Donald Forest

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence and prayer honoring former council member Coach Robert Jackson Senior, who was noted for his contributions to the city charter and community upliftment. Public participation guidelines were reviewed. The council then dispensed with the reading of the minutes from the February 9th meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presentations by the Mayor's Youth Council representatives, who updated the council on recent activities, including learning about Louisiana culture, making king cakes with the fire chief, and preparing meat pies, while also announcing future collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club. The council proceeded with final readings of two ordinances authorizing agricultural leases with Russell and Mary Edith Stacy Farms on different tracts of land. Following this, an ordinance was introduced authorizing the mayor to award the bid for Water Treatment Facility Improvements Phase Number Two to the lowest bidder, The Le Moine Company LLC, for $6,250,000.

The meeting commenced with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the honoring of the Moffet family by renaming West Third Street to Moffett Lane, in recognition of their 30 years of business service to the community. The Council passed Proclamation Number 006 designating February 9th annually as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day, acknowledging the organization's 118 years of service and its local Rho Beta Omega chapter. Additionally, Proclamation Number 007 was adopted, officially proclaiming February 2026 as African-American History Month, highlighting the theme "Civil Rights March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom." Finally, Ordinance Number 006 of 2026 was introduced for final reading, which rescinded a prior ordinance that declared the structure at 1203 Rusbow Street unsafe and unfit for occupancy, noting that the property has since been rehabilitated.

The meeting commenced with confirmation of a quorum. Key actions included the approval of minutes from a previous session, subject to spelling corrections for two members' names. Old business involved the delay of an application from Mr. Brian Briggs to rezone property related to the oil mill location, seeking to permit a restaurant with an exception to sell alcohol at 110 Mill Street. New business centered on the application by Mr. David Perkins to rezone property in Adams Park subdivision to allow for a short-term rental operation at 1538 Adams Avenue. The commission discussed compliance with ordinances and heard from the applicant's agent, Michelle Tenbeer, regarding neighbor feedback, noting a letter of no opposition from one neighbor. The application received approval from the commission, contingent on future introduction and voting sessions.

The meeting addressed an application by Mr. Brian Briggs to rezone a location for the operation of a restaurant with a special exception to sell alcohol. The director provided a summary, noting the uniqueness of the application and its relation to the Mill District Entertainment District. Commissioners discussed the application's compliance with zoning regulations, particularly concerning lease agreements and ownership requirements. Mr. Briggs presented his plans for a tapestry-style restaurant, emphasizing the variety of food and entertainment it would offer. The discussion also touched on the city council's role in the approval process and the need for a proper lease agreement before proceeding.

The meeting included discussions on rezoning applications for short-term rentals, including an application by Mr. Walter LDAR. The director provided comments on standard short-term rental applications, documentation, maintenance responsibility, property layout, and parking adequacy. There was also discussion regarding the denial of an application by Julie Hule and Chantel Hule and the approval of an application by Glenn and Sheree Moffett. The commission discussed tiny homes and their placement in established neighborhoods, as well as potential restrictions and review processes. Concerns were raised about the pricing and weighing of prepackaged goods at grocery stores, and the consolidation of smaller grocery chains by larger companies.