Iberia Parish Council approves routine consent items, zoning variances and committee referrals; elects James Trahan chair

At its Jan. 14 meeting the Iberia Parish Council approved a consent agenda that included minutes, resolutions of condolence and several zoning variances recommended by the Iberia Parish Regional Planning Commission. Approved items included variances permitting residential sheds for multiple property owners (BOZ2025‑003, BOZ2025‑004, BOZ2025‑005) and preliminary plat approvals for multi‑lot residential subdivisions.

The council also completed its special business: nominations were closed and James Trahan was elected chair by voice vote; council members also elected Chad (vice chairman) following roll‑call/machine votes. Committee actions included finance committee approval to amend the 2026 fire protection district fund to carry over $1,766,375 from a 2025 bond issuance, and public works committee approvals to add axle‑restriction ordinances for local roads showing pavement and subgrade failures.

Other routine items carried included a resolution approving Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory budget for 2026 and multiple administrative reports on closed public works orders, permits and staffing opportunities. Where questions were raised, members asked administration for follow‑up; no large controversial policy adoptions were finalized that evening.