City of Monroe, LA

There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date, June 22, 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 Mayor Ellis’ designee, Mr. Tom Janway, Public Works Director, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Ellis.    

COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:                       

          1.  Mr. Harvey welcomed and thanked everyone for attending tonight’s Council meeting. He announced his           upcoming District 1 Community meetings that art tentatively set for July 6 and July 8 to be held at the American           Legion Hall; updated information on the meeting will be posted on his Facebook page.

2. Mrs. Ezernack welcomed and thanked everyone for attending tonight’s meeting.

          3. Ms. Woods welcomed everyone and commented about a recent ribbon cutting ceremony on a newly renovated           home in Booker-T; the home was renovated to be handicap accessible for the family and she will have pics of the     house on her Facebook page; Ms. Woods made a special presentation after reading the proclamation for L.C.           Bonner; Mrs. Bonner and daughter Beverly came forward to receive the presentation.

          4. Mr. Marshall welcomed everyone for attending; he thanked everyone for their involvement of the festivities           during Juneteenth, as there were celebrations in Charles Johnson Park, downtown, and Living Water’s art exhibit.           He announced the Stop the Violence Bike Ride on June 26 from 10am-2pm at the HUB; HAS will be involved           speaking on healthier lifestyles, safe neighborhoods; he commented about the shootings that occurred during the           same weekend of the festivities during Juneteenth weekend.  He commented that although, we celebrated coming           out of slavery, that we are still in bondage among ourselves.   He encouraged those that before they pick up the           gun and attempt the act, that they should think about the impact they will have, the life taken, the son or daughter,           brother or sister’s life taken.  The Stop the Violence Bike ride will foster some positive impact on the neighborhood,           and we have to move forward from the bike ride.  Let’s move forward with doing more concerning the violence in           our communities.

          5. Mrs. Dawson welcomed everyone; she expressed her condolences to the families that have lost loved ones due           to gun violence, and also to the family of Mr. Cordell Blockson, and Mr. Gregory Bridges; she thanked Mayor           Ellis for the things that he deals with on a daily basis.  There are a lot of things that will be happening in the City           and do look forward; she thanked City Council members for their supporting each other in each District. 

          6. Mayor Ellis thanked Councilman Marshall for his words of encouragement; he said the violence in the City is           being taken over by youth; he said the Council is committed and dedicated to their communities and  he said that           we all know the children, and have invested time into them; he thanked the Pastors, the high school principals and    those willing to step up to help out and come together to get a resolution to the problem.  He offered his condolences to all the families.  He thanked Ellen Hill and her staff for the work they did on the house in Booker T.  He     acknowledged the Flag project of the University and college in our City.  In his recent traveling of meetings with           Mayor Cantrell, and Mayor Broom with discussions of policies and the learning processes from each other has           been informative; they loved the idea of our Environmental Court, and for them to adopt our model; he thanked           staff for putting in the time and effort and all the work that Council has put in.

Upon a motion of Mr. Marshall and a second by Mrs. Dawson, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of  June 08, 2021, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments)

PRESENTATION:     NONE.

          PUBLIC HEARINGS:    NONE.

PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:      Public Comment:

1.  2308 Spencer Avenue (D1) (Owner - David Bankston)  Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved for property to be condemned and property owner to be given 30 days or July 23, 2021, in which to bring the structure into compliance with the code or demolish the structure and clean the lot.

Comments:  PowerPoint slides of  pictorial evidence for the current state of the property and discussion on the property’s condition were presented by PUD Director, Mrs. Ellen Hill.

Public Comments:  Mr. Terry Turner, spoke regarding the property; neighbors from the area were in attendance regarding the property.  Mrs. Ezernack stated to Mr. Turner, that after the vote being taken, and they would not have any more issues.  Ms. Hill explained the process of what happens after the vote is taken.

2.  3914 Harvey Street (D3) (Owners - Crewlake Primitive Baptist Assn., Ralph Williams) (Non-curator - Brown & Sons Realty)  Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved for property to be condemned and property owner to be given 30 days or July 23, 2021, in which to bring the structure into compliance with the code or demolish the structure and clean the lot.  (There were no public comments)

Comments:  PowerPoint slides of  pictorial evidence for the current state of the property and discussion on the property’s condition were presented by PUD Director, Mrs. Ellen Hill.  Ms. Woods stated that she would appreciate it if this property would be down sooner, than later and also that lots in District 3 would be mowed because the phones are ringing from folks to get the lots mowed.

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:       Public Comment     

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Accept the bids of Economical Janitorial, Fuqua, Parker Wholesale Paper and Unipack Corp., for a one (1) year supply contract of Janitorial Paper Products Ref#2022-00000003 as recommended by the Director of Administration as meeting the specifications of this bid.  The Vendors meet the specifications of the bid.  The funds will be derived from the Inventory Account and billed to the Departments/Divisions accordingly.  The Tax & Revenue Division has confirmed that these bidders are tax compliance. (There were no public comments)

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Accept the bids of Cabot Norit Americas and Harcros Chemicals for a one (1) year supply contract of water treatment chemicals Ref#2022-00000002 as recommended by the Director of Administration as meeting the specifications of this bid.  The Vendors meet the specifications of the bid.  The funds will be derived from the Chemical Account.  The Tax & Revenue Division has confirmed that these bidders are tax compliance.  (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Accept the bid of Veritiv for a one (1) year supply contract of computer paper and stock paper Ref#2022-00000004 as recommended by the Director of Administration as meeting the specifications of this bid.  The Vendors meet the specifications of the bid.  The funds will be derived from the Inventory Account and billed to the departments/divisions accordingly.  The Tax & Revenue Division has confirmed that these bidders are tax compliance.  (There were no public comments)

           RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:

 1. Council:           Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to pass over until the next meeting to Adopt a Resolution establishing Purchasing and Bidding Procedures for the City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto. (Harvey) 

Comments:  Mrs. Ezernack asked to pass over due to policies and procedures being introduced on tomorrow and them being reviewed before taking a vote on the resolution; she asked that information be given to Council.

1.  Melanie Bentz spoke regarding the agenda item and the amounts concerning the bids; asking for provisions for goals.

2.  Kenya Robertson spoke regarding the agenda item and asked that this be reviewed.

3.  Sonja Jacobs spoke regarding concerns of the youth, city policies, and the agenda item referencing DBE goals;  she referenced the City of Monroe’s MAPP program and asked for a greater inclusion plan.

4.  Tobias Collins spoke regarding his new business and his concern of the DBE, PPP loans.

5.  David Willie spoke regarding the spending part of the pricing and limit. 

Mrs. Dawson asked for the record to Legal to give the State’s numbers; Mrs. Sturdivant stated the Louisiana bid law numbers for public works limit was $250,000 and anything over that amount has to be bid and Monroe’s is over $30,000 has to be bid and it was updated last in 2004, and before that 1986 and the change would be following the state bid law requirement over $250,000 would be bid and will follow the La. State Legislative Auditors recommended best practices for anything under the required amount of $250,000; Mrs. Dawson asked how did this relate to minority contractors and DBE’s; Mrs. Sturdivant said they can get 100 percent of some of the projects and it wouldn’t have to go through bidding from $25,000-$250,000 with 3 quotes in writing by letter, fax, email or any other printable electronic form and anything under it could do verbal quotes; currently with anything over $30,000 must come to Council for approval for request to advertise, advertise, wait for bids, bid opening, review bids for lowest responsible bidder and then come back to Council to request to award a contract to lowest bidder; this process will move city projects along, at least 2-3 months faster, if not more; the current process takes about two months by the time it comes to Council to request to advertise to get to the final awarding of a contract. Mayor Ellis commented that this item was driven from the department heads and asked that each Council member   would talk with them about how the current process slows the process down. Ms. Woods said her concerns are the oversight and how would the DBE’s know about the bidding and it is about transparency; Ms. Woods commented about the current DBE goals and her concern of aligning them with the State and if we are aligning some, then align all.  Mrs. Dawson asked how the minority businesses selected for business; Mrs. Sturdivant  commented that since Mayor Ellis’s coming in that they are working on updating and improving the DBE program.  There will be another DBE workshop in the fall and the plan is to increase the local DBE pool.  Mayor Ellis commented more on the process and are figuring out and putting in the work on adopting what makes sense for our community. Ms. Sonja Jacobs offered comments regarding the bid limits, inclusion.                                      

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7997, granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Deep South Racing Association (Boat Races) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7998, authorizing the temporary closure of Forsythe Boat Ramp, adjacent area, and surrounding levee to the general public from June 25th through June 27th, 2021 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 Adopt Resolution No. 7999, granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the City of Monroe (Downtown Independence

Day Celebration) 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:

None.

Department of Planning & Urban Development:    Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8000, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to approve & submit the City of Monroe’s FY 2021 Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Projects No. B-21-MC-22-0005 and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Programs Project No. M-21-MC-22-0206.  (There were no public comments)

Legal Department:

Public Comment:

None.

          Mayor’s Office:    

          Public Comment:

None.

Department of Public Works:    Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8001, authorizing a city representative to execute Change Order Number 1, (MLU Drainage Improvements Project) between the City of Monroe and Merrick, LLC., for an increase of $34,299.11 to the contract cost of said project and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8002, authorizing the execution of a Non-Federal Preliminary Design Reimbursable Agreement by and between the City of Monroe, Monroe Regional Airport and the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Add-On: (c)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City of Monroe to advertise for bids for Phase II of the Drainage Improvements Project at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8003, authorizing the City of Monroe to advertise for bids for Phase II of the Drainage Improvements Project at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Department of Community Affairs:    Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8004, accepting as substantially complete work for the Masur Museum of Art Storm Damage     Repairs by Grindstone Construction LLC and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Comments: Mr. Marshall commented to go by and take a look at Masur as the repairs look great; there will be upcoming events at the Masur Museum.

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8805, authorizing the City of Monroe to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with North Louisiana Growth and Development Foundation dba Louisiana Catalyst and further providing with respect thereto. 

Comments: Mr. Quinton Durr spoke regarding the agenda item and how it helps connecting businesses with resources. Mrs. Sturdivant said the city is allowing them use of Benoit pavilion to promote and help entrepreneurs. 

Ms. Woods asked how the business would be marketed and Mr. Durr said they are working with a group from

Shreveport to assist, social media, colleges, and they are ground oriented.  Mayor Ellis commented when he took office, one of the things were for a business incubator to be in south Monroe, and Mr. Durr has a heart for growing business and his passion is business development, he has a track record of working with small businesses.  They will be working in high schools with free enterprise programs.  Ms. Dawson asked about his networking with SEDD, and Mr. Durr said that he would be reaching out to them, and they would not overlap, but feel in the gap and collaborate.

(c) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to remove from the agenda to Adopt a Resolution authorizing a designated city representative to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Academy Fitness and Sports LLC d/b/a Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) and further providing with respect thereto.     

Comments:  Mr. Harvey stated it was being removed due to them having the agreement back today, and there is no agreement to execute at this stage

Mrs. Jessica Holland commented on information regarding the cooperative endeavor agreement and limitations placed on their organization.  Mrs. Sturdivant said answers to comments were sent today and spoke about the purpose of  cooperative agreement was to waive the fees and guidelines  of benefit to the City.  Ms. Holland commented their initial request was access to the fields and they were denied access to the fields. Mayor Ellis commented  they were initially denied access because they did not have liability insurance and if a child gets injured that the City of Monroe is liable and also the registrations were removed due to their organization requiring recreation center supervisors to enter into contracts with MCAL and the supervisor do not sign contracts with anyone and policy and procedures must be put in place. Mayor Ellis commented that he had no problem with the organization having access to the fields, but in practicing on the fields, the City has to have minimum insurance required for contact sports. Mrs. Sturdivant commented her conversations with Mr. Holland and stated if the organization is saying they will pay to use the fields, then a cooperative endeavor agreement is not needed; they can get a rental agreement, pay the fees, and use the fields; they would need to provide insurance.  The purpose was to help them with their youth program so that they would not have to pay the fees.     

Police Department:   

          Public Comment:

None.

          Fire Department:

Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Consider request from the Monroe Fire Department for Council approval for the Purchasing Division to advertise for Uniforms.  The total budget for these uniforms is $93,575.00.  The funds for these purchases will be derived from the Uniform Account.  (There were no public comments)   

          Engineering Services:                 Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8006, authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids on the pedestrian bridge at Renwick Improvements Project. The estimated cost of this project is $400,000.00.  The DBE Goal is 0% and source of funds Capital Infrastructure Sales Tax Revenue Funds. 

Comments:  Ms. Melissa Riley, spoke regarding the cost being the limit for the repairing of the bridge; she asked for explanation of DBE participation of zero percent.  She asked that the bridge be dedicated to Carroll Jr. High and High School due to the students having to walk over the bridge to attend school.  Ms. Golden spoke regarding the project bridge being sandblasted, painted, refurbish the fencing, and repair the lighting, and the marking approved by DOTD is white lettering on a grey background with City of Monroe and the new logo. The City of Monroe owns the bridge, but it exists within the right of way of the State of Louisiana, administered by the La Department of Transportation and have to have permission from the State to do anything to the bridge. The work to be done on the bridge is cross referenced to DBE who do the type of work and there were no match ups of  certified DBE.  Mr. Marshall commented that he understands some bridges have to have some movement and Ms. Golden said yes, and the bridge is old and the standards when the bridge was built allowed more deflection

and does not mean there is anything wrong with the bridge. The funds will come from the Capital Infrastructure sales tax revenue fund. 

Mr. Glenn Fleming commented that the bridge was being cosmetically refurbished and his concern for the structural safety of the bridge.

Mrs. Alice Bates Gordon commented that the bridge was an old landmark and there are monies available for old landmarks.

Mr. Eric Davis, commented of his disappointment because he has walked the bridge and the connection by which the bridge serves; he asked that at the very least, get the colors of blue and gold.  The bridge has no handicap accessibility.  He asked for reconsideration of getting this done.  Ms. Woods thanked Dr. Davis for his comments, and this has been her fight for five years when she got elected and wants to rid the community of the eyesore and making sure that it is also safe; she asked that it be revisited to see if other dollars are available in the infrastructure fund.

Mr. Verbon Muhammad commented that the bridge should be brought up to ADA compliance with federal law.

Mr. James Davis commented issues for the bridge regarding cost of repair and cosmetics of the bridge.  

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8007, authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Change Order No. Three (3) to the US 165 turn lanes at Venable and Venable Lane Reconstruction Contract, between the City of Monroe and Amethyst Construction, Inc., for an increase in the contract amount of $9,840.00 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. 8008, authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Closeout Change Order No. Four (4) to the US 165 turn lanes at Venable and Venable Lane Reconstruction Contract, between the City of Monroe and Amethyst Construction, Inc., for an increase in the contract amount of $2,088.97 and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

(d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to remove from the agenda to Adopt a Resolution authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Change Order No. One (1) to the North 18^th Street Improvements Contract, between the City of Monroe and C W & W Contractors, Inc., for a decrease in the contract amount of $7,096.80 and an increase in the contract time of ­­­_____ days and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

The agenda item is being removed due to the days not being finalized.

(e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8009, authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Master Services Agreement with Lazenby & Associates, Inc., to provide engineering & other professional services and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

(f) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8010, authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Master Services Agreement with S. E. Huey Company, to provide engineering & surveying services and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

Ms. Woods asked about the items and the city’s commitment on the agreements; Ms. Golden said they were master service agreements, a contractual relationship in place with the Engineering firms and call upon them to task order for specific things; this is a renewal of the contract with Lazenby which they have had with the company for a long time.  The contract with SE Huey is needed that there are some things that Lazenby has conflicted out of and need the support in the area of survey work; there is no financial commitment upfront and it is paid for out of a budget item; Ms. Woods asked if there was a discount; Ms. Golden said it moves the projects along a lot quicker and then you end up saving money that way, to expedite the projects. 

(g) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8011, authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract with MSA Professional Services, Inc., to provide professional engineering & planning services for the Marina Proposal Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

(h) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8012, authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement with MESA, Inc., to provide architectural design & other professional services for the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Strategic Plan Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

(i) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8013, authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute a grant application to the Louisiana Department of Transportation Safe Routes to Public Places Program the south Monroe Public Places Sidewalk Phase I Project in the East Street and Parkview Drive area and further providing with respect thereto.

(There were no public comments)

(j) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8014, authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute a grant application in the amount of $15,200,000.00 to the United States Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Program (Raise Grant) for the H.007289 Kansas Lane Extension also known as Kansas Lane Multi-Modal Connector and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)

Ms. Golden explained the item was for the Kansas Lane extension, a legacy project, connecting from the northern boundary of the existing Kansas Lane out through the swamp to 165 and Forsythe Extension, funding from the state.  The Sam’s bridge is a separate project.

Add-On:  (k) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to adopt a Resolution authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids on the Centurylink Drive bridge over Bayou Desiard project.  The estimated cost of this project is $86,817.00.  The DBE Goal is 8% and source of funds Capital Infrastructure Sales Tax Revenue Funds and FEMA reimbursements. (There were no public comments) 

(k) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8015, authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids on the Centurylink Drive bridge over Bayou Desiard project.  The estimated cost of this project is $86,817.00.  The DBE Goal is 8% and source of funds Capital Infrastructure Sales Tax Revenue Funds and FEMA reimbursements. (There were no public comments) 

Add-On: (l)   Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to adopt a Resolution approving, and authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, or his designee to execute a non-federal preliminary design reimbursable agreement by and between the City of Monroe, Monroe Regional Airport and the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration relating to the H.007300 Kansas Lane-Darrett Road-1-20 Interchange Project, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

(l)  Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8016, approving, and authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, or his designee to execute a non-federal preliminary design reimbursable agreement by and between the City of Monroe, Monroe Regional Airport and the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration relating to the H.007300 Kansas Lane-Darrett Road-1-20 Interchange Project, and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Add-On: (m)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to adopt a Resolution authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to execute a full signal maintenance agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation  and Development for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022 and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments)

Ms. Golden said this agreement was a renewal of the contract. 

(m)  Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8017, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to execute a full signal maintenance agreement with the Louisiana

Department of Transportation  and Development for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022 and further providing 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 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Nicole Oliver Properties, LLC all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 8, Block 17, Unit 4, Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, 3602 Pippin St., District 3, Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Saledated July 1, 2010, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments)

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, 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 Felicia Mosby all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 17, Block 27, Unit 5, Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, 1310 S. College Ave., Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Saledated July 20, 2007, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments)

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance accepting the donation of real property into the City of Monroe from HarrellCo Properties, L.L.C., and further providing with respect thereto: (PUD) (There were no public comments)

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

      NONE.

       ELECT CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE COMING YEAR 2021/22:

Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson to nominate Mr. Marshall for Chairman; Voting YES:  Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Mrs. Dawson, Ms. Woods, Mr. Marshall to elect Mr. Marshall for Chairman, 2021/22. (there were no other nominations on the floor).

Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mr. Marshall to nominate Mrs. Dawson for Vice Chairman; (there were no other nominations on the floor) Voting YES:  Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Mrs. Dawson, Ms. Woods, Mr. Marshall to elect Mrs. Dawson for Vice-Chairman, 2021/22.

Mrs. Ezernack thanked Mr. Harvey for his leadership as Chair and Mr. Marshall as Vice Chair.

          CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:

1.  Mr. Cedric Floyd, commented regarding 2020 U.S. Census information and passed out information on the Census.

2.  Ms. Detrick Massey, commented regarding her nonprofit track team and the City of Monroe’s assistance for the team to travel to the Olympics in Jacksonville Florida.  Mr. Marshall thanked Ms. Massey for her dedication to the youth.  Ms. Woods thanked Ms. Massey and said the last time she was here, the City did give her $10,000.

3.  Mrs. Jessica Hollins, commented regarding Monroe City Academy League.

4.  Mr. Stonewall Hunter III, commented regarding the Monroe City Academy League.

5.  Mr. Tyree Hollins, commented regarding the Monroe City Academy League. 

Ms. Woods spoke regarding a text that she just received from Senator Katrina Jackson regarding the bridge and her getting on the phone with Secretary Shawn Wilson, with the Department of Transportation and she said that he said, there is an exemption that can be made to the paint on the overhead cross walk in a different color and said that the City only needs to ask for it. 

6.  Mr. Jim Davis, commented there were no signs on the bridge warning the children or adults of the danger of not using the bridge for access and asked that this be included to add signs.

7.  Mr. Verbon Muhammad commented regarding a justice rally.

Mr. Marshall commented regarding the meetings that have been held and asked that everyone would be involved in making change.

8.  Mr. Michael Gibson commented regarding the deaths and Monroe Police Department.

9.  Mr. Tobias Collins commented regarding concerns for the City of Monroe.

10.  Mr. David Wooley commented regarding the Monroe City Academy League.

11.  Mr. Glenn Fleming commented regarding concerns for the City of Monroe including the recreation centers and activities.

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m., upon a  motion of Ms. Woods and seconded by Mrs. Dawson.  (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