SLP Council Regular Meeting Agenda

AGENDA

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21,2026 @ 6:00 P.M. OLD CITY MARI(ET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION (Councilman Jody White)
ROLL CALL:
APPOINT LEGAL ADVISOR GARETT DUPLECHAIN AS TEMPORARY
PRESIDING OFFICER TO HOLD THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
CONDOLENCES:
PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:
Attorney Bill Goodell – Environmental Lawsuit scheduled for a hearing before
the United States Supreme Court.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
o Regular Meeting: December l7thr2025
PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

Resolution 001-2026
LIHEAP Grant.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL THAT
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH
COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY IS AUTHORIZEDTO ENTER INTO
AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOUISIANA HOUSING CORPORATION
IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIRJMENTS OF THE LOW
INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
GRANT
NEW BUSINESS:
*Items passed through committee

Vote to appoint Charley Andrepont and John Brown for two appointments for a two
year term to Fire District No. 6. (02-17-2026 -02-17-2029).
Vote to appoint Carleen Sylvester and Malana Helton and re-appoint Kevin Doucet
and Lena Charles for four appointments for a three-year term to the St. Landry Parish
Economic Development Board. (01-01-2026 – 0I-01-2029).
Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment for a five-year term to
the St. Landry Agricultural Arena Authority. (03-17-2026 – 03-17-203r).
Authorize the approval of the Adjudicated Property Sales from December 29ft,2025.
Authorize the Parish President to sign the Renewal Contract between St. Landry
Parish Government and Washington State Bank.
Further discuss the Juvenile Facility in St. Landry parish.
Further discuss Rooster Fighting, acquiring a permit and their possibilities in St.
Landry Parish.

vII.

VIII

IX.

X. ORDINANCES TO BE INTRODUCED:
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-00I

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES
SECTION 44-3 TO ESTABLISH A SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MPH FOR DRY
BAYOU ROAD, AND TO ESTABLISH A SPEED LIMIT OF’40 MPH FOR
NURSING HOME ROAD

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-0O2

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH ORDINANCE SECTION
28-16, LOUD, UNNECESSARY, ETC., NOISES, IN ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 28
OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO INCLUDE AIIY
AND ALL CryIL REMEDIES TO ENFORCE THIS ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 2026.003

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2025 OPERATING BUDGET FOR
ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-004

AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 2026 OPERATING BUDGET FOR
ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 2026.005

AN ORDINANCN TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH ORDINANCE SECTIONS
8-4, 8-6, 8-17, g-19, g-29,9-29,9-31, g-36, AND g-43,IN CHAPTER g _ ANIMALS,
OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO ENACT AND
ORDAIN THAT THE ANIMAL ORDINANCES ARE CIVIL, AS WELL AS
CRIMINAL, AND TO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL CIVIL REMEDIES TO
ENFORCE THIS ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 2026.006

AN ORDINANCE TO SELL THE FOLLOWING 15 PROPERTIES LISTED ON
THIS ORDINANCE THAT HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED TO ST. LANDRY
PARISH GOVERNMENT

XI. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED:
None.
Xil. RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED:
None.
XIII. COMMITTEE MINUTES:

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2026
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.

OPELOUSAS, LOUISTANA

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Public Works Chairwoman Nancy Carriere called this meeting of the Public Works Committee
of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.
chairman Jody white led the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation.

Roll Call: Nancy Carriere, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Wayne Ardoin and
Jimmie Edwards. Ex-Officio Jody White. ABSENT: Vivian Olivier.
Councilwoman Vivian Oliver was absentfor roll call but later joined the meeting.
Person to address the Committee:
None.
Public Works Report:
Mr. Barry Soileau, Public lYorks Director addressed the council. He stated, “For the
month
of December we:

Washout
Tree Removal
Sign Installation
Patching
Material Spreading
Grass cutting
Grading
Ditching
Debris Removal
Culvert Installation
Culvert Cleaned
Boom Axed

2
J
26
1 8
4
1 6
aJ 1
J
30
1 J
1 0
5

Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads
Roads

A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilwoman
Mildred Thieny to accept the Public Works Report.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Wayne Ardoin, and
Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Vivian olivier. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

Forward all applications received for two appointments for a two-year term to Fire
District No. 6. (02-17-2026 -02-17-2028).
A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman
Wayne Ardoin to forward to Regular Meeting held on lAednesday, January 21’t, 2026 all
applications received for two appointments for a two-year term to Fire District No. 6.
(02-17 -2026 – 02-17 -2028).
on roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred rhierry, Alvin Stelly, wayne Ardoin, and
Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Vivian olivier. ABSTAINED: None.
Motionforwarded.
Discuss changing the speed limit on Nursing Home Road and Dry Bayou Road.
(Co uncilman Harold Taylor.
Councilman Harold Taylor statedr “The request are from the Citizens on those roads.
They are new roads and it is black-topped and it is a well-traveled road. The speed limit
is presently 20 mph. I asked the Sheriff to go in and do an assessment and make a
recommendation and he has. He suggested that we move the speed limit to 40 mph. That
is what the ordinance is going to contain.”
A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman
Wayne Ardoin to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 2lst, 2026
the introduction of an ordinance to change the speed limit from 20 mph to 40 mph on
Nursing Home Road and Dry Bayou Road.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Wayne Ardoin,
and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTATNED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.
None.

Adjourn.
A motion was made by Councilman Jimmie Edwards, seconded by Councilman Wayne
Ardoin adjourn the Public Works Committee.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Wayne Ardoin,
and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion catied.

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2026
oLD CITY MARKET, L3L W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

ADMINISTRATIVE/T’INANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor called this meeting of the
Administrative/Finance Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order
Roll Call: Faltery Jolivette, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. Ex-Officio Jody White. ABSENT: None.
Person to address the Committee.
Ms. Lena Charles addressed the council. She stated, “Good evening council men and
women and Parish President and the community at large. My name is Lena Charles and I
am here to ask the council for a re-appointment to the St. Landry Parish Economic Board,
better known as SLED. I have served numerous years because of the confidence that you
all gave in appointing me to this position. I went on to be the chairperson of the
Opelousas Downtown Development District. Under that leadership we have done a lot of
things for the community and Opelousas. I would like to continue to serve because we
have a lot more to do just like you all do to move our city and our parish forward. If you
all have questions or concerns I would be happy to answer them right now, if not I want to
thank you all and ask for your support.”
Councilman Timmy Lejeane stated, “I have a statement, welcome back, it is good to see
you.”
Ms. Lena Charles stated, “Thank you and thank you all for the condolences for my
brother and for our family. It was very difficult that is why I was not here last month. Mr.
Fontenot would be proud to know that he was able to serve and do the things that he did in
this community so thank you all so much for your prayers.”
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “I want to personally thank you for your service
We appreciate all that you do for the parish thanks.”
Ms. Lena Charles stated, “Thank you all very much.”
Parish President & Finance Reports:
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “In your packet you will see a Contract between
us and the Bank of Washington, Washington State Bank. It is time for renewal so in your
packet there is a copy of it and I am asking the council to forward that to the full council
meeting for approval.”
councilman Ken Marks questioned, “You want to move it to full council?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,”Yes, do you all want to do it individualty
because I have a couple of other things. In you packets is the Adjudicated Property Sales
that we had on December 29th,2025. The highest bidders are listed on your sheet. We
had a total of $51,000.00 I believe all together of sales. I am asking to bring this to the
full council to sell the properties. Also the Juvenile Justice District that was put in place

in2023 by the State Legislature, today we came out with our proposal for the Juvenile
Justice District and we will be asking the people of our parish and the nine-parish region
to support a one cent sales tax to build a facility in the nine-parish region. More than
likely it will be north of I-10. The nine-parish region, I am the Chairman of that
committee and we are starting that process now. You all have a copy in your packet
tonight. If you all have any questions or concerns you all can call me or come meet with
me but it will be a one cent sales tax that is going to be collected over a period of one
year which should generate $81,000,000.00 to build the facility. After the facility is built
it drops down to no more than a quarter of a cent for operations and maintenance of the
facility. That is going to house 96 juveniles. The theory behind it that we want to build it
and not have a bond to pay back and have the operations and maintenance on it with the
ability to increase the bed capacity if needed by doing a 16 bed pod. This is our first
meeting today. We had a press conference on that and it is going to be continued on until
the election. I am available for comment or questions or anything.”
Councilman Ernest Blanchard stated, “I noticed we have a lot of parishes included in
this tax. Suppose one parish does not make it.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,”Itis going to be the majority of the district. The
nine parish area, the region. If it fails in one parish but the majority of the district
supports it, it is approved in all of the parishes.”
Councilman Ernest Blanchard stated, “Okay.”
councilman Timmy Lejeune questionedr “Mr. Bellard, how much money are we
spending on Juveniles per year?”
Purish President Jessie Bellard stated,’Inthe year 2025 itwill be close to $500,000.00
in Juvenile Services for having them incarcerated for pretrial.”
Coancilman Timmy Lejeane stated,’My next question to that is this: How much
revenue would be collected if it is passed in this parish with a one-cent sales tax for the
first year and a /+ cent for the remaining time, do you know that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, ‘\es, the estimated dollar amount on the one-
cent for the first year is like $15,200,000.00 of collections. On the second year on the %

cent it will be $3,800,000.00, which is estimated.”
Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Thank you.”
councilwoman Nancy caniere questioned, “How big is this facility?”
Parish President lessie Bellard stated, ‘1:t is a 96 bed facility. It is estimated to be about
30,000 square feet, about 12 acers.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere statedr “I saw on television, I know you may have seen,
they opened a new jail in Evangeline Parish and they are going to be housing juveniles
also.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard state4 “So we have the ability to house juveniles across
the street here but the problem is if there is a location the way the laws reads now if they
arrest a juvenile and they have to make the attempt to find a juvenile facility, that is one
of the biggest problems. In our parish we have a contract with Jackson Parish Sheriff s
Offrce. So we automatically have a bed space over there for them so we don’t want to
keep them in our jail because it is a 10 x 10 cell and they can’t see outside, it is just
ridiculous, you can’t put a human in there.
councilwoman Nancy catiere stated, “I understand but I was just saying that
Evangeline Parish is part of this district. Being that they just opened a new jail and they
are going to be able to house so many juveniles. I was just wondering if it is still
necessary.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,’It will be necessary for St. Landry Parish. Just
understand if Evangeline Parish has a jail to do this which I did not see it so I don’t know,
if they do then that is up to them but they are part of this district and the only way they
get out of this district is through the Legislature.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just hope you did not understand, it is not just
for juveniles but they are going to be able to house juveniles also. Because you are
talking about St. Landry Parish where is this going to be locate?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,’ql\Ie don’t have a site picked out.”
Councilwoman Nancy Caniere statedr “Because St. Landry Parish is the largest parish
out of all of those parishes are you anticipating St. Landry Parish?”
Parish President Jessie Bellsrd stated, ‘1am anticipating North of I-10 close to
Lafayette Parish because of the workforce. It will take 85-100 employees to run this
facility. My best guess is going to be in St. Landry Parish, yes ma’am.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Okay that is all that I have.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Unless Acadia or St. Manin find something.”
Chairman Jody White stated, “If you don’t mind me saying in reference to what you are
saying Ms. Nancy you are correct to a degree. I think with that new jail they will be able
to do just what we can do across the street. That will be a short term, temporary, very
temporary that they would house a juvenile but this could lead to more long term housing
in reference to GEDs and helping them to rehabilitate the Juveniles to come back into
society if they are arrested on a major crime. I think Evangeline with that new jail is a
short term housing for a juvenile.”
Councilman Faltery Jolivette questioned, “Mr. President what will that do to the
Juvenile Detention housing line item in the General Fund?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, ‘Tlopefully that would alleviate it completely.
Right now we are having to rob Peter to pay Paul to do Juvenile Housing, the law
requires us to do that. That roughly $500,000.00 a year could be used in another spot of
the Government other than what it is being use far now.”
Councilman Faltery fofivette questioned,”Would it also include food, transportation
and all of the other miscellaneous?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,'”lhis is going to be the State of the Art Facility.
What we are doing is making sure that we don’t leave anything out. We have visited
other facilities in the state and asked them what they would do differently and one of the
things is job readiness programs for these juveniles. When they get out it gets them to
work and get them into society.”
Councilman Faltery Jolivette questioned, “Does that include medical since that is a big
deal?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Everylhing, yes, school and everything.,’
Councilman Fakery Jolivette stated, “Thank you.”
Councilmun Ken Marks questioned, “I am wondering about the longevity or the length
of the tax proposal. How many years?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Ten years.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I did not know if it was in here.”
Parish President fessie Bellard stated, *It is not in the pamphlet but that is the projected
10 year renewable.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “With the option of renewal?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard statedr “Renewal, yes.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Okay, thank you.”
Councilmsn Dexter Brown questioned, “Mr. President, when is that coming up for a
vote?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “June 27,2026. One other thing, the State of the
Parish is on January 22,2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Delta Grand. I just wanted to give you
all a FYI. That is all that I have.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Bellard I have a question.
We have not received the Budget for 2026 when do you think we might getthat?”
Parish President Jessie Bellsrd stated,”Iwill bring it to the Full Council at the next
meeting to be re-introduced. I did talk with our DA and I think that we are coming up to
a good understanding on the budget.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “This is just a comment Mr. Bellard. It would be a
good idea for the committees with the nine parish area buy whatever land you all are
buying and pen point an exact location of this facility. In history if the public does not
know where this facility is going to be located nine times out of ten times they are going
to vote against it. That is just my opinion, they have 5 billion people in the world that is
just my opinion.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right, I understand and you are absolutely
correct. The last time that we had this opportunity when the state wanted to come in it
was never wanted in my back yard, so to speak. This is something that the Juvenile
Justice District Board decides on. This is not something that is being brought to the
council so you all don’t have to decide on that, thank God because the last time we had
the opportunity it got kicked out and it is now housed right there in Bunkie. We would
have had free bed space and we would have be set up a lot better if we would have kept
that here. I want people to understand that this facility is not going to be a jail okay. *e
will be housing these juveniles because of what crime they may have committed. It is
also going to give these judges the ability to get these kids to go and sit down for a couple
of days for doing a minor crime so it does not lead up to a major crime. Right now you will be surprised of the Judges that call me and say I have to send this kid, he/she had a
gun or something. We want to try to prevent that from happening so we don’t have to
bring them across the street whenever they make 18 years old. It is a process and it is
much needed but the word tax is not a good word and nobody wants to pay a tax. I am just here to tell you that people are paying for it whether they know it or not.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Thank you.”
Councilmsn Ken Marks qaestioned, “I was wondering about the utilization of each
Parish Representation. Have that been discussed? If it has what are the numbers?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,”so it is not going to be where each parish have a
set number. We are talking about the numbers now but we have to make sure that we
have the capability to bring in these Juveniles that have the more serious crimes but also
allowing the Judges to put those in there. It is a 96 bed facility and nine-parishes and it
does not seem like a lot. Right now I think we haveT out right now. I think we will fill
up whatever capacity we may have, that is in the talks right now. To put a hard number
on a parish is going to be kind of difficult because some parishes may need more even
though they have less people. I think we will play it by ear but everyone will get their
fair share.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “You would think whoever is paying the biggest tax
aspect or generated revenue should have some opportunity to have additional space is all
that I am saying.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,”Yes,looking at it from that aspect I agree but we
also have to realize that some of the communities that don’t have as much people and
don’t pay as much taxes may have more crime. We have to keep an open mind when it
comes to that.”
Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Have you all discussed outside of the region?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated,”Yes we have. One of the issues is this: The
state had money for grab last year. Part of the process was if we would get any money
from the state we would have to hold 30% bed capacity for them. We asked for it and we
did not get anything and now the board decided to move forward with a tax and not
pursue any more state funding with those loopholes in there, however if the capacity
allows we may have to house outside prisoners and outside inmates to help with the
operations. Our initial thought process is not to do that until we can see what we need for
our parish and in the district.”
Councilmsn Ken Marks stated, “Thank you.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated,’Mr. Bellard I may have
misunderstood. When this tax goes to the voters for a vote and it passes in a majority of
the parishes and the minority voted against it will they end up paying the tax also?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is correct.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Can you explain that legally
Counselor? Can you explain that legally?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “The voters in the district vote on whether or
not there shall be a tax and the majority vote prevails.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated,’The majority vote win all of
the nine-parishes?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated,’RJght it is one district legislatively created
and the voter within that district. Now there are different parishes but this is a district.”
Administrative Finunce Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “so it is a popular vote in
Acadia, Allen, Evangeline,Iberia, Jeff Davis, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Landry,
Vermillion is that correct?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Yes.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, {f they get a majority vote in
this district composed of these parishes everybody pays.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Right.”
Administrative Finance chuirman Harold Taylor stated, “okay, thank you.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “One of the comments before it is asked the
election cost will be on the state. Since the state created us the state will have to burden
the cost of the elections. It is not going to be put on the parish nor on each one of the
parishes.”
A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Faltery
Jolivette to forward to Regular Meeting held on ll/ednesday, January 2lst, 2026 to
further discuss the Juvenile Facility in St. Landry parish.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Emest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motionforwarded

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown
to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 2In, 2026 to authorize the
approval of the Adjudicated Property Sales from December 29th,2025.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motionforwarded.
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to forward to Regular Meeting held on ll/ednesday, January 21’t, 2026 to
authorize the Parish President to renew the Contract between St. Landry Parish
Government with Washington State Bank.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motionforwarded.
A motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to accept the Parish President & Finance Report:
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion canied.

Forward all applications received for four appointments for a three-year term to the
st. Landry Parish Economic Development Board. (01-01-2026 -01-01-2029).
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Timmy
Lejeune to forward to Regular Meeting held on ll/ednesday, January 2l’t,2026 all
applications received for four appointments for a three-year term to the St. Landry Parish
Economic Development Board. (01-I-2026 – 0l-01-2029).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motionforwarded.
6′ Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment for a five-year term to
the st. Landry Agricultural Arena Authority. (03-17-z0zl – 03-17-2026).
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to forward to Regular Meeting held on ll/ednesday, January 2lst, 2026 to
authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment for a five-year term to the St.
Landry Agricultural Arena Authority. (3-17 -2021 – 03-t7 -2026).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTATNED:None.
Motionforwarded.
7 Forward to full council to approve the results from the Adjudicated Property Sales
from December 29th, 2025.
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Discuss Rooster Fighting in the Parish. (councilman Timmy Lejeune).
Councilman Timmy Lejeane stated,66l put this back on the agenda simply for just one
cause. I would like to see that this gets to the full committee. The reason for that is
because the last time it was brought up I think it was kind of pushed. I do understand
there maybe some discrepancies in there but I would like to have that opportunity for it to
get to the full council and that is all that I am asking this committee to do tonight. If you
would please consider looking at this and we can get it to the full council. I make that
motion that it goes forward.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I just have a discussion on that. Yes I know that you
want to push it forward to go to the full council but we have two State Statues on Cock
Fighting in Louisiana.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “You are I00Yo correct Mr. Brown but all I am
asking is to get it to the full council so we can do some research and get some real answers
for this, I get all of that. I am just asking to get it to the full council. You can vote ‘no’ in
the full council if you like but all I am asking is that we get it to the full council.”
Councilman Dexter Brown statedr'{Jnless we ask Governor Jeff Landry to do an
Executive Order on it.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Timmy, if it is illegal and
it is a State Statue why would you want to bring it to the full council?”
Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, { do want to bring it because what I understand is
that you can go to the state and get an exemption for that permit to happen. I don’t know
if it is true I am just asking to get it to the full council.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Why don’t you ask our
attorney if we can do it that way. We will get an answer before we have to rehearse this
thing again. Mr. Duplechain do you want to expound on that?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated,’As far as I know you cannot get a permit to
commit a felony which is what it is currently. If you ‘attend’ it or ‘bet’ on it then it is a
misdemeanor. If you organize cock fights or conduct it, it is a felony. If you get
convicted of it there is a minimum of 6 months in jail and a minimum of a $750.00 fine on
the first offense. On the second offense there is a minimum of one year in jail and a
minimum of a $1,000.00 fine. That is the State Statue, State Legislature. The State
Legislature can repeal statues, are they going to repeal this one, we don’t know, but it is a
State Statue. District Courts can invalidate statues as unconstitutional but you need a
lawsuit first to bring it before court then it will have to sustain itself in the Courts of
Appeals. That is basically what is out there. I did not find anything in Case Law stating
to ignore this statue and it does not count. That is just a plain objective unbiased analysis
of the situation without being ‘far’ it or ‘against’ it. That is the law as it is right now.”
Administrative Finance Chairmun Harold Taylor stated, “Are you saying that if we
make a motion to send this to the full council for further consideration we could be
charged?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “No Sir.”
Chairman Jody lVhite stated,’lVhat I want to say is this: Exactly what you said Mr.
Duplechain and what a lot of you guys are thinking is not the intent of what these
gentlemen here are trying to do. Meaning, they are not asking us to change a law or go
against a law, they are asking for some help to look at something. The reason that I am
saying it that way without saying more than that I did have an opportunity to sit down with
on of the gentleman in this room tonight. I am in agreeance with Mr. Timmy that we need
to look at it more and we can then in turn talk about exactly what they are asking of us. It
is not for us to make our own law or go against what the state has.”
Councilmun Ken Marks stated, “The constitution allows due process and the way that I
look at it no matter what situation we have we should take a closer look at it and get all of
the information on the table, state, federal and local and make a decision based on the
facts. If it is unlawful and we can’t do anything about that then it is unlawful and then it is
done.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Deliberation and discussion is always part of
the Legislative Process even if it does not lead to anything. So passing it to the full
council is okay there is no rule against it. Nothing may not lead anywhere but deliberation
or discussion is always a good thing for a Legislative Body.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “If we do this can you provide us with the detailed
information on these laws and the statue and limitations and things of that nature so we
can make a decision.”

Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “There are essentially two statues. One is a
felony to conduct a cock fight and the other one is a misdemeanor to attend or bet on a
cock fight. There is no case law that invalidates it. We can look at this as detailed and
extensively as you would want. Just too clear unbiased objective analysis of it but it is in
the law books.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned,’nVhat statue were you
quoting from Mr. Duplechain.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Title 14 Section 102.23, that is conducting it
and then Title 14 Section 102.24 that is betting or attending it.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “Is that the part that you
read 102.24? Because 102.23 said something different. It says it should be unlawful for
any person to: l. Organize or conduct any commercial or private cock fighting where
there is a display of combat or fighting amongst one or more Domestic or Ferrell Chickens
in which it is intended or reasonably foreseeable that the chicken would be injured,
maimed, mutilated of killed and it goes on.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Yes, the statue in back of it is betting and
attending the fight.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “so if that is the law we would
have to have the Legislature change the law to allow us to do it. They would have to void
this Statue, is that what you are saying?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Right, number one, Legislature would repeal
statue or the number and the court would declare it unconstitutional if there is a lawsuit.
Neither of those things involve the Parish Council.”
Administrutive Finance chairman Harold Taylor statedr “Alright, I got you.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “What is that motion?”
Administrative Finance Chairman Hurold Taylor stated,’R.epeat your motion.”
Councilman Timmy Lejeane stated, “I want to forward this to the full council and have a
discussion about cock fighting, permits and their possibilities in our parish.”
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Ken
Marks to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, January 21’t, 2026 to discuss
Rooster Fighting, Permits and their Possibilities in St. Landry parish.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motionforwarded

Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.
None.
Adjourn.
A motion was made by Councilman Ernest Blanchard, seconded by Councilman Dexter
Brown to adjourn the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune
and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE
KAREN BARLOW, ASSISTANT COUNCIL CLERI(

XIV. ADJOURN