Regular Saint Martin Parish Council meeting on Nov. 3, 2026: council heard an update on a proposed LCDBG clearance grant covering about 110 parish properties and voluntary forms mailed to residents; discussed condemnation procedures tied to the grant; considered multiple zoning exceptions and introduced several ordinances and resolutions including budget and construction change orders; informational updates included Civil Service activity for a new fire chief.

Discussion Points

•About 64 voluntary forms have been mailed; roughly 10 residents have expressed interest.
•Brody Miller resigned; parish seeking replacement.
•Change orders specified exact dollar increases and a one-day contract extension for one item.
•Civil Service Board accepted five applicants for fire chief; tests completed and application review next step.
•Clerk reminded council members about mandatory certificates due by December.
•Council members did ask procedural questions and the chair proceeded through the items.
•Each item received a motion, second and call for vote but no tally appears in the transcript.
•Hearing was opened, closed and chair called for a vote.
•Motions and seconds were recorded and the chair called for votes; vote tallies were not included in the excerpt.
•No public comments recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.
•Ordinance would reduce parish servitude width along a specific drainage channel adjacent to parcel 02102-B-4319.
•Resolutions would authorize the parish president to sign a veterans cooperative agreement and multiple change orders for public projects.
•Some properties were brought to court but could not be served, so they are not yet condemned.
•Staff reported compilation of 110 candidate properties for LCDBG clearance and ongoing door-to-door and mailing outreach.
•Staff said judges could rewrite previous judgments to enable condemnation in certain filed cases.
•Staff stated the parish has filed suits in some cases and could start condemnation after grant award.
•Staff will email the voluntary form to council members on request.
•Three separate variances to permit mobile homes on parcels not zoned for single-family dwellings were introduced.

Directions

•Forward candidate materials to select committee for review.
•Staff to email voluntary form to council members for constituent redirection.
•Staff to provide written clarification and correct legal terminology on condemnation procedures and judgments.

Oct

Video

Saint Martin Parish Council Joint Committee met Oct. 20, 2026, reviewing the FY2025 audit, hearing a workforce presentation tied to an upcoming Nov. 10 career fair, and discussing multiple infrastructure projects (Catahoula culvert, Seiber Road) and several servitude-reduction ordinances. Council also discussed a housing grant deadline and volunteer strategy before adjourning.

Discussion Points

•Acadiana Workforce Solutions promoted a Nov. 10 career fair and employer outreach.
•Auditor presented an unqualified opinion on presented funds but an adverse parishwide opinion due to omitted component units.
•Auditor recommended follow-up and offered to meet with council members.
•Council agreed to forward local economic-development contacts and share materials with staff.
•Council asked for geotech/survey clarification because siltation at lake outlet may reduce benefit of some alternatives.
•Council debated voluntariness vs. automatic inclusion for a housing grant list.
•Engineers agreed to perform surveys and provide updated line-item numbers by email.
•Items were presented for consideration; no vote was recorded in the transcript.
•Legal counsel clarified deceased-owner properties require court processing and cannot be handled by volunteer consent.
•Members worried about enrolling owners if the grant fails and preferred a volunteer approach.
•One compliance finding: library deposits not properly secured at Dec. 31 (about $700,000).
•One request linked to a mobile-home replacement; two others are split parcels of the same owner.
•Project is ready to proceed once HB1 and DOTD funds and an intergovernmental agreement are in place.
•Staff presented costs for two options (base route ~$1.228M; alternates raising totals to ~$1.541M; full option ~$2.173M).
•Staff presented evidence of sufficient clearance to support servitude-reduction requests.
•Staff urged prompt signature to avoid losing funds.
•There was back-and-forth on change-order allocation; parties tentatively agreed to 50/50 split.
•Two key programs highlighted: OJT subsidy up to 50%/ $5,000 cap; work-experience stipend up to $4,800.

Decisions

•Council signaled support for 50/50 split for change orders to allow bidding to proceed.
•Proceed with compiling list and present at next council meeting; prefer volunteer consent approach.

Directions

•Clerk/staff to coordinate with Morgan to compile the current list of candidate properties and present counts at the next meeting.
•Clerk/staff to share contact information with Acadiana Workforce Solutions and connect them with Jennifer Staley (economic development) and local colleges.
•Engineering firm to produce updated survey/quantity details and distribute to council by email.
•If counts fall short, staff to plan a targeted public meeting in November to recruit volunteers.
•Staff to finalize the intergovernmental agreement and distribute the bid package when funds are secured.
•Staff to follow up with auditor and report back with further details on the library deposit remediation.
•Staff to remain available to provide additional site documentation as needed.

Oct

Video

Saint Martin Parish Council met Oct. 6, 2026, for a regular meeting that included candidate introductions, a public hearing on property assessments, multiple nuisance property show-cause proceedings and abatement decisions, introduction of budget and capital outlay items for 2027, several resolutions (including a debris-contract change order and a Bayou Chev intergovernmental agreement), and a weather briefing about a Gulf low-pressure system.

Discussion Points

•Amendment adopted; capital outlay request advanced for submission.
•Assessor reported $17M–$17.5M increase in assessed value; increase largely in personal property/inventory.
•Assessor's office elected not to adopt a millage for the assessor's office, reducing collections to about $70,000 this year.
•Clerk read ordinance summary including parcel number and property owners.
•Code enforcement reported trash, abandoned cars and debris; partial cleanup performed but trash service not in place.
•Council debated 30/60/90 day compliance windows; staff noted ordinance default is 30 days and enforcement proceeds through district court if owner does not comply.
•Council member moved to amend helipad verbiage to 'Lower St. Martin'.
•Larry Davis emphasized the need for present representation at the congressional level.
•Low-pressure system in the Gulf could intensify; parish coordinating daily briefings with sheriff's department.
•Mindy Gerard explained the duties of a justice of the peace beyond marriages.
•No members of the public spoke on the rezoning at the hearing.
•Parish will post updates on website and advise residents to take precautions.
•Resolution 095RS authorizes parish president to execute contract change order No. 2 with Ceres Environmental Services for debris removal.
•Spencer Poirier described his background in utilities and small business ownership.

Decisions

•Amendment approved and submission advanced.
•Council adopted the resolution as amended; parish president authorized to execute change order.
•Council authorized condemnation and abatement; set 30-day status check.
•Public hearing closed with no appeals recorded.
•Public hearing opened and closed; item advanced for further consideration.

Directions

•Clerk and planning staff to proceed with ordinance publication and scheduling of subsequent readings.
•Staff to inspect property and provide 30-day update at the next meeting.

Sep

Video

Saint Martin Parish Council joint committee heard annual reports and department updates, considered a rezoning request and multiple capital-outlay project proposals, reviewed a proposed change order for a new branch library, and discussed Section 8 program procedures and concerns raised by a local landlord. No final votes were recorded on the major items during this meeting.

Discussion Points

•Extension is working on pasture mealybug, apple snail and screw worm management; no definitive, cheap control yet for some pests.
•Parish agriculture valued at ~$89M; sugarcane largest crop; soybean acreage declined to ~1,500 acres.

Directions

•AgCenter to continue testing and outreach and provide updates to council and farmers.

Sep

Video

Public commenters raised allegations of discriminatory conduct and poor oversight in the parish Section 8 program; council received a domestic-violence proclamation and approved several routine resolutions and ordinances. Council discussed canal maintenance and water-district consolidation plans.

Discussion Points

•Council praised Harrison's decades of service to parish libraries and education.
•Dundas alleged multiple instances of inappropriate conduct and voucher revocation by the Section 8 director; she requested oversight and threatened further action if unresolved.
•Multiple budget and personnel ordinances introduced for public hearing and publication.
•Parish cannot enter private property to clean canals without recorded servitude; servitude acquisition or statutory doctrines may apply.
•Shea Hope described services, regional coverage and funding shortfalls.

Decisions

•Council accepted the proclamation and encouraged follow up with the clerk.
•Ordinances introduced; no final adoptions reported in transcript excerpts.
•Referrals to Public Works and Legal for follow up; no immediate action authorized to enter private property.
•Referral to parish administration and legal counsel; no disciplinary action taken at council level during the meeting.
•Resolution presented and accepted.

Directions

•Administration to check servitude status and create a work order; legal counsel to advise on the Saint Julian doctrine test for continuous maintenance.
•Dundas to file written complaint and provide documentary evidence to parish president and council; parish president to review with legal counsel and, if permissible, coordinate with HUD New Orleans.
•Proceed with required public hearings and bring back for final action according to law and notice requirements.
•Shea Hope to provide event/fundraising details to the parish clerk; council members to consider local fundraising support.
•Staff to arrange a presentation photo and consider formal display options.

Aug

Video

St. Martin Parish Council joint committee heard an extended presentation from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recommending a drawdown of Henderson Lake to control invasive aquatic plants; residents and commercial fishermen raised concerns about repeated drawdowns’ impacts on landings, hunting and crawfishing; council reviewed routine ordinances and discussed an intergovernmental agreement on Bayush flood protection.

Discussion Points

•Board of Adjustment heard two exception requests and recorded motions and seconds; vote tallies not available in transcript excerpt.
•Commercial fishermen urged LDWF to avoid spraying within crawfish trap areas and to use targeted treatments in non-navigation sloughs.
•Council expressed concern over an open-ended 'back-end' clause that might obligate the parish for future structural repair percentages (previous draft had a 15% back-end obligation).
•LDWF cautioned that rapid drawdown during a bloom could cause oxygen depletion and fish kills.
•LDWF observed discoloration they suspect is cyanobacteria and stopped spraying; staff requested testing from DHH/DEQ.
•LDWF presented history of infestations and control measures; the agency recommended drawdown to 6.25 ft at 2–4 inches/day.
•LDWF stressed dependence on river/rainfall and Corps permit restrictions (including protection of an Indian burial mound).
•Members agreed in principle to contribute $75,000/year but not to accept unlimited future liabilities.
•Multiple routine ordinances were presented with little recorded discussion.
•Parish public works should avoid moving spoil onto wetlands outside embankments without Corps permits; corps guidance and case law require strict parameters.
•Residents and commercial users requested alternating years or targeted treatments to protect landings/hunting areas.
•Residents requested alternating drawdown years and earlier notice so businesses can plan.
•Road, water and building projects are progressing; jail sewage required parish contribution to city costs.

Decisions

•Contracted spraying suspended pending test results.
•Motions were moved and seconded; outcome not recorded in provided segments.
•No formal policy change adopted at the meeting; staff committed to enhanced stakeholder outreach.
•No formal vote recorded on drawdown at this meeting; LDWF said it would seek the council's blessing before opening gates.
•Parish will adhere to embankment-to-embankment work and seek Corps permits for major wetlands dredging; no immediate wetland-removal project authorized without permit.
•Parish will commit $75,000/year and forward the signed agreement to the levy board; the IGA will exclude unlimited back-end repair liability.

Directions

•LDWF to accept targeted requests for spraying in requested locations; staff agreed to improve outreach and consider alternating drawdown schedules if vegetation metrics allow.
•LDWF to coordinate testing with DHH/DEQ and seek a public advisory if tests confirm cyanobacteria.
•LDWF to coordinate timing with parish and notify stakeholders; consider phasing and targeted spot spraying where crawfishing occurs.
•Parish President authorized to sign and forward the parish’s version of the IGA to the St. Mary Levee Board for their approval; legal staff to continue discussions to secure language limiting back-end obligations.
•Parish to pursue Corps permit process for wetlands projects that demonstrably affect watershed flows; staff to prepare applications where appropriate.
•Planning/Permitting to record and publish vote tallies and any permitting conditions if exceptions are granted.

Aug

Video

Meeting of the Saint Martin Parish Council covering a candidate public comment, a presentation and Q&A on the Bayou Shane intergovernmental agreement (IGA), multiple zoning and nuisance hearings, an executive session on litigation, a report on rapid siltation at Catahoula Lake, a lengthy debate over departmental presentations and wetlands/laterals, and routine resolutions and change orders.

Discussion Points

•Candidate provided personal biography, legal qualifications and general judicial priorities.
•Council members requested written assurances that parish residents would be protected before committing $75,000/year.
•Council members said departmental overviews are a long-standing oversight practice and useful to newly elected members and constituents.
•District presented Bayou Shane operations, gauge history, and IGA cost-share proposal (district modeling, original 2019 project development and mitigation costs).
•District warned that modifying the permit is time-consuming and may invite litigation; emergency declarations were described as a short-term operational option.
•Nuisance property evidence and photos presented; staff reported partial cleanup and continued enforcement.
•Parish president requested that substantive issues not be raised without advance notice so department directors can prepare.
•Planning staff presented rezoning recommendations with conditions and business applicants described proposed uses.
•Reports of rapid re‑siltation at dredged stretches of Catahoula Lake; potential failure of prior dredging work paid from bonds.
•Resolutions authorizing change orders and time extensions were introduced and moved for vote.
•Staff to meet with original engineers to compare survey data and options.

Directions

•Clerk to circulate the scheduled presentation calendar to the president and council; committee to consider a directive clarifying scope and notice requirements.
•Clerk to prepare formal ordinance adoption packets and confirmation of nuisance remedy status; Code Enforcement to track cleanup progress and report back.
•Council to obtain legal analysis on liability and permit-change risks; follow-up requested from district with detailed cost-share spreadsheet and examples of past emergency closures.
•Place IGA on a future committee agenda for further consideration.
•Staff to meet Sellers & Associates and report back to the council committee with survey and remedy recommendations.

Aug

Video

Saint Martin Parish Council discussed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for the Bayou Shane control structure, heard a candidate speech for city court judge, reviewed multiple zoning and ordinance items, addressed Catahoula Lake siltation, debated how administrative department presentations are handled (including wetlands/laterals), and concluded with routine resolutions and an executive-session update on litigation.

Discussion Points

•Advance notice vs. spontaneous Q&A in public meetings
•Campaign appeal to Ward 4 voters
•Candidate background and qualifications
•Change orders for road and waterworks projects detailed with dollar/time adjustments
•Council demands for written assurances protecting parish residents
•District operation and closure triggers (permit threshold near 7 feet)
•Funding proposal: pooled O&M fund with annual contributions
•Multiple rezoning petitions presented with Planning Commission recommendations
•Need to verify as-built dredging depths and maintenance schedule
•Observed rapid siltation and shoaling in dredged channels
•Permit reopening risks litigation; emergency declarations as operational tool
•Possible contribution from recent heavy rains (31 inches cited)
•Property purchase and condemnation items presented for motion and vote
•Where to address substantive operational or legal questions (committee/office vs. full council)
•Whether departmental presentations should be limited to overviews

Directions

•Clerk to circulate presentation schedule; consider drafting directive on presentation scope
•Clerk to publish ordinance notices and schedule hearings; items to return for vote or committee review
•Meet with Sellers & Associates for technical review; add to committee agenda
•Place Bayou Shane IGA on committee agenda for further review

Aug

St. Martin Parish Council Regular Meeting of August 4, 2026

Saint Martin Parish council meeting on July 7, 2026 covered a candidate speech for city court judge, a lengthy presentation and Q&A on the Bayou Shane intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and flood-control structure, multiple zoning and nuisance-property items, Catahoula Lake siltation concerns, and a policy debate over departmental presentations to the council.

Discussion Points

•Candidate introduced background and legal qualifications.
•Clerk previously provided a calendar and will re-share it with the parish president.
•Council moved to proceed with condemnation for unresolved cases.
•Council requested the PC minutes and conditions be added to the record.
•Council scheduled a meeting with the original engineer for fact-finding.
•Council values transparency of departmental overviews; administration requests clearer advance direction to avoid being blindsided.
•Levee District presented IGA, costs, and historical performance; council raised concerns about trigger points and long-term obligations.
•Planning Commission recommended rezoning with conditions; property owners explained business uses.
•Rapid re-siltation observed in previously dredged channel; images and field visits reported.
•Staff presented photos and service records; some owners have partially remedied violations.

Decisions

•Administrative-overview presentations will continue, with work to clarify boundaries between overviews and substantive issues.
•Introductions and hearings held; no final votes recorded at this meeting.
•No formal vote to adopt IGA at this meeting; item postponed for further committee review.
•No immediate remediation authorized; fact-finding first.
•Orders of condemnation and enforcement actions to proceed where statutory notice and service requirements have been met.

Directions

•Clerk to provide schedule and work with administration to draft guidance on presentation scope.
•Place IGA on committee agenda; request written assurances on operation protocols and emergency procedures.
•Staff to continue enforcement and bring updates to the council.
•Staff to meet with Sellers and Associates and report back at committee meeting.
•Staff to provide PC minutes and conditions; items return for further consideration.

Aug

Video

Saint Martin Parish council meeting covering a candidate public comment, a presentation and Q&A on the Bayou Shane intergovernmental agreement and funding request, a long block of zoning/ordinance/resolution business, discussion of Catahoula Lake siltation, debate over administrative presentations and wetlands policy, and several nuisance/property actions; several items were introduced for later vote or review.

Discussion Points

•Candidate background and qualifications presented during public comment.
•Certified mail service on record for properties; photos in packet support enforcement.
•Council members demanded assurances that closing triggers would not flood low-lying areas.
•District asked parish to contribute $75,000/year (15% share) to IGA coffer.
•District said permit constraints limit changes and emergency declarations/coordination can allow closures when necessary.
•Motions and seconds were recorded but full vote tallies not consistently present in transcript.
•Multiple ordinances and rezoning items introduced; planning commission recommendations cited.
•Rapid re-siltation observed in previously dredged areas; channel depths decreased since project completion.
•Recent heavy rains from the north increase urgency for review.
•Staff reported partial cleanup but outstanding debris and vehicles remain.

Decisions

•Motion to proceed recorded; vote tallies not fully transcribed.

Directions

•Meet with Sellers & Associates (engineers) and return to committee with findings and options.
•Place IGA back on committee agenda for further review and possible written assurances.
•Proceed with condemnation/enforcement actions and return with status updates to council.
•Publish and set public hearings where required; return outcomes to council.

Aug

Video

Saint Martin Parish council heard a presentation on the Bayou Shane intergovernmental agreement — remaining disagreement centers on a proposed $75,000/year parish share and permit trigger points — and handled zoning, nuisance hearings, several change orders and a long debate over department presentations and wetlands procedures.

Discussion Points

•Candidate summarized education, professional experience and community ties.
•Council members defended the practice as educational and useful for constituent service.
•Council members pressed for protections for low-elevation communities and raised concerns about permit trigger points and possible litigation.
•Council requested Sellers & Associates to review the dredging record and to appear at a committee meeting.
•District counsel warned permit modification risks; emergency declarations discussed as operational flexibility.
•Multiple motions to open hearings, grant exceptions, and approve change orders were recorded; some items require follow-up with staff for final votes/implementation.
•Parish president requested advance notice for substantive items piggybacking onto department overviews.
•Presenter explained basin geography, closure dates and gauge readings; called for cost-sharing contributions.
•Shoaling reappeared four years after dredging; rain events exacerbate the issue.

Decisions

•Executive session authorized for pending litigation; several resolutions and vote calls recorded (see actions).
•No change in policy; improved communication requested.
•No formal approval; direction to continue negotiations and return to committee.

Directions

•Clerk to provide presentation calendar to parish president and council to clarify expectations and scheduling.
•Clerk to publish ordinance introductions and circulate committee calendar.
•Parish staff to request written commitments and assurances regarding operational triggers and impacts before final IGA approval.
•Place IGA back on the committee agenda for further negotiation.
•Public Works to implement contract change orders as authorized and report schedule adjustments.
•Set meeting with Sellers & Associates; place item on committee agenda for follow‑up.

Aug

Video

St. Martin Parish Council heard a candidate speech, a presentation from the St. Mary Levee District about the Bayane (Bayushain) control structure IGA and funding, considered multiple zoning and nuisance items, debated administrative presentation practice and wetlands permitting, reviewed siltation at Katahula (Katahula) Lake, and adjourned. Several routine resolutions, zoning changes and condemnation orders were moved and called for votes.

Discussion Points

•Candidate introduced background and experience
•Candidate requested Ward 4 support in Nov. 3 election
•Council members argued presentations help answer constituents and asked for a standing calendar
•Council wants written protection that residents won't be flooded and clarity on future unfunded repair obligations
•District asked partners for annual O&M contributions; St. Martin share ~15% ($75,000)
•District explained gate operation and permit trigger (near 7.0 ft)
•Parish President requested prior notice for substantive issues so staff can prepare
•Public Works described prior ditching work, grade shots, remaining obstructions and work orders in place
•Rapid shoaling observed at Katahula Lake; channel shallower than after dredge
•Resident reported repeated backyard flooding and provided photos
•Sellers & Associates to meet with council/staff to review original depths and project deliverables
•Whether administrative presentations are informational only or can include operational questions

Directions

•Administration to receive calendar of planned presentations and to develop guidance for what constitutes an overview vs. an operational agenda item
•Public Works to continue inspections and debris removal; report back with remediation options
•Refer IGA back to council committee for further negotiation (meeting in two weeks)
•Staff to meet Sellers & Associates and report back at a committee meeting if necessary

Jul

Video

Saint Martin Parish Council met July 7, 2026, and heard a presentation on a regional drainage and evacuation-route project for Highway 90, discussed Corps permitting and maintenance of local drainage laterals, received public nuisance-property comments and motions for abatement, reviewed waterworks consolidation progress and funding, and considered animal-shelter rules for large animals.

Discussion Points

•Additional $2,000,000 obtained to cover third well; projected project cost ~ $16,000,000.
•Consolidation ledger shows $11,316,000 spent vs original $14,500,000 contract.
•Corps of Engineers intervened on prior unpermitted canal excavation; parish was found in violation and required to mitigate.
•Direct benefit area ~15,000 acres; includes Cypress Bayou and Coulee LaSalle.
•Exemption for maintenance exists only if work does not expand capacity or drain additional wetlands.
•Mitigation costs can be significant (example: $30,000 for 2 acres).
•Owner Kevin Domingue described being disabled and collecting materials for house repairs; multiple councilors noted community concerns and safety hazards.
•Parish has panels and previous practice of sheriff assistance for transport; staff converted a structure to other uses but panels could be reinstalled.
•Phase 1: H&H study (shortfall ~ $250,000). Phase 2: design and construction (~$30M).
•Proposed $40,000,000 regional drainage/evacuation project focused on Highway 90 and future I‑49.
•Public Works staff and equipment levels and 2025 workload (work orders, culverts installed, spraying mileage).
•Recent equipment purchases intended to reduce rental costs (4-inch trash pump).
•Safety concerns exist for untrained shelter staff handling large animals.
•Staff estimate project will finish ~ $500,000 under budget and meet federal spending deadlines.
•Staff presented photographic evidence of abandoned vehicles and debris at 1083 Elis Drive.
•State/parish guidance effective 08/01/2026 may allow parishes to designate public/private shelters for large animals and set holding periods.

Decisions

•Motion to proceed with condemnation/abatement placed on record; transcript does not include tallied vote.
•No final decision was reached; item scheduled for follow-up at the next meeting.
•No final policy change recorded at the meeting; staff to report back.
•No formal vote; information and timeline guidance provided.
•No formal vote taken on the project; council requested follow-up information.

Directions

•Administration to seek federal grants and legislative support; obtain DOTD data and parish-level impact estimates.
•Consider submitting project to Acadiana Watershed/Region 5 and seeking resolutions of support from neighboring parishes.
•Staff to assess which laterals qualify as "existing currently serviceable drainage ditches" and propose maintenance steps that avoid triggering Section 404 permitting.
•Staff to attend water sector meeting in Baton Rouge and report back; communicate timing for consolidated billing software and operations 'flip'.
•Staff to continue negotiations with the sheriff and return with a recommendation before the next meeting; council to consider ordinance amendment if necessary.
•Staff to locate any Corps correspondence and permitting records and return with guidance at next meeting.
•Staff to provide follow-up details on specific contractor work (Bosco Road) and confirm water service information if available.
•Vote to proceed with abatement; staff to work with owner to explore compliance options and provide contact information from the rule-to-show-cause notice.

Jul

Minutes

St. Martin Parish Council met July 7, 2026 and approved multiple zoning changes, nuisance property condemnations, servitude reductions, infrastructure agreements and a package of resolutions including park improvements and grant applications.

Discussion Points

•Applicants asked for exceptions to move single-family mobile homes into zones where they are not normally permitted.
•Carla JeanBatiste said ordinance would allow residents to open Airbnbs in W-2 zoning.
•Clerk read a public notice instructing subcontractors to assert claims as provided by law.
•Conditioned rezoning to limit use to parking for Andy's Endiglo Club and require fence/ingress from LA-31.
•Council approved all exceptions unanimously with requirement to follow permitting.
•Funding for DOTD projects is reimbursement-based.
•Fund line item in 2026 budget earmarked for Cecilia Recreation Improvements will be used for capital projects.
•Owner Kevin Domingue addressed Council in his case.
•Owners requested the reductions for specific parcel portions.
•Preferred Mechanical, LLC's work on Waterworks District No. 4 Project 2 was presented as substantially complete.
•Projects include site prep/drainage for 4.25 acres and canopy additions at the civic center.
•Public Works determined reduced widths were sufficient for maintenance.
•Resolutions require Title VI assurances, minority business policies and LPA training.
•Staff presented photographic evidence and cited Section 24-105 as legal basis.

Decisions

•BOA exceptions granted for four applicants.
•Certificate of Substantial Completion authorized and to be recorded.
•Condemnation orders authorized for both properties.
•Ordinance 26-07-1549-OR adopted to allow tourist homes in W-2
•Parish President authorized to expend funds and proceed with planning/procurement.
•Resolutions 26-063-RS and 26-064-RS adopted; Parish President authorized to sign required documents.
•Rezoning adopted with conditions and recorded dissent by Vincent Alexander.
•Servitude reductions adopted for specified parcels.

Directions

•Applicants must obtain permits and comply with parish permitting regulations.
•Parish President authorized to pursue condemnation and abatement actions.

Jun

Video

Saint Martin Parish joint Public Works/Administrative/Finance committee met June 16, 2026. The meeting included presentations on animal-shelter operations, Section 8 housing program updates and HUD funding changes, a public request for a historic-business resolution from the Liddett Legacy Foundation, multiple routine contract/ordinance items, and updates on parish infrastructure and flood-mitigation projects.

Discussion Points

•Clerk read contract and change-order summaries and motions were made and seconds recorded.
•Completed shelter improvements (ramp, kennels, wash bay, sink, incinerator).
•Council request for clearer renovation and revenue plans before acting.
•Donations become public funds and generally require budgeting; donors may buy items directly to avoid that requirement.
•HUD funding decrease to roughly 88% of prior monthly allocation and impact on placements.
•INSPIRE inspection and CMAPS administrative requirements; staffing gaps (lost inspector).
•Introductions of zoning and servitude-reduction ordinances with parcel identifiers and distances.
•Items were introduced for publication; no recorded final votes in the transcript.
•Liddett's request for a parish resolution to support grant applications and tourism development for a family-business historic site.
•Portability/cooperative agreement with St. Martinville city housing authority and landlord notification/inspection rules.
•Presenter's long-term personal investment and prior Louisiana Senate commendation.
•Regional $40M two-phase plan to address Highway 90/I-49 flood corridor and related outreach to federal/state legislators.
•Road projects near completion from sales-tax program and annex building pending FP&C approval.
•Shelter intake and outcomes year-to-date (536 animals).
•Transcript does not record vote tallies; final approval status must be confirmed in official minutes.
•Water consolidation wells status (well 1 online; well 2 to begin soon).

Directions

•Administration to consider staffing/inspector needs ahead of budget season.
•Administration to continue federal outreach and schedule a future presentation on Washington DC meetings and next steps.
•Administration to prepare a budget-amendment option or guidance for accepting in-kind donations.
•Clerk/administration to publish official vote tallies and any signed contracts in minutes.
•Council to consider the request and ask the presenter for detailed grant timelines and project plans.
•Housing coordinator to provide further operational details if council needs budget adjustments.
•Proceed with publication and subsequent readings/hearings as required by parish ordinance procedures.
•Shelter to provide a punch list of outstanding repairs and equipment needs to the council.
•Town-hall meeting scheduled for June 18 in Catahoula for water-project updates.

Jun

Minutes

St. Martin Parish Council met June 16, 2026 in St. Martinville and unanimously approved two Board of Adjustment exceptions to permit homes in nonresidential zones, authorized three contractual resolutions (two water-system change orders and a jail roof contract award), and introduced three ordinances for publication.

Discussion Points

•Engineer/consultant recommendations from Sellers & Associates and Berard, Habetz & Associates were cited for change order recommendations and bid analysis.
•Need for Board of Adjustment approval under the St. Martin Parish Zoning Ordinance for nonpermitted uses.
•Ordinance summaries were read; no debate or vote recorded in the meeting minutes.

Decisions

•All three resolutions approved unanimously at the special meeting.
•Both exceptions granted unanimously.
•Ordinances introduced for publication.

Directions

•Applicants may proceed to permitting following Board approval and any zoning permit conditions.
•Parish President authorized to execute change orders and contract documents, contingent where noted on state approval.

Jun

Video

The Saint Martin Parish Council met June 2, 2026, to ratify a homeland security director appointment, hear a state-funded broadband presentation (Gumbo 2.0), consider multiple zoning/variance and nuisance items, introduce several ordinances, and approve a series of resolutions and intergovernmental agreements.

Discussion Points

•Bouquet emphasized preparation, communication, and collaboration; council members cited her decades of service and experience during hurricanes and floods.
•Council and presenters discussed provider overlap, funding constraints to avoid duplicating existing funded fiber, and where residents can find parcel-level information.
•Council introduced multiple ordinances including a motor grader lease-purchase and parking restrictions; one parking motion lacked a second and failed, another was seconded and called for vote.
•Gumbo 2.0 will cover 2,615 addresses in Saint Martin Parish; the program will use inspectors/monitors and pre-notification to utilities to avoid damages.
•Resident requested roughly 90 days to remove a mobile home placed on the property; staff explained complainant confidentiality policies and safety concerns about the trailer not being anchored.
•Residents argued parking limitations would reduce visitor parking for events and gatherings; one commenter described a recent family memorial event that required extra parking.
•Staff emphasized that the accessory structure will be wet flood-proofed and lacks plumbing; applicant argued waiver is needed to prevent runoff onto an older pre-FIRM home.

Decisions

•Motion to grant variance was made and seconded; recorded vote result not available in transcript segments.
•Motion to proceed with condemnation and abatement was made and seconded; recorded vote not included in provided segments.
•Motion to ratify appointment was made and seconded and vote called; result not recorded in transcript segments.
•One parking motion failed for lack of second; another motion was seconded and vote called (tally not present in provided segments).

Directions

•Residents directed to connectla.gov to check funded locations and assigned providers.
•Staff to coordinate appointment paperwork and transition; staff to follow up on operational coordination as needed.
•Staff to work with the resident to establish a removal timeline and to proceed with condemnation/abatement process.

Jun

Minutes

St. Martin Parish Council met June 2, 2026, and on a largely unanimous series of votes ratified a homeland security director appointment, approved multiple zoning and board-of-adjustment exceptions, authorized equipment leases and intergovernmental agreements, and advanced several drainage and utility contract actions. A public hearing produced limited public comment on proposed parking restrictions.

Discussion Points

•GUMBO 2.0 will deliver fiber to over 2,500 addresses in St. Martin Parish
•Multiple consent and legislative items passed by unanimous vote
•Multiple exceptions to allow residential use in I-1 zones were approved by the Board of Adjustment
•Nuisance finding authorized condemnation/abatement with 90-day remediation request
•One proposed parking ordinance failed for lack of a second; a narrower parking restriction passed with one abstention
•Parish staff and project team plan more communication to avoid problems from GUMBO 1.0
•Project backed by BEAD and led by ConnectLA; competitive grant process with ISPs
•Request to waive BFE elevation for 1,600 sq. ft. accessory structure

Decisions

•Belaire Design exceptions approved
•Order of Condemnation authorized
•Variance for Shawn Albert approved

Directions

•Parish President and department heads to execute agreements, record documents and implement contract changes
•Parish President to initiate condemnation/abatement if property not remediated
•Parish staff to request/await further deployment details and outreach plan
•Planning & Zoning to issue permit instructions and monitor compliance

May

Video

Special St. Martin Parish Council meeting on May 21, 2026 considered authorizing an IIJA grant application for the Dalmalandson Road safety improvement project and a proposed amendment to add another road; a substitute motion to allow the parish president's designee to sign was made but no final vote is recorded before adjournment.

Discussion Points

•A council member asked to add an additional road project to the application; the chair said the specific solicitation selected only one project.
•Chair and members acknowledged the substitute motion and requested a second; the record is inconsistent about who seconded and shows no vote.
•Chair and staff explained the solicitation selected one project based on scoring and that the grant is for infrastructure.
•Council member proposed amending the resolution to include Ansettled Butte/Charles Bridge Road and to seek match funds for that project.
•Staff described external review process and competitiveness due to prior engineering work; staff estimated the grant at nearly $8,000,000 and noted a 20% match that may be covered by an agency.
•Staff proposed replacing the clerk with a designee to allow signing flexibility if the parish president were unavailable.
•Staff proposed replacing the clerk with the parish president's designee as the authorized signer for flexibility.

Decisions

•No recorded adoption of the proposed amendment in the transcript.
•No recorded decision in the transcript; follow-up in official minutes recommended.
•Substitute motion to change authorized signer was made; no recorded final vote on the resolution in the transcript.

Directions

•None recorded in transcript.

May

Minutes

The St. Martin Parish Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 26-049-RS authorizing Parish President Pete Delcambre or his designee to submit an IIJA application, via LITACorp, for match funding for the Doyle Melancon Road Safety Improvement Project; an attempt to add a separate water project was denied.

Discussion Points

•Carla JeanBatiste said a grants-evaluation group is targeting roads for SS4A and the parish seeks roughly an $8 million SS4A grant; the IIJA application is to cover the 20% local match.
•Doyle Melancon Road was selected because its engineering is already complete.
•Vincent Alexander requested adding the Anse La Butte Ches Broussard Road Water Project to the resolution; Chairman Tauzin said the special meeting was limited to items in the call.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution No. 26-049-RS as amended to authorize Parish President Pete Delcambre or his designee to submit IIJA application; motion passed unanimously by members present.

Directions

•Parish Attorney Lee Durio to review amended language prior to execution.
•Parish President or designee authorized to submit applications and execute documents.

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