Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1
Johnson Bayou
• Holly Beach
135 Berwick Rd,
Cameron, LA 70631
MINUTES
The Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District #1 Commission convened for its regular session on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Johnson Bayou Recreation Center. The meeting was called to order at
5:00 p.m. by Chairman Michele Long, who led the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Michele Long; Vice Chairman Russell Badon, Commissioner/Secretary Cindy Snead; Commissioner B.J. Miller; Commissioner Debbie Fontenot
ABSENT: None
GUESTS: Trish Bargo, East Coast Observers and Animal Rescue Volunteer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2026 meeting as presented was made by Russell Badon, seconded by B.J. Miller, and unanimously carried by the board.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Trish Bargo discussed the need for animal control services and an animal shelter in Cameron Parish. She explained that dogs and other animals are frequently dumped and abandoned on the beaches within Beachfront Development District No. 1. During her five years living on the beach, she has personally encountered approximately 30 abandoned dogs.
Ms. Bargo noted that Cameron Parish does not have an animal control shelter, and neighboring parishes generally do not accept animals from outside their jurisdictions. She proposed that, when parish funds become available in the future, consideration should be given to earmarking funds for the development of an animal shelter in Cameron Parish.
The Board encouraged Ms. Bargo to research best practices for establishing an animal control program and shelter, and to present her findings and recommendations at a future meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
FINANCIAL REPORT: A motion to approve the April 2026 financial report as presented was made by Debbie Fontenot, seconded by Cindy Snead, and unanimously carried by the board. Craig Broussard suggested the board/parish invest available funds for interest revenue.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ratify Recurring Charges: A motion to approve the recurring charges for the Cameron Pilot and Superior Storage was made by Russell Badon, seconded by Debbie Fontenot, and unanimously carried by the board.
Holly Beach Update: The Board discussed the recent rescue of a teenager at Holly Beach by two Johnson Bayou Fire Department firefighters. The Board recognized their heroic efforts in saving the teenager after the individual was swept into the Gulf of Mexico. The firefighters will be formally commended at the next Fire Board meeting.
The Board also expressed concern about public safety during peak tourist periods and agreed to request a full-time beach patrol during high-traffic events, particularly the upcoming Jeep Weekend and other major events in District No. 1.
Safety Rescue Tubes & Signage: The board will meet May 16, 2026 in order to build and install 10 safety flotation devices to be placed on area beaches.
Cameron Ferry Boat Launch Renovation Project: The Board discussed the ongoing improvements to the Cameron Ferry Boat Launch. Lighting has been installed, and the new sign is expected to be installed this week.
Creole Nature Trail Restroom Facility at Holly Beach: The Board reported that the Cameron Parish Police Jury will sign a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to transfer responsibility for the restroom facility to Cameron Parish upon completion of the project.
The Board also discussed maintenance options with Cintas, and those discussions are ongoing.
A motion to purchase a “Welcome to Creole Nature Trail – Holly Beach Rest Area” sign in the amount of $7,368.21 and “Parking Limit” signs in the amount of $1415.07 from Acme Signs was made by B.J. Miller, seconded by Cindy Snead, and unanimously carried by the board.
Love the Boot Beach Sweep: Love the Boot Beach Cleanup: The Board discussed a recap of the 2026 Love the Boot Week beach cleanup and began planning for the next beach cleanup, which is scheduled for September 2026. A motion to close out the 2026 Love the Boot Beach Cleanup project was made by Debbie Fontenot, seconded by Russell Badon, and unanimously carried by the board.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. 2026 Project Goals: The board will maintain its focus on current projects and evaluate opportunities for future projects.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ethics Training and Prevention of Sexual Harassment Training are due by December 31, 2026.
PAY BILLS: None
ADJOURN:
There being no further business, on the motion of Cindy Snead, seconded by Debbie Fontenot, and unanimously carried by the board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Next Meeting-Monday, June 8, 2026. Meeting will be held at the Johnson Bayou Recreation Center.
APPROVED BY: ___________________________MICHELE LONG,
CHAIRMAN
ATTEST BY: ___________________________CINDY SNEAD,
SECRETARY
RUN: Aug. 6 (Au 6)
Cost of Notice: $72.00