By LEONARD GRAY – Managing Editor

HAHNVILLE -A past director of St. Charles Parish’s Department of Planning and Zoning was confirmed Monday by the St. Charles Parish Council, but not without some questioning.

Philip A. Dufrene, 52, of Luling, who served during Laque’s first term as parish president from July 1989 to January 1992 in the same capacity, was approved in an 8-1 vote, with Counciman Barry Minnich opposing.

However, Councilman G. “Ram” Ramchandran quizzed Dufrene prior to the vote, extracting a pledge to support the establishment of a parish building code. Councilman Dickie Duhe cited Dufrene’s prompt attention to parish needs during his last tenure.

The last director, Robert Landry, was not considered for reappointment, due to ongoing health concerns.

Originally, Laque said, he planned to appoint Dufrene in January, but Dufrene was not available.

Dufrene, a residential building contractor, employed by Frickey Brothers Construction, began work Tuesday following confirmation.

Following his 1969 graduation from Hahnville High School, the son of former St. Charles Police Juror Roosevelt “Rooster” Dufrene, earned a degree in 1974 from Nicholls State University in personnel management.

Laque commented of his appointment, “He was a good man while he was there before, and I think it’s going to work out fine.”

Salary for Dufrene has not been set. Landry’s salary was $60,620, plus other benefits.

Waterworks Director Robert G. Brou was confirmed unanimously. Brou was first appointed for Laque’s last term, moving up from superintendent, where he served for five years.

This concludes the confirmation process for Laque’s “cabinet,” including Legal Services Director Robert Raymond, Finance Director Lorrie Toups, Emergency Preparedness Director Tab Troxler, Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux, Community Services Director Robel Howard, Parks and Recreation Director Larry Matson and Public Works and Wastewater Director Gregory Bush.