Sharon Calcote

The commission reviewed and approved a proposal submitted by Harold Callais for demolition of a guest house, construction of a commercial kitchen, ADA ramp upgrades, and exterior renovations at 506 St Philip Street. The plans indicated the new structure would serve as a commercial kitchen for events, with efforts made to complement the main house's façade and enhance root drainage for a significant tree on the property. Additionally, the commission approved a proposal by Tosky's Inc/Eagle Tire & Auto for exterior stucco removal, metal framing installation, and window frame replacement at 105 E 7th Street, where the front space will be converted into an office and waiting area. In other business, discussions were held regarding amending the sign ordinance to potentially increase the size of exempt under-canopy signs due to issues with new engineer approval requirements, and revisiting proposed revisions to the Historic District Commission ordinance.

The Planning and Zoning Commission addressed several requests. The Board approved a Special Exception for A H Dupuy Properties, LLC to construct a third living unit at 722 W Bayou Road in a B-1 zoning district, contingent upon meeting parking requirements and addressing bulkhead work. Additionally, the Board approved the sketch and final plat approval for the re-division of land owned by Lawrence Robertson Properties, LLC on Cleveland Street for intended housing development, with stipulations regarding sewer tap installation. A third request, concerning the re-division of property owned by The David L. Braud Revocable Trust on Ledet Street, which included a lot width variance request, was tabled to allow for gathering further information on drainage, site access related to a fire hydrant, and the future use of trees on the property. Furthermore, the Commission reviewed statistics regarding Special Exceptions approved over the last ten years and discussed upcoming proposals, including matters related to utility company access to city drainage lines.

The City Council convened in regular session. A primary agenda item involved a motion, which ultimately failed, directing the Council Administrator to prepare a resolution to amend the Rules and Order of Business to allow the public to address the Executive Branch leadership concerning municipal affairs. The Council approved the Rienzi Plantation Drainage Study findings presentation by Fairway Consulting & Engineering. Resolutions were adopted authorizing the Mayor to sign engagement letters with EisnerAmper, LLP for Fiscal Year 2025 Auditing Services, for the Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUPs) for Fiscal Year 2025, and for Auditing Services for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for 2025. Change Order No. 5 for the Canal Blvd/Candy Lane Water tower Painting Project, increasing the contract amount by $16,575.00, was authorized. The Council also approved the appointment of members to the 2026 Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department's Fire Board. A contract with Artisan Pyrotechnics, Inc. for the 2026 Let Freedom Ring Festival fireworks show was authorized. Ordinances were passed amending utility collection procedures (Section 21-1) and changing the speed limit on Belle Meade Boulevard (Section 20-19 (a) (6)) to 25 mph. A public hearing was scheduled for February 18, 2026, regarding an ordinance to create a School Zone for Nicholls State University. The Mayor provided updates on city projects, including telecommunications tower maintenance, secured funding for road overlays, Miracle Field construction schedule, commencement of a cybersecurity protection project, status of security cameras, and coordination of Mardi Gras events.

The Board of Adjustments addressed several variance requests. The first involved a request to vary 42.45 square feet from the required 32 square foot maximum wall sign size for a sign at 1315 Saint Patrick Street in a C-2 zoning district. The board also considered a request to vary 1.1 feet from the required 5-foot left side yard setback for a property at 1146 Tiger Drive in an R-4 zoning district due to a survey revealing a property line discrepancy concerning an already built fence. Finally, the board reviewed a request to vary 5 feet from the required 20-foot front yard setback to construct a single-family home at 161 Tetreau Street in an R-1 zoning district, necessitated by tight lot constraints from adjacent townhouses and an existing water line.

The City Council meeting included several key actions and discussions. The council established the Rules and Order of Business for the Year 2026, including setting regular meeting dates (first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.) and electing the President (Councilman Naquin) and Vice-President (Councilman Mire). The Finance Director presented the monthly revenue and expense report for December 2025. The Bayou Country Children's Museum Director provided a presentation on participation rates. The Council adopted a resolution declaring certain city property surplus for sale or discard, with online auctions scheduled for March 2026. A resolution was passed accepting the low bid from M-Trak, LLC for the 2026 Road Improvement Project, authorizing the Mayor to execute the construction contract. Ordinances were introduced regarding amendments to the City Code of Ordinances concerning utility collection procedures and the speed limit on Belle Meade Boulevard, with public hearings scheduled for February 3, 2026. The Council authorized the Mayor to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. for beautification funding up to $20,000 for 2026. An agreement was also authorized between the City and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office for body repair services for the Thibodaux Police Department. Finally, the Mayor provided updates on city projects, including playground enhancements, completion of the Midland basketball court, and Mardi Gras preparations.