Houma Courier
October 24, 2026
MINUTES
HOUMA-TERREBONNE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
A. The Chairman, Mr. Robbie Liner, called the meeting of September 17, 2026 of the HTRPC to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Terrebonne Parish Council Meeting Room with the Invocation led by him and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mrs. Angele Poiencot.
B. Upon Roll Call, present were: Mr. Michael Billiot; Mr. Kenneth Chambers; Mr. Terry Gold; Mr. Robbie Liner, Chairman; Mr. Clarence McGuire; Mrs. Angele Poiencot; Mr. Jan Rogers, Vice-Chairman; and Mr. Barry Soudelier, Secretary/Treasurer. Absent at the time of Roll Call were: Mr. Wayne Thibodeaux. Also present were Mr. Christopher Pulaski and Henri Lucio, TPCG Department of Planning & Zoning and Mr. Derick Bercegeay, Legal Advisor.
C. CONFLICTS DISCLOSURE: The Chairman reminded the Commissioners that if at any time tonight, a conflict of interest exists, arises, or is recognized, as to any issue during this meeting, he or she should immediately disclose it, and is to recuse himself or herself from participating in the debate, discussion, and voting on that matter. Mr. Terry Gold recused himself from Item G.3 regarding Southwood Place Residential Building Park.
D. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
1. Mr. Rogers moved, seconded by Mrs. Poiencot: THAT the HTRPC accept the minutes as written, for the Regional Planning Commission for the regular meeting of August 20, 2026.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Rogers. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
E. Mr. Soudelier moved, seconded by Mr. Rogers: THAT the HTRPC remit payment for the September 17, 2026 invoices and approve the Treasurers Report of August 2026.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Soudelier. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
F. COMMUNICATION(S): None.
G. OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Rogers moved, seconded by Mr. Soudelier: THAT Old Business be removed from the table and be considered at this time.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Rogers. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
1. The Chairman called to order the Public Hearing for an application by Miss Janis 4J Spell, LLC requesting approval for Process D, Minor Subdivision, for Lots 115 thru 122, A Redivision of Revised Parcel 6-B belonging to Miss Janis 4J Spell, LLC.
a) Ms. Alisa Champagne, Charles L. McDonald Land Surveyor, Inc., discussed the location and division of property. She stated the application was originally submitted by Keneth L. Rembert Land Surveyors and was tabled indefinitely.
b) There was no one from the public to speak on the matter.
c) Mr. Rogers moved, seconded by Mr. McGuire: THAT the Public Hearing be closed.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Rogers. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
d) Mr. Pulaski discussed the Staff Report and stated Staff recommended denial of the variance from the 50' x 50' buildable area requirement due to lack of sufficient hardship and conditional approval provided the lot widths be adjusted such that all proposed lots meet or exceed the 50' minimum width requirement and submittal of all utility service availability letters including Louisiana Department of Health.
e) Discussion was held indicating the applicant would not have to come back to the Commission as long as the lot widths are greater than 50' prior to signing the plat.
f) Mr. Gold moved, seconded by Mr. Soudelier: THAT the HTRPC deny the requested variance from the 50' x 50' buildable area requirement due to lack of sufficient hardship and grant approval of the application for Process D, Minor Subdivision, Lots 115 thru 122, A Redivision of Revised Parcel 6-B belonging to Miss Janis 4J Spell, LLC conditioned upon the lot widths be adjusted such that all proposed lots meet or exceed the 50' minimum width requirement and submittal of all utility service availability letters including Louisiana Department of Health.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Gold. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
2. The Chairman called to order the Public Hearing for an application by Miss Janis 4J Spell, LLC requesting approval for Process D, Minor Subdivision, for Revised Parcel 3-B and Lots 65 thru 73, A Redivision of Revised Parcel 3-B belonging to Miss Janis 4J Spell, LLC.
a) Ms. Alisa Champagne, Charles L. McDonald Land Surveyor, Inc., discussed the location and division of property. She stated the application was originally submitted by Keneth L. Rembert Land Surveyors and was tabled indefinitely.
b) There was no one from the public to speak on the matter.
c) Mr. Rogers moved, seconded by Mr. Soudelier: THAT the Public Hearing be closed.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Rogers. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
d) Mr. Pulaski discussed the Staff Report and stated Staff recommended approval of the variances from the 50 x 50 box buildable area requirement and from the 6,000 sf minimum lot size requirement conditioned upon the submittal of a letter of no objection from the Louisiana Department of Health but recommended the matter be tabled to allow time for the applicant to install a fire hydrant or provide documentation on approval of a draft site from the Fire Department and publish said variance accordingly and to submit utility service availability letters including the Louisiana Department of Health.
e) Ms. Champagne indicated a dry hydrant was approved and installed by there was no information provided in the file to support that information.
f) Mr. Soudelier moved, seconded by Mr. Rogers: THAT the HTRPC grant approval of the requested variances from the 50' x 50' buildable area requirement and from the 6,000 sf minimum lot size requirement conditioned upon the submittal of a letter of no objection from the Louisiana Department of Health and table the application for Process D, Minor Subdivision, until the next regular meeting of October 15, 2026 in order to allow time for the applicant to install a fire hydrant of provide documentation on approval of draft site from the Fire Department and publish said variance accordingly and to submit utility service availability letters including the Louisiana Department of Health.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Soudelier. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
Mr. Terry Gold stepped out into the audience since he recused himself from the next item.
3. The Chairman called to order the application by Ironman Properties of America, LLC requesting conceptual & preliminary approval for Process B, Residential Building Park, for Southwood Place Residential Building Park; Lot 1, Southwood Place Subdivision.
a) Ms. Alisa Champagne, Charles L. McDonald Land Surveyor, Inc., discussed the location and division of property. She further stated the number of units in the residential building park decreased from five duplexes/ten units to three duplexes/six units. Due to this reduction, the requested variances were reduced from six variances to only three being needed.
b) The Chairman recognized a public speaker card from Gene Trahan, 213 Southwood Drive, who expressed concerns of the square footage of the lot and that he like the reduction but was still in opposition.
c) The Chairman recognized a public speaker card from Linda Ford, 200 Southwood Drive, who expressed concerns of there never being a for sale sign indicating the property was even for sale, the water servitude, that they were being silenced and wants to keep her subdivision residential.
d) The Chairman recognized a public speaker card from Debra Matherne, 110 Southwood Drive, who expressed concerns of traffic, drainage, rain, and flooding.
e) The Chairman recognized a public speaker card from Tilford Trahan, 201 Southwood Drive, who asked why they cannot find another place to do this development and expressed concerns of flooding and drainage and not enough room to build on the property.
f) The Chairman recognized a public speaker card from Mr. Ray Guidry who passed on his opportunity to speak.
g) The Chairman recognized Councilman Kevin Champagne, District 5, who stated he was against variances and that he needs assurance that the development will not cause any further issues with drainage, sewerage, the road. He stated for economic development reasons, he knows there is a need for housing since the storm damaged the high rise and Senator Circle.
h) Discussion was held regarding the number of variances that were currently being requested versus what was requested previously with the original plans. Variances for open space & recreation area, minimum width per unit space, and front yard setback were eliminated and variances for maximum density, minimum area per unit space, and minimum depth per unit space were reduced.
i) Discussion ensued regarding the positive changes that were made to help reduce the neighbors concerns and the consideration of the development was based off of the regulations required.
j) Mr. Pulaski discussed the Staff Report and stated Staff recommended approval of the revised variances and the revised plan.
k) Discussion ensued regarding the engineering stage that would address the residents concerns of drainage and how that process works as well as studies that have been done that can improve an older subdivisions drainage issues with the development of new subdivisions.
l) Mr. McGuire moved, seconded by Mr. Billiot: THAT the HTRPC make a motion to grant conceptual and preliminary approval of Process B, Residential Building Park, Southwood Place Residential Building Park, of its revised plan and with variances from the maximum density (6 units/3 duplexes in lieu of the required 8 dwelling units/net acre), the minimum area per unit space (1,600 sf in lieu of the required 4,000 sf), and the minimum depth per unit space (20' in lieu of the required 75').
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. McGuire. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED. Mr. Gold recused himself from this matter.
H. APPLICATIONS / NEW BUSINESS:
1. The Chairman called to order the Public Hearing for an application by Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government requesting approval for Process A, Raw Land Division, for the Division of Tracts B-1 and C-2 belonging to Acadia Agricultural Holdings, LLC into Tract B-1-A, Raw Land Tract B-1-B, Tract C-2-A, and Raw Land Tract C-2-B.
a) Mr. Chris Pulaski, representing TPCG, discussed the location and division of property. He stated they needed to carve out new lots around existing billboards for the purpose of property conveyance.
b) Discussion was held regarding the lease expiration with Bayou Signs that would not renew with Lamar Advertising who recently bought out Bayou Signs. Discussion ensued regarding the funds used for the new trash transfer facility and no ability to receive a lease or acquire any funds from outside sources for revenue.
c) There was no one from the public to speak on the matter.
d) Mr. Soudelier moved, seconded by Mr. Rogers: THAT the Public Hearing be closed.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Soudelier. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
e) Mr. Pulaski stated as these are raw land tracts being created just for the exclusion of the billboards, they are sized to accommodate the development as per Section 24.7.2.2 of the Parish Subdivision Regulations.
f) Mr. Rogers moved, seconded by Mrs. Poiencot: THAT the HTRPC grant approval of the application for Process A, Raw Land Division, for the Division of Tracts B-1 and C-2 belonging to Acadia Agricultural Holdings, LLC into Tract B-1-A, Raw Land Tract B-1-B, Tract C-2-A, and Raw Land Tract C-2-B conditioned the municipal address for Raw Land Tract C-2-B (168 LSTA Court) be depicted on the plat.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Rogers. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Billiot and Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
I. STAFF REPORT:
1. Mr. Pulaski reminded those who have not completed the ethics and sexual harassment training for 2026 to do so.
2. The Chairman called to order the discussion and possible action regarding the HTRPC By-Laws as it pertains to Act 859 training, annual ethics and sexual harassment trainings, and meeting attendance.
a) Mr. Bercegeay stated he had been speaking to a number of people about the changes in the By-Laws council would prefer the Commission to take authority to suggest Commissioners to step down. He requested the Commission to review the ordinance he drafted and give their thoughts prior to him sending to Council.
b) Mr. Pulaski also mentioned that Mr. Bercegeay was in the process of codifying appeals to the Zoning & Land Use Commission and crafting procedures to follow for such.
J. ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL(S):
Mr. Rogers moved, seconded by Mrs. Poiencot: THAT the HTRPC acknowledge for the record the following Administrative Approvals 1-2.
1. Lot Line Shift between Lot 12 & 13, Block 4 to Daspit-Breaux Addition; Section 37 & 38, Terrebonne Parish, LA (1312 & 1314 Daspit Street / Councilman Brien Pledger, District 1)
2. Lot Line Shift between properties belonging to Brenda K. Prestenbach; Section 55, T16S-R17E, Terrebonne Parish, LA (130 Emmets Court / Councilman Charles "Kevin" Champagne, District 5)
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Rogers. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
K. COMMITTEE REPORT:
1. Subdivision Regulations Review Committee: None.
L. COMMISSION COMMENTS:
1. Planning Commissioners Comments: None.
2. Chairmans Comments: None.
M. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
1. Mrs. Connie Bourg inquired about the Louisiana American Planning Associations conference being open to everyone, whereas, it is upon registration and fees, etc.
N. Mr. Soudelier moved, seconded Mr. Billiot: THAT there being no further business to come before the HTRPC, the meeting be adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion offered by Mr. Soudelier. THERE WAS RECORDED: YEAS: Mr. Billiot, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Gold, Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Poiencot, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Soudelier; NAYS: None; ABSTAINING: Mr. Liner; ABSENT: Mr. Thibodeaux. THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MOTION ADOPTED.
/s/Becky M. Becnel
Becky M. Becnel, Minute Clerk
Houma-Terrebonne Regional Planning Commission
12728879 10/24/26 ($509.40)
Miscellaneous Notices