St. Mary Parish

The primary topic of this Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments regarding a proposed Ordinance. The Ordinance concerned the condemnation of improvements known as the Plantation Inn Hotel, located at 815 Highway 90, due to its dilapidated and dangerous condition, and ordered the owner to demolish and remove the structure within sixty days of the Ordinance's effective date. No comments were received during the hearing.

Key discussions during the meeting included an announcement regarding Teen Wellness Day. Concerns were raised about animal control and a proposed ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray cats and dogs. An update was provided on the Industrial Development Board, specifically concerning the ITEP Exemption criteria. A resident voiced opposition to a Specific Use Permit for keeping chickens and a rooster due to odor and noise, which led to the tabling of the ordinance adoption regarding this specific use case, pending the presence of the Planning & Zoning Director at the next meeting. The Council adopted an ordinance condemning the Plantation Inn Hotel as dilapidated and dangerous, ordering its demolition within sixty days. Additionally, the Council discussed matters related to Water & Sewer Commission No. 4 debt and fee collections. New appointments were made to various Boards and Commissions, including the Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2, Fire Protection District No. 1, and the St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 4. The Council also addressed enforcement of collection fee collection at boat landings. New business included the review of several financial statements and the reappointment of a representative and appointment of a new representative to the 16th Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board. Finally, a Resolution was adopted to call a special election for June 27, 2026, to vote on an amended St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter. A Proclamation was also adopted designating March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

The public hearing addressed several proposed property variances. Requests included a Lot Area Variance for Thomas and Timothy Raphael to deviate from the required 10 acres to 8.45 acres in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District due to property subdivision. Another variance request concerned a proposed subdivision involving rear yard setback, front yard setback, and Right of Way/Utility Easement deviations in an Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District, represented by Dwain Mayon. E & F Property Holdings LLC requested Front and Rear Lot Width Variances in an Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District, which was discussed by Clint Freyou and Erin Eldridge, who noted a misunderstanding regarding commercial zoning when the property was purchased. Finally, Shane Cook requested a Variance to deviate from residential accessory building setback standards in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District due to property layout constraints, noting neighbor non-opposition.

The agenda for the meeting includes several guest presentations and reports. Guests are scheduled to discuss a request for a Resolution of Support for the Atchafalaya Basin Management Plan, access issues concerning the Singleton Heirs and Avoca Island, an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Water and Sewer Commission No. 5, the Council on Aging's Annual Report, and a request for travel funds for the Future Business Leaders of America organization. Key actions involve the introduction and adoption of several ordinances, including granting a Specific Use Permit and declaring tax adjudicated properties as surplus for sale. Resolutions are scheduled for congratulating a school support employee, honoring Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., supporting the Atchafalaya Basin Management Plan, and authorizing the Parish President to execute professional service agreements related to dredging Bayou Teche and the 911 Call Center Wind Retrofit. Old Business includes referrals for appointments to various Boards and Commissions, and New Business involves receiving financial statements for Recreation District No. 4 and scheduling appointments to multiple Boards and Commissions, such as the Board of Adjustments and Fire Protection District No. 11.

The Board of Adjustments addressed several variance requests. The first involved Suzanne B. Robicheaux seeking multiple variances (Rear Lot Width, Front and Rear Lot Width, and Side Yard Setback) for various lots in a Conservation (CN) Zoned District. The second request, made by Jason Breaux, involved seeking an Ingress/Egress Easement Variance and a Utility Easement Variance within an Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District.