City of Monroe, LA

There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date,     December 14, 2021, at the Council's regular meeting place, 400 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, City Council Chambers/City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.    

The Honorable Carday Marshall, Sr., Chairman, called the meeting to order.

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

Council members present for roll call:  Ms. Juanita Woods, Mr. Carday Marshall, Sr., Mrs. Kema Dawson, Mr. Douglas Harvey, and Mrs. Gretchen Ezernack.

Council member (s) absent: NONE.

Chairman Marshall declared a quorum.  

The Invocation was done by Reverend Tegitra Thomas, Pastor, First Missionary Baptist Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilwoman Dawson.    

COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:           

1. Mr. Harvey welcomed and thanked everyone for being present; he commented on the beautiful Christmas light display at the Civic Center; the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was very impressive with individual Christmas trees being decorated and on display from local schools within the city limits and the decorations at city hall are nice.  There are a lot of opportunities to find ways to give, local area organizations including Grace Place, Harrison Lily team and encourage all to find ways to give. 

          2. Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.  She wished everyone a           Merry Christmas, a safe and Happy 2022; there is always an opportunity to help someone else, even if it is just           kindness, because it goes a long way in the world today, and it certainly replaces hate.

3. Ms. Woods welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.  She commented the city had beautiful Christmas lighting throughout the city including the recreation centers.  She recognized the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. She offered condolences to the families that were impacted by the tornado over the weekend in Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Arkansas. 

4. Mr. Marshall announced the annual coat drive sponsored by Grace Place on Jackson Street; Umoja and Primary Health will be having their annual toy drive and donations can be dropped off at 850 South 2^nd Street; Omega Psi Phi is doing a toy drive and donations can be dropped off at 1800 Jackson Street on tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Dancing with the Stars will be held this week and Mr. Marshall will be a part of that event, December 17^th at 7:00 p.m. He will be having a community meeting on Monday, December 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m. at Emily P. Robinson discussing the new cultural district and other topics.  .  

5. Mrs. Dawson welcomed everyone, and she expressed condolences to the Smith family of Ms. Wilma Smith, the wife of Mr. John Smith who passed away on last year, both were educators in the school system.  She wished everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and to keep everyone lifted in prayer. 

6. Mayor Ellis was absent and in his absence was Mr. Jimmie Bryant who commented that Mayor Ellis was traveling out of town on city business.  Mayor Ellis was meeting with Louisiana Governor this week discussing funding sources and other initiatives; there is a bike giveaway scheduled for this week at the Civic Center benefiting kids of need, and he asked that we not forget the reason for the season.

Upon a motion of Mrs. Dawson and a second by Ms. Woods, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of November 23, 2021, were approved, Voting YES:  Woods, Dawson, Marshall; Voting to ABSTAIN: Harvey, Ezernack. (There were no public comments.)

PRESENTATION:         NONE.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:           NONE.

PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:      Public Comment:       

1. Upon a motion of Mrs. Dawson and a second by Ms. Woods and  unanimously approved to Consider request to rescind any action(s) taken at the November 23, 2021, meeting on 1012 South 8^th Street (D4) (Owners - Shara Jackson, LaRhonda Jackson, Quincy Jackson, Linda Ellington Jackson, Linda Ellington Jackson, et al, Henry Jackson) this item was inadvertently placed on the wrong agenda. (There were no public comments.)

1a. 1012 South 8^th Street (D4) (Owners - Shara Jackson, LaRhonda Jackson, Quincy Jackson, Linda Ellington Jackson, Linda Ellington Jackson, et al, Henry Jackson) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved for property to be condemned and property owner to be given 30 days or January 15, 2022, in which to bring the structure into compliance with the code or to demolish the structure and clean the lot.

Public Comments:  Ms. Jackson commented that she was trying to sell the property because she doesn’t have the money to get it torn down and do have offers on it to sell.  Mr. Marshall commented that they did have conversation earlier and will discuss it further after the meeting. 

Chief Code Enforcement Officer Tommy James provided information on the property along with a power point presentation on the condition of the property; he recommended owner be given 30 days. 

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:        Public Comment     NONE.

RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:    

Council:     Public Comment:    NONE.

Department of Administration:    Public Comment:  

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Consider fifteen (15) Renewal Applications for a New 2022 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Consider seven (7) Renewal Applications for a New 2022 Class B Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Consider two (2) Renewal Applications for a New 2022 Class C Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)

(d) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Consider one (1) Renewal Applications for a New 2022 Class E Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)

(e) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Consider one (1) Renewal Applications for a New 2022 Class G Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)

Department of Planning & Urban Development:     Public Comment:    

(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8123,  authorizing a designated city representative to enter into an agreement with the Home in Monroe Individual Development Account (IDA) Program Partners and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)

Comments:  Mrs. Hill, PUD, spoke about a component of the Home in Monroe program where participants involved in the program will have a two for one match up to $1,000.  The agreement allows her or Ms. Downs to sign on to the Homeland bank account to monitor the participants and once the goal has been reached, they can deposit directly into the account.  This is the first program in Monroe and the grant funding came from Banc Corp South to start it and Homeland is doing it at no cost. 

Mrs. Ezernack thanked those involved in the program, as it is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community who are trying to save for a home.  Mr. Marshall commented that he looks forward to more to come in addition to the house on Pippin Street and thanked Ms. Hill and staff for their work.  Ms. Woods thanked Ms. Hill.  

Legal Department:         Public Comment:   

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8124,  authorizing the City of Monroe to employ the services of Butler Snow LLP for Legal Services relating to economic development and further providing with respect thereto.

Public Comments:  Ms. Kenya Roberson, Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce asked for explanation of agenda item.  Mr. Marshall commented the representative would explain. Mr. Trey Hairston of Butler Snow LLP and Mr. Mike Pazada were present; Mr. Hairston explained that the goal of the agreement is to look at all of the project sites  that pertain to any applicable areas in the city that are ripe for development, understanding the project goals and then outlining a list of incentives that would work and be conducive to private development on behalf of the city and then draft an RFP.  He passed out information to Council members on the work that his company has done around the country. 

Ms. Woods asked if he was referencing the property on the riverfront that was recently purchased by the City. He commented that it was the specific project.  Mr. Marshall commented the background of the company does strive to be a champion of inclusion and diversity.  Mr. Hairston commented that the RFP would follow the law, and in anyway possible they can facilitate DBE’s that it will be inserted into the RFP to attract  as many qualified candidates and or developers.  Mr. Pazada commented the issue was critical for mid-level cities and towns across and it’s being able to create capacity. 

Mrs. Sonya Jacobs, Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce commented the appearance of parallels in what Butler Snow and Manning have been engaged to do. She said they want to retain talent and inclusion in government contracting.  The Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce would like to have the opportunity to talk with Butler Snow.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that Mr. Manning is for site development, and he will be working alongside Mr. Hairston and Mr. Pazada for the RFP.  Mrs. Jacobs asked that the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce be at the table and that also Mr. Manning has yet to return their calls.  Mr. Marshall commented that he would make sure they are a part of the process, and the Council will be a part of the process. Mr. Marshall inquired if Mr. Hairston would be having meetings such as zoom meetings with the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and Monroe Chamber, he said that he would be.     

Mayor’s Office:        Public Comment:  

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods, and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8125, authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into an Agreement with Technology for Rural America and further providing with respect thereto.   (There were no public comments.)

Comments:  Mrs. Ezernack asked about the payment for the services.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that each jurisdiction would be responsible for its allocation of cost  based on OCOG percentages by each jurisdiction including the City of Monroe, the City of West Monroe, and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. 

Mrs.  Kelsea McCrary commented that the percentages were based on a per capita basis and the most recent 2020 Census will help dictate the way the percentages are allocated by municipalities.  The City of Monroe would pay about 29 percent of the fee.  Ouachita Parish is paying over 60 per cent.

Department of Public Works:         Public Comment:    

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey, and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8126, authorizing the City of Monroe to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell for Legal Services relating to the Monroe Regional Airport and further providing with respect thereto.

Public Comments:  Ms. Kenya Roberson, asked for an explanation of the legal services.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that the city needed to hire an attorney with expertise in aviation and airport law; they will be assisting with airport leases, FAA compliant, and any other matters related to the airport; the professional services agreement contract will be signed after tonight’s approval and will move forward with discussing any airport related concerns and issues; the firm is from Washington DC and they are very reputable and one of the oldest aviation law firm in the United States.  The information is in the agenda packet and the information is on the Council’s website. 

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8127, accepting the base bid of Allen Enterprise Inc., in the amount $59,000.00, for the Runway 14-32-l 880(l) PAPI Project, and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said work. (There were no public comments.)

Department of Community Affairs:      Public Comment:      

(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8128,  authorizing a designated city representative to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and Free Me Association d/b/a Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) and further providing with respect thereto. 

Public Comments:  Mr. Elijah Brass thanked the City for their support and commented about the components of their objective and one is education.  He asked for monetary assistance with their after school program. 

Mr. Stonewall Hunter thanked the City for their support and asked for more for the children.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that she did meet with Mr. Hollins and Mr. Hunter, and that the Boys and Girls Club has been working with the Mayor’s office on an agreement, and have also spoken with Dr. Vidrine about expanding an after school program at the recreation centers; have also been working with early childhood groups with different initiatives and she did tell MCAL that the first of the year, it would be more beneficial if they all sat down to the table; Education has always been one of the Mayor’s initiatives especially after school and early childhood education and this plan can be made bigger and better because there are so many groups that want to get involved and this is on the Mayor’s top of the list in the first of the year and it was explained to MCAL. 

Chairman Marshall said they had conversation with some school board members as well as Councilwoman Dawson, as they work toward the same goal and look forward to seeing it expand. 

Mr. Tyree Hollins, MCAL  commented regarding the free basketball program through all of the community centers, and it consists of  468 student athletes who take part in the program.  He inquired about the budget for the community centers.  Mrs. Rowell commented there was a budget for the community center and explained the budget process.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented there was discussion at a meeting with Ms. Talley and she told you all that funds were moved for this for the next budget and found funds for this from this budget; Mrs. Sturdivant said all of this had been discussed.  Mr. Hollins said yes, it was, but they wanted to know moving forward that MCAL can be a part of the budget.  Mr. Harvey commented that council members have discussed what the budget process will look like next year.   Mr. Hollins commented that Ms. Talley, Mrs. Sturdivant were transparent with MCAL about the budget, but wanted to get more clarity.  Ms. Woods commented that MCAL did some good things with their football program and don’t feel we are investing the way that need to invest in the young people and need to examine, because we do have a lot of money from the American Rescue, and can find money to do a lot of things; Ms. Woods said they just gave Chennault Aviation museum $25,000 for an airshow, but is in favor and will bring people here, but the kids are killing each other every day on the street and do think that the city need to take a harder look on how to put some money into a group of young men, an organization that is trying to help.  Where are we putting our priorities and do, we really care about our children.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that Ms. Patience Talley told MCAL in a meeting and she has added money for a lot of what they have asked for and the city told them that they would come back to the table in January on the after school tutoring and has given them money; she expressed to MCAL how the city is thrilled about the partnership and how look forward to growing and are visiting them on other programs such as education, socker, softball, and baseball and are working with them.  Mrs. Rowell said Council had discretionary funds in their budget and they can also help them with that.  Mr. Marshall commented that is part of what they are talking about and there should be afterschool programs for the children that are coming to the recreation center and the budget need to be itemized to know specifically what is there and need to take a look at taking care of the community.  Ms. Melonie Saulsberry commented that MCAL has changed her kids lives.  She expressed her thanks to MCAL and the city.  Ms. Kenya Roberson commented regarding the conversations and the funds for the centers.  Mr. David Wooley expressed his concerns and his support of MCAL.  Mr. Harvey commented the West Monroe campus of the Boys and Girls Club have been asked to assist and this is not a substitution and it is not a competition; Mrs. Sturdivant commented they are a non profit and it is not a competition, the Boys and Girls Club can help a number of students, and MCAL can help a number of students, and the City of Monroe can provide the space, and some of the resources needed to help a greater number of students to make it reach even more students.  Mrs. Dawson thanked MCAL have been instrumental in the City of Monroe, including District 5; her son is a part of MCAL and can give a testament to what they are doing in the community and do pledge to continue to support the organization.  Ms. Woods commented that the Monroe City Schools do have a lot of money and asked if the council members’ discretionary

money be used and legal said it could with a cooperative endeavor agreement; Mrs. Rowell said there is still the legal side of being able to just give funds away and if it can be worked out and how it can be non-gratuitous, it can be done.  Ms. Woods pledged to dedicate some of her discretionary funds to give to MCAL after working with Legal to make sure they are doing it legally.  She will work with the city to see if city funds can be found.  Mrs. Rowell said they have.   

ADD-ON:  (b)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Adopt a Resolution authorizing change order no. 1 in connection with the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo parking lot project by Amethyst Construction, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.   (There were no public comments.)

(b)  Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8129, authorizing change order no. 1 in connection with the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo parking lot project by Amethyst Construction, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto. 

Comments:  Mrs. Sturdivant explained the change order amount of $47,992.10 due to the excessive moisture content of the soil. Mr. Holland explained the parking lot project and the soft spots and the increase of the lime volume.   

Police Department:     Public Comment: 

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8130, authorizing the donation of one (1) Ford Crown Vic from the City of Monroe Police Department to the Town of Clarks, La 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. 8131, authorizing the donation of two (2) 2006 Chevrolet Impalas from the Monroe Police Department to the Town of Lake Providence, La and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments.)

Fire Department:        Public Comment:  

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8132, authorizing the Monroe Fire Department to advertise for contract bids for Firefighter Protective Clothing.  (There were no public comments.)

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8133, authorizing the donation of one (1) 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 2WD from the City of Monroe Fire Department to the Monroe City Marshal’s Office and further providing withrespect thereto. (There were no public comments.)

Engineering Services:  Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8134, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement with Lazenby & Associates, Inc., to provide Engineering Services for the Parking Lot Improvements at Desiard Street at Walnut Street and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments.)

Comments:  The location is at the corner of Desiard across from the Cotton restaurant. 

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8135, accepting as substantially complete work done by and between the City of Monroe and Womack and Sons Construction Group, LLC for repairs to Bayou Bartholomew Pump and Motor No. 1 and a Close Out Change Order for 186 (additional calendar days) added to contract time, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments.)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8136,  authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement with Arcadis, to provide Engineering Services for the Magellan/Broadmoor Storm Sewer Evaluation and Emergency Repair and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments.)

ADD-ON:   (d)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Adopt a Resolution certifying that the condition of the pipe allowing water from upper Bayou Desiard to flow into lower Bayou Desiard constitutes a “Public Emergency” pursuant to LA.  R.S. 38:2212(P)(1)(a) and authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury related to the Bayou Desiard potable water project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)

(d)  Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8137,  certifying that the condition of the pipe allowing water from upper Bayou Desiard to flow into lower Bayou Desiard constitutes a “Public Emergency” pursuant to LA.  R.S. 38:2212(P)(1)(a) and authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury related to the Bayou Desiard potable water project and further providing with respect thereto.

Public Comments:  Mr. Kevin Crosby, Lazenby and Associates explained the item and the handouts given to each Council member.  The deterioration of  pipe that would be detrimental to the water system for the City. This is where the City of Monroe gets their drinking water from.  The pipe has to be replaced and it is eligible for the Cares Act funding. This is a shared project with the OPPJ as a 50/50 split.  The project will take about six months to do construction and are currently in the design phase.

BREAK IF NEEDED:  NONE.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:

Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Joseph and Mignon Burks all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 19, Square 18, Unit 4, Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, 3709 Gayton St., Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Saledated July 30, 2000, and further with respect thereto. (Legal)  (There were no public comments.)

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance Dedication for a street name change from Century Village Boulevard to Victory Park Boulevard, being an85’ wide by 1,150’ long, more, or less, street right-of-way, located north of Venable Lane, south of Allgood Street and west of U.S. Hwy 165 north and further providing with respect thereto – Applicant: Century Village Partners, LLC (PUD/P&Z)   (There were no public comments.)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance adopting and amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe, Louisiana and authorizing the Clerk to publish notice of a Public Hearing to rezone a ±0.33-acre tract of land, from the R-1 (Single Family Residence) District to R-4, (High Density Multi-Family Residence) District, in order for the applicant to be able to develop a 4-plex housing unit, at 1809 Hickory Street – 1809 Hickory Street (Lot 4 of the Resub. of Lot 2, Square F, Southside Commercial Subdivision Unit #2 (0.33-more or less)) – Applicant: Jerin Rountree (PUD/P&Z)  (There were no public comments.)

(d) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Section 230 of the Monroe City Code Entitled Criminal Code and further providing with respect thereto. (Woods/Mayor Ellis)   (There were no public comments.)

Comments:  Ms. Woods commented there is a lot of crime and there are a lot of young people that are on the streets all times of evenings.  This ordinance is to try and keep a better watch on where the children are and also hold the parents accountable for knowing where their children are, and we have to start somewhere.  A certain group od people are not being targeted; if your child is on the street and there is a legitimate reason why they are walking home, then the conversation will be had, and they will take them home and contact the parents.  Everyone will not be rounded up and incarcerate them.  The hours will be between 9:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. where the children

should be at home.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that the Mayor thanked Ms. Woods for working with him on the ordinance as they both wanted to do it.  Mr. Marshall said it is definitely needed, and the intent is making sure that the children are safe and creating a safe environment for everyone. 

Mrs. Ezernack asked how the word would be put out to parents, and the general public of the change.  Mrs. Sturdivant commented that the City of Monroe’s Communications Director, Mrs. Micheli Martin will work on getting the word out through press releases, social media.  It will become effective if passed on January 1, 2022. 

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

Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing:  Chairman Marshall opened the Public Hearing and upon seeing no one come forward the Public Hearing was closed.

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally Adopt  Ordinance No. 12,091, authorizing the exchange of property between the City of Monroe and Robert Kendell Stone and Cynthia Grace Bennett Stone pursuant to La. R. S. 33:4712 and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal)  (There were no public comments.)

Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing:

      (b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to remove from the       agenda to Finally Adopt an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to    enter into and execute Lease       Amendment No. 1 by and between the City of Monroe and the United States of America a/k/a General       Services Administration, and further providing with respect thereto. (Airport) (There were no public comments.)

ADD-ON: (c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Finally Adopt an Emergency Ordinance declaring the repair of pump #2 at the Rochelle stormwater station an emergency and necessitating immediate repair and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments.)

(c) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Finally Adopt  Emergency Ordinance No. 12,092, declaring the repair of pump #2 at the Rochelle stormwater station an emergency and necessitating immediate repair and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments.)

CITIZENS PARTICIPATION: 

1.  Mrs. Patsy Brown, citizen, yielded her time to Mrs. Kenya Roberson and Sonya Jacobs.

2.  Ms. Kenya Roberson, Monroe Regional Black Chamber,  thanked the City and Mayor on the invitation on the events on last week and her concern for inclusion and diversity.  Mrs. Kelsea McCrary commented regarding the event and the inclusion.  Ms. Roberson requested on behalf on the Monroe Regional Black Chamber, that the City of Monroe would have funds allocated to the Monroe Regional Black Chamber just as they are allocated for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the same amount. 

3.  Mrs. Sonya Jacobs, commented regarded inclusion; she spoke regarding Black businesses that didn’t survive Covid financially. She commented regarding black businesses, economic development and government contracting.   

4.  Mr. Chris Brown, citizen, yielded his time to Kenya Roberson and Sonya Jacobs. 

5.  Mr. Elijah Brass, citizen, commented regarding MCAL.

6.  Ms. Epting, commented her concerns for the community. 

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m., upon a  motion of Ms. Woods and seconded by Mr. Marshall.  (There were no public comments)

Mr. Carday Marshall, Sr.

Council Chairman

Ms. Carolus S. Riley

Council Clerk

Ms. Jacqueline Benjamin

Council Secretary