[0:00] I plead the blood of honor all of us, Father, in Jesus' name. Bless us,

[0:05] strengthen us to bring Balooa back to where it should be in the mighty name of

[0:12] Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen. And amen. So be it. [clears throat]

[0:20] » Attention. Salute. Pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United

[0:26] States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under

[0:32] God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:44] » Can we have roll call? Secretary Edwards.

[0:46] » Councilman Dunway >> here.

[0:48] » Councilwoman Temples >> here.

[0:50] » Councilwoman Hillman >> here. President Irvin

[0:53] » here. >> Councilwoman Douglas

[0:55] » here. >> Vice President Smith

[0:57] » here. Councilwoman Kates >> here.

[1:02] At this time there are no minutes to be approved at this time as we have been

[1:06] working on a lot of stuff and there will be minutes to be approved at next

[1:09] council meeting. Next uh we don't have any recognition awards, no appointments

[1:14] in the nominations. We do have adoptions of resolution. This is an adoption and

[1:19] resolution uh for the wa wastewater treatments

[1:23] improvements. This is introduced by Councilwoman Hillman. Councilwoman

[1:26] Hillman, a resolution is in support of an

[1:31] application for Westwater treatment improvements.

[1:36] » Okay. At this time, do I have a motion? >> A motion.

[1:42] » Do I have a second? >> Second.

[1:44] » All right. Public discussion. We have the people here on hand to answer your

[1:49] questions. Uh we just had came out of a public hearing for the wastewater. Any

[1:54] public discussion on this resolution? >> Mhm.

[1:59] » Debbie, 764 Marshall Goodson Road. Um I just want to make sure that I'm clear on

[2:05] this. It's basically just applying for a grant, right?

[2:09] » Yes, ma'am. It's in It's in uh resolution to support applying of a

[2:14] grant. Yes, ma'am.

[2:18] Anyone else from the public?

[2:23] I hereby close public discussion on this. Any council discussion?

[2:31] They be none. I close council discussion. Roll call. Secretary Overs.

[2:35] » Councilman Dunaway. >> I.

[2:37] » Councilwoman Temples. >> I.

[2:39] » Councilwoman Hillman. >> Hi.

[2:42] » President Irvin. >> Hi. Councilwoman Douglas.

[2:45] » Hi. >> Vice President Smith.

[2:48] » Hi. >> Councilwoman Kates.

[2:50] » Hi. >> Okay. The re resolution to support the

[2:54] application of has passed. Uh thank you all for coming. You're welcome to leave

[2:59] at any time you wish. Uh next we have introduction of

[3:03] ordinances. Uh that's going to be read by Councilwoman Kates.

[3:10] an ordinance to enter into a contract with Surf Corp International

[3:15] Incorporated for the sale of surplus assets.

[3:19] This will be discussed detailed at our next council meeting.

[3:23] » Yes, it will be discussed at the next council meeting. Next, we have we're

[3:27] moving on to public public hearings and adoption of ordinances.

[3:33] Uh this one will be read by me. a ordinance authorizing the physical

[3:39] administrator to enter an agreement with Axon Enterprises Incorporated for taser

[3:44] services and equipment to be used by the Bogaloosa Police Department. At this

[3:48] time, we ask the parties that are going to speak about this to come forward. Um,

[3:54] our representatives are people that's going to speak about it. All right. Be

[4:00] on standby, please. Do I have a motion and a second?

[4:05] » Second. >> Okay. Okay, I got a motion and a second.

[4:11] Now, open up for public discussion. Please come forward to state your name

[4:15] and address for a record. >> Huh?

[4:21] » Right. Uh, you can come forward and state your name and address for the

[4:25] record. >> My name is Major Jeff Burgger. I'm with

[4:28] the Books Police Department, 214 Arkansas Avenue. Um,

[4:33] the reason this is being brought up is because we are needing and desperate

[4:36] needing to upgrade our taser equipment. What we've been

[4:41] what we've been utilizing is out of date, is not in service. We can't find

[4:47] parts for it. This would allow us not only to have something that is better

[4:53] for us, better for the citizens, provide more safety, but it also would provide

[4:58] us with more training tools and cover certifications

[5:03] for the period time period of this agreement

[5:08] and I'm prepared to answer any questions that you may have.

[5:12] All right. Anyone from the public wish to speak about this

[5:19] particular ordinance, please come forward and direct your questions to

[5:23] offer Sir Bersron. >> Okay.

[5:27] » State your name and address, please. >> Debbie Caretti, 764 Marshall Richardson

[5:32] Road. >> All right. Go ahead.

[5:33] » Um, I'm not sure if my questions are for him or for you guys.

[5:38] » Okay. >> So,

[5:41] it's more about contract. So, I'm assuming that would be for you

[5:45] guys, not for the officer. Our questions right now is for the

[5:50] officer. >> No, they can be directed to him because

[5:53] they know about the contract. They're they're aware of the contract.

[5:56] » Okay. So, um I'll start off with pricing then. Um do you know that the city

[6:02] obtained competing proposals or independent pricing comparisons before

[6:07] selecting the $118,000 Axon package? or are we comparing Axon's

[6:14] price only to Axon's own list price?

[6:22] There was information gathered or quotes gathered from a company called Phaser.

[6:27] However, their their product is not nearly as good or as cost effective as

[6:35] this. >> Thank you.

[6:39] Um, do you know what the city's cancellation rights and financial

[6:44] obligations are if the agreement needs to be terminated before 2030?

[6:54] » I don't have that information off the top of my head. However, uh, after this

[6:57] meeting, I'll get you my email address. You can email it to me and I will email

[7:01] you the information back. >> Okay.

[7:05] At the end of the 60-month contract, what equipment does the city own

[7:10] outright? What services or software stop? And what will it cost annually to

[7:15] continue using the system?

[7:21] » If so, the way that Axon works, you don't

[7:27] own any of the equipment. Everything gets leased. And the reason why that

[7:30] happens is if we bought anything outright and it got broken, we'd have to

[7:34] buy a brand new paper, which is upwards of could be several thousands of

[7:39] dollars. As opposed to under this, under the way that they do it now, if one gets

[7:44] broken out in the field or malfunctions for whatever reason, we send them that

[7:49] one, they send us a new one back. This is one for one swap. Um, in fact, in

[7:54] this proposal, we don't even have to pay for the darts that we use every year.

[7:59] uh all the training darts, everything will be supplied by Axon along with all

[8:03] the training materials. >> Oh, I'm sorry. And for the second part

[8:08] of your question, we would have to enter into another agreement after this one is

[8:13] up with >> Okay,

[8:18] let's see.

[8:22] Um, basically the um, if you buy each handle outright, they're like $2,100,

[8:30] which comes to about $47,000, which leaves $70,000

[8:36] for the rest of the program. You feel like everything else that's listed for

[8:44] the rest of the program is absolutely necessary.

[8:50] First off, buying the handles outright is is not really is not as cost

[8:56] effective as this. The what you don't understand or what hasn't

[9:03] been brought to your attention is all of the protection that comes with going

[9:08] through this contract with Axel on the liability side, all the training

[9:13] materials. It is definitely worth Okay, one quick question since I had to

[9:21] share my time. Um, I just am interested to know what fund or budget line will

[9:26] pay the uh approximately $23,000 annual installments through 2030 and has that

[9:34] 5-year obligation been included in the city's financial planning?

[9:43] Yes, that will be because you're already using the taser system now which is

[9:47] costing us more money and that's being replaced by a newer system which will be

[9:52] a cost savings of 30,000. Is that correct?

[9:55] » 29 >> 29 40.

[9:59] » Okay.

[10:02] » 41,000. It' be a cost savings of 41,

[10:06] » right? 40. It'd be 41,000. We looked at that. We're at well that's first thing

[10:11] out of our we we asked was the I said do we have the money and where what are you

[10:17] spending it on now and they were spending on old technology and the old

[10:21] technology was costing us more money this makes sense to go ahead as a cost

[10:25] savings of $41,000 to the city. All right, Miss Preston please state your

[10:30] name and address for record. Ma'am, >> Preston

[10:35] 641 St. Austin Street. >> Yes, ma'am. Go ahead. I had a couple

[10:40] questions and he stated that um it was to replace the old system and my

[10:47] question at that time was does that impede the job we're doing now? Has it

[10:52] reduced the job performance? Has it caused any harm or debt not to have that

[10:58] new upgrade? And for what calendar year on the budget was that allowed for if it

[11:04] was discussed?

[11:13] This is a to put it in a military term for me and

[11:19] that cuz I spend so much time in the military.

[11:21] » I retire milary. >> Okay.

[11:22] » It's a force multiply is the best way to put it. This gives officers and the

[11:28] public more it does provide more safety. It

[11:32] allows the officers to be safer because we have a greater range that we can use

[11:37] this item instead of uh 21 ft with the the system we're using

[11:44] presently. This goes out to 45. So it gives us a greater distance. It also

[11:50] gives more audible. It gives audible tones along with

[11:56] uh visual cues to let somebody know that they need to. It just it gives us

[12:02] another tool in our tool chest instead of having to go hands on with somebody

[12:06] and possibly hurt them if they resist. And it just it keeps our officers safer

[12:12] so that way they don't have to get hurt. Excuse

[12:17] me. But that was not my question. My question was has it impeded the officer

[12:23] caused a decrease cause officers to be injured? Those were my questions now.

[12:30] And what was the life cycle for the old system?

[12:33] » The old system had stopped being supported in 2014. So the it's a old

[12:39] model should have been exempted over 18 eight years ago which was when this

[12:44] council was in place. >> Uh I can't speak on any of that but I

[12:49] what I will say is we are not the only law enforcement agency that is running

[12:53] into this >> right and I understand that cuz I do

[12:56] want our police force to have >> equipment. My thing is by the urgency

[13:03] under a new under a fiscal administration we were financially

[13:07] strapped would we be looking at this as an option at this time and date and if

[13:14] we can't say what budget year it's not really fully vetted because you're not

[13:19] telling us in her portion on what budget line. Yeah, you can email it to us and

[13:25] you say you've discussed it, but we we're looking for it on the final budget

[13:30] for this year, for that fiscal year, and the year after. So, we have to know

[13:35] which fiscal year it's identifying. And that's why we're concerned about that.

[13:40] » I understand what you're saying >> at this time.

[13:42] » The the fiscal stuff you're going to have to speak with, I would say, Mr. Bob

[13:47] on that, >> but they never I applaud you to come.

[13:52] But I I will say this this we cannot get batteries

[13:59] parts or any more cartridges for the tasers that we are presently used and a

[14:05] taser is a huge >> So the taser system is down.

[14:11] » It's not down but we can't get anything. We cannot get anything to if we like if

[14:19] we're officer broke a taser right now. They just won't have a taser. We don't

[14:23] have a taser to kill and we only have so many cartridges left over and even if

[14:28] their battery dies, we don't have a spare one.

[14:30] » That should be a part of the police's budget.

[14:32] » Well, it is part of the budget. The problem is it's not that we can't it's

[14:37] not that the money is not there for us to purchase it. Is that there's nowhere

[14:40] to purchase it. >> Mhm.

[14:42] » Okay. So talking about military turning the parts are

[14:49] obsolete at this time. >> It's been obsolete for a minute. This is

[14:52] the same time, right? So I understand it's been a

[14:58] long time. >> Why?

[14:59] » Mhm. >> Okay. Hang on, mayor.

[15:04] » Yeah, I have a question because I'm hearing a contradiction here. Uh the

[15:08] council was saying they have seen that it's more expensive to keep the current

[15:13] setup but you're saying that you are not able to order the parts. So I mean which

[15:18] one is it? Are we spending the money or are we not spending the money?

[15:22] » If you find parts for it, it is way more expensive than what it used to be. But

[15:28] it trying to find them is you just can't do it.

[15:35] And the we also looked at the taser 7 which is the iteration before this one

[15:42] Mr. Matt and Taser's about to stop supporting that one as well.

[15:47] That's why we chose it. >> Right. And to be clear, I'm not arguing

[15:51] for or against. I'm just hearing contradiction. I'm trying to seek

[15:54] clarification because again the city council is saying they've been briefed

[15:58] and they they asked questions and they saw that it was more expensive. We're

[16:02] spending more money right now. But then you're saying that you're not able to

[16:06] find the parts to spend the money and when you are able it's like a needle in

[16:10] a hay stack if I'm hearing you correct >> that it's it is extremely hard to find

[16:14] parts and it is when you do find them it is expensive and unfortunately

[16:21] to keep using the system we're using it would be more expensive in the long run

[16:26] just to find even cartridges to to use it would is astronomical

[16:33] » compared to And and there was one other thing too

[16:36] that was also discussed. So y'all know this was legal in the event because this

[16:42] one is no longer being supported. The company would not come to court anymore

[16:48] with it. The old the old company would not come in but the new company will

[16:52] defend you in court if properly used. >> Axon does not they will not come to your

[16:58] to your aid and back your training or anything. So this is definitely a

[17:02] riskmanagement tool as well. >> Risk management. Yes. Okay. Gotcha.

[17:08] All right. Mr. McNab, please come forward. State your name and address.

[17:11] Sir. >> John McNav 202 Germany. Um my concern is

[17:17] more with the evidence software. Uh after doing some research into Axom and

[17:24] uh potential uh contracts or collaborations with companies such as

[17:29] Flock Safety, um I found an article that appears to be from Flock Safety where

[17:34] they made a reference to Axon potentially ending the contract with

[17:38] Flock Safety. Um and so I guess I'm just trying to seek clarification. Is Axon

[17:44] still working with flock and integrated into the flock system or is this going

[17:49] to be separate? >> This has nothing to do with the flock

[17:54] system. >> This is just purely for the tasers.

[17:58] » Okay. So the the evidence software and Axon is divested from the flock at this

[18:04] point. >> I can't speak for Axon. However, all I

[18:09] can speak on is that this has nothing to do with a flock system.

[18:18] » Okay. Anyone else please come to for state your name and address for the

[18:24] record 27.

[18:28] » Okay. And this is my thing about potatoes. And I understand

[18:35] police safety, but I want to talk about public safety

[18:39] when it comes to potatoes. About four years back, I had somebody

[18:44] from my community that we still don't know the answer to what happened, but we

[18:49] getting that he died because he was hit with a taser after he had been in the

[18:56] water. and and we have never, you know, really

[19:01] got over that. We still remember that from my community

[19:06] and I just want to know from y'all if we do get this new taser since are

[19:13] they going to be used properly? Is public safety going to be one of the

[19:17] primary reasons for getting these tasers in? And it the taser say don't hit

[19:23] somebody with it when they wet you know and it's going to amplify what you know

[19:28] the taser it's going to make it probably a thousand times worse than it would if

[19:32] you drop it they already have effect on people when they drop cuz you see when I

[19:36] see when they hit them they drop to the ground.

[19:39] So I just want the system to be used correctly by anybody who's politely

[19:46] address that. >> So this is for for everybody's

[19:52] understanding how a taser works is this enters the inter m or the skeletal

[19:57] muscle system. Basically imagine a big Charlie horse of a cramp across your

[20:04] body. That's why people fall to the ground. Also, this taser system has less

[20:11] voltage than the one that we currently use. The young man that he was

[20:15] referencing that had nothing. He did not die because

[20:20] of a taser.

[20:25] That That was clear. He did not die because of a taser.

[20:33] » Anyone else from the public wish to speak about this matter?

[20:38] They be none. I close public discussion. Council discussion. Anybody from the

[20:43] council have a question? >> The only uh the only discussion that I

[20:49] have looking on the section on policy training or accountability

[20:54] as far as the company will do the training for who will be responsible for

[21:00] the training proper training. So we already have an instructor whom is

[21:04] certified but this carries his instructor certificate for the next five

[21:10] years. Um we are we h we do have a use of force

[21:15] policy >> and that is in place and everything will

[21:20] be followed by that policy and as a as the training coordinator for

[21:26] the department I will ensure that training happens correctly

[21:31] » and the repercussions if not followed by the policy.

[21:34] » Absolutely. I was asking what would be repercussions

[21:39] if not followed by the policies. >> It would depend on what situation.

[21:43] » Yes ma'am. Which [clears throat] is why the evidence system is a part of it

[21:46] because you can download the logs from the taser, find out how it was deployed,

[21:50] when it was deployed, stuff like that. Along body camera footage, all that goes

[21:55] in.

[22:00] » Mr. Bjon, I do have a question as well. Yes, ma'am. Um each year during the

[22:04] training um it states that the officers will receive training once a year to

[22:10] sustain the reertification. >> Yes, ma'am.

[22:13] » And um what about the new officers that are coming on? Um you said you're going

[22:17] to be over with the program. How long will they um after they are hired? How

[22:25] long would it take for the new officers to um gain your certification? They'll

[22:31] gain their certification before they go to the academy.

[22:33] » Before they go to the academy, >> just like the past the past four that we

[22:39] sent to the academy, they got certified prior to um the young lady we sent to

[22:44] the academy. This this uh academy, she got hers prior to

[22:49] » Okay. So, prior to um going to the academy, they received their

[22:54] certification. Once they um come on board then it will

[22:58] be your obligation to make sure yearly that they receive a reertification.

[23:03] » Yes ma'am.

[23:08] » And another question I do have um the the prior equipment goes 21 ft. The new

[23:15] equipment will be 45 ft with less voltage. Correct.

[23:18] » Correct. And is that for persons who maybe um

[23:24] could you tell me the why the from 21 ft to 45 and I'mma ask and then you can

[23:31] tell me why because most people run or >> it's

[23:38] so the reason why it produces less voltage per dart is because this system

[23:45] allows for an officer to do what's called a follow-up shot. So, pri the

[23:50] prior taser, you fired a cartridge, two darts came out. Excuse me. And if you

[23:57] missed with one probe, it didn't work. So, with this one, you fire a probe, you

[24:04] have a follow-up shot, which connects the circuit. And if it's not a good

[24:08] circuit, it allows you to follow another shot where it will connect to the best

[24:13] circuit. That's why it has less voltage. And do you feel more comfortable with

[24:19] your new training, with the new equipment, the new taser that it will be

[24:23] way better than what we're using previous?

[24:26] » Absolutely. Especially with the integration of the VR system where we

[24:31] will get extensive training in deescalation.

[24:35] » Okay. And I do see and I did read where the um cartridges will be replaced

[24:42] as often with no cost at all. >> Correct.

[24:45] » To the city. Okay. Thank you so much. >> You're welcome.

[24:49] » Any other council discussion? >> I just want to reference on page one to

[24:53] 16. >> Turn on your mic, please,

[24:56] and pull it close to you. >> I just want to reference that um in your

[25:01] packet from pages 1 to 16. Everything that Mr. Burgon just went through, you

[25:07] can read it yourself on page 1 to 16.

[25:18] I have a question >> specifically about deescalation

[25:23] training. How often are you all going to be giving that training to the

[25:26] department? >> We give the escalation training now, Mr.

[25:30] Mayor. However, this gives us another tool to use with the VR training

[25:35] » instead of having to but it to answer your question yearly.

[25:42] I think I would suggest that we try to do it twice a year because I mean you

[25:49] are adding new capabilities here like as you just stated instead of shooting

[25:53] someone once you can shoot twice and I think that creates a concern because we

[26:00] have a lot of younger officers who are still running you know they're still uh

[26:06] they're still coming becoming a a model police

[26:10] officer. You know what I'm saying?

[26:12] » I understand what you're saying. And the one the one time or the annual training

[26:17] is a minimum requirement. >> It's not the only time we will be

[26:21] offering that training. It is a minimum requirement along with all the

[26:26] additional training that is required of us. On top of that,

[26:35] okay, there be no other discussions. I ask for Secretary Edwards. Ask for

[26:40] roll call, please. >> Councilman Dunaway.

[26:43] » Hi. >> Councilwoman Temples,

[26:45] » I. >> Councilwoman Hillman,

[26:48] » I. >> President Irvin,

[26:51] » I. >> Councilwoman Douglas,

[26:53] » hi. >> Vice President Smith,

[26:55] » I. >> Councilman Kates,

[26:58] » I. >> All right. Next, we have an ordinance to

[27:02] be read by uh Councilman Dunaway. Sir, >> an ordinance ratifying the declaration

[27:07] of an extreme public emergency by the city of Olus regarding the clout of the

[27:12] 48 in strange cover on Avenue B. That was behind the national door there.

[27:26] Just to bring everybody up to speed, this has already been resolved. It was

[27:30] behind the National Guard unit. Uh it was quickly resolved. It's just that uh

[27:34] just a matter of us. We had about $50,000 set aside for the emergency. Uh

[27:41] it came in at $46,000 uh and $54.73.

[27:45] Less than what we thought it would be. At this time, I ask for a motion and a

[27:49] second. >> Make a motion.

[27:52] » All right. Now, public discussion. Anyone from the public wish to speak

[27:56] about it? Please state your name and address. Your three minutes will start

[27:58] after you state your name and address. Debbie Cetti, 764 Marshall Richardson

[28:03] Road. Um questions on

[28:13] in the contract it says um the section three this actually from the ordinance

[28:20] before um section three requires verification of market rate pricing. Who

[28:27] performed that verification? And is the documentation supporting the labor,

[28:32] equipment, and material rates available for council review?

[28:40] » Can I just continue with my questions? >> Yes, ma'am.

[28:43] » What exactly was repaired for the 46,000 some odd dollars? Like how many feet of

[28:51] failed 48 in culvert were removed and replaced? And I assume this is the

[28:57] complete and final cost with no additional invoices expected.

[29:02] Um the ordinance describes a 26 ft sinkhole.

[29:06] What does the 26 ft measure and what material was used to back fill the

[29:12] excavation? I don't see a substantial quantity of field on the contractor

[29:17] worksheets. Did the city supply it separately? And if so, what did that

[29:21] cost? And again, what is the what fund is

[29:26] paying the 46,000 some odd dollars? And is any portion eligible for

[29:32] reimbursement through insurance, FEMA, state in infrastructure funding, or

[29:39] another source? Can you explain how the West 7th Street

[29:44] locations on the contractor worksheets relate to the 48 inch culbert and sink

[29:50] hole described in the ordinance as being behind the old National Guard Armory on

[29:56] Avenue B. And that's it.

[30:02] I'm really curious about that last question.

[30:07] Everybody says it's behind the old National Guard Armory, but all of his

[30:10] just say West 7th Street. >> Put this in a nutshell. Mr. Corsetti, it

[30:17] was a huge cover which services the basically

[30:23] everything back that direction like you're going

[30:29] back towards the stadium. Everything was coming down that one area and it was

[30:34] causing flooding conditions back in the back. Everything comes down that one

[30:39] culvert and it was explained to me by public works director that way. And they

[30:46] when they go and get these people, they basically

[30:50] uh they're looking for somebody that

[30:53] actually can come out and actually is insured. There's a lot of contractors

[30:58] that are out there. so-called insured, but they're insured to doing residential

[31:03] stuff, not for the city. So, uh that's that's how they came about this one

[31:09] here. Now, if the physical administration wishes to chime in and

[31:15] discuss anything further about this and how we arranged at that, arrived at that

[31:22] public works director. >> Public works director. Okay. So, but

[31:26] that's how we wound up with Mr. grading and he done it for under what we thought

[31:30] it would be. We thought it was going to be about $50,000. It was a major

[31:34] undertaking. It took few days to fix and it was done. I saw the hole and it was a

[31:40] lot bigger. >> The hole

[31:41] » the hole was directly behind the National Guard Armory as you go up the

[31:47] where the uh meal trucks come down. It was on the back side of the armory is

[31:54] » so I'm confused. >> Okay. If the culver broke at West 7th

[31:59] Street, >> Uhhuh.

[32:00] » how did it make a sinkhole behind the National Guard Armory?

[32:06] » I guess they're using that for reference. The closest street that Cuz I

[32:10] don't that's what I'm I'm just guessing. >> Yeah.

[32:13] » Fourth Street would be the closest street.

[32:16] » Okay. >> All right. It's just odd [clears throat]

[32:19] as those addresses on the work orders and

[32:25] » either which way the water flows. >> But it was a it was a big

[32:31] » it was a big culvert. It's 48 in. I >> I did see some and then before I got

[32:37] down there there was photos and everything that was taken. We saw the

[32:40] photos and it was in some previous agendas

[32:44] » uh that we saw the photos in last agenda. So, you never really saw

[32:48] anything at the West Street address, son?

[32:51] » I I don't know. I don't know them streets that well.

[32:54] » I'm just going to tell you. I can look and say there was a hole in the ground

[32:58] and there was a covert being replaced and people working on it

[33:00] » and it was all right there at the armory.

[33:02] » Yes. Behind the armor inaccurate descriptions on his work orders. It

[33:07] » It probably does. I'll have to ask about that situation. But let me

[33:13] ask about streets.

[33:18] Okay. Thank you, Miss Crocetti. Anyone else that's come before, state your name

[33:22] and address for the record.

[33:26] John McN 202 Derby. Um, just trying to wrap my head around what caused this

[33:33] emergency. Is is it a possibility that this is a culprit that may have

[33:37] collapsed or is this one that uh due to excessive flooding may have popped up

[33:42] out of the ground or what exactly was the nature of this?

[33:47] » It was collapsed. I >> was told it would it collapsed.

[33:50] » It collapsed. Okay. Is there any possibility

[33:53] » breakage on infrastructure under and it flooded down and it caused behind the

[33:58] armory [clears throat] to actually um collapse and break into to go down.

[34:04] » Okay. So this is a this is a subset of of drainage infrastructure that

[34:08] collapsed um and that's what led to the to the sink. Is there a possibility that

[34:14] the mill trucks going up and down that road consistently led possibly led to

[34:19] the rapid deterioration of this The reason is we we previously this year

[34:27] on the IT application >> and my concerns are if the

[34:30] infrastructure is going to start costing us significant money

[34:32] » they need to call need to re-evaluate those IT applications moving forward.

[34:38] » Thank you John.

[34:43] » Okay 641 St. Augustine Street. Is this the

[34:48] same one that you guys requested the emergency funding for? You said that the

[34:52] work had already been done and that you was going to get back to us on the

[34:56] numbers. >> Yes.

[34:59] » Do we have that? >> Yes, ma'am.

[35:02] » It's in the packet. It's $46,054.

[35:10] » Thank you. You're welcome. >> Anyone else from the public? That'd be

[35:15] all our closed public discussion at this time. Council discussion.

[35:21] » I have a discussion. I would just like to point out for the record that I feel

[35:27] disappointed. Uh the last time the public asked you

[35:31] all questions when you voted on the emergency ordinance. You all stated that

[35:36] you would study up on it and have answers. And so far they're a public is

[35:42] asking simple questions while we're giving vague answers or descriptive

[35:46] answers. Oh, it was a big sinkhole. My main concern is half of the city

[35:50] believes that public works fits this issue. Mr. Teddy Drummond put a sign on

[35:55] Willis Avenue that says, "Thank you to public works for fixing this issue."

[36:00] the the public works plumbers have privately told residents that they fixed

[36:06] the issue, but we had a contractor and now Miss

[36:11] Corsier has brought up some invoicing concerns. Nobody on the council has

[36:15] answers for it and Mr. Irvin with all due respect to telling Miss Corset, "Oh,

[36:21] you know, I I didn't I didn't look at it that way. Had we brought you all a

[36:26] contract for 46,000, you all would have caught that discrepancy.

[36:31] So, I believe that as I started, I'm I'm disappointed because I feel like you all

[36:35] should have more answers. The fiscal administrator is receptive to you all.

[36:39] He communicates with you all. You all have inside knowledge. His last report

[36:44] said that he speaks to this case on a near daily basis. So, I would expect you

[36:48] all to have more answers.

[36:54] That's not

[36:59] uh I do >> I do wait a second. I want to reply to

[37:03] that because first off that sign that has thank you public works is for

[37:09] something totally different. Has nothing to do with the council. It was done by a

[37:14] private individual that has nothing to do with that work that was done up the

[37:19] hill behind the armory. And we were invited and told that day that the work

[37:24] was starting. >> So we we were aware of it. And then we

[37:28] were quoted. I said, "How much is this going to cost us? Shouldn't be over

[37:32] $50,000." I said, "Okay." So, it was treated by

[37:36] emergency as per charter, city charter, and we did go to the uh uh we did go to

[37:44] the fiscal administrator or the fiscal administrator was already aware of it by

[37:48] the time we got around to it, but we were aware in real time about the about

[37:52] the situation. So, I I don't there's nothing else can

[37:58] be said. a huge drain line, a water cover, the best way to explain it, was

[38:05] damaged. That was a main service for the rest of the upper upper

[38:12] parts of the city, including the stadium and Baloosa High School and all. It had

[38:16] to be tended to. Um, for verification, the sign that says

[38:21] public works, that is a drainage that the city has that when those chip trucks

[38:27] come through there, the chips fall in there and people were questioning about

[38:31] it flooding. >> So, the city told it works fix that.

[38:36] That had nothing to do with the emergency

[38:40] of all of all the 26 sinkhole. When this happened, Mr. Don Jones had the

[38:45] authority to go ahead and do this. Then he gave us what had happened

[38:50] because it was an emergency. So therefore he had to work to get it done.

[38:56] Him and the physical administrator then he told us. So when you see that that's

[39:01] how much it cost 460 5473.

[39:06] So they like I said that was Mr. Don Jones. It had nothing to do with the

[39:11] physical. And then

[39:14] » and also that's all it's already in place for emergency. Grady Crawford

[39:20] prescription is a company that's already in place for the city of Balooa for when

[39:26] emergencies do happen or derive they're in place to come in and take care of

[39:30] this situation before the matter gets even worse.

[39:35] So, um, does anyone feel that we're not asking or answering the questions

[39:41] correctly? >> Okay, thank thank you. Uh, my

[39:48] » I'm sorry.

[39:54] » Our public discussion would be almost prove my point. You had

[40:00] more answers about a sign than you did about what Miss Cortevi asked you about.

[40:05] She asked you very specific but elementary level questions and you all

[40:10] couldn't answer. Everybody's quiet but you can aha assign. Focus on the real

[40:16] issue here. The invoice. We're talking about an invoice. Get answers for the

[40:20] invoices. If if Miss Cor said you would like, I'll ask her questions again and

[40:24] maybe you can we'll give you a second chance to answer them. because you're

[40:28] saying you're answering questions, but you all do not answer our questions.

[40:35] » In the packet that we have, it tells you everything you need to know. The

[40:39] Bogalista City hereby officially raises everything. Section 1, 2, 3, and four.

[40:44] There's your answers right there. And then over here on the next page, it

[40:52] tells you how much we paid them. I don't know what else we could do for

[40:57] Mr. That's not in your packet. That's not in your hand.

[41:00] » And let me concern that the work order.

[41:08] » One of my concerns as having 30 years experience in

[41:12] accounts payable. Um I was diligent to make sure that invoices reflected the

[41:21] actual work that was done. Mhm. >> The addresses that are on the work

[41:24] orders have absolutely nothing to do with where the work was done.

[41:30] » This could be somebody's mama's house. I don't know.

[41:34] » There isn't.

[41:41] » Well, that's um that's why you watch and see those kind

[41:46] of things. But the addresses that are on the work hardest don't have anything to

[41:51] do with the work y'all are saying was done behind the National Guard arm.

[41:56] Okay. Well, let me clear something up. Our job is to legislate.

[42:01] These people give us this and tell us this is what they do. They give us the

[42:06] information and we either pass it or we don't. If

[42:11] you need a question about an address, Mr. John Jones will help you. If you

[42:16] have anything about the money, make sure you all

[42:23] » Okay. Okay. And the last thing it is going to be

[42:29] anytime any name and address 764 Richardson Road.

[42:35] » Next time we have emergency calls out, we want pictures of the problem.

[42:40] » We do. And once we see the pictures of the problem, we'll be knowing where this

[42:44] work is being done. That's your problem. You don't have pictures or documents to

[42:50] file. We did on a previous uh uh to address that, Mr. Cetti. You did we did

[42:56] have one on the previous agenda on the last packet. That is a fact. We saw the

[43:00] photos and yes, that did actually take place. Yes, sir.

[43:07] » Okay. >> Every time.

[43:10] » Okay. Just like you come in here for the pledge of allegiance.

[43:13] » Public discussion is closed. >> Council discussion.

[43:20] » Okay. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Dunaway.

[43:23] » Hi. >> Councilwoman Simples.

[43:26] » Hi. >> Councilwoman Hillman.

[43:28] » I. >> President Urban.

[43:30] » I. >> Councilwoman Douglas.

[43:32] » Hi. >> Vice President Smith.

[43:35] » Hi. >> Councilwoman Kates.

[43:37] » Hi. >> All right. Next one is what uh ordinance

[43:41] to be read by Councilman Kates. >> An ordinance requested by the plan is on

[43:45] a commission for Lagard Law Fund to adopt a permanent monument monument

[43:51] signed at 413 Austin Street, Beloo, Louisiana. Where is planning zoning? Uh,

[43:58] the city of Belaloosa, state of Louisiana city is planning commission

[44:02] request permanent funment sign for Lavar Law Firm at 413

[44:10] Austin Street. Um, this particular

[44:16] application was submitted to Planet and Zone by Lagard. Uh, and the date

[44:24] like it

[44:34] was signed

[44:40] and then there's a uh a work order that was created by Lardo sign for this

[44:49] kitchen sign and this Give you a little bit of background

[44:55] on that guard.

[45:12] Okay. the guard law building uh Babusa uh was famous for the recent feature in

[45:19] the movie where they talk about centers. Um the building details

[45:26] um

[45:30] was founded in in the early 1900s and became known as Magic City due to its

[45:36] explosive growth. Okay. And the city has evolved around uh Lagard

[45:46] law firm because of his historic places been placed on the national register of

[45:51] of historic places in 198 and this is an upgrade for uh the

[45:58] particular law firm within the city of Baloosa.

[46:08] All right. Do I have a motion? >> So move.

[46:11] » Okay. I got a motion and a second. All right. Would the petitioner please come

[46:16] forward that's representing anyone that's representing Lagard Law Firm?

[46:28] » Good afternoon. Please state your name and address for the record. Veronica

[46:32] Thomas Law at um well we have a couple addresses so

[46:37] » uh the address of the law firm that we're we're discussing

[46:41] » the building

[46:48] street. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. Uh and you're here to

[46:53] petition us for uh the sign sign application. All right. Now we're set.

[46:59] Uh we have a motion and a second already. We have our petitioner. Anybody

[47:04] from the public wish to ask questions to the Lagard law firm about their sign?

[47:14] » All right. Public discussion is closed. Council discussion.

[47:19] » I don't see any harm in there. There's no law stating that they can't have a

[47:25] » Okay. >> There's no law. I studied it. Exactly.

[47:30] » The location of the sign is on the back. >> Yes.

[47:33] » No certification is needed.

[47:39] » All right. Any other council discussion? [clears throat]

[47:42] » Okay. Uh, may I have roll call? Secretary Edwards.

[47:45] » Councilman Dunaway. >> Hi.

[47:47] » Councilwoman Temples. >> Hi.

[47:49] » Councilwoman Hillman. Hi. >> President Irvin.

[47:52] » I. >> Councilman Douglas. Hi.

[47:55] » Vice President Smith. I. Councilwoman Kates I

[48:01] » All right. >> Thank you. You You can now get your sign

[48:05] and thank you for investing. >> Thank you. Thank you.

[48:09] » Beautiful. >> Thank you. All right. That concludes our

[48:12] business portion of the meeting. At this time, we have administrative remarks.

[48:17] Mayor, >> I would just like to say thank you all

[48:21] for coming out. I think we all we all need to make sure that we are staying

[48:26] cool, super hot outside. Uh he advises all the time to just make sure you're

[48:32] keeping yourself hydrated. I also think every resident in the city

[48:38] should check their voter registration. Uh there is a huge number of people I

[48:44] think a half a million if I'm if I'm remembering correctly that are

[48:50] being purged from the voter role. So just make sure that you check your voter

[48:54] registration. I had a lady call yesterday uh and they had her registered

[48:59] in a totally different parish and she voted in Washington parish her entire

[49:03] life. So it's something crazy going on. Let's make sure that you are properly

[49:08] registered. Uh, what's that? I >> Okay, there being no more administrative

[49:16] remarks, at this time we're going to start with council remarks. Council uh

[49:20] Councilman Dunaway, >> I thank y'all for coming out. Y'all have

[49:23] a great weekend coming up. >> Councilwoman Kates,

[49:28] » thank you everyone for coming out tonight. Thank you for your patience

[49:32] with us tonight. continued prayers for us, uh the council, the administration,

[49:40] um the fiscal administrator, the media, we

[49:45] just need continued prayers. Congratulations once again for those of

[49:50] you that are on campaign trail and uh as was indicated, please check your your

[49:56] voter registration uh status here. uh check to see if anyone needs to be on a

[50:02] absent people uh form uh application or if they need to be if they're out of the

[50:10] in the military, out of the country, you know, check all those statuses for

[50:15] people that will be uh voting in upcoming election on November 3rd.

[50:23] Thank you, >> Councilwoman.

[50:28] I would just like to take this time to thank everybody for coming out. Um,

[50:33] thank you to Southside um, family for the event this weekend. It was very

[50:38] nice. Everyone came out and enjoyed themselves. So, thank you for everyone

[50:42] who made that event possible. Thank you for everyone in the city who has been

[50:47] putting on the back to school bashes to make to make sure and ensure that the

[50:52] kids have um the supplies as well as the book sets that they need. Um and just

[50:59] congratulations to all teachers for taking on that task. Also, I would like

[51:03] to um bring to everyone's attention that the Washington Parish um library will be

[51:09] um coming to Angie. They're going to receive a new library. So, we're excited

[51:13] for everything that's happening in the parishes as well. Um let's remember to

[51:18] keep each other in prayer, keep each other lifted. Let's pray for the Bere

[51:22] families at this time and just say a prayer for um Baloosa um that

[51:29] we're able to unite um to be a better city

[51:34] and to be better at everything that we do. And um just thank you guys. Thank

[51:40] you for everyone who got up to the podium and spoke. Your concerns are very

[51:44] important and may God continue to bless each and every one of us. Thank you.

[51:51] Councilwoman Douglas, >> just want to say good evening. Thank

[51:55] everyone for coming. Remember, our kids just went back to school. Please watch

[52:00] out for them. Thank you, >> Councilwoman Hilman.

[52:05] I have a voice. >> All right. Councilwoman Temples.

[52:10] All right. I want to thank everyone. Just keep the city in your mind. Uh

[52:14] prayers. Uh, as I've been about the the as I've been about the campaign trail,

[52:20] there's four families that are uh three of the four are very very sick and I

[52:27] hate to say it, probably won't be here for election time. Uh, keep those people

[52:33] in their prayers. And, uh, my my I pray for all of y'all every night. I really

[52:40] do. uh that one day that we will all be able to break bread together and that's

[52:46] a real thing. Uh but in the meantime uh keep us in your prayers. Keep praying

[52:54] for better weather and cooler weather to come. There's a lot of people that that

[52:59] needs to uh that that's praying for cooler weather and that we have no

[53:04] hurricanes this year. I want to thank y'all very much. Thank you for coming

[53:08] tonight. May God bless each and every one of y'all. And meeting is now

[53:13] dismissed.

Bogalusa City Council Meeting 8 18 26

Transcript