 'troubled status' and received CHAP.
•Legal counsel clarified lease period corrections and noted no substantial change to terms.
•Parish not part of initial primary presidential disaster declarations but contiguous; deadline for St. Charles applicants is March 30, 2027.
•PHAS score rose from 24 to 65 (2023→2024).
•Planned RAD/Section 18 conversion: 90% project-based vouchers, 10% tax-credit/HOME subsidy.
•Planning staff recommended denial for 2026-0224 and approval for 2026-0225 and 2026-0226.
•Port handles 46,000,000 short tons of grain annually; 18,000,000 tons transit St. Charles Parish.
•Port identified regional road projects and offered support (letters, small matches).
•Port priorities: fuel economy, feed the world, fortify infrastructure.
•Pre-storm EOC coordination and sandbag site openings.
•Project complements Louisiana Watershed Initiative funds for Fairfield/Oakland drainage improvements.
•Public opposition to 2026-0224 citing spot zoning and property-value concerns.
•Request to apply for $500,000 DRA funding for culverts under CPKC railroad.
•Saint Charles Parish eligible for EIDL economic-injury assistance; program targets businesses and nonprofits.
•Westbank water treatment plant filter-media replacement and testing.

Decisions

•2026-0224 denied; 2026-0225 and 2026-0226 approved.
•Both measures approved unanimously.
•Resolution to submit application approved unanimously.

Directions

•Staff to submit application and report back if award is received.

Jul

Video

The St. Charles Parish Zoning Board of Adjustments on 2026-07-16 approved variances across five docketed cases, including three postponements tied to a 110-acre boat-launch project (tree plantings, landscape percentage and permanent hard-surfacing), and approved residential setback, accessory-structure and fence-height variances; motions included deadlines set for 01/01/2028 where noted.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described practical hardship due to lot configuration and custom design costs; Dunn Homes supports the variance.
•Applicant explained 110-acre scope and phased approach where Phase 1 focuses on boat launch operations; requested variances to avoid installing landscaping now that will be relocated later.
•Applicant said he bought the corner lot for extra yard space and that the fence screens a camper and secures dogs and grandchildren.
•Applicant said he wanted to avoid adding several feet of fill between properties, cited costs and neighbor runoff concerns.
•Applicants explained storm damage to a prior apartment and plans to reuse slab and footprint; board discussed slab condition and proposed elevation treatment.
•Board discussed corner‑lot rules and determined no detriment was shown.
•Board members questioned sight lines and whether the fence is on the property line; applicant described measurements and staff review.
•Board questioned timing for plantings, applicability of 10% requirement to full site vs Phase 1, and details about surfacing and contract items for asphalt; applicant proposed compaction testing in 2027 and change orders for unused items.
•Planning director supported the request as reasonable for large sites and suggested code exceptions could be considered for similar projects.

Decisions

•Three motions to postpone tree planting, the 10% landscaping requirement, and permanent dust‑free parking were approved with a compliance deadline of 01/01/2028.
•Variance approved by the board.
•Variance granted by the board.

Directions

•Follow-up compaction testing scheduled after initial boat‑launch usage.
•Planning staff to record approval in plan and zoning files.
•Record approval in plan and zoning.
•Record approval in plan and zoning files.
•Staff to provide letter reports on construction/compaction and to document progress; variances set to expire or be revisited on 01/01/2028 unless otherwise reported.

Jul

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for July 13, 2026

Saint Charles Parish Council met July 13, 2026. Key items: briefing on hurricane/tropical-storm response and preparedness, amendment to emergency debris contract adding waterway removal services (approved), a contested $1.43M dog‑park construction contract (approved, two dissenting votes), and multiple drainage contracts and neighborhood flood complaints.

Discussion Points

•Administration said Thompson (debris monitor) independently qualifies removals and that unit prices were benchmarked regionally.
•Council emphasized sequencing: drainage first, then roadway improvements.
•Council endorsed forming a commission to recommend reforms.
•Legal staff explained procurement timing and potential 12‑month rebid consequence if the council rejected all bids.
•Parish clarified residents usually maintain roadside ditches but will review the specific location and consider parish action if public safety or undermining of roads is at issue.
•Parish President Jewell described immediate mitigation (portable pumps, sump opening) and longer‑term design for a new pump sized to 25‑year standards.
•Project addresses catastrophic flooding in affected neighborhood; required multiple servitudes and property acquisitions.
•Proposal adds waterway, marsh, catch basin, and towing services to the DRC debris contract.
•Public commenter asked who decides eligibility for removal and sought specific criteria.
•Public commenters and some council members said the project experienced scope and cost escalation from earlier estimates.
•Resident described clogging and a berm that blocks flow to a pump station; suggested culvert replacement and ditch clearing.
•Resident requested ditch filling and safer maintenance citing falls and mosquito risk.
•Rising insurance premiums and inconsistent recognition of local mitigation were cited as drivers for seeking federal review.
•Toste presented 2025/2026 activity metrics and training accomplishments.
•Toste reviewed hurricane outlook and local exercise participation including FEMA evaluations.
•Toste urged resident enrollment in the parish emergency notification system (about half of 18,608 households enrolled).
•Victor Bucola raised the absence of explicit landscaping specifications and urged securing written assurances.

Decisions

•Contract with Cass Brothers awarded unanimously.
•Ordinance 2026‑0195 adopted; amendment expires 12/31/2026.
•Ordinance 2026‑0197 approved; dissent recorded from Mobley and Wilson.
•Resolution 2026‑0210 adopted unanimously.

Directions

•Administration to confirm landscaping specifications and grant restrictions; staff to report back on any scope clarifications before contract execution.
•Administration to include added services in next competitive procurement by late 2026; debris monitor to document removals for FEMA.
•Parish President to sponsor and advocate the proposal at NAOC and with congressional delegations.
•Parish to add portable pumps and begin engineering design; staff to contact property owner adjacent to railroad about retention and pursue permits with state/DOTD.
•Proceed with drainage work; design and bid roadway project after drainage is finished.
•Staff to contact the resident this week to discuss options and report back to council.
•Staff will continue outreach to increase emergency notification signups and coordinate with state/federal partners.

Jul

Video

Saint Charles Parish Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting on 2026-07-14 covered manager JPA updates, CPRA master-plan submissions for Salvador projects (including LaBranch Marsh), EMU mapping discussions, a Davis Pond advisory committee update from President Matt Jewell, and a resolution authorizing a local cleanup on 2026-09-26 at the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

Discussion Points

•CCS projects were not included in the original EMU language but can be reviewed
•Committee to draft a resolution to present at the next Davis Pond advisory meeting
•CPRA feedback expected July–September and projects may re-enter future solicitations if not selected
•EMU 8 composition questioned (Paradis, Desalmond inclusion)
•EMU maps and local coastal program text available for review
•Event logistics: US Army Corps will take additional volunteers; planned 9 a.m. to noon timeframe; supplies to be provided
•Integrated Salvador WMA package comprised of 4 independent but linked projects (Salvador shoreline, Bayou Cuba, Tank Pond, Salvador Hydrological Restoration)
•LaBranch Marsh Creation: ~660 acres using ~4,000,000 cubic yards dredged material; estimated E&D cost $8,029,000
•P20260326 (Modern American Recycling Services Inc.) withdrawn after requests for cross sections
•P20260500 (Archer Daniels / ADM barge access) received an NDSI determination
•P20260502 (Baron Treagle) and P20260514 (William Sigmon) were cited for unauthorized fill, cleaned up, and received exemptions due to fast-land locations
•P20260519 proposed geotechnical borings for a pipeline crossing near IMTT in Saint Rose
•Parish received $4,000,000 from CPRA for Salvador shoreline engineering and design
•Presentation by Sable Murphy found no negative impact on brown shrimp catch
•Prism calculation shows Davis Pond contributes approximately 3.5% of basin flow at maximum rated discharge (10,500–10,600 CFS)
•Proposed excavation ≈3 cubic yards with ~3 cubic yards of bentonite backfill
•Resolution text endorsing Love Our Waterways Month and cleanup at Bonnet Carre Spillway on 09/26/2026
•Staff recommendation likely NDSI; final determination by state

Decisions

•Committee agreed to pursue a resolution and further coordination with CPRA
•Committee agreed to revisit EMUs and consider edits before voting
•No additional committee action taken at this meeting
•Projects submitted and moved into E&D review process
•Public hearing closed with no comments; no committee action taken
•Resolution approved (5–0)

Directions

•Chair and staff to schedule dedicated discussion of EMU boundaries at next meeting
•Committee to sign the resolution at a later date
•Parish staff to draft a unified resolution and coordinate presentation at the Davis Pond advisory meeting
•Ryan Lambert designated to represent parish on the resolution
•Staff to await CPRA feedback and prepare revisions if requested
•Staff to circulate sign-up instructions and maintain volunteer list via email
•Staff to include full EMU imagery and local coastal program materials in the next meeting packet for committee markups
•Staff to monitor any follow-up determinations from the state for P20260519 and similar JPAs
•Staff to pursue other funding sources (e.g., BP-related funds)
•Staff to respond to any state requests for additional information during review

Jul

Video

Saint Charles Parish Council met July 13, 2026. Key items: reports on emergency preparedness and Tropical Storm Arthur impacts, an amendment to the debris-removal contract to add waterway services (approved), approval of a $1.43 million dog-park construction contract after heated debate over priorities, and approval of a drainage contract for Kindler & Paul Frederick roads. Multiple residents raised localized flooding and ditch concerns.

Discussion Points

•106 flooded homes verified and damage data submitted to state/federal authorities.
•Concern raised about omission of landscaping details in contract documents.
•EOC log increases (9,543 in 2025; 6,790 so far in 2026).
•FEMA denied Individual Assistance; parish will pursue public assistance reimbursement; projects to mitigate future flooding are under way.
•GOSEP recommended adding waterway/marsh debris removal and other services to avoid reimbursement risk.
•Opponents say the parish should prioritize drainage after flooding events; supporters cite budget allocations and procurement/legal constraints.
•Parish received intense short‑duration rainfall exceeding design abilities in spots (8–9 inches in ~3 hours).
•Project long planned; nearly $800,000 grant funding is restricted to this project.
•Project required negotiation of servitudes and property rights; mid‑block cross drains will improve conveyance.
•Public notifications signup low (~half of 18,608 households).
•Public Works described portable pumps, berm removal plans, culvert cleaning and phased culvert upgrades pending engineering and DOTD permits.
•Resident requested clearer scope and criteria; staff noted independent debris monitor (Thompson) will qualify debris for reimbursement.
•Residents asked for more routine ditch maintenance; staff explained priorities and limitations.
•Residents requested filling or improved maintenance of ditches and culverts on Smith Street and Saint Rose Avenue.
•Training & certification increases (47 trainings; LEM certification progress).

Decisions

•Amendment approved; sunset date 12/31/2026; competitive procurement to follow.
•Contract approved unanimously.
•Contract awarded to TEH Enterprise LLC; council recorded opposing votes (at least two members).

Directions

•Add listed services to next full contract and include independent debris monitor guidance in procurement documents.
•Administration to follow up on landscaping details and provide timeline; construction to proceed under contract award.
•Administration to submit public assistance claims and continue design/construction of pump and drainage projects; follow up with council on timelines/permits.
•Proceed with contract execution and follow with roadway repair once drainage is complete.
•Public Works to follow up with residents, evaluate cleaning/culvert sizing, and provide timeline subject to permitting.
•Staff to continue outreach for emergency notification signups and share signup instructions on parish website.

Jul

Video

The St. Charles Parish Planning Board met July 9, 2026; members approved several minor subdivisions and special-permit items and forwarded multiple rezoning requests to the parish council, rejected one rezoning after heavy public opposition in Norco, and denied a Highway 90 sign-size waiver.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about potential future development of open land that could change sight lines.
•COZ sign formula and unit frontage produced a ~24 sq ft limit for the tenant space; applicant argued visibility hardship due to setback and adjacent car wash.
•Neighbors raised drainage, levee and access concerns for proposed development near Lagatouda.
•Neighbors raised drainage, levee integrity, and access via a cul-de-sac as primary concerns.
•No public opposition recorded on the consent items.
•Public commenters voiced opposition to spot zoning and to allowing mobile/modular homes in long-established neighborhoods.
•Residents argued rezoning would constitute spot zoning, reduce property values, and invite mobile/modular homes into an established site-built neighborhood.
•Staff concluded the rezoning failed rezoning criteria.
•Staff found proposed lots met minimum area and geometric standards.
•Staff recommended OL zoning because of wetland designation and lot-size compatibility; applicant presented planned two-home, low-impact use and cited biological survey results.

Decisions

•Board did not approve the waiver request; motion failed.
•Board recommended approval and will forward to parish council.
•Board recommended approval for minor subdivisions and special permit; forwarded rezoning items to council.
•Motion to consider the rezoning failed; board recorded opposition and will transmit findings to the council.

Directions

•Applicant may revise sign design consistent with COZ or pursue alternate permitted signage.
•Forward recommendation (denial) to parish council for final determination.
•Forward rezoning recommendations to parish council for final decision.
•Staff to coordinate permitting and notify applicants of council schedule.

Jun

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for June 15, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Council met June 15, 2026, receiving reports from the 911 Communications District and government buildings, approving engineering contracts for drainage and coastal protection projects, and noting community programs including the summer feeding program and America 250 events.

Discussion Points

•Councilmembers emphasized the project aligns with the master drainage plan and addresses topographic constraints.
•Council members noted saltwater intrusion and urgency following Hurricane Ida.
•Nearly 48,000 emergency calls received in 2025; text-to-911 testing underway but initial tests failed.
•Parish officials emphasized updated engineering standards and CPRA oversight.
•Planned upgrades: courthouse panel replacement, HVAC control upgrades, Laserfiche/DocuSign uploads.
•Public commenter questioned RFQ and procurement transparency.
•Public commenter said shield report recommendations may already exist and urged construction over further design.
•Record fish rodeo turnout (250+ participants) and growth since program start.
•Staff and Parish President said the LWI-required RFQ had been completed and graded for this project.
•Staffing and workload: 10-person crew maintaining 32 buildings and 36 acres.
•Staff training and scholarships mentioned; awards presented for life-saving response.
•Summer feeding program provides meals and enrichment to children and adults with special needs.

Decisions

•Approve contract amendment to proceed with design
•Approve professional services agreement with Royal Engineers and Consultants LLC.

Directions

•Continue programming and outreach; publicize signups and meal locations.
•Continue vendor follow-up on text-to-911 and maintain staffing/training investments.
•Proceed with design and CPRA coordination.
•Proceed with design work and continued coordination with LWI and parish engineers.
•Proceed with identified maintenance projects and document uploads.

Jun

St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for June 1, 2026

St. Charles Parish Council met June 1, 2026. The council created a new Department of Engineering, confirmed directors for Public Works and Engineering, adopted a zoning framework for data centers after debate and noise safeguards, and accepted state coastal funding for a Lake Salvador shoreline protection project.

Discussion Points

•Administration proposes moving current public works director to serve as director of engineering
•Centralize engineering functions for consistency across parish departments
•Concerns about recruiting and retaining qualified engineers and possible minimum-qualification language
•Design to be followed by pursuit of construction funds
•Funding includes CPRA appropriation and additional sources
•Lake Salvador identified in parish shield plan as priority area
•Need for objective technical standards (A and C-weighted measurements, octave-band analysis)
•Potential regional economic benefits and private investment tied to data centers
•Require director be a licensed professional engineer
•Resident concerns about noise, low-frequency impacts, and water usage

Decisions

•IGA accepted; move to design phase
•Ordinance 2026-0171 adopted; Brandon Bernard and Miles Bingham confirmed
•Zoning text amendments adopted; technical requirements and measurement protocols to be required at permit review

Directions

•Administration to convene a technical working group and require professional acoustic modeling and certification for proposals
•Administration to include department as separate line item in 2027 budget
•Approve IGA to secure design funding and proceed to engineering contract
•Legal department to draft code changes to implement transfer of duties

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