PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY, PARISH OF OUACHITA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON, MONDAY, APRIL 15, 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 Meeting Room, Police Jury Administrative Building, Monroe, Louisiana on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 5:33 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)
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. Mr. Thompson asked to add the Wossman High School basketball teams as visitors. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to approve the agenda with the added visitors. 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 1, 2024 was offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson. Motion passed with Mr. Bratton abstaining.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
The president convened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 9483 An Ordinance amending Section 2-236, et seq of the compiled ordinances of Ouachita Parish to alter the boundaries of the waterworks district known as Cadeville Water District, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana to encompass the area served by the Calhoun Water System; change the name of said waterworks district to Cadeville Calhoun Water District, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana; 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.
The president convened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 9484 An Ordinance revoking the northernmost portion of Wright Road; 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 the Wossman High School basketball teams. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Hudson presented proclamations to the teams and congratulated them on winning the high school basketball state championships.
ENGINEERING REPORT:
The president recognized Mr. Crosby, Engineer. Mr. Crosby requested authorization to advertise the Hodge Watson Road Phase 2 project for bids. Motion offered by Mrs. Bacon, seconded by Mr. Hudson to authorize Lazenby & Associates to advertise the project for bids. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Crosby spoke regarding the concrete replacement at the Ouachita Parish Fire Department mechanic building and additional parking lot at the office on New Natchitoches Road and requested approval of the utility marking contract with T. Baker Smith and topographic survey. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the project and contract for utility marking and topographic survey. Motion passed without opposition.
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Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, 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, Mrs. Bacon, called the Finance Committee meeting to order at 5:55 p.m.
The chair recognized Mr. Cammack, Treasurer. Mr. Cammack presented the claim statement for the period of March 15, 2024 through April 11, 2024 and recommended approval. Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mr. Bratton 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.
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. Hudson. Motion passed without opposition. The finance committee meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
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The president reconvened the regular Police Jury meeting.
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to ratify and adopt all actions taken in the committee meeting. Motion passed without opposition.
MOTIONS * ORDINANCES * RESOLUTIONS:
The president recognized Mrs. Bacon.
MRS. TONI BACON, DISTRICT A:
Mrs. Bacon spoke regarding the contract with Great Minds Communication and clarified that the rate is $130.00 per hour and not $115.00 per hour as stated at the last meeting. Motion offered by Mrs. Bacon, seconded by Mr. Thompson to accept the renewal of the contract at $130.00 per hour. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Tyson.
MR. JIMMY TYSON, DISTRICT B:
Motion offered by Mr. Tyson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Ouachita Parish School Board to widen the parish road beside Woodlawn Elementary School to add an extra lane. The school board will be responsible for the drainage portion of the project and the police jury will be responsible for the road work which will be concrete paving at an estimated cost of $54,000.00. This project will be funded from the west side sales tax fund or Public Works fund. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Tyson, seconded by Mr. Hudson offered by following ordinance for adoption.
ORDINANCE NO. 9483
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-236, ET SEQ OF THE COMPILED ORDINANCES OF OUACHITA PARISH TO ALTER THE BOUNDARIES OF THE WATERWORKS DISTRICT KNOWN AS CADEVILLE WATER DISTRICT, OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA TO ENCOMPASS THE AREA SERVED BY THE CALHOUN WATER SYSTEM; CHANGE THE NAME OF SAID WATERWORKS DISTRICT TO CADEVILLE – CALHOUN WATER DISTRICT, OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA; AND, FURTHER PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of La. R.S. 33:3811, et seq. the Ouachita Parish Police Jury adopted Ordinance No. 7455 on September 15, 1975, creating a waterworks district in western Ouachita Parish and naming said district Cadeville Water District, Ouachita Parish (hereinafter referred to as the District ) said Ordinance being codified in Section 20-236 of the Compiled Ordinances of Ouachita Parish;
WHEREAS, the District has completed an agreement with Calhoun Water System, Inc. whereby the District will assume the ownership, operation, and improvement of the waterworks facilities heretofore known as the Calhoun Water System;
WHEREAS, in view of this expansion of the District s operations, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury finds it is appropriate to alter the District s boundaries to include the area heretofore served by the Calhoun Water System; and
WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury finds that the public interest is served by amending the District s name to reflect that it now serves the Calhoun community;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED that pursuant to La. R.S. 33: 3811 the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby amends Section 20-236 of the Compiled Ordinances of Ouachita Parish to alter the present boundaries of Cadeville Water District to fully encompass the area described as follows:
A certain tract or parcel of land located in Township 18 North, Range 1 East, Township 18 North, Range 2 East, Township 17 North, Range 1 West, Township 17 North, Range 1 East, Township 17 North, Range 2 East, Township 16 North, Range 1 West, & Township 16 North, Range 1 East, of the Louisiana Principal Meridian, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana & Jackson Parish, Louisiana, Land District North of Red River, and their Sections being more particularly described as follows: Sections 25-28, Township 18 North, Range 1 East, lying south of the southerly right-of-way line of Interstate 20; Section 30, Township 18 North, Range 2 East, lying south of the southerly right-of-way line of Interstate 20; Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 29, Township 18 North, Range 1 East; Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 32, Township 18 North, Range 1 East; North Half of Section 33, Township 18 North, Range 1 East; Sections 34- 36, Township 18 North, Range 1 East; Section 31, Township 18 North, Range 2 East; South Half of Section 32, Township 18 North, Range 2 East; and Sections 1-3, 10-12, 13-16, 19-34, Township 17 North, Range 1 East; North Half of Sections 35 & 36, Township 17 North, Range 1 East; and Sections 5-9, 16-21, 29-30, Township 17 North, Range 2 East; North Half of Sections 31 & 32, Township 17 North, Range 2 East; and South Half of Sections 13-14, Township 17 North, Range 1 West; East Half of Sections 22 & 27, Township 17 North, Range 1 West; Sections 23-26, & 36, Township 17 North, Range 1 West; North Half of Section 35, Township 17 North, Range 1 West; and Sections 3-5, Township 16 North, Range 1 East; Sections 6 & 8, Township 16 North, Range 1 East, lying east of the Ouachita Parish Line;
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that in conjunction with the foregoing alteration of the District s boundaries, to Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby amends Sec.20-237 of the Compiled Ordinances of Ouachita Parish to reflect that the name of the District shall henceforth be Cadeville Calhoun Water District, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. This change of the name is not intended to and shall not be interpreted to affect any existing rights, contracts or obligations of the District; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Public Hearing to be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 15, 2024 in the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Meeting Room of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 100 Bry Street, Monroe, La. 71201, concerning the proposed alteration of the boundaries of Cadeville Water District, shall serve as the Public Hearing for this Ordinance;
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
The above ordinance was introduced on the 18th day of March 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 15th day of April 2024.
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Mr. Tyson, seconded by Mr. Bratton offered the following ordinance for adoption.
ORDINANCE NO. 9484
AN ORDINANCE REVOKING THE NORTHERNMOST PORTION OF WRIGHT ROAD; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, Wright Road is a parish road running northerly from Red Cut Road a distance of approximately 1,160 feet to a dead end;
WHEREAS, the owner of the property upon which the northernmost portion of Wright Road is located has requested that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury revoke the public right-of-way of said portion of Wright Road in order that he can place a gate across the road on his property to control ingress/egress to his property; and,
WHEREAS, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury finds that the requested revocation will not adversely affect other properties and is in the public interest.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury at a Regular Meeting held on July 6, 2020, that the portion of the public right-of-way of Wright Road extending north of a point in the centerline of said road located 1005 north of the northern right-of-way line of Red Cut Road be, and is hereby, revoked; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this revocation is made with a reservation of rights of ingress and egress to the providers of existing utilizes located in the revoked portion of said right-of-way.
The above ordinance was introduced on the 1st 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 15th day of April 2024.
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Mr. Tyson, seconded by Mr. Hudson offered the following resolution for adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-27
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING DICKIE KEYES TO THE OUACHITA PARISH POLICE JURY S ANIMAL SHELTER CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE; AND, FURTHER PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO
WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 9102 the Ouachita Parish Police Jury ( OPPJ ) created the Animal Shelter Citizens Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising the OPPJ concerning the operation and improvement of the OPPJ s Animal Shelter;
WHEREAS, said Committee shall be made up of seven (7) members appointed by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, with one (1) member being nominated by the juror representing each of the six (6) Police Jury districts and the seventh member being an at large member nominated by the OPPJ President; and,
WHEREAS, Dickie Keyes has been nominated for appointment to the committee by the Police Juror representing District B;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury hereby appoints Dickie Keyes to serve as the District B member of the Animal Shelter Citizens Advisory Committee for a term of four (4) years commencing April 15, 2024.
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The president recognized Mr. Bratton.
MR. LARRY BRATTON, DISTRICT C:
Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve a travel request for Mr. Bratton to attend a solar workshop in Baton Rouge on April 24. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Bratton updated the jury on rural broadband.
Mr. Bratton updated the jury on the parish mapping project.
Mr. Bratton spoke regarding the FEMA buyout project.
Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Hudson to authorize Tom Malmay to send a letter to organizations receiving ARPA funding from the parish to give a status update by June 1. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Thompson.
MR. MICHAEL THOMPSON, DISTRICT D:
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to approve Great Minds Communication to design signs to be used on projects in the parish. The project signs for Hodge Watson Road, Registrar of Voters and Coroner s offices will be replaced with a new sign. Motion passed without opposition.
Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hudson to use the new sign template for all future projects. Motion passed without opposition.
MR. SHANE SMILEY, DISTRICT E:
Mr. Smiley asked to defer the matter concerning the request from Save Our Shelter Pets of Ouachita to a future meeting of the Jury.
Mr. Smiley introduced the following ordinance.
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, 39492 & 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; ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH 07/14/2020
Purchaser: Multiple Bidders Bid: $1,495.48 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: Multiple Bidders Bid: $$2,572.36 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# 39492: LOT 1 SQ 14 BIEDENHARNS ADDITION; MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 200 VERNON STREET; MONROE LA, ADJUDICATED TO THE PARISH ON 06/30/2020
Purchaser: Interested Purchaser Bid: $956.18 Auction Date: April 18, 2024
5. 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.
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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 stated that he did not have any items.
The president recognized Chief Hemphill, Fire Department. Chief Hemphill requested approval for Elisha Adkison, Jodi Wages, Melanie Walker and Artice Dowdey to attend the 2024 APCO National Conference on August 3-8. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the travel request. Motion passed without opposition.
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 presented the request for a fire hydrant variance for the tiny house development on Harrell Road. Motion offered by Mr. Bratton, seconded by Mr. Thompson to deny the fire hydrant variance. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Murray spoke regarding minor subdivision approval for Stonehenge Subdivision and recommended approval subject to comments from the parish engineer and Public Works Department being adequately answered. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to grant minor subdivision approval subject to comments being adequately answered. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Murray spoke regarding preliminary and final subdivision approval for Johnson Advanced Living Subdivision and recommended approval subject to comments from the parish engineer and Public Works Department being adequately answered. Motion offered by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to grant preliminary and final subdivision approval subject to comments being adequately answered. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Smart, Green Oaks. Mr. Smart requested to reclassify Karen Sanders to cook. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the reclassification. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Smart requested to hire Jo Ann Johnson as kitchen supervisor/cook. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to hire Jo Ann Johnson as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Smart requested to hire Taylor Thomas, Steven Jones and Jessie Devall as Juvenile Detention Officer II part-time. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Bratton to hire Taylor Thomas, Steven Jones and Jessie Devall as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Mr. Gabb, 911 Office. Mr. Gabb requested to hire Skyler Singleton, Ned Newman, Kristian Taylor and Lorenzo Brown as Emergency Call Specialist I full-time. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Thompson to hire Skyler Singleton, Ned Newman, Kristian Taylor and Lorenzo Brown as requested. Motion passed without opposition.
The president recognized Ms. Bennett, Federal Programs. Ms. Bennett requested approval to reissue the one stop operator request for proposals. Motion offered by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to approve reissuing the request for proposals. Motion passed without opposition.
BEER AND WHISKEY APPLICATIONS:
Mr. Mitchell spoke regarding the following beer and whiskey application and recommended approving the application to allow the applicant to sell alcoholic beverage on Sunday, May 5, 2024, during the same hours that a Class R (restaurant) permit would authorize. Motion offered by Mr. Smiley, seconded by Mrs. Bacon to approve the application as recommended. Motion passed without opposition.
KHADKA, SUBASH SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FOR THE ARENA BILLIARDS, 1411 THOMAS ROAD, WEST MONROE, LA 71291, APRIL 30 MAY 5, 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. Bratton. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Shane Smiley, President Karen Cupit, Recording Secretary
