City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
March 25, 2025
6:00p.m.
There was a legal and session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held on this date at the Council’s regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.
The Honorable Chairman Juanita G. Woods, called the meeting to order. She then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Woods, Mr. McFarland, & Mr. Muhammad
There was absent: None
Chairman Woods announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Mayor Ellis or his designee.
The Invocation was led by Chief Operating Officer Jimmie Bryant.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Mr. Harvey had no announcements.
(2) Mrs. Ezernack said welcome tonight, and the Council appreciated everyone’s attendance. She stated one of her constituents gave her call to compliment the Public Works Department. She said she called about a certain item and that day it was taken care of. She further stated they thanked them for the great job they did on short notice.
(3) Mr. McFarland welcomed everyone to the City Council Meeting and thanked Mrs. Ellen Hill, Mr. Louis Tolliver, and Chief Victor Zordan for coming to his community meeting. He said it was outstanding, and they had a multitude of people. He said he was glad the Chairlady graced them with her presence. He stated it was a very informative meeting, and he said they would do quarterly meetings, but it seems he will have to have a meeting in May to resolve some issues. He further stated to continue to pray for our City, State, and the Nation.
(4) Mr. Muhammad said good evening to everyone, and he thanked all the residents in District 5 for attending a very informative community meeting at Benoit Community Center. He said residents were able to engage with members from the City. He thanked Mr. Marc Keenan, who gave an update on the new terminal, Mr. Morgan McCallister, Ms. Anna Reed with SEDD, and Mr. James DeTiege with Public Works. He noted the next meeting will be planned for the Oregon Trail area and the date will be rolled out hopefully in April. On another note, he announced the community cleanup promoting Love the Boot Week. He said District’s 5 cleanup will be on April 5th from 9am until 11am. He said they will meet at Emily P. Robinson to focus on the Jackson Street area going South. Lastly, he said he had a very informative tour of the Zoo, and he thanked the Zoo manager Mr. Phillip Crawley. He said they have a lot of things going on at the Zoo and it is a hidden jewel in South Monroe.
(5) Chief Jimmie Bryant, Operating officer, sitting in for the Mayor had no communications.
(6) Ms. Woods noted her monthly Chat & Chews are always the third Wednesday at Powell Community Center from 10am until noon. She said they always have some good conversations and special guest. She extended a special thank you to Mr. Morgan McCallister who told them a lot about projects going on in the City of Monroe and specifically projects in District 3. She thanked Mrs. Ellen Hill, who is doing an amazing job with all her projects. She said one that would be beneficial to go to is Home in Monroe on March 27, 2025, from 6pm to 7pm at the Public Safety Center. On another note, she said as Mr. Muhammad mentioned Love the Boot is really gaining momentum. She said district 3 will be in that rotation on April 5th at 8:00 am working on a historic area in district 3 called Prices Beauty Salon which has been in the community for over a hundred years. She stated they are trying to get in a position to jump in on this action before it’s over. She further stated the opportunities are out there and they are asking people to go out to volunteer. She said if you want to volunteer you can go to Ouachitagreen.org and the instructions are there on how to help and support. Lastly, she said Public Works is one of those departments where they do a lot of work. She thanked Ms. Gospel because she is everywhere and doing everything for everybody. She wanted her to know publicly how much she appreciated her. She thanked Mr. Marc Keenan for the new bus stop with solar panels in district 3 on Desiard Street near the Brookshires.
Upon motion of Mr. McFarland and seconded by Mr. Muhammad, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of March 11, 2025, and the Legal and Special Budget Meeting March 11, 2025, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
(1) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved to remove 308 Morris Ave. (D4) – Owner: Anita Hollingsworth, Me’Tova S. Hollingsworth – Parcel 49333 with Ouachita Parish Tax Assessor. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, stated the property has been demolished and sold.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Michael Echols dba The Hotel Monroe, 120 Walnut St., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2025 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared)
Mr. McFarland noted this is in his district for an alcohol beverage permit. He said he doesn’t know if he wants to do that or not. He wanted to know if anyone was present to tell him about this item.
Ms. Lisa Johnson, General Manager, 120 Walnut Street, said the new Hotel Monroe will have a restaurant and roof top bar that will serve food as well. She said it will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the hotel is open.
Ms. Johnson said no sir, it is scheduled to open May 4th.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if that will be the Grand Opening.
Ms. Johnson said no sir, just the soft opening for the hotel and in order to price the alcohol they have to have the license.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if there was anything else.
Ms. Johnson said they will be open from 5pm until 11pm for the rooftop bar and it can be reserved for special events from 3pm to 5pm.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if there are conference rooms.
Ms. Johnson said yes sir, there is a large ballroom that seats 420 people and they will have catering. She said the restaurant will be open to the public and it’s a fine establishment they would like to show him.
Mr. McFarland stated he would meet with Ms. Johnson on Thursday and with her explanation he will vote for it.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by LaTonya Coleman dba Nise’s Sip and Cruise, 215 Powell St., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2025 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared)
Mr. Cliff Thomas, 500 Hudson Lane, wanted to know if this is a renewal application.
Ms. Woods said a new application.
Mr. Harvey noted it is change in ownership.
Mr. Thomas stated there is too much crime in districts 3,4, and 5, they are setting up more liquor stores and bars. He wanted to know can the City do something outside of that. He further stated these are some of the connecting causes of the crime and violence in the community. He noted when talking about Powell Street; it’s nothing but a neighborhood. He said he thinks they should be cautious and be serious about addressing crime and violence. He said they have to root out the bad seeds of alcohol and drugs because those are some of the primary contributing reasons behind crime. He said they are asking the Council to think really hard about approving alcohol permits.
Ms. Woods stated this is in district 3 and an establishment that has been there for years. She said it’s like a big cruise ship across from Choice Brands.
Mr. Thomas stated he is okay with the Boat because he is familiar with it.
Ms. LaTonya Coleman, 215 Powell Avenue, stated she is taking over from the previous owner, and she has been a bartender there ever since it has been open. She said they have never had police to come out there except once. She said they are a 30 and older establishment and it is not a lot of minors in their twenties.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if this use to be the strip club.
Ms. Coleman stated it’s been the Yacht Bar and Lounge ever since she has been there.
Mr. McFarland wanted confirmation it wouldn’t change to something else.
Ms. Coleman said no sir.
Ms. Woods said it is in her district, and she goes by periodically to see what is going on. She said it has always been upright and outstanding, and lot of seasoned individuals pass through. She thanked Ms. Coleman for her willingness to continue to give people a place to go.
Add-On: Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to addon item (c) a Resolution authorizing a contract with Porter Boardboring LLC for the Deborah Drive Water Main Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland wanted to know why the item was left off the agenda.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, stated it is his understanding the quotes for the project came in after the agenda was published. He said the quotes were ready and available and they ask the Chairlady for permission to add it on before presenting it to the Council.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know what is the lowest bid.
Mr. Creekbaum said he believed $37,000.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8899 authorizing a contract with Porter Boardboring LLC for the Deborah Drive Water Main Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland noted the quotes are for $115,000, $110,000, $73,000 and the lowest bid is $37,000. He wanted to know the big difference in the bids.
Mr. Joctovria Price, Water Distribution Supervisor, stated there are different methods and philosophies on how this job needs to be performed. He said there are two ways a boar job or trench cut. He said with the trench cut the City would probably have to restore and remodel driveways, mailboxes, and other features. He said the boar job they can just go under, and their department will supply the material.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the other three construction companies bid on the same job.
Mr. Price said yes sir.
Mr. McFarland stated they are saying they are going to boar and it’s cheaper, but he is wondering did the other three read that in the description of the bidding. He said this is a big jump and secondly if the Council awards this on tonight are they guaranteed they won’t come back and say they need $40,000 or $50,000 more.
Mr. Price said yes sir.
Mr. McFarland said the big difference in the price is a red flag for him. He said he is wondering if they actually know the scope of this work to give such a low bid.
Mr. Price said these are credible contractors and they know what they are doing.
Ms. Woods noted they just have a different process or procedure as to how they’re going to do it. She said whereas these other people potentially would be tearing up a driveway, but this person is going into the ground itself.
Mr. Price said yes ma’am just two different philosophies.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if there are multiple driveways.
Mr. Price said yes ma’am, about eight residents with 400 feet of pipe.
Mr. Creekbaum stated on the project request form everybody was given the same scope of work, and it was very broad, and it was replace existing 400 linear feet of water main pipe. He said the world was their oyster as to how they would accomplish that general scope of work.
Mr. McFarland said as long as they are not going to come back two weeks later and say they need an additional $40,000.
Mr. Price agreed.
Mr. Harvey noted he saw the same thing and it was a red flag with him.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if Mr. Price thinks this can really be done and if this is a process that really works.
Mr. Price said yes ma’am.
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9000 authorizing the City of Monroe to file applications for financial assistance with the Federal Transit Administration. (There were public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9001 authorizing the City of Monroe to apply for FTA Section 5307 Funds for transit facilities and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9002 authorizing the City of Monroe to terminate its Trash Disposal Agreement. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland said the Council needs more clarification on this from Mr. Creekbaum.
Mr. Creekbaum said the City entered into a trash disposal agreement with Consolidated Waste Industries in 2000. He said that agreement over the years has been amended twice and then subsequently when the Consolidated Waste sold out to Waste Connections. He said Waste Connections now operates the landfill and is the recipient of all of the trash and garbage that the City delivers to the landfill under that contract. He said it was originally a shorter contract but over the years because of the amendments it was extended through 2025 with an additional five year renewal option. He noted if the Council wants to remain in the contract after April 1st it will continue for another five years, or the Council has the option of terminating that agreement and exploring other options with respect to the disposal of trash in the City of Monroe.
Mr. McFarland said he thought this was further down.
Mr. Creekbaum said no, April 1st is the termination deadline, and they have to give them a 90 day notice. He said the contract itself terminates June 30th.
Mr. McFarland said he has a problem with this at this time. He said the Council need to make sure that the majority of the people are in favor. He said this to him is kind of rushing everything and the City hasn’t notified the constituents of their district of what possibly would be coming to the community if the Council take the next step. He wanted to know if there is any kind of way the Council can get an extension before making the decision.
Mr. Creekbaum said there is always the option to reach out to Waste Connections and see if they would be interested in extending the notice deadline. He said amendment to the agreement must occur in writing but if they are amenable to that he is sure something could be put into place. He said he is not going to say there isn’t a possibility and he knows the written agreement does have a specific deadline, but it would be up to Waste Connections as to how that would move or if that would move.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the contract is terminated tonight can the Council come back.
Mr. Creekbaum said yes, there are State law procedures for entering into contracts with disposals, landfills, and other things. He said if the agreement is terminated or even if it is renewed there are always options down the line. He said State law provides a governing body options to ensure garbage and trash is collected and disposed.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know how long the City had this particular contract.
Mr. Creekbaum said 2000 was the original contract and the most recent amendment was done in 2010 which extended the contract for 15 years which ends this year.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the Council fails to act how many years will the contract renew.
Mr. Creekbaum noted five years.
Mr. McFarland said that it is still too long.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if the City have a grace period.
Mr. Creekbaum said the 90 days is the grace period.
Mr. Muhammad said this has many components to it obviously and if they don’t renew the contract it automatically renews. He said if they take a look at terminating the contract and the negotiations of other people to pick up the trash fall through can the City go back to them.
Mr. Creekbaum said there are a range of potential options in a scenario like these. He said there are two components to someone’s trash getting to the landfill the actual collection and then the delivery and disposal to the landfill. He said the law allows you to combine those functions or separate those functions. He noted just because there may be different combinations doesn’t mean they are mutually exclusive. He said if a municipality has interest in exploring all options if they a locked in a landfill contracts then it kind of cuts off other options as well for collection and disposal.
Mr. Muhammad said he thinks there is a financial component in all of this that the City is not meeting. He stated the City is losing with the garbage financially.
Ms. Woods stated she wanted to be clear if the Council do nothing the contract automatically renews on April 1st.
Ms. Gospel said no, July 1st the contract ends June 30th, and she said the City have to notify the company by April 1st in writing.
Ms. Woods wanted to clarify if the City have to notify them if they are going to either renew or cancel.
Ms. Gospel said no, if the City don’t do anything they have to let them know they are going to terminate. She stated she has been in Public Works almost 27 years and she doesn’t think anyone knows more about solid waste management in the room than her. She said the City have been locked into this contract 25 years and if the City don’t get out this contract they cannot explore other options. She said there’s no options for competitive bidding, raises, or anything else. She said the City would be locked into another contract that they can’t sustain, and she is asking the Council to cancel this contract to explore other options.
Mr. Harvey noted if it is fair to say the City could still end up with this option even if they exhaust all the other options.
Ms. Gospel said the City could very well be, but they don’t know. She said if the City don’t cancel the contract the City can’t explore other options.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if the City of Monroe is the only city in the State that handle their own garbage.
Ms. Gospel said there are only four other cities in the State that still do their own in house garbage and trash. She said the majority of the world, municipalities, and agencies are going to contract services but that is not what they are talking about. She said they are just talking about just being able to explore some other options.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know how much money the City is losing each year.
Ms. Gospel noted 1.2 million.
Mr. Creekbaum said that is a combination of the budgeted amount for all cost for trash and garbage disposal. He said that is salaries, landfill, equipment costs and all of that with a budget per month of about $367,000.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know how long has the City been losing this type of money.
Ms. Gospel said longer than she care to remember. She said the City is locked into the contract and can’t get any competitive bids.
Mr. Harvey said the City can either change cost or change fees.
Ms. Woods stated for clarification if the Council cancel this contract tonight it is going to be 90 days that the City can start exploring other opportunities and contracts. She wanted to know how do the City communicate that to the residents of City of Monroe.
Ms. Gospel stated for clarification what would the City be communicating to the residents.
Ms. Woods said communicating that the City are exploring other options and it’s a possibility that they might do some other things. She said she thinks if the City starts looking at things like this at the ninth hour she doesn’t think you just call people up or get something in the mail that the City is going to change the trash services. She wanted to know how do the Council keep everybody informed.
Ms. Gospel said before the City can even consider having public announcements or discussing it with the community they have to be able to have that options. She said if the City is locked into this contract there are no options and no reason to have a discussion. She said she would be happy to show up at all the community meetings because she stands firm on this and if the Council doesn’t cancel it tonight she will be back the next five years after the contract asking the Council to cancel the contract again.
Mr. McFarland said what the Council has to have in order for our constituents to feel good about the Council’s final decision on this matter are facts. He said this is the first window that has been open in 15 years and in order to reduce this the City may explore other options. He said he doesn’t want to be saving 1.2 million and not reinvesting in those that are in the trenches. He said they want everybody taken care of, and they don’t need people being fired because the City is going in a different direction. He said everyone deserves a cost of living raise. He noted Mr. Creekbaum would need to help the Council to make the right decision to help the citizens of Monroe.
Ms. Gospel agreed.
Mr. Creekbaum noted he would make himself available for any community meeting that anyone want to have to discuss the options.
Ms. Woods said what they do know is if the Council cancels the contract they have to do something. She said then the next step is to make sure communication is going to be Citywide.
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9003 accepting as substantially complete work done by Gulf Coast Underground, LLC for the Texas Standifer Trunkline Repairs Phase 1 Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad said this has been one of his pet peeves on the trunkline and he thinks the phase is complete up to South 10th to Georgia Street.
Mr. Morgan McCallister stated he sent an email prior to Council meeting with just general information and one of those components of the email was in relation to this project. He presented an updated map, and he said Phase 1 is a little over 90,000 square feet from the Southern portion to Lee Avenue going East up to South Third and Beauregard. He said the remaining portion Phase 2 is a little over 6,000 linear feet primary North across the interstate towards the Texas Lift Station. He said when he stepped into this role in 2022 this project was underway and a critical infrastructure improvement project that serves nearly half the City of Monroe. He noted this is a major trunkline and artery that collects sewerage and transmits that by way of gravity on down through a series of lift stations. He said the purpose of Phase 1 is to CIPP line as much as possible. He said it saves on cost, and they don’t have to open cut the line over 25 structures. He said when they began Phase 1 the pipe was so deteriorated on Mouton Avenue with nothing to connect to and they can’t provide a host liner then come back with your final lining within the section. He stated overnight they had to break off into an emergency project. He said they rerouted that line up and that was nearly a $5 million emergency project because it encompassed a 42 inch deteriorated line that was roughly 20 feet deep. He said tar was hitting the lift station and demolishing the lift rates and the station itself. He said anything that made it through there traveled down to the sewer treatment plant and begin destroying the headworks components. He said the emergency project Phase 1 substantial completion on the agenda tonight is roughly $7 million and $10 million all in. He said the City will be receiving over $7 million through the water sector grant and Federal Appropriations EPA STAG from Congresswoman Julia Letlow. He said they are working on getting those reimbursements. He said phase 2 was the same type of project just a shorter distance.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey to Consider request from Muhammad Haseeb for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (1215 Orange Street) to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises in the B-3 (General Business/Commercial) District. The applicant intends to operate a grocery store at this location. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows this as a Major Conditional Use in the B-3 (General Business/Commercial) District. Major Conditional Uses are uses that require another level of approval; therefore, this request comes before the City Council for their approval in addition to that of the Planning Commission. (Mr. Harvey Nay, Mrs. Ezernack Nay, Ms. Woods Nay, Mr. McFarland Nay, & Mr. Muhammad Nay)
Mr. Muhammad Haseeb, Property owner 1215 Orange Street, said he has been a business owner in Monroe since 2014. He said he has a business on Orange Street that doesn’t include alcohol. He said it is not just a liquor store but it’s mostly like a convenience store with a drive thru were you can get snacks. He said they hire locals and there are people that are waiting on this project for him to hire them. He noted if the Council look at his record he has no prior problems, and they don’t let anyone hang outside their businesses. He further noted he would want to move forward with this project, and he had the building for quite a few years now. He said he has now had time to move forward with it and he would like the Council to consider.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the building is on the side of his business.
Mr. Haseeb said it use to be a pharmacy owned by Mr. Drewry, who retired, and he bought the building from him at that time.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if he would be selling liquor.
Mr. Haseeb said yes.
Mr. McFarland noted there is enough liquor in the community.
Mr. Haseeb said it will not be on-premise serving alcohol, and it is mostly drive-thru.
Mr. McFarland noted the property is in Mr. Muhammad’s district but it’s on the borderline of his district. He said this would be feeding into his community and he feels there is enough liquor in the neighborhoods.
Mr. Haseeb said there is only one on that street.
Mr. McFarland said that is one to many for him.
Mr. Haseeb said it is not a bar.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if Mr. Haseeb can put something else there.
Mr. Haseeb said he tried.
Mr. Muhammad said he understands Mr. Haseeb is a businessman, but the community have too much liquor. He said put something else there and he will support it.
Ms. Kenya Roberson said she appreciated the Council and from a business perspective she doesn’t want Mr. Haseeb to think this is an attack on him individually. She said she thinks that a liquor store will not help in that spot, and she said they have to do better job in the community showing something different. She stated there are children at the school that walk down that sidewalk and there is a convenient store that sells liquor in the inside and sometimes there are people that hang out there. She further stated businesses that are coming into the community understand they are taking pride in the communities, the youth, and what is in our communities. She said she is asking the Council please deny this request.
Mr. Muhammad said the difference between this one and why the Council approved the other one it was already existing. He said he feels Mr. Haseeb passionate, but the community can’t have any more liquor.
Mr. Harvey stated the Council is obviously very passionate and he asked if this is how the Council will approach certain districts. He said the Council need to adopt a resolution to commit to the public the requirements. He said if they buy a property with the expectation that they are going to do something with it they should state the things they have to do and still have them come before the Council. He further stated if not the Council is picking winners and losers and not being fair. He said whatever the rule may be he believes the Council have to commit to that openly, publicly, and be fair. He said right now they have to come in wondering what they are going to get and it’s subjective.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if the Seafood Express sale liquor next door.
Mr. Haseeb said they are.
Mr. Muhammad said Family stop have been there a long time and they have been sucking the blood for a long to time on Orange Street. He said they haven’t given a dime back to the community.
Ms. Woods stated she would speak to Mr. Harvey’s comments, and the Council can definitely put a resolution in place. She said they need to see if they can get that conditional use permit to put what they intend to put there otherwise they don’t buy it.
Mr. McFarland said that is really not the answer to what is going on here. He said they are tired of all these liquor stores in the community. He said the Council is trying to clean up what has been messed up for so many years. He stated for them to say it is not fair to those buying the property they need to understand that the Council is not having it no more. He said they are not bringing down the community anymore by just putting liquor store on every corner. He said some are trying to force it in their neighborhoods but wouldn’t have it on the North side in district 1 and 2 right in the community. He said there is one that sells liquor but if they ever lose their license it’s gone be hard getting them back while he is on the Council. He said they have to get the drugs and the alcohol out of the community.
Mr. Harvey stated he believes the Council can do both.
Ms. Woods said she is fine with putting a resolution in place.
Mr. Creekbaum noted this was a Conditional Use permit as opposed to an alcohol license and in this particular instance the Conditional use permit expressly takes into account the negative impacts on the adjacent community. He said whereas an alcohol license wouldn’t take that as part of the criteria, and this is the instance where the Council would consider how this particular business would impact the community.
Mrs. Ezernack stated that if the Council look at the packet Planning and Zoning denied it. She said she thinks what is unfortunate about the whole scenario is the drive thru because she knows they have to get a permit for that too. She said she do think the educational process for people that are purchasing is not a bad thing. She said she does commercial real estate, and she do send them to Planning and Zoning with any kind of issues that they may have to find out the full ramifications before they put their name and money down.
Mr. Muhammad said he would challenge Mr. Haseeb to put something positive there and maybe they can get together on it.
(c) Consider request from Natalie Devine for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (2404 Georgia Street) to allow the operations of a small group home in the R-1 (Single Family Residence) District. The applicant intends to operate a small group home that will house up to six (6) children at the location. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows this as a Major Conditional Use in the R-1 (Single Family Residence) District. Major Conditional Uses are uses that require another level of approval; therefore, this request comes before the City Council for their approval in addition to that of the Planning Commission. (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack motion for discussion. The motion died for a lack of second.
There being no objection from the Council the Chairman stated the Council will go back to Engineering Services: (c)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved a substitute motion to deny a request from Natalie Devine for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (2404 Georgia Street) to allow the operations of a small group home in the R-1 (Single Family Residence) District. The applicant intends to operate a small group home that will house up to six (6) children at the location. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows this as a Major Conditional Use in the R-1 (Single Family Residence) District. Major Conditional Uses are uses that require another level of approval; therefore, this request comes before the City Council for their approval in addition to that of the Planning Commission. (There no public comments.)
Mr. Harvey motion to consider this request seconded by Mrs. Ezernack.
Mr. McFarland stated this is in his district and his going to have to vote against this group home on Georgia Street. He said he had some conversations with other concerning this and it is a big question mark so he can’t support it.
For clarification Mr. Harvey stated his motion was for discussion.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the Council will need a motion to deny or approve.
Mr. Harvey motion to deny and Mr. McFarland seconded the motion.
Mr. Creekbaum stated parliamentary what occurred Mr. Harvey motion for discussion. He said now he essentially offered a substitute motion to deny. He said the Council is voting on the substitute motion to deny.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving an application by Peters Realty & MGMT to rezone certain property (2.53 acres), amending the zoning Map for the City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland wanted more clarification on this matter.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, stated Peter’s Realty and Management have not bought the property yet but they are seeking to buy the property. He said they are doing their work before actually going through with the purchase. He said they are proposing to buy the property and use it as a heavy equipment sales location. He noted it is his understanding that this is largely in connection with the big new development about 30 miles East.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know where is the 900 Martin Luther King.
Mr. Muhammad stated that is next to the old greyhound.
Mr. Creekbaum stated it has always been an equipment related type of facility.
Mr. Harvey noted it is a lot like the Scott Equipment Company next door that do heavy equipment sales.
Mr. Muhammad said he can support it, but they are tearing up the roads with all the heavy equipment. He said they have to fix the streets too.
Ms. Woods noted it is directly next door to the dance company, and she is wondering about the impact. She wanted to know what kind of heavy equipment.
Mrs. Ezernack said she think there was another heavy equipment location.
Mr. Harvey said it was Scott Equipment Company.
Mrs. Ezernack stated there was another there at one time. She said if she isn’t mistaken it is all under fence.
Ms. Woods said they are talking about rezoning 2.5 acres of land. She wanted to know how many entrances will it be. She said these are really narrow streets that turn off of the service road.
Mr. Nolan Peters, 2502 River Landing, said he is here to answer any questions in regard to the size of the equipment, and OES is the name of the company who will potentially be leasing the building. He said they will be supporting the meta site, and they will not be having heavy equipment. He said they will support more likely scissor lifts, man lifts, and more light equipment.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know want they need with the 2.5 acres.
Mr. Peters said it will be a storage yard.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if it is down Turner Street.
Mr. Peters said no sir; it is his understanding the only two entrances are the front two that exist now. He said they laid it out to him how they would come in on the yard. He said no exits on the back toward the neighboring properties.
Mr. Muhammad said they have Booth Street back there that is closed because all the traffic wouldn’t come through the neighborhood. He said the intersection were Scott and UPS come out is terrible.
Mr. Peters said there is a 20,000 square foot storage in the back and that it is going to be the warehouse for building supplies. He said it will be open to the public and it will have a showroom in the front.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if they will provide security out there.
Mr. Peters stated he thinks that would be their plan.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the18 wheelers come off of Louberta at all.
Mr. Peters said he can’t speak for them but yes, if they supply truck comes to unload stuff.
Mr. Harvey noted they would find their way to the traffic light because those are wide long trailers, and they have to swing. He said what they are proposing will be less of an impact than what the City is currently dealing with Scott.
Mr. Peters noted the equipment is heavy excavators and dirt pans and so forth. He said these are for erecting the buildings and not any earth moving equipment.
Ms. Woods wanted to know how many jobs this will create.
Mr. Peters said 7 jobs at the location and couple of drivers. He said tax number 3 million if they are able to get approval and start work this year. He said 12 to 20 million going into next year.
Ms. Woods wanted to know how long has it been sitting vacant.
Mr. Peters said just six months.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know their projected sale.
Mr. Peters said this quarter 2 to 3 million dollars is what they plan to do to support meta.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if that is for rental.
Mr. Peters said sales rental and going into the following year they’re talking 12 to 20 million.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if this went before Planning and Zoning and what are their recommendations.
Mr. Harvey stated they approved it.
Mr. Muhammad said his concern is the streets and the same new businesses are coming in with heavy equipment. He wanted to know if that is part of the highway or the City.
Mr. Harvey said he was just thinking about that, and some the roads are State controlled, but he doesn’t know if these are or not.
Ms. Woods said that it is projected that Louberta is going to close. She said this ordinance is only for introduction and the Council can definitely have conversation around and address some of the other issues.
Ms. Marie Brown, 1002 South Fifth Street, stated she doesn’t know when DOTD will start the work on that area shouting it down and putting a J-turn up there. She said that is something they need to look into for how that will work and how much of that area they are going to cut off. She said maybe they should be looking at an alternative route ahead of time.
Mr. Muhammad noted they should find that out before the final adoption if the intersection is going to be affected.
RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed.
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,257 establishing a site clearing permitting process and application fee and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,258 establishing a permit application fee for work on telecommunications towers and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Before moving to Citizen’s Participation, Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, to make sure the Council had the full range of information on one of the agenda items. He noted on the Conditional Use Permit there was a motion and not a second. He said in the Code on Conditional Use Ordinances says following notice by the Council Clerk in a Public Hearing the Council shall accept with conditions or deny the Planning Commission’s recommendation within 30 days of the Planning Commission’s final action. He said failure to act shall result in the acceptance of the recommendation of the Planning Commission. He further noted a failure to act means that the Planning Commission’s recommendation would be approved, and the recommendation was that the group home be approved. He said he wanted to make sure the Council knew there was a deadline associated with that action before the meeting adjourned.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if 30 days is up before the Council meet again.
Mr. Creekbaum said 30 days would be before the next meeting.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know why the Council can’t go back and deal with it now.
Ms. Woods said she wish Mr. Creekbaum told the Council during the vote.
Mr. Creekbaum said they move on quickly that is his fault.
Mr. McFarland said each Council person is on the prevailing side there was no action taken on it.
Mr. Creekbaum said no action is failure.
Mr. McFarland said all it takes is a motion and a second to be voted up or down. He said the Chair would have to call for it again.
(At the Chairman’s request the Council returned to Engineering Services: item c.)
Citizen’s Participation:
(1.) Mr. Pat Hezekiah, 2807 Oak Street, stated to the Mayor and the Chief of Police in their absence that he was born in Monroe, LA over 66 years ago. He said he finds it hard to watch power and power fighting it out. He said the Mayor has his own power which is the veto power, and the Council have their own power with three or more. He said he speaks for the 40 who know how to vote he speaks on the power, and they find no fault in the Council 3, 4, or 5. He said he know they are doing God’s work and that is the most important thing on this earth. He said God put people in position to carry out what he want to be carried out. He said 3, 4, and 5 are representing the black community truthfully. He said to the Chief of Police he was not voted in, but he was appointed Chief of Police with that being said the Chief of Police is responsible for all of the officers.
(2.) Ms. TJ Steveson, Mayor of Adams Street, wanted to know if the community has ever done recycling glass, plastic, and the paper.
Ms. Woods said it is under consideration.
Ms. Steveson thanked Councilman Muhammad for saying to Mr. Muhammad Haseeb that it was not a personal attack on him. She thanked Mr. Harvey for saying that the board should be even Steven because she has sat through many City Council meetings and everybody who applied for a liquor license was rubber stamped.
(3.) Ms. Jones thanked the Council for all they are doing and for not renewing liquor licenses.
There being no further business to come before the council, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
Ms. Juanita G. Woods
Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ms. Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
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 recording.
