The Natchitoches Parish Council addressed infrastructure projects, citizen concerns and several administrative matters during its regular meeting on March 16, including trail ride regulations, road system updates, budget amendments and reports of infrastructure damage linked to fiber installation.
During the guest presentation portion of the meeting, Bonnie Tolar spoke on behalf of residents along Highway 1226 and surrounding areas about issues related to trail rides that have taken place in the community. Tolar said past trail ride events attracted large crowds, with one event drawing more than 1,000 participants. Residents reported problems including riders entering private property and concerns about safety and property damage.
Tolar requested that the parish amend Chapter 125, Article 3 of the parish code of ordinances to specifically regulate trail rides. Her proposal included requiring health certificates for all animals participating in rides, prohibiting motorized vehicles from being included, limiting rides to no more than 25 animals in the area and preventing riders from entering private property.
She said current parish ordinances address gatherings but do not specifically regulate trail rides. Existing rules apply only to events with more than 50 people, which she said could allow organizers to request permits for smaller gatherings and later host larger events without sufficient enforcement.
Council members said they would review the request with the parish attorney to determine whether changes to the ordinance could be considered.
Jason East and Brad Slay with Seitel addressed the council regarding a proposed seismic survey project covering approximately 300 square miles in Natchitoches and Sabine parishes.
The project involves a modern 3D seismic survey that uses ground sensors and controlled vibrations to collect geological data used by energy companies to analyze subsurface formations.
Representatives explained that sensors placed in the ground collect signals produced by specialized trucks that create vibrations on road surfaces. In wooded areas, small drilled charges may be used to generate similar signals.
Council members asked questions about safety, proximity to homes and potential damage to roads or property. Company representatives said the equipment is designed to minimize ground impact and that any damages would be repaired.
The survey process is expected to take roughly 18 months and requires permission from property owners before crews can enter private land.
Public Works Director Joey Creamer reported that crews responded to storm damage the night before the meeting, removing several fallen trees and reopening affected roads.
Parish Treasurer Julie Lockhart presented financial reports including the check register, general ledger transactions and budget-to-actual comparisons for the general and highway funds.
Lockhart said parish sales tax collections were down approximately 31 percent but noted the decline may be tied to an issue with the parish e-filing system. She said the parish expects the numbers to rebound once the issue is resolved.
The council voted to reappoint Carletta Jones and Ludlow McNeely Jr. to the Natchitoches Parish Waterworks District 2 Board.
Council members introduced Ordinance 004-2026, which would amend the parish zoning ordinance to allow data centers, digital infrastructure facilities and power generation as permitted uses within the I-2 heavy industrial zoning district.
Officials explained that the ordinance would simply add those uses to the zoning language. Any specific development would still be required to obtain the appropriate permits and approvals before construction.
During public hearings, the council considered three ordinances.
An ordinance that would add 126 feet of Ucie Vascocu Road to the parish road system was discussed but ultimately failed when no council member made a motion to adopt it. Some council members expressed concern that the roadway appeared to function as a private driveway rather than a public road.
The council approved an ordinance adopting a 2026 budget amendment related to Blanchard Road and Clark Road projects. The amendment allows funds originally reserved for Blanchard Road to be shifted to Clark Road after the projects were funded through appropriations rather than the state capital outlay program.
Council members also approved an ordinance adding approximately 0.48 miles of Levy Taylor Road back into the parish road system. Officials said the road had been removed from the system in the early 1990s after residents moved away. With residents now living along the road again, restoring it to the parish system will allow maintenance and improve access for emergency and healthcare services.
The council approved a request from Parish President John Salter to officially change the title of the public works director from interim director to director of public works.
Members also approved providing $3,000 to the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce for signage and materials for Natchitoches Day at the Legislature at the Louisiana State Capitol.
During the visitor comment period, a representative from the Chestnut–Vicarra Water System reported damages caused by installation work conducted by Swyft Fiber. The representative said the work resulted in approximately $28,000 in damages, including multiple breaks to water lines between November 2025 and February 2026. He said crews replaced more than 400 feet of water line after several breaks occurred while fiber lines were being installed. The water system requested assistance from the parish in seeking reimbursement from the company.
Another resident raised concerns about deteriorating road conditions on Julian Drive, stating that patching and gravel repairs have not resolved ongoing issues with the road surface.
Residents also asked about access to fiber internet service in rural areas, expressing concern that some neighborhoods may not be included in the current phase of installation.
The council concluded the meeting after hearing public comments and completing agenda items.
