City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
September 8, 2026
6:00PM
There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held on this date at the Council’s regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.
Chairman Muhammad called the meeting to order, he then asked the clerk to call roll.
There present: Ms. Woods, Mrs. Ezernack, Mr. McFarland, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Muhammad
Chairman Muhammad announced a quorum was present, and the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Rev. Dr. AB Davis-Johnson, Senior Pastor-Rose of Sharon Baptist Church
III. Communications & Special Announcements
Ms. Woods, Vice Chairman, welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for the strong attendance. She stated that she looked forward to a productive meeting and noted that she would speak with attendees at another time due to the full agenda.
Mr. McFarland welcomed everyone and expressed concerns regarding the Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation’s banquet and its scheduled use of the Civic Center. Mr. McFarland stated he intended to continue seeking answers regarding the matter and emphasized that organizations and citizens should be treated respectfully. He also addressed a previous Council vote concerning a passover motion and expressed concern regarding subsequent statements about the vote.
Mr. Muhammad, Chairman, stated he shared concerns regarding sickle cell circulation and advised that individuals seeking assistance had been directed to the HUB on Washington Street. He noted that the Civic Center had previously assisted with the move. He also stated Chief Zordan would provide information to the Council and noted that he would continue tracking the details of the city’s homicide statistics.
IV: Approve Minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of August 25, 2026:
Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of August 25, 2026. (No comments from the public)
V. Presentations:
Rob Cleveland, Grow NELA, President, thanked the Council for the opportunity to provide an update and encouraged members to help share information about Grow NELA’s work throughout the community. He reported approximately 50 active economic development projects were being pursued, representing more than $25 billion in potential investment and over 10,000 jobs, and provided updates on the Candy Company project and the Faith Technologies project near Ouachita High School, which was announced as an approximately $80 million investment with about 200 jobs.
Chief Zordan, Monroe Police Department thanked the Chairman Muhammad for the opportunity to address public safety and quality of life in Monroe. He reported significant progress in reducing violent crime and homicides over the past six and one-half years, noting a decline from 22 homicides in 2020 to four thus far in 2026. He emphasized that each homicide represents a victim, family, and community affected by loss and that the department’s goal is zero homicides. He credited the progress to dedicated officers, investigators, proactive policing, intelligence-led strategies, partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, and cooperation from citizens and recognized Monroe Police Department personnel for their professionalism and dedication and thanked the Mayor and Council for continued investment in public safety.
VIII: Resolutions and Minute Entries:
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by Shaterica Whitfield, 215 Powell Ave., Monroe LA 71201 for a New 2026 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)
Ms. Woods thanked Ms. Whitfield for opening a business in the community and wished her success.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Consider an Application by 2k Family Operating 103 LLC dba Circle K, 4200 Sterlington Rd., Monroe LA 71203 for a New 2026 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) (No comments from the public)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9182 authorizing the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana to incur debt and to issue, sell and deliver not to exceed One Hundred Ten Million Dollars ($110,000,000) Aggregate Principal Amount of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, in one or more series; making application to the Louisiana State Bond Commission; employing bond counsel and other professional; and otherwise providing with respect thereto.
Mr. Morgan McCallister, Engineering COO, began discussing the proposed $110 million bond package. He stated the first proposed tranche would total $110 million and include street, quality-of-life, water, sewer, and district projects. Approximately $4 million would be allocated to each council district for projects identified through public input and district needs. If approved, the City hopes to move forward with the first tranche as early as November, followed by a second tranche of approximately $50 million.
Tony Little, 1315 Forsythe Ave., expressed concern about the wording of the resolution, stating Louisiana law requires Bond Commission consent before the City incurs debt. He noted the resolution’s title authorizes the City to incur debt and questioned whether the action should be considered more than a preliminary step.
Bill Boles, Boles Law Firm, Mr. Boles agreed the current action is limited to seeking approval from the Bond Commission and does not itself issue debt. He explained that the Council would later consider an ordinance identifying specific projects, allowing the public to see what work is proposed. He emphasized that no debt or financial obligation exists until bonds are issued following approval of an ordinance
Ms. Woods expressed concern that the language of the document appeared inconsistent with its title. She stated she understood the Council’s current action to be a request to appear before the Bond Commission.
Mr. Boles explained the heading is a general description and does not control the substance of the resolution. He stated the resolution provides preliminary approval to seek Bond Commission authorization and does not authorize the issuance of debt. He added an ordinance would be required before the City could issue bonds.
Ms. Woods asked for confirmation that the City would not incur debt until the bonds were sold.
Mr. Boles confirmed the City would not incur debt through the current resolution. He explained an ordinance would have to be introduced and considered at a public hearing before the Council decides whether to approve the bond issuance.
Nnamdi Thompson, Government Consultants, explained the timing and specific borrowing amounts would not be written into the resolution because those decisions remain with the Council. He stated the resolution only seeks permission from the State Bond Commission for the City. After approval, the Council will determine the projects, amount, and timing of each borrowing and will make those decisions through an ordinance.
Mr. McFarland asked Mr. Richard Moore how many bonds the City currently has outstanding.
Richard Moore, Director of Administration, stated that he would need to verify the information to provide an accurate number.
Mr. Thompson stated the City currently has six sales tax bonds and indicated that the corresponding dates could be provided.
Mr. McFarland asked whether this was the proper protocol and requested information regarding the interest rates on the bonds.
Mr. Thompson stated he did not have the exact interest-rate information available.
Chairman Muhammad asked whether the Council could reject the financing if the rate returned at 8%.
Mr. Thompson explained the authorization would limit the interest rate to no more than 6%.
Chairman Muhammad asked whether the bonds could later be refinanced at a lower interest rate.
Mr. Thompson confirmed refinancing would be possible.
Chairman Muhammad asked Ms. Washington about the status of closing the 2025-2026 budget and whether a problem would arise if the budget were not completed before proceeding to the Bond Commission.
Yoland Washington, Internal Auditor, stated that the 2025-2026 fiscal-year budget amendment did not pass, leaving the fiscal year unclosed, and noted that the deadline had technically been missed.
Chairman Muhammad asked if that would be a problem
Mr. Thompson stated the matter could be addressed.
Ms. Woods asked about language in the resolution identifying the Council as the City’s ‘governing authority.’
Brandon Creekbaum, City Attorney, confirmed that ‘governing authority’ is a defined term used in the resolution and explained state law generally identifies municipal legislative bodies as governing authorities, while the City’s charter provides additional specific requirements. He stated under the charter, authorization to borrow money or incur debt must ultimately be accomplished through an ordinance passed by the Council.
(d) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9183 authorizing an agreement with the Travelers Indemnity Company of Connecticut for insurance for the Monroe Transit System. (No comments from the public)
Mayor’s Office
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9184 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of Treasury, for the receipt and expenditure of a $77,000 line-item appropriation for the acquisition of a lawn mower for the Public Works Department, and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9185 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of the Treasury, for the receipt and administration of a $50,000 line-item appropriation for United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Inc.; authorizing any necessary cooperative endeavor agreements or subagreements with United Way of Northeast, Inc., for the provision and administration of such funds; and further providing with respect thereto.
Ms. Woods asked Mr. Creekbaum to clarify the source of the $50,000 appropriation and whether the City was merely serving as a pass-through entity.
Mr. Creekbaum explained the city serves as a pass-through for line-item appropriations awarded by the State Legislature to non-governmental organizations.
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9186 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of Treasury, for the receipt and administration of a $100,000 line-item appropriation for a roof at the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts; authorizing any necessary cooperative endeavor agreement or subagreements for the provision and administration of such funds; and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
(d) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9187 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of the Treasury, for the receipt and administration of a $1,500,000 line-item appropriation for the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, Inc., for renovations, construction, and furnishing; authorizing any necessary cooperative endeavor agreements or subagreements with the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, Inc., for the provision and administration of such funds, and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
Fire Department
(a) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Resolution No. 9188 authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and Office of State Fire Marshal, for funding of Louisiana Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4 Operations.
Ken Maxey, Fire Chief, explained the State appropriate funding for four USAR teams, like the previous year. He stated the funding would help ensure each team has the necessary deployment equipment. This year’s focus includes vehicles to pull trailers and additional trailers to house equipment.
IX: Introduction of Resolutions & Ordinances:
(a) Upon motion of Ms. Woods and seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to remove the Ordinance approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the city of Monroe and the Amalgamate Transit Union Local No. 1160, AFL-CIO.
James Tatum, 69 Highway 139 APT 904, expressed concerns regarding the proposed Amalgamated Transit Union contract. He stated certain contract terms needed further discussion, including the proposed wage increases. He referenced a request for 8% increases over three years and stated that the presented terms reflected 6% over five years.
Chairman Muhammad asked whether those contract terms had previously been discussed.
Mr. Creekbaum recommended the Council withdraw the item from consideration.
Horace Anthony, Local 1160 President, explained the proposal involved a five-year contract with a 6% increase over the five-year period. He stated 2026 was not included in the calculation because employees had already gone through most of that year while negotiations continued.
Chairman Muhammad asked who had been involved in discussions concerning the contracts.
Mr. Creekbaum stated negotiations were conducted with Mr. Anthony and the International Vice President, with Mr. Garland also participating. He explained the union’s national organization could influence negotiations, and the proposals had been approved by the International Vice President for the local union.
Mr. Harvey withdrew his motion.
(b) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of and sell to Sandco Group, LLC, all rights, title, and interest in and to Lot 23, Square 55 Unit 10, BTW Addition, 4011 Barlow Street, Monroe, Louisiana, adjudicated to the City of Monroe for nonpayment f Ad Valorem Taxes, pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2238.1 et seq., and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
(c) Upon motion of Mr. McFarland, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of and sell to Sandco Group, LLC, all rights, title, and interest in and to Lots 14 and 15, Square 34 Unit 6, BTW Addition, 3912 White Street, Monroe, Louisiana, adjudicated to the City of Monroe for nonpayment of Ad Valorem Taxes, pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2238.1 et seq., and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporeal possession of and sell to Sandco Group, LLC all rights, title, and interest in and to Lot 13, square 34, Unite 6, BTW Addition, 3908 White Street, Monroe, Louisiana, adjudicated to the City of Monroe for nonpayment of Ad Valorem Taxes, pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2238.1 et seq., and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
(e) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved amend and to introduce the Ordinance amending the City of Monroe Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to appropriate additional funds for transit personnel costs and vehicle insurance premiums and further providing with respect thereto. (The Ordinance was amended to only include the insurance premiums)
Mr. McFarland asked who would address the proposed operating-budget amendment.
Mr. Moore explained the first amendment involved transit salaries and wages and had been calculated based on the anticipated introduction of the labor contract. He stated the second amendment would increase the transit insurance line item.
Mr. Creekbaum explained a portion of the proposed budget amendment was based on the union contract that had just been removed from consideration. Because the amendment included funding for raises contained in that contract, he stated part of the amendment might no longer be necessary.
Mr. McFarland expressed concern that another union had received raises while the current union’s proposed raises were not moving forward.
Mr. Creekbaum explained union negotiations are generally confidential and are not normally discussed publicly. He stated the agreement placed on the agenda reflected terms previously discussed and approved by the International Vice President of the union, including the raises and length of the contract.
X: Resolutions and Ordinances for Second Reading and Final Adoption and Subject to Public Hearing:
The public hearing was opened, the hearing was closed and Ordinance read for finalization
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,310 approving the annexation of ±0.38 acres; extending and enlarging the boundaries of the City of Monroe, Louisiana; providing for recordation of the revised boundary; establishing an effective date; and otherwise providing for related matters. (No comments from the public)
The public hearing was opened, the hearing was closed and Ordinance read for finalization
(b) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. McFarland and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,311 amending Section 9-24 (Permit Fees) of the City of Monroe Code to provide relative to permits for the placement and transportation of mobile homes, manufactured homes, buildings, and other structures; to require applicable state licensure; to require a transport moving permit for the movement of certain structures over public streets, alleys, and rights-of-way; and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public)
The public hearing was opened, the hearing was closed and Ordinance read for finalization
(c) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to passover Ordinance amending Section 32.5-42 (Definitions) of the City of Monroe Code to define wireline telecommunications facilities; adding Section 32.5-51 to provide regulations governing wireline telecommunications facilities; and further providing with respect thereto. (No comments from the public) (Passover until 9/22/2026)
The public hearing was opened, the hearing was closed and Ordinance read for finalization
(d) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,312 approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the City of Monroe and the International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, Local 407.
Ms. Woods asked whether members of the local union participate in negotiations or whether representatives from outside the area are responsible for negotiating on their behalf.
Mr. Creekbaum stated union negotiating structures vary. Based on his experience, some unions negotiate entirely at the local level, while others use state or international representatives. He explained negotiating teams may have authority to reach an agreement subject to ratification by the local union.
XI: Citizens Participation:
Robert Johnson, 2608 Collidge St., President of Local 2388 Union, had been without a new contract since 2022 and continued working under the previous agreement. He expressed concern about the length of time the union had operated without a new agreement and asked when the terms would be completed so members could receive a new contract.
Quinton McFarland, 1204 Stone Ave, expressed concerns regarding delays and communication difficulties with the City’s permitting and engineering process for placing a double-wide home on his property. He stated that he had submitted the required documents and fees and continued seeking clear guidance on the requirements. He placed his concerns on the record and stated that he would continue pursuing the matter.
Hebert Guillory 1801 Woodhaven Drive, Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Vice President, stated that despite a human error that occurred, the event would still proceed as planned.
There being no further business to come before the council, Chairman Muhammad adjourned the meeting at 8:46PM.
Verbon Muhammad Sr.
Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Erica L. Moore
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.
