MINUTES
POINTE COUPEE PARISH COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
October 28, 2025
The Pointe Coupee Parish Council Executive Committee met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Courthouse Annex in the Parish Council Meeting Room, New Roads, Louisiana.
Chairman Boudreaux called the meeting to order and directed Council Clerk Courtney Hurst to call the roll:
PRESENT: Messrs. Jimmie Gaspard, Sidney LaCoste, Edwin Soulier, Charles Watkins, Kurt Jarreau, Edward Bazile, Paul Bergeron, and Dustin Boudreaux.
ABSENT: None.
APPROVE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 MEETING
Motion by Mr. Soulier and seconded by Mr. Bazile:
RESOLVED, That the minutes of September 23, 2025 meeting of the Executive Committee be adopted as presented and published in the official journal.
Unanimously carried.
CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
There were no amendments to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were no public comments.
DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE POINTE COUPEE PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR THE MERGER OF PRECINCT 14A INTO PRECINCT 14 TO CREATE A SINGLE-MUNICIPAL PRECINCT & ASSIGNING POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THE TOWN OF FORDOCHE IN ACCORDANCE WITH R.S.18:523.1 (PUBLIC HEARING 11/4/25)
Vice Chairman Bergeron inquired about the purpose of the merger when the voting precinct remains the same. He further asked whether the merger of two districts into one voting location would affect the voting process.
Councilman LaCoste responded to the questions and provided an example to clarify how the voting would function, referencing Morganza as an example of a single polling location with separate ballot items.
Attorney Dannie Garrett also elaborated on the reasons for the merger and outlined what voters can expect during future elections.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ENACT CHAPTER 29, OF THE POINTE COUPEE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PERTAINING TO BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (PUBLIC HEARING 11/4/25)
President Major Thibaut addressed the Council regarding the Battery Energy Storage ordinance, noting several proposed changes to the upcoming draft- including extending permit durations, and adding fees. He introduced James Kondrat of DESRI.
Vice Chairman Bergeron raised questions about the ordinance’s provisions and expressed concerns regarding site safety — specifically soil conditions in the project area, as well as issues related to cost, solar farms, power grids, battery lifespan, and recycling practices.
Mr. James Kondrat (DESRI) responded to Council members’ earlier questions, stating that the proposed project site is located north of Big Cajun and will require approximately 25 to 30 acres of property. He noted that the Parish would be among the first to adopt a battery storage ordinance and confirmed DESRI’s interest in pursuing the project. Mr. Kondrat also provided a step-by-step overview of the battery energy storage system process and outlined the company’s goals should they be selected. He concluded by addressing additional questions from the Council.
Councilman Bazile inquired about the lithium batteries and the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire emergency, including the fire department’s response, the chemicals required, and the proximity to emergency services.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES, MEETINGS, ETC.
Chairman Boudreaux announced that the regularly scheduled meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., due to the observance of the Veteran’s Day holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Soulier and seconded by Mr. Watkins, the meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
__________________________ __________________________
Courtney Hurst Dustin Boudreaux
Council Clerk Chairman
cost $192
