By MONIQUE ROTH
L’Observateur

HANHVILLE — St. Charles parish voters will head to the polls on May 3 to decide on the renewal of a millage tax that benefits St. Charles Parish Hospital.

The resolution to hold the election was voted on by the St. Charles Council at its Jan. 6 meeting.

Federico Martinez Jr., chief executive officer of St. Charles Parish Hospital, spoke before the Council about the importance of the proposed election. The current millage generates $2.64 million annually for the hospital. The hospital asked for an election to renewal the existing millage, with no increase in the current rate.

In other action from the meeting, two home-based businesses received approval for operation.

One of the businesses is an electronic installations business located on Bernice Drive in Luling.

The other proposed business is located on Villere Drive in Destrehan. The resident requested to be authorized as a gun dealer.

The Council took its time with this decision, and members asked several questions of Chad Worth, the resident requesting the zoning ruling. Worth explained that he used to operate as a gun dealer out of his home in Montz, but his recent move required a new home occupation license.

Councilwoman Traci Fletcher informed the Council that when Worth operated out of his home in Montz, which was in her district, no complaints were received regarding the operation.

Worth explained to the Council that his sales would be done specifically at gun shows but that licensing procedures required he have his home residence listed as his business address.

Council members seemed pleased with this explanation, and his request was granted.

Approval and authorization for the parish to buy property located at Lot 6 in River Bend Business Park in St. Rose was also voted on during the meeting. The parish will use the property for drainage purposes in connection with the River Bend Drainage Improvement Project.  

The three-hour meeting ended with an executive session for the Council that lasted nearly an hour. The executive session was focused on legal matters and the Council Secretary evaluation process.

All Council members were present at the meeting and the Council unanimously passed all proposed ordinances.

After the meeting ended, Councilwoman Julia Fisher-Perrier said that as the year moves forward she knows where her energy will be focused.

“We’ve got to keep progress on the levee,” Fisher-Perrier said, “That’s my number one concern.”

The next Council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Hahnville.