Plaquemines Parish

The meeting addressed several key operational and governance matters. Certain agenda items concerning lease negotiations and a Memorandum of Understanding were deferred, while others were withdrawn, including a resolution related to a Port Priority Grant application. Updates were provided on Port Marine Operations, including the status of several ferries and progress on ferry landing replacement projects. Critical infrastructure updates covered the LGP Rail Extension Project, Peters Road Rail Bypass, Peters Road Vehicle Bridge, and the Water Booster Station. The Communications Update detailed enhancements to the digital strategy, public outreach efforts, and progress on Phase II Rebranding. Governance updates noted that resumes for the COO position were under review and the first staff newsletter was circulated. The Financial Update compared budgeted versus actual revenues and expenses for the period, noting adjustments for manpower salary increases and the PALH replacement port portion. Resolutions were adopted concerning amendments to Administration Policies and Procedures regarding Drug and Alcohol Use (Resolution No. 26-94), the creation of a Port Customer Advisory Committee (Resolution No. 26-95), the adoption of findings from the Navy Business Case Analysis Phase I (Resolution No. 26-96), and updates to the Operations Policy regarding Ferry Communications (Resolution No. 26-97). An Ordinance was adopted to amend the Rules for Conducting Meetings to ensure consistency in the waiting period for ordinance adoption (Ordinance No. 26-36). Furthermore, a resolution was passed to rescind a prior authorization for one employment agency and retain a different agency, Odgers, for the search and recruitment of a new Port Director (Resolution No. 26-98), and another resolution created a Committee to select a Chief Operating Officer (Resolution No. 26-99). Finally, the Council authorized the issuance of the 2026 budgeted one percent cost of living pay increase to all employees (Resolution No. 26-100).

The meeting included deferring a resolution concerning a two-year extension for Woodland North Borrow Pits, LLC. Several items were withdrawn, including an ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and resolutions regarding the assignment of office space and settlement of a lawsuit. The Council entered and exited executive session for litigation discussion. Administration and Public Service Updates covered several infrastructure projects such as water line replacements, road patching, and bid openings for a playground bathroom. Updates were provided on ongoing construction projects, Peters Road planning, and environmental/navigation studies. The Council adopted resolutions approving special event/temporary beer/liquor permits, construction permits, and renewals for permanent trailer park permits for several entities, including Ellzey Properties, LLC, Harvey Properties, LLC, Kimberly's Kourt, LLC, Redfish Factory, LLC, and a business occupancy permit for Bayou One Stop. New business included the introduction and final passage of ordinances concerning the adoption of Mission, Vision, and Values statements for the Arts, Parks, and Recreation Department, establishing a public records request policy, acquiring a servitude for a sewer lift station, adopting an amended Pay Plan and Classification Schedule with a 1% cost of living increase, and amending the 2026 General Fund budget for Parish Council District 2. A resolution was adopted to change the name of "Davant Pool" to "Fishermen and Concerned Citizens Association (F.C.C.A. Pool)". Finally, the Council adopted the Plaquemines Parish 2026 Coastal Master Plan.

The meeting involved several actions, including ordinance introductions and final passage. Key agenda items addressed included the failure to vote on four zoning ordinance amendments, deferral of other zoning ordinance items, and withdrawal of updates for Districts 7 and 5. The Council entered Executive Session twice to receive attorney-client privileged information concerning litigation, including matters related to Allison Jasper v. Plaquemines Parish Government and Midway Cattle Ranch, LLC, et al. Administration updates covered discussions in Washington D.C. regarding FEMA flood elevation maps and progress on securing gas line easement documents for the Council building generator. Several resolutions were adopted, authorizing the advertisement for the disposal of surplus vehicles, accepting bids for printing letterhead and submersible pumps, and approving numerous annual renewals for beer/liquor permits and fireworks stand permits. Additionally, construction permits were approved, and resolutions adopted concerning the partial settlement of the Coastal Zone litigation against various energy companies. The Council passed an Ordinance creating the "Port Sulphur Westbank South Economic Development District" and another Ordinance amending the 2026 Manpower Structure and Operating Expenditure Budget to create new positions and fund them from the General Fund Balance.

The meeting included several deferred items regarding lease negotiations for a project named "LA Haven," a Memorandum of Understanding with APMT, and amendments to Administration Policies and Procedures. Several other items were withdrawn, including updates to Port Tariff and Security fee rates, engineering services for ferry landing repairs, and contract extensions for IT services. The Council entered and exited Executive Session to discuss a prospective employment-related claim and attorney-client privileged communications. Key discussions in the regular session involved status reports on Port Marine Operations, including ferry vessel maintenance and updates on the Diesel Electric New Build Ferry. Significant updates were provided on Port Ferry Landing Projects, such as the PALH Landing Replacement and Belle Chasse/Scarsdale Landing repairs, utilizing FTA Grant funding. Critical Infrastructure Projects discussions covered the LGP Rail Extension Project, where the STB granted an Environmental Assessment instead of a full EIS, and the Peters Road Rail Bypass and Vehicle Bridge projects. Operational updates included reviewing resumes for the COO position and initiating Archer studies. Several Ordinances and Resolutions were passed, including authorizing the Port to file a Petition for Exemption with the Surface Transportation Board for the LPG Rail Extension Project, authorizing replacement agreements with the State of Louisiana for the Alliance Water Booster Station Feedlines Phase II, amending the Capital Improvements Plan for the Pointe-ala-Hache Ferry Ramp Replacement Project, and amending the 2026 budget for salary increases for classified and unclassified employees. Resolutions were also adopted to update authorized signatories for bank accounts at Hancock-Whitney Bank and Regions Bank, and to retain an employment agency for the search for a new Executive Port Director. Finally, an Ordinance was adopted to amend Ordinance No. 12-11 to establish the appointing authority for employees during a vacancy in the Executive Director position.

The Plaquemines Parish 2026 Coastal Master Plan outlines a strategic approach to protect and restore the parish's coastal environment, addressing contemporary challenges such as land loss, sea-level rise, and storm impacts. The plan proposes project types including marsh creation, ridge restoration, shoreline protection, hurricane protection, pipeline corridors, sediment diversions, and hydrologic restoration, with a vision to establish a resilient coastal zone that supports thriving ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and secure infrastructure, enhances recreational activities, and protects wildlife habitats.