DENHAM SPRINGS — The Denham Springs City Council tackled a wide range of business at its regular meeting this week, including approval of the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year and a contentious appeal allowing a new residential development near Hatchell Lane.
Council members unanimously adopted the consolidated operating budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year following a public hearing. They also approved adjustments to the current budget, which runs through June 30.
One of the night’s most closely watched items was an ordinance banning the sale of Mitragyna speciosa Korth, commonly known as kratom. However, the council ultimately scrapped the proposal after Governor Jeff Landry signed a statewide kratom ban into law earlier this week. City officials said they would introduce an ordinance at a future meeting to align local law with the new state measure.
Development concerns also drew strong attention from both the public and council members. After lengthy discussion, the council voted 3-2 to approve an appeal by Dreko Development, LLC for preliminary plat approval of Rivendale Acres, a planned 39-lot subdivision with two common areas on 12.7 acres near 840 Hatchell Lane.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission had previously rejected the plat three times over safety and traffic concerns on Hatchell Lane — issues echoed by several residents at the council meeting. Speakers cited a 2024 collision between a fire truck and an 18-wheeler on the road, as well as worries about potential flooding and environmental impact.
Representatives for Dreko Development sought to ease those fears, promising a drainage impact study and claiming that the development would meet all legal drainage requirements. They also presented Department of Transportation estimates showing the subdivision would add an average of 37 vehicles per hour during peak times.
Danny Turner, speaking for Dreko, stressed that no zoning variances were being requested and that the development conformed fully with existing regulations.
Despite sympathy for residents’ concerns, some council members expressed apprehension about the legal risks of denying the project. Councilwoman Amber Dugas warned of the potential for costly lawsuits. Councilman Robert Poole argued that public safety concerns alone justified denial, but Councilman Jeff Wesley countered that courts may not see sufficient legal grounds to uphold a denial.
“I haven’t heard a lot of things that would change a judge’s mind,” Wesley said, adding that an expensive legal battle may not serve taxpayers.
Poole introduced a motion to deny the appeal, seconded by Wesley, but it failed 4-1, with only Poole voting in favor. A motion by Councilwoman Lori Lamm Williams to approve the appeal passed 3-2, with Poole and Wesley opposed.
In other business, the council:
Reappointed Brent Dugas and Gerald Hughes to six-year terms on the Mortgage Finance Authority.
Declared surplus equipment from the Gas and Police Departments and authorized donation of outdated police gear and a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Village of Waterproof.
Approved an insurance package for the Fire Department totaling $50,627.
Authorized a $124,367.06 payment to Blount General Contractors for work on the Spring Park Pavilion.
Scheduled a public hearing for July 8 regarding a proposed 0.06-acre land exchange to improve access to the city’s Emergency Debris Site.
The next regular meeting of the Denham Springs City Council is set for June 22 at 6 p.m. in the municipal courtroom on North Range Avenue.
