Gonzales Weekly Citizen
November 5, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE PARISH OF ASCENSION
GONZALES, LOUISIANA
OCTOBER 26, 2026
The Council of the Parish of Ascension, Louisiana, reconvened the October 15, 2026 Regular Council Meeting after recessing with no action. The meeting was held at 6:00 pm, 607 E Worthey Rd, Gonzales with Chairman Chase Melancon presiding.
The opening prayer and the pledge was offered by Councilman Oliver Joseph.
The following Council members were present:
Oliver Joseph Joel Robert Travis TurnerTodd Varnado Chase Melancon Brian HillensbeckBlaine Petite Pam Alonso Dennis CullenJenn DeFrances
Parish President Clint Cointment was present.
Chairman Melancon gave direction on signing up for public comment. He also reminded everyone that the Halloween Hours for 2026 were extended by one hour and would be from 6pm to 9pm.
Mary Cash, Walk Manager for Walk to End Alzheimers in Ascension and Baton Rouge gave a presentation on the Walk to End Alzheimers set to take place at Lamar Dixon on November 21st.
President Clint Cointment reported on the Love Impact Events in Ascension Parish which provided free Dental, Vision, Medical Appointments. He thanked all of the volunteers involved in this event.
He also announced the next Sock Hop and Early Voting for the November 3rd election.
Chairman Melancon asked the Council if anyone would like to remove any item for further discussion. With no items being removed, the Consent Agenda was unanimously approved as follows on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado:
a. Adoption of September 17, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with SLHSRA. Ascension Parish Government will provide $30,000.00 to enhance economic development through the hosting of a rodeo to be held at Lamar Dixon Expo Center scheduled for February 26-28, 2027
c. Approval of Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement between Ascension Parish Government and Ascension Parish Library for the project to continue the research and documentation of the history of Ascension Parish. The total sum paid to Ascension Parish Library in calendar year 2027 is not to exceed $49,999.00
d. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement between Ascension Parish Government and the City of Gonzales for a water line relocation, necessary for a Parish roadway/safety project on Roddy Road between Churchpoint and Bayou Narcisse, and for water line and sewer line connections for the Animal Welfare Services Center (APAWS)
e. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Intergovernmental Agreement between Ascension Parish Government, Fire District No. 1, and the City of Gonzales for fire protection and related emergency services to areas outside the corporate limits of the City of Gonzales to extend the agreement term for an additional three (3) years commencing on January 1, 2027. Payment to the City of Gonzales will remain at $120,000 per year
f. Approval of Renewal of Master Services Contract with Lofton Industrial Services, LLC for temporary staffing, for a not to exceed amount of $125,000.00
g. Approval of Renewal of Professional Service Contract with All South Consulting Engineers, LLC for Grant and Project Management Disaster Recovery Services. This renewal has a one-year term, not to exceed $395,000.00
h. Approval of Renewal of Master Services Contract with DRC Emergency Services, LLC for emergency debris removal and related services. The compensation to the Provider shall be per the fee schedule
i. Approval of Renewal of Master Services Contract with Tetra Tech, Inc. for Emergency Debris Monitoring. The compensation to the Provider shall be per the fee schedule
j. Approval of Renewal of Master Services Contract with Corporate Mechanical Contractors, LLC dba CMC Corporate Solutions for HVAC preventative maintenance and emergency repair services at Lamar Dixon Expo Center for a not to exceed amount of $100,000.00
k. Approval of the Ascension Parish Professional Selection Committee's recommendation to select the highest scoring respondent, Corporate Mechanical Contractors, LLC dba CMC Corporate Solutions, for the Building Automation System Replacement Project and to authorize the Parish President to enter a contract
l. Approval to select the lowest responsive bid of $320,600 submitted by Roofing Solutions, LLC and to authorize the Parish President to enter into any applicable agreement or contract for the Lamar Dixon Gymnasium Roof Recover Project
m. Approval of Renewal of Master Contract for Professional Services with Gresham Smith for engineering services for the preparation of traffic impact analysis. This renewal is through October 18, 2027, with a contract amount of $400,000.00. Gresham Smith will only receive a portion of this amount, dependent on the task orders awarded and completed
n. Approval of Renewal of Master Contract for Professional Services with Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for engineering services for the preparation of traffic impact analysis. This renewal is through October 18, 2027, with a contract amount of $400,000.00. Neel-Schaffer, Inc. will only receive a portion of this amount, dependent on the task orders awarded and completed
o. Approval of Renewal of Master Contract for Professional Services with Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC for engineering services for the preparation of traffic impact analysis. This renewal is through October 18, 2027, with a contract amount of $400,000.00. Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC will only receive a portion of this amount, dependent on the task orders awarded and completed
p. Approval of Renewal of Master Contract for Professional Services with Vectura Consulting Services, LLC for engineering services for the preparation of traffic impact analysis. This renewal is through October 18, 2027, with a contract amount of $400,000.00. Vectura Consulting Services, LLC will only receive a portion of this amount, dependent on the task orders awarded and completed
q. Approval to allocate six million seven hundred thousand ($6,700,000.00) in Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) funding in Districts 1, 2 and 3 as follows: TIF District 1 - $100,000 to 2026 Overlay and Reconstruction (various roads on the West Bank of Ascension Parish), TIF District 2 - $2,500,000 to Roddy Road Widening (US 61 - LA 935) project; ongoing project, and TIF District 3 - $4,100,000.00 to LA 73 - Bluff Road (LA 928) Connector project; construction to begin in early 2027
r. Approval of Renewal of Professional Services Contract for Surveying and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Services with Crescent Engineering & Mapping, LLC. The renewal is through November 16, 2027. The contract is for a total amount not to exceed $150,000.00, to be shared with other Providers
s. Approval of Renewal of Professional Services Contract for Surveying and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Services with Earles and Associates, LLC. The renewal is through November 16, 2027. The contract is for a total amount not to exceed $150,000.00, to be shared with other Providers
t. Approval of Renewal of Professional Services Contract for Surveying and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Services with Quality Engineering & Surveying, LLC. The renewal is through November 16, 2027. The contract is for a total amount not to exceed $150,000.00, to be shared with other Providers
u. Approval of Renewal of Professional Services Contract for Surveying and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Services with Surveying and Mapping, LLC. The renewal is through November 16, 2027. The contract is for a total amount not to exceed $150,000.00, to be shared with other Providers
v. Approval of Change Order No. 2 - LA Contracting Enterprise, LLC, for the Braud Road at Germany Roundabout Project in the Move Ascension Program, Contract #260077, to provide for the costs of rerouting eight (8) sewer effluents and performing asphalt patching. This change order will increase the contract amount by $137,972.00 for a new total not to exceed contract value of $2,942,247.25, and the contract time will be extended by 9 days to 189 days
w. Approval of Change Order No. 1 - Barriere Construction Co., LLC, for the Roddy Road Widening - US 61 to LA 935 - Phase I Project in the Move Ascension Program, Contract #250297, to provide for modification of quantities and revisions of plan sheets. This change order will increase the contract amount by $72,550.36 for a new total not to exceed contract value of $5,174,164.49
x. Approval of Settlement Agreement with Command Construction, LLC in the amount of $547,460.58, to close out the Contract for the Ascension Parish Water Sector Program (Round 1) Project
y. Approval of Change Order No. 1 to the Contract with Coleman Roofing & Construction Gonzales, LLC, for the West Bank Courthouse Slate Roof Replacement Project, to increase the contract price by $10,615.00 for a new total contract amount of $450,615.00
z. Approval of the Ascension Parish Professional Selection Committee's recommendation to select the highest scoring respondent, G.E.C., Inc., for the Louisiana Highway 3127 Extension Independent Technical Review Project and to authorize the Parish President to enter a contract
aa. Approval of the Ascension Parish Professional Selection Committee's recommendation to select the highest scoring respondent, WSP USA Inc., for the Upgrades and New Water Treatment Plant, Planning and Construction (Engineering Services) FP&C Project No. 50-J03-26-01 and to authorize the Parish President to enter a contract
bb. Approval of Renewal of Legal Services Contract with Larry W. Buquoi for real estate acquisitions and miscellaneous land related work for a not to exceed amount of $50,000.00
cc. Approval of Renewal of Legal Services Contract with Stemmans & Alley, PLLC to represent the Parish in insurance litigation, including Workers' Compensation and any other legal matters for a not to exceed amount of $45,000.00
dd. Acceptance of roads into Parish Maintenance System.
Delaune Estates Subdivison - 3rd Filing
Dulcito Avenue............166.6 Ft.
Rosewind Street ............2,162.8 Ft.
Southdown Circle ............902.6Ft.
ee. Request for approval for the Ascension Parish Department of Transportation to evaluate and perform work on the following intersections at an estimated cost of $250,000.00-$500,000.00:
a. Stringer Bridge Road at George Lambert Road
b. Stringer Bridge Road at Beco Road
ff. Approval of Annual Certification of Compliance for the Off System Bridge Replacement Program for January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, as requested by LADOTD
Chief Code Enforcement Officer Patrice Johnson presented the Condemnation Proceedings for 18031 Cecil James Rd, Prairieville District 7. There were no property owners present. A motion to proceed with the Condemnation was offered by Councilman Brian Hillensbeck. With no objection, the motion passed.
CFO Dawn Caballero presented the 2027 Proposed Budget and the 2026 Amended Budget to the Council.
The Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in Road Lighting District No. 7 of the Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, April 17, 2027, for the purpose of authorizing the continuation of the five (5.00) mill tax on assessed valuation of all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, for the purpose of providing funds to acquire, improve and equip the system of road lighting on the streets, roads, highways, alleys, and public places of the District, and to provide funds to pay the operation and maintenance costs and expenses in connection therewith, and further making application to the State Bond Commission for consent and authorization to hold the aforesaid election, and further providing for other matters in connection therewith was approved unanimously on a motion by Councilman Oliver Joseph.
There were speakers on Zoning Review ID PZ-4001.26 for Jacqueline Berthelot ET AL (Richard Babin), Eddins J. Young and Thomas A Wintz, Jr. located on the west side of LA Highway 73 approximately 1050 north of LA Hwy 74 to amend the Ascension Parish Zoning Map from Medium Intensity Residential to Mixed Use District
OPPOSITION
Deborah Mire
Evan Price
Dana Inzinna
IN FAVOR
Randy Wintz
CJ King, Jr.
Jean Kling
Thomas Wintz, Jr.
Cameron Miller representing Developer
Councilman Blaine Petite made a motion to DENY the recommendation of the Zoning Commission to approve the rezone. Councilman Dennis Cullen abstained from the vote. The motion passed with no objection and the rezone was denied.
The Council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on November 19, 2026 at 6:00pm in Gonzales, at the Ascension Parish Courthouse, 607 E Worthey Rd. to consider an ordinance to amend the 2026 Budget and appropriate the 2027 Budget for Ascension Parish Government on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.
The Council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on November 19, 2026 at 6:00pm in Gonzales, at the Ascension Parish Courthouse, 607 E Worthey Rd. to consider an ordinance to authorize claim of ownership of seven adjudicated properties in Ascension Parish pursuant to LA RS 47:2236 et seq and further providing with respect thereto on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.
The Council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on November 19, 2026 at 6:00pm in Gonzales, at the Ascension Parish Courthouse, 607 E Worthey Rd. to consider an ordinance to authorize claim of ownership of eleven adjudicated properties in Ascension Parish pursuant to LA RS 47:2236 et seq and further providing with respect thereto on a motion by Councilwoman Jenn DeFrances.
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to amend the Ascension Parish Zoning map from Crossroad Commercial (CC) to Mixed Use (MU) District Zoning Review ID PZ- 4006.26 Lot B-1 thru B-8 Golden Meadows Subdivision for Trinity Construction, LLC located on the north side of W Edenborne Pkwy approximately 1900 east of S St. Landry Avenue. A Public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.
Councilman Todd Varnado made a motion to approve the ordinance. With no objection, the ordinance was adopted as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. ZM26-06
ZONING REVIEW ID PZ-4006.26, CHANGING THE OFFICIAL ZONING DESIGNATION OF LOT B-1 THRU B-8 GOLDEN MEADOWS SUBDIVISION TO REZONE FROM CROSSROAD COMMERCIAL (CC) TO MIXED USE (MU) PROVIDES FOR SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
PURPOSE: This ordinance amends the official zoning designation for Lot B-1 thru B-8 Golden Meadows Subdivision attached legal description from Crossroad Commercial (CC) to Mixed Use (MU). This rezone is identified as Zoning Review ID PZ- 4006.26.
WHEREAS: Ascension Parish is a local governmental subdivision as defined by Article VI, Section 44 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, and
WHEREAS: The Parish of Ascension is the governing and responsible body over the zoning and regulations within this jurisdiction, and
WHEREAS: Article VI of the Home Rule Charter of Ascension Parish, adopted May 4, 1993, identifies the process and manner in which to adopt ordinances regulating the lands of this
Parish, and
WHEREAS: The official zoning map for Ascension Parish was last adopted on March 8, 2016 and
WHEREAS: The Parish Council reserves the authority to make changes to the official zoning map by ordinance, and
WHEREAS: This request has been processed in compliance with the procedures set forth.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Ascension Parish Governing Authority that the official Zoning Map of Ascension Parish Louisiana is amended to reflect the property identified in Exhibit A as Mixed Use as the official zoning designation.
SEVERABILITY: In the event that any portion of this Ordinance is ever held invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction over it, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be in full effect as permitted by law.
EXHIBITS:
A. Legal Description
B. Plat Map
C. Aerial / Zoning Map
ADOPTION: This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Brian Hillensbeck, Blaine Petite, Pam Alonso, Dennis Cullen, Jenn DeFrances
Nays: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
And this ordinance was passed on this 26th day of October , 2026.
/s/ Cinnamon McKey
Attest: Parish Council Secretary
/s/ Clint Cointment
Clint Cointment, Parish President
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to revoke an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude located at the rear of Tract B-1 of the Fellowship Church property at 14363 LA Highway 73 property as depicted on the map showing a Subdivision Survey dated April 12, 2006 and recorded as instrument No. 635574 noted as Exhibit B. A public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Brian Hillensbeck.
Councilman Brian Hillensbeck made a motion to approve the ordinance. With no objection, the ordinance
was adopted as follows:
ORDINANCE
Purpose: To revoke an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude located at the rear of Tract B-1 of the Fellowship Church property at 14363 LA Hwy. 73. Property as depicted on the map showing a Subdivision Survey.for Fellowship Church by Landsource, Inc., dated April 12, 2006, and recorded at instrument no. 635574, noted as Exhibit B.
WHEREAS, the petitioner has petitioned the Ascension Parish Council to revoke an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude located at the rear of Tract B-1 of the Fellowship Church property at 14363 LA Hwy. 73, noted as Exhibit B; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department and Engineering Department have reviewed and researched said request and have no objection to the revocation; as noted in Exhibit A.
THE PARISH OF ASCENSION HEREBY ORDAINS, that it grants approval of the revocation of an existing fifteen (15) foot servitude located at the rear of Tract B-1 of the Fellowship Church property at 14363 LA Hwy. 73, attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit B.
REPEAL: All ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby and henceforth repealed.
SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions herein which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall become effective fifteen (15) days after adoption.
ADOPTION: This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Brian Hillensbeck, Blaine Petite, Pam Alonso, Dennis Cullen, Jenn DeFrances
Nays: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
And this ordinance was passed on this 26th day of October , 2026.
/s/ Cinnamon McKey
Attest: Parish Council Secretary
/s/ Clint Cointment
Clint Cointment, Parish President
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to amend the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16, Section 16-1 Personnel Manual and Official Pay Classification Plan adopted, IV. Employee Benefits Program to invoke a buyout plan for excess vacation hours annually and to change holiday observances when they fall outside of the regular work week. A public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Joel Robert. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Oliver Joseph.
Councilman Blaine Petite made a motion to approve the ordinance. With no objection, the ordinance
was adopted as follows:
ORDINANCE
PURPOSE:
To amend the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16. Personnel, Article I. In General, Section. 16-1. Personnel Manual and Official Pay Classification Plan Adopted, Chapter 1., Part I., Subpart D., Employee Benefits Program, Sections 5. and 12.
WHEREAS: Ascension Parish is a local governmental subdivision as defined by Article VI, Section 44 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, and
WHEREAS: the Parish of Ascension, through the Ascension Parish Council under lawful session, passed an ordinance adopting an official Personnel Policy Manual for the Parish of Ascension; and
WHEREAS: Article VI of the Home Rule Charter of Ascension Parish, adopted May 4, 1993, identifies the process and manner in which to adopt ordinances fixing the compensation of all employees of the Parish, and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Ascension Parish Governing Authority that the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16. Personnel, Article I. In General, Section. 16-1. Personnel Manual and Official Pay Classification Plan Adopted, Chapter 1., Part I., Subpart D., Employee Benefits Program, Sections 5. and 12 are amended, as more fully described in Exhibit A and B, attached hereto, and made a part hereof.:
SEVERABILITY: In the event that any portion of this Ordinance is ever held invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction over it, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provisions and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be in full effect as permitted by law.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote; the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Pam Alonso, Brian Hillensbeck, Blaine Petite, Dennis Cullen, Jenn DeFrances
Nays: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
And this ordinance was passed on this 26th day of October, 2026.
/s/ Cinnamon McKey
Secretary
/s/ Clint Cointment
President
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to amend the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article VI. Council Procedures, Sec 2-100 By-laws and Operating Procedures of the Parish Council Standing Committees to add language for the electronic submittal of board applications. A public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Joel Robert.
Councilman Joel Robert made a motion to approve the ordinance. With no objection, the ordinance
was adopted as follows:
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ASCENSION
ORDINANCE
PURPOSE: To amend the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2. - Administration, Article VI. Council Procedures Sec. 2-100. By-laws and operating procedures of the parish council standing committees, (9) Standing committees responsibilities, d. Personnel Committee, 4.
WHEREAS: the Charter of the Parish of Ascension Section 6-01 requires an ordinance for all acts that amends or repeals any ordinance previously adopted; and
WHEREAS: The Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2-100 was last amended on February 2, 2023; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Ascension Parish Governing Authority that the Code of Ordinances of Ascension Parish, Chapter 2 - Administration, Article IV. Council Procedures, Sec. 2-100. By-laws and operating procedures of the parish council standing committees be amended as more fully described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof:
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be in full effect as permitted by law.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Brian Hillensbeck, Blaine Petite, Pam Alonso, Dennis Cullen, Jenn DeFrances
Nays: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
And this ordinance was passed on this 26th day of October , 2026.
/s/ Cinnamon McKey
Attest: Parish Council Secretary
/s/ Clint Cointment
Clint Cointment, Parish President
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to acquire a parcel of immovable property located in Section 23, T9S, R2E, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, consisting of 4 Lots totaling 13.517 acres for the price of $510,000 plus the cost of closing as more fully described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B to improve drainage issues and assist in the prevention of flooding throughout the Parish. A public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Blaine Petite. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Blaine Petite.
Councilman Dennis Cullen made a motion to approve the ordinance. With no objection, the ordinance
was adopted as follows:
ORDINANCE
PURPOSE: To acquire a parcel of immovable property located in Section 23, T9S, R2E, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, consisting of 4 LOTS TOTALING 13.517 ACRES; (UNNAMED LOT SQ. 1consisting of 0.141 Acres; LOT 8 SQ. 1 consisting of 0.352 acres; UNNAMED LOT consisting of 0.405 acres; and UNNAMED LOT consisting of 12.619 acres) for the price of FIVE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($510,000.00) DOLLARS, plus the cost of closing, as more fully described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof.
WHEREAS, the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 desires to acquire certain immovable property; and
WHEREAS, there is a need and a public purpose for the acquisition of certain immovable property by the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 which will improve drainage issues in Ascension Parish for the benefit of the residents of Ascension Parish and assist in the prevention of flooding throughout the Parish; and
WHEREAS, the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 does hereby desire to acquire the property, servitudes and/or rights-of-way and authorizes the Office of the Parish President to do whatever is necessary to acquire said Property; and;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, the Ascension Parish Governing Authority authorizes the purchase of a parcel of immovable property being Thirteen and 517/1000 (13.517) acres located in Section 23, T9S, R2E, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, consisting of 4 LOTS TOTALING 13.517 ACRES; (UNNAMED LOT SQ. 1 consisting of 0.141 Acres; LOT 8 SQ. 1 consisting of 0.352 acres; UNNAMED LOT consisting of 0.405 acres; and UNNAMED LOT consisting of 12.619 acres) for the price of FIVE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($510,000.00) DOLLARS, plus the cost of closing, as more fully described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof.
This Ordinance is being adopted in conformity with Section 6-01 of the Ascension Parish
Charter.
The purchase of the property is subject to approval by the Parish Attorney and contingent upon the Seller being able to deliver a merchantable title.
Clint Cointment, Parish President, is hereby authorized to sign all necessary documents on behalf of the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 for the purchase of the property.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote therein was as follows:
Yeas: Oliver Joseph, Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Pam Alonso, Brian Hillensbeck, Blaine Petite, Dennis Cullen, Jenn DeFrances
Nays: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
And this Ordinance was adopted by the Council on the 26th day of _October_, 2026, and this Ordinance is effective immediately.
Attest: /s/ Cinnamon McKey
Secretary
Approved by Parish President: /s/ Clint Cointment
Clint Cointment
Parish President
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to acquire a parcel of immovable property being 13.417 acres located in Section 23, T9S, R2E, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, designated as Lot A-1-A-1-B for the price of $441,026.32 plus the cost of closing, as more fully described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B to improve drainage issues and assist in the prevention of flooding throughout the Parish. A public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Blaine Petite. With no speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.
Councilwoman Jenn DeFrances made a motion to approve the ordinance. With no objection, the ordinance
was adopted as follows:
ORDINANCE
PURPOSE: To acquire a parcel of immovable property being Thirteen and 417/1000 (13.417) acres located in Section 23, T9S, R2E, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, designated as LOT A-1-A-1-B; for the price of FOUR HUNDRED FORTY-ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX AND 32/100 ($441,026.32) DOLLARS, plus the cost of closing, as more fully described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof.
WHEREAS, the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 desires to acquire certain immovable property; and
WHEREAS, there is a need and a public purpose for the acquisition of certain immovable property by the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 which will improve drainage issues in Ascension Parish for the benefit of the residents of Ascension Parish and assist in the prevention of flooding throughout the Parish; and
WHEREAS, the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 does hereby desire to acquire the immovable property, servitudes and/or rights-of-way and authorizes the Office of the Parish President to do whatever is necessary to acquire said Property; and;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, the Ascension Parish Governing Authority authorizes the purchase of a parcel of immovable property being Thirteen and 417/1000 (13.417) acres located in Section 23, T9S, R2E, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, designated as LOT A-1-A-1-B; for the price of FOUR HUNDRED FORTY-ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX AND 32/100 ($441,026.32) DOLLARS, plus the cost of closing, as more fully described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof
This Ordinance is being adopted in conformity with Section 6-01 of the Ascension Parish
Charter.
The purchase of the property is subject to approval by the Parish Attorney and contingent upon the Seller being able to deliver a merchantable title.
Clint Cointment, Parish President, is hereby authorized to sign all necessary documents on behalf of the East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 for the purchase of the property.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote therein was as follows:
Yeas: Oliver Joseph. Joel Robert, Travis Turner, Brett Arceneaux, Todd Varnado, Chase Melancon, Pam Alonso, Brian Hillensbeck, Blaine Petite, Dennis Cullen, Jenn DeFrances
Nays: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
And this Ordinance was adopted by the Council on the 26th day of October_, 2026, and this Ordinance is effective immediately.
Attest: /s/ Cinnamon McKey
Secretary
Approved by Parish President: /s/ Clint Cointment
Clint Cointment
Parish President
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance to amend the Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code (LDC) Appendix II Development Code, specifically to add Section 17-2052 High Impact Development Facility (HIDF) .
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert gave a presentation on High Impact Development Facilities.
A public Hearing was opened on a motion by Councilwoman Pam Alonso. There were speakers on this item:
IN OPPOSITION
Theresa Robert Susan Jordan Walter Beach Mary C. MaddoxMark Taylor Denise Fontenot Jason Cassard Julie LeblancVickie Andermann Janice Bunyett Richard Jordan Joann H. MarchandMark Whitstine Estefania Aultman Timothy Fontenot Jordyn WeydertDana Inzinna Keonkah M. Julen-Judson Rhonda Porta Barbara BaileyDon Bailey Erlyn Guidry Dixie Culotta Deanna H. PecoraroSusan Minveille Troy Braud Cindy Quick Robert StaffordAlvin Robert John Braud Debbie SchexnaydreBlake Andermann Robin Bignet Gloria Berry
NEUTRAL
Monique Appeaning
After all speakers were heard, the Chairman called for a five minute recess.
The public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.
After a lengthy discussion, Chairman Chase Melancon made a substitute motion for a 90 day moratorium on Data Centers in the Parish or moratorium until an ordinance is passed. After more discussion, he withdrew that substitute motion and made a motion for a moratorium until the January 21, 2027 Regular Council Meeting (86 days) whereby the original version (version 4) would be considered. That motion passed with no objection.
Legal Counsel Jean Paul Robert read the ordinance ZT-26.01 to amend Appendix I Zoning Tables of Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code (LDC) to add High Impact Development Facility (HIDF). The public hearing was opened on a motion by Councilman Joel Robert. There were speakers on this item:
OPPOSITION
Theresa Robert Timothy Fontenot Erlyn GuidryDenise Fontenot Richard Jordan Keonkah Julien-Jordan
Susan Mineville Jason Cassard Theresa RobertSusan Jordan Walter Beach Blake AndermannCindy Quick Robin Bignet Joann Hodgeson MarchandRhonda Porta John BraudDixie Culotta Troy Braud
After all speakers, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilman Todd Varnado.
Chairman Chase Melancon made a motion to defer the ordinance until the January 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting. The motion passed with no objection.
There being no further business to come before the Council of the Parish of Ascension upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM.
/s/ Chase Melancon
Chairman
/s/ Cinnamon McKey
SECRETARY
12743473 11/5/26 ($587.32)
Miscellaneous Notices