City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
October 11, 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 Chairman Kema Dawson, called the meeting to order. She then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Ms. Woods, Mr. Marshall, & Mrs. Dawson
There was absent: Mrs. Ezernack
Chairman Dawson announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Mr. Harvey or his designee.
The Invocation was led by City Engineer Mr. Morgan McCallister.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ACCOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey extended his condolences to the family of Dr. Gerald Long and Ms. Dianne Cage. He said the City has lost to people that have made a huge impact in our community.
Ms. Woods thanked everyone for coming out this evening and she wanted to express her condolences to the McClinton family. She wanted to welcome the new senior pastor of the New James Saint Baptist Church Pastor Samuel Andrews. She welcomed the Legislative Delegation officials Senator Katrina Jackson, Representative Patricia Moore, and Representative Adrian Fisher.
Mr. Marshall thanked everyone for coming out and he expressed his condolences to the Key s family. He said Samuel S. Keys was struck on his bike in a hit and run accident. He did not survive. Mr. Marshall said a lot of people ride motorized bikes around town, but they should be equipped for safety.
Mrs. Dawson welcomed the elected official that were in the audience. She wanted to express her condolences to the family of Sharon Smith and Thomas Wiley. On another note, she wanted to put on record that she is not blocking the Southside Economic Development District TIF agreement from being put on the agenda. She stated the Mayor made the proposal to SEDD not the City Council and the Council doesn t work out final agreements, it has to be approved by the administration.
Mayor Friday Ellis expressed his condolences to the Cage and the Long family, and he welcomed our elected officials to be a part of tonight’s Council Meeting. He said the Monroe Fire Department did an outstanding job on their Fire Extravaganza. He stated the 2nd Annual Picnic in the Park was a success and he wanted to thank the community members and vendors that made it special. Mayor Ellis announced the next Healthy Funroe event will be a movie in the park on October 20th at the Charles Johnson Park. He said for more details on social media search Healthy Funroe and they have a lot of events lined up that will be family friendly. He noted the South Grand and Lee Avenue sidewalks and road improvements ribbon cutting will be on October 24th. He said the ribbon cutting for the frontage road I-20 District will also be on October 24th and the times will be posted on the City s page. He said on November 1st we will welcome Governor John Bel Edwards to the City of Monroe to announce a partnership with the State and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He said this will be a catalyst project that will help the community grow for years to come. He further noted on November 3rd he will be hosting the Transportation Conference alongside Senator Bill Cassidy and other elected officials to discuss the future of passenger rail. On another note, the Mayor presented Barry Stevens, President of Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, a proclamation for the National Arts and Humanities month.
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
1. 408 North 22nd Street (D3) (Owner Reginald Dewayne Brown) Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 90 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot.
Ms. Ellen Hill, Director of Planning & Urban Development, stated this is an open and burnt dilapidated structure, and a hazard to the community. They are asking that the property be condemned, and owner given 30 days.
Mr. Reginald Brown, 4015 Sterlington Drive, said he will tear the structure down, but he is asking for more time. He said he has boarded the house until it s time to demolish it.
Ms. Woods motion to condemn the property giving the owner 90 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the code or demolish the structure and clean the lot.
2. 1700 Louisville Avenue (D3) (Owner Louisiana CVS Pharmacy LLC) Notice to show cause was served. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot.
Ms. Hill stated this is the old CVS pharmacy building with busted glass which is a hazard to the community. She said the staff has worked hard to speak with the owner of CVS but there has been no response. She further stated they are asking that the property be condemned, and owner given 30 days for a quicker response.
Ms. Woods said it is an eye sore to the community and definitely a hazard. She motion to condemn the property giving the owner 30 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with code or demolish the structure and clean the lot.
Mr. Harvey wanted to know if the property shares the same parcel.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, Assistant City Attorney, stated it is a separate parcel, tiny tract of land, that at one point was owned by a different pharmacy that later CVS acquired. He further stated for the record if it is a CVS related entity, they have been notified according to the discussions with Code Enforcement.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if CVS has ever occupied this building.
Mr. Creekbaum said to his knowledge no, it was acquired in a run-down state and has become further dilapidated.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8376 accepting the bid of Michael DeWayne Wilson, in the amount of $80,063.50 for the 4101 South Grand Street Home Rehabilitation Project, and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said services. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8377 accepting the bid of Perspective Building Solutions, in the amount of $51,766.80 for the 416 South 23rd Street Home Rehabilitation Project, and further authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a contract for said services. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods wanted to congratulate Ms. Ellen Hill and her team for getting these projects moving forward.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8378 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Twin City Art Foundation (pARTy 318) 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 Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8379 asking the Mayor of the City of Monroe to reconsider the SEDD s response to the Mayor s offer of a TIF to the SEDD and further providing with respect thereto. (Mr. Harvey Nay)
Mrs. Dawson said due to the proposed TIF agreement expiring the council has been asked to remove item (b) from the agenda.
Mr. Harvey motion to remove item (b) from the agenda.
Mrs. Dawson asked for a second to Mr. Harvey s motion.
Mr. Marshall said he has a second, but he wanted to make sure the public is aware of the meeting scheduled for next week with SEDD and the Mayor.
Ms. Woods wanted to clarify that the TIF agreement has been taken off the table.
Mrs. Dawson stated it has expired.
Ms. Woods noted she wasn t aware there was an expiration on the TIF agreement.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, Assistant City Attorney, said the Mayor sent a letter to SEDD to inform them that the TIF agreement is available until 5pm yesterday afternoon and if it was not accepted by 5pm the proposal would no longer be valid, it was not accepted by 5pm.
Ms. Woods said the Resolution was put on the agenda for the council to have a conversation and she doesn t understand why it is being removed.
Mr. Harvey noted the agreement is expired.
Ms. Woods wanted to verify if there is an agreement out there for SEDD now.
Mrs. Dawson said no.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the meeting with the Mayor has already been scheduled.
Mayor Friday Ellis noted SEDD is setting up the meeting with Ms. Lynda McMahan the Executive Assistant to the Mayor.
Mr. Marshall said he wants to give the public an opportunity to speak, and he wanted everyone to know it has been a lot dealing with this item. He said the Council has been in the midst of this agreement for a long time but there was a deadline given. He wanted to know what needs to be done in order for the public to be able to represent themselves.
Mr. Creekbaum stated there isn t a motion on the table for anyone to speak.
Mr. Marshall stated he knows there isn t a motion on the table, but he doesn t want this to be the end of the conversation. He said he knows there is a meeting that is supposed to be scheduled but he isn t sure if it has been scheduled yet.
Mr. Creekbaum stated Mr. Harvey has made a motion but he wanted to verify if Mr. Marshall second the motion.
Mr. Marshall stated he doesn t want to second the motion until he understands the procedure of what actions can be taken. He wanted to clarify if he second the motion will the public still be able to speak on the item.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the motion is to remove the item from the agenda and the public will be able to speak on whether or not the item should be removed.
Mrs. Dawson said the item is on the agenda as of now, but it has expired, and she is unsure the reason the public would need to comment.
Mr. Harvey stated his motion is on the table because it is asking the Council to consider an expired agreement.
Mr. Creekbaum noted if no one second the motion it will die for a lack of a second.
Mrs. Dawson second Mr. Harvey s motion to remove item (b) from the agenda.
Mr. Creekbaum wanted to clarify for the audience that the item on the agenda that has been moved and second, for which public comment is allowed, is for whether or not the item should be moved from the agenda. He said it is not on the merits of Resolution or the underlying substance of the Resolution and the comments should be related to the motion.
Mr. Marty Campbell, 2411 Grammont Street, said he believes this item should not be removed from the agenda because a new agreement has been offered. He said SEDD has been in negotiation with this TIF for over a year and the Mayor promised to give SEDD the same TIF that was given to the Downtown Economic Development District. He noted the Mayor added the only way he would give SEDD a TIF is if they give up their taxing ability which was given to them by the State Legislative. He said they never came to an agreement, but the Mayor has not kept his word concerning the TIF. He further noted he respects the Mayor and all the councilmembers, but they must honor their word that they gave SEDD at the initial meeting.
Senator Katrina R. Jackson said she understands the councilmembers have never seen this item on the agenda. She wanted to thank Councilwoman Woods because she asked in a public meeting that this be placed on the agenda. She said she read a letter from Mr. Tony Little, SEDD Chairman, in response to the Mayor s offer for a TIF and SEDD asked for additional time. She said she is unsure if the City received the letter but from reading it from her phone seems it was emailed in a timely manner. She noted she has been helping to push this agreement for 2 years because she has constituents in Districts 3, 4, and 5. She further noted she has been more involved as a State Legislator and State Senator than she has ever had to be involved on a subject matter of local content. She said the City Council took upon itself to place this item on the agenda for a Resolution and directing this Administration to remove the language that prohibits and disenfranchises voters in Districts 3, 4, and 5 from helping themselves. She said if they couldn t get it done in 2 years, she is asking the Council to help get it done. She said she understands the Council doesn t negotiate TIFs, but they have the ability to put items on the agenda. She said she sees the right to vote as a sacred right that should never be negotiated away in any agreement and to ask SEDD to negotiate away a constitutional right of a people is grossly unfair. She stated the second issue was whether or not SEDD projects had to be approved, where they would come from, and what projects SEDD wanted or didn t want. She said they are an appointed board but at what point do we trust the people we appoint to make things happen. She said with the extent of the City Council s power and duties she would like the City Council to get involved. She said she doesn t think it should be removed from the agenda because she thinks it s long overdue.
Representative Pat Moore, 300 Washington Street Suite 8, stated her constituents in Districts 4 and 5 wanted her to come represent them. She said the officials canceled a meeting that was scheduled tonight with the Louisiana Legislated Black Caucus to talk about things going on in our community. She said we have so many issues, but this is one of the issues. She said the City has to be unified, there is too much going on in our community. She said we have businesses South of Monroe, but we need more. She said when you go through our neighborhood you see horrible living conditions, vulnerable African American males with lack of hope, and our education system beginning to crumble. She said in order for serious business to be taken care of we should move forward.
Representative Adrian Fisher, 6706 Cypress Point Drive, said he is here to stand with SEDD and to suggest the Mayor and City Council work with SEDD to move forward. He said if SEDD moves forward we all can move forward because we are one city.
Mr. Roosevelt Wright Jr., SEDD, 2406 Oak Street, said for many years the African American community has struggled to try and get things done in their neighborhoods. He noted last year SEDD was to take all of the problems that they see on the Southside and assemble 22 of our best thinkers to see what can be done to solve the entire problem which they called the Southside Dream. He said the community wants the prospect of being able to solve their own problems, if necessary. He said the City right now has a strategic plan that is geared towards fixing downtown and everything is going North. He said everything that is being done South is basically patching things but no major investments. He noted SEDD is challenging the City to make some investments in South Monroe. He further noted the Mayor gave a proposal last year in July to get some money to help but the Mayor said if the members even vote in the meeting to have a tax, then the proposal is off the table. He said there are 47 projects they would like to get done but it starts with the City Council. He said they didn t act on the Mayor s offer but sent the Mayor their request. He said on August 8th SEDD sent the council members of South Monroe what they would like for them to negotiate with the Mayor and have it put back on the agenda. He said he understands they can t force that, but the South side council members have three votes out of five.
Ms. Woods proposed the council rewrite the Resolution to delete the TIF agreement from July 2021 and add the one for August 8th for consideration.
Mr. Harvey said why would the Council remove one and bring another one back. He said the Resolution right now is asking the council to consider an expired agreement.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the Resolution requires no action from anyone and it is a request from the Council for the Mayor to reconsider a position on an agreement that is expired.
Ms. Woods said the Mayor had a position on the agreement before it expired.
Mrs. Dawson stated she thinks the wording of the Resolution has to be changed to make it effective for an expired TIF agreement.
Ms. Woods said the wording in the Resolution already addresses the August 8th Resolution.
Mr. Creekbaum said he doesn t think Mr. Harvey has withdrawn his motion.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if she could make a substitute motion.
Mr. Creekbaum said Ms. Woods can attempt to make a substitute motion but she has to receive favorable passage with permission to make a substitute motion. He said the Council could take a vote on Mr. Harvey s motion and if it doesn t pass, other motions can be made but there are several options available.
Ms. Woods stated she is attempting to do a substitute motion to the amendment that is already on the table.
Mr. Creekbaum noted her substitute motion would be to Mr. Harvey s motion which is to remove this item from the agenda.
Mrs. Dawson stated the Council needs to deal with the motion that is on the table or let the Mayor speak on the item.
Mr. Harvey stated the substance of the agreement doesn t change and the TIF agreement for August 8th expired on Monday therefore his motion still stands.
Mr. Creekbaum said the Mayor s proposal in general expired on Monday whether SEDD responded or not.
Mrs. Dawson wanted to clarify with the Mayor if there will be a meeting with SEDD next week to discuss possibly putting the TIF back on the table.
Mayor Friday Ellis said yes there will be a meeting, and when the administration met with SEDD for the first time it was because SEDD was trying to raise a half cent sales tax in South Monroe in the middle of a pandemic. He said SEDD has no projects put forward for funding and his biggest problem was a year later gas prices would be through the roof. He said that was an extra burden he didn t want our people to go through if the City can give them a guaranteed funding source for South Monroe. He said the very first-time administration sat at the table with SEDD they offered a TIF, but it came back negotiating the date the TIF would start. He said SEDD has always had the ability to tax for 20 years but can t name one resident that has benefited from the $750,000.00 that SEDD has received in funding. He noted he chooses to work with the City Council to steer those dollars through their districts to move projects with the City of Monroe. Mayor said he will continue to work with SEDD and meet with them about the SEDD tax, but the City is in the middle of a budgeting session those dollars have to go toward projects.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if public comment was closed.
Mr. Creekbaum noted it s up to the Chairman.
Ms. Woods said she would like to hear want Ms. Jacobs has to say.
Ms. Sonya Jacobs, 700 University Avenue, stated Mayor Ellis said he is concerned about the poor, and we have all heard the Mayor propose the question to name one resident that has benefited from the amount of money SEDD has received. She said she is also concerned about the poor and for 2 years the community has been begging the administration but can t name one black owned business that has benefited from the 47 plus million dollars that the City is spending on the water treatment plant. She said the $47 million is a debt imposed on the people and people are paying that back. She said the water rates did not decrease but they are paying that back for good reasons. She noted she advocates for the poor black businesses in this area, and they are spending nearly $50 million but they are not getting the first project.
Mrs. Dawson asked Ms. Riley, City Council Clerk, to call for the vote.
(Vote: Mr. Marshall nay, Mr. Harvey aye, Ms. Woods nay, and Mrs. Dawson nay.)
(Motion to remove Resolution fail)
Mrs. Dawson wanted to know if Ms. Woods would like to amend what is in the Resolution to go along with an expired agreement now that it is on the table.
Ms. Woods said the language of the Resolution remains the same, but she wants to propose the August 8th TIF agreement be submitted into the Resolution for the Mayor s consideration.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the Resolution is a request to the Mayor to reconsider his position based on what SEDD presented to him. He further stated there is no binding act and the Mayor is not required to do anything.
Mr. Marshall second Ms. Woods motion to adopt this amended Resolution.
Mr. Campbell, SEDD, said he was not a part of the SEDD board 20 years ago but since he has been a part of SEDD he has worked tirelessly for free for District 3, 4, and 5. He said they ve had a meeting with the CEO of Pepsi to bring a warehouse with 200 plus jobs and a Chick Fil A representative called him directly to bring a Chick Fil A to District 5. He said SEDD can t produce a project without information and SEDD took the tax off the table to work with the Mayor. He said they didn t come to an agreement concerning this TIF and there have been lies told concerning the Mayor, the City Council and SEDD. He said the Mayor didn t tell SEDD they could not lend money to small business because the TIF is for infrastructure only. He noted the Mayor did not choose SEDD projects and Mrs. Dawson has not fought against SEDD.
Mr. Charles Theus, Executive Director for SEDD, said last month SEDD received $6,000 to pay bills, other expenses, and to do other things. He said since he has been with SEDD they received $60,000 the first year, $72,000 the next year, and the highest year $104,000 but have only had the tax since 2018. He said SEDD has over $300,000 in the bank and seems some people are saying the money is being missed handled. He noted they have sponsored 8 cleanup operations, sponsored with banks, and a partnership with ULM. He said he worked with SEDD 2 years for free, but he questioned how many people benefited from the other TIFs in the City of Monroe. He further noted the Mayor has agreed to meet with SEDD but wants to make sure SEDD and the Administration met in good spirits.
Mr. Roosevelt Wright Jr., SEDD, noted the Resolution the Council has before them now is to consider the TIF request from SEDD. He said the Mayor made an offer in July and SEDD requested a guaranteed million dollars a year to go towards South side infrastructure related projects. He said the second request was that there would be no restriction on the District being able to pass a tax in the future. He said the third request that the Mayor wouldn t have anything in the agreement where the money can only be transferred by having the Mayor signature to do it. He further noted SEDD is requesting to be able to pick their own projects and requesting the Mayor s offer be put on paper. He said they are asking for the Council s support for the request and to work together to make it happen.
Ms. Marie Brown, 1002 South 5th Street, said she heard the Mayor say he is concerned about residents taxing themselves and wanted to thank him for his concern. She said she is concerned about people sitting at a bus stop with no shed and sitting their feet in the dirt. She said she is concerned about parks in the community that have no play equipment and the five million dollars given to Forsythe for tennis, but no tennis courts given to the Southside.
Ms. Woods wanted to be clear what motion is on the floor at this time.
Mr. Creekbaum stated the motion on the table is to approve the Resolution that is in the Council s Packet that is a request to Mayor Ellis to reconsider SEDD s response to his TIF proposal which requires no action by the Mayor. He further stated the second part of the Resolution is a request that the Mayor speak to the councilmembers about the terms of both agreements.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously denied to consider an application by Family Dollar Stores of LA, LLC dba Family Dollar#20834, 1421 Winnsboro Rd, Monroe LA 71202 for a New 2022 Class D Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared) (This item was passed over at the last meeting.)
Ms. Khana Hall, 10 Kathy Lane, said she wanted to revisit some of the data from last council meeting on this item. She said last meeting she stated there were about eight alcohol retailers, but it is actually about 19 on the Southside. She said this permit will not add any more jobs, but it will place an alcohol retailer in one of the few shopping places that doesn t sale alcohol. She said there is lack of business diversity South of Monroe and when there is a high saturation of alcohol retailers it can be a deterrent to future businesses. She asked the council members to consider if this permit will help or hurt the constituents, the crime rate, business diversity, or the high amount of alcohol related accidents. She said at the last meeting Mr. Harvey provided feedback that there is no CAP on how many alcohol retailers the Southside can have but just because you can do something, doesn t mean you should.
Ms. Vee Wright, 415 Gulpha Drive West Monroe, said she drew a map of the area where Dollar General is located. She said the map shows all the purveyors of alcoholic beverages on that strip of Winnsboro Road and the map shows there are already five businesses that sale alcohol in that area. She said to have another alcohol retailer is not necessary and this is a community trying to come out of decline that need wholesome businesses.
Mr. Harvey stated for clarity the business is Family Dollar and he asked Mr. Creekbaum to speak on any legal consequences or feedback that Family Dollar provided since last Council Meeting.
Mr. Creekbaum noted Chapter 4 of the City Ordinance are the alcohol licensing and permitting that exhaustive list of criteria that makes someone eligible for a permit such as good character morals, current on sales tax, and can t be within certain distance of schools, playgrounds, or churches. He said one of the commenters with Family Dollar noted there is no distance or CAP limitations on this particular type of business in any District in the City of Monroe. He said the set of criteria that this Council has adopted is mirrored on State law and the required set which is designed to be neutral criteria. He further noted the Council runs the risk when they don t follow those neutral criteria and Family Dollar has stated this is something they are doing in stores nationwide. He said according to Family Dollar this is not a preeminent part of their business model, but they want to keep consistent with that business model and have this permit to be able to sell again. He said it will be low alcoholic content only wine and beer.
Mrs. Dawson wanted to know if the council denies this permit will Family Dollar still put alcohol in other stores in Monroe.
Mr. Creekbaum said yes, this is a part of Family Dollar s new marketing and business plan.
Mrs. Dawson wanted to know the legal implications if the Council votes no to this permit.
Mr. Creekbaum said he can t speak to what actions Family Dollar will or won t take. He wanted to reiterate the Council has a set of neutral criteria and if the Council decision is not based on those criteria, they run the risk of someone claiming that the denial of a permit is arbitrary and capricious.
Mr. Marshall said he doesn t see it as arbitrary because there are other dollar stores that are trying to model the same thing. He said when you already have an influx of liquor stores in the area, it raises concerns.
Ms. Woods noted Dollar General, and Dollar Stores are typically in low-income areas therefore we have to think about the people they are serving.
Mr. Carl Pickens, 10 Kathy Lane, suggested the City Council keep the Family dollar and Dollar General family oriented for the community. He said beer and wine is still alcohol and there is enough alcohol in the community.
Ms. Avis Carol, 1713 South 6th Street, said she is here representing the Carroll Group for Health and Equity Advocacy and Research. She said if we need to talk about extenuating circumstances of why the Family Dollar should not have a liquor license is because there is already an influx of liquor stores. She noted it is located next to Minnie Ruffin Elementary School, Martin Luther King Middle School, Wossman High School, and several churches. She stated although the Ordinance states that there should be a certain amount of feet and it does meet that requirement, it’s still too close. She further noted there is a lot of littering of beer cans and wine bottles on the Southside that kids have access too. She said there is data that suggest kids are receiving alcohol from individuals who are older than them. She said people stand outside and loiter which can bring more danger to our kids.
Ms. Latonya Owens, 402 Oak Grove Road, said the Care Community Youth Survey is conducted every two years in grades 6th ,8th ,10th , and 12th. She said the survey ask kids what different activity they see in their area and a lot of the kids say they have fake ids where they go into a store and purchase alcohol. She said she has a Student Ambassador Program, and she sees the struggle of alcohol with the kids families every day. She said it is hurting families, putting people in prison, and killing people with high crash rates.
Mr. Verbon Muhammad, 203 Marx Street, said he is a true resident of the Southside, and he can walk to any business on Winnsboro Road. He said the 76-convenience store just opened on Winnsboro Road sells plenty of alcohol. He said the dollar stores may have an agenda, but we should be more proactive in our community. He said he is asking the City Council to turn down this permit.
Ms. Brown said if the Council cares about District 3, 4, 5 they do not need another liquor store. She said if the Council wants to see their districts improve, they will start putting businesses in the District that make a difference. She said children go to the dollar store by themselves and they are creating things to look like alcohol. She said the community knows the rules and regulations, but the Council has the power to not do it. She said the community has had two years with this administration and there is no healthy food or whole foods coming to the District.
Attorney Breshatta Davis, 8 Charmandale Drive, stated she lived on the Southside of Monroe all her life and as a child that grew up on the Southside of Monroe, they could only afford to go to the dollar store the last thing she would ve seen there was alcohol. She said every day in here compacity as a criminal defense attorney she is faced with children in the community that have made decisions under the influence of alcohol and drugs. She said she sees the crime every day and if the City is concerned about the crime, kids do not need more access to drugs and alcohol, they need resources.
Mr. Harvey voted nay but asked that the Council make sure the laws reflect their decision because if not they will get this version of the conversation again. He said to what the Legal Department concern was the Council isn t acting arbitrarily.
Mr. Creekbaum noted other cities have acted on moratoriums and that is something that can be brought up if that is the City Council s wishes. He further stated his point was to inform them that there is no moratorium at this time.
Mr. Harvey said he appreciates that, and the community has been clear on what they want.
Ms. Woods said she will talk to the Legal Department to bring some legislation that will put a moratorium on alcohol being sold on the Southside of Monroe.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to consider request from the Planning & Urban Development Department for Council approval for an authorized City representative to advertise for bids for the 808 North 33rd Street Home Rehabilitation Project. The source of funds is CDBG Funds, and the Purchasing Division is also requesting that the bid bond requirements, per the City of Monroe s Purchasing Policy, be waived for the said project. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to consider request from the Planning & Urban Development Department for Council approval for an authorized City representative to advertise for bids for the 260 Oregon Trail Home Rehabilitation Project. The source of funds is CDBG Funds, and the Purchasing Division is also requesting that the bid bond requirements, per the City of Monroe s Purchasing Policy, be waived for the said project. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to consider request from the Planning & Urban Development Department for Council approval for an authorized City representative to advertise for bids the 301 Bell Avenue home Rehabilitation Project. The source of funds is CDBG Funds, and the Purchasing Division is also requesting that the bid bond requirements, per the City of Monroe s Purchasing Policy, be waived for the said project. (There were no public comments.) (Note: Address number typo 301 Bell Avenue should be 302 Bell Avenue.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8380 authorizing Oliver Ellis, Mayor to enter into and execute a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the City of Monroe and Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) AHAYAH Community Development Corporation, Inc. in the amount of $48,385.65 from HOME M-21MC-22-0206 and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mayor s Office:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8381 approving and authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Friends of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8382 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to submit an application for state financial assistance to the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Division of Aviation (La Dotd) for the Monroe Regional Airport and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Vee Wright, 415 Gulpha Drive West Monroe, wanted to know how the funds will be used and how much money will be requested.
Ms. Dorea Elmadih, Director of Operations, said the money will be used for a road that aircrafts can safely taxi to meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. She said the aircrafts use the perimeter road to taxi into the movement area which is not allowed by the FAA safety division.
Ms. Wright wanted to know the amount of money that will be requested.
Ms. Elmadih, said she is not sure, but it is predicted to be a million dollars.
Ms. Wright wanted to know if the million dollars will be the proposed cost or the proposed asked.
Ms. Elmadih said it is the proposed cost for one of the projects.
Ms. Wright questioned how the application will be submitted but Ms. Elmadih doesn t know the requested amount yet.
Mr. Creekbaum stated this is an application for a pot of money that already exist, and the City will withdraw what they can from that pot.
Mayor Ellis stated the City is applying for the funds and the FAA and DOTD will tell the City how much they will award towards the process. He further stated this is to get approval to apply for funds.
Mrs. Stacy Rowell, Director of Administration, noted the Grant that will be awarded has to come before the City Council to be accepted.
Ms. Angelina Bryant, 508 Columbia Avenue, said the Mayor and the City Council aren t doing anything for the Booker T. area. She said they are not helping the elderly, sick, or the disabled and all the money is going to Neville High School area. She said she has lived in the Booker T. area 27 years, and she has never seen the Mayor in that area.
Mrs. Dawson explained she can express her concern at Citizen s Participation.
Judge Benjamin Jones asked the Chairman to give Ms. Nell Calloway, Executive Director for the Chennault Aviation Military Museum, the opportunity to speak about the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement item (a) under Mayor s Office. (There were no objections from the Council.)
Ms. Nell Calloway, Highway 165 Monroe, LA, thanked the City for their support and she said because of the City s support the Chennault Aviation is able to continue the veterans programs. She said they will be receiving a brand-new van for the disabled Veteran s Association, start trips back to Mississippi for the VA hospital, the PTSD group have started coming back to the museum, and there are six Veteran s Oral History Programs scheduled for this month.
Police Department:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved a Resolution No. 8383 authorizing the donation of one (1) Monroe Police Department Unit, specifically, Unit #2524, 2014 Dodge Charger, to the Monroe Marshal s Office and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Citizen s Participation:
(1.) Mr. Michael Castor, 3408 Garden Avenue, said he is proud of what the City Council did on tonight and they stopped bad things from coming to our community. He said the SEDD TIF agreement has to be passed and the community needs help on the South and the East side. He noted the City Council should help the people who helped them get in office.
(2.) Ms. Kenya Roberson, Executive Director of the Black Chamber of Commerce, said she would like to applaud the Council on what they have done tonight, and it will help the community. On another note, She said she received a call last Wednesday which stated that she represents the Chamber, but she raises hell at the City Council meeting. She said she knows she has never come before this administration and the Council while representing the Black Chamber raising hell. She said a Chamber of Commerce comes to represent for businesses and the community to make sure their voices are heard.
(3.) Representative Patricia Moore wanted to thank the City Council and Ms. Ellen Hill on the things they are doing trying to keep our community clean. She said she has sent the councilmembers pictures of illegal dumping and she is asking the City Council to consider going into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury because on a lot of the parish streets there is illegal dumping. On another note, she said there is now a quick truck parking area on 165 and 18-wheeler drivers can pay a small fee to park their trucks. She said she also sent the councilmembers pictures of illegal 18-wheelers parking in front of Burger King, McDonald, and hotels on 165 South. She said as a State Representative she had the Department of Transportation and Development to put up a sign to say no parking. She said they are trying to help people become first time home buyers, but it is hard when we look at all the illegal dumping and other things that have been mentioned. She said the last thing she wants to mention is they are looking to bring a healthy grocery store to Monroe and hopefully it will be coming soon.
(4.) Ms. Vee Wright, 415 Gulpha Drive West Monroe, said some of the Councilmembers may wonder why she speaks at the City Council Meeting when she lives in West Monroe, but it is because she grew up in Monroe, but it is not the same community she grew up in. She said when she comes to the meeting to speak, it s because she wants to help make her community become a better place. She noted once Monroe is livable enough for her to come back, maybe once SEDD agreement will go through, she will because she refuses to live North of Louisville. She wanted to thank the Council for serving as their elected officials but wanted to remind them they were put into office by We the People. She further noted she wants to encourage all the council members to be respectful to the citizens.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:09p.m., upon motion of Mr. Harvey and it was seconded by Mr. Marshall.
Mrs. Kema Dawson
Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
