> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.wbrindependent.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # WBR Parish Council Supports Public Records Fee Changes, Authorizes Emergency Services Facility Match at October 9th Meeting - URL: https://www.wbrindependent.com/wbr-parish-council-supports-public-records-fee-changes-authorizes-emergency-services-facility-match-at-october-9th-meeting/ - Published: 2025-10-20T21:00:14.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-08T05:39:22.000Z - Author: John Summers - Tags: Meeting Coverage, #Migrated-1778214761944, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-05-07 23:32 **Council addresses emergency services funding, rezoning requests, and property condemnations during Oct. 9 regular meeting** PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Parish Council conducted its regular meeting Thursday, Oct. 9, addressing public records policies, emergency services funding, rezoning requests, and property condemnations. ## Public Records Fee Structure Updated The council voted 9-0 on Resolution 13.B to support a new fee schedule for public records requests that would charge up to $1 per page—four times Louisiana's official state standard of 25 cents per page (effective upon custodian adoption under La. R.S. 44:32(C)(1)). Councilman Alan Crowe made the motion; Councilman Brady Hotard seconded. **For detailed coverage of the fee structure, approval process, and officials' responses, see:** [WBR Council Appears to Violate State Open Meetings Law While Quadrupling Public Records Fees](https://www.wbrindependent.com/wbr-council-appears-to-violate-state-open-meetings-law-while-quadrupling-public-records-fees/) \- Oct. 15, 2025 ## Emergency Services Facility - 25% Match Authorized The council voted 9-0 on Resolution 13.A authorizing Parish President Jason Manola to enter into an Entity-State agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) to provide a 25% match for the Emergency Services Facility State Project No. 50-J61-24-01\. The agreement allows the parish to partner with the state on emergency services infrastructure improvements, with LaDOTD covering 75% of eligible project costs. ## Rezoning and Land Use Actions **MBK Land LLC - Highway 190:** The council held public hearings on Ordinances 10.B and 10.C (public hearings held Oct. 9; final votes pending) for Michael Kauffman with MBK Land LLC regarding property at 838 Highway 190 West. The requests include: - Special use permit for wrecker service/storage facility in I-2 industrial zone (4.59 acres, Belair Industrial Park) - Special use permit for commercial seasonal fireworks in I-2 industrial zone Both requests apply to the same property (Tract E-7 & W P/O Tract E-8). **Subdivision Ordinance:** The council held a public hearing on Ordinance 10.D (public hearing held Oct. 9; final action scheduled for next meeting) amending subdivision design standards and improvement requirements in Chapter 105. ## Property Condemnations Ratified The council ratified condemnations for two derelict structures (Item 14): **6713 Highway 190 West:** Property owned by Harlan and Janet Cashiola (Lot Z, 2.62 acres, Case #2025-488) **7590 Highway 190 West:** Property owned by Augustine Bingham et al. (0.5766 acres, Case #2025-721) Both properties met parish standards for condemnation of derelict structures. ## Budget Amendments Introduced The council introduced ordinances (Items 11.A-B) for 2025 budget amendments affecting: - Fire Department budgeted expenses (public hearing Oct. 23) - Detention Center budgeted expenses (public hearing Oct. 23) Both ordinances amend the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2025. ## Detention Center Project Bid The council accepted administration's bid recommendation (Item 12.A) for the detention center project, pending contract execution. ## Public Comment Port Allen businessman Louis B. Vielee addressed the council during general public comment, expressing concerns about the council making "pre-made decisions" rather than fully deliberating agenda items during meetings. Council Chairman Carey Denstel responded that lengthy meetings demonstrate the council does listen and make adjustments based on public input. ## Parish President's Report Parish President Manola provided updates on ongoing parish initiatives including drainage studies, road maintenance throughout the 192-square-mile parish, and economic development discussions with potential businesses. ## Administrative Actions The council approved routine administrative items including budget amendments for various departments, personnel actions, purchase authorizations within approved budgets, and agreements with state and federal agencies. ## Additional Ordinances Introduced **Council Meeting Attendance:** Ordinance 11.C amending Chapter 22 (Elections), Article I, Section 22-3 regarding council meeting attendance and roll call (public hearing Oct. 23) **Abandoned Vehicles:** Ordinance 11.D amending Chapter 109 (Property Maintenance) regarding abandonment of junked vehicles and other items, enacting new sections 109-104 through 109-112 (public hearing Oct. 23) **General Provisions Amendment:** Ordinance 10.A amending Chapter 111 (Administration and Enforcement), Article IV (Zoning Enforcement), Section 111-78 regarding special and conditional use requirements and procedures (public hearing held Oct. 9) ## Next Steps The council's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM, with public hearings on several introduced ordinances. Regular council meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at the West Baton Rouge Parish Government Building, 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen. Agendas and meeting videos are available at wbrparish.org. --- **What Passed Thursday:** - Resolution 13.A: Emergency services facility 25% match authorization (9-0) - Resolution 13.B: Public records fee support (9-0, custodian adoption pending) - Property condemnations ratified: Two derelict structures on Highway 190 West - Detention center project bid accepted, pending contract execution - Public hearings held on zoning/subdivision ordinances (final votes pending) - Budget amendment ordinances introduced (Fire, Detention Center) --- **Sources:** - West Baton Rouge Parish Council Meeting, Oct. 9, 2025 - West Baton Rouge Parish Council Agenda, Oct. 9, 2025 - Official meeting transcript and video recording