Denham Springs City Council Briefing - August 12, 2025

Meeting Summary

This summary details the Denham Springs City Council meeting held on August 12, 2025, outlining key decisions and discussions. The meeting covered routine administrative approvals, including minutes and departmental reports, alongside several significant contractual agreements such as a hazard mitigation plan, an agreement with Entergy Louisiana for camera attachments, and various infrastructure projects like the Brigniac Well and a compensation study for city departments. The most significant public engagement centered on an appeal regarding a retail alcohol permit for Mustard Seed Creamery, where the Council, despite a divided vote and legal advisement against new stipulations, ultimately overturned the initial denial of the license.

Key Topics

20250812-Meeting-Summary

Briefing Document: Denham Springs City Council Meeting - August 12, 2025
Date: August 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Location: Court Room of the Municipal Building
Presiding: Mayor Gerard Landry
Attendees (Council Members): Amber Dugas, Jim Gilbert, Lori Lamm-Williams, Robert Poole, Jeff Wesley.
Other City Officials Present: Buffy Anderson (City Clerk), Rick Foster (Building Official), Stephanie Hulett (City Attorney), Rodney Walker (Police Chief), Richard Stafford (Fire Chief), Michelle Hood (Treasurer).

Main Themes and Most Important Ideas/Facts:

This briefing document summarizes the key decisions and discussions from the Denham Springs City Council meeting held on August 12, 2025. The meeting covered routine administrative approvals, significant contractual agreements, and a notable public appeal regarding a retail alcohol permit.

1. Routine Administrative Approvals and Reports:

• Approval of Previous Minutes: The minutes from the July 28, 2025, City Council Meeting were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Adoption: The consent agenda for July 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025, was adopted unanimously. This likely included various routine operational approvals not individually itemized in the minutes.
• Departmental Reports: Written reports were submitted by the Building Official, City Attorney, Engineers, City Treasurer, Planning and Zoning, Animal Control, Fire Report, and Police Report. No specific details were provided in the minutes regarding the content of these reports, indicating they were likely informational updates. Fred Banks was noted as "no report" for City Treasurer and Planning and Zoning.
• Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire: Authorization was given to complete the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, indicating ongoing compliance and financial oversight.

2. Key Authorizations and Contract Approvals:

• Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning: The City Council adopted a resolution recognizing the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Process and establishing a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. This highlights a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
• Camera Attachment Agreement with Entergy Louisiana, LLC: Mayor Gerard Landry was authorized to enter into an agreement with Entergy Louisiana, LLC, for camera attachments. This likely pertains to surveillance or public safety initiatives. Chris Gonthier, a resident, inquired about concerns related to this item, and Police Chief Rodney Walker responded during the public comment section.
• Public Storage Contract for Christmas Decorations: Mayor Landry was authorized to enter into a month-to-month contract with Public Storage for three storage spaces (0713, 0714, and 0716) for Citywide Christmas decorations, beginning September 1st. This ensures proper storage for community event assets.
• Briginac Well Project Agreements:
  • Mayor Landry was authorized to enter into an agreement with I. King regarding substantial completion and inspection of the Brigniac Well project.
  • A payment application in the amount of $24,581.25 to L. King Company, LLC, Inc. for the Brigniac Water Well was approved. These items indicate progress and financial commitments related to the Brigniac Well infrastructure project.
• Compensation Study for SSA Consultants: Mayor Landry was authorized to enter into a contract with SSA Consultants to conduct a compensation study for all Departments excluding Fire and Police. This suggests an evaluation of current compensation structures for the majority of city departments, aiming for potential adjustments or improvements.
• Water Well Install and Collect Water Samples Project: An "Additions Change Order No.3" was approved, increasing the cost by $109,250.00. This change order extends the estimated substantial completion date from May 16, 2025, to June 11, 2025, "to allow for the scheduling of and final acceptance completion." This signifies an unforeseen cost increase and delay for this project.

3. Appeal Regarding Retail Alcohol Permit (Most Significant Public Engagement):

• Appeal Request: Timothy & Natasha Levert with Mustard Seed Creamery, Inc., appealed the denial of a Retail Class A-R High, Restaurant Outlet Alcohol Permit for a business located at 111 N. Range Ave., Denham Springs, LA.
• Public Opinion: Mayor Landry explained points of order for the appeal.
  • Supporters (13 individuals): Included Tim and Tasha Levert, employee Ashton Levert, business owners Bret Dunham and Eric Burns, resident Belinda Deschamp, and non-residents Carmen Woverton, Michelle Watkins, and Jon Mastrain.
  • Opponents (4 individuals): Included residents Pastors Debra Keller and Jackie Read, and non-resident Chris Gonthier.
• Council Deliberation and Legal Precedent:
  • Council Member Jim Gilbert offered a motion to approve the permit, with a condition that the establishment change its address and meet a different location. This was seconded by Council Member Robert Poole.
  • The City Attorney advised that "because the issue was before the Council on appeal, no new facts or stipulations could be considered."
  • The City Attorney referenced "Buy-U-Sel, Inc. v. City of Ruzon, 602 So.2d 1057 (La. 2d Cir. 1992)," stating that "the court may only consider the situation as it exists at the time of the application for the beer permit." This highlights the legal constraints on the council's decision-making process during an appeal.
• Decision: Upon motion by Gilbert, seconded by Poole, the City Council voted to overturn the denial of the alcohol license.
  • Yeas: Gilbert, Poole
  • Nays: Dugas, Lamm-Williams, Wesley
  • Abstain: None
  • (Note: This indicates a divided council, with the motion passing with the bare majority of two votes.)

4. Police Assets Approval:

• The Council approved the surplussing of the following Police Assets:
  • Police Asset # 10204: Hutch
  • Police Asset # 10212: Hutch
  • Police Asset # 10222: Conference Table
• This indicates routine management of city assets.

Adjournment:

• The meeting was adjourned upon motion by Lamm-Williams, seconded by Poole.