City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
June 14, 2022, 6:00p.m.
There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date the Council’s regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.
The Honorable Carday Marshall, Sr., Chairman called the meeting to order. He then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Woods, Mr. Marshall, and Mrs. Dawson
There was absent: None
Chairman Marshall announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Mrs. Dawson or her designee
The Invocation was led by Pastor Bakari Beckwith of Countyline Baptist Church.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey stated he doesn’t have any announcements tonight and wanted to welcome everyone.
Mrs. Ezernack also stated she doesn’t have any announcements tonight. She wanted to welcome everyone and thanked everyone for giving up part of their evening to be at tonight’s meeting.
Ms. Woods wanted to welcome everyone that came out and she thanked the people who are watching on Facebook Live for tuning in. Ms. Woods stated she is happy because many things that are important to her, and she has worked hard for it to come to fruition, is happening right now such as the work on the Renwick Street overhead crosswalk. She stated the work has begun on it and it will be blue and gold, Bulldog Nation. She also stated she is excited about the Juneteenth celebrations which a couple of months ago the City Council approved a Juneteenth month Resolution. She further stated there have been great activities thus far and asking everyone to view the City’s page to access the website to see some of the activities. She said there will be a Black Male Summit tomorrow night at ULM, which information can be found on the website. She also thanked everyone that supported the golf tournament Pinkin’ on the Green that was at Chennault Park. She noted the official holiday will be celebrated on Monday but there will be all kind of activities rolling this weekend. On another note, Ms. Woods mention the Miss Louisiana Pageant this weekend and she stated people come into our fair City to spend their money, which tax dollars help our city grow. (Ms. Woods continued announcing more Juneteenth activities for the upcoming weekend and asked everyone to go out to support the activities.) On another note, Ms. Woods said one of her constituents called her and wanted her to tell everyone St. Peter was broken into. The constituent wanted to send out a very special shoutout to Lt. Johnson, Ouachita Parish Investigation Department, someone broke into their church and took the air conditioner. She stated the officers pulled their money together and replaced the air condition. Ms. Woods further announced people will be seeing the yellow ribbons rolling and they are going with “No Dark Space.” She said all the yellow ribbons people will see are indicators that the light is out. She stated her final announcement about the Habitat for Humanity is now seeking applications on the website which is HFHO.org. Ms. Woods yielded her remaining time to hear from the NAACP. Mr. Edward Taylor, State Director of Religious Affairs Louisiana State NAACP came forward to present the Trail Blazin Award to Councilwoman Ms. Juanita G. Woods for her community outreach.
Mrs. Dawson said good evening to everyone. She greeted the members of the Divine Nine and thanked them for coming out, for their community work, and what they do as individuals for our community. She also thanked the Zoological Society for coming out. On another note, Mrs. Dawson announced the Arts with Passion, a summer youth performing arts camp, in partnership with the effort for real change will be held July 5 through July 21 at Mount Zion Family Life Center. She thanked Passion Simms, the founder of Arts with Passion, for what she has been doing with the youth in the summertime. She noted Ms. Simms is also a member of the Divine Nine.
Mr. Marshall added that Ms. Simms had been diagnosed with cancer and is now cancer free.
Mrs. Dawson went on to say there is a lunch and learn presented by the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center regarding bidding, understanding the process, and successful strategies on Thursday June 16th from 11am until 2pm at the Monroe Convention Center. She said the event is free, but seats are limited to register call 318-329-3295 or scan the flyer online. She announced a stage play, What Happens When You Leave the Alter, presented by Donnie Anderson and Josephine’s Safe Place, a non-profit organization, on Saturday June 25 at 6:30pm at Ouachita High School. She said also on tomorrow from 9am until 11am there is a zoo community workday. She stated they will be joining with students from Carroll High School for a community workday and asking everyone to come out to help. She wanted to thank the Zoological Society and the Zoo workers that participated with the Shirley & Solomon Exhibit that was revealed on Saturday.
Mayor Friday Ellis said it was good to see a packed house that shows community in action which is something he likes to see. Mayor Ellis stated he had the opportunity to do a ride along with the sanitation workers and trash crews. He stated they are a dedicated crew that don’t get the recognition they deserve in his opinion and wanted to thank them. Mayor Ellis presented a Letter of Accommodation to Jacob Green for his history project exhibit that has been selected for display at the Smithsonian National Museum. He also honored the Louisiana Gardens and Zoo Zoological Society with a Letter of Accommodation on behalf of the City of Monroe for protecting and preserving animals from all over the world. Mayor Ellis introduced Patience Talley the City of Monroe Rec. Center Director to announce some activities that may interest the community. Ms. Talley said some of the youth activities have already kicked off for the youth. She announced many activities such as summer camps, pool opening, water safety and much more.
Mr. Marshall welcomed everyone out once again. He thanked all the sponsors that participated in Fishing with Fathers at Kiroli Park, and he is looking forward to a third year. He wanted to thank Mr. Hue Jackson, Grambling head football coach, who will be coming out June 17th for the youth football camp at Wossman High School. He noted Bruce Bruce will be at the Monroe Civic Center on Sunday for Father’s Day. He further noted the Omega Psi Phi will be having Seersuckers, Sundresses & Cigars event at the River Market on June 25th. He also wanted to thank Coach DeeDee and Coach Tank Smith for bringing the Regional Track Meet to ULM on June 24 through the 26th. Mr. Marshall announced Greater Flowery Mount and Ms. Marie Brown will have a pre-Father’s Day event the evening of June 17th, and the Juneteenth annual Father’s Day essay contest.
Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Passover the May 24, 2022 council minutes for corrections until the next City Council meeting on June 28,2022.
Mrs. Ezernack and Ms. Woods had minor corrections.
The following condemnations were removed from the agenda:
711 Ford Street (D5) (Owners – Leo Richard Ward, et al Debra Ward, Olmpia Collins Hardway, Ozella Collis Morris). Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to remove this item because the owner has demolished the property and clean the lot.
111 Mouton Street (D4) (Owner Fredrick Little). Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to remove this item because there is a new owner.
1620 South 8th Street (D4) (Owners Pearlie Irby, Nicholas J Savana). Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to remove this item because there is a new owner.
(There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods wanted to know why the condemnations were being removed from the agenda.
Mr. Marshall informed Ms. Woods one property has been demolished and the other two have new owners.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know will the City continue to monitor the properties to assure the new owners do what is necessary.
Mr. Tommy James, Code Enforcement Officer, said yes.
The following condemnation was considered:
2105 Flynn Street (D3) (Owner Rita Lynne Turner, et al, Rita Lynnee Turner, et al c/o Monteal M. Turner, Bonnie G. Turner, Rory L Turner) Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 90 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot.
Mr. Tommy James, Code Enforcement Officer, stated this is an open dilapidated structure, and it has been that way since last year, and they are asking that this property be condemned. He stated the owner’s started doing the back themselves, without a permit.
Ms. Woods noted they have been in touch with the owner, and she is aware the condemnation is on tonight’s agenda.
Ms. Rita Turner Taylor,2914 Maddox Street, said the last time she received a letter it stated she would be told when to come in. She noted someone started demolishing the property, but she is paying out of her own pocket. She requested that the City give her more time.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if her goal was to take the property down.
Ms. Taylor said yes, but it cost too much to ask the City and she can’t afford that.
Ms. Woods said she totally understands but wanted to make sure Ms. Taylor intention is to take it down. She stated she will condemn the property, giving the owner 30 days, and she can continue with the process. She further stated the City will try not to spend that big of a bill.
Ms. Taylor said she has been working at it.
Ms. Woods asked Ms. Taylor how long she thinks it will take for her to get it down.
Ms. Taylor said she can’t tell Ms. Woods that because she is paying cash, and she has been taking care of her mother.
Ms. Woods said the best she can do is give Ms. Taylor 90 days and the City will work with her. She noted she knows Ms. Taylor will not have it down in 90 days but advised her to continue with the process.
Ms. Taylor wanted to know will she have to come back to court after 90 days?
Ms. Woods said no ma’am, she will not have to come back.
Ms. Taylor wanted to know was she supposed to get notice for this because she didn’t receive one.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, noted the City also have a curator handling this as well as advertised in the paper. She further noted the City tried to locate the owner as well.
Ms. Woods stated to Ms. Taylor they tried to find her.
Ms. Taylor said no ma’am, all the letters come to her mom’s house at 2914 Maddox Street. She noted both her brothers receive letters; but they received nothing.
Mrs. Ezernack advised that Ms. Taylor give Mr. Timmy James her proper address before she leaves.
Ms. Taylor stated the City does have her proper address.
Ms. Woods stated the address is 2914 for clarification where Ms. Taylor lives.
Ms. Taylor stated for clarification her address is 2914 Maddox Street and no one received a letter, this was surprising.
Ms. Woods said she totally understands, and she knows where Ms. Taylor is located.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8279 accepting the base bid of Red River Pump Specialist, Inc., in the amount of $38,500.00, for the WPCC Influent Pump No. 2 Repairs 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 a Resolution No. 8280 accepting the bid of Hobson & Son, LLC, for Flume Sand and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said items. (There were no public comments.)
Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to remove item (c) accepting the bid of Lott Oil Company, for petroleum products supply and, further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said items. (There were no public comments.)
ADD-ON: Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to add to the agenda an item (d) to adopt a Resolution accepting the bid of Century Ready Mix, for Concrete Ready Mix Five Sack Mix, Concrete Ready Mix Six Sack Mix, Flowable Fill, and Granite Crush Class Two Base and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said items. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8281 accepting the bid of Century Ready Mix, for Concrete Ready Mix Five Sack Mix, Concrete Ready Mix Sack Mix, Flowable Fill, and Granite Crush Class Two Base and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into a contract for said items. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS & MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8282 appointing the News-Star as the Official Journal of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana R. S. 43:141 et. seq. and further providing with respect thereto.
Mrs. Ezernack said she believes the Monroe Dispatch will publish the minutes as well.
Mr. Harvey noted as well the minutes will be published in the Monroe Dispatch and the Monroe Free Press.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, said the information is stated in the second to last paragraph in the Resolution. She noted the Resolution states; be it further resolved by the City Council and the City of Monroe, the Monroe Dispatch, and the Monroe Free Press be allowed compensation by the Council for the Regular Council Meeting Minutes and upon any additional requests by the City Council, and these funds will come from the City Council Advertising Budget for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2023.
Ms. Kenya Roberson, Black Chamber of Commerce, wanted to know what the duration of the appointment of the News Star for the City of Monroe official journal is.
Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Sturdivant said one year.
Ms. Roberson wanted to know within a year what is the cost.
Mr. Harvey said the cost varies depending on what the City publishes.
Ms. Woods informed Ms. Roberson the City uses News Star because they are a daily publication in order to not slow the process down.
Ms. Roberson wanted to know when it is publicized in the Monroe Free Press and Monroe Dispatch. She stated it is always published in the News-Star for clarification.
Mrs. Sturdivant said the regular council meeting minutes are published.
Mr. Harvey said it’s on their publishing schedule and the council compensates them for publishing.
Ms. Roberson wanted to clarify if the publication is optional for the Free Press and Monroe Dispatch.
Mrs. Ezernack said the official journal publishes all request for bids and all the other things and that’s why the council need to have a daily newspaper. She noted it also has to be within the City limits of our community as well.
Ms. Roberson said she wanted to know; therefore, the community will know which newspapers to look for whatever council is bidding for.
Mr. Harvey said as the Council’s official journal the News Star has the obligation to fulfill that responsibility. He noted the Council don’t have an official journal designation with the Monroe Dispatch or the Monroe Free Press; they don’t have a responsibility to the Council to produce the minutes. He noted the council will compensate them for producing minutes if they elect to do so.
Ms. Roberson wanted to know if it was optional only if they wanted to.
Mr. Harvey stated the Council can only have one official journal.
Ms. Woods noted the Council does pay them if they choose to print the minutes.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and approved a Resolution No. 8283 in support of an application for the creation of the Divine Nine Cultural Arts District and further providing with respect thereto. (Ms. Woods abstained)
Ms. Kenya Roberson wanted to know what this is.
Ms. Kelsea McCrary, Chief Economic & Cultural Development Officer, explained the Cultural District is a state designation that allows for certain tax incentives to be enjoyed by the community with the boundaries drawn around. She noted most communities use it as a creative place making it a sense of place identity. She also noted it’s about the community and how they move forward. She further noted it connects them to a statewide network of communities which there are currently one hundred and eighteen and the City of Monroe have two.
Ms. Woods noted Ms. McCrary said tax incentives but wanted to know are there any other incentives that go along with these Cultural Districts.
Ms. McCrary noted the way the state constructed the legislation of the program which is Act 298 there is a local sales tax exemption for qualifying sales of artwork by artist in the that area. She further noted the ability to potentially take advantage of historic tax credits for commercial buildings of 50 years or older.
Ms. Woods wanted to know would that include residential.
Ms. McCrary said commercial, and this is one tool in the toolbox for community redevelopment.
Mayor Friday Ellis asked Ms. McCrary to provide the community members with the website where they can learn more about this program.
Ms. McCrary noted the information is on the state’s website which is crt.state.la.us
Mr. Brian Davis, Executive Director for the Louisiana Trust Historic Preservation, wanted to follow up to mention there are no restrictions, no obligations, and no extra reviews with being inside the district. He stated he works in all 64 parishes and sees the change this program makes in communities. He further stated it gives them a sense of identity and a sense of pride in their community. He also stated some concerns with gentrification, but that has not been a problem across the state other than New Orleans. He discussed the tour at St. Joseph in Tensas Parish about three years ago were they established Cultural Districts. He explained because of the tax credit they have had several buildings renovated and new restaurants.
Mr. Marshall noted he would piggyback off Mr. Brian’s statement pertaining to places such as St. Joe, Bernice, and other small towns that have taken this and ran with it. He stated it will help enhance the community and bring that historical life back to the area. He further stated he is working with some people in the community about bringing back the historical identity of Mount Nebo School. He noted there are a lot of things that have fallen by the wayside that a Cultural District can enhance along with the tax incentive.
Ms. Sheryl Sutton stated she is very interested in cultural arts and the idea is wonderful. She noted she is a member of the Divine Nine and stated they would like to examine anything that will have their names on it. She further noted the way gentrification is taking over a number of cities, they wanted to be clear the opportunity will be for everyone. She also asked if the council could pause on moving forward until all the Divine Nine have the opportunity to examine the opportunity.
Mrs. Dawson explained the reason for choosing the Divine Nine name, at her town hall meeting, was because many Divine Nine members comprise the District 5 community and she didn’t want to name it after one individual or a specific neighborhood. She also explained she thought about how significant the Divine Nine is in the community and the impact they can make if they have something of their own. She further explained she took the correct steps, and someone is here from National that can give information regarding the approval. She expressed this will be Historic for the Divine Nine in her opinion and she believes it will allow the organization to be able to come together.
Ms. Sutton wanted to know will the property, the land, or if any part of it will be opportunities for actual ownership.
Mr. Marshall said there is definitely opportunity for ownership, and that is one of the reasons for developing a Cultural District. He noted people can take advantage of those tax credits and people can invest while getting so much back in tax incentive. He further noted there is an incentive to revitalize our community and there are a lot of people developing, but not in our areas.
Mrs. Dawson introduced Mr. Ralph Johnson the area four coordinator on the National Board for the National Panhellenic Council.
Mr. Johnson stated he represents Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. He noted all nine of the Council of Presidents and National Board have voted unanimously to support the council and its application for this district. He further noted he is excited to work with the district. (Mr. Johnson read a letter of support that the National President wrote.) He said the NPAC President Donna Jones Anderson, Council of President, and all other presidents are at the white house on today with the small business administration, and they signed a historic partnership with the NPAC that will allow them to build on the cultural district designation. He said the agreement is a strategic alliance agreement between the NPAC, the small business administration, and the Biden administration. He said there are 32.5 million small businesses in the country, and this is an opportunity for Monroe to build additional small businesses, entrepreneurship, and black entrepreneurship specifically. Mr. Johnson asked the Council for their support creating a NPHC Council for the City of Monroe.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the City doesn’t have the Divine Nine designation, or the chapter here how can the City have the Divine Nine Cultural District.
Mr. Johnson noted the conversation he had with Mrs. Dawson and the Presidents to be in contact with members of the Divine Nine to build a Divine Nine here in Monroe. He said it is not required for a Divine Nine to be here but in order to support this district they believe having a council in Monroe will help.
Ms. Woods wanted Mr. Johnson to clarify if all the organization are here in the City of Monroe?
Mr. Johnson said yes ma’am, it will be the Greater Monroe Council because there are multiple chapters here to bolster that support.
Ms. Woods noted they would definitely like for the NPAC to reach out to the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She noted they have not heard from the NPAC, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority have two chapters.
Mr. Johnson said they have sent emails and some people have responded, some have not. He stated if anyone would like to connect with him his phone number is 225-620-5617. He said they do not have everybody’s contact information and it really depends on relationships. He further stated Mrs. Dawson has given him numerous people to call to get them set up and they are also working on a chapter at ULM.
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8284 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the General Claire L. Chennault Foundation (Red, White & Blue Airshow) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8285 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Mu Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Sundresses and Cigars) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8286 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the City of Monroe (Downtown Independence Day Celebration) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 d. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(f) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8287 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Community Affairs Department (Thunder on the Ouachita) at Forsythe Point Boat Dock pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
MAYOR’S OFFICE:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8288 authorizing a designated city representative to execute Amendment One of Professional Services Agreement by and between the City of Monroe and John T. Campo & Associates Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Woods noted for the benefit of those watching at home and those who don’t really know where we are in this process, asked the representative of Campo to bring everyone up to date.
Ms. Mary Gilmore with Campo Architects in New Orleans stated they are thrilled to be working with the Mayor’s Office and council members on a Master Plan for Downtown Monroe and the Riverfronts. She said they have just completed phase one which was a huge success and now moving forward to phase two. She said phase two which includes a large compound of a strain community, engaged and in outreach to get input from all stakeholders in the community on moving forward with the Master Plan. She noted that includes engineering consultants and a bargaining exercise to make sure everything will be paid for somehow.
Ms. Woods reiterated, we are done with phase one and we are going into phase two. She wanted to know what the timeline will be.
Ms. Gilmore said phase two is a fourteen-week timeline.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know when they will be looking to engage.
Ms. Gilmore said as soon as they receive a notice to proceed within the next few weeks.
Mrs. Ezernack noted this is the portion of it where we have a lot of public input, and public meetings for people to give their opinion, to find out more about what is going on and be apart of an exciting future plan.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know how the City will get the information out to varies leaders and stakeholders?
Ms. Gilmore said the first three weeks will be developing the plan for this community engagement and they will be reaching out to council members as well as community stakeholders. She noted to development a list of events, meetings, interviews, one-on-one’s, church groups, and cultural groups. She said they plan to go out into the community as well as having people come to them.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8289 in support of an application for the expansion of the Riverside Monroe Cultural District and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods wanted to know what they were doing and wanted to clarify this is another Cultural District.
Ms. Kelsea McCrary said this is the OG of the Cultural District’s.
Ms. Woods said this is the one that was here already for clarification.
Ms. McCrary said yes as soon as the program was conceived by the Lieutenant Governor’s office the Riverside Monroe was one of the first that submitted an application in 2008.
Ms. Woods wanted to know what we are doing here.
Ms. McCrary said the purpose behind this is the Children’s Museum, it’s on its way to Forsythe Park and while preparing to move them there the project forced the City to look at some to the districts that are around there. She said they realized the Garden District is designated as a National Residential District that happen decades ago due to the historic nature of the architecture of the neighborhood. She noted for whatever reason, the Cultural District at the time, this is why the state built in a process to be able to expand, most people will start smaller to see the community engagement and seek to expand or contract. She further noted the City is almost fifteen years inside the Riverside District and it has never been attempted to line up the boundaries of the National Residential District with the Cultural District to loop in the park.
Ms. Woods said they will encompass the Garden District, a piece of it. She wanted to know if the City will be looking at any other Cultural Districts in this area.
Ms. McCrary said the City can’t put forth a Cultural District, it has to come from the community, council, or a group. She stated the City provides a vital role in the application process, one being the Resolution here on tonight. She further stated many communities when they go though the process with the state that is the one thing, they don’t have by the end of it because they haven’t built in enough time to put it before their council adequately. She said the deadline is July 15th which gives them enough time to build the application out from there.
Ms. Woods asked if the deadline is the 15th of June every year.
Ms. McCrary said it is the 15th of July every year and the state sets that deadline.
On a side note, Ms. Woods stated she would like to visit with Ms. McCrary to take a look at some other opportunities in the City.
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8290 authorizing a designated city representative to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Dawson, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8291 confirming the appointment of Morgan McCallister as City Engineer for the City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Morgan McCallister, City Engineer, said he is excited to be here, and he is willing to answer any questions. He stated besides engineering from what he has already seen, he understands there will be some difficult conversations in the chambers. He further stated with the award present to Councilwoman Woods, the Mayor’s heartfelt message, and Mr. Jacobs accomplishment that is one of the main reasons why he decided to be apart of the team.
Mr. Marshall wanted to welcome Mr. McCallister on behalf of the City Council, and they appreciated him taking the task.
(e) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8292 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana Division of Administration for the Water Sector Program – Sewer and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(f) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8293 authorizing the City of Monroe to provide matching funds in the amount of up to $7,426,609 for Texas Standifer Sewer Trunkline and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Verbon Muhammad wanted to know if this amount was on typo and wanted to know if it was two different streets.
Mayor Ellis stated when he took office, they realize there was a sewer force main that has been an issue for years and it encompass about 9,000 feet under homes and near schools that needed to be addressed. He said all the good work Ms. Ellen Hill and her crew are putting in to bring quality housing and all the good work our team is putting in to bring in businesses we will have capacity issues on that line if the City do not fix it immediately. He said is possibly one of the City’s largest economic development challenges. He said fortunately they have the opportunity to have the American Rescue Plan money to immediately start work on this. He said Congresswoman Letlow dedicate another $5 million dollars to this project but stated a correction of $2 million and $5 million coming from the water sector. He stated to understand the gravity of the problem on day in office that
Mr. Muhammad said he understands that area is one of the oldest communities in Monroe, but it says the City of Monroe will match the $7 million dollars.
Mayor Ellis said that is the City’s matching dollars coming from American Rescue Plan dollars.
Mr. Marshall said this is just scratching the surface with the trunkline.
Mr. Kevin Crosby, Engineer Consultant, said there are two large lift stations that carry all the sewer west of 165. He said part of it comes to Texas and parts keeps coming on the Standifer line all the way to Standifer lift station. He noted the sewer line pumps east, intersects, and joins the Texas Street force main. He further noted those force mains go as one to the plant. He said the one the City is having problems with is the gravity line that goes all the way up to the interstate. He said Georgia Street have multiple failures in it now and that is where this project starts.
Mr. Muhammad stated people that live down there are complaining about this.
Mr. Marshall said he has been down there and there is a big hole in Georgia Street but that is where they are working at right now.
Mr. Muhammad said the other issues is every week they have to blow out sewer lines and sewers are backing up.
Mr. Marshall said this has developed over years. He noted this is what the Mayor and the administration lobbied for these funds for this specific purpose. He further noted last council meeting $1.7 million was advocated for the Georgia Street pump station along with the $2 million that came from the state.
Mr. Muhammad stated we need to communicate with our citizens that live down there because they are being inconvenienced. He stated $7 million project is a major project.
Mayor Ellis noted it is a 20 plus million-dollar project.
Mr. Marshall said this is just scratching the surface, but the City is communication with the citizens. He said Mr. Holland and himself have been apart of these projects for some time and they drive in the area to talk to the citizens. He said there is a lot of money coming to South Monroe and people say nothing is being done but millions of dollars are being put into South Monroe right now. He said it will help enhance the quality of life and created an atmosphere where people want to come build because of the capacity of sewer in his opinion.
Mr. Muhammad said he sales insurance and a lot of his customers in the area with sewer issues.
Mr. Harvey noted this is what we are trying to solve.
Mr. Muhammad noted when they say 7 million dollars, where is this money coming from.
Mr. Harvey said ARPA funds, the water sector is 5 million, it’s a 20-million-dollar project, this is not all of it and it is the single biggest liability the City in his opinion.
Mr. Muhammad said the citizen just don’t know what is going on.
Ms. Woods said she spoke with Mr. Holland, and they sent something out, but it was months ago. She said the City should send something else out and she thinks the key thing is communication.
Mr. Muhammad said he here for the community.
Ms. Woods noted everyone is not on Facebook and someone asked what station on tv to catch this council meeting.
Mr. Harvey said channel 75.
Ms. Woods what to know if they tune in right now can they see it.
Mr. Harvey said it is prerecorded and it is released later on channel 75.
Ms. Woods asked for clarification if they can see it now.
Mr. Harvey said no, Facebook live is the only way to see it now unless you attend the meeting.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if there is a timeline.
Mr. Crosby said they are starting to clean the line right now.
Mayor Ellis noted what is happening now is an emergency project to address structural failures on the line currently. He further noted the big project has yet to be kicked off and there is a line of communication that goes out with that project. He said the last project was to get new a pipe or connect a new pipe. He stated this will be a multi-phase project during those key performance times, there will be levels of communication that go out as well.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if it will impact if the City have a flood.
Mr. Harvey noted this is sewage this not stormwater flooding.
Ms. Woods asked the Mayor and Mr. Harvey if they said this is the emergency project.
Mayor stated this is not the emergency project that was already approved months ago.
Ms. Woods reiterated this is a 20-million-dollar project but wanted to know will it be all encompassed with that amount.
Mayor Ellis stated it is just like pulling out dry wall then you realize you have termites. He stated the City can’t see what is under the ground right now and it’s had to tv the conditions they are trying to solve. He stated no he doesn’t think anyone can guarantee this will be an all-encompassing project because you see many field conditions when you get in the field.
Mr. Harvey said anybody that says they can define it is not telling you the truth.
Ms. Woods said she understands the City started on the Southside of Monroe and it has grown out of there. She noted everything is contingent and running upon that old structure.
Mr. Marshall said correspondence do need to go out and the City will be working on that.
Mr. Muhammad said all they see is the road tore up and equipment down there, they don’t know what’ going on.
Mr. Morgan McAllister, City Engineer, came forward to mention the communication that is happening is phenomenal and he knows the Council is doing everything they can to get the word out. He stated his office intend to communicate before they go into design. He further stated there is no perfect set of plans, but they understand part of those plans is the community, not making any promises.
Ms. Woods thanked Mr. Morgan McAllister for his words and stated we will be looking for more communications.
(g) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8294 authorizing a designated city representative to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and Massey Miracle Run Foundation Inc for the USA Track and Field Southern Association Junior Olympic Track and Field Championship and further providing with respect thereto.
Coach DeeDee Massey, Massey Miracle Run Organization, said Coach Smith and herself will be hosting their second hosting a huge track meet. She said they have a total 2,400 kids coming to Monroe, LA on next week. She asked everyone to come out and support them at ULM. She said if it turns out awesome, they are planning to host the regionals.
Mr. Charles Smith wanted to thank the Mayor and the City Council for helping them out. Mr. Smith stated he has been teaching for 30 plus years. He said so much is going on and we have to save our kids. He said the event is Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if you have nothing to do.
Mr. Marshall wanted to thank Coach Smith for all the years of naturing thousands of kids.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8295 authorizing a designated city representative to enter into a Professional Services Agreement by and between the City of Monroe and Manchaca Consulting Group Inc for engineering services for Water Pollution Control Center Improvements and further providing with respect thereto.
Mrs. Vickie Krutzer, 1318 Riveroaks Drive, said that it is exciting to hear about all the wonderful things going on in the City. She thanked the Council, the Mayor, and leadership because all the activities are driving people to come to the City. She also thanked the Mayor and the Council for addressing, assessing, and planning the City’s infrastructure. She addressed the comments of Mr. Muhammad agreeing the City needs better communication and suggested putting the information on water bills that come out every month.
Mayor Ellis stated the City has her covered on that and it’s coming out.
Mrs. Krutzer said the Mayor appointed her husband to an advisory committee where he studied the City system and there are tremendous issues. She commended the City Council for addressing issues that have not been funded for years. She stated it is not just sewer issues that are really bad on the Southside but across the City, sewer is coming up in every neighborhood. She further stated Mr. Justin Haydel should be able to do a great job because he worked in the City about 30 years ago with Camp Dresser. She said he designed and put together the water treatment plant where he was paid $35 million, but the City is still having issues. She stated Manchaca is no longer a part of Camp Dresser it is a spin off. Mr. Haydel came up with his own company. She wanted to know who the person is overseeing the project to make sure the contract is followed, change orders are brought before, and that the public knows what is going on.
Mr. Kevin Crosby stated he believes he had this conversation on the phone with Mrs. Krutzer.
Mrs. Krutzer said it needs to be for the public.
Mr. Crosby stated he will be overseeing Manchaca and he will be working with Mr. Morgan McAllister, the new City engineer, and the engineering department. He further stated there are two identified projects at the water treatment plant which is what the contract is for.
Mrs. Krutzer asked Mr. Crosby for a timeline.
Mayor Ellis stated any change order will have to come before this body and will be on the council’s agenda for anybody to know if there is a change order.
Mrs. Krutzer wanted to know if it is just in designed phase.
Mr. Crosby stated the first phase is just looking at it and the UV is out of date; can’t get parts and they are not making them anymore. He said the first thing to do is look at two or three options of how to do the treatment. He stated once that is identified then they move into design based on which option is chosen which the City chooses, not the consultant. He further stated he will come back before this body to give the schedule with dates. He said the second project is the equalization basin, a large pond at the rear of the treatment plant, and when they have a lot of rainfall it is more than the treatment plant can handle. He said it is designed to take the water to it and it holds it, water goes down and the sewer treatment plant is treated then they start pulling back out of the basin. He noted there is a lot of sludge in that pond now and multiple reasons why the project will fix it.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if Ms. Vickie said Manchaca was a spin-off of this other company.
Ms. Vickie said Mr. Justin Haydel created this company after he left Camp Dresser.
Ms. Woods wanted to clarify if that company did the original sewer work for the City of Monroe.
Ms. Vickie said there is a big plan and Ms. Woods can go look, somewhere. She noted it is in the City’s records.
Ms. Woods stated we have these people on here and they have already been the person of primary principal, the one that did the original and we want to bring them back?
Mr. Crosby said they were with Camp Dresser & McKee.
Mayor Ellis wanted Mr. Crosby to state when that plan started.
Mr. Crosby said it was 20 years ago or more.
Mayor Ellis stated enough time to still need routine maintenance at a plant after that design phase was over.
Mr. Crosby noted the pipe is old which is what is wrong with a lot of the sewer part in the City. He further noted it is beyond its design life and the City have not replaced it.
Mayor Ellis said it is the same reason why the City have added and upgraded to the water treatment plant. He said it is up to the City to improve the system and part of the improvement is opening up the Texas and Standifer trunkline. He stated unfortunately we have to spend $20 million on a project that should have already been done. He further stated eventually they will start writing competitive grant applications for federal dollars to come down to do larger projects. He noted the City rely on people with expertise to help designate what is the City’s immediate need and help gain capacity.
Ms. Woods stated her concern is if the City is looking to employ a company that did a good job in the beginning and if not, why are we looking to bring them back.
Mr. Crosby said he has never worked with CDM or Manchaca and there are other engineers the City uses that he has never worked with, they have to pass the smell test; but he knows what they are doing in other cities. He stated if he wasn’t comfortable working with them, he would not recommend them. He stated he is recommending them to do these two projects only at this time.
Ms. Woods said they passed Mr. Crosby smell test.
Mr. Crosby noted for right now yes ma’am and if they don’t, he will be standing right back in front of the Council to tell them he doesn’t.
Ms. Woods said they will come up on the radar now because they are questionable.
Mr. Crosby stated they are not questionable to him therefore they should not be questionable to Ms. Woods.
Ms. Woods said she trust Mr. Crosby’s opinion otherwise she prays he wouldn’t be doing this.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8296 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to accept a donation from the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society to be utilized as the Sloth Exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8297 authorizing the temporary closure of Forsythe Boat Ramp, adjacent area, and surrounding levee to the general public from June 24th as 2:00 pm through June 26, 2022, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8298 authorizing the temporary closure of Chennault Golf Course, Bogie Drive, and adjacent area to the general public for June 17th at 2:00 pm through June 18, 2022, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
ENGINEERING SERVICES:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8299 authorizing the City of Monroe to provide matching funds in the amount of $450,000.00 for Calypso Pump Station Rehabilitation Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8300 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids on Kansas Lane Drainage Project. The estimated cost of this project is $182,512.20 and funding sources will include CIC Funds and the DBE Goal is 6.39%. (There were no public comments.)
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance accepting the donation of a parcel of real estate to the City of Monroe from Patricia Ann Fontana Corley, Pamela Ruth Fontana Hudson and Frankie Joe Fontana, and further providing with respect thereto. (Eng. Dept.) (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance adopting the authorized Millage Rate(s) and providing for the Levying of Special and General Taxes for the City of Monroe for the year 2022. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 25 Section 64 of the Monroe City Code Entitled Parks, Recreation, and Boating and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into a Lease Agreement with Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
(1.) Ms. Marie Brown, 1002 South 5th Street, invited everyone out to the Juneteenth celebration on Friday at 1600 Wood Street at the Great Flowery Mount Baptist Church. They will be honoring Fathers by writing essays for more information she can be reached at 318-381-0028 and she will gladly pick up essays. She said the parade will be Saturday starting at Wossman High School and going down Burg Jones Lane all the way to the pavilion behind the zoo. She said there will be free food. She wanted to thank the State of Louisiana for donating shrimp and catfish. She also wanted to thank everyone for their support with the Juneteenth celebrations. On another note, Ms. Brown stated there are a lot of things people are concerned about and a lot of questions. She stated she hope we look at things that will enhance our community, especially with funding. She also stated she hopes the City looks at SEDD and put the funding in to start doing things for the community. She further stated having the community at the table otherwise the community will never be satisfied.
(2.) Mr. Robert Johnson, 2608 Cooley Street, said he is a City worker that has been painted a picture that does not fit his criteria. He said he came to Monroe in ‘74 to raise a family and he could have gone to college but that is not what he chose. He said when the City had the flood on the North, he didn’t see has family for 14 straight days, but he will not be the guy who will be the painted picture of the new administration coming in. He wanted to make things clear that he has had his run in with Mayor Mayo, but he was a good man, it was just issues as a union president that he stood on. He said Mayor Ellis just came a board, they asked to meet with him they have not met with him because some of the past administration said don’t meet with him, file a grievance. He stated the past administration is bringing bad information about what Robert Johnson do. He said Chennault Park has one riding mower to mow 291 acres, working on the Southside of town two workers when there was eight, but the staff works tirelessly to get a name of a painted picture from the legal team all the way to the administration, needs to stop. He stated Monroe has gone from sports paradise to shooting paradise.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Woods and it was seconded by Mr. Harvey.
Carday Marshall, Sr.
Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
