Ouachita Parish Police Jury: August 21, 2023 Minutes

PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON, MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2023 AT 5:36 P.M.

The Police Jury of the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana met in a regular session in the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Meeting Room, Police Jury Administrative Building, Monroe, Louisiana on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 5:36 p.m., and was duly convened by Mr. Shane Smiley, President.

Mr. Thompson gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members Present (6)
Scotty Robinson District A
Jack Clampit District B
Larry Bratton District C
Shane Smiley District E
Michael Thompson District D
Lonnie Hudson District F
Members Absent (0)

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The president asked if there were any additions or amendments to the agenda. Mr. Clampit asked to add an item for Cheniere Lake brush cutting. Mr. Thompson asked to add an item for an ARPA request for Monroe Black Chamber of Commerce, MCAL and Omega. Mr. Smiley asked to add Bryant Whittington as a visitor. These items were received after the agenda was published and action was needed before the next meeting go the Jury. Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed without opposition.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
The president asked for public comments concerning any matters on the approved agenda. No one appeared or came forth to speak during this time.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES:
A motion to adopt the minutes of the regular Police Jury meeting including the committee meetings held on August 7, 2023 was offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton. Motion passed with Mr. Thompson abstaining.

PUBLIC HEARING:
The president convened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 9464 An Ordinance to authorize an Act of Sale by the Parish of Ouachita to sell certain adjudicated properties (Parcels 20463, 20466, 12634, 30957, 38116, & 38370) by public auction; and, further providing with respect thereto. No one appeared to speak in favor of or against the ordinance. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to close the public hearing. Motion passed without opposition.
VISITORS:
The president recognized Bryant Whittington with Waste Connections. Mr. Whittington introduced himself as the new manager of White Oaks Landfill.

ENGINEERING REPORT:
The president recognized Mr. Crosby, Engineer. Mr. Crosby requested approval to advertise the sewer life station and force main extension project at the West Ouachita Industrial Park for bids. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve advertising the project for bids. Motion passed with Mr. Clampit abstaining.

Mr. Crosby requested approval of a drainage servitude plat on Chadwick Drive. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the drainage servitude plat. Motion passed without opposition.

* * *

Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton to recess the regular meeting in favor of the Finance Committee meeting. Motion passed without opposition.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The chair, Mr. Robinson, called the Finance Committee meeting to order at 5:44 p.m.

The chair recognized Ms. Cupit, Assistant Treasurer. Ms. Cupit presented the claim statement for the period of July 21, 2023 through August 17, 2023 and recommended approval. Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve payment of the claims for the period stated as recommended by the assistant treasurer. Motion passed without opposition.

Ms. Cupit presented budget versus actual statements to the Jury. No action was needed.

There being no further business to come before this committee, a motion to adjourn and reconvene the regular meeting was offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Clampit. Motion passed without opposition. The finance committee meeting was adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

* * *

The president reconvened the regular Police Jury meeting.

Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to ratify and adopt all actions taken in the committee meeting. Motion passed without opposition.

MOTIONS * ORDINANCES * RESOLUTIONS:

The president recognized Mr. Robinson, District A.

MR. SCOTTY ROBINSON, DISTRICT A:
Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the cooperative endeavor agreements with Frost Town Water System and Southwest Water System for the ARPA funding previously allocated by the Police Jury by Resolution No. 21-86. Motion passed without opposition.

The president recognized Mr. Clampit, District B.

MR. JACK CLAMPIT, DISTRICT B:
Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve advertising Cheniere timber thinning for bids with the proceeds to be allocated to the Cheniere Lake fund. Motion passed without opposition.

Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Thompson to allocate $40,000.00 from the Cheniere Lake fund for a contract for the removal of underbrush at Cheniere Lake with a skid steer mulching machine. Motion passed without opposition.

The president recognized Mr. Bratton, District C.

MR. LARRY BRATTON, DISTRICT C:
Mr. Bratton gave an update on broadband.

The president recognized Mr. Thompson, District D.

MR. MICHAEL THOMPSON, DISTRICT D:
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve up to $250,000.00 additional ARPA funds for the Monroe Black Chamber of Commerce, MCAL and Omega. Motion passed without opposition.

Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to amend the cooperative endeavor agreement for the Monroe Black Chamber of Commerce to include the additional ARPA funds. Motion passed without opposition.

MR. SHANE SMILEY, DISTRICT E:
Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Hudson offered the following ordinance for adoption.

ORDINANCE NO. 9464

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 20463, 20466, 12634, 30957, 38116, & 38370) BY PUBLIC AUCTION; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the immovable properties described below were adjudicated to the Parish of Ouachita, for nonpayment of taxes; and purchased at a public auction by high bidder:

1. PARCEL# 20463: WEST 50 FT LOTS 1 & 2 H M WILLIAMS SUB PART OF STEELE MADDEN ADDITION, MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 307 LAZARRE AVENUE, WEST MONROE, LA; ADJUDCIATED TO THE PARISH 6/07/2018

Purchaser: Stephanie Hunter Bid: $1,333.33 Auction Date: August 8, 2023

2. PARCEL# 20466: LOT 6 SQ 1 H M WILLIAMS ADDITION RESUB OF STEELE & JONES LOTS OF STEELE & MADDEN ADDITION, MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 307 LAZARRE AVENUE, WEST MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/7/2018

Purchaser: Stephanie Hunter Bid: $1,666.66 Auction Date: August 8, 2023

3. PARCEL# 12634: 1.0 ACS IN NW4 OF NW4 SEC 2,T16N R4E FROM SE COR OF FORTYN 115 FT, W 50 FT PT OF BEG N210 FT, W 210 FT, S 210 FT, E210 FT TO BEG; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 1263 MILLER ROAD, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/11/2019

Purchaser: Shaterricka Long Bid: $5,000.00 Auction Date: August 8, 2023

4. PARCEL# 30957: LOT BEG AT SE COR NW 1/4 OF SE 1/4SEC 17 T 17 NR 1E, NO 208.9 FT DEPTH W 208.9 FT-ERROR IN DEED BK 2145-205; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 1121 GUYTON SWAMP ROAD, CALHOUN LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/11/2019

Purchaser: Eric Jones Bid: $1,034.54 Auction Date: August 8, 2023

5. PARCEL# 38116: LOT 3 OF BLOCK A OF W.R. MITCHELL S FIRST ADDITION TO WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA, AS PER PLAT IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 14 OF THE RECORDS OF OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 203 MITCHELL LANE, WEST, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH 6/30/2020

Purchaser: Erica Brown Bid: $6,721.62 Auction Date: August 8, 2023

6. PARCEL# 38370: EAST 1/3 OF LOTS 11 & 13 OF BLOCK 15 OF T.E. FLOURNOY S FIRST ADDITION TO THE CITY OF WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 715 CLAYTON STREET, WEST MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH 6/7/2018

Purchaser: Will Brady Bid: $1,600.00 Lot Next Door

WHEREAS, the redemption period provided by Art. 7, 25 of the Louisiana Constitution has elapsed, established by Parish Ordinance No: 9016 and 9037 and the owner of record has failed to redeem the adjudicated property; and

WHEREAS, LA R.S. 47: 2202 et seq. provides that the Parish may sell adjudicated property in accordance with law after the expiration of the period for redemption; and

WHEREAS, the Parish of Ouachita has declared the property described above surplus and not needed for a public purpose and to dispose of said property in accordance with LA R.S. 47:2202, et seq.; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with L.A. R.S. 47:2202 the Parish of Ouachita has set a minimum bid for public sale for each property and

WHEREAS, the Parish offered these properties to the highest bidder at the time of sale and

WHEREAS, the property described herein above was offered at public auction on listed dates.

NOW BE IT ORDAINED by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, that any Act of Sale of the above described property shall contain the following conditions and requirements:

1) The properties shall be sold in accordance with LS-R.S. 47:2201 et. seq., without any warranty, from either the Parish or Management Company, whatsoever, even as to the return of the purchase price.

2) The sale shall be on a form approved by the Parish Attorney and that the sales price is paid by certified funds at or near the time of the sale.

3) The sale shall include a reservation of all mineral rights to the Parish, but shall convey all surface rights.

4) The following shall be completed prior to closing of sale:

a. E&P Consulting, LLC shall certify in writing to the Parish Attorney that they have examined the mortgage records, conveyance records, probate and civil suit records of the Parish of Ouachita and that attached to this certification will be a written list of names and last known addresses of all owners, mortgagees, and any other person who may have a vested or contingent interest in the property, or who has filed a request for notice as provided in the former provisions LS-R.S. 33:4720.17(B), as indicated in those records.

b. E&P LLC has provided notice to those persons identified in accordance with LS-R.S. 47:2201 et. seq. Proof of said notice will be filed in the records of Ouachita Parish immediately after the Act of Sale.

c. At the time of closing, the E&P LLC will certify in writing to Parish Attorney and Clerk of Court that the number of days mandated by LS-R.S. 47:2201 et. seq. has elapsed since the above required notice was made or attempted and that the property has not been redeemed by the payment of the taxes owed.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, by the Ouachita Parish Policy Jury, that the Police Jury President is hereby authorized to execute a Cash Sale of the above described adjudicated properties to the highest acceptable bidder as named. The Cash Sale shall contain all of the above conditions and requirements and shall be executed within the timelines specified.

The above ordinance was introduced on the 7th day of August, 2023.

The ordinance was submitted to a roll call vote, and the vote thereon was as follows:

YEAS: (6) Mr. Scotty Robinson, District A; Mr. Jack Clampit, District B;
Mr. Larry Bratton, District C; Mr. Michael Thompson, District D; Mr. Shane Smiley, District E; and Mr. Lonnie Hudson, District F.
NAYS: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
ABSENT: (0)

The above ordinance was adopted on the 21st day of August, 2023.

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Mr. Smiley introduced the following ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 9468

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 46245, 59509, 27240 & 84909) BY PUBLIC AUCTION; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the immovable properties described below were adjudicated to the Parish of Ouachita, for nonpayment of taxes; and purchased at a public auction by high bidder:

1. PARCEL# 46245: LOT 13 SQ 201 UNIT 17 BTW ADDITION, MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 1810 ROGERS STREET, MONROE, LA; ADJUDCIATED TO THE PARISH 7/01/2013

Purchaser: Foster & Martha Phillips Bid: $1,866.66 Auction Date: August 24, 2023
2. PARCEL# 59509: LOTS 7 & 8, SQUARE 8, BRYANT S SOUTH HIGHLAND ADDITION, NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 7/12/2011

Purchaser: Nedra Conrad Bid: $2,020.08 Auction Date: August 24, 2023

3. PARCEL# 27240: LOTS 12 & 13 SQ 4 TIPPITS RESUB OF LOT 1 SEC 3 T17N R3E; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/04/2018

Purchaser: Valencia Smith Bid: $937.73 Auction Date: August 24, 2023

4. PARCEL# 84909: 0.123 ACRE IN NE4 OF NE4 SEC 41 T17N R3E FROM NE COR OF SEC 4 S 7 W 386.98 FT, N 85 W 245.1 FT PT OF BEG N 85 W 80 FT, N 7 E 67.165 FT S 85 E 80 FT, S 7 W 67 FT TO BEG; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 99 JEWEL STREET , WEST MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 07/06/2012

Purchaser: Valencia Smith Bid: $1,345.69 Auction Date: August 24, 2023