Lutcher, Louisiana

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will approve several contracts and resolutions, including a $1,679,717 road‑rehabilitation contract, bids for a new fire station, and a nutrition‑assessment services agreement. It will also reject a dump‑truck bid, approve an agricultural‑building permit, and address routine items such as minutes, finance reports, and audit presentations.

• Resolution authorizing the Parish President to accept a bid and contract with Barriere Construction Co., LLC for the Parishwide Road Rehabilitation Phase II (max $1,679,717)
• Resolution authorizing advertisement and receipt of bids for construction of the new St. James Fire Department Station 20
• Resolution approving a contract for Nutrition Assessment Services with Anita Ferdinad/Nutrition Specialists (no dollar amount specified)
• Resolution rejecting the submitted bid for two single‑axle dump trucks and authorizing re‑advertisement for bids
• Resolution approving Benjamin Rodrigue’s application to use 19613 Highway 643 for an agricultural building under the Land Use Ordinance

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council approved the disbursement of funds to pay pending invoices and accepted the completion of the Emergency Control Center Exterior Renovations project. The meeting also included updates on drainage studies and senior center projects.

• Approval of pending and current invoices
• Acceptance of Emergency Control Center Exterior Renovations
• Update of drainage study from Forrestal Street to Pool Lane
• Update of Multipurpose Building
• Acceptance of Change Order #5 for Vacherie Senior Center Project

The council adopted Resolution 26-134 to release funds for pending and current invoices, with all seven members voting in favor. It also approved seven additional resolutions covering contract acceptance, utility relocation bidding, drainage change orders, culvert contracts, senior‑center work, and a wellness program agreement, each adopted unanimously or with seven votes in favor.

• Approved Resolution 26-134 to disburse funds for pending invoices (7 in favor)
• Approved Resolution 26-135 to accept work by Capital Area Construction for Emergency Controls Center renovations (7 in favor)
• Approved Resolution 26-136 to advertise and accept bids for LA Hwy 3127 widening utility relocation (7 in favor)
• Approved Resolution 26-137 to authorize Change Order 2 for Humble Phase II drainage improvements (7 in favor)
• Approved Resolution 26-138 to accept bid and sign culvert contract with Coburn Supply Co. (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-139 to accept Change Order #5 from B.E.T. Construction for Vacherie Senior Center (7 in favor)
• Approved Resolution 26-140 to accept work by B.E.T. Construction for Vacherie Senior Center (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-141 to authorize agreement with Julie Guidry for senior wellness exercise program (unanimous)

Coastal Zone Commission

The Commission will discuss updates on industrial projects and review new requests for facility construction. The meeting also includes a review of several state-level coastal use permits for pipeline repairs and well plugging.

• Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC request for a new electrical substation building (P20260465)
• CARBONPAVE LA proposal for a modular office and carbon asphalt plant (P20260543)
• Air Liquide Large Industries U.S., L.P. update on a new Air Separation Unit facility (P20260385)
• Hilcorp Energy Company requests to plug wells in the La Pice Field (P20260430, P20260511)
• St. James Parish Government project for LA 3127 Widening (P20250319)

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission Working Group will meet at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the St. James Parish Community Profile and Comprehensive Plan Update. The agenda also includes routine items such as roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adjournment.

• Discussion of the St. James Parish Community Profile & Comprehensive Plan Update

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission will consider two residential resubdivision applications for the former Hester Plantation and two land‑use requests. One request is Air Liquide Large Industries’ proposal to construct an air‑separation unit at 5891 Highway 18 on a six‑and‑a‑half‑acre parcel leased from Koch Methanol within an industrial‑use zone. The other is Benjamin Rodrigue’s request to build an agricultural storage building at 19613 Hwy 643, a site designated for Residential Growth where agricultural use is not listed as allowable.

• Darr Simple Resubdivision: Lot 3 of The Hester Plantation split into Lots 3‑A (0.87 ac), 3‑B (0.87 ac) and 3‑C (2.65 ac) – Residential Growth
• Lance and January Boudreaux Resubdivision: Lot 5 of The Hester Plantation split into seven lots (1.269 ac to 6.196 ac) – Residential Growth
• Air Liquide Large Industries Land Use: construction of an air‑separation unit at 5891 Highway 18 on a 6.5‑acre lease from Koch Methanol – Industrial Use
• Benjamin Rodrigue Land Use: proposed agricultural building for farm equipment and hay at 19613 Hwy 643 – currently Residential Growth (agricultural use not permitted)
• Report from legal counsel

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will set the 2026 property tax millage rates and consider an ordinance to rezone the Shady Grove area from agricultural to industrial use. The council also plans to approve payments for invoices, schedule a Board of Review, and authorize bids for a community sports complex.

• Action on Ordinance 26-09: Adopted property tax millage for 2026
• Action on Ordinance 26-08: Rezone Shady Grove area to industrial use
• Resolution to approve pending and current invoices
• Resolution to authorize bids for Vacherie Community and Sports Complex
• Resolution to designate News Examiner-Enterprise as official journal

The council voted to approve the June 17 meeting minutes. A motion was passed allowing Ordinance 26-08 to proceed after an amendment, with all members in favor. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 26-08 to proceed (unanimous)

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council adopted an ordinance to change the land use designation of the Shady Grove area from Agricultural to Industrial. The vote took place on June 17, 2026, and the ordinance is effective immediately.

• Ordinance 26-08: Amends land use ordinance to rezone Shady Grove to Industrial
• Resolution to approve payroll disbursements for June, July, and August 2026
• Resolution authorizing contract with Graves Public Services, LLC for professional services
• Resolution authorizing contract with Crescent Engineering and Mapping LLC for professional services
• Resolution rejecting bids for culvert materials due to insufficient bid award language

The council approved payroll disbursements for June through September 2026, authorized several contracts and bid actions, and adopted the 2026 property tax millage ordinance. All votes were unanimous with six members in favor and Vice‑Chairwoman Long absent. The ordinance will be posted for public inspection and a hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2026.

• Approved payroll numbers 12‑13 for June 2026 (6‑0)
• Approved payroll numbers 14‑16 for July 2026 (6‑0)
• Approved payroll numbers 17‑18 for August 2026 (6‑0)
• Approved payroll numbers 18‑19 for September 2026 (6‑0)
• Authorized contract with Graves Public Services, LLC for professional services (6‑0)
• Adopted 2026 property tax millage ordinance; hearing set for June 17 (6‑0)
• Authorized re‑advertising and accepting bids for drainage culverts (6‑0)

Parish Council

The Council will hold a public hearing on ordinances regarding the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Committee and the Keep St. James Parish Beautiful Board. The regular meeting includes discussions on disaster recovery funding, a special election for the District V Recreation District, and various infrastructure contracts.

• Preliminary approval for up to $10,000,000 in Disaster Recovery Revenue Bonds
• Proposed rezoning of the Shady Grove area from Agricultural to Industrial use
• Contract with CAT-5 Energy Services, LLC for the Rosary Street Utility Relocations Project
• Special election call for District V Recreation District to authorize debt and special tax
• Proposed Ordinance 26-06 regarding the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Committee

The St. James Parish Council approved a series of resolutions, including a preliminary approval to issue up to $10,000,000 of disaster recovery revenue bonds. All seven council members voted in favor of the bonds resolution and of several other contracts, donations, and grant applications. The council also adopted an ordinance to change the Shady Grove area’s land‑use designation and approved a FY 2027 public‑transportation capital assistance program.

• Approved Resolution 26-107, preliminary approval for up to $10,000,000 disaster recovery bonds (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-105, disbursement of funds to pay pending invoices (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-106, called a special election for District V recreation district (7‑0)
• Authorized Resolution 26-110, contract with CAT‑5 Energy Services for Rosary Street utility relocations (7‑0)
• Authorized Resolution 26-111, application for a federal PIDP grant for Louisiana Sugar Refining LLC (7‑0)
• Authorized Resolution 26-114, FY 2027 public‑transportation capital assistance program with DOTD (7‑0)
• Adopted ordinance amendment to change Shady Grove land‑use from agricultural to industrial and set hearing dates (7‑0)
• Unanimously adopted Resolution 26-108, donation of surplus portable and mobile radios to Labadieville Volunteer Fire Department (unanimous)

Keep St. James Parish Beautiful Board

The Keep St. James Parish Beautiful Board will discuss reports on past cleanup events, recycling, and trash can placement. New business includes voting on a restaurant tour contest winner, reviewing a written budget and committee assignments, and planning a tree‑planting event for the 250th USA celebration. The board will also consider a newly applied $5,000 grant from KLB and start a litter survey in early June.

• New grant application for $5,000 from KLB
• Vote on winner of the restaurant tour contest
• Budget discussion and formation of a budgeting committee
• Plan tree‑planting program for the 250th USA celebration on April 18
• Begin litter survey during the first week of June

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss changing the land use map for the Shady Grove area from Agricultural to Industrial. The commission may recommend this change to the parish council for final ordinance adoption.

• Public hearing for Item #26-23: Redesignating Shady Grove from Agricultural to Industrial
• Item #26-15: Variance request by Rene Anderson for a 12 x 24 residential building at 8164 Hargis Street in Convent

Coastal Zone Commission

The St. James Parish Coastal Zone Advisory Board will discuss a proposal to construct an industrial gas facility and review updates on existing land-use permits. The board will also review several state-level pipeline repair and dredging applications.

• Air Liquide Large Industries U.S., L.P. (P20260385) proposal for a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) facility
• ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, LLC (P20260342) anomaly repairs on the 36-inch LA 117 pipeline
• Koch Methanol St. James (P20250765) maintenance dredging at water intake structure and marine offloading facility
• Crescent Midstream LLC (P20260186) anomaly repairs on the 16-inch Raceland to St. James pipeline
• Williams (P20260399) pipeline repairs for SELA B/C SCCDA Digs

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission Working Group will meet to discuss the update of the Community Profile and Comprehensive Plan.

• Discussion of the St. James Parish Community Profile & Comprehensive Plan Update

Parish Council

The Council will hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance 26-05 to designate property tax millage rates for 2026. The meeting also includes discussions on drainage studies and several resolutions for parish contracts and proclamations.

• Ordinance 26-05: Setting 2026 property tax millage rates for general fund, libraries, and other services
• Resolution to approve May payroll numbers 9 and 10 up to $700,000 per payroll
• Contract authorization for Industrial Emergency Services, LLC for emergency response support
• Bidding authorization for Parishwide Road Rehabilitation Phase II (Project 50-J47-23-01)
• Bidding authorization for drainage culverts

The council approved the January 2026 Finance Department Statement of Revenues and Expenditures. It also adopted a series of resolutions, including payroll disbursements, payment of pending invoices, designation of Hurricane Preparedness Awareness Week, a maintenance agreement with the Department of Transportation, and authorizations for road‑rehabilitation and drainage‑culvert bidding, as well as contracts for emergency response services and professional services. All votes were unanimous, with all seven council members voting in favor.

• Approved Finance Department Jan 2026 Statement of Revenues and Expenditures (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑90 to disburse payroll numbers 9 & 10 for May (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑91 to pay pending invoices and payables (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑92 declaring May 3‑9 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Awareness Week (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑93 authorizing a maintenance agreement with DOTD for mowing and litter pickup (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑98 authorizing advertisement and bids for Phase II road rehabilitation (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑99 authorizing advertisement and bids for drainage culverts (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 26‑100 authorizing a contract with Industrial Emergency Services, LLC for emergency response services (7‑0)

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission will consider two variance requests to allow additional mobile homes on single lots. The body will also discuss land use requests for residential construction in industrial zones and a pole barn in a residential area.

• Adams Variance: Request to place a third mobile home at 2153 Kilmer Street
• Jones Variance: Request for front and back setback variances at 3177 Domino Lane
• Michael Green Land Use: Request to build a new home at 9848 Highway 44 in Convent
• Gravois LC Land Use: Request to build a 40' x 80' pole barn at 1219 Elma Road
• Chase Malbrough Land Use: Request to build a pole barn at 20710 Highway 3125 in Paulina

The commission approved a variance to place a third structure on the parcel at 2153 Kilmer Street in Vacherie. It also approved a setback variance for a replacement mobile home at 3177 Domino Street in Vacherie. Both motions passed with majority votes. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved Adams variance for 2153 Kilmer St (8-1)
• Approved Jones variance for 3177 Domino St (9-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (9-0)

Coastal Zone Commission

The St. James Parish Coastal Zone Advisory Board will discuss a request to determine if a property is suitable for a home, shed, and pond. The board will also review several state-level permit applications for pipeline maintenance and dredging.

• Hali Waguespack (P20260235): Request to place a home, shed, and pond on land
• Marathon Petroleum (P20260045): Pipeline maintenance excavation north of LA Highway 3125
• Koch Methanol St. James (P20250765): Maintenance dredging at water intake and marine offloading facility
• Crescent Midstream LLC (P20260186): Anomaly repairs on 16-inch pipeline from Raceland to St. James
• Williams (P20260299): Routine anomaly repairs on existing pipeline

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Government Planning Commission Working Group will meet to discuss the St. James Parish Community Profile and Comprehensive Plan Update.

• Discussion of the St. James Parish Community Profile & Comprehensive Plan Update

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will meet to decide on the purchase of 0.695 acres of land to expand parking for the Lutcher Library. The body will also consider several land-use applications, insurance contracts, and a property tax millage designation for 2026.

• Ordinance 26-04: Purchase of 0.695 acres from Society of St. Vincent De Paul for $50,000 for Lutcher Library parking
• Proposed ordinance to designate the Adopted Property Tax Millage for the Year 2026
• Land use application for a 40’ x 80’ pole barn at 1219 Elma Road, Vacherie
• Land use application for a new residential home at 3848 Highway 44, Convent
• Resolution to advertise and receive bids for firefighting equipment

The St. James Parish Council approved a series of resolutions, including authorizing the President’s Office to advertise and receive bids for firefighting equipment, accepting a change order for a Union Pacific Railroad culvert improvement, and approving disbursement of funds for pending invoices. Additional resolutions approved land use applications, insurance contracts, and several aging services contracts. All votes were unanimous.

• Authorized President’s Office to advertise and receive bids for firefighting equipment (unanimous)
• Accepted Change Order #1 for Union Pacific Railroad culvert improvements (unanimous)
• Approved disbursement of funds for pending invoices and payables (unanimous)
• Authorized pre‑application to Statewide Flood Control Program (unanimous)
• Approved Gravois, LLC pole barn use at 1219 Elma Road (unanimous)
• Approved Michael Green residential home use at 9848 Highway 44 (unanimous)
• Authorized insurance contracts with multiple carriers (unanimous)
• Approved signing of FY 2027 Parish Council on Aging contract (unanimous)

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will approve minutes from the March 18 meetings, consider a payroll disbursement resolution, and vote on numerous contract extensions and amendments, including a $6.8 million amendment for the West Shore Risk Reduction Levee Project. The council will also consider Ordinance‑26‑03 to purchase immovable property from Ellis & Lena W. Bourgeois Family Properties, LLC, and introduce a new ordinance to purchase property from the Society of St. Vincent De Paul Lutcher‑Gramercy Chapter. Additional items include proclamations and bids for utility relocation work.

• Ordinance‑26‑03 authorizing purchase of immovable property from Ellis & Lena W. Bourgeois Family Properties, LLC (Deroche)
• Amendment to Intercostal Coastal Consultants contract to $6,800,000 for professional services on the West Shore Risk Reduction Levee Project
• Resolution to approve payroll disbursements numbers 7 and 8 for April
• Resolution to approve disbursement of funds for pending invoices and payables
• Resolution to advertise for and accept competitive bids for the Rosary Street Utility Relocations Project

The St. James Parish Council adopted a series of resolutions authorizing contract extensions, fund disbursements, and a $6.8 million amendment to the Intracoastal Consultants contract for the West Shore Risk Reduction Levee Project. All seven council members voted in favor of each resolution, making the approvals unanimous. The council also proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month and approved the purchase of property from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

• Approved $6.8 M amendment to Intracoastal Consultants contract for West Shore levee project (unanimous)
• Accepted work by Barriere Construction for FY2024 roadway rehabilitation project (unanimous)
• Authorized disbursement of payroll numbers 7 and 8 for April (unanimous)
• Authorized disbursement of funds to pay pending invoices and payables (unanimous)
• Authorized multiple contract extensions with Lemoine Disaster Recovery for various services (unanimous)
• Authorized contract extensions with DRC Emergency Services for debris removal (unanimous)
• Authorized contract with Tetra Tech Emergency Services for debris monitoring (unanimous)
• Proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month and April 2, 2026 as Autism Awareness Day (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider five plot resubdivisions and three land use requests for properties in Convent, Vacherie, and Paulina. The body will also review five variance requests for mobile homes and residential additions.

• Request to build a residential home at 9848 Highway 44 in Convent (Industrial zone)
• Request for a 40’ x 80’ pole barn at 1219 Elma Road in Vacherie (Residential Growth zone)
• Request for a pole barn and animal use at 20710 Highway 3125 in Paulina
• Five setback variances for mobile homes and additions in Vacherie and Convent
• Five simplified subdivision requests including the Westbank Utility Office

The commission approved five simplified subdivision requests for various parcels, each pending health department approval and CAD file delivery. It also recommended approval of three land-use applications: a residential home on an industrial‑zoned lot, a pole barn on a residential‑growth lot, and a pole barn on a mixed‑use lot with a condition to avoid wetlands. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved resubdivision of Westbank Utility Office tract (Item 26-14) – all in favor
• Approved resubdivision of Earline Falgoust Becnel property (Item 26-16) – all in favor
• Approved resubdivision of former Schexnayder and Tassin Tracts (Item 26-17) – all in favor
• Approved resubdivision of Lot JL-4 and The Frank Rouseel Track (Item 26-18) – all in favor
• Approved resubdivision of 1/3 arpent tract 3 with variance recommendation (Item 26-19) – all in favor
• Recommended approval of Michael Green’s residential home on 9848 Highway 44 (Item 26-07) – all in favor
• Recommended approval of Gravois LC, LLC pole barn on 1219 Elma Rd (Item 26-08) – all in favor
• Recommended approval of Chase Malbrough’s pole barn on 20710 Highway 3125 with wetlands restriction (Item 26-09) – all in favor

Coastal Zone Commission

The board will discuss land clearing proposals for personal residences and review several state-level coastal use permit applications. These include infrastructure projects for transmission lines, pipeline maintenance, and water line extensions.

• Devin Roussel (P20260075): Proposed land clearing for personal residence
• Donovan Zenon (P20260125): Proposed land clearing for residential structure
• Entergy Louisiana, LLC (P20240832): Proposed 500kV and 230kV transmission lines project
• Marathon Petroleum Company (P20260045): Pipeline maintenance excavation north of LA Highway 3125
• Lafourche Basin Conservation Levee and Drainage District (P20260020): Water line extension for American Cruise Line in Vacherie

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission Working Group will meet at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the St. James Parish Community Profile and an update to the Comprehensive Plan. The agenda also includes routine items such as roll call, the pledge of allegiance, and adjournment.

• Discussion of the St. James Parish Community Profile & Comprehensive Plan Update

Economic Development Board Meetings

The board will discuss upcoming events including Market Day and the Small Business Banquet. Members will also receive updates on the Welcome Center and economic prospects.

• Market Day scheduled for 4/11/26
• St. James Day at the State Capitol on 4/14/26
• Small Business Banquet on 6/4/26
• Welcome Center updates
• Small Business of the Month nominations

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council met to adopt a resolution designating March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The resolution encourages residents to support the National Council on Problem Gambling.

• Resolution 26- proclaiming March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council adopted a resolution to accept Change Order #1 for the Watershed Humble Phase III Drainage Improvement project. The change order adds $5,214.84 to the contract with Triumph Construction, LLC and extends the schedule by five days. The council authorized Parish President Peter A. Dufresne to sign the necessary documents.

• Acceptance of Change Order #1 for Watershed Humble Phase III Drainage Improvement project
• Contract value increase of $5,214.84
• Additional five contract days required
• Authorization for Parish President Peter A. Dufresne to sign related documents

Board of Building Code Appeals

The Board of Building Code Appeals will hear a mobile home permit denial appeal from Danine Frazier, who seeks an exception to the 12,000‑sq‑ft minimum lot size and removal of damaged‑mobile‑home requirements for a permit at 3434 Baytree Street, Vacherie, LA 70090. The Board will also adopt Robert’s Rules of Order as its official procedural guide and elect a chairman and vice‑chair. Standard agenda items such as call to order, minutes of the February 12 meeting, and public comment (none) will be addressed.

• Appeal by Danine Frazier for a mobile home permit at 3434 Baytree Street, Vacherie (requesting exception to 12,000 sq ft lot size and damaged‑mobile‑home requirements)
• Election of Jon Hotard as chairman and Justin James as vice‑chair of the Board
• Adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order as the Board’s official rules of order
• Adoption of procedural rules covering 24‑hour public notice, walking quorum, and public‑records handling
• Review of minutes from the inaugural February 12 meeting (no public comments received)

Economic Development Board Meetings

The board will meet to discuss economic development prospects and receive reports from regional partners. The agenda includes the recognition of Vacherie Dialysis as Small Business of the Month.

• Recognition of Vacherie Dialysis as Small Business of the Month
• 2026 Ethics Certification
• March Market Day scheduled for 3/21/2026 on the West Bank
• Welcome Center updates
• Reports from River Parishes Tourist Commission and River Region Chamber of Commerce

Coastal Zone Commission

The St. James Parish Coastal Zone Advisory Board will consider a proposal from Devin Roussel (application P20260075) to clear land for a personal residence. The meeting also includes a review of several state‑concern applications listed in the OCM PermitTRAK database, such as the St. James Interconnect Project and a water line extension for American Cruise Line. Board members will receive a reminder about the 2026 Ethics Training and a coastal training session scheduled for the meeting date.

• Devin Roussel – Application P20260075: proposal for potential land clearing for a personal residence.
• Louisiana River Market, LLC – St. James Interconnect Project: install 190‑ft of 12‑in pipeline, a 12‑ft × 30‑ft meter skid, and a 30‑ft × 92‑ft site expansion.
• Lafourche Basin Conservation Levee and Drainage District – Water line extension for American Cruise Line to a dock on the Mississippi River.
• Marathon Petroleum Company – SJGV 30" pipeline maintenance excavation (≈75 ft × 150 ft area) in the Coastal Management Zone.
• Announcement of 2026 Ethics Training and coastal training for board members.

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission Working Group will meet to discuss the St. James Parish Community Profile and Comprehensive Plan Update.

• Discussion of the St. James Parish Community Profile & Comprehensive Plan Update

The commission unanimously approved two simplified subdivision requests, approved two variance requests, and adopted a resolution recommending approval of AmSpec Group’s modular testing laboratory at 5525 Highway 18. Commissioners also elected Glenn Millet as chairman and Arthur Matherne as vice‑chairman. All motions carried with all members voting in favor.

• Approved simplified subdivision of Society of the Friends of Faith Lot into Lot 1‑A and Lot 2‑A – all in favor
• Approved simplified subdivision of Rose McGowan Simon Tract Lot 2‑B into Lot 2‑B1 – all in favor
• Recommended approval of AmSpec Group modular building at 5525 Highway 18 – all in favor
• Approved setback variance for Timothy Brack’s 36 × 30 metal building – all in favor
• Approved back‑setback variance for mobile home at 1235 Old Vacherie St – all in favor
• Elected Glenn Millet as chairman – all in favor
• Elected Arthur Matherne as vice‑chairman – all in favor

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission will meet to consider two resubdivision requests and a request to build a modular industrial building. The body will also hear variance requests and elect new officers.

• CEJ Real Estate, LLC: Simplified resubdivision of The Society of the Friends of Faith Lot into two lots (18,717 sq ft and 19,659 sq ft)
• Cody Zeringue: Resubdivision of Lot 2-B into Lot 2-B1 (1.244 acres) of the Rose McGowan Simon Tract
• AmSpec Group: Request to construct a 35' x 62' modular building at 5525 Highway 16 to replace an existing testing laboratory
• Leslie Williams: Request for a back setback variance to place a 14 x 70 mobile home at 1235 Old Vacherie
• Election of Planning Commission Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Economic Development Board Meetings

The Keep St. James Parish Beautiful Board will discuss a proposed budget of $12,700 covering supplies for Ag Day, beautification projects, advertising, trash bash, recycling, and a new grant. The board will also plan a tree‑planting program for the 250th USA celebration and a parish‑wide clean‑up on April 18. Additional agenda items include attendance at the National Keep America Beautiful event in New Orleans on February 27‑28.

• Proposed budget of $12,700 for Ag Day supplies, beautification, advertising, trash bash, recycling, and new grant supplies
• Tree‑planting program planned for the 250th USA celebration
• Parish‑wide clean‑up scheduled for April 18
• Attendance at National Keep America Beautiful event in New Orleans on Feb. 27‑28
• Ag Day supplies purchase budgeted at $1,000

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will consider a series of resolutions, including authorizing payments for pending invoices, accepting change orders and contracts for gas improvement projects, and approving various funding applications. Key actions include approving a contract with Barriere Construction for the Buddy Whitney Canal Improvement Project and an IDIQ contract with Material Resources for a 2026‑2028 road preservation project. The council will also appoint a director to the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority and approve variances for the Brian Bourgeois family subdivision. Additional items address bids for a District 5 recreation building renovation and a compliance audit survey.

• Resolution to approve disbursement of funds for pending invoices and payables
• Resolution accepting Change Order #1 from Feliciana Welders for the Judge Becnel subdivision gas improvement project
• Resolution authorizing contract with Barriere Construction Co., LLC for the Buddy Whitney Canal Improvement Project
• Resolution authorizing IDIQ contract with Material Resources, Inc. for the 2026‑2028 Road Preservation Project
• Resolution approving variances and conditions for the Brian Bourgeois family subdivision of Lot 1A, Longview Sugar Plantation

The council adopted multiple resolutions authorizing contracts and funding for infrastructure projects, including the Buddy Whitney Canal improvement and a 2026‑2028 road preservation IDIQ contract. It also approved professional services with McKim & Creed, bid advertisements for the District 5 multipurpose recreation building renovation, and variances for the Brian Bourgeois Family Subdivision. Additional resolutions authorized the parish president to seek state community‑development funding and appointed representatives to the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority.

• Approved Resolution 26-36 authorizing contract with Barriere Construction for Buddy Whitney Canal improvement (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-37 authorizing IDIQ contract with Material Resources, Inc. for 2026‑2028 road preservation project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-34 authorizing contract with McKim & Creed, Inc. for professional services (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-38 advertising bids for District 5 Multi‑Purpose Recreation Building renovation, funding via LOCD Hometown Revitalization program (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 26-39 variances and conditions for Brian Bourgeois Family Subdivision (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 26-32 authorizing Parish President to apply for Local Government Assistance Program funding (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 26-33 authorizing Parish President to apply for Community Water Enrichment Fund for water‑treatment plant equipment (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 26-31 appointing director and alternate director to Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority board (unanimous)

Board of Building Code Appeals

The St. James Parish Board of Building Code Appeals will elect a Chairman, Vice‑Chairman, and Staff Secretary. It will also adopt its Rules of Procedure covering public meeting laws, public record laws, Robert’s Rules of Order, ethics, and the appeals process. The meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Election of Chairman, Vice‑Chairman, and Staff Secretary
• Adoption of Public Meeting Laws as part of Rules of Procedure
• Adoption of Public Record Laws as part of Rules of Procedure
• Adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order as part of Rules of Procedure
• Adoption of Ethics provisions as part of Rules of Procedure

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will consider establishing a Board of Building Code Appeals and vote on resolutions to approve payroll disbursements, amend a contract with Desire Line LLC, and reschedule a meeting. The council will also hear a public hearing on the proposed ordinance.

• Public hearing on Proposed Ordinance 26-01 to establish a Board of Building Code Appeals
• Resolution to amend contract with Desire Line LLC by $100,000
• Resolution to approve payroll disbursements for February 2026
• Resolution to reschedule the March 4, 2026 meeting to March 3, 2026
• Resolution to accept a bid from Cazenave Motor Co., Inc. for a 2026 Ford Expedition

The St. James Parish Council approved a series of resolutions covering proclamations, contract amendments, and procurement authorizations. Notably, they amended the contract with Louisiana Controls, Inc. to $150,000 and extended it three years for HVAC preventative maintenance. Additional actions included authorizing vehicle bids, a $100,000 sewer‑plan contract amendment, and appointing a new council secretary.

• Resolution 26-22 amended Louisiana Controls, Inc. contract to $150,000 and extended three years – unanimously adopted
• Resolution 26-23 authorized the Parish President to advertise and accept competitive bids for vehicles – unanimously adopted
• Resolution 26-24 authorized a $100,000 amendment to the Desire Line LLC professional services contract for a strategic sewer plan – six in favor, Jasmin absent
• Resolution 26-25 authorized the Parish President to advertise an RFP for landscaping and grounds‑maintenance services – unanimously adopted
• Resolution 26-26 accepted the bid from Cazenave Motor Co. Inc. for a 2026 Ford Expedition – unanimously adopted
• Resolution 26-21 proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month – unanimously adopted
• Resolution 26-17 proclaimed January 1 as “God’s Love Is Amazing Day” – unanimously adopted
• Resolution 26-27 appointed Tammie Bodin as Council Secretary – six in favor, Jasmin absent

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission will consider a request to subdivide a residential tract into two lots. The body will also discuss a property line setback variance for a proposed metal building in Paulina.

• Item #26-01: Request by Tony Siciliani to subdivide the Hazel and Fleurange Gaudet Tract into two lots (1-HFG and 2-HFG)
• Item #26-03: Request for a back property line setback variance for a 36 x 30 metal building at 3439 S. Angelle Street in Paulina

Planning Commission

The St. James Parish Planning Commission Working Group will hold a discussion on the St. James Parish Community Profile and Comprehensive Plan Update. The meeting also includes routine items such as roll call, a pledge of allegiance, and adjournment. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of the St. James Parish Community Profile & Comprehensive Plan Update

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will approve monthly financial reports, discuss rescheduling a meeting, and vote on multiple resolutions including contracts for civic technology, building renovations, and Community Services Block Grant administration.

• Approval of November 2025 financial report
• Resolution to approve disbursement of funds for pending invoices
• Resolution authorizing contract with CivicPlus
• Resolution accepting change order #3 for EOC exterior renovations
• Resolution designating Human Resources as the Community Action Agency

The council approved the November 2025 financial statement and adopted several unanimous resolutions, including appointing Kathleen Favorite to the Economic Development Board and designating the Human Resources Department as the official Community Action Agency for FY2026. It also approved disbursement of funds for pending invoices, authorized the parish president to sign a contract with CivicPlus, and accepted a change order from Capital Area Construction. A proposed ordinance creating a Board of Building Code Appeals was accepted and a public hearing was scheduled for February 4, 2026.

• Approved Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for November 2025 (motion by Nash, seconded by N. Poche)
• Unanimously adopted Resolution 26-08 proclaiming January 2026 as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Founders Day
• Unanimously adopted Resolution 26-09 appointing Kathleen Favorite to the Economic Development Board
• All seven members voted in favor of Resolution 26-10 approving disbursement of funds to pay pending invoices
• Unanimously adopted Resolution 26-11 authorizing the parish president to sign the contract with CivicPlus
• All seven members voted in favor of Resolution 26-13 designating Human Resources as the official Community Action Agency for FY2026
• All seven members voted in favor of Resolution 26-14 authorizing the president or HR director to sign FY2026 Community Services Block Grant contracts
• All seven members voted in favor of the proposed ordinance establishing a Board of Building Code Appeals; public hearing set for Feb 4, 2026

Parish Council

The St. James Parish Council will hold a public hearing and then a regular meeting to act on Ordinance 25-28, which authorizes the purchase of immovable property for $425,000 at 1215 S. David Avenue. The council will also consider several financial resolutions, including payroll disbursements and payment of pending invoices. Additional items include appointing a member to the Planning Commission and authorizing bids for emergency‑vehicle procurement.

• Ordinance 25-28: purchase of property at 1215 S. David Ave. for $425,000
• Resolution appointing Jamoine Picou to the St. James Parish Planning Commission
• Resolution approving payroll disbursements for January 2026 (numbers 1, 2, and 3)
• Resolution authorizing advertisement and bidding for emergency‑response vehicles
• Resolution for a driveway access servitude agreement at 1889 West Main Street

The council elected Councilwoman Vondra Etienne‑Steib as Chair (6‑0, 1 absent) and Councilman Courtney Long as Vice‑Chair (5‑1, 1 absent). It unanimously approved the appointment of Jamoine Picou to the Planning Commission and adopted a series of resolutions authorizing payroll disbursements, invoice payments, vehicle bidding, a driveway servitude agreement, and a cooperative agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. An ordinance to purchase immovable property from Construction Maintenance, Inc. was also adopted with six votes in favor.

• Elected Vondra Etienne‑Steib as Council Chair (6 in favor, 1 absent)
• Elected Courtney Long as Vice‑Chair (5 in favor, 1 against, 1 absent)
• Appointed Jamoine Picou to the Planning Commission (unanimously adopted)
• Authorized purchase of immovable property from Construction Maintenance, Inc. (6 in favor, 1 absent)
• Approved payroll disbursement numbers 1‑3 for January 2026 (unanimously adopted)
• Approved disbursement of funds for pending invoices and payables (unanimously adopted)
• Authorized advertising and bidding for parish vehicles (unanimously adopted)
• Authorized the Parish President to sign a cooperative agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (unanimously adopted)