City of Monroe, LA

Monroe City Council Legal and Regular Session
September 8, 2020
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, September 8, 2020 at the Council's regular meeting place, 400 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, City Council Chambers/City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.     

The Honorable Juanita G. Woods, Chairwoman called the meeting to order.

The roll call by the Council Clerk Ms. Carolus Riley.

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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Chairwoman Woods declared a quorum.   

ELECT CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE COMING YEAR 2020/21:       

Chairwoman Woods opened the floor for nominations to elect the Chairman and Vice Chairman for City Council for the year 2020-2021.  

Mrs. Ezernack nominated Ms. Woods for another term as Chairman of the City Council and Ms. Woods seconded the motion.               

Mr. Marshall nominated Mr. Harvey as Chairman of the City Council and Ms. Dawson seconded.

It was moved and seconded that nominations for Chairman of the City Council be closed and there were no public comments.  Mrs. Sturdivant explained the voting process as each voter would raise their hand in favor of their choice and then take nominations from the floor.  

Chairwoman Woods asked those in favor of Juanita Woods being Chair to raise their hands; hands were raised by Mrs. Ezernack and Ms. Woods. 

Chairwoman Woods asked those in favor of Doug Harvey being Chairman to raise their hands; hands were raised by Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. Harvey.  

The vote was 3 to 2 and Mr. Harvey was elected as the new Chairman of the City Council for year 2020-2021. 

Council Chairman Harvey took over as Chairman and proceeded with the remaining agenda. 

Council Chairman Doug Harvey called for the nominations for the Vice Chairman of the City Council for year 2020-2021. 

Ms. Woods nominated Mrs. Ezernack as Vice Chairman and Ms. Woods seconded. 

Mr. Marshall nominated Mr. Harvey as Chairman of the City Council and Ms. Dawson seconded.

Ms. Woods asked that the votes be taken by voice vote instead of raising hands so that it can be on record.  Mrs. Sturdivant said that could be done.  Ms. Dawson asked if the nomination for Vice President the only nomination was made; she was unable to hear the nomination.  Mrs. Sturdivant said it was the only one.  Ms. Dawson asked if the nominations had been closed and Ms. Riley said they were closed.  Mrs. Sturdivant said there may have been some confusion about nominations being closed; she said they need to make sure before they are completely closed that everyone who wanted to get nominated were nominated.  

Council Chairman Harvey re-opened the nominations for Vice Chairman.

Mrs. Dawson nominated Councilman Marshall for Vice Chairman and Mr. Harvey seconded. 

Ms. Woods nominated Councilwoman Ezernack as Vice Chairman and Mrs. Ezernack seconded. 

Chairman Harvey closed the nominations for Vice Chairman.  The voting proceeded for Vice Chairman. 

Those in favor of Councilwoman Ezernack for Vice Chairman were Ms. Woods and Mrs. Ezernack.

Those in favor of Councilman Marshall for Vice Chairman were Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Marshall. 

Councilman Marshall was elected Vice Chairman of the City Council for the year 2020-2021.

The Invocation was led by Councilwoman Dawson’s designee, Pastor Marty Campbell; Councilwoman Dawson led the Pledge of Allegiance.                          

          COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:    

          1. Mrs. Ezernack welcomed each one present; she offered condolences to Councilwoman Dawson on the loss of             her mother-in-law; she thanked the community for their efforts during the storm and also thanked Public Works,           and the first responders for their work during the storm.  

          2. Ms. Woods thanked Public Works, Fire, Atmos, Entergy, Mr. Bob Livingston and Mr. Kenneth Wilson for being       supportive during the time when the citizens were without utilities; she expressed her condolences to            Councilwoman Dawson on the loss of her Mother-in-law;   she thanked Mayor Friday for his work in the     community and also Councilman Harvey for assisting her with a tree that fell down on her home; Rose of           Sharon will be hosting a voter registration on September 19, 2020.

          3. Mr. Marshall welcomed each one present; he offered continued prayers and support to the Robinson family; he

          thanked all of the city departments and the Mayor for going into the community and volunteering and visiting with        the community; he said he got a lot of response from the citizens being appreciative of the Mayor coming in the      community and listening to the concerns of the constituents; he thanked the Mayor for his dedication and the          citizens are grateful for what he has done.  He thanked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ms. Marissa Boyd and her crew, the Helping Hands and the work they did; he said the work done this past weekend could have         easily amounted to work at a value of over $100,000 with their work at the zoo, the parks and individual homes       and believe do they are going to try and come back this weekend and help out some more.  It was a blessing for     those who received help from those who assisted including the Mayor, Councilman Harvey and the other Council      members that were out and listening to everyone throughout the city; it was a blessing and the spirit throughout             the city was a joy to see.  

          5. Mrs. Dawson welcomed each one and thanked them for attending tonight; she thanked all the Council members         for reaching out to her during the loss of her Mother-in-law, as it was a huge loss for her family.  She thanked   Mayor Ellis for coming to be with her family on Saturday and also to Councilman Marshall for blessing her family          during the repast.  She thanked all of the zoo cleanup volunteers for their work at the zoo on August 29, there were     over 100 volunteers; she said their initial plans were to do some remodeling and painting at the zoo but due to the          storm they had to make some changes.  She     thanked Community affairs director, Doug Seegers for his work; the           Fort Worth Zoo director came to assist with           cutting up trees, bagging debris and it was good to see the community        come together to help bring the back the zoo.  She thanked Mayor Ellis, Chief Terry Williams and the MFD for coming out and going into the Parkview and Trichel communities; she thanked Senator Katrina Jackson for going into King Oaks, as she couldn’t attend due to making funeral arrangements.  She thanked the Church    of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Helping Hands for playing such a major part in getting our City      back    together, as it will be a long time and asked that the citizens would be patient and if you have debris in            your     yards to rake it up and place it at the edge of the street for pickup by the City.  She thanked the Public Works     department and Code Enforcement for their assistance as she put in requests to them and the work they’ve   done. 

 6. Mayor Ellis asked that our city would continue to lift up South Louisiana in prayer; he thanked the city employees, and the first responders for putting in the work; the “can do” crew get the job done even at the detriment of their own families which they put off the work needed at their own homes to serve the community and they do it faithfully.  He thanked the community for serving their neighbors and said the strength is in our community.  He thanked the food bank and the national guard for the number of meals they served and there were plenty; he thanked Chef Corey Bahr of Parish Restaurant for serving the first responders and lineman in town; he thanked the Council members for serving the community faithfully.  He acknowledged Arthur Holland and welcomed him back; he acknowledged the attendance of Dr. Cade Brumley, State Superintendent of Schools, K-12.  

Chairman Doug Harvey thanked everyone for their commitment to each other and the community during the last couple of weeks, as this has been the fourth declared emergency since his being on the council and was encouraged by seeing people come together and serve each other.  He commented a quote that has resonated with him, “ never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  He announced a cleanup this weekend in the Garden district with Braden Winterman and TEAM 

Monroe this Saturday, September 12 at 9am beginning at Forsythe; the community can find more information about this cleanup on Facebook at Team Monroe.            

          Upon a motion of Mrs. Dawson and a second by Mr. Marshall, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of  August 25, 2020  were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments).

PRESENTATION:  Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to add to the agenda a Presentation by the Legal Department.  (There were no public comments).

Monroe City Attorney, Angie Sturdivant introduced Mr. Doug Breckenridge, Cooley Foundation member, President.  Mr. Breckenridge gave a presentation on the award that the Cooley House received from the La. Trust for Historic Preservation. Mr. Brian Davis, Executive Director of La. Trust for Historic Preservation, a statewide nonprofit that works to help save historic buildings; he presented the 2020 Educational Award from the La. Trust to the Cooley House Foundation.

          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 Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7790, authorizing Proworks Productions, LLC to provide Video and Television Professional Services for the   Monroe City Council, and further providing with respect thereto. (Harvey)  (There were no public comments).

(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods; Voting YES:  Ezernack, Woods, Marshall, Dawson; Voting to ABSTAIN: Harvey;  approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7791, authorizing the renaming of Forsythe Park Municipal Golf Course (Muny) in the City of Monroe, Louisiana, the Johnny Myers Golf Course, and further providing with respect thereto. (Ezernack) 

Comments:  Mrs. Ezernack asked that a correction to the name be made as: Johnny Myers Memorial Golf Course.

Mr. Guy Campbell, III, spoke on behalf of renaming the golf course; Stephen Myers, son of Johnny Myers and his grandson Bradley Myers were present and spoke of the contributions made by his father and thanked the Council for the honor.  Mr. Myers was one of 41 people admitted to the golf states hall of fame for the PGA of America; he taught the kids at MUNY golf course giving free clinics.

          Department of Administration:    Public Comment:    None.

Department of Planning & Urban Development:       Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7792, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute Sub-Recipient Agreements with small business owners and award grants up to $15,000.00 from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Cares Act COVID-19 Program and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).

Comments:  Ms. Woods asked if the recipients that were present would stand; Ellen Hill, PUD spoke regarding those who received the funds came tonight in case there were questions; recipients included owners from businesses that included a restaurant, bakery, health and fitness, and beauty shop. Mrs. Dawson asked if the $15,000 was only being given to the stated five recipients.  Mrs. Hill said they had up to $15,000.  Ms. Dawson 

asked how was the public informed of this and what is the application process; Mrs. Hill said they had the first round of applications on the website.  She commented there is information on their website and it will be on the City’s Facebook page; the process is a two-step process where a preliminary application is completed to qualify the minimum requirements according to HUD and once completed a link is provided for more information to complete; participants must live in the City of Monroe and the grants are awarded to businesses in the City with an occupational license, certificate of occupancy and be a legitimate business affected by Covid; the business must be in business prior to Covid starting and the business will have to show how it has been affected.  If participants aren’t matched to this program, then they are given information on programs that they may could qualify for.  They are currently taking applications for funds from the CARES Act until September 16, 2020.  Ms. Woods asked the number of people for remaining funds and Ms. Hill said it could vary depending on what the business needs qualify for.  Mr. Harvey thanked the recipients for their continued investment in the City.  

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7793, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute a decrease in change order from Housing Rehabilitation Contract by and between the City of Monroe and 4210 Owl Street (Bright Construction, LLC.) in the amount of $3,400.00 from CDBG B-18-MC-22-0005-E-411, and further providing with respect thereto. (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. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7794, accepting the bid of Merrick LLC, in the amount of $1,713,535.00 (Base Bid) and $545,785.00 (Additive Alternate #1) and $550,725.00 (Additive Alternate #2) to improve airport drainage/erosion control 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. 7795, authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to execute Task Order #1 between the City of Monroe and Kutchins and Groh L.L.C., for services related to the drainage improvement project at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).

(c) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7796, authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute work authorization #10 between the City of Monroe and Garver, L.L.C., related to the Airport Drainage Project at the Monroe Regional Airport and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).

(d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to remove from the agenda to Adopt a Resolution accepting the Request for Qualifications and authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute an On-Call Training Services Agreement for FAA Certification and Compliance between the City of Monroe and Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, PLLC. at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).

(e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7797, authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into and execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).

Comments:  Ms. Woods asked if the OPPJ would be assisting Public Works; Mrs. Sturdivant said the OPPJ went out for bids prior to for emergencies and they awarded it to Volkert will be the debris monitor and the City is entering into a cooperative endeavor agreement with OPPJ to utilize the DRC, the debris removal company and Volkert, the debris monitor and are hoping that it is reimbursed by FEMA.  The city will be working in conjunction with the debris removal company to get it done quicker.  Mrs. Ezernack said in reference to the 2016 flood and tornado and the wear and tear on the city’s equipment; think that this a better way to do it where the city isn’t using their own equipment and to give our people some what of a break.  Mr. Janway said they have already picked up 2,000 tons of debris and there is possibly 10,000 tons of debris out in the community and this service will be beneficial.  Mr. Harvey thanked them for taking a proactive approach and for getting the city clean and protecting the city’s equipment through its useful life.  Mrs. Dawson asked if citizens decide to haul off their own 

debris, if they would be charged for taking it to the dump site.  Mr. Janway said the city do business with White Oaks they would be charged.  Mr. Harvey said one of the challenges is that citizens will leave on the side of the road for the city to pick up so that they won’t be charged at the landfill.  Mr. Janway said he didn’t believe private individuals can dump there; Waste management will take from private individuals, but not white oaks.  Waste management will charge.  

Department of Community Affairs:    Public Comment:    None.

Police Department:    Public Comment:     None.

          Fire Department:     Public Comment:     None.     

          Engineering Services:     Public Comment:

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7798, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. Two (2) to the Kansas Lane Extension Clearing & Grubbing Contract, between the City of Monroe and LaDotd for an increase in the contract time of 137 days and further providing with respect thereto. 

Comments:  Chairman Harvey stated a typo to the agenda and the contract time of days are 148.

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7799, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. Two (2) to the MTS Facility Bus Wash Replacement Contract, between the City of Monroe and Traxler Construction Company, for an increase in the contract amount of $1,100.00 and further providing with respect thereto.

Comments: Mr. Harvey asked about the replacement cost being valid;  Ms. Golden said she had the same caution when presented with materials because there was a detailed change order that Engineering brought before Council and Council approved.  She said as it was explained to her they found the conditions that are being addressed by the second change order.  Mr. Arrington, SE Huey company further explained the need for change order with water from high pressure throwing a lot of water outside the bus wash area and back into the shop area. Mr. Harvey asked if the cost of the change order priced into their bid.  Mr. Arrington said as the project engineer it was his opinion that it was warranted and his estimate on the job was $503,000 and with the change order the total price would be $501, 264 and it shows that they are within the estimated budget. Mr. Harvey asked if this was work of the change order and if this was additional remaining work or if it was part of the change order and if it is needed to completely do the project.  Mr. Arrington said it was not a part of the original scope, it was part of change order number one and there are two options that are the removal of the tank or choose to put two of the catch basins in the piping  and would end up being a deductive change that would save the city the price of the second catch basin piping, but it will leave more water when it runs out.  Mr. Harvey asked if this would be a separate project and the $21,000 does not make sense if the project is not.  Ms. Golden said one of the things that the department could have done was po’d directly with the contractor and it would never come to Council and their philosophy in Engineering is to bring everything so that there is clear transparency ; the benefit is that it is all covered by the contractor’s warranty and it would be the option for the department if decide to not authorized to proceed with the work, and it be separate and do a po and get another contractor to do it and it wouldn’t be warranted and may screw up the warranty; do believe that was has been brought is the best use of the money and get a good project that will serve transit and the citizens for a long time.

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 7800, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. One (1) to the US 165 Turn Lanes at Venable and Venable Lane Reconstruction Contract, between the City of Monroe and Amethyst Construction, Inc., for various changes to the work with no net change in cost and an increase in the contract time of 39 days  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 Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to amend the motion 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 ±14.7-acre tract of land presently located in Ouachita Parish from OS, Open Space and B-4, Heavy Commercial to R-4, High Density Multi Family Residential to construct a high density, multi-family development, and is more particularly described as follows:  Lot 1 of the Reserve City Center Resubdivision - APPLICANT: James Moore III (MA 104-20) 1700 Block of Bienville Drive – (P&Z) 

Comments:  The original contract time is 365 days and this contract is adding 39 days.  Mrs. Ezernack asked questions regarding the project; Mr. Moore stated the project consisted of three stories spec out on site plan, with a total of 216 proposed buildings and built in one phase; Mrs. Ezernack commented concerns for flooding in the area; Mr. Moore said they are looking at a water feature that will act as a retention pond toward the center of the site and it would be aesthetically pleasing and serve for retention and they would go over and beyond what would be the requirement.  The entrance to the development will be off of Bienville and there is a 60 ft strip of land to serve as the main entry point into the development.  There is a rear entrance on Oliver specked out and it would only be accessible with the tenants; the bulk of traffic would enter in on Bienville.  The pool side would be gated on all sides.  Mrs. Ezernack stated that she wanted to offer an amendment to what is being introduced where the new zoning change will not happen until such time as the purchase has been completed and also, if the construction is not started within 30 months then it will revert back to the open space.  It seems the development is going to be upscale and very nicely planned, but if it resold then it may not be as nice.  She thanked him for investing in the community and asked for that amendment to the motion.  Mr. Harvey amended the motion to include said amended information as stated by Mrs. Ezernack.  Mayor Ellis asked what the concerns of the developer with the added amendment were; Mr. Moore said they were all agreeable to all of it and it makes sense to what they are trying to accomplish.  Mrs. Ezernack said it gives some folks some comfort in knowing what they will be doing before it comes up for final adoption.  Mr. Moore said they gave it a lot of thought when they develop a site as it relates to the adjacent parcels and landowners and laying it out in a way that makes a lot of sense and being respectful of the adjacent landowners and still do a quality development.

Ms. V. Wright commented regarding the development being great for Monroe and the need for affordable housing   

      RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION

      AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:

      Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing:

      Chairman Harvey declared the public hearing open; seeing no one come forward, the hearing was closed.

(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Finally adopt  Ordinance No. 12, 013,  authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Lavell Warren all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to lot in Lot 1, Sq 7, Unit 3 Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, no municipal address, District 3, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 10, 2015, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments).

      Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing:

Chairman Harvey declared the public hearing open; seeing no one come forward, the hearing was closed.

(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Finally adopt  Ordinance No. 12, 014,  authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Belle Jones all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to lot in Lots 28, 29 & 30, Sq 1, Meadowbrook Addition, Ouachita Parish, 2901 Maddox, District 3, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 9, 2009, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments).

      Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing:

Chairman Harvey declared the public hearing open; seeing no one come forward, the hearing was closed.

(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Finally adopt  Ordinance No. 12, 015,  authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Malcom M. Bosworth all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 17, Sq 19, Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, Columbia Ave., District 3, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 24, 2015, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments).

(d) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Finally adopt  Emergency Ordinance No. 12, 013,  rescinding the April 14, 2020 COVIE-19 Pandemic Emergency Ordinance necessitating the immediate waiver of bus fares and further providing with respect thereto. (Transit) (There were no public comments). 

      (e)  Add-On:  Upon a motion by Mrs. Dawson, second by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to add to the            agenda An Emergency Ordinance declaring the failure of pump #3 at the Lamy Lane storm water station and             emergency necessitating immediate repair and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public    comments).

      Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally adopt  Emergency          Ordinance No. 12, 017, declaring the failure of pump #3 at the Lamy Lane storm water station and emergency            necessitating immediate repair and further providing with respect thereto.  (There were no public comments).

      Citizens Participation:

      1. Mr. Michael Wade spoke regarding a matter that he had with the previous administration. He requested a        meeting with Mayor Ellis.

      There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m., upon a       motion of Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. Marshall.  (There were no public comments).

      Ms. Juanita G. Woods

      Council Chairwoman 

      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.