City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
August 13, 2024
6:00p.m.
The Honorable Chairman Juanita G. Woods, called the meeting to order. She then asked the clerk to call roll.
There were present: Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Woods, Mr. McFarland, & Mr. Muhammad
There was absent: None.
Chairman Woods announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by her or her designee.
The Invocation was led by Bishop Rodney McFarland.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1.) Mr. Harvey had no announcements.
(2.) Mrs. Ezernack had no announcements.
(3.) Mr. McFarland stated the LMA (Louisiana Municipal Association) Convention was very exciting, and he learned a lot in Shreveport, LA. He said he was glad to be able to fellowship with colleagues from Monroe and all over the state of Louisiana. He further stated he is excited about the Amtrak project, and he couldn’t wait until that becomes a reality here in Monroe. He said he wish each Council persons across the state would go to these type of meetings to bring back new ideas in order to enhance their cities. On another note, he noted on yesterday District 4 had their second “Chat & Chew” and he said it was a success. He said they were targeting the downtown area which Representative Michael Echols attended the meeting and others in and out of the district. He said it was a very productive meeting hearing concerns and he said for the next six months he is trying to go around different areas to have these type of meetings and come back with a plan. He further noted next month his meeting will be on September 12th at 6:00pm and the location will be announced in the next couple of days. He said he is very excited about the senior citizen initiative going on in his district and the next session is August 14th and there are three more sessions left on the14th, 22nd, and 28th. He said he was able to talk to different business owners downtown to get their concerns and he was received well by everyone. He said he went to a ribbon cutting today at the Hub, owned by Mr. Willie Robertson, who is the Duck Commander. He stated district 4 is alive and well; striving to do great things and the community will hear more from them in the next two weeks.
(4.) Mr. Muhammad echoed Mr. McFarland on his LMA comments, and he said he learned a lot. He said it was great networking and he is looking forward to the next one. He said he participated in the Mount Nebo 100th year celebration of the Rosenwald School, and the actual historic marker will be placed in November. He stated he participated in the Mount Zion backpack give away with the Northeast Black Chamber, Omega Psi Phi, and the Renaissance Committee. He said he attended a musical at Mount Pleasant, the dedication of Berean Church of Monroe, and a musical at New Antioch. On another note, he said if any citizens have any street signs or lights out please call 318-807-4582. He said he has been driving around the community and he saw a lot of street signs missing. Lastly, he wished the students, teachers, and administrators a successful year and he said on August 22nd at 5:30pm there will be a Community Meeting at Henreitta Johnson.
(5.) Mayor Ellis said he and the Council attended LMA and came back with some hardware. He said they came back with a Community Achievement Award given to the City for work done with Parks in the Community. He said The Senior Citizens Academy is great for our seniors to be able to engage with MPD and learn about what they do on a day to day basis. He said the second Government Luncheon was great and it is always good to hear from eaters from the surrounding region. He said the key thing about this is how they all can come together and go in the same direction. On another note, he announced Rollin’ on the Riverfront September 21, 2024, and he said these are always fun. He said from music, food, and fun for everyone and their families.
(6.) Ms. Woods announced “Chat & Chew” on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 10am until 12pm and she said they had a very successful Chat & Chew last month and looking forward to having a successful one this month. She said it will be the third Wednesday of every month and they will chat and chew and bring different individuals to talk to the community. On another note, she announced the back to school supply drive that the City of Monroe is hosting on August 16, 2024. She said on Saturday August 31st at Kingsway apartment there will be a back to school supply drive to target socks and hygiene supplies. She stated on yesterday she had the opportunity to attend something that was monumental for the area and for the first time in the history of University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) and Carroll Jr. High they have a partnership to bring some curriculums into place to allow the students to get excited about continuing their education. She said she appreciated that it is not the usual run-of-the-mill, and they want to talk about pharmacy, nursing, and technology. She said when individuals get through they will come out and be gainfully employed in the community or if they choose to take their talents elsewhere they will be able to sustain themselves and their families. She noted she understands it was the brainchild of the Principal of Carroll Jr. High, Mr. Montrell Marshall. She further noted Mr. Marshall is doing great things and he wants to make a difference in the community.
Upon motion of Mr. Harvey and seconded by Mr. Muhammad, and the minutes of the Legal and Regular session of July 23, 2024, were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and approved Resolution No. 8761 establishing procedures for the confirmation of heads of departments and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.) (Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Ezernack Nay)
Mrs. Ezernack said she thinks the Council has a revised copy of the resolution that is not in the packet.
Mr. McFarland stated the Council should make sure there are no technicalities on this item. He said it should be stated the Council is going with the revised copy.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, stated Mr. Muhammad can clarify his motion to state that it replies to the revised copy.
Mr. Muhammad motion to established the revised copy of the Resolution.
Mr. Harvey wanted to know what happens if a key role is not filled inside of 60 days. He said he finds it pretty normal in key executive positions.
Mr. McFarland stated the issue is the City has people serving in these positions that have not been confirmed. He said with this resolution 60 days is the limit, and he said if that position is not confirmed then somebody else needs to be brought before the Council. He said they cannot allow individuals to serve as head of department, and they haven’t been confirmed by the elected body. He said according to the charter a person cannot serve three months, six months or even a year without being confirmed. He said in order to make sure that everything is laid out correctly sixty days is the limit. He said this will prevent a person from serving in a position for a long period of time not being confirmed by this body.
Mr. Muhammad said public works has been without a department head since Mr. Justin January retired. He said he thinks it is important that a least a name be brought before the Council so they can confirm them. He wanted to know how long Mr. January has been retired.
Mr. Creekbaum said several years, maybe 2022.
Mr. McFarland said when there is someone in a position not confirmed and the position has been open for two years, that’s problematic.
Mrs. Ezernack noted she can’t vote for this mainly because of the deadline and she said that is somewhat overstepping the Council’s bounds by the charter. She said she would wish to ask for an Attorney General’s opinion and how that may or may not go as a charter and the Council’s involvement of hiring and firing.
Ms. Woods noted this is in place to address interim positions and secondly in the resolution and the supporting documentation there are all the provisions are listed. She said that is why the Council has a revised copy and all the provisions that were listed in the charter, by-laws, or the State all of those things have been addressed.
Mr. McFarland stated when an Attorney General’s opinion has been requested it should come from the majority of the Council and not from one individual. He said they need to set protocol because again what has happened in the past can’t go on anymore. He further stated Mr. Creekbaum is the lead counsel and the Council except things to be above board. He said when things are not done the right way according to the charter or asking for an Attorney General’s opinion on behalf of this Council is not right.
Mrs. Ezernack said she wasn’t asking on behalf of the Council but on behalf of herself.
Mr. McFarland said if she is asking on behalf of herself she should write Attorney General not Mr. Creekbaum.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8762 confirming the appointment of Sarah M. Smith to the Board of Commissioners for the Southside Economic Development District and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. McFarland noted Ms. Smith is his nominee for this appointment on the board and she is an attorney. He said she is very skilled, she has effective communication skills, she is a problem solver, strong ethics in legal research, and she is someone who can interpret the law well. He said she will fill the unexpired term of Preston Hopkins, and his term will come open again in 2026. He said he wanted everyone to understand after she fill the unexpired term he want to reappoint her for another three years.
Ms. Smith thanked Mr. McFarland for the opportunity, and she looks forward to serving.
Ms. Woods thanked Ms. Smith for accepting her nomination.
Mrs. Ezernack thanked Ms. Smith for accepting the position and she said good luck to her.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8763 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to Isaac King Justa Cowboy Rodeo Association for the Bayou Black Open Rodeo pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8764 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to Advancion Charity for the annual United Way Golf Tournament pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8765 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to Tyron Dickens (K9 Outreach Blues Concert at Chennault Park) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(f) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8766 granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the City of Monroe for Rollin’ on the Riverfront pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec. 12-231 D (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Michael Riley dba The Monroe Bayou, 5400 Operation Rd., Monroe LA 71203 for a New 2024 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared, Cert. of Occupy Cleared)
Mr. Curtis Garth, 2300 Georgia Street, stated he was hoping he could request a resolution that the Council need to present.
Ms. Woods said that would be something to talk about outside of the meeting.
Mr. Garth stated his representative won’t call him so he can set up a meeting to ask these things.
Ms. Woods said the Council can’t entertain any conversation on this item.
Mr. McFarland noted Mr. Garth came to his facility and they have talked. He said there is no need for them talking attaching the same thing. He asked Mr. Garth to please be kind and have a seat and after the meeting tonight he will chat with Mr. Garth.
Ms. Woods wanted to know if there was a representative from The Monroe Bayou present.
Ms. Andrea Edwards, General Manager at the Monroe Bayou,
stated she is here to observe and to see if they would be approved for their license for them to open the bar. She said that would be the finishing touches and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into it.
Ms. Woods said it is good to meet Ms. Edwards and she was actually there earlier this week, it’s amazing.
Ms. Edwards said she is so excited and everything positive for Monroe is always cosigning. She said spearheading something that the community can pour into and can possibly pour back into the community as well.
Mrs. Ezernack thanked Ms. Edwards for what she is doing for the airport.
Mayor’s Office:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8767 approving an agreement with the National Main Street Center, Inc., for $90,000 in finding for the Thriving Communities Program Capacity Building Subgrant Program and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments)
Mrs. Meagan Risinger, Grant Writer, stated about a year ago the City applied to be a part of the Thriving Communities Cohort, and they were accepted. She said throughout this process they had some specialized technical assistance and also are receiving $90,000 with the Council’s acceptance to pay for supplies in asphalt art and murals in the City.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8768 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Issac King d/b/a Justa Cowboy Association and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods stated she is excited about this, and she thinks this is the third annual Bayou Black rodeo to come to the Civic Center. She said she is excited about the City supporting it and being a part of this endeavor. She said it is one the City had in the past and it bring cowboys and cowgirls from all over the state, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
Police Department:
Ms. Woods stated on yesterday there was a shooting in her district, and no one likes a shooting especially when it is a six year old. She said two kids were shot six and eight years old with no life threatening injuries, however, it is devastating for a child to be shot at six years old. She thanked Chief Victor Zordan, Chief of Police, for making sure she knew that before the street committee gave it to her. She thanked him for reaching out and calling her to say what is happening in her district and keeping her up to date, she appreciated it.
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8769 approving Amendment No. Eight (8) to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Monroe and Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., related to the Monroe Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Improvements Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland noted he is trying to get some understanding before he votes for or against this. He wanted someone to explain the numbers he is reading for this item.
Mr. Sean Benton, Water System Manager, noted originally the numbers were put together about three years ago once they went through initial evaluation and design of the plan itself. He said once they got into construction and completion of the train a rerating of the plant had to be done. He said the process is done for the Department of Health & Hospital to give the true output of the plant as a whole. He said the plant was built in 1967 and rated for 2 million gallons of water a day, but they need capacity for 20 million gallons a day, but the rating was 12 million. He said they are still producing great quality water. He said they still went over the rate, but the state didn’t have a problem as long as the City was able to maintain the quality. He noted as they went into the new expansion of the plant added an additional 60 MGDs that brought the total to 18 million. He said when the numbers were put together three years ago they didn’t put into consideration the equipment that was needed for testing. He said providing the tank $20,000, going one train to three, and more increased the total of this project.
Mr. McFarland wanted to clarify if this is the eighth change order.
Mr. Benton said yes, a project of this magnitude overall would have a lot change orders. He said when building a brand new facility to connect to an old facility it will be a lot of things you won’t see.
Mr. McFarland said they are at 150 days before completion.
Mr. Benton said the substantial completion is on the agenda tonight. He said the plant is currently producing water and built to standards of treating water for the community. He said they are just doing a punch item list with a few minor details to get it completed.
Mr. McFarland commended Mr. Benton on how he answered all his questions, and he said he was well prepared.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8770 approving Change Order No. Fifteen (15) for the Water Treatment Plant Renovation and Expansion Project and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. McFarland wanted to clarify that it is $136,000.00 for the change order and they are also asking 42 more days. He wanted an explanation for the fifteenth change order.
Mr. Morgan McCallister, City Engineer, stated in the back up documentation that was provided that was included in the public information outlined every request that is tied to this particular agenda item. He said items 1 through 13 include modifications building code requirements, HVAC updates, and north entry road base that need repaired which is the bulk of this item. He said the days associated with this items half of that is for the North entry road repairs that are being made.
Mr. McFarland wanted to clarify if all the change orders now total over 2 million dollars.
Mr. McCallister noted that is correct.
Mr. McFarland said that is a lot.
Mr. McCallister stated yes it is on a 48 million dollar project and they are roughly 5% over the overall contract.
Mr. McFarland wanted more clarity on the 42 more days that is needed.
Mr. McCallister said it is split 50/50 and 21 of those days are associated with items 1 through 11. He said item 12 is the other 21 days for the North entry roadway repair.
Mr. McFarland said he would support it, but the City have to get a handle on the extension of days. He said this is costing the City and they have a deadline. He noted he had this conversation with Mr. McCallister and Mr. Creekbaum and going forward with any new contracts they will have to double down.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Resolution No. 8771 accepting as substantially complete work done by Max Foote Construction Company for the Water Treatment Plant Renovation and Expansion Project (Phase 2 of 2) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Muhammad thanked the citizens of Monroe because they have sacrificed on their bills to pay for this treatment plant. He said they want to look at halting that automatic increase on the water bills because their tax dollars paid for this particular project.
Mr. McFarland echoed Mr. Muhammad because the previous Council voted that the increase every year without consideration from this Council. He said he want the Council to take another look at it and bring it back in a resolution or ordinance in order to repeal. He said to word it so if it deem necessary for an increase then it will be increase, but the automatic increase he is not in favor of.
Ms. Woods echoed the sentiments of Mr. McFarland and Mr. Muhammad and noted they would have conversations with Mr. Creekbaum.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to introduce an Ordinance declaring certain property in the Monroe Air Industrial Park no longer necessary for public use and authorizing said property to be sold at private sale to Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, said this particular property is one in the Monroe Air Industrial Park. He said this land was originally part of the land that was deeded to the City by the federal government when it turned over all of Selman Field after World War two. He said the federal government released this land back to the City of Monroe for sale back in 2016 or 2017. He said the property was then sold to the Banks Family Limited partnership it was to be developed unfortunately it was not. He noted the Banks Family Limited Partnership earlier this year indicated they were going to sell the property. He said the City repurchased the property and LSU Health expressed interest in the land for future development. He further noted the City just repurchased the property earlier this year and the purchase price exceeds what the City repurchased it for and presented to Council to reauthorize the purchase.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION AND SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING:
NOTE: Ordinance Nos. 12,228, 12,229, & 12,230 were stamped delivered to the Mayor’s Office by the Council Clerk on August 14, 2024, at 3:45pm and as of this date August 22, 2024, has not been received back from the Mayor’s office. (Per the Charter Art. II Sec. 2-13B within 10 calendar days after the receipt excluding weekend/holidays it shall be returned to the Clerk of the Council with or without the Mayor’s approval, or with the Mayor’s veto.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and approved Ordinance No. 12,228 Repealing Ordinance No. 12,219 (Video Bingo Tax Rededication) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.) (Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Ezernack nay.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and approved Ordinance No. 12,229 Repealing Ordinance No. 12,220 (Special Tax Election) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.) (Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Ezernack nay.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Muhammad, seconded by Mr. McFarland and approved Ordinance No. 12,230 Repealing Ordinance No. 12,225 (Purchasing and Bidding Procedures) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.) (Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Ezernack nay.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(d) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,231 approving a two-year extension of the existing Ambulance Services Agreement with Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Muhammad said he is concerned about the six action class lawsuits for a cyber breach. He said the hacker wanted seven million dollars and Acadian Ambulance offered them $173,000.00. He wanted to know if Mr. Creekbaum know of any people in this parish who have been breached.
Mr. Creekbaum said it seems probable, but no one has informed him or talked to his office about it.
Mr. Muhammad said he doesn’t know if he can support it because Acadian owes the Council and Administration an explanation of what they will do about it.
Mr. Creekbaum noted this was a recommendation from Ouachita Council of Government (O.C.O.G) and the bodies that meet in connection with O.C.O.G to extend this contract for a two-year period.
Mr. Muhammad said this just happen and it is concerning to him.
Ms. Woods said at some point in time a lot of things have been attacked such as the school system. She said she is not one way or the other, but Acadian provide very good service.
Mr. McFarland said they are at the ninth hour with this, and this just happen but he thinks they can have a conversation with them after the fact. He said the parish court has endorsed and blessed them, and he is more in favor of giving them the extension. He said they can have a meeting with them to address these concerns since it just happen.
Ms. Brown said anyone can be cyber attacked and she is more concerned about their services, and they render good services. She said they also educate and employ our young people, and we will be cyber attacked as long as we are on the internet.
Mr. Tony Little, 1315 Forsythe, stated the breach happen June 2024 and it is a well know group attacking major corporations. He said IT teams are responding to it and developing new ways and technology.
Mr. Muhammad noted he was just saying the Council should be aware of it.
Ms. Woods said she thinks they can have that conversation, and the parish board can talk to them to come to some type of agreement.
Mrs. Ezernack noted they do have their advisory board that reports to OCOG every meeting and the renewal has been in the works for some time. She said there is a process for replacing or if choosing not to extend their term to get RFP and things from another ambulance. She further noted it may be a question to ask the advisory board to find out what they know about it.
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(e) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,232 adopting the authorized Millage Rate(s) and providing for the Levying of Special and General Taxes for the City of Monroe for the year 2024 and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(f) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,233 approving a lease between the City of Monroe and Pilots for Patients at the Monroe Regional Airport and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Ezernack thanked Pilots for Patients for doing this for our community and the surrounding communities. She said it is such a wonderful service for those in need and it is appreciated.
Ms. Woods thanked Pilots for Patients for all that they are doing and for being in attendance. She said they appreciate them very much because it is such a needed service.
The Chairman Open the Hearing and seeing no on come forward the Hearing was Closed:
(g) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Muhammad and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,234 authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of and sell to Kevin Lee all rights, title, and interest that the City may have acquired to Lots 11 & 12, Square 21, Alexanders Addition, and that portion of an alley revoked in book 1334/673, (no situs) Dick Taylor St., District 4, Ouachita Parish, Monroe, La, by Adjudication at Tax Sale dated June 4, 2018, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Citizen’s Participation:
(1.) Mr. Curtis S. Garth, 2300 Georgia Street, stated he reported to the Monroe Police Department and Bishop McFarland that Brooks Clinic attempted to murder him. He said he has file number and apparently the crime is not being worked or address. He said he is hoping the Council would show some compassion on him and citizens period.
Ms. Woods stated she knows Mr. Garth had conversations with legal.
Mr. Creekbaum said this is a new issue he is unaware of.
Ms. Woods noted she thinks this one is new for her as well and she reiterated Bishop McFarland said he would meet with Mr. Garth afterwards.
Mr. Garth said that won’t work and he could say anything. He said the file number is 202430688 and it was taken by Officer Steven he believes. He said a report was written up but now no report exist. He said it is ashamed an honorably discharged disabled American veteran and citizen of Monroe they tried to kill, and Monroe Police seem like they don’t want to do anything about it.
(2.) Ms. Dee-Dee Massey, 1900 Hickory Street, stated she has been coaching since 2007 in the Monroe City area and traveling all over the United States to the National Jr. Olympics. She said it is not about Massey Miracle Run but about trying to bring TCAA (Twin City Athletic Association) back into the community. She further stated TCAA was program in all the recreation centers with track & field, mentor program, basketball tournament, football, softball, and baseball. She said she had to turn around a lot of kids this year because she didn’t have the funding to get the kids to the Jr. Olympic and normally she takes 150 to 200 kids. She said this year she only had the opportunity to take 35 kids and if we’re for the kids we have to prove we’re for the kids. She said she is a 26 year veteran in the Swarn Center for youth and she went through some problems at Swarn to keep kids out of trouble. She said we want to kids out of trouble we have to come together in the community to open recreation departments back up. She said she challenges everybody on the broad and the community to put this together to get TCAA back rolling.
(3.) Mr. Tyrone Dickins, K-9, 3004 Dick Taylor, noted he would like to have a meeting with the Mayor, and he has spoken with Ms. Woods. He said they ran into a problem with Mr. Doug retiring and the stage area is not equipped. He said he doesn’t want him or the City at fault and he goes out every day to look at everything to make sure everything will be in order. He said he have a lot of people traveling
and Mr. Doug said he would give him the pull up stage and tie the other stage down, but he would need permission from the Council. He said now they don’t have a stage out there and the stage wasn’t fit for anyone to perform. He further noted there are a lot of top name artist coming to perform and he said safety is first for him. He said he is going to everyone high school to be a vendor, but he is not charging them to be vendors for them to raise money, and all the money go back to school.
Mayor Ellis said he would get him into touch with Mr. Ray Wright, Parks and Beautification Director, as a point of contact. He said he would also get with Councilwoman Woods, and he just have to find out if the stage is available for that date.
Mr. K-9 said it was available before Mr. Doug left and he said he has his receipts. He said he spoke with Mr. Ray a few minutes and he told him they would meet in the morning at nine. He said Mr. Ray said the stage should be torn down and half it is already gone.
Mayor Ellis said he would circle back with Ms. Woods and Mr. Ray about what they discussed.
(4.) Ms. Alandra Conner, 1007 South 4th Street, stated on August 3rd three of her relatives were with an adult while she was door dashing at the Days Inn on Frontage. She said while she was delivering the food there was a man sitting in his room with the window open and he exposed himself to three little girls. She said she went to the room where the man was and called the police. He further stated the girls were questioned and the police questioned the guy, and he denied all the allegations. She said he was not arrested, and the police asked if he wanted to press charges against her for holding him in the door until the police arrived. She said in this situation she feels they failed to protect those children, and she is asking for help.
Mr. Muhammad wanted to know if she has the police report.
Ms. Conner said she was not able to obtain the report because she wasn’t the one with the girls at the time. She said the next day he was arrested but that was because he refused to leave out of another residents room.
(5.) Ms. Kenya Roberson, NELA Black Chamber of Commerce, thanked Ms. Woods, Mr. McFarland, and Mr. Muhammad for their assistance, visibility, and financial contribution really helped. She said they were able to serve 602 students with back to school supplies, feed them, and they had resource booths as well. She said they also served 332 adults, grandparents, and guardians and she appreciated them all. She thanked the City of Monroe for publishing the information as well as and put it viewable. On another note, she said there are tables and seats available August 29th for corpconnect at the City. She said this is an opportunity for businesses within the community and parishes that we serve to be able to network and get information. She said on August 31st they will launch their second year for the Youth Entrepreneur Academy program which consist of high school students and completely free. She asked the Council and the Mayor to give recommendations of some students. She said they feed and transport them for free. She said she is asking the community if they have youth they will be more than happy to nurture them for the year.
(6.) Ms. Monica Brown, 2503 Marlin Ct., said she was home watching, and she learned something tonight that she should be present more than watching from home. She said the resolution for Department of Heads she would suggest to the Council that sixty days is not longer to elect a Department Head. She noted were Civil Service involved there are posting time, testing that has to take place, and the selection process begins. She said for a department that is disruptive to play musical chairs for an interim every sixty days and a department going through a transition of their leader leaving or retiring. She said she is speaking as a citizen and also as a member of the Monroe Fire Department who have a wonderful interim. She said getting use to one and then switching to another one she doesn’t appreciate.
Ms. Woods noted what has been taken under consideration is the state laws for Civil Service and the Council understands for that particular position it can take up to six months, that’s not applicable with what this resolution is saying. She said they will observe all Civil Service rules, laws, etc., when it comes to fire and police.
Ms. Brown stated they weren’t made aware of that and if she had known she would not drove to City Hall.
Ms. Woods noted you don’t get the background information.
Ms. Brown said maybe they should.
Ms. Woods said it is available online.
(7.) Ms. Marie Brown, 1002 South 5th Street, said she was listening to Ms. Massey, and we need to realize there are new laws on the books. She said only the fire department and another organization can standout and collect money now. She said it is against the law to panhandle and the City needs to be mindful of that and see what we can do to truly help our children. She said they will continue to allow people to do things then when they decide to start arresting people our children are the ones that will suffer.
McFarland noted Ms. Monica Brown comments about the resolution was a good observation, but the Council need to make sure that the public know the details of everything the Council vote on is online.
Ms. Brown said she has the packet, but she didn’t read that, but the Council should have should Civil Service excluded, and she would not have come.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m., upon motion of Mr. McFarland and it was seconded by Mr. Harvey.
Ms. Juanita G. Woods
Chairman
Ms. Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Ms. Ileana Murray
Staff Secretary
For extended details on the council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at 318-329-2252 to schedule an appointment to listen to the minute recording.
