LIVINGSTON, La. — The regular meeting of the Livingston Parish Council on April 9, 2026, began with two celebrations honoring individuals who have impacted the local community, then moved to discussing a future boat launch project and quality-of-life improvements for local areas.
Local Judge and Football Star Receive Council Recognition
Judge Robert "Bob" Morrison, who served more than 20 years as a legislative chair for the Louisiana District Judges Association and 32 years as a district judge, was presented with recognition of his long and dedicated service to the community by having the first-floor Jury Holding Room in the Livingston Parish Courthouse named after him.
While the exact wording of the room's name is still undecided, the council's attorney noted that it may be dubbed the "Honorable Robert 'Bob' Morrison Jury Courtroom."
"He was more than instrumental in the new courthouse that we have... he developed it, he helped get it funded and it is a tribute to the judge," said Mickey McMorris, chief administrative officer and parish finance director.
"I do want to tell you how much I appreciate your recognition," Judge Morrison told the council. "Without your full faith and credit... we couldn't have done it."
Brian Thomas Jr. was next to be recognized for a college and professional career that has made Livingston Parish proud. After starring for the LSU Tigers and leading all of FBS in touchdown receptions in 2023, Thomas Jr. went in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he has established himself as one of the game's most electrifying young wide receivers.
Thomas Jr., who attended Walker High School, "brought so much enjoyment to students, to young people, and I'm honored to be able as a parish councilman to recognize him and his service to the parish, his exemplary citizenship" and his position as one of the "only four receivers in NFL history to have ever had 1,200 yards," according to Councilman John Mangus.
Thomas Jr. received a commemorative plaque detailing the council's appreciation for his "extraordinary athletic achievements and... unwavering character, humility, and dedication to those around him."
An official, framed proclamation signed by Parish President Randy Delatte was also presented to Thomas Jr. to recognize and commend his leadership, integrity, and demonstration of "respect, discipline, and a strong work ethic that reflects the values of our community."
Thomas Jr. had also been recognized for his achievements at the Livingston Parish School Board meeting one hour earlier.
Amite River Boat Launch Project Takes First Steps
Following this, an added agenda item proposed adopting a resolution to authorize a land purchase for the future Amite River Boat Launch.
The two pieces of property to be purchased, one of which is classified as wetlands, will cost approximately $46,058 altogether.
This boat launch will be one of the few that are completely free and publicly available in Livingston Parish, offering people not only a place to launch their boats but also to properly dispose of waste from onboard bathrooms.
While construction has not begun, as this proposal concerned only the land purchase, project professionals said the launch will have two long piers offering 10-20 spots to temporarily tie down boats, due to a lack of permanent boat storage on the property. The launch is also expected to be wide enough to accommodate two boats setting out simultaneously.
Funding for construction is expected to come from parish applications for CPRA capital outlay grants. McMorris also noted that President Delatte received verbal approval from CPRA leaders on their support of the project.
The total cost of the project is expected to be $7.5 million.
One individual working on the project noted that "it'll be a fantastic location for first responders, wildlife and fisheries, our sheriff's office... it's really one of the best locations, in my opinion, to respond to a lot of things."
The council unanimously approved the resolution, with many members noting that it will benefit the area.
Juban Lakes Sidewalks and Unmuffled Compression Brake Prohibition Signage
The council also discussed two minor quality-of-life improvements to local infrastructure.
The Pines subdivision at Juban Lakes sought a waiver to install sidewalks along the road's right-of-way, which will "allow for people to live, work, reside, shop, and actually do their own entertaining in that one area," which Councilman John Wascom noted, "is gonna be a great thing for [the neighborhood]."
The district that owns the road has plans to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) with the parish to provide appropriate storm drainage and utility services to maintain the quality of the construction.
The second improvement was a proposal to authorize the parish president to apply to DOTD for a regulatory signage permit to place an "Unmuffled Compression Brake Prohibition" sign approximately 1,200 feet before the intersection of La. 43 and La. 190.
The council unanimously approved both proposals, marking the beginning of small but impactful changes to the affected areas.
