Charles Borchers

The public hearing addressed several ordinances, including establishing the salary and annual compensation for the office of the mayor and city council members effective with the commencement of the next full term of office in 2027. A significant discussion centered on an ordinance establishing a temporary 365-day moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for various group facilities such as group homes and daycare facilities, pending the establishment of new rules and zoning considerations. Public commentary heavily focused on the moratorium, with representatives from disability advocacy groups expressing concern that the blanket moratorium might create illegal barriers for state-licensed facilities serving people with disabilities, requesting an exclusion for LDH-licensed facilities. Administration suggested options to either reduce the moratorium length from 365 days to 90 days or table the moratorium, noting that a separate amendment to the unified development code addressing group home definitions had already been introduced and posted for public comment.

The City Council held a public hearing regarding a request to annex property on Highway 190 East into the city's corporate limits. The council also discussed establishing the salary and annual compensation for the office of the mayor and for the council members, effective with the commencement of the next full term of office. Additionally, the council discussed establishing a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for group homes, group care facilities, daycare facilities, adult daycare facilities, assisted living facilities, lodging homes, boarding homes, and rooming homes within the city of Hammond.

The meeting involved discussions regarding the city charter, particularly focusing on Section 5-03 related to budget preparation and adoption. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts with the Louisiana Estate Budget Act, especially regarding statistical comparisons of administrative versus service costs. The timing of communications between the council and the mayor concerning the budget was also discussed, along with the inclusion of items requested by the council in the proposed budget. Additionally, the meeting addressed the handling of surplus funds and the need for clarity on using them within the budget.

The meeting involved discussions with Dr. Tony, who provided insights from his experience on the city council and charter review committee. Key topics included the election cycle, representativeness, and turnout in mayoral elections. The committee also considered the succession of the mayoral position and the potential for the director of administration to step in on a long-term basis. Additionally, discussions covered the compensation of elected officials and the debate over whether the police chief should be appointed or elected.

The council discussed an ordinance to remove and amend unused, outdated definitions and to establish specific use standards for group living and care facilities within the city's unified development code. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends adoption. The discussion included concerns about the placement of group homes in certain districts and the need for clearer regulations. The council decided to table the issue to allow for further review and public input.