PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2023 AT 5:31 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, October 2, 2023, at 5:31 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
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. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit 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 to speak during the public comment period.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES:
A motion to adopt the minutes of the regular Police Jury meeting including the committee meetings held on September 18, 2023 was offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Hudson. Motion passed without opposition.
SERVICE AWARDS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
James Stewart 10 years
PUBLIC WORKS
Gary Thomas 10 years
Kyle Williams 10 years
Gerald Hardmon 15 years
TREASURER
Sonya Madison 25 years
A motion to recess the regular meeting and convene as the Board of Review to hear any and all appeals or protests from taxpayers on their 2023 assessments was offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Motion passed without opposition.
BOARD OF REVIEW: Motion to convene as Board of Review to hear any and all protests from taxpayers on their 2023 assessments.
1) Cable One, Parcel 3227
The president recognized Stephanie Smith, Assessor. Mrs. Smith objected to the tax appeal of Cable One on the grounds that the appeal was not submitted by the deadline. Ms. Smith further explained that the valuation determined by her office was appropriate and asked that the Board of Review uphold the assessment.
No one appeared on behalf of Cable One. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Robinson to uphold the property assessment as prepared by the parish assessor and to refer the appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to adjourn as the Board of Review. Motion passed without opposition.
VISITORS:
The president recognized Kenneth Harper, 217 Tinsley Road, West Monroe. Mr. Harper stated his concerns with parish inspectors coming onto his property. Mr. Harper also stated his objections to the site development ordinance and asked to Jury to consider amending the ordinance The Police Jury asked Mr. Mitchell to discuss these two matters with Mr. Harper.
The president recognized Melissa Saye with the Children s Museum. Ms. Saye gave an update on the planning process for the new Children s Museum.
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.
FIRE DEPARTMENT: Chief Patrick Hemphill
Chief Hemphill stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
GREEN OAKS: Mr. Tarquin Smart
Mr. Smart presented the bid results for the fourth quarter food and food products and stated that the only bid received was from Ben E. Keith for $48,032.18. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to accept the bid from Ben E. Keith. Motion passed without opposition.
HOMELAND SECURITY: Mr. Rodger McConnell
Mr. McConnell stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
IT DEPARTMENT: Mr. Robert Gaines
Mr. Gaines stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
LSU AG CENTER: Ms. Bethany Corona
Ms. Corona gave an update on the 4-H program.
911 OFFICE: Mr. Jade Gabb
Mr. Gabb stated that he did not have any items to add to his written report.
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A motion to recess the regular meeting in favor of the Personnel Committee meeting was offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Thompson. Motion passed without opposition.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
The chair, Mr. Bratton, called the Personnel Committee meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
The chair recognized Chief Hemphill, Fire Department. Chief Hemphill recommended approval of the following personnel actions.
Sick Leave
Name Action Effective Date
Gable, Kenneth Sick Leave 08/24/2023
Roark, Kaitlyn Sick Leave 09/06/2023
Wages, Jodi Sick Leave 09/18/2023
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the sick leave as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
Confirmations
Name From To Effective Date
Wells, John Prob. Deputy Chief Perm. Deputy Chief 10/31/2023
Brasher, Kevin Prob. District Chief Perm. District Chief 10/31/2023
Bell, Michael B. Prob. Captain Perm. Captain 10/31/2023
Murphy, Joshua Prob. Captain Perm. Captain 09/19/2023
Borger, Jordan Prob. Driver Perm. Driver 09/19/2023
Gregory, Jessica Prob. Communication Officer Perm. Communication Officer 10/31/2023
Lingenfelder, Nelson Prob. Communication Officer Perm. Communication Officer 10/31/2023
Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve the confirmations as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
Resignations
Name Action Effective Date
Lockwood, William T. Resignation/Driver 09/11/2023
Hammons, Caleb Resignation/Driver 09/27/2023
Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the resignations as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
New Hire
Name Action Effective Date
Russell, Laiken Prob. Communication Officer 10/16/2023
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve the new hire subject to their passing all remaining tests. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Murray, Public Works. Mr. Murray requested to promote Samuel Williams to Equipment Operator II. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the promotion. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Murray requested to hire Danny Mitchell as Equipment Operator I. Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to hire Danny Mitchell. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Smart, Green Oaks. Mr. Smart requested to terminate Alice Arnold, Devin Butler and Joshua Cassels. Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the three terminations. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Ms. Mullins, Animal Control. Ms. Mullins requested to promote Sarah Thornhill to full-time kennel worker. Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the promotion. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Gabb, 911 Office. Mr. Gabb requested to hire Jakai Hood and Ty Gonzales as Emergency Call Specialist I. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to hire Jakai Hood and Ty Gonzales. Motion passed without opposition.
The chair recognized Mr. Gaines, IT Department. Mr. Gaines requested to hire Clifford McManus as lead IT technician. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to hire Clifford McManus. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Gaines requested to hire Dyllan Whittington as IT technician. Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to hire Dyllan Whittington. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Gaines requested a pay adjustment for Kennede Tran. Motion by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Smiley to adjust the pay of Kennede Tran to Grade 226, Step 35B effective October 3, 2023.
The chair recognized Mr. Smiley. Mr. Smiley requested the Jury to promote Tarquin Smart to Green Oaks director. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to promote Tarquin Smart. Motion passed without opposition.
There being no further business to come before this committee, a motion to adjourn and enter into the Public Work Committee meeting was offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Thompson. Motion passed without opposition.
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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
The chair, Mr. Hudson, called the Public Works Committee meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
The chair recognized Mr. Murray, Public Works. Mr. Murray spoke regarding final subdivision approval for Magnolia Pointe Subdivision and recommended approval subject to comments from the Public Works Department and parish engineer being adequately answered. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Robinson to grant final subdivision approval subject to comments from the Public Works Department and parish engineer being adequately answered. Motion passed without opposition. Mr. Crosby complemented the developer on the quality of the work on this development.
Mr. Murray updated the Jury on the road program and stated that there is $1,423,000.00 remaining in the budget for the program and that twenty-one of the thirty-seven cross drains have been patched.
The chair recognized Mr. Crosby, Engineer. Mr. Crosby requested approval to obtain quotes for the Shady Lane drainage improvement project. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve Lazenby & Associates to obtain quotes for the Shady Lane drainage improvement project. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Crosby requested approval to obtain quotes for the Bayou Bank drainage improvement project. Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve Lazenby & Associates to obtain quotes for the Bayou Bank drainage improvement project. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Crosby presented revised Change Order No. 3 for the Wall Williams Road project and recommended approval. Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve revised Change Order No. 3. 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. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Clampit. Motion passed without opposition.
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The president reconvened the regular Police Jury meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Motion offered by Mr. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to ratify and adopt all actions taken in the committee meetings. Motion passed without opposition.
MOTIONS * ORDINANCES * RESOLUTIONS:
The president recognized Mr. Robinson.
MR. SCOTTY ROBINSON, DISTRICT A:
Mr. Robinson asked for an update on Hodge Watson Road. Mr. Crosby stated that the survey is complete and they are currently working on the plans and specifications.
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Crosby to look at Standard Reed Road.
The president recognized Mr. Clampit.
MR. JACK CLAMPIT, DISTRICT B:
Mr. Clampit stated that he did not have any items.
The president recognized Mr. Bratton.
MR. LARRY BRATTON, DISTRICT C:
Mr. Bratton gave an update on broadband in the parish.
Mr. Bratton asked to defer the matter concerning the Ouachita Parish flood mitigation review task force.
The president recognized Mr. Thompson.
MR. MICHAEL THOMPSON, DISTRICT D:
Mr. Thompson stated that he did not have any items.
MR. SHANE SMILEY, DISTRICT E:
Mr. Smiley reminded everyone that the deadline for Capital Outlay application is November 1 and they will need to approve the applications at the next meeting.
Mr. Smiley spoke regarding the cooperative endeavor agreements to provide ARPA funding to various water and sewer systems and stated that amendments to the agreements are needed to change the payment process for the Police Jury s contribution. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve the amendment of the cooperative endeavor agreements with the ARPA funded water and sewer systems. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve the cooperative endeavor agreement with GOHSEP for project management services. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Robinson offered the following resolution for adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-32
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POLICE JURY PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENTS WITH THE STATE OF LOUISIANA IN CONNECTION WITH HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT ( HMGP ) HAZARD FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury ( OPPJ ) has applied for HMGP for certain projects in Ouachita Parish;
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development has requested that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury identify and authorize a representative to execute the Cooperative Endeavor Agreements and other documents related to said HMGP projects; and,
WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury finds it appropriate for its President to be the authorized representative of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to execute such documents as are required for the furtherance of these HMGP projects;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in legal and regular session that it does hereby identify its President, Shane Smiley, as its representative for the purpose of executing documents on behalf of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury for the following HMGP Projects:
1. HMGP DR-4263 River Styx Pump Station Upgrade
2. HMGP DR-4263 Black Bayou Canal Improvements
3. HMGP DR-4263 Oregon Trail Floodwall/Levee
4. HMGP DR-4263 Georgia Street Pumps Sation
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby authorizes and directs its president, Shane Smiley, to execute the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement(s) and other documents or correspondence as required to advance the HMGP Projects identified above.
The above resolution was adopted on the 2nd day of October, 2023.
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Mr. Smiley introduced the following ordinance.
ORDINANCE NO. 9469
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 47660, 51812, 74976, & 22513) 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# 47660: 2.04 ACS IN SE 4 OF NE 4 SEC 30 T17N R3E BEG 263 FT W OF NE COR SAID FORTY, W 400 FT, DEPTH SO 331.5 FT-SOLD 1 AC BK 1580-674-TRAILER ON THIS PROP ASSESED TO JOHN W STANLEY ACCT #65668-FROM ANITA WINTERS STANLEY ET AL; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 155 LEONARD DRIVE, WEST MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/04/2018
Purchaser: Multiple Bidders Bid: $1,625.08 Auction Date: October 5, 2023
2. PARCEL# 51812: LOTS 4 & 5 SQ 2 RM BREARD JRS. RESUB SQ 23 & 24 STUBBS YOUNGS BAYOU ADDITION; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: LOCATED ON S 22ND STREET, MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/30/2016
Purchaser: Darrell & Marlena Cook Bid: $1,843.94 Auction Date: October 5, 2023
3. PARCEL# 74976: LOT IN LOT 8 SQ 83 DA BREARD SRS. ADDN BEG 50 FT W OF 7TH ST, W 50 FT, SO 93 FT, E 36.20 FT, SO 6.3 FT, E 13.67 FT, NO 99.3 FT TO PT OF BEG; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 610 BRES AVENUE, MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 10/31/2023
Purchaser: Mary M. Wiggins Bid: $4,734.00 Auction Date: October 5, 2023
4. PARCEL# 22513:; LOT IN LOT 35 G B HAYNES RESUB OF NW4 OF NW4 SEC 15 & NE4 OF NE4 OF SEC 16 T17N R3E BEG AT SW COR LOT 35, NO 122.49 FT ON E SIDE DELAUGHTER ST, E 150 FT, NO 100 FT, E 340.67 FT, SO 222.54 FT, W ON NO SIDE MARTIN ST 478.25 FT TO BEG-LESS 100 FT BY 150 FT LOT IN BOOK 1376-830 & 832 SOLD 1.69 ACS BK 1563-588; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 213 WT HEMPHILL DRIVE, WEST MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/12/2017
Purchaser: Mayo Smith Properties, LLC Bid: $333.33 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.
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The president recognized Mr. Hudson, District F.
MR. LONNIE HUDSON, DISTRICT F:
Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson offered the following resolution for adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 23-31
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE OF LOUISIANA REGARDING THE OFF-SYSTEM BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Code of Federal Regulations as enacted by the United States Congress mandates that all structures defined as bridges located on all public roads shall be inspected, rated for safe load capacity and posted in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards, and that an inventory of these bridges be maintained by each State; and,
WHEREAS, the responsibility to inspect, rate and load post those bridges under the authority of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in accordance with those Standards is delegated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to the Ouachita Parish Police Jury;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in legal and regular session that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury (herein referred to as the Parish) does hereby certify to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (herein referred to as the DOTD) that for the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023:
1. The Parish has performed all interim inspections on all Parish owned or maintained bridges in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards.
2. All bridges owned or maintained by the Parish have been structurally analyzed and rated by the Parish as to the safe load capacity in accordance with AASHTO Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges. The load posting information that has been determined by the LADOTD for all bridges where the maximum legal load under Louisiana State Law exceeds the load permitted under the operating rating as determined above has been critically reviewed by the Parish. Load posting information has been updated by the parish to reflect all structural changes, and obsolete structural ratings or any missing structural ratings.
3. All Parish owned or maintained bridges, which require load posting or closing, are load posted or closed in accordance with the table in the DOTD Engineering Directives and Standards Manual Directive No. 1.1.1.8. All DOTD supplied load-posting information concerning a bridge has been critically reviewed by the Parish Engineer prior to load posting.
4. All bridges owned or maintained by the Parish are shown on the attached list in the format specified by the DOTD. Corrections to data supplied to the Parish by the Parish by the LADOTD are noted.
These stipulations are prerequisites to participation by the Parish in the Off-System Bridge Replacement Program.
The above resolution was adopted on the 2nd day of October, 2023.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
The president recognized Mr. Cammack, Treasurer. Mr. Cammack requested to transfer the following Court Reporter assets to the Clerk of Court: desks/workstations, asset numbers 12346, 11872, 11873, 11874, 12866, 12869 and 12868; chairs, asset numbers 11900, 11901, 11902 and 11989. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to approve the transfer of the assets to the Clerk of Court. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Cammack presented a proposal from Harness Roofing, Inc. for roof repairs at the administrative building. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Clampit to accept the proposal from Harness Roofing, Inc. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Cammack presented a quote from Kirkland Kutters LLC for vegetation removal at Calhoun Technology Park. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Thompson to accept the quote from Kirkland Kutters LLC. 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 spoke regarding the cooperative endeavor agreement for Pine Lake Road. Discussion ensued. No action was taken.
The president recognized Mr. Murray, Public Works. Mr. Murray stated that he did not have any items.
BEER AND WHISKEY APPLICATIONS:
Mr. Mitchell asked to defer the following application until the next meeting.
THOMPSON, TIMOTHY CASINO BINGO AND BEER LLC, 5324 CYPRESS STREET, SUITE 3, WEST MONROE, LA 71291, RETAIL BEER CLASS A , RETAIL LIQUOR CLASS C , 2024 RENEWAL
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. Thompson stated that there have been concerns from constituents that the Jury does not communicate with them. Mr. Thompson stated that all Police Jury minutes are published in the Ouachita Citizen and Monroe Free Press. Mr. Thompson also stated that many jurors communicate with the public on social media.
There being no other business to come before the Jury, a motion to adjourn was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Robinson. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Shane Smiley, President Karen Cupit, Recording Secretary
