Houma Courier
November 7, 2026
MINUTES
SOUTH CENTRAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, June 25th, 2026
On Thursday, June 25th, 2026, at 10:30am at Port of Morgan City in Morgan City, LA. Chairman Naquin called the regular meeting to order. J. Bergeron led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance. E. Bergeron conducted roll call.
Members present or represented by proxy were: J. Naquin, W. Reed, M. Arcenaux representing R. Animashaun, M. Atzenhoffer, J. Jones, K. Cressoinie representing K. Clement, E. Alexander, L. Wilson, C. Forrestier representing P. Dufrense, L. Sorapuru, Jr., P. Hebert representing S. Jones, C. Vappie, D. Arthur, E. Foulcard, R. Grogan, J. Bergeron, J. Amedee, L. Charles, M. Marmande, Jr, and J. Rogers.
Members absent were: M. Orgeron, J. Bouziga, B. Plaisance, M. Jewell, W. Comardelle, B. Savoie, S. Bourgeois, P. St. Pierre, J. Hotard, H. Oubre, L. Dragna, D. Babin, and C. Tucker. Ex-Officio members absent were: Dr. J. Clune of NSU, Dr. K. Strickland, FCC, and M. Darden of Chitimacha Tribe.
Staff members present were: K. Belanger, J. Foret, C. Curole, T. Watkins, M. Wich, and E. Bergeron.
Guests present were: L. Levine of the City of Franklin, M. Duhon and R. Olander of St. Mary Parish Council, R. Taylor of SCRACH, C. Pulaski of TPCG, E. Campo and T. Lambeth of Desire Line.
The first item on the agenda was the Review and Acceptance of minutes of April 23rd, 2026, Regular Meeting. C. Vappie motioned to accept minutes of April 23rd, 2026, Regular Meeting. E. Alexander seconded. There being no objections motion carried.
Next on the agenda was the Acceptance of Management Committee Meeting Minutes of June 23rd, 2026. M. Atzenhoffer motioned to accept Management Committee Meeting Minutes of June 23rd, 2026. E. Alexander seconded. There being no objections motion carried.
Third item on the agenda was the Special Election of Secretary to SCPDCs Management Committee. Chairman Naquin opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chairman of SCPDCs Board of Commissioners. E. Foulcard motioned for C. Vappie to serve as Secretary of SCPDCs Board of Commissioners. D. Arthur seconded. There being no objections or other nominations, motion carried. Chairman Naquin congratulated C. Vappie on becoming SCPDCs Board of Commissioners Secretary.
Review and Approval of the Financial Statement ending May 31st, 2026, was the fourth item on the agenda for discussion. K. Belanger reviewed the Financial Statement ending May 31st, 2026. He reviewed each departments ending fund balance and relayed the ending fund balance to date for SCPDCs General Fund was $445,791.87. Under the Housing Program, K. Belanger explained the house located on Westview Drive in Houma has not sold yet. Due to CDBG regulations the house must be sold to a low to moderate income person; however, the value of the house exceeds the programs limits. The Management Committee has met and decided to reduce asking cost of the house in hopes of a quick sale. They also decided to begin utilizing sub-contractors for the construction of future houses. Other jurisdictions and outside contractors have expressed interested in purchasing erector sets of steel manufactured homes. Staff have been exploring the option of servicing those needs. M. Atzenhoffer motioned, to approve the Financial Statement ending May 31st, 2026. W. Reed seconded. There being no objections motion carried.
Agenda item five was the Review and Approval of FY26 Budget Adjustments. K. Belanger explained the budget adjustments made to the FY26 budget and the expenditures which has led to a $1.3million deficit. Discussion ensued. E. Alexander motioned, to approve the FY26 Budget Adjustments. D. Arthur seconded. There being no objections motion carried.
Review and Approval of FY27 Proposed Budget was agenda item six. Staff met to discuss the budget and deemed efforts necessary to help alleviate the deficit. COLA and merit raises are being withheld. Adjustments are being made regarding staffing, there is a planned layoff of 12 employees with no expected impacts on services provided by the Commission. M. Atzenhoffer requested the Board of Commissioners to revisit the budget in January 2027 for consideration of reimplementing COLA raises for employees, the Commissioners agreed. Both K. Belanger and M. Wich briefed the Commissioners on the changes occurring within the housing program to help cut cost and slimline the construction process as well as the possible implementation of new projects. Chairman Naquin stated if future housing initiatives do not work out as planned, the Commission needs to revisit the program and pivot its efforts, the Commissioners were in agreement. Discussion ensued. M. Marmande, Jr., motioned to approve the FY27 Proposed Budget as presented. C. Vappie seconded. There being no objections motion carried.
Next was the Watershed Region 6 Master Plan Presentation by E. Campo of Desire Line, Inc. She explained how the state has created nine watershed regions and steering committees to coordinate flood risk reduction efforts and project funding among parishes. A brief overview of the Watershed Region 6 Master Plan and the updates recently made was given. The plan reflects regional priorities and the realities communities of the region face. It also has helped to establish a path forward for how progress will be measured and communicated over time. She encouraged all to review the plan which is available on SCPDCs website.
Agenda items eight, nine, ten, and eleven were resolutions adopted annually.
Agenda item eight: Resolution authorizing the CEO to sign any and all documents including bank drafts, and to enter into contracts and agreements on behalf of SCPDC. C. Vappie motioned to approve the resolution authorizing the CEO to sign any and all documents including bank drafts, and to enter into contracts and agreements on behalf of SCPDC. M. Atzenhoffer seconded. There being no objections motion carried.
Agenda item nine: Resolution certifying the Revolving Loan Fund Program is consistent with the current Regional Economical Adjustment Strategy; is being operated in accordance with the policies and procedures contained in the plan; and that all loan portfolios meet plan standards. M. Atzenhoffer motioned to approve the resolution certifying the Revolving Loan Fund Program is consistent with the current Regional Economical Adjustment Strategy; is being operated in accordance with the policies and procedures contained in the plan; and that all loan portfolios meet plan standards. E. Alexander seconded the motion. There being no objection motion carried.
Agenda item ten: Resolution adopting System Survey and Compliance Questionnaire. M. Atzenhoffer motioned to approve the resolution adopting System Survey and Compliance Questionnaire. W. Reed seconded the motion. There being no objection motion carried.
Agenda item eleven: quotes received for the Official Journal for July 1st, 2026 June 30th, 2027, were reviewed. The Courier submitted the lowest quote with a rate of $3.20 per legal square of 100 words. L. Charles motioned, seconded by C. Vappie to approve the Houma Courier to continue as the Official Journal of SCPDC for July 1st, 2026 June 30th, 2027. There being no objections motion carried.
Ratification of new member to the RLF/RCF Administration Board was agenda item twelve. It was brought to the Commissioners attention that R. Olander has decided not to accept his nomination to the RLF/RCF Administration Board; however, D. Hill voiced his interest in participating on the RLF/RCF Administration Board. Discussion ensued. M. Atzenhoffer motioned to approve the RLF/RCF Administration Board nomination for R. Olander as presented on the agenda. E. Foulcard seconded the motion. There being no objection motion carried. Then it was motioned by E. Foulcard to nominate D. Hill as R. Olanders replacement on the RLF/RCF Administration Board. R. Grogan seconded the motion. There being no objection motion carried.
There was no other business to discuss.
The SCPDC newsletter was sent out electronically for all to read at their leisure.
Corporate Sponsor was the Port of Morgan City. Thank you Mr. B. Adams.
Next meeting date has been set for Thursday, October 15th, 2026, in Terrebonne Parish, location to be determined.
There being no other business to discuss. J. Bergeron motioned, M. Atzenhoffer seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
As duly authorized officers of South Central Planning and Development Commission, Board of Commissioners, we do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is the official version of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Commissioners held on June 25th, 2026.
Jeff Naquin, Chairman
South Central Planning & Development Commission
Jason Bergeron, Secretary
South Central Planning & Development Commission
12765133 11/7/26 ($84.00)
Miscellaneous Notices