1 00:08:34,831 --> 00:08:35,899 Exception to rule 10. 2 00:08:36,571 --> 00:08:37,191 Oh, he just told you. 3 00:09:25,110 --> 00:09:26,770 It shouldn't be a long attendance. 4 00:09:48,050 --> 00:09:49,410 Meeting will now be in order. 5 00:09:49,470 --> 00:09:50,050 Heart attack. 6 00:09:51,790 --> 00:09:55,590 I want to welcome everyone to the legal and regular session of the August 7 00:09:55,650 --> 00:09:57,710 11th edition of the Monroe City Council, 8 00:09:58,750 --> 00:10:02,030 asking that everyone please silence your cell phones. 9 00:10:04,230 --> 00:10:06,350 At this time, we will have roll call. 10 00:10:07,910 --> 00:10:08,459 Mrs. Ezzard, 11 00:10:09,470 --> 00:10:09,850 Present. 12 00:10:10,550 --> 00:10:11,430 Mr. McFarland. 13 00:10:11,610 --> 00:10:11,980 Present. 14 00:10:12,070 --> 00:10:12,700 Mr. Harvey. 15 00:10:13,030 --> 00:10:13,290 Present. 16 00:10:13,770 --> 00:10:14,450 Mr. Muhammad. 17 00:10:14,670 --> 00:10:15,130 Present. 18 00:10:16,270 --> 00:10:17,950 I declare we have a quorum. 19 00:10:19,710 --> 00:10:23,480 At this time, we will have our invocation and pledge of allegiance. Mr. 20 00:10:23,670 --> 00:10:24,050 Harvey. 21 00:10:24,950 --> 00:10:28,809 Thank you, Chairman. Have Troy Lisonbee here? 22 00:10:28,830 --> 00:10:31,230 There he is. I'm sorry, I'm crashing in, but Troy Lisonbee's going to lead us in 23 00:10:31,249 --> 00:10:31,869 prayer this evening. 24 00:10:32,510 --> 00:10:33,410 Okay. 25 00:10:39,970 --> 00:10:40,650 Okay, let's pray. 26 00:10:41,870 --> 00:10:45,690 Almighty God, our Father in heaven, you are the Lord and King over 27 00:10:45,750 --> 00:10:49,670 all the Earth. All authority is under your authority, and all 28 00:10:49,710 --> 00:10:52,710 wisdom, justice, and righteousness come from you. 29 00:10:53,570 --> 00:10:57,450 We thank you for this city, for our neighbors, and for those who have 30 00:10:57,470 --> 00:11:01,190 been entrusted with the responsibility of governing and serving this 31 00:11:01,210 --> 00:11:01,690 community. 32 00:11:02,550 --> 00:11:06,310 We ask your blessing upon this council, and upon all who serve our 33 00:11:06,350 --> 00:11:10,310 city. Grant them wisdom beyond their own understanding, give 34 00:11:10,330 --> 00:11:14,080 them patience to listen, courage to do what is right, and 35 00:11:14,110 --> 00:11:17,110 humility to seek the good of those whom they serve. 36 00:11:18,830 --> 00:11:21,210 Cause justice and peace to flourish among us. 37 00:11:21,850 --> 00:11:25,390 Defend the poor and the needy, protect those who are vulnerable, 38 00:11:26,050 --> 00:11:29,650 restrain wickedness, and prosper everything that is good, honest, 39 00:11:29,970 --> 00:11:31,550 and beneficial to our neighbors. 40 00:11:32,370 --> 00:11:36,210 Where there is disagreement, grant charity and understanding. 41 00:11:37,090 --> 00:11:40,970 Where difficult decisions must be made, give clarity and sound judgment. 42 00:11:41,590 --> 00:11:45,200 Keep those who exercise authority from pride, partiality, and 43 00:11:45,290 --> 00:11:48,960 self-interest, and make them faithful stewards of the responsibilities 44 00:11:48,990 --> 00:11:49,930 entrusted to them. 45 00:11:50,770 --> 00:11:54,650 And grant to all of us who live in this city quiet and 46 00:11:54,730 --> 00:11:58,090 peaceful lives, that we may love our neighbors, 47 00:11:58,450 --> 00:12:02,290 pursue what is good, and give thanks for your mercies. 48 00:12:02,890 --> 00:12:06,850 We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 49 00:12:07,010 --> 00:12:10,700 Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag 50 00:12:11,130 --> 00:12:12,950 of the United States of America 51 00:12:13,470 --> 00:12:17,090 And to the republic for which it stands, one nation 52 00:12:17,630 --> 00:12:21,430 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 53 00:12:24,390 --> 00:12:24,710 Thank you. 54 00:12:25,730 --> 00:12:26,230 What was his name? 55 00:12:26,710 --> 00:12:27,750 Troy Elizabeth. 56 00:12:30,730 --> 00:12:33,050 Elizabeth. Thank you, Pastor Elizabeth. 57 00:12:36,050 --> 00:12:38,930 Okay, at this time, we'll move into our communications. 58 00:12:40,930 --> 00:12:42,030 We'll start with Mayor Ellis. 59 00:12:47,830 --> 00:12:51,610 All right. We had the privilege and the honor to 60 00:12:51,690 --> 00:12:52,370 host the 61 00:12:53,490 --> 00:12:57,130 100, well, it's the 89th annual, but it's the celebration of 62 00:12:57,170 --> 00:13:01,150 100 years of the Louisiana Municipal Association. It was held here in Monroe. 63 00:13:02,270 --> 00:13:06,010 People from as far south as Grand Isle, all the way as far 64 00:13:06,050 --> 00:13:09,970 north as from Spring Hill, got to come here, spend 65 00:13:10,030 --> 00:13:13,710 almost a week here, and get to celebrate all things 66 00:13:13,810 --> 00:13:17,290 Monroe. It's good to see our colleagues from council members and 67 00:13:17,310 --> 00:13:18,330 mayors and 68 00:13:19,370 --> 00:13:23,130 police jurors from towns and villages all across Louisiana. 69 00:13:23,590 --> 00:13:27,310 We want to show a small video real quick to show you a little bit of the 70 00:13:27,410 --> 00:13:30,750 action from Host City Party, but great time. 71 00:13:50,990 --> 00:13:51,630 Do good. 72 00:14:29,090 --> 00:14:29,710 Next slide. 73 00:14:34,270 --> 00:14:37,910 So just a few more images from the Municipal Association. Next slide. 74 00:14:39,870 --> 00:14:43,670 We've got lots of good coverage. We were able to also host a convening 75 00:14:44,010 --> 00:14:47,959 with John Robert Smith. He is the Senior Policy Advisor for Transportation 76 00:14:48,070 --> 00:14:51,990 for America and Smart Growth America, giving the community updates on the Amtrak 77 00:14:52,030 --> 00:14:54,470 progress here within the city of Monroe. 78 00:14:54,490 --> 00:14:58,170 It was well attended, had lots of great questions, and 79 00:14:58,290 --> 00:15:00,830 again, for those in the audience tonight, everything's moving along. 80 00:15:01,510 --> 00:15:04,770 We're moving into phase two of the corridor identification program to one day 81 00:15:04,850 --> 00:15:08,610 connect Atlanta to Dallas, but more importantly, have a stop here in 82 00:15:08,650 --> 00:15:10,890 Monroe in our downtown. Next slide. 83 00:15:13,250 --> 00:15:17,080 We also, with council, had the opportunity to celebrate the 84 00:15:17,110 --> 00:15:20,630 Economic Development Award for technology in our community with the 85 00:15:20,710 --> 00:15:24,399 AT&T fiber project. As you know, Monroe was the only 86 00:15:24,530 --> 00:15:28,420 city in the South to solve broadband challenges through a public-private 87 00:15:28,510 --> 00:15:30,130 partnership. It was fairly groundbreaking. 88 00:15:30,790 --> 00:15:33,990 This model is being used throughout the Gulf South right now for smaller 89 00:15:34,010 --> 00:15:37,740 communities to be able to connect their citizens to have 90 00:15:37,770 --> 00:15:41,100 affordable access and reliable access to fiber. 91 00:15:41,650 --> 00:15:43,490 And so, it's good to celebrate that. 92 00:15:43,530 --> 00:15:47,270 Some other good news, we have been put up to be guest 93 00:15:47,350 --> 00:15:49,740 speakers at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas 94 00:15:50,610 --> 00:15:54,030 because of this, to talk about solving broadband 95 00:15:54,090 --> 00:15:57,950 challenges, especially when your communities don't have access 96 00:15:57,990 --> 00:16:01,790 to certain funds or your community's too small to access certain 97 00:16:01,830 --> 00:16:03,550 funds that are out there through the federal government. 98 00:16:03,630 --> 00:16:06,310 So it's always nice to be connected. 99 00:16:06,410 --> 00:16:09,130 It's always nice to be recognized for those efforts. Next slide. 100 00:16:10,370 --> 00:16:13,770 Speaking of LMA, these are some great comments throughout the state from people who 101 00:16:13,810 --> 00:16:17,570 were here. It was a great opportunity for us to showcase everything 102 00:16:17,610 --> 00:16:21,490 Monroe, and I can promise you, people went back home all over the state 103 00:16:21,590 --> 00:16:25,510 right now bragging on the time that they had here, and they got to meet you, 104 00:16:25,870 --> 00:16:29,470 genuinely you. And people were talking about how our folks were just 105 00:16:29,550 --> 00:16:31,330 over-the-top welcoming. 106 00:16:32,190 --> 00:16:35,970 They could not stop bragging upon our city and how warm and welcoming 107 00:16:36,490 --> 00:16:38,730 you all have been to everyone throughout the state. 108 00:16:38,759 --> 00:16:42,380 And so, great job to you, and I can't end 109 00:16:42,490 --> 00:16:46,270 this without saying thank you to all of our city employees. 110 00:16:47,790 --> 00:16:49,550 My goodness. Yeah. Thank you. 111 00:16:53,510 --> 00:16:56,940 Quite the undertaking, and a lot of you are in here tonight, and I 112 00:16:57,390 --> 00:17:00,920 don't know another way to say thank you for your hard work. 113 00:17:01,070 --> 00:17:02,720 I know y'all's phone rang a lot, 114 00:17:03,790 --> 00:17:05,950 not only from us, from other people. 115 00:17:06,330 --> 00:17:09,810 But you showed up and you showed out, and I just can't say thank you enough. 116 00:17:09,891 --> 00:17:10,391 Next slide. 117 00:17:12,470 --> 00:17:16,010 We had a great time to be able to participate in America 250 118 00:17:16,090 --> 00:17:18,110 Celebration. This was through Louisiana 119 00:17:18,990 --> 00:17:22,950 Tourism that sponsored this event, and I just want to say thank you to everyone 120 00:17:23,070 --> 00:17:26,950 involved in this production. Great production celebrating 250 years in 121 00:17:26,990 --> 00:17:28,670 American history. Next slide. 122 00:17:30,510 --> 00:17:34,290 Again, we had to participate in the Top 20 Under 40 for the 123 00:17:34,330 --> 00:17:37,930 Chamber of Commerce. Just another reason to understand why there's so much 124 00:17:37,940 --> 00:17:41,030 talent within our community. Great people doing great things. 125 00:17:41,530 --> 00:17:45,510 I know I use this as an opportunity to poach a lot of these people that are 126 00:17:45,570 --> 00:17:48,690 here getting awarded to come to work for the city of Monroe. 127 00:17:48,750 --> 00:17:50,360 I know some of our employees came from 128 00:17:51,410 --> 00:17:54,970 events like this because it is a way to showcase people who are not only going 129 00:17:55,010 --> 00:17:58,530 above and beyond in their workplace, but also within their community. 130 00:17:58,630 --> 00:18:01,160 Oftentimes, I feel like my schedule is busy, 131 00:18:02,590 --> 00:18:05,250 but I wouldn't want to trade schedules with some of these young professionals 132 00:18:05,350 --> 00:18:08,130 within our community. Just wonderful people. Next slide. 133 00:18:09,290 --> 00:18:11,990 That's it. All right. Chairman, that's all I had. Thank you. 134 00:18:12,130 --> 00:18:14,009 Thank you, Mr. Ellis, Mayor Ellis. 135 00:18:16,262 --> 00:18:16,792 Mr. Harvey? 136 00:18:17,322 --> 00:18:18,082 No announcements, thank you. 137 00:18:18,922 --> 00:18:19,702 Mrs. Ezannet? 138 00:18:20,402 --> 00:18:23,162 Yes. Good evening to everyone. Glad you're here with us this evening. 139 00:18:23,202 --> 00:18:26,762 It's nice and cool in here, as it is not outside. 140 00:18:27,402 --> 00:18:31,382 Um, I just wanted to personally thank all the city employees, all the 141 00:18:31,422 --> 00:18:35,082 volunteers, everyone that had a part of making our 142 00:18:35,702 --> 00:18:39,162 comrades across the state welcome to Monroe. 143 00:18:39,802 --> 00:18:43,202 It was an awesome job. I've been involved with two 144 00:18:43,302 --> 00:18:47,102 other meetings we had here. This tops anything that we've 145 00:18:47,242 --> 00:18:49,842 seen, and been to, and attended anywhere. 146 00:18:50,822 --> 00:18:53,222 The effort that went into it really showed. 147 00:18:53,462 --> 00:18:56,022 I know it was very difficult for the employees. 148 00:18:56,622 --> 00:18:57,862 There was a lot of tasks to take 149 00:18:58,682 --> 00:19:02,542 forward, and they completed all of them, and it was just a 150 00:19:02,582 --> 00:19:06,002 wonderful event. So thank you to all that participated. 151 00:19:06,062 --> 00:19:09,892 We really appreciate it. And as to Public Works, I know that 152 00:19:09,942 --> 00:19:12,022 they had a lot of those tasks, 153 00:19:13,022 --> 00:19:16,462 and we held off calling with any issues that we may have otherwise. 154 00:19:16,512 --> 00:19:18,502 So expect some calls this week 155 00:19:19,562 --> 00:19:23,242 for some issues that came up last week not associated with the convention. 156 00:19:23,302 --> 00:19:25,862 That went off without a hitch. So thank you so much. 157 00:19:30,102 --> 00:19:30,442 Thank you. 158 00:19:31,362 --> 00:19:32,002 Bishop McFarland. 159 00:19:32,202 --> 00:19:33,222 Thank you so much. 160 00:19:34,102 --> 00:19:37,802 Echo the same. It was a outstanding 161 00:19:39,182 --> 00:19:42,762 LMA convention here in Monroe, and 162 00:19:42,822 --> 00:19:46,642 again, I congratulate everyone that worked hard to 163 00:19:46,662 --> 00:19:47,582 make sure that 164 00:19:48,622 --> 00:19:51,652 this convention was very enjoyable and 165 00:19:51,802 --> 00:19:55,242 educational. Thank you so much. That's all I have, Mr. 166 00:19:55,982 --> 00:19:56,442 Chairman. 167 00:19:57,162 --> 00:20:00,822 Thank you, Bishop. Again, I echo the same. 168 00:20:00,942 --> 00:20:03,542 I want to thank all of those who 169 00:20:04,602 --> 00:20:07,852 participated, Civic Center staff, Community Affairs, and 170 00:20:08,362 --> 00:20:10,622 Public Works, just everyone, and the volunteers who 171 00:20:12,142 --> 00:20:14,922 put on an extraordinary event for our city. 172 00:20:15,982 --> 00:20:17,442 I want to announce a few 173 00:20:18,282 --> 00:20:19,282 back-to-school events. 174 00:20:21,302 --> 00:20:24,702 The eighth annual Community Health and Wellness Expo will be taking place 175 00:20:24,781 --> 00:20:27,342 Saturday over at the Civic Center. 176 00:20:27,452 --> 00:20:29,191 That's going to be from 10:00 to 2:00. 177 00:20:29,982 --> 00:20:33,482 The Northeast Louisiana Chamber of Commerce will have an event over at 178 00:20:33,542 --> 00:20:34,362 Macedonia 179 00:20:35,362 --> 00:20:37,582 Baptist Church in their Family Life Center. 180 00:20:37,642 --> 00:20:39,062 That'll be from 10:00 to 181 00:20:40,082 --> 00:20:42,022 2:00 as well on this Saturday. 182 00:20:46,142 --> 00:20:47,522 That's going to take place 183 00:20:48,582 --> 00:20:49,552 from 10:00 to 2:00. 184 00:20:51,442 --> 00:20:52,802 And then there is an event 185 00:20:53,802 --> 00:20:55,222 Sunday. Will be 186 00:20:56,242 --> 00:20:59,892 in Treshelle. The Turpins Back to School Event will be this 187 00:20:59,962 --> 00:21:03,402 Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00. That'll be 188 00:21:04,402 --> 00:21:08,102 in Treshelle on the Treshelle playground, so if you're not doing anything Sunday, 189 00:21:08,142 --> 00:21:11,351 they'll be giving free haircuts and backpack giveaways. 190 00:21:11,442 --> 00:21:14,112 So that'll take place Sunday in 191 00:21:14,142 --> 00:21:15,602 Treshelle. 192 00:21:16,922 --> 00:21:20,782 We gave away, well, AT&T and United Way gave 193 00:21:20,842 --> 00:21:22,282 away 50 laptops 194 00:21:23,222 --> 00:21:27,202 at the Henrietta Johnson Community Center. I was able to participate in that event. 195 00:21:27,722 --> 00:21:31,222 As you can see, the children were very excited to receive 196 00:21:31,682 --> 00:21:34,922 a laptop from partners with AT&T 197 00:21:35,722 --> 00:21:37,442 and United Way. 198 00:21:39,062 --> 00:21:42,972 Streetlights, street signs, and stop signs are 199 00:21:43,042 --> 00:21:43,382 missing. 200 00:21:44,482 --> 00:21:48,462 We had some good movement with replacing 201 00:21:48,502 --> 00:21:52,462 your street signs in Bryce Edition, so if your street signs is 202 00:21:52,582 --> 00:21:56,502 out, your stop signs are missing, or your streetlight is out, give 203 00:21:56,522 --> 00:22:00,502 us a call at 318-355-8951 and 204 00:22:00,562 --> 00:22:03,402 we'll do our best to get that taken care of. 205 00:22:04,082 --> 00:22:06,962 And then, finally, we have the fifth annual Black 206 00:22:07,942 --> 00:22:11,062 Bayou, or the Black Open... How you say it? 207 00:22:11,142 --> 00:22:13,942 Black Bayou Open Rodeo? I think that's how it go. 208 00:22:14,702 --> 00:22:16,982 Black Bayou Rodeo. That's the fifth annual. 209 00:22:17,022 --> 00:22:19,482 That's going to be next Saturday at the Monroe Civic Center, 210 00:22:20,442 --> 00:22:23,101 so you know that's going to be a very exciting event 211 00:22:23,922 --> 00:22:27,732 on next Saturday. And finally, I got a call from those 212 00:22:27,762 --> 00:22:30,002 who've got low water pressure 213 00:22:30,102 --> 00:22:34,051 on 12th Street. Let's see, 12th 214 00:22:34,142 --> 00:22:35,622 Crescent Drive, Donview, 215 00:22:36,862 --> 00:22:37,202 and 216 00:22:38,222 --> 00:22:41,162 Sunset. I know we did some work over there. I talked to Mr. 217 00:22:41,422 --> 00:22:45,342 Benton about that, and there are some residents on 12th Street, 218 00:22:45,482 --> 00:22:49,262 their water pressure is low. So I want you to know, those who 219 00:22:49,322 --> 00:22:51,362 live in that area, we are working to get that 220 00:22:52,442 --> 00:22:52,962 corrected. 221 00:22:53,782 --> 00:22:55,602 So that's all I have. All right. 222 00:22:57,522 --> 00:22:59,322 Okay, can I have a motion to approve the minutes? 223 00:22:59,642 --> 00:23:00,202 So moved. 224 00:23:00,322 --> 00:23:00,602 Second. 225 00:23:01,542 --> 00:23:05,202 Been moved and properly second that we approve the minutes from last 226 00:23:05,262 --> 00:23:06,862 meeting. Any public comment? 227 00:23:08,502 --> 00:23:10,742 Seeing none, any from counsel? Madam Clerk. 228 00:23:11,422 --> 00:23:12,102 Mr. Harvey? 229 00:23:12,422 --> 00:23:12,582 Aye. 230 00:23:13,102 --> 00:23:14,002 Mr. McFarland? 231 00:23:14,322 --> 00:23:14,842 Aye. 232 00:23:14,902 --> 00:23:15,682 Mrs. Ezannet? 233 00:23:15,922 --> 00:23:16,202 Aye. 234 00:23:16,262 --> 00:23:17,002 Mr. Muhammad? 235 00:23:17,322 --> 00:23:17,462 Aye. 236 00:23:18,442 --> 00:23:21,702 Item five, we have the reading of the receipt of veto read. 237 00:23:21,942 --> 00:23:22,562 Madam Clerk. 238 00:23:23,862 --> 00:23:27,802 Mr. Chairman and council members, the mayor vetoed ordinance number 239 00:23:27,882 --> 00:23:31,362 12/300 and returned it to the council on July 240 00:23:31,502 --> 00:23:35,262 27th, 2026, at 11:21 a.m. The 241 00:23:35,322 --> 00:23:39,292 mayor's veto, along with his veto message, was delivered to 242 00:23:39,322 --> 00:23:43,102 the council on July 27th, 2026, at 11:43 243 00:23:43,162 --> 00:23:46,782 a.m. The veto and veto message for the ordinance will 244 00:23:46,822 --> 00:23:49,512 be maintained in the council's records. 245 00:23:50,842 --> 00:23:51,482 That's all I have. 246 00:23:51,702 --> 00:23:52,502 Thank you, Madam Clerk. 247 00:23:53,902 --> 00:23:57,782 Item six, presentations, none. Public hearings, none. 248 00:23:59,262 --> 00:24:01,222 Public condemnations, none. 249 00:24:02,682 --> 00:24:04,742 Acceptance or rejection of bids, none. 250 00:24:05,182 --> 00:24:07,922 Nine, resolution and amendment entries. 251 00:24:08,722 --> 00:24:09,942 A, adopt the resolution- 252 00:24:10,112 --> 00:24:10,482 So moved. 253 00:24:10,662 --> 00:24:10,922 Second. 254 00:24:12,022 --> 00:24:14,862 Been moved and properly second that we adopt this resolution. 255 00:24:15,702 --> 00:24:16,922 Any public comment? 256 00:24:18,642 --> 00:24:19,862 Seeing none, any from counsel? 257 00:24:21,894 --> 00:24:22,434 Madam Clerk. 258 00:24:23,194 --> 00:24:23,854 Mrs. Ezzard. 259 00:24:24,594 --> 00:24:24,854 Aye. 260 00:24:24,994 --> 00:24:25,674 Mr. Muhammad. 261 00:24:25,774 --> 00:24:25,934 Aye. 262 00:24:26,574 --> 00:24:26,834 Mrs. 263 00:24:27,794 --> 00:24:29,154 I'm sorry, Mr. Harvey? 264 00:24:29,494 --> 00:24:29,654 Aye. 265 00:24:30,454 --> 00:24:31,334 And Mr. Muhammad. 266 00:24:31,414 --> 00:24:31,573 Aye. 267 00:24:31,834 --> 00:24:32,604 Mr. McFarlane. 268 00:24:33,054 --> 00:24:33,554 Aye. 269 00:24:33,954 --> 00:24:34,634 You missed me. 270 00:24:36,194 --> 00:24:40,154 All right. Motion carries. Okay, two, department 271 00:24:40,194 --> 00:24:43,814 administration, none. Department of planning urban development, none. 272 00:24:43,914 --> 00:24:44,734 Legal department, 273 00:24:45,574 --> 00:24:48,314 public comment... Well, A, adopt the resolution- 274 00:24:49,254 --> 00:24:49,264 So moved. 275 00:24:49,264 --> 00:24:49,574 Second. 276 00:24:50,554 --> 00:24:53,794 Been moved and properly seconded. We adopt this resolution. 277 00:24:54,174 --> 00:24:57,814 This resolution is dealing with sidewalk enhancements in the 278 00:25:01,054 --> 00:25:04,694 MLK, Minnie Ruffin area. Any public comment? 279 00:25:06,614 --> 00:25:07,934 Seeing none, any from council? 280 00:25:08,394 --> 00:25:11,294 Yes, Mr. Chair, I just want to 281 00:25:11,354 --> 00:25:12,734 know 282 00:25:15,074 --> 00:25:16,164 exactly what fund 283 00:25:17,894 --> 00:25:19,294 this project is coming out of. 284 00:25:26,954 --> 00:25:28,314 Yes, sir. This is coming 285 00:25:29,154 --> 00:25:32,834 out of CIC, and the other portion is DOTD. 286 00:25:34,174 --> 00:25:34,634 Okay. 287 00:25:35,574 --> 00:25:37,814 So it's coming out of CIC. 288 00:25:38,414 --> 00:25:38,754 Correct. 289 00:25:40,354 --> 00:25:41,874 Explain that to me, please. 290 00:25:42,114 --> 00:25:43,634 So capital infrastructure, 291 00:25:44,454 --> 00:25:47,014 well, CIT, capital infrastructure tax. 292 00:25:47,154 --> 00:25:49,154 CIC is the Capital Infrastructure Commission. 293 00:25:49,894 --> 00:25:52,454 So in the packet, you should see, 294 00:25:53,554 --> 00:25:54,714 of course, there is the 295 00:25:56,294 --> 00:25:56,974 CEA, 296 00:25:57,854 --> 00:26:01,394 but what I prepared and submitted to the council chair and vice chair 297 00:26:02,194 --> 00:26:05,854 shows this split. So 59.6% 298 00:26:06,614 --> 00:26:09,374 is from DOTD, and then the remaining 299 00:26:09,574 --> 00:26:12,694 40.4% is from capital infrastructure 300 00:26:13,114 --> 00:26:13,634 tax. 301 00:26:14,654 --> 00:26:16,814 So that is roughly a 302 00:26:17,714 --> 00:26:22,114 $514,000 303 00:26:22,154 --> 00:26:22,634 project. 304 00:26:23,254 --> 00:26:26,284 Okay. So the money is coming from 305 00:26:26,334 --> 00:26:27,454 the 306 00:26:28,294 --> 00:26:28,754 1% 307 00:26:29,774 --> 00:26:30,214 tax- 308 00:26:30,434 --> 00:26:30,794 Correct 309 00:26:31,154 --> 00:26:32,044 ... on our end. 310 00:26:33,234 --> 00:26:36,714 And exactly how much, because the public need to know 311 00:26:36,794 --> 00:26:39,394 exactly how much money is actually 312 00:26:39,434 --> 00:26:43,394 being used for this project out of that 313 00:26:44,034 --> 00:26:44,474 funding. 314 00:26:45,444 --> 00:26:48,574 $207,800. 315 00:26:48,754 --> 00:26:50,254 207,000, 316 00:26:51,094 --> 00:26:51,634 and how many? 317 00:26:52,054 --> 00:26:52,434 800. 318 00:26:52,814 --> 00:26:53,234 800. 319 00:26:54,994 --> 00:26:55,294 Okay. 320 00:26:56,274 --> 00:26:56,634 Now, 321 00:26:59,654 --> 00:27:03,634 well, I 322 00:27:03,674 --> 00:27:07,594 guess when we have our finance committee meeting, we'll see exactly what 323 00:27:07,634 --> 00:27:08,774 other monies are there. 324 00:27:09,734 --> 00:27:12,874 But whatever we do for one, we got to do for the others, 325 00:27:14,094 --> 00:27:15,354 and here it is again. 326 00:27:17,234 --> 00:27:18,314 Money is available, 327 00:27:19,414 --> 00:27:23,254 money is quickly moved to do certain 328 00:27:23,314 --> 00:27:23,934 things. 329 00:27:25,594 --> 00:27:29,334 So when we have our finance meeting, I hope that we can be transparent 330 00:27:30,494 --> 00:27:33,994 and we can see how much money is actually in that 331 00:27:34,034 --> 00:27:34,514 account, 332 00:27:35,354 --> 00:27:36,574 that if other 333 00:27:37,794 --> 00:27:41,494 council members want to do the same, it won't be no pushback. 334 00:27:42,214 --> 00:27:44,514 Because if there's some pushback, then 335 00:27:45,974 --> 00:27:49,454 there's going to be some other pushback, and we shouldn't have that. 336 00:27:50,094 --> 00:27:51,334 Here it is again, 337 00:27:52,454 --> 00:27:53,224 very quickly, 338 00:27:55,474 --> 00:27:59,094 and nobody's really asking these questions out in the 339 00:27:59,134 --> 00:28:00,494 public but me, 340 00:28:01,854 --> 00:28:03,294 is where the money's coming from. 341 00:28:05,254 --> 00:28:06,334 Every district 342 00:28:07,754 --> 00:28:08,814 should share 343 00:28:10,554 --> 00:28:11,514 likewise. 344 00:28:14,154 --> 00:28:17,734 There are some things that I will be bringing 345 00:28:17,794 --> 00:28:18,754 forth to you 346 00:28:20,274 --> 00:28:22,234 that we need to get done. 347 00:28:23,254 --> 00:28:26,194 So again, here it is on record tonight, 348 00:28:27,174 --> 00:28:30,514 how much money is coming out of this 1% sales tax, 349 00:28:31,404 --> 00:28:35,114 $207,800 on this particular 350 00:28:35,194 --> 00:28:39,093 project. We're going to hear another one 351 00:28:39,134 --> 00:28:39,614 in a minute. 352 00:28:41,254 --> 00:28:44,014 Unless you want to just go ahead and give me that figure now. 353 00:28:44,694 --> 00:28:45,614 No, we'll take this. 354 00:28:45,974 --> 00:28:49,014 Okay. We'll wait. Okay. All right. Thank you so much. 355 00:28:49,634 --> 00:28:52,424 Can I clarify something just on this particular one? 356 00:28:53,334 --> 00:28:55,274 This is an agreement with the school board. 357 00:28:55,934 --> 00:28:58,434 This actual project was something that was approved 358 00:28:59,354 --> 00:29:03,324 quite a while back as part of a grant when the city applied for this project with 359 00:29:03,334 --> 00:29:05,294 DOTD. The agreement that is 360 00:29:06,154 --> 00:29:09,794 on the agenda with council is because a portion of this project 361 00:29:09,874 --> 00:29:13,194 crosses school board property, and so we had to enter into an agreement with the 362 00:29:13,254 --> 00:29:14,754 school board to let us 363 00:29:15,914 --> 00:29:19,154 put that portion of the sidewalk across school board property. 364 00:29:19,654 --> 00:29:21,094 So this project was long ago- 365 00:29:21,654 --> 00:29:22,894 Well, you say long ago? 366 00:29:23,414 --> 00:29:26,344 Yeah, I think this was done... How long ago was this project in the works? 367 00:29:26,364 --> 00:29:29,894 It's been a couple of years. I could provide that date if that's what you- 368 00:29:30,194 --> 00:29:31,714 Would you do that for me, please? 369 00:29:31,774 --> 00:29:31,804 Yes. 370 00:29:31,804 --> 00:29:35,474 Yeah. So this agreement is not about the expenditure of funds whatsoever. 371 00:29:35,534 --> 00:29:38,394 It's about getting the project with the school board across. 372 00:29:38,454 --> 00:29:41,834 But it's still a portion of the money is coming out of our funds. 373 00:29:42,754 --> 00:29:43,194 Is that right? 374 00:29:44,154 --> 00:29:46,594 That is correct. I'm just clarifying the agreement on the agenda. 375 00:29:47,374 --> 00:29:48,734 That's where the silence 376 00:29:50,374 --> 00:29:53,974 is concerning the monies that's coming out of the 1% 377 00:29:54,054 --> 00:29:54,474 tax, 378 00:29:55,554 --> 00:29:59,464 which I think that we all should have a sit-down conversation 379 00:30:00,574 --> 00:30:04,354 and make sure that across the board in each and 380 00:30:04,434 --> 00:30:06,634 every district is going to 381 00:30:08,054 --> 00:30:10,294 receive the same or likewise. 382 00:30:11,754 --> 00:30:14,734 Because all of us got projects that we want to see happen, 383 00:30:16,034 --> 00:30:19,814 and there is projects in other districts that I want to see happen, 384 00:30:21,074 --> 00:30:25,034 that I have been pushing for to happen, not only 385 00:30:25,074 --> 00:30:27,044 in my district, but in other districts 386 00:30:27,978 --> 00:30:29,538 So we want to be transparent, 387 00:30:30,558 --> 00:30:34,298 and we want everybody to know exactly how much 388 00:30:34,338 --> 00:30:36,358 money is involved. 389 00:30:37,558 --> 00:30:38,478 Thank you so kindly. 390 00:30:39,538 --> 00:30:40,158 Thank you, Bishop. 391 00:30:41,338 --> 00:30:42,738 Any further comment from council? 392 00:30:44,098 --> 00:30:44,558 Madam Clerk. 393 00:30:45,638 --> 00:30:46,578 Mr. McFarland. 394 00:30:46,858 --> 00:30:47,538 Aye. 395 00:30:47,578 --> 00:30:48,278 Mr. Harvey. 396 00:30:48,538 --> 00:30:48,778 Aye. 397 00:30:49,298 --> 00:30:51,718 Mrs. Eznick. Aye. Mr. Muhammad. 398 00:30:51,998 --> 00:30:55,688 Aye. Motion carries. Item B, adopt a resolution. 399 00:30:55,858 --> 00:30:56,318 So moved. 400 00:30:56,758 --> 00:30:57,138 Second. 401 00:30:57,548 --> 00:31:00,398 Been moved and properly seconded that we adopt this resolution. 402 00:31:01,238 --> 00:31:04,278 This resolution is pertaining to Carver Elementary, 403 00:31:05,238 --> 00:31:09,178 where we will put a sidewalk for those students that 404 00:31:09,258 --> 00:31:13,058 live in Oak Mountain area. They can have a paved sidewalk 405 00:31:13,078 --> 00:31:13,358 that 406 00:31:14,998 --> 00:31:16,278 comes from the back of the school 407 00:31:17,298 --> 00:31:17,978 into the 408 00:31:19,338 --> 00:31:21,978 entrance of the school through the back. 409 00:31:22,538 --> 00:31:23,498 Any public comment? 410 00:31:26,178 --> 00:31:26,918 Comment from council. 411 00:31:27,478 --> 00:31:28,868 Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. 412 00:31:31,418 --> 00:31:34,058 I'm going to ask the same questions on this. 413 00:31:35,398 --> 00:31:39,058 Let's get the dollar amount so the public will actually know. 414 00:31:44,078 --> 00:31:48,058 This is a project requested by Councilman Muhammad. 415 00:31:48,318 --> 00:31:52,258 It is split. This particular agreement is, 416 00:31:52,318 --> 00:31:55,958 again, with the Monroe City School Board to place 417 00:31:56,058 --> 00:31:59,298 roughly 511 feet of five-foot concrete sidewalk, 418 00:31:59,878 --> 00:32:02,438 as Councilman had mentioned, and 419 00:32:03,338 --> 00:32:07,278 it's roughly an $18,000 project, and it's a split 50/50 between 420 00:32:07,298 --> 00:32:11,278 the school board, and it is yet to be determined whether the other 50% will 421 00:32:11,358 --> 00:32:14,698 come from Councilman Muhammad's budget or if it will be CIT. 422 00:32:16,278 --> 00:32:18,838 So it hasn't been determined where the money is coming from? 423 00:32:20,838 --> 00:32:21,778 It will either be 424 00:32:22,598 --> 00:32:25,018 Councilman Muhammad's budget or CIT. 425 00:32:25,068 --> 00:32:28,818 So we are voting on something tonight, and we don't have the 426 00:32:28,898 --> 00:32:32,808 legits of where the money is actually 427 00:32:32,878 --> 00:32:33,598 coming from. 428 00:32:35,378 --> 00:32:35,978 Tonight, 429 00:32:37,178 --> 00:32:38,698 what you just stated 430 00:32:40,038 --> 00:32:41,258 is that we don't know. 431 00:32:42,218 --> 00:32:44,698 Sir, I would ask that you speak to Councilman Muhammad. 432 00:32:44,738 --> 00:32:46,678 This is not an engineering managed project. 433 00:32:54,158 --> 00:32:54,718 Let me help you. 434 00:32:57,598 --> 00:32:59,338 You are the one that made the statement 435 00:33:00,458 --> 00:33:02,398 that you didn't know 436 00:33:03,238 --> 00:33:05,218 exactly where the money was coming from. 437 00:33:05,798 --> 00:33:08,138 Was it coming from CIT 438 00:33:09,158 --> 00:33:11,898 or coming from the discretionary fund? 439 00:33:12,018 --> 00:33:12,658 We are prepared- 440 00:33:12,718 --> 00:33:14,058 Wait a minute, wait a minute. 441 00:33:16,998 --> 00:33:19,458 I want us to have a harmonious 442 00:33:20,438 --> 00:33:23,418 meeting. We ought to be able to ask questions- 443 00:33:23,698 --> 00:33:25,118 Mm-hmm. Absolutely 444 00:33:25,128 --> 00:33:25,128 ... 445 00:33:27,658 --> 00:33:28,518 without this other stuff. 446 00:33:29,258 --> 00:33:31,798 Accusations, without accusations. Yes, sir. Thank you. 447 00:33:33,158 --> 00:33:34,938 So let me help you. 448 00:33:37,398 --> 00:33:39,398 If we are voting on something, 449 00:33:42,178 --> 00:33:44,698 then everybody ought to have their ducks in a row, 450 00:33:47,078 --> 00:33:49,658 and the questions ought to be answered 451 00:33:50,938 --> 00:33:52,038 without to say, 452 00:33:53,418 --> 00:33:54,438 "Get with the Chair." 453 00:33:56,218 --> 00:33:58,118 This is not a chairman's call. 454 00:33:59,758 --> 00:34:01,378 If it was a chairman's call, 455 00:34:02,578 --> 00:34:06,338 then we wouldn't need this on the agenda tonight if he 456 00:34:06,348 --> 00:34:07,378 was just going to say 457 00:34:08,278 --> 00:34:09,678 where the money's coming from. 458 00:34:11,359 --> 00:34:13,078 This is a council call. 459 00:34:15,379 --> 00:34:16,658 But it's your job 460 00:34:18,419 --> 00:34:20,758 to have the plan 461 00:34:22,738 --> 00:34:23,339 written 462 00:34:24,859 --> 00:34:26,198 and so in place 463 00:34:27,458 --> 00:34:29,178 that a babe can understand. 464 00:34:30,938 --> 00:34:32,188 I asked a simple question, 465 00:34:34,399 --> 00:34:35,859 and the answer now 466 00:34:36,919 --> 00:34:38,178 is, "I don't know 467 00:34:39,359 --> 00:34:40,958 where the money's coming from." 468 00:34:43,738 --> 00:34:45,698 All of us got discretionary funds, 469 00:34:47,158 --> 00:34:50,578 but it's not determined at this very 470 00:34:50,698 --> 00:34:51,258 moment 471 00:34:52,359 --> 00:34:53,458 where it's coming from. 472 00:34:56,258 --> 00:34:57,318 That's the issue now. 473 00:35:00,218 --> 00:35:01,318 Now, other things, 474 00:35:02,358 --> 00:35:04,958 accusations, what you want to say, 475 00:35:07,278 --> 00:35:09,338 just because a person asks questions 476 00:35:10,258 --> 00:35:12,478 don't mean they're accusing you of anything. 477 00:35:12,598 --> 00:35:13,338 It's just 478 00:35:14,798 --> 00:35:17,958 the fact that I want information. 479 00:35:18,038 --> 00:35:18,668 Exactly. 480 00:35:18,998 --> 00:35:22,658 And I want it to be transparent that 481 00:35:22,798 --> 00:35:26,578 everybody in here and on social 482 00:35:26,698 --> 00:35:27,138 media 483 00:35:28,178 --> 00:35:30,858 hears the answers from you. 484 00:35:34,058 --> 00:35:34,798 I'm going on. 485 00:35:35,618 --> 00:35:37,158 You know 486 00:35:38,038 --> 00:35:40,938 how and the questions that I'm going to ask. 487 00:35:42,438 --> 00:35:43,078 But again, 488 00:35:44,218 --> 00:35:47,638 we really don't have no clear answers on 489 00:35:48,578 --> 00:35:49,118 this one 490 00:35:49,918 --> 00:35:53,358 because we don't know exactly 491 00:35:53,458 --> 00:35:56,748 where the additional funds is coming 492 00:35:56,778 --> 00:35:57,818 from. 493 00:36:00,038 --> 00:36:03,378 Wherever the money is coming from, if it's coming from our discretionary 494 00:36:03,798 --> 00:36:04,378 funds, 495 00:36:05,638 --> 00:36:07,298 that's pretty much our prerogative 496 00:36:08,538 --> 00:36:12,518 as long as our internal auditor says that 497 00:36:12,578 --> 00:36:15,368 we can do it because she going to do a thorough 498 00:36:15,498 --> 00:36:17,878 research to make sure 499 00:36:19,398 --> 00:36:20,658 that we stay legal. 500 00:36:22,538 --> 00:36:23,378 Here it is 501 00:36:24,298 --> 00:36:27,878 that I have no answers, no clear answers 502 00:36:28,678 --> 00:36:29,488 on this matter. 503 00:36:33,590 --> 00:36:35,630 And you're the only one that can give the answers. 504 00:36:37,130 --> 00:36:40,430 Because it's not a chairman's decision. 505 00:36:42,210 --> 00:36:44,130 This is a council decision. 506 00:36:49,070 --> 00:36:52,370 Well, I would say, Bishop, I would like for the money 507 00:36:53,730 --> 00:36:55,770 to come from the infrastructure fund. 508 00:36:56,870 --> 00:36:59,010 Now, I would have liked the money... 509 00:36:59,990 --> 00:37:03,850 We put a fence around Carver. We put a fence from along 12th Street, 510 00:37:03,990 --> 00:37:05,930 around Peach, up to 14th Street. 511 00:37:05,970 --> 00:37:06,110 Mm-hmm. 512 00:37:07,630 --> 00:37:11,430 And we asked that capital infrastructure take a 513 00:37:11,490 --> 00:37:12,030 look at it, 514 00:37:13,210 --> 00:37:15,250 and the determination was 515 00:37:16,250 --> 00:37:18,450 the school board needs to be involved in it. 516 00:37:19,270 --> 00:37:21,650 And so that fence was $20,000, 517 00:37:22,570 --> 00:37:25,970 I believe it was. And so that came out of my discretionary fund. 518 00:37:26,790 --> 00:37:30,770 Now we at the sidewalk project. I wanted to do both projects 519 00:37:30,790 --> 00:37:34,340 at the same time, but we wanted to get the school board 520 00:37:34,390 --> 00:37:38,330 involved, and we got the city school board to agree to do 50%. 521 00:37:39,490 --> 00:37:43,130 And as for as the split of nine, 522 00:37:43,270 --> 00:37:44,970 nine, 9,000, 9,000, 523 00:37:46,130 --> 00:37:47,270 I would like to see that 524 00:37:48,130 --> 00:37:49,970 the capital infrastructure do pay it. 525 00:37:51,370 --> 00:37:53,370 And that's a determination that 526 00:37:54,430 --> 00:37:56,530 I can't make. I would like to see that. 527 00:37:56,970 --> 00:37:57,550 That's correct. 528 00:37:57,650 --> 00:38:00,010 So if they come back and tell me they can't 529 00:38:01,030 --> 00:38:04,450 pay it, then I will consider paying it out of my discretionary 530 00:38:04,590 --> 00:38:05,050 fund. 531 00:38:05,060 --> 00:38:06,890 But the last money, Mr. Muhammad, 532 00:38:08,450 --> 00:38:09,160 should've came 533 00:38:10,690 --> 00:38:11,990 from that account. 534 00:38:13,730 --> 00:38:13,840 Ma'am- 535 00:38:14,490 --> 00:38:17,370 And it was other monies that was already 536 00:38:19,390 --> 00:38:23,190 earmarked to help with that project, with that fencing. 537 00:38:23,610 --> 00:38:25,030 But at the end of the day, 538 00:38:26,250 --> 00:38:27,310 there it was, 539 00:38:28,770 --> 00:38:30,770 they changed course on us, 540 00:38:31,750 --> 00:38:35,710 and it came out of your discretionary fund, which was not right. 541 00:38:36,850 --> 00:38:38,710 Now we at a junction tonight 542 00:38:39,970 --> 00:38:40,530 where 543 00:38:41,730 --> 00:38:42,590 we don't know, 544 00:38:43,490 --> 00:38:46,430 and we can't get no answers about 545 00:38:47,510 --> 00:38:48,450 who going to pay what. 546 00:38:49,890 --> 00:38:53,170 But it's here on this agenda to vote on it, 547 00:38:53,930 --> 00:38:56,730 and we don't know exactly where the money is coming from. 548 00:38:57,550 --> 00:38:59,190 If it was going to come from 549 00:39:02,150 --> 00:39:02,970 CIT, 550 00:39:05,790 --> 00:39:09,370 then it should've been stated that that's where the money was 551 00:39:09,450 --> 00:39:10,050 coming from. 552 00:39:10,990 --> 00:39:11,970 All I'm saying, 553 00:39:13,230 --> 00:39:14,390 transparency. 554 00:39:14,550 --> 00:39:15,330 Mm-hmm. 555 00:39:16,090 --> 00:39:17,090 Do it the right way. 556 00:39:17,970 --> 00:39:19,530 You won't have no issues with me. 557 00:39:20,530 --> 00:39:24,410 Mr. McFarland, this matter was directed to be put on by the chairman. 558 00:39:26,410 --> 00:39:29,650 These questions have been directed to Mr. 559 00:39:29,790 --> 00:39:32,710 McAlister as if this was a project that was put forward by Mr. 560 00:39:32,890 --> 00:39:34,590 McAlister and the engineering department. 561 00:39:35,170 --> 00:39:39,010 The chairman directed me to draft this agreement, to submit it to the school board, 562 00:39:39,060 --> 00:39:40,329 and to place it on the agenda. 563 00:39:42,550 --> 00:39:45,230 Who's always in with this? 564 00:39:46,170 --> 00:39:50,070 It's our engineer. Has he has given those answers? 565 00:39:50,830 --> 00:39:53,950 Again, the chairman has no power 566 00:39:55,550 --> 00:39:58,330 to direct what comes out of the 567 00:39:59,010 --> 00:40:00,030 CIT 568 00:40:01,610 --> 00:40:04,550 without council involvement. 569 00:40:06,170 --> 00:40:07,230 So we voting it up or down? 570 00:40:09,910 --> 00:40:11,570 We don't need to be hilarious tonight. 571 00:40:11,750 --> 00:40:13,870 It's not hilarious. Going back and forth, we keep talking- 572 00:40:14,070 --> 00:40:14,520 And we don't need to- 573 00:40:14,550 --> 00:40:15,240 Let's just do something else 574 00:40:15,590 --> 00:40:19,410 ... and we don't need to go that way because I know the game that's 575 00:40:19,430 --> 00:40:23,370 trying to be played. And what I'm saying is this: 576 00:40:23,930 --> 00:40:26,430 if we were going to have something on the agenda, 577 00:40:27,530 --> 00:40:29,790 if it's coming out of a certain account, 578 00:40:30,590 --> 00:40:34,310 it should've been stated that this is where it's coming from. 579 00:40:35,590 --> 00:40:39,290 Transparency. That's all I'm 580 00:40:39,430 --> 00:40:40,610 talking about now. 581 00:40:41,750 --> 00:40:42,090 It's transparency. 582 00:40:42,100 --> 00:40:44,220 Are we taking it off the agenda, are we vote it up or vote it down? 583 00:40:48,070 --> 00:40:49,440 Is this time-sensitive? 584 00:40:50,990 --> 00:40:53,030 No, we've been dealing with this for two years. 585 00:40:53,990 --> 00:40:57,430 I'd just like to see it happen before it get the inclement 586 00:40:58,839 --> 00:41:02,710 weather, because when it begins to get cold and muddy, the children have to 587 00:41:02,750 --> 00:41:06,270 walk around 12th Street in two instead of walking 588 00:41:06,650 --> 00:41:09,850 because the trail is muddy and full of water. 589 00:41:10,090 --> 00:41:13,790 I would love for it to happen, too, but we got to know exactly where the 590 00:41:13,970 --> 00:41:17,710 money is coming from. This is just pulling 591 00:41:17,790 --> 00:41:21,430 something out the air on where the money is coming from. 592 00:41:22,170 --> 00:41:23,070 It's like the cart- 593 00:41:23,610 --> 00:41:24,240 Well, let me ask you- 594 00:41:24,260 --> 00:41:24,750 ... before the horse 595 00:41:24,770 --> 00:41:27,070 ... let me ask you, Mr. McAlister, what will determine 596 00:41:28,630 --> 00:41:31,330 what fund it will come on? What factors will... 597 00:41:32,290 --> 00:41:34,730 Because I'd like to see it come out of the capital infrastructure. 598 00:41:34,790 --> 00:41:38,070 Yeah. Thank you, Council Chair, for asking that question. 599 00:41:38,130 --> 00:41:39,850 I think we can have that open dialogue. 600 00:41:40,590 --> 00:41:44,430 We've been working on a number of projects with you, so thank 601 00:41:44,490 --> 00:41:46,670 you for your patience and your willingness to work. 602 00:41:48,050 --> 00:41:51,870 If you're saying now that you would prefer capital infrastructure pay 603 00:41:52,030 --> 00:41:54,820 this $9,000 versus your discretionary funds, 604 00:41:55,880 --> 00:41:58,250 capital infrastructure will pay that $9,000. 605 00:41:58,470 --> 00:41:58,760 Okay. All right. 606 00:41:58,790 --> 00:42:01,529 I will answer that to you now. That's where it's being funded from. 607 00:42:01,590 --> 00:42:05,550 Okay. All right, so you can make that decision without 608 00:42:05,650 --> 00:42:06,110 council, 609 00:42:06,950 --> 00:42:07,990 where the money comes from? 610 00:42:08,910 --> 00:42:12,350 This is a budget, a $500 million budget that you've already 611 00:42:12,390 --> 00:42:15,390 approved, and so I'm working within those bounds. 612 00:42:15,530 --> 00:42:19,450 I'm not dictating your budget. I'm working within a 613 00:42:19,470 --> 00:42:22,910 budget that you have already approved, the capital infrastructure budget. 614 00:42:24,250 --> 00:42:25,070 Per the call- 615 00:42:27,310 --> 00:42:28,910 Assuming we vote it up or vote it down, right? 616 00:42:29,450 --> 00:42:29,760 I mean, I- 617 00:42:29,770 --> 00:42:31,530 That's where the council discretion comes in, right? 618 00:42:32,810 --> 00:42:34,820 If that's not satisfactory, then 619 00:42:35,770 --> 00:42:37,950 I'll sit down and let y'all hash it out. 620 00:42:37,990 --> 00:42:38,160 I mean- 621 00:42:38,310 --> 00:42:42,280 What I'm saying, and now it's on record 622 00:42:43,360 --> 00:42:47,120 That a request was made, and you quickly said, 623 00:42:48,120 --> 00:42:51,820 "This is how it's going to be done. It's going to come out 624 00:42:51,940 --> 00:42:54,300 of that account." You said that. 625 00:42:55,640 --> 00:42:59,420 So if that's what we're doing, if that's the standard that you're 626 00:42:59,520 --> 00:43:00,940 setting now, 627 00:43:03,460 --> 00:43:04,960 these next 628 00:43:06,940 --> 00:43:07,930 23 months, 629 00:43:09,460 --> 00:43:10,560 I guess it'll be the same. 630 00:43:11,880 --> 00:43:15,500 I want to clarify again. Mr. McAlister was asked to identify 631 00:43:15,600 --> 00:43:18,320 a particular fund for the council to vote on. 632 00:43:18,880 --> 00:43:22,420 He identified the fund. It will be this council's choice whether or not those funds 633 00:43:22,460 --> 00:43:24,560 are paid from the capital infrastructure tax. 634 00:43:25,020 --> 00:43:28,560 If the council chooses to fund it from that tax, then it will be paid from there. 635 00:43:28,620 --> 00:43:31,860 If it does not, then perhaps the motion could be amended to fund it from Mr. 636 00:43:32,820 --> 00:43:34,880 Mohammed's discretionary account. 637 00:43:35,660 --> 00:43:38,270 It is the council's choice. It is not Mr. McAlister's. 638 00:43:38,360 --> 00:43:42,200 Thank you so much for clarifying. Because, again, 639 00:43:42,760 --> 00:43:46,680 the way that was stated, it's like his choice, and 640 00:43:46,700 --> 00:43:47,260 it's not. 641 00:43:47,860 --> 00:43:49,180 That's correct. This council will vote. 642 00:43:49,320 --> 00:43:50,160 Thank you so much. 643 00:43:51,300 --> 00:43:54,940 Well, I asked what factors would determine 644 00:43:55,740 --> 00:43:59,040 is the account depleted? 645 00:43:59,200 --> 00:44:02,040 Are we able to pay it? 646 00:44:02,640 --> 00:44:02,800 No. 647 00:44:03,320 --> 00:44:04,180 But if it's a 648 00:44:05,020 --> 00:44:07,720 healthy balance in there, then I would prefer 649 00:44:08,660 --> 00:44:09,800 the capital infrastructure. 650 00:44:10,020 --> 00:44:12,600 Mr. Chairman, with that, I so 651 00:44:13,740 --> 00:44:15,660 move to amend the motion 652 00:44:16,680 --> 00:44:19,620 that these funds come out of the CIT 653 00:44:20,200 --> 00:44:20,740 account. 654 00:44:22,320 --> 00:44:23,480 There's a motion on the floor. 655 00:44:25,520 --> 00:44:25,880 Second. 656 00:44:27,580 --> 00:44:29,360 Been moved and properly seconded that the 657 00:44:30,700 --> 00:44:33,820 funds for this sidewalk come out of the capital infrastructure 658 00:44:34,240 --> 00:44:36,100 account. Any public comment? 659 00:44:38,360 --> 00:44:40,680 Seeing none. Any further discussion from council? 660 00:44:45,240 --> 00:44:47,960 All right, so we'll vote on the amended motion. 661 00:44:48,680 --> 00:44:49,240 Madam Clerk. 662 00:44:50,920 --> 00:44:51,620 Mr. Mohammed. 663 00:44:51,860 --> 00:44:52,020 Aye. 664 00:44:52,340 --> 00:44:53,039 Mr. Harvey. 665 00:44:53,220 --> 00:44:53,420 Aye. 666 00:44:53,620 --> 00:44:54,520 Mr. McFarland. 667 00:44:54,620 --> 00:44:54,980 Aye. 668 00:44:55,140 --> 00:44:55,859 Mrs. Ezernack. 669 00:44:56,020 --> 00:44:56,360 Aye. 670 00:44:56,920 --> 00:44:59,180 That motion carries. Do we need to consider the 671 00:45:00,140 --> 00:45:01,100 original motion, Mister? 672 00:45:02,020 --> 00:45:05,080 I guess now that it's been clarified, you do, because that was just the motion to 673 00:45:05,120 --> 00:45:07,880 amend it, and so now you actually have to vote on the underlying motion. 674 00:45:08,620 --> 00:45:08,960 Okay. 675 00:45:10,160 --> 00:45:10,900 Which is to approve- 676 00:45:10,940 --> 00:45:11,040 Motion 677 00:45:11,049 --> 00:45:11,799 ... the resolution as amended. 678 00:45:11,840 --> 00:45:15,400 Okay. There's a motion originally on the floor to approve the 679 00:45:15,440 --> 00:45:17,100 original resolution. 680 00:45:17,340 --> 00:45:18,040 As amended. 681 00:45:18,160 --> 00:45:18,900 As amended. 682 00:45:20,290 --> 00:45:21,400 Any public discussion? 683 00:45:22,420 --> 00:45:23,880 Seeing none. Any more from council? 684 00:45:24,820 --> 00:45:25,310 Madam Clerk. 685 00:45:28,740 --> 00:45:29,320 Do we need a 686 00:45:30,480 --> 00:45:32,300 motion and a second as- 687 00:45:32,760 --> 00:45:34,290 No. They're approving it as amended. 688 00:45:34,340 --> 00:45:34,590 Just as- 689 00:45:34,600 --> 00:45:34,880 Okay. 690 00:45:35,120 --> 00:45:35,320 Yes. 691 00:45:36,180 --> 00:45:36,860 Mr. Harvey. 692 00:45:37,080 --> 00:45:37,260 Aye. 693 00:45:38,520 --> 00:45:39,300 Mr. McFarland. 694 00:45:39,440 --> 00:45:39,780 Aye. 695 00:45:40,060 --> 00:45:40,820 Mrs. Ezernack. 696 00:45:40,960 --> 00:45:41,420 Aye. 697 00:45:41,480 --> 00:45:42,160 Mr. Mohammed. 698 00:45:42,320 --> 00:45:42,540 Aye. 699 00:45:43,600 --> 00:45:44,300 Motion carries. 700 00:45:44,320 --> 00:45:44,880 Mr. Chairman? 701 00:45:45,020 --> 00:45:45,320 Yes, sir. 702 00:45:45,470 --> 00:45:46,960 Let me clarify something. 703 00:45:48,160 --> 00:45:51,140 One reason why I wanted this to go through in this manner 704 00:45:52,100 --> 00:45:54,880 is because of what happened last year, 705 00:45:55,880 --> 00:45:59,300 where you thought that everything was covered, 706 00:45:59,820 --> 00:46:03,260 and at the end of the day, your account was 707 00:46:03,420 --> 00:46:03,900 zapped 708 00:46:04,760 --> 00:46:05,500 dry- 709 00:46:05,600 --> 00:46:05,920 Mm-hmm 710 00:46:06,340 --> 00:46:10,260 ... to take care of something that could've been taken care of out 711 00:46:10,280 --> 00:46:11,160 of another fund. 712 00:46:11,640 --> 00:46:12,650 I appreciate that, mister. 713 00:46:12,880 --> 00:46:13,520 Thank you so much. 714 00:46:13,560 --> 00:46:14,640 I do. I appreciate that. 715 00:46:15,829 --> 00:46:16,160 Okay. 716 00:46:17,600 --> 00:46:19,060 Item five, mayor's office. 717 00:46:19,900 --> 00:46:22,200 Adopt the resolution authorizing termination. 718 00:46:22,500 --> 00:46:22,840 Second. 719 00:46:23,260 --> 00:46:26,920 Been moved and properly seconded that we consider this resolution. 720 00:46:27,620 --> 00:46:28,540 Any public comment? 721 00:46:38,780 --> 00:46:39,440 Good evening- 722 00:46:39,450 --> 00:46:39,460 Good evening 723 00:46:39,780 --> 00:46:43,740 ... council and honorable Mayor. I wanted 724 00:46:43,800 --> 00:46:44,360 to know 725 00:46:45,240 --> 00:46:48,920 why were the services being terminated from 726 00:46:48,960 --> 00:46:51,940 Kineticx Technology, is one question. 727 00:46:52,580 --> 00:46:55,700 The second question, who's the owner of Kineticx? 728 00:46:56,300 --> 00:46:59,679 And then the third question is, who is the owner of 729 00:46:59,700 --> 00:47:00,480 Undercurrent? 730 00:47:04,140 --> 00:47:04,739 Hey, good evening. 731 00:47:05,610 --> 00:47:06,140 The 732 00:47:07,000 --> 00:47:10,860 termination to move from Kineticx is that there was a... 733 00:47:10,890 --> 00:47:13,660 And look, I'm not trying to get into other people's business. 734 00:47:14,060 --> 00:47:16,540 I'm just going to let you know that we had the Kineticx. 735 00:47:16,580 --> 00:47:20,180 There was, I guess, a recent buy or some new owners to Kineticx. 736 00:47:21,040 --> 00:47:24,420 When that merger happened, you had a few of the employees who were 737 00:47:24,440 --> 00:47:28,040 specific to Monroe to leave the company and start their own 738 00:47:28,080 --> 00:47:30,080 company. My opinion, 739 00:47:31,640 --> 00:47:35,360 Kineticx, those employees that were specific to Monroe, who 740 00:47:35,440 --> 00:47:39,040 actually had a office here in Monroe, that was the face of Kineticx. 741 00:47:39,140 --> 00:47:42,880 That's who the city of Monroe had worked with over not only my 742 00:47:42,920 --> 00:47:45,680 administration but the previous administration. 743 00:47:46,720 --> 00:47:48,280 They have serviced the city well. 744 00:47:49,220 --> 00:47:50,860 They have helped build relationships. 745 00:47:51,160 --> 00:47:54,360 Of course, you saw last night on Monroe City School Boards that Monroe City School 746 00:47:54,420 --> 00:47:55,940 Board picked up Undercurrent as well. 747 00:47:57,720 --> 00:48:01,680 Also with the university, there's a lot of intentional steps being taken to 748 00:48:01,760 --> 00:48:05,090 unify our communication across the board between multiple agencies. 749 00:48:05,900 --> 00:48:06,860 And they were the 750 00:48:08,680 --> 00:48:10,820 catalyst, in a sense, behind all of that. 751 00:48:10,860 --> 00:48:12,820 And so they're familiar with our system. 752 00:48:12,880 --> 00:48:14,990 They have personally built our website, 753 00:48:16,100 --> 00:48:19,540 been with us since day one in the previous administration for a long time. 754 00:48:19,860 --> 00:48:22,780 They're very familiar with our systems. They're familiar with council. 755 00:48:22,820 --> 00:48:26,720 They're familiar with all of our employees, and that line of communication 756 00:48:26,780 --> 00:48:30,000 is very strong. So they have given the city of Monroe 757 00:48:30,100 --> 00:48:33,060 excellent, above standard service. 758 00:48:33,660 --> 00:48:36,260 And they started their own company, Undercurrent. 759 00:48:36,300 --> 00:48:38,700 To answer your other question, they're standing right behind you, 760 00:48:39,600 --> 00:48:43,150 Liz and Roy, Uncle Roy. And so that is the new owners of 761 00:48:43,220 --> 00:48:47,120 Undercurrent, and they've started their company, and that's who the city of Monroe 762 00:48:47,160 --> 00:48:50,160 is putting up tonight to be considered for this new contract. 763 00:48:50,680 --> 00:48:51,480 Okay. Thank you. 764 00:48:51,600 --> 00:48:52,260 All right. Thank you 765 00:48:58,460 --> 00:48:58,650 Well, 766 00:48:59,790 --> 00:49:00,790 good evening, council. 767 00:49:01,710 --> 00:49:01,720 Name and address. 768 00:49:01,720 --> 00:49:01,830 Huh? 769 00:49:02,330 --> 00:49:03,090 Name and address. 770 00:49:03,710 --> 00:49:07,310 Oh, Roy Heatherly, 1505 Frenchman's Bend Road, Monroe, 771 00:49:07,370 --> 00:49:09,310 Louisiana, 71203. 772 00:49:10,230 --> 00:49:14,070 I just want to say it's great to be back here to see council and to see 773 00:49:14,150 --> 00:49:17,800 mayor, and congratulate everybody on a wonderful 774 00:49:18,030 --> 00:49:18,910 LMA conference. 775 00:49:20,150 --> 00:49:24,069 We've worked very hard over the last many years to showcase our 776 00:49:24,130 --> 00:49:27,250 city, and I think it culminated last week. 777 00:49:27,370 --> 00:49:31,190 I think the whole world got to see Monroe in a way 778 00:49:31,270 --> 00:49:34,990 that we all see Monroe. And you've heard me say many times, it is a beautiful 779 00:49:35,060 --> 00:49:37,730 day, and it is a beautiful day in Monroe, Louisiana. 780 00:49:38,810 --> 00:49:42,650 Liz Pyle, who is the majority owner of Kinetics, and 781 00:49:42,790 --> 00:49:46,650 I'm a minority owner, we've worked together since I 782 00:49:47,030 --> 00:49:48,550 started at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. 783 00:49:48,610 --> 00:49:50,130 As the mayor mentioned, she 784 00:49:51,690 --> 00:49:55,210 started under Mayor Mayo, and Mayor Ellis kept her on. 785 00:49:55,350 --> 00:49:58,780 And my first, I think it was at the Miller Roy groundbreaking, 786 00:49:59,570 --> 00:50:02,720 Liz came up and introduced herself, and I was so nervous. 787 00:50:02,750 --> 00:50:06,030 It was my first groundbreaking. I kind of moved her to the side and I said, "I 788 00:50:06,050 --> 00:50:09,270 don't have time to talk to you." And she showed up in my office about an hour 789 00:50:09,330 --> 00:50:13,120 later, and we spent the next three hours talking about the chamber's 790 00:50:13,230 --> 00:50:15,670 vision and the city's vision for our city. 791 00:50:16,180 --> 00:50:20,110 And I said, "I don't have a lot of funds right now." And she said, "Roy, it's so 792 00:50:20,150 --> 00:50:24,060 important that, A, our city grow, but that the chamber and the city 793 00:50:24,190 --> 00:50:27,810 work together." And they worked behind the scenes with the Monroe Chamber, 794 00:50:28,410 --> 00:50:31,890 and we finally... She did most of it at no cost. They rebuilt our website. 795 00:50:31,910 --> 00:50:35,390 They did so much for us. And we finally put them on 796 00:50:35,790 --> 00:50:39,190 contract with us, and it's been a great relationship, as you all know, because 797 00:50:39,230 --> 00:50:42,810 you've experienced it, whether we're in DC or whether we're here. 798 00:50:42,970 --> 00:50:46,530 We've had a great experience. And you won't find anybody, no two 799 00:50:46,650 --> 00:50:50,610 people that love this city more than we do, with the exception of maybe you all up 800 00:50:50,630 --> 00:50:53,630 there. But we love this city, and 801 00:50:53,650 --> 00:50:57,070 I think the mayor stated it, and I'm sorry, 802 00:50:57,410 --> 00:51:00,860 I probably will preach. I haven't had a microphone in a long time, so I'm kind of 803 00:51:00,890 --> 00:51:02,040 enjoying it. But 804 00:51:04,119 --> 00:51:07,950 the people that came here, this is why it's a 805 00:51:07,990 --> 00:51:08,590 beautiful day. 806 00:51:09,630 --> 00:51:10,850 You all are why it's a beautiful day. 807 00:51:10,910 --> 00:51:14,350 The people that came here for LMA said they've never been treated like that. 808 00:51:14,390 --> 00:51:16,550 What did Meta say when they got to town? 809 00:51:16,590 --> 00:51:19,490 They said they've never been treated like they've been treated here. 810 00:51:19,570 --> 00:51:23,110 And we've been able to... And the contractor said the same thing. 811 00:51:23,170 --> 00:51:27,030 It's something about our city, and we've been able to work together to 812 00:51:27,070 --> 00:51:30,970 help capture that. And we've got such great things that are 813 00:51:30,990 --> 00:51:31,970 going to happen in this city. 814 00:51:33,570 --> 00:51:34,930 Every day's going to be a beautiful day. 815 00:51:35,030 --> 00:51:38,290 So anyway, I thank you for your considerations. It's great to see you again. 816 00:51:38,530 --> 00:51:42,220 And I'll... Liz, you want to might jump up here. Anyway, and the mayor was right. 817 00:51:42,630 --> 00:51:46,510 We had a unanimous vote last night with the Monroe City School Board, which 818 00:51:46,550 --> 00:51:50,220 is great. We're working with ULM. We're doing so many things with so many people 819 00:51:50,250 --> 00:51:53,730 and unifying this message and pushing our city forward. So anyway, thank you all. 820 00:51:53,930 --> 00:51:55,150 It's great to see everybody again. 821 00:51:55,190 --> 00:51:55,529 Thank you. 822 00:51:57,450 --> 00:52:01,070 Good evening. Liz Pyle, 467 Randy Road, West 823 00:52:01,130 --> 00:52:04,910 Monroe. I'm proud to be a resident of this community as well. 824 00:52:05,890 --> 00:52:09,630 I'm also just more available in case you have questions of me, but 825 00:52:09,950 --> 00:52:13,899 I did want to give you a little backstory on me and how 826 00:52:13,930 --> 00:52:16,270 many times I've stood here and done this. 827 00:52:16,370 --> 00:52:19,930 But I originally was hired by Mayor Mayo 828 00:52:20,770 --> 00:52:22,830 back in 2016, 2017. 829 00:52:24,070 --> 00:52:27,589 Worked closely with him and Roderick and the rest of the team. 830 00:52:29,030 --> 00:52:32,930 Matter of fact, for the record, Mayor Ellis did bring us in to fire 831 00:52:33,010 --> 00:52:36,070 us, and he made the choice to keep us. 832 00:52:36,330 --> 00:52:40,070 So it wasn't a, "Oh, just keep her 833 00:52:40,150 --> 00:52:44,140 because status quo." I feel like the work that 834 00:52:44,170 --> 00:52:45,830 we are doing is 835 00:52:46,650 --> 00:52:50,250 helping Monroe move into a direction that all of you are pushing for. 836 00:52:50,830 --> 00:52:54,690 I will tell you, there are a few changes that we did put in this agreement, and 837 00:52:55,370 --> 00:52:57,110 Mr. Creekbaum can probably attest to it. 838 00:52:57,870 --> 00:53:01,650 Your previous agreement that was under Kinetics Technologies did not mention the 839 00:53:01,670 --> 00:53:02,250 city council. 840 00:53:02,739 --> 00:53:06,510 That's my concern, that the 841 00:53:06,550 --> 00:53:07,630 city council wasn't- 842 00:53:08,170 --> 00:53:09,350 In the previous one, it wasn't. 843 00:53:09,390 --> 00:53:09,430 Right. 844 00:53:09,450 --> 00:53:12,409 But in your under current one, it is. 845 00:53:12,470 --> 00:53:15,440 Actually, I met with, and Mr. Creekbaum can attest to this. 846 00:53:15,510 --> 00:53:16,910 I said we need to add it in there. 847 00:53:17,170 --> 00:53:17,410 Okay. 848 00:53:18,170 --> 00:53:21,150 It's somewhere in the agreement, correct? 849 00:53:21,770 --> 00:53:25,370 So I take all forms of 850 00:53:25,410 --> 00:53:29,270 suggestions very seriously, and so when we had a meeting a couple of weeks 851 00:53:29,330 --> 00:53:33,230 ago about content of contracts and things like that, we went back 852 00:53:33,270 --> 00:53:36,750 and took what had been a longstanding, pretty bare bones agreement with 853 00:53:36,770 --> 00:53:40,510 Kinetics and beefed it up to the 20-page agreement you see 854 00:53:40,550 --> 00:53:42,810 now, that has many, many- 855 00:53:42,850 --> 00:53:44,430 Please silence your cell phone, please 856 00:53:44,630 --> 00:53:48,530 ... many beefed up provisions, including ones that authorize work 857 00:53:48,550 --> 00:53:52,090 for city council and things like that. We have enhanced cybersecurity provisions. 858 00:53:52,150 --> 00:53:53,870 We have additional insurance requirements. 859 00:53:54,370 --> 00:53:57,990 We have more detailed deliverables, schedules, things like that. 860 00:53:58,200 --> 00:54:01,770 And so this is a beefed up on 861 00:54:01,870 --> 00:54:05,650 steroids version of the agreement that had been in place for many, many 862 00:54:05,750 --> 00:54:08,310 years and is more strict and- 863 00:54:08,450 --> 00:54:09,070 What about ADA, is that- 864 00:54:09,080 --> 00:54:10,190 ... has more with that. Yes. 865 00:54:11,520 --> 00:54:11,530 Okay. 866 00:54:12,170 --> 00:54:16,030 Yes, the ADA. If you can go over how important that ADA compliance on website would 867 00:54:16,050 --> 00:54:16,130 be. 868 00:54:16,250 --> 00:54:19,730 So as of April of 2027, 869 00:54:20,510 --> 00:54:24,310 100% of any government entity 870 00:54:24,410 --> 00:54:28,050 that has an under 50,000 population by April 2027, 871 00:54:28,490 --> 00:54:31,290 100% of everything has to be ADA compliant, 872 00:54:32,310 --> 00:54:36,170 on your website, your videos, your PDFs, everything that- 873 00:54:36,180 --> 00:54:38,250 That's hearing impaired or vision. 874 00:54:38,510 --> 00:54:39,470 All of it. Hearing. 875 00:54:40,270 --> 00:54:43,590 It ranges from even just your learning disabilities. 876 00:54:43,650 --> 00:54:47,590 It's not just hearing and vision. So those are 877 00:54:47,610 --> 00:54:51,110 things that we've been working towards over the past several years, and it is a 878 00:54:51,190 --> 00:54:53,490 critical thing because the fact that 879 00:54:54,966 --> 00:54:58,186 Your first fine's $75,000, the second goes to 880 00:54:58,346 --> 00:55:01,806 125. So the ADA compliance is critical. 881 00:55:01,866 --> 00:55:05,646 So it is also even more important that we work very closely with the Monroe City 882 00:55:05,746 --> 00:55:09,656 Council to ensure that every document that you're uploading is ADA compliant as 883 00:55:09,706 --> 00:55:13,626 well, which is not something that you've had to focus on in 884 00:55:13,646 --> 00:55:14,846 the past. So 885 00:55:15,506 --> 00:55:15,786 Okay. 886 00:55:17,666 --> 00:55:18,646 Any other questions of me? 887 00:55:19,026 --> 00:55:20,046 Any questions, Michelle? 888 00:55:22,306 --> 00:55:23,226 Did you ask for the public? 889 00:55:23,946 --> 00:55:26,226 Yeah, any more public comment? Thank you. 890 00:55:26,726 --> 00:55:27,046 Yes, sir. 891 00:55:27,265 --> 00:55:27,966 But we're not here. 892 00:55:28,586 --> 00:55:29,506 We're on public comment. 893 00:55:29,926 --> 00:55:30,066 Okay. 894 00:55:31,366 --> 00:55:32,986 Any more public comment? Council? 895 00:55:34,406 --> 00:55:36,186 Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. 896 00:55:38,246 --> 00:55:38,846 Now, this 897 00:55:40,686 --> 00:55:42,986 came up under my tenure 898 00:55:45,026 --> 00:55:45,946 as the chair, 899 00:55:47,966 --> 00:55:49,506 and what I requested 900 00:55:51,486 --> 00:55:53,046 was that the mayor 901 00:55:55,926 --> 00:55:57,246 take care of the firing. 902 00:55:59,706 --> 00:56:03,026 I did not want the council to be the ones that 903 00:56:03,726 --> 00:56:06,226 would be the one that will actually 904 00:56:08,206 --> 00:56:09,306 fire Kinetic. 905 00:56:13,686 --> 00:56:16,086 So it waits out till I pass the gavel 906 00:56:17,006 --> 00:56:18,286 to put this back on, 907 00:56:19,666 --> 00:56:21,006 and now it's on in the right 908 00:56:22,106 --> 00:56:25,286 category because it's under the mayor. 909 00:56:25,966 --> 00:56:28,246 But the underlying question is, 910 00:56:31,106 --> 00:56:33,446 that under previous administration, 911 00:56:35,526 --> 00:56:38,086 and was accepted by this administration, 912 00:56:41,506 --> 00:56:43,386 a professional service agreement. 913 00:56:45,826 --> 00:56:48,306 But when you take a very good look 914 00:56:49,586 --> 00:56:51,126 at this agenda item, 915 00:56:53,346 --> 00:56:55,866 you see some words that has been changed 916 00:56:58,986 --> 00:57:01,466 from professional service agreement 917 00:57:02,606 --> 00:57:05,685 to a general service agreement. 918 00:57:06,686 --> 00:57:06,986 No, it's- 919 00:57:07,026 --> 00:57:07,786 Mr. Creekmore 920 00:57:07,946 --> 00:57:10,106 ... it's professional services right there at the top. 921 00:57:10,966 --> 00:57:11,386 I see. 922 00:57:12,746 --> 00:57:13,446 Wait a minute. 923 00:57:14,755 --> 00:57:14,755 Okay. 924 00:57:14,766 --> 00:57:15,886 This is not my question. 925 00:57:16,006 --> 00:57:16,206 Okay. 926 00:57:17,226 --> 00:57:17,566 All right? 927 00:57:19,086 --> 00:57:22,706 It starts off as a professional service 928 00:57:22,766 --> 00:57:23,466 agreement, 929 00:57:24,766 --> 00:57:28,686 and then this agenda item 930 00:57:28,766 --> 00:57:32,506 moves into by saying to enter into 931 00:57:33,606 --> 00:57:36,526 a general service agreement 932 00:57:37,486 --> 00:57:39,366 with Undercurrent. 933 00:57:40,386 --> 00:57:40,646 Now, 934 00:57:41,806 --> 00:57:43,046 I have no problem 935 00:57:44,666 --> 00:57:48,006 supporting what the mayor wants 936 00:57:48,126 --> 00:57:49,986 under his office. 937 00:57:53,026 --> 00:57:56,216 But the mayor shouldn't have no problem of 938 00:57:56,286 --> 00:57:58,486 supporting what the council want 939 00:57:59,946 --> 00:58:03,726 under their office. If the majority of this council 940 00:58:04,666 --> 00:58:07,486 desires for a professional service 941 00:58:07,546 --> 00:58:10,886 agreement or a general service agreement, 942 00:58:12,766 --> 00:58:15,426 we should get the same support. 943 00:58:16,646 --> 00:58:20,106 But here, I don't know if this is a typo. 944 00:58:20,166 --> 00:58:21,415 It is. In the caption, it's a typo. 945 00:58:21,486 --> 00:58:22,456 All right. But- 946 00:58:22,726 --> 00:58:23,056 It is 947 00:58:23,146 --> 00:58:24,336 ... but Mr. Creekmore, 948 00:58:25,846 --> 00:58:27,536 words mean 949 00:58:28,566 --> 00:58:30,166 a lot. 950 00:58:31,286 --> 00:58:32,286 Well, then please amend it- 951 00:58:32,396 --> 00:58:32,396 And, and- 952 00:58:32,436 --> 00:58:33,366 ... please amend it to 953 00:58:34,246 --> 00:58:35,946 reflect professional services agreement. 954 00:58:35,986 --> 00:58:36,286 Okay. 955 00:58:36,546 --> 00:58:37,926 It's a bear typo. That's all it is. 956 00:58:38,266 --> 00:58:40,826 So, but again, nobody else 957 00:58:42,506 --> 00:58:43,366 said nothing about it. 958 00:58:43,426 --> 00:58:44,986 And that's good, Bishop. You caught it. 959 00:58:46,346 --> 00:58:49,306 That's good. It's good, because I didn't see it. 960 00:58:49,426 --> 00:58:50,406 I didn't say. 961 00:58:51,156 --> 00:58:52,786 Hey, we're all human. Typos happen. 962 00:58:53,266 --> 00:58:53,446 Yeah. 963 00:58:54,346 --> 00:58:58,286 I probably grabbed an old resolution or something and just didn't change. 964 00:58:58,426 --> 00:58:59,106 That's all it is. 965 00:58:59,116 --> 00:58:59,386 Sure. 966 00:59:00,226 --> 00:59:04,106 To your point, Councilman McFarland, to your point, nothing in the main... 967 00:59:04,706 --> 00:59:07,616 Is it only in this resolution reading or is it back in the full contract? 968 00:59:07,666 --> 00:59:11,566 It's just in the caption. Everything else is professional services, and I think it 969 00:59:11,605 --> 00:59:15,586 probably came from the fact that the original Kinetics agreement was 970 00:59:15,626 --> 00:59:17,306 called a general services agreement. 971 00:59:17,706 --> 00:59:20,526 So when I was doing the caption, I probably just looked at the old agreement 972 00:59:20,706 --> 00:59:21,466 instead of the new one. 973 00:59:21,586 --> 00:59:21,596 But- 974 00:59:21,596 --> 00:59:22,266 That's all it was 975 00:59:22,426 --> 00:59:26,406 ... all right. So what goes on record is how the 976 00:59:26,466 --> 00:59:28,586 agenda item is written. 977 00:59:30,046 --> 00:59:32,146 Again, transparency. 978 00:59:32,846 --> 00:59:34,466 Make a motion to amend to professional. 979 00:59:34,626 --> 00:59:34,916 Second. 980 00:59:34,966 --> 00:59:36,966 And this is what... I'm talking. 981 00:59:37,926 --> 00:59:39,966 And while I'm talking, you need to respect- 982 00:59:40,406 --> 00:59:41,196 Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. 983 00:59:41,206 --> 00:59:42,006 I said it both ways, too. 984 00:59:42,026 --> 00:59:42,636 Hold on. Hold on. 985 00:59:42,686 --> 00:59:43,306 I'm talking. 986 00:59:43,936 --> 00:59:44,286 Hold on. 987 00:59:45,226 --> 00:59:47,046 You shouldn't interrupt me. 988 00:59:47,506 --> 00:59:50,566 Direct comments through the chair, and we're not going to talk at each other. 989 00:59:50,686 --> 00:59:52,186 I was making a point on both sides. 990 00:59:52,246 --> 00:59:52,846 I'm saying- 991 00:59:53,026 --> 00:59:54,706 But again, I was talking. 992 00:59:54,926 --> 00:59:55,466 Go ahead, Bishop. 993 00:59:55,526 --> 00:59:56,286 You interrupted me. 994 00:59:56,346 --> 00:59:56,656 Go ahead. Go ahead. 995 00:59:56,686 --> 00:59:57,506 You're talking to the chair. 996 01:00:00,526 --> 01:00:01,386 Trying to be funny. 997 01:00:03,726 --> 01:00:04,826 This is disrespect. 998 01:00:05,206 --> 01:00:05,666 That's right. 999 01:00:05,826 --> 01:00:06,086 Ditto. 1000 01:00:06,386 --> 01:00:08,386 This disrespect from you 1001 01:00:09,506 --> 01:00:11,086 eventually going to come to an end. 1002 01:00:15,386 --> 01:00:16,846 Again, what I'm saying, 1003 01:00:18,766 --> 01:00:22,676 when I saw the words "professional" and 1004 01:00:22,746 --> 01:00:23,246 "general," 1005 01:00:24,266 --> 01:00:25,446 to me that was different. 1006 01:00:26,806 --> 01:00:28,026 General means general. 1007 01:00:30,126 --> 01:00:31,326 Could mean anything. 1008 01:00:32,526 --> 01:00:34,166 So I'm glad that you are 1009 01:00:35,906 --> 01:00:36,306 bringing 1010 01:00:42,166 --> 01:00:44,446 clarification to this, that it was a typo, 1011 01:00:45,626 --> 01:00:47,846 because I didn't read it as a typo. 1012 01:00:48,706 --> 01:00:50,986 All right? So again, 1013 01:00:52,006 --> 01:00:54,486 I support this because 1014 01:00:55,506 --> 01:00:56,946 it's in the right category 1015 01:00:58,406 --> 01:01:02,066 and it's what the mayor desires under his 1016 01:01:02,106 --> 01:01:02,466 budget 1017 01:01:04,002 --> 01:01:06,502 All right. So I'm good with 1018 01:01:08,002 --> 01:01:11,082 it. I just want the same support 1019 01:01:12,642 --> 01:01:14,002 when the council brings something. 1020 01:01:15,682 --> 01:01:17,202 And with that being said, 1021 01:01:21,002 --> 01:01:22,382 I will second the motion 1022 01:01:23,302 --> 01:01:26,762 on the amendment of this agenda item from 1023 01:01:26,882 --> 01:01:28,922 general to professional. 1024 01:01:30,922 --> 01:01:32,842 Okay, it was a motion on the floor. 1025 01:01:33,082 --> 01:01:34,802 Yeah, and Gretchen actually seconded it. 1026 01:01:36,662 --> 01:01:37,892 Was it... Who seconded it? 1027 01:01:37,902 --> 01:01:39,042 It was Ms. Ezzard. 1028 01:01:39,162 --> 01:01:42,742 Hold on, hold on. Wait, wait. What are we going to do right now? 1029 01:01:44,182 --> 01:01:47,162 Because you spoke out of turn. Make a motion, 1030 01:01:49,262 --> 01:01:49,582 Bishop. 1031 01:01:49,802 --> 01:01:52,982 So moved that we amend the language of this 1032 01:01:53,442 --> 01:01:54,862 agenda item from 1033 01:01:55,702 --> 01:01:59,372 the word general service agreement to professional service 1034 01:01:59,422 --> 01:02:00,022 agreement. 1035 01:02:00,482 --> 01:02:01,562 I second Bishop's motion. 1036 01:02:02,262 --> 01:02:06,042 It's been moved and properly seconded that the motion be amended to add the word 1037 01:02:06,062 --> 01:02:06,682 professional. 1038 01:02:06,882 --> 01:02:08,782 No, to change general to professional. 1039 01:02:08,822 --> 01:02:11,762 To change the general to professional. Any public comment? 1040 01:02:12,842 --> 01:02:15,182 Seeing none, council. Madam Clerk. 1041 01:02:15,802 --> 01:02:16,522 Mr. Harvey? 1042 01:02:16,682 --> 01:02:16,942 Aye. 1043 01:02:17,862 --> 01:02:18,482 Mrs. Ezzard? 1044 01:02:18,802 --> 01:02:19,102 Aye. 1045 01:02:19,362 --> 01:02:20,022 Mr. Muhammad? 1046 01:02:20,182 --> 01:02:20,362 Aye. 1047 01:02:20,862 --> 01:02:21,662 Mr. McFarland? 1048 01:02:21,862 --> 01:02:24,782 Aye. Motion carries. So do we need to do the same? 1049 01:02:25,222 --> 01:02:25,992 Yes, on the amended version. 1050 01:02:26,082 --> 01:02:26,802 Okay, we need to 1051 01:02:28,882 --> 01:02:30,542 vote on the amended motion. 1052 01:02:31,482 --> 01:02:34,682 It has been moved and seconded. Any public comment on the amended motion? 1053 01:02:35,002 --> 01:02:37,282 Seeing none, council. Madam Clerk. 1054 01:02:38,162 --> 01:02:38,742 Mrs. Ezzard? 1055 01:02:39,982 --> 01:02:39,992 Aye. 1056 01:02:40,022 --> 01:02:40,872 Mr. McFarland? 1057 01:02:41,302 --> 01:02:41,742 Aye. 1058 01:02:41,782 --> 01:02:42,442 Mr. Harvey? 1059 01:02:42,622 --> 01:02:42,802 Aye. 1060 01:02:42,982 --> 01:02:43,612 Mr. Muhammad? 1061 01:02:43,902 --> 01:02:44,062 Aye. 1062 01:02:44,922 --> 01:02:45,762 Motion carries. 1063 01:02:47,142 --> 01:02:47,542 Okay. 1064 01:02:48,582 --> 01:02:50,002 We are down to public works. 1065 01:02:51,642 --> 01:02:54,152 Under A, we adopt a resolution- 1066 01:02:54,242 --> 01:02:54,602 So moved 1067 01:02:54,642 --> 01:02:57,482 ... to bid for High Life Airfield Service. Moved and properly seconded. 1068 01:02:58,642 --> 01:02:58,802 Any 1069 01:02:59,722 --> 01:03:02,132 comment from the public on this resolution? 1070 01:03:03,202 --> 01:03:03,762 Council? 1071 01:03:06,062 --> 01:03:06,572 Madam Clerk. 1072 01:03:09,642 --> 01:03:10,582 Mr. McFarland? 1073 01:03:10,702 --> 01:03:11,022 Aye. 1074 01:03:11,642 --> 01:03:12,321 Mr. Harvey? 1075 01:03:12,541 --> 01:03:12,722 Aye. 1076 01:03:13,282 --> 01:03:13,921 Mrs. Ezzard? 1077 01:03:14,302 --> 01:03:14,562 Aye. 1078 01:03:14,762 --> 01:03:15,462 Mr. Muhammad? 1079 01:03:15,742 --> 01:03:16,021 Aye. 1080 01:03:16,922 --> 01:03:20,062 That motion carries. Okay, B, adopt the resolution- 1081 01:03:20,122 --> 01:03:20,152 So moved 1082 01:03:20,152 --> 01:03:22,582 ... authorizing the mayor to accept certain federal... 1083 01:03:22,682 --> 01:03:25,902 Okay, been moved and properly seconded. Any public comment? 1084 01:03:30,442 --> 01:03:30,742 Okay. 1085 01:03:32,122 --> 01:03:32,882 Any from council? 1086 01:03:36,222 --> 01:03:36,302 Mr. 1087 01:03:37,162 --> 01:03:39,842 Butcher, you want to talk a little bit about this before we actually vote? 1088 01:03:45,242 --> 01:03:48,202 I can. Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman. This just gives the mayor the right to sign the 1089 01:03:48,262 --> 01:03:50,562 grants. Obviously, we'd have to bring them before you for approval. 1090 01:03:50,622 --> 01:03:53,122 But it just gives him the right to sign the grants for the city. 1091 01:03:53,522 --> 01:03:55,522 And that goes for the next one, too. I don't want to jump to the next one. 1092 01:03:55,922 --> 01:03:57,171 This one is for the FA, and the next one is for the- 1093 01:03:57,622 --> 01:03:58,502 Well, we can talk about the first. 1094 01:03:58,532 --> 01:03:59,342 We're doing the airport markings project. 1095 01:03:59,722 --> 01:04:02,262 Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want me to talk on airport markings or B? 1096 01:04:02,602 --> 01:04:03,022 We're on B. 1097 01:04:03,362 --> 01:04:03,582 Yeah. 1098 01:04:05,562 --> 01:04:05,822 Okay. 1099 01:04:05,862 --> 01:04:08,622 Yeah, that just gives the... I want to make sure I'm on the right one. 1100 01:04:08,732 --> 01:04:11,902 That gives the mayor the right to sign the grants after, obviously, we bring them, 1101 01:04:12,162 --> 01:04:13,972 if whatever it is, we bring them before you for approval. 1102 01:04:13,972 --> 01:04:14,262 Okay. 1103 01:04:15,222 --> 01:04:16,002 All right. Thank you, sir. 1104 01:04:16,122 --> 01:04:16,382 Yes, sir. 1105 01:04:16,442 --> 01:04:19,862 All right. Any further discussion? Madam Clerk. 1106 01:04:20,842 --> 01:04:21,562 Mr. Muhammad? 1107 01:04:21,742 --> 01:04:21,902 Aye. 1108 01:04:22,322 --> 01:04:23,202 Mrs. Ezzard? 1109 01:04:23,302 --> 01:04:23,522 Aye. 1110 01:04:23,742 --> 01:04:24,622 Mr. McFarland? 1111 01:04:24,742 --> 01:04:25,062 Aye. 1112 01:04:25,122 --> 01:04:25,782 Mr. Harvey? 1113 01:04:26,122 --> 01:04:26,342 Aye. 1114 01:04:26,842 --> 01:04:28,882 Motion carries. C, adopt the resolution- 1115 01:04:28,891 --> 01:04:29,182 So moved 1116 01:04:29,192 --> 01:04:32,862 ... authorizing the mayor to execute. Been moved and properly seconded. 1117 01:04:33,192 --> 01:04:34,062 Any public comment? 1118 01:04:35,002 --> 01:04:35,982 Seeing none, council. 1119 01:04:37,802 --> 01:04:38,322 Madam Clerk. 1120 01:04:39,382 --> 01:04:40,062 Mr. Harvey? 1121 01:04:40,362 --> 01:04:40,522 Aye. 1122 01:04:40,862 --> 01:04:41,682 Mr. McFarland? 1123 01:04:41,822 --> 01:04:42,182 Aye. 1124 01:04:42,722 --> 01:04:43,402 Mr. Muhammad? 1125 01:04:43,542 --> 01:04:43,891 Aye. 1126 01:04:43,902 --> 01:04:44,502 Mrs. Ezzard? 1127 01:04:45,002 --> 01:04:45,162 Aye. 1128 01:04:46,002 --> 01:04:46,842 Motion carries. 1129 01:04:48,062 --> 01:04:51,222 Item seven, the Department of Community Affairs, none. Police Department, none. 1130 01:04:51,342 --> 01:04:55,242 Fire Department, none. Engineering Services, A, adopt the resolution approving the 1131 01:04:55,262 --> 01:04:56,442 intergovernment agreement- 1132 01:04:56,642 --> 01:04:56,652 Second 1133 01:04:56,652 --> 01:04:57,942 ... with the State of Louisiana. 1134 01:04:59,022 --> 01:04:59,822 It was moved and seconded. 1135 01:04:59,882 --> 01:05:02,462 Moved and properly seconded. Any public comment? 1136 01:05:05,082 --> 01:05:05,482 Council? 1137 01:05:07,242 --> 01:05:10,982 Mr. McAlister, for the sake of the audience and the public, 1138 01:05:11,642 --> 01:05:12,792 can you tell us what we're doing here? 1139 01:05:12,792 --> 01:05:15,622 I know this is dealing with the Garrett Road interchange. 1140 01:05:16,422 --> 01:05:17,342 As you know, 1141 01:05:18,362 --> 01:05:22,182 Garrett Road is undergoing a tremendous facelift, 1142 01:05:22,382 --> 01:05:22,801 hopefully. 1143 01:05:24,482 --> 01:05:25,682 Yes, sir. So this is 1144 01:05:26,682 --> 01:05:30,442 one of the initial steps that we're working with DOTD 1145 01:05:30,502 --> 01:05:34,042 on to see this project ultimately get off the ground. 1146 01:05:34,702 --> 01:05:38,512 We've gone through a series of utility relocations thus far, mouse or 1147 01:05:38,562 --> 01:05:42,242 relocation, that's associated with airport lighting, some of the 1148 01:05:42,282 --> 01:05:45,802 landing mechanisms. So, this is for a 1149 01:05:45,862 --> 01:05:49,042 temporary detour that's a part of the construction 1150 01:05:49,482 --> 01:05:50,182 sequencing. 1151 01:05:51,062 --> 01:05:54,782 So rather than having all of the ramps and this entire intersection 1152 01:05:54,882 --> 01:05:58,822 closed down for a period of four to five years, we worked 1153 01:05:58,862 --> 01:06:02,662 closely with DOTD over the past year or so to provide a 1154 01:06:02,722 --> 01:06:05,022 three-phase sequencing approach. 1155 01:06:05,622 --> 01:06:08,842 This particular component right here, as travelers are coming 1156 01:06:09,042 --> 01:06:12,862 westbound to get off of the Garrett Road exit, when 1157 01:06:12,942 --> 01:06:16,432 that part of the construction is underway, it would allow a 1158 01:06:16,462 --> 01:06:20,362 detour onto the boulevard that is partially complete 1159 01:06:20,372 --> 01:06:21,042 there, 1160 01:06:22,342 --> 01:06:25,542 next to or connecting to Millhaven Road. 1161 01:06:25,922 --> 01:06:29,142 So, that's the general scope of this, is a temporary 1162 01:06:29,562 --> 01:06:30,061 detour. 1163 01:06:30,802 --> 01:06:30,982 Okay. 1164 01:06:32,122 --> 01:06:33,242 Thank you, sir. Any 1165 01:06:34,382 --> 01:06:35,702 further discussion from council? 1166 01:06:37,542 --> 01:06:40,042 Any idea when this project's actually going to be- 1167 01:06:40,982 --> 01:06:41,522 Great question 1168 01:06:41,542 --> 01:06:41,821 ... kicked off? 1169 01:06:41,842 --> 01:06:44,242 That's a very good question. Yeah, yeah. 1170 01:06:44,302 --> 01:06:47,482 This project is funded on the federal 1171 01:06:48,222 --> 01:06:50,862 and state level. 1172 01:06:51,122 --> 01:06:54,962 We've seen the date get pushed back, and 1173 01:06:55,102 --> 01:06:57,962 so we're anticipating within the next couple of years. 1174 01:06:58,002 --> 01:06:58,062 Yeah. 1175 01:06:59,402 --> 01:07:03,342 That's where we're at. But we're constantly communicating with our delegation 1176 01:07:03,382 --> 01:07:07,262 and DOTD, Secretary of DOTD, and we're looking at about a year and a 1177 01:07:07,302 --> 01:07:08,842 half, two years before we begin. 1178 01:07:09,182 --> 01:07:11,582 So, Mr. Chairman, Councilwoman Ezzard 1179 01:07:13,506 --> 01:07:16,926 When we got in, initially, that five 1180 01:07:17,006 --> 01:07:18,726 roundabout Kansas Garrett 1181 01:07:20,066 --> 01:07:23,886 was the plan of attack. And then with the change in administrations, the plan 1182 01:07:23,966 --> 01:07:27,926 is to six-lane interstate from 165 to 1183 01:07:28,766 --> 01:07:29,486 Millhaven. 1184 01:07:30,286 --> 01:07:32,746 Ultimately, those two projects were combined, 1185 01:07:33,626 --> 01:07:37,466 and so they had to go back out and get re-engineered and repackaged as one. 1186 01:07:37,566 --> 01:07:39,326 So that obviously took some time. 1187 01:07:40,946 --> 01:07:44,906 They're pushing right now. They're still doing the detours, like what 1188 01:07:44,946 --> 01:07:45,886 you see here tonight. 1189 01:07:46,866 --> 01:07:50,366 They're moving forward with demolition of the old gas 1190 01:07:50,406 --> 01:07:54,366 station and the old Ronin, and so there's little pieces that they're making 1191 01:07:54,446 --> 01:07:58,426 progress. And on the backside of that, as you all know, the one that we've all been 1192 01:07:58,486 --> 01:07:59,906 keeping up with for the past, 1193 01:08:00,786 --> 01:08:02,146 how long? 30-some odd years, 1194 01:08:03,086 --> 01:08:05,486 the Kansas Lane extension. 1195 01:08:06,386 --> 01:08:09,926 So they're moving forward with phase two of the Kansas Lane extension, which will 1196 01:08:10,006 --> 01:08:13,686 start at the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, and it's to go over the 1197 01:08:13,766 --> 01:08:17,745 bayou and to pass through Cypress Point and stop at the back. 1198 01:08:19,387 --> 01:08:23,326 Right now, they still want progress to move forward, so it looks like, and 1199 01:08:23,366 --> 01:08:26,566 Morgan can correct me if I'm wrong, they're going to look at the bridge portion 1200 01:08:26,606 --> 01:08:29,786 that crosses the bayou first, because that's the most expensive, and the longer you 1201 01:08:29,826 --> 01:08:31,706 wait, that price tag just keeps going up. 1202 01:08:32,276 --> 01:08:35,547 So they're looking to finish that bridge portion to show progress to move 1203 01:08:35,606 --> 01:08:39,427 forward. But as the general public, just kind of stay 1204 01:08:39,507 --> 01:08:40,686 aware. 1205 01:08:41,486 --> 01:08:45,416 It is about to be a logistical nightmare here over the next four years, just 1206 01:08:45,446 --> 01:08:49,087 with all the DOTD work that's happening in those intersections. 1207 01:08:49,096 --> 01:08:52,746 And so you can imagine, that is one of our largest and busiest 1208 01:08:52,806 --> 01:08:56,587 intersections there off Interstate that gets you access to Sam's and other parts of 1209 01:08:56,606 --> 01:08:58,526 the parish and neighborhoods, the mall. 1210 01:08:59,786 --> 01:09:02,887 Once it's finished, you'll have a mitigated over the rail. 1211 01:09:03,126 --> 01:09:06,806 You won't have to stop at that cursed train any longer. 1212 01:09:07,066 --> 01:09:10,956 They'll have an over-the-railroad track, elevated portion that will get 1213 01:09:11,047 --> 01:09:14,007 you over, but there will still be an at-grade crossing for those 1214 01:09:14,047 --> 01:09:17,766 who just like waiting on trains. That's not me. 1215 01:09:17,786 --> 01:09:21,467 But you'll have the ability to get on, hit a roundabout, go back over and go. 1216 01:09:21,507 --> 01:09:24,695 And so if you're making a train or if you're trying to get your kid to school or 1217 01:09:24,746 --> 01:09:28,467 trying to make work in the industrial area, all that will be open. 1218 01:09:28,547 --> 01:09:28,706 So, 1219 01:09:29,846 --> 01:09:33,826 Morgan, is there any more clear date on when they are 1220 01:09:33,866 --> 01:09:37,366 going to let that project? Is it later next year? 1221 01:09:38,126 --> 01:09:39,526 Is that kind of target date? 1222 01:09:39,626 --> 01:09:43,396 Yes. So we're looking probably as early as fall of '27 with the- 1223 01:09:43,486 --> 01:09:43,646 Okay 1224 01:09:43,726 --> 01:09:44,635 ... letting date. Yes. 1225 01:09:44,635 --> 01:09:45,007 Yeah. So, 1226 01:09:46,246 --> 01:09:50,166 just to give you a really early heads-up of when the 1227 01:09:50,206 --> 01:09:52,346 traffic's going to get a little wild. 1228 01:09:52,366 --> 01:09:56,076 But as progress speeds up, traffic slows 1229 01:09:56,106 --> 01:09:59,806 down, and so we hope that you're seeing signs of that right now with all the... 1230 01:10:00,586 --> 01:10:04,326 And again, obviously, nobody at DOTD 1231 01:10:04,386 --> 01:10:08,226 has children in school, because all the roadwork started right at the opening of 1232 01:10:08,266 --> 01:10:09,666 the school session. 1233 01:10:11,446 --> 01:10:15,146 But we hope you're starting to see a lot of the progress moving forward throughout 1234 01:10:15,186 --> 01:10:18,326 the city with the sidewalk projects, the lighting projects, and some of the, 1235 01:10:19,826 --> 01:10:23,286 Chairman Muhammad, a lot of the roadwork that's happening right now throughout the 1236 01:10:23,326 --> 01:10:26,446 city. So, there's just going to be a lot more of that. 1237 01:10:26,466 --> 01:10:29,106 But as the year progresses next year, 1238 01:10:30,006 --> 01:10:33,686 a lot more of the heavier construction will start happening, and detouring of 1239 01:10:33,726 --> 01:10:36,566 Interstate, and as you know, it's already packed right now. 1240 01:10:36,666 --> 01:10:40,586 So just get ready to use Waze or Google Maps 1241 01:10:40,626 --> 01:10:41,446 to find a back way 1242 01:10:42,326 --> 01:10:43,486 around Monroe. So... 1243 01:10:44,826 --> 01:10:45,746 All right. Thank you, Mayor. 1244 01:10:45,786 --> 01:10:46,266 Thank you, Chairman. 1245 01:10:46,326 --> 01:10:49,806 Okay. Any further discussion on this resolution? Madam Clerk. 1246 01:10:51,026 --> 01:10:51,906 Mrs. Ezzardat. 1247 01:10:52,086 --> 01:10:52,546 Aye. 1248 01:10:52,626 --> 01:10:53,346 Mr. Muhammad. 1249 01:10:53,506 --> 01:10:53,666 Aye. 1250 01:10:53,946 --> 01:10:54,846 Mr. McFarland. 1251 01:10:54,946 --> 01:10:55,286 Aye. 1252 01:10:55,306 --> 01:10:56,066 Mr. Harvey. 1253 01:10:56,106 --> 01:10:56,426 Aye. 1254 01:10:57,486 --> 01:10:59,446 Motion carries. Okay, break if needed. 1255 01:10:59,546 --> 01:11:02,746 All right, 10, introduction resolution ordinance. 1256 01:11:03,526 --> 01:11:07,135 None. 11, resolution ordinance for second reading and 1257 01:11:07,286 --> 01:11:08,446 final adoption. 1258 01:11:09,246 --> 01:11:10,506 We are now in a public hearing. 1259 01:11:14,386 --> 01:11:18,326 Finally adopted an ordinance adopting an authorized millage rate and providing for 1260 01:11:18,406 --> 01:11:22,046 the levying of special and general taxes for the City of Monroe 1261 01:11:22,906 --> 01:11:26,306 for the year 2026, further providing with respect thereto. 1262 01:11:26,346 --> 01:11:28,426 We are now in a public hearing. Any public comment? 1263 01:11:30,086 --> 01:11:31,366 Seeing none. Council. 1264 01:11:32,546 --> 01:11:33,106 Close that. 1265 01:11:33,385 --> 01:11:36,086 Oh, me, I need to close it. Okay. We are now 1266 01:11:36,926 --> 01:11:37,926 out of a public hearing. 1267 01:11:39,186 --> 01:11:40,926 I will read the item again. 1268 01:11:41,766 --> 01:11:43,326 Final adopting ordinance adopting a 1269 01:11:44,206 --> 01:11:45,966 authorized millage rate and providing 1270 01:11:47,366 --> 01:11:51,196 for the levying of special and general taxes for the City of Monroe for the year 1271 01:11:51,926 --> 01:11:54,946 2026, and further providing with respect thereto. 1272 01:11:55,866 --> 01:11:57,086 So moved for final adoption. 1273 01:11:57,306 --> 01:11:58,106 Second the motion. 1274 01:11:58,246 --> 01:12:01,386 It moved and properly second that we finally adopt this ordinance. 1275 01:12:01,966 --> 01:12:02,786 Any public comment? 1276 01:12:04,006 --> 01:12:04,946 Seeing none. Council? 1277 01:12:05,346 --> 01:12:05,906 I have just- 1278 01:12:05,946 --> 01:12:06,186 Yes, ma'am 1279 01:12:06,196 --> 01:12:06,896 ... one clarification. 1280 01:12:07,846 --> 01:12:11,286 Just to let everyone know, that millage rate is the same as it was in 1281 01:12:11,446 --> 01:12:12,186 2025. 1282 01:12:12,306 --> 01:12:13,086 That is correct. 1283 01:12:14,606 --> 01:12:14,966 That's all. 1284 01:12:15,226 --> 01:12:15,526 Okay. 1285 01:12:17,666 --> 01:12:18,266 Madam Clerk. 1286 01:12:19,946 --> 01:12:20,906 Mr. McFarland. 1287 01:12:21,086 --> 01:12:21,386 Aye. 1288 01:12:21,426 --> 01:12:22,266 Mr. Harvey. 1289 01:12:22,686 --> 01:12:22,846 Aye. 1290 01:12:23,146 --> 01:12:23,886 Mrs. Ezzardat. 1291 01:12:25,066 --> 01:12:25,386 Aye. 1292 01:12:25,686 --> 01:12:26,346 Mr. Muhammad. 1293 01:12:26,606 --> 01:12:26,806 Aye. 1294 01:12:28,166 --> 01:12:28,966 Motion carries. 1295 01:12:30,876 --> 01:12:34,525 We're in a public hearing. B, finally adopting orders amending the... 1296 01:12:34,906 --> 01:12:35,366 I'm sorry. 1297 01:12:36,386 --> 01:12:36,626 Yeah. 1298 01:12:36,846 --> 01:12:37,146 That's right. 1299 01:12:37,166 --> 01:12:40,626 Amending the city of Monroe operating budget for the fiscal year 1300 01:12:40,686 --> 01:12:43,886 '26-'27 to appropriate funds for cancer 1301 01:12:43,966 --> 01:12:47,586 screening for fire service employees and f-f-further 1302 01:12:47,606 --> 01:12:49,226 providing with respect thereto. 1303 01:12:50,186 --> 01:12:52,246 We are now in a public hearing. Any public comment? 1304 01:12:56,146 --> 01:12:57,466 Public hearing is now closed. 1305 01:12:58,546 --> 01:13:02,356 B, finally adopt an ordinance amending the city of Monroe's operating 1306 01:13:02,446 --> 01:13:06,406 budget for the fiscal year '26-'27 to appropriate funds for 1307 01:13:06,506 --> 01:13:10,446 cancer screenings for fire service employees and further providing 1308 01:13:10,466 --> 01:13:11,566 with respect thereto. 1309 01:13:11,686 --> 01:13:12,346 So moved. 1310 01:13:12,606 --> 01:13:12,886 Second. 1311 01:13:13,346 --> 01:13:16,166 It moved and properly second that we finally adopt this ordinance. 1312 01:13:16,206 --> 01:13:17,046 Any public comment? 1313 01:13:18,506 --> 01:13:19,826 Seeing none. Any from counsel? 1314 01:13:21,774 --> 01:13:22,354 Madam Clerk. 1315 01:13:23,334 --> 01:13:24,094 Mr. Muhammad? 1316 01:13:24,214 --> 01:13:24,414 Aye. 1317 01:13:25,014 --> 01:13:25,674 Mrs. Ezzard? 1318 01:13:26,994 --> 01:13:27,354 Aye. 1319 01:13:27,734 --> 01:13:28,453 Mr. Harvey? 1320 01:13:28,754 --> 01:13:28,953 Aye. 1321 01:13:29,194 --> 01:13:29,994 Mr. McFarland? 1322 01:13:30,214 --> 01:13:30,614 Aye. 1323 01:13:30,734 --> 01:13:31,814 That motion carries. 1324 01:13:33,384 --> 01:13:36,834 We are now in a public hearing. C, finally adopt an ordinance 1325 01:13:36,934 --> 01:13:40,794 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporate possession of and sell 1326 01:13:40,834 --> 01:13:44,094 to Linda Faye Rucks all rights, title, interests 1327 01:13:44,104 --> 01:13:47,714 that the city may have acquired to Lot 1328 01:13:48,154 --> 01:13:51,924 6, Square 55, Unit 10, Booker T. Washington Addition, 1329 01:13:52,554 --> 01:13:56,154 4010 Pippin Street, Ouachita Parish, District 3, Monroe, 1330 01:13:56,214 --> 01:13:59,814 Louisiana, by adjudication at the tax sale dated July 1331 01:14:00,094 --> 01:14:03,754 25, 1996, and further 1332 01:14:03,814 --> 01:14:07,223 providing with respect thereto. We are now in a public hearing. 1333 01:14:07,234 --> 01:14:09,034 Any comment from the audience? 1334 01:14:12,414 --> 01:14:15,954 Public hearing is now closed. C, finally adopt an ordinance 1335 01:14:16,054 --> 01:14:19,854 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporate possession of and sell to 1336 01:14:19,894 --> 01:14:23,614 Linda Faye Rucks all rights, title, and interest that the 1337 01:14:23,694 --> 01:14:27,314 city may have acquired to Lot 6, Square 1338 01:14:27,514 --> 01:14:30,994 55, Unit 10, Booker T. Washington Addition, 1339 01:14:31,714 --> 01:14:35,394 4010 Pippin Street, Ouachita Parish, District 3, Monroe, 1340 01:14:35,474 --> 01:14:36,114 Louisiana, 1341 01:14:36,934 --> 01:14:40,884 by adjudication at tax sale dated July 25, 1996, 1342 01:14:40,934 --> 01:14:42,974 and further providing with respect thereto. 1343 01:14:43,154 --> 01:14:43,894 So moved. 1344 01:14:43,954 --> 01:14:44,314 Second. 1345 01:14:44,324 --> 01:14:45,034 Final adoption. 1346 01:14:45,534 --> 01:14:45,734 Second. 1347 01:14:45,744 --> 01:14:48,674 It's been moved and properly second that we finally adopt this ordinance. 1348 01:14:49,214 --> 01:14:50,134 Any public comment? 1349 01:14:51,514 --> 01:14:52,674 Seeing none from council. 1350 01:14:53,494 --> 01:14:54,054 Madam Clerk. 1351 01:14:54,774 --> 01:14:55,474 Mr. Harvey? 1352 01:14:55,874 --> 01:14:56,094 Aye. 1353 01:14:56,394 --> 01:14:57,254 Mr. McFarland? 1354 01:14:57,434 --> 01:14:57,794 Aye. 1355 01:14:58,014 --> 01:14:58,914 Mrs. Ezzard? 1356 01:14:59,374 --> 01:14:59,734 Aye. 1357 01:14:59,794 --> 01:15:00,594 Mr. Muhammad? 1358 01:15:00,734 --> 01:15:02,694 Aye. Motion carries. 1359 01:15:04,314 --> 01:15:08,074 We are now in a public hearing. D, finally adopt an ordinance authorizing the 1360 01:15:08,134 --> 01:15:11,734 City of Monroe to take corporate possession of and sell to 1361 01:15:11,794 --> 01:15:15,614 Erica Thomas and Horace Wilson all rights, 1362 01:15:15,714 --> 01:15:19,354 title, and interest that the city may have acquired to 1363 01:15:19,414 --> 01:15:19,804 South 1364 01:15:20,834 --> 01:15:23,674 70 feet, Lot 7, and 1365 01:15:24,954 --> 01:15:25,354 South 1366 01:15:27,034 --> 01:15:29,974 70 feet of West 10 feet of Lot 8, 1367 01:15:31,474 --> 01:15:33,974 Square 7, Bryant's 1368 01:15:34,894 --> 01:15:36,514 South Highland Addition, 1369 01:15:37,534 --> 01:15:39,694 no municipal address, Mark Street, 1370 01:15:41,304 --> 01:15:45,154 Ouachita Parish, District 5, Monroe, Louisiana, by adjudication at 1371 01:15:45,194 --> 01:15:48,944 tax sale dated July 13, 1999, and further 1372 01:15:49,034 --> 01:15:52,654 providing with respect thereto. We are in a public hearing. 1373 01:15:52,694 --> 01:15:53,754 Any public comment? 1374 01:15:57,474 --> 01:16:01,354 Public hearing is now closed. D, finally adopt an ordinance 1375 01:16:01,454 --> 01:16:05,374 authorizing the City of Monroe to take corporate possession of and sell to 1376 01:16:05,434 --> 01:16:09,314 Erica Thomas and Horace Wilson all rights, title, and 1377 01:16:09,394 --> 01:16:13,274 interest that the city may have acquired to South 70 1378 01:16:13,354 --> 01:16:17,014 feet, Lot 7, and South 70 feet of 1379 01:16:17,134 --> 01:16:19,054 West 10 feet of Lot 8, 1380 01:16:20,294 --> 01:16:23,774 Square 7, Bryant's South Highland Addition, 1381 01:16:24,374 --> 01:16:28,354 no municipal address, Mark Street, Ouachita Parish, District 5, 1382 01:16:28,474 --> 01:16:32,434 Monroe, Louisiana, by adjudication at tax sale dated July 1383 01:16:32,574 --> 01:16:36,214 13, 1999, and further providing with respect thereto. 1384 01:16:36,634 --> 01:16:38,634 So moved for final adoption. 1385 01:16:38,674 --> 01:16:39,574 Second. 1386 01:16:39,604 --> 01:16:39,604 Second. 1387 01:16:39,614 --> 01:16:43,514 It's been moved and seconded that we finally adopt this particular 1388 01:16:43,574 --> 01:16:45,034 ordinance. Any public comment? 1389 01:16:47,094 --> 01:16:47,993 Any from council? 1390 01:16:49,154 --> 01:16:51,054 I do have a... What's the address? 1391 01:16:51,854 --> 01:16:52,854 It doesn't say here. 1392 01:16:52,994 --> 01:16:55,754 I know there's no address, but I'm trying to figure out, because I don't understand 1393 01:16:55,814 --> 01:16:57,224 all these coordinates. Wait, I don't- 1394 01:16:57,224 --> 01:16:58,874 Yeah, we have to do that sometimes. 1395 01:16:58,914 --> 01:17:02,703 We have old properties that were never assigned a municipal address, because they 1396 01:17:02,774 --> 01:17:06,574 only get assigned when someone actually lives on the property for the 1397 01:17:06,594 --> 01:17:07,034 first time. 1398 01:17:07,074 --> 01:17:09,254 Can you find that on the map and send it to me? 1399 01:17:09,354 --> 01:17:11,564 I'd like to know exactly what it is on Mark Street. 1400 01:17:11,654 --> 01:17:13,794 Yeah, there's a parcel number. We can give you the parcel number. 1401 01:17:13,934 --> 01:17:16,974 Okay. Any further comments? Madam Clerk. 1402 01:17:17,914 --> 01:17:18,734 Mrs. Ezzard? 1403 01:17:19,094 --> 01:17:19,274 Aye. 1404 01:17:19,434 --> 01:17:20,314 Mr. McFarland? 1405 01:17:20,474 --> 01:17:20,954 Aye. 1406 01:17:21,374 --> 01:17:21,734 Mr. Harvey? 1407 01:17:22,114 --> 01:17:22,494 Aye. 1408 01:17:22,554 --> 01:17:23,274 Mr. Muhammad? 1409 01:17:23,674 --> 01:17:25,554 Aye. That motion carries. 1410 01:17:29,894 --> 01:17:30,114 E, 1411 01:17:31,054 --> 01:17:34,974 we are in a public hearing. Finally adopt an ordinance declaring certain movable 1412 01:17:35,014 --> 01:17:38,934 property located at 911 Orange Street, Monroe, Louisiana, to be 1413 01:17:39,014 --> 01:17:41,954 no longer needed for a public purpose or public use, 1414 01:17:42,654 --> 01:17:45,794 authorizing the sale of said property to Eta Delta Lambda 1415 01:17:45,934 --> 01:17:49,654 Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Educational Foundation, 1416 01:17:49,714 --> 01:17:52,854 Incorporated, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 1417 01:17:53,294 --> 01:17:57,114 33:47:12, and otherwise providing with respect 1418 01:17:57,154 --> 01:18:00,434 thereto. We are now in a public hearing. Any public comment? 1419 01:18:02,074 --> 01:18:03,594 Please give us your name and address. 1420 01:18:05,454 --> 01:18:08,494 I'm Ernest Muhammad, 1013 Griffin Street. 1421 01:18:10,314 --> 01:18:11,854 Happy Tuesday. 1422 01:18:12,934 --> 01:18:13,004 Nice. 1423 01:18:13,074 --> 01:18:14,554 On behalf of the 1424 01:18:16,234 --> 01:18:20,194 incredible Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, we want to thank the 1425 01:18:20,254 --> 01:18:24,054 city for giving us an opportunity to purchase a 1426 01:18:24,094 --> 01:18:27,474 house that we can use for the educational 1427 01:18:27,594 --> 01:18:30,054 purposes of beautifying the city 1428 01:18:30,914 --> 01:18:34,714 and making our city proud of what our fraternity 1429 01:18:34,774 --> 01:18:38,634 does. So, with no further delay, we have our brothers that are 1430 01:18:38,674 --> 01:18:41,614 representing the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. 1431 01:18:41,694 --> 01:18:43,774 Brothers that have joined me, would you please stand? 1432 01:18:47,774 --> 01:18:49,454 One, one, one, one, nine. 1433 01:18:51,594 --> 01:18:52,174 All right. 1434 01:18:53,034 --> 01:18:54,854 Our Alpha Phi Alpha brothers, 1435 01:18:56,274 --> 01:18:59,394 we just want to say thanks to the city, and we're looking forward to 1436 01:19:00,414 --> 01:19:04,314 working hard and beautifying that neighborhood and then being a 1437 01:19:05,014 --> 01:19:05,514 beacon 1438 01:19:07,314 --> 01:19:10,854 for the city and transcend all. Thank you. 1439 01:19:11,094 --> 01:19:11,714 Thank you, sir. 1440 01:19:12,154 --> 01:19:12,313 Thank you. 1441 01:19:12,324 --> 01:19:13,534 Any further public comment? 1442 01:19:16,854 --> 01:19:20,834 We are now out of a public hearing. E, finally adopt an ordinance declaring certain 1443 01:19:20,854 --> 01:19:24,354 immovable property located at 911 Orange Street, Monroe, 1444 01:19:24,434 --> 01:19:28,234 Louisiana, to be no longer needed for a public purpose 1445 01:19:28,394 --> 01:19:32,262 or public use, auth- Authorizing the sale of said property to 1446 01:19:32,362 --> 01:19:32,642 Eta 1447 01:19:33,522 --> 01:19:36,942 Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 1448 01:19:37,002 --> 01:19:40,622 Educational Foundation Incorporated, pursuant to Louisiana 1449 01:19:40,662 --> 01:19:41,542 Revised Statute 1450 01:19:41,722 --> 01:19:44,862 334712 and 1451 01:19:44,922 --> 01:19:47,961 otherwise providing with respect thereto. 1452 01:19:48,222 --> 01:19:49,642 So moved for final adoption. 1453 01:19:49,882 --> 01:19:50,162 Second. 1454 01:19:50,602 --> 01:19:54,422 It's moved and properly second that we finally adopt this ordinance. 1455 01:19:54,822 --> 01:19:55,782 Any public comment? 1456 01:19:57,042 --> 01:19:58,342 Seeing none. Any from council? 1457 01:19:59,402 --> 01:20:01,222 Yes, Mr. Muhammad. 1458 01:20:04,362 --> 01:20:05,962 I am just so 1459 01:20:08,002 --> 01:20:11,982 proud of you all taking the initiative of 1460 01:20:12,962 --> 01:20:16,482 turning this facility into something very 1461 01:20:16,962 --> 01:20:17,482 useful 1462 01:20:18,542 --> 01:20:20,762 within District Four. 1463 01:20:23,282 --> 01:20:24,402 I applaud you all, 1464 01:20:25,962 --> 01:20:26,262 and the 1465 01:20:28,042 --> 01:20:29,302 Ice Cold Men. 1466 01:20:31,662 --> 01:20:35,381 I applaud you all. Job well done, and I 1467 01:20:35,422 --> 01:20:36,212 pray and hope 1468 01:20:37,062 --> 01:20:39,792 that you all will allow some of our elders to come- 1469 01:20:41,172 --> 01:20:45,082 ... and to your facility once it's complete, and 1470 01:20:45,182 --> 01:20:48,682 help you all on any of your educational 1471 01:20:48,782 --> 01:20:49,522 endeavors. 1472 01:20:50,382 --> 01:20:53,082 Again, congratulations on your great work. 1473 01:20:53,662 --> 01:20:54,542 Yeah, good job. 1474 01:20:54,902 --> 01:20:55,322 All right. 1475 01:20:55,642 --> 01:20:56,062 Great job. 1476 01:20:56,382 --> 01:20:57,562 Okay. Madam Clerk. 1477 01:20:59,182 --> 01:21:00,142 Mr. McFarland. 1478 01:21:00,282 --> 01:21:00,722 Aye. 1479 01:21:00,942 --> 01:21:01,702 Mr. Harvey. 1480 01:21:02,002 --> 01:21:02,282 Aye. 1481 01:21:03,042 --> 01:21:03,742 Mr. Muhammad. 1482 01:21:04,002 --> 01:21:04,262 Aye. 1483 01:21:04,382 --> 01:21:05,152 Mrs. Ezernack. 1484 01:21:05,322 --> 01:21:05,962 Aye. 1485 01:21:06,082 --> 01:21:07,622 Congratulations. Motion carries. 1486 01:21:08,422 --> 01:21:10,622 All right, we're down to citizen participation. 1487 01:21:11,662 --> 01:21:12,082 We have a 1488 01:21:13,162 --> 01:21:16,782 long list tonight. Brenda Faye Williams, please give us your name and 1489 01:21:16,962 --> 01:21:17,502 address. 1490 01:21:18,382 --> 01:21:20,502 It's Brenda Joyce. 1491 01:21:20,662 --> 01:21:21,202 Oh, I'm sorry. 1492 01:21:22,162 --> 01:21:24,502 Brenda Joyce Williams. Yes. 1493 01:21:24,722 --> 01:21:28,702 To answer your question a few minutes ago, about that parcel, 1494 01:21:29,322 --> 01:21:33,032 it's probably best described as the northeast corner of Marks and 1495 01:21:33,102 --> 01:21:33,422 Ford. 1496 01:21:33,762 --> 01:21:34,142 Ford? 1497 01:21:34,382 --> 01:21:34,432 Yeah. 1498 01:21:34,482 --> 01:21:35,102 Okay. Thank you. 1499 01:21:35,142 --> 01:21:35,541 Mark and Ford. 1500 01:21:35,582 --> 01:21:37,302 Thank you. Are you joining us live? 1501 01:21:40,582 --> 01:21:42,422 Brenda Joyce Williams. 1502 01:21:42,482 --> 01:21:45,162 Yes, ma'am. My correction. My apologies. 1503 01:21:45,282 --> 01:21:46,822 502 Carlton Avenue, District 1504 01:21:48,282 --> 01:21:48,762 4. 1505 01:21:50,422 --> 01:21:52,822 First of all, I want to say, Mr. McFarland, 1506 01:21:53,982 --> 01:21:57,762 I'm still waiting on those receipts in that ride-through. 1507 01:21:58,602 --> 01:21:59,562 I got the receipts. 1508 01:21:59,602 --> 01:21:59,992 Still waiting. 1509 01:21:59,992 --> 01:22:01,422 I thought you were coming by my office. 1510 01:22:01,602 --> 01:22:03,682 I told you I'd have them for you in a couple of days. 1511 01:22:04,302 --> 01:22:04,381 Okay. 1512 01:22:04,662 --> 01:22:05,322 Do you want them? 1513 01:22:05,402 --> 01:22:09,222 But nevertheless, what I want to do tonight really is 1514 01:22:10,342 --> 01:22:12,062 commend the Monroe Police Department 1515 01:22:12,982 --> 01:22:14,152 and code enforcement, 1516 01:22:15,322 --> 01:22:18,262 because we continue to do what we do in our area. 1517 01:22:19,042 --> 01:22:22,392 And what happened was that they coordinated an 1518 01:22:22,662 --> 01:22:25,742 effort when I took pictures because you 1519 01:22:26,762 --> 01:22:29,232 all say, "You see something, you say something." 1520 01:22:30,262 --> 01:22:34,182 And so we had an individual that was illegally dumping in the 1521 01:22:34,302 --> 01:22:36,242 area, piles of stuff. 1522 01:22:37,282 --> 01:22:40,962 And through the coordination of the Monroe Police Department, the 1523 01:22:41,222 --> 01:22:44,662 code enforcement, they also said that Wildlife and 1524 01:22:44,762 --> 01:22:47,682 Fisheries are now getting involved in things. 1525 01:22:47,722 --> 01:22:51,642 And based on the pictures that I took, 1526 01:22:52,242 --> 01:22:55,862 they were able to, in about 10 minutes, coordinate, 1527 01:22:56,502 --> 01:23:00,102 and they found this person on North 19th 1528 01:23:00,222 --> 01:23:00,582 Street. 1529 01:23:01,622 --> 01:23:03,862 Made them come back to the area- 1530 01:23:04,662 --> 01:23:06,762 ... pick up all that junk- 1531 01:23:07,142 --> 01:23:07,522 Yeah, yeah 1532 01:23:07,922 --> 01:23:10,822 ... that they had piled- ... on the side of the road, and then- 1533 01:23:10,922 --> 01:23:11,662 Where was this? 1534 01:23:11,882 --> 01:23:12,182 Yes. 1535 01:23:14,222 --> 01:23:14,332 What corner was it? 1536 01:23:14,332 --> 01:23:14,502 What'd you say? 1537 01:23:14,542 --> 01:23:15,062 Where was it? 1538 01:23:15,962 --> 01:23:19,462 It was in District Four on the corner of Carlton and Polk Street. 1539 01:23:19,622 --> 01:23:19,902 Okay. 1540 01:23:21,442 --> 01:23:24,402 And they did issue them a citation. 1541 01:23:25,242 --> 01:23:28,842 But the coordinated effort that the police and, 1542 01:23:29,362 --> 01:23:33,022 of course, Tommy James came out. It was like 7:00 something in the morning, so he 1543 01:23:33,062 --> 01:23:36,282 was like, "My breakfast got cold." 1544 01:23:37,272 --> 01:23:41,162 But we just do what we do. When we see something, we 1545 01:23:41,242 --> 01:23:44,962 say something, we take pictures, we call, and I just 1546 01:23:45,022 --> 01:23:48,872 encourage anybody and everybody in their neighborhoods 1547 01:23:48,902 --> 01:23:51,732 to do the same when we're talking about 1548 01:23:52,562 --> 01:23:56,122 trying to make the effort. It's not just 1549 01:23:56,202 --> 01:23:59,742 about complaining to city council. We do what we do. 1550 01:24:00,482 --> 01:24:01,042 That's right. 1551 01:24:01,122 --> 01:24:04,782 Not just in our area, but if we see 1552 01:24:04,862 --> 01:24:08,282 streetlights out, if we see anything 1553 01:24:08,382 --> 01:24:12,021 that's not supposed to be going on, we have 1554 01:24:12,062 --> 01:24:14,662 numbers, and we give neighbors numbers as well. 1555 01:24:15,102 --> 01:24:18,802 But I just really commend them on that particular morning because they did a 1556 01:24:18,842 --> 01:24:22,602 fantastic job. And the police 1557 01:24:22,682 --> 01:24:26,462 officers came, and they just did what 1558 01:24:26,522 --> 01:24:30,302 they do, and Tommy James came and did what 1559 01:24:30,362 --> 01:24:30,582 he 1560 01:24:31,442 --> 01:24:34,922 does, and it was just a wonderful coordinated 1561 01:24:35,102 --> 01:24:37,182 effort that paid off. 1562 01:24:37,252 --> 01:24:37,252 Yeah. 1563 01:24:37,262 --> 01:24:38,922 And so they 1564 01:24:39,982 --> 01:24:43,822 thought that this guy was probably intending to come back, but he 1565 01:24:43,862 --> 01:24:45,982 won't be coming back anytime soon. 1566 01:24:46,572 --> 01:24:47,122 That's good. 1567 01:24:47,782 --> 01:24:51,602 Ms. Brenda, that's called, "I ain't going to stop you from trying, but we're 1568 01:24:51,622 --> 01:24:52,822 about to break you from the habit." 1569 01:24:52,902 --> 01:24:53,062 Oh, okay. 1570 01:24:53,292 --> 01:24:53,582 Right? 1571 01:24:54,762 --> 01:24:55,382 Great job. 1572 01:24:55,562 --> 01:24:57,682 Thank you, Ms. Williams. Pat Turner. 1573 01:25:08,202 --> 01:25:12,102 Pat Turner, 315 Marshall Drive, District Five. 1574 01:25:12,582 --> 01:25:15,762 So I woke up this morning with lots of little yellow 1575 01:25:15,902 --> 01:25:19,802 flags, and I have six lots in 1576 01:25:19,842 --> 01:25:23,662 King Oaks on Marshall Drive. The house and the brick and wrought 1577 01:25:23,742 --> 01:25:27,392 iron fence sits on three lots, and 1578 01:25:28,342 --> 01:25:30,752 my lots to the south of me, there's two, 1579 01:25:31,562 --> 01:25:34,542 and then I have one north of me 1580 01:25:35,514 --> 01:25:39,434 So the little yellow flags were all up and down on the city 1581 01:25:39,554 --> 01:25:43,434 side of the sidewalk. But then I began to see them 1582 01:25:43,454 --> 01:25:46,134 throughout the entire King Oaks area. 1583 01:25:47,304 --> 01:25:49,914 And when I got back, there were some. 1584 01:25:49,974 --> 01:25:52,154 Now, these run parallel to the street. 1585 01:25:52,814 --> 01:25:56,564 When I got back, there was some perpendicular to the 1586 01:25:56,614 --> 01:26:00,494 street in my yard. Help. What is this 1587 01:26:00,574 --> 01:26:00,974 about? 1588 01:26:01,094 --> 01:26:02,274 That's going to be a gas line. 1589 01:26:03,954 --> 01:26:07,863 So is it throughout the neighborhood or just 1590 01:26:07,933 --> 01:26:08,134 isolated? 1591 01:26:08,144 --> 01:26:09,334 The entire neighborhood. 1592 01:26:09,414 --> 01:26:12,874 You probably got a fiber project about to get buried, fiber optic cable 1593 01:26:12,884 --> 01:26:16,674 through Morgan, most likely, in your experience through 1594 01:26:16,714 --> 01:26:20,674 that. They're neighborhoods now, so you'll have a service provider 1595 01:26:20,794 --> 01:26:24,414 within the right of way that's going to underground bury and bore 1596 01:26:24,554 --> 01:26:28,304 lines, if I'm guessing. I can get Morgan to look to see who's pulled permits, but- 1597 01:26:28,354 --> 01:26:31,214 I did make some calls, and that was said. 1598 01:26:31,274 --> 01:26:34,934 But I thought since it was council meeting, I would bring this up in particular. 1599 01:26:34,954 --> 01:26:38,874 And then I also spoke to a student, one of my former students, who's very 1600 01:26:38,914 --> 01:26:42,154 familiar with this type of thing, who has handled insurance claims. 1601 01:26:42,194 --> 01:26:46,134 And here's the concern, especially since I see that it looks like they're 1602 01:26:46,154 --> 01:26:49,853 going to segue into my yard, on the lawn. 1603 01:26:51,814 --> 01:26:55,164 And he says, a lot of times when they come, because these people are not 1604 01:26:55,254 --> 01:26:57,764 often attached to the city, they 1605 01:26:59,114 --> 01:27:03,094 come in, they're contracted from other states, and they come in and 1606 01:27:03,114 --> 01:27:04,494 they do damage. 1607 01:27:05,554 --> 01:27:09,434 And then they give you a number to say, "Okay, file a claim." This is 1608 01:27:09,494 --> 01:27:11,954 very alarming to me, so I'm concerned about that. 1609 01:27:12,854 --> 01:27:16,794 C, I'm concerned about them putting things back, because in 1610 01:27:16,834 --> 01:27:18,394 that area, council will 1611 01:27:19,454 --> 01:27:21,394 attest to the fact it's very well-groomed. 1612 01:27:21,454 --> 01:27:25,274 We edge, we do what we need to do to make the property look nice for the 1613 01:27:25,354 --> 01:27:29,124 most part. And so that's what I'm concerned about, is that we have 1614 01:27:29,154 --> 01:27:30,234 enough headaches 1615 01:27:31,614 --> 01:27:35,154 without having to file claims from people who come 1616 01:27:35,714 --> 01:27:35,834 and 1617 01:27:37,074 --> 01:27:40,904 who are contracted, who have no vested interest in the community, 1618 01:27:41,494 --> 01:27:41,964 but to do their job. 1619 01:27:41,974 --> 01:27:45,654 I will say, Ms. Turner, that I know that AT&T laid fiber 1620 01:27:45,814 --> 01:27:45,994 in 1621 01:27:47,694 --> 01:27:50,914 West Parkview area, and they have to come back and sod it out. 1622 01:27:51,434 --> 01:27:55,334 Are you talking about your bushes may be 1623 01:27:55,374 --> 01:27:55,544 affected? 1624 01:27:55,614 --> 01:27:56,394 I have no bushes. 1625 01:27:56,494 --> 01:27:56,714 Okay. 1626 01:27:56,974 --> 01:27:57,654 I don't do bushes. 1627 01:27:57,664 --> 01:27:58,994 They'll definitely replant your grass- 1628 01:27:59,274 --> 01:27:59,514 Uh-huh 1629 01:27:59,594 --> 01:28:00,594 ... if that's affected. 1630 01:28:01,014 --> 01:28:04,434 Yeah, so anytime somebody's going to dig underground, they'll call and get a 1631 01:28:04,494 --> 01:28:08,254 location of every line. So if you see yellow, for example, that's where a 1632 01:28:08,294 --> 01:28:09,814 gas line is existing today. 1633 01:28:10,104 --> 01:28:10,354 Mm-hmm. 1634 01:28:10,434 --> 01:28:12,674 And so it's an indication of what's currently in the ground. 1635 01:28:12,714 --> 01:28:16,574 But if anybody damages a line, especially like if somebody busts a water 1636 01:28:16,654 --> 01:28:19,574 line, it requires immediate restoration because everything floods out. 1637 01:28:19,614 --> 01:28:23,024 The same thing with gas. So if you have any problem, obviously you can call, but- 1638 01:28:23,514 --> 01:28:23,734 Okay 1639 01:28:23,774 --> 01:28:27,004 ... there's immediate requirements to address anything that's done like that in the 1640 01:28:27,054 --> 01:28:27,434 right of way. 1641 01:28:27,534 --> 01:28:30,284 Okay, and I made another call in there. I heard the timer. 1642 01:28:30,784 --> 01:28:30,784 Okay. 1643 01:28:30,794 --> 01:28:30,904 And 1644 01:28:31,894 --> 01:28:35,634 that Richwood Road, number one, grass still 1645 01:28:35,674 --> 01:28:37,004 tall in the ditches. Thanks. 1646 01:28:37,004 --> 01:28:38,754 Okay. Thank you. Lester Paster? 1647 01:28:46,094 --> 01:28:49,194 Lester Paster, 100 South Point Drive, Apartment 1648 01:28:49,374 --> 01:28:50,134 301. 1649 01:28:51,294 --> 01:28:55,234 About a couple of months ago, I had asked the 1650 01:28:55,294 --> 01:28:56,874 city council and the public 1651 01:28:57,994 --> 01:28:59,394 to read my website, 1652 01:29:00,094 --> 01:29:08,294 justicepaster.com. 1653 01:29:08,994 --> 01:29:12,274 It talks about injustice I've been fighting for over 20 years. 1654 01:29:13,214 --> 01:29:17,174 It's where the city of Monroe, the state of Louisiana, is refusing to obey 1655 01:29:17,254 --> 01:29:19,254 a court order from Court of Appeal. 1656 01:29:21,434 --> 01:29:25,214 Last city council meeting, I asked Councilman Virgil 1657 01:29:25,374 --> 01:29:25,934 Muhammad 1658 01:29:27,014 --> 01:29:27,494 to bring 1659 01:29:29,734 --> 01:29:32,694 to the fore and ask for an investigation of this case, 1660 01:29:33,894 --> 01:29:37,534 and I see he did not do that. Now, when Virgil 1661 01:29:37,614 --> 01:29:41,454 Muhammad was running for office, I came to him and 1662 01:29:41,634 --> 01:29:45,394 I sit down and I talked to him about this order court of appeals that has not been 1663 01:29:45,454 --> 01:29:46,094 carried out. 1664 01:29:46,994 --> 01:29:50,334 So he's very aware that the law is being broke. 1665 01:29:51,124 --> 01:29:55,064 I want my supporters, Black and white, to know that 1666 01:29:56,454 --> 01:29:59,934 the people that's breaking the law, if they was white, 1667 01:30:01,014 --> 01:30:03,814 like Judge Smith, Carl Shaw, 1668 01:30:08,114 --> 01:30:11,294 I wouldn't have a problem with the NAACP, 1669 01:30:11,814 --> 01:30:15,454 Katrina Jackson, Pat Moore, backing me up, 1670 01:30:15,974 --> 01:30:17,554 saying that this is against the law. 1671 01:30:17,774 --> 01:30:19,094 But because they're Black, 1672 01:30:20,714 --> 01:30:23,354 they're trying to keep this here quiet. 1673 01:30:23,674 --> 01:30:27,564 But if they was white, the NAACP would step forward and 1674 01:30:27,654 --> 01:30:28,974 say, "Hey, this is against the law. 1675 01:30:29,134 --> 01:30:30,034 You cannot do this." 1676 01:30:30,834 --> 01:30:34,534 Again, I'm asking the public. 1677 01:30:35,474 --> 01:30:38,914 I have this here on the outside. All you have to do is take a flash drive of it, 1678 01:30:39,034 --> 01:30:41,334 take a picture of it. It'll go straight to my website. 1679 01:30:42,354 --> 01:30:46,334 I'm asking the public to go and see what law that they are 1680 01:30:46,374 --> 01:30:48,974 breaking, that they are refusing to look at. 1681 01:30:49,714 --> 01:30:51,274 A month ago, I told them that 1682 01:30:53,734 --> 01:30:56,874 Proverbs 28:4 say, "They that forsake the law 1683 01:30:57,674 --> 01:31:01,144 praise the wicked." But if you go to 28 and 9, it says, 1684 01:31:01,824 --> 01:31:01,954 "If he 1685 01:31:04,414 --> 01:31:05,334 hears the law, 1686 01:31:08,754 --> 01:31:12,754 his 1687 01:31:12,834 --> 01:31:16,034 prayer is an abomination." God's told against this here. 1688 01:31:16,754 --> 01:31:19,634 I can get nervous. You can say what you want to say about me. 1689 01:31:20,954 --> 01:31:23,774 Paster going to be here. I'm going to keep fighting this case. 1690 01:31:24,674 --> 01:31:25,434 Court of Appeal 1691 01:31:27,774 --> 01:31:31,504 order is clear. This case does not belong to city of 1692 01:31:31,574 --> 01:31:35,034 Monroe. They had no business taking me before their court. 1693 01:31:35,594 --> 01:31:35,794 And 1694 01:31:36,774 --> 01:31:40,014 I'm not going to hire attorney. Court of Appeals, I had the right to counsel, and I 1695 01:31:40,054 --> 01:31:40,654 have a right 1696 01:31:41,474 --> 01:31:41,894 to a 1697 01:31:42,834 --> 01:31:43,734 jury trial 1698 01:31:44,562 --> 01:31:47,542 Go read my website and see what I'm talking about. 1699 01:31:48,282 --> 01:31:48,522 Now, 1700 01:31:49,482 --> 01:31:50,272 I heard a person say a couple of months ago- 1701 01:31:50,282 --> 01:31:51,222 Thank you, Mr. Pastor 1702 01:31:51,262 --> 01:31:51,262 ... 1703 01:31:52,202 --> 01:31:53,261 But I'm going to give you a compliment. 1704 01:31:53,302 --> 01:31:53,422 Don't 1705 01:31:54,402 --> 01:31:54,892 rob yourself of it 1706 01:31:54,892 --> 01:31:56,422 Mr. Pastor, your time is up, sir. 1707 01:31:57,282 --> 01:31:58,322 Your three minutes is up. 1708 01:31:59,802 --> 01:31:59,822 Okay. 1709 01:31:59,862 --> 01:32:00,782 Mr. Muhammad. 1710 01:32:01,142 --> 01:32:03,662 You robbed yourself of a compliment, Mr. Muhammad, but thank you. 1711 01:32:04,882 --> 01:32:08,182 Mr. Muhammad, I'd like to read something for the record. 1712 01:32:08,362 --> 01:32:12,182 And I appreciate Mr. Pastor coming up to discuss this case, 1713 01:32:13,602 --> 01:32:15,042 and he has done so over time- 1714 01:32:15,182 --> 01:32:15,482 Yes 1715 01:32:15,502 --> 01:32:18,822 ... in discussions with the previous attorney, but there is an order from the 1716 01:32:18,862 --> 01:32:21,842 Second Circuit Court of Appeals that does not get discussed in Mr. 1717 01:32:21,922 --> 01:32:25,182 Pastor's presentation. And so I want to read it. 1718 01:32:25,222 --> 01:32:25,721 No, no. 1719 01:32:26,502 --> 01:32:27,162 To give some resolution. 1720 01:32:27,182 --> 01:32:28,482 Mr. Pastor, no. 1721 01:32:28,922 --> 01:32:30,482 I can hear. I want to hear what he has to say. 1722 01:32:30,702 --> 01:32:31,022 Well, just- 1723 01:32:31,462 --> 01:32:35,302 So this is an order from the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal, dated 1724 01:32:35,342 --> 01:32:38,302 October 13th, 2016, almost a decade 1725 01:32:38,342 --> 01:32:41,942 ago. "The applicant, Lester G. Pastor, has filed a 1726 01:32:41,962 --> 01:32:45,622 motion complaining that his case, arising from a 1997 1727 01:32:45,662 --> 01:32:48,901 charge for a violation of Louisiana Revised Statute 1728 01:32:48,981 --> 01:32:52,722 14:401, is not proceeding as ordered by this 1729 01:32:52,742 --> 01:32:56,602 court's opinion in City of Monroe versus Pastor," and then gives the case 1730 01:32:56,642 --> 01:33:00,582 citation, "whereby this court vacated the applicant's conviction 1731 01:33:00,602 --> 01:33:03,562 and remanded the matter to the Monroe City Court for new proceedings. 1732 01:33:04,462 --> 01:33:08,042 Contrary to the applicant's arguments, on remand from this court, 1733 01:33:08,502 --> 01:33:12,202 the prosecutor for the City of Monroe had the authority to dismiss the charge 1734 01:33:12,242 --> 01:33:15,882 against the applicant. Because the charge has been dismissed, 1735 01:33:16,402 --> 01:33:20,182 the case is final, and the applicant is not entitled to a new trial. 1736 01:33:20,832 --> 01:33:24,362 Accordingly, the applicant's motion is hereby denied." Mr. 1737 01:33:24,562 --> 01:33:27,642 Pastor's case has been final. The charges were dismissed. 1738 01:33:28,062 --> 01:33:30,722 The Second Circuit recognized that over a decade ago. 1739 01:33:31,382 --> 01:33:34,102 There is no case to be tried in Mr. Pastor's case. 1740 01:33:34,362 --> 01:33:36,522 That is, the Court of Appeals order that Mr. 1741 01:33:36,762 --> 01:33:40,042 Pastor complains has been violated, the Court of Appeals 1742 01:33:40,182 --> 01:33:43,762 itself has said is not being violated. The case is over. 1743 01:33:45,442 --> 01:33:46,022 Thank you, sir. 1744 01:33:47,462 --> 01:33:50,442 Okay. Lanikia Robinson. 1745 01:33:53,542 --> 01:33:55,522 Please give us your name and address. 1746 01:33:55,822 --> 01:33:59,162 Good evening. Lanikia Robinson, 2700 Stokes- 1747 01:33:59,262 --> 01:34:00,962 Outside, all you got to do is take a picture of it 1748 01:34:01,442 --> 01:34:02,491 ... Monroe. I hope I'm- 1749 01:34:02,942 --> 01:34:06,022 You got to take a picture of it. 1750 01:34:06,122 --> 01:34:08,732 Sorry for being out of order. I just wanted to make a comment, give 1751 01:34:09,722 --> 01:34:13,642 thanks to our mayor and our council for your passing of resolution for 1752 01:34:13,682 --> 01:34:16,002 the Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation. 1753 01:34:16,662 --> 01:34:18,002 We just thank you on behalf of the... 1754 01:34:18,151 --> 01:34:20,982 I'm a board member there, and it's on behalf of the board and the organization, we 1755 01:34:21,002 --> 01:34:24,962 just thank you for your investment in a very important mission 1756 01:34:25,002 --> 01:34:28,042 that we have. That was all. I'm sorry about order. All right. Thank you. 1757 01:34:28,142 --> 01:34:28,962 Thank you so much. 1758 01:34:30,522 --> 01:34:31,622 Gloria Clark. 1759 01:34:33,442 --> 01:34:34,302 I'm good. Thank you. Okay. 1760 01:34:35,262 --> 01:34:36,102 Ebony Johnson. 1761 01:34:37,342 --> 01:34:41,222 That's Ivorra. I'm good. Oh, how you say that? Ivorra. What'd I say? 1762 01:34:41,442 --> 01:34:44,542 Ebony. Ivorra. I'm sorry. You good? 1763 01:34:45,182 --> 01:34:47,662 I'm good. Okay. Thank you. Latasha Larkin. 1764 01:34:51,442 --> 01:34:51,922 Kaya 1765 01:34:52,782 --> 01:34:53,462 Davenport. 1766 01:34:56,102 --> 01:34:57,042 Shana Wilson. 1767 01:34:59,682 --> 01:35:00,682 Tanya Freeman. 1768 01:35:03,662 --> 01:35:04,942 Sheridan Hamilton. 1769 01:35:07,162 --> 01:35:08,402 Kenya Roberson. 1770 01:35:12,302 --> 01:35:14,482 Is it Roberson or Robinson? How you say it? 1771 01:35:14,722 --> 01:35:17,202 It's Robinson, but you've been calling me that for 20 years. 1772 01:35:17,922 --> 01:35:19,742 I'll say Roberson, Robinson. 1773 01:35:19,782 --> 01:35:22,462 It's okay. It's all right. It's okay. 1774 01:35:22,502 --> 01:35:23,162 All right. 1775 01:35:23,662 --> 01:35:27,222 Kenya Roberson on behalf of the Northeast Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, 1776 01:35:27,742 --> 01:35:31,462 and I do want to applaud everyone who took place with 1777 01:35:31,962 --> 01:35:35,602 the LMA conference that you all had this past week. 1778 01:35:35,862 --> 01:35:39,762 It was amazing. However, with that 1779 01:35:39,842 --> 01:35:40,822 being said, and 1780 01:35:41,982 --> 01:35:44,422 I would be doing a disservice to my members 1781 01:35:45,662 --> 01:35:47,222 if I did not address this. 1782 01:35:48,142 --> 01:35:50,452 With that type of magnitude of people 1783 01:35:51,702 --> 01:35:54,362 that you all had coming into the city, 1784 01:35:55,842 --> 01:35:59,372 there were some services that my members feel, 1785 01:36:00,222 --> 01:36:04,042 that I feel as the executive director, and our board 1786 01:36:04,142 --> 01:36:07,542 feels, that a phone call or a meeting 1787 01:36:08,242 --> 01:36:10,642 should have been had with our chamber. 1788 01:36:11,962 --> 01:36:15,942 We had members that could have provided 1789 01:36:16,022 --> 01:36:16,442 feeding, 1790 01:36:17,782 --> 01:36:20,342 maybe breakfast, maybe lunch, 1791 01:36:21,402 --> 01:36:22,142 maybe dinner. 1792 01:36:23,362 --> 01:36:24,492 Not one phone call. 1793 01:36:25,942 --> 01:36:26,882 I was hurt by that, 1794 01:36:28,102 --> 01:36:32,002 because you had over 1,000 people that were serviced by 1795 01:36:32,102 --> 01:36:32,922 one vendor 1796 01:36:35,062 --> 01:36:35,582 every day. 1797 01:36:37,502 --> 01:36:38,962 That's disheartening, 1798 01:36:40,442 --> 01:36:44,362 and that's a lot of missed opportunities for people 1799 01:36:44,442 --> 01:36:47,742 who feed their families through their small businesses. 1800 01:36:48,582 --> 01:36:52,112 And I think going forward, council and 1801 01:36:52,182 --> 01:36:52,582 mayor, 1802 01:36:53,482 --> 01:36:56,372 we're going to have more opportunities because we are growing, 1803 01:36:57,182 --> 01:36:58,822 and they do see it. 1804 01:36:59,622 --> 01:37:02,292 Please make sure that it reflects 1805 01:37:03,862 --> 01:37:04,682 all chambers, 1806 01:37:06,222 --> 01:37:07,242 all businesses. 1807 01:37:08,082 --> 01:37:09,842 Make sure that they have an opportunity. 1808 01:37:10,702 --> 01:37:14,602 How about a meet and greet, or a forum, or 1809 01:37:15,162 --> 01:37:18,792 something to let all of the businesses know that 1810 01:37:18,842 --> 01:37:22,182 these are the opportunities that are available? 1811 01:37:22,202 --> 01:37:25,462 There should have been some type of process that was done. 1812 01:37:25,482 --> 01:37:29,062 But I just think that type of money that was paid out 1813 01:37:29,722 --> 01:37:33,582 for those food, for those five days, it could have 1814 01:37:33,622 --> 01:37:35,062 been spread across the city. 1815 01:37:35,282 --> 01:37:35,662 Exactly. 1816 01:37:35,872 --> 01:37:36,262 Thank you. 1817 01:37:36,722 --> 01:37:37,152 You're welcome. 1818 01:37:37,482 --> 01:37:40,552 Ms. Roberson, just to clarify on that, I'd like to... 1819 01:37:42,682 --> 01:37:45,882 The Louisiana Municipal Association chose the vendor 1820 01:37:46,982 --> 01:37:50,882 We did not pay for the vendor. The Louisiana Municipal Association 1821 01:37:50,942 --> 01:37:52,582 chose the vendor. 1822 01:37:52,642 --> 01:37:54,102 It's not about who pays it. 1823 01:37:56,202 --> 01:38:00,022 I know that there were conversations had, and Mayor, being that you 1824 01:38:00,102 --> 01:38:04,002 are our mayor, you are our advocate for the city of Monroe, 1825 01:38:04,682 --> 01:38:08,482 and you do know that there are various chambers here 1826 01:38:08,622 --> 01:38:12,042 in our area. I didn't receive a phone call, 1827 01:38:12,662 --> 01:38:13,602 not from anybody. 1828 01:38:14,042 --> 01:38:14,122 Yeah. 1829 01:38:14,602 --> 01:38:18,322 And so I know that when it's something 1830 01:38:18,642 --> 01:38:22,391 I see that my members can take part in, I'm texting, I'm 1831 01:38:22,482 --> 01:38:25,752 calling, I'm emailing. I'm trying to get them 1832 01:38:25,802 --> 01:38:26,662 opportunities. 1833 01:38:26,702 --> 01:38:26,762 Yeah. 1834 01:38:27,222 --> 01:38:28,862 I think we missed that. 1835 01:38:29,762 --> 01:38:30,122 Thank you. 1836 01:38:30,582 --> 01:38:34,472 No, and no doubt, you represent well, and you've been here for many 1837 01:38:34,562 --> 01:38:37,042 years, and you represent your people, and I'll never deny you that. 1838 01:38:37,122 --> 01:38:41,052 So you're a very great advocate. I just wanted to, just between you and 1839 01:38:41,122 --> 01:38:44,962 I, so you can communicate, that the LMA rented 1840 01:38:45,002 --> 01:38:48,682 our facility. They chose the vendors. They had the conversations. 1841 01:38:48,702 --> 01:38:49,182 And again, 1842 01:38:50,682 --> 01:38:53,662 no chamber chose it, nobody chose it. 1843 01:38:53,762 --> 01:38:57,502 Just wanted to put that out there, that they hired 1844 01:38:58,062 --> 01:38:58,502 the vendor. 1845 01:38:58,522 --> 01:38:59,442 I'm not saying the pay. 1846 01:38:59,572 --> 01:38:59,572 Yeah. 1847 01:38:59,602 --> 01:39:03,482 I'm speaking of, we all know that in order for, and I won't call their 1848 01:39:03,522 --> 01:39:07,462 business name, but in order for their business to receive that 1849 01:39:07,542 --> 01:39:11,362 type of contract, there had to be some 1850 01:39:11,442 --> 01:39:13,502 conversations. He had to be recommended. 1851 01:39:13,822 --> 01:39:17,762 And all I'm saying going forward, allow all to 1852 01:39:17,802 --> 01:39:20,402 be recommended and then allow them to choose. 1853 01:39:20,542 --> 01:39:24,232 But I know that my phone rang off the hook every 1854 01:39:24,302 --> 01:39:28,262 single day asking me why didn't I, as the executive 1855 01:39:28,322 --> 01:39:29,542 director of the chamber, 1856 01:39:30,422 --> 01:39:34,322 afford them an opportunity. And I had to answer that, because 1857 01:39:34,422 --> 01:39:35,542 I didn't even have an answer. 1858 01:39:35,862 --> 01:39:36,022 Yeah. 1859 01:39:36,802 --> 01:39:38,182 Mr. Chairman, may I? 1860 01:39:38,662 --> 01:39:38,962 Yes, sir. 1861 01:39:39,262 --> 01:39:42,802 Thank you so much, and I do thank you, Ms. 1862 01:39:42,962 --> 01:39:43,782 Robinson, for 1863 01:39:44,762 --> 01:39:47,482 your comments, and I also thank the mayor for his. 1864 01:39:48,142 --> 01:39:51,662 But I need to put this on record that the 1865 01:39:51,722 --> 01:39:53,712 council had absolutely nothing 1866 01:39:54,582 --> 01:39:57,582 to do with that. And just as 1867 01:39:57,642 --> 01:40:01,622 your phone was ringing, mine was ringing, too, 1868 01:40:02,342 --> 01:40:04,842 because there were those that felt like 1869 01:40:06,442 --> 01:40:10,422 they were slighted and that one person shouldn't have got all 1870 01:40:10,482 --> 01:40:11,182 of the business. 1871 01:40:12,042 --> 01:40:15,802 I do agree with you, and everybody know that McFarland shoots 1872 01:40:15,811 --> 01:40:17,382 straight from the hip. 1873 01:40:18,242 --> 01:40:19,501 I do agree with you. 1874 01:40:20,482 --> 01:40:23,282 LMA wouldn't have known about the individual unless 1875 01:40:24,702 --> 01:40:28,162 we are selling that individual. It was a lot of other 1876 01:40:28,242 --> 01:40:31,642 businesses out there. I think we should have shared the 1877 01:40:31,682 --> 01:40:35,602 wealth. We should have had opportunity of others 1878 01:40:35,642 --> 01:40:39,582 to come in and do some things, not just one. 1879 01:40:39,662 --> 01:40:43,302 Was the food great? Yeah, food was great. Did we have a great time? 1880 01:40:43,482 --> 01:40:46,762 Yes. Was it an outstanding convention? Yes. 1881 01:40:47,142 --> 01:40:50,672 But can we do some things better? Yes, indeed, 1882 01:40:51,382 --> 01:40:54,682 and we all need to be involved. I was promised to 1883 01:40:55,562 --> 01:40:56,371 be involved, 1884 01:40:57,402 --> 01:41:00,782 but I never got a phone call as chair 1885 01:41:00,862 --> 01:41:02,982 to be involved in this matter. 1886 01:41:04,682 --> 01:41:05,882 Everything was planned 1887 01:41:07,362 --> 01:41:08,842 with LMA and the mayor. 1888 01:41:09,722 --> 01:41:13,552 But again, I do want to say to the mayor, it was a great 1889 01:41:13,642 --> 01:41:14,242 convention. 1890 01:41:15,222 --> 01:41:16,522 I enjoyed it to the highest. 1891 01:41:17,862 --> 01:41:21,082 But I pray and hope the next go around, whenever it comes here, 1892 01:41:21,682 --> 01:41:25,382 that we can be more involved and everyone 1893 01:41:26,382 --> 01:41:27,022 can be 1894 01:41:27,942 --> 01:41:31,762 in the midst and have a variety of 1895 01:41:31,822 --> 01:41:33,642 foods, especially, 1896 01:41:34,502 --> 01:41:38,222 I was looking for one day to have some good soul food, and we 1897 01:41:38,762 --> 01:41:41,562 never had soul food. All right. 1898 01:41:41,702 --> 01:41:42,102 All right. 1899 01:41:42,132 --> 01:41:46,031 This is a city that's, again, and you may get upset about me saying it, 1900 01:41:46,522 --> 01:41:50,122 but we are 65% African American, and 1901 01:41:50,662 --> 01:41:54,082 they should have had a taste of soul food. 1902 01:41:54,682 --> 01:41:55,502 Thank you so much. 1903 01:41:56,882 --> 01:41:57,562 Did I skip you? 1904 01:41:57,882 --> 01:41:59,282 Yes, sir. You called my name, but you- 1905 01:41:59,352 --> 01:41:59,371 What's your name? 1906 01:41:59,402 --> 01:42:02,262 ... went right past it. Sheridan Hamilton. 1907 01:42:02,522 --> 01:42:03,281 You didn't move. 1908 01:42:03,422 --> 01:42:05,602 When I was looking up, you went to the next name. 1909 01:42:05,822 --> 01:42:05,911 I was like, "Oh." 1910 01:42:05,911 --> 01:42:07,622 I did? Okay. All right. Go ahead, Ms. Hamilton. 1911 01:42:08,781 --> 01:42:08,922 So, 1912 01:42:09,802 --> 01:42:12,302 the Green Acres area has a question about the veto. 1913 01:42:12,382 --> 01:42:15,562 We're trying to see if it affects our area, 1914 01:42:16,242 --> 01:42:17,742 the Section 5 veto. 1915 01:42:19,102 --> 01:42:19,582 What area? 1916 01:42:19,642 --> 01:42:21,402 It was the Green Acres area. 1917 01:42:22,182 --> 01:42:22,252 That- 1918 01:42:22,262 --> 01:42:23,142 The Green Acres subdivision. 1919 01:42:23,202 --> 01:42:26,662 Oh, that was about another item. That wasn't 1920 01:42:26,762 --> 01:42:28,682 about Green Oaks, that was about- 1921 01:42:29,162 --> 01:42:29,762 Green Acres. 1922 01:42:30,372 --> 01:42:30,372 Green- 1923 01:42:30,372 --> 01:42:30,372 Yeah. 1924 01:42:30,392 --> 01:42:30,542 Yeah. 1925 01:42:30,722 --> 01:42:31,782 Green Acres. That wasn't- 1926 01:42:31,972 --> 01:42:31,972 Okay. 1927 01:42:31,982 --> 01:42:32,102 No. 1928 01:42:32,402 --> 01:42:32,802 We were just 1929 01:42:33,602 --> 01:42:34,002 trying to be- 1930 01:42:34,062 --> 01:42:34,072 No 1931 01:42:34,072 --> 01:42:35,442 ... making sure it was in question. 1932 01:42:35,702 --> 01:42:35,862 Thank you. 1933 01:42:35,902 --> 01:42:35,912 No. 1934 01:42:36,122 --> 01:42:37,082 Okay. Thank you. 1935 01:42:37,102 --> 01:42:39,162 Okay. Thank you for your concerns. 1936 01:42:39,652 --> 01:42:41,482 And the final one is Sonya Jacobs. 1937 01:42:46,622 --> 01:42:49,002 Ms. Wallace. 1938 01:42:49,022 --> 01:42:50,542 That's a long ways. 1939 01:42:50,552 --> 01:42:50,682 Mm-hmm. 1940 01:42:55,762 --> 01:42:59,622 Sonya Jacobs, 700 University. Want to bring 1941 01:42:59,682 --> 01:43:02,422 to your attention, it was very uncomfortable 1942 01:43:03,122 --> 01:43:07,082 watching the exchange, the disrespectful exchange. 1943 01:43:08,042 --> 01:43:11,562 We should have better decorum here. 1944 01:43:12,462 --> 01:43:16,362 We expect from our leaders, whether administrative 1945 01:43:16,682 --> 01:43:19,642 or legislative, to have and display 1946 01:43:19,942 --> 01:43:20,802 respect, 1947 01:43:21,962 --> 01:43:25,712 amongst other things. Now, every person on the 1948 01:43:25,862 --> 01:43:26,402 council 1949 01:43:27,262 --> 01:43:31,202 has a significant perspective. So when 1950 01:43:31,282 --> 01:43:34,082 one is expressing their perspective, Mr. 1951 01:43:34,302 --> 01:43:36,722 McFarland in particular, I was learning. 1952 01:43:37,742 --> 01:43:41,282 Oftentimes, we don't know what's going on beyond the 1953 01:43:41,362 --> 01:43:45,002 surface. So as you ask questions, the 1954 01:43:45,082 --> 01:43:46,542 audience is engaged. 1955 01:43:47,482 --> 01:43:51,122 So the lack of decorum and the disrespect, I'm asking the 1956 01:43:51,222 --> 01:43:55,142 chair to better lasso that, so going forward, 1957 01:43:55,562 --> 01:43:59,242 we can learn, and no one is interrupted preemptively. 1958 01:44:00,522 --> 01:44:01,062 Thank you. 1959 01:44:03,582 --> 01:44:03,942 Thank you. 1960 01:44:05,352 --> 01:44:06,402 We stand in adjournment. 1961 01:44:07,642 --> 01:44:08,622 All right. 1962 01:44:10,062 --> 01:44:10,442 Oh. 1963 01:44:11,042 --> 01:44:13,442 Put your toes in.