Dennis Hickey

The key topics involved reviewing two cases requiring variances. Case No. 26-02-04 involved a request to convert a single-family home into a duplex at 224 W St. Mary Street, which was ultimately denied by a 5-0 vote. Case No. 26-02-05 involved a request to reduce lot area and lot width requirements to allow for the subdivision of Lot 7-A Square 2313 into two smaller lots fronting on W 24th Avenue, which was approved. Commissioners were also reminded to complete the required annual Ethics Training.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the appointment of a new Fire Chief, Steven Michell. The Council adopted a consent calendar. During the regular agenda, a public hearing and subsequent adoption occurred for an ordinance increasing City Council compensation, effective July 01, 2027. Another public hearing resulted in the denial of an ordinance proposing rezoning from CN-Neighborhood Commercial to CR-Regional Commercial for specific lots. Council members provided reports, acknowledging the hard work of city employees, praising the police department's handling of a fugitive incident, and updating on infrastructure projects such as street repairs and sidewalk replacement. Reports also covered community involvement, the increased activity of the local food bank, and details regarding upcoming Martin Luther King Day events. The Mayor provided administrative updates regarding the distribution of the city's bi-monthly newsletter containing the calendar of events for 2026 and Mardi Gras parade schedules.

The meeting commenced with a special acknowledgment and presentation to Officer George Turgeau for assistance provided to a citizen following a bicycle accident. Key discussions focused on public hearings and subsequent actions regarding several ordinances. These included adopting the 2026 Operating Budget and the Five Year Capital Outlay Budget for 2026-2030, setting compensation for the Mayor for 2026, approving a zoning map amendment to rezone properties from CN-Neighborhood Commercial to CR-Regional Commercial, and amending the 2025 Operating and Capital Budget. Council reports highlighted upcoming community events such as the Boys and Girls Club planning meeting, the Police Department's charity golf tournament benefitting Caroline Darby's Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the Turkey Trot Run, and the Three Rivers Art Fest. Reports also covered street maintenance needs, traffic study updates, and community involvement. Administrative comments emphasized the city's economic development strategy centered on experiential tourism, citing numerous successful events like the Ozone Songwriters Festival.

The regular meeting commenced with the presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing January 2026 as Blood Donor Awareness Month. Parliamentary Procedure Team members from Covington High School addressed the Council on the importance of Roberts Rules of Order. The Unfinished Business involved a Public Hearing and subsequent adoption of an ordinance to enlarge the city boundaries, specifically annexing Tracts B-1-A, B-1-B, and B-1-C, and classifying the property as Zoning District CR-Regional Commercial, requiring an amendment due to a misprint. New business included the adoption of Resolution Number 2025-26, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Boys And Girls Club of Metro Louisiana, Inc. Council reports highlighted upcoming holiday events such as parades, tree lighting ceremonies, home tours, and updates on public works projects, including pothole repairs, utility line repairs, and the planting of new trees in Gallagher Park. An update on the local food bank indicated an increase in households served and donated food pounds compared to the previous year. Administrative comments noted upcoming street paving projects for Gibson St. and Rutland.

The special meeting convened with the primary purpose of addressing the appointment of an interim council member. A resolution, Resolution No. 2026-02, was presented and adopted by a unanimous roll call vote to appoint John Callahan as the Interim Councilman for District A. Following this, the Council adopted the Consent Calendar. The Council President announced that the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 03, 2026.