PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON, MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024 AT 5:32 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, May 6, 2024, at 5:32 p.m., and was duly convened by Mr. Shane Smiley, President.
The president gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present (6)
Toni Bacon District A
Jimmy Tyson District B
Larry Bratton District C
Michael Thompson District D
Shane Smiley District E
Lonnie Hudson District F
Members Absent (0)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The president asked if there were any additions or amendments to the agenda. There were none. Motion offered by Mr. Tyson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to approve the agenda as published. 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 April 15, 2024 was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson. Motion passed without opposition.
SERVICE AWARD FOR THE MONTH OF MAY:
CORRECTIONS
Julia Kirby 35 years
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Artice Dowdey 10 years
PUBLIC WORKS
David Creed 10 years
Arthur Thomas 15 years
Roosevelt Ethridge 25 years
PUBLIC HEARING:
The president convened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 9485 An Ordinance to authorize an Act of Sale by the Parish of Ouachita to sell certain adjudicated properties (Parcels 38102, 46189, 36348 & 84962) 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. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to close the public hearing. Motion passed without opposition.
VISITORS:
The president recognized Tommy Walpole with the animal shelter advisory committee. The president stated that he had an item under his name regarding the animal shelter and asked to take it up at this time. Mr. Walpole stated that the advisory committee recommended moving forward with the purchase of the property on Ellington Road. Mr. Roark with Tri-State Properties presented information on the property. Discussion ensued. After discussion, motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to accept the advisory committee s recommendation and move forward with the purchase of the property on Ellington Road. Motion passed with Mr. Tyson abstaining.
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 requested approval of the 2024 summer school teacher contracts. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the contracts. Motion passed without opposition.
LIBRARY: Ms. Nancy Green
Ms. Green stated that she did not have any items to add to her written report.
PRE-TRIAL DETAINEES: Ms. Julia Kirby
Ms. Kirby stated that she did not have any items to add to her written report.
911 OFFICE: Mr. Jade Gabb
Mr. Gabb stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
* * *
The president asked to take up the matter concerning the cooperative endeavor agreement with the Northeast Aero Radio Control Club at this time. Motion offered by Mr. Tyson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the cooperative endeavor agreement. Motion passed without opposition.
* * *
A motion to recess the regular meeting in favor of the Personnel Committee meeting was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon. Motion passed without opposition.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
The chair called the Personnel Committee meeting to order at 5:59 p.m.
The chair recognized Mr. Moore, Fire Department. Mr. Moore recommended approval of the following personnel actions.
Sick Leave
Name Action Effective Date
Obed, John Termination of Sick Leave 04/27/2024
Smith, James Termination of Sick Leave 04/30/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley to approve the sick leave as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Promotions
Name From To Effective Date
McCurley, Trace Perm. Firefighter Prob. Driver 05/13/2024
Taylor, William Perm. Firefighter Prob. Driver 05/13/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to approve the promotions as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
Resignations
Name Action Effective Date
Russell, Laiken Resignation/Communication Officer 04/07/2024
Medlin, Joshua Resignation/Driver 04/27/2024
Bishop, Cannon Resignation/Driver 05/03/2024
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Smiley to approve the resignations as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Smart, Green Oaks. Mr. Smart requested to hire Larry Cooper and Tiffany Chambers to the position of Juvenile Detention Officer II part-time. Moton offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to hire Larry Cooper and Tiffany Chambers. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Ms. Bennett, Federal Programs. Ms. Bennett requested to open the position of Workforce Development Board 81 planner/EO officer. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to open the position. Motion passed without opposition.
Ms. Bennett requested to promote Leslie Horne to Workforce Development Board 81 planner/EO officer. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, second by Mr. Thompson to promote Leslie Horne 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. Smiley, seconded by Mrs. Bacon. 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 the cooperative endeavor agreement with Morehouse Parish to repair Bayou Bartholomew bridge and requested approval. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Thomspon to approve the cooperative endeavor agreement. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Murray spoke regarding the request for a variance for a private road right-of-way for Aviemore Subdivision and recommended approval. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to grant the variance. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Crosby, Engineer. Mr. Crosby presented the bid results for the 2023 LCDBG street project and stated that the lowest conforming bid was from Amethyst Construction, Inc. for $1,249,590.05. Mr. Crosby recommended accepting the bid and award the project subject to state approval. Motion offered by Mr. Thomspon, seconded by Mr. Bratton to accept the bid and award the project to Amethyst Construction, Inc. subject to state approval. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Crosby requested authorization to submit grant applications through Keep Louisiana Beautiful. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Thompson to authorize Lazenby & Associates to submit the applications. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Crosby spoke regarding the revision of the ordinance(s) regarding Public Works specifications for certain pipe and drainage structures. No action was taken.
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. Bratton, seconded by Mrs. Bacon. Motion passed without opposition.
* * *
The president reconvened the regular Police Jury meeting at 6:16 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 recognized Mrs. Bacon.
MRS. TONI BACON, DISTRICT A:
Motion offered by Mrs. Bacon, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve payment of Wall Williams Road pay estimate 12 on a reimbursement, rather than disbursement, basis. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Tyson.
MR. JIMMY TYSON, DISTRICT B:
Mr. Tyson stated that he did not have any additional items.
The president recognized Mr. Bratton.
MR. LARRY BRATTON, DISTRICT C:
Mr. Bratton gave an update on broadband, density maps and the recent meeting of the Industrial Development Board.
The president recognized Mr. Thompson.
MR. MICHAEL THOMPSON, DISTRICT D:
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve an allocation of $30,000.00 of ARPA funds for the summer youth program through the Police Jury s Federal Programs department subject to approval from Hunt Guillot & Associates. Motion passed without opposition.
Discussion ensued on using ARPA funds for dumpster services in Districts D and F. No action was taken.
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the corrective action plan recommended by Hunt, Guillot & Associates for the Northeast Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce regarding ARPA funds. Motion passed without opposition.
MR. SHANE SMILEY, DISTRICT E:
Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the 2024 annual certifying signature forms for the justices of the peace and constables state supplemental pay warrants to have Karen Cupit as preparer, Brad Cammack as approver and the president as certifier. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the cooperative endeavor agreement with Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance for a period of three years at $75,000.00 per year. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to appoint Brad Cammack as the records retention officer for July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the appointment of Christina Johnson to the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Thompson to accept Wynn Lawrence s withdrawal of the resignation from the broadband committee he had previously submitted. Motion passed without opposition, and, as a result, Mr. Lawrence s status as an active member of the committee was confirmed.
Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton offered the following resolution for adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-28
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE LOUISIANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (LCDBG) PROGRAM PLANS AND POLICIES; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury has been afforded the opportunity to participate in the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program, Louisiana Watershed Initiative Program (CDBG-MIT) Grant Program administered by the Division of Administration; and,
WHEREAS, it is necessary under the program regulations to authorize certain actions and individuals to perform certain designated functions by the State.
SECTION I
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
WHEREAS, equal opportunity regulations of the LCDBG program require the appointment by the recipient of an Equal Opportunity Officer (EEO Officer) to have the responsibility for maintaining all pertinent EEO files, submitting on a timely basis all reports, answer all related correspondence and monitor all EEO areas;
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury that Brad Cammack, Treasurer, is hereby appointed as EEO Officer for the life of the LCDBG program and as such is charged to faithfully execute all duties and responsibilities herein described.
SECTION II
SECTION 504 POLICY STATEMENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS
WHEREAS, the State requires Grantees to ensure that qualified handicapped persons, including those with impaired sensory skills, receive effective notice and are provided without cost to the person being served.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury adopts the attached Section 504 Police Statement for Communicating with Sensory Impaired Persons and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION III
SECTION 3 COMPLIANCE
WHEREAS, the LCDBG program requires that all grant recipients establish and adopt by resolution a Section 3 Plan and appoint a Section 3 Coordinator and certification procedures.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury adopts a Section 3 Plan and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION IV
RESIDENTIAL ANTI DISPLACEMENT
WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients adopt by resolution a Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION V
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to establish procedures to ensure adequate citizen participation with the program.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Citizen Participation Plan and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION VI
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to create and maintain records for procurement/contracts in accordance with the requirements of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of Louisiana.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Contract Administration Policy and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION VII
DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to ensure that no, person, business concern or other entity will receive duplicative assistance.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Duplication of Benefits Policy and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION VIII
FAIR HOUSING
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the Grantee s jurisdiction.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Fair Housing Policy and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION IX
LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN
WHEREAS, as part of its Citizen Participation Plan to reach out and inform its citizens, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury has developed a language access plan to inform its citizens who may not understand or speak English.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Language Access Plan and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION X
MONITORING PLAN
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to establish objectives and procedures to monitor the compliance requirements during implementation of the program.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Monitoring Plan and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION XI
PROCUREMENT POLICY
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to establish guidelines for the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction services and professional services for the Program in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318-327 and state requirements.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Procurement Policy and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION XII
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
WHEREAS, the Program requires Grantees to establish a policy for full and accurate records of the activities related to the Program in accordance with the requirements of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of Louisiana, Office of Community Development.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Records Management Policy and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
SECTION XIII
SECTION 504 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients adopt by resolution an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the regulation of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR Part 8, implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Public Law 93-112); and
WHEREAS, Section 504 states, in part: No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby adopts the attached Section 504 Grievance Procedure and appoints Brad Cammack, Treasurer, as its Coordinator.
The above resolution was adopted the 6th day of May 2024.
* * *
Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Thompson offered the following ordinance for adoption.
ORDINANCE NO. 9485
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 38102, 46189, 36348 & 84962) 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# 38102: LOT 18, SQ 2, HEARD & WALLACE RESUB, SQ 3, ZEIGNS RESUB RANSOM TRACT; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 112 ORANGE STREET, WEST MONROE, LA; ADJUDCIATED TO THE PARISH 07/14/2020
Purchaser: Carolyn Goodin Bid: $5,000.00 Auction Date: April 18, 2024
2. PARCEL# 46189: LOTS 4, 5, & 6 SQ 73 OUACHITA COTTON MILLS 2ND ADDITION; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 806 S 3rd STREET, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/30/2020
Purchaser: Norma Bates Bid: $30,000.00 Auction Date: April 18, 2024
3. PARCEL# 36348: LOT 1 SQ 5 RESUB HM WILLIAMS MILL ADDITION; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS; 115 S 11th STREET, WEST MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/30/2020
Purchaser: Chambless Enterprises, LLC Bid: $1,000.00 Auction Date: April 18, 2024
4. PARCEL# 84962: LOT IN LOT 10, SQ 12, MORNING SIDE ADDN BEING 82.28 BY 50 BY 200 FT; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: LOCATED ON MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE; MONROE LA, QUITCLAIMED TO PARISH ON 02/28/2024
Purchaser: Shakia Pratt Bid: $1,142.25 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 the above conditions and requirements and shall be executed within the timelines specified.
The above ordinance was introduced on the 15th day of April 2024.
The ordinance was submitted to a roll call vote, and the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: (6) Mrs. Toni Bacon, District A; Mr. Jimmy Tyson, 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 6th day of May 2024.
* * *
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 requested approval to receive proposals for grant and federal funding administrative services. Motion offered by Mrs. Bacon, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve advertising the requests for proposals and to include municipalities in the proposal. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Chief Hemphill, Fire Department. Chief Hemphill stated that he did not have any items.
The president recognized Mr. Mitchell, Assistant District Attorney. Mr. Mitchell stated that he did not have any items.
The president recognized Mr. Murray, Public Works. Mr. Murray stated that he did not have any items.
BEER AND WHISKEY APPLICATIONS:
Mr. Mitchell spoke regarding the following beer and whiskey application and recommended approval. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the application as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
DHILLON, SOOKHAM VIKRAM-VIJAY LLC DBA NOW SAVE #19, 331 HIGHWAY 546, WEST MONROE, LA 71291, RETAIL BEER CLASS B , RETAIL LIQUOR CLASS D , 2024 NEW OWNER
Mr. Mitchell spoke regarding the following beer and whiskey application and recommended approval subject to receiving permission from the property owner. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to approve the application as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
NORDMAN, DAVID SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FOR JARRETT S PROJECT 8, 600 FINKS HIDEAWAY ROAD, MONROE, LA 71203, JUNE 20, 2024 CLASS A BEER PERMIT & CLASS C LIQUOR PERMIT
OTHER BUSINESS:
There being no other business to come before the Jury, a motion to adjourn was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Shane Smiley, President Karen Cupit, Recording Secretary
OPPJ MINUTES
