City of Monroe, LA

Monroe City Council Legal and Regular Session

April 13, 2021

6:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers-City Hall

MINUTES

There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date, April 13, 2021 at the Council's regular meeting place, 400 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, City Council Chambers/City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.    

The Honorable Douglas Harvey, Chairman, called the meeting to order.

The roll call was done by Ms. Carolus Riley, Council Clerk.

Council members present for roll call: Mr. Douglas Harvey, Mrs. Gretchen Ezernack, Ms. Juanita Woods,

Mr. Carday Marshall Sr., Mrs. Kema Dawson.

Council member (s) absent: None.

Chairman Harvey declared a quorum. 

The Invocation was done by Chairman Harvey’s designee, Mr. Tom Janway and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chairman Harvey.     

COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1.  Mr. Harvey announced there would be a cleanup on April 24^th led by Team Monroe, Braden Winterman in District 1; he commented and thanked Jim Taylor for the donation of $32,000 with half each going to Desiard Street Shelter and the Salvation Army. An event Moonlight in the Garden will be held on April 24, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens of Monroe, 2000 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA 71201.

2. Mrs. Ezernack welcomed each one present including the Veterans present and thanked them for their continued service of good community work; she congratulated Assistant Chief Tellis in her new position; thanked the Mayor for the State of the City presentation and the new brand. 

3.  Ms. Woods welcomed each one present and spoke in agreement with Mrs. Ezernack’s comments; she welcomed the Veterans, and thanked them for their service; She announced on April 22, 9am-3pm, Carroll High School is sponsoring a blood drive; she thanked Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Southern University, Department of Public Health and the National Guard for a successful Covid vaccine event held on this past Saturday at the church where approximately 200 residents received vaccinations; she thanked all of her Council colleagues and the Mayor, Mr. Seegers, and Bone Crusher for bringing the Youth, for a successful cleanup in the Booker T area on March 27^th.

She announced her District 3 cleanup on Saturday, from 10am-12pm, meeting at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church and thanked Mr. Seegers and staff; she made a special presentation in honor of a birthday to 100 year old Deacon Hardy Staten.

4.  Mr. Marshall thanked everyone for coming out to Council meeting and those present on social media; he thanked Jim Taylor for the funds raised in the amount of over $32,000 from their memorial sales event and the donated funds were split between the Desiard Street Shelter, and the Salvation Army. An upcoming event by former Wossman High School coach Marcus Henderson, a track clinic on Saturday morning for kids in Parkview, he has been assisted by Larry Wiley.  He thanked Mayor Ellis for his work during the storm; Primary Health administering Covid vaccines on Saturday, 1pm-5pm on South Grand Street. He thanked the Veterans for their services.

5.  Mrs. Dawson welcomed each one present; she welcomed and thanked the Veterans for their service, greatly appreciated.  Several upcoming events this Saturday, A Unity Jam Session created by Jualea Hayes, to bring all races, creed, cultures, and genders together; there will be singing, spoken word and other programs. Also, on Saturday, 11am-1pm the Berean Baptist Church, Bishop Looney will be sponsoring a community day and will be giving out free spaghetti dinners.  On April 22, 2021, Earth Day will be held at the La. Purchase Garden’s and Zoo, 4pm; as a continuation of the Earth Day celebration, there will also be a Spring into Shape and Healthy Living at the Zoo, hosted by Mr. Thaddeus Pugh, a $10 entry fee includes zoo entrance and also get to work out and get into shape, along with line dancing, yoga; Mrs. Dawson and SEDD are the sponsors of this event.

6.  Mayor Ellis welcomed each one present; He announced Earth Day will kick off the Healthy Living initiative; the time is approaching the Fiscal Session and have had some key meetings to ensure that the City of Monroe’s needs, as it relates to Infrastructure are taken care of and have been in Baton Rouge meeting with key people to talk about the City of Monroe’s priorities regarding Capital outlay; look forward to working with Stewart Cathey. 

The City is pitched to bring the FFA conference to Monroe for the next four years, and this is a million dollar direct impact of them being in Monroe. Mayor Ellis commented that they have also met with folks around the State and talking about broadband connectivity and how to increase the connectivity in our community.  While in Baton Rouge, he toured the Arts Council community and looked at the ways they are supporting their local arts community and how we can grow it in Monroe.  He thanked the Council members for calling him and his checking in on community residents.  He commented regarding the State of the City and is hopeful that the citizens like the direction that the City is going in, along with the City rebrand.  He thanked the Council members for their support and for bringing community members and their constituents to the table to talk about their hopes and dreams and where they would like to see the City go.  He announced the Mayor’s Golf cup will be held on May 21, 2021 and scholarships to four year institutions as well as scholarships will be given to two year college prospective students.  He had the opportunity to speak to Vietnam Veterans and also made a special presentation to Veterans present.  Mayor Ellis was also honored with a presentation for his service in the Marine Corps.

Upon a motion of Mrs. Ezernack and a second by Mrs. Dawson, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of  March 23, 2021 were unanimously approved with amended corrections. (There were no public comments).

PRESENTATION:      NONE.

          PUBLIC HEARINGS:        NONE.

PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:      Public Comment:  None.

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:        Public Comment       None.

          RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:   

Council:                Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to amend contract to be one year, authorizing a contract with Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP to provide services as outlined in the Audit Engagement Letter for the fiscal years ending April 30, 2021 and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall to Adopt Resolution No. 7940, with amendments of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, authorizing a contract with Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP to provide services as outlined in the Audit Engagement Letter for the fiscal years ending April 30, 2021 and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Comments:  Ms. Woods asked if this item could be amended to be a one year contract instead of a two year contract. 

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7941, approving the appointment of  Odell Riley to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission (CIC) and further providing with respect thereto. (Woods)  (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7942, granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to 2 Dudes Brew & Que for a Charity Event pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Department of Administration:    Public Comment:  

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7943, authorizing Stacey Rowell to sign a Claims Administration Agreement with Louisiana Agricultural Corporation, LLC and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

Department of Planning & Urban Development:           Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7944, Rescinding Resolution #7932 appointing Robbie McBroom to the Planning Commission of the City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7945, appointing Robbie McBroom to the Board of Adjustment of the City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7946, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, of the City of Monroe to advertise for bids to rehabilitate 1606 Fairview Avenue from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program B-19-MC-22-0206 and further providing with respect thereto.   (There were no public comments)

Legal Department:    Public Comment:   

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7947, authorizing Stacey Rowell to enter into and execute an Access Agreement and a Waiver of Liability between the City of Monroe and Jones Environmental Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.

(There were no public comments)

          Mayor’s Office:     Public Comment:    None.

Department of Public Works:    Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7948, authorizing the Renewal of a Fuel Permit with respect to sale and/or storage of gasoline or other fuel at the Monroe Regional Airport to Avflight Monroe Corporation, which permit will be for a period of twelve months and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Add-On:  (b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Adopt a Resolution authorizing Monroe Transit submit an application for the special call for projects regarding Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 Funds and further providing with respect thereto.

(There were no public comments)

(b)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7949, authorizing Monroe Transit submit an application for the special call for projects regarding Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 Funds and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

Department of Community Affairs:    Public Comment:    None.

Police Department:     Public Comment:    

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7950, authorizing the donation of Canine Dog “Boyke” to Captain James Marlow of the Monroe Police Department and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Fire Department:     Public Comment:    

(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7951, authorizing the Donation of a Fire Pumper to Beekman Volunteer Fire Department in Bastrop, Louisiana and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(b) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7952, authorizing the Donation of a Fire Pumper to Winnsboro Fire Department in Winnsboro, Louisiana and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Engineering Services:      Public Comment:

(a)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7953, accepting as substantially complete work done by and between the City of Monroe and Patrick Electric Service, LLC, for the Tower at Bienville Intersection Improvements Project, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Comments:  Mrs. Ezernack thanked everyone involved in the light project which is in her district.

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7954, authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Closeout Change Order No. Three (3) to the City Street Striping Phase IV Contract, between the City of Monroe and Highway Graphics, LLC, for a decrease in the contract amount of $38,472.70 and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7955, authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement with Lazenby & Associates, Inc., to provide engineering services for the Forsythe Boat Ramp & Parking Lot Improvements Project and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to remove from the agenda to Adopt a Resolution accepting the base bid of W.L. Bass Construction, Inc., in the amount $73,950.00, for the park avenue at Entergy Substation Drainage Project, and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said work.  (There were no public comments)

Add-On:  (e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall  and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Adopt a Resolution supporting the City of Monroe Community Project funding request to repair and rehabilitate a portion of the wastewater collection system, and further with respect thereto.   (There were no public comments)

(e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson  and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7956, supporting the City of Monroe Community Project funding request to repair and rehabilitate a portion of the wastewater collection system, and further with respect thereto.   (There were no public comments)

BREAK IF NEEDED:

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:           Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance declaring certain immovable property in the Monroe Air Industrial Park as not being needed for public use and authorizing the same to be sold at private sale to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 33:4712, and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments)

Comments:  Mrs. Sturdivant explained there was a project with LaDOTD and the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the need for more land.

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Introduce an  Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Heaven’s Bayou, LLC all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the west 1/3 of Lots 10, 11 & 12, Square 22, Renwicks Addition, Ouachita Parish, 2602 Maddox St., District 3, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal)  (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire full ownership interest of the property described as lots 7 & 8, sq 14, Arents Resub Lot 14 & 15 Stubbs Youngs Bayou Addition, 108 & 110 s. 20^th St, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 3, 2016, and further with respect thereto.(Legal)

(There were no public comments)

(d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Introduce an  Ordinance authorizing the exchange of property between the City of Monroe and Scott Equipment Sales Company L.L.C. pursuant to La. R. S. 33:4712 and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal

(There were no public comments)

Comments:  Mrs. Sturdivant explained the property was located east of the mall, the plans changed, and this is basically a land swap.

RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL  ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:

Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing:    Chairman Harvey opened the public hearing:

1.  Mr. Anthony Garland, International Vice President of Amalgamated Transit Union made a request on behalf of the Union to receive a copy of the Budget; Chairman Harvey commented that the budget was available online and is available to the public.

Seeing no one else come forward, Chairman Harvey closed the hearing. 

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Finally Adopt  Ordinance No. 12,047, amending and adjusting the City of Monroe Operating Budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021. (Admin.)  (There were no public comments)

CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:

1.  Verbon Muhammad spoke concerning the death and investigation of Mr. David Harris while in police custody.

2.  Curtis Garth, spoke concerning a matter related to an incident years ago.

3.  Stanley Smalls, Senior organizer with Amalgamated Transit Union, spoke regarding the local union bus operators in Monroe; regarding the treatment of members and removal of bus stops.

4.  Anthony Garland, VP of International Amalgamated Transit Union, spoke regarding the collective bargaining agreement for Union Local 1160.

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m., upon a  motion of Mrs. Ezernack and seconded by Mr. Marshall.  (There were no public comments).

Mr. Douglas Harvey

Council Chairman

Ms. Carolus S. Riley

Council Clerk

Ms. Jacqueline Benjamin

Council Secretary

*For extended details on the Council meeting please call the Council Clerk, Monday-Friday at 329-2252; also, a recording of the minutes can be sent via email to you.3.5.3226