Here is a selection of items on the agendas for this week’s meetings of the City and Parish councils. To see the full agendas, check out the links below:
- Parish Agenda
- City Agenda (Public Comment Time!)
Lafayette 101
Lafayette Transit System
Lafayette’s transit system runs several routes out of its hub in Downtown Lafayette. Its $5 million annual budget is primarily funded by city general fund subsidies and federal transportation grants. LTS generates around $200,000 annually in fares.
Parish Council
Final Adoption
Ranch Road Bridge replacement. This ordinance authorizes the mayor-president to acquire or expropriate land for this project.
Introduction
$5.6 million for the Buchanan garage and parish courthouse. This ordinance appropriates $5.6 million from the Courthouse Complex Fund. $3.4 million will pay for a second phase of repairs to the Buchanan Street Parking Garage. $2.2 million will go to improvements at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse. In 2020, the Parish Council approved $3.5 million for garage repairs. The garage is only partially functional; it doesn’t have a working elevator.
City Council
Resolutions
Investigation. This resolution authorizes the City Council chair to sign legal and financial documents related to this investigation.
Final Adoption
No significant items.
Introduction
Transit service for Carencro. This ordinance authorizes the mayor-president to enter into a collaborative endeavor agreement with the City of Carencro for use of Lafayette Transit System. Carencro will pay $100 per service hour.
Joint Items
Resolutions
Grants from the Inflation Reduction Act. This resolution authorizes the administration to apply for any grants that might come available from that Act. For an overview of what those grants could entail, read this.
Final Adoption
Raises for council staff. This ordinance increases the pay rate for a Senior Administrative Assistant, the Assistant Clerk of the Council, and the Clerk of the Council. These raises were ensnared in the political battle over the mayor-president’s proposed raises for his directors.
New garbage contractor. This ordinance authorizes the mayor-president to enter into a contract with Acadiana Waste Services to handle trash and recycling in the City of Lafayette and unincorporated areas. Acadiana Waste Services is a locally owned company.
$83,000 for Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds to SMILE. This ordinance recognizes revenue from the federal government and passes it through to community action agency SMILE. These funds were released by the U.S. Department of Treasury on Sept 15.
$4.8 million for Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds to SMILE and Catholic Charities of Acadiana. This ordinance recognizes revenue from the federal government and passes through $1.3 million to Catholic Charities and $3.5 million to SMILE. These funds were released by the U.S. Department of Treasury on Sept. 23.
Introduction
Another raise. This ordinance gives a 4% raise to the controller position in the finance department.
Property
| Address | Approval | Action |
| 2401 Louisiana Ave | City Council | Rezone from MN-1 to CH(c) |
| 1606 Kaliste Saloom Rd | City Council | Rezone from CM-1(c) to CM-1 |
| 2112 N University Ave | City Council | Rezone from CM-1 to RS-1 |
| 129 Rue Felicite | Joint Council | Acquire full ownership of adjudicated property |
| 308 Valley St | Joint Council | Acquire full ownership of adjudicated property |
News + Notes
City Council passes Guillory investigation to legislative auditor
The council’s contracted auditor turned over its findings, which will remain confidential until and unless the LLA decides to release them.
Registration requirements likely for Lafayette short-term rentals
Requiring short-term rentals to register with the city is a likely compromise, but operators and opponents remain divided on restrictions like conditional permitting.
Conversation: Is Lafayette affordable?
Studies suggest Lafayette isn’t so cheap. Is Lafayette an affordable place for you?