City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana October 9, 2012
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| City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
October 9, 2012 6:00p.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 Jay “Joe” Marx, Chairman, called the meeting to order. He then asked the clerk to call the roll. There were present: Council members Marx, Ezernack, Hill, Starr & Clark. There was absent: None. Chairman Marx announced that a quorum was present and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Mayor Mayo. Mr. Marx welcomed the concerned citizens who are here observing and thanked them for coming out. He then recognized the presence of the mayor and the department heads as well as other city employees and citizens who have taken time out to be here for the meeting. Mr. Marx asked if any council member had any communications or special announcements. Mrs. Ezernack wanted to wish Ms. Earlene Bryant speedy recovery and she understands that she is back in the hospital. Mr. Clark noted that he was unable to make the last meeting because he was in a trial. He further noted that he spoke with Ms. Earlene Bryant and she is doing better and she appreciates all the prayers, support and administrators, city leaders who have came to visit; and this overall made her feel better. Mr. Clark thanked Mr. Hopkin in public works there is a problem in Bryant’s Addition with overgrowth and Mr. Hopkin came on out and assessed the problem. Mr. Janway pulled some worker from another route to come to the Bryant’s Addition to help keep that area clean. Also Mr. Clark was asked to mention about the Portable Johns and they are creating an obnoxious odor so they are trying to see what can be done to have them removed. They are under contract with a third party vendor and he will get with the proper people after the meeting. Mr. Marx wished Ms. Bryant well and noted that he spoke with her shortly after the last council meeting and he asked Mr. Hackney to give Mrs. Bryant the Council’s best. Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of September 26, 2012 were unanimously approved as presented. (There were no comments from the public.) Mayor Mayo was running late and he just wanted to mention that they will be having the Ribbon Cutting for the River Market on Thursday at 5:30 in front of the courthouse and everybody is invited. The following Condemnations were considered: Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr 804 and 806 Alabama (Owner - Elroy Nichols) was unanimously removed from the agenda. (There were no comments from the public.) A representative for Mr. Elroy Nichols informed the Council that he has been in the nursing home for several years. They have had the grass cut and boarded the windows to keep people out of the house and they are going to try to sell those houses instead of condemning them. Mr. Marx noted that they are removing these 2 items from the agenda so apparently Legal and Code Enforcement has gotten that information. 811 DeSiard (Owner - Twin City Colored Community Welfare, Twin City Community Welfare) “Notice to Show Cause” was served. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mr. Marx and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until November 8, 2012, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structures and clean the lot. (There were no comments from the public.) Karen Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer, noted that Code Enforcement became aware of this property July 13th and it is still in that condition today and she has not spoken with the property owner. Mr. Coleman has spoken with the Code Enforcement Director concerning what he wants to do with the property. Mr. Fredrick Coleman, Monroe, LA came forward and requested more time to clean up the property. They had some roofing work done and this is a nonprofit organization and the roofer did not do a very good job. There have been water damage but the structure is sound and he is asking the Council for an opportunity to get it cleaned up. Dr. Starr wanted to know where the Twin City Community Welfare Organization is functioning at this time. Mr. Coleman noted that they are not and do not have a place at this time. Dr. Starr wanted to know who owns this and if Mr. Coleman is taking responsibility for it. Mr. Coleman noted that no one person owns this nonprofit and that he is taking responsibility for it as the president of the Twin City Community Welfare Organization. Mrs. Hill noted that she visited the Shelter next door and they serve meals everyday. They spent some time walking around and the Twin City Community Welfare Building seem to have quit a bit of stuff in there. The Shelter is having problems with rats and other things coming over and what they have determined is that’s where it is coming from. Mr. Coleman noted that is a accusation how can they say that’s where the rats are coming from. Mrs. Hill noted that they are saying since the building has been vacant for some time with stuff that is in there and from the pictures the roof is falling as well as bags of stuff in there. Mr. Coleman noted that they had some clothes that were donated to the organization. Dr. Starr wanted to know when the last time they functioned in the building. Mr. Coleman said it was May of this year. Mr. Marx wanted to know when Code Enforcement contacted Mr. Coleman. Mrs. Karen Wilson, Code Enforcement Officer said it was July of this year. Mrs. Hill wanted to know how soon Mr. Coleman could clear the place out and fix roof. Mr. Coleman asked for 60 to 90 days to have this resolved. Mr. Marx noted that considering what Mrs. Hill said that may or may not be happening that 30 day to resolve this and get back with Code Enforcement would work and they decide if it needs to come back to Council. Mrs. Summersgill, City Attorney explain that during that time if the improvements have been made Code Enforcement will work from that or if they have to bring it back to Council. Dr. Starr noted that next door to this is a place where the homeless are feed etc. and she hope that the Twin City Community Welfare will be aggressive with their efforts to do the best that they can to get the building up to some health standards. With that being said she motioned that the property be condemned and owner given 30 days to demolish or bring up to code and clean lot as soon as possible. The motion was seconded. Mr. Marx urged Mr. Coleman to stay in contact with Code Enforcement. Upon motion of Mr. Clark seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved to accept the bid of R & A Gilmore of West Monroe, LA for Repairs to Tax & Revenue Building Ref # 84-0432 as recommended by the Director of Administration for being the lowest responsive bid. The Vendor complies with the specifications and requirements for this bid and has been cleared by the Tax and Revenue Division. The cost of this project is $108,450.00. Funds will be derived from the Revenue and Maintenance Account, which has a balance of $417,450.00. (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved to accept the bid of Stalker Radar of Plano, Texas for Radars for Police Cars Ref # 84-0427 as recommended by the Director of Administration for being the lowest responsive bid. The Vendor complies with the specifications and requirements for this bid and has been cleared by the Tax and Revenue Division. Funds for this purchase will be derived from the Police Department Capital Account. The cost for these 10 Radars is $26,245.00 and the balance in the account is $326,168.00. (There were no comments from the public.) Chief Holmes explained that this is just equipment to go into police cars purchased and approved by Council months ago. Mr. Marx asked about some regulation required for some of this. Chief Holmes noted that this was not the one; that item is coming up later dealing with the hand held equipment. Mr. Marx asked Chief Holmes to go ahead and explain that and he can leave early since he came to the meeting and he is on vacation. Chief Holmes explained that the item deals with piggybacking off a state contract from Motorola with Ascension Parish for the purchase of 700 megahertz radios. The Police Department went to narrow band and they lost 25% coverage in Monroe, so it didn’t work for the City. This is another plan that will fix the problems and have everyone communicating as it should be for the next 20 or 30 years. They worked out negotiations with Motorola for a 10 year lease option; this will cost $144,000 a year and that will equip every officer with handheld radios, 70 patrol units, it will redo the communication system and most important when the state start going to 700 megahertz radios after 9-1-1 and specifically after Hurricane Katrina agencies could talk to each other in disasters. Right now if something happened in Monroe Police can’t talk to other agencies, but with this system they can talk to anyone who come in for disaster. This will be paid for through the Capital Expense and cut down on the number of cars usually purchased. Mr. Marx wanted to know if this system can be transferred into any new vehicle purchased. Mrs. Hill wanted to know if this $144,000 a year was for a subscription. Chief Holmes noted that this is $144,000 a year for 10 years until it is paid off. Upon motion of Mrs. Hill, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved to accept the bid of Csban Technologies of Houston, Texas for Computers for Police Cars Ref # 84-0427 as recommended by the Director of Administration for being the lowest responsive bid. The Vendor complies with the specifications and requirements for this bid and has been cleared by the Tax and Revenue Division. Funds for this purchase will be derived from the Police Department Capital Account. The cost for these 10 Computers is $136,550.00 and the balance in the account is $326,168.00. (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved to accept the bid of Monroe Communications of Monroe, Louisiana for Equipment for Police Cars Ref # 84-0427 as recommended by the Director of Administration for being the lowest responsive bid. The Vendor complies with the specifications and requirements for this bid and has been cleared by the Tax and Revenue Division. Funds for this purchase will be derived from the Police Department Capital Account. There is a total of eighteen line items in this bid each line item will be base upon ten (10). The balance of the account is $326,168.00. (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack and unanimously approved a request from the Taxation and Revenue Division of the Administration Department for Council approval for the Purchasing Division to advertise for Proposal for a new Tax and Revenue Software System. The estimated cost of this system is $35,000.00. Funds for this purchase will be derived from the MIS-Data Processing Division Software Expense Account, which has a balance of approximately $42,000.00. (There were no comments from the public.) Mr. Tim Lewis, Tax and Revenue Department, explained that this is to upgrade to a new system. Resolution No. 5968 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.) Resolution authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor of the City of Monroe, to prepare and submit an application to the Community-Wide Brownfields Assessment Grant 2013 for Petroleum and Hazardous Substances under the Federal Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act in the implementation of the inventory of Brownfield Sites in south Monroe; providing for necessary documentation of the inventory and providing other matters in connection there with. Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr and unanimously approved a request from the City of Lafayette Airport Authority for Council approval to piggy back off the City of Monroe Fire Rescue Vehicle (ARFF) Proposal. The Proposal was awarded to Oshkosh Corporation, of Appelton, WI at a cost of $836.559.00. Lafayette Airport Authority has contacted Oshkosh Corporation and with Council approval would like to piggyback off of the cities Contract. Resolution No. 5969 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. (There were no comments from the public.) Resolution authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor, to enter into and execute an agreement between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for the purchase of two (2) portable speed trailers as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto. Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to take Corporeal Possession of the property described below and to sell to Albert Bell All Rights, Title and Interest that the City may have acquired to lot in the e/2, Lot 16 and w 30’, Lot 17, sq. 14, Biedenharn’s Addition, bearing municipal number 302 Vernon Street, Monroe, Louisiana by adjudication dated July 17, 2001 and further with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (Legal) (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mr. Clark an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire a certain parcel of real property from Mary L. Sumler, situated in Ouachita Parish bearing municipal address 117 South 20th Street, for the purpose of expansion of the Magnolia Cemetery, and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (Public Works) (There were no comments from the public.) Mr. Clark wanted to know why the City is purchasing this property. Mrs. Summersgill, City Attorney, explained that this is part of the cemetery. Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Clark (c) Introduce an Ordinance amending the Management Agreement with First Transit, Inc. and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (Transit) (There were no comments from the public.) Mr. Clark wanted to know what this position was for. Mr. Chris Phelps, Transit Director, explained that this position is the Director of Maintenance and is responsible for maintenance and ground facilities at the Washington terminal. The position is currently vacant. Mr. Clark wanted to know if it is vacant, then why they are adding a position as apposed to filling it. Mr. Phelps explained that this position is a specialized position and they were asked to research it to see if they could find someone for this position. The amount is not just salary it includes benefits and taxes. Mr. Clark wanted to know if they are filling this position with someone already there or bringing in someone totally new. Mr. Phelps noted that no one internally has asked for this position. Mr. Clark wanted to know if the current staff would have the first opportunity if they qualify to get this position or will they go after someone from out of state to fill this position. Mr. Phelps said yes. Mr. Marx wanted to know that there are two positions and who pays for them. Mr. Phelps explained that the current agreement between First Transit and the City is to provide two positions the General Manager and the Service Development Manager, which is already in the agreement and when the current Maintenance Manager left, discussion was held. Mr. Marx wanted to know who the Maintenance Manager worked for. Mr. Phelps noted that position was directly employed by the City and based on the state of the fleet of buses the issues and technical capacity needed to insure that quota is made with service everyday required that they re-evaluate what was need for that position. Mr. Marx noted if that position was a city and now he understands that it is becoming a First Transit position and he wanted to know why. Mayor Mayo noted that he and Mr. Phelps along with Mr. Janway spoke about the position after the gentleman left and there are a number of different reasons they have asked him to see if he could find someone because of the issues he just mentioned. This is why the administration is recommending this to the council. Mr. Phelps explained that First Transit is a specialize field and they have those people there for that. Mayor Mayo noted that between now and final adoption they will get a chance to communicate. Mrs. Hill wanted to clarify that the $76,000.00 is inclusive of salary and benefits. Mr. Phelps said that is correct. Mr. Clark asked Mr. Phelps to break out what’s salary and what’s benefit for him when they meet and how they get to that bottom line figure. Also he wants to know if he is proposing that if this position moves under First Transit and if so if the City is obligated to pay this under this contract. Mr. Clark noted that they are asking the City to fund this just move it under First Transit. Mayor Mayo explained that it would be if it is approved because the City has a contract with First Transit, the management part of it, but the majority of the employees are city employees. Right now there are only two individuals that are currently under First Transit. Mrs. Ezernack noted that the job description under this new position is going to be more technology than the old position. She also wanted to know if some of the old job descriptions or responsibility changed. Mr. Phelps explained that because of the equipment they are looking for someone who has a higher level of technology background. Mr. Clark wanted to know when they meet what the qualifications are and the technical specialties are for this position, so they will be on the same page. Upon motion of Mrs. Hill, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor to purchase off State Contract for products and services from Centurylink Sales Solution, Inc. as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (Admin.) (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire a certain tract of real property from Entergy Louisiana, L.L.C. situated in Ouachita Parish for the purpose of utilization of existing structures located on the property for the Public Works Department, City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto was unanimously remove from the agenda at the request of the Legal Department. (Legal) (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. Starr an Ordinance authorizing James E. Mayo to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Miss Monroe Pageant Organization with funds derived from the Executive Budget Mrs. Summersgill, City Attorney, noted that the funds will come from the Executive Budget and not the Administrative Economic Development Fund. Upon motion of Mrs. Ezernack, seconded by Mr. Clark an Ordinance authorizing the City of Monroe to acquire a certain tract of real property from Simeon K. Heninger, Jr. Revocable Trust situated in Ouachita Parish for the purpose of utilization of existing structures located on the property for the Public Works Department, City of Monroe, and further providing with respect thereto was unanimously removed from the agenda at the request of the Legal Department. (Legal) (There wee no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Mrs. Hill an Ordinance accepting the Donation of the Fort Miro Sewer Lift Station and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (Admin.) (There were no comments from the public.) Upon motion of Dr. Starr, seconded by Mrs. Ezernack an Ordinance authorizing James E. Mayo, Mayor to purchase off a public bid by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Department for products and services from Motorola Solutions, Inc. as per the attached agreement and further providing with respect thereto was introduced, discussed, and placed on file with the City Clerk and will remain in her office in the form in which it will be offered for final adoption and is open to the inspection of the public as the law requires prior to being offered for final adoption thereof. (Police Dept.) (There were no comments from the public.) Mr. Clark wanted to know how this is different from past purchases. Chief Holmes explained that Ascension Parish already has a state contract with Motorola and they are piggybacking off them like the one earlier they have the state contract and they buy through them and bypass the bid process. Ordinance No. 11,331 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the hearing was declared closed. Ordinance extending and enlarging the boundaries of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, providing for the recordation of the entire boundary as amended: establishing the effective date thereof, and providing further with respect thereto – Fred M. Hill Jr. – (P&Z) Ordinance No. 11,332 was offered for final adoption by Mrs. Ezernack and on her motion seconded by Dr. Starr was unanimously approved and adopted. The Chairman opened the Public Hearing and seeing no one come forward the hearing was declared closed. Ordinance adopting and amending the Zoning Map for the City of Monroe, Louisiana to zone a .28 acre tract of land, more or less, presently located in Ouachita Parish and without a zoning classification – Applicant – Fred M. Hill, Jr. – (P&Z) Chairman Marx announced that the Council had concluded the regular portion of the agenda, and was now at the Point of Citizens Participation. He then asked if anyone had any comments/questions. Mr. Marx noted that he allow something to happen at the last council meeting and he didn’t want to be rude or offend anyone, however; citizen participation is dealing with city business and the Chair will not allow any political campaigning because this is not the proper place. Chairman asked everyone to keep that in made when they come to speak. Mr. Wayne Hackney, Monroe, LA came forward to express his concerns about the water bills that have gotten outrageous. He was listening to people complain about their bill and he didn’t think too much of it until one hit him. He noted that when one hit him it is time to do something about it. Mr. Hackney noted that they told him that he use over 17,000 gallons, one person, so he hired a plumber to check his everything out and they said there is no leak. He also had them change out the toilet for a more efficient one that use less water and he is still using too much water, but the last bill he got up until today he has not used 2,000 gallons of water, why. When you call the water department you get a different person and they tell you the same thing, you got a leak. He has tried to contact Mr. Simmons but he has not returned the call. Mr. Hackney noted that he was going to buy him a meter and cut the line between the city meter and his house and install his own meter then he can tell how much water he is using. Mr. Hackney noted that he uses to own a water company and he knows what goes on and what don’t. Mr. Hackney further note that when they changed his meter out he should have had 2 readings on his bill one ending the old meter and one beginning the new meter and this is not happening. Mr. Hackney noted that something is very fishy and it stinks to high heaven. He tried to get the News-Star to run a small ad to tell the elderly people if they need help call him and they wouldn’t run it for him, why. All he wanted to do was try to help the elderly people because one day it’s going to come back and bite you in the butt. Mr. Marx asked Mr. Hackney to get with Mr. Barnes after the meeting. Mr. Hackney noted that he does not need to get with Mr. Barnes because he is going to say the same thing. There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00p.m., upon motion of Mr. Clark and it was seconded. Joe “Jay” Marx Chairman Carolus S. Riley Council Clerk For extended details on the council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at 318329-2252 to schedule an appointment to listen to the minute tape. |