City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
May 24, 2022 6:00p.m.
There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date at 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 the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by his designee.
The Invocation was led by Reverend Ambrose Douzart of New St. John Baptist Church.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey thanked Reverend Douzart for the invocation and said it was good to see everyone on tonight.
Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone that come out and thanked Reverend Douzart for an impactful invocation.
Ms. Woods noted it was good to see everyone and thanked everyone for viewing online. Ms. Woods asked for condolences and prayers for the family of Mr. Glynn Ludley, Monroe City School board member, he passed away on Saturday. She noted Mr. Ludley funeral service will be held Saturday May 28, 2022, at 11 am at the Zion Traveler Baptist Church for those who would like to attend services. She congratulated Mr. Montrell Marshall, Carroll Jr. High Principal, on receiving the principal of the year award for the City of Monroe School District. She further noted next week June 1st will begin the Juneteenth activities in the City of Monroe. She said there will be a press conference to discuss the month of June upcoming events with more information to come so please stay tuned. Ms. Woods gave recognition to Ms. Sylandria E. Jacobs a teacher at Shelling Elementary School for her outstanding professionalism and leadership as a teacher. She noted her significant impact on the lives of young people in the school and her community.
Ms. Dawson said everyone’s presents on tonight was appreciated.
Mr. Jimmie Bryant, Chief Operating Officer, setting in for Mayor Ellis stated he had no comments from the Mayor tonight.
Mr. Marshall welcomed everyone and wanted to thank Hayward Foy & Rated E. for the Stop the Violence Rally that was held this past weekend, it was a great success. He thanked everyone for participating and he said he is looking forward to a third year for the event. Mr. Marshall wanted to thank the people who have been doing community outreach Pastor William Ross, Marie Brown, Chuck Johnson, Pastor Moore, and many more for sharing and providing resources. Mr. Marshall addressed the concerns of speeding in the community. He noted radars have been put up some are helping, and some are not. He stated there will be extra patrol and its not to target anyone in the community. He further noted that making these adjustments before something happens is simply about keeping the kids safe in the community. Mr. Marshall wanted to put on record he is humble and respects everyone, but he will not tolerate threats. On another note, Mr. Marshall said he reached out to the residents of the neighborhood regarding the street renaming and neither a black nor a white resident wanted the renaming of the street to be done. He further noted following the process for adding to the agenda will be what he always does, and it has nothing to do with him wanting to hinder the progress of the Southside. (Mr. Marshall expanded further on that matter as he made his point clear.)
Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of May 10, 2022, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
PRESENTATION:
Mr. Tim Green, CPA – Partner, presentation was in reference to the financial report for 2021 fiscal year that ended April 30, 2021. He said there are two purposes of the financial review to show financial audit and to issue an opinion that the financial statements are fairly stated. He noted the City had a good year sales tax up in the general funds about five million dollars. He also noted there was a good amount of FEMA money and CARES money that the City of Monroe received. He further noted that there is a 19-million-dollar balance remaining in general funds in result an additional increase for the year. He said the City has paid off about 13 million dollars in debt this year and didn’t take on any new bonded debt. He said the City had about 3 million dollars in borrowed and lease funds for the fire truck and fire equipment. He also stated the Capital account has about 28 million dollars for Capital infrastructures. He said the only concern is in reference to the internal service fund as it relates to group insurance but overall, the City had a good financial report this year.
Ms. Jennie Henry, CPA, CFE-Supervisor, said there is also a federal financial report and if an agency receives more than 750,000 in federal funds, they must have a single audit. She noted the expenditures covered by federal funds were 17.4 million for the City which was up 5.6 from the previous year. She further noted the majority is airport, transit, and the cares money. She stated having to look for different compliance areas for the airport, economic development assistance, and community development block grant there an issue. She further stated the entire report can be reviewed on the legislative auditor’s website.
Mr. Green thanked the City of Monroe staff directors in every department for their help working with them to get federal programs.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council Department:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8270 considering the Southside Economic Development District’s 2022 Plan as modified to state SEDD’s plan is hereby modified to state that no local tax dollars will be used for any microlending program; the rest of the plan remains unchanged and further providing with respect thereto. (Marshall)
Mr. Tony Little, President of SEDD, wanted to thank Mr. Marshall for the time he took to work on the SEDD Plan. He stated that SEDD wanted the plan to be on the last agenda, and Mr. Marshall, Mrs. Dawson, and Ms. Woods have worked through the difficulties to get the plan on the agenda. He noted he believes he has spoken with every council member in reference to the plan and he believes there are more issues in Districts 3,4, and 5 than there is money. He further noted the plan addresses housing, infrastructure, and crime issues on the Southside of Monroe, and they have merged two plans to get something done for the people. He said if there are any questions Reverend Marty Campbell, Mr. Charles Theus, and himself will answer them. He said the plan is simply a start of a conversation not the end.
Mrs. Ezernack said she went back to the original 2003 plan and 2013 plan in which she was a part of for Southside Economic Development. Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know what is the first goal that SEDD wants to achieve with the plan. She noted the goals didn’t show any collaboration, cooperation, or partnerships that would help the project move forward. She further noted she wasn’t aware of any board meetings that were held to discuss the plan prior to the plan being brought to council.
Mr. Little thanked Mrs. Ezernack for taking his call in which they had a conversation for over an hour. He noted from the time SEDD submitted their plan to Planning and Zoning which was unanimously approved, and he believes the Chairman stated it was one of the best documents he had ever seen submitted to Planning and Zoning. Mr. Little wanted to know what Mrs. Ezernack’s precise question is so he can answer it.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know what is the number one goal SEDD wants to get started on and where will the funding come from?
Mr. Little stated in the original packet a draft plan was submitted but SEDD immediately updated the information and wanted to be sure council was reading from the correct plan packet. He noted that the board intentions are to start with a housing project but believes they can work on more than one thing at a time. He further noted until District 3, 4, & 5 is a place that people want to live, open a business, or raise a family nothing else means anything. He stated housing and simply eliminating opportunities for crime based on scientific studies are the number one goals.
Mr. Charles Theus, Executive Director of SEDD, reiterated that SEDD will begin with housing on the southside of Monroe. He noted Ms. Woods and himself attended a course at Southern University on being a neighborhood developer. He stated the HNTB plan in 2003, and the Barnes plan talked about implementation and gave good details but was never approved by City Council just a good supplement. When the plan was written there was no staff only committees to do the work and collaborate. He stated that SEDD has hired him as their executive director, and it is his job to submit to the board a list of projects that will be done first. The first thing was to get a plan and second was to submit a list of projects to the Mayor that they are wanting to start. He further stated SEDD can’t start any projects without money and the Mayor has offered a TIF only thing he wants is a list of projects.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know why SEDD chose a 25-year plan and will there be an external plan as things change in the community.
Mr. Little noted the members on the SEDD board are temporary custodians and wanted to create a blueprint of the hope in which many African Americans have died. He further noted the 25-year plan doesn’t mean it will not be updated but SEDD wanted to look into the future of how they wanted District 3, 4, & 5 to look. Mr. Little wanted to know for clarification how long is the City’s plan.
Mr. Harvey stated the City’s plan is in a ten-year rotation.
Mr. Little wanted to know the last time the City’s plan has been updated.
Mr. Harvey stated for the record it has been in the last two years.
Mrs. Kema Dawson thanked Mrs. Ezernack for her questioning the 25-year plan and stated most of the businesses have a strategic plan that must be updated every 5 years because membership and leadership changes over time. She noted her concerns in the plan are the duplications and replications of things the City has already done and partners that are not listed that are already doing work for the City that is being put in the budget. She then asked Mr. Brandon Creekbaum if council accepts the SEDD plan the way it is presented will that be saying council approves the plan as it is or will the council have an opportunity to modify the plan before approval.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, Assistant City Attorney, noted by State statue the council have three options first option is to adopt the plan as it is presented, second is to reject the plan and SEDD would have to submit a new plan, and the third option is the council have the authority to modify the plan in whole or in part.
Mrs. Dawson wanted to understand if modifications would have to be made tonight?
Mr. Creekbaum said yes, the council has the options that any governing body would have on any given matter to defer or to do further studies but if the council is considering this particular plan the modifications would have to be done tonight as presented.
Mr. Theus explained the State statute doesn’t allow anyone to say you can’t do a project. He noted Louisiana State statute says in specifying public improvements, facilities, and capital improvements in which the City of Monroe is authorized to undertake can be duplicated. He further noted even if the City of Monroe is thinking about doing something it can be duplicated.
Mrs. Dawson said she believes Mr. Little is misunderstanding what she means when it comes to duplication and replication of services, but she is referring to the duplication of funding. She noted concerns with funding for some of the projects. She further noted certain grants only one entity in the City can apply for the grant and if the money is not available where would the funds come from.
She addressed the board members vote for the plan and expressed her concerns with her appointee, Mr. Marty Campbell, not being present for the vote. She wanted to know did all the board members of SEDD agree with the plan as presented.
Mr. Theus explained that a unanimous vote occurs even if everyone on the board is not present.
Mrs. Dawson addressed Mr. Campbell to clarify if he was aware of the SEDD board meeting.
Mr. Marty Campbell, 2411 Grammont Street, said the plan was put together when several board members weren’t present and in his opinion that wasn’t a good time to vote for the plan. Mr. Campbell stated if the plan was for the people and not just for personality or clout the vote should have included all board members whether they agree or not. He said he shared with Mrs. Dawson he was not at the meeting when the plan was initially put together and there were some things in the plan he questioned. He noted he had conversations with Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Theus, and Mr. Little and felt they could find a way to agree and make the plan a win-win situation for both the City and SEDD. He further noted there has been too much divide within the African American community with wrong narratives being given out and its time that it stops.
Ms. Woods wanted to address the process of the Kansas Lane project that the City has been working on for years. She noted having a plan that is 25 years is not unseen or unheard of. She stated that the plan for SEDD will be a living document and the plan can be modified as things change.
Mr. Theus stated at some point everyone will not agree on somethings.
Ms. Woods noted nothing passes unanimously on the City Council and 3 votes win anything.
Mr. Theus stated there is nothing in the bylaws or state statue that’s states there must be a unanimous vote on anything, and he wanted to be clear Mr. Marty didn’t vote against the plan. He further stated the majority of SEDD approves the plan.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know if Mr. Campbell still had concerns with the plan.
Mr. Campbell said his concerns were already discussed with Mr. Theus and Mr. Little in the meeting. He noted the final conversation would have to take place between the President of SEDD and the City Council. He further noted the board did hear the concerns of all the board members who weren’t present during the merging of the plan.
Ms. Woods wanted to clarify with Mr. Creekbaum that Council has the option to adopt the resolution as presented, reject it, or modify in whole or in parts.
Mr. Creekbaum said yes, the modifications would have to be part of the motion.
Mrs. Dawson wanted to know if it is possible to table the resolution until next council meeting because she has concerns to address with the board members of SEDD.
Mr. Creekbaum said the majority vote of the City Council can table any matter.
Mr. Little noted the plan follows state statue which states there can’t be any duplication of services.
Mrs. Dawson stated Mr. Theus said something totally different regarding duplication of services.
Mr. Little stated he said something different about the Attorney general situation.
Ms. Dawson stated she was referring to Mr. Theus not Mr. Creekbaum.
Mr. Little wanted to clarify what was said.
Mrs. Dawson noted Mr. Theus stated they could duplicate whatever.
Mr. Little wanted to clarify it is not a duplication if there are improvements to projects that are already done and SEDD must work with the City. He noted the plan was written up for the present administration because they wanted to take control of their own destiny. He further noted the majority of the board didn’t want to go through this process and if they decide to do any projects it will be on the City’s property. He said there is no duplication of services, and they will abide by the state law. He said the lending process will not be done with local tax dollars and why would council have a problem if they found a private equity firm to give African American businesses access to Capital.
Mr. Marshall said he is familiar with the microlending process and from his perspective it was the legalities of it and how the funds would be used that were not specified in the plan.
Mr. Little noted state law doesn’t allow that but there are exceptions. He stated he gave the Mayor his word that no local tax dollars would be used for relending. He further stated going out to find money for African American to start their business and money to improve their business that is acceptable.
Mr. Theus wanted to make a proposal that they go ahead with the vote and then they will meet with anyone about the plan. He said a game of meeting, waiting, and delaying is a tactic he doesn’t personally like. He noted the plan is Southside Economic Development’s Plan and it does meet the criteria and SEDD can duplicated facilities and public services.
Ms. Woods said she wanted to move to adopt the plan as presented?
Mr. Marshall stated there is a motion on the floor.
Ms. Marie Brown stated she was waiting to comment before the motion was on the floor.
Mr. Marshall noted there was already a motion on the floor but let Ms. Brown come forward to comment on the matter.
Ms. Marie Brown, 1002 South 5th Street, wanted to address the comments of Mrs. Ezernack and believes if Mrs. Ezernack wanted to do something it would have been done within the 25 years that she has been on the City Council.
Mrs. Ezernack stated she has not been on the City Council 25 years, and that she started in 2010.
Ms. Brown stated since 2010 it has been the same fight back and forth. She wanted to know at what time will the City Council be pleased. She said District 1 & 2 looks great and its money running downtown like water in her opinion. She noted the fact that black people will be able to handle their own finances and things people want done in District 3,4, &5 seems to be farfetched for the board in her opinion. She stated when will the time come for the whole City to look the same and when will the black community be able to do things for themselves. She stated the black community can handle their own things, we built America. She noted the council was elected to look out for them and she wanted to make it clear she was not referring to Mrs. Ezernack or Mr. Harvey. She further noted its time the black community have its own funding source and the reason nothing is being done in Districts 3,4, & 5 because there is no money. She said she was a part of the Barnes Report, and the City spent the money and did nothing with it.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to respond to Ms. Brown explaining the council have a fiduciary responsibility to ask questions that the public may want answers to. She noted asking questions is not because the council is doubting the plan but to let more people know about the plan. She further noted she was born in the City of Monroe and believes one part of the city should look like the other part. She said she supports the plan and wants it to be successful. She further explained showing industrial and commercial properties on the Southside of Monroe is part of her living and she knows it is a critical need.
Ms. Brown said she comes to City Council meetings, and she has never seen this extensive amount of questioning about anything on the agenda. She stated there is never this much dialogue on anything except when Mayo was in office. Ms. Brown said she is not belittling Ms. Ezernack but believes her vote will belittle her community.
Ms. Dawson stated there is still a motion on the table but needed to put on record it seems Districts 3, 4, & 5 council members are being attacked further acknowledging she wants the south side to flourish and develop. She stated if the council is going to approve the plan it needs to be in order and for nothing to come back on her. She said she has no problem approving the plan if it is intact, but she is not going to jail for anyone. She further stated the plan has some flaws and the community wants council to approve the flaws but worry about it later that is not how she operates.
Ms. Brown stated there are flaws downtown but when black people want to put something together it’s a problem.
Ms. Dawson interrupted Ms. Brown to say her statement isn’t true, and that she was speaking as if the council members of Districts 3,4, &5 aren’t black.
Ms. Brown said she is questioning that also.
Ms. Dawson stated Ms. Brown can get off the microphone with those allegations and asked the Marshal’s to remove Ms. Brown.
Mr. Marshall reiterated that the council is not against the plan but there were concerns with microlending not being specified in the resolution.
Ms. Woods stated to the Chairman she would like to call for the vote.
Mr. Creekbaum wanted to clarify that Mr. Harvey made the original motion to consider the plan and no one second the vote, but consideration proceeded. He stated after several minutes of debate Ms. Woods made a motion to accept the plan. He further stated he is not sure if a council member second the motion of Ms. Woods.
Ms. Woods said she didn’t know Mr. Harvey approved the first vote.
Mr. Creekbaum noted Mr. Harvey’s vote was a motion to discuss the plan and right now Ms. Woods motion to approve is on the table, but no one has seconded it yet.
Ms. Carlous Riley, Council Clerk, noted at the beginning her notes reflect a motion and second.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the votes at the beginning are just to consider.
Mr. Little stated he believes in the political discourse that there is a right to have disagreements. He noted there are 40 projects in which SEDD has to work with the City and they have lost critical funding because they have waited.
Mr. Harvey wanted to know if his motion can be used to adopt the resolution.
Mr. Marshall said he moves to adopt the resolution with modifications.
Ms. Woods informed Mr. Marshall that is not a choice.
Mr. Creekbaum stated Mr. Harvey’s motion, the original motion the language that tracked it, was to consider the plan which is the resolution that’s on the table. He stated Ms. Woods motion to adopt is pending on the table but has not gotten a second and if no one seconds it in 10 seconds it will die for a lack of a second.
Mr. Marshall wanted to adopt with modifications of the language concerning lending programs in the plan and wanted it to be stated in the document that SEDD will not use tax dollars to fund projects. He stated that there have been conversations about lending programs, and it has been put on record, but he wants it to be specified in the Resolution.
Ms. Woods wanted to know what Mr. Marshall’s question was again.
Mr. Marshall reiterated to adopt the plan with modifications.
Ms. Woods referred to Mr. Creekbaum to clarify that in order to modify the plan the Council must specifically specify.
Mr. Marshall said the modification is to place in the Resolution that no tax dollars will be used to fund.
Ms. Woods interrupted Mr. Marshall to clarify tax dollars or local tax dollars?
Mr. Marshall said local tax dollars.
Mr. Little noted Mr. Marshall and Ms. Summersgill had an addendum put into it.
Mr. Marshall explained an addendum means changing the whole thing, but this is just basic language.
Mr. Theus stated Ms. Summersgill and Mr. Marshall had an addendum put in the plan in reference to microlending.
Mr. Marshall stated with an addendum they would have to go back and change the whole thing.
Mr. Little wanted to know was the council denying the plan because of something we don’t even have funding for.
Mr. Marshall said no its just a modification.
Mr. Harvey and Ms. Woods seconded the motion.
Mr. Marshall said one of Mrs. Dawson modification is in reference to the Louisiana Purchase Zoo Master Plan that the City has already done.
Mr. Creekbaum stated that any language of any modification must be sufficiently clear. He further stated there are several motions on the table, but Mr. Marshall’s motion is the only proper motion to adopt with a singular modification.
Mr. Marshall said there are other modifications, but he only had one at the time and he is willing to entertain other modifications.
Mr. Creekbaum informed Mrs. Dawson if she has any other modifications to present them at this time.
Mrs. Dawson said her modifications are on page 17 of the SEED Plan number 1 and number 5 already exist and she is asking for them to be removed.
Mr. Little said the state statute already addressed duplication of services.
Mr. Creekbaum said the council has the authority to modify the plan as it sees fit.
Mrs. Dawson said the SEDD Plan states it will appoint an Interstate 20 US Highway 165 subcommittee to study review and recommend matters pertaining to maximizing the economic potential of Interstate 20 quarter and a subcommittee will be responsible for all landowners along southside Interstate 20 quarter for improvements and maintenance.
Mr. Little stated that the I-20 quarter doesn’t exist and wanted to know what Mrs. Dawson was talking about. He stated the subcommittee is going to look at somethings and the council have an objection.
Mr. Theus said it is within their District and they have full authority.
Mrs. Dawson wanted to clarify there is an I-20 Board and SEDD wants to create a subcommittee board also.
Mr. Theus said no they will not create a new I-20 board but it will be a committee from the existing board to look at the service road. He noted I-20 has no jurisdiction but they have boundaries in which the board has the political power of a political subdivision.
Mrs. Dawson thanked Mr. Theus for clarifying but she wanted to table the issue for modifications to better understand the plan.
Mr. Little stated the boundaries of the district are spelled out in the legislation.
Mr. Marshall said they are done with modifications.
Mrs. Dawson withdrew her modifications.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the motion on the table is Mr. Marshall’s modification of the plan that states no local tax dollars will be used for microlending and the rest of the plan remains the same. He further noted Mr. Harvey motioned to second the adoption before the modifications and his second remains.
Mrs. Ezernack said she doesn’t believe there’s any City Council member that doesn’t want to see SEDD be successful for the benefit of the community and the City of Monroe. She stated if you love Monroe and have chosen Monroe as your home your desires is for the entire City to thrive, grow, and succeed for every one of our citizens. She further stated she votes with the modification of the plan.
Ms. Woods wanted to thank the SEDD Board for their hard work, time, and effort that was put into creating a plan. She noted she was saddened that the members had to go through so much controversy over getting this plan that is going to make a difference in the district she represents which is District 3. She further noted she is excited for the opportunities, and she is definitely in favor of it.
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved an Application by Lamar K. Frady & Turjo Wadud, West Hill Ranch Group LLC dba Central Station, 2221 Forsythe Ave., Monroe, LA 71201 for a New 2022 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.)
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8271 accepting the bid of Hi-Lite Airfield Services LLC, in the amount of $592,121.00 for rehabilitation of Runway 04-22 at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further authorizing a designated 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. 8272 accepting the bid of Associated Time Instruments in the amount of $129,121.00 for parking, access, and revenue control system/equipment at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further authorizing a designated city representative to enter into and execute a contract for said work. (There were no public comments.)
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8273 authorizing the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Monroe and Volaire Aviation Inc related to air service development at the Monroe Regional Airport 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. 8274 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to execute an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La Dotd) for improvements at the Monroe Regional Airport 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. 8275 authorizing a designated city representative to enter into and execute Amendment No. 1 Work Authorization (MLU.017) between the City of Monroe and KSA Engineers, Inc., related to the rehabilitation of the airfield lighting at the Monroe Regional Airport and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8276 authorizing the purchase of a John Deere Tractor and Flex Wing Mower for the Monroe Regional Airport off of state contract from Goldman Equipment LLC in the amount of $114,057.28 and further authorizing a designated city representative to enter into and execute a contract for said purchase. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Community Affairs:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8277 a designated city representative to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and Free Me Association d/b/a Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) for a Youth Soccer Program and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Jessica Hollins, Representative of MCAL Free Me Association, want to thank the City of Monroe, community leaders, and all supporters of MCAL. She noted because of the continuous support MCAL had two successful seasons hosting 24 youth football teams and 40 youth basketball teams. She further noted the youth have benefited from the program by having safe after school activities, family fun engagement, and community engagement.
Mr. Tyree Hollins, Representative for MCAL, said that MCAL will continue into their soccer program and registration is open until May 29th which is their summer soccer season that will roll right over into fall football. He noted the new website is live at freemeassociation.org where people can find all the information about MCAL, but also everything else academically or community that Free Me Association have available.
Mr. Marshall wanted to thank the representatives of MCAL for everything they are doing in the community.
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8278 authorizing the City of Monroe to provide matching funds in the amount of $1,721,428.00 for Georgia Street Pump Station and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the Hearing was declared closed.
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approve an Ordinance No. 12,123 amending Section 22-23 of Chapter 22 of the Monroe City Code Entitled Monroe Air-Industrial Park Development Ordinance and further providing with respect thereto. (Airport) (There were no public comments.)
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
(1.) Ms. Kenya Roberson, Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, wanted to know if there is contact list the Black Chamber of Commerce can get on to know what events are coming up in the City of Monroe and they can send it out to their members to give them the information in a timely matter.
Ms. Michelli Martin, Commutations Director, noted she will add the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce to her committee list.
Ms. Roberson stated she hasn’t been receiving events by email from the City of Monroe.
Ms. Martin wanted to know will the email be Ms. Roberson personal email for clarification.
Ms. Roberson noted the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce email and she noted that she provided it to Ms. Martin a while ago.
Ms. Martin stated she will be sure to add them to the email list.
(2.) Reverend Ambrose Douzart, New St. John B.C., wanted to apologize for his comments on last council meeting. He said he is not pleased with the direction on leading the City of Monroe and we all have great concerns. He stated as a spiritual director he believes we need to pray, and he takes what he does for this City seriously. He further stated he believes we can accomplish so much, and he is always available. He said we should put away our personal directions to move the City forward.
Mr. Marshall noted for the record there are a lot of things members of the council don’t share and they are not in the business of spreading dirty laundry. He further noted they are here to move Districts 3, 4, & 5 forward but there are a lot of people with different agendas.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Woods and it was seconded by Mrs. Dawson.
Carday Marshall, Sr.
Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
