The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, met in regular session on May 10, 2016, with the following members in attendance at the meeting:

Transcription

1 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 1 of 10 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF BAKER, LOUISIANA 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA May 10, :00 P.M. The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, met in regular session on May 10, 2016, with the following members in attendance at the meeting: MAYOR Harold M. Rideau COUNCIL MEMBERS Joyce Burges John Givens Pete Heine Dr. Charles Vincent Robert Young CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rideau presided. The invocation was given by Council Member Heine. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Vincent. DISPOSITION OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 26, The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Vincent to move agenda item New Business 6. Executive Session to discuss litigation Williams v. Mayor Harold Rideau & City of Baker No. 596,470 Div. 26 up on the agenda so as to immediately follow the Disposition of the Minutes. NEW BUSINESS 6. Executive Session to discuss litigation Williams v. Mayor Harold Rideau & City of Baker No. 596,470 Div. 26 The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Vincent to adjourn for an Executive Session to discuss litigation Williams v. Mayor Harold Rideau & City of Baker No. 596,470 Div. 26. The Mayor and Council adjourned for the executive session. Council Member Pete Heine did not participate in said session.

2 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 2 of 10 The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Vincent to come out of executive session. The Mayor directed attorney Mark Plaisance to take the action recommended by the City Council. RECOGNITIONS PLANNING AND ZONING MATTER 1. Approve business license for LaRoyals Services, LLC Location 4338 Burgess Drive, Baker, LA (Mayor) Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. The motion was made by Council Member Heine, seconded by Council Member Vincent to accept the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and approve the business license for LaRoyals Services, LLC. Discussion regarding the agenda item resumed. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Council Member Burges stated that several residents on Morvant Road are losing property in their rear yards due to erosion. She stated that this issue needs to be brought to the attention of our state legislators so that something can be done. Council Member Vincent stated that this area is in his district, and he has been to Ms. Davenport s home on several occasions, as has Council Member Heine. He stated that the city has assisted area residents over the years in an effort to address the situation, despite the fact that this is the City-Parish s responsibility. However, these efforts have not been enough. Council Member Vincent also stated that the city will continue to do reclamation work at this site, while the city continues to move towards a more lasting and permanent solution. Council Member Heine reiterated that this canal is the responsibility of the City-Parish, as well as the seriousness of the problem that exists in this area. He expressed his desire to work with Council Member Vincent to help the residents of the affected area. Discussion regarding issues with drainage, erosion and the need for action on behalf of the City-Parish followed. Council Member Burges stated that she has learned of a grant opportunity which would involve the administration collaborating with a youth prevention organization. She feels this would be a great need in this city, stating that since Baker was named the safest city in the state, we should build on that by providing the necessary resources needed to stay number one. She feels this collaboration would be a start to prevent and respond to youth violence and can be an outlet for early intervention. She stated that she would like to meet with the administration as soon as possible regarding the grant, as the deadline for submittal is June 1, The Mayor agreed to meet at the grant writer s earliest convenience. Council Member Vincent thanked Ms. Davenport for attending the council meeting.

3 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 3 of 10 UPDATE ON DISTRICTS 1. Update on District 3 (Burges) Council Member Burges had no update on District 3 at this time. 2. Update on District 1 (Vincent) Council Member Vincent stated that District 1 is preparing for its annual bike safety program and reflector give-away to be held on Saturday. 3. Update on District 5 (Givens) Council Member Givens had no update on District 5 at this time. 4. Update on District 4 (Young) Council Member Young announced that Baker High School s graduation ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. 5. Update on District 2 (Heine) Council Member Heine asked everyone to remember the families of Steve Stein, Holly Gerald, Andrew Williams, and Russell Jackson in their prayers, as each one was a great loss. RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 1. Proclamation establishing Councilman Vincent s Friendly Neighbor Keeper Initiative in the City of Baker (Vincent) Council Member Vincent provided an overview of the initiative as well as plans for the future with regards to implementation. The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to accept the proclamation. PUBLIC MEETING 1. Ordinance , an ordinance levying within the City of Baker, State of Louisiana, effective January 1, 2016, a tax of five percent (5%) (the Tax ) upon the rent or fee charged for the occupancy of hotel rooms within the City of Baker, levying and providing for the assessment, collection, payment and dedication of the proceeds of such Tax and the purposes for which the proceeds of the Tax may be expended (Mayor) (Introduced 4/26/2016) Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to adopt Ordinance Public meeting was held. Vote was called for. BIDS AND PROPOSALS APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CONDEMNATIONS City Attorney Fabre provided an update on the status of the work being done by the city and LaMats regarding blighted property Buchanan, Lot 82, Baker Heights Subdivision (Mayor) (held over from 3/24/2015) No action was taken on this item.

4 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 4 of Chamberlain, Lot 8, Square 7, Leland College Annex (Mayor) (held over from 4/14/2015) No action was taken on this item Chamberlain, Lot 20, Square 11, Leland College Annex (Mayor) (held over from 4/14/2015) No action was taken on this item Chamberlain, Lot 8, Square 19, Leland College Annex (Mayor) (held over from 4/14/2015) No action was taken on this item Sinbad, Lot 15-B, Westmoreland-Nutt Subdivision (Mayor) (held over from 6/9/2015) The Mayor stated that the information on this property has been turned over to LaMats and research is being conducted. ANNEXATIONS NEW BUSINESS 1. Approve franchise for local exchange Network Company Louisiana, LLC (Mayor) Landon Holiman, Network Company Louisiana, LLC, gave a presentation regarding the services they wish to provide to the citizens of Baker. Mr. Holiman stated that Network Company Louisiana, LLC will give residents another option for Wi-Fi services within the city, thereby helping to lower rates for everyone. Discussion regarding Mr. Holiman s presentation followed. Council Member Burges suggested a work session be scheduled to discuss the franchise for local exchange Network Company Louisiana, LLC for Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. The work session was set. Discussion regarding Mr. Holiman s presentation resumed. 2. Discuss naming a street in Baker Martin Luther King, Jr. Thruway (Burges) (held over from 4/26/2016) Council Member Burges expressed her desire to see a road named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the city, suggesting that a committee be established to discuss the issue further. Discussion regarding the intricacies of renaming a road followed. Leroy Davis, 4312 Azie, suggested that the city rename one of its parks rather than a road. He stated that renaming a park would involve no cost nor would it require a change in any address. Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. The proposed committee was formed, its members are as follows Yolanda Vessell, Admon McCastle, Gloria Johnson, Council Member Burges, Council Member Heine and Council Member Vincent. Council Member Vincent stated that he is so happy to see this idea come to fruition, as this is something that he has considered bringing to the council for quite some time. He expressed his admiration and gratitude for Dr. King and his many contributions. Discussion regarding the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. was held. 3. Discuss elected officials salaries (Burges) Councilwoman Burges stated for the record how grateful she is to the citizens of the City of Baker for allowing her to be a councilwoman and the salary that she has received. Her

5 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 5 of 10 salary has allowed her to host four Back to School events, three Joy of Christmas events, three Mother s Day Brunch and Teas, and many more community events. She is so appreciative of the opportunity to serve on the council and the salary, as these events allowed for an immense amount of community involvement. 4. Discuss updating the City of Baker s Home Rule Charter (Burges) Council Member Burges expressed her opinion regarding the City of Baker s Charter, stating that she feels it needs to be updated. Discussion regarding updating the City of Baker s Charter was held. Discussion regarding the City Auditor, audit findings, and corrective action to be taken by the city was held. Police Chief-Elect Carl Dunn expressed his concerns and displeasure with the proposed starting salary for the Chief of Police and the seeming lack of continuity in the city s policies and procedures for determining starting pay. Discussion regarding the salaries of current elected officials and incoming elected officials was held. The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Givens to extend the council meeting for 30 (thirty) minutes. Discussion regarding the salaries of current elected officials and incoming elected officials resumed, specifically as it relates to the newly elected Chief of Police. The Mayor stated that this issue is not going to be addressed further or resolved in the council chamber, it will be resolved outside of the chamber. He stated that he wants to what is right and what is fair, and is going to do so. Police Chief-Elect Dunn stated that he has the utmost confidence in the Mayor and his fairness, and he knows that this situation can be worked out. Discussion regarding the salaries of current elected officials and incoming elected officials resumed. 5. Discuss amending the City of Baker Code of Ordinances Sec Movement of Animals (Vincent) Council Member Vincent cited constituent s concerns with horse waste in the city. He suggested amending the city s current ordinance to require the use of dung bags when riding horses within the city limits. Discussion regarding Council Member Vincent s statements and suggestions was held. City Attorney Fabre stated that he will have an ordinance, which will include the requested language, to amend the city s current ordinance ready for introduction at the next council meeting. REPORTS ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 1. Planning and Zoning Commission 2. Annexation Review Committee 3. Economic Development Team 4. Heritage Museum/Related Committees 5. ABC Board 6. Other Special Committees a. Buffalo Festival Work has begun on this year s event.

6 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 6 of 10 b. Prayer Breakfast Will be held on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 6:30 a.m. c. Strategic Planning Committee d. Citizens Advisory Board to Law Enforcement Will meet Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at Lagniappe. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS ADJOURN The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to adjourn. CITY OF BAKER I, Angela Canady, certify that I am acting Clerk of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes of a regular meeting of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana held on May 10, Angela Canady, Clerk of Council

7 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 7 of 10 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS CITY OF BAKER 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA May 10, 2016 The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of Commissioners for the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, met in regular session on May 10, 2016, with the following members in attendance at the meeting: COMMISSIONERS Joyce Burges John Givens Pete Heine Harold M. Rideau Dr. Charles Vincent Robert Young CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Rideau presided. DISPOSITION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The meeting was called to order and the motion was made by Commissioner Rideau, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 26, YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0. PUBLIC NOTICE NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Rideau stated that the trash in/around the cemetery has been picked up. Commissioner Vincent inquired about the progress being made on entering the cemetery s data into the computer. Commissioner Rideau stated that cemetery employees are working diligently. OTHER NECESSARY BUSINESS 1. Monthly Business Report 2. Other Reports 3. Items Requiring Action ADJOURN There was no other business to come before the commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Rideau, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to adjourn. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0.

8 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 8 of 10 CITY OF BAKER I, Angela Canady, certify that I am acting Clerk of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens held on May 10, Angela Canady, Clerk of Council

9 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 9 of 10 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BAKER CONSOLIDATED UTILITIES SYSTEM CITY OF BAKER 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA May 10, 2016 The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of Commissioners for the Baker Consolidated Utilities System, met in regular session on May 10, 2016, with the following members attending: COMMISSIONERS Joyce Burges John Givens Pete Heine Harold M. Rideau Dr. Charles Vincent Robert Young CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Rideau presided. DISPOSITION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The meeting was called to order and the motion was made by Commissioner Rideau, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 26, YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0. PUBLIC NOTICE NEW BUSINESS OTHER NECESSARY BUSINESS 1. Monthly Business Report 2. Other Reports 3. Items Requiring Action ADJOURN There was no further business to come before the commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Rideau, seconded by Commissioners Burges and Vincent to adjourn. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0.

10 Minutes of May 10, 2016 Page 10 of 10 CITY OF BAKER I, Angela Canady, certify that I am acting Clerk of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Baker Consolidated Utility System held on May 10, Angela Canady, Clerk of Council