City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
October 24, 2023
6:00 p.m.
The Honorable Chairman Ezernack, 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 Ezernack announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by her designee.
The Invocation was led by Mr. Arthur Hollins.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ms. Woods said good evening to everyone, and she gave her condolences to the Wilson family that lost a 14-year-old on Saturday evening. She said her heart is heavy, and she said she had the opportunity to speak to Ms. Wilson who is in good spirits. She stated no mother is in a good place when losing their 14-year-old son. She asked everyone to keep the family lifted in prayer and to just know the City of Monroe has a serious issue that needs to be dealt with. She stated to many young people are being killed for whatever the reasons are, and it is something that has to be dealt with as a city. She further stated she would like to acknowledge the Gholston family and the young lady (Ms. Evandia Gholston) was celebrating her 15 year class reunion at Carroll High School and she was also a victim. She noted it is a sad day in our city when we have to deal with this but in the spirit of Carroll High School 70th Homecoming it was a beautiful celebration. She further noted the incidents were something totally separate from the Homecoming celebration. She said these are the things the City has to be mindful of and she has had conversations with Chief Victor Zordan, Chief of Police, about a community meeting in the Booker T. area that will be coming very soon. On another note, she said there are a lot of dark spaces that are continuing to persist in our district, and you will see yellow ribbons everywhere and they are asking energy to get out there and make it right. She said for the City to work towards mitigation of getting rid of some of the crime in our community. Ms. Woods presented to the City of Monroe the Carroll High School Homecoming Queen, and her Royal Court and gave a special presentation. She said this is a group of beautiful young ladies who have done an extremely good job and are well deserved for this particular presentation. Dr. Monohn Prud homme announced the names of the Carroll High School Queen and her royal court. Miss Carroll Tayler Epting, Miss Football Sweetheart Za Kayla Williams, Miss Senior Mahogani Billups, Miss Senior Maid Katelyn Harris, Miss Sophomore Xoey Sule , Miss Sophomore Maid Laila Robinson, Miss Freshman Joy Higgins, Miss Freshman Maid Brooklyn Griffin, Miss Carroll Spirit Fantasia Standberry, and Miss Blue Ma Kayla Gaddis.
(Mr. Harvey arrives to City Council meeting at 6:06 p.m.)
Mr. Marshall thanked everyone for coming out to the City Council meeting. He expressed his condolences to the Wilson family, and he said this situation is something that has been plaguing the City for a while. He said a lot of people look at it as just current situations, but this has been a cycle for generations. He said he has been in the mist of it as a child and some of the same situations are happening. He stated there have been meetings with community leaders to discuss what can be done and he has pondered over the years what the City can do. He noted the City have a lot of conversations but it s a holistic approach. He said the City has to look at the family dynamics, educational dynamics, and living arrangements all the way up to the administration and it is a continuous effort. He said when things flare up we get a little engaged and then when it dies down we pull back and focus on other things. He said the City can t pull back it has to be a continuous effort to make sure we are creating opportunities, providing resources, and counseling families and children. He said it is going to die down and a few years later it is going to happen again. He said when he was coming up, the City had a drug problem, and it was chaos everywhere. He stated it really doesn t matter if it is a one parent home, it s a little harder struggle but there are a lot of different dynamics. He further stated we don t know what is going on with those kids and what they are dealing with. He said he had a situation a couple weeks ago, at the store some of the kids he coach was trying to steal some chips. He said the guy was about to call the police, but he told him he would take care of it. He said he took them somewhere to talk to them and the smallest one in the group, 13-years-old, pants were sagging, and he assumed he had the chips anyway, but it was a 9millimeter. He said he asked him why he was toting the gun, and he said he has to protect himself. He stated what do you have to protect yourself from at 13-years-old and He said these are the questions the City have to ask these kids because we do not know what they are dealing with. He said a lot of them are out there fending for themselves. He said it hurts every time someone falls victim to gun violence or any type of violence. He further stated it takes us all working together to get it right and that is the only way it is going to happen. He said we can agree to disagree on somethings and the City have a lot of organizations doing great things, but we have to support them. He said when the City provides something for the kids to do there is no support. He said it is a holistic approach and everybody has to be involved and we are trying to do what we can do to change things. He noted it takes a village and we have to be able to step back and allow someone else to pick up where we are weak. He said everyone have strengths and weaknesses and don t be afraid to sit down and have conversations that will better the community, if that is what it takes. He said regardless of our differences the City will continue to do whatever we can, and he will continue to work with the community, administration, and the Council whatever they have to do to better the situations for our communities. On another note, he said it was in the Monroe Dispatch that there have been some concerns with the levee and those who own property. He said years ago the Levee District purchased a right of way for the levee those that purchased property weren t aware of how much land the Levee District has a right of way too. He said some areas go up to the house if not into the house and the integrity of the levee is very important to the Army Corp of Engineers and the Levee District. He said it is a situation where if something happens to the levee it is possible you could be asked to remove part of the stuff on your property or the whole structure. He said a long the levee a lot of things have been built, some up to the slope of the levee and some in the slope of the levee. He said within the next couple of years there is going to be an inspection by the Army Corp of Engineers and if anyone is deemed unacceptable they could fail the levee inspection. He said a number of things can happen such as insurance rates may skyrocket, and people can lose their homes. He noted they are working with Administration, Army Corp of Engineers, and Tensas Basin Levee District to see how the City can work with the federal government and the property owners to see what can be done. He further noted if you need any more information reach out to Mr. Brandon Waggoner, Executive Director, Tensas Basin Levee District. He said they will have a couple more community meetings to address this matter to make sure everyone is aware of what is going on because the City does not know what can happen in the next couple of years.
(Ms. Woods leaves the City Council meeting at 6:18 p.m.)
Mrs. Dawson said good evening and thanked everyone for attending the City Council meeting. She expressed her condolences to the families that lost someone over the weekend and a special get well prayer to those who were injured. She said she is dittoing everything Councilman Marshall said and it does take a village. She thanked the City s village because it is a lot dealing with young people, troubled teens, and youth that are diagnosed with metal health issues. She thanked the educators that deal with them on a regular basis and for noticing things, reporting things, and being able to get them tested for needs they may have that they are not getting. She thanked the City of Monroe law enforcement for protecting and serving the youth as well as the community they are in. She said a lot of officers she know help and they have youth mentoring programs, and they are teaching the youth what the word of God says. She said it is going to continue to take a lot to get the City where it needs to be as far as crime is concerned, but we do not want to give up on our children because there is always hope. On another note, she said there are a couple of events and a fall festival taking place at the First Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday October 28, 2023, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 507 Swayze Street. She said there are some events for Halloween fun that the City of Monroe and community centers are providing on Tuesday October 31, 2023, at Marbles Recreation Center 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., Johnson Community Trunk or Treat from 6 p.m. until 8pm, Saul Alder Sugar Rush from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., and Powell Street Community Fall Festival from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. She said this is another way the City is trying to provide a safe environment for the kids. She noted on October 28, 2023, at Emily P. Robinson Recreation Center by Nash in a Dash will have games and treats for young people in that area or if you just want to stop by and bring them. She further noted save the date, Saturday, November 19, 2023, at 5 p.m. more of Secrets in the City a stage production by Mr. Donterrio Anderson at the Monroe Civic Center and tickets for VIP are $40, general admission $25, or at the door the day of the show $30. She said this is an encore performance and if you are a business owner, elected official, church or just want to put an ad you have that option as well. She stated Carolyn s Dance Land presents Annie on Thursday October 26, 2023, there will be a 9 o clock show for the schools and special groups and a 7 o’clock public show. She further stated these are some of the events the City s young people are involved in and to support. She said the Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) games will be Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Carroll High School fields.
Mr. Harvey had no communications.
Mrs. Dawson had further comments and she stated if you live in District 5, and you know a family that needs a turkey for Thanksgiving please inbox or email her their name, address, and phone number. She said they will need to have transportation to pick up their turkey.
Mayor Friday Ellis expressed his condolences to the Wilson family and all who were injured in Saturday night’s event. He stated like most, it s hard to read about this event without being angered and sadden at the same time because the City have people that live among us that think it is okay to walk up to a crowd and open fire. He said he thinks it weighs heavy on all of us and communities are angry as well. He further stated it saddens him because he does have a 14-year-old at home, and he knows the conversations they have about plans for his future. He said he cannot wrap his head around this senseless act of cowardice and the sadness the family must be feeling right now. He noted the City will work to see that justice is served and he will continue to work with the City Council to support them in any way. He said he would plead to anybody, if you value your community and human life, and you have any information, speak up. He noted this is also an interesting Council meeting because the City gets to honor heroes in the community who give life and add value to their community. He further noted Mr. Antoine Washington has shown the same bravery that grown men that wear a shiny badge and have been through tons of training. He said it is with great pleasure he gets to express his up most admiration and gratitude for the extraordinary courage and heroism displayed by a remarkable 12-year-old youth in our community. He said Mr. Antoine Washington demonstrated unwavering bravery and quick thinking during a recent crisis. He stated on October 21, 2023, the community experienced a terrifying ordeal when a fire broke out in a neighboring resident. He further stated in the midst of crisis and fear Mr. Washington demonstrated exceptional bravery and acted as a beacon of hope, rushed to the scene alerting the occupant, by opening the front door providing light through the intense smoke to show a path of escape for the homeowner. He said his actions and ability to stay calm under pressure prove invaluable in preventing a potential tragedy. He said his actions not only saved a life but also exemplified the true spirit of community and selflessness. He presented Mr. Washington with a Mayoral Letter of Accommodation from the Mayor of Monroe and on behalf of the City Council and citizens. He stated Mr. Washington is a hero and the community is truly fortunate to have him among us.
Chief Terry Williams, Fire Chief, stated the Monroe Fire Department (MFD) spoke with the gentlemen that was in the house and he stated he smelled smoke, but he was overcome by the smoke. He said he fell to the floor when he attempted to escape but he couldn t, because he was disoriented. He said Mr. Washington opened the door and the gentlemen saw the light to make his way out of the house. He said if Mr. Washington had not opened that door the gentlemen would have probably collapsed and died before MFD made it. Chief Williams presented Mr. Washington with a Life Saving Award for recognition of the lifesaving actions at the house fire on October 1, 2023, in Monroe, LA. He also presented Mr. Washington with a coin that he gives to all his firefighters that do an outstanding job.
Mayor Ellis presented a Letter of Accommodation to Captain Richie Redding, Driver Gary Thomas, and Firefighter Austin Orcino for their commendable service to the Monroe Fire Department and the citizens of Monroe. He said on October 3, 2023, Monroe Fire personnel were dispatched to at fire at 1709 Laymen Street in Monroe, LA. He said crew members were clearing a previous EMS call and they were only a few blocks away; they immediately responded to the scene to notify responding units of the situation. He said upon arrival a resident advise her father was still inside the home and these men made rapid entry into the hazardous conditions and rescued the man from inside his resident. He said on behalf of the citizens of Monroe, LA commended the crew for providing professionalism and integrity that has always been synonymous with the Monroe Fire Department.
Chief Williams said the crew had just responded to an EMS call and when the house fire call came in, they didn t hesitate to respond. He said the crew had responded to this resident before and they knew where the resident s bed was exactly. He presented Captain Richie Redding, Driver Gary Thomas, and Firefighter Austin Orcino with a Life Saving Medal.
Mayor Ellis had further announcements and he said the City recently wrapped up a real estate meeting that is hosted biannually. He said realtors are some of the first people to understand who is coming into the City and why people are leaving. He said it is important to talk about the environment and the projects the City have that may be able to help with development. He noted the City had the groundbreaking for Phase 1 of the swamp project at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. He thanked Michael Thompson, Mr. Lonnie Hudson, the Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB), and Councilwoman Dawson for being champions of this project. He stated today the City cut ribbon on Young s Bayou, Phase 1, the first of two retention ponds that will be able to hold water for flash flooding. He said it is coupled with multiple other flooding projects such as the Young s Bayou, Phase 1, canal cleanout which is paired with the Atakapa drain cleaning services. He further stated Atakapa is coming to clean out and mapping all the City underground drainage and everything that lurked under the roads and communities is what they are cleaning out. He said all this is to help the City build and regain compacity in the City lines. He thanked the Council for approving the project because it is a very aggressive plan to clean out every single catch basin and drainage line within the City in the next six years. He said regardless of the community we all have flood issues, and this will create some immediate relief with those projects.
Mrs. Ezernack congratulated everyone for what they did for the community, and she said it is wonderful to hear those great things. She extended her condolences to the Wilson family and blessings to those who were injured and suffering from the terrible loss. She said the City has spoken about and it is just something the City needs to continue to work on. She said it will take all of us to make a difference in our community and this is to important to let it drop at all.
Upon motion of Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of October 10, 2023, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
The following condemnation was removed:
(1) (508 S. 1st St. (D4) (Owners Benny Ray Sims) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved to remove this item from the agenda. (There were no public comments.)
The following condemnation was considered:
(2) 105 Groves Ave. (D4) (Owners Larry Dwayne Reynolds) Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner was given 30 days in which to bring the structure into compliance with the Code or demolish the Structure and clean the lot.
Mr. Tommy James, Code Enforcement Officer, stated this is an unsafe open dilapidated structure and a tree fell through the middle of it. They are asking the property to be condemned and forward to Public Works for demolition.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know if Mr. Reynolds had a statement.
Mr. Reynolds said he was trying to see if the City can help him get it done.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know if Mr. James and Mr. Reynolds have had any conversations.
Mr. James said no, he hasn t spoken with Mr. Reynolds, and he said he was hoping he was present to decide how much time he wanted. He said he was going to ask the Council for 30 days but since Mr. Reynolds is present, they can do 60 days.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know if this was something Mr. Reynolds was planning to do himself.
Mr. Reynolds said no, he wanted the City to do it.
Mr. James asked the Council to give Mr. Reynolds 30 days.
Mr. Marshall condemned the property, giving the owner 30 days to bring the structure up to code or remove the structure and any obnoxious growth further providing with respect thereto.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8610 accepting the Base and Alternates No. 1 & 2 Bid of Grindstone Construction in the amount of $5,785,000.00 for the replacement of Forsythe Tennis Facilities 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:
Mayor s Office:
Upon motion Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8611 approving and authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Ouachita African American Historical Society/Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Upon motion Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8612 approving and authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Friends of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Public Works:
Upon motion Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8613 authorizing the City of Monroe to apply for fy 2024 Section 5339 Funds for buses and bus facilities and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Eugene Payne, 1705 Reed Street, wanted to know what 5339 funds means.
Mr. Marc Keenan, General Manager, said the federal government have different classes of funds and sections. He said typically transit receives 5307 funds for operating and 5339 funds for buses or facilities.
Mr. Payne wanted to know what the City is asking for.
Mr. Keenan stated the City is asking permission to apply for the funds that the Department of Transportation has available. He further stated the City plans to apply for an electric bus.
Mr. Payne wanted to know if this Resolution has been passed before.
Mrs. Ezernack stated this item is new.
Mr. Harvey stated the City applies for grants and funding mechanisms and this is another one the City is applying for, and those resolutions have to come before the Council.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, said this is a new grant for the fiscal year 2024.
Mrs. Ezernack noted this is an application for a grant that the City has not received yet and this is just authorization to apply for it.
Mr. Creekbaum said if the grant returns it comes back to the Council for acceptance.
Mr. Payne said he has mentioned transparency to the public and these kind of proposals are kind of dim, and the public doesn t know about them. He said on occasions he has personally mentioned being a taxpayer, property owner, a resident of District 5 and his trust for the management of the Transit system. He said not one councilmember has asked what does this taxpayer have against the managing people. He noted he is a resident of District 5, and his representative hasn t said anything.
Mrs. Dawson stated the Council doesn t deal with personal issues.
Mr. Harvey stated he believes Mr. Payne has been apparent on how he feels about Transit management.
Mr. Payne said his deal is transparency and if the City is going to deal with this kind of money the public should know what the money is going for.
Mrs. Ezernack reiterated the City is applying for the money and hasn t received the money yet and the money will be for purchasing an electric bus as mentioned. She said it has to come back to the Council once they get notice that the City has received the funds and that is when the transparency will appear. She said right now this is an application for those funds and those are grant funds that will not need to be paid back. She said she wouldn t expect that Mr. Payne would want the City to refuse to take grant funds. She said that is money taxpayers do not have to pay when it comes to buses when it is a grant from the federal government.
Mr. Payne stated the taxpayers pay all of that.
Mrs. Ezernack stated she is talking about local taxpayers.
Mr. Payne stated 80% federal and 20% local, and he said his issue is he just doesn t trust.
Mrs. Ezernack stated she was sorry, but the Council does have that trust factor for these funds. She said this is not the venue to say why you don t and if it is a personnel matter or something of that nature the Council is not involved.
Mr. Payne said the public won t hear what has to be said about these issues in a private session and he wants the public to know.
Police Department:
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8614 authorizing the Donation of one (1) Monroe Police Department Unit, specifically, Unit #2499 2011 Crown Vic, White 4door, Vin 2fabp7bv5bx103575 (*mileage 115,355) to the Town of Clarks, La, and further providing with respect thereto.
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8615 authorizing the Donation of one (1) Monroe Police Department Unit, specifically, Unit #2525 2014 Dodge Charger, 4d Blue, Vin-2c3cdxat1eh173150, (*mileage 146,189) to the Town of Rayville, La, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Engineering Services:
Upon motion Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8616 accepting as substantially complete work done by Grindstone Construction, LLC for the Office of Motor Vehicles Wall Damage Repairs Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8617 authorizing a designated city representative to execute Change Order No. one (1) for the Benoit Recreation Center Parking Lot Improvements Project to add 110 calendar days to contract time and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Upon motion Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8618 authorizing a designated city representative to execute Change Order No. Eleven (11) for the Water Treatment Plant Renovation and Expansion Project for an increase in the contract amount of $7,892.62 and to add 21 calendar days to contract time and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance prohibiting parking of commercial vehicles and construction equipment in residential areas and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal)
Mr. Verbon Muhammad, 203 Marx Street, said he thinks this is very necessary because the City have a lot of 18 wheelers in the community. He wanted to know how this ordinance will be enforced.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, said there are two enforcement mechanisms in this particular ordinance, first the City has a normal parking citation which will be enforced by the parking officers by the Monroe Police Department, and it also allows for enforcement as a nuisance by the Code Enforcement division. He said if there is a habitual offender, one that maybe isn t getting the message from parking citations then it can be elevated to the administrative system which is a potential lien on properties and daily fines.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if people who park 18 wheelers at their home will be penalize as well and how did this ordinance come about.
Mr. Harvey noted it came out from getting feedback about 18 wheelers in the community and different pieces of large commercial equipment creating blind spots for people leaving their driveway. He further noted large commercial equipment finding its way into residential areas which is not the intent of the zoning. He said he has heard from his constituents and Mr. Muhammad has talked about this before and with the help of the Legal Department is how the City arrived at this ordinance.
Mayor Ellis said he thinks this is just giving the City a mechanism to which the City can start enforcing this more aggressively, especially with habitual offenders.
Mr. Harvey stated residents were trying to talk to other residents and trying to get stuff moved but not having any mechanism to support the people in the community. He further stated it is not something where the City is trying to be aggressively punitive, but it gives the City an opportunity to deal with nuisance.
Mr. Marshall wanted to know if this ordinance will affect those who have somewhere to park their vehicle even if they are in the community.
Mr. Creekbaum stated for people who have a covered area and somewhere they are parking, such as a backyard shop or something, obviously that is not going to be visible equipment for someone to site as a nuisance. He further stated this will cover people that are parking on roadways, at the end of driveways where people can t back out, or putting dozers right next to the roadway when there is no active work going on.
Mrs. Ezernack said she wouldn t expect there to be people zooming around town looking for people to cite for that particular thing and it s probably going to come with Code Enforcement complaints and things of that nature. She said it will keep neighbors from having to talk to each other about something like that.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
Upon motion Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Passover item (a) Ordinance revoking 60 wide by 1,195 long portion of Adams Street from North 14th Street to North 18th Street and further providing with respect thereto Applicant James Machine Works (PUD/P&Z) until the November 14, 2023, City Council meeting. (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack said she is understanding the applicant is required to submit a plat and that will not be ready from the surveyor until the end of the month.
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing.
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,200 amending the Schedule of General Fees and Charges for certain Monroe Recreational Facilities, redesignating Aerobic as Instructor Led Programs, increasing the maximum allowable fee, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Patience Talley, Director of Community Centers and Programs, wanted to know if the Council had any questions about this ordinance.
Mrs. Ezernack said the main question she heard is this is the maximum and there is room for other charges depending on the instructor led program.
Ms. Talley said yes, that is correct.
Mr. Harvey thanked Ms. Talley for putting this ordinance together as part of enhancing and improving the City community centers.
The Chairman closed the hearing seeing no one come forward.
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the Hearing was closed.
Upon motion Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,201 to amend the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe, Louisiana and providing further with respect thereto Applicant Carman LLC (Eng/P&Z) (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the Hearing was closed.
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Dawson and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,202 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of the property described below and sell to Parks Pallets, LLC, all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to the Lot 1, Square 3, Arent s resub, Jack Thompson Tract Addition, Ouachita Parish, 2633 DeSiard St., District 3, Monroe, La, by adjudication at Tax Sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the Hearing was closed.
Upon motion Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8619 endorsing Third Floor Properties renewal application for participation in the benefits of the Louisiana Restoration Tax Abatement Program for Project #20161898-RTA and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing.
Upon motion Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Marshall and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8620 endorsing Hall Downtown LLC s renewal application for participation in the benefits of the Louisiana Restoration Tax Abatement Program for Project #20141093-RTA and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal)
Mr. Wayne Williamson said he is happy to provide the Children s Coalition with a wonderful place and he has given them free range to fix it like they want too. He said they bought additional lots for them to plan anything, and he thinks it is a wonderful program.
The Chairman closed the hearing seeing no one come forward.
Citizen s Participation:
(1) Mr. Lester Paster, South Pointe Drive, said on March 14,2023, he had the Order of Court of Appeal passed out to Mayor Friday Ellis and the Monroe City Council. He said new proceedings have not taken place. He said Mr. Pierre is the City Attorney hired by Mayor Ellis and he said Mayor Ellis has a responsibility to ask Mr. Pierre why this order was not carried out. He stated if Mr. Pierre could not explain that to Mayor Ellis it is the responsibility of the Mayor to get rid of Mr. Pierre and hire a City Attorney that will carry out the order. He further stated if the Mayor will not do that it is the duty of the City Council. He said the Order of Court of Appeal is the rule of law and the rule of law is supposed to be lifted above politics and every powerful person. He said he is humbly asking the Mayor and the City Council see to it that this Order of Court of Appeal is carried out.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Harvey and it was seconded by Mr. Marshall.
Mrs. Gretchen Ezernack
Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ms. Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
