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April 13, 2026
The City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, met in regular session at its temporary location located at 501 Willow Avenue in the Council Chambers, Sulphur, Louisiana, on April 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., after full compliance with the convening of said meeting with the following members present:
DRU ELLENDER, Council Representative of District 1
NICK NEZAT, Council Representative of District 2
MELINDA HARDY, Council Representative of District 3
JOY ABSHIRE, Council Representative of District 4
MANDY THOMAS, Council Representative of District 5
After the meeting was called to order and the roll called with the above result, prayer and pledge was led by Mrs. Ellender.
The Chairman then asked if there were any changes to the minutes of the previous meeting. With no changes made, motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mr. Nezat that the minutes stand as written.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Thomas that item #8 be moved up to item #1A. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Thomas that item #2D be removed from the agenda:
To condemn building or structure (garage in rear) located at 657 Live Oak Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mr. Nezat that the agenda stand as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
The first item on the agenda is a proclamation to Hannah Thibodeaux, winner of the storm drain marker drawing contest for year 2026-2027. Mayor Danahay read the proclamation and stated that Hannah was also the winner of the 2025-2026 storm drain marker contest. The Mayor and Council congratulated her on a job well done.
***At this time Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Abshire took a Personal Point of Privilege to present Mrs. Dru Ellender with a plaque for serving as City Councilman for 20 years. Mrs. Hardy stated that on behalf of the City Council and Mayor they want to extend their gratitude and appreciation to her and shes made a brighter and better city and gives hope to everyone. They also thanked her for serving on so many different committees and organizations throughout her 20 years. Mrs. Ellender received a standing ovation.
The next item on the agenda is resolution re-appointing Melinda Hardy to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Advisory Board. Erica Garrison, Director of Human Services, stated that the by-laws state that the board shall consist of 15-36 members.
1/3 of the members shall be an elected or appointed officials currently holding a political office or employed by a public entity
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury shall have 3 representatives
City of Lake Charles shall have 1 representative
City of Sulphur shall have 1 representative
Based on these criteria, they reach out to each Mayor and get them to appoint a member. The Mayor can sit on the board but they usually appoint someone.
Mrs. Garrison then went on to say that the Human Services Department delivers programs and partnerships that help residents meet basic needs, secure housing, gain employment, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency. Their revenue is $9,392,445 and their expenses are $9,477,550.
Funding sources Nutrition & Transportation
61% Federal 39,591 meals served to children and residents
20% Local 1,644 seniors served monthly
18% donated services 19,724 senior food boxes distributed
1% State 10,270 rural public transit trips provided
Housing Stability & Homeless Services
316 families assisted through Section 8 housing
365 individuals/families assessed for housing assistance
27 permanent supportive housing vouchers leased
Housing counseling and rental assistance services provided
Utility & Economic Support
2,768 households received utility assistance (LIHEAP)
Community partnerships provided:
Adult education & tutoring
Financial literacy & life skills
Housing assistance & mental health services
Employment training and certifications
Workforce & Employment Impact Calcasieu American Job Center
8,615 new participants served
10,316 returning participants
7,915 job openings listed
7,415 job referrals made
6,682 residents hired
Sheila Broussard, Pecan Street, asked Mrs. Hardy how long shes been on this Board? Mrs. Hardy stated, this was her 3rd term and each term is for 4 years.
After discussion, motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the following resolution be adopted to-wit:
RESOLUTION NO. 3690, M-C SERIES
Resolution re-appointing Melinda Hardy to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Advisory Board.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, that they do hereby re-appoint Melinda Hardy to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Advisory Board with term to expire May, 2030.
A vote was then called with the results as follows:
YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
And the said resolution was declared duly adopted on this 13th day of April, 2026.
ATTEST:
ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk
JOY ABSHIRE,
Chairman
The next item on the agenda is Rule to Show Cause for the condition of the following addresses:
To condemn building or structure located at 419 Breaux Lane, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.
Tricia Breaux, Urban Street, stated that shell be speaking on behalf of the owner. She asked why was it being condemned? Mrs. Fontenot, Municipal Services Director, stated that there hasnt been utilities connected since 2023 and no water since 2022. Its in bad condition. She hasnt received any contact from the owner stating how theyll fix it, so her office proceeded with it on the agenda to condemn it. Mrs. Hyatt, owner, stated that shes not arguing that it needs to be torn down because its in bad shape. Mrs. Breaux stated that the owner will need about a year to tear it down so she can gather the funds. Mrs. Ellender stated that sometimes its cheaper to let the city tear it down and theyll place a lien on the property. After discussion, motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mr. Nezat that the above address be postponed to the June 8, 2026, City Council meeting provided that the owner contact the Municipal Services Department with a plan of action.
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item is to condemn building or structure (shed) located at 202 Edgar Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.
Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the above address be condemned.
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item is to condemn building or structure (single mobile home) located at 879 West Verdine Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.
Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Hardy that the above address be condemned.
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item is to condemn building or structure (2 mobile homes) located at 810 North Claiborne Street #22 & #13, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.
Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mr. Nezat that the above address be condemned.
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is to condemn building or structure (shed) located at 713 Cass Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.
Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Hardy that the above address be condemned.
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance amending the General Fund budget for the current fiscal year 2025-2026 to reflect an increase in sales tax revenue. Mrs. Thorn stated that the budget needs to be amended since it went above the 5% threshold. There was one company with a one-time purchase that was $10 million so that brought us above the 5% maximum. Motion was then made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the following ordinance be introduced:
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 TO REFLECT AN INCREASE IN SALES TAX REVENUE.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the American Press, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form:
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 TO REFLECT AN INCREASE IN SALES TAX REVENUE.
A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 11th day of May, 2026, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 501 Willow Avenue, Sulphur, Louisiana.
CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA
BY: JOY ABSHIRE,
ChairmanMotion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance authorizing Mayor Danahay to sign Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for Summer Feeding Program. Motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the following ordinance be introduced:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR DANAHAY TO SIGN COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY FOR SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the American Press, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form:
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR DANAHAY TO SIGN COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY FOR SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM.
A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 11th day of May, 2026, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 501 Willow Avenue, Sulphur, Louisiana.
CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA
BY:JOY ABSHIRE, Chairman
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance authorizing Mayor Danahay to sign Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Sulphur City Court and the City of Sulphur to provide funding for the compensation of the City Court clerks and deputy clerks. Motion was made by Mr. Nezat seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the following ordinance be introduced:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR DANAHAY TO SIGN COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY, SULPHUR CITY COURT AND THE CITY OF SULPHUR TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE COMPENSATION OF THE CITY COURT CLERKS AND DEPUTY CLERKS.
Motion was then made by Mr. Nezat seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the American Press, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form:
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR DANAHAY TO SIGN COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY, SULPHUR CITY COURT AND THE CITY OF SULPHUR TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE COMPENSATION OF THE CITY COURT CLERKS AND DEPUTY CLERKS.
A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 11th day of May, 2026, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 501 Willow Avenue, Sulphur, Louisiana.
CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA
BY: JOY ABSHIRE, Chairman
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance setting forth garbage/trash collection fees charged by the City of Sulphur. Mrs. Thorn stated that this increase will be 5.11%. Last year there was an increase of a little over 4%. Waste Management went up last year over 14%. They wont know the final rate increase from Waste Management until the end of this fiscal year. Motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the following ordinance be introduced:
ORDINANCE SETTING FORTH GARBAGE/TRASH COLLECTION FEES CHARGED BY THE CITY OF SULPHUR.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the American Press, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form:
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE SETTING FORTH GARBAGE/TRASH COLLECTION FEES CHARGED BY THE CITY OF SULPHUR.
A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 11th day of May, 2026, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 501 Willow Avenue, Sulphur, Louisiana.
CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA
BY: JOY ABSHIRE, Chairman
Motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance adopting the annual budget of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, for the City of Sulphur, Louisiana. Mrs. Thorn stated that theyll be going before the Water Sector Commission in Baton Rouge this week in the event that they allow the city to not impose the rate increase along with a revised plan then they can come back to Council and amend this budget, take out the $5 million repayment and put back the items listed below that were taken out that they would have to make up for the $5 million payment:
4% Base Salary Increase for Fire and Police
3% Salary Increase for Non-Civil Service Employees
Fire New Pierce Pumper Apparatus
Fire Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans (2)
Fire 2-N-1 Vehicle Prop with Propane Tank
Fire Fire Cascade System for Southside Station
IT Vehicle replacement for 2008 Dodge
Inspections Vehicle to replace 2016 Ford F150
Police 7 new replacement units
Police Fence around the PD
Police desks for PD
Animal Control Vehicle to replace 2009 Ford F150
Streets Dump Truck
Streets 2 Ford F150s
James LeDoux, North Claiborne Street, stated that he learned more about the rate study. The city employees need a salary increase. When they dont get increases, their morale goes down.
Cindy Robertson, West Verdine, asked if it would do any good for citizens to contact the Water Sector Commission since the citizens dont need any more increases. Mrs. Thorn stated that theyve reached out to Les Farnum, State Rep., since hes currently in session in Baton Rouge, and theyre approaching this in a very sensitive way because the rate study thats tied to this grant also could keep the city from getting the $5 million that was applied for the sewer grant and it could also keep the city from getting the Drinking Water Loan Fund grant. After discussion, motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Hardy that the following ordinance be introduced:
ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2026, TO JUNE 30, 2027, FOR THE CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA.
Motion was then made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Hardy that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the American Press, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form:
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2026, TO JUNE 30, 2027, FOR THE CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA.
A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 11th day of May, 2026, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 501 Willow Avenue, Sulphur, Louisiana.
CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA
BY:JOY ABSHIRE, Chairman
A vote was then called with the results as follows:
YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire
NAYS: Mrs. Thomas
ABSENT: None
And the said ordinance was declared introduced on this 13th day of April, 2026.
ATTEST:
ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk
JOY ABSHIRE,
Chairman
The next item on the agenda is Public Comment. Woody Daigle, Regional Director for John Kennedys office, stated that for those not seeking re-election, its been a great pleasure working with the Council these last 4 years.
Cindy Robertson, West Verdine, invited everyone to Earth Day Extravaganza this Saturday from 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. at First Christian Church across the street from The Boiling Point. She invited all Mayoral/Council candidates to set up a table.
Danny DiPetta, Bonin Drive, stated that early voting will be held May 2-9.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned.
ATTEST:
ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk
JOY ABSHIRE,
Chairman
4/13/26
6:45 P.M.
Apr 23 1t
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Ntoice Cost- $527.50