City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
July 11, 2023
6:00p.m.
The Honorable Chairman Kema Dawson, called the meeting to order. She then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Woods, and Mrs. Dawson
There was absent: Mr. Marshall
Chairman Dawson announced that a quorum was present.
ELECT CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE COMING YEAR 2023/24:
Mrs. Dawson said it was time for them to elect Chairman and Vice Chairman for the coming year 2023-24 and she nominated Mrs. Ezernack for Chairman.
Mrs. Ezernack nominated Ms. Woods for 2023-2024 Chairman
Ms. Woods moved that the nominations be closed on the following names.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Assistant Attorney, stated the Chairman can declare the nominations if there are no other names.
Mrs. Dawson closed nominations.
Mr. Creekbaum clarified Mrs. Ezernack was the first name nominated. He stated to Council Clerk to call roll.
Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Dawson voted aye, Ms. Woods voted nay, and Mrs. Ezernack abstained from the vote of Mrs. Ezernack as Chairman.
Mr. Creekbaum said under the council s rules and procedures an abstention is only allowed in certain circumstances.
Mrs. Ezernack said she thought that you couldn t vote for yourself.
Mr. Creekbaum said under Robert s Rule you can absolutely vote for yourself. He said unless there is a personal conflict would you be prohibited or an ethical conflict from voting. He said according to the council rules and procedures generally indicate that council members should vote. He said that he can t tell them to vote, it s their personal decision or whether the abstention is warranted, but a vote is encouraged if they are able to or not prohibited by some other law order.
Mrs. Ezernack asked how is abstention counted.
Mr. Creekbaum said in this case he thinks the City Council Charter says that shall be elected. He said it is not by ordinance, or any other rule or procedure, unless its properly done it should be of the majority of those present.
Mr. Harvey asked if Mrs. Ezernack abstained is the election valid.
Mr. Creekbaum said if Mrs. Ezernack does abstain there isn t an election in that circumstance. He said he thinks there won t be an election unless there are three votes.
Mrs. Ezernack said she would keep in her abstention.
Mrs. Dawson asked how do they move on from here.
Mr. Creekbaum said he needed to go check that because it s not going to make a difference in the outcome. He asked Mrs. Dawson to give him three minutes to consult the charter just to make sure the statement is accurate.
Mrs. Dawson asked can they pass over this until Mr. Creekbaum returns.
Mr. Creekbaum asked to take a short recess.
Mrs. Dawson said the meeting is now in recess at 7:05pm.
City Council Return from recess at 7:09pm.
Mr. Creekbaum said it was confirmed that it takes three votes to elect a Chairman or Vice Chairman in this case. He said there is no specific rule governing the election of Chairman and Vice Chairman, but the default rule under the charter is that all resolutions, ordinances, or other action taken by the City Council must be approved by the majority of the vote by members of council. He said at this point they would move on to the next nomination, because that nomination did not carry.
Mrs. Dawson said nominations are back open for Chairman.
Mr. Creekbaum said there was a second nomination for Ms. Woods as Chairman.
Mrs. Dawson called for the vote.
(Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Dawson voted nay,) (Mrs. Ezernack and Ms. Woods voted aye.)
Mrs. Dawson said the vote did not carry and the council will reopen the nominations for Chairman.
Mr. Harvey nominated Mrs. Dawson for Chairman.
Mrs. Dawson asked was there any other nominations.
Ms. Woods nominated Mrs. Ezernack for Chairman.
Mrs. Dawson closed the nominations and asked for the following names to be voted on.
Mrs. Dawson for Chair: (Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Dawson voted aye,) (Mrs. Ezernack and Ms. Woods voted nay.)
Mr. Creekbaum said that nomination did not carry, and the council moved on to the next nominee.
Mrs. Ezernack for Chair: (Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Dawson, Mrs. Ezernack voted aye) (Ms. Woods abstained.)
Mrs. Ezernack was named Chairman.
Mrs. Ezernack said that the nominations for Vice Chair are now open.
Mr. Harvey nominated Mrs. Dawson.
Mrs. Ezernack nominated Ms. Woods.
Mrs. Ezernack closed nominations and called for the vote for Mrs. Dawson.
(Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Dawson voted aye,) (Mrs. Ezernack and Ms. Woods voted nay.)
Mr. Creekbaum said nomination doesn t carry and the Council can move to the next nominee.
Mrs. Ezernack called for the vote for Ms. Woods as Vice Chairman.
(Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, and Ms. Woods voted aye,) (Mrs. Dawson voted nay)
Ms. Woods was names Vice-Chairman.
Chairman Gretchen Ezernack announced that the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Mr. Harvey or his designee.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Rachel N. Washington, Research Coordinator/Council Aide
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey had no announcements.
Ms. Woods had no announcements.
Mrs. Dawson said there will be a back-to-school bonanza 2023, Saturday, August 12th held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Family Life Center 211 Mt. Zion Street from 9am-1pm. She said The 5K Annual Prostate Fun Walk/Run presented by Omega Psi Phi in Monroe will be September 16th Downtown River Market. She yielded her time to Dr. Tonya Hunter give some special announcements.
Dr. Tonya Hunter, Region 8 Medical Director, said as Region 8 Medical Director for the Office of Public Health, The Louisiana Department of Health, she is new to the role as of May. She said for the last five years there has been a Regional Medical Director in Region 8, and she said that she is coming into this role enthusiastic and excited and hopefully with an attempt and effort to improve the health of Region 8. She stated she has been practicing medicine for the last 20 years as an OBGYN, and she probably delivered a generation of babies in this community. She further stated Region 8 has the worst vaccination rates in Louisiana, in the nation and their efforts this coming fall are to increase immunization rates especially childhood immunization rates. She said they are starting what they call Operation Immunization, they are trying to get babies to get shots. Which is hard to do. She said there will be a huge end of summer bash at the Ouachita Parish Health Unit on August 5th from 10am-2pm, they will have all kinds of information about the Health Unit and vaccinations. She said there has been a decrease in vaccinations and the kids that are entering school don t have the appropriate vaccines to start school. Which becomes an issue. So, they are working to try to improve that throughout the month of August.
Mrs. Dawson also announced that Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) will be having their Run &Walk-A-Thon in District 5, look up MCAL on social media to register for that walk.
Mayor Ellis greets everyone, and he has a few things to cover. He said today he had the opportunity to welcome the new class at VCOM, this is the fourth year so the Seniors will be at residency at St. Francis Hospital. He said it is a wonderful program, wonderful school out there, and just an honor to be able to welcome those students from all around the country for living here now for the next four years within our city. He said to brag about a few things that he is proud of were them telling all the places they like to go eat and see and ways they can get connected with our community and get rooted here in Monroe. Secondly, he had the opportunity to sit at the round table with Congresswoman Letlow, the Small Business and Large Industry, people from the Agricultural business, people from the University Higher Ed, to discuss some things for her moving into the next session to bring to the forefront policy and funding. He said they also got a chance to join Congresswoman Letlow for the Ribbon cutting/Groundbreaking hen sense. He said they got a two in one, the Texas Standard for Trunk line Emergency Project, the nine thousand feet tv and cleaning, point repair, and also rerouting that line, a long overdue project. He said one of the city s main sewer trunk lines that they are tackling right now moving into Phase II, there s another 6000 feet or so also to be aligned with point repairs, this gain capacity back in our neighborhoods, the ability for business and industry to relocate here and the city to be able to actually give them sewer will serve letters. He said quality housing development will be running alongside Ms. Hill with all the new homes that are being built in Monroe and he thinks this will get us the capacity we need on some of these projects that we have missed out on. He said a lot of ribbons cuttings, but one business that he is really proud of Ms. Mashi Epting with Going Postal Ribbon Cutting on South 2nd Street. He said again another felt need for our community, and he wanted to say thank you for investing. He said we may not be able to get a USPS, but he can promise that the customer service that you will receive at Going Postal is going to go above and beyond. He said that the Ride Along with the MP went very well. He said he got an opportunity to ride along at night with fellow officers to talk with them about equipment and other things that they may need in their line of duty. He said he talked with them and got their perspectives and listened to the things they go through every single night. He discussed the July 4th Celebration, he wanted to say thank you to the team and everyone that came out to participate, wonderful event, great to see the community out, bonding together, coming over and celebrating all things great within our neighborhood. He is going to bring up two people to talk, first is Ms. Meghan Risinger, City Grant Writer, about what s going on in the city.
Ms. Meghan Risinger, City Grant Writer, In January 2023, the City of Monroe became one of 11 city and county grantees in the 2023 CityStart Initiative. The CityStart Initiative offers cities and counties and structures approach to identify financial empowerment goals, convene relevant stakeholders for sustainable success, develop actionable strategies, and ultimately craft a blueprint that is rooted in local insights and opportunities all with a deliberate racial wealth equity lens. The CityStart process helps us hold structured conversations with stakeholders across the community, including residents, to understand local financial empowerment challenges and opportunities, especially those impacting Black residents. To get a sense of what this work culminates in, here are two example blueprints from previous CityStart partners: South Bend, IN and Columbus, OH. The CityStart grant funds provide high-touch technical assistance, including one-on-one phone calls, site visits, and community learning activities.
Mr. Daryl Fortenberry Jr., Community Relations Liaison, wanted to announce that the U.S. Department of Defense Delta Regional Authority is presenting, Monroe Wellness on August 4th through Augst 12th, hours of operation are from 8am to 4pm, on August 6th, from 1pm to 4pm and August 12th 8am to 11am. There will be two locations where this will be held. First location is Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy Monroe, LA 71201. Second location, West Monroe Convention Center 901 Ridge Avenue West Monroe, LA 71291. They will be doing Wellness checks covers: Adult medical and Wellness Exams, Blood pressure screenings, diabetes screening and counseling, School/Sports Physicals, and weight management. Vision checks include the following: Acute medical Eye exams, comprehensive eye exams, glasses prescriptions, and spectacles services. Mental Health services include the following: Community support services, mental health screenings, and preventative education. Dental includes the following: Children s sealants, exams, extractions and fillings, oral cancer screenings, and X-Rays. No cost medical services and no ID required. It’s on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Upon a motion of Mr. Harvey and seconded by Mrs. Dawson, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of June 27, 2023, were approved. (Ms. Woods abstained. She was not present at the last meeting.) (There were no comments from the public).
Mrs. Ezernack read this statement. Public Notice Notice of Intent to Call Election. Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 19.1 of Title 42 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, that the City Council, acting as the governing authority (the Governing Authority ), of the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana ( the City ) at its regularly scheduled meeting on August 8, 2023, at its regular meeting place, City Hall, 400 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe, Louisiana, at 6:00p.m., will discuss and consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election on November 18, 2023 to authorize the renewal and/or continuation of three (3) existing ad valorem taxes on all property subject to taxation within the City for the purposes of: (i) maintaining and operating the recreational facilities of the City; (ii) maintaining and operating municipal service departments in connection therewith, including the acquisition of necessary equipment; and (iii) purpose of operating and maintaining drainage facilities of the City, and upon approval by the qualified voters therein, and if passed, for such taxes to be levied thereafter. By: City Council of the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana. For Announcement and Publication in the Official Journal.
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
1. 1103 South 9th Street (D4) (Owner Tharris Bishop) Notice to show cause was served. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 60 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, said that he spoke with Mr. Bishop yesterday and he advised him of the condition of this house. This is an open dilapidated unsafe structure; Code Enforcement is asking that this property be condemned and give the property owner 60 days to bring it into compliance or forward it to Public Works for demolition.
2. 3307 Dick Taylor (D5) (Owner Dominic Harrell) (Dominic Harrell & Sarsobu Answar Harrell) Notice to show cause was served. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 30 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, said this is an open dilapidated unsafe structure, with no contact with the property owner. Code Enforcement is asking Council that this property be condemned and give the property owner 30 days to bring it into compliance or forward it to Public Works for demolition.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8541 accepting the bid of the Lemoine Company, LLC, in the amount of $2,834,000.00 for the WPCC Flow Equalization Basin Dredging Project, and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said work. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Accept the bid of Barney s Police Supplies for a one (1) year contract for the purchase of Police Specialized Uniforms for the Police Department Ref#2024-00000015 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bid be awarded based on the bid tabulations. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Assistant Attorney, clarify on the agenda that its Barney s.
Ms. Woods asked if this was a new vendor.
Mr. Curt Kelly, Director of Purchasing, said no, they have done business with the City in the past, but they will be new to this contract.
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Accept the bids of Barney s Police Supplies and Caplan s Uniforms for a one (1) year contract for the purchase of Police Uniforms for the Police Department Ref#2024-00000016 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bids be awarded based on the bid tabulations. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Accept the bid of Barney s Police Supplies for a one (1) year contract for the purchase of Police Equipment for the Police Department Ref#2024-00000017 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bid be awarded based on the bid tabulations. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to consider an Application by Mario Mata dba Wild Hawk Daiquiri Lounge, LLC, 21 Louisville Ave., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2023 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared) (There were no comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to consider an Application by Amenda Thompson & Tonia Devaney, Vadernight LLC dba Everybody s Place, 1914 Roselawn Ave., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2023 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared) (There were no public comments.)
Department of Planning & Urban Development:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8542 authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Contract by and between the City of Monroe and the State (Louisiana Housing Corporation) in the amount of $127,943.00 fy22 for the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESGP), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8543 authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute a contract by and between the City of Monroe and the Wellspring Alliance for Families in the amount of $50,000.00 fy22 for the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESGP), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Ms. Woods seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8544 authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to enter into and execute a contract by and between the City of Monroe and Christopher Youth Center formerly known as Our House, Inc. in the amount of $74,217.00 fy22 for the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESGP), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Community Affairs:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8545 authorizing a city representative to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Arts with Passion Production Company, Inc and further providing with respect thereto. (Mrs. Dawson abstained) (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8546 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Direct Beneficiary Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury for the improvement and enhancement of the City s Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo Louisiana Purchase Exhibit Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods said that she wanted to let the people at home know what is going on with this item.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Assistant Attorney, said that this particular item on the agenda is actually something that Council had approved quite a while ago. The Police Juror dedicated funds for this particular project. He said they did it by Resolution with intent by entering into a Cooperative endeavor with the Police Juror. The Police Juror later had some ARPA funding requirements and things like that, changed it from a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to a direct beneficiary Agreement. He stated this is the same zoo project that was funded and agreed on a year ago, but they needed to have the right agreement in place.
Ms. Woods asked how much were those funds.
The Council said $300,000.00 dollars.
Mayor Ellis said he really appreciated the help with the Police Jury. He said that each Police Juror had money to spend within their district. He thanked Mrs. Dawson for taking them on a tour of the Zoo to showcase how awesome it is and why their investment matters.
Ms. Meghan Risinger, City Grant Writer, thanked Mr. Lonnie Hudson and Mr. Michael Thompson for giving the money to the City for this project.
Mrs. Ezernack said she wanted to thank all of them as well. She said we all benefit from that especially the people who go to the Zoo on a regular basis and those that will go to the Zoo for the first time.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Robin R. Green, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to part of Lot 4, Sq. 62, Layton s 3rd Addition, Frtg 50.36 ft on west side S. 2nd St., depth of 133.67 ft on south line, depth of 127.86 ft along north line & a rear width of 50 ft, (no situs) S. 2nd St., Ouachita Parish, District 4, Monroe, Louisiana, Parcel #74804, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 30, 2014, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Robin R. Green, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to part of Lots 2 & 3, Sq. 62, Layton s 3rd Addition, Frtg 75.66 ft on west side S. 2nd St., depth of 127.86 ft on south line, depth of 118.04 ft. along north line & a rear width of 75 ft, (no situs) S. 2nd St., Ouachita Parish, District 4, Monroe, Louisiana, Parcel #74805, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 30, 2014, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Hayward Foy, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 16, Sq. 4, Johnston s 1st Addition, 3201 Polk St., Ouachita Parish, District 4, Monroe, Louisiana, Parcel #50522, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2013, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Joey Kedley, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 5, Daisy Sub-Addition of Lots 5 and 6, Block 23, Terminal Heights Addition, Ouachita Parish, 1016 Alabama St., District 4, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 28, 2013, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Joey Kedley, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 8, Daisy Terzia s Sub-Addition of Lots 5 and 6, Block 23, Terminal Heights Addition, Ouachita Parish, 1018 Alabama St., District 4, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 10, 2015, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack said that these are all properties that had been adjudicated to the City and she certainly appreciates those that were interested in the property and wishing to purchase the property and that s the essence of what these last items a-e were concerning, and it gets it back into private property hands, so thank you so much for that.
(f) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing a designated city representative to execute an Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the City of Monroe and Ouachita Grand Plaza, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack wanted Mr. Creekbaum to explain briefly what this item is about.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Assistant Attorney, said Mr. Williams Smart, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, is here and can certainly speak on it from the Housing Authority s perspective, but what this is in a nutshell is the property on South Grand next to the Courthouse, its owned and lease to the Housing Authority for many years. He said it is need of some repairs, upgrades, remodeling, and things like that and he thinks there are substantial plans in the Housing Authority, several millions of dollars of improvements and upgrades, but in order to get developers interested in that property and get people enticed to come in and assist them with that, they needed some changes to this lease so that they can grant additional mortgages on the property and lease hold interest mortgages and things like that and are technically bare bones lease didn t really have what they needed in order for them to go out and secure financing for a project of that scale. He said that is what ahs been the hold up on this, going back and forth on with Mr. Moore and Legal reviewing what was kind of a bare bones lease and enhancing it and upgrading it getting some additional protections for the City and as well allowing Housing Authority to do what they wanted to do. He said he thinks that the document that they have come to an agreement on and presented to Council represents the best interest of all parties and hopefully will allow Housing Authority to secure those funds to make that just fantastic property for its residents.
Mrs. Ezernack said this was referring to Ouachita Grand Plaza, for those who were wondering which particular property this was referring to.
RESOLTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION
AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the Hearing was
closed.
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,176 amending Ordinance No. 12,083 to correct the annexed boundaries of I-20 Corridor Properties & North American Land Development Corporation, providing for the recordation of the entire boundary as amended, establishing the effective date thereof, and providing further with respect thereto. (PUD/P&Z) (Ms. Woods abstained.) (There were no public comments.)
The Hearing was closed.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,177 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Kim and Latasha Caldwell, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 5, Sq. 1, HW Moore s Resub Sq. 24 Alexander s 2nd Addition, Ouachita Parish, 402 Moore Ave., Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 4, 2018, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (Ms. Woods abstained.) (There were no public comments.)
The Hearing was closed.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,178 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Addie Turner and Lakedra Berry, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 2, Sq. 89, Unit 15, Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, 4202 Pippin St., Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 7, 2018, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (Ms. Woods abstained.) (There were no public comments.)
The Hearing was closed.
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,179 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Mary E. Jones, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 7 & w 6 ft. lot 8, Sq. 2, Ouachita Cotton Mills 1st Addn., Frtg 66 ft. on Apple St., depth 143.ft, Ouachita Parish, 203 Apple St.., Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 7, 2018, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (Ms. Woods abstained.) (There were no public comments.)
The Hearing was closed.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
(1.) Mr. Lester Pastor, 100 South Pointe Drive, said at the last Council meeting on June 27, 2023, he reminded Mayor Friday Ellis, Monroe City Council, and Monroe City Attorney he had to order a court of appeal second circuit and passed out copies to each of them on March 14, 2023. He said the order of court of appeal is a rule of law that has been completely ignored by our City s officials. Monroe Court office continues to say that the Court of appeal second circuit has not been carried out because the order of court appeal was burned in a fire. Mayor Friday Ellis, Monroe City Council, and Monroe City Attorney had the order of court of appeal second circuit placed in each of your hands over 90 days ago. He said this is very disrespectful to rule of law and him. He said this is more than enough time for the order of court of appeal to be put back on the record in Monroe City Clerk of Court office and City officials address the court of appeal second circuit. He said the Court of appeal informed Monroe City Courts and him, Lester Pastor, was charge with violation of LA RS 14401, and not Monroe City Ordinance 12-186. He said the Second circuit court stated in the order, finding errors, because there was no advancement or right to juror or right to counsel and no waiving of these constitutional rights. He said Mayor Friday Ellis is the City leader and he keeps coming to these City Council Meetings asking the Mayor, Monroe City Council, and City Attorney to obey the order of court of appeal second circuit and you do not respond, this adds insult to injury. He said he must ask his City Councilwoman Mrs. Kema Dawson, District 5, to bring the order of court of appeal second circuit to the floor for the next City Council meeting. He said he humbly asks that the City Council vote on the order of court of appeal second circuit being carried out that is order by court of appeal second circuit. The second circuit court also noted that in their decision making, nothing the circuit shall interfere with or prevent, or anything exercised by any court in the State of Louisiana with power to punish for contempt. He said if there is anybody that s attending this council meeting who would like a copy of the order of court appeal, please let him know. He said he s simply asking, that they do not continue to disrespect the order of court of appeals second circuit and me and that they replace the order of court of appeal back on the record at the Monroe City Clerk of Court Office. Thank you!!!!
(2.) Ms. Keisha Sparks, 607 N. 3rd Street, said she was coming to the public letting everyone know that Acadian will be having another EMR class. The last day to register for that would be July 24th and the class will start August 7th. She said this is just a reminder that she was here a couple of months ago, but it s a basic entry level into the EMS program. She said they will push you into the EMR program, get them situated, and it is a pay as you learn program, you will get paid as you are in orientation as well as going through the class. She said once you get on board and you get acclimated to EMS as an EMR, they will encourage you to go into the EMT program in which they do provide tuition assistance for that, its more of a contractual thing to where you provide your service for us in return for your education, they do that all the way until their paramedic program. She said she just wanted to put that out if anyone is looking for a career or a career change there s an opportunity for you at Acadian.
Mrs. Ezernack said thank you for sharing that information.
(3.) Mr. Eugene Payne, 1705 Reed Street, concern is $180,000.00 dollars worth of land has been purchased to build a twenty-year-old project that is spearheaded by the management team here in Monroe at Monroe Transit. He said that the public knows nothing about the project, but he believes it s just suspicious to him that the project is coming up now from all of the things that has happened in the past. He said he doesn t trust the management to spearhead such a project. He said he s not opposed to improving the City s look, or to improving the Transit System. But he believes that the project that is being implemented is too large for a system as small as Monroe s City Transit. He said $180,000.00 dollars worth of land and we don t have enough money to give the employees a decent raise and that is another problem for him also, but the main issue is that its suspicious that this project has come up at this time. He s always said there a lot of questions about that system and the management team that hasn t been answered and he s been waiting almost a year for an answer from the administration about his concerns with the management team. He doesn t have enough time to say what s all on his mind, but if someone wants to get in contact with him to be a listening ear, they have his number.
(4.) Mr. Michael Caster, 3408 Garden Avenue, wanted to ask the Council a few questions. He asked them to do the children matter to them in Monroe. He wanted to know why you have City workers that steal from the kids. He said the man that runs the recreational center that stole from the kids last week. He said he came to City Hall to discuss this matter, and nothing was resolved. He said the man stood boldly as if what he had done didn t matter. He said if he has to walk around with signs and put signs everywhere, he will, even if he has to get the trailer and put speakers on it and tell the city what this man has done, he will. He said any other City employee, if they have stolen anything they are terminated effective immediately, he s asking the Council to do the same thing to this man.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 pm., upon motion of Mr. Harvey and it was seconded by Mrs. Dawson.
Mrs. Gretchen Ezernack
Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Mrs. Rachel N. Washington
Council Research Coordinator
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