City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
May 9, 2023
6:00p.m.
The Honorable Chairman Kema Dawson, called the meeting to order. She then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Woods, Mr. Marshall, & Mrs. Dawson
There was absent: None
Chairman Dawson 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 Bishop Michael Douglas Sr., Pastor of the New Generations Church
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey had no announcements tonight.
Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone to the meeting and appreciated their attendance.
Ms. Woods thanked Bishop Michael Douglas for coming and praying as well as welcoming everyone.
Mr. Marshall thanked Bishop Michael Douglas for the prayer, and he welcomed everyone. He also gave a special welcome to the State Champions Wossman High School Track team and their coaches; he thanked them for their presence. He complimented and encouraged the coaches to continue the great work they are doing. He also gave special thanks to Hayward Foy for the Stop the Violence Bike Ride this past weekend; it was a successful event. He stated that he believes everyone has a purpose and Mr. Hayward Foy has found his in the community. He encouraged others to make sure they go and participate because it is such an awesome event. He also wanted to wish every mother a Happy Mother s Day and hopes everyone is blessed this weekend and he thanked everyone for coming out.
Mrs. Dawson welcomed everyone to the meeting tonight and noted this past week the celebration of National Day of Prayer. It was a great turnout at City Hall with prayers for our City and the country. She thanked everyone who participated and planned the event, it was a success. Mrs. Dawson solicited special prayers for the families for the victims in the Allen, Texas shooting this weekend. She was there right before the shooting and had she stayed a little longer, she might not be here today. She encouraged everyone not to take life for granted and to make sure that you are in right standing pertaining to your salvation. She congratulated the 2023 Graduates and urged them to make sure as they are all celebrating, to be safe and celebrate responsibly. Mrs. Dawson acknowledged Teacher Appreciation Week, she got the opportunity to go to Wossman High School, where Dr. Christina Hunter celebrated the teachers this week. Mayor Ellis and Narali Patel, Mainstreet Director, were there celebrating and showing appreciation to the teachers for all their hard work and dedication to the students as well. Mrs. Dawson presented proclamations to Wossman High School Track Team for bringing home the LHSAA Division 3 State Championship for Track & Field.
Mayor Ellis congratulated and thanked Wossman High School Track Team and their coaches for their hard work and everything they do. He reminded everyone to go and watch the 2023 State of the City Address that is currently on the City s social media page. He also wished the mothers Happy Mother s Day for loving on and keeping all their families straight, he appreciates and thanks them for that. Mayor Ellis acknowledged the D.A. R.E. Program graduation they had and how wonderful the program was. They had a total of 576 children apart of the program along with over 200 plus parents there to support their children. He said it showed how the parents and grandparents are so invested in the children s lives and the men and women of the Monroe Police Department that run the program, Good job, Well Deserved!
Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Marshall, the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of April 25, 2023, were unanimously approved. (Mr. Harvey and Ms. Woods abstained) (There were no public comments.)
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
(1.) 2710 Maddox Street (D3) (Owner Roy Humphries II) Notice to show cause was served. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey 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, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, stated that this was an unsafe dilapidated structure they had in Environmental Court in January 2023. They are asking that this property be condemned and forwarded to Public Works for condemnation, giving the property owner 30 days. They have not had any further contact with the owner.
(2.) 811 South 7th Street (D4) Owners Latyara Cooper, et al, Latonya Louis; Hilton, Jr & Shellie C Louis; Latonya Louis Shinal; Karmone M Louis; Jeremy P Louis; Fredrick Louis) Notice to show cause was served. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 90 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, stated that this was an unsafe dilapidated structure. They are asking that this property be condemned and forwarded to Public Works for condemnation, giving the property owner 30 days. They have had no contact with the owner.
Mr. Marshall said that he had just received some information and he will give them 90 days to condemn the property and that they will get in contact with Mr. James about bringing it up to code.
(3.) 1005 South Grand Street (D4) (Owner Staci Elizabeth Polk Van Horne; Troy Dee Polk; Pearlie Irby; Troy Dee Polk, et al) Notice to show cause was served. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 90 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, had just spoken with the owner a few hours ago and advised them that in its current condition it meets their standards for condemnation. There was a fire a few years ago, but the owner is saying they are going to remodel it. He said that he wants to give the owner 90 days to bring back into compliance with the Code.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to accept the bids of Shannon Chemical Corporation, Ecotech Enterprises, Inc. and Harcros Chemicals, Inc., for a one (1) year contract to supply various water treatment chemicals Ref#2024-00000003 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bids be awarded based on the bid tabulations. The suppliers have submitted all the required paperwork. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Eznerack and unanimously approved to accept the bids of Ferguson Enterprise, LLC, Core & Main and Coburn Supply for a one (1) year contract to supply water distribution supplies Ref#2024-00000005 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bids be awarded based on the bid tabulations. The suppliers have submitted all the required paperwork. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to accept the bids of Ferguson Enterprise, LLC, The Plumbing Warehouse and Coburn Supply for a one (1) year contract to supply sewer supplies Ref#2024-00000004 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bids be awarded based on the bid tabulations. The suppliers have submitted all the required paperwork. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Curt Kelly, Director of Purchasing, made a correction on this item stating that it should read sewer supplies not water treatment chemicals.
Mrs. Dawson clarified sewer supplies.
Mr. Kelly answered yes.
Mr. Harvey asked if the same bid sheet applies.
Mr. Kelly answered that the bid sheet is correct, and the reference number is correct, but it should have read sewer supplies and in item (d) water meters boxes and lids.
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Marshall seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved accepting the bids of Ferguson Enterprise, LLC, for a one (1) year contract to supply water meter boxes and lids Ref#2024-00000006 with the option to renew two (2) times if the prices remain the same. The Purchasing Division recommend the bids be awarded based on the bid tabulations. The supplier has submitted all the required paperwork. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Curt Kelly, Director of Purchasing, noted above that item (d) showed read water meters and lids.
The Chairman noted the Council has been asked to remove item (e) from the agenda.
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to remove from the agenda item (e) accepting the bid of ________________________ in the amount of $__________________ for the Chennault Golf Cart Paths Improvements Project and further authorizing an authorized city representative to enter into and execute a contract for said work. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8512 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Twin City Art Foundation (Reception: K Shana Hall Exhibition, at the Masur Museum of Art) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8513 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Mu Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Seersuckers, Sundresses and Cigars) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Marshall seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8514 authorizing the purchase of Timeclock Plus on Demand, Employee Time management Software/Hardware, off Louisiana Procurement Contract #4400011410 and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Planning & Urban Development:
(a) Upon motion of Ms. Woods seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a request from All Smiles Childcare Center for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of the location at (1501 State Street) to operate as a child day care (large). The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows this as a Major Conditional Use in the R-4 (High Density) Multi-Family Residential District. Major Conditional Uses are those uses that require another level of approval; therefore, this request comes before the City Council for their approval in addition to that of the Planning Commission. (There were no public comments.)
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8515 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to execute Supplemental Agreement No. 4 to superseding agreement between the City of Monroe and the Department of Transportation and Development for the Kansas Lane Extension Project, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8516 authorizing a designated city representative to execute Change Order No. Four (4) for the Kansas Lane Ext. (Old Sterlington-US 165) Phase 1 between the City of Monroe, the Department of Transportation and Development, and D&J Construction Company, LLC to add Geotextile Fabric and increase the contract amount by $70,000.00, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire full ownership interest of the property described as lot in Lot 10, Stubbs Young Bayou Addition, beg 222 ft no of Grammont At. & frtg 49 ft on west side alley, depth 106.975 ft, Monroe, La, with municipal address 126 S. 21st St., by adjudication at tax sale dated July 25, 1996, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods asked for clarity about these items since they all have to do with City acquiring property for the people and audience s sake.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, explained that these next four are adjudicated properties and for at least 30 years they have been adjudicated properties. The City would like to acquire this for the expansion of the Monroe City Cemetery.
(b) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire full ownership interest of the property described as lot in Lot 10, Stubbs Young Bayou Addition, beg 268 ft no of Grammont St. & frtg 23 ft on west side alley, depth 106.975 ft, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 25, 1996, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire full ownership interest of the property described as lot in Lot 10, Stubbs Young Bayou Addition, fronting 24 ft on east side of lot 10, depth 106.975 ft, bearing municipal address 124 S. 21st St., Monroe, la, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 19, 2001, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire full ownership interest of the property described as lot in Lot 10, Stubbs Young Bayou Addition, fronting 24.52 ft on north side of Grammont St., depth 110 ft along west line of said lot 10., bearing municipal address 2007 Grammont St, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated June 1, 1992, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance adopting the authorized Millage Rate(s) and providing for the Levying of Special and General Taxes for the City of Monroe for the year 2023. (Admin.) (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack asked if this was the exact same millages that were used last year.
Mrs. Stacey Rowell, Director of Administration, answered the general alimony is and the special taxes they net out to an advantage to the citizens by 300 to 400 of a millage, they change depending on the assessment values, which are basically the same.
(f) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire a certain parcel of real property from Jeff and Debra Wilmore, situated in Ouachita Parish with a municipal address of 102 S. 20th Street, Monroe, La, more particularly described below, and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal)
Mrs. Sonya Jacobs, 700 University Avenue, stated that she received several calls about the buying and selling of real estate with the city, and they have several real estate agents who want to be able to propose services to the city. She wanted to know what is that process.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, explained there was not a real estate agent used on any of these, the legal department went to the assessor s site and reached out to the property owner, received an appraisal. None of these required a real estate agent.
Mrs. Jacobs asked if there are transactions that require real estate agents and title companies.
Mrs. Sturdivant stated none for these properties.
Mrs. Jacobs asked who they would speak with about those real estate agents or who can they refer them to.
Mrs. Stacey Rowell, Director of Administration and Mrs. Sturdivant answered Purchasing.
(g) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 37, Zoning of the Code of the City of Monroe Article VIII, Non-Conforming Uses, Lots and Structures, Section 37-121(a) Non- Conforming uses. (P&Z) (There were no public comments.)
RESOLTIONS 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
closed.
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved (Ms. Woods abstained) finally Adopt an Ordinance No. 12164 finally adopt an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire full ownership interest of the property described as lot in Lot 9, Stubbs Young Bayou Addition, fronting 82.11 ft on east side of 20th St., depth 100 ft along north line of Grammont St.., bearing municipal address 2001 Grammont St, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated June 13, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack asked if this was for the City s cemetery.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney answered yes.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
(1.) Tyrone Dickens, 3004 Dick Taylor Street, asked the Mayor was he the one that made the post about the promotion deal.
Mayor Ellis said he was in boxed about someone throwing a Mother s Day Blues Festival, and if there are any promoters interested in that they need to reach out to the City s box office.
Mr. Dickens said he had a text message where he tagged a few people in the message about the Blues Alright Tour that has been trying to get to Monroe. He is trying to gain clarity as to why he has reached out to the people in charge of the Civic Center and why hasn t there been any response about an answer. He asked if he needed to speak with someone else at the Civic Center about African American events. Mr. Dickens stated that the date is available, but he s been given the run around about the contracts in reference to this event. Mr. Dickens noted he wants to host events in Monroe, but he s had to host them in Shreveport, Mississippi, etc. He really wants to know what we can do to eliminate the back and forth and make the event ideas a reality in Monroe.
Mayor Ellis said that he was going to follow up with Ms. Amy Keifenheim, Civic Center Director to figure out what the delay is.
Mr. Dickens also asked when he and Mayor Ellis could have a meeting concerning other events to have in the City.
Mayor Ellis stated that he will schedule him for the next available meeting he will have.
Mr. Dickens thanked the Mayor.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm., upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack and it was seconded by Mr. Marshall.
Mrs. Kema Dawson
Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Mrs. Rachel N. Washington
Council Research Coordinator
