Morgan City Daily Review
April 28, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
APRIL 8, 2026
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
6:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent was Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Olander and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Hill.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the Second Regular Meeting, March 25, 2026 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
Jacob Bell appeared before the Council to discuss an update on “Save Our Children Mentoring Program.” He discussed their budget and the need for additional funding. He expounded on the need for more parent involvement, fundraisers, donations, building maintenance, and asked for help to obtain a grant writer. Several Council Members discussed researching the budget availability, funding, and building maintenance.
Parish President, Sam Jones expounded on the Parish’s deficit his first year as Parish President and thanked Mr. Bell for helping the children in the community.
Sherry Wilmore, A’Lyrah Jones, Tasia Briscoe, and Megan Lasserre, representatives, appeared before the Council to discuss the adoption of the proclamation recognizing “Black Maternal Health Week” to be observed on April 11 – 17, 2026. Ms. Wilmore expounded on the Healthy Start Program that services all mothers and that their contact number is 985-333-2020 and email is healthystart.org.
Mr. Adams requested to move up Item 14A, “Proclamation proclaiming April 11-17, 2026, as “Black Maternal Health Week.”
Rev. Mathews moved to adopt the following Proclamation. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Black Maternal Health Week is observed nationally each year from April 11 through April 17 to increase awareness and strengthen coordinated efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana continues to experience one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the United States, with pregnancy-associated mortality ratios exceeding the national average and many pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana have been identified as preventable, emphasizing the importance of early and continuous prenatal care, timely postpartum care, and access to comprehensive, high- quality healthcare services; and
WHEREAS, data from the Louisiana Department of Health highlight areas where maternal health outcomes can be improved through expanded access to quality care and coordinated support services; and
WHEREAS, maternal and infant health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including access to healthcare, care coordination, transportation, chronic disease management, behavioral health needs, and other conditions that impact health and well-being and preterm birth and infant mortality rates in Louisiana remain higher than the national average and require continued collaboration across healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community-based organizations; and
WHEREAS, the federally funded Healthy Start program in St. Mary Parish works to reduce infant mortality and improve birth outcomes through outreach, care coordination, health education, support for postpartum and well- woman care, interconception health services, and initiatives that en- courage and strengthen father and partner en- gagement; and
WHEREAS, the Healthy Start Community Consortium brings together program participants, residents, healthcare providers, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to guide program activities, identify service gaps, and ensure that strategies reflect the lived experiences, strengths, and priorities of the families served and the voices of program participants help shape solutions that improve access to care, strengthen service delivery, and promote accountability and sustainable, community-driven improvements in maternal and infant health; and
WHEREAS, St. Mary Parish is committed to supporting collaborative, community- informed ap- proaches that improve access to care, strengthen systems of support, and promote safe and healthy pregnancies and births for mothers, infants, and families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Parish President and Council of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, do hereby recognize April 11–17, 2026, as
“Black Maternal Health Week”
in St. Mary Parish and encourage healthcare providers, community organizations, public health partners, businesses, faith leaders, and residents to work in partnership with the Healthy Start program and its Community Consortium to improve maternal health, increase access to postpartum and interconception care, support family well-being, and reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 8th day of April 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Kelli Cantu, Chez Hope, Inc. Community En- gagement Advocate, appeared before the Council to announce the “Do Your Thing with a Wing” Fundraiser Cook-Off on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on the Bayou Teche and in Downtown Franklin. Registration is free and you can contact Laci Daigle at 337-326-5311 for more information. Guests can purchase a $20.00 ticket that allows tasting from all competitors.
Barry Dufrene, Home Rule Charter Revision Commission member, appeared before the Council to discuss the Home Rule Charter election date. Mr. Dufrene thanked the Council for creating a commission and not a committee to re- vise the Charter. He stated that the Charter was written 40 years ago and the only thing that was changed was term limits in 2014. He encouraged the Council to take the necessary steps to move the proposal forward in time for the fall election and begin the process of placing the item on the agenda so that the required steps such as drafting resolutions, holding public hearings, and informing the public can take place.
In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, Dr. Rink stated that she spoke with Jason Akers regarding the November election date and its deadline.
Parish President, Sam Jones informed of available employment opportunities in the Parish. He stated that the issue is the lack of housing. Several Council Members also discussed the lack of proper in- frastructure needed to support housing development.
Mrs. Hidalgo stated that Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale submitted a Report on the status of TE-168 Levee District from Michael Brocato relative to Pump Station No. 4, Pump Station No. 9, Pump Station No. 8, Pump Station No. 6, and GIS.
Mr. Hebert in- formed that he recently received exceptional service from Oschner St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City. He personally thanked Amanda Price, Chase Perry, Ms. Casey, Kimberly Neelan, and Dr. Karamoo of Oschner and also thanked Carlo Gagliano, Austin Guidry, and Darryl Davidson with Acadian Ambulance.
Mr. Hebert in- troduced the following Ordinances:
ORDINANCE
NO.
An Ordinance levying and imposing a tax of 5.72 mills for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the St. Mary Parish Public Library and its branches as directed by a special election in the Parish of St. Mary, excluding the municipality of Morgan City, for the year 2026; and levying and imposing a forty-six hundredths (0.46) mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, excluding the City of Morgan City, for the year 2026.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
ORDINANCE
NO.
An Ordinance levying a tax of 7.60 mills Parish Tax located outside the municipalities for all parochial purposes and segregating for local and parochial purposes and levying and imposing a 3.80 mills tax located within the municipalities to help defray the expenses of the Criminal Justice System of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
Dr. Rink moved to adopt Item 13A, “FOR ADOPTION - An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use. (4C Christian Committing – The Community to Christ)” and Item 13B, “FOR ADOPTION – An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (St. Mary Parish Government for Columbus Ave.)” Mr. Davis seconded the motion.
After discussion, Dr. Rink withdrew her motion and Mr. Davis withdrew his second due to Mr. Hebert owning property on Columbus Avenue and requesting to abstain from voting on Item 13B.
Dr. Rink moved to adopt the following Ordinance. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Ina, Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Du- hon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, and Mathews
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ORDINANCE
NO. 2428
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: 4C Christian Committing
The Community to Christ
Address: 1560 & 1564 Cypremort Rd., Franklin, LA
Parcel Id#181490 1090.00 - Lot 2 Lockett Subd. per Plat 44A 273250 Acq. Inc 69 10766,
Parcel Id# 1814901055.00 - Lot 3 Lockett Subd. per Plat 374 330929 Acq. 374 330930, and 1564 Cypremort Rd., Jeanerette, LA 70544, & Parcel Id# 1814901089.00 - Lot 1 Lockett Subd. per Plat 44A 273250 Acq. 216 308287
Currently Zon-ed: Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: for an existing Church and Accessory Facilities.
Dr. Rink moved to adopt the following Ordinance. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-1-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Olander, Hill, Rulf, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo Mathews, and Ina
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: He- bert
ABSENT: None
ORDINANCE
NO. 2429
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: St. Mary Parish Government for Columbus Ave.
Address: Columbus Ave., Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 1204 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Sec 14 T16S R12E; - Parcel Id# 3014301 091.00 - Lot 20 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 359 328658; 1210 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 092.00 - Lot Tract B-C-H-A-B Per plat 14L 130632 Being The Re- mainder Of Lot 19 Bayou Vista Park Blk 11 Acq. 458 344150; 1208 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 093.00 - Lot East 30 Ft No 19 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Being Por Tract CDGHC Per plat 14L 130632 Acq. 469 345773, - Parcel Id# 3014301 094.00 - Lot West 35 Ft No 18 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Being Por Tract CDGHC per Plat 14L 130632 Acq. 469 345773; 1220 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 095.00 - Lot East 40 Ft No 18 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 453 343240, - Parcel Id# 3014301 096.00 - Lot West 25 Ft No 17 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 453 343240; 1224 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, Parcel Id# 3014301097.00 - Lot East 50 Ft No 17 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 42X 268179, - Parcel Id# 3014301 098.00 - Lot West 15 Ft No 16 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 42X 268179; 1230 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id # 3014301099.00 Lot East 60 Ft No 16 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 44H 274231
Improvement On The Land Of Beadle Michael Paul Acq. 44H 274231, - Parcel Id# 3014301100.00 - Lot West 5 Ft No 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 44H 274231; 1236 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 101.00 - Lot Center 65 Ft No 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 45T 280699; 1240 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 102.00 - Lot East 5 Ft No 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 36G 242583, - Parcel Id# 3014301 103.00 - Lot West 60 Ft No 14 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 449 342574; 1244 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 104.00 - Lot East 15 Ft No 14 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 184 303639, Parcel Id# 3014301 105.00 - Lot West 50 Ft No. 13 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 184 303639; 1252 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, Parcel Id# 3014301106.00 - Lot East 25 Ft No. 13 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 45J 278793, - Parcel Id# 3014301 107.00 - Lot West 40 Ft No. 12 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 45J 278793; 1256 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 108.00 Lot East 35 Ft No. 12 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 264 314816, - Parcel Id# 3014301 109.00 - Lot West 30 Ft No. 11 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 264 314816; 1260 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, Parcel Id# 3014301110.00 - Lot East 45 Ft No. 11 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 260 314181, - Parcel Id# 3014301111.00 - Lot West 20 Ft No. 10 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 260 314181; 1264 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 112.00 Lot East 55 Ft No. 10 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 23V 189470, - Parcel Id# 3014301 113.00 - Lot West 10 Ft No. 9 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 23V 189470; 1270 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 114.00 - Lot East 65 Ft No. 9 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 443 341533; and 1104 Southeast Blvd., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 3014301 115.00 - Lot 1 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 28L 213527, - Parcel Id# 3014301 116.00 - Lot North 55.05 No. 2 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 28L 213527220470 1197.00 - Lot Tract A-B-C-I-A Per Plat 24M 192689 Acq 449 342553, Sec.62 T14S R9E.
PURPOSE: Re- zone from General Commercial (GC) Zoned District to Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District.
Mr. Duhon mov-ed to adopt the following Resolution. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hi- dalgo, Mathews, Ina, and Olander
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
A resolution authorizing Sam Jones, the President to execute an Agreement with Belle of Orleans, LLC.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that Sam Jones, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute an Agreement with the Belle of Orleans, LLC relative to a revenue-based fee to be paid to St. Mary Parish, with said Agreement to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 8th day of April 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, President Jones stated that this is regarding the Amelia Belle Casino in Amelia. He stated that a 10 year agreement was negotiated with an option of an additional 10 year agreement and that the flat fee is based on net gaming proceeds.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. We received the following fin- ancial statements:
Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 – year ended September 30, 2025
Fire Protection District No. 11 – year ended September 30, 2025
Recreation District No. 2 – year ended September 30, 2025
St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 3 - year ended September 30, 2025
B. Shayla Anderson, owner of Stable Lounge, LLC, leasee of Columbia Talmore, Jr., located at 300 Bosco Road., Jeanerette, Louisiana (formally Queen Bee Daiquiris & Game Tyme) requests a residency variance to obtain a 2026 Full Liquor Permit.
Mr. Adams mov-ed to grant the 2026 residency variance for Shayla Anderson, own-er of the Stable Lounge, LLC, leasee of Columbia Talmore, Jr., located at 300 Bosco Road., Jeanerette, Louisiana (formally Queen Bee Daiquiris & Game Tyme). Dr. Rink seconded the motion.
In response to Rev. Mathews’ inquiry, Assistant Clerk of the Council, Roshonda Bourgeois ex- plained that the residency variance is to allow for issuance of a liquor permit. She stated that Ms. Anderson has obtained an electrical permit from the Planning & Zoning Department to have electricity turned on.
Rev. Mathews stated that he has received several calls from residents in opposition of having a bar re-open at this location.
After discussion, Mr. Adams withdrew his motion to grant the 2026 residency variance for Shayla Anderson, owner of the Stable Lounge, LLC, leasee of Columbia Talmore, Jr., located at 300 Bosco Road., Jeanerette. Dr. Rink withdrew her second.
Rev. Mathews moved to table the 2026 residency variance request for Shayla Anderson, owner of the Stable Lounge, LLC, leasee of Columbia Talmore, Jr., located at 300 Bosco Road., Jeanerette, to the April 22, 2026 agenda. Mr. Ina seconded the motion, which carried.
C. Discussion and action pursuant to Ordinance No. 2152 which provides that any member of any Board of Commissioners appointed by the Parish who shall miss three (3) meetings in any twelve (12) month period of time without good cause stated to the Parish Council shall be terminated from the Board of Commissioners. The intent of the ordinance is to have people serving on these boards that have the time and willingness to attend meetings so as to ensure that a quorum would be met to conduct business that may come before the board. On March 3, 2026, a letter was sent to Ms. Patsy W. Powell informing her that a commissioner who misses three meetings within a twelve-month period without good cause shall be terminated. I have not heard back from this board member.
Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan explained that this pertains to the Tourist Commission and that no action can be taken per Revised Statute 33:4574, Tourist Commissions creation, purpose, directors, and powers.
D. Mr. Hill to discuss the new street signs going up across St. Mary Parish.
Mr. Hill stated that residents are complaining that DOTD is replacing existing stop signs and installing new signs in school zones within the Parish that are 7 feet tall, which is a safety concern. He explained that this is a DOTD project with no cost to the Parish.
Mrs. Hidalgo stated that she has received complaints of signs being installed in the middle of existing driveways.
E. Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:
Board of Adjustments for the Parish of St. Mary – 1 Vacancy
Tanya A. Johnson (Present Alternate Member)
Mr. Olander moved that Tanya A. Johnson be appointed to the Board of Adjustments for the Parish of St. Mary. Mr. Ina seconded the motion, which carried.
Dr. Rink inform-ed of the Bayou Horseshoe Tournament to benefit St. Jude’s Children Hospital that will be held this weekend at Kemper Williams Park.
There being no further business, Mr. Adams moved for adjournment. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. April 29, 2026