Jessie Devall

The meeting involved discussions regarding procedural matters, including a request to expand the general agenda to include authorizing the mayor to enter into a lease agreement with Donald E. Brown for the DITTO building at 615 M Street. Public comment addressed this proposed agenda expansion, citing concerns about the 24-hour notice requirement for special meetings. Key agenda items discussed included approving Resolution 2621-25 for applying for 2026 LGAP funding (Louisiana Government Assistance Program) for park improvements, specifically air conditioning units for the gym and a future generator; and the proposed revocation of the 2026 occupational license for businesses associated with 705 Lane Pass, identified as solar panel operations under Perfect Land Development. Strong public opposition was voiced regarding the solar panel project, citing lack of tax payments and alleged irregularities in past license issuance by the previous administration. Furthermore, discussion indicated that action on item 4B (license revocation) was halted due to an injunction filed against the city, leading to recommendations for the council to retain outside legal counsel to manage the litigation.

The meeting included announcements and recognition, followed by public comments. A representative from LMA discussed upcoming conferences and community partner meetings, highlighting significant year-over-year growth in Sterlington and ongoing construction projects. A detailed discussion occurred regarding blight removal, specifically focusing on available state and local programs for demolishing dilapidated houses and the need for aggressive action in code enforcement. Concerns were raised regarding the city attorney filing claims against city constituents and potential litigation. There was also a discussion about an unlisted agenda item concerning a proclamation for Mr. Henry C, which was deferred to the next month. Further public comments involved disputes over retroactive application of monitors to approved entities and the need for clarity and proper procedure regarding agenda items and public speaking allowances.

The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, including a moment of silence for a loss in Dr. Tim Spy's family. Council members discussed agenda modifications, particularly regarding the establishment of a review committee for the ambulance service and the process for formally signing resolutions to ensure transparency and accuracy for future reference. Public comments addressed agenda items. Discussions included the need for a streetlight on Monroe Street and general ongoing community improvements such as addressing property code violations at abandoned sites, with acknowledgment of Code Enforcement efforts. Council members recognized several achievements, including a student graduating from Grambling State University and the city's participation in a recent parade. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussions related to the city budget, specifically concerns about amending the budget, the process for publishing those changes, and the timeline for the next fiscal year's budget development, which is set to begin on February 1st. Additionally, there was discussion and request for an additional $25,000 to complete a pipe replacement project where the main line was found to be worse than anticipated, offset partially by savings on another project.

The meeting included roll call confirming all five council members were present, followed by an invocation. Special awards were presented, including Veteran Service Awards to James Green (US Navy) and Henry Dodie (US Army). An honor proclamation was read for Mayor Henry Charles Cotton Day. Discussion included an upcoming Easter parade celebrating 100 years of black excellence. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments and discussion regarding a solar farm project (Golden Bean Sunbeam LLC / Perfect Land). Concerns were raised about the process for obtaining the special use permit, the project's location, potential tax benefits, and the community's input. There was extensive legal discussion regarding the propriety of entering executive session concerning litigation related to the solar project, as counsel for the developer argued no pending or prospective litigation existed absent a written demand. Council members also discussed a previously adopted moratorium on further solar panels and confusion over whether the existing permit was grandfathered in.

The briefing focused on updates following an ice event, with multiple officials providing status reports. The Homeland Security Director provided instructions for documenting primary residence damage related to the ice event for potential FEMA assistance, emphasizing the need for photographic evidence and contacting the sheriff's office for documentation submission. Representatives from Senator Katrina Jackson and State Representative Adrian Fisher announced the distribution of 300 meal vouchers redeemable at local restaurants (Wendy's, McDonald's, or Pipe Eyes) over the following two days. The Police Chief urged residents to remain calm and provided contact information for assistance requests, noting the department's support for transporting citizens to medical facilities. The City Marshall's Office confirmed ongoing transportation assistance and advised caution on clearing roads. The Fire Chief commended the collaborative efforts of all departments and provided critical fire safety tips regarding generator placement (at least 20 feet from structures), refueling procedures, and safe space heater usage, offering free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors upon request.