District #1
Dr. Raymond A. Armstrong
Vice Chairman
District #2
Mrs. Gretchen H. Ezernack
District #3
Ms. Betty Blakes
City Council
CITY OF MONROE, LOUISIANA
Post Office Box 123
Monroe, Louisiana 71210-0123
Phone (318) 329-2252
Fax (318) 329-3416
District #4
Mr. Kenneth Wilson
District #5
Mr. Eddie Clark
Chairman
June 24, 2014
6:00 p.m.
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.
The Honorable Dr. Raymond Armstrong, Vice-Chairman, called the meeting to order. He then asked the
clerk to call the roll.
There were present: Council Members Dr. Armstrong, Mrs. Ezernack, Ms. Blakes, and Mr. Wilson.
There was absent: Mr. Clark.
Vice-Chairman Armstrong announced that a quorum was present and that the Invocation and the Pledge
of Allegiance would be led by Mayor Mayo’s designee, Mr. Terry Williams, Fire Chief.
Vice-Chairman Armstrong proceeded by acknowledging the time for special announcements and/or
communications.
Mrs. Ezernack welcomed everyone present and announced on July 4th, 4:00 p.m. there will be a dedication
made to the World War II Veterans of Ouachita Parish that were killed and this will be done near the
Vietnam and Korean War Memorial and is inviting everyone to the Dedication.
Ms. Blakes thanked each one present for coming out. She asked that drivers watch out for the kids who are
playing out in the neighborhoods this summer. She extended congratulations to Council Staff, Ms.
Jacqueline Benjamin-Allen on her recent marriage.
Mr. Wilson welcomed each one present and stated that Ms. Walker who has been out for some time due to
an illness is on her way to the meeting and welcomes her back. He thanked the Sanitation workers for all
of their hard work and apologized for not attending their celebration; he also, thanked the parks and
recreation employees for assisting with the summer programs at the recreation center, Benoit has more than
200 children involved in the activities there including exercise programs. Mr. Wilson thanked the
Administration for the work at Lida Benton Park as it is coming along very good and understands the rain
has hampered some progress. He sent condolences out to the Newman Family in the loss of former city
transit employee, Mr. Terry Newman. Mr. Wilson said in speaking to the citizens and going door to door
to visit them, they are confused about when they should put out their trash and is hopeful that the notices
and reminders can be placed in the utility bills as were done previously as well as announcing this on radio,
TV and or through the Council’s office. Mr. Wilson shared yard signs that his District would be placing in
the yards of the winners that would be judged by a committee which consists of Ms. Brenda Williams;
winners would receive a $25 gift card and certificate; this effort is being done to clean up the Southside of
Monroe. He also showcased a sign that reflected having pride in the Southside of Monroe. He said the
signs would be placed throughout the Southside and hopes this will help with renewing the interest of
making the South Side of Monroe better.
Mayor Mayo had no communications.
Dr. Armstrong commented that the summer months are here and that it would usher in some good things
for our city, including the Miss Louisiana Pageant and it gets great distinction and we are proud to host it
here. He said Poverty Point has been designated as a World Heritage Destination and will be huge for
North La, West Carroll and the rest of Louisiana and with the city considering bringing Amtrak and this
possibility of having Amtrak would mean the travelers would stop in Monroe as well as the World Heritage
Destination; they will need hotel accommodations as well as places to eat and this would be a great
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economic impact and am happy that these things are happening for our City. Dr. Armstrong said the
Council would like to see something go forward with the Transit and the Council is open to and receptive
to moving forward. Dr. Armstrong stated that as he looked at the Budget actuals that there is a swing of
$624,000 from May of last year to May this year and it behooves us to look at Transit. He said other things
that Council need to do and it’s just a matter of routine is three months ago when Council approved the
budget it was determined that there were several priority items that Council wanted to have and they were
to be looked at periodically and be prioritized and the list of items were: 1. Police Patrol; 2. Street lighting
for safety; 3. Sidewalk repairs for two schools; 4. Cemetery Fence (this fence has been repaired); 5.
Programs and Equipment for Community Centers; 6. Summer Jobs for Youth; 7. Drainage projects which
includes culvert, ditches and ditch coverings; 8. Demolition of condemned buildings; 9. Playground
equipment; these items were included in the Ordinance. Dr. Armstrong commented that he would like to
look over the priority items and review them for the progress, cost of the items, balance after the cost of the
items to prioritize other the items and that we can hopefully find funds to do some of the other priority
items.
Upon a motion of Ms. Blakes and seconded by Mrs. Ezernack, the minutes of the Legal and Regular
Session of June 10, 2014 were unanimously approved; Mr. Clark absent; as presented. (There were no
comments from the public).
PRESENTATION: Comprehensive Report & Up To Date Financials. Downtown Economic
Development Dist. Mrs. Myra Gatling-Ackers, Director of Rivermarket and DEDD gave two overview
reports on both entities.
The DEDD areas of focus are economic development, business recruitment, business retention,
marketing, and historic preservation. The DEDD currently has $7,348.91 raised by Downtown Monroe
Alliance and given to DEDD for downtown development projects. She started working with DEDD in
2009 and since time one of the things they did was make sure that the $490,375 remaining for original
construction of the Riverwalk was used. There was approximately $800,000 leftover, but because they
had not used it the funds were lost. Developed RiverMarket as it has been known that Farmer’s Markets
and public markets have been successful in the revitalization of downtown areas. Developed a plan for
$250,000 capital outlay by Sen. Charles Jones that was designated for riverfront development. It was
determined that this should be used to build floating docks to provide access to the river and downtown.
DEDD also worked with Monroe Transit to get a grant for traffic study; had 1-20 development signage
directing traffic to downtown area; Lead efforts in getting North 2nd renamed to Art Alley to assist with
marketing. It would also allow people to locate the area on GPS and other maps; other development has
been spurred with the work of DEDD and the development of the RiverMarket. There have been several
new businesses and restaurants, for example, Rain the Salon, Duck & Dressing, Luna Blue Yoga, First
Choice Hospice, Restorative Home Care, 141 Lofts, River & Rail, Don Tomas, Tipitina’s; The restoration
of several building has begun. There are more businesses on the way. Committees were formed to work
in areas that the DEDD did not work in such as beautification and helping bring more people downtown
and this committee became Downtown Monroe Alliance and they began to work on projects and raise
money and in order to raise money they had to become a nonprofit and consist of business people from
downtown and volunteers from all over the city; they started the Downtown River Jam and beautification
projects such as Bry Park, Anna J Noe Park, art alley; they worked with transit to get a $23,000 grant to
get crosswalks downtown; marketing efforts, i.e. Facebook, TV and radio commercials, magazine; coop
advertising; hosted Commander Christmas; Launched new branding campaign of DoMo;
Mrs. Gatling-Ackers asked if anyone had questions.
Mr. Hackney said he would like for the organization give the citizens a profit and loss statement every
three months.
Mrs. Gatling-Ackers began her overview report for the RiverMarket and it was as follows: The
RiverMarket began in 2012 and it serves as a gathering place and launching pad for small businesses, and
establish downtown as a shopping and entertainment destination. It serves as a catalyst for re-investment
in the downtown area, a springboard for new development. The RiverMarket has approximately 30
businesses that were established when the market opened. Deidre McGehee and Chabaket Simpson Clay
Flowers opened storefronts as well as being a vendor at the market. Vendor Main Street Trends opened it
second location. There is an average of 70 vendors each market day including youth entrepreneurs; some
businesses have used the RiverMarket as a test market and marketing tool to launch their products and
businesses for example, Duck Dynasty, Norris Dog Food, Bayou Gypsy and Hemline. The RiverMarket
received nominations for Best of the Delta 2013 “Best Attraction”, but lost out to Duck Dynasty. The
RiverMarket has become a destination for weddings and other events; Vendors have come from Texas,
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Arkansas, Missouri and it has attracted visitors from California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri,
Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Testimonials include
River & Rail who confirmed their biggest Saturday lunches are when the RiverMarket is opened;
Community Trust Bank says the value that they get for sponsoring the Market is huge for them. The sales
from the vendors last year is $57, 626.26.
Mr. Wilson asked if Mrs. Gatling-Ackers thought they would see an increase next year over the current
amount. Mrs. Gatling-Ackers said it is hopeful as they are trying to secure more vendors and also to keep
more visitors coming. She said the Commander Christmas Event was huge because it gave the market a
record number of 236 vendors on that day.
Ms. Blakes asked if the vendor pays a fee and do they pay a portion of their profit back to the market.
Mrs. Gatling-Ackers stated that there is a one-time $15 application fee; to rent by the week the cost is
$40; rent 4 consecutive weeks the fee is $35; Ms. Blakes asked if the $57, 626.26 the proceeds from the
fee assessed to the vendors for space and Ms. Gatling-Ackers said no, that amount is the gross sales of
vendor reported sales.
Ms. Blakes asked how much was made for booth rentals and it was reported the amount was over $84,000
in comparison to 2013 it was $41,000; application fees are $8,900; reduced support from City by $20,000
last year.
Ms. Nell Bradley asked if the RiverMarket got $212,000 from the City and if it was in the budget; Mrs.
Gatling-Ackers said no, they did not receive that amount from the City. Ms. Bradley asked for all of the
organizations such as the Cultural District, RiverMarket, etc., where does this money go and is it all
pooled together or separate; Mrs. Gatling-Ackers said the Cultural District does not have to pay sales tax
if it fits the criteria of one of a kind item and Ms. Bradley asked which business fits this criteria; she said
it would be the art galleries and some of the artists at the RiverMarket; The Sales tax office keeps records
of these sales. Ms. Bradley asked if they were trying to get the gambling boat and Ms. Gatling-Ackers
said that she wasn’t working on a gambling boat.
Dr. Armstrong stated that it is understood that any business that starts out does not make money in its first
year; the trends of the RiverMarket is good; there is a business plan in place.
Mrs. Gatling-Ackers said they received $33,000 in grants last year and have applied for two this year and
have received notice that they will receive those and are working on three more grants.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PROPOSED CONDEMNATIONS:
1. 701 Pecan Drive (D4) (owner - Dennis W. & July Ann Hall) “Notice to Show Cause” was served.
Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark absent; to
be given 90 days or until September 24, 2014, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the
code or demolish the structures and clean the lot.
Comments: Mr. Kelly stated that the property is located in District 4 and in 2013, the Council condemned
a burned portion of this property and the remaining portion was not burned. The property owners at the
time stated that would do something with it, but according to the pics the property remains open it is not
safe; there are a lot of kids in the area and neighbors have complained that people are going in and out of
the structure.
Mr. Hall said he is in the process of rebuilding the property and that he has obtained paperwork from the
city. He said the house is torn down and said there are other houses at the corner of South 4th with
windows out are still standing, but his property is burned and it is torn down. He said Code Enforcement
never told him what he needed to do to bring it up to code and if they had he would have done it; he stated
he is before Council and doesn’t know why he was asked to come.
2. 105 Malvern Street (D5) (Owner - Patricia Bell Cloman) “Notice to Show Cause” was served. Upon
a motion by Dr. Armstrong, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark absent; to be
given 90 days or until September 24, 2014, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code
or demolish the structures and clean the lot.
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Comments: Mr. Kelly said the District 5 property was written up because there were people living on the
property and it did not have electrical service, holes were in the flooring, a few have been patched up but
it remains unsafe for human habitation.
Ms. Cloman, property owner came forward and stated that what was stated by Mr. Kelly at that time was
truthful; she said upon purchasing the property from a company in Baton Rouge and although there were
people living in the property before she purchased it she had to go through the legal channels to get them
evicted. Ms. Cloman stated that she has been working on the house and has since hired another contractor
to come in on next week to do repairs.
3. 1600 Riverside Drive (D3) (Owner - Lafitte Investments (J Hakim; Ouachita Independent Bank)
“Notice to Show Cause” was served. Upon a motion by Mr. Blakes, seconded by Mr. Wilson and
unanimously approved; Mr. Clark absent; to be given 90 days or until September 24, 2014, in which to
bring the structures into compliance with the code or demolish the structures and clean the lot. (There
were no comments from the public).
Comments: Mr. Kelly, Code Enforcement reported that this property was in District 3 and is an
apartment complex. He stated it is burned and opened and is unsafe; there is another portion of the
property that is opened and is not burned; his office has been in contact with the property owners
Attorney, as they wanted it removed from the Council Agenda tonight; he stated it was not removed by
Code Enforcement office because it continues to be an unsafe structure and need to be addressed.
Ms. Blakes asked why they wanted it to be removed; Mr. Kelly said it is in litigation and being
investigated for arson by the insurance company; the attorney was asked to come to Council meeting
tonight to explain to Council the status of the property, but no one appeared.
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF BIDS:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark
absent; to Accept the bids of Central Oil & Supply of Monroe, LA and Smitty’s of Shreveport, LA for a
one (1) year supply contract of Petroleum Products Ref Bid #85-1422 as recommended by the Director of
Administration for meeting the requirements of this bid. The funds for these purchases will be derived
from the Inventory Account.
Comments: Ms. Nell Bradley asked if this is for a year; Mr. Gibson said yes it is; asked if the price rises
to six dollars a gallon, are we locked in at the contract price; Mr. Gibson said yes.
Ms. Blakes said there are two companies and on line twenty one, it is the company price is $1621.30 and
the other company $10.99 and this is huge difference in the amounts; Mr. Gibson said the companies
priced there bids differently; one bided according to specs and the other did not. Ms. Blakes asked what
is done in this case; is the bid given to lowest bidder or the company with the specs; Mr. Gibson said the
company who complies with the specifications is the one that will get the bid.
(b) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark
absent; to Accept the bids of Parker of Bastrop, LA, Stuart’s of West Monroe, LA, OfficeLink of Monroe,
LA, Peregrine Corporation and Quill Corporation of Lincolnshire, IL for a one (1) year supply contract of
Office Supplies Ref Bid #85-1421 as recommended by the Director of Administration for meeting the
requirements of this bid. The funds for these purchases will be derived from the Inventory Account.
Comments: Ms. Bradley stated that she did some investigation on some of the companies, Quill
Corporation; she said they are connected with Staples and if you purchase a certain amount then you are
entitled to free gifts and asked if this was ethical for us; Mr. Gibson said no it was not and it is strictly a
contract and do not receive free gifts.
Ms. Blakes asked to reiterate if we receive free gifts or not; Mr. Gibson said we cannot and do not receive
free gifts. Ms. Blakes stated we do not receive gifts.
RESOLUTIONS AND MINUTE ENTRIES:
Department of Administration:
Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved ; Mr. Clark
absent: to Consider request from the Purchasing Division of the Administration Department for
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Council approval to advertise for a one (1) year supply contract of Janitorial Paper Products. The
funds for these purchases will be derived from the Inventory Account and billed to the divisions
according to purchase.
Comments: Ms. Bradley asked if the janitorial products, toilet paper; Mr. Barnes said that yes, it was
paper towels and soap.
Department of Planning & Urban Development:
Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark, absent;
to add to the agenda the following Resolution authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to sign and execute a
Grant application for the States Economic Development Assistance Programs Grant; stating the City of
Monroe City Council support of such application and further providing with respect thereto:
Comments: Ms. Bradley asked if someone could explain to her what the grant application was for. Vice
Chairman Armstrong acknowledged Mr. Fisher to explain the application. Ms. Bradley made comments
regarding not understanding Mr. Fisher and him not speaking her English and asked him to speak nice
and slow. Mayor Mayo interjected and said that he was concerned about some of the comments that Ms.
Bradley has made about employees of his Administration and that he did not appreciate the comments
made. He said it was not necessary and that she has made several comments and the Chairman has not
called her out on it; he wanted to make note that it is not called for. Ms. Bradley said Mr. Fisher knows
her and that he and her are friends, she apologized. Mr. Fisher explained that the application was for
assistance to help with infrastructure in the collapse sewer lines on South First and Second Streets.
Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Wilson with Dr. Armstrong, Mrs. Ezernack and Mr.
Wilson voting yes; Ms. Blakes abstaining; Mr. Clark absent; to approve Resolution No. 6259, authorizing
James E. Mayo, Mayor, to sign and execute a Grant application for the States Economic Development
Assistance Programs Grant; stating the City of Monroe City Council support of such application and
further providing with respect thereto: (There were no comments from the public).
Comments: Ms. Golden, City Engineer brought to Council’s attention and commended that Ms. Marlene
James, Council Staff researched and found this particular grant and it was originally thought that this
would be a grant that the city could not use, but in her persistence, this grant is a partnership between the
Administration and Council and Mr. Fisher will be moving forward with the application.
Mr. Wilson thanked Ms. James for her persistence in locating this grant and her concern for the citizens
and their needs.
Dr. Armstrong stated this grant has a tight window of it being due on July 3, 2014 and wished success in
attaining the grant.
Legal Department:
NONE.
Mayor’s Office:
(a) Upon a motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to Adopt Resolution No. 6260, confirming the appointment of Kimberly Golden as the City
Engineer for the City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto.
Comments: Mrs. Ezernack commended Ms. Golden on her tenacity and how quickly she was able to get
up to speed on matters and she referenced the Council Agenda item that was complicated on her second
meeting and how she was able to give Council the details of that project. She said Ms. Golden deserved
the decision and it will be a benefit to the City and citizens with her being in the position.
Dr. Armstrong said he found Ms. Golden easy to reach and work with; she is knowledgeable about
projects and welcomed her and looks forward to working with her in the future.
Mr. Wilson asked Ms. Golden what she would do to ensure DBE participation; that is over DBE to ensure
goals are being met; and going forward as the City Engineer, how much money would she save the City
for the consultant engineering firms that are currently being used such as Denmon Engineering. Ms.
Golden stated in reference to Mr. Wilson’s question about DBE participation; the Mayor informed her
that if she got the appointment that he wanted her to Chair the DBE committee and she is excited to have
the opportunity and the idea of helping disadvantaged businesses grow strong is appealing to her as she
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has done previous work doing development work and did make it a part of the contracts with nonprofits
making sure real jobs went to folks in the areas being served and appreciated the Mayor thinking of her to
do that; she said she has a very strong commitment for the high dollar projects coming into the
community and help people in the community and the city and is committed to this as Chair or whatever
role she is asked to do; Ms. Golden stated in reference to saving the City money that there are several
thousand dollars a month going to Denmon for the sort of routine of review of things and anticipate that
her office will be taking over some of it; she stated that she felt like what she could do better is be sure we
are bringing money in and is not sure if it is a matter of saving money by doing the day to day thing so
much as staying available to find money and bring money and make sure they are going to projects that
are eligible and feels like going forward this is the best place to use her skills is to bring more money in,
in forms of grants and things like this.
Mr. Wilson thanked Ms. Golden as they have worked on the South 8th Street and Texas Avenue project as
well as GB Cooley Board when she was on the Police Jury and look forward to working together and
doing some good projects.
Ms. Blakes commended Ms. Golden for stepping up and accepting the challenge. Ms. Blakes stated since
Council had not received any information on Ms. Golden, she had one question to ask Ms. Golden; she
asked her where did she get her certification from. Ms. Golden stated her credentials of having a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M, a Master of Civil Engineering from
Texas A&M; Juris Doctorate of Law from University of Little Rock, Licensed P.E. in the State of
Arkansas and recently Louisiana and is Licensed Attorney, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana; she said there
are probably other things, a Leave Green Associate.
Ms. Bernadine Jones came forward in support of Ms. Golden as being appointed as the permanent City
Engineer. She said she has worked with Ms. Golden on several committees and she has been an asset on
these projects in South Monroe and any consideration in favor of Ms. Golden would be highly
appreciated.
(b) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent; to Adopt Resolution No. 6261, supporting and recommending Amtrack Passenger Rail Service for
North Louisiana and further providing with respect thereto.
Comments: Ms. T.J. Stevenson came forward and said she was in favor of the Amtrak Passenger Rail
Service.
Ms. Nell Bradley said she was in favor of the Amtrak Passenger Rail Service.
Vice Chairman Armstrong said it appears everyone is in favor of the Amtrak Passenger Rail Service and
wanted to know where we go from here. Assistant City Attorney Baldwin stated that she thinks that the
Resolution was recommended to the city to get all of the cities in North La. to send to the Governor to get
Amtrak.
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark, absent,
to Adopt Resolution No. 6262, approving and authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement by and
between the City of Monroe and the Louisiana State Department of Transportation for the donation of
asphalt and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no comments from the public).
Comments: Dr. Armstrong said in the contract it was stated having adequate storage for the asphalt and
the use of the asphalt; Mr. Janway said the asphalt would be stored at the Street Department and it would
be used for a multitude of tasks for backfill around catch basins, alley ways and shoulder repairs on roads,
etc.
(b) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to Consider request from the Water Treatment Plant of the Public Works Department for Council
approval to advertise for a one (1) year supply contract of Water Treatment Chemicals. The funds for
these purchases will be derived from the Chemical Account. (There were no comments from the public).
(c) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to Consider request for a Change Order from the Water Treatment Plant of the Public Works
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Department for Bayou Pump Station Project in the amount of $25,986.00. Specialty Field Service &
Machine is the vendor for this project.
Comments: Ms. Bradley came forward and asked if the $25,986 an addition or a decrease in the change
order. She asked what the total job was. Mr. Janway said it was an addition and it is an old pump and
Ms. Golden said it is the intake structure on the Bayou and Council had previously declared it an
Emergency and the original contract was $53,000 and when they got into the pump to repair; the impeller
was damaged and it costs about $25,000 and before it was paid it had to come back before Council; the
Emergency does says you don’t have to go back through the bid process but the change order does have to
go back before Council. Ms. Blakes asked if it was Rochelle Pump and Ms. Golden stated it was not, it
was the pump that brings water to the treatment system to be treated and turned into drinking water.
(d) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to add to the agenda A Resolution authorizing Monroe Regional Airport to advertise for bids for
the Airport Perimeter Road Rehabilitation Project, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were
no comments from the public).
Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark absent; to
Adopt Resolution No. 6263, authorizing Monroe Regional Airport to advertise for bids for the Airport
Perimeter Road Rehabilitation Project, and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no
comments from the public).
Council:
NONE.
Department of Community Affairs:
(a) Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark, absent,
to remove from the Agenda to Adopt a Resolution to approve a Cooperative Agreement between the City
of Monroe and the University of Louisiana-Monroe and further providing with respect thereto. (There
were no comments from the public).
(b) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to Adopt Resolution No. 6264, authorizing the acceptance of the bid from Cody Phillips
Construction, LLC for the construction of new restrooms for the Parks and Recreation Department of the
City of Monroe and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no comments from the public).
Police Department:
Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark, absent,
to add to the agenda a request by Monroe Police Department to purchase eight (8) Chevrolet Tahoe
vehicles with police package. The cost of each Tahoe is $30,256 for a total of cost of $242,048. The
expense will be paid out of the MPD Capital Account which has a balance of $557,000. The vehicles will
be purchased under the state contract from Gerry Lane Chevrolet, P.O. Box 66456, Baton Rouge, LA
70806. (There were no comments from the public).
Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Dr. Armstrong and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark, absent,
for the Monroe Police Department to purchase eight (8) Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles with police package.
The cost of each Tahoe is $30,256 for a total of cost of $242,048. The expense will be paid out of the
MPD Capital Account which has a balance of $557,000. The vehicles will be purchased under the state
contract from Gerry Lane Chevrolet, P.O. Box 66456, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
Comments: Ms. Nell Bradley asked for the usage of the new trucks. Chief Holmes explained the usage
of the Tahoe’s: four of the vehicles would be assigned to the Traffic Unit and four would be assigned to
the K-9 Unit due to the excessive amount of equipment used.
Ms. Blakes asked if the vehicles being purchased by way of the state, what the bid process is. Chief
Holmes stated that because the vehicles are being purchased under the state contract, a bid process is not
necessary.
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Mr. Wilson asked if other cities such as Sterlington, Bastrop and Richwood are interested in the retiring
vehicles what is the process, for them to get one. Chief Holmes said there is a process and the interested
municipality would have to contact them.
Fire Department:
NONE.
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Dr. Armstrong and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to Adopt Resolution No. 6265, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a
contract with Land 3 Architect, Inc., for Architectural Services, for the re-roofing of Benoit, Marbles, and
Johnson Community Centers, and further providing with respect thereto.
Comments: Ms. Nell Bradley asked why an Architect firm needed to be hired to re-roof the community
centers.
Ms. Golden said after inspection of the roofs, the estimates to do the repairs exceeded the amount that
required public bids. There have to be plans and specs for them to go out for bids and they have to be
done expeditiously is the reason that architectural services have been requested. Ms. Bradley said that the
other community center roofs repaired did not require architectural services. Ms. Golden stated that they
had been inspected, but they were not of the dollar amount that required them to go out for advertised
public bid process, they were done by proposal and was a different standard requirement. She asked if
they could be done by proposal and Ms. Golden said no because the separate dollar amount exceed the
minimum amount to go out for advertise for public bids and it is $125,000. Ms. Golden explained that the
roofs were not shingled roofs and that they are flat roof systems and has been inspected and has been
identified to be in such shape that the repairs are going to exceed the public bid amount.
Ms. Blakes asked where would the funds come from and what department. Mr. Ross stated in the original
agreement with homeland security, the city was responsible for the roofing repairs and they were
responsible for the interior bathroom repairs at all centers and believe that the money is coming from the
capital account.
Dr. Armstrong stated that he received a couple of phone calls regarding this resolution and what the
resolution entails is a spraying on of protective cover under the roofs; it appears to be no structural
damage and or repairs to the roofs; he said his question was answered by Ms. Golden for the need to hire
an architectural firm; it is a very, very complex contract in the Council packet and he is sure that the Legal
Department has read through the contract and it seems a shame that the project could not have been done
cheaper and if this is what the law is then this is what it is.
(b) Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Ms. Blakes and unanimously approved; Mr. Clark,
absent, to Adopt Resolution No. 6266, authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a
contract with Land 3 Architect, Inc., for Architectural Services, for a new communication center at the
Public Safety Center, and further providing with respect thereto.
Comments: Chief Williams explained why there was a need to hire Architectural Services for the new
communication center. He stated back in October when he came before Council that the initial plan was
to piggyback off of Ascension parish for the entire project, the equipment and the refurbishing of the
room. He said after looking over the project, realized that he construction phase was more complex than
they thought it would be and consulted with Ms. Golden and the Legal Department and it was agreed that
assistance with the project should be enlisted to draw up construction plans for the new room and oversee
the construction of the project. He said money can be saved with the project and it appears that $47500
can be saved and is hard to say the exact amount but we will be transparent to the Council, asking for
permission to bid and request permission to accept the bid and an overall total can be given now; right
now within the budget, under budget and will piggyback on the equipment, but not the construction.
Ms. Bradley asked if the Architect fees included in the budget; Chief Williams stated that it was included.
Dr. Armstrong stated that he was pleased to take a trip with Chief Williams to look at the needs and the
plans of the new center and that it is very much needed to update and bring us up to the modern
technology era and is happy to see it.
(c) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mr. Wilson and approved with Mrs. Ezernack, Mr.
Wilson, Dr. Armstrong voting yes; Ms. Blakes, abstained; Mr. Clark, absent; to Consider request to
authorize the Purchasing Manager to advertise for bids on Basin MR-04/05/07(a)2 Rehabilitation Project.
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The estimated cost of this project is $4,842,000.00. (Note the change of motions corrected)* (There were
no comments from the public).
Comments: Ms. Golden stated that this basin project is in South Monroe and is the one able to include the
lateral for South First Street and is called an add alternate; for any reason we are not able to get donation
of right a ways it will not slow down the project and legal is in process of working with property owners
to get the donations of right a ways and wanted to note this because Councilwoman Blakes can’t be the
mover on this item.
Comments: Assistant City Attorney Angie Baldwin asked if Vice Chairman and Council would go back
to Item No. 10C. She commented that the item may need to be resubmitted to Council since Ms. Blakes
was the mover and it involves the South First project; this is being done so that it will show that no action
is taken by Ms. Blakes.
*The Agenda Item was re-voted upon to reflect the following: Upon a motion by Mrs. Ezernack,
seconded by Ms. Blakes and approved with Ms. Blakes abstaining; Mr. Clark absent; to Consider request
to authorize the Purchasing Manager to advertise for bids on Basin MR-04/05/07(a)2 Rehabilitation
Project. The estimated cost of this project is $4,842,000.00. (There were no comments from the public)
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
(a) Upon a motion by Ms. Blakes, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack; after discussion of Ordinance, Mrs.
Ezernack withdrew her second and motion fell for lack of second to Introduce an Ordinance amending
Chapter 25.5 of the Monroe City Code Entitled “Peddlers, Transient Merchants, creating rules and
regulations for mobile food vendors, to establish permits and permitting fees and further providing with
respect thereto. (Legal) (This Ordinance will be passed over until further notice).
Mrs. Ezernack stated that she would withdraw her second; she said although the proposed Ordinance has
been looked at for several months and modifications have been made; that there are good questions and
concerns this evening and maybe a lack of information on what the Ordinance says or doesn’t say and
what the rules are and how they will be enforced; she said it need to be passed over until the next meeting
to answer some of the questions and concerns that the citizens have; she said she had been in support of it
and once again it is all in what the rules and regulations are; she said the getting the information out and
allowing people the opportunity to make comments on the Ordinance and understand how it will affect
them or not affect them.
Comments: Dr. Armstrong explained that this Ordinance agenda item is the introduction and after the
introduction previously and made some substantial modifications to the Ordinance and is the first reading
of a new Ordinance.
Mr. Womack, who represented Kitchen Cargo Trailers as the owner, stated that he and Dr. Armstrong
have worked on the Ordinance for about three months. He builds food trailers and is licensed by the
Motor Vehicle Commission. He stated he represents about twenty food operators that want to operate in
Monroe, provided they have the right permission to operate. He said a question had come up about a part
of the Ordinance in reference to a vendor operating on private property; he doesn’t feel the proposed
ordinance is clear on what is allowed and what needs to be done. He said he wanted to on behalf of the
food trailer owners to add a paragraph to the Ordinance but did not have the paragraph with him; but it
was in reference to the vendors getting permission from the landowners and having valid licenses,
inspections.
Ms. Charlon Brown spoke against the Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance and gave reasons to support her
opposition; she opened up two convenience stores in the Booker T area and had to go through
interceptors, grease traps, three compartment sinks, hand wash sinks, mop sinks to run her business; she
there are now food trucks as long as they have licenses to operate and doesn’t feel it’s fair to owners who
had to spend money on licenses and other requirements made by the city to open up their businesses, it
will hurt her business; she said the mobile food vendors won’t need the things that her business was
required to have to open up her business; she asked where would the customer use the bathrooms and
doesn’t understand this; she asked if they would need public restrooms
Mr. Westrom stated that inspections are required with the City’s permit by DEQ and EPA regarding waste
water discharges. He said if they do not perform inspections and the right to enforce then the City is in
direct violation of the DEQ and EPA rules.
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Ms. E. Chisley came forward to speak in opposition to the Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance not being fair
to small businesses and how she was turned down by the city when she initially wanted to open up a food
truck; she said she has opened up a land business now and all of the overhead expenses that it cost her to
open up her land based business, it isn’t fair; she felt as though she was being discriminated against; she
said there are trucks in business right now if though the ordinance has already passed; she said the owners
of the food trucks want to come to Southside and take the money from the Southside; they don’t want to
put a business there but want to take money back to the Northside, it’s not fair; she said when she opened
her business that she not only served the Southside, but the entire area of Monroe. She mentioned a food
truck which parks in front of the Courthouse. She said someone should step up and recognize the small
business owners as they have everything to lose and the others have everything to gain.
Ms. Denoux said she doesn’t understand the proposition; she asked if there was something in writing that
she could see, because this is something that could be a good venture for the City.
Mr. Blockson, small business owner on Renwick Street in Monroe for seventeen years, said it is not fair
for a mobile food truck to park within 100 ft. of his property/building. He said when he had a portable
grease trap that would hold about 15 pounds of grease was not allowed by the City of Monroe and the
State Department who said he had to remove it and replace it; he stated he had to spend $6,000 to put in a
thousand gallon grease trap. He said it was told if you have a sandwich shop that you will need a
thousand gallon grease trap. He asked what would the mobile food vendors do for the community, would
the mobile food vendors do as the carnival vendors do and that is come in once a year, stop in sell food
and leave and not put anything in the community; he said he puts back in the community every day, feeds
someone free every day and every Christmas feeds over 900 to 1000 people every Christmas and right
now is giving kids free burger, fries and drinks and asked if the mobile vendors would do this or are they
going to bleed the community; he said Monroe had 50,000 people and is now down to 48,000 people; he
said in the last five years there have been 23 restaurants that have closed in the Monroe/West Monroe area
and there isn’t room for 12 or 14 Food Trucks and if they come in small business, particularly small
minority businesses will close down. He called out Council Members Blakes, Wilson and Armstrong and
said he was totally against this Ordinance.
Mr. Reginald Burrell spoke on behalf of King of Wings, Ricky White and said he was totally against this
Ordinance.
Mr. Ronnie Traylor spoke in favor of the Food Truck Ordinance and said it was a lifelong dream of his to
do a Food Truck and can do it without leaving the place where he was born and has been all of his life. As
a business owner he believes if a person goes into business and get the legal required licenses to operate
do the job that they say they are going to do; he doesn’t understand how money can be taken from their
pockets. He explained a scenario about fast foods and doesn’t think that a business is going to go out of
business because a food truck is near; food trucks are not for everyone. He said it is a new day and
believes people leave because Monroe is so restrictive in what the people are allowed to do; He believes
with the right Ordinances and licenses that people should be able to operate.
Ms. Marie Brown said she has a problem with the Food Truck; the person who owns a Food Truck is
writing the Ordinance; she said she can visualize Food Truck down Winnsboro Road and don’t want to
see a lot of Food Trucks on her side and it may end up being a problem and need something differently
coming to the Southside than Food Trucks and if you are going to build them then they should have the
same things as a land based business; she said it appears that they are looking out for every convenience
for them and who they will be selling to; she don’t let them come cross to our communities and told her
Councilman, two councilman, that they are not for it.
Ms. Bradley said she is for it and said the City is stalled and need to move forward; people who work in
office building would benefit; she said traveling down Louisville around 11:30am-2:00 p.m. and there is a
lot of traffic and bumper to bumper; downtown businesses such as Vantage on Desiard Street would
benefit; she said we need to grow with the times and believes it will bring new jobs.
Mr. Brown did a rebuttal on the grease trap and stated that if you have a permanent location then the state
requires that you have them; if you have a portable or temporary then you must operate under a
commissary who has a grease trap and this is closely inspected by a state and is not a problem.
Mr. Westrom confirmed that they are required to have a commissary that they operate out of and that
commissary must have the proper grease and waste disposal; they are not getting a break on this and they
are inspected to insure that there records show that the grease is disposed of.
Mr. Hackney stated that there are about seven businesses that he is aware of that are selling food from
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their homes; no one will help him shut those businesses down.
Ms. Dixon who is not in the Food Business said the term Food Truck was very generic and doesn’t know
if this means prepackaged food; she said she needs to know what the food truck will have; too general of a
term.
Ms. Brown came back to say that McDonald’s is a franchise and that daycare and food are two different
things.
Dr. Armstrong stated the Ordinance would be discussed at another time; he commented that there have
been a huge amount of work and effort on the Ordinance, from bringing people from New Orleans and the
Restaurant Association and having researched it with other cities; he said it is not a mobile food truck, but
that it is a mobile food operation which includes trailers, trucks, ice cream trucks; he said the La.
Restaurant Association also wanted to make sure that there was a level playing field and looked at
researching what other cities did; he assured everyone that he would not want to do anything to hurt any
business and have enjoyed going to Cordell’s Best Buy, Big Mama’s, Chisley’s Soul Food. He said he
understands that there is a lot of fear about the Ordinance, but the issues that have been addressed in
numerous other communities and the mobile food operations are very popular and are of a good benefit
for the city; he said he was talking without a motion, and will have to pass over the Ordinance, but there
has been a huge amount of work and research done to make sure it is healthy and safe for the city and is
being passed over for a lack of second.
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION:
(a) Ordinance No. 11,481 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by
Ms. Blakes authorizing James Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute a Lease Agreement between the
City of Monroe and Onyx Advertising at the Airport, for certain property located at the Monroe Regional
Airport, and further providing with respect thereto. (Airport)
The Vice Chairman opened the Public Hearing.
Comments: Ms. T.J. Stevenson asked how long the contract was for. Mr. Ron Phillips answered the
contract was for three years.
Ms. Nell Bradley said it was ridiculous to sign a three year contract for $100 rental space; she said she felt
the city should get more than $100 a month in rent for the space.
The Vice Chairman declared the Public Hearing closed and asked for the vote.
(b) Ordinance No. 11,482 was offered for final adoption by Ms. Blakes and on her motion seconded by
Mrs. Ezernack authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire a certain 0.424 +/- acre tract of real property
from Sunset Realty, Inc. situated in Ouachita Parish for the purpose of construction of the underground
pump station in connection with the north area sewer project, and further providing with respect thereto.
(Eng.)
The Vice Chairman opened the Public Hearing.
Comments: Ms. Nell Bradley asked for the location of the proposed pump station. Mr. Westrom stated
the pump station will be on Forsythe and is where the current Pump station No. 2 is located; he said they
are replacing the pump station; it is being replaced because it is worn out, causing flooding in River Oaks;
it is along Deborah Drive that serves part of Forsythe; North area pump station project; being enlarged so
that there are no overflows.
The Vice Chairman declared the Public Hearing closed and asked for the vote.
Comments: Assistant City Attorney Angie Baldwin asked if Vice Chairman and Council would go back
to Item No. 10C. She commented that the item may need to be resubmitted to Council since Ms. Blakes
was the mover and it involves the South First project; this is being done so that it will show that no action
is taken by Ms. Blakes. The motion was redone to reflect the following: Mrs. Ezernack made motion,
Mr. Wilson seconded and it was approved with Ms. Blakes abstaining to Consider request to authorize the
Purchasing Manager to advertise for bids on Basin MR-04/05/07(a)2 Rehabilitation Project. The
estimated cost of this project is $4,842,000.00.
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CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
1. Ms. Earline Bryant stated that District’s 4 and 5 in South Monroe are still having problems with the
high grass on vacant lots that is not being cut; the ditches are full of water and are stopped up to the extent
that the water is coming into the yards. She stated the grass on the vacant lots to her knowledge have only
been cut once during this grass season; she said we are paying taxes and would like for South Monroe to
be just as nice as the rest of the city and asked that Mr. Clark and Mr. Wilson come down to see what is
going on.
2. Mr. and Mrs. Ted and Annie Murray said that at the previous Council Meeting that Mr. Clark asked
that she get with Code enforcement and she did. She mentioned that she did get with Code enforcement
but the person in the office got ill and it was assigned to another staff member; she thanked the staff
member who was able to get the street light on; Ms. Murray stated that since that time, the issue with the
trailer and the resident having no running water or electricity and tossing his waste into the canal, not into
the water but onto the banks; she said that the resident somehow found out that they had an issue with this
and he came out on his porch and called them names, everything but a good thing; she called the police
and they went to his home but he did not let them in his home; the next day the resident threw trash into
the canal again and again she called the police and these officers were much better; the landlord allowed
the police officers go into the property. She said no one has gotten in touch with her to tell of the status of
her complaint against the resident. She said she is taking the brunt of the resident’s anger when he should
not have been in the trailer in the first place; the neighborhood is declining and doesn’t see any future of it
getting better. Mr. Murray said the resident is using a pump bb-gun to shoot bottles that are in the canal
and doesn’t know if he is trying to scare anyone by using the pump bb-gun.
Ms. Catherine Robinson, Code Enforcement said she took the complaint the night of Council Meeting; all
complaints have been looked into and one was on the docket today for Environmental Court; one of the
vehicles will be towed away; the mobile home is on the docket for July 22, 2014 and she said her office
does not disclose to the violator who made the complaint against them. Ms. Robinson said she is aware of
some type of confrontation between the Williams and the Murrays, but doesn’t know how the information
was disclosed and sometimes people automatically think that they know who made the complaint;
everything else that is in violation is being worked on.
Mr. William Cookston spoke on behalf of the Historic Heritage Preservation Commission and is very
pleased to see action being taken on the burned apartments on Riverside Drive; the owners, developers
and permit office need to be aware that whatever is going to be done to the apartments that the plans need
to be brought before the Commission prior to issuing a building permit or certificate of occupancy. He
said all of the mechanisms are in place, but sometimes the small commission is overlooked in a haste to
move forward and is speaking as a reminder to everyone; he stated there once the commission approves it
they have to take action within six months or the time frame or the approval is withdrawn. Dr. Armstrong
said he was sure that Mr. Fisher would work with him to make sure this is done.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m., upon
motion of Ms. Blakes and seconded by Mr. Wilson.
Dr. Raymond Armstrong
Vice-Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
Mrs. Jacqueline Benjamin-Allen
Council Secretary
*For extended details on the council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at
329-2252 to schedule an appointment to listen to the minutes tape.
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