Tangipahoa Parish

The council held a public hearing regarding two ordinances: one to abandon the dedication of a portion of James Stangle Lane and another to extend the temporary moratorium on applications for halfway houses, addiction treatment facilities, and other similar facilities. The meeting included presentations by the Strawberry Festival board royalty and winners of the Roxy's Toolbox poster contest. Additionally, the parish president provided a financial report to the council members.

The proceedings began with a public hearing addressing three items: a special event scheduled for March 20th and 21st, 2026, TP Ordinance 2608 concerning lowering the speed limit to 25 mph on Leander Lane, and TP Ordinance 2609 regarding amendments to Chapter 36 Planning and Development, Articles 6 and 7, to add a public hearing requirement for items outside drainage districts. Following the public hearing, the council approved the minutes from the February 23rd meeting. Key agenda items included accepting a condemnation report for an address in District 4, approving Change Order Number One for the West Mulberry Street Extension due to unexpected soil conditions, and approving Change Order Number Three for Ponchatula pedestrian improvements on Pine Street (noting the funds pass through the Parish). Substantial completion for the Pine Street improvements was also approved. The council adopted TP Ordinance 2608 and TP Ordinance 2609. Additionally, TP Ordinance 2610 was introduced regarding abandoning the dedication of a portion of James Stangga Lane, and TP Ordinance 2611 was introduced to extend the temporary moratorium on applications related to halfway houses and similar facilities by 90 days. Several resolutions were adopted, including authorizing the parish president to execute documents for the M. Williams Road bridge replacement project and approving the detour route for that replacement. Finally, the council adopted TP Resolution 2610, ordering a special election for June 27, 2026, to renew the four-mill avlorum tax for the maintenance and operation of parish health units, with strong emphasis placed on the critical need to support this renewal for underserved citizens.

The board meeting commenced with a roll call. Key discussion points included the approval of the monthly budget and check registers, noting procedural changes implemented to improve internal controls and budget accuracy for purchase orders. Furthermore, the board addressed Hammond Fire Matters, approving the donation of two large window air conditioning units from their old training building to Woodland Park Baptist Church. Another significant agenda item was seeking approval for a lease agreement between the Talbony Volunteer Fire Department and Tangipahoa Parish Rule Fire District Number Two for the building and land located on Galapora Road (their main fire station), intended to assist the lessor in paying their note, with an opt-out clause available. Finally, the board was advised that a burn ban was in effect due to high winds and low humidity, and a commissioner inquired about assistance provided to other parishes concerning recent brush fires.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions involved public input concerning agenda items, though no formal public hearing was held. The council reviewed and approved the financial report, including specific votes on four condemnation reports for properties located at 15122 Wagsboro Road, 17283 East Park Avenue, 55507 Highway 51, and 44331 Milton Road. Additionally, resolutions were adopted to move forward with condemnation proceedings for these four structures. The council introduced two ordinances for a future public hearing: one to lower the speed limit on Leander Lane to 25 miles per hour, and another amending planning and development articles concerning public hearings for projects outside the drainage district. Updates were provided regarding two upcoming road closures: North Hoover Road (March 8th through April 5th) and Easley Road bridge replacement (March 9th through August 3rd). Legal matters and council privileges yielded no reports.

The board discussed monthly budget reports, addressing budgetary overages and scheduling individual reviews with department chiefs. Discussions also focused on managing insurance costs, including the collection of driver information and infractions to improve safety compliance. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the agenda to accept the donation of a 2008 Suburban from the Slidell Fire Department for use as a medical transport vehicle. Further matters included the reporting of hurricane-related overtime reimbursement and expressions of gratitude to emergency crews for their response to a recent local fire.