Thibodaux Daily Comet
February 28, 2026
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026
RACELAND, LOUISIANA
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH LAFOURCHE
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL, PARISH OF LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, WAS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M., HELD AT THE MATHEWS GOVERNMENT COMPLEX, 4876 HIGHWAY 1, RACELAND, LOUISIANA AND LIVE-STREAMED ON LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENTS YOUTUBE LIVE CHANNEL.
The Lafourche Parish Council was duly convened as the Governing Authority of said Parish by Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, who then stated that the Lafourche Parish Council was ready for the transaction of business at 5:00 p.m.
Proceedings of the meeting were called to order with the following:
PRESENT: Mr. William T-Boo Adams, Mr. Mark Perque, Vice-Chair, Mr. Aaron Bo Melvin, Mr. Terry Arabie, Mr. Armand Noonie Autin, Chairman, Mrs. DLynn Chiasson, Mr. Daniel Lorraine, Mr. Mitch Orgeron, Parish President
ABSENT: Mr. DeJae Broomfield, Mr. Terry Pierce
Chairman Autin announced that the invocation would be led by Mr. Daniel Lorraine. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Terry Arabie.
STATE AND/OR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
The first item on the agenda was State and/or Federal Legislative Updates.
There was no one present to make a presentation at this time.
LAFOURCHE PARISH OUTSTANDING CITIZEN
The next item on the agenda was the Lafourche Parish Outstanding Citizen.
Madyson Cutrer was the recipient of the Lafourche Parish Outstanding Citizen Award for her incredible compassion, leadership, and determination in supporting her teacher who is battling cancer. Without being asked she took it upon herself to organize a large-scale fundraising effort entirely on her own. For three straight weeks she personally drove from business to business seeking donations, speaking with confidence and sincerity about the cause. Her persistence and courage were remarkable, especially for someone so young. In addition to gathering donations, she thoughtfully planned a community plate lunch gathering people together in support of her teacher. She connected people, created memories, and turned kindness into action. Through her hard work she raised about five thousand dollars, making a meaningful impact during an incredibly difficult time. Shes a genuinely good kid with a huge heart, and her selflessness and initiative are well beyond her years.
Ms. Faith Russell, Iberville Parish, Louisiana, said, So, Madyson, I saw posted this on Facebook and things like that. So, I got involved with helping her out and donating for that. Its so rare that we see a seventeen-year-old that has such compassion and drive. And I thank you all for helping to recognize that because I think quite often that we dont take the young people that do amazing things and lift them up and honor those great things that they do. So, thank you all for embracing her as well.
PROCLAMATION
The next item (1) on the agenda was Parish President, Mitch Orgeron, to present a proclamation proclaiming February 2-6, 2026, as National School Counseling Week.
Parish President Orgeron read the proclamation proclaiming February 2-6, 2026 as National School Counseling Week.
Ms. Lauren Ledet, 278 St. Peter Street, Raceland, Louisiana, said, I am a counselor at Central Lafourche High School. Ive been a counselor in Lafourche Parish School District for seven years now and we truly appreciate you guys proclaiming February 2nd through 6th National School Counselor Week. Our efforts in the schools, we know, dont go unrecognized and we truly appreciate it. So, thank you.
Ms. Stephanie Pillaro, Lockport Lower Elementary, Lockport, Louisiana, said, Thank yall so much for recognizing us today. We appreciate all the recognition and the help and support weve gotten throughout the years. So, thank yall.
Chairman Autin said, Thank yall, ladies.
PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item on the agenda was presentations and/or updates.
There was no one present to make a presentation at this time.
ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECT REPORTS
The next item on the agenda was a presentation of planned, presently on going, recently completed or other projects by appropriate engineering firms engaged by the Parish.
Mr. Joe Picciola, Picciola & Associates, 115 Picciola Parkway, Cut Off, Louisiana, gave a report on the following projects: Airport Connector Road and Bridge, Hurricane Ida Storm Damage Repairs to Pump Stations, Sugar Ridge Pump Station, Larose Boat Launch, Cote Blanche Bridge Rehabilitation, and Westside Drainage Improvement. He then answered questions from Council Members.
See Exhibit A.
PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL (PUBLIC HEARINGS, AGENDA ITEMS, ETC.)
The next item on the agenda was Public Wishing to Address the Council (Public Hearings, Agenda Items, Etc.).
Mr. Matthew Kiggins, 402 St. Bernard Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana, addressed the Council in regard to the Heroes Monument Commission and their plans for a museum and youth center. A brief discussion ensued.
See Exhibit B. (On file in the Council Clerks Office)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The next item (2) on the agenda was a motion to accept the minutes of the January 27, 2026 Regular Session meeting.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Adams, and carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, to deviate back to Item F, Public Wishing to Address the Council, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL (PUBLIC HEARINGS, AGENDA ITEMS, ETC.)
The next item was Public Wishing to Address the Council (Public Hearings, Agenda Items, Etc.).
Ms. Gilda Cooks, 124 Biloxi Court, Thibodaux, Louisiana, addressed the Council and spoke about getting some safety precautions put up in place for the school children in the Waverly Subdivision.
A motion was then made by Mr. Melvin, to deviate back to Regular Agenda Item H, seconded by Mr. Perque, and carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCES FOR RATIFICATION
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, to open the Public Hearing, and carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
The next item (3) on the agenda was an ordinance establishing a forty-five (45) miles per hour Speed Limit on the Gheens Shortcut Road with the installation of two sets of W1-2 (Curve Ahead) signs and W13-1P (15 mph Advisory Speed) signs with one set to be placed 200 feet before the curve when entering from Hwy 308 and the second set to be placed 200 feet before the curve when coming from Hwy 654, Gheens, Louisiana, Ward (7), District (7), Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana; providing for the placement of Speed Limit and two sets of W1-2 (Curve Ahead) signs and W13-1P (15 mph Advisory Speed) signs; and providing penalties for the violations thereof.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
ORD. NO. 7098 ESTABLISHING A FORTY-FIVE (45) MILES PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT ON THE GHEENS SHORTCUT ROAD WITH THE INSTALLATION OF TWO SETS OF W1-2 (CURVE AHEAD) SIGNS AND W13-1P (15 MPH ADVISORY SPEED) SIGNS WITH ONE SET TO BE PLACED 200 FEET BEFORE THE CURVE WHEN ENTERING FROM HWY 308 AND THE SECOND SET TO BE PLACED 200 FEET BEFORE THE CURVE WHEN COMING FROM HWY 654, GHEENS, LOUISIANA, WARD (7), DISTRICT (7), PARISH OF LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA
The next item (4) on the agenda was an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 7085 that adopted the 2026 Operations and Maintenance and Capital Budget for the Lafourche Parish Council as well as setting the salaries of unclassified employees as provided for by Article V of the Lafourche Parish Home Rule Charter.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Adams. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
ORD. NO. 7099 AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 7085 THAT ADOPTED THE 2026 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL AS WELL AS SETTING THE SALARIES OF UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES AS PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE V OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH HOME RULE CHARTER
The next item (5) on the agenda was an ordinance ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana, to authorize the continuations of ad valorem taxes therein; making application to the State Bond Commission; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
DEFERRED TO THE FEBRUARY 24, 2026 LPC MEETING
The next item (6) on the agenda was an ordinance amending and re-enacting Chapter 2 of the Lafourche Parish Code of Ordinances as it pertains to Administration; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Perque. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, Chairman Autin asked if there was any discussion from the Council.
Chairman Autin said, Ill just make a comment. When I saw that the Administration was removing Good Friday, as well as some other ones from the holidays I was concerned. Talked to the Parish President and he assured me its because the office is already closed on Friday. So, Id imagine if that ever changes in the future, to go back to five days, that they would reinstate that as a holiday would be my hope, because that is a holy day. He then acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and we are not, not looking to change our work schedule. We will remain Monday through Thursday, and I know the employees are listening. In addition to, yes that was exactly the case, there were a couple of days that were moved around at the request of the folks from Civil Service, the Civil Service Board. In addition to that the state had changed its travel reimbursement requirements, and this ordinance also updates the requirements surrounding that, where we follow the GSA schedule. So, were also making some updates thats needed. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Very good.
Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
ORD. NO. 7100 AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING CHAPTER 2 OF THE LAFOURCHE PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES AS IT PERTAINS TO ADMINISTRATION
The next item (7) on the agenda was an ordinance approving the holding of an election in Fire Protection District No. 5 of the Parishes of Terrebonne and Lafourche, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to authorize the continuation of a special tax therein.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
ORD. NO. 7101 APPROVING THE HOLDING OF AN ELECTION IN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 5 OF THE PARISHES OF TERREBONNE AND LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF A SPECIAL TAX THEREIN
The next item (8) on the agenda was an ordinance approving the holding of an election in Fire Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of Terrebonne and the Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to authorize the continuation of a special tax therein.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson. Chairman Autin asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak on the proposed ordinance. With there being no one from the public wishing to speak, and with no discussion from the Council, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
ORD. NO. 7102 APPROVING THE HOLDING OF AN ELECTION IN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 6 OF THE PARISH OF TERREBONNE AND THE PARISH OF LAFOURCHE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF A SPECIAL TAX THEREIN
A motion was offered by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Perque, to close the public hearing, and carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
Chairman Autin relinquished the meeting to Vice-Chair Perque.
The next item (9) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance establishing a No Parking Fire Lane at West 130th Street coming to LA1 on both sides of the first avenue, Galliano, Louisiana, Ward (10), District (9), Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana; installing the necessary No Parking Fire Lane signs on both sides of West 130th Street as designated within this ordinance; and providing penalties for the violations thereof.
A motion was offered by Mr. Lorraine to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
The next item (10) on the agenda was a proposed ordinance approving a servitude agreement between Jason J. Richoux and Lafourche Parish Government in the Cut Off area; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson to introduce the above stated proposed ordinance.
Vice-Chair Perque returned the meeting to Chairman Autin.
RESOLUTIONS
The next item (11) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and South Louisiana Economic Council (SLEC) for the FY 2026 service fees in the amount of $25,000.00; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that the funding for SLEC in the past had been a little bit contentious. But I want yall to know that they have rebranded, its called COLAB, and their new executive director, Ms. Christy Zeringue, is here in the audience today. First thing is I want you to know that she has made us proud already. She gave a, quite honestly, an amazing presentation at Washington Mardi Gras for the Economic Development Dinner that we had, it was dinner, it was after lunch, right? The entire state was in the room, I have to say, all of our delegation. She made the Bayou Region proud to say the least and talked about the working coast and how important our region is, not to just Lafourche but to all the parishes that make up COLAB. The work that they have moving is, to say, incredible. They made great strides with a new board. We have a home-town person that is on the board, that being Chett Chiasson, who is also providing really good guidance. You have other business members that are on the board, as well. So, I humbly ask that we do provide the money. It is budgeted, and they are working very hard to help deliver economic development across the region, and that regional support is really important. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, sir.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-029 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND SOUTH LOUISIANA ECONOMIC COUNCIL (SLEC) FOR THE FY 2026 SERVICE FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000.00
The next item (12) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Salus Facilities, LLC and Lafourche Parish Government for facility assessments and evaluation services; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-030 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN SALUS FACILITIES, LLC AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR FACILITY ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATION SERVICES
The next item (13) on the agenda was a resolution approving Change Order No. 1 for the project titled Hurricane Ida Repairs to Lafourche Government Complex Phase 2 Buildback adding 16 calendar days to the contract time; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said change order and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Adams.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie asked, Is this the project I questioned last meeting about being shut down for about five months and now were going to give them sixteen more days?
Chairman Autin said, He nodded in the affirmative.
Mr. Arabie said, Im just asking a question.
Chairman Autin then acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron said, I was waiting for him to give me the approval to be able to speak, I wasnt ignoring you. So, that answer is yes. We had a very long discussion about that, and they wanted more days and I absolutely refused it. Those sixteen days are related to the duct work, not the removal, but the, some additional duct work that was hidden, there were double layers of duct work on the third floor, they could not see the duct work they needed to work on and they had to effectively redesign it and go through shop drawings, et cetera. So, it is legitimate days, there were a ton of other days that did not get included in this.
Chairman Autin said, Thank you, sir.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (6) yeas, (1) nay Mr. Arabie, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-031 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE PROJECT TITLED HURRICANE IDA REPAIRS TO LAFOURCHE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX PHASE 2 BUILDBACK ADDING 16 CALENDAR DAYS TO THE CONTRACT TIME
The next item (14) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between South Central Planning & Development Commission (SCPDC) and Lafourche Parish Government for the FY 2025-2026 membership dues; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mr. Adams.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin said, Yeah, I just had a quick question, and maybe I missed it, maybe I was missing a page, I dont know. What are the membership dues for this one please, sir?
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron started to say, Thats our dues. So, that is for our software with
Chairman Autin interjected by saying, Twenty-eight, its twenty-eight and some change.
Parish President Orgeron said, Yeah.
Chairman Autin said, The quantity was twenty-eight something.
Parish President Orgeron said, Oh, the twenty-eight thousand, yeah. But if youre asking what its for, its for our software for our permitting and all of that.
Chairman Autin said, Alright.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-032 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOUTH CENTRAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (SCPDC) AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE FY 2025-2026 MEMBERSHIP DUES
The next item (15) on the agenda was a resolution approving an agreement between Lady of the Sea General Hospital/Lafourche Parish Hospital Service District 1 and Lafourche Parish Government for the CDBG-DR Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program, Lady of the Sea Medical Clinic Project; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Lorraine.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is so we can get that CDBG project to build a new Larose clinic for Lady of the Sea moving. So, thats a ten-million-dollar project in South Lafourche. Thanks.
Chairman Autin said, Alright. Thank you, sir.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-033 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LADY OF THE SEA GENERAL HOSPITAL/LAFOURCHE PARISH HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT 1 AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE CDBG-DR RESILIENT COMMUNITIES INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM, LADY OF THE SEA MEDICAL CLINIC PROJECT
The next item (16) on the agenda was a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lafourche Parish School Board Career Magnet Center and Lafourche Parish Government to provide welding services for small welding repairs and projects for Lafourche Parish Government; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-034 APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CAREER MAGNET CENTER AND LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE WELDING SERVICES FOR SMALL WELDING REPAIRS AND PROJECTS FOR LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT
The next item (17) on the agenda was a resolution accepting the low bid of Outer Limit Contractors, LLC in the amount of $451,072.75 for the project titled Larose Public Boat Launch Improvements; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer an agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Lorraine.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Perque to have the floor.
Mr. Perque said, Just a quick question for the Administration. I know the Port Commission is contributing to this and thats going to be in lieu, taken into account, this four hundred fifty-one. So, thatll come off of that number?
Chairman Autin said, Yeah, and theres also a big chunk of that thats DWF.
Mr. Perque said, Okay.
Chairman Autin said, The Wallop- Breaux, which is what, theres where Lockport long time ago had got a big one also. He then acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron said, Yeah, theres three funding sources, the Wallop-Breaux Fund, some local dollars, and the Ports dollars. The Port is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, for a total of four hundred fifty.
Chairman Autin said, Very good. Yeah, I dont remember, the original costs was like three hundred fifty. So, were probably getting close to a million dollars on that boat launch as crazy as that sounds. Wow.
Chairman Autin asked if there was any further discussion from the Council. Hearing none, Chairman Autin called for a vote, which carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-035 ACCEPTING THE LOW BID OF OUTER LIMIT CONTRACTORS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $451,072.75 FOR THE PROJECT TITLED LAROSE PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCH IMPROVEMENTS
The next item (18) on the agenda was a resolution approving a Shelter Participant Agreement between Lafourche Parish Government and Greater Good Charities for the purpose of providing flight transport for the Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter; and authorizing the Parish President to sign, execute and administer said agreement and any and all relevant documents.
A motion was offered by Mr. Perque, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-036 APPROVING A SHELTER PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AND GREATER GOOD CHARITIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FLIGHT TRANSPORT FOR THE LAFOURCHE PARISH ANIMAL SHELTER
The next item (19) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member to the Lafourche Parish Communications District Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to reappoint Claude Richardel, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-037 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT BOARD
The next item (20) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member to the Library Board of Control.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to appoint Linda Eymard, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-038 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF CONTROL
The next item (21) on the agenda was a resolution appointing two (2) members to the Recreation District No. 11 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to appoint Marilyn Duet and Douglas Triche, seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-039 APPOINTING TWO (2) MEMBERS TO THE RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 11 BOARD
The next item (22) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing two (2) members to the Sewerage District No. 7 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Melvin to reappoint David Champage and Randy Davis, seconded by Mr. Arabie, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-040 REAPPOINTING TWO (2) MEMBERS TO THE SEWERAGE DISTRICT NO. 7 BOARD
The next item (23) on the agenda was a resolution reappointing one (1) member to the Lafourche Parish Communications District Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to reappoint Zina Sampey, seconded by Mr. Melvin, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-041 REAPPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE LAFOURCHE PARISH COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT BOARD
The next item (24) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Fire Protection District No. 2 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Arabie to appoint Floyd Cretini, Jr., seconded by Mrs. Chiasson, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-042 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 2 BOARD
The next item (25) on the agenda was a resolution appointing one (1) member on the Sewerage District No. 1 Board.
A motion was offered by Mr. Melvin to appoint William Langley, seconded by Mr. Perque, and with no discussion the item carried by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
RES. NO. 26-043 APPOINTING ONE (1) MEMBER ON THE SEWERAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD
PARISH PRESIDENT, DEPARTMENT HEADS, DIRECTORS OR MANAGERS REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND/OR UPDATES
The next item (26) on the agenda was a Department of Public Works representative to present a report.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron, said, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That report was sent out to you early in the week. If yall have any questions please get with myself, Mr. Sonny. We are more than happy to help you. And I have a few other comments if you dont mind, well just knock it out now.
See Exhibit C.
Chairman Autin said, Yes, go ahead.
Parish President Orgeron said, Alright. So, Bo, on the Sugar Ridge one, related to your question. There was a pump station there just so you know, that was a full rehabilitation. So, effectively replacing what was there. The funding source for that was GOMESA, so it was offshore royalty dollars. So, we were able to get those dollars. It didnt come from the taxpayers; it came from energy production offshore. So, thats a little bit better, right. And then related to the Comprehensive Drainage Plan, we do have a request to FEMA, as part of our Hazard Mitigation dollars as a result of Hurricane Ida, to do a full Comprehensive Drainage Plan for the entire parish. Were working through the processes right now on the Hazard Mitigation process with FEMA to be able to get those funds unlocked sooner rather than later, so we can get through the design process. Were going to have to hire an engineer for it, et cetera. So, just wanted to make sure that we captured that information. Thats all I have. Thanks.
QUESTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
The next item on the agenda was of any Questions for the Administration.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Melvin to have the floor.
Mr. Melvin said, Yes sir, thank you. Real quick. Because you know theres people out there that like to see us communicate, as far as whats going on in the districts. But could you please give me a quick update as we spoke before on the Lefort Bypass Bridge, and also the Bayou Vista Pump Station. And look I know we have some pump stations that, with Sugar Ridge, I mean before Sugar Ridge was there, there wasnt a pump station because there wasnt a need for one. My whole reason for bringing that up was that Ive just seen on my ten years on the Council that, you know, Sugar Ridge was there, way before I was on the Council. Its just thats one example Im using, the other example is Abby Lakes, but I just know, I just hate to see anybody spending any taxpayer dollars. Thank you for clarifying that because again we live in modern times and I know its not a perfect world, but I just want to see us spend as many dollars as we can wisely on projects that we dont have to go and redo. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, So, I noted he asked two questions. One was Lefort Bypass Bridge. Second, Bayou Vista Pump Station if you want to answer. Thats the only questions. He then acknowledged for Parish President Orgeron to have the floor.
Parish President Orgeron said, Sure. The update on Lefort Bypass is that theres going to be a test pile that gets driven. Thats going to happen probably in the next two weeks. But that does take a period of time, it has to sit there under pressure to ensure the piles length, depth, et cetera is appropriate. Mid-March is when were, according to DOTD, because this project is falling through them, mid-March is when were expecting them to mobilize to start the demolition of the current bridge. Following that they are building a cast-in-place bridge. So, they are going to have to drive piles and put sacrificial pan in place and pour the concrete. So, theyre saying its a one-hundred-and-eighty-day job. So, thats the information they shared with us. If theres any additional information, well certainly put that out there for you. I know we talked about Bayou Vista earlier, unfortunately we were not able to acquire right-of-ways for that project. If that changes, we would certainly revisit it, but as of now the project wont be able to go forward because we dont have the ability to obtain the right-of-ways and conduct the project. We were under funded to begin with so we were chasing additional funds but currently as its situated, we cant do it. So, its not worth spending additional taxpayer dollars to do engineering when we cant get the project off the ground. Thank you, sir.
DISCUSSION
The next item was any discussion.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Perque to have the floor.
Mr. Perque said, Yes, Ms. Cook, I just wanted to address, rather than doing it earlier. That particular area, Talbot, that is in my district and that is actually on the Priority Road List, right, to get repaved. Now, we need money in that Priority Road List to get it done, right. So, but it is on the list. But what I will do is Im going to get with Mr. Sonny and well ride through there, and well just kind of, because I did speak to someone this past weekend relative to theres some areas we probably at least need to go drop some limestone on the shoulders. And relative to the blinking lights thats, I mean, thats kind of, we need to get law enforcement in there, we need funding for that. So, theres a lot of moving parts with that. Its not to say that we cant do it, but I think relatively what we can do relatively quick is Ill reach out to the Sheriffs Department. And if I could maybe get with you after the meeting and you can tell me kind of the windows of when those buses are going and we can kind of ask for some patrols. They are relative to just kind of watching the speed. So, okay, and I think sidewalks, man that would be great. I think the challenges are going to be there is right-of-ways, weve got sugar cane fields there. I dont know if weve got room on the north side where those apartments are because the ditch is relatively close. So, again that may be a challenge but hey we just got to look at funding sources. But lets chat after the meeting so I can get that info. Thanks.
Chairman Autin acknowledged for Mr. Arabie to have the floor.
Mr. Arabie said, I just want to take this time to wish everybody Happy Mardi Gras. Be safe out there and enjoy yourself. Thank you.
Chairman Autin said, Alright, well said, Mr. Arabie. Yeah, Ill wrap up by mentioning we had the privilege of going up to Baton Rouge earlier, Im sorry, last week and see all the wonderful queens that promote Lafourche Parish at all these festivals that we have from one end of the parish to the other. So, surely want to shout out and thank all our queens, their families, friends, directors, because they spend a lot of money to go out and promote Lafourche Parish. So, thank you to each and every one of them. I would mention them but its almost every festival in this parish so I dont want to miss someone.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Perque, and with no further business, the Lafourche Parish Council Regular Meeting of February 10, 2026 adjourned at 1759 hours, by a vote of (7) yeas, (0) nays, and (2) absent Mr. Broomfield and Mr. Pierce.
ARMAND NOONIE AUTIN, CHAIRMAN
CARLEEN B. BABIN, COUNCIL CLERK
RACHELE WHEATER
MINUTE CLERK
LAFOURCHE PARISH COUNCIL
12120809 2/28/26 ($587.04)
Miscellaneous Notices