Patrick Johnson

The board meeting covered several key items, including a proclamation recognizing SOS Pets of Ouachita for their contribution to the new animal shelter, and various departmental reports from Animal Control, Federal Programs, the Fire Department, and others. The personnel committee approved new hires for 911 and a promotion for Animal Control, while the public works committee granted preliminary subdivision approval for Deer Bend at Oliver Plantation, discussed road repairs, and approved change orders for site preparation projects. The board also adopted a resolution designating a responsible charge for the Caples Road reconstruction project, authorized the levy of annual taxes for 2026, made appointments to the Planning Commission, and approved the sale of adjudicated properties. Additionally, the board approved various contracts for materials and equipment, a temporary fire station lease, and several beer and whiskey permit applications.

The agenda includes a public hearing for an ordinance authorizing the sale of adjudicated properties. Administrative and department reports will cover topics such as staffing requests for the 911 office and Green Oaks facility, engineering reports regarding pavilion and pier repairs at Cheniere Lake, and financial statements. The committee will also discuss appointments to the Planning Commission, a special event permitting program, bid results for a courthouse roofing project, and various infrastructure and library-related matters.

The board meeting involved several legislative and administrative actions. Key items included the formal adoption of the Ouachita Parish Comprehensive Plan and the establishment of the Ouachita Parish Planning Commission. The board also addressed ordinances regarding the renaming of a parish road, the sale of adjudicated properties by public auction, and the acceptance of a donation for the animal shelter. Additional business included approving contract renewals, amendments to cooperative endeavor agreements for various projects, awarding construction and engineering contracts, and declaring several items of public works equipment as surplus for sale. The board also approved the issuance of bonds for the East Ouachita Recreation District No. 1 and granted final subdivision approval for Woodland Trail Unit 1.

The meeting featured a presentation by Jamie Greene with Atlas Community Studios regarding a comprehensive plan. No official action was taken during this presentation.

This comprehensive plan serves as a long-term roadmap for Ouachita Parish, guiding future development, informing policy decisions, and prioritizing public investments for the next 10 to 20 years. It establishes a parishwide vision, sets seven clear goals with specific strategies and measurable objectives, and creates a framework for future decisions concerning growth, infrastructure, and public investment. The plan addresses long-standing concerns related to infrastructure, land use, flooding and drainage, housing, community facilities, and essential public services.