Denham Springs City Council Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2024

Meeting Summary

The Denham Springs City Council meeting on January 9, 2024, was a productive session addressing both routine governance and forward-looking initiatives. Key actions included the authorization of a public hearing for a significant multi-tenant development, continued investment in Centerville St. NW improvements, and a substantial grant for Denham Springs Main Street enhancement. The council also approved administrative items and security upgrades for the animal shelter. All decisions reflected unanimous support from the present council members.

Key Topics

I. Meeting Overview and Attendance

The Denham Springs City Council held a public meeting on January 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Court Room of the Municipal Building. All required notices were posted and media notified.

II. Key Themes and Decisions

The meeting focused on routine administrative approvals, progress on city projects, and the scheduling of a public hearing for a significant development. All motions for approval or adoption of agenda items were passed unanimously by the attending council members (Dugas, Gilbert, Lamm-Williams, Poole, Wesley).

A. Administrative Approvals & Reports

• Reports Submitted: Various departmental reports were submitted, including those from the Building Official (written report), City Attorney (no report), Engineers (written report), City Treasurer (written budget report), Planning and Zoning (no report), Fire Report (written report), Animal Control (no report), and Police Report (written report).
• Meeting Minutes Approved: The minutes of the December 26, 2023 City Council Meeting were approved as published.
• Consent Agenda Adopted: The consent agenda for December 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, was adopted. The minutes provide a financial breakdown for this period, including:

  Item	Amount
  Total	$2,782,958.75
  Payroll & Taxes	$677,808.30
  Accounts Payable	$2,020,890.25
  Natasha Lee Payment for November 2023 Purchases	$109,604.96
  Ward 2 Marshal's Office	$19,904.26
  Ward 2 City Court	$1,646.79

B. Development and Infrastructure

• Special Use Permit (SUP-114-23) Public Hearing Authorized: The Council authorized a public hearing for a "Special Use Permit for a multi-tenant development on Lot #3..." The hearing is scheduled for February 6, 2024.
• Amendment to Forte & Tablada Contract: A resolution was adopted for "Amendment No. 2 to the Forte & Tablada contract for Centerville St. NW Improvements."
• CEA with LA Department of Treasury: A Resolution for a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Louisiana Department of Treasury was adopted to accept $200,000.00 for Denham Springs Main Street.

C. Ordinances and Resolutions

• Traffic Control Signs Ordinance Amendment: The Council adopted an ordinance to "Amend the Code of Ordinances for the City of Denham Springs, Chapter 102 by amending Section 199 Relative to Specific Traffic Control Signs Established." This amendment will likely update or add specific traffic control signs within the city.
• Waiver of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for DS Housing Authority: Approved a "waiver of Payment in Lieu of Taxes for DS Housing Authority."
• Custom Security System for Animal Shelter: A resolution was adopted for a "Custom Security System for Animal Shelter," authorizing a contract for a new alarm system.

III. Important Facts and Dates

IV. Conclusion

The Denham Springs City Council meeting on January 9, 2024, was a productive session addressing both routine governance and forward-looking initiatives. Key actions included the authorization of a public hearing for a significant multi-tenant development, continued investment in Centerville St. NW improvements, and a substantial grant for Denham Springs Main Street enhancement. The council also approved administrative items and security upgrades for the animal shelter. All decisions reflected unanimous support from the present council members.