Ouchita Parish Police Jury: July 24, 2023 Minutes

PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING HELD ON, MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023 AT 5:32 P.M.

The Police Jury of the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana met in a special called session in the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Meeting Room, Police Jury Administrative Building, Monroe, Louisiana on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 5:32 p.m., and was duly convened by Mr. Shane Smiley, President.

Mr. Clampit 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. There were none. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Robinson 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 July 10, 2023 was offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Hudson. Motion passed with Mr. Thompson abstaining.

PUBLIC HEARING:
The president convened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 9460 An Ordinance to authorize an Act of Sale by the Parish of Ouachita to sell certain adjudicated properties (Parcels 40171, 49424, 51470, 76405, 63424, 63427, 63433, 53889) 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:
There were none.
ENGINEERING REPORT:
The president recognized Mr. Crosby, Engineer. Mr. Crosby updated the Jury on ongoing projects in the parish.

* * *

Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson 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 5:46 p.m.

The chair recognized Mr. Cammack, Treasurer. Mr. Cammack presented the claim statement for the period of June 16, 2023 through July 20, 2023 and recommended approval. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve payment of the claims for the period stated as recommended by the treasurer. Motion passed without opposition.

Mr. Cammack presented budget versus actual statements to the Jury. No action was needed.

Mr. Cammack spoke regarding the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund allocation received from the federal government and requested approval to use the funds for air conditioning enhancement on the third floor of the courthouse annex. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve using the funds for the air conditioning enhancement. Motion passed without opposition.

The chair recognized Chief Hemphill, Fire Department. Chief Hemphill requested approval to purchase four Ford F-150 PPV responders through the state contract. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the purchase. Motion passed without opposition.

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 5:50 p.m.

* * *

The president reconvened the regular Police Jury meeting.

Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Bratton 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:
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Crosby for an update on Cerdan Circle drainage. Mr. Crosby explained the repairs that are needed as sinkholes have appeared due to deterioration of underground drainage pipe. No action was taken.

Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Crosby for an update on Hodge Watson Road. Mr. Crosby discussed the condition of the road and requested approval to repair the eastern segment of the road at an estimate of $2,000,000.00. No action was taken.

Mr. Robinson introduced the following ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 9462

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL REVENUE FOR THE PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, LEVYING ANNUAL TAXES FOR SAID PURPOSES; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

2023 REVENUE LAW

BE IT ORDAINED, by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, acting in accordance with law as the governing authority of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana and certain taxing districts located therein, in a public meeting held on August 7, 2023, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that said Ouachita Parish Police Jury voted to increase the millage rate(s), but not in excess of the prior year s maximum rate(s), on all taxable property shown on the official assessment roll for the year 2023, and when collected, the revenues from said taxes shall be used only for the specific purposes for which said taxes have been levied. Said millage rate(s) are:

Millage 2023 Levy

1. General Alimony (outside municipalities) 4.14 mils

2. General Alimony (inside municipalities) 2.07 mils

3. Public Library 7.64 mils

4. Health Unit/Animal Control 1.75 mils

5. Mosquito Abatement 1.39 mils

6. Juvenile Detention Center 2.90 mils

7. Ouachita Correctional Center 9.2 mils

8. Road Lighting District No. 1 0 mils

9. Fire Protection District No. 1 18.00 mils

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, acting in accordance with law as the governing authority of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana and certain taxing districts located therein, in a public meeting held on August 7, 2023, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law, that said Ouachita Parrish Police Jury voted to levy the following taxes, assessments and or service charges on all property subject thereto as shown on the official assessment roll for the year 2023, and when collected, the revenues from said taxes shall be used only for the specific purposes for which said taxes have been levied. Said taxes, assessments or service charges are:

Tax, Assessment, Service Charge, etc. 2023 Levy Collection Charge
1) Woodlands (La. R.S. 3:4321) Eight (8) cents/acre N/A
2) Road Lighting District No. 4 $10.00 $0.50
3) Road Lighting District No. 5 $15.00 $0.75
4) Road Lighting District No. 6 $25.00 $1.25
5) Road Lighting District No. 7 $15.00 $0.75
6) Road Lighting District No. 9 $20.00 $1.00
7) Road Lighting District No. 10 $175.00 $8.75
8) Road Lighting District No. 11 $10.00 $0.50
9) Road Lighting District No. 12 $45.00 $2.25
10) Road Lighting District No. 13 $15.00 $0.75
11) Road Lighting District No. 14 $45.00 $2.25
12) Road Lighting District No. 16 $25.00 $1.25
13) Road Lighting District No. 17 $25.00 $1.25
14) Road Lighting District No. 18 $30.00 $1.50
15) Road Lighting District No. 19 $40.00 $2.00
16) Road Lighting District No. 20 $10.00 $0.50
17) Road Lighting District No. 22 $20.00 $1.00
18) Road Lighting District No. 23 $20.00 $1.00
19) Road Lighting District No. 24 $25.00 $1.25
20) Road Lighting District No. 26 $15.00 $0.75
21) Road Lighting District No. 27 $35.00 $1.75
22) Road Lighting District No. 28 $40.00 $2.00
23) Road Lighting District No. 29 $10.00 $0.50
24) Road Lighting District No. 30 $5.00 $0.25
25) Road Lighting District No. 32 $50.00 $2.50
26) Road Lighting District No. 33 $30.00 $1.50
27) Road Lighting District No. 34 $60.00 $3.00
28) Road Lighting District No. 35 $60.00 $3.00
29) Road Lighting District No. 36 $65.00 $3.25
30) Road Lighting District No. 38 $35.00 $1.75
31) Road Lighting District No. 39 $120.00 $6.00
32) Road Lighting District No. 40 $65.00 $3.25
33) Road Lighting District No. 42 $20.00 $1.00
34) Road Lighting District No. 44 $90.00 $4.50
35) Road Lighting District No. 45 $35.00 $1.75
36) Road Lighting District No. 46 $5.00 $0.25
37) Road Lighting District No. 47 $60.00 $3.00
38) Road Lighting District No. 48 $60.00 $3.00
39) Road Lighting District No. 49 $50.00 $2.50
40) Road Lighting District No. 51 $15.00 $0.75

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all said taxes enumerated herein in the various sections of this Ordinance shall be exigible and collectable on the same day in the manner as provided by existing laws and ordinances of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Assessor of the Parish of Ouachita, shall extend upon the assessment roll for the year 2023 the taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of said Parish shall collect and remit the same to said taxing authority in accordance with law.

* * *

The president recognized Mr. Clampit, District B.

MR. JACK CLAMPIT, DISTRICT B:
Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Hudson to accept the LGAP award and approve the contract for Cheniere Lake Areas 1 & 3. Motion passed without opposition.

Mr. Clampit introduced the following ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 9463

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 14-1 OF THE COMPILED ORDINANCES OF THE OUACHITA PARISH POLICE JURY, TO DECREASE THE SPEED LIMIT FOR A PORTION OF CAMP ROAD TO 35 MPH; PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING; AND FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, presently the speed limit in effect for that portion of Camp Road is 45 miles per hour;

WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Public Works Department has indicated that conditions along the southern portion of Camp Road warrant a reduction of the speed limit to 35 miles per hour to promote safe and efficient travel; and,

WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury finds that a reduction of the speed limit on a portion of Camp Road is in the public interest;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ORDAINED by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury in legal and regular session that Section 14-1(84) of the Compiled Ordinances of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, be, and is hereby, supplemented and amended, as follows, to lower the speed limit for that portion of Camp Road south of its intersection with Vocational Road to its intersection with Cheniere Station Road from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour;

Sec. 14-1.- Speed limits.

***

(84) Camp Road forty-five (45) miles per hour from its intersection with U.S. Hwy. 80 to its intersection with Vocational Parkway and thirty five (35) miles per hour from its intersection with Vocational Parkway to its intersection with Cheniere Station Road.

***

[new language in italics]

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Ouachita Parish Public Works Department is directed to post signage indicating this new speed limit without delay and that said 35 mph speed limit shall become effective upon the posting of such signage.

* * *

Mr. Clampit spoke regarding selling water from the West Ouachita Industrial Park to a new RV park on Camp Road. Motion offered by Mr. Clampit, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve selling water to the new RV park. Motion passed with Mr. Smiley opposing.

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 the cooperative endeavor agreement for the NELA Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation ARPA project. Motion passed without opposition.

Mr. Thompson asked to table the matter concerning the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce ARPA project.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 9460

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 40171, 49424, 51470, 76405, 63424, 63427, 63433, 53889) 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# 40171: LOT 48 OF HANNA-BYNUM SUBDIVISON OF SQUARE 26 OF ALEXANDER S SECOND ADDITIION TO MONROE, LOUISIANA, AS PER PLAT ON FILE IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 43, OF THE RECORDS OF OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA, ALSO DESCRIBED AS LOT 49 OF HANNA AND BYNUM S SUBDIVIISON OF ALEXANDER S 2ND ADDITION TO THE CITY OF MONROE, LOUISIANA IN THAT DEED OF RECORD IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 1212 DR# 827786, RECORDS OF OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA, MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 214 MOORE AVENUE, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 7/14/2015

Purchaser: William Earl Dade, Sr. Bid: $1,692.41 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

2. PARCEL# 49424: LOT 49 OF HANNA-BYNUM SUBDIVISION OF SQUARE 26 OF ALEXANDER S SECOND ADDITION TO MONROE, LOUIANA; AS PER PLAT ON FILE IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 43, OF THE RECORDS OF OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA, ALSO DESCRIBED AS LOT 49 OF HANNA AND BYNUM S SUBDVISION OF ALEXANDER S 2ND ADDITION TO THE CITY OF MONROE, LOUISIANA IN THAT DEED OF RECORD IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 1212, DR#827786, RECORDS OF OUACHITA PARISH; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 212 MOORE AVENUE, MONROE, LA ADJUDICATED ON 6/4/2018

Purchaser: William Earl Dade, Sr. Bid: $1,506.32 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

3. PARCEL# 51470: LOT 21 OF LOT G CORNWALLS RESUB LOTS D, E, F, & G, SQ 26, ALEXANDER S 2ND ADDITION; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 304 MOORE AVENUE, MONROE, LA; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 6/04/2018

Purchaser: William Earl Dade, Sr. Bid: $1,852.60 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

4. PARCEL# 76405: LOT 226 A RESUB UNIT 1 CHARMINGDALE SUBDIVISION; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 805 THOMAS STREET, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 6/9/2017

Purchaser: Sheterrica Long Bid: $1,666.66 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

5. PARCEL# 63424 : LOT 266-RESUB UNIT 1 CHARMINDALE SUBDIVISION NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS:LOCATED ON FAIRDALE DRIVE, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 7/12/2011

Purchaser: Abdul Shareef Bid: $100.00 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

6. PARCEL# 63427 : LOT 267 RESUB UNIT 1 CHARMINDALE SUBDIVISION;, NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: LOCATED ON FAIRDALE DRIVE, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 7/12/2011

Purchaser: Abdul Shareef Bid: $100.00 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

7. PARCEL# 63433 : LOT 268 RESUB UNIT 1 CHARMINGDALE SUBDIVISION; NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 0 CHARMINGDALE DRIVE, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 6/12/2011

Purchaser: Abdul Shareef Bid: $100.00 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

8. PARCEL# 53889: LOT IN SQ F BRY & WILSON ADDN BEG 150 FT E OF CATALPA ST & FRTG 90 FT ON NO SIDE HARRISON ST, E LINE 75 FT, W LINE 84 FT NO MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: LOCATED ON HARRISON STREET, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 6/04/2018

Purchaser: Elevate Realty, LLC Bid: $1,916.34 Auction Date: July 11, 2023

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 10th day of July, 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 24th day of July, 2023.

* * *
Mr. Smiley introduced the following ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 9461

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AN ACT OF SALE BY THE PARISH OF OUACHITA TO SELL CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES (PARCELS 16588 & 48963) 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# 16588: 1.03 ACS IN NE4 OF NW4 SEC 20 T16N R4E BEG 789.55 FT SQ & 1591.7 FT E OF NW COR SEC 20 E 165.7 FT, SE 219/6 FT, SE 219.6 FT ON C/L HALFWAY BAYOU, SW 175 FT ON NW LINE PRAIRIE RD, NW 380 FT TO BEG, MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 4076 PRAIRIE RD, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 6/11///2019

Purchaser: Multiple Bidders Bid: $4,457.08 Auction Date: July 27, 2023

2. PARCEL# 48963: LOT 21 SQUARE 58 B TW ADDN UNIT 10; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 4101 DUNLOP STREET, MONROE, LA, ADJUDICATED ON 7/9/1990

Purchaser: Leola Henderson Bid: $1,866.66 Lot Next Door