Kim Rainwater

The meeting included a review of the December 2025 financial reports and various departmental reports. Key discussions involved the Masonic Lodge hosting the annual Squirrel Hunt, the Mayor discussing the sale of property to the CPSB for parks and recreation funding, and the Mayor announcing he will not seek re-election. Public input included a suggestion for placing a public book donation box along the walking path. Actions taken included authorizing the Mayor to appoint department heads, postponing a variance request for a mobile home placement, denying a 2026 Liquor permit for Dollar General until paperwork is complete, adopting Ordinance #1002 to declare a property (Old City Barn) as surplus for sale by bid, adopting a resolution for a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the CPPJ for commodity food box distribution, and approving engineering services for the DeQuincy Generators Project.

Key discussions during the session included concerns raised by downtown property owners regarding building condemnation orders, contrasting these concerns with the condition of Old Town Hall and Grand Ave Gym. The council approved liquor license applicants for 2026, contingent upon fee submission by December 31, 2025. Further actions involved authorizing the Mayor to sign documents for the re-appointment of a Housing Authority Commissioner, approving a 6-month variance extension for a property owner on Beech Street, and adopting resolutions to enter into Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEAs) for Animal Services cost-sharing with Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, for engineering services for airport development with Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, LLC ("ICE"), and for State Aid related to city park improvements (Act 461 of 2025 RLS). An agreement update with DeQuincy Hospital was also authorized. The council introduced Ordinance #1002 to declare property on Third Street as surplus and scheduled a public hearing for January 12, 2026. Public hearings were held, and subsequent ordinances were adopted to allow city inspections (Ordinance #1000) and to amend the employee handbook (Ordinance #1001). The council voted to initiate the condemnation process for several structures on Seymour Pullam Road and Banneker Street, and for properties on N Division, S Holly Street, and N Pine Street. The condemnation process was stopped for one property on N Pine Street due to owner renovation progress, and postponed for 90 days for properties on Fourth Street and Pine Street. Finally, the council elected Cameron Smith as council chair and Scott Wylie as council vice-chair.

The City Council held a special session to adopt a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for a grant from the Calcasieu Parish Road and Drainage Trust Fund for drainage improvements along Hayes Street.

The council reviewed financial and departmental reports, including updates on fire and police activities, sewer plant operations, and code enforcement. Discussions included sewer issues, property maintenance, and the condition of city streets. The council approved bids for vehicles, adopted ordinances amending the Junk and Weed ordinances, and addressed a variance application. A resolution was adopted to inform the LA DEQ of continued wastewater treatment plant maintenance. The council also authorized the purchase of police radios and tabled discussion of a water park project until January 2021. Council concerns included fireworks, drainage issues, and property mowing. A resolution was adopted to request direct payments from the state's Coronavirus Relief Fund.

The council reviewed financial and departmental reports, including fire, police, code enforcement, public works, and sewer plant operations. Discussion included sewer problems, street repairs, and gas service issues. The council tabled discussion on an ordinance regarding alcohol sales, introduced an ordinance amending pay scale procedures for essential employees during emergencies, and approved agreements for a summer food service program and the donation of police equipment. A new commissioner was appointed to the Housing Authority. Council members also addressed concerns about sewer issues, demolitions, asphalt problems, and late-night pedestrian and bicycle traffic.