City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
November 26, 2024
6:00p.m.
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 Reverend Kalvin Bowman Sr. Associate Minister of the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church.
Ms. Woods thanked Mr. Bowman for the inspirational prayer, and she welcomed all the first responders. She said it is good to see them, and she thanked them for their service. She thanked them for all the things they do in the community and making sure they are safe.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Mr. Harvey said good evening to everyone, and he had no announcements.
(2) Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone, and she thanked the Monroe Fire and the other first responders in the room on tonight. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving filled with family, good times, and great memories being made. She said to please be safe wherever they may be traveling.
(3) Mr. McFarland thanked Chief Victor Zordan for coming to his aid on 7th Street and he stated they were having problems with speeders. He said he called Chief Zordan about placing a speed monitor out there and he brought it immediately and the neighborhood is very grateful. He thanked him for responding and taking care of that issue for them. He thanked Public Works for also doing some other work on 7th Street with some trees in the right of way that were causing problems. He thanked Mr. Tommy James for aiding them with that along with Mr. Louis Tolliver. He further stated they have had many leaks in the City, and he commended the Water distribution team for excellent service, fast response, and taking care of the issues around the City of Monroe. On another note, he stated they do encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote and all though some have different opinions about what they should be voting for please exercise your right and go vote. He wished everybody a Happy Thanksgiving and he said he pray and hope they all will stay safe and don t eat to much turkey.
(4) Mr. Muhammad stated residents of District 5 and also South Monroe that there ll be a community meeting on next Tuesday, December 3rd down in King Oaks at the Prince Hall Masonic lodge. He further stated he is asking that you come out and it is going to a listening meeting to hear their concerns to bring their voice back to City Hall. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and he said this is a very festive time. He said his heart is a little heavy and he went up to Bastrop today and they are dealing with the murder of a young man who was shot at 16 times. He said that it is very concerning, and they want to stand with the family and keep that family in your prayers as we go into this holiday season. On another note, he thanked the water distribution for the Thanksgiving meal, and he said they got a chance to break bread with those at the Water Treatment Plant. He noted those traveling to the Bayou Classic to make sure that you travel safely to and from New Orleans and Go Jags!
(5) Mayor Friday Ellis said it is great to see everyone out tonight and it is good to be in a room with first responders. He said the Turkey Giveaway is always good and he thanked the businesses who donated. He said Chief Jimmie Bryant heads this up every single year and everybody will expect a phone call from Chief Bryant. He thanked the staff, first responders, and the AKAs for their dedication and for giving their time. He noted the Downtown Pep Rally went on last night to cheer on our Warhawks as they take on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He thanked the university partners and the student life groups that really helped put this on. On another note, he said Leadership Ouachita had an opportunity to take a bus ride and he thanked Transit for all that they do. He said they took Leadership Ouachita to educate them about their City and the roles of City and the importance of the people in our city. He said he joined the City Council at the National League of Cities, and it was an opportunity to learn about what other communities are doing right. He said to also educate them on other programs that are out there, and he had the opportunity to sit on a panel and lead discussion for 300 youth that had to respond to a natural disasters. Lastly, he announced if you are wondering things to do in the community for your families there s some great things such as the CPKC Christmas train downtown and he said when you decide to spend your dollars spend it locally. He said if you think your dollar doesn t matter it absolutely does and 60 cent of every dollar that is spent locally stays in the community. He announced the dates for how the trash and garbage collection will be affected. He said he got news tonight from Assistant Chief Tellis that Police Juror Larry Harrison has made it clear he would sponsor the next Senior academy in his district. He thanked him for doing what he can to help grow this great program and a lot of people want to see this continue to grow.
(6) Ms. Woods noted the AKA chapter that participated in the turkey giveaway was Zeta Phi Omega. She thanked Chief Zordan, Mr. Morgan McCallister, and Mr. Tolliver, and she said when she calls them they make it happen, and she appreciates it as well as the residents that are in her district. She gave a shout out to Ms. Rhonda Gospel, and she said whatever she need she is that person that can make it happen. She stated she enjoyed her meal at the Water Treatment Plant, and she has voted on a lot of legislation for the plant but believe it or not, it was her first time seeing the plant in person. On another note, she said for the Bayou Classic she is going that way this year and she is Go Jags but if Jags don t make it she can always fall back on come on Tigers. She said Happy Thanksgiving and she prays everyone have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad and seconded by Mr. McFarland, and the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of November 12, 2024, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8854 authorizing a contract with AHAYAH Community Development Corp for the Monroe Transit Parking Lot Extension Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack vote failed to adopt a Resolution confirming the appointment of Capt. Daniel Overturf as Fire Chief for the City of Monroe. (Ms. Woods, Mr. McFarland, and Mr. Muhammad Nay)
Mr. Roy Davis stated he is retired from the Ouachita Parish Fire Department and currently he is a deputy with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff s Office. He said he has worked alongside Mr. Overturf for many years, and he has watched him go through the process of making people around him better. He said Daniel cares and he believes Daniel will give the people around him opportunities to better themselves through training and those opportunities are to be spread throughout the department. He said he doesn t think they could find a better person to lead the Monroe City Fire Department than him.
Mr. Brian Holmes stated he use to work at the Monroe Fire Department and when he heard Capt. Overturf was about to be Chief he was extremely happy and proud. He said he has been a leader in his eyes and many others. He said his work ethic and everything he taught him he still uses to this day.
Mr. Jeremy Hinton, Ouachita Fire Department, said they had 11 members take the Fire Department Chief test. He said they chose not to support one candidate because they all were good candidates. He said the poll came back 84.84% for Captain Overturf being the Fire Chief and he said he has led a good example on the department, he has good leadership skills, and the membership stands behind him as far as the vote went. He said the department has been held up from being able to move forward just because of the stall in the process. He said if the Council vote no tonight they are further stalling the process that goes along with the Monroe Fire Department and the citizens of Monroe. He said they have things that need to be done, a graduating class that they are postponing strictly for waiting on the fire chief, and a lot of decisions to be made on the firefighters uniform. He stated a no vote tonight would also discredit the next person that s in line and they will never get the same respect of Mr. Overturf because that doubt is always going to be on the mind of the first vote going to the second person.
Mr. Ocie Jones said he is a recently retired 30 year employee of the Monroe Fire Department and he worked behind two chiefs heavily qualified men. He said he has nothing against Daniel Overturf but is the City really making the right decision based on qualification wise? He noted that to take over a Class 1 Fire Department this decision has to be very important. He said District 3 s and the City of Monroe safety relies on it. He said they need to look at the qualifications that met this job requirement. He said he thinks the prolonged process of it has shown that it s not an easy choice. He wanted to know with the Mayor s nomination how did the City get here and does it meet the qualifications.
Captain Brandon Roberts, Monroe Fire Department, said sometimes coming into the fire station is tough when you have older guys and senior members there and they don t know if you can perform up to their standards. He stated Daniel Overturf was just a driver at that time and he was the first one to take him under his wing and teach him how to do the job the right way. He said he is always very quick to encourage you, and he criticize when he needs to but he s never harsh or rude. He said he takes care of people because he cares about people. He said he knows he is the person to take the department further in the future.
Mr. Bill Pearson said he retired from the Fire Department after 25 years and he was Mr. Overturf s direct supervisor for a long time. He said the City will not find a more qualified person or another person that cares about the citizens of this city. He said he also cares about training they will be the best they can be because he knows how to get it out of them.
Mr. Timothy Butcher, New Orleans Fire Department, said Mr. Overturf called and said he needed his support, and he drove four hours to come support him. He said he thinks they have to get away from what is on paper and what they think a person may qualify for by looking at them on paper. He said he feels he enjoyed his time in Monroe, but he wish that it was a more progressive place, and he feels Overturf can push the fireman and the City in that direction. He said he feels that is it has been stagnant for a while and he is the perfect choice.
Lt. Demario Armstrong, Monroe Fire Department, said when looking for a leader everybody wants to lead by title and not by example. He said with Mr. Overturf when it comes to selflessness and being a model he s that type of guy. He said every situation he leads by example, and he is the best person for the job hands down.
Mr. Jeff Bergen, Deputy Chief Monroe Fire Department, stated he is here to give his absolute support for Captain Daniel Overturf to be Fire Chief.
Chief Wink, Monroe Fire Department, said he will continue with the department because of Mr. Overturf because he believes in his leadership. He said for 12 years under Chief Jimmie Bryant he provided a way for them to get training and not just any training.
Ms. Helen Jones Armstrong stated she knows Captain Overturf personally and she wanted everyone to understand how much of an asset Captain Overturf is and will continue to be as Fire Chief. She said he has genuine goal to help other and he has a sincere desire to see Monroe Fire Department thrive. She said no leader knows everything, but great leaders are wise enough to utilize resources and empower teams to succeed and Captain Overturf is that kind of leader.
Captain Chris said he has worked with Captain Overturf 21 years and the Monroe Fire Department has been stagnant for the last decade and it is time for them to have the training they desire. He said to give him a chance is all they are asking and the vote of the majority of the fire department spoke. He said give them what they want that is all they are asking.
Ms. Whitney Carter said when she got hired she got lucky to be put at a station with great guys who took her in and taught her everything she needed to know to succeed. She said she lives in Monroe and this decision affects are personally and Captain Overturf knows this job, community, and he cares about people. She said he is fair, gives equal treatment to everyone, and he gives his respect just as freely. She said he has the training, qualifications, and temperament. She said for him this position is his calling, and he doesn t have to take this position but that is what the department needs.
Ms. Woods thanked everyone for their input.
Mrs. Ezernack stated it is out of order to make a comment, but she wanted to say she appreciated Captain Overturf for coming tonight and she is sorry it turned out like it did.
(Mayor Ellis leaves Council Meeting at 6:46 P.M.)
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Consider twenty-two (22) Renewal Applications for a New 2025 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Consider sixteen (16) Renewal Applications for a New 2025 Class B Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Consider two (2) Renewal Applications for a New 2025 Class C Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Consider one (1) Renewal Applications for a New 2025 Class E Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Consider one (1) Renewal Applications for a New 2025 Class G Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (There were no public comments.)
Mayor s Office:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8855 approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Barry Stevens, President of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, said he is here to speak in favor of the resolution, and this will be the 45th year that the Arts Council has had a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Monroe, and they look forward to continuing that.
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8856 accepting the RFQ Response by Kutchins and Groh L.L.C to provide consulting services for the Monroe Regional Airport and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8857 approving the Monroe Regional Airport s Title VI Plan and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8858 approving the Monroe Regional Airport s Three-Year Airport DBE Goal (2025-2027) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland wanted to know how the City will reach the DBE goal.
Mr. Brandley Kutchins, PE, Managing Principal, stated it is a federally dictated process, and this is for the FAA projects that the City receive each year.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know the City s percentage.
Mr. Kutchins said he believes the percentage for the next three years is 7.43%.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if the federal percentage could go up.
Mr. Kutchins said for the City s local projects that are not federally funded under the FAA airport improvement program they are free to do what they choose to do. He said a federal process is dictated specifically how you go about achieving the goal and setting it.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if that is the minimum goal and can they move that number up.
Mr. Kutchins said there is no way to arbitrarily move that number up it is set by a process based on the requirements to the federal government.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if there is some type of formula they put in for the DBE goal and she noted, for example, New Orleans airport may have a different DBE goal.
Mr. Kutchins said that is correct and it s dependent on the specific projects that are proposed for the three year period. He said it is based the City accomplishments on similar projects and the relative availability of certified DBEs firms. He said there are calculations taken where they average those together and arrive at the project course.
Ms. Woods stated they are looking at DBEs from a regional perspective and they can t go out and search a DBE in another community like New Orleans. She said they were doing a project in North Monroe at the Regional Airport and whoever the contractor is with this cannot go out and search a DBE person that s certified.
Mr. Kutchins said no ma am, that is not what he is saying at all, and the goal is set based on what the City have actually accomplished here on similar projects. He said it is based on the relative availability of DBE contractors in your region set by where your predominant bids come from. He said it is the same 12 parish regions that the DOTD uses for its projects in Northeast Louisiana.
Ms. Woods noted that there is no way ever to increase because if it s based on the accomplishments they are not going to ever exceed those accomplishments. She said they won t be able to look outside of the 12 parish area to try and get more people that might be DBE certified.
Mr. Kutchins said that is not what he is saying, and their contractors are free to bring in any certified DBE contractor that they want and doesn t have to be from Ouachita Parish or one of the other surrounding parishes. He said they just have to be certified in the State of Louisiana but to set the goal there is a federal process that required based on what they have accomplished and the relative availability.
Ms. Woods said she totally understands but she doesn t see how they could ever increase this number if their accomplishments never change if this is what the goal is right here.
Mr. Kutchins said he has seen at this airport that the goal can be set at one level and the contractor brings in more DBE participation. He said which then raises your accomplishments and overall goal.
Mr. McFarland move to amend this motion by passing this item over until the next meeting.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know the deadlines for getting this approved.
Mr. Kutchins said the goals were assembled and put together earlier in the summer and they were to be submitted back in August.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if they are on an extension.
Mr. Kutchins noted they won t be able to receive any federal grants from the airport improvement program until this is submitted.
Ms. Woods wanted to know why the City is on an extension.
Mr. Charles Butcher, Airport Director, stated they went through the process with the committee a couple of times, and they approved it, and he guesses that s why they here now.
Ms. Woods wanted to know why it wasn t done in August.
Mr. Butcher stated they did get an extension, and they are just trying to get to where they can get it approved.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if whatever the Council does right now will be etched in stone for the next three years.
Mr. Kutchins said it is not a contract it is a goal, and this is based on what was anticipated when they went through the capital process with the airport looking forward for the next three years. He said those projects were estimated to be accomplished. He said if new projects come up then they would amend that goal to include those projects.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if they are required by law to put together a three year DBE goal.
Mr. Kutchins said yes in order to qualify for the federal funding program.
Mr. Muhammad second the motion to pass over until the next meeting.
Mr. Harvey wanted to clarify the extension date.
Mr. Butcher said he would have to find that out from the FAA.
Mr. Harvey wanted to know how much funding the City is putting at risk by delaying this.
Mr. Kutchins said there are no guarantees and there s probably 8 to 10 million maybe even more than that s planned just for this fiscal year.
Mr. Harvey wanted to know how much of a risk is the City taking on by moving this if they go another meeting cycle.
Mr. Kutchins said he doesn t have an answer to that question.
Mr. McFarland said the Council needs to study this a little bit more because he doesn t understand why it s been brought to the Council at the ninth hour if it was extended in August. He said it s like they are forcing on the Council, and he is not going to support it. He said they can pass it over until the next meeting or they can kill it tonight, but they have to take another look at this item.
(Mayor Ellis returns to the Council meeting at 7:01p.m.)
Mr. Harvey wanted to know how much discretion do they have with this.
Mr. Kutchins said based on his experience it s a set program.
Mr. Harvey wanted to clarify that the Council doesn t have the ability to arbitrarily set a goal without FAA funding.
Mr. Kutchins stated that is correct. He said he believes it is part 26 of the federal regulations that set out how you go about establishing a goal.
Mrs. Ezernack stated this is the same process that they have undertaken.
Mr. Butcher said yes.
Mr. Kutchins said the last contractor received bids from the taxiway Delta and actually exceeded the goal.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know what caused the contractor to exceed.
Mr. Kutchins said it just happen to be the way the elements of the work he was able to find some certified DBEs that were interested in bidding.
Mr. Muhammad stated the Council is not trying to be difficult they just have to fight in some manner for their DBEs. He said if they to stay the same year in and year out something has to push it up whether they speak out and try to get it up. He said for them to just say this is what it was last year they have to try and see if they can help their DBEs.
Mr. Kutchins said absolutely and the next step after this is the public outreach, and they will host a video conference call.
Mr. Muhammad said that has to be really aggressive to get that outreach because it just hasn t been good here in Monroe.
Mr. Kutchins said he understands the challenge the Council have, and he said he likes it has been so much work out there that the contractors are at capacity DBEs as well as prime contractors. He said the cost of projects have gone sky high. He said he is encouraged by the fact the City had a contractor exceed the goal because he understands that its been difficult. He said for these federal programs in order to qualify as a DBE there s a significant lift that DBE contractors have to go through to get certified. He said there is a whole process with the State that they have to accomplished and the State have to certify you in order for you to be able to count them towards your goals. He said on local funding it s their choice to do it however they want to.
(Mayor Ellis leaves Council meeting at 7:05 p.m.)
Ms. Woods said she would like to see them reach out and try to get some prime minority contractors here and she is sure there are some somewhere. She said it may not be in this immediate area but may be another state. She said they have the same people, and they give the same goal over and over again. She said she thinks enough is enough already and this is a $12 million contract, and the DBE goal is 7%.
Mr. Muhammad noted the feds are setting it.
Ms. Woods said she knows the feds are setting it, but they are talking about their accomplishments, and they can t accomplish it if they can t get more work with these projects.
Mr. Harvey stated is it fair to say the only way the number changes is by routinely exceeding goals.
Mr. Kutchins said he is afraid that is a very true statement, and he knows for a fact the airport has been working very hard with its engineering consultants and architectures. He said not moving forward with this is not going to help you get a higher goal.
Mr. McFarland stated this is the first time this is being brought before the Council. He wanted to know if this is not the deadline and if the Council have more time.
Mr. Kutchins said yes sir, but the risk associated with that is it will impact the federal funding.
Mr. McFarland reiterated why it wasn t bring to the council in August.
Mr. Kutchins said it is not his choice when to bring it.
(Mayor Ellis returns to Council meeting 7:09 p.m.)
Mr. Butcher said he brought it to the DBE committee and that was back when Mr. Kurt Kelly was still doing a lot of that information, but he is not here anymore.
Mrs. Stacy Rowell, Director of Administration, stated they sent it back to whoever does the selection, and they ask them to try to find a different region to help increase the percentage.
(Mr. Muhammad leaves Council meeting 7:10 p.m.)
Mr. Butcher said they looked at some other numbers and brought it back to the DBE committee and this is the goal they approved.
Mrs. Rowell stated they didn t have a choice but to approve it.
Mr. Kutchins said they looked at the goal to go to a statewide region which moved it less than 10th of a percent. He said they talked to the FAA because they didn t want to bring anything to the Council that would jeopardize their position with the federal government. He said the FAA response was the process requires them to use the region where your bidders predominantly come from.
(Mr. Muhammad returns to Council meeting at 7:12 p.m.)
Mr. McFarland said they can t operate like this anymore coming to the Council at the 9th hour to vote on something. He said he is going to withdraw his motion on this matter, but this is not going to happen anymore. He said it should be brought before the Council in a timely manner for them to deliberate over it and then make a very good answer for them all.
Police Department:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8859 declaring certain police equipment surplus property and authorizing its donation to the Town of Rayville/Rayville Police Department and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Consider request from Holyfield Construction for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (2252 Tower Dr., Ste. 103) to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises in the B-3(General Business/Commercial) District. This will be an added use to an existing gift shop (The Trove). The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows this as a Major Conditional Use in the B-3 (General Business/Commercial) District. Major Conditional Uses are 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.
Ms. Lisa Holyfield said she is here just in case someone have any questions, and she said she appreciate the Council consideration to allow them to have a conditional use permit at the Trove. She said they open a restaurant next door called Apparel and because of the wonderful State they had to have it in another section. She said The Trove is an artist market and gift shop, and they would like to have some gift baskets and wine to add to the lifestyle center they are creating on Tower Drive.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to Consider request from D&H Monroe, LLC for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (6010 DeSiard St./104 Kansas Ln.) to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises in the B-2 (Neighborhood Business) District. The applicant proposes to construct a new convenience store/gas station
at this location. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows this as a Major Conditional Use in the B-2 (Neighborhood Business) District. Major Conditional Uses are 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.)
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving an application by Crest Construction to rezone certain property (5.47 acres), amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Martin Litwin, Crest Construction owner, said this is an appeal to accept the rezoning to B4 on this piece of property. He said there were some items addressed on the appeal letter and item number 8 states the rezoning agrees with City of Monroe 2013 Plan. He said for item number 12 he met with engineering and legal to discuss this matter and it was said he would have to do the normal plan review process for this project. He said engineering hadn t seen any plans regarding this and couldn t speak to whether or not it conflicted with anything at this time.
(Mayor Ellis leaves Council Meeting at 7:20 p.m.)
Mrs. Ezernack thanked Mr. Litwin for the renderings.
Mr. Litwin said he has colored copies of the renderings, letters of support from the church board, and from neighbors as well.
Mr. Muhammad noted with Planning and Zoning he sort of trust their decisions and he wanted to know why they denied it.
Mr. McCallister stated the planning commission denied because they are worried he could put an adult use business there and section 37:92 A prohibits this property being use as adult use. He said it is 1000 feet from a residential zoning. He said there is a restriction that can be placed on this if it is approved to be zoned as B4.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to clarify it use to be a church.
Mr. Litwin said yes sir, and it hasn t been keep well over the years and they are no longer holding services there.
Mrs. Ezernack said she thinks the church has been not active well over a year and this is in her district near Loop Road.
Mr. McCallister stated the zoning of a B4 is not in conflict of anything in the area. He said this is for a mini warehouse and office space, however, they discussed a stipulation being placed on this if it is rezoned B4. He said there would be no option for a strip club or anything of that nature to be constructed there. He said in reference to the 2013 Planning Zoning Plan there is a place of property there that is proposed to be commercial business. He said this particular property is residential minimum density and in this plan you see a transition from business to residential. He said to Mr. Litwin point it can be approved to be rezoned but ultimately like any other developer he has to submit a site and building plan review. He said from the Planning and Zoning standpoint and Engineering standpoint he sees no issue with it at all and he is in support of it.
(Mr. Harvey leaves the Council meeting at 7:22 p.m.)
(Mr. Harvey returns to Council meeting at 7:24 p.m.)
Mrs. Ezernack noted she thinks the Council approved something probably within the last 6 to 8 months off Armand which is a little further distance from this location. She said she thinks they required certain landscaping for that particular structure as well. She wanted to clarify that this is the 2013 Comprehension Plan.
Mr. McCallister said that is correct and that is the latest.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if it is in the Council s will house to look at maybe updating that plan. She said there are a lot of different things that have happened in the community and different trends that the Council probably need to address.
Mr. McCallister said he has spoken with the Planning and Zoning Director Shannon Futch about that, and he was first tasked with working with the permitting process and the MGO. He said they want their developers to be able to submit appropriately and then get permitted in a timely fashion. He said there are a lot of ordinance that need to be updated and codes.
Mr. McFarland wanted to be clear what Mr. Litwin is turning Preacher Walker s church into.
Mr. Litwin said an air conditioned mini storage.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know why he kept hearing strip club.
Mr. McCallister noted that was the concern of the Planning Commission and no one proposed a strip club or anything of that nature. He said the ordinance in the code in B4 would allow that type of facility. He said to Mr. Litwin support that it is not what he is proposing but the question is what if he sales and that is why the City is proposing to put a stipulation on there limits that.
Mr. McFarland said he doesn t want to dishonor Pastor Walker because he was a dear friend of his and he would hate the okie dokie to happen.
Mrs. Ezernack said she thinks if the Council amend the ordinance tonight to not permit that to happen on that parcel of property.
Ms. Woods second to amend the ordinance to include the language.
Mr. McFarland wanted to clarify the Council can do that and nobody can come undo that.
Ms. Woods said right it is in the ordinance.
Mr. McFarland said they need to make sure this is clear, and it written correctly for the next Council meeting. He said the next meeting will be the second reading and the adoption of the ordinance. He reiterated he wants to preserve the legacy of Pastor Walker and if they can do that, he is good.
Citizens Participation:
(1) Mr. Lester Pastor, 100 South Pointe Dr., stated the document he passed out to the Council is the Order of Court of Appeal that has not been carried out. He said he spoke before the Mayor and Council members many times on this issue. He further stated Mrs. Kema Dawson his former Council person stated the Council couldn t do anything about the Court Order of Appeal of the record. He said on the Order of Court of Appeal the name Rodney Pierre, City of Monroe attorney, somebody who cannot obey court order making judgement over other people coming to court. He said he was to be in court September 9th, and he subpoenaed the Mayor and most of the City Council and Mr. Pierre dismissed the case. He said he doesn t know if Mr. McFarland and Mr. Muhammad can help him or not.
(The Mayor returns to Council meeting 7:34 p.m.)
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know what he would want him to do.
Mr. Pastor said he want them to bring it to the Council and Mr. Pierre is hired by the Mayor if he can t obey a Court Order it s the Mayor s job to get rid of him. He said if the Mayor can t do that he is asking the Council to overrule the Mayor.
Ms. Woods said the Council is not going to try and solve this at this meeting and she would appreciate if Mr. Pastor and Mr. Muhammad would have a conversation.
Mr. Muhammad said what he is getting is Mr. Pastor would like his day in court.
Mr. Pastor said exactly.
Mrs. Stacy Rowell, Director of Administration, stated the case has been dismissed.
Mr. Pastor noted he want the rule of law not to be overlooked.
(2) Mr. Jermy Hinton stated several weeks ago the Council passed over a candidate because they didn t have time to vet him. He wanted to know how many of the Council members reached out to the candidate who was offered up for the Fire Chief today. He said he knows Mr. Harvey was the only one who reached out and the Council argument before was they didn t have time vet somebody and yet they didn t choose to make time to vet somebody. He said there are a lot of rumors that there may be some agendas behind all this whether there is or not the Council passed up a good candidate. He said by doing so the next candidate chosen no matter who it is they are not going to have the respect of the men and that means the world to their department. He said they have gone through leadership before where they didn t have respect, and the Council is setting them up for failure by doing it again. He said he spoke with Mr. McFarland that stated a lot of folks were against the candidate maybe so, but he doubts it.
(Mayor return to the Council meeting 7:34 p.m.)
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if Mr. Hinton was calling him a liar.
Mr. Hinton said no sir.
Mr. McFarland noted that it is want he just said, and he thanked him for his comment.
Mr. Hinton wanted to know how many calls did the Council get.
Mr. Muhammad stated he doesn t want to know what type of call he got. He said he had a conversation with the Mayor, and he would hope the Mayor would explain what happened to him today from a phone call.
There being no further business to come before the council, the Chairman wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and adjourned the meeting at 7:40 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.
