The Natchitoches City Council considered a full agenda during its June 22 meeting, introducing proposed changes to utility rate adjustments, reviewing zoning requests for a residential development and hotel property, approving a downtown infrastructure change order and receiving an update on a proposed economic development agreement.
The council also recognized the 2026 Miss Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival Queen and the inaugural winners of the local Juneteenth pageant.
The council presented a commemorative plaque to Emmy Fasske, the 2026 Miss Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival Queen. Fasske has represented Natchitoches at events across the state during her reign.
The council also recognized Genesis Conday, Miss Juneteenth; Zakiyya Hamilton, Junior Miss Juneteenth; and Zaya Smith, Little Miss Juneteenth. A representative from U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields’ Office presented the queens with congressional commendations.
Two planning and zoning ordinances were introduced and will return for public hearings and final votes at the July 13 council meeting.
Ordinance No. 21, introduced by Councilman Dale Nielsen, would change the zoning classification of approximately 3.5 acres in the Blanchard Road subdivision. The property is located on the north side of Keyser Avenue and includes a portion of property between lots in the subdivision.
Developers have proposed building five gated duplexes with covered carports behind the Ivan Smith furniture store. The project is intended to provide housing for families transitioning from apartment living who are not yet ready to purchase a home.
Council members discussed access, road conditions and drainage requirements. City Engineer Nick Verret said nearby Chris Street and Claudia Street are outside city limits, requiring developers to secure access and meet city standards if streets are eventually dedicated to the city. A drainage study will also be required to ensure post-development runoff does not exceed pre-development levels.
Ordinance No. 22, introduced by Councilwoman-at-Large Betty Smith-Kirkendall, would change the zoning classification for property at 5300 University Parkway, located near the intersection of Interstate 49 and Louisiana Highway 6. The property includes the Hampton Inn site. During discussion, officials said the request would allow on-premise beer and wine consumption as an amenity for hotel guests.
The council also introduced Ordinance No. 23 to enter into a one-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance for fiscal year 2026-2027. The proposed agreement includes a $45,000 city contribution for economic development services. Laura Lyles, executive director of the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance and president of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, presented information on the organization’s work to recruit industry, market a 300-acre industrial tract near Louisiana Highway 6 and Interstate 49 and support redevelopment opportunities at the former Red River Mill site.
The city’s contribution represents 27 percent of NEDA’s operating budget. Concerns were raised about allocating funds to economic development while infrastructure and drainage needs remain in city neighborhoods.
Lyles said economic development projects often require years of planning and research before they result in new jobs or investments. Discussion also included whether the city should consider a longer agreement, but the ordinance was introduced as a one-year term.
The council introduced Ordinance No. 24 to amend the city’s utility rate adjustment process. The proposed ordinance would change language requiring annual electric rate adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index to allow increases that do not exceed the CPI. The change would give the city more flexibility to approve lower increases or avoid an increase based on budget conditions.
Council members amended the proposal to include water and sewer base rates under the same “not to exceed” CPI cap. The measure applies only to base rates and does not affect variable charges tied to fuel and power purchase costs billed to the city by the Louisiana Energy Power Authority.
The ordinance prompted discussion about whether future rate increases should return to the council for individual approval. Councilwoman Eli said she believes any increase should be brought before the council, while other officials said smaller, incremental adjustments can help prevent larger increases after long periods without rate changes.
The ordinance was introduced with a 5-0 vote and will return for a public hearing and final vote July 13.
The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 46, authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the contract between the City of Natchitoches and Skyplex Trucking, LLC, for the Second Street and Touline Street Concrete Pavement Replacement Project.
The change order adds $11,928 to the project’s original $2.31 million contract. Barrett said the adjustment was needed after fabrication reviews showed that planned catch basin tops and frames would not leave enough pavement cover over storm drainage infrastructure.
The project will use lower-profile catch basins and slightly smaller underground pipes. Barrett said the replacement drainage system will remain larger than the older brick drainage structures currently beneath the roadway.
The change order also includes work to connect new drainage lines to the existing storm system at Second Street and Touline Street. State assistance will cover 75 percent of the additional cost, leaving the city responsible for just over $2,000.
Construction on the section of Second Street between Church Street and Trudeau Street began June 22 and is expected to continue through an initial three-week phase before crews move toward Touline Street. The full contract allows 210 calendar days for completion, though city officials hope the work will be finished before the fall festival and Christmas Festival seasons.
Verret also reported that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development continues to target July 2027 for the letting of the Church Street Bridge replacement project. The city has retained an architectural consultant to study lighting options that will reflect the appearance of the existing bridge lighting while meeting state safety requirements.
The next scheduled Natchitoches City Council meeting is July 13, 2026.
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