St. Charles Parish Informer · Meeting coverage · 6:00 PM · Council Chambers, Courthouse
Meeting Summary
The St. Charles Parish Council held its regular meeting to confirm new department leadership, restructure parish government, and address zoning for a fast-growing industry. Council members confirmed Brandon Bernard as Director of Public Works and Miles Bingham as Director of a newly created Department of Engineering, splitting day-to-day operations from capital-project design work. The council also passed a new zoning ordinance regulating data centers in the parish's industrial districts, adding a noise standard and buffer requirements after lengthy public and council debate, and approved several property sales and a coastal shoreline protection agreement for Lake Salvador.
Decisions & Votes
Approved9–02026-0171
An ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article II., Departments, by adding Sec. 2-24 to create the Department of engineering and provide for its responsibilities and functions.
Moved by Heather SkibaSeconded by Bob Fisher
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0182
A resolution endorsing a waiver from Appendix C, Subdivision Regulations of 1981, Section III. Geometric Standards, B. Blocks, item 3. Arrangement, as requested by Glendon Nelson Jr.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0183
A resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Louisiana through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the St. Charles Parish Government regarding the engineering and design of the Lake Salvador Shoreline Protection Project (BA-0292).
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0185
A resolution waiving the five-hundred-foot (500’) distance requirement from a protected organization and allowing issuance of a Class B retailer alcohol license for Birdies Dustbowl Store, 12590 River Road, Destrehan, as requested by Nabut Brothers Real Estate, LLC.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0173
Calendar of Official Action for the 2027 Budget: Set Public Hearing Dates
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved8–12026-0171
An ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article II., Departments, by adding Sec. 2-24 to create the Department of engineering and provide for its responsibilities and functions.
Yea (8)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Nay (1)Walter Pilié
Approved9–02026-0171
An ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article II., Departments, by adding Sec. 2-24 to create the Department of engineering and provide for its responsibilities and functions.
Moved by Bob FisherSeconded by Holly Fonseca
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0162
An ordinance to approve and authorize the Parish President to execute an Act of Sale by St. Charles Parish, for a portion of property known as Eastern Greenbelt Park, described as Lot 1-A, Block F-I, and Lot 11-A, Block H, Norco, Louisiana 70079, in the amount of $20,000.00.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0172
An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with All South Consulting Engineers, LLC, for the Milling Drainage Improvements (Project No. P260501), in the lump sum of $85,575.00.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0163
An ordinance of the St. Charles Parish Council as the governing authority of the Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of St. Charles to approve and authorize the Parish President to execute an Act of Sale for property known as Eastern Greenbelt Park, described as Lots 31, 32, and 33, in Good Hope Subdivision, Block E, Norco, Louisiana, 70079 in the amount of $80,000.00.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0170
An ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances, Appendix A. - St. Charles Parish Zoning Ordinance of 1981, Section III. - Definitions, adding a definition for Data Center, Section VI. - Zoning district criteria and regulations., D. Manufacturing and industry districts, adding Data Centers as permitted uses in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts, and adding requirements for data centers to Section VII. - Supplemental use and performance regulations.
Moved by Michelle O'DanielsSeconded by La Sandra D. Wilson
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0170
An ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances, Appendix A. - St. Charles Parish Zoning Ordinance of 1981, Section III. - Definitions, adding a definition for Data Center, Section VI. - Zoning district criteria and regulations., D. Manufacturing and industry districts, adding Data Centers as permitted uses in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts, and adding requirements for data centers to Section VII. - Supplemental use and performance regulations.
Moved by Michelle O'DanielsSeconded by Michele deBruler
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0170
An ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances, Appendix A. - St. Charles Parish Zoning Ordinance of 1981, Section III. - Definitions, adding a definition for Data Center, Section VI. - Zoning district criteria and regulations., D. Manufacturing and industry districts, adding Data Centers as permitted uses in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts, and adding requirements for data centers to Section VII. - Supplemental use and performance regulations.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0186
Confirmation Hearing for Appointment of Director - Department of Public Works - Mr. Brandon Bernard
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0187
Confirmation Hearing for Appointment of Director - Department of Engineering - Mr. Miles Bingham
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0156
A resolution appointing Lt. Devin Lavergne to the St. Charles Parish Communications District representing the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Approved9–02026-0169
A resolution appointing the St. Charles Herald-Guide as Official Journal to serve the Parish Council of St. Charles Parish for the period June 2026 through June 2027.
Yea (9)Michael A. Mobley, Holly Fonseca, La Sandra D. Wilson, Heather Skiba, Walter Pilié, Willie Comardelle, Michelle O'Daniels, Bob Fisher, Michele deBruler
Watch Items
- Public hearing set for Monday, June 15, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers, Courthouse, Hahnville, on:
- An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance 25-9-8, which approved the Professional Services Agreement with GIS Engineering, LLC, to perform additional engineering services for the Turtle Pond Pump Station and Upstream Drainage Improvements (Project No. P250901), increasing the overall contract value to $1,411,180.50. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Royal Engineers and Consultants, LLC, to perform engineering services for the Lake Salvador Shoreline Protection Project (Project No. P260502), in an amount not to exceed $3,377,781.75.
- Data center noise standards need further work. Although the council adopted a 55-decibel noise limit for data centers, Chairman Pilié raised concerns that the standard may not adequately address low-frequency noise from data center equipment. The administration agreed to work with acoustic engineers to consider additional measures, including C-weighted noise analysis and monitoring at greater distances, before any data center project is approved.
- Code enforcement transparency. Council member Wilson asked staff to create a resident-facing explanation (such as a handout) of the specific ordinances behind code enforcement actions like grass-cutting or vehicle violations, so residents understand the rules being enforced. Staff agreed to develop this.
- Floodplain rating review. The Department of Planning & Zoning is pursuing a further reduction in the parish's Community Rating System (CRS) score, aiming for a "5" rating (from the current "6") before the October renewal deadline, which would lower flood insurance costs parish-wide.
- DOTD sand/dirt buildup at LA 3160 and LA 18. The parish is monitoring an ongoing hazard caused by dirt from a nearby sandpit and is considering invoicing the responsible company rather than having taxpayers absorb the cleanup cost.