Monroe City Council Legal and Regular Session
August 10, 2021
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers-City Hall
MINUTES
There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date, August 10, 2021, at the Council’s regular meeting place, 400 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, City Council Chambers/City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.
The Honorable Carday Marshall, Sr., Chairman, called the meeting to order.
The roll call was done by Ms. Carolus Riley, Council Clerk.
Council members present for roll call: Mr. Douglas Harvey, Mrs. Gretchen Ezernack, Ms. Juanita Woods, Mr. Carday Marshall, Sr., Mrs. Kema Dawson.
Council member (s) absent: None
Chairman Marshall declared a quorum.
The Invocation was done by Rev. A.B. Davis Johnson, Sr. Pastor, Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance by Ms. Woods.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Mr. Harvey welcomed everyone to the meeting. He commented that it has been a tough two weeks relative to the people that the community have lost. He said there were big names like Mayor Abe Pierce, and also the sudden loss of Mr. Brent Henley who he knew personally; the loss of Angie Sager who served the community and particularly, the Center for Children and Families; as well as the loss of a local Rotarian, Holly Healey. Mr. Harvey commented about Covid and practicing safety measures; he congratulated the Fire department on their 93.85 record growth fire rating and also on the City’s groundbreaking of the new water treatment plant; he stated that he was aware of two school supply drives, and one is sponsored by City of Monroe, and asked that citizens would consider donating to the City’s drive.
2. Mrs. Ezernack welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. She offered her condolences to former Mayor Pierce’s family and said she was unable to attend the service due to being out of town and know that everything that he has done for the community, the City of Monroe, and the Parish as a whole over the many years of service was a lot and she thanked and honored him for the service to the community. Mrs. Ezernack offered her condolences to the Brent Henley family, as she was unaware of his passing and appreciated his work with training a lot of people in the Leadership classes in Monroe, and other communities and that he will be missed by many. She commented on the loss of Angie Sager and that Angie was her daughter’s best friend and they had been friends for years and the community lost her; Angie contributed greatly to our community through CASA and other endeavors that she had, and she will be missed. She offered her family condolences and sympathy at this hard time. She congratulated the City on the expansion of the water treatment plant, as it had been worked on for many years, and lots of people were involved in different stages of it; she thanked the team that brought it to where it is today, where we actually broke ground, it is exciting and it will serve our community now, in the future and for many, many years, just like the current plant and is looking forward to a ribbon cutting on it in the next several years. She congratulated Chief Williams, MFD, along with the water department and public works and a lot of people on the 93.85 rating and do understand that each year, we are making increases in our rating numbers, and it helps with the homeowner’s insurance.
3. Ms. Woods welcomed and thanked everyone for attending and also those watching by television. She congratulated Chief Williams, and also the employees of MFD, and the employees of the Public works department, it was a lovely event and anytime we can better the lives of the people, she said we are in support of that; she stated that she did not go to the water treatment plant and got the wrong time on it, but did watch it live; she congratulated the City on the groundbreaking of the water treatment plant; she attended the LMA conference on last week, it was a benefit and plus. She thanked everyone for their participation on the success of her District 3 Town Hall meeting and thanked Rev. John Russell and the Greater New Antioch Baptist Church for the hospitality and hosting the event. She thanked the Mayor’s
administrative staff for participating, answering questions, and sharing information; she thanked District 3 for coming out to the town hall meeting and voicing their concerns, it was a good meeting, and it was all about solutions and trying to work together, and it worked out extremely well. She had the pleasure and honor of attending the memorial services of former Mayor Abe Pierce III; there was so much that he did in the community, as he was a quiet storm, and he will be truly missed. She commented there is a resolution on the agenda to rename the convention center in his honor and it will be called, if passed the Abe E. Pierce III Convention Center. She offered condolences to the family of Rev. George Washington, another quiet storm in the Booker T community who passed away; he pastored two churches in the district, he had been Emeritus for a while. She attended the 20th Anniversary for Rev. Dr. A.B. Davis Johnson and his wife at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church.
4. Mrs. Dawson welcomed everyone present and commented that she was glad to be back, as she has been out due to medical issues and the illness of her father; she asked prayers for her family and offered condolences to the family of former Mayor Abe E. Pierce III, her sorority sister was the former first lady. She congratulated the City on the expansion of the water treatment plant, and Chief Williams, MFD and everyone on the fire department rating. She commented that District 5 had a great community town hall meeting and there was a great turn out for the meeting; she thanked Rev. Vance Price, Pastor, and his church family for hosting the District 5 meeting; she thanked the constituents, the City administrators, and employees for their attendance. She thanked Ellen Hill, Arthur Holland, and Public works employees for all of their assistance. She thanked Roshonda Gospel and Tom Janway for all of their assistance. A program, Exit 318 is a program where men and women have been released from prison and they are in need of donations to help them with a fresh start, donations such as razors, shampoo, deodorant; a contact person for the program is Marquis Jones.
4. Mayor Ellis welcomed each one present. He extended condolences to the family of Mayor Abe Pierce and Frank Henley, two titans in the community that worked tirelessly for the betterment of the community and is glad that the City of Monroe can help out in a way to honor them. Mayor Ellis acknowledged and congratulated MPD Corporal Pam Jones on being awarded and named the D.A.R.E. officer of the Year at the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Conference; he thanked her for her dedication and the impact that she has made with the kids throughout the years. Mayor Ellis commented regarding the water treatment plant groundbreaking ceremony, and that this project was initiated 5 years ago or so; he thanked Sean Benton, Tom Janway, Kim Golden, Stacey Rowell and everyone that were a part of it. He congratulated MFD Chief Terry Williams on the department’s highest rating yet, and the rating means a lot to local businesses here. Mayor Ellis commented that the first stakeholder’s holders meeting was held with the marina design team for downtown businesses, downtown residences and people throughout Monroe and the discussion was on things that they want for the City. He thanked Councilwomen Woods and Dawson on their town hall community meetings, and the opportunity for citizens to share their concerns, it gives the City the opportunity to follow back up with residents. He thanked all of the department heads who were following back up and working on the issues. He commented that the state is fighting Covid cases and asked that the right decision would be made for each citizen’s family, and asked that citizens would consult doctors, hospitals so that the very best decisions can be made. The covid is being seen in children now, and covid spikes. He said his family would choose the vaccine and asked that everyone would pray for the community and the State.
5. Mr. Marshall thanked all for coming out to the meeting. He extended his condolences to the Mayor Pierce family and all who have had losses in their family due to Covid related or natural matters, there has been a lot going on and encouraged everyone to remain encouraged; we do still serve a great God and we are here to serve a purpose, and to do that and glorify him in everything that we do on a daily basis. He congratulated the fire and water departments on their achievements, a record breaking fire rating; he thanked them for all of their work. Mr. Marshall commented that the Desiard Street shelter is doing a supply drive and accepting donations of water, plates, etc. to help take care of those that are in need in that area. He commented there have been school supply drives sponsored by several including Berean Baptist Church, the City of Monroe, and Omega Psi Phi did one last week and he has seen 10-20 fliers for other back to school supply drives; he thanked those who have given back to the community and look forward to everything happening in the fall with the kids going back to school. He asked that everyone would be safe, and if you aren’t vaccinated be mindful of those that you are around and to wear a mask, social distance, and take the precautions that have been set in place to help keep everyone as safe as possible.
Upon a motion of Mr. Harvey and a second by Mrs. Dawson, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of June 27, 2021, were approved; Voting Yes: Ezernack, Woods, Marshall, Mr. Harvey; Mrs. Dawson abstained. (There were no public comments).
PRESENTATION: NONE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
Public Comment:
1. 305 South 2nd Street (D4) (Owner – Evelyn Augurson) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to remove item from the agenda. (There were no public comments)
2. 1006 South 9th Street (D4) (Owner – Mattie Ricks c/o Don Ricks) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to remove item from the agenda. (There were no public comments)
3. 911 South 5th Street (D4) (Owner – Lucille Jenkins) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to remove item from the agenda. (There were no public comments)
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
Public Comment None.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council: Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution amending the time to reflect 3:00 pm-8:00 pm and granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council (Blend of the Bayou) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8042, as amended and granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council (Blend of the Bayou) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
Department of Administration: Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by DG Louisiana LLC dba Dollar General Store #23262, 2350 Sterlington Rd., Monroe, LA 71203 for a New 2021 Class B Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been Cleared, CO-Cleared, Distance Report Cleared. (There were no public comments).
(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Sheteria Webb dba Duke’s Bar & Grill, 1207 DeSiard St., Monroe, LA 71201 for a New 2021 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been Cleared, CO-Cleared, Distance Report Cleared. (There were no public comments).
Department of Planning & Urban Development: Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8043, authorizing Friday Ellis, Mayor, to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Strategic Community Solutions of Louisiana LLC., for professional services and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
Comments: Ms. Hill explained the neighborhood revitalization project with four targeted neighborhoods and the work to be done by the consultant is to write the neighborhood revitalization strategy area plans and implantation of the plans.
(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8044, requesting to reject all bids received on July 21, 2021, for the Housing Rehabilitation Project at 1606 Fairview Avenue, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
Legal Department: Public Comment: None.
Mayor’s Office:
Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8045, approving the appointment of Sue Nicholson to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8046, approving the appointment of Abram Calhoun to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8047, in support of an application for the Creation of the Lida Benton Cultural District, and further providing with respect thereto.
Comments: Mr. Brian Davis, commented that he was the Executive Director of La. Trust for La. Preservation with Statewide nonprofit organization that works to connect buildings, historic buildings and owners with the resources that are out there. To submit an application for the creation of a cultural district, Lida Benton.
(d) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mrs. Dawson; Voting YES: Woods, Ezernack, Dawson, Marshall; Voting to ABSTAIN: Harvey, and approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8048, authorizing the renaming of the Monroe Convention Center in the City of Monroe, Louisiana, the Abe Pierce III Convention Center, and further providing with respect thereto. (Mayor Ellis/Councilwoman Woods) (There were no public comments).
(e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8049, authorizing a designated City representative to enter into a Professional Services Agreement by and between the City of Monroe and John T. Campo & Associates Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.
Comments: Ms. Woods asked for more information on the agenda item.
Mr. Campo gave background information on himself and his company that included practicing and in business for 38 years, practices in 26 states and the majority of work is historic adaptable use, buildings that are national treasures; and now having the privilege of changing the face of many cities, economic vitality, jobs; his company have designed military facilities, low income and mixed income housing projects, office, culture, entertainment and most known for hospitality and have designed over 250 hotels. His firm doesn’t do much public work but was compelled to consider this project due to Mayor Ellis’ passion and his vision for the City and Monroe has the opportunity to take what is already happening, urban revitalization but it is fragmented, and the proposal is for master planning to look at the big picture and to involve all of the community groups, outreach program and will also include and meet with Council members. He spoke about his work in Savannah on their riverfront. There will be two women assigned to the Monroe project who worked on the Savannah project. Ms. Woods thanked him for being present and said she hasn’t seen the Savannah riverfront project but has heard about it and will go online to look at it and proud of the fact that his company has 75 per cent females; she commented that she was excited about it, and it is not at him, but her only concern is that there are so many professional services agreements and the concern with her is implementation. She commented that she is sure he would do a fabulous job, but where does the implementation come in, it’s a major concern. She doesn’t know if she is all the way there on continuing and the City is headed in the direction of urban revitalization which is a good thing, but there are so many other things that the City needs to be look at the City. She said it doesn’t have anything to do with Mr. Campo, it was just her and the concerns for the people in her district and things that she feels need to be done outside of the project.
Mrs. Ezernack commented that it was nice to know that people in his firm were graduates of La. Tech; she commented that she felt if the City didn’t do it now and feel there were concerns about the cost, but it is outlined in the contract and feel this is a golden opportunity and it sounds like without the push and passion of the Mayor that Mr. Campo wouldn’t be present tonight with the proposal; she believes the Mayor passion for the community is evident with just about anyone that he meets and they get on the bandwagon and do appreciate it; there is a lot of opportunity for the section on the map and do know the stage two; it will lead to different building structures and opportunities in the zone and will bring things back into commerce and will get the City tax dollars, sales tax, property taxes and the City needs the synergy, because the City is fragmented on what is being done; no one wants to be the only structure on the street, vibrancy is needed and the opportunity to go from place to place and after viewing the information, will vote in favor of the project.
Mrs. Dawson commented the resolution would be to find cost effective ways to connect the downtown river market area to other areas and want it to also include District 5 because the river goes all the way down to District 5 and are looking for ways to develop all the way down to develop the district and asked that the study includes District 5, Mr. Campo said they intend to meet with each and every one and it can’t be done in a vacuum, no one will be excluded, but will be very open and transparent. He mentioned one of his best friends, a fellow architect, Ray Manning is an African American architect and have been friends for 35 years and he will be working with them on the project, because he knows a fair amount about the community in Monroe and as an African American there are something that he can relate to more so than himself and believes he is right, and he will assist them in their meetings with guidance because they don’t know it all; he asked that Council would look up Ray Manning, Architect, a phenomenal architect. Although it wasn’t a requirement, but his firm seeks to excel, good is not good enough for his firm and whatever it takes to excel, this is what they will do.
Mayor Ellis commented that when he ran for office, and feels like everyone understands the power of the (Ouachita) river and we all see the beauty in what our historic downtown is and if he had a dollar for every time someone said they will someone would do something with that building; he said we are giving them the recipe to be able to do it, we are vision setting, goal setting and have said it a thousand times, that we are giving the community the box top and bringing them the very best, that’s his goal to
bring the very best, because Monroe deserves the very best and have set out to find the very best and have settled on the very best, an opportunity to work with this firm and would be fortunate to work with this firm. He thanked Mr. Campo for taking on a project such as this and do know that municipal work has it challenges. Mr. Campo commented that he was honored.
Mr. Marshall commented that he was excited about the project and have had talks with a few people in the administration, the community; there are things that want done, but don’t have a plan and sometimes that outside entity is needed to come in and develop that plan to give that guide as to where we need to go and how to go about doing it. He commented that he has done some research as well, and that it speaks for itself and is excited; he asked if the cost would go over the estimated amount or stay within the guideline. Mr. Campo commented that if they are approaching 75 percent of their cap, then the City would be notified and would ask if they are still on track or not, but in terms of exceeding it, they have
no plans to exceed it but do plan to keep everyone updated by tracking time.
Ms. Woods commented prior to her vote, that she is excited that Mr. Campo was present, and appreciated the presentation, look forward to working with him and his staff and voted aye. Mr. Campo thanked her for her vote.
Department of Public Works: Public Comment: None.
Department of Community Affairs: Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8050, approving and authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the City of Monroe and St. John the Baptist Parish Government and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
Comments: Mrs. Ezernack asked if this was the same agreement and if there were any changes; Mr. Creekbaum, Legal commented that in substance and what is being done, it is the same.
Police Department: Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8051, authorizing the Monroe Police Department to purchase license plate readers in conjunction with the Victim Assistance Program-License Plate Reader Program and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
Comments: Ms. Woods asked if they knew the locations or if they weren’t really saying; Mayor Ellis commented that the discussions with Chief Zordan is that they can be mobile and if there is an area that has higher crime, then the plate readers can be moved as needed. All of them will be mobile.
Mrs. Ezernack asked if the plate readers for victim’s assistance be at some time a traffic camera; if it was a traffic camera, would not be in favor of it because a lot of issues could be caused in other areas.
Mayor Ellis said he didn’t think this was the primary use, nor was it intended to be; it would be tied in with shot spotter, a program that is being used now; the overarching goal is to help tie the information in with traffic cameras to be able to locate, pinpoint and there have been preliminary discussions with IBM on how to synchronize all of it together; they have a great program called Operation Wildfire that takes all of the data and it helps use what they found across parish, City, ULM and it’s puzzle pieces to a larger overall in being more productive in heading off crime and finding people who have committed crimes, and the overall goal to have a smart City; have heard of different areas where they can be able to control traffic lights, to be able to slow down traffic, so that police can catch up and there is a lot of great technology available and these are some pieces to help solve crimes faster and to apprehend. Mr. Creekbaum said he understood it to be a part of a larger regional grant and not the only jurisdiction participating in this and the intent behind it is victims’ assistance grant fund.
Chief Zordan, MPD, explained the purpose of the license plate readers were to find stolen vehicles, the system would put it in a database and have already recovered some; domestic disputes that have restraining orders and if proximity to that location, then it alerts the police; the City of Monroe has four already, as well as West Monroe and the Sheriff’s office. It’s for crimes, kidnapped children; can locate those that are evading the law for domestic violence, a stolen vehicle, or wanted from another state; it takes a picture of the back of the car and shows the license plate, it is not for traffic violations, it’s for wanted criminals.
Fire Department: Public Comment: None.
Engineering Services: Public Comment:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8052, accepting as substantially complete work done by and between the City of Monroe and CW & W Contractors, Inc., for the North 18th Street Rehabilitation Project, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8053, authorizing an authorized City representative, to execute Closeout Change Order No. One (1) to the North 18th Street Improvements Contract, between the City of Monroe and CW & W Contractors, Inc., for a decrease in the contract amount of $32,421.43 and an increase in the contract time of ¬¬¬40 days and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8054, authorizing an authorized City representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Master Services Agreement with James M. Standard & Associates, Inc., to provide electrical engineering & other professional services and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8055, authorizing an authorized City representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement with Wetlands Unlimited, LLC, to provide wetlands delineation & other professional services for the Louisiana Young’s Bayou Retention State Project Number H.013972 Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(e) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8056, authorizing an authorized City representative, to enter into and execute an agreement with MAG Enterprises, Inc. for services related to the appraisal of easements and rights of way for acquisitions for the H.007300 Kansas-Garrett I-20 Interchange Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
ADD-ON: (f) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to adopt a Resolution authorizing an authorized City representative, to enter into and execute an agreement with Todd Tidwell Appraisals & Consulting, LLC for services related to the appraisal of easements and rights of way for acquisitions for the H.007300 Kansas-Garrett I-20 Interchange project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
(f) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 8057, authorizing an authorized City representative, to enter into and execute an agreement with Todd Tidwell Appraisals & Consulting, LLC for services related to the appraisal of easements and rights of way for acquisitions for the H.007300 Kansas-Garrett I-20 Interchange project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments).
BREAK IF NEEDED:
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
Public Comment:
None.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing: Chairman Marshall opened the public hearing:
1. Mr. Tobias Collins, commented that it is good that the City is assisting to help those that have not been vaccinated, get to their appointments. He commented that he is fully vaccinated.
Seeing no one else come forward, Chairman Marshall closed the public hearing.
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Finally Adopt Ordinance No. 12,074, authorizing Monroe Transit System to provide free transportation to citizens for COVID-19 Vaccination appointments and further providing with respect thereto. (Public Wks.) (There were no public comments).
Comments: Ms. Woods asked how long the transportation would be provided; Mr. Janway said when there is no need for vaccines, whatever time frame that is. Ms. Woods said until it is not needed anymore.
Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing: Chairman Marshall opened the public hearing, and seeing no one come forward, Chairman Marshall closed the public hearing.
(b) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Finally Adopt Ordinance No. 12,075, authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Marisa Wilson all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 22 Parlor City Industrial Subdivision of Sq 27 Terminal Heights Addition, no street address on Mississippi St., Ouachita Parish, District 5, Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 24, 2015, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments).
Open Public Hearing/Public Comment/Close Hearing: Chairman Marshall opened the public hearing, and seeing no one come forward, Chairman Marshall closed the public hearing.
(c) Upon a motion by Mr. Harvey, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Finally Adopt Ordinance No. 12,076, authorizing the execution of the first amended and restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement by and among the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana and the Downtown Economic Development District of the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana, relating to the collection, use and expenditure of ad valorem property tax and sales tax increments in said district, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Admin.) (There were no public comments).
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
1. Mr. Roy Heatherly, Monroe Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the agenda item relating to Campo Architects and the effort to improve downtown.
2. Mr. Brian Davis, Executive Director of La. Trust for Historic Preservation Southwest Ouachita Parish, thanked the City for moving forward with the masterplan.
3. Ms. Vee Wright, welcomed and offered prayers to Ms. Dawson on returning back from illness and offered prayers to her family; she appealed the Council to encourage the business and restaurants to enforce mask mandates; she commented her concerns for not wanting the readers to become some form of citizen harassment in certain areas; the Mayor’s State of the City address was very impressive, and it is on the City’s website. She thanked the Mayor for work on the upcoming developments for the river area.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m., upon a motion of Mr. Harvey and seconded by Ms. Woods. (There were no public comments)
Mr. Carday Marshall, Sr.
Council Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ms. Jacqueline Benjamin
Council Secretary
*For extended details on the Council meeting please call the Council Clerk, Monday-Friday at 329-2252; also, a recording of the minutes can be sent via email to you.
