PUBLIC HEARING OF THE TANGIPAHOA PARISH COUNCIL ON AUGUST 24, 2026, AT 5:30 P.M. AT THE
TANGIPAHOA PARISH GORDON A BURGESS GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING, 206 EAST MULBERRY
STREET, AMITE, LOUISIANA
Ms. Hyde, Chair made it known a public hearing would be held on the following:
PUBLIC HEARING
CONDEMNATION HEARING - 55507 Hwy 51, Independence, Assessment #426105, District 3 – Myra Holden,
52245 Danna Rd, Independence, spoke on behalf of the family explaining the opened succession and plans to demo
house and sell property once succession is completed. Ms. Holden asked for 30 days.
T.P. Ordinance No. 26-27, T.P. Ordinance No. 26-28, T.P. Ordinance No. 26-29 – No one asked to speak on these
items.
MINUTES OF THE TANGIPAHOA PARISH COUNCIL
AUGUST 24, 2026 MEETING
The Tangipahoa Parish Council met on the 24th day of August 2026 in Regular Session and was called to order by Ms.
Brigette Hyde, Chairwoman at 5:30pm. The Chair asked all cell phones to be muted or turned off.
The Invocation was given by Councilwoman Cieutat and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Wells.
The following members were PRESENT: Darrell Sinagra, John Ingraffia, Louis Joseph, Joe Havis, Buddy Ridgel, Joey
Mayeaux, Lionell Wells, Brigette Hyde, Strader Cieutat ABSENT: David Vial
ADOPTION OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Wells, seconded by Mr. Joseph to adopt the minutes of the regular
meeting dated August 10, 2026. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells,
Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
PUBLIC INPUT – No one from the public asked to speak
PARISH PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. FINANCIAL REPORT - President Miller made known monthly financial reports were emailed to the council.
2. PROCLAMATION – President Miller proclaimed National See Tracks? Think Train Week being September
21 – 27, 2026.
REGULAR BUSINESS
3. PRESENTATION: 911 Telephone Line Fees – Kevin Spansel, 911 Director, provided an update regarding the
new cloud based subscription system being purchased. The new system is expected to cost approximately $2.1
million over the next 5 years and is anticipated to go live in January or February 2027. Mr. Spansel also
reported that Motorola notified that the current radio system, which was installed in April 2025, will reach the
end of its expected service life in 2030. Mr. Spansel further discussed the need to increase compensation for
911 call takers in order to attract and retain qualified employees. He noted that call takers are currently paid
$17.00 per hour despite the significant responsibilities associated with the position, and that the adjustments to
the pay rate are being considered to make the positions more competitive. In June of 2026, legislation was
passed allowing 911 to increase the monthly fee of cell phone lines from $1.25 to $2.00 per wireless line. The
increase will result in an estimated annual increase of approximately $9.00 for the average caller. The fee has
not been increased since 2016. Mr. Spansel explained that the additional revenue will allow 911 to address
necessary operational needs, including the potential expansion of the existing facility or construction of a new
building. The increase is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027 pursuant Act 947 of 2026 (HB 463). Prior to
implementing the increase, 911 is required to hold a public hearing and notify the Parish Council. The public
hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, after which the Board of Commissioners will vote on the
proposed increase. If the increase is approved, an annual report will be prepared and submitted to the Parish
Council, Secretary of State, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and approximately 10 other agencies.
Mr. Joseph asked about grants available through GOHSEP. Mr. Spansel stated that 911 explored several grant
opportunities but has been unsuccessful in obtaining funds. He further stated that there are currently no grants
available for a technology upgrade. Mr. Joseph clarified that he was referring to grants for public safety rather
than for technology upgrades.
Mr. Havis asked whether, if the proposed increase is approved and the initial cost and financial obligations are
satisfied, there would be a possibility of reducing the cell phone fee in the future. Mr. Spansel stated that, with
the increasing costs of operations and equipment, he does not foresee a roll back of the fee. However, if the
increased fee generates an excess of revenue, a decrease could potentially be considered in the future. He
explained that with a new radio system estimated to cost approximately $1 million and a new building
estimated to cost between $5 million and $10 million, it could take considerable time for the additional
revenue to offset these anticipated expenses. Mr. Havis asked about the current revenue for 911. Mr. Spansel
stated that the current annual budget is just under $3 million.
Ms. Hyde asked whether the April 2026 fee increase applied only to landlines. Mr. Spansel confirmed that the
increase applied to landlines and business phones. Ms. Hyde asked whether the proposed new increase would
apply to cell phones and how many cell phones were being used to calculate the anticipated revenue. Mr.
Spansel stated that he did not have an exact number of cell phones but noted that approximately 90% of 911
calls currently originate from cell phones. Ms. Hyde asked how the anticipated revenue from the additional
$0.75 fee was calculated. Mr. Spansel explained that the projection was based on historical numbers and that
911 is expecting the increase to generate approximately $1 million in additional revenue.
Mr. Sinagra reiterated Mr. Spansel’s previous statement regarding the anticipated revenue from the proposed
$0.75 fee increase to expect to generate $1 million in additional revenue annually. Mr. Spansel stated that the
projected additional revenue is expected to be just under $1 million per year.
4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CONDEMNATION – Motion by Mr. Joseph, seconded by
Wells to allow the property owner 30 days to demolish structures at 55507 Hwy 51, Independence,
Assessment #426105, District 3. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel,
Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
5. ADOPTION of T.P. Ordinance No. 26-27 - An Ordinance to declare surplus (1) 2020 Dodge Minivan (vin -
1198), Asset #23978, and authorize the donation of said asset to Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging -
The following ordinance which was previously introduced in written form required for adoption at a regular
meeting of the Tangipahoa Parish Council on August 10, 2026, a summary thereof having been published in
the Official Journal and in full at WWW.TANGIPAHOA.ORG together with a notice of public hearing, which was
held in accordance with said public notice, was brought up for final passage on August 24, 2026. Motion by
Mr. Mayeaux, seconded by Mr. Wells to adopt T.P. Ordinance No. 26-27. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra,
Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
6. ADOPTION of T.P. Ordinance No. 26-28 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 36-Planning and Development
and Chapter 26-Licenses and Miscellaneous Business Regulations to establish standards for Group Homes or
Community Homes and related matters - The following ordinance which was previously introduced in written
form required for adoption at a regular meeting of the Tangipahoa Parish Council on August 10, 2026, a
summary thereof having been published in the Official Journal and in full at WWW.TANGIPAHOA.ORG together
with a notice of public hearing, which was held in accordance with said public notice, was brought up for final
passage on August 24, 2026. Motion by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Cieutat to adopt T.P. Ordinance No. 26-
28. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat
ABSENT: Vial
7. ADOPTION of T.P. Ordinance No. 26-29 - An Ordinance establishing 25mph speed limit on Poche Road in
District 9 - The following ordinance which was previously introduced in written form required for adoption at
a regular meeting of the Tangipahoa Parish Council on August 10, 2026, a summary thereof having been
published in the Official Journal and in full at WWW.TANGIPAHOA.ORG together with a notice of public
hearing, which was held in accordance with said public notice, was brought up for final passage on August 24,
2026. Motion by Mr. Wells, seconded by Mr. Havis to adopt T.P. Ordinance No. 26-29. Roll call as follows:
YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
8. INTRODUCTION of T.P. Ordinance No. 26-30 - An Ordinance establishing a 3-Way Stop at the intersection
of Singleton Road and Smart Road in District 3. Motion by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Sinagra to introduce
T.P. Ordinance No. 26-30 and set public hearing for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:30pm for purpose of
receiving input on the adoption thereof. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel,
Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
9. INTRODUCTION of T.P. Ordinance No. 26-31 - An Ordinance amending and enacting Chapter 6, Alcoholic
Beverages. Motion by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Havis to introduce T.P. Ordinance No. 26-31 and set
public hearing for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:30pm for purpose of receiving input on the adoption
thereof. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat
ABSENT: Vial
10. INTRODUCTION of T.P. Ordinance No. 26-32 - An Ordinance to authorize the Parish President or his
authorized designee to execute any and all documents in regard to the purchase and acquisition of property
through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Motion by Mr. Havis, seconded by Mr. Wells to introduce T.P.
Ordinance No. 26-32 and set public hearing for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:30pm for purpose of
receiving input on the adoption thereof. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel,
Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
11. ADOPTION of T.P. Resolution No. R26-24 - A Resolution of the Tangipahoa Parish Council-President
Government authorizing the filing of an application with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development for a grant under any of the following FTA Programs managed through Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development – Motion by Mr. Wells, seconded by Mr. Havis to adopt T.P. Resolution No.
R26-24, having been published in full at WWW.TANGIPAHOA.ORG prior to passage. Roll call as follows: YEA:
Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat ABSENT: Vial
12. ADOPTION of T.P. Resolution No. R26-24 - A Resolution authorizing the Parish President or his authorized
designee to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between Tangipahoa Parish Government and the
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office regarding new construction of an inmate dormitory, associated expenses,
and released liability – Sheriff Gerald Sticker read a prepared statement regarding a partnership with the Parish
for a new building dedicated to housing TPSO work release program operations. The partnership is founded
through an agreement that commits parish officials to provide the physical structure of the housing facility,
including all amenities as detailed in the pre-bid opening. TPSO commits to maintaining the structure and
managing the operations that occur within the structure. Sheriff Sticker further read he is grateful to the Parish
for agreeing to fund the complete construction of the facility. Upon the finalization of the finer details of that
agreement with the legal teams, he believes the end result will satisfy all outstanding legal matters between the
parish and TPSO related to the jail and conclude all litigation between parish and TPSO. Sheriff Sticker
concluded by discussing the current work release dormitory, which is outdated and houses approximately 50
inmates. He explained that the proposed new facility would be able to house 180 inmates. Sheriff Sticker
stated that the new facility would provide much needed revenue for the Sheriff’s Office while also improving
the care, control and custody of inmates. He further explained that the work release program would provide
inmates with a pathway for successful reentry into the community by allowing them to secure employment and
earn a paycheck prior to their release for a successful transition. Motion by Mr. Havis, seconded by Mrs.
Cieutat to adopt T.P. Resolution No. R26-24, having been published in full at WWW.TANGIPAHOA.ORG prior to
passage. Roll call as follows: YEA: Sinagra, Ingraffia, Joseph, Havis, Ridgel, Mayeaux, Wells, Hyde, Cieutat
ABSENT: Vial
BEER, WINE, AND LIQUOR PERMITS - None
LEGAL MATTERS - None
COUNCILMEN'S PRIVILEGES
Mr. Ingraffia congratulated Mr. Ron Genco on his appointment as the Tangipahoa Parish School System
Superintendent. Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Cieutat joined Mr. Ingraffia in congratulating Mr. Genco on his new position.
ADJOURN
With no further discussion, Motion by Mr. Wells to adjourn the meeting. No opposition.
S/Jill DeSouge, Council Clerk S/Brigette Hyde, Chairwoman
Tangipahoa Parish Council Tangipahoa Parish Council