City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
September 11, 2012
6:00p.m.

There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date at the Council's regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.

The Honorable Jay "Joe” Marx, Chairman, called the meeting to order. He then asked the clerk to call the roll.

There were present: Council members Marx, Ezernack, Starr and Clark.

There was absent: Councilwoman Hill.

Chairman Marx announced that a quorum was present and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Mr. Clark or his designee.
Mr. Clark asked Ms. Betty Blakes, City Council Candidate for District #3, to lead the Prayer.

Mr. Marx welcomed the concerned citizens who are here observing and thanked them for coming out.  He then recognized the presence of the mayor and the department heads as well as other city employees and citizens who have taken time out to be here for the meeting.

(The Chairman noted that Mrs. Hill wasn’t feeling well and will not be in attendance tonight.)

Mr. Marx asked if any council member had any communications or special announcements.

Mrs. Ezernack wanted to give a public congratulation to Chief Bryant, Chief Holmes and those involved in today’s Memorial Ceremony for 911.  It was quite moving, there was a great attendance and the message from the speaker was very good and brought it all back.  She further noted that we have made many steps since then and she appreciated everything that everyone did to make put this together today.  Also she wanted to congratulate the ULM Warhawks for a successful game this past weekend.
Dr. Starr echoed the sentiments of the 911 Commemoration that the City engaged in and they do appreciate all efforts that are done.  Also Dr. Starr gave congratulations to ULM as well.  

Mr. Clark wanted to thank the workers of the Public Works Department and Department Heads for a job well done as it related to not just the Hurricane, but the great effort in effect to clean the City up and move it forward.  Also he wanted to publicly thank Chief Holmes for having accident reports online and this makes it so much easier for citizens to go online to get these reports.  Mr. Clark gave hats off to the police department for moving Monroe forward in that direction.  

  
Mayor Mayo noted that Saturday night was more than just a victory, a shock or upset; it meant so much not only for the University, but the City of Monroe because the City’s name has been mentioned hundreds of times throughout the state and country whether ESPN or USA Today.  A lot has been said, the phones have been ringing off the hook and texting from people noticing and acknowledging the victory.  The Mayor noted that they show Mr. Mingo, who is a former West Monroe High School Rebel, who now plays for LSU.  They interviewed him and asked him if he had hard that ULM had defeated Arkansas and there was a shock on his face of unbelief, he couldn’t believe it.  Its real and it means so much for the university and the Mayor noted that he saw President Bruno make statements about recruitments  He further noted that Rod Washington and himself were brave enough to go out and wait on the team Sunday morning about 2am with about 2,000 students there waiting as well.  It was a magnificent event and the Mayor congratulated them and wished them well.     

Mr. Marx noted that this morning’s event was so touching and it is a shame that this event happened, but it is absolutely correct to remember it every year.  Mr. Marx noted to everyone that it was a sad occasion, but he takes his hat off to everyone who participated this morning.

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of August 28, 2012 were unanimously approved as presented.  (There were no comments from the public.)

The Chairman noted that the Council has a presentation tonight for the Mayor and various Department Heads and employees and he asked those present to join him and the council members up front.  Mr. Marx asked Councilwoman Ezernack to read the Certificate of Recognition from the Council.  The Certificate highlighted the exemplary teamwork and cooperation the Mayor and employees put forward in preparing the City and citizens during the Hurricane Isaac & flood warnings on August 29, 2012. 

The following Condemnations were considered:

1506 Wood Street (aka Short Wood Street) (Owner -Willie Mae Jackson) "Notice to Show Cause” was served. Photographic evidence was presented.  Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Marx and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until October 11, 2012, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structures and clean the lot. (There were no comments from the public.)

Ms. Wille Mae Jackson came forward and explained that she is living in an appartment at this time and had the house for sale and it has been vandilized.  She is still paying the taxes, but can’t afford it.  Ms. Jackson wants City to buy her house.

Mrs. Summersgill, City Attorney, explained to Ms. Jackson the situation and noted that she will give her a call to see what the City can help her with.

1818 Milhaven Road (Owners -James Cliff Archie, et al, Ibra January, Jr., Justin B. January) "Notice to Show Cause” was served. Photographic evidence was presented.  Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mr. Clark and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until October 11, 2012, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structures and clean the lot. (There were no comments from the public.)
Mrs. Karen Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer, noted that there has been no contact with owners.

610 Lea Joyner Expressway (Owners Ruey Lin & Hsiu Hsing Chien Lin) "Notice to Show Cause” was served. Photographic evidence was presented.  Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mr. Marx and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until October 11, 2012, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structures and clean the lot. (There were no comments from the public.)

Mr. Lin, came forward and apologized to the Council for the shape the property is in and plans to maintain it better. 

Dr. Starr wanted to know if Mr. Lin had plans to improve the property.

Mr. Lin explained that it would take 1.2 million to update property and he cannot afford it, but will try to maintain it.

Mrs. Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer, explained that the property has been on the books for 2 years with overgrowth and they have requested to go in but has not been grant premission.  Mr. Lin has no funds to bring up to code and the swimming pool cannot be left like that and he won’t let anyone in to inspect any further.

Mr. Clark raised concern about the swimming pool in regards to the West Nile problem as well.

506 Layton Avenue (Owners Ruey Lin & Hsiu-Hsing Chien Liu) "Notice to Show Cause” was served. Photographic evidence was presented.  Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mr. Clark and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until October 11, 2012, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structures and clean the lot. (There were no comments from the public.)

Mrs. Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer, explained this property was written up 2 years ago and has mold and holes throughout.

Mr. Lin noted that he needs more time.

602 South 27th Street (Owner - Morris Carter, Jr.) "Notice to Show Cause” was served. Photographic evidence was presented.  Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Marx and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until October 11, 2012, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structures and clean the lot.(There were no comments from the public.)

Mrs. Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer, noted that there has been no contact with the owner.

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved to accept the bid of Sayes Office, LLC, Alexandria, LA, Bayou Distributor, Rayville, La, Long Preferred, Monroe La, Fuqua Paper Supply, Ruston, La, MSC Industrial, Shreveport, LA and Parker Paper Company, Bastrop, LA for a one hundred eighty (180) day supply contract of Janitorial Products Ref # 84-0340 as recommended by the Director of Administration as complying with all the specifications of the bids.  All of the vendors comply with the specifications of this bid and has been cleared by the Tax and Revenue Division. Funds for these purchases will be derived from the Inventory Account, which has a balance of $506,124.00. (There were no comments from the public.)

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved to accept the bid of Executive Business Products, Monroe, LA, Sayes Office, LLC, Alexandria, LA, Stuart’s, West Monroe, LA, and Quill Lincolnshires, IL, Peregrine Corporation, Monroe, LA, and Parker of Bastrop, LA for a one hundred eighty (180) day supply contract of Office Supplies Ref # 84-0339 as recommended by the Director of Administration as complying with all the specifications of the bids.  Each vendor complies with the specifications of this bid and has been cleared by the Tax and Revenue Division. Funds for these purchases will be derived from the Inventory Account, which has a balance of $506,124.00. (There were no comments from the public.)

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved to a request from the Purchasing Division of the Administration Department for authorization to renew the Cement Sand Gravel & Concrete Contracts # 43-38 and 43-39.  The vendors are Century Ready Mix and TXI both of Monroe, LA. Both vendors have agreed to renew the contracts for another one hundred eighty (180) days with the effective date being July 11, 2012 through January 11, 2013 with Council approval. Funds for these purchases will be derived from the Inventory Account, which has a balance of $506,124.00.  (Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved by the members present this item was added to the agenda.) (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution No. 5946 was offered for final adoption by Mr. Clark and on his motion seconded by Dr. Starr was approved and adopted. (Mrs. Ezernack abstained.) (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor to execute an agreement for professional service with RCH Company, Inc. for a Cost to Cure Analysis for certain property on the U.S. Highway 165 Bypass Project and further providing with respect thereto.

Mr. Clark wanted to know what we are asking this engineering firm to do.

Mrs. Summersgill explained that this is to determine how to take the least amount of their property to go forward with the 165 Zoo Connector Project.  For instant they may have to take part of the parking lot and then you look at buying another piece of property in the back of it to get that proper turning radius. 

Resolution No. 5947 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by Mr. Clark was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor to enter into and execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and further providing with respect thereto.

Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if this is the same agreement that they have had in the past for promotions of the endeavors by the Arts Council.

Mrs. Summersgill explained that it is the same.

Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if they give reports etc.

Mrs. Summersgill noted that they do and that Mrs. Haynie in Accounting receives all that information.

Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded Dr. Starr and unanimously approved a request from the Water Treatment Plant of the Public Works Department for Council approval to advertise bids for laboratory supplies and equipment. The estimated cost of product is $30,000.00. Funds for this purchase will be derived from the Water Treatment Supply Account. The balance in the account is $ 236,223.94.

Resolution No. 5948 was offered for final adoption by Mr. Clark and on his motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution accepting the proposal of Reeves, Coon & Funderburg in the amount of $303,663.00 for insurance and/or services for the Department of Public Works Transit System and further authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a contract for said insurance package.

Mr. Clark wanted to know if the requests for proposals were put out and this company came back with the lowest proposal or how does this work.

Mr. Chris Phelps, Transit Director, said they were the lowest proposal.

Resolution No. 5949 was offered for final adoption by Mr. Clark and on his motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Grant Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration and further providing with respect   thereto. (Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mr. Marx and unanimously approved by the members present this item was added to the agenda.) (There were no comments from the public.)
Resolution No. 5950 was offered for final adoption by Dr. Starr and on her motion seconded by Mr. Clark was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto.

Mrs. Ezernack inquired if there were going to be security.

Mr. Joe Clawson, Zoo Director, said there were required to have 2 officers.

Resolution No. 5951 was offered for final adoption by Dr. Starr and on her motion seconded by Mr. Clark was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Downtown Economic Development District (The Downtown RiverMarket) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto.

Resolution No. 5952 was offered for final adoption by Dr. Starr and on her motion seconded by Mr. Clark was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the North Louisiana Pride Organization pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto.

Mrs. Ezernack noted that she received a call from someone in the area with concerns about trash and policing the area after the event.  She noted that there may be some ongoing issues with trash on the weekend etc. and what arrangement have been made with the adjacent businesses since the parking lot is going to be blocked off for the event.

The Louisiana Pride representative came forward and noted that the barricade is to prevent people from existing or entering the area with any alcohol or drinks and there is extra staff to take care of that.

Mrs. Ezernack explained that there is an ongoing issue with people leaving the establishment and leaving trash, bottles etc. and the individual had a real concern about that.  She further asked if they had their police arranged for that too.

The Louisiana Pride representative noted that they did this last year and he felt they had a pretty good relationship with all the people around them.  They wouldn’t want any trash left on their parking lot either, so there may be things left over that has not been brought to their attention, but he will get with the business owners to make sure.
Resolution No. 5953 was offered for final adoption by Mr. Clark and on his motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution approving and authorizing an agreement by and between the City of Monroe and Rotary International of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto.

Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved a request from the Monroe Police Department for Council approval to renew its uniform contract # 43-21 which expires on September 14, 2012 for another one year term with terms and conditions to remain the same. The vendor for the Police Department uniforms is Guidry Uniforms of Lafayette, LA. Guidry Uniforms has agreed to allow the contract to be renewed for another year with Council approvable. Funds will be derived from the Police Department Uniform Account, which has a balance of $143,538.31
Resolution No. 5954 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.)

Resolution accepting the donation of a drainage easement by First United Methodist Church to the City of Monroe as per the attached drainage easement and further providing with respect   thereto.

BREAK IF NEEDED:
    IX: INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance extending and enlarging the boundaries of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, providing for the recordation of the entire boundary as amended: establishing the effective date thereof, and providing further with respect thereto – Fred M. Hill Jr. – was unanimously removed from the agenda at the request of the Zoning Department. (P&Z)

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance adopting and amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe, Louisiana and authorize the Clerk to publish notice of Public Hearing to zone a .28 acre tract of land, more or less, presently located in Ouachita Parish and without a zoning classification – Applicant – Fred M. Hill, Jr. – was unanimously removed from the agenda at the request of the Zoning Department. (P&Z)

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance adopting and amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe, Louisiana and authorize the Clerk to publish notice of Public Hearing to rezone a 75’ x 229’ or .39 acre tract of land, more or less, presently zoned I-1, Light Industrial District to B-3R, General Business/Residential District, presently located in Ouachita Parish – Applicant – Zion Traveler Baptist Church – was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (There were no comments from the public.) (P&Z)

Judge Benjamin Jones came forward to thank the Council for approving the first phase of the project for the church and noted that this is the second phase before them tonight.  They are planning to add on to the Church but to do so it has to be rezoned.

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and to sell to Kirby G. and Marcella Reed all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 9 of Sq. 40 of BTW Addn., bearing municipal number 3902 Wiley Street, Monroe, Louisiana by adjudication dated July 31, 2003 and further with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (There were no comments from the public.) (Legal)

Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance declaring certain movable property owned by the City of Monroe as no longer needed for public use and authorizing the transfer of same pursuant to the attached Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (There were no comments from the public.) (Property Control/Legal)

Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor with the Louisiana Municipal Association for the 2013 LMA Convention in Monroe, Louisiana, authorizing the use of funds from the Administrative Economic Development Fund and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (There were no comments from the public.) (Mayor’s Office)

Mr. Clark wanted to know what is being done with the $25,000.

Mrs. Summersgill, City Attorney, explained that is the scope of the agreement and the funds will go toward helping the City do what is required in Exhibit A.  This includes host city responsibilities to cover cost associated with it.

Mr. Clark noted that all these items will come out of those funds and that’s it.

Mrs. Summersgill replied yes.

Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if this was the same agreement generally produced for these events for the other cities or is it specific to this city or they just inserted Monroe in the blanks.

Mrs. Summersgill explained that this is typical to every place that they host that convention and you will see the economic opportunities that the City will have.  There will be 1800 delegates that will participate, so hotels and restaurants will be filled.  It is an honor to have them and a very good opportunity for taxes.

Mr. Clark noted that he understood that when he read it and the economic benefit that will come out of this.  He further noted that he just wanted to know how the $25,000 was going to be utilized from a citizen’s standpoint and understanding the economic impact it could potentially have on the City. 

Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to employ the services of Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell for Legal Services relating to employment law issues and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (There were no comments from the public.) (Legal)

Mrs. Summersgill, City Attorney, explained that the Ordinance should read $170.00 and that is what’s in the contract.

Ordinance No. 11,324 was offered for final adoption by Mr. Clark and on his motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted.

The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the hearing was declared closed.

Ordinance adopting the authorized Millage Rate(s) and providing for the Levying of Special and General Taxes for the City of Monroe for the year 2012. (Admin.)

Chairman Marx announced that the Council had concluded the regular portion of the agenda, and was now at the Point of Citizens Participation. He then asked if anyone had any comments/questions.

Ms. Earlene Bryant, 3208 Polk Street, Monroe, LA came forward about a no dumping sign at 3204 Polk Street that she called the Engineering Department about and the sign was put out that day.  Also at the last council meeting Ms. Bryant mentioned the homeless and that they all should be concerned about it.  Also there are 2 fire stations that are abandoned and can be used for shelters. There is grass everywhere and she spoke with Mr. Hopkins and she said he was going to get to it and she noted that the canal at Robinson Place is still not repaired.  Also the water bills need something in the paper about understanding them because some people are getting 2 bills and they want to know why.  The restroom on Wilson Street is still not cleaned.

Ms. Gloria Walker, 2912 Georgia Street, Monroe, LA came forward with concerns about an accident with a kid on 14th Street and noted the need for speed bumps or a crossing guard.

There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10p.m., upon motion of Mr. Clark and it was seconded.

Joe "Jay” Marx 
Chairman

Carolus S. Riley 
Council Clerk

For extended details on the council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at 318¬329-2252 to schedule an appointment to listen to the minute tape.