Ascension Parish

The meeting commenced with an invocation, including special prayers for bereaved families. The agenda was amended to include two late items requiring a public hearing: a construction contract for the South Wall Road, Schiele Place in Riverside Estates, and an amendment to the master contract between East Ascension Drainage and Timken Gear Service. Key discussion points included drainage report updates, noting 53 ditch maintenance work orders completed in January, and progress on construction for projects at 4:31 and Palmetto Street. Consultants reported on ongoing projects: HNTB is working on levy certification and regional flood reduction projects, with design estimated to take eight months; BKI is completing plans for Marvin Bro pumps. Brian Hammett & Associates reported that the low bid for the Savoye Road, Penny Street, Schiele, and Riverside Estates drainage improvement project was submitted by Hard Rock. GSA provided updates on the Fish Bayou project, involving permit modifications and landowner agreements, and the levee design phase which has restarted following an agreement between Livingston, Ascension, and the Pontchartrain Levee District. Finally, H. Davis Cole presented on the New River Improvements Project, outlining goals to improve drainage capacity, channel profile consistency, remove a weir, armor outfalls, and stabilize bridge foundations, seeking approval to proceed to the bid phase.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, including a moment of silence for troops and a remembrance for a member's husband. Key discussions involved two items requiring emergency votes: first, a resolution directed to FEMA requesting aid for placing a fence and providing security funds for a FEMA trailer park located at 621, including a request for background checks on residents. Second, the introduction of a temporary emergency ordinance, intended to provide a 60-day window for residents on properties smaller than one acre to apply for permits for secondary residences (FEMA trailers), overriding current secondary residence rules concerning lot size (one acre minimum) and non-immediate family members. There was considerable discussion on whether to immediately vote on the ordinance or refer it to the Strategic Planning committee. The council ultimately voted to introduce the ordinance the same night. The meeting also included the presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to Chris Matassa for his service on the Capital Area Human Services District Board, focusing on funding for developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance abuse services.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and pledge, followed by the addition of an agenda item (Item L) requiring unanimous approval to contract with Goodman Appraisal Construction Consultants for the appraisal of ACUD #2 wastewater and sewer assets. Key discussion points involved public comments, the Parish President's report detailing preparedness and response activities related to Hurricanes Laura and Marco, including the activation of emergency operation centers and relocation of the animal health shelter. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing the efforts of parish employees and volunteers in providing aid to Lake Charles following Hurricane Laura, especially utilizing the Lamar Dixon facility as a staging area and temporary hospital. Other agenda items included adopting previous meeting minutes, approving amendments to the legal services contract concerning Ascension Parish versus Berkeley Insurance, authorizing prospective publishers, ratifying presidential appointments, memorializing the anniversary of the Staggered Rail Act, and discussing proposed changes to subdivision regulations (ULDC Appendix 4). Approval was also sought for the lowest bid on a new grapple truck and extending wellness check deadlines for employees.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge. Discussions included administrative items such as chair additions and procedures for public comment. The President's report noted an upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the RPCC Donisonville Training Center and announced the parish government closure schedule for Mardi Gras. Key actions involved a Notice of Consideration for the governing authority of road lighting district number seven regarding the renewal of an existing Ealorium tax for road lighting maintenance. An ordinance was introduced to acquire and accept ownership rights from the Ponchatrain Levy District related to the Laurel Ridge Levy Extension Project, with East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District assuming maintenance duties. Further discussion and reading of an ordinance covered a zoning map amendment from Medium Intensity Residential (RM) to Mixed Use 2 (MU2) for a specific parcel on Babin Road. A public hearing was held concerning this zoning map amendment.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and roll call. The public comment period featured Mr. John Scallon advocating for a council-manager form of government, citing statistical proof of efficiency and ethics in other jurisdictions, and requesting that citizens be allowed to decide on the charter amendments. The committee then held a question-and-answer session with Mr. Harry G. Skip, managing partner at Taylor Porter Brooks and Phillips, regarding legal perspectives on implementing a parish manager contract, including term limits and compensation. Discussions also covered the impact of sunset provisions on such contracts. Following this, Mr. Dawson moved to accept the proposal and request the council take steps for compensation for the legal expert, which was adopted. The committee then proceeded to discuss agenda item five, concerning the powers and duties of the parish manager, with input from Mr. Troy Gautreaux Senior, who expressed support for the 'A Better Ascension' form of government based on his experience with the Ascension Parish School Board's leadership during periods of significant growth and operational complexity.