Jillian E. Fisher

The public hearing addressed several proposed property variances. Requests included a Lot Area Variance for Thomas and Timothy Raphael to deviate from the required 10 acres to 8.45 acres in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District due to property subdivision. Another variance request concerned a proposed subdivision involving rear yard setback, front yard setback, and Right of Way/Utility Easement deviations in an Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District, represented by Dwain Mayon. E & F Property Holdings LLC requested Front and Rear Lot Width Variances in an Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District, which was discussed by Clint Freyou and Erin Eldridge, who noted a misunderstanding regarding commercial zoning when the property was purchased. Finally, Shane Cook requested a Variance to deviate from residential accessory building setback standards in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District due to property layout constraints, noting neighbor non-opposition.

The agenda for the meeting includes several guest presentations and reports. Guests are scheduled to discuss a request for a Resolution of Support for the Atchafalaya Basin Management Plan, access issues concerning the Singleton Heirs and Avoca Island, an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Water and Sewer Commission No. 5, the Council on Aging's Annual Report, and a request for travel funds for the Future Business Leaders of America organization. Key actions involve the introduction and adoption of several ordinances, including granting a Specific Use Permit and declaring tax adjudicated properties as surplus for sale. Resolutions are scheduled for congratulating a school support employee, honoring Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., supporting the Atchafalaya Basin Management Plan, and authorizing the Parish President to execute professional service agreements related to dredging Bayou Teche and the 911 Call Center Wind Retrofit. Old Business includes referrals for appointments to various Boards and Commissions, and New Business involves receiving financial statements for Recreation District No. 4 and scheduling appointments to multiple Boards and Commissions, such as the Board of Adjustments and Fire Protection District No. 11.

The Board of Adjustments addressed several variance requests. The first involved Suzanne B. Robicheaux seeking multiple variances (Rear Lot Width, Front and Rear Lot Width, and Side Yard Setback) for various lots in a Conservation (CN) Zoned District. The second request, made by Jason Breaux, involved seeking an Ingress/Egress Easement Variance and a Utility Easement Variance within an Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District.

The Public Hearing addressed several requests, including a Specific Use Request for a Church in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District, and Preliminary and Final Subdivision/Development Approvals for property subdivisions for Thomas and Timothy Raphael in an AG Zoned District. Other items included a Specific Use Request to place livestock (chickens and a rooster) in an Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District, and a Preliminary and Final Subdivision/Development Approval for property belonging to Chester Verret, III in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District.

The meeting commenced with the election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2026, resulting in Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo being elected Chairperson and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. elected Vice Chairperson. The Council adopted a Resolution of Respect in memory of Lt. Colonel Dale H. Hayes, Sr. Updates were provided regarding generator installation rights-of-way for electric pumps supporting drainage systems, discussions about a monitoring system for water/sewer levels, and confirmation of litigation settlement funds receipt for Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1. A request for $500,000 allocation from Wards 5 & 8 Sales Tax Fund for Drainage and Sewer System Improvements in the Bayou Vista area was tabled pending updated cost estimates. The Council also heard a funding request of $6,000.00 from the St. Mary Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. Discussions included options for funding public school student participation and the introduction of an Ordinance related to Council member speaking time limitations. Finally, the Council introduced and adopted an Ordinance calling an election to submit the Proposed Amended Home Rule Charter to electors, which included reducing council membership and updating compensation.