St. James Parish

The Planning Commission discussed land use map revisions for the Shady Grove area, considering a redesignation from Agricultural to Industrial to align with surrounding properties. Additionally, a request for a variance to place a residential building on a family estate was reviewed, along with a report from legal counsel.

The meeting included an update on 2026 ethics training and a discussion regarding a new business request from Hali Waguespack to determine the suitability of a property for a residential structure, including a house, shed, and pond. The Board reviewed administrative reports and state agency concerns related to pipeline maintenance, dredging, and infrastructure projects across the parish.

The Planning Commission reviewed various resubdivision requests for residential and commercial tracts, including applications from St. James Parish Government, Edward Becnel, Rodrigue Planting Company, Chase Malbrough, and David Duhon. Land use requests were evaluated for property in Convent, Vacherie, and Paulina, specifically regarding the construction of a residential home, agricultural pole barns, and farm equipment storage. Several setback variance requests for mobile homes and residential structures were also addressed, along with a report from legal counsel on future land use matters.

The meeting included discussions on several land use and coastal development projects, including residential land clearing proposals for Devin Roussel and Donovan Zenon, as well as status updates on transmission line projects, pipeline maintenance, and water line extensions. The board also reviewed administrative reports regarding mandatory 2026 ethics training and scheduled coastal training sessions.

The President's Report included expressions of condolence, an update on suspected tornado activity with minimal damage reported, and notification regarding the start of the annual audit process requiring council questionnaires. Major project updates covered flooring options for the Multipurpose Building, active construction for the Magnolia Jack and Bore project, awarding contracts for the Buddy Whitney Canal drainage project and the road preservation program, and ongoing construction for the Humble St. Phase Three Project. The President also detailed meetings with the State Division of Administration concerning critical funding needs for Highway 3127 widening, the West Shore Connector Levee Project, and the Road Rehabilitation Program. Additionally, the redesign approval for the North Rosary Street drainage project and the upcoming soft opening of the Vacherie Senior Center were announced. Human Resources initiatives included updates on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance partnership and the annual Krewe of Young at Heart Carnival. New Business resolutions involved approving disbursements for pending invoices, accepting change orders and substantial completion for the Judge Becnel Subdivision Gas Improvement Project, appointing directors to the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority Board, authorizing applications for various funding programs (LCDD Local Government Assistance Program and Community Water Enrichment Fund), authorizing a contract with McKim & Creed, Inc., approving the financial audit survey and questionnaire, authorizing the bid acceptance for the Buddy Whitney Canal Improvement Project, authorizing the IDIQ contract for the 2026-2028 Road Preservation Project, and authorizing the advertisement for bids for the District 5 Multi-Purpose Recreation Building Renovation Project. Variances and conditions for the Brian Bourgeois Family Subdivision were also approved. Council Member Anthony Jasmin addressed the conclusion of his recall process.