City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
May 13, 2025
6:00 p.m.
There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held on this date at the Council’s regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.
The Honorable Chairman Juanita G. Woods, called the meeting to order. She then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Woods, Mr. McFarland, & Mr. Muhammad
There was absent: None.
Chairman Woods announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Ms. Woods or her designee.
The Invocation was led by City Engineer Morgan McCallister.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1.) Mr. Harvey wished a happy 21st birthday to Ms. Katelyn Harvey, noting that she is the one who made him a dad. He yielded the remainder of his time to Ms. Amanda Edge for an update on Entergy’s involvement in the City’s recovery efforts.
Ms. Amanda Edge, Customer Service Manager Entergy, gave a storm restoration update and she stated that a severe storm approximately twenty miles long and ten miles wide caused significant damage across the area. Entergy began restoration efforts immediately once conditions were safe. Damage assessments were conducted using both field personnel and drones. Restoration prioritization began with essential services, such as the city sewer plant, which was quickly restored through switching operations. Total damage of fifty-six broken poles, eleven transformers replaced, thirty-seven cross arms, 147 spans of downed wire, and twelve additional Substation-related repairs. Entergy brought in 24 additional overhead crews and relocated crews from Rayville, Monroe, and West Monroe. The South Monroe substation had six broken poles (four double circuit), requiring extensive work before neighborhood restoration could begin. Some customers experienced outages up to 72 hours. Ms. Edge acknowledged communication issues during the outage, which have since been resolved with IT support. She encouraged Council members to remind constituents to sign up for outage text alerts through their online accounts.
Mr. McFarland said his church didn’t get power until Friday and it seemed like they were getting different messages about power being on within the next few hours, but it was the next day. He said it was very frustrating, and a lot of his members are in District 5 and as well as his church. He wanted to know if Entergy provides temporary lighting.
Ms. Edge stated they don’t have temporary lighting, and they would need to work with the City to put that in place.
Mr. McFarland said there definitely need to be something in place. He said members being in the dark that long and trying to secure their homes was very frustrating. He said at first there was no police presence, and they definitely need make sure they have a plan in place. Not “if” there will be a next time, but there will be a next time.
Ms. Edge said she understands the Council’s frustration regarding the changing outage time. She said they did an assessment, but sometimes once they start their work they find additional damage.. She said they were off this time because they didn’t have a good understanding of the damage to the substation and the reports they received weren’t accurate.
Ms. Woods thanked Ms. Edge, stating she texted are immediately and she was in District 5 in the King Oaks area, which experience a lot of damage. She said when the City had tornadoes back in 2020 her district was very severely hit, and it was black dark. She noted they had a spotlight in various areas that lit up and it helped people have a sense of security even though they had no lights in their homes. She said they had a very strong police presence. She said she received numerous calls from people asking if they could get some type of light. She said people called saying people were knocking on their doors at 10 o’clock at night and everybody knows nobody does work at ten o’clock at night in a pitch black area. She said they were looking to go into those residents and take what didn’t belong to them. She said that is one thing the City has to do just be in our whole preparedness.
(2.) Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone, and she said she is glad they are here.
(3.) Mr. McFarland solicited prayers to everyone that was affected by the storm especially those in District 5. He said it was mass destruction there in District 5 and he commended Mr. Muhammad for doing what he could for his constituents. He said he was trying to see about members and others, but it was a trying time. He noted the Council was in Baton Rouge when the storm hit and it was rough for them trying to get back. He said the Council went to the Northern Exposure in Baton Rouge and it was informative, and he looks forward to going back next year. He said the Governor spoke well and everyone that was on program gave them very wholesome information. He said he is looking forward to them getting together and making somethings happen in this area.
(4.) Mr. Muhammad shared that the Northern Exposure event was eye-opening and provided an opportunity to network with state legislators, emphasizing the ongoing fight to bring resources back to their communities. He noted he believes this administration has to get more visible, aggressive, and communicate with the Council and the residents. He said it is very frustrating to be given inaccurate information. He said he doesn’t know why it was miscategorized when it was a tornado that came through the community. He further noted at the end of the day he thinks they need to reassess what happen during the storm, what happens after the storm, and before the storm. He said no one was in communication with the Council while they were in Baton Rouge, and he is really a little frustrated that the communication from the administration was not there. On a later note, he said they had a good time at the Sickle Cell Anemia Walk and he recognize Ms. Haley Williams, who is sickle cell survivor. He said the week before they had a successful concert called “First Sunday” and he commended Mr. Damon Williams for putting that event together. Lastly, announced his community meeting at the South Pointe Community Center “Lunch with Councilman Muhammad” May 22nd at 11:30 until 1:30pm.
(5.) Ms. Woods echoed the sentiments of the Council and thanked the Public Works Department, Mr. Louis Tolliver, and his crew that worked relentlessly. She said they took the phones calls, cleared the roads, and did whatever needed to be done. On another note, she announced her monthly Chat & Chew Wednesday, May 21st from ten until noon at the Powell Community Center and she asked everyone to please come out a join as they chat and as they chew. She said they talk about different things, and you never know who is going to be the guest speaker until you show up.
Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad and seconded by Mr. Harvey, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of April 22, 2025, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.) (Mrs. Ezernack abstain.)
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8922 recognizing the month of June as Juneteenth Celebration Month in the City of Monroe. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and approved to consider a request from the Monroe Purchasing Division for authorization for an authorized City representative to advertise for bid WPCC VTSH Pumps #1 & 2 Replacement Project. The estimate for the WPCC VTSH pumps #1 & 2 Replacement Project is $1,650,000.00. The DBE Goal was amended to 12.32%. (Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Ezernack nay) (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland noted this is the item the Council passed over at the last Council meeting. He said the Council have some issues with the DBE goal of 2.32% and he is still on the fence. with this He wanted to know if the 2.32% was slipped in when the Council approved to send out the bid.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, said this is pre-bid activity and there have been no bid solicited on this project. He said this is a DBE goal based on the engineer’s estimate of the cost.
Mr. McFarland said excellent answer which means the Council can actually change this number.
Mr. Creekbaum said that is correct.
Mr. Morgan McCallister, City Engineer, noted he informed Mr. Creekbaum the DBE goal can be changed and the Council can provide whatever percentage they want on any project for the record. However, the goal presented is a realistic one based on proper calculations. While he understands Councilman McFarland’s desire to raise the goals, the final number depends on who is certified and qualified to do the work. The DBE program, originally created by DOTD, has been adopted by the City of Monroe using the same methodology. Goals are developed by his office, design engineers, and purchasing, and then reviewed and voted on by the DBE committee. He noted that much of the project’s cost over $1 million is equipment-related, and the DBE goal reflects that, with markups allocated to increase potential DBE participation. For example, the influent and effluent pumps alone cost around $1.5 million. Work involving labor falls below that line, offering more opportunities for DBEs.
Mr. Muhammad noted he requested a report at the last Council Meeting that he received today. He said Ms. Davis informed him today that it was sent to Mrs. Stacy Rowell, Director of Administration and City Attorney Brandon Creekbaum
Mrs. Rowell stated that it was a miscommunication, and they had all assumed someone else would send it; however, she takes responsibility.
Mr. Muhammad said they need to stop making assumptions and he would review the report. He said since it just arrived today he is okay with it.
Mr. McFarland stated that he is not okay with receiving the report just today, given that there was a three-week window. He said the report was sent at the ninth hour, which he is not good with it. He added that if the report was already together, it should have only taken the click of a button to send it to the Council. He further stated allowing 21 days to pass before delivering the report is problematic for him. While he acknowledged that Ms. Davis likely had to get approval before releasing the report, he said the delay is unacceptable for the Council to have to wait this long.
Mrs. Rowell stated that she believes Ms. Davis sent the report during the week it was discussed.
Mr. McFarland stated that he received the report today and remarked that it must have gotten lost in cyberspace somewhere.
Mr. Muhammad wanted clarification when Ms. Davis sent the report.
Ms. Davis said she believes May 2nd.
Mr. McFarland said the 22nd is when they requested the report and it gets to Ms. Davis’s supervisor May 2nd. Eleven days later is when they decided to release it to the Council, which is unacceptable.
Mr. Muhammad noted according to the Ordinance implemented when the City increased the threshold to $250,000, the Administration is required to provide the Council with a quarterly report
Mr. Creekbaum and Mrs. Rowell noted it is bi-annually.
Mrs. Rowell noted that it is something Ms. Davis hasn’t been trained on. She said she has been made aware, and she will continue to do the report bi-annually. She said she believes Ms. Davis also provided additional reports for the Council as well.
Mr. McFarland said but the Council just got it today.
Mr. Muhammad noted the Council only received it today because he saw Ms. Davis at an event and reminded her.
Mrs. Rowell said Ms. Davis didn’t realize Administration had not sent it.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know why Mrs. Rowell didn’t inform Ms. Davis to send the report to the Council. He said three are them are asking for it and it just seem like so be it. He said it is unacceptable because all the records should be somewhere close where a click of a button they can send the information.
Mrs. Rowell said it doesn’t exactly work that way.
Mr. Muhammad said it was passed over to look at the report.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the Ordinance requires the report to be issued every six months why should the Council have to ask for it.
Mrs. Rowell noted they will not have to from now on.
Mr. McFarland stated he is glad Mrs. Rowell is putting it on record and with that being said, the Council may need to Passover this item again until they can study this because they received the report today. He added he knows they aren’t going to force his hand to try move the needle on this when it has taken twenty plus days to get him a report on the day of the meeting.
Mr. McCallister said he understands how important this is to the Council, and they have had these discussion at length during Council meeting. He said he hope they can continue these discussions on DBE related activities to work something out. He petitioned the Council approval, noting the equipment would take forty plus weeks to arrive. He said it is critical to the wastewater treatment plant and if those pumps go down the City will have major issues. He said the backup plan encompass four new generators that are 100 % funded by GOHSEP. He said they have a very lengthy timeline on the delivery of the generators, and they are doing everything they can to keep the station operational during power outages. He wanted the Council to understand if something goes down it will affect residents Citywide. He said once this is approved equipment can be ordered and then wait the next year or so for the equipment to arrive. He said once it’s on site it will take 15 days to maybe two weeks to install and that is one hurdle in the major issue at the plant the City has overcome.
Mr. Muhammad acknowledged Mr. McCallister’s sincerity but expressed concern that the Administration does not seem to fully convey the urgency of the situation to the Council. He emphasized the importance of the Council receiving timely reports to stay informed, noting that while the issue might seem simple to some, it is significant to him. Although he said he will support the project, he wanted to stress that there appears to be some apathy within the Administration.
Mr. McFarland stated he doesn’t know if he can support it, not how it is written.
Mr. McCallister said he knows the report from purchasing is critical and he can’t speak to that, but he communicates with Purchasing regularly. He said he provides the Council with information as often as he can and sometimes it is late. He said when he came to work for the City of Monroe and the amount of responsibilities they have as citizens and servants of the City of Monroe deadlines are sometimes missed. He said they do everything they can to move forward and be responsible.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the equipment has to be customized.
Mr. McCallister said yes ma’am, this is a building place, and the City is getting new equipment but it’s being manufactured for the dimensions and the footprint that is at the plant now. He said that it will save the City time and money.
Mr. McFarland expressed that it was unfair and unacceptable for this item to be on the agenda for the Council to vote in this manner. He noted that the Council requested a report over twenty plus days ago but received it today.
Mrs. Ezernack noted this only to advertise for the bids. She wanted to know the turnaround time for the bids and the acceptance of the bids. She said it will be longer than 40 weeks because the City have other particulars that are critical infrastructure item that affects everyone that lives in Monroe. She said she understands the issue with the report, but it’s also the Council’s responsibility to call and asked for the report. She said the City need to do this now and get the process started because of the extended timeline.
Mr. Muhammad asked for clarification on whether Mrs. Rowell’s contact number is still the same.
Mrs. Rowell said yes sir, she said she appreciated the grace, but she assumes responsibility for it. She said she hates that this is going to jeopardize this, and it was her responsibility.
Mr. Muhammad noted he asked if Mrs. Rowell number still the same.
Mrs. Rowell noted they communicated this morning.
Mr. Muhammad stated he didn’t get a call back.
Mrs. Rowell said she texted Mr. Muhammad back to say she would be available.
(Mr. McCallister proceeded to answer Mrs. Ezernack previous question concerning the timeline.)
Mr. McCallister noted if the Council approves the item tonight, advertising will begin no earlier than next Friday. The plan is to advertise for three consecutive Thursdays, skip one, and then open bids on the fifth Thursday. The bid opening is expected in about six weeks, with a review and 10-day documentation period following. The item would then return to the Council for a vote to award the project, likely in about two months. He emphasized that the current discussion concerns pre-construction activities.
Mr. McFarland moved to amend the motion that the DBE goal be set at 12.32%.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if the DBE goal goes on equipment.
Mr. McCallister said DBE goal that they calculated is applied to the entire value of the project.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if that was another goal coming for the project.
Mr. McCallister said no, this is the goal that is calculated.
Mr. Muhammad seconded Mr. McFarland’s motion.
Mrs. Ezernack said if the goal is increased what if the contractor feels it’s unachievable. She expressed concern about whether the City would receive any bids, given that contractors face penalties for not meeting or exceeding the goal. She said when she looked at the report that came out today most either met or exceeded the goal.
Mr. McCallister said there are a few things that can possibly happen, such as the City doesn’t receive any bids, or they get inflated cost to cover an unrealistic DBE goal. Now, again, they are on the same page in regard to increasing DBE goals it’s just a matter of what they can actually get. He said these type of project require specific specialty equipment, and they can’t just bring forth an arbitrary goal and except it to come to fruition; it will not. However, he said he yields to the Council, and if it is their pleasure to put an arbitrary goal they will just see what happens.
Mr. McFarland said people elected the Council to do a job and be fair. He said he takes offense to Mr. McCallister saying that it is an unrealistic goal. He said the goal of 2.32% is unrealistic which is unacceptable. He said this is the type of stuff that they have to stop now and in the 10 months they have been on the Council there are somethings still going on like it’s been the last four years. He said it is time for them to put their foot down and say, “No more,” and he is not going to continue to be insulted with these types of remarks. He said if they want the job, he has run for it, and he represents his constituents, he hears his people, and he know what they want. He said the majority of the people who talk to him about certain things ask him to bring it back to the table to try and make it happen. He said it is a goal that can be met and if the City go out there in the midst of this to friends or whoever they have in mind to bid on this project to not bid because the Council have a goal of 12.32%, that’s on the City. A goal that’s set and the Council will vote on whether they accept it or not then the City’s job is to stay positive about it and send the information out, not stand behind the podium and tell the Council or tell him indirectly that it is a fabricated goal that can’t be met. He said it can be met and that is the issue today they want to do what they want to do and not the directions that come from the Council. He said the City doesn’t have a rubber-stamp Council anymore and he doesn’t care who like it or doesn’t. He said there is a motion on the floor, and Mr. McCallister job is to promote it, not tear it down.
(The Chairman called for the vote.)
(Mr. McFarland aye, Mr. Muhammad aye, Mr. Harvey nay, Mrs. Ezernack nay & Ms. Woods aye)
Ms. Woods said the Council is going to entrust in McCallister to do the best he can to make this work.
Mrs. Ezernack stated the Council didn’t vote on the motion as amended.
Mr. McFarland noted he motion to amend the motion which supersedes.
Mr. Creekbaum said there was a second to amend the motion and the Chairman allowed discussion along with the motion to second.
Mr. McFarland noted for clarification purposes that anytime an amended motion passes the original motion is dead.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8923 accepting the bid of and awarding the contract to Jabar Corporation for the Water Distribution System Improvements – Sunset Drive Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8924 authorizing a contract with Jabar Corporation for the Deborah Drive Water Main Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Stop & Save Now Inc. dba Stop & Save Mini Mart, 910 Louisville Ave., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2025 Class B 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.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Mac Fitness Enterprise LLC dba Monroe Athletic Club, 3801 Chauvin Lane, Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2025 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.)
(f) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Aimbridge Hospitality LLC dba Courtyard Monroe, 4915 Pecanland Mall Dr., Monroe LA 71203 for a New 2025 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.)
(g) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by SLHLA, LLC dba Two J’s, 2219 Forsythe Ave., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2025 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 Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8925 authorizing a contract with Bright Construction, LLC for Lead Remediation at 1506 Parkview Drive and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mayor’s Office:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8926 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, Inc. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8927 approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with General Claire L. Chennault Foundation, Inc. for the Hot Air Balloon Festival. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8928 approving Change Order No. One (1) for the Taxiway Delta Construction Phase I Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Blake Robinson, a Garver Engineer, explained that the taxiway project is funded by the FAA and part of their capital improvement program. He noted that while they anticipated some unsuitable soil, the amount found was greater than expected. They’ve worked with the contractor on a proposal to remove the unsuitable soil and replace it to ensure a stable foundation for the new taxiway.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if it is staying level without digging.
Mr. Robinson explained that expansive soil should be removed because it can move underneath leading to early failure.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if this is the last change order.
Mr. Robinson said they don’t anticipate any other change orders on this project.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8929 approving a Work Authorization (104048) between the City of Monroe and KSA Engineers, Inc. for the Monroe Regional Airport Airfield Markings Project. (There were no public comments.)
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8930 approving Change Order No. Two (2) for the Bayou Bartholomew Pump Station Improvements Project and further providing with respect thereto.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance accepting the donation of immovable property (Lots 23 and 24, Sq 2, Tippit & Cobb’s 2nd Addn.) from O’Nealgas, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving an application by Wallace Family Properties, LLC to rezone certain property (0.99 acres), amending the zoning map of the City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance initiating a City Council Investigation into the Monroe Fire Department and its employees under Section 2-07 of the Monroe City Charter and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.) (Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Ezernack nay)
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if this item requires a two-thirds vote.
Mr. Creekbaum noted it requires a two-thirds vote to be finally adopted, yes. He said the charter is silent on what it takes to introduce an ordinance in this respect; it only says what is required to actually initiate an investigation. He said the default rule is that an ordinance can be introduced by a simple majority. He said he thinks the prudent course would be to say that the ordinance can be introduced by a simple majority, but final adoption would take a two-thirds majority of the Council.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing:
(a) Upon motion of McFarland, seconded Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,262 declaring certain property in the Monroe Air Industrial Park no longer necessary for public use and authorizing said property to be sold at private sale to Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Keith Gauthier,6901 I-30 in Little Rock, AR, stated that their branch office—formerly Borden’s and now Highland—needs to relocate. They wish to remain in the City of Monroe and have identified potential property near the airport. He assured the Council they will comply with all city codes and ordinances. He said he is not asking to spend the City’s money he is asking the City to take theirs money.
Seeing no one else come forward the Hearing was closed.
Ms. Woods said she appreciated them coming to the City of Monroe and doing business in District 3 in particular. She thanked them for bringing their money to Monroe and noted the City will gladly receive it.
(Mr. Harvey leaves City Council meeting at 7:19 p.m.)
Citizen’s Participation:
(1.) Mr. Lester Pastor,108 South Pointe Drive, requested bodycam footage for an altercation that happen at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse that he has not been able to get. Mr. Pastor asked the Council to help him obtain the body cam footage, saying he should not have to beg or hire an attorney to access it.
Ms. Woods said she would speak to Mr. Creekbaum on the situation, and they will definitely work on trying to get the bodycam footage.
Mr. McFarland noted that it would be public record.
Mr. Creekbaum confirmed that there are some exceptions to public record requests. He said he’s not sure about the status of the specific request and would need to check with individuals in the Police Department who handle such requests to determine if it has been received or made.
Mr. McFarland noted on the second page of the report it says body cam available.
Mr. Creekbaum stated that it’s available for internal use in connection with the prosecution of cases.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know when Mr. Creekbaum can get the Council an answer on this matter.
Mr. Creekbaum stated he will consult with the Police Department tomorrow to see what request they have received.
Mr. McFarland requested Mr. Creekbaum contact him to let him know the end results of this matter.
Ms. Woods stated she would like to know too, please.
(2) Mr. Roosevelt Wright, 2406 Oak Street, Southside Economic Development Board, representing Representative Pat Moore stated he has taken the role of guiding the younger members of the board to be audit ready. He said in August 2021, the Council unknowingly appointed a member from District 3 who is in conflict with State law due to over $15,000.00 and still owes $12,547.39 in unpaid ethics fines. He said he provided documentation to City Attorney Brandon Creekbaum and asked the Council to have him confirm the legal status and, if necessary, either appoint a legally eligible person or reappoint the same individual once fines are paid in full.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if Mr. Creekbaum is aware of this situation.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum said Mr. Wright sent him a proposed document for another entity and asked for his input. He stated that he typically does not give advice to individual board members, but if a formal request came from a body with authority, he would be happy to provide an opinion.
There being no further business to come before the council, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Ms. Juanita G. Woods
Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ms. Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
For extended details on the council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at 318-329-2252 to schedule an appointment to listen to the minute recording.
