City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
May 10, 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 Councilwoman Ms. Woods or her designee.
The Invocation was led by Pastor Aubrey Robinson of Triedstone Baptist Church.
(Mr. Harvey entered the City Council Meeting at 6:03 PM)
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey stated the City of Monroe lost an incredible champion of the community with the passing of Ms. Sherry Fertitta and wanted to give his condolences to the family.
Ms. Woods thanked everyone for attending council meeting and those who are watching online. Ms. Woods asked for prayer for the family of Arlana Miller the 19-year-old at Southern University who took her life on last week. She noted the Carroll alumni meeting will be on Thursday May 12, 2022, at 6:00 PM entitled “Where Do We Go from Here” at Marbles Rec. on Renwick Street. She further noted the campaign for tying a yellow ribbon around all the light poles in District 3 to eliminate dark spaces in the community has started. Ms. Woods yielded sometime to introduce Ms. Hailei Beckwith, Miss Monroe’s Outstanding Teen. Ms. Beckwith thanked Mayor Friday Ellis, City Council members, and the City of Monroe for the opportunity to represent the City of Monroe in the Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding teen competition on last month.
Mrs. Ezernack thanked everyone that took part in producing and working on the State of the City and she noted the video is available to view on social media. She further noted to get more information on the State of the City contact the Mayor’s office. She also extended her condolences to the family of Sherry Fertitta and said she will be missed by the community.
Mrs. Dawson thanked everyone for being in attendance and thanked everyone for tuning in via Facebook live. She offered her condolences to everyone who have lost loved ones in the pass week. She also congratulated all the Class of 2022 high school and college graduates.
Mayor Friday Ellis echoed Mrs. Dawson and congratulated the Class of 2022. Mayor Ellis thanked Chief Jimmie Bryant for putting together the Mayor’s Cup Fundraiser and stated they have almost raised $30,000.00 in scholarship funds. He stated if people haven’t seen the State of the City please watch it. He noted the State of the City highlights the hard work the City employees have put in and the things they are also doing to help the City of Monroe employees. He gave special thanks to First Lady Donna Edwards and Steve Waguespack for also being a part of the State of the City. Mayor Ellis noted recent events he attended with Governor John Bel Edwards, DOTD, Senate President Page Cortez, and House Speaker Clay Snyder on the infrastructure needs in the State of Louisiana and the City of Monroe. He mentioned attending the Blend of the Bayou and thanked the Regional Arts Council for putting together a wonderful event. He further noted that Northern Exposure gave the City of Monroe the opportunity to show Baton Rouge why investments are important in North Louisiana for the health of the entire state. Mayor Ellis wanted to thank Vance Price, Council members, and community leaders that came out to celebrate National Day of Prayer.
Mr. Marshall also offered his condolences to all the families that have lost loved ones as well. He stated prayer is needed in the City with everything going on. Mr. Marshall said his son is graduating tonight at the Civic Center and his niece is graduating at Ouachita High School and he also gave his congratulations to all of the graduates. He thanked everyone for coming out to the Krewe de Rivere last weekend for the fundraiser for Mid-Camp.
Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Ms. Woods the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of April 26, 2022 were approved. Mrs. Ezernack abstained she was not present on last meeting. (There were no public comments.)
PROPOSED CONDEMATIONS:
(Public Comment)
ADD-ON: Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to add to the agenda an item (a) to consider request from the Code Enforcement Department for approval from the City Council to Add- On the Agenda the condemnation: 3709 Pippin Street (Owner-Mckinley Smith) (D3) (There were no public comments.)
The following condemnation was considered:
1. 3709 Pippin Street (D3) (Owner-Mckinley Smith) Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. There was no one present. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mrs. Dawson, and unanimously approved the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 30 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Code Enforcement Officer, said this is an open dilapidated structure, and it has been that way since January 2022, and they are asking that this property be condemned
Ms. Woods asked to clarify if 30 days is the minimum time to condemn a property.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, said unless it’s in an emergency condition or a danger to the public.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to consider a request by the City of Monroe Purchasing Division for approval by the City Council that all bids received on April 19, 2022, for the Fire Department Fire Hoses be rejected. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to consider a request by the City of Monroe Purchasing Division for approval by the City Council that all bids received on April 27, 2022, for the Public Works Tire Storage Building Project be rejected. The bids exceeded the total project funds. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
COUNCIL:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8257 authorizing Proworks Productions, LLC to provide Video and Television Professional Services for the Monroe City Council, and further providing with respect thereto. (Harvey)
Ms. Marie Brown wanted to know who is the owner of Proworks Productions, LLC?
Mr. Harvey said Mr. Kita Wright.
MAYOR’S OFFICE:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8258 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to execute an Intergovernmental Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for a Road Transfer Program and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to thank Brandon Creekbaum, Assistant City Attorney, for giving them background information on this in the packet.
Ms. Woods wanted to thank Mayor Ellis for also providing a lot of information on it.
Mr. Marshall noted he is excited for the program bringing more work into our community as it relates to roadways, safety, and extra funds.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8259 authorizing a designated city representative to execute a Master Services Agreement between the City of Monroe and CSRS LLC for Strategic Investment and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Marie Brown wanted to know what is a Master Services Agreement?
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, stated Master Services Agreement is a professional services agreement with CSRS to provide program project management and planning. She noted CSRS will also provide all federal, local, and state grant management. She furthered noted the service is to provide assistance to the City in a variety of areas.
Ms. Brown asked for clarification if the services will help assist with giving instructions on what needs to be done?
Mr. Harvey stated it is mostly on the grant writing side.
Mr. Marshall said the City has a representative from CSRS as well to give a little more detail.
Ms. Suzanne Suttoon, CSRS Representative, said certain entities options are based on a task order basis. She stated the immediate need as Mr. Harvey mention is for grant writing. She further stated based on the infrastructure bill there are opportunities for CSRS to determine what options will be good to pair with the City’s projects and find funding source for projects.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to thank the Mayor for also giving council members information on the Master Service Agreement and briefing the council about the complexity of this agreement.
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to consider a request by the City of Monroe Public Works Division for City Council approval for an authorized City representative t advertise for bids for the Water Treatment Plant High Service Control Vault Repairs Project. The estimated cost of this project is $245,00.00. The DBE goal is 3.56% and the source of funds is Water Capital Funds.
Ms. Marie Brown wanted to know if there is anything specifically wrong with the water and the reason water treatment is on every city council agenda.
Mr. Marshall noted a representative for the Department of Public Works is present.
Mr. Harvey noted the chemical purchases are annual contracts that the City puts out for bid each year. He further noted the chemical treatment will be on the agenda every year.
Mr. Darren Johnson, Water Plant Superintendent, said this chemical comes out on a six-month basis but can also be renewed for a 1 or 2-year contract. He noted these are the chemicals used to treat drinking water and it’s the same standard chemicals used every year. He further noted the project is for replacing old lines at the water treatment plant that have deteriorated over the years.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to consider a request by the City of Monroe Public Works Division for City Council approval for an authorized City representative to advertise for bids for the purchase of a VAC Truck. The source of funds is the Sewer Capital Account.
Ms. Maria Brown wanted to know what the VAC Truck will be used for.
Mrs. Ezernack and Mr. Harvey stated it will be used for sewage.
Ms. Brown wanted to know the current condition of the City’s VAC Truck.
Mrs. Ezernack asked Mr. Westrom to give more information on this project.
Ms. Brown noted she is unsure which administration approved two VAC Trucks and wanted to know what is wrong with those two VAC Trucks.
Mr. Charles Westrom, Sewer Manager, said he is not aware of any purchase of other VAC Trucks, but the sewer department last purchased a VAC Truck three years ago. He noted the sewer department have one working VAC Truck, but they would normally have four.
Ms. Brown wanted to clarify if the City have two working VAC Trucks.
Mr. Westrom said yes, the City does have two VAC Trucks but they have been unsuccessful getting the other truck repaired.
Ms. Brown wanted to understand if the sewer department needed four working VAC Trucks and in three years none have been purchased.
Mayor Ellis noted the City have requested three trucks in capital outlay and through the water sector, the City will know in a couple months if that funding will be approved. He further noted it is better to have the state fund the project and save the City’s dollars.
Mr. Westrom thanked the Mayor for his support.
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved adopt Resolution No. 8261 authorizing Steel Grove Realty Advisors LLC to purchase property at 900 Delta Drive located in the Monroe Air Industrial Park and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Community Affairs:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8260 declaring the Insect Exhibitory, movable property, owned by the City of Monroe as not being needed for public use and authorizing the same to be sold at private sale pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statue 33:4712 and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Police Department:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8262 Rescinding Resolution No. 8255 and adopting a Resolution authorizing a designated city representative to purchase Police Chevrolet Tahoes and other Law Enforcement Equipment off State Contract and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8263 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) and the City of Monroe for a temporary detour route (Orange Street over Interstate 20) for overpass repair (State Project No. H.014588) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods noted she received phone calls about this road closure and wanted to know the timeframe for this project.
Mr. Kevin Crosby, Engineer Consultant, said the road work will be done at night he believes only the east bound lanes will be closed and traffic will be redirected off the interstate on to Millhaven. He said this request is for approving a detour route.
Ms. Woods wanted to understand if the detour route is to Orange Street.
Mr. Crosby said yes that is correct but its on I-20 therefore traffic doesn’t go under the bridge while they are working on it at night.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8264 authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Closeout Change Order No. One (1) to the Forsythe Pool Demolition Contract, between the City of Monroe and Lathan Construction, LLC for an additional sixty (60) calendar days added to the contract time and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8265 authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Closeout Change Order No. Five (5) for the Water Distribution System Improvements Project Contract, between the City of Monroe and Jabar Corporation, for an increase in the contract by $82,284.92 and an increase in contract time by three (3) calendar days and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Marie Brown wanted to know why there is an increase in the contract.
Mr. Kevin Crosby, Engineer Consultant, noted the adjustment is for the actual quantity that will be installed.
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8266 authorizing the City of Monroe to provide matching funds in the amount of $540,220.00 for Young’s Bayou Detention Pond Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods wanted to know when the project will begin.
Mr. Kevin Crosby, Engineer Consultant, noted the City funding will come from LWI the Watershed Initiative through the State and for the City to receive additional funding the Office of Community Development requires the City to pass a Resolution stating they have matching funds.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the City must wait on those funds to begin the project.
Mr. Crosby stated the funds are available and the project will begin once the Resolution is approved.
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8267 accepting the base bid of Amethyst Construction, Inc. in the amount $150,953.00, for the parking lot improvements Desiard at Walnut Street Project, and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said work.
Mrs. Marie Brown wanted to know if the parking improvement was for DeSiard and Walnut Street?
Mr. Kevin Crosby, Engineer Consultant, stated improvements will be South of the KCS railroad track were Desiard and Walnut Street meet at a triangle.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the $150,000.00 was enough to cover the repairs.
Mr. Crosby stated the base appears to be in good shape, but the project is an overlay to repair the areas that hold water before it damages the road.
Ms. Woods wanted to know could the project cost be increased for any reason.
Mr. Crosby noted nothing is visible now, but they will not be sure until the project starts.
(f) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8268 authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Closeout Change Order No. Three (3) for the repairs to Bayou Bartholomew Pump and Motor No. One Contract, between the City of Monroe and Womack and Sons Construction Group, LLC., for an increase in the contract time by one hundred eighty-six (186) calendar days and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Marie Brown wanted to know where Bayou Bartholomew Pump is located?
Mr. Kevin Crosby, Engineer Consultant, said Bartholomew Lake is located North of the parish and the City gets the water out of running Bartholomew. He noted the Resolution is only adjusting for more time not for extra funding. He further noted there was a delay on this project due to the dry spell this past year and they were not able to test the pump. He also stated the engineer on record wanted to wait until the pumps could be ran properly to test them before bringing the project before the Council.
(g) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. 8269 authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into an Agreement for Professional Services with Mr. MacMorran and the firm Poslethwaite & Netterville, APAC, to provide business valuations for two parcels of property in the right of way acquisitions for Kansas Lane-Garrett Road Connector and I-20 Improvements Project. (There we no public comments.)
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance amending Section 22-33 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.)
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. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to adopt an Ordinance No. 12,120 approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Monroe Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local Union No. 629, AFL-CIO and further providing with respect thereto. (Fire Dept.) (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the Hearing was declared closed.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt an Ordinance No. 12,121 authorizing the lease – purchase of (125) Verkade Cloud-Based Surveillance Cameras and related (10) year licensing and equipment, for the Department of Community Affairs/ Monroe Civic Center off state contract and further providing with respect thereto. (Comm. Affairs) (There were no public comments.)
ADD-ON: Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to add to the agenda item (c) an Ordinance declaring the condition of a forty-two-inch gravity line along US 165 South from the Hadley Street lift station as an emergency necessitating immediate repair and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved an Ordinance No. 12,122 declaring the condition of a forty-two-inch gravity line along US 165 South from the Hadley Street lift station as an emergency necessitating immediate repair and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
(1.) Christopher Orange, District 2 resident, wanted to recognize Mayor Ellis and Chief Bryant on their outstanding job in the City of Monroe. Mr. Orange stated it’s easy to sit around and talk about what goes wrong but when someone does an outstanding job with leadership they should be recognized in his opinion. He noted he spent time in Tulsa, OK and Atlanta, GA and it would be nice to get recommendations from Delta to assist the City of Monroe to expand the Monroe Regional Airport. He furthered noted he would love to see the City reach out to QuikTrip and Brahms to bring their business to the area to help grow the City.
(2.) Mrs. Jessie Wilson wanted to know why the Troy X. Cage Street name change is not on tonight’s agenda.
Mr. Marshall noted it didn’t come to Council from the Planning Commission.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant noted it should not have been on the Planning Commission agenda because the Code of Ordinance states in Chapter 26 Section 49 that an existing street may be considered for renaming if it is deemed by the zoning administrator that such renaming is necessary for the operation of the 911 system. She further noted the zoning administrator must also determine whether there is a public need for the renaming; therefore, Troy X. Cage doesn’t meet either criterion.
Mrs. Wilson wanted to know if there is an appeal process.
Mrs. Sturdivant said there is not an appeal process because the purpose of renaming a street is for the operations of 911 system.
Ms. Woods wanted to understand how a portion of Burg Jones Lane name was changed to Reddix Lane for the Reddix family.
Mrs. Sturdivant said she would have to go back to see how that was able to happen but there is nothing stopping a Council member from putting on an Ordinance. She said there is not a device in the code right now for an individual to rename streets.
(3.) Ms. Marie Brown noted she would like to see the same improvements that are happening in Districts 1 and 2 also happen in Districts 3, 4, and 5.
(4.) Reverend Ambrose Douzart was present on behalf of NAACP of Monroe and noted the entire efforts of the SEDD projects have been postponed several times and he is disappointed. He noted it was time to move forward and stop making excuses on why the Southside improvements haven’t begun. He further stated in his opinion when minority’s try to move forward, they are stopped. He stated when something goes to the Planning Commission there’s always an excuse and nothing is being done. He said he would like to see the same growth in Districts 3,4, and 5 that are happening in other Districts.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant noted the Planning Commission met last Monday and they wrote a letter advising the City and SEDD to meet which will be on the agenda for May 24, 2022.
Mr. Marshall said a meeting is scheduled for Friday and the plan will be on the May 24 agenda.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m., upon motion of Mrs. Dawson and it was seconded by Mr. Harvey.
Carday Marshall, Sr.
Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
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.
