Denham Springs City Council Briefing - 2025 Year in Review

 I. Major Themes & Priorities

The Denham Springs City Council meetings from January through August 2025 demonstrate a clear focus on several key areas:

• Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: Significant investment in drainage improvements, road projects, and utility upgrades.
• Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Enhancements to police and fire departments, and the adoption of a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan.
• Economic Development and Regulatory Frameworks: Discussions and decisions surrounding business licenses (particularly alcohol permits), zoning ordinances, and new construction projects.
• Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management: Adoption of the consolidated operating budget, adjustments to the millage rate, and disposal of surplus assets.
• Community Engagement: Public hearings on various ordinances, proclamations, and community programs.

 II. Key Decisions and Initiatives

 A. Infrastructure and Drainage Projects:

• E. Railroad Avenue Drainage Improvements: Multiple payment applications and change orders were approved. Final acceptance of the project was approved on January 14, 2025, and again on May 27, 2025.
• Felicia Welding Inc. (Hillion Hood to Juban Road) Gas Improvements (LA-16): Payment applications and a change order were approved, with substantial completion approved on April 8 and April 28, 2025.
• Brignac Water Well Project: Several payment applications were approved. Change Order #2 was approved on April 28, 2025, and a cost reduction was approved on August 12, 2025.
• Centerville Street Drainage Improvements: Amendments for engineering services were approved on April 28, 2025.
• Vortex Grit Removal System Rehab-2025: A contract was awarded to L. King Company, LLC for $389,396.00 and Change Order No. 1 for $51,597.00 was approved on July 28, 2025.
• Travelling Bridge Sand Filter Rehab-2025: A contract was awarded to L. King Company, LLC for $495,170.40 and Change Order No. 1 for $23,076.00 was approved on July 28, 2025.
• Gas System GIS Mapping: Authorized a task order with Alvin Fairburn & Associates, LLC for $50,000.00 (February 11, 2025).
• DOTD Mowing and Maintenance Agreement: A resolution for this agreement was adopted on May 27, 2025.
• Emergency Debris Site Entrance: An ordinance for a land exchange to widen the entrance was approved on July 8, 2025.

 B. Public Safety & Emergency Management:

• Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning: A resolution was adopted on August 12, 2025, to establish a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.
• Fire Department Equipment: An insurance proposal for property, equipment, and auto was approved (June 10, 2025).
• Police Department Equipment: Multiple resolutions were approved for the surplus of police vehicles and equipment (June 10, 2025; July 28, 2025; August 12, 2025).
• Xerox Contract for Police Department: The current contract was cancelled, and a new one was approved with Sharp, saving approximately $67.00/month (March 24, 2025).
• SSA Consultants for Fire and Police Departments: A contract for a compensation study was authorized on March 24, 2025, and again on August 12, 2025, for all other city departments.
• Floodplain Management Software: The request for this software was approved on June 23, 2025.

 C. Regulatory Changes & Zoning:

• Alcohol Sales Restrictions: A public hearing was held on March 11, 2025, to discuss an ordinance regarding alcohol sales within 300 feet of a church, synagogue, library, playground, or school. The adoption of the ordinance was denied. An appeal by Mustard Seed Creamery, Inc. for a liquor permit was debated extensively and ultimately denied on August 12, 2025, based on the City Attorney's legal interpretation of the existing ordinance.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Numerous requests for zoning amendments and special use permits were heard and decided upon, including for a Townhouse Development and for a contractor's laydown yard.
• Redistricting Council Districts: A contentious public hearing was held on May 13, 2025, regarding a proposal to create three council districts with two at-large seats. The ordinance was denied on May 13, 2025.

The Redistricting Council Districts: A contentious public hearing was held on May 13, 2025, regarding a proposal to create three council districts with two at-large seats.

Here's a breakdown of the "Redistricting Council Districts" discussion:

• Public Hearing on May 13, 2025: A public hearing was indeed held on May 13, 2025, regarding a proposed ordinance to create three council districts with two at-large seats, for a total of five council members. This was a contentious item, generating significant public input both in favor and against the proposal.
• Outcome of the Ordinance: The Denham Springs City Council denied the adoption of the ordinance to create three council districts with two at-large seats on May 13, 2025.
• While the minutes for one vote (Agenda Item 17, regarding the 5-seat model) show "Yeas" from Dugas, Gilbert, Lamm-Williams, and Wesley (with Poole absent), the official outcome recorded was "denied".
• This discrepancy is noted in the sources, with explanations suggesting that despite the "Yeas," the ordinance failed to pass due to procedural reasons (e.g., Robert Poole's absence on an initial vote) or a collective sentiment among council members that such a significant change should be decided by a public vote.
• Council members Wesley, Poole, Gilbert, and Dugas specifically voiced the sentiment that a major change like this should be decided by a public vote.

Therefore, while the public hearing and the nature of the proposal are correctly stated, the ordinance was ultimately denied not approved, on May 13, 2025.

 D. Financial Management & Budget:

• 2024-2025 Consolidated Operating Budget: An ordinance for amending the budget was adopted on June 10, 2025. Key highlights of the 2025-2026 proposed budget include a 5.5% increase in health insurance premiums, an increase in dependent health insurance coverage by the city, and changes to retirement system contributions.
• Sewer Department Unit #317 (Ford F-350): This and another vehicle were approved for surplus on March 24, 2025.
• Millage Rate: A motion to roll forward on the millage rate (2.898 mills) failed, as did a motion to roll back to 2.75 mills. The current millage rate of 2.898 mills was ultimately approved on July 8, 2025.
• Hotel Occupancy Tax: An ordinance levying a 6.75% tax on hotel room rentals was adopted on January 27, 2025.
• Disposal of Surplus Property: Numerous items were approved for disposal, including a printer, freezer, and gas meters.

 E. Contracts & Agreements:

• Various contracts were authorized, including agreements with Forte & Tablada for road projects, Advanced Office Care for janitorial services, and Republic Services for waste disposal.
• Bids were approved and contracts awarded for Disaster Debris Removal and Disposal/Monitoring.
• An agreement was approved to move phone service from AT&T to Benecom, saving approximately $960/year (April 28, 2025).
• A one-year service agreement with Pelican Playgrounds for playground safety inspections was approved on May 13, 2025.
• The City was authorized to utilize a State Contract with Sharp to replace and update the Gas Departments main office printer.