Denham Springs City Council Briefing - June 23, 2025

Meeting Summary

The Denham Springs City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, primarily addressed key city functions, including the unanimous approval of various insurance quotes for the upcoming year, with a notable discussion regarding a significant increase in law enforcement liability coverage. Another central theme was the city's proactive approach to stormwater management and floodplain preparedness, evidenced by the distribution of informational brochures and the approval of new management software. While many items found consensus, the adoption of the 2025 millage rate proved contentious, ultimately being tabled for further research after an unsuccessful attempt to roll back the rate. Finally, the council engaged in several public hearings related to zoning and development, including the approval of a side yard setback variance.

Key Topics

20250623-Meeting-Summary

Briefing Document: Denham Springs City Council Meeting - June 23, 2025
Date: June 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Location: Municipal Building, Court Room
Presiding: Mayor Gerard Landry

I. Key Themes & Important Decisions:

The Denham Springs City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, primarily focused on insurance quote approvals, stormwater management, millage rate adoption, and several public hearings related to zoning and development. A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the unanimous approval of most agenda items, indicating strong consensus among council members.

II. Main Themes & Ideas:

A. Insurance Quote Approvals (Agenda Items 10-16):

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving various insurance quotes for the upcoming year. All these items were passed unanimously by the council.

• Cyber Policy: Approved.
• Property Coverage: Approved.
• Law Enforcement Officer Liability: Approved. This item included a notable discussion where "Max, representing Arthur Gallagher, addressed the 59% increase in the policy. He explained that although there were no new claims this year, underwriters consider data over the last 10 years. Currently, there are several open claims totaling approximately $350,000, which cannot be disregarded in the evaluation."
• Public Officials & Employee Liability: Approved.
• Equipment Liability: Approved.
• Inland Marine Liability: Approved.
• General/Auto/Sexual Abuse & Molestation: Approved, with the note that "These policies are package policies that cannot be separated."

B. Stormwater Management and Floodplain Preparedness (Agenda Item 2):

This topic highlighted the city's proactive stance on environmental management and disaster readiness.

• Rick Foster, Building Official, "distributed brochures on Floodplain and Stormwater Management. He emphasized the importance of preparedness and being proactive during hurricane season. Mr. Foster also provided resources for flood and storm preparation."
• The council discussed hurricane preparedness and stormwater management matters, indicating an ongoing commitment to addressing these critical issues.

C. Adoption of the 2025 Millage Rate (Agenda Item 4):

This was a point of contention with multiple motions and a failed attempt to roll back the millage rate.

• Initially, a motion was made by Councilwoman Dugas, seconded by Councilwoman Lamm-Williams, "to not roll forward on the millage rate and to maintain the current rate of 2.898 mills." This motion passed unanimously.
• An "alternate motion was made by Councilman Poole to roll back the millage rate to 2.73 mills." This motion "failed for lack of a second."
• Councilwoman Dugas subsequently "withdrew her original motion."
• Councilwoman Lamm-Williams then made an "alternate motion to Councilman Poole's motion to table the item for two weeks to allow for further research." This motion was seconded by Councilman Gilbert and carried.
• Ultimately, the City Council "tabled the adoption of the 2025 Millage Rate until the July 8, 2025 City Council."

D. Public Hearings and Zoning/Development (Agenda Items 3, 5, 7):

Several public hearings were held regarding various development proposals and zoning changes.

• 2025 Millage Rate: A public hearing was held, but "There were no public comments in support or opposition."
• Side Yard Setback Variance (Lot 4 in The Ivy): A public hearing was held regarding a request from Dreko Properties to vary the side yard setback from 7.5 ft. to 5 ft. for Lot 4 in The Ivy. "Speakers in favor was Rachel Long with Dreko Properties. There were no speakers in opposition." The City Council subsequently approved this variance.
• Rezoning Request from R-1 Residential to I-1 Industrial: A public hearing was scheduled for July 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building for a contractor's laydown yard located in Section 45, T6S-R3E, G.L.D., City of Denham Springs. This item was moved forward for the public hearing.

E. Approval of Floodplain Management Software (Agenda Item 8):

The council approved a proposal for Floodplain Management Software to "include Community Ratings and Code Enforcement." This decision further underscores the city's commitment to effective stormwater and floodplain management.

III. Other Notable Items:

• Approval of Minutes: The official journal minutes of the June 10, 2025, City Council Meeting were approved unanimously.
• Quorum: All listed council members were present, establishing a quorum.
• No Policy Changes on Crime Policy: Regarding item 9, "Approve insurance quote for Crime Policy," it was noted that "No motion was necessary, as the policy had been previously approved and remains in effect until 2027. This item was placed on the agenda for informational purposes only, to acknowledge that the policy is currently in place."

IV. Conclusion:

The June 23, 2025, Denham Springs City Council meeting demonstrated a council largely in agreement on a range of important city business, particularly concerning insurance renewals and stormwater management initiatives. The only significant delay involved the millage rate adoption, which was tabled for further research. The city continues to actively address development requests and public input through scheduled hearings.