Erica Wood Chavez

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal matters, including the postponement of a decision regarding the DeQuincy Shooting Range, approval for the demolition of the Grand Avenue Gym, and the approval of a property variance. The council also authorized a mowing and litter services agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and introduced a sales tax renewal resolution for the upcoming primary election. Additionally, the council adopted an ordinance regarding water service agreements and conducted several hearings and actions related to property condemnation and demolition processes across various locations in the city.

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal operations and administrative actions. Key topics included the review of monthly financial and department reports, the acceptance of an audit report, and the approval of a liquor license and a property setback variance. The council also authorized resolutions for the removal of a generator from a grant, the acceptance of a bid for airport infrastructure, and the advertisement for engineering and consulting services for the industrial airpark. Furthermore, the council introduced an ordinance regarding water service agreements and initiated the condemnation process for multiple properties throughout the city, scheduling public hearings for several of these structures.

The council reviewed the monthly financial budget-to-actual comparison reports across multiple funds and received department reports from fire, police, public works, sewer, maintenance, and airport divisions. Administrative updates included the hiring of a new city planner and announcements regarding upcoming community events. The council adopted a resolution for the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project and authorized continued maintenance and analytical analysis for the wastewater treatment plant. Resolutions were also ratified regarding a grant for city hall equipment and repairs. Additionally, the council approved a liquor license for a local business, authorized the acceptance of a bid for property on Third Street, and approved the demolition of a section of the Old Town Hall. Several ordinances were adopted following public hearings to update historic district regulations, address dangerous/blighted structures, and amend general zoning codes. The council also processed multiple property condemnation proceedings and approved a variance for an event at the museum grounds.

The meeting agenda was approved after reviewing financial reports for January 2026 and department reports (Fire, Police, Public Works, Sewer, Maintenance, and Airport). The Mayor provided updates regarding the Masonic Squirrel Hunt date, the commencement of the annual audit, and the city's positive response to a recent freeze event. New business included adopting a resolution to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office and DeQuincy Police Department for accepting three law enforcement vehicles. The council also approved appointments to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority and awarded the contract for the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Improvements Planning and Construction Project. Furthermore, the council introduced three ordinances to amend the City Code of Ordinances concerning the Historic District Commission, Blighted and Abandoned Properties, and the General Zoning Ordinance, setting public hearings for March 9, 2026. Finally, the council authorized proceeding with condemnation proceedings for structures located at seven different addresses.

The City Council convened an emergency session. Key discussions included the appointment of Bobby Dahlquist as Temporary Chairman to preside over the meeting. The Council unanimously approved a variance request for John Williamson concerning a property at 107 North Frazier Street, which included permission to place a mobile home and allow more than one dwelling on the property.