The Natchitoches Parish Council met on July 27 and heard reports from department heads, approved board reappointments, adopted several zoning ordinances, approved a resolution supporting Natchitoches Parish as a stakeholder in the proposed Louisiana Maneuvers Heritage Trail, and added several items to the agenda.
Public Works Director Joey Creamer answered questions regarding road maintenance and patching operations. Council members discussed recent patch work, equipment needs and new materials and methods for road repairs.
Creamer said crews were continuing to work with available equipment while seeking improvements.
Parish Treasurer Julie Lockhart presented the check register, general ledger, budget-to-actual report for the general fund and the general fund balance sheet.
She also reported sales tax collections had rebounded and discussed preparations for the 2027 parish budget, with plans to begin work immediately and potentially introduce the budget in September.
Planning and zoning matters were also discussed. Lockhart reported permit information had been uploaded to the parish website.
Parish President John Salter discussed road projects, including work on Lateral Lane, and addressed concerns regarding planning and zoning enforcement, illegal dumping and blighted properties.
Representatives from the Regional Planning Commission discussed current enforcement procedures and recommended the parish consider adopting the International Property Maintenance Code to provide uniform standards for addressing blighted properties. They also discussed developing a proposal to provide additional enforcement personnel to assist with planning and zoning, illegal dumping and blight enforcement.
Council members also discussed concerns raised by residents regarding blighted properties, responsibilities between parish departments and municipalities, and possible enforcement options.
The council unanimously approved adding three items to the agenda:
- A cooperative endeavor agreement between the parish and Atmos Energy LLC for repairs and improvements to portions of Bethany Road to facilitate public travel, drainage and temporary access for Atmos operations.
- A resolution approving the relocation of Precinct 49’s polling place from the Cane River Waterway Office at 244 Cedar Bend Road to the new facility at 1483 Highway 119.
- A resolution ordering a special election related to renewal of the library tax and application to the State Bond Commission.
The council approved the minutes from its June 15 regular meeting.
Board reappointments approved by the council included:
- Michael Newton to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Board of Commissioners.
- Dennis Broadway to the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 7 Board.
- Patrick D. Masson to the Natchitoches Parish Waterworks District II Board.
Following a public hearing, the council adopted Ordinance 018-2026 repealing and rescinding Ordinance 009-2026, which had removed a portion of Felise Lacaze Road from the parish road maintenance system. Council members said the required road abandonment procedures had not been followed before the previous ordinance was adopted.
The council also adopted Ordinance 012-2026 approving a zoning change for a special exception allowing construction of a cell tower on a 26.397-acre tract at 2819 Highway 120 in Robeline.
Action on Ordinance 013-2026, involving a zoning amendment for property at 274 Highway 3191, was tabled after planning and zoning staff explained it had not received Planning Commission approval and should not have appeared on the council agenda.
The council approved Ordinance 014-2026, changing the zoning of property at 167 Eight Mile Loop to Community and Central Business District (B3) zoning to allow an additional mobile home while accommodating existing uses on the property.
The council also adopted Ordinance 015-2026 rezoning property at 155, 157 and 159 Fulton Road to Family Residence District (R1) zoning for new construction. During discussion, council members asked about floodplain requirements, with planning staff explaining floodplain compliance would be reviewed during the building permit process.
The council adopted Resolution 024-2026 recognizing Natchitoches Parish as a stakeholder and potential hub for the proposed Louisiana Maneuvers Heritage Trail.
During discussion, council members noted the Louisiana Legislature had approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 75 directing a feasibility study regarding a Louisiana Maneuvers Museum and Military Heritage Center. They said the resolution supports including Natchitoches Parish in future planning because of its historical significance during the 1941 Louisiana Maneuvers.
The council also approved the resolution relocating the Precinct 49 polling place to the new Cane River Waterway facility and approved the resolution ordering a special election related to renewal of the parish library tax and application to the State Bond Commission.
Finally, the council approved the cooperative endeavor agreement with Atmos Energy LLC for improvements to portions of Bethany Road.