Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 1 of 10 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF BAKER, LOUISIANA 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA 70714 February 25, 2014 6:00 P.M. The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, met in regular session on February 25, 2014, 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 Mr. Lonnie Williams of Miracle Place Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Shania Williams. DISPOSITION OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Givens to approve the minutes of the meeting held on February 11, 2014. The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to add item 5. Proclamation declaring March 7, 2014 as NEA s Read Across America Day (Mayor) under Resolutions and Proclamations to the agenda. RECOGNITIONS 1. Recognize Soloman Salah, owner of Lagniappe Steak and Seafood restaurant, for being an outstanding community partner (Mayor) The Mayor recognized Soloman Salah, owner of Lagniappe Steak and Seafood restaurant, for being an outstanding community partner. Mr. Salah was unable to attend the meeting. Reverend King will personally deliver the Mayor s recognitions, along with those from the City of Baker employees. Reverend King stated that the first Family Friend Police Picnic Softball Game is being planned. 2. Recognize Larry Sherman, Stupp Corporation, for his professional service to the Baker Workforce Development Program by providing instruction to students enrolled in the welding classes (Mayor) The Mayor recognized Larry Sherman, Stupp Corporation, for his professional service to the Baker Workforce Development Program by providing instruction to students enrolled in the welding classes. He also recognized Don Bohach, Stupp Corporation, for all he
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 2 of 10 has done for the Baker Workforce Development Program. 3. Recognize CVS for discontinuing the sale of all tobacco products thereby further aligning itself with its purpose to help people on their path to better health (Burges) Council Member Burges recognized CVS for discontinuing the sale of all tobacco products thereby further aligning itself with its purpose to help people on their path to better health. As there was no representative from CVS present, Council Member Burges stated that she would hand deliver the recognition certificate personally. 4. Recognize Peron McCastle for his dedication to organizing the City of Baker s Martin Luther King Day Parade for the past 7 years (Givens) Council Member Givens recognized Peron McCastle for his dedication to organizing the City of Baker s Martin Luther King Day Parade for the past 7 years. Peron McCastle presented a slideshow of photographs from the City of Baker s 2014 Martin Luther King Day Parade. NON-AGENDA ITEMS 1. Presentation by Geaux Benches regarding the placement of benches at bus stops within the City of Baker (Givens) Representatives from Geaux Benches gave a presentation regarding the placement of benches at bus stops within the City of Baker. Discussion regarding the presentation was followed by a question and answer period. The motion was made by Council Member Givens, seconded by Council Member Burges to add item 4. Schedule a work session to discuss Geaux Benches under New Business to the agenda. Carl Alexander, 1412 Landry, stated that he attended the meeting in order to meet the members of the council. He said that residents in his neighborhood are experiencing problems with vandalism, and he hopes Wallace Gipson, City of Baker Public Works Department, asked that the Mayor and Council consider giving part-time and contract employees five (5) days of paid vacation a year. Chad Diaville, 2568 Ray Weiland Drive, asked what the Council s feelings were regarding opening a daiquiri shop in the city. Discussion followed. Council Member Vincent stated that he attended the Louisiana Legislative Summit at Baton Rouge Community College and received useful information regarding predatory lending and healthcare issues. He announced that a candlelight vigil for healthcare will be held on March 6, 2014 at the State Capitol, and a program on predatory lending will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Elm Grove Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. He provided the city with flyers that he received at the event. Council Member Vincent suggested that the council call an Executive Session and hire a legal specialist to address the issues surrounding the Fire & Police One Half (1/2) Cent sales tax. Discussion followed. The motion was made by Council Member Heine to have the Baker City Council request an Attorney General s opinion regarding the issues surrounding the Fire & Police One Half (1/2) Cent sales tax. Motion failed due to lack of second. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 3 of 10 UPDATE ON DISTRICTS 1. Update on District 3 (Burges) Council Member Burges congratulated Amy Constant for being chosen Teacher of the Month at Park Ridge Academic Magnet. She stated that Ms. Constant is the sixth point of light in her 25 Points of Light initiative. Council Member Burges spoke about Congressman Bill Cassidy s proposed flood insurance bill and provided handouts detailing said bill. Discussion regarding flood insurance followed. 2. Update on District 1 (Vincent) Council Member Vincent stated that Sullivan is doing a good job on the road work in District 1. The Mayor explained the existing contract with Sullivan for road work in the City of Baker. 3. Update on District 5 (Givens) Council Member Givens stated that all of the road work in Parc Chaleur subdivision has been completed and they look great. 4. Update on District 4 (Young) Council Member Young had no update on District 4 at this time. 5. Update on District 2 (Heine) Council Member Heine stated that he is pleased with the road work done in District 2, and he feels that both Sullivan and the City of Baker s Public Works Department has done a great job. A resident stated that he has safety concerns regarding the retention pond at the new shopping center development on Main Street. Discussion followed. RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 1. Proclamation declaring March 2014 Flood Awareness Month (Mayor) The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Vincent to accept the proclamation. 2. Resolution in support of Anuschka Health Group locating and operating a health care rehabilitation facility in the City of Baker (Mayor) The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to adopt the resolution. 3. Resolution giving Harold M. Rideau, Mayor of the City of Baker, the authority to sign the cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) between the City of Baker and the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Office of Community Development (Mayor) The motion was made by Council Member Heine, seconded by Council Member Burges to adopt the resolution.
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 4 of 10 The motion was made by Council Member Heine, seconded by Council Member Vincent to move Planning and Zoning Matter item 1. Case# 2014-4 - Re-subdivision request of: Tracts F-1 and F-2 into Tracts F-1-A and F-2-A located in Section 29, T-5-S, R-1-E, Greensburg Land District, City of Baker, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA. For: City of Baker School Board (Mayor) up on the agenda to follow agenda item 3. under Resolutions and Proclamations. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTER 1. Case# 2014-4 Re-subdivision request of: Tracts F-1 and F-2 into Tracts F-1-A and F-2-A located in Section 29, T-5-S, R-1-E, Greensburg Land District, City of Baker, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA. For: City of Baker School Board (Mayor) 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 resubdivision request Case# 2014-4, Re-subdivision request of: Tracts F-1 and F-2 into Tracts F-1-A and F-2-A located in Section 29, T-5-S, R-1-E, Greensburg Land District, City of Baker, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA. For: City of Baker School Board. Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. Vote was called for. 4. Proclamation declaring March 2014 National Kidney Month (Vincent) The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Burges to accept the proclamation. 5. Proclamation declaring March 7, 2014 as NEA s Read Across America Day (Mayor) The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Vincent to accept the proclamation. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Ordinance 2014-9, an ordinance to amend and revise Sec. 3-85 of the Baker Code of Ordinances, building, location, zoning and parking requirements regarding licenses and permits (Mayor) (Introduced 2/11/2014) The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Heine to adopt Ordinance 2014-9. Public hearing was held. Vote was called for.
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 5 of 10 BIDS AND PROPOSALS The Mayor announced that the fire alarm system at City Hall must be replaced to comply with the State Fire Marshal s order that it be brought up to code. He stated that the project will cost approximately $12,000.00. Discussion followed. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CONDEMNATIONS 1. 5404 Rue Jennifer, Lot 50, Parc Chaleur Subdivision (Mayor) (held over from 11/26/2013) City Attorney Fabre stated that once the March 16, 2014 deadline given to Mr. Smith by the council has passed, the condemnation process will proceed. Discussion followed. 2. 1018 Sinbad, Lot 9-A, Westmoreland-Nutt Subdivision (Mayor) (held over from 1/14/2014) City Attorney Fabre stated that the city is watching deadlines. City Inspector Gleason reported that he has asked the owners to provide the city with a plan of action. He also reported that he received a letter from the owner of 1018 Sinbad, requesting that she be given until May to provide the city with a plan of action regarding the property. Discussion followed. Council Member Givens asked about the status of the demolition work being done at Rose s Florist Shop located at 4504 Groom Road. Discussion followed. 3. 4360 Wimbish, Lot 189, Baker Estates Subdivision (Burges) City Inspector Gleason submitted a condemnation report to the Mayor and Council for their review. Discussion followed. OLD BUSINESS 1. Donation of Landry/Nettles property to City of Baker (held over from 3/23/10) This matter is still pending. Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. ANNEXATIONS NEW BUSINESS 1. Introduce Ordinance 2014-10, an ordinance to increase the Police Department s budget (Mayor) The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Heine to introduce Ordinance 2014-10. Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. Vote was called for. 2. Introduce Ordinance 2014-11, an ordinance to transfer funds from Buildings and Grounds to Administration (Mayor) The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Young to introduce Ordinance 2014-11. Discussion regarding the agenda item was held. Vote was called for. 3. Schedule a work session for Finance Department (Burges) The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Young to schedule a work session on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. for the Finance Department and to discuss Geaux Benches.
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 6 of 10 REPORTS ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 1. Planning and Zoning Commission 2. Annexation Review Committee 3. Economic Development Team 4. Heritage Museum/Related Committees - A Leland College museum is being planned. 5. ABC Board 6. Other Special Committees a. Buffalo Festival b. Prayer Breakfast The committee is working on this year s event. c. Strategic Planning Committee d. Citizens Advisory Board to Law Enforcement ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS The Mayor recognized John Abel for coordinating the Main Street Baker Flag Project. The motion was made by Council Member Burges, seconded by Council Member Young to extend the council meeting for thirty (30) minutes. ADJOURN The motion was made by Council Member Givens, seconded by Council Member Vincent 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 February 25, 2014. Angela Canady, Clerk of Council
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 7 of 10 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS CITY OF BAKER 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA 70714 February 25, 2014 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 February 25, 2014, 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 Heine to approve the minutes of the meeting held on February 11, 2014. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0. OLD BUSINESS 1. Adopt new cemetery rates (Rideau) The motion was made by Commissioner Young to table this agenda item. Motion failed due to lack of second. Discussion regarding the agenda item followed. The motion was made by Commissioner Burges, seconded by Commissioner Young to adopt the proposed decreases in certain cemetery rates. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Rideau, Vincent, Young NAYS: Heine The motion passed by a vote of 5-1. PUBLIC NOTICE NEW BUSINESS OTHER NECESSARY BUSINESS 1. Monthly Business Report 2. Other Reports 3. Items Requiring Action
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 8 of 10 ADJOURN There was no other business to come before the commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Rideau, seconded by Commissioner Burges to adjourn. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0. 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 February 25, 2014. Angela Canady, Clerk of Council
Minutes of February 25, 2014 Page 9 of 10 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BAKER CONSOLIDATED UTILITIES SYSTEM CITY OF BAKER 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA 70714 February 25, 2014 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 February 25, 2014, 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 Vincent, seconded by Commissioner Rideau to approve the minutes of the meeting held on February 11, 2014. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0. OLD BUSINESS PUBLIC NOTICE NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Vincent inquired about the status of the gas line work being done in Harding Terrace subdivision. Director of Public Works, Julie McCulloch, stated that the project is moving along. 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 Commissioner Burges to adjourn. YEAS: Burges, Givens, Heine, Rideau, Vincent, Young The motion passed by a vote of 6-0.
Minutes of February 25, 2014 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 February 25, 2014. Angela Canady, Clerk of Council