The Natchitoches City Council met Monday, Nov. 9, to consider several ordinances, zoning requests, cooperative endeavor agreements and a resolution related to a completed demolition project.
The meeting also included employee and community recognitions, along with discussions concerning drainage improvements, historic preservation and city-owned property.
The City recognized Whitney Wolf of the Natchitoches Police Department’s communications division as Employee of the Month. Police Chief Collins praised Wolf for her eight and a half years of service, professionalism and dedication to assisting residents during emergencies. Wolf was also recently recognized by the police department after being selected by her peers for an employee award. Collins noted that Wolf serves as a dispatcher and helps train new communications personnel. He emphasized the importance of dispatchers, who often serve as the first point of contact for residents seeking emergency assistance.
The city also recognized Silver Square Lodge No. 49 for its service and support of Natchitoches residents. William Roberson Jr., speaking on behalf of the organization, thanked the city for the recognition and discussed the lodge’s community involvement, including Easter egg events, back-to-school drives, community cleanups and work at Ross Williams Park.
In other business, the council introduced Ordinance No. 043 of 2026, concerning a zoning classification change for property at 810 East Second Street. The property owner explained that he and his family purchased the property approximately six months ago. The property includes two residences, one of which contains a downstairs one-bedroom apartment. He requested the zoning change to allow the downstairs apartment to operate as a short-term rental through Airbnb. He explained that the apartment could provide accommodations for visiting artists and other guests traveling to Natchitoches. He also told council members that his family lives next door and would be available to oversee the property.
During the discussion, council members noted the apartment’s size, proximity to the owner’s residence and nearby bed-and-breakfast establishments. The request previously received unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The ordinance was introduced and will return for consideration at a future meeting.
The council also introduced Ordinance No. 044 of 2026, involving property at 108 and 110 Mill Street, where Flying Heart Brewing & Pub operates. The ordinance concerns rezoning approximately 0.393 acres from B-1 with a special exception to B-3 with a BA endorsement, allowing alcohol consumption on the premises.
Discussion centered on an existing lease-purchase agreement dating to 2016, parking requirements, shared parking arrangements, access to the property and a separate lease involving the adjacent beer garden.
The company has provided notice of its intention to complete the purchase under the existing agreement. The property contains 30 parking spaces and would require a servitude for 10 additional spaces to meet the 40-space requirement identified through the planning process.
Council members also discussed whether shared parking arrangements would better accommodate future development at the former mill site. The separate beer garden property was also discussed, including a potential long-term lease and environmental limitations affecting the property.
City representatives and the property owner’s attorney indicated that additional agreements and documentation would need to be addressed as the purchase process moves forward.
Ordinance No. 044 was introduced without a final vote.
The council approved Ordinance No. 038 of 2026, establishing regulations concerning excessive accumulation of personal property and materials that create unsafe, unsanitary or hazardous conditions. During discussion, city representatives explained that existing ordinance language concerning property accumulation had been too vague for enforcement purposes.
The revised ordinance provides more specific language identifying conditions that may result in notices, fines or citations. Council members discussed the importance of consistently enforcing the regulations throughout the city.
The ordinance was approved unanimously by the council members voting.
The council also unanimously approved Ordinance No. 039 of 2026, recognizing and continuing the existing operational authority of the Ward One City Marshal of Natchitoches. During discussion, Mayor Ronnie Williams referenced changes at the state legislative level that prompted the need for the ordinance. The measure was previously introduced and received final approval during Monday’s meeting.
Ordinance No. 040 of 2026 was introduced to authorize the city to lease property at 200 Rapides Drive to Driver Pipeline. During discussion, city representatives explained that Driver Pipeline is the new contractor working on Atmos Energy gas line replacements in Natchitoches. The project is expected to continue for another five to seven years, and the contractor is seeking a local location to store equipment and establish an operational base. The proposed lease would provide the contractor access to the currently unused city property for $3,700 per month.
The agreement would include an initial one-year term with automatic one-year extensions. Driver Pipeline would be responsible for utilities and improvements to the property. Major modifications would require consultation with the city. Council members discussed the property’s previous uses and expressed support for putting the vacant property into use while generating rental revenue.
The ordinance was introduced for future consideration.
The council introduced Ordinance No. 041 of 2026, approving a proposed cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and the Cane River Waterway District for a drainage study along Parkway Drive. The study would cover Parkway Drive from Paula Lane to Keyser Avenue and would be conducted in preparation for a future resurfacing project.
According to the ordinance, drainage improvements are necessary before the road can be resurfaced effectively. The study would examine the amount of stormwater runoff generated along the roadway and identify possible locations for storm drain outfall pipes directing water into Cane River Lake.
The estimated cost of the study is up to $100,000, with the Cane River Waterway District agreeing to contribute up to $50,000. Council members discussed existing drainage problems along Parkway Drive, including water collecting near homes and roadways. The discussion also addressed how improvements could help direct stormwater into Cane River Lake, potentially offsetting some water withdrawals for agricultural irrigation.
Existing drainage conditions, including enclosed ditches and damaged or obstructed culverts, have contributed to standing water and roadway deterioration. Council members emphasized the importance of completing drainage improvements before investing in resurfacing the roadway.
The ordinance was introduced without a final vote.
Ordinance No. 042 of 2026 was introduced to authorize a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation and the Cane River Waterway District.
The agreement would allow construction on city-owned property to protect the Pascale-Roque House and associated facilities from flooding and erosion.
According to the ordinance, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation obtained an estimate of $263,000 for the proposed work, and the Cane River Waterway District agreed to contribute that amount toward the project.
During discussion, council members learned that the primary drainage problem affects a support building constructed as part of the Pascale-Roque House project. The building contains restrooms and storage space. During heavy rainfall, water and mud flow down the adjacent slope and enter the structure. The proposed project would capture and redirect stormwater into Cane River Lake to prevent additional damage.
City representatives explained that the Natchitoches Historic Foundation would oversee the project, while the city’s participation is required because the improvements would take place on city-owned property. The city has already completed utility-related work in the area, including relocating a sewer line and other utilities.
The proposed $263,000 construction cost would be funded by the Cane River Waterway District rather than through an additional city contribution.
The ordinance was introduced for future consideration.
The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 073 of 2026, acknowledging completion and authorizing closeout of the Fiscal Year 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Clearance and Demolition Project. The resolution identifies a contract amount of $89,602 for demolition work completed by Lathan Construction LLC.
During discussion, Mayor Ronnie Williams said the project resulted in the demolition of 15 structures. He explained that the city had received a grant award of nearly $200,000, but the actual contract bid was considerably lower than the awarded amount.
The resolution formally acknowledges completion of the contracted demolition work and authorizes the necessary project closeout procedures.
The next Natchitoches City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23, 2026.