City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
September 24, 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 Mayor Friday Ellis or his designee.
The Invocation was led by Mr. Morgan McCallister, City Engineer.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Mr. Harvey had no announcements.
(2) Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone.
(3) Mr. McFarland said since the last Council meeting he has been out meeting with constituents and he thanked Mr. Troy Greer for taking him out on the levee to show him a lot of things. He said there were a lot of things he didn’t know were going on in his district and he began to research some things he will address in the near future. He said many have viewed his Facebook post concerning the Texas Avenue bridge and there will be a press conference. He stated Representative Pat Moore and himself met with DOTD to get the ball rolling in the right direction. He further stated they are looking at Thursday for the press conference and he will inform the Councilmembers of the time to bring the community some good news concerning the Texas Avenue bridge.
(4) Mr. Muhammad noted district 5 had a successful cleanup on Saturday and thanked all that participated in the clean-up. He said they cleaned the area on High way165 South between I-20 and Winnsboro Road. He thanked Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Mr. Paul Mark, Nathan Nelson, Mr. Jason Stewart with the Kappa League, and Mr. Kelvin Horn. He thanked Ouachita Green, and he said they provided the bags, grabbers, and gloves. He also thanked Mr. Ray Wright, Monroe Police Department, and OIC Ms. Benjamin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Kevin Tramble, and Representative Pat Moore. He said it was a great community effort and collaboration on the cleanup. He said there is a dumpster in place for 21 days if they have anything they need to discard, and it is located at South 2nd and Winnsboro Road. He said they are welcome to take everything that they don’t want accept tires, explosives, chemicals, and things of that nature. He said the dumpster will be moved to Kings Oak on Baylor Drive at the Masonic Lodge from there to Jackson Street. He thanked Mr. Tommy James and his staff for the movement on cleaning up blighted cars and wreck cars on Winnsboro Road. He said they are really attacking blight particularly on Winnsboro which is one of the major streets and they want to continue to clean that up.
Ms. Woods recognized former Congressman Mr. Rodney Alexander, and she stated it is always good to see him. She said she is wearing blue and gold for a reason and Carroll High School had there homecoming all of last week. She said it was a beautiful celebration and she thanked everyone that helped to make that a perfect celebration. She thanked Chief of Police Victor Zordan for the strategic plan and implementation, and she said it went on uneventful and everyone had an amazing time. She thanked Ms. Amanda Edge, Entergy, and she stated she spoke with her at the ninth hour to let her know all the lights were out on Renwick Street and the partygoers are in the dark, she put lights on Renwick Street. She noted the City still have challenges with the lights and she will be working with all the necessary parties to make that work. She said from I-20 to DeSiard Street it is pretty dark on Highway165 South. She said K-9 had the most amazing concert in Chennault Park on Saturday night and again the City have challenges with lights in our city. She said we have a dark city, and we need to work on that, and Chennault was pitch black. She said they are going to work on it for people to feel safe. On another note, she announced on September 28th Saturday there will be a suicide awareness event at Chennault park. She said suicide is one of those things that impact a lot of us, and we don’t always know that someone is thinking that until it happens. She said it is a free event from 4pm until 7pm. She said on the 27th, 28th, and 29th there is a free documentary outlining the life and times of a lady born in this community. Lastly, she said for those of you that are interested in the Home in Monroe there will be an event at the public safety center October 10th the time will be announced.
Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad and seconded by Mr. McFarland, and the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of September 10, 2024, were unanimously approved. (Mr. Harvey abstain. He wasn’t present at the last meeting.) (There were no public comments.)
Presentation: Sam Crawford – BoneKrusher – Youth/Adult Program Youth Summer Wellness Program – Report.
Mr. Crawford thanked the Council for allowing them to share this presentation. He said he is the owner of the BoneKrusher Youth Mentoring Program which started in 2017 when there was a spike in violence. He said the previous Mayor was asking for options to assist the youth to give them other options then converting to violence. He said he reached out to all the Council members to give them an idea on how they can assist not only the youth during the summertime but also the seniors. He said with the help of Ms. Williams and Ms. Woods most of the Council members assisted them with putting the program together. He said the impact the program had on the community was tremendous and a lot of youth didn’t have nowhere to go during the summer. He said they weren’t just teaching boxing but also offering mentorship. He said the mentorship is very instrumental to the youth especially when there is less parental guidance at home. He said the program not only offer health and wellness activities, but it was helpful on a social level. He said a lot of the youth were struggling with socializing with each other and the seniors were kind of being left behind and they needed activities to keep them upbeat. He said their number one priority is mentoring because a lack of mentoring we forget about when doing business in the City of Monroe. He said they really appreciate this opportunity to work inside the recreation for the summer and they are asking for a continuous relationship to work with the youth.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know how is his relationship in Parkview.
Mr. Crawford stated that relationship just started and it’s challenging because the need is tremendous. He said he has access to all the youth, and he is not originally from Monroe, and he is walking by faith when he walk through those projects. He said the youth is drawn to him and with that opportunity they are able provide bible study, mentorship, and rides. He said the program has been solicited with the help of SEDD and they supported them on a financial level.
Proposed Condemnations:
The following condemnations were considered:
1. 3503 Halsell St. (D3) – Owner: Alberta Byrd c/o Katie Long Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. There was no one present. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack 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. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Code Enforcement, stated this is a dilapidated structure with holes in it and unsafe. They are asking that the property be condemned giving the owner 30 days. He said there was no contact with the tenant.
Ms. Woods motion to condemn the property giving the owner 30 days to bring the structure up to code.
2. 401 N 17th (& 1613 Breard St.) (D3) – Owner: McKinley Investments, LLC; Xavier Wallace c/o David Wallace Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. There was no one present. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey 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. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. James stated this is an unsafe open dilapidated structure and they are asking this property be condemned giving the owner 30 days.
Ms. Woods wanted to know what is the 1613 Breard Street.
Mr. James said it is listed as parcel.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if there has been any contact.
Mr. James said no.
Ms. Woods motion to condemn the property giving the owner 30 days to bring it into compliance or tear it down.
3. 715 Standifer (D5) – Owner: Ralph T. Williams Notice to show cause was served. Photographic evidence was presented. There was no one present. Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Muhammad 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. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. James said they had this in Environmental court a couple times in 2023 and 2024. He said there has been contact with the property owner almost a year ago but now it is a dilapidated unsafe structure. They are asking that the property be condemned giving the property owner 30 days.
Mr. Muhammad motion to condemn the property giving the owner 30 days.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Council:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8800 appointing Jessie Smith to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission.
Mr. Smith said good evening to everyone, and he said he was taught by his parents that when someone does something for you or recognize you always say thanks. He thanked Mr. Muhammad for giving him the opportunity to serve.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8801 confirming the appointment of Mr. Michael Douglas, Sr and Mr. Herbert Guillory to the board of commissioners for the Southside Economic Development District and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Woods stated the nominees from the list are Mr. Michael Douglas Sr., Mr. Herb Guillory, Mr. Ernest Muhammad, & Ms. Aquila Givens.
Mr. Muhammad stated Mr. Ernest Muhammad serves on the Planning Commission.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know if there is a recommendation from the chamber.
Ms. Kenya Roberson noted on behalf of the Northeast Black Chamber Commerce they asked the Council to appoint Mr. Herb Guillory and Mr. Michael Douglas.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8802 appointing Bryan Creekmore to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8803 appointing Chelbi Johnson to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission. (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8804 appointing Rodger McConnell to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McConnell thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve.
Ms. Woods thanked Mr. McConnell for accepting.
(f.) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8805 appointing Josh Etheridge to the Monroe Capital Infrastructure Commission. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to consider an Application by Ramesh Sapkota and Kumar Mainali dba Sip N Chill, 1314 Sterlington Rd., Monroe LA 71203 for a New 2024 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared) (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know where this is located.
Ms. Woods said by the McDonald’s on 165 North.
Mr. McFarland wanted to know who’s district.
The Council stated Mrs. Ezernack’s district.
Department of Planning & Urban Development:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to consider request from Param, LLC/Lakhwinder Singh for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (3224 Louisville Ave.) to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises in the B-3(General Business/Commercial) District. The use is for a new tobacco and alcohol retail business. The establishment proposes to provide a drive-thru service. 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. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Morgan McCallister, City Engineer, stated the criteria if this application is approved they have the ability to obtain a liquor license. He said in order to build they will need to submit an application for both site and building plan review. He further stated when there are new structures or modifications to existing facilities they like to sit down with the applicate/developer and look at a preliminary site plan.
Mrs. Ezernack wanted to know if it doesn’t come to pass because of issues that may come up in engineering or if they decide not to do it what happens to the Conditional Use Permit.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, noted it is nontransferable and it is unique to the entity that has the Conditional Use permit. He said even if they transferred owners the new owner would have applied.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if this is for them to zone it to sale liquor.
Mr. McCallister said the zoning is adequate and it is the license they are pursuing in an effort to sale beer and wine for any future development. On another note, Mr. McCallister introduced Mr. Shannon Futch, Planning and Zoning director, who was hired in May of this year. He said he has done very well thus far with communication and customer service to those applying to open new businesses.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to consider request from Starns Kenny & Easterling Law Firm/PopShelf for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (4219 Pecanland Mall Dr.) to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises in the B-3(General Business/Commercial) District. This is an added use to the existing retail goods establishment. 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. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Katy Brown, PopShelf Manager, said she is here to represent the store.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if the store is open already.
Ms. Brown stated they have been open since October 6th of last year.
Ms. Woods wanted to know what they are selling.
Ms. Brown said they have a variety of home décor, snacks, beauty, and health products.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if they would be selling wine and beer.
Ms. Brown said she would imagine, and she said to her it would be a one stop lady shop.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to consider request from Daquiri’s & Deaux for a Major Conditional Use Permit authorizing the use of this location (512 Louisville Ave.) to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off-premises in the B-3(General Business/Commercial) District. This is an added use to sell Daquiri’s through a drive-thru, for a new restaurant. 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. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland stated he did have an individual question him on some things concerning voting on permits. He said he has to separate being a pastor, bishop, and Councilman. He said although he is a Baptist, and he do believe in everything Baptist this part is business. He further stated he hates that some think he should vote a certain way, but he does want is right and this is the right thing for our city. He said it is their job according to the charter to issue these permits. He said he knows he can’t please everybody in his district, but he is going to try his best to please the majority. He said please don’t try to throw him under the bus or say he should do certain things because of his denomination.
Mayor’s Office:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8806 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Northeast Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8807 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Roy Heatherly, President & CEO, said it is always a beautiful day in Monroe, LA and he thanked the Council because they are serving this city very well. He thanked them for supporting the chamber and he think they have a winning team, and they look for great things. He said like the Council they have an apologetic love for the City. He said they expect have a very bright future and thanked them for their past support.
Ms. Woods thanked Mr. Heatherly and his staff for all that they do for the great city.
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8808 authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with the Picard Group, L.L.C. and Monroe Chamber of Commerce for State and Governmental Affairs and Lobbying Services further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8809 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Miss Monroe Scholarship Pageant Organization, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods thanked Ms. Gaundhi Hays – Kline, Executive Director, for all the good work with the beauty pageant.
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8810 authorizing an agreement with the Travelers Indemnity Company of Connecticut for Insurance for the Monroe Transit System and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8811 accepting as substantially complete work done by and between the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LDOTD) and Diamond B. Construction Company, LLC for the Lee Ave Street Improvements Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland thanked Mr. McCallister, and he stated he had a great conversation concerning this and this project was projected a 3.7 million dollars. He said the City cost was just $7,049 and funding came from an urban system. He said they are looking forward to doing more things on the Southside of Monroe.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8812 accepting as substantially complete work done by Byrnes Mechanical Contractors, Inc for the Banquet Hall Air Handling Unit Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland said this cost the City $618,000 for this project and they are so glad it is at the end stage and being completed.
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8813 approving Change Order No. Nine (9) for the Kansas Ln Ext (Old Sterl. -US165) Phase 1 Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland noted this is Phase 1 of this project and change order No. 9 is only $831.00. He said this was an 18 million dollar project and the City’s share was 20%. He said the City is 45 days ahead of schedule and that’s what he likes about all projects to be ahead of schedule and not asking for additional time.
(d) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8814 approving Change Order No. Sixteen (16) for the Water Treatment Plant Renovation and Expansion Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland stated this change order cost $10, 087.
Ms. Woods welcomed Dr. Tony and the staff from the Monroe Housing Authority.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to enter into a Commercial Card Agreement and line of credit with Regions Bank and providing further with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland asked Mr. Creekbaum to give the public a summation of this resolution.
Mr. Creekbaum deferred to the Director of Administration, Mrs. Stacy Rowell, and he stated this was requested by Administration and it is a program they are working on.
Mrs. Rowell noted they currently have a commercial card program that is basically credit cards for travel, online purchases, and things like that. She said this will be a program that replaces the one they have, and they went out for a rfp for services. She said after evaluating this is the one they felt best fit their needs and they are just changing companies.
Mr. Greg Jones, 2702 Magellan Drive, said they are replacing the existing program which distributed plastic cards. He said the industry has evolved in such a matter that replacing paper check payments with an electronic form of payment has a lot of benefits for both vendor and payer. He noted that an electronic payment method is a lot more fraud resistant than a paper check and the mail system is not as efficient as it used to be, checks are getting lost in the mail. He said this is a payment method a lot of vendors are requesting and there are a lot of public entities migrating to this as well as private companies.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving an application by Monroe Athletic Club to rezone a certain property and amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving the Annexation of ±36.35-acres, extending and enlarging the boundaries of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, providing for the recordation of the entire boundary as amended, establishing the effective date thereof, and providing further with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving an application by Alven Square, Angelique Connor and Martin Engineering Services to zone annexed property and amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed.
(a) Finally adopt an Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 12,225 (Purchasing and Bidding Procedures) and further providing with respect thereto. (See Clerk’s Note)
(CLERK’S NOTE: Council Rules of Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order require that all ordinances be motioned and seconded before consideration and adoption. Because of an inadvertent oversight, there was no motion or second made with respect to this agenda item prior to consideration for discussion and final adoption. The preceding discussion and vote, therefore, was procedurally invalid and without effect. The proposed ordinance will be reconsidered for final adoption at a future.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and approved Ordinance No. 12,242 repealing Ordinance No. 12,220 (Special Tax Election) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.) (Mr. Harvey & Mr. Ezernack nay.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,243 amending Section 36-23 of the City of Monroe Code and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad said this ordinance gives the Council an opportunity to review the water rates every year verse an automatic increase. He said the water may have to increase but the Council wanted to have some type of oversite on it.
Citizen’s Participation:
(1) Ms. La’Trice Mays, 2603 Sunnyside Drive, said they are having a lot of issues in their neighborhood with abandoned vehicles in the yard. She thanked Council McFarland for coming out and being active in the neighborhood. She said they are trying to beautify the neighborhood, and she said she thinks with the community working together they can bring that neighborhood back to where it needs to be. She said it is not the entire neighborhood but it’s just several homes that have abandoned cars in the yard.
She said on South Grand in the 1700 block the City redid the streets and there are already potholes six months after. Lastly, she said she has concerns about wholesome bakery and she have several pictures of the property they would like to have cleaned up.
Mr. McFarland thanked Ms. Mays for being at his meeting at the Lighthouse Church and he has spoken with Mr. James. He said he and Mr. James are going out this week to look at different properties throughout the district.
Ms. Mays thanked Mr. James, and she said he has been a big help, and he is doing a great job.
(2) Mr. Tyrone Dickins, K-9, 3004 Dick Taylor Street, thanked the Monroe Police Department for being at Chennault Park and he said they run over a little time because of sound problems, and they had lights out. He said Ms. Woods came out and he asked the Council to start getting more involved with stuff he is doing. He said it was a successful event and it brought plenty people spending a lot money in the City. He stated he want the Council to jump on board for him to do gospel, R&B, and blues at the park.
(3) Ms. Marie Brown, 1002 South 5th, said good evening, and she shouted out the Carroll High School band. She said the band went to New Orleans and performed like they were professionals. She stated the lights on the bridge are out and they need to figure out how they need to get those lights back on. She said when she talked to Entergy they said the City can put higher wattage on the lights. She said this has been a busy week and her nonprofit made the big time. She said they are on a flyer about the rules and regulations for voting. She said this was a nice quiet meeting and she just don’t know what to do with herself now.
Mr. Harvey stated he saw someone putting lights just North of the bridge this afternoon. He said they were working on some lights this afternoon it’s probably not all of them.
Ms. Brown said if they stay on top of them to get the lights and we don’t want to have an accident then everybody want to get involved. She said it is about saving lives.
Ms. Woods said Mr. McCallister and her have been talking about it and that is the conversation everybody is having about the lights. She wanted to know if Mr. McCallister had a chance to see the lights.
Mr. McCallister said he did not, and they had a meeting with Ouachita electric and reported back to their internal electrician and facilities. He said they would give him a report and it is his understanding there were about 15 or 16. He said they received that information yesterday and they are on it.
(4) Mr. Herb Guillory, 1801 Woodhaven Drive, thanked the Council for the appointment on SEDD. He said an event they had on September 14th Omega Psi Phi had their 6th Annual Prostate Walk at the Downtown River Market to focus on prostate awareness. He said usually most walks are in the morning, but they do theirs at night. He said it is a glow walk with different lights and different things they give to the participants. He said over the past few years they have always supported breast cancer but now it’s time to start supporting the men. He said prostate is a silent killer and it effects men over the age of 40 and most men don’t like to go to the doctor. He said for the women to please encourage your significant others to get their prostates checked. He thanked the Monroe Police Department for their support, and they also had a team participate in the walk as well. He also gave a shout out to Monroe Water Department for the good thirst quencher along the route.
Ms. Woods stated for the record that the appointment for SEDD from Senator Katrina Jackson Andrews is Ms. Jessica DeTiege, for Representative Pat Moore is Mr. Roosevelt Wright Jr., and for Representative Adrian Fisher is Mr. Kenneth Hall. She said another thing she would like to share is the Council has received a potential nominee for one of the Department Heads for the City. She said the Council is looking to have a Public Hearing to avoid any incidents as they move forward. She said for them to understand who this gentleman is and what he has done in his lifetime to see if it qualifies him for that position.
Mr. Rodney Alexander thanked the Council for the privilege of working with them. He said his hope for Monroe/Northeast Louisiana has never been higher and he is very optimistic about what they see ahead.
Mr. McFarland said the Council has been on the job now 84 days and this was the most peaceful Council meeting ever.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m., upon motion of Mr. McFarland and it was seconded by Mr. Muhammad.
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.
