Livingston Parish Council 9 10 26

The Livingston Parish Council meeting held on September 10, 2026, included several procurement and zoning-related discussions. The council unanimously ratified appointments to the Industrial Development Board and approved bids for the Better Road Program project, awarding a contract to RJ Dagel and Suns Construction for approximately $7.9 million, which notably exceeded the engineer's estimate by about $400,000. The council also adopted multiple ordinances related to rezoning parcels for commercial and heavy industrial use, including a significant rezoning of agricultural land to heavy industrial to accommodate a local traffic control products company. Additionally, the council introduced an ordinance to regulate power plants and electric generating facilities, requiring special use permits and limiting such facilities to heavy industrial zones. Public concerns were raised about potential impacts of industrial development, including data centers, on residential areas. The council also discussed and debated a proposed social media policy for appointed board members aimed at setting conduct standards and potential removal for violations, which sparked considerable public and council member discourse on free speech and governance. Other actions included approval of property acquisitions under FEMA hazard mitigation grants and adjustments to local speed limits. Overall, the meeting focused on infrastructure projects, land use planning, and governance policies affecting future procurement and development activities in Livingston Parish.