Chairman Echols announced the Invocation/Pledge would be led by Councilman Clark s designee, Rev. Ray Jones, Jr.

Transcription

1 There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date at the Council's regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana. Council members present: Mr. Wilson, Ms. Woods, Mrs. Ezernack, Mr. Echols, Mr. Clark Council member (s) absent: None Chairman Echols announced the Invocation/Pledge would be led by Councilman Clark s designee, Rev. Ray Jones, Jr. Chairman Echols proceeded by acknowledging the time for special announcements and/or communications. Communications and/or Special Announcements: Mrs. Ezernack acknowledged the citizens and public officials who reached out to the flood victims in Baton Rouge. Ms. Woods welcomed each present; she thanked Chief Williams for service provided in Baton Rouge to the flood victims; she thanked ULM s Brooke Foy for her work on the revitalization of the crosswalk over 165 in District 3. Mr. Wilson thanked each one for being present; he thanked Chief Williams and the Fire department for their assistance with the flood victims in Baton Rouge; he acknowledged the children in the community for wanting to assist the victims in Baton Rouge; he thanked Public works for their work in District 4; New Light Economic Empowerment Corporation to host a school supply give-away, health screening, Fire department will be in attendance at this event on September 10, 10am-2pm at 1623 South 4 th Street; August 27, 12-2pm, back to school give away at Emily P Robinson with a brown bag lunch, EA Conway to do a health fair during that time; asked for financial donation to United Way, Red cross for the victims of the flood in Baton Rouge. Mr. Clark thanked each one for being present; acknowledged Dr. Reddix; he thanked Code Enforcement and Public Works for the fine job of picking up the trash including over 100 tires on Bunch Circle; Mr. Clark acknowledged the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the members present; he acknowledged the upcoming game and festivities between ULM and SU. Mayor Mayo thanked Public safety personnel for going down to Baton Rouge and aiding the flood victims; this team included Monroe,West Monroe, Ruston Usar team and they were featured on CNN; he thanked Chief Holmes for going to Baton Rouge in the aftermath of the shooting; he thanked everyone for supporting the 16 th annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo and it was a great crowd participating in festivities including the health fair and business expo; he thanked Mr. Ross, Public Works, Public Safety for their assistance in the event; he acknowledged President Obama s visit in Baton Rouge with the flood victims; He announced the series of town hall meetings for the purpose of Fight the Blight and invited the public to the meetings to give input on the proposed changes and will include the community mapping results done by the summer workers/greg Smith, Beautification coordinator; he gave the town hall meeting dates, August 30, 6pm, Robinson Community center, August 31, noon, Public Safety Center, August 31, 6pm, Powell Community Center; he talked about the impact of the upcoming ULM and SU game and details related to the event; events to include a spirit day, the football game, river jam fest, Mr. Echols acknowledged the first responders going to Baton Rouge, and offered prayers for those affected by the flood; he announced a community meeting on September 22, 2016, 6pm, St. Alban s Church on Deborah Drive; this meeting would be centered on flood and flood control, flood mitigation and other strategies and it is geared towards River Oaks, Pargoud area. He said other Council members discussed other community meetings within their districts and the citizens will see throughout the year, more and more of the meetings going on to gather information and to ensure that the administration knows any concerns that may exist or pop up over time; Mr. Echols acknowledged the upcoming presentation by Ms. Woods and it is for the purpose of acknowledging citizens in the Districts and this will be the first award presentation; Ms. Woods presented the Service Award to Rebecca Benjamin for her outstanding service in District 3; Mr. Echols announced Community Service meeting hosted by Chief Holmes at Saul Adler, Thursday, August 25, 6pm. Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Woods, the minutes of the legal and regular session of August 9, 2016 were approved unanimously. (There were no public comments). PRESENTATION: NONE. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. Page 1 of 9

2 PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS: Morton Street (D5) (Owners - Toi C. Saucer, Laverne Conley) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mr. Echols and Voting Yes: Woods, Echols, Ezernack, Wilson; Voting to Abstain: Clark and approved for the homeowner to be given 30 days and the property will be condemned and owner to remove all obnoxious growth and debris. (There were no public comments) Chief Code Enforcement Officer Robinson stated the address for the record should be 505 Morton Street; she said they have been working with the owner to get the property into compliance, there have been work done and also tried to secure the structure and it doesn t meet compliance as nothing else has been done to the property Mr. Echols asked at what address was the service presented; Ms. Summersgill said it was done through a curator and it was placed in paper. Mr. Clark stated this was his Aunt s property and that she possibly bought it at a tax sale and asked if service was sent to his Aunt on Chester Street; Ms. Robinson said service was to Ms. Conley; Mr. Clark said he would abstain and pass it to Mr. Wilson for condemnation South 3rd Street (D4) (Owner - Christopher Michael Irby) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to remove item from the agenda. (There were no public comments) Ms. Robinson stated it is being removed because there is a new owner Bryant Street (D5) (Owner - Mildred M. Powell, et al) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved for the homeowner to be given 30 days and the property will be condemned and owner to remove all obnoxious growth and debris. (There were no public comments) Ms. Robinson stated there have been working with owner, property has been in environmental court and they did as advised by the courts, however the structure was found to be dilapidated; the relative had intentions to sell the property, but has not happened and it can t stay in the state that it is in D Arbonne Avenue (D3) (Owners - Sylvester and Patricia Ward, Jacqueline Renetta Walker, American Brokers Conduit) (Non-curatorships Owen Loan Servicing, LLC and Ouachita Parish Sheriff s Office) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved for the homeowner to be given 30 days and the property will be condemned and owner to remove all obnoxious growth and debris. (There were no public comments) Ms. Robinson presented photographic evidence and stated they had no contact with the owner, the tree is on the house and it is crushed; Ms. Woods asked how long had the house been in the condition; Ms. Robinson said they began working the case in 2013 and there have been numerous property owners, parties of interest that had to be notified ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS: None. Page 2 of 9

3 RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES: Council: (a) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6741, granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Ricky and Pauline White (Downtown River Fest Jam) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments). (b) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6742, granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the NELA-Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization, (Race for the Cure) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (c) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6743,granting an exception to the Open Container Ordinance to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Ice and Ivy On The River Alumni After Party) pursuant to Monroe City Code Sec D. (Open Container Ordinance), and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (d) Upon a motion by Ms. Woods, second by Mr. Wilson; Voting Yes: Clark, Woods, Ezernack, Wilson; Voting to Abstain: Echols, and approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6744, approving the appointment of Mr. Rick Saulsberry to the Board of Directors of the I-20 Economic Development Commission, and further providing with respect thereto. (Woods) (There were no public comments) (e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6745, requesting support of federal funding to maintain a year-round commercial navigation system on the Ouachita River and further providing with respect thereto. (Council) Police Juror Ollibeth Reddix spoke in support of the Resolution and its importance; Mr. Echols spoke of its importance and he thanked the Police Jury, Tensas Levee Basin, the Administration who has supported the effort; the Chambers efforts of promoting this issue as a high priority to the state and congressional delegations. Rev. George Newman mentioned to drudge out Young s and Bayou Lafourche because they connect on the other side of Columbia to keep the water from coming back on the Southside of Monroe and Ouachita Parish. (f) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6746, supporting the Ouachita Parish Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in the event of a Declaration of Disaster and/or Emergency within the boundaries of Ouachita Parish and further providing with respect thereto. (Council) (There were no public comments) Mr. Echols thanked the collaborative work done by the City Administration and the Parish on this effort and the resolution supports further events. Department of Administration: (a) Upon a motion Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Consider request from the Purchasing Division of the Administration Department for authorization from the City Council to advertise for a six (6) month supply contract of Work Tools, Boots and Raingear, etc. Funds for these purchases will be derived from the Inventory Account, which has a balance of $117, The divisions will be billed according to purchase. (There were no public comments) Department of Planning & Urban Development: None. Legal Department: None. Page 3 of 9

4 Mayor s Office: (a) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mr. Clark and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6747, approving and authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement by and between the City of Monroe and the Northeast Louisiana Children s Museum as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6748, approving and authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement by and between the City of Monroe and University of Louisiana at Monroe as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (c) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mrs. Ezernack and approved; Voting Yes: Ezernack, Woods, Wilson, Clark; Voting to Abstain: Echols, to Adopt Resolution No. 6749, authorizing James E. Mayo to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and approved; Voting Yes: Ezernack, Woods, Wilson, Clark; Voting to Abstain: Echols, to Adopt Resolution No. 6750, authorizing James E. Mayo to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Monroe and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce with regard to Federal Advocacy as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) Mr. Echols commended the Monroe Chamber of Commerce for their efforts of advocacy, as there are many opportunities. Department of Public Works: (a) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mrs. Ezernack and approved; Voting Yes: Ezernack, Echols, Wilson, Clark; Voting to Abstain: Woods, to Adopt Resolution No. 6751, offered by the Air Industrial Park Advisory Board authorizing Mayor Mayo to accept their recommendation to approve the construction of a storage warehouse for AOSS Medical Supply located on Central Avenue, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments). (b) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Consider request from the Sewer Division of the Public Works Department for Council approval to purchase off state contract one (1) New 2016 Case 580 N Tier Series Loader Backhoe. The estimated cost of this Backhoe is $70, Funds for this purchase will be derived the Sewer Division Capital Account. (There were no public comments). (c) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Consider request from the Public Works Department for Council approval to purchase off state contract one (1) New Chevy Tahoe. The estimated cost of this Chevy Tahoe is $37, Funds for this purchase will be derived the Sewer Division Capital Account. (There were no public comments). Department of Community Affairs: None. Police Department: None. Fire Department: None. Engineering Services: (a) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6752, accepting as substantially complete work done by and between the City of Monroe and McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc., for the WTP Improvements new Walking Beam Flocculators Project, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) Page 4 of 9

5 (b) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6753, authorizing the Purchasing Manager to advertise for bids on addition of MLU Drainage Improvements Phase II Project. The estimated cost of this project is $1,146, The DBE Goal is 14% and source of funds FAA. (There were no public comments) (c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6754, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. One (1) to the WTP new Walking Beam Flocculators Contract, between the City of Monroe and McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc., for a decrease in the contract amount $12, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (d) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mr. Clark and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6755, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. Two (2) to the MLU South Ramp Rehabilitation Contract, between the City of Monroe and Expert Maintenance & Construction, for a decrease in the contract amount $48, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (e) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Clark and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6756, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. Four (4) to the Forsythe #2 ps # 38 pump station and force main upgrade River Oaks ps #45 and Hwy 165 north ps #47 Rehabilitation Contract, between the City of Monroe and McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc., for an increase in the contract amount of $162, and an increase in the contract time of sixty (60) days and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) Mr. Wilson asked Mr. Holland the status of Plum Street; Mr. Holland said the pump station wasn t open and that there were problems during the last rain and it was then closed; Mr. Westrom there was a significant failure that will take months to repair, the Plum Street underpass can remain open during a light rain and anytime during a heavy rain, it will need to be closed and is actively pursuing the repair of it and it started this week; Mr. Wilson asked if they could let the citizens in the area know before it is closed, as many use that route. Mr. Echols referenced a line item of $92,000, with an abbreviation of wfd in the contract and what it was for; Mr. Westrom said the designer of the pump station did not design the pump controls, as they used old technology that doesn t work for the volume going to that station and the vfd allows the pumps to speed up and slow down based on the flow to the station, and they will go back and replace the old mechanical controls on the vfd s to allow for it; Mr. Echols asked when would the pump station be operational; Mr. Westrom said it is operational right now; Mr. Echols said based on the bid, when would the new technology be installed, before spring; Mr. Holland said yes, the change order needed to be approved, material ordered and it has to be approved by DEQ, materials were sent to DEQ prior to the Council meeting and since the flooding in Baton Rouge, no one has responded yet. (f) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6757, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to execute Change Order No. Eight (8) to the Wastewater System Improvements Program Basin MR-04/05/07 (a) 2 Rehabilitation Contract, between the City of Monroe and Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc., for an increase of ninety (90) days in the contract time and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) (g) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Adopt Resolution No. 6758, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a contract with Lazenby and Associates to provide Professional Engineering and Surveying Services and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments) INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES: (a) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance declaring certain immovable property in Monroe as not being needed for public use and authorizing the same to be sold at private sale to Marsala Beverage Limited Partnership, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 33:4712, and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments) Page 5 of 9

6 Mr. Echols said the sales price according to the contract was $120,000. (b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance declaring certain immovable property in Monroe as no longer being needed for public use and authorizing the same to be sold to Kevin P. Burris pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 33:4712, and further providing with respect thereto. (Legal) (There were no public comments) (c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Introduce an Ordinance approving the assignment of that certain lease agreement at the Monroe Regional Airport originally by and between the City of Monroe and JPS Aviation, LLC. To Monroe AVFlight Corporation, approving certain amendments thereto and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments). (c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving the assignment of that certain lease agreement at the Monroe Regional Airport originally by and between the City of Monroe and JPS Aviation, LLC. to Monroe AVFlight Corporation, approving certain amendments thereto and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments). (d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to add to the agenda to Introduce an Ordinance approving a certain lease agreement at the Monroe Regional Airport by and between the City of Monroe and AVFlight Monroe Corporation and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments). (d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Echols and unanimously approved to Introduce an Ordinance approving a certain lease agreement at the Monroe Regional Airport by and between the City of Monroe and AVFlight Monroe Corporation and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments). Mr. Clark inquired of it being a 30 year lease; Mr. Echols asked Mr. Phillips to come forward and stated that he believes this lease is in line with other leases; Ms. Summersgill stated they were fixed space operators and they can have the long lease and there is some way to do longer leases but it gets more involved; Mr. Echols said looking at some of the operating structures of the airport, that 30 year leases are standard, but they even can go up to 50 year leases and will have some flexibilities within that; Mr. Echols said he did some research on this to make sure are within the confines. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING: (a) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,708, amending Chapter 25 entitled Parks, Recreation and Boating, Sections 25-61, entitled Admission to Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo of the City of Monroe Code and further providing with respect thereto. (Zoo) (Tabled at last meeting until August 23th.) Mr. Wilson thanked Ms. Summersgill for her work on the Ordinance. (b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Echols and unanimously approved to table item until the next Council meeting to Finally adopt an Ordinance authorizing James Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Monroe and Airline Car Rental, Inc. d/b/a Avis Rent-a-Car System, d/b/a Budget Car Rental System at the Airport, for certain property located at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto. (Airport) Page 6 of 9

7 Mrs. Ezernack said they are tabling the items (b), (c), and (d) because there was insurance language to be added and it wasn t included and will be included at the next meeting. (c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Echols and unanimously approved to table item until the next Council meeting to Finally adopt an Ordinance authorizing James Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Monroe and Bill Hardy s Incorporated d/b/a Hertz Rent a Car at the Airport, for certain property located at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto. (Airport) (d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Echols and unanimously approved to table item until the next Council meeting to Finally adopt an Ordinance authorizing James Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Monroe and Ean Holdings, LLC d/b/a National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Airport, for certain property located at the Monroe Regional Airport, and further providing with respect thereto. (Airport) (e) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,709, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Curtis W. Johnson all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 20, Morningside Addition, Ouachita Parish, 3500 Grammont St., District 3, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) Ms. Woods stated this Ordinance and the next one showed the properties as being in District 2, and it should be District 3; Mrs. Ezernack said it is correct in the Ordinance and maybe the agenda item is incorrect. (f) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Echols and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,710, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Fredrick Williams, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 5, Sq 15, Booker T. Washington Addition, Ouachita Parish, 1008 Rogers St., District 3, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (g) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,711, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Bryant Newton, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 32, Sq 3, Blanks Addition, Ouachita Parish, 800 Bryant St., District 5, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (h) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,712, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Bryant Newton, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 14, Sq 11, Alexanders Addition, Ouachita Parish, 3800 Jackson., District 5, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (i) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,713, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and Page 7 of 9

8 sell to Wanda J. Thomas, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 4, Sq C, Lover s Lane Addition, Ouachita Parish, 2607 Gordon Ave., District 4, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (j) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,714, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Pat and Lana Hezekiah, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 6, Sq 6, Wilson Williams Addition, Ouachita Parish, 310 Atkinson St., District 5, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (k) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,715, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Wanda J. Thomas, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 8, Sq 4, Bryant s South Highland, Ouachita Parish, 803 McGee St, District 5, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (l) Upon a motion by Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Wilson and unanimously approved to Finally adopt Ordinance No. 11,716, authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and sell to Wanda J. Thomas, all rights, title and interest that the City may have acquired to Lot 3, Sq 2, Harrison Addition, Ouachita Parish, 804 Lidell Ave, District 5, Monroe, La, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1, 2011, and further with respect thereto. (Legal) (m) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mrs. Ezernack to add to the agenda an Emergency Ordinance declaring the need for immediate repairs to the check valve on pump No. 3 at the Rochelle Storm Water pump station and further providing with respect thereto. (m) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, second by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Finally adopt an Emergency Ordinance No. 11,717, declaring the need for immediate repairs to the check valve on pump No. 3 at the Rochelle Storm Water pump station and further providing with respect thereto. Citizens Participation: 1. Mr. Lester Paster, citizen, acknowledged a past legal case that he had with the City of Monroe years ago. 2. Mr. Joe Pitarro, citizen, asked the city for help regarding his property and problems associated with drainage: Mr. Echols asked that Mr. Janway would work with him to resolve the issue. 3. Mr. Ray Jones, Jr., citizen, spoke regarding La. Statute No and the issue that needs to be resolved is poverty and there is a strategic plan of five statutes to combat poverty and legislation that was put in place by former Senator Charles Jones. 4. Mr. Perry McKinley, citizen, spoke regarding a traffic camera near his property; he was told the railroad wants to close the crossing at North 19 th and Washington; he asked what can be done to keep the crossing open and to make it come out to Washington Street; he asked to look into the intentions of the railroad company and it would help some of the traffic at 18 th and Washington, as that area can get congested with traffic; Mr. Echols asked Ms. Golden if she could gather information on the issue for future meetings, and to give a briefing at the Page 8 of 9

9 next council meeting; Ms. Woods said that was her district and she would like to be in on the information received. 5. Rev. George Newman, citizen, said it had been 5 months and 8 days since he was run off from the City of Monroe; he explained his cause of termination as having stealing water from the Biedenharn, Coca Cola plant when he worked for the city; he said he was never paid his back pay for being off and restored to his job, and he doesn t steal; he said he would like to come back and do something for the city of Monroe; he said he was told that Sean Benton called him the N word 20 times in 30 minutes in a Union meeting; he said he was a mixed American, part of the Cherokee tribe and would like to be treated with respect. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m., upon a motion of Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Echols. Mr. Michael Echols Chairman Mrs. Carolus S. Riley Council Clerk Ms. Jacqueline Benjamin Council Secretary *For extended details on the Council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at ; also, a recording of the minutes can be sent via to you. Page 9 of 9