St. Charles Parish Informer · Meeting coverage · 6:00 PM · Council Chambers, Courthouse
Meeting Summary
The St. Charles Parish Council held its final regular meeting of 2025, honoring the late Councilman Terry Paul Authement in memoriam and recognizing several Festival of Charities queens before turning to a full slate of financial and infrastructure business. The council approved a $3,735,000 limited tax bond to fund the ARC facility, authorized a special election for the hospital service district's tax renewal, adopted a new public records copying fee schedule after public opposition, and opted the parish out of state-level solar farm regulation to preserve local control. The parish's outside auditor reported a clean opinion on the 2024 financial audit with only minor compliance findings.
Watch Items
- Public records fee schedule: The council adopted a 25-cents-per-page copying fee (Item 2025-0359) over the objection of a resident who argued it could violate constitutional public-records rights. Councilwoman O'Daniels committed to revisiting the fee schedule again in nine to ten months after consulting further with department heads and legal staff.
- Solar farm regulations: While the council voted to keep local control over solar facility siting rather than defer to the new state law, Councilman Pilié indicated the parish's current ordinance is less restrictive than neighboring Tangipahoa Parish's in several areas (setbacks, vegetation buffers, noise limits, decommissioning requirements). He requested a future legislative committee session to review and potentially strengthen these local rules.
- Board of Adjustment appointment: The District 2 nomination to fill the vacancy on the St. Charles Parish Board of Adjustment (Item 2025-0329) was deferred again at Councilwoman Skiba's request.
- Ormond-Jackfork culvert project: Parish President Jewell noted a few remaining underground utility conflicts must be resolved, and the parish is still awaiting formal railroad approval of a proposed plan change, though informal indications suggest approval is likely.
- Public hearing set for Monday, January 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers, Courthouse, Hahnville, on the following ordinances:
- An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of Change Order No. 1 for the Deputy Jeff G. Watson Dr. Roadway Extension (Project No. P190102), to decrease the contract amount by $18,262.50. - An ordinance to approve and authorize the execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the St. Charles Public Defenders Office for funding from the settlement of the Louisiana State-Local Government Opioid Litigation in the amount of $80,000.00 per year for a Drug Court Attorney/Legal Representative. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Contract with Cycle Construction Company, LLC, for the Ormond Center Drainage Improvements (Project No. P190505), in the amount of $3,097,730.00. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Barowka and Bonura Engineers & Consultants (BBEC), LLC, for the Ormond CN Railway Culverts (Project No. P200801), in the not to exceed amount of $1,097,231.00. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of Change Order No. 1 (Final) for East Bank Bridge Park Improvements (Project No. RECEBI23), to increase the contract amount by $63,294.80 and increase the contract time by 134 days. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Contract with Hard Rock Construction, LLC, for the Kinler Lift Station Replacement (Project No. S220801), in the amount of $624,712.60. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC, for Primrose Canal Cleaning and Improvements - Phase 1B (Project No. P210202), in the amount not to exceed $56,926.83. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance 25-2-13, for testing and inspection services for Capital Project Testing and Inspection (Project No. P250107), increasing the overall contract value to $500,000.00. - An ordinance to approve and authorize the execution of a Consulting Agreement between Adams and Reese, LLP and St. Charles Parish for federal governmental affairs representation. - An ordinance to approve and authorize the execution of a Consulting Agreement between Connick and Associates, LLC and St. Charles Parish for state governmental affairs representation.
Decisions & Votes
Approved9-02025-0367$3,735,000.00
Limited Tax Bond for ARC Facility
An ordinance authorizing the parish to issue a limited tax bond loan of 3,735,000 dollars from Capital One to fund grant proceeds for the ARC, repayable solely through a voter approved dedicated tax.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0387
Hospital Service District No. 1 Tax Renewal Election
A resolution approving the holding of an election on May 16, 2026 for Hospital Service District No. 1 to renew a special ad valorem tax at a reduced millage rate to fund hospital construction, operation, and ambulance services.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0356$-30,990.93
Change Order 1 - Edward A. Dufresne Community Center Chiller Replacement
An ordinance approving a final change order decreasing the contract amount for the community center chiller replacement project by 30,990.93 dollars.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0363
2025 Budget Amendment - Final
An ordinance amending the 2025 consolidated operating and capital budget to adjust beginning fund balances to actuals and adjust revenues and expenditures in various funds, officially closing out the 2025 budget.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0369
Change Order 1 - East Bank Bridge Park Improvements Lighting Rebid
An ordinance increasing the contract time by 161 days for the East Bank Bridge Park lighting project due to river rise and rain delays, with no cost adjustment.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0371$150.00
Polling Place Lease - Luling Volunteer Fire Department (formerly Aima VFD)
An ordinance authorizing a polling place lease agreement, as amended to reflect Luling Volunteer Fire Department in place of Aima Volunteer Fire Department, for District 2 Precinct 4.
Moved by Willie ComardelleSeconded by Heather Skiba
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0372$150.00
Polling Place Lease - Bayou Gauche Volunteer Fire Department
An ordinance authorizing a polling place lease agreement with Bayou Gauche Volunteer Fire Department for District 4 Precinct 2.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0373$150.00
Polling Place Lease - Killona Volunteer Fire Department
An ordinance authorizing a polling place lease agreement with Killona Volunteer Fire Department for District 1 Precinct 1.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0374$150.00
Polling Place Lease - Luling Volunteer Fire Department
An ordinance authorizing a polling place lease agreement with Luling Volunteer Fire Department for District 1 Precinct 5.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0375$150.00
Polling Place Lease - Norco Volunteer Fire Department
An ordinance authorizing a polling place lease agreement with Norco Volunteer Fire Department for District 6 Precinct 1.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0376$150.00
Polling Place Lease - United Steelworkers Local 750
An ordinance authorizing a polling place lease agreement with United Steelworkers Local 750 in Norco for District 6 Precinct 4.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0359$0.25
Public Records Copy Fee Schedule Amendment
An ordinance amending parish code to establish a fee schedule of 25 cents per page for copies of public documents, adopted as a compromise fee structure to be reviewed again in nine to ten months.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0378
LA-52 Phase II Entity-State Agreement with DOTD
A resolution approving an agreement between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and St. Charles Parish for the design phase of the LA-52 roadway extending from Blueberry Hill south to Highway 90.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0390
Opt Out of State Solar Farm Regulation under Act 279
A resolution opting the parish out of state level permitting requirements for large scale solar power facilities under Act 279, retaining local control under the parish's existing solar zoning ordinance.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0389
Subdivision Waiver - John Winters Lot Reorganization
A resolution endorsing a waiver from subdivision lot width standards to allow reorganization of four lots, with Lot 40A falling below standard frontage due to a spike strip intrusion.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Appointments, Proclamations & Recognitions
Approved2025-0370
In Memoriam - Terry Paul Othamaw
A resolution expressing sympathy to the family of former councilman Terry Paul Othamaw, who served the parish as District 4 Councilman and later Councilman-at-Large, and setting aside a page in the official minute book in his memory.
Approved2025-0379
In Recognition - Carly Estabudro, Festival of Charities Miss Queen VI
A tribute recognizing Carly Estabudro as the sixth Festival of Charities Miss Queen, who will represent the Festival of Charities and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans at various events.
Approved2025-0380
In Recognition - Zoe Jolie Labbitt, Festival of Charities Miss Queen 17
A tribute recognizing Zoe Jolie Labbitt as the 17th Festival of Charities Miss Queen, who will represent the Festival of Charities at various fairs and festivals.
Approved2025-0381
In Recognition - Maya Lachey August, Festival of Charities Teen Queen 17
A tribute recognizing Maya Lachey August as the 17th Festival of Charities Teen Queen, who will represent the Festival of Charities at various fairs and festivals.
Approved2025-0382
In Recognition - Alicia Lisi Marie Cazalot, Festival of Charities Butterfly Queen
A tribute recognizing Alicia Lisi Marie Cazalot as the Festival of Charities Butterfly Queen, who will represent the Festival of Charities at various events.
Approved2025-0383
In Recognition - Alexis Marie O'Connor, Festival of Charities Ambassador Queen
A tribute recognizing Alexis Marie O'Connor as the Festival of Charities Ambassador Queen, who will represent the Festival of Charities at various events.
Approved2025-0388
Proclamation - National Blood Donor Month
A proclamation declaring January as National Blood Donor Month in St. Charles Parish and encouraging citizens to donate blood to support the regional blood supply.
deferred2025-0329
Board of Adjustment Appointment - District 2 Representative
A resolution to appoint a District 2 representative to the St. Charles Parish Board of Adjustment to fill the vacancy left by Vicki Carter, deferred at the request of Councilwoman Skiba.
Approved9-02025-0352
Housing Authority Ex Officio Appointment
A resolution confirming Michele deBruler as the Council Ex Officio appointee to the St. Charles Parish Housing Authority for a one year term.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9-02025-0360
South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority Board Appointment
A resolution reappointing Barbara Fuseli to another term on the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority Board.
Moved by Willie ComardelleSeconded by La Sandra D. Wilson
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
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