Christine Becnel

The President's Report included expressions of condolence, an update on suspected tornado activity with minimal damage reported, and notification regarding the start of the annual audit process requiring council questionnaires. Major project updates covered flooring options for the Multipurpose Building, active construction for the Magnolia Jack and Bore project, awarding contracts for the Buddy Whitney Canal drainage project and the road preservation program, and ongoing construction for the Humble St. Phase Three Project. The President also detailed meetings with the State Division of Administration concerning critical funding needs for Highway 3127 widening, the West Shore Connector Levee Project, and the Road Rehabilitation Program. Additionally, the redesign approval for the North Rosary Street drainage project and the upcoming soft opening of the Vacherie Senior Center were announced. Human Resources initiatives included updates on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance partnership and the annual Krewe of Young at Heart Carnival. New Business resolutions involved approving disbursements for pending invoices, accepting change orders and substantial completion for the Judge Becnel Subdivision Gas Improvement Project, appointing directors to the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority Board, authorizing applications for various funding programs (LCDD Local Government Assistance Program and Community Water Enrichment Fund), authorizing a contract with McKim & Creed, Inc., approving the financial audit survey and questionnaire, authorizing the bid acceptance for the Buddy Whitney Canal Improvement Project, authorizing the IDIQ contract for the 2026-2028 Road Preservation Project, and authorizing the advertisement for bids for the District 5 Multi-Purpose Recreation Building Renovation Project. Variances and conditions for the Brian Bourgeois Family Subdivision were also approved. Council Member Anthony Jasmin addressed the conclusion of his recall process.

The regular scheduled meeting agenda for the St. James Parish Coastal Zone Advisory Board includes several key components. New Business focuses on an application (P20260075) from Devin Roussel proposing potential land clearing for a personal residence. The State Concerns section details three permit applications under review: the St. James Interconnect Project by Louisiana River Market, LLC, a large hurricane protection levee system proposed by St. James Parish Government (P20260036), and a Water Line Extension for American Cruise Line by Lafourche Basin Conservation and Drainage District (P20240772). Additionally, Marathon Petroleum Company has a pipeline maintenance excavation project (P20260045) listed. The administration report mentions the 2026 Ethics Training and that coastal training will occur during this February 23, 2026 meeting.

The agenda for the regular meeting included several key items. Old Business featured updates on the drainage study from Forrestal Street to Pool Lane and the Multipurpose Building. New Business involved numerous resolutions, such as approving fund disbursements for pending invoices, accepting change orders and work performed for the Judge Becnel subdivision gas improvement project, and authorizing applications for funding from the Louisiana Office of Community Development for various water treatment plant upgrades and general assistance. The council also planned to authorize the acceptance of bids for the Buddy Whitney Canal Improvement Project and the 2026-2028 Road Preservation Project, and to advertise bids for the District 5 Multi-Purpose Recreation Building Renovation Project. Furthermore, the agenda included approving variances and conditions for the Brian Bourgeois Family Subdivision of Lot 1A of Longview Sugar Plantation.

The agenda for the regular meeting included presentations regarding a proposed resubdivision of property. New business for resubdivision included Item #26-04 for CEJ Real Estate, LLC, and Item #26-06 for Cody Zeringue. New business under land use involved Item #26-02, where AmSpec Group requested approval to construct a modular building to expand operations, which requires a recommendation due to the proposed industrial use in a Residential Growth designation. Other items included an update on the Brack setback variance, a request for a Williams back setback variance, a report from Counsel on legal and land use matters, and the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

The meeting agenda for the Board of Building Code Appeals includes a call to order, roll call, and pledge. Key business items involve the appeal of a Mobile Home Permit Denial (Item #2026-01A) filed by Danine Frazier regarding lot size and damaged mobile home requirements for a property at 3434 Baytree Street. The proceedings of the prior Inaugural Meeting held on February 12, 2026, are also documented, covering introductions, the election of officers (Chairman Jon Hotard and Vice-Chair Justin James), and the adoption of Robert's Rules of Order as the official rules of procedure, while clarifying jurisdiction regarding variances and land use.