City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
May 27, 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 Mr. McFarland or his designee.
The Invocation was led by Councilman McFarland.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1.) Mr. Harvey echoed the sentiments of Mr. McFarland from his Invocation, emphasizing the need for continuous prayer for the City. He shared that he is part of a text thread with Chief Zordan, describing it as one of the worst because it is ultimately messages of pain, lack of wisdom, lack of empathy, and caring for others.
(2.) Mrs. Ezernack echoed Mr. Harvey’s sentiments and agreed with Mr. McFarland’s call for prayer for all first responders. She said there are a lot things going and the City need peace, harmony, and mutual respect in order to move the City forward.
(3.) Mr. McFarland said there are a lot of things going on in the City, including a rise in violent crime which is very heartbreaking. He expressed sympathy for the Ford, Hunter, and Moore families, as well as the young man who passed away on Roy Drive. He also mentioned the recent incident at Raising Cane’s, where another young man was seriously injured, and asked for prayer for his healing. While crime can’t be eliminated, he said it can be reduced if people stop being afraid to speak out, report incidents, and get involved. He called for continuous prayer for the City, its citizens, and the nation, and urged everyone to pray to their God for mercy, affirming his belief in the true and living God. On another note, he is checking his calendar to schedule a community meeting regarding concerns about certain homes being built in his district. He shared that he and the Councilwoman Woods will be out in the community distributing and installing air conditioners for the elderly and those in need. While they don’t have enough for every home, they hope to bless many.
(4.) Mr. Muhammad shared that his heart is heavy over the 14-year-old who was killed. He also addressed a recent misprint in the Ouachita Citizen, where a quote of his was incorrectly reported. The May 14, 2025, article stated he “tossed his devil on the desk,” when it should have read “device.” Mr. Zack Parker issued a correction, and the article has since been updated to reflect that Mr. Muhammad dropped his device, not “devil,” on the desk. On a lighter note, he attended two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Prime Shine and the Forsythe Tennis Courts. He reported that the community meeting at South Point was very successful, and citizens were able to share their concerns over lunch. He announced that the next community meeting will be ‘Conflict Resolution” scheduled for June 14th from 1–4 PM at Henrietta Johnson, offering hands-on training on mediating and de-escalating violence. It will feature a guest from the New Orleans Peacekeepers and Squash the Beef initiative. He also noted that the City is working to fully implement the Victim Notification Ordinance to ensure the victim’s family are kept informed about the cases. Addressing the idea of curfews and the National Guard, he stated he is not in favor of such measures, as they could lead to targeted enforcement. Lastly, Mr. Muhammad shared his pride in his son, Verbon Jr., who recently won an Emmy with the Southern University Media team in New York City. He added that he is currently fasting and praying for the City and its leadership, calling on others to join him. He believes that unless the City takes these issues personally they are not going to make a difference.
(5.) Mayor Friday Ellis echoed the sentiments of the City Council, stating it’s never a good week when you have to call the mother of a 14-year-old and pray over their family due to the loss of a child. The Mayor commended Mr. Muhammad efforts to host a conflict resolution workshop. He reflected on the emotional contrast of the week, celebrating graduations while mourning the lives of children who will never reach that milestone. He emphasized that while there are many things the world can live without, prayer is not one of them. He announced that he will join Mr. Muhammad in his fast, standing in solidarity regardless of the specific faith each person follows. On a lighter note, Mayor Ellis shared highlights from recent community and economic developments. He celebrated the investment in Monroe Regional Airport by the Tailwind Group, which will now provide food options past TSA security. He also met with the Grow NELA group, a new economic development organization, and toured Foster Farms to discuss upcoming investments in the City. The Mayor noted the opening of the new Butterfly Garden exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. He also served as a guest speaker at Big Towns in Lafayette, where he discussed the significant Meta investment in Richland Parish—the largest and first of its kind in a rural community. He promoted “Picnic at the Park” as part of the Healthy Funroe initiative to encourage families to reconnect with community parks. Lastly, he shared that the upcoming State of the City address will be both broadcast and in-person opportunities for the community to participate.
(6.) Ms. Woods yielded some of her time for Mrs. Ellen Hill to talk about Home in Monroe.
Mrs. Ellen Hill, Director of PUD, announced that this is the fourth housing event they’ve hosted this year. Centric Credit Union is the lead financial sponsor, along with support from SEDD and the Realtors Association. The event is geared toward both aspiring homebuyers and current homeowners, featuring local lenders, realtors, and developers who will guide first-time buyers through the homebuying process. Enrollment is free, and several housing programs will be introduced, including Healthy Homes in Monroe, which focuses on making homes safer through small modifications. Additionally, workforce representatives will be present to provide information about employment opportunities and services.
Ms. Woods thanked Mrs. Hill and acknowledged that there is a lot happening in Monroe. She expressed deep sadness over recent events, saying no one’s heart is more broken than hers because she personally knows the mother of the 14-year-old who was killed. She shared how heartbreaking it is to hear a mother say she hasn’t heard from anyone, and as a mother herself, she can’t imagine what she is going through. She noted there are rumors and the people on Facebook that are saying things that are unbecoming regardless that’s still her child and it was brutally done. On another note, she announced an event coming up in her district called Empowering the Community taking place Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, 301 Sherrouse Street, with guest speaker Dr. Melissa Tony, who is a dynamic speaker with a wealth of information. On another note, Ms. Woods addressed concerns about the high grass around Monroe due to recent heavy rains. She acknowledged the City is behind on mowing, but said constituents are panicking, as the tall grass is attracting snakes at residents’ front and back doors. She expressed concern that the situation is worsening, and she plans to meet with the Mayor to discuss how they can work together to address both the grass and the ongoing crime in the City. Lastly, for the record, she stated for everybody listening and in the audience this whole thing about garbage is not a done deal. She said it has not been decided that it’s going to be franchised out, and it has not been decided if the City will continue to do the services. The only thing that has been decided is that the facility that served as the depository of their garbage contract has been cancelled. What is real that contract has been cancelled, and nothing else has not been decided at this point. She said, so for those who are going around saying it’s a done deal that Waste Connections has this contract that’s not true. She said those going around saying it’s a done deal that the City will continue to pick up garbage as usual that hasn’t been decided either. She said right now, the City is doing business as usual. The City is picking up and still depositing at the Waste Connections site. She said between now and June 30th, the City will be getting together and deciding how they are going to move forward. She noted she is not the one who decides how it moves forward, because, like the Mayor says, that is out of her purview. She said what is in her purview is that the Council cancelled the contract with this landfill, effective June 30th. She said something will be in place by then, but what that looks like she doesn’t know. She said if anyone is saying somebody already has that contract, tell them no, and tell them she said it—“she” being Juanita Woods.” Nobody has that contract, and that has not been decided. Lastly, she said they are going into the air conditioning business in Districts 3 and 4. She said everybody does box fans, but they will move it up a notch and go with window units and they are going to install them. She said they partnered with local delegations to get something to help seniors and it’s all about making people’s lives a little bit more comfortable.
Upon motion of Mr. Harvey and seconded by Mr. McFarland, the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of May 13, 2025, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
Presentations: John Russell, OMCAP, Community Action Month, thanked the Council and the Mayor for the opportunity to address the theme of “Community Action Helping People Change Lives”. He said he wanted to provide three aims: first, to make those who are unaware of the goal of Community Action, which has been around for 61 years and this past year, the Ouachita Parish Multipurpose Community Action Program (OMCAP) celebrated 60 years in the parish. He said he was challenged as a director because they wanted to be known as more than a bill-paying agency. He said they partnered with job training and placement, financial literacy, housing assistance, and energy assistance. He requested a partnership with the City of Monroe to find other ways to fund their Community Action assistance. He said they want to be able to not only assist their clients but help them to sustain by helping them get jobs, a high school diploma, and financial assistance for them to be better, Lastly, he presented a proclamation that shared what the agency does to the Council, the City of Monroe, and leadership on behalf of Governor Jeff Landry.
Ms. Woods thanked the Pastor Russell, and on another she informed Mr. Muhammad she would be joining him in has fast. She said she believes in the power of prayer, and she believes that when two or more are gathered of like minds and spirit, God comes in and moves in a powerful way.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by NS DeSiard LLC dba Now Save #23, 3201 DeSiard Street, 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.)
Department of Planning & Urban Development:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8931 authorizing an Agreement with AHAYAH Community Development Corporation, Inc. (CHDO) for the reconstruction of 802 South 20th Street and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mayor’s Office:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8932 approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana and the Monroe City School Board and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Rick Guillo, Chair Board of Directors Boys & Girls Club Northeast Louisiana, the Legal Department, the City Council, and the Mayor’s office for the opportunity to serve Monroe in light of recent events. He said what perfect partnership to start back up at the Powell Center and they are looking forward to serving the City the best they can.
Ms. Woods noted the City appreciate it because this is definitely an area that is in need of something for our babies to do.
Police Department:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8933 accepting $51,100.00 in funding from the United Stated Department of Justice for the 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods Program and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know how the plans would be implemented.
Chief Victor Zordan, Chief of Police, said that it is reimbursement money that will be used to pay for Phase 2 of the Shot spotter.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if this will help cover the Booker T. area near Shelling.
Chief Zordan said no, this is strictly for what the City have now.
Mr. Muhammad said the City really need in the Booker T. area.
Mr. McFarland noted the City also need to get the school board to buy in therefore the City isn’t footing the entire bill because it will benefit them all.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if Shot Spotter have been effective.
Chief Zordan said yeah, it helps them solve crimes and help them have a better case by finding evidence and it’s remarkably accurate for technology.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if it helps them get to the crime scene quicker.
Chief Zordan said it’s accurate.
Ms. Woods wanted to know how much it cost.
Chief Zordan said he thinks right now $75,000 a square mile.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if they had any plans for additional funding to expand.
Chief Zordan said he would love to have Phase three to get the Booker T. area involved and if they could get coverage it would be beneficial to the officers and the citizens.
Mayor Ellis asked Chief Zordan to explain what happens with the evidence once it’s collected.
Chief Zordan said it is combination of two things with Shot Spotter that finds the brass and then they run it through the ATF task force, and it can tell if the gun that was shot is a weapon used in a murder even in another State.
Ms. Woods thanked Chief Zordan for responding to her text.
Mrs. Ezernack thanked Chief Zordan for keeping the Council informed as well.
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8934 approving Task Order 25SEW002 between the City of Monroe and Waggoner Engineering, Inc. for the WPCC GOHSEP Statewide 5% Generators Initiative Project. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8935 authorizing the City of Monroe to apply for and accept grant funding under the 2025 DOTD Transportation Alternatives Program for Washington Street Sidewalks Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if there could be another phase to repair Washington Street. He said he know it’s for the sidewalk, but he travels Washington Street a lot and it’s in pretty bad shape.
Mr. Morgan McCallister, City Engineer, said the priority list right now, no.
Mayor Ellis wanted to know what sketch of that falls under DOTD.
Mr. McCallister said all of this falls within the City to maintain the right of way.
Mr. Muhammad said they have been talking about streets and Washington Street is highly traveled.
Ms. Woods noted that on her priority list in District 3, she has DeSiard Street, which is even more highly traveled.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance ratifying the 2025-2027 Working Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Monroe Fire Fighters Association, International Assoc. of Firefighters, Local no. 629, AFL-CIO.
Mr. Jeremy Hinton, Monroe Fire Fighters Association, Local No. 629, thanked the Council for putting this item on the agenda. He said the process started April of last year to complete this working agreement before Chief Terry Williams retired in July. He stated they think this is a very positive move for the department to keep them competitive as far as pay and incentives with other departments in the local area. He said it would be a good move to retain and recruit employees and try to get their numbers back up in the department.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know how long is the agreement.
Mr. Hinton noted 2 years.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know the start date for the agreement.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, said the agreement would typically take effect the day after final approval, the pay raises can be retroactively applied to May 1st since the Council had already budgeted and approved the funds from the start of the fiscal year. He added that the ordinance includes a provision making the raises retroactive to May 1st if passed as written.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know normally in the past agreements have been 2 years not one year.
Mr. Creekbaum noted most Union agreements can be from 2 to 4 years, which is hashed out in the negotiation process.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know who were the negotiators of this agreement and if the charter speaks to it.
Mr. Creekbaum noted Chief Bryant, Interim Chief Ken Maxey at the time, Bronson Moss, and himself. He further noted the charter states the Mayor is the exclusive negotiator and the Mayor entrusts his staff to head those negotiations.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know how many negotiators.
Mr. Creekbaum said he is unaware of any charter mandated cap on the number of people.
Mr. McFarland said he doesn’t believe not one Council member sat at the negotiating table of these matters, but the Council have to vote. He said wouldn’t it be deemed wise for at least one Council member to be at the table. He wanted to know if the charter prohibits the Mayor from appointing Council members to be a negotiating factor of these agreements.
Mr. Creekbaum said the particular section of the charter that address that matter 706 D. It says all negotiations by the City with the recognized bargaining agents shall be by the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee. Final approval of any labor contracts with the City employees shall be by Ordinance.
Mr. McFarland noted whenever he ask certain questions, he has already researched himself and things would be better if the Council was recognized in these negotiations. He said he keep saying it’s a new day, and new way, but it’s hard for them to believe. He said in order to get something pass the threshold the Council have the final say. He said things could run smoother if they all work together and be involved for them to not have any issues when they get to this juncture. He said in the future it would be wise to get the Council involved.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING
The Chairman Opened the Public Hearing and See no one come forward the Hearing was closed.
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,263 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.)
The Chairman Opened the Public Hearing and See no one come forward the Hearing was closed.
(b) Upon motion of McFarland, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,264 approving an application by Wallace Family Properties, LLC to rezone certain property (0.99 acres), amending the zoning map for the City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman Opened the Public Hearing and See no one come forward the Hearing was closed.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and approved Ordinance No. 12,265 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. (Mrs. Ezernack nay) ( There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad said he would like the Council to see what is happening, but they need 2/3 vote. He said obviously this hasn’t been taken care of in the department since it has come to the Council. He said if there is nothing there then they just move forward.
Mr. McFarland echoed the same that if nothing is there, it won’t be there but if something is there it needs to be exposed. He said there are some things he has heard from people and those who have decided to share with him some issues. He said when it comes down to exercising the Council’s right, according to the charter, they should do that. He said if it seems they want to continue to not pay attention or say it is not worthwhile looking into, that’s a problem. He said he encourage the Council to search their hearts for what is right and there are some concerns out there and he prays and hope for the support to look into those concerns.
Ms. Woods echoed the sentiments of her colleagues because if there is nothing there, then nothing will be found. She said for some people to come with concerns about what is going on at the Fire Department was heartbreaking. She said for people to go about certain things because of the why they feel about you. She noted at one point and time she wondered if she was safe in the community if she were to need services.
Mrs. Ezernack stated she thinks it’s the Council’s obligation to take those concerns to the people within the Fire Department and the Mayor. She said for them to have their own internal process, and the Council have an internal auditor that can look at financial concerns and if need be or engage someone from outside the area. In her opinion, these steps need to be done internally before it is brought to Council when not all the Council have been called and told about the concerns.
Mr. McFarland stated after listening and seeing something with his own eyes, it’s very disturbing. He said he dare not call someone a liar but maybe they are just misinformed. He said when he saw a statement by someone that it is higher up about an incident the Council can’t allow this to be swept under the rug. He said other stuff that has been said and the derogatory comments about some of the Council members will come to light. He said it’s not wrong in some eyesight when it is done to people of color. At the end of the day, it will be the Council’s decision, and he asked them to search their hearts, mind, and soul to do what is right. He said if the shoe was on the other foot and done to them, wouldn’t you want to know who did it?
Mr. Muhammad stated this has fallen on deaf ears and it seems like there’s no resolution. He said now they are out crying to the Council but he wants to deal with it so they can move forward.
Citizen’s Participation: (1.) Johnnie Thomas, 414 South 8th Street, said our city is sad right now and she lost a son at age of 26 on his birthday. She said she feels our churches have let our communities down. She said they are not in church and hardly in school, but little girls can dance but don’t even know the Lord’s prayer.
Ms. Woods noted the churches were the backbone of the community and when covid came people stopped going to church. She said the 14 year old was in district 3 and she is calling together all the pastors in district 3 they are going to be busy, and they will be boots on the ground.
There being no further business to come before the council, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:29 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.
