PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON, MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024 AT 5:33 P.M.
The Police Jury of the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana met in a regular session in the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, Monroe, Louisiana on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 5:33 p.m., and was duly convened by Mr. Shane Smiley, President.
Mr. Bratton gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present (5)
Jimmy Tyson District B
Larry Bratton District C
Michael Thompson District D
Shane Smiley District E
Lonnie Hudson District F
Members Absent (1)
Toni Bacon District A
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The president asked if there were any additions or amendments to the agenda. Mr. Mitchell requested to add an item to approve the cooperative endeavor agreement with Lafourche Parish to the agenda. Mr. Mitchell also asked to add the approval of a FEMA property lease to the agenda. These items were received after the agenda was published and action was needed before the next meeting of the Jury. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton 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 May 20, 2024 was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton. Motion passed without opposition.
SERVICE AWARD FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE:
PUBLIC WORKS
Jonathan Clampit 20 years
SELECTION OF OFFICIAL JOURNAL:
A motion was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to accept The Ouachita Citizen as the official journal and the Monroe Dispatch as the auxiliary journal for the year ending June 30, 2025. Motion passed without opposition.
VISITORS:
There were none.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
The following department heads presented monthly reports.
ANIMAL CONTROL: Ms. Stephanie Mullins
Ms. Mullins stated that she did not have any items to add to her written report.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS: Ms. Doretha Bennett
Ms. Bennett stated that she did not have any items to add to her written report.
FIRE DEPARTMENT: Mr. Bobby Moore
Mr. Moore stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
GREEN OAKS: Mr. Tarquin Smart
Mr. Smart stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
HOMELAND SECURITY: Mr. Rodger McConnell
Mr. Mitchell spoke regarding the cooperative endeavor agreement with Lafourche Parish to render assistance in the event of an evacuation with Lafourche Parish to pay the costs. Mr. Mitchell recommended approval of the cooperative endeavor agreement. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the cooperative endeavor agreement. Motion passed without opposition.
IT DEPARTMENT: Mr. Robert Gaines
Mr. Gaines stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS: Ms. Isabelle Butler
Ms. Butler requested approval for Cynthia Allen to attend the Election Center summer session in Boise, Idaho on July 12-21, 2024. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the travel request. Motion passed without opposition.
911 OFFICE: Mr. Jade Gabb
Mr. Gabb requested approval for one employee to attend the NENA national conference on June 28-July 3, 2024. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the travel request. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Gabb requested approval for one employee to attend the ESRI GIS national conference on July 15-19, 2024. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the travel request. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Gabb requested approval for one employee to attend the URISA GIS national conference on October 7-10, 2024. Motion offered Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the travel request. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Gabb requested approval for three employees to attend the APCO national conference on August 3-7, 2024. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the travel request. Motion passed without opposition.
LSU AG CENTER: Ms. Markaye Russell
Ms. Russell gave an update on the nutrition program.
* * *
A motion to recess the regular meeting in favor of the Personnel Committee meeting was offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Smiley. Motion passed without opposition.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
The chair called the Personnel Committee meeting to order at 5:47 p.m.
The chair recognized Mr. Moore, Fire Department. Mr. Moore recommended approval of the following personnel actions.
Sick Leave
Name Action Effective Date
May, Kurt Sick Leave 5/05/2024
Wells, John Termination of Sick Leave 5/07/2024
Lenard, Darrin Termination of Sick Leave 4/30/2024
Jones, Cody Sick Leave 4/16/2024
Woodall, Cody Sick Leave 5/20/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the sick leave and recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Promotions
Name From To Effective Date
Adkison, Elisha Perm. Comm. Officer Prob. Comm. Officer II 6/10/2024
Brown, James Ryan Perm. Comm. Officer Prob. Comm. Officer II 6/10/2024
Dowdey, Charles A. Perm. Comm. Officer Prob. Comm. Officer II 6/10/2024
Johnson, Kalee Perm. Comm. Officer Prob. Comm. Officer II 6/10/2024
Wages, Jodi Perm. Comm. Officer Prob. Comm. Officer II 6/10/2024
Walker, Melanie Perm. Comm. Officer Prob. Comm. Officer II 6/10/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the promotions as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Confirmations
Name From To Effective Date
Hopfinger, Heath Prob. Training Officer Perm. Training Officer 6/12/2024
Martin, Zachary Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Thigpen, Hunter Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Grier, Perry Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Parker, Hayden Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Obed, John Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Cupit, Ryan Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Romero, Chandler Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Stewart, Nicholas Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Elkin, Zachary Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Jacobs, Conner Prob. Firefighter Perm. Firefighter 6/07/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley to approve the confirmations as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Retirement
Name Action Effective Date
Hemphill, Patrick Retires as Fire Chief 6/10/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the retirement as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Substitute Appointment
Name From To Effective Date
Wells, John Perm. Deputy Chief Substitute Fire Chief 6/10/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley to approve the substitute appointment as recommended. Motion passed with Mr. Thompson abstaining.
Resignations
Name Action Effective Date
Harrison, Abron Resignation/Recruit 5/21/2024
McCurley, Trace Resignation/Driver 5/30/2024
Searcy, James Resignation/Firefighter 5/29/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley to approve the resignations as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Bratton spoke regarding the fire chief interview process recommended by the human resources department and stated that each juror will submit their top three candidates by Thursday afternoon to interview. Interviews will be held during an executive session of the Jury.
The chair recognized Mr. Smart, Green Oaks. Mr. Smart requested to hire Russell Brown and Kendre Williams as Juvenile Detention Officer II full-time. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to hire Russell Brown and Kendre Williams as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
There being no further business to come before this committee, a motion to adjourn and enter into the Public Works Committee meeting was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley. Motion passed without opposition.
* * *
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
The chair, Mr. Hudson, called the Public Works Committee meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
The chair recognized Mr. Murray, Director. Mr. Murray spoke regarding preliminary subdivision approval for Ball Park Subdivision and recommended approval subject to comments from Public Works and the parish engineer being adequately answered. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Smiley to grant preliminary subdivision approval for Ball Park Subdivision and recommended approval subject to comments from Public Works and the parish engineer being adequately answered. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Crosby, Engineer. Mr. Crosby requested ratification of Change Order No. 1 for the sewer lift station for wastewater treatment plant removal in Country Estates West and Lift Station G-1 replacement project. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Smiley to ratify Change Order No. 1. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Crosby recommended approval of the substantial completion for Hodge Watson Road. Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the substantial completion. Motion passed without opposition.
There being no other business to come before this committee at this time a motion to adjourn and reconvene the regular meeting was offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton. Motion passed without opposition.
* * *
The president reconvened the regular Police Jury meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to ratify and adopt all actions taken in the committee meetings. Motion passed without opposition.
MOTIONS * ORDINANCES * RESOLUTIONS:
The president stated that Mrs. Bacon was not at the meeting and did not have any items.
The president recognized Mr. Tyson.
MR. JIMMY TYSON, DISTRICT B:
Mr. Tyson stated that he did not have any items.
The president recognized Mr. Bratton.
MR. LARRY BRATTON, DISTRICT C:
Mr. Bratton gave an update on capital outlay funding.
Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the lease for FEMA property at 545 Woodhaven Drive to Eugene Sewell. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Thompson.
MR. MICHAEL THOMPSON, DISTRICT D:
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve payment of the invoices for the repairs to the Lakeshore Sewerage District main under Shenandoah Drive from the district s previous ARPA allocation. Motion passed without opposition.
MR. SHANE SMILEY, DISTRICT E:
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve an additional $296,500.00 of ARPA funding for the coroner and registrar of voters buildings. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Smiley introduced the following ordinance.
ORDINANCE NO. 9487
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 19359, 75074, 15851, 47465, 58089, & 62561) 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# 19359: LOT 11 SQ 16 HONEST JOHNS ADDN TO BROWNVILLE; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: LOCATED ON BAILEY STREET, WEST MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH 06/07/2018
Purchaser: Multiple Bidders Bid: $764.58 Auction Date: June 6, 2024
2. PARCEL# 75074: LOT 15 SQ 5 UNIT 1 BTW ADDN; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: LOCATED ON BAILEY STREET, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 07/01/1998
Purchaser: Paulette Clay Bid: $1,866.66 Auction Date: June 6. 2024
3. PARCEL# 15851: LOT IN E2 OF SE4 OF NE4 SEC 19 T17N R4E, BEG 262 FT SO & 15 FT E OF NW COR, E 100 FT, DEPTH SO 150 FT; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/30/2020
Purchaser: ITL Rentals, LLC Bid: $1,187.70 Auction Date: June 6, 2024
4. PARCEL# 47465: SOUTH 50 FT LOTS 9 & 10 SQ F LOVERS LANE ADDN; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 2704 DICK TAYLOR STREET; MONROE LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/30/2020
Purchaser: Multiple Bidders Bid: $1,401.16 Auction Date: June 6, 2024
5. PARCEL# 58089: LOT 15 SQ 4 JOHNSTONS 1ST ADDN; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 3203 POLK STREET; MONROE LA, ADJUDICATED TO PARISH ON 06/30/2020
Purchaser: Multiple Bidders Bid: $3,156.90 Auction Date: June 6, 2024
6. PARCEL# 62561: 3ACS IN S OF NE OF NE OF SEC 20 T17N R4E BEG 299.8 FT N OF SW OF S OF NE OF NE 1/4, EAST 338.8 FT, NORTH 381.2 F, W 338.8 FT, SOUTH 381.2 FT TO BEG; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 5003 BROWN STREET, RICHWOOD, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/11/2019
Purchaser: Mona Profit, Anthony Profit & Charles Lampkins Bid: $7,446.38
Auction Date: June 6, 2024
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 the above conditions and requirements and shall be executed within the timelines specified.
* * *
The president recognized Mr. Hudson.
MR. LONNIE HUDSON, DISTRICT F:
Mr. Hudson stated that he did not have any items.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
The president recognized Mr. Cammack, Treasurer. Mr. Cammack
The president recognized Mr. Moore, Fire Department. Mr. Moore stated that he did not have any items.
The president recognized Mr. Mitchell, Assistant District Attorney. Mr. Mitchell recommended approval of the renewal of the lease with the state for the Hamilton Lake boat ramp. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the lease renewal. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Mitchell recommended approval of the amendment to the cooperative endeavor agreement with Southwest Ouachita Water Company. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Tyson to approve the amendment. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Murray, Public Works. Mr. Murray stated that he did not have any items.
BEER AND WHISKEY APPLICATIONS:
There were none.
OTHER BUSINESS:
The president recognized Florida Glass, 714 Tanglewood Drive, Monroe. Ms. Glass spoke regarding the streetlight by her house and wanted clarification as to why it was taken down. Ms. Cupit stated that the light was taken down by Entergy due to the demolition of the house next door and no one was paying for that light. There is a streetlight across the street from Ms. Glass but it is not currently working. A repair ticket was submitted to Entergy.
There being no other business to come before the Jury, a motion to adjourn was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Shane Smiley, President Karen Cupit, Recording Secretary
OPPJ MINUTES
