Freddie DeCourt

The council addressed sales tax matters and conducted public hearings for several ordinances, including amendments related to animal confinement for rabies suspicion, budget adjustments for the Sugarcane Festival Building, and proposed changes to the mayor's compensation. Additionally, the council approved multiple resolutions covering six-month supply bids, change orders for home repair projects, a contract award for pump station upgrades, certification of completion for a drainage project, and an environmental audit report. An agenda expansion was approved to implement a policy for fee waivers to encourage new housing construction in impacted areas.

The council appointed a member to the Municipal Government Employees Civil Service Board and approved a certificate of substantial completion for the Fontelieu Drive Coulee Cleaning Project. Action on awarding 6-month supply bids was deferred. Several ordinances were introduced, including amendments to regulations regarding suspected rabies cases in animals, budget adjustments for the Sugarcane Festival Building, and an election call regarding mayoral compensation. Furthermore, the council granted land exchange and subdivision approvals and reviewed a monthly budget-to-actual report.

The council conducted public hearings and adopted several ordinances, including declaring police department vehicles as surplus for sale, authorizing the issuance of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds, and levying millages on the 2026 tax roll. Budget amendments were approved for Pepperplex funding and additional drainage projects. Furthermore, definitions related to rabies and animal control were amended within the city code. Resolutions were passed regarding the objection to sewer bond issuance and the authorization of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Iberia Parish Tourist Commission concerning Pepperplex funds.

The meeting included a presentation by the American Red Cross regarding the designation of March as Red Cross Month. The Council conducted public hearings and adopted ordinances concerning amendments to the budget for animal control services contracts and appropriations reflecting carryovers from the previous fiscal year. Several resolutions were adopted, including approving Change Order No. 4 and amending the architecture contract for the American Rescue Plan Act Community Center Restrooms Upgrades Project. Contracts were also awarded for the Improvements to Buildings in City Parks, the 2026 Street Improvements Engineering Project, and the Highland & Plantation Drainage Project. Further resolutions authorized agreements related to the Dale Street Intersection Improvements Project, the Hopkins Street Economic Development District funds, the Louisiana Main Street Technical Support Grant, and the division of revenues from school zone automated speed enforcement devices with the Iberia Parish School District. New ordinances were introduced regarding the issuance of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds, budget amendments for the Pepperplex and drainage projects, levying 2026 property tax millages, and amending definitions related to rabies and animal control in the City Code of Ordinances. The Planning and Zoning section approved a preliminary and final subdivision of property located at 2915 LA Highway 14. A finance report detailing budget-to-actual figures through January 31, 2026, was presented.

The meeting included public comments, which were noted as none. Key actions involved the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to negotiate and execute a service agreement with iWorQ Systems, Inc. for the Permit Management module following a public hearing. Several resolutions were adopted, all approving Certificates of Substantial Completion for various capital projects: the American Rescue Plan Act Community Centers Restroom Upgrades Project, the City Park Splashpad Upgrades Project, the Lil Brooklyn Park Project, and the Pepperplex Access Road Project. Additionally, a resolution was adopted authorizing the mayor to negotiate and execute a service agreement with Atchafalaya Trapping, LLC for animal control services, contingent upon an agreement with Iberia Parish Government. New ordinances were introduced regarding declaring certain New Iberia Police Department vehicles as surplus for sale, amending the budget for the animal control services contract, authorizing an agreement with Iberia Parish Government for small animal shelter operation, and amending the budget to reflect carryovers from FY 2024-2025. Announcements included a reminder about the next scheduled meeting and information regarding adjudicated properties available for sale.