Richard Meche

Key discussions during the meeting included the appointment of Erica Arceneaux as the new Municipal Clerk and Tax Collector, replacing the retired Melanie Denais. Nick Sonnier provided updates on the water tower materials delivery delay due to weather and noted that work on Maurice Park would commence once ballard installation plans were finalized. The Police Chief reported the department is actively seeking a new officer. The Maintenance Supervisor detailed water usage statistics, tree clearing efforts at the new City Hall property, the hiring of a new employee, and road maintenance activities, with a request for a quote on a bionic blade. Several ordinances were introduced to be set for public hearing on February 18, 2026: one regarding golf cart use on municipal roads, one modifying sales and use tax (including adopting the 1% administration deduction and collecting tax on digital streaming services), one modifying the Municipal Clerk's salary ordinance, and one adjusting sewer use fees due to significant operational losses requiring external funding to avoid jeopardizing eligibility for sewer expansion project loans. Finally, a resolution was approved to appropriate funding and authorize advertising for sealed bids for the construction of the New Town Hall. Updates were also provided on the November 2025 sales tax revenue and the modification of payroll distribution from bi-monthly to bi-weekly.

The public meeting agenda includes several key actions. New business items involve the Mayor's appointment of the Municipal Clerk and Tax Collector, updates from the Police Chief and Maintenance Supervisor, and several introductions by the Mayor. The Mayor will introduce ordinances pertaining to golf cart use on municipal roads, modifications to Sales and Use Tax Ordinances, modification of the Municipal Clerk's salary ordinance, and adjustments to Sewer User Fees. Additionally, a resolution will be introduced to appropriate funding and authorize advertising for sealed bids for the construction of the New Town Hall. The agenda also calls for a Sales Tax Report and general council updates.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing concerning an Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 25-2, which modifies the Mayor's compensation package to include health insurance as part of the salary, effective January 1, 2026. This ordinance was subsequently adopted, including a monthly vehicle allowance of $800. In department reports, the Police Chief noted an officer passed the Academy. The Maintenance Supervisor reported water production and sales figures, and an inquiry was made regarding road grading assistance. A fireworks variance request from Mendoza Ford for a New Year's Eve display was addressed, confirming no variance was needed for the date. The Mayor provided an update on October 2025 sales tax revenue, noting a decrease compared to the prior year due to a previous audit adjustment. Progress on the new City Hall planning is advancing, with bids anticipated in February 2026. A significant portion of the meeting honored the dedication of Melanie Denais, Assistant Clerk, who is departing, with several officials expressing gratitude for her service. Council concerns noted upcoming social events.

Amendment to the FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE ARTICLE 5 PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION SECTION B. (1) and (2) regarding residential and nonresidential construction standards in flood hazard areas, specifying elevation requirements and construction specifications.

The Board of Aldermen convened to adopt the operating budget of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011. The ordinance declared that the adoption of this budget operates as an appropriation of the amounts set forth within the budget classification. The Mayor has the authority to make changes within budget classifications and transfer funds between departments within 2% of the total budget without board approval; anything exceeding 2% requires board approval.