1 00:09:08,480 --> 00:09:16,560 The meeting will now be in order. I'd like to welcome everyone to the 2 00:09:13,680 --> 00:09:21,360 regular and legal session of the Monroe City Council 3 00:09:18,320 --> 00:09:25,680 meeting. Uh today is September 8th, 6 p.m. 4 00:09:22,959 --> 00:09:30,000 At this time, we will have a roll call and to [clears throat] the 5 00:09:27,519 --> 00:09:34,320 cleric quorum. Mrs. Ezernette, 6 00:09:32,320 --> 00:09:37,120 » present. MS >> present. Mr. Muhammed, 7 00:09:36,640 --> 00:09:39,120 » present. >> Mr. McFarland, 8 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:42,080 » present. >> Mr. Harvey, 9 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:46,480 » present. >> There is a quorum. Present. At this 10 00:09:44,399 --> 00:09:53,440 time, we'll move to item two, education and pledge. Pastor uh Dr. AB Davis 11 00:09:50,640 --> 00:09:59,360 Johnson's Davis Johnson of senior pastor Rosa Sharon Baptist Church 12 00:09:56,080 --> 00:10:04,760 uh will offer the pledge and the prayer tonight. 13 00:10:00,959 --> 00:10:04,760 If everyone please stand. 14 00:10:15,200 --> 00:10:23,200 May we pray. Oh God, our father, 15 00:10:20,320 --> 00:10:28,800 we thank you for this day and the blessings you've given us this day. 16 00:10:26,959 --> 00:10:36,399 New mercy, daily bread. Thank you for the favor 17 00:10:32,160 --> 00:10:42,320 that you've shown us in our lives. Lord God, Jehovah, 18 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:50,480 Jehovah Gyra, who is our provider, who sustains us with all things. We come 19 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:57,200 to you tonight to present this city, these elected officials and this body 20 00:10:54,000 --> 00:11:02,880 before you. Where is now, oh God, that you look and have mercy on us? 21 00:11:01,279 --> 00:11:07,120 You said, "If my people which are called by my name would humble themselves and 22 00:11:04,720 --> 00:11:13,279 pray and seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then you would hear from 23 00:11:08,959 --> 00:11:20,959 heaven, forgive our sins, and heal the land." Lord, our land needs healing. 24 00:11:17,279 --> 00:11:29,120 » We're calling on you tonight. Violence is rampant. War is raging. Murders are 25 00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:36,560 happening. Yay, even in our city. We ask now that you forgive our sins. Come and 26 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:42,160 heal the land. Bless this council. Bless this city. Bless this state. Bless this 27 00:11:39,839 --> 00:11:49,760 entire world. We thank you for the victory in advance. Jehovah Gyra. Thank 28 00:11:46,959 --> 00:11:54,613 you for the for supplying our need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 29 00:11:52,959 --> 00:11:56,633 » Amen. >> [snorts] 30 00:11:58,959 --> 00:12:07,519 » To the flag of America and to the republic for which 31 00:12:04,160 --> 00:12:13,079 it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice 32 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:13,079 for all. 33 00:12:14,240 --> 00:12:19,240 » Thank you, Pastor Davis Johnson Davis, 34 00:12:19,519 --> 00:12:27,680 um, for that prayer. Okay, we'll move down to our announcements. 35 00:12:24,720 --> 00:12:32,160 Um, ask everyone would please make sure you silence your cell phones tonight. 36 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:35,040 Um, Mr. Harvey, >> no announcements. Thank you, 37 00:12:33,600 --> 00:12:38,480 » Mr. >> Just welcome everyone here this evening. 38 00:12:37,120 --> 00:12:41,519 Thank you for coming. >> Miss Woods, 39 00:12:39,839 --> 00:12:46,880 » I'd like to say good evening. It's good to see so many of our great friends here 40 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:52,320 with us this evening. Good to see you. I see you. And so, thank you so much for 41 00:12:49,600 --> 00:12:56,480 being here. looking forward to um having a very good meeting tonight. You know, I 42 00:12:55,040 --> 00:12:59,920 got a lot of things that I want to talk about, but for the sake of time, I'll 43 00:12:58,160 --> 00:13:04,560 talk about it at another time. So, thank you all so very much for being here. 44 00:13:02,800 --> 00:13:07,920 » Thank you, Miss Woods, Mr. Bishop McFaren. 45 00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:13,279 » Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. Uh again, we welcome everybody here on 46 00:13:10,959 --> 00:13:19,680 tonight. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. 47 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:25,360 Since this is the allotted time for us to speak, 48 00:13:21,680 --> 00:13:30,320 I do have some issues concerning uh the sick cell anemia foundation 49 00:13:28,399 --> 00:13:37,360 banquet and how they was pretty much forced out 50 00:13:33,839 --> 00:13:44,399 of the civic center and placed gave options to be placed 51 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:47,399 somewhere else or c cancel their contract. 52 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:54,560 Now, I'm going tell you this. I'm going to speak more on this matter, 53 00:13:52,399 --> 00:13:59,600 and I really need some answers for someone. 54 00:13:57,120 --> 00:14:05,920 Why in the world we going to make them get out 55 00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:11,120 of the BD Robertson building for their banquet 56 00:14:08,079 --> 00:14:17,519 when BD Robertson was one of the driving forces 57 00:14:12,959 --> 00:14:22,399 behind the sick cell anemia foundation. Now, I don't know who got these answers 58 00:14:19,199 --> 00:14:28,720 from me, but I done heard horror stories for the last week 59 00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:35,279 of how they have been treated and talked down 60 00:14:31,199 --> 00:14:43,839 and pretty much take it or else your contract is null and bored. 61 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:49,279 That's problem with me. I'm putting it on record tonight that tonight is just 62 00:14:47,199 --> 00:14:53,680 day one that I'm going to be speaking about 63 00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:59,440 this. Everybody know me. I'm going to say what 64 00:14:56,480 --> 00:15:05,279 I want to say and I'm going to do what I want to do. But I don't tolerate 65 00:15:02,959 --> 00:15:11,519 foolishness and putting a organization out or 66 00:15:09,279 --> 00:15:18,800 forcing them. you go here because we got folks coming 67 00:15:15,920 --> 00:15:24,880 all over the world going to be at this other event 68 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:31,199 that is ludicrous. A lot of people hadn't heard about it, 69 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:40,639 but I hope that I can get some answers by tomorrow morning about this issue. 70 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:44,360 I don't know, Mr. Jones is you or the civic center director. 71 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:53,360 The mayor is not here tonight to address these concerns, 72 00:15:50,240 --> 00:15:57,600 but for someone to say, I'm going to call the mayor 73 00:15:55,519 --> 00:16:01,160 if you don't take this offer. 74 00:16:01,759 --> 00:16:09,839 That to me is a threat. What the mayor is supposed to do? Whoop somebody for 75 00:16:06,320 --> 00:16:14,800 not taking the offer to vacate the civic center when they are the one that has 76 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:20,320 rented the civic center, plan their event, put all this information out to 77 00:16:17,920 --> 00:16:24,240 the community and they have supporters coming from all over the United States 78 00:16:22,480 --> 00:16:29,920 too. But to be talked down to 79 00:16:26,959 --> 00:16:34,959 is unacceptable. Unacceptable. 80 00:16:32,399 --> 00:16:43,360 And I'm not going to let nobody get away with that 81 00:16:38,160 --> 00:16:49,839 and talking down to my people as if they have no voice, 82 00:16:45,519 --> 00:16:53,839 no say so, and being forced to do something. 83 00:16:52,079 --> 00:16:59,279 If the public hadn't heard about it, they're going to hear more about it 84 00:16:55,839 --> 00:17:05,280 because I will go live. I am gonna go live and talk more on this issue, but 85 00:17:03,040 --> 00:17:08,880 I'm going give you opportunity. Somebody give me I'm going give somebody 86 00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:13,720 opportunity to get that information to me before tomorrow morning. 87 00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:20,319 That's the problem. Mr. Chairman, I know that you know about 88 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:25,039 it. Miss Woods, I know that you know about it. Mr. chair, I know you ain't 89 00:17:23,039 --> 00:17:30,480 had an opportunity to speak on speak tonight, 90 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:36,160 but but uh madame vice chair, you had your opportunity to talk on it, and this 91 00:17:32,720 --> 00:17:42,240 is something that is very hurting. It's hurting to our people for our people to 92 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:48,080 be treated in this manner, especially 93 00:17:44,080 --> 00:17:53,840 the legacy of BD Robertson. And if you don't know him, you need to 94 00:17:50,720 --> 00:18:00,080 read about him. And that has really teed me off. And I'm 95 00:17:56,960 --> 00:18:05,919 saying teed off cuz I'm a pastor. Yes, sir. But that is wrong. 96 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:13,520 And everybody that's behind this the curtain on this map, [clears throat] 97 00:18:10,080 --> 00:18:16,520 all that's going to be brought to light. Foolishness. 98 00:18:16,799 --> 00:18:24,559 Yes. I'm starting this meeting all fussing because it's wrong. 99 00:18:22,559 --> 00:18:29,520 And probably many of you all out there tonight hadn't even heard anything about 100 00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:33,919 it. But again, I'm telling you, I'm giving you to tomorrow morning to get me 101 00:18:31,200 --> 00:18:41,360 some answers on this matter. And I'm going to talk what I have heard 102 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:48,000 from the Six Cell Anemia Foundation and what they have told me and who have said 103 00:18:44,799 --> 00:18:53,280 what to them. These matters will be addressed 104 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:59,120 and we as city council members got to stand up 105 00:18:55,679 --> 00:19:04,360 for our people and not let our people be dogged out 106 00:19:01,039 --> 00:19:04,360 just because 107 00:19:04,559 --> 00:19:16,320 who you rented the civic center the whole complex whole complex out 108 00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:21,480 and saying now sick of sale got to So the other group can come in and have 109 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:21,480 the whole complex 110 00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:32,559 need some answers. Yeah, you can sit there and and look all 111 00:19:29,120 --> 00:19:38,440 side faced with me all you want. I'm not going to go to sleep on this 112 00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:38,440 matter. 113 00:19:40,559 --> 00:19:46,960 We We got a hot agenda tonight. There are some things that we going to have to 114 00:19:44,160 --> 00:19:51,039 air out and put on record. So, it's going to it's it's going to happen 115 00:19:49,360 --> 00:19:55,520 tonight. We're going to have these discussions 116 00:19:52,559 --> 00:19:58,520 tonight. Lastly, 117 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:10,320 majority of this council has spoken. There was a motion 118 00:20:07,679 --> 00:20:15,880 on the floor that we table a matter a passover. 119 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:22,360 Only one council member voted nay. 120 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:32,159 shameful that somebody that voted for it is going 121 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:38,720 to gaslight the community as if he wasn't in support of it. Well, 122 00:20:35,120 --> 00:20:46,720 why in the Dickens did you vote for it if you wasn't for it? But you want to 123 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:52,240 talk about Miss Woods and her issues. Why don't you tell the the public that 124 00:20:49,120 --> 00:20:56,640 you voted for the motion that was on the floor? 125 00:20:54,240 --> 00:21:04,799 See that type of foolishness? I call it out and I call it out here at this board 126 00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:09,120 table because you know that's foolishness 127 00:21:06,480 --> 00:21:17,760 when you supported it. If you wasn't going to support it, just vote nay. Do 128 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:17,760 the same as Miss Ezan. Vote nay. 129 00:21:18,320 --> 00:21:24,640 This is what we dealing with. I'm going to say it again to everybody. 130 00:21:23,814 --> 00:21:29,440 [clears throat] Ain't nobody going to shut me up. 131 00:21:26,799 --> 00:21:35,039 I was voted into this office 132 00:21:31,919 --> 00:21:42,480 to be a voice for the people. I'm not going to be bought out. 133 00:21:39,679 --> 00:21:45,520 Nobody going to push me in a corner. Nobody going to make me hold my head 134 00:21:44,320 --> 00:21:51,840 down. When I came into this seat, I came in 135 00:21:48,720 --> 00:21:56,559 here with my head up. And when I leave this seat, I'm going to leave here with 136 00:21:54,480 --> 00:22:03,840 my head up. I'm not going to be ashamed of how I 137 00:21:59,679 --> 00:22:09,120 vote, what I vote for, and who I support. 138 00:22:06,240 --> 00:22:14,799 But all of this backdoor stuff is going to be exposed. 139 00:22:11,760 --> 00:22:19,440 We got a hot agenda, Mr. chairman and there's a lot of lot of questions 140 00:22:17,280 --> 00:22:22,559 I'll be asking on tonight. Thank you so kindly. 141 00:22:20,080 --> 00:22:28,720 » Thank you, Bishop. Uh I do echo the same sentiments about 142 00:22:24,799 --> 00:22:33,360 the sickle cell uh situation. Uh they did have to for those who don't know 143 00:22:30,720 --> 00:22:41,039 they had to relocate to the hub which is on Washington Street on Thursday night. 144 00:22:36,640 --> 00:22:45,679 Uh so it's my understanding that uh you know civic center did help with the move 145 00:22:43,039 --> 00:22:49,760 and they uh did they're doing all they can to make it a [clears throat] 146 00:22:47,200 --> 00:22:57,360 comfortable transition [cough] but I am very concerned about the mixup and uh we 147 00:22:54,080 --> 00:23:03,120 we really need to uh get those answers to uh to us on what really actually 148 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:07,600 happened u because I know they booked they were booked well in advance 149 00:23:05,679 --> 00:23:14,000 uh for that for this event. It is an annual event. This is their signature 150 00:23:09,360 --> 00:23:17,919 event and um um just unfortunate they had to be the ones to actually uh 151 00:23:16,240 --> 00:23:20,480 relocate. Okay. 152 00:23:19,751 --> 00:23:23,760 [clears throat] >> And I try not to come back, but let me 153 00:23:22,640 --> 00:23:30,799 speak >> um regarding the cle cell uh banquet. 154 00:23:27,679 --> 00:23:36,799 » Uh and I'm sharing the sentiments of my colleagues. However, I've spoken with 155 00:23:33,840 --> 00:23:43,200 Mr. Jones and Mr. Jones gave an explanation as to what happened. No, not 156 00:23:40,960 --> 00:23:47,200 really what happened, but but kind of what happened, but what they were doing 157 00:23:44,799 --> 00:23:51,919 to correct it. And I'm certain that he's going to be in touch with you, Bishop, 158 00:23:48,640 --> 00:23:55,760 to share that uh information with you. So, now we had a long lengthy 159 00:23:53,520 --> 00:24:00,240 conversation, but that was prior to a conversation. Okay. I had 160 00:23:58,240 --> 00:24:04,080 » Okay. Uh I just want to mention that we have Chief Zordan here tonight, and he 161 00:24:01,919 --> 00:24:09,360 he's going to present. Uh, as you know, I I tend to track and keep up with our 162 00:24:07,200 --> 00:24:14,880 homicides and violent crimes in the city. And uh, you know, we highlight 163 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:18,720 highlight when there are a lot of negatives. But I do want to highlight in 164 00:24:17,039 --> 00:24:24,000 2026 uh, we are really trending. We are in 165 00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:30,880 September and we are at four homicides. So that's uh, that's excellent. Uh, of 166 00:24:27,679 --> 00:24:36,400 course zero would be the best, but uh we are at four if you can see from 2020 uh 167 00:24:34,159 --> 00:24:46,159 22 homicides, 2021, 20 16 and 22 and then you know 168 00:24:41,039 --> 00:24:50,080 eight and 24 uh 2025 there were 12 and right now we're holding at 169 00:24:48,177 --> 00:24:54,720 [clears throat and cough] four homicides uh for 2026. 170 00:24:52,400 --> 00:25:00,000 So, uh, not only that's a commitment to the PD, but it's a commitment to the 171 00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:06,320 community as well, the community, those who have been participating in those 172 00:25:02,480 --> 00:25:11,679 peace walks and those uh, you see some, say some, and actually uh, help to deter 173 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:16,080 uh, these violent crimes, particularly the homicides. All right, thank you. So, 174 00:25:14,240 --> 00:25:20,320 with that being said, um, we'll move down to item four. Can I have a motion 175 00:25:17,520 --> 00:25:23,919 to approve the minutes? >> So, move. Second. 176 00:25:21,919 --> 00:25:30,640 » Been moved and second that we approve the minutes from August 25th. Uh, any 177 00:25:27,120 --> 00:25:35,120 comments from the audience? Public >> council. Any comments? Madame clerk? 178 00:25:34,080 --> 00:25:36,559 » Mr. Harvey. >> I, 179 00:25:35,520 --> 00:25:37,919 » Miss Woods. >> I, 180 00:25:36,880 --> 00:25:39,760 » Mr. Muhammed. >> I, 181 00:25:38,559 --> 00:25:41,360 » Mrs. Desette. >> I, 182 00:25:40,080 --> 00:25:44,080 » Mr. McFarland. >> I. 183 00:25:42,480 --> 00:25:48,720 » Okay, that motion carries. Right now, we're down to presentations. Uh, we have 184 00:25:46,480 --> 00:25:53,039 tonight a presentation from Gro Neil. Mr. Rob Cleveland is here to give us an 185 00:25:51,279 --> 00:25:58,799 update. Uh while he's coming, Mr. Wilson, you want to talk about your all 186 00:25:55,279 --> 00:26:00,080 the meeting with the pastors? Um >> Okay. 187 00:25:59,360 --> 00:26:05,520 » Last week. >> Okay. So, yes. Thank you so very much. U 188 00:26:02,960 --> 00:26:10,559 Mr. Chairman, and as Mr. Cleveland is coming, I would like to thank uh Mr. 189 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:14,480 Cleveland with Grila and thank um Nathan Hall with Delta Community College. We 190 00:26:12,640 --> 00:26:22,000 had aformational setting uh informational meeting for uh 191 00:26:17,919 --> 00:26:27,279 ministers here in Parish and very very informative about you know gave gave the 192 00:26:25,279 --> 00:26:32,880 ministers an opportunity to ask questions to get more understanding 193 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:38,880 about what it is that grow is doing what their intents are you know what classes 194 00:26:35,520 --> 00:26:45,279 what opportunities and all of the above and it was um they were delighted and uh 195 00:26:42,480 --> 00:26:51,200 they're looking forward to, you know, doing that um job fair on the south side 196 00:26:48,559 --> 00:26:55,679 of Monroe and getting the congregants of their churches, you know, into Delta 197 00:26:54,080 --> 00:27:01,120 Community College, getting them the skill sets that they need and getting 198 00:26:57,679 --> 00:27:06,559 them a job at META. Everybody talks about META. That's right. 199 00:27:03,039 --> 00:27:08,320 » So, thank you. Thank you so much. >> Okay, Miss Cleveland, you've got the 200 00:27:07,919 --> 00:27:13,120 floor. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss Woods. Um I 201 00:27:10,960 --> 00:27:16,960 and listen I would just reiterate I I appreciate you making that happen. Again 202 00:27:15,120 --> 00:27:21,760 I know you've all have heard us say this but we want the opportunity to spread 203 00:27:19,679 --> 00:27:26,559 the good word and and what we're doing and we'll go to any audience that'll 204 00:27:23,760 --> 00:27:30,320 listen. So um you know I I I think we all have a love and hate relationship 205 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:35,120 with social social media. Um it is a great way to get uh messages out, but uh 206 00:27:33,279 --> 00:27:40,080 we still like going in person and so to go in front of the pastors and and share 207 00:27:37,679 --> 00:27:43,919 some of the good things that were happen to get in front of a different audience. 208 00:27:41,440 --> 00:27:48,000 So um we're happy to do it and and appreciate that opportunity. 209 00:27:46,240 --> 00:27:52,559 Listen, I just wanted to stop in give you a regular update. I know I see each 210 00:27:50,240 --> 00:27:56,080 of you individually and and certainly I hear from you occasionally if you've got 211 00:27:54,240 --> 00:28:00,799 any questions but wanted to come and address the the full body and just give 212 00:27:57,840 --> 00:28:07,440 you a quick update. Um so to date we're uh what eight months 213 00:28:03,600 --> 00:28:13,440 into the year. Um and so we have been working on we have over 50 active 214 00:28:11,600 --> 00:28:18,720 projects that we have worked throughout the year. over 50 projects. Those 215 00:28:16,320 --> 00:28:22,159 projects, again, sometimes they'll come through the state, sometimes they'll 216 00:28:20,320 --> 00:28:26,799 come directly to us, sometimes we won't know anything about those projects. Um, 217 00:28:24,399 --> 00:28:32,640 but on the 50 projects, they represent over $25 billion in new investment, and 218 00:28:30,240 --> 00:28:37,760 over 10,000 new jobs among those projects. So, um, some some big 219 00:28:35,600 --> 00:28:42,880 projects, some smaller projects, and, uh, really projects of all various uh, 220 00:28:40,880 --> 00:28:46,559 industries. So, we're going to continue to work on them. Some of those are 221 00:28:44,240 --> 00:28:51,360 active, some of those are stronger than uh than others, but the majority of the 222 00:28:49,200 --> 00:28:56,720 projects we're working right now are in Richland Parish and Parish. Um most of 223 00:28:54,559 --> 00:29:00,880 the companies obviously right now everything is being driven by workforce 224 00:28:58,640 --> 00:29:05,360 and and those are our uh two most populated uh areas of the the the 225 00:29:03,279 --> 00:29:09,039 region. So looking a lot in in Washington and Richland Parish. the 226 00:29:07,039 --> 00:29:14,320 majority of the projects that we're working on that are looking in this 227 00:29:11,279 --> 00:29:18,720 area. They look at just a, as you would imagine, a small number of very specific 228 00:29:16,640 --> 00:29:22,320 sites. Usually, they all want to see the Mil Haven area. There's a lot of 229 00:29:20,159 --> 00:29:26,399 property out there. Um, so they we take them to Mil Haven. They request the 230 00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:31,919 Charleston Industrial Park a lot in Richwood. Again, that's a it's a flat 231 00:29:29,200 --> 00:29:36,960 site. It's it's it's a big a very large site and um owners who are very 232 00:29:34,640 --> 00:29:40,399 cooperative when companies come. So, you never know when sites will be taken. You 233 00:29:38,960 --> 00:29:46,080 never know when companies will find the right site, but we are showing u many 234 00:29:43,520 --> 00:29:50,960 companies uh they're in this community regularly. You probably don't know it um 235 00:29:49,360 --> 00:29:53,520 but they're coming and they're visiting and they're seeing a lot of great sites. 236 00:29:52,399 --> 00:29:57,200 So, we're going to continue to push that. Just want to remind you of a 237 00:29:55,840 --> 00:30:01,200 couple of announcements we've had in the last year. So, certainly you are all 238 00:29:58,799 --> 00:30:04,640 aware of the candy company uh project. Uh that was a project that started with 239 00:30:02,880 --> 00:30:08,799 Grow Nila. We were working with those developers on another project and and 240 00:30:07,039 --> 00:30:12,000 they really liked the opportunities in the downtown Monroe area. We're still 241 00:30:10,640 --> 00:30:16,480 actively working with them. They're still going through their due diligence 242 00:30:13,919 --> 00:30:19,520 uh process and and we're certainly working with Morgan and his team on 243 00:30:17,919 --> 00:30:23,679 that. But that that project is still ongoing, but they're in the due 244 00:30:20,799 --> 00:30:27,679 diligence phase. Um you probably heard of the Faith Technologies project that's 245 00:30:25,440 --> 00:30:32,880 been announced six, eight weeks ago at this point uh out in the Mil Haven area 246 00:30:29,679 --> 00:30:37,919 just south of High School. 80 million in new investment, 200 new jobs for our 247 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:42,399 residents and and as Councilwoman Woods said, um we've talked to them. We had a 248 00:30:40,399 --> 00:30:47,360 call with them last week with our HR people and we made the request that we 249 00:30:44,880 --> 00:30:51,440 want to we would ask them to consider going directly into High School and 250 00:30:49,760 --> 00:30:54,799 directly on the southside to host some job fairs. So, those are those are 251 00:30:53,279 --> 00:30:59,840 requests we're making directly when we have new companies come and um we'll 252 00:30:56,720 --> 00:31:02,159 continue to push that message. Uh two last things I want to talk about real 253 00:31:01,039 --> 00:31:07,120 quick. Hopefully you had a chance to see the Nila growth website. This is the 254 00:31:04,559 --> 00:31:11,679 sales tax website that um we were excited to push out. Uh the bottom line 255 00:31:09,520 --> 00:31:15,919 is there's a lot more money in our region because of the meta project and 256 00:31:13,440 --> 00:31:20,080 all of the subcontractors and all of the great things that come along with that. 257 00:31:17,520 --> 00:31:23,760 The bottom line is I'm happy to report to you the second quarter numbers are 258 00:31:22,399 --> 00:31:29,919 starting to filter in. We're going to have an update to that website probably 259 00:31:25,600 --> 00:31:35,360 next week. Um, but I can tell you all 10 parishes in this region have higher 260 00:31:32,720 --> 00:31:39,039 sales tax right now in the first half of this year than they had in the first 261 00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:44,880 half of 2024. Every one of our 10 parishes is up significantly over sales 262 00:31:41,760 --> 00:31:47,919 tax. Um, and again, this is just starting to get out. We just we 263 00:31:46,159 --> 00:31:52,640 literally had a uh a meeting today about some of this data. I can tell you that 264 00:31:49,679 --> 00:31:57,519 in the first half of 2026, so in the first two quarters of this year, the 265 00:31:54,320 --> 00:32:03,279 city of Monroe saw $1.1 million and more in sales tax than in the first half of 266 00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:08,480 2025. So again, significant dollars are coming in um and and not just the city 267 00:32:06,880 --> 00:32:12,159 of Monroe, but the police and fire and the libraries and all of our entities 268 00:32:10,480 --> 00:32:15,440 are are seeing more money come in. So we're all really excited about that. 269 00:32:13,679 --> 00:32:20,399 Last thing here, and I left this with you, is a document for the LCRED 270 00:32:17,360 --> 00:32:25,120 dollars. Now, this is a a program that I think it was 2023, the state of 271 00:32:22,159 --> 00:32:29,200 Louisiana gave each region $1 million and then we had to u put it into 272 00:32:27,039 --> 00:32:33,360 economic development activities. There was a match component. Um, and every 273 00:32:31,679 --> 00:32:37,519 region did theirs differently. Some regions spent the full million dollars 274 00:32:34,880 --> 00:32:41,919 on one project. We chose to disperse that money uh throughout the region. 275 00:32:40,159 --> 00:32:44,880 There are a few projects in here. I certainly want to highlight. We spent 276 00:32:43,200 --> 00:32:50,720 some money at the Charleston Industrial Park, South Monroe Industrial Park, 277 00:32:47,360 --> 00:32:56,080 Panland, the Milhaven area. Um, we had reached worked with Morgan and the mayor 278 00:32:52,880 --> 00:33:03,840 on uh that Pan land uh and in the Mil Haven area on an early rendering of what 279 00:32:59,600 --> 00:33:08,320 a an o over um interchange would look like there. And so we were able we never 280 00:33:07,039 --> 00:33:12,080 came and asked you guys for any of the match. Again, that's that we're grateful 281 00:33:10,240 --> 00:33:16,880 for the support you provide us. we use those dollars to to do these kinds of 282 00:33:14,640 --> 00:33:19,679 projects and and so we spread that money out, but certainly uh a lot of that 283 00:33:18,559 --> 00:33:24,559 money came right here in the city of Monroe. So that's all I have for you. Um 284 00:33:22,960 --> 00:33:28,240 happy to take any questions and just appreciate you being given the 285 00:33:25,760 --> 00:33:33,600 opportunity to address you guys. >> Thank you u Mr. Cleveland for coming and 286 00:33:31,360 --> 00:33:38,799 sharing with us about what you all are doing out there in the 10 parishes, 287 00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:42,320 particularly in northeast Louisiana. any council members comments, concerns, 288 00:33:40,880 --> 00:33:46,720 questions. >> I just want to say thank you for all 289 00:33:43,919 --> 00:33:51,760 your efforts. It's uh things like this that keep keep us going knowing what's 290 00:33:49,440 --> 00:33:55,039 going on. The communication is terrific. So, thank you. Keep that up. 291 00:33:53,039 --> 00:33:58,240 » Yes. Yes, ma'am. And I'll I'll make sure I share that with team. I got a great 292 00:33:56,399 --> 00:34:02,960 group of people. Brandon Welsh, Brookley Barnes, Benjamin Stokes, and Meline. Uh 293 00:34:01,440 --> 00:34:06,159 I know you guys all know them, but they're working they're working their 294 00:34:04,240 --> 00:34:09,119 tails off. So, uh we're having a lot of fun. We're making uh You got to make hay 295 00:34:07,840 --> 00:34:13,119 while the sun shines. And the sun's shining right now. 296 00:34:11,839 --> 00:34:15,760 » You want to >> And of course, I'd just like to say 297 00:34:14,720 --> 00:34:20,560 thank you. I >> I know how you work hard. The only thing 298 00:34:17,760 --> 00:34:23,440 I need is for you to come back to I20. >> Okay. 299 00:34:21,040 --> 00:34:28,079 » Yeah. We need you back out there looking at some things and and bringing some 300 00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:32,560 renderings for us out there. >> Okay. Yes, ma'am. 301 00:34:30,480 --> 00:34:38,399 » You know, my concern, Charleston, South Richwood. I'd like to see something come 302 00:34:34,560 --> 00:34:40,960 to Richwood. Uh, I know you you working on it. 303 00:34:39,359 --> 00:34:44,800 » We had a project out there last week. Talked to the property owners last week. 304 00:34:42,720 --> 00:34:48,720 So, it's an active site. >> Okay. 305 00:34:47,119 --> 00:34:51,040 » Thank you so much. >> Thank you all. Appreciate the 306 00:34:50,320 --> 00:34:54,159 opportunity. >> You had his heart. 307 00:34:52,399 --> 00:34:56,720 » I I call Rob all the time. He gets money from me. 308 00:34:54,639 --> 00:35:01,520 » All right. Okay. At this time, we'll move to uh I've asked Chief of Police to 309 00:34:59,599 --> 00:35:06,400 come tonight. Uh he's going to present on some numbers. Uh, Chief Zoit, how you 310 00:35:05,200 --> 00:35:10,434 doing tonight? >> Doing well, council. Thank you, Mr. 311 00:35:08,160 --> 00:35:12,454 Muhammed, for the opportunity. [clears throat and cough] 312 00:35:13,200 --> 00:35:18,640 » Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about something that 313 00:35:16,640 --> 00:35:23,200 matters to every person who calls Monroe home, the safety and quality of life in 314 00:35:20,800 --> 00:35:26,240 our community. Over the past several years, the Monroe Police Department, 315 00:35:24,720 --> 00:35:30,160 working alongside our community partners, has made significant progress 316 00:35:28,240 --> 00:35:34,320 in reducing violent crime and particularly homicides. 317 00:35:32,800 --> 00:35:39,760 Let me put that progress into perspective. Uh in 2020, Monro recorded 318 00:35:37,839 --> 00:35:46,880 22 homicides. In 21, we had 20. In 22, the number 319 00:35:42,640 --> 00:35:51,839 dropped to 16. Uh in 23, we saw 18. Then in 24, we experienced a significant 320 00:35:49,359 --> 00:35:56,000 reduction with just eight homicides. In 25, we recorded 12. If y'all 321 00:35:54,079 --> 00:36:01,520 remember, that was the year we had that tragic triple homicide with a child lost 322 00:35:58,320 --> 00:36:06,560 lost a life as well. As far as 26 is going, we're holding currently at four. 323 00:36:03,680 --> 00:36:11,200 U those numbers represent more than statistics. They represent lives saved, 324 00:36:08,880 --> 00:36:14,160 families spared from tragedy, and neighborhoods that are safer because of 325 00:36:12,720 --> 00:36:19,359 the work being done every day by officers in our community. From 22 326 00:36:16,800 --> 00:36:24,160 homicides in 2020 to just four so far in 26 represents a substantial reduction. 327 00:36:22,560 --> 00:36:28,400 But I want to be very clear, we're not declaring victory in any sort of sense 328 00:36:26,320 --> 00:36:33,440 of the word. Every homicide is one too many. Behind every number is a victim, a 329 00:36:31,359 --> 00:36:38,880 family, friends, an entire community affected by that loss. Our goal is not 330 00:36:36,480 --> 00:36:42,560 simply to reduce a statistic. Our goal is to prevent violence before it happens 331 00:36:40,800 --> 00:36:45,839 and to make Monroe a place where people feel safe raising their families, 332 00:36:44,079 --> 00:36:50,800 operating their business, businesses, and living with their families. This 333 00:36:48,079 --> 00:36:55,119 progress has not been by accident. It is a result of a dedicated police officers 334 00:36:52,960 --> 00:37:00,079 working around the clock, investigators holding violent offenders accountable, 335 00:36:57,839 --> 00:37:03,359 proactive policing, intelligenceled strategies, partnership with other law 336 00:37:01,599 --> 00:37:08,400 enforcement agencies, and perhaps most importantly, cooperations with the 337 00:37:05,680 --> 00:37:12,160 citizens we serve. When our community gives us information, when witnesses 338 00:37:10,320 --> 00:37:16,000 come forward, when residents work with us instead of against us, we are able to 339 00:37:14,560 --> 00:37:20,240 take dangerous individuals off the streets and prevent additional violence. 340 00:37:18,720 --> 00:37:23,440 I also want to recognize the men and women of the Monroe Police Department. 341 00:37:21,920 --> 00:37:26,960 They come to work every day knowing that the job can be difficult, dangerous, yet 342 00:37:25,680 --> 00:37:31,520 they continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication. To 343 00:37:29,440 --> 00:37:35,119 the mayor and council, thank you for supporting our department, investing in 344 00:37:33,119 --> 00:37:39,440 public safety. We should be proud of the progress we've made, but we should also 345 00:37:37,200 --> 00:37:44,640 remain focused on the work ahead. Four homicides in 2026 is progress, but our 346 00:37:42,320 --> 00:37:47,839 ultimate goal is zero. We will continue to work with council, our law 347 00:37:46,240 --> 00:37:51,760 enforcement partners, our schools, neighborhoods, and businesses, and our 348 00:37:49,440 --> 00:37:55,520 citizens to make the goal a reality. The citizens of Monroe deserve to feel safe, 349 00:37:54,160 --> 00:37:59,680 and the Monro Police Department will continue doing everything within our 350 00:37:57,040 --> 00:38:03,839 ability to deliver on that promise. Thank you. 351 00:38:01,040 --> 00:38:10,040 » Thank you, Chief. Um, any council members have concerns, 352 00:38:07,040 --> 00:38:10,040 comments? 353 00:38:10,960 --> 00:38:19,359 The only thing I would like to say is um well congratulations first and thank 354 00:38:15,920 --> 00:38:24,640 you. Um I did appreciate getting getting the updates on things that are not 355 00:38:21,839 --> 00:38:27,920 always readily available. Did not know that we had a situation today. So thank 356 00:38:27,040 --> 00:38:30,079 you for sharing. >> Yes ma'am. 357 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:33,839 » And I'm very happy that everything turned out good. 358 00:38:31,119 --> 00:38:39,280 » Yes ma'am. So, a violent crime 359 00:38:36,960 --> 00:38:45,680 that includes rape. Uh what else? Aggravated? 360 00:38:42,000 --> 00:38:50,160 » Uh armed robbery, rape, murder. Um >> yeah. So, I'd like to see some of those. 361 00:38:47,440 --> 00:38:54,160 And I'm Is that trending, too? >> I don't I didn't have them in front of 362 00:38:51,680 --> 00:38:58,000 me. We're overall from when I paid attention to it from getting here in 363 00:38:55,280 --> 00:39:02,400 November of 2020, we've had some ups and downs, but most all of it has been 364 00:39:00,480 --> 00:39:06,079 trending down the last three years. >> I read about a lot of lot of rape, a lot 365 00:39:04,720 --> 00:39:09,040 of domestic >> that is one that'll be up one year and 366 00:39:07,760 --> 00:39:14,720 down the next year. >> Yeah. 367 00:39:10,800 --> 00:39:19,119 » No, no, no, no, ma'am. No. Now, one of the things that one of the things that I 368 00:39:16,480 --> 00:39:25,359 get a lot in my district, uh, Kingsway is in my district, and there are 369 00:39:22,560 --> 00:39:29,920 constant fights in Kingsway, you know. I I send you textes all the time. as they 370 00:39:27,839 --> 00:39:33,760 send them to me, [clears throat] I send them to you, you know, and there's, you 371 00:39:31,839 --> 00:39:39,920 know, it's almost like it's a game, you know, they they treat it like it's 372 00:39:35,599 --> 00:39:43,520 almost a um a boxing match and, you know, and everybody is looking, 373 00:39:42,079 --> 00:39:48,960 everybody's out there with their cameras. How do we stop that? Because 374 00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:55,359 those are things that really, you know, could lead to increased homicides. 375 00:39:52,320 --> 00:39:58,800 » Well, the instant somebody sees that, we need to know about it. the sooner we can 376 00:39:56,720 --> 00:40:05,040 get a police officer there, uh, the quicker we can keep that situation under 377 00:40:01,440 --> 00:40:09,920 control. Uh, we have we have regular, uh, routine patrols. 378 00:40:07,599 --> 00:40:14,240 Kingsway is one of them that uh, we we make a priority. Uh, so if if the 379 00:40:12,880 --> 00:40:17,440 citizens that live there, they're the ones that see that. 380 00:40:15,920 --> 00:40:20,640 » And maybe not sit there and look at it and film it and put it on Facebook or 381 00:40:19,200 --> 00:40:26,160 Instagram or something like that and actually call 911 or us, our response 382 00:40:23,440 --> 00:40:30,880 time is pretty quick. Okay, that's good. That's good to know because um you know 383 00:40:28,560 --> 00:40:33,760 anytime that I've ever sent it sent you anything, you know, y'all have responded 384 00:40:32,640 --> 00:40:37,520 to it. >> So that's good and I thank you very much 385 00:40:35,680 --> 00:40:42,079 for that. But you know if we could just kind of put a stop to it and I know it's 386 00:40:39,599 --> 00:40:44,800 hard because you know they do it and then people will disperse 387 00:40:43,833 --> 00:40:48,560 [clears throat] and then you know you don't know where 388 00:40:46,560 --> 00:40:51,920 they came from and nobody is telling on anybody. 389 00:40:50,320 --> 00:40:56,079 » It's a form of entertainment. >> Yeah. All 390 00:40:54,000 --> 00:41:01,520 right. Thank you to you. Thank you. >> All right. We'll move now to item six, 391 00:40:58,720 --> 00:41:07,440 uh, public hearings, none. Post condemnations, none tonight. Item seven, 392 00:41:05,359 --> 00:41:12,000 accept the rejection of bids, none. Resolution amended entries. 393 00:41:10,240 --> 00:41:14,800 Uh, Department of Administration A, consider 394 00:41:13,920 --> 00:41:17,520 an application. >> So move. 395 00:41:15,680 --> 00:41:24,319 » Second. Been moved and properly seconded that we consider this application by 396 00:41:19,760 --> 00:41:29,280 Miss Whitfield at 215 PAL Avenue. Uh any comments from the audience? 397 00:41:27,760 --> 00:41:33,800 » Please come to the microphone. State your name and address. 398 00:41:40,240 --> 00:41:47,599 » I just want to speak on >> No, no, no, no. We can only speak on 399 00:41:45,680 --> 00:41:51,680 this agenda item. >> Okay. 400 00:41:48,079 --> 00:41:55,200 » Okay. So, you can sign up to speak on whatever you like at the end, but right 401 00:41:53,680 --> 00:41:58,000 now we're speaking on agenda items. >> Okay. 402 00:41:55,599 --> 00:42:04,800 » Okay. Thank you. Council, you have any comments? 403 00:41:59,359 --> 00:42:11,359 » Uh, yes. Is Miss Whitfield here tonight? >> I would just like to say um thank you 404 00:42:09,040 --> 00:42:15,920 for opening up a business in the community. I do know this place and 405 00:42:14,000 --> 00:42:20,400 hopefully you'll have much success with it. 406 00:42:18,319 --> 00:42:23,440 » All right, >> madame clerk, 407 00:42:22,240 --> 00:42:25,040 » Mrs. Ezernac, >> I. 408 00:42:24,079 --> 00:42:27,119 » Miss Woods, >> I. 409 00:42:25,920 --> 00:42:28,640 » Mr. Muhammed, >> I. 410 00:42:27,520 --> 00:42:30,319 » Mr. Harvey, >> I. 411 00:42:29,119 --> 00:42:33,874 » Mr. McFarland, >> I. 412 00:42:31,119 --> 00:42:37,440 » Motion carries. B, consider [clears throat] an application by 2K 413 00:42:35,599 --> 00:42:42,079 Family Operating. Been moved and properly second that we consider this 414 00:42:39,359 --> 00:42:46,079 application by 2K family operating. Anyone in audience to speak for or 415 00:42:43,599 --> 00:42:48,720 against this item? >> Seeing none council you have any 416 00:42:47,440 --> 00:42:50,960 comments? >> Madame clerk. 417 00:42:49,839 --> 00:42:52,400 » Miss Woods >> I. 418 00:42:51,280 --> 00:42:54,880 » Mr. Harvey >> I. 419 00:42:53,520 --> 00:42:56,560 » Mr. McFarland >> I. 420 00:42:55,200 --> 00:42:58,079 » Mrs. >> I. 421 00:42:56,960 --> 00:43:02,480 » Mr. Muhammed >> I. That motion carries. C. He adopt a 422 00:43:00,960 --> 00:43:07,599 resolution authorizing the city of Monroe, state of Louisiana to incur debt 423 00:43:04,720 --> 00:43:14,960 and to issue sale and deliver not to exceed 110 million aggregated principal 424 00:43:11,440 --> 00:43:19,200 amount of sales tax revenue bonds in one or more series making application to the 425 00:43:17,440 --> 00:43:23,599 Louisiana State Bond Commission employing bond council and other 426 00:43:21,599 --> 00:43:26,480 professionals and otherwise providing with restraint there too. There's been a 427 00:43:25,359 --> 00:43:33,599 motion there. Second >> second. been moved and properly second 428 00:43:28,720 --> 00:43:39,280 that we consider this resolution. Um I would ask u I think Mr. Mallister you 429 00:43:36,480 --> 00:43:45,480 want to talk so we'll get comments from um from the administration and uh we can 430 00:43:42,079 --> 00:43:45,480 go from there. 431 00:43:49,280 --> 00:43:56,800 » Yes, council chair. Thank you uh council members. Very good to see you uh this 432 00:43:53,359 --> 00:44:01,839 evening. So, this proposed bond package, as you stated, is presented at $110 433 00:43:59,680 --> 00:44:08,079 million. Uh, we know that the city of Monroe has a capacity that is over that. 434 00:44:05,200 --> 00:44:12,319 However, um, the mayor, administration, council, uh, having a number of 435 00:44:10,160 --> 00:44:17,280 conversations and preliminary meetings leading into today. So, I could speak 436 00:44:15,280 --> 00:44:21,839 uh, from the engineering standpoint of this. Um, I've been with the city of 437 00:44:18,960 --> 00:44:27,040 Monroe approximately five years. came in. There were a number of emergency 438 00:44:24,480 --> 00:44:31,760 projects that were taking place. Um I undertook the management of those and we 439 00:44:29,280 --> 00:44:35,119 ultimately saw those projects completed successfully. Uh we've had the 440 00:44:33,520 --> 00:44:39,760 opportunity to move on a number of other projects u since my time here under 441 00:44:37,200 --> 00:44:45,440 Mayor Ellis. Uh projects that were desperately needed uh other projects 442 00:44:42,240 --> 00:44:49,599 that are u are a benefit and to the quality of life of the citizens of 443 00:44:46,880 --> 00:44:55,040 Monroe. And so this particular package as presented uh what we started out with 444 00:44:52,319 --> 00:45:01,359 was roughly over $200 million outlined within specific categories. And what we 445 00:44:57,760 --> 00:45:05,839 have proposed is different trunches um financial term a draw if you will from 446 00:45:03,520 --> 00:45:10,640 the overall approved bond package amount by the bond commission. And so the 447 00:45:08,400 --> 00:45:15,760 information that was shared with you uh a number of days ago u I believe you've 448 00:45:13,520 --> 00:45:20,240 seen different versions of that. And what we did was is break out those 449 00:45:17,520 --> 00:45:25,200 classifications. Uh you've got streets, uh you've got quality of life projects 450 00:45:22,640 --> 00:45:29,119 associated with community uh or recreation centers, community centers. 451 00:45:27,200 --> 00:45:35,599 Uh we've got infrastructure in there as well, that being water and sewer. Um and 452 00:45:32,640 --> 00:45:40,800 also within your own districts. So, this first trunch that we've proposed 453 00:45:37,920 --> 00:45:46,640 allocates u you know uh roughly $4 million to each council district at your 454 00:45:44,400 --> 00:45:49,839 discretion and your use. Obviously, that is something that that you bring before 455 00:45:48,079 --> 00:45:54,640 the public and we publicly bid those projects. Uh but the hope is is that 456 00:45:52,560 --> 00:46:01,359 those allocations associated with each district, each district um are tied to 457 00:45:58,160 --> 00:46:05,680 projects based on u uh public interaction uh that that which mayor 458 00:46:03,920 --> 00:46:09,760 Ellis has had and also that which you have had with your constituents. Uh just 459 00:46:07,839 --> 00:46:14,079 hearing the needs and the wants within your districts. And so this first 460 00:46:12,400 --> 00:46:18,880 trunch, if you will, of this ultimate $110 million bond package, uh we would 461 00:46:17,280 --> 00:46:25,200 hope to move on that as early as November. Um and then following next 462 00:46:21,839 --> 00:46:30,720 year with a $50 million uh the second trunch of that. Now this is tied 463 00:46:27,760 --> 00:46:35,440 directly to the 1% sales tax that was approved uh by the voters of Monroe in 464 00:46:33,359 --> 00:46:41,760 late 2024. And so we know that every sales tax uh 465 00:46:39,040 --> 00:46:46,240 or every dollar that is spent, 1% of that dollar is allocated to a fund 466 00:46:44,079 --> 00:46:50,319 that's been around uh to the benefit of the city of Monroe for a number of 467 00:46:47,920 --> 00:46:56,880 years. And so what this would do is is allow us to move um in a more rapid 468 00:46:53,520 --> 00:47:01,440 fashion on those projects um moving things together or projects uh forward 469 00:46:59,200 --> 00:47:05,440 in a group if you will rather than one at a time. Uh I will say that the 470 00:47:03,599 --> 00:47:09,520 engineering department along with those that we work with third party are more 471 00:47:07,440 --> 00:47:15,440 than capable and willing to move on a group of projects simultaneously. And so 472 00:47:12,880 --> 00:47:19,680 um from the engineering standpoint um I could share that from the administrative 473 00:47:17,440 --> 00:47:25,040 standpoint I could share or or answer any questions that you may have but that 474 00:47:21,839 --> 00:47:29,440 is it uh in its basic form. We do have our bond attorneys that are here that 475 00:47:27,119 --> 00:47:36,160 are willing to uh and capable of providing any specific details at how 476 00:47:32,720 --> 00:47:41,280 this bond is laid out and and how we will see that play out over time. 477 00:47:39,280 --> 00:47:46,800 » Thank you Master. Um, 478 00:47:43,520 --> 00:47:51,560 do we want to hear from um anyone from the audience? Any other 479 00:47:48,560 --> 00:47:51,560 comments? 480 00:47:52,000 --> 00:47:55,000 Council, 481 00:47:55,599 --> 00:48:00,920 » are you coming, sir? >> Yeah. Okay. 482 00:48:01,040 --> 00:48:12,079 Tony Little 131547. Um, I have not seen any of the 483 00:48:09,280 --> 00:48:19,040 the the packet that Mr. Mallister is talking 484 00:48:14,800 --> 00:48:23,520 about on the bond layout in the packet. Is that open to the public? 485 00:48:22,000 --> 00:48:27,680 » What's the question, sir? >> I haven't seen the project list or or 486 00:48:26,079 --> 00:48:31,119 anything like that that's laid out for the public. 487 00:48:28,319 --> 00:48:35,599 » We have a proposed project. Yes. >> Okay. I haven't seen that. Okay. 488 00:48:33,920 --> 00:48:38,480 So, is it open to the public? >> To the public? 489 00:48:37,040 --> 00:48:44,319 » Yes, it will be. Yes. >> Okay. It will be. So, my only thing is 490 00:48:41,760 --> 00:48:51,440 what I'm saying is on tonight and you and I had a Thank you for calling me 491 00:48:46,319 --> 00:49:00,160 back and we had a a nice conversation, but what I'm saying is um on tonight 492 00:48:56,800 --> 00:49:04,720 when you and I talked, Mr. Chairman, I brought to your attention that and you 493 00:49:02,960 --> 00:49:12,880 are correct that under Louisiana revised statute 494 00:49:10,079 --> 00:49:18,960 that the city cannot incur debt 495 00:49:15,119 --> 00:49:26,480 without bond commission consent. And I think I've had many conversations with 496 00:49:22,319 --> 00:49:29,920 most of the council about the need to bond. So, I don't want to be 497 00:49:28,160 --> 00:49:36,640 hypocritical, but 498 00:49:31,599 --> 00:49:44,559 my point has been is on the document in your packet that on tonight 499 00:49:41,119 --> 00:49:49,760 from the title on down, this is a resolution authorizing the 500 00:49:47,599 --> 00:49:54,880 city of Monroe to incur debt 501 00:49:52,160 --> 00:50:05,040 and to issue bonds to sell to deliver 502 00:49:58,880 --> 00:50:10,880 not to exceed $100 million $110 million. The document calls itself an 503 00:50:07,920 --> 00:50:16,800 authorization to incur debt. So, it's not a preliminary step step. 504 00:50:14,079 --> 00:50:21,680 This is what you're doing. On page two of the document, 505 00:50:19,119 --> 00:50:29,359 um it says uh including but not limited to street 506 00:50:24,640 --> 00:50:36,480 sewer and any other capital project not I mean authorized by the voters. 507 00:50:33,200 --> 00:50:47,680 Um in section one it approves an issuance up to 6%. 508 00:50:41,680 --> 00:50:56,319 Um, and it matures December 31st, 2050. Okay, that's about $8.8 million a year, 509 00:50:52,160 --> 00:51:02,240 roughly $100 million in interest, and this is what I'm saying. 510 00:50:58,960 --> 00:51:10,880 If you guys agree that we need to do this and we don't 511 00:51:05,599 --> 00:51:16,160 need to put it um in a formal document that needs to be passed, 512 00:51:14,400 --> 00:51:21,760 that's I don't agree with that. I believe that 513 00:51:18,240 --> 00:51:31,040 people do contracts for a living, but you're the council and you represent 514 00:51:27,200 --> 00:51:34,480 a a a a each one of you represent a district. 515 00:51:32,800 --> 00:51:42,000 This has been a controversial issue. It has 516 00:51:37,760 --> 00:51:50,000 been something that was passed. We had an election on it. We had a recall 517 00:51:44,800 --> 00:51:56,960 election on it. And I think the public needs to see it in a transparent way 518 00:51:53,359 --> 00:52:03,200 before it's done. So you won't have the issue of this person got this and this 519 00:51:59,040 --> 00:52:10,559 person got this and we know it from a holistic point of view because this 520 00:52:07,119 --> 00:52:18,160 authorization on tonight in section three it says an application is formally 521 00:52:13,920 --> 00:52:23,200 made. Section four, it says the city binds itself to its successors and 522 00:52:21,680 --> 00:52:30,240 assigns. That's in the package. Uh in section 523 00:52:26,400 --> 00:52:39,119 five, it says the mayor and any other officer authorized and powers 524 00:52:34,160 --> 00:52:45,200 and directs to to execute all documents before a single project is named. But 525 00:52:42,480 --> 00:52:53,280 you said you have the projects. I don't have that. And so my my perspective on 526 00:52:50,240 --> 00:53:02,480 this because it's been so many back and forths is that very few people know 527 00:52:57,920 --> 00:53:08,160 about this. And at 6% once you do it, you're talking about 528 00:53:05,839 --> 00:53:14,160 $110 million and $95 million in interest. That's $200 529 00:53:11,599 --> 00:53:19,359 million. And 530 00:53:16,559 --> 00:53:25,599 I personally think that we just need to get clarity on this. Make sure each 531 00:53:22,319 --> 00:53:32,720 person knows exactly what they're doing, what's going on in every district. 532 00:53:28,800 --> 00:53:39,839 Uh so there will be 100% transparency. Again, I don't want to be hypocritical. 533 00:53:35,359 --> 00:53:46,400 I have probably spoken to Mr. Harvey um and even uh Councilman Muhammad a 534 00:53:43,359 --> 00:53:53,520 thousand times about the need to borrow, the need to do projects, but at the same 535 00:53:49,680 --> 00:53:59,920 time we do this, we need to make sure that the public knows 536 00:53:56,720 --> 00:54:06,800 because of the history of this that that they know what we're doing, 537 00:54:03,760 --> 00:54:11,359 why we're doing it, so we won't have the backlash. 538 00:54:08,960 --> 00:54:14,160 Think about the calls you get. They're mowing on this side. They're not mowing 539 00:54:13,599 --> 00:54:15,520 here. >> Mr. Little. 540 00:54:14,880 --> 00:54:18,960 » Yeah. And >> go ahead and land your plane now. 541 00:54:17,119 --> 00:54:21,599 » No, you are you hear me? Thank you again so much. 542 00:54:20,160 --> 00:54:27,240 » All right. >> Thank you, sir. 543 00:54:23,760 --> 00:54:27,240 » Okay. Um, 544 00:54:28,319 --> 00:54:36,599 Mr. Bose, you want to speak to some of this 545 00:54:32,640 --> 00:54:36,599 before we hear from council? 546 00:54:39,359 --> 00:54:47,280 Let me just say this uh that uh this is uh you know I've I've we sat down I sat 547 00:54:45,359 --> 00:54:52,720 down with council >> uh 548 00:54:49,359 --> 00:54:59,119 Bishop McFarland and we are very concerned that we do this right. We're 549 00:54:55,200 --> 00:55:05,359 not rushing into anything. Um there is a need to fix our streets in the city of 550 00:55:01,680 --> 00:55:12,240 Monroe. These streets need fixing. So uh everything will come back. This is 551 00:55:09,119 --> 00:55:18,240 just to give uh the bond council authorization to go to Baton Rouge 552 00:55:15,760 --> 00:55:24,559 to request that we borrow the money. Once they say yay or nay, they could say 553 00:55:20,800 --> 00:55:29,760 nay, right? So then we come back and then we bond and create ordinances on 554 00:55:27,839 --> 00:55:35,440 specific let me say it again specific projects 555 00:55:33,280 --> 00:55:41,520 it'll be in the ordinance ordinance mean it'll be law so no one can do anything 556 00:55:38,880 --> 00:55:44,400 other than what's in the ordinance law 557 00:55:43,119 --> 00:55:50,799 Mr. BS. >> Thank you. Bill BS B Chatau, 1818 558 00:55:48,079 --> 00:55:54,079 Avenue, America, Monro, Louisiana. I appreciate what Mr. Little said and 559 00:55:52,559 --> 00:55:57,520 that's exactly what you're doing here. You're just going to the bond 560 00:55:55,440 --> 00:56:02,559 commission. You're not obligated. You're not issuing debt. You'll be coming back 561 00:55:59,599 --> 00:56:05,680 to pass an ordinance if you choose. Uh the only thing we're doing here is going 562 00:56:04,079 --> 00:56:10,160 to the bond commission and getting approval. um when you come back to pass 563 00:56:08,400 --> 00:56:15,359 your ordinance, there will be very specific projects in that ordinance to 564 00:56:12,640 --> 00:56:21,599 where it's totally transparent. The people can see what's you're approving, 565 00:56:18,240 --> 00:56:25,520 what's going to be worked on. And so, uh again, there's no debt. There's no 566 00:56:23,440 --> 00:56:29,440 obligation to issue debt. Nobody can make any money. None of the 567 00:56:27,280 --> 00:56:35,200 professionals until debt is actually issued after an ordinance. And the 568 00:56:32,319 --> 00:56:41,359 ordinance will contain projects involved with projects that will be uh set out 569 00:56:38,079 --> 00:56:45,119 specifically so that the public can see. >> Thank you sir. 570 00:56:42,799 --> 00:56:51,040 » I have a question. Okay. >> Okay. So now 571 00:56:48,319 --> 00:56:55,680 thank you so much for that Mr. BS. Now when we talk about it [clears throat] 572 00:56:53,359 --> 00:57:01,119 you know because the language says one thing and then we say something else. 573 00:56:58,400 --> 00:57:09,280 Right here in the title, it says, "A resolution authorizing the city of 574 00:57:03,760 --> 00:57:18,319 Monroe, state of Louisiana to incur debt and to issue, sale, and deliver." Now, 575 00:57:14,400 --> 00:57:26,240 now that doesn't mean because I was under the impression that we were 576 00:57:21,359 --> 00:57:29,599 going to the bun commission to get on the agenda. That's correct. 577 00:57:28,960 --> 00:57:32,880 » Now that's >> the header doesn't have anything to do 578 00:57:30,960 --> 00:57:37,040 with the substance. The substance is in here and it's preliminary approvals. 579 00:57:34,880 --> 00:57:41,359 What it could we change the header if you want, but the header is nothing more 580 00:57:38,640 --> 00:57:47,119 than general summary description, but the the there's nothing in here that 581 00:57:43,839 --> 00:57:52,400 says you're issuing debt from number one to the end. And so there is no debt 582 00:57:50,480 --> 00:57:56,799 authorized to be issued until you go to the bond commission and then after that 583 00:57:55,040 --> 00:58:02,240 you've got to issue by the city's charter and most other even in Laurens 584 00:57:59,599 --> 00:58:05,280 act or non-charter cities you have to have an ordinance to issue debt. So 585 00:58:03,760 --> 00:58:09,599 you're not issuing debt. The only thing you're doing by this resolution is going 586 00:58:07,920 --> 00:58:14,559 to the bond commission. >> Okay. So, I'mma ask you this because and 587 00:58:13,040 --> 00:58:19,599 I have to ask you when I have conflicting information, then I go to 588 00:58:16,480 --> 00:58:25,680 the experts. All right? Now, I have a group of folks saying that something of 589 00:58:21,920 --> 00:58:32,559 this magnitude, $110 million and calling it a resolution 590 00:58:28,720 --> 00:58:35,200 versus calling it an ordinance. >> This is a resolution. 591 00:58:34,160 --> 00:58:40,480 » It's a resolution. >> This is a resolution. Anytime you go to 592 00:58:37,040 --> 00:58:42,000 the bun commission, it's always done by resolution. 593 00:58:41,200 --> 00:58:44,160 » Always. >> Never. 594 00:58:42,319 --> 00:58:47,760 » This is the same way we've done it for since I've been doing it for 30 years. 595 00:58:46,079 --> 00:58:55,599 » All right. And then cuz see what this is, this once this is done, what it does 596 00:58:51,280 --> 00:59:01,200 is it obligates the city for the next 25 years once you sell the bonds. Right. 597 00:58:58,640 --> 00:59:05,760 Once you come back and you all decide to to pass an ordinance with all the 598 00:59:03,760 --> 00:59:10,640 specifics in it, this doesn't obligate you to do anything. Just authorizes us 599 00:59:08,319 --> 00:59:15,680 to go to the bond commission and get approval. So there's no debt being 600 00:59:13,040 --> 00:59:20,079 issued by this or could you issue debt by this resolution 601 00:59:17,040 --> 00:59:23,520 » and so so it's just out there. It's just out there until you until we actually 602 00:59:22,000 --> 00:59:26,240 y'all will actually go out and sell bonds. We're not incurring any kind of 603 00:59:25,680 --> 00:59:30,319 debt. >> None at all. and you don't you this 604 00:59:28,480 --> 00:59:32,799 doesn't obligate you to go forward do anything. We'll just go to the bond 605 00:59:31,760 --> 00:59:40,960 commission >> get approval and get uh that's a very 606 00:59:36,720 --> 00:59:45,839 cumbersome process. Uh Mr. uh Thompson and I spend a lot of time as I said it's 607 00:59:43,119 --> 00:59:49,839 a probably about 40% of what we do is getting it through the bond commission. 608 00:59:47,839 --> 00:59:54,400 » But we have to come back and before we sell any bonds, you'll introduce an 609 00:59:51,920 --> 00:59:57,520 ordinance if you choose. You'll have a public hearing on it where people can 610 00:59:56,000 --> 01:00:02,319 speak to it and then you'll decide whether or not you want to pass it. But 611 00:59:59,440 --> 01:00:06,079 no debt can be off can be issued without an ordinance from the city. 612 01:00:03,920 --> 01:00:12,000 » Okay. Now, let me ask you this part because I now I don't know the fancy 613 01:00:08,799 --> 01:00:18,160 word that you call that's equal to a draw a draw down. You know, he calls it 614 01:00:16,079 --> 01:00:22,400 something. It's a it's a financial term that's equal to a draw. 615 01:00:20,160 --> 01:00:27,920 » He was talking about TR. It just means a a a 616 01:00:25,119 --> 01:00:32,559 what's the best way to describe it? It's just the first first group of first 617 01:00:31,520 --> 01:00:38,480 amount of debt. >> Yeah. So you Yes. The first amount of 618 01:00:34,880 --> 01:00:40,880 debt, the first draw down. It's called the F. 619 01:00:38,960 --> 01:00:44,960 » It's not a draw. It's we'll issue the debt [clears throat] in whatever amount 620 01:00:42,880 --> 01:00:49,520 you all choose, but it'll be issued all at once. It won't be drawn down. It'll 621 01:00:47,440 --> 01:00:54,799 be requisitioned out of that amount that we borrow from uh the trustee or paying 622 01:00:52,559 --> 01:00:59,440 agent to make sure it's all being spent where you want to be spent. But it'll be 623 01:00:56,880 --> 01:01:03,520 issued in one group of debt. What's the word for 624 01:01:00,559 --> 01:01:07,200 » series or or loan? >> It's like getting a line of credit and 625 01:01:05,200 --> 01:01:12,559 you go and get part of it and you come back and get the rest of it later. 626 01:01:09,119 --> 01:01:18,000 » Okay. So, on this $110 million, we're going to we're going to bund it all. 627 01:01:14,799 --> 01:01:22,079 » No ma'am. No ma'am. No, 60 million we are proposing in the first year. 628 01:01:20,000 --> 01:01:23,680 » That's going to be in November according to Mr. Mcc. 629 01:01:22,880 --> 01:01:25,839 » Right. >> Where is it written? 630 01:01:25,200 --> 01:01:28,559 » H >> where is it? Where is that written? 631 01:01:27,119 --> 01:01:34,000 » It'll come back in ordinance. >> Okay. But where is it written tonight? 632 01:01:31,599 --> 01:01:38,559 » So it's it we won't have we won't we will not have the timing written inside 633 01:01:36,160 --> 01:01:42,079 the resolution. That is legit. That is truly up to this council. 634 01:01:40,559 --> 01:01:46,400 » That is truly up to this council. So the council will make the decision 635 01:01:44,000 --> 01:01:50,799 » how much as well as when you guys want to issue 636 01:01:47,839 --> 01:01:55,200 » 60 million 70 million 50 million >> as or nothing 637 01:01:51,920 --> 01:01:59,040 » or or nothing as Bill said the I'm going to do a really quick timeline if that's 638 01:01:57,280 --> 01:02:01,599 okay so we can kind of run through the steps 639 01:02:00,000 --> 01:02:04,480 » one these are sales tax bonds >> tell us who you are please 640 01:02:02,559 --> 01:02:08,319 » I'm sorry I apologize Namy Thompson with government consultants serving as 641 01:02:06,319 --> 01:02:13,599 municipal adviser for the city of Monroe on their bond issues so all we do is 642 01:02:10,960 --> 01:02:17,359 bond issues issues and in Louisiana how um you would issue a bond issues just 643 01:02:15,440 --> 01:02:23,359 how Bill and Mr. Mallister stated earlier, all municipalities will issue, 644 01:02:19,920 --> 01:02:26,559 excuse me, will u pass a resolution. The resolution is strictly permission. It's 645 01:02:25,119 --> 01:02:30,319 no different than our kids coming to us and say, "Mother, may I?" We're passing 646 01:02:28,640 --> 01:02:34,640 a resolution. Hopefully, you'll be passing a resolution that will say, 647 01:02:32,160 --> 01:02:39,359 "Hey, bond commission, can't we borrow up to 110?" If you guys change the 648 01:02:37,440 --> 01:02:43,119 number, you're asking, can you borrow bond commission up to whatever number 649 01:02:41,440 --> 01:02:48,880 you decide? That is strictly up to this council. Once the council passes this 650 01:02:46,160 --> 01:02:52,480 resolution with that number in there, then bond commission will fill out an 651 01:02:50,720 --> 01:02:57,119 application. Bond commission will review it and they'll say yes or they'll say 652 01:02:54,880 --> 01:03:00,960 no. But we're going under the assumption bond commission is going to say yes, you 653 01:02:58,720 --> 01:03:06,400 can. You have permission to issue up to the number you put inside 654 01:03:03,599 --> 01:03:10,880 this resolution. Right now it says 110. After they pass that, then we'll come 655 01:03:08,480 --> 01:03:14,319 back to you and we'll ask the question, not in the city council meeting. will 656 01:03:12,559 --> 01:03:18,400 ask you over emails, over calls or whatever and say how much do you want to 657 01:03:16,000 --> 01:03:22,720 issue on your first the name that we say on on our side is tunch or we'll say 658 01:03:21,039 --> 01:03:27,280 series but it's just how much how much money do you want first you guys have 659 01:03:25,280 --> 01:03:30,880 all decided your projects city has decided their projects and you've added 660 01:03:28,880 --> 01:03:35,440 it up and you say hey what we need in order to do our first set of projects is 661 01:03:33,039 --> 01:03:39,200 50 million 60 million 70 million you guys make that determination you'll also 662 01:03:37,599 --> 01:03:43,920 make the determination of when you want to borrow it assuming that you guys want 663 01:03:41,920 --> 01:03:47,520 to borrow it in November. If you say we don't we want to borrow it in December, 664 01:03:45,839 --> 01:03:50,880 that's when we'll do it. You may say you want to borrow it in February. It's 665 01:03:49,200 --> 01:03:55,520 strictly your decision >> and you'll do that decision by 666 01:03:53,039 --> 01:03:59,839 ordinance. So when you say we want to go forward, we want to borrow the 50, the 667 01:03:57,520 --> 01:04:04,559 60, the 70 million. We'll draft or excuse me, I should say Mr. BS will 668 01:04:01,520 --> 01:04:07,119 draft that that ordinance. Put it in front of you guys with those list of 669 01:04:05,920 --> 01:04:09,839 projects that >> projects in the ordinance 670 01:04:08,240 --> 01:04:13,440 » and you'll have the projects inside the ordinance. you're [clears throat] making 671 01:04:11,119 --> 01:04:17,280 that determination. I It's going to sound like I'm demeaning Mr. BS, but 672 01:04:15,119 --> 01:04:22,240 he's filling in blanks at that point or whatever. He's putting in your projects. 673 01:04:19,839 --> 01:04:26,559 He's putting in how much you guys decide that you want to do. After that, that 674 01:04:24,400 --> 01:04:31,680 gives us permission to now go out and go sell. It's when I really kick in the 675 01:04:29,119 --> 01:04:35,760 gear, Mr. Antie behind me really kicks in the gear, the other underwriters kick 676 01:04:33,119 --> 01:04:40,319 in the gear to go sell that number that that this council decided on. We'll go 677 01:04:38,480 --> 01:04:45,359 out and go sell it. We'll come back to you and say council this is the interest 678 01:04:42,720 --> 01:04:48,960 rates this is how much you got will you approve the will you finalize adopt the 679 01:04:47,359 --> 01:04:53,920 ordinance so we have to come back to you twice but all decisions are made by this 680 01:04:51,359 --> 01:04:58,160 council this truly this resolution is strictly the way Louisiana issues debt 681 01:04:56,240 --> 01:05:02,480 and it has to go to the state bond commission to literally ask for 682 01:05:00,079 --> 01:05:06,480 permission that's all this resolution does and it says on there occur debt in 683 01:05:04,559 --> 01:05:09,599 the header and it's do that because state bond commission likes to see that 684 01:05:08,000 --> 01:05:13,359 that that you understand if you come back with an ordinance, you 685 01:05:11,520 --> 01:05:17,520 will be incurring debt. And so the header just says that in there, but as 686 01:05:15,039 --> 01:05:20,559 Mr. Bull said earlier inside of there, you're not incurring debt. You're asking 687 01:05:19,039 --> 01:05:25,680 for permission. That's all this resolution does. 688 01:05:24,000 --> 01:05:29,200 » Okay. So, >> can I ask some questions? 689 01:05:26,880 --> 01:05:32,160 » Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. >> All right. 690 01:05:30,160 --> 01:05:36,319 » Go right ahead. >> And and it's it's not really directed 691 01:05:34,799 --> 01:05:42,079 towards you all, >> but it is a trust factor. 692 01:05:39,119 --> 01:05:47,680 It's a trust factor in this city. Now, 693 01:05:43,680 --> 01:05:52,960 Mr. Mac, he he made some reference to uh the mayor and has has talked to the 694 01:05:50,880 --> 01:05:59,039 council members numerous times. He only talked with me 695 01:05:55,200 --> 01:06:05,119 one time. Let's let's make that clear. And I was expecting tonight that the 696 01:06:02,240 --> 01:06:11,920 mayor would be here. So the tough questions tonight would be 697 01:06:07,599 --> 01:06:16,640 asked of him so it to be on record that this is exactly what we're doing 698 01:06:14,720 --> 01:06:24,799 because really Mr. Moore is the one supposed to 699 01:06:19,520 --> 01:06:30,160 be answering tonight for the mayor. I was unaware that he wasn't going to be 700 01:06:26,720 --> 01:06:34,720 here until at the last minute cuz I read one email but then apparently there was 701 01:06:32,640 --> 01:06:39,119 a second email that he going to miss this meeting. Now I do have some 702 01:06:37,280 --> 01:06:46,640 reservations because the mayor is not here to put 703 01:06:42,559 --> 01:06:56,039 certain things on record. Mr. Mallister, he made reference that um these projects 704 01:06:50,799 --> 01:06:56,039 will be going at the same time. 705 01:06:56,720 --> 01:07:05,599 I don't believe that. Why is that? Thank you for asking the question. 706 01:07:02,960 --> 01:07:11,440 because there's projects on the book right now 707 01:07:07,760 --> 01:07:17,839 that we have passed here and nothing has been done. 708 01:07:15,520 --> 01:07:23,599 And the same engineer has said to me and Mrs. Woods that certain things is not 709 01:07:20,640 --> 01:07:28,640 priority anymore and by ways in action 710 01:07:26,160 --> 01:07:32,960 nothing has been done. So, how do I know if I vote for this on 711 01:07:31,119 --> 01:07:38,160 tonight that that same attitude 712 01:07:35,760 --> 01:07:44,000 won't be displayed? That's not priority anymore. 713 01:07:41,920 --> 01:07:48,160 That's a problem especially to make a statement like that 714 01:07:45,599 --> 01:07:53,119 to me. And that's why I don't have certain I don't have meetings by myself. 715 01:07:50,799 --> 01:07:58,960 I always have a witness with me when when I meet with certain people because 716 01:07:55,760 --> 01:08:05,200 they change their stories. But here it is. 717 01:08:02,400 --> 01:08:10,880 We want a resolution tonight for $110 million. 718 01:08:09,359 --> 01:08:18,159 But somebody need to answer these questions for me. 719 01:08:14,400 --> 01:08:23,120 The last tax it expired when? 720 01:08:21,600 --> 01:08:25,120 Can somebody answer that? >> 850. 721 01:08:24,159 --> 01:08:27,520 » Huh? >> 50. 722 01:08:25,679 --> 01:08:34,799 » No. What are you talking about? This one tax this this 1% 723 01:08:30,960 --> 01:08:39,600 expires in 2050. When when did the last one expire? 724 01:08:37,199 --> 01:08:42,480 » 25 years. 26. >> Yeah. No, he's 725 01:08:40,319 --> 01:08:45,199 » getting ready to wait. No, Mr. Mr. Muhammed. 726 01:08:44,239 --> 01:08:47,920 We going >> see this this is the stuff here. 727 01:08:47,520 --> 01:08:51,120 » Expire. >> See, I'm not going to be hoodwinkedked 728 01:08:49,839 --> 01:08:53,839 now. >> So, let's let's 729 01:08:52,640 --> 01:08:58,719 » I I think I might be able to answer that. So before the renewal that passed 730 01:08:56,560 --> 01:09:03,040 before the renewal that extended it out to 2050 and I I'm I'm going from memory 731 01:09:02,239 --> 01:09:08,319 here so I might >> Was it a renewal? 732 01:09:05,600 --> 01:09:14,239 » Was it identical? >> So on legally I will say I'm not sure if 733 01:09:11,040 --> 01:09:17,839 you call it a renewal or not and so I'm >> you cannot answer the question for me. 734 01:09:16,000 --> 01:09:24,839 » I can tell you I I believe the date though for that previous tax it would 735 01:09:20,560 --> 01:09:24,839 have expired in 20 736 01:09:25,199 --> 01:09:30,799 I believe >> 2030. I believe it would have expired in 737 01:09:28,560 --> 01:09:36,000 2030. I think that's correct. >> So it it it ends in four more years. 738 01:09:34,960 --> 01:09:37,520 » It would have. >> It would have. 739 01:09:36,799 --> 01:09:44,239 » Yes, sir. >> And so now we overlapping another tax. 740 01:09:41,600 --> 01:09:47,040 Are we what we do with the the remainder? It just go away. 741 01:09:46,400 --> 01:09:50,960 » Yes. >> Okay. So, with that being said, now 742 01:09:49,279 --> 01:09:53,520 that's that's your that's your statement, 743 01:09:52,000 --> 01:09:56,640 » your answer on that, right? >> Yes. 744 01:09:53,920 --> 01:10:00,320 » Okay. All right. So, uh we have a lot of bonds out there, correct? 745 01:09:58,960 --> 01:10:02,080 » We have a lot of bonds for the city of Monroe. 746 01:10:01,440 --> 01:10:04,960 » That's correct. >> That's That's still that we still paying 747 01:10:04,080 --> 01:10:08,159 on. >> That's correct. 748 01:10:05,760 --> 01:10:12,560 » Okay. See, I I really didn't want you all to answer this. I wanted the mayor 749 01:10:10,080 --> 01:10:17,120 to answer this. So, I don't know if I need to direct these questions to Mr. 750 01:10:14,560 --> 01:10:23,600 more because you're the finance man and you should have all of these answers for 751 01:10:18,960 --> 01:10:27,440 me. So, I'm going to ask that you answer these questions on the record for us 752 01:10:25,840 --> 01:10:31,679 tonight. How many bonds do we have actively out 753 01:10:29,920 --> 01:10:37,520 there as of today? 754 01:10:34,080 --> 01:10:41,520 » Mr. Mr. McFarland to tell you accurately I would need to double check. Sir, 755 01:10:39,520 --> 01:10:45,760 » do you have an approximate number? >> I am reluctant to give a number. with 756 01:10:44,000 --> 01:10:51,800 not knowing exactly what it is. >> Do you want to pass that question to 757 01:10:47,679 --> 01:10:51,800 somebody else that may know? 758 01:10:53,520 --> 01:11:00,159 » I can answer >> Nandy, you have been getting some 759 01:10:58,000 --> 01:11:02,159 information from us. Do you know the exact number? 760 01:11:01,280 --> 01:11:06,719 » So bonds, >> sales tax bonds, the number of sales tax 761 01:11:04,320 --> 01:11:12,000 bonds that the city has currently are six. You issued one in 2009. And all 762 01:11:10,239 --> 01:11:18,960 these bonds I'm about to mention were all secured by the 1% sales tax. Okay? 763 01:11:15,440 --> 01:11:28,159 So you issue bonds in 20 excuse me 2009 in 2011 and 2012 in 2013 2017 as well as 764 01:11:24,960 --> 01:11:32,640 2021. And all of those bonds all six of them are secured by that 1% sales tax. 765 01:11:30,960 --> 01:11:34,800 » And what is what is the total amount of those bonds 766 01:11:33,520 --> 01:11:38,159 » when they were issued? I'm going to borrow someone's glasses. I'm getting 767 01:11:36,239 --> 01:11:40,179 old. >> [cough] 768 01:11:42,159 --> 01:11:45,560 » Let's see. 769 01:11:46,159 --> 01:11:54,800 I'll do quick math and >> yep. So, let me tell if somebody can 770 01:11:52,800 --> 01:12:01,600 keep up with this. In 2014, and it's in the resolution in and the third whereas 771 01:11:58,640 --> 01:12:07,679 or the second whereas the 2009's were 14 million. That's how much you issued in 772 01:12:03,120 --> 01:12:17,679 2009. In 2011, you issued another 14 million. In 2013, you issued 11,700,000. 773 01:12:13,199 --> 01:12:22,920 In 2017, you issued 18,435,000. And in 2021, you issued 11,910,000. 774 01:12:23,840 --> 01:12:30,159 » So, what is the total amount debt so far? 775 01:12:27,600 --> 01:12:34,560 » Uh, I was reading them all, so I didn't add them up, but I'm going real quick. 776 01:12:33,280 --> 01:12:38,120 That's going to be somewhere around 60 to 70 million. 777 01:12:39,840 --> 01:12:49,199 » That was the initial amount. >> So, so the downtown 778 01:12:46,480 --> 01:12:53,679 bond that falls under >> that one I believe was the ED. 779 01:12:52,080 --> 01:12:55,679 » Oh, so it wouldn't fall under the city of Monroe. 780 01:12:54,560 --> 01:13:00,640 » No, it falls underneath the city of Monroe. It does not fall underneath the 781 01:12:57,440 --> 01:13:05,760 security. So, if I can do just quick, um, when you issue bonds, you tie to it 782 01:13:03,600 --> 01:13:10,480 a security. You tie to it a revenue stream. The revenue stream for all the 783 01:13:07,679 --> 01:13:15,199 ones I just listed are the 1% sales tax. >> The the one that you mentioned, I 784 01:13:13,360 --> 01:13:18,880 believe, was is backed by sales tax directly inside that district. So, it's 785 01:13:17,360 --> 01:13:22,400 still a city of Monroe deal, but it's not secured by this sales tax. 786 01:13:20,880 --> 01:13:23,199 » I'm going somewhere with it in just a second. 787 01:13:22,719 --> 01:13:25,440 » Yes, sir. >> I'm just getting you on record on what 788 01:13:24,800 --> 01:13:30,400 you're saying. >> Yes, sir. 789 01:13:26,080 --> 01:13:34,000 » All right. So what about the tower drive bond? 790 01:13:31,840 --> 01:13:36,960 » Correct. That is secured by sales tax, but that is secured not by this 1% sales 791 01:13:36,560 --> 01:13:40,560 tax. >> Well, who's responsible at the end of 792 01:13:39,040 --> 01:13:43,600 the day or something fall? Well, >> still is still the city of Monroe. 793 01:13:42,000 --> 01:13:49,440 However, though, the bond holders that buy it, they know which sales tax they 794 01:13:47,040 --> 01:13:52,400 are um they have rights to. >> And how much is that bond? 795 01:13:51,040 --> 01:13:54,800 » Oh, there's a couple. I don't have that one off the top of my head. However, 796 01:13:54,080 --> 01:14:00,239 though those >> I have an estimate that we have out 797 01:13:56,640 --> 01:14:03,199 there about $176 billion worth of bonds. >> I think you probably issued that much. I 798 01:14:02,000 --> 01:14:07,520 don't believe that that's the amount current right now. 799 01:14:04,159 --> 01:14:17,199 » Only a few that from my understanding is getting ready to mature. The rest of 800 01:14:10,320 --> 01:14:19,920 them will be from 2030, 31, 39, 43. >> And we are we talking about the ones 801 01:14:18,560 --> 01:14:23,840 that are we talking about the ones that are out there at the Pan 802 01:14:21,600 --> 01:14:28,880 » at the end of the day? Mhm. >> Everybody need to understand that the 803 01:14:26,480 --> 01:14:33,280 city of of Monroe is going to be responsible for all of it. 804 01:14:31,199 --> 01:14:41,120 » Now, I want you to understand something. I'm not saying that I'm against this 805 01:14:38,000 --> 01:14:47,600 » resolution on tonight. I would rather the mayor to be here 806 01:14:44,640 --> 01:14:52,880 tonight to answer questions, to put it on record because there's a trust 807 01:14:50,640 --> 01:14:58,800 factor. When somebody makes statements to me 808 01:14:56,480 --> 01:15:04,480 after something has been passed by this council 809 01:15:00,320 --> 01:15:09,600 that that project is no longer priority that's problematic. 810 01:15:07,520 --> 01:15:14,320 How do I know that won't happen after tonight? Why you 811 01:15:12,880 --> 01:15:18,719 saying that? Thank you for asking the question. Is because this is a 812 01:15:17,520 --> 01:15:22,880 resolution. >> Mhm. is not an ordinance at all. Or 813 01:15:21,520 --> 01:15:28,080 ordinance is law. >> Correct. 814 01:15:23,760 --> 01:15:33,760 » Now, Mr. Bows, I I trust you and I believe what you said, 815 01:15:31,360 --> 01:15:38,520 but why this couldn't have been an ordinance on tonight and not a 816 01:15:35,520 --> 01:15:38,520 resolution? 817 01:15:39,520 --> 01:15:45,920 » So, in Louisiana, when you issue debt, any political subdivision, when you 818 01:15:44,239 --> 01:15:49,679 issue debt, you have to go to the bond commission. the bond commission to apply 819 01:15:48,000 --> 01:15:53,280 to the bond commission. It has to be a resolution. You're not incurring debt 820 01:15:51,679 --> 01:15:57,199 here. All you're doing is asking for permission. When it's time to issue 821 01:15:55,360 --> 01:16:01,199 debt, we will come back with the ordinance and that ordinance will be 822 01:15:58,960 --> 01:16:05,040 filled out. I'm sorry. >> You it'll have the projects in there 823 01:16:02,960 --> 01:16:09,840 that the council wishes desires to have in there. And again, we're getting that 824 01:16:06,880 --> 01:16:15,679 project list from the council. So that count that will be inside that ordinance 825 01:16:12,560 --> 01:16:19,840 as well as you'll have um information on you know where the money is going but 826 01:16:17,679 --> 01:16:24,320 that's inside there that's inside the ordinance after we get bond commission 827 01:16:22,400 --> 01:16:28,560 approval. So to go to bond commission it's a it's a resolution it is not an 828 01:16:26,719 --> 01:16:32,560 ordinance. You're asking for permission. You can't go issue bonds. You can't have 829 01:16:30,800 --> 01:16:36,320 an ordinance until you get permission from from them. 830 01:16:33,840 --> 01:16:41,360 » So So we just This is the standard. This is correct 831 01:16:40,400 --> 01:16:43,280 protocol. >> Absolutely. 832 01:16:42,000 --> 01:16:44,719 » Resolution. >> Absolutely. 833 01:16:43,920 --> 01:16:47,199 » Let's go back. >> Yes, sir. 834 01:16:45,440 --> 01:16:51,679 » Mr. Mallister, I'm not ready to hear from you at this point. 835 01:16:49,120 --> 01:16:56,080 » Let's go back. >> What is the interest rates on on on 836 01:16:54,800 --> 01:16:58,800 these bonds? >> We don't know. So in the resolution, 837 01:16:57,520 --> 01:17:01,920 » I'm talking about the ones that we got actively right now. 838 01:17:00,080 --> 01:17:06,080 » I off the top of my head, I don't have it, but I can tell you that they are all 839 01:17:03,520 --> 01:17:10,320 sub 6%. Because they were they are all sub 6%. 840 01:17:07,679 --> 01:17:13,520 » All underneath 6%. Each one had when they were sold, they had different 841 01:17:11,679 --> 01:17:18,320 interest rates. >> So So even if they were 5%, you know, 5% 842 01:17:16,480 --> 01:17:23,040 is still high. >> Not Not in the MUN market. No, sir. 843 01:17:21,360 --> 01:17:29,440 Not in the MUN market. Not at all. So how much we are actually paying back on 844 01:17:26,640 --> 01:17:32,239 $110 million in interest? >> We we won't know until we go lock in the 845 01:17:31,520 --> 01:17:36,320 interest rates with >> So what's the estimate? 846 01:17:33,440 --> 01:17:40,080 » Estimate. So we have not to exceed 6%. We don't know because again 847 01:17:37,920 --> 01:17:45,440 » and that will equal up to >> so it first to lock in the interest 848 01:17:43,199 --> 01:17:50,159 rates. We can't do that until after one we get bond commission approval. Two we 849 01:17:47,920 --> 01:17:53,920 come back and get an introduction of the ordinance that we spoke of. And when 850 01:17:52,480 --> 01:17:55,600 that happens, then we'll look at the bond market and I'll be able to come up 851 01:17:55,280 --> 01:18:02,560 here and say, >> "Before a man build his house, he must 852 01:17:59,360 --> 01:18:06,480 count the cost." >> So, you can't give me no roundabout 853 01:18:05,920 --> 01:18:11,440 figure. >> I I can say that the interest rate will 854 01:18:08,320 --> 01:18:15,760 be no more than 6%. You're locking it in and saying you will not accept an 855 01:18:13,440 --> 01:18:18,480 interest rate higher than 6%. It's a not to exceed. So if it come back at 8% we 856 01:18:18,080 --> 01:18:21,760 can return. >> We can't you can't even take it because 857 01:18:20,080 --> 01:18:25,360 you've locked yourself in to say that you will not accept a 858 01:18:22,960 --> 01:18:28,800 » are you able to refinance at a lower rate if it's as six. 859 01:18:27,600 --> 01:18:31,840 » So at some Yes. >> You can refinance get it down to three 860 01:18:31,360 --> 01:18:35,280 maybe. >> If in in the future that it's a lower 861 01:18:33,679 --> 01:18:40,800 interest rate you can. But let me go ahead and tell you 5% right now 6% is 862 01:18:38,560 --> 01:18:43,600 still relatively low. Right now rates are trending upwards. We're talking 863 01:18:42,880 --> 01:18:47,520 about a rate [clears throat] increase when the Fed meets next time. So we're 864 01:18:45,760 --> 01:18:51,199 still talking about a really low interest rate. Historically, municipal 865 01:18:49,440 --> 01:18:55,679 bonds used to be a leave a lot higher. They used to be 6 7 8 9. 866 01:18:52,719 --> 01:19:02,800 » So So the the resource of repayment, the proposed repayment of these bonds is 867 01:18:58,320 --> 01:19:05,199 coming strictly from the 1% sale tax. 868 01:19:04,000 --> 01:19:11,120 » Matter of fact, you can't even pay it with anything else. You can only 869 01:19:08,080 --> 01:19:16,239 » The way to get this done, you got to have an estimate. So in the resolution 870 01:19:13,679 --> 01:19:21,440 it says not to exceed 6%. That is going to be the highest interest rate. So max 871 01:19:18,640 --> 01:19:25,840 6%. It may be a four. It may be a four. >> I I I would have feel better tonight 872 01:19:24,000 --> 01:19:32,880 about this if the mayor would have been here because I had one discussion with 873 01:19:29,440 --> 01:19:39,520 him with Mr. Muhammad. And I wanted things to be said tonight 874 01:19:37,600 --> 01:19:45,120 on record to asssure 875 01:19:41,360 --> 01:19:52,239 that I won't get this backlash of it's not priority anymore. 876 01:19:49,360 --> 01:19:57,280 That's my issue right now because the mayor is not here 877 01:19:54,800 --> 01:20:04,159 and it don't seem like Mr. Moore or anybody else can speak for him. 878 01:20:00,880 --> 01:20:08,800 How do I know that things that I want done in my 879 01:20:06,560 --> 01:20:14,305 district, we won't receive the same 880 01:20:12,480 --> 01:20:16,000 statement [snorts] 881 01:20:14,320 --> 01:20:20,320 » is not priority anymore. >> It'll be in the ordinance spelled out 882 01:20:18,560 --> 01:20:25,520 » and and in the ordinance it's going to say that all of these projects will be 883 01:20:22,880 --> 01:20:29,280 going on at the same time. in there. What what it will say inside the 884 01:20:27,040 --> 01:20:30,800 ordinance is two million is for this project, one million is for this 885 01:20:30,560 --> 01:20:33,520 project, >> but it won't say the start date. 886 01:20:32,320 --> 01:20:36,080 » It it won't say the start date. >> It won't say what project going out the 887 01:20:35,440 --> 01:20:40,239 gate first. >> Let it won't say that. But let me tell 888 01:20:37,679 --> 01:20:43,280 you for municipal bonds and Bill, please back me up because I'm going to say it a 889 01:20:41,760 --> 01:20:47,679 little bit off. I'm going say it from a journeyman's standpoint. When you issue 890 01:20:45,520 --> 01:20:51,840 municipal bonds, one of the things because we get a tax exemption, we tell 891 01:20:49,440 --> 01:20:55,280 the IRS that they have an understanding that they're going to spend the money 892 01:20:53,120 --> 01:20:58,719 within three years. Now, we can get an extension and go out to 5 years. 893 01:20:57,199 --> 01:21:01,199 However, though, when you borrow money, I don't care what city you are in 894 01:21:00,000 --> 01:21:04,880 America. I don't care what school district you are in the mayor America or 895 01:21:02,880 --> 01:21:09,679 county or parish. When you borrow money through a municipal bond issue, you are 896 01:21:07,040 --> 01:21:14,400 also telling within three years, I expect 897 01:21:11,679 --> 01:21:18,000 to have all these projects done. you can get extension and go out to five years 898 01:21:16,080 --> 01:21:22,239 if I'm not mistaken. And so those projects, which is why you're going to 899 01:21:19,840 --> 01:21:26,080 keep hearing uh me and Mr. BS keep saying it's going to be in the ordinance 900 01:21:24,000 --> 01:21:28,719 because when those bond holders buy it, one of the reasons they're buying is 901 01:21:27,440 --> 01:21:32,080 they looked at your sales tax collection. They understand you're 902 01:21:30,400 --> 01:21:35,199 killing it right now and so they feel really good. So they feel comfortable. 903 01:21:33,600 --> 01:21:38,239 They're going to offer lower rates. The other thing is it's no different than 904 01:21:36,480 --> 01:21:42,480 when we do sales memos and we see something in circulars that come in our 905 01:21:39,920 --> 01:21:45,199 uh that come in our mailbox. when we they look in there and they see in the 906 01:21:43,920 --> 01:21:48,960 ordinance because it will be part of their documents they get before they buy 907 01:21:46,880 --> 01:21:52,560 it. They'll see in the ordinance, oh, I see that they're fixing Third Street. 908 01:21:50,640 --> 01:21:57,199 Oh, I figured I see that they're fixing South Six. It will be in there. And so, 909 01:21:56,000 --> 01:22:02,000 there are a couple of things that hopefully will give you some comfort in 910 01:22:00,080 --> 01:22:06,480 that the list of projects will be in there and we have to tell the IRS we 911 01:22:04,480 --> 01:22:09,120 expect to get those projects done within three years. 912 01:22:07,120 --> 01:22:13,920 » I I I hear what you're saying. and the list of projects would be in there, but 913 01:22:11,040 --> 01:22:20,480 it's not guaranteeing that these projects would be done in a timely 914 01:22:16,000 --> 01:22:26,400 fashion and equally across the districts from past experience. 915 01:22:23,760 --> 01:22:30,000 And what I'm saying tonight, I would have felt better if the mayor would have 916 01:22:28,320 --> 01:22:37,360 came through the door and sat here tonight and gave thumbs up saying, "Yes, 917 01:22:34,960 --> 01:22:41,360 these are the agreements and concessions that I made that everything is going to 918 01:22:39,360 --> 01:22:46,960 run smoothly across all of the districts. Everybody will have something 919 01:22:44,239 --> 01:22:52,480 going on in each and every district at the same time." Mhm. 920 01:22:48,960 --> 01:22:59,239 » But I can't trust that tonight because statements that has already been 921 01:22:54,800 --> 01:22:59,239 said to me by certain individuals. 922 01:22:59,360 --> 01:23:07,840 If the mayor was here, I would have been good. 923 01:23:04,800 --> 01:23:12,639 But I got some reservations now about who going to tell me that this is all 924 01:23:10,639 --> 01:23:20,800 factual. Who can I hold accountable? 925 01:23:16,719 --> 01:23:26,880 Whose feet can I hold to the fire? I can't hold you all 926 01:23:23,360 --> 01:23:31,520 can't hold them. The man 927 01:23:29,520 --> 01:23:36,800 is the chief he he's chief executive of of this 928 01:23:34,800 --> 01:23:41,280 city and he should have been here tonight. 929 01:23:38,880 --> 01:23:44,880 Yes, it's my fault. I missed that second email, 930 01:23:42,800 --> 01:23:49,800 but I was reading the email that said he was going to be here. 931 01:23:50,080 --> 01:24:00,480 This is a problem. And this problem with statements 932 01:23:56,560 --> 01:24:06,179 that throw up a red flag, but Mr. Mallister when he got up there 933 01:24:02,719 --> 01:24:10,880 and spoke beforehand, if he [clears throat] would have just hadn't 934 01:24:07,600 --> 01:24:16,800 said what he said, the red flag wouldn't went up to the top of the pole. 935 01:24:13,520 --> 01:24:20,120 But now the the flag is up there and I got a problem. 936 01:24:21,199 --> 01:24:30,480 We got to talk this out because again, there's still a lot of debt. I'm 937 01:24:27,199 --> 01:24:37,440 understanding from you all tonight that all of these other bonds 938 01:24:33,360 --> 01:24:42,639 is going to go inside the new uh tax and be paid by the by the new 939 01:24:40,320 --> 01:24:50,560 tax. >> But I'm not understanding how much money 940 01:24:46,719 --> 01:24:54,648 is going over into the new. Do you have those figures? So, those six bond issues 941 01:24:52,880 --> 01:25:00,360 that I mentioned earlier, what you're [clears throat] paying on them right now 942 01:24:55,600 --> 01:25:00,360 is approximately $8 million a year 943 01:25:00,719 --> 01:25:05,840 » in interest >> in principal and interest. No difference 944 01:25:03,920 --> 01:25:07,840 no different than our our house note. We know that we pay $1,000 a month on our 945 01:25:07,520 --> 01:25:15,040 house. >> So, you we're paying $8 million 946 01:25:11,679 --> 01:25:18,400 » on the current six sales tax issues that you have currently. You're paying 947 01:25:16,400 --> 01:25:25,120 approximately. >> Okay. But that's not counting 948 01:25:21,520 --> 01:25:28,480 Tower Drive and downtown. >> Not counting that. 949 01:25:26,880 --> 01:25:34,080 » Because you know just as well as I know 950 01:25:31,360 --> 01:25:35,760 if the bottom falls out who is responsible. 951 01:25:34,880 --> 01:25:38,880 » Mhm. >> The city of Monroe. 952 01:25:37,360 --> 01:25:42,719 » The city of Monroe and the city of Monroe sales tax collections that secure 953 01:25:41,120 --> 01:25:47,120 this. I I just want to be make sure and be clear because 954 01:25:45,040 --> 01:25:50,480 the bond holders, the people who buy it, they don't have rights to all of 955 01:25:48,880 --> 01:25:53,120 Monroe's [snorts] money. They don't have rights to all of Monroe's fund balances. 956 01:25:52,719 --> 01:26:00,080 Okay? >> They only have rights to this 1% sales 957 01:25:56,639 --> 01:26:04,400 tax. The bonds that are out on I20 at Panley Mall, they only have rights to 958 01:26:02,400 --> 01:26:09,679 that one to the money that they collect out there. That's it. 959 01:26:07,520 --> 01:26:14,239 So th that's why you'll always hear me talk about whatever the security is and 960 01:26:12,400 --> 01:26:18,480 look at those bonds in itself by themselves because if something happens 961 01:26:16,159 --> 01:26:23,199 out of Mland Mall or that whole district that Conland uh tiff district it have it 962 01:26:21,520 --> 01:26:25,120 doesn't have a bearing here with these bonds 963 01:26:23,840 --> 01:26:28,719 » and it's not like when you're on the school board we issue those bonds 964 01:26:26,480 --> 01:26:34,080 general obligation bonds and that means they're totally you know everything the 965 01:26:31,280 --> 01:26:36,480 full faith and credit schools was behind that. This is only that one revenue 966 01:26:36,000 --> 01:26:39,920 stream. >> That's it. 967 01:26:36,960 --> 01:26:44,159 » Uh that one tax. This will be the 1 cent u infrastructure tax that was was 968 01:26:42,000 --> 01:26:49,679 passed, renewed, extended >> uh in the last election over here. 969 01:26:46,560 --> 01:26:57,120 » What is the estimate collection of these bonds are the let's go back the the 970 01:26:54,560 --> 01:27:01,600 estimate collection of taxes. >> So this one 971 01:26:57,920 --> 01:27:05,040 » for this for this 1% over how many years? O over it goes out to 2050. 972 01:27:04,800 --> 01:27:08,639 » So, >> so what is that number 973 01:27:06,080 --> 01:27:13,400 » right now? I think in fiscal year 2025, you collected somewhere north of $19 974 01:27:10,400 --> 01:27:13,400 million 975 01:27:13,920 --> 01:27:24,719 » from that 1% sales tax >> for this B for the bonds that and that's 976 01:27:21,040 --> 01:27:27,679 going to take care of the new new bond and all. 977 01:27:25,760 --> 01:27:35,840 » Yes, sir. And the old bonds completely are gone in 978 01:27:31,760 --> 01:27:40,960 the next three to four years. >> They gone and paid off. 979 01:27:37,600 --> 01:27:46,320 » They're paid off in paid off by 2030. >> Okay. And then we will have 980 01:27:44,480 --> 01:27:51,760 extra revenue >> to start pay. Yes, sir. 981 01:27:50,159 --> 01:27:57,920 » So now let me ask you, I'm going to jump in, bishop. Now, what you say the um 982 01:27:54,080 --> 01:28:01,520 estimated value for this one penny sales tax for the next 25 years? 983 01:28:00,480 --> 01:28:06,639 » Well, how much? >> So, right now annually, you've been 984 01:28:04,560 --> 01:28:10,560 collecting somewhere around $19 million. I think as we heard uh Mr. Cleveland 985 01:28:08,719 --> 01:28:14,320 talk earlier, salesside collection is up. So, probably next year, this is me 986 01:28:12,800 --> 01:28:16,880 guesstimating. If it's up, if you're collecting around 19 million right now, 987 01:28:15,920 --> 01:28:21,440 you're probably going to be collecting somewhere around 20 next year. And we 988 01:28:19,360 --> 01:28:26,239 can't ever I can forecast but I don't know what you're going to collect in 989 01:28:22,480 --> 01:28:31,040 2015. See 2015 2020 [clears throat] 2035 2045. I have no idea. But right now 990 01:28:29,120 --> 01:28:36,920 you're collecting somewhere north of of $19 million with just that 1% sales tax. 991 01:28:37,280 --> 01:28:40,920 So over the 992 01:28:41,120 --> 01:28:49,679 25 years, >> we're looking to bring in water. 993 01:28:48,480 --> 01:28:52,239 » Oh, so I'm going to do back of the envelope math. 994 01:28:50,719 --> 01:28:55,600 » I'm going to round up and say 20. You're collecting $20 million a year for 25 995 01:28:54,159 --> 01:28:58,239 years. That's going to be 200. Excuse me. It's going to be 500. Thank you. 996 01:28:57,360 --> 01:29:01,440 » $500 million. >> You got it. 997 01:28:59,040 --> 01:29:07,199 » $500 million. And with this resolution on tonight, 998 01:29:05,440 --> 01:29:11,440 we're going to zap >> 110 999 01:29:08,159 --> 01:29:17,280 » one of it. >> You're going to issue about 110. Now 1000 01:29:14,639 --> 01:29:23,760 » 110 is one. >> The 500 million is how much money you 1001 01:29:19,600 --> 01:29:33,679 come in. what you pay out on that 110. Uh this year with all of the sales tax, 1002 01:29:27,760 --> 01:29:38,480 it'll be about uh 12 million until 20 29 and then it drop to 9 million 8 million 1003 01:29:36,320 --> 01:29:43,840 and it'll drop from there. >> So you can't you got the revenue coming 1004 01:29:40,880 --> 01:29:48,800 in and then the debt service going out. The revenue over that period of time 1005 01:29:46,639 --> 01:29:54,960 would be the 500 million and then on an annual basis it pays down just like when 1006 01:29:51,760 --> 01:30:00,639 you pay any other debt down. And in 2030 the existing debt's gone. So 1007 01:29:58,400 --> 01:30:08,397 that's going to knock about half of that debt service payment off at that time. 1008 01:30:05,360 --> 01:30:14,639 » Okay. Miss Washington. Um, [clears throat] 1009 01:30:09,760 --> 01:30:18,719 oh yeah, we have uh we we still we still try to close 2526 out, right? 1010 01:30:17,679 --> 01:30:23,679 » That's correct. Yes, sir. >> Uh, could you come up cuz I don't want 1011 01:30:21,679 --> 01:30:30,960 you all to go down to Baton Rouge and we got a problem with 2526 budget. Uh, and 1012 01:30:27,600 --> 01:30:36,400 we got a Can you talk on that? 1013 01:30:33,040 --> 01:30:42,480 » Closing out the fiscal year for 2526. Well, we did the um uh budget amendment 1014 01:30:39,600 --> 01:30:48,239 didn't pass and so right now our fiscal year 2526 is not closed technically. Um 1015 01:30:46,400 --> 01:30:52,639 we've missed that deadline and it's going to be an audit finding. 1016 01:30:50,800 --> 01:30:55,040 » Will that be a problem? >> We'll be able to talk through that. 1017 01:30:54,639 --> 01:30:59,360 » Huh? >> We we'll be able to talk through that. 1018 01:30:57,920 --> 01:31:03,760 when you say talk through it. >> One one of the great things about you 1019 01:31:01,040 --> 01:31:08,800 guys issuing sales tax bonds, and I know I sound like I'm beating a dead horse, 1020 01:31:05,920 --> 01:31:14,639 but because those bond holders only have access to that 1% tax, 1021 01:31:12,480 --> 01:31:18,639 » we can show, and one of the great things about sales tax, you collect them 1022 01:31:15,920 --> 01:31:22,639 monthly. So, you're able to show we are generating the city, regardless if our 1023 01:31:20,560 --> 01:31:27,920 budget amendment hasn't gone through, we are generating $19 million, $20 million 1024 01:31:25,199 --> 01:31:33,360 a year. That's number one. Number two, state law states, now that sounded uh 1025 01:31:30,960 --> 01:31:38,159 redundant real quick, the state law says that 1026 01:31:34,960 --> 01:31:42,560 whatever you bring in in a year, the most you can ever spend on debt service 1027 01:31:40,000 --> 01:31:48,000 is 75% of it. The state won't even allow it. So again, back of the envelope math, 1028 01:31:45,520 --> 01:31:52,560 you're bringing in 20 million. the largest the highest debt service annual 1029 01:31:50,400 --> 01:31:56,960 debt service that the city any city in Louisiana can issue can issue debt is 1030 01:31:54,960 --> 01:31:59,920 you can't get up to 15 million. So you can issue as much debt as you want but 1031 01:31:58,560 --> 01:32:03,120 if you get up to where your annual payments are 15 million state bond 1032 01:32:01,600 --> 01:32:06,560 commission will not allow you to do it. You couldn't even pass the ordinance if 1033 01:32:04,480 --> 01:32:09,920 you wanted to. Right now, we're looking at somewhere around with with you doing 1034 01:32:08,480 --> 01:32:15,440 110, you're looking somewhere around nine $10 million a year because we know 1035 01:32:13,520 --> 01:32:20,239 that the current debt, those six issues that I spoke spoke on earlier, they're 1036 01:32:17,679 --> 01:32:23,040 coming off your books in 2030. When we issue this debt, we're going to wrap it 1037 01:32:21,760 --> 01:32:26,239 around there so that you don't get anywhere near that [snorts] 14 million 1038 01:32:24,639 --> 01:32:29,120 that we just that I just spoke of. Actually, you're going to be staying 1039 01:32:27,280 --> 01:32:34,080 somewhere around 10 million and coming in and then after those 30, 20, 30 hits, 1040 01:32:31,840 --> 01:32:38,719 we're going to drop it down even more. So you're bringing in about 20 million. 1041 01:32:36,320 --> 01:32:42,719 The most by state law you can ever have is 15 million. We won't get anywhere 1042 01:32:40,880 --> 01:32:47,280 near there. That 110 [clears throat] million, just the the the amount itself, 1043 01:32:45,040 --> 01:32:52,719 the 110 million just will limit you. You won't get anywhere close to that. 1044 01:32:49,360 --> 01:32:54,400 » Okay. All right. U good discussion. >> I got another question. 1045 01:32:53,920 --> 01:33:01,760 » Okay. >> Okay. So this one is going to just Okay. 1046 01:32:57,280 --> 01:33:04,760 So this one is for Mr. Creek Bomb. >> Okay. 1047 01:33:05,040 --> 01:33:09,199 I'll stand. >> Maybe not. Let him let him hang out for 1048 01:33:07,199 --> 01:33:12,480 a few minutes. Okay. >> Okay. So, when we look at this 1049 01:33:10,560 --> 01:33:17,840 ordinance, I mean, look at this um resolution. 1050 01:33:14,080 --> 01:33:23,280 Then it talks about the council acting as the governing authority. We are 1051 01:33:20,400 --> 01:33:26,000 referred to in here as the governing authority. 1052 01:33:24,800 --> 01:33:29,199 Yes, >> that is the defined term as it's used in 1053 01:33:28,080 --> 01:33:36,080 this document. Yes, >> as it's used in this document. Is that 1054 01:33:33,679 --> 01:33:41,120 this document or is that everything that we do when it comes to dealing with the 1055 01:33:38,159 --> 01:33:45,520 finances of the city or the obligations financial obligations of the city? Are 1056 01:33:43,600 --> 01:33:50,560 we the governing authority? >> So are you so that's an abstract 1057 01:33:48,320 --> 01:33:53,120 question and unrelated at all to this? >> Yes. 1058 01:33:51,120 --> 01:33:58,880 » Okay. Unrelated at all to this. Yes. for for purposes of the expenditure of funds 1059 01:33:56,639 --> 01:34:04,159 in this this is the body that appropriates funds for use for the city 1060 01:34:01,840 --> 01:34:09,600 of Monroe. So that is done annually through the budget process. You control 1061 01:34:06,639 --> 01:34:15,199 the allocation of funds throughout the city of Monroe. So I don't know that the 1062 01:34:13,360 --> 01:34:20,080 term governing authority is right. That's a specific legal term that has 1063 01:34:18,239 --> 01:34:25,280 you know that's not in our charter which is what governs how 1064 01:34:22,880 --> 01:34:28,880 this is done but you do appropriate the funds. 1065 01:34:27,679 --> 01:34:32,400 So I think general answer to your question is yes. Council controls the 1066 01:34:31,440 --> 01:34:34,719 purse strings. >> Yes. 1067 01:34:32,719 --> 01:34:38,480 » As a general matter >> for for financial obligations for the 1068 01:34:38,000 --> 01:34:40,960 city. >> Yes. 1069 01:34:39,120 --> 01:34:44,159 » Governing authority. >> Again, you're using a very specific term 1070 01:34:42,719 --> 01:34:48,400 that I don't think is used in our charter. Like I'm not disputing the 1071 01:34:46,719 --> 01:34:53,760 premise, but when you start using a term and importing it into something that's 1072 01:34:50,239 --> 01:34:57,199 not in our charter, I'm not disappre and and I'm I'm not going to we're not 1073 01:34:55,600 --> 01:35:01,440 going to bel label this one. Yeah. >> But the thing of it is is that in most 1074 01:34:59,600 --> 01:35:06,239 instances where the council is overseeing um the dispersement of 1075 01:35:04,000 --> 01:35:10,880 funding and that kind of thing, they're referred to as the governing authority. 1076 01:35:08,320 --> 01:35:15,280 » So state law state law generally defines governing authorities. refer to it here, 1077 01:35:13,440 --> 01:35:21,120 » you know, and then I tell people all the time, you know, we we talk about the 1078 01:35:18,320 --> 01:35:27,199 different entities that we participate with within the city. We're the same 1079 01:35:23,679 --> 01:35:33,520 people. So, it's the same the same the same people are doing the same thing in 1080 01:35:29,360 --> 01:35:40,880 different other entities. I chair I20. >> All right. I20 calls this council the 1081 01:35:38,000 --> 01:35:46,159 governing authority. I think that's also in their specific 1082 01:35:44,000 --> 01:35:50,400 agreement with the city of Monroe fire >> governing authority. All right. So, let 1083 01:35:48,880 --> 01:35:54,560 me go with my point. Let me go with my point. 1084 01:35:51,120 --> 01:36:00,320 » So, here we've got the right >> to sign off and say 1085 01:35:58,560 --> 01:36:04,960 um that we can approve this this and this 1086 01:36:02,800 --> 01:36:09,040 will move forward as a governing authority. 1087 01:36:06,480 --> 01:36:14,080 When it comes to I20, when we talk about being the governing authority and we 1088 01:36:10,960 --> 01:36:20,960 want to approve something, um, council, not I20, um, board, but council send 1089 01:36:18,800 --> 01:36:27,760 governing authority because this this council said to pay an entity as the 1090 01:36:25,360 --> 01:36:33,600 governing authority. We approved them to be paid and they still haven't been 1091 01:36:29,679 --> 01:36:35,920 paid. So my point is when is it [snorts] when are we the governing authority? 1092 01:36:35,280 --> 01:36:41,120 Okay. >> Can we make this decision? Are we really 1093 01:36:38,000 --> 01:36:48,000 the governing authority? Can we really approve them to go to to the bond 1094 01:36:44,159 --> 01:36:54,480 commission and ask or uh ask permission to bond $110 million. 1095 01:36:51,520 --> 01:36:58,320 » Okay. So, there is a whole lot baked into that question. So, let me try to 1096 01:36:56,719 --> 01:37:03,520 break it down into every piece that I can. As a general matter, state law 1097 01:37:01,600 --> 01:37:06,639 defines governing bodies of municipalities. legislative bodies. It's 1098 01:37:05,600 --> 01:37:10,960 not governing. I shouldn't use the word governing. Legislative bodies of 1099 01:37:08,880 --> 01:37:15,600 municipalities as governing authorities. That does not that's the general default 1100 01:37:13,440 --> 01:37:19,600 rule. And so when we use broad terms like general rules, that means there can 1101 01:37:17,440 --> 01:37:24,159 be exceptions. That's why context matters. So for purposes of this 1102 01:37:22,000 --> 01:37:28,080 document in our charter, there is no dispute that our charter says that 1103 01:37:26,159 --> 01:37:33,119 authorization to borrow money or incur debt must be done by an ordinance passed 1104 01:37:30,719 --> 01:37:37,199 by council. So, for that purpose, under our charter, y'all are the determiners 1105 01:37:35,520 --> 01:37:39,840 of whether or not an ordinance gets passed. And there's a legislative 1106 01:37:38,639 --> 01:37:45,920 process that goes with that. The mayor has veto rights, but it starts with this 1107 01:37:42,560 --> 01:37:49,760 body, which is why this document says clearly and whatever defined term it 1108 01:37:48,320 --> 01:37:55,760 used, it used the term governing authority. Y'all will be responsible for 1109 01:37:52,560 --> 01:38:01,040 issuing an ordinance. Agreements though like contractual 1110 01:37:59,199 --> 01:38:04,800 documents can have defined terms on their own which establish different 1111 01:38:02,960 --> 01:38:08,000 bodies. I don't want to get too much into the I20 stuff because there is 1112 01:38:06,560 --> 01:38:11,679 pending litigation, >> right? And so I don't want to get into 1113 01:38:09,600 --> 01:38:15,040 that into a public war again. >> We're not we're not 1114 01:38:12,639 --> 01:38:20,719 » but there is an agreement between the I20 board and the city of Monroe. That 1115 01:38:17,600 --> 01:38:23,920 agreement controls. Okay. So that's what's going to that's what's going to 1116 01:38:22,159 --> 01:38:28,239 govern the legal relationship of the parties because there is an ordinance 1117 01:38:26,080 --> 01:38:31,600 that authorizes an agreement. I don't want to get much further down that 1118 01:38:29,440 --> 01:38:36,639 route, but you can as a matter of contract law, unless it violates some 1119 01:38:33,760 --> 01:38:40,080 other law, define terms. And if you define the governing authority for 1120 01:38:38,400 --> 01:38:44,159 purposes of an agreement as the council and the mayor, you can include the mayor 1121 01:38:42,560 --> 01:38:49,360 in there because you've entered into a contractual agreement that does those 1122 01:38:46,159 --> 01:38:53,119 things. So as a general matter, state law is going to say legislative bodies 1123 01:38:51,040 --> 01:38:56,880 are governing authorities, but the context of every situation is going to 1124 01:38:56,000 --> 01:38:59,679 matter. >> Yeah. 1125 01:38:58,480 --> 01:39:02,480 » What was the last word? >> The context of every situation is going 1126 01:39:01,760 --> 01:39:04,480 to matter. >> Okay. 1127 01:39:02,800 --> 01:39:09,280 » So as a general matter, again, there's always exceptions to rules. There may be 1128 01:39:06,960 --> 01:39:14,000 state law somewhere that says, well, for this purpose, it's the CEO who makes the 1129 01:39:11,600 --> 01:39:17,840 decision. So state law can establish a general rule that hey the council is the 1130 01:39:16,159 --> 01:39:22,560 governing authority but they may have an exception for some other very particular 1131 01:39:20,320 --> 01:39:26,320 purpose. That's why when you say hey are we the governing authority for this 1132 01:39:24,239 --> 01:39:31,600 purpose all I can do is tell you our charter says you all decide whether or 1133 01:39:29,199 --> 01:39:35,760 not to authorize an ordinance incurring debt. That is this council's function 1134 01:39:33,520 --> 01:39:40,000 under our charter. So there's no dispute that if we're going to incur debt in the 1135 01:39:37,360 --> 01:39:43,440 city of Monroe, this body has to pass an ordinance to do that. No one else can do 1136 01:39:42,000 --> 01:39:50,119 that. >> So this resolution on tonight, 1137 01:39:46,719 --> 01:39:50,119 if passed, 1138 01:39:51,440 --> 01:40:01,040 Mr. BS will go down on our behalf and then you will come back and then we 1139 01:39:59,040 --> 01:40:02,719 will put an ordinance in place. >> Absolutely. 1140 01:40:02,000 --> 01:40:07,520 » Right. >> There's no money will be bonded, not one 1141 01:40:05,520 --> 01:40:11,199 cent without an ordinance by this council. 1142 01:40:08,960 --> 01:40:12,960 » Who going to write that? Well, that's what you're hiring them to 1143 01:40:12,639 --> 01:40:17,440 do. >> Who going to write that ordinance? We 1144 01:40:14,960 --> 01:40:24,600 will. >> It's a trust factor. 1145 01:40:20,400 --> 01:40:24,600 I have no problem with you. 1146 01:40:25,360 --> 01:40:35,679 But I got a problem. When we pass things across this table 1147 01:40:33,040 --> 01:40:42,719 and nothing happened and statements be made 1148 01:40:38,719 --> 01:40:50,880 is not priority anymore. Mr. B, how can you assure me 1149 01:40:46,960 --> 01:40:56,800 that that will not happen after we pass this tonight? 1150 01:40:54,560 --> 01:41:00,880 We'll put the projects in the ordinance and they'll be as specific as we can get 1151 01:40:58,880 --> 01:41:05,040 them uh to your satisfaction. If they're not, then and we'll talk and we can like 1152 01:41:03,760 --> 01:41:08,960 this conversation we're having tonight, we can sit down and talk about that to 1153 01:41:07,040 --> 01:41:12,480 make sure that you get comfortable and secure and that your projects will get 1154 01:41:11,199 --> 01:41:17,440 done. I want to see projects done across the 1155 01:41:15,600 --> 01:41:22,320 city. But this 1156 01:41:19,760 --> 01:41:27,920 spirit of uh this vendettic spirit of of don't 1157 01:41:25,199 --> 01:41:34,719 want to do certain things because certain council members has asked for it 1158 01:41:31,119 --> 01:41:41,719 to be taken care of and after it has been passed by this council. 1159 01:41:38,239 --> 01:41:41,719 That's a problem. 1160 01:41:42,400 --> 01:41:49,639 I got receipts of everything I'm saying. 1161 01:41:51,199 --> 01:42:01,280 I just would have felt better tonight if Mary Ellis would have been here 1162 01:41:57,920 --> 01:42:07,320 because he is the one that had the conversation with me and Mr. Muhammad 1163 01:42:07,440 --> 01:42:11,520 and got my thumbs up. 1164 01:42:11,600 --> 01:42:18,400 And when this important vote comes down tonight, 1165 01:42:15,840 --> 01:42:21,880 he's ghost. That's a problem. 1166 01:42:23,119 --> 01:42:30,119 Who can stand for it? No one. 1167 01:42:32,560 --> 01:42:36,199 This is a problem. 1168 01:42:36,400 --> 01:42:43,639 I want to see it pass. But it's a trust factor 1169 01:42:44,960 --> 01:42:52,320 because I know what Mr. Mallister has said to me 1170 01:42:49,760 --> 01:42:57,920 about other projects. I know we got projects on the books that 1171 01:42:54,960 --> 01:43:01,239 we had voted on months ago and nothing has happened. 1172 01:43:01,760 --> 01:43:12,800 I don't have that assurance tonight. even if you go down there and come back 1173 01:43:09,360 --> 01:43:17,280 things going to be in order. You got an individual that's holding down two jobs 1174 01:43:15,119 --> 01:43:21,080 that shouldn't be holding down two. Should just have one. 1175 01:43:21,840 --> 01:43:27,600 » Let me um let me let me get in here. >> Wait a minute, Mr. H. 1176 01:43:25,920 --> 01:43:31,520 And let's say this too. Now, this is an important issue. I know it is 1177 01:43:28,960 --> 01:43:33,760 » because when we long gone off this council, 1178 01:43:33,040 --> 01:43:37,440 » go ahead and make your point. >> We going to be we going we are the ones 1179 01:43:36,000 --> 01:43:41,440 that's going to be responsible. >> Go ahead and make your point. 1180 01:43:38,400 --> 01:43:48,880 » And if it's $500 million, that's the estimate amount of tax being collected. 1181 01:43:44,400 --> 01:43:56,480 When I look at 1.10, and I do understand that at one time it was 179 million and 1182 01:43:52,639 --> 01:44:00,320 we got it reduced down to 110. I still would have felt comfortable 1183 01:43:58,159 --> 01:44:08,080 tonight if the mayor would have been here to support this with us. 1184 01:44:04,159 --> 01:44:13,679 He was in the room with the you and I and he's not in here today to vouch for 1185 01:44:10,719 --> 01:44:18,800 what he said and agreed to. Now, you can go along with certain 1186 01:44:15,600 --> 01:44:23,840 things like that, but it it bothers me when the person that was in the room 1187 01:44:20,880 --> 01:44:28,320 with us and said, "This is how things is going to go is not here to vouch for it 1188 01:44:26,480 --> 01:44:33,040 himself." That's the issue. 1189 01:44:31,199 --> 01:44:38,920 I heard what Mr. McCallister said tonight, 1190 01:44:35,040 --> 01:44:38,920 but it's a trust factor, 1191 01:44:39,360 --> 01:44:45,679 and I understand you want things done just like I want things done. But let's 1192 01:44:43,119 --> 01:44:48,639 do a decent and in order, not on the backs of our people, 1193 01:44:48,072 --> 01:44:54,159 [clears throat] that they are not taken care of. And 1194 01:44:51,600 --> 01:44:58,960 when we long gone off this off this council, we got to make sure that 1195 01:44:56,719 --> 01:45:02,719 there's monies available for this city to continue to go on without any 1196 01:45:00,960 --> 01:45:09,560 hiccups. That's my issue. 1197 01:45:05,440 --> 01:45:09,560 I want to see things done. 1198 01:45:12,239 --> 01:45:17,920 All right, just for clarification real quickly, and I'm not going to beat my 1199 01:45:15,280 --> 01:45:22,880 horse, Mr. M Mr. Creek Bomb. Now, did you Now, did you say that the charter 1200 01:45:20,800 --> 01:45:25,440 does not address the council as the governing authority? 1201 01:45:23,920 --> 01:45:28,639 » It may. I don't have it right in front of me. I don't think it's a defined term 1202 01:45:26,960 --> 01:45:31,520 in there, but I I have access to the charter on my phone. I can search the 1203 01:45:30,159 --> 01:45:36,960 word and it may have it in there as a defined term. I know state law defines 1204 01:45:34,320 --> 01:45:40,800 it um generally as legislative bodies. So, I do know that ex is in state law. 1205 01:45:39,440 --> 01:45:45,920 Didn't bring a copy of the charter down here with me. 1206 01:45:41,360 --> 01:45:47,440 » Okay. So in article two section 2-7 >> sure 1207 01:45:46,320 --> 01:45:53,628 » I think that it's there. >> Yeah. Let's see. It may be a defined 1208 01:45:49,920 --> 01:45:53,628 term in here. [snorts] 1209 01:45:59,468 --> 01:46:04,000 [clears throat] >> It just concerns me. The trust factor 1210 01:46:01,920 --> 01:46:09,360 comes in with me too because you know you trust all right and when it's when 1211 01:46:06,320 --> 01:46:14,639 it's convenient or when you need it the governing authority works but when you 1212 01:46:12,000 --> 01:46:17,679 don't want to do a certain thing then the governing authority does 1213 01:46:15,843 --> 01:46:22,719 [clears throat] not apply. So I'm just trying to understand when does it apply 1214 01:46:19,760 --> 01:46:27,119 and when it doesn't. So it's applying tonight but then you know other times it 1215 01:46:25,440 --> 01:46:29,679 doesn't. >> I I don't understand the question. So, 1216 01:46:28,880 --> 01:46:32,960 can you can you >> I think it was clear. 1217 01:46:31,119 --> 01:46:36,639 » Okay. I don't think it was clear because I think 1218 01:46:34,000 --> 01:46:41,199 » I think we you're using the term governing authority as some 1219 01:46:38,159 --> 01:46:46,000 all-encompassing grant of power. The law gives rights to governing authorities 1220 01:46:43,440 --> 01:46:50,320 just as it gives to executive officials or administrative employees. Those are 1221 01:46:49,040 --> 01:46:53,280 things that are spelled out in the charter. And again, state law provides a 1222 01:46:52,320 --> 01:46:55,840 backdrop. Our charter >> So, it's in the charter. 1223 01:46:54,639 --> 01:47:01,159 » I haven't gotten there yet. You said section two. What was that? Section two. 1224 01:46:58,159 --> 01:47:01,159 What? 1225 01:47:02,400 --> 01:47:06,480 » Give it to me again. >> Huh? 1226 01:47:04,480 --> 01:47:10,520 » Section 230. Is that what you said? >> 217. 1227 01:47:07,520 --> 01:47:10,520 » 217. 1228 01:47:15,119 --> 01:47:22,000 Yeah. So, this isn't a defined term. It it it it doesn't establish the council 1229 01:47:20,400 --> 01:47:26,400 as a governing authority. This is what it says. says, "The council shall have 1230 01:47:24,159 --> 01:47:30,880 and is hereby granted all of the authority to levy and collect taxes, to 1231 01:47:28,400 --> 01:47:35,280 incur debt and issue bonds and other evidences of indebtedness as is now or 1232 01:47:33,199 --> 01:47:38,719 hereafter conferred on governing authorities of municipalities by the 1233 01:47:37,119 --> 01:47:42,800 constitution." Okay. So, it is saying this council has the power to issue debt 1234 01:47:40,560 --> 01:47:46,480 the same as other governing authorities. Again, governing authority is a specific 1235 01:47:44,880 --> 01:47:50,719 term and you didn't hear me dispute that state law does define governing 1236 01:47:48,480 --> 01:47:57,520 authorities generally as legislative bodies. I'm not disputing that. What I'm 1237 01:47:52,880 --> 01:48:01,760 saying is the context of each individual power. You have to look at each 1238 01:47:59,520 --> 01:48:06,480 individual power. Some powers may be granted to this council. Some powers may 1239 01:48:04,159 --> 01:48:12,480 be granted to the mayor. The term governing authority isn't some magic 1240 01:48:09,360 --> 01:48:17,360 talismanic term. You take the power and you see who it is ascribed to. So state 1241 01:48:15,119 --> 01:48:20,719 law might define governing authority as legislative bodies and then have a whole 1242 01:48:19,119 --> 01:48:24,960 bunch of laws that say governing authorities can do this, this, and this. 1243 01:48:22,800 --> 01:48:30,400 So that's how they make it apply to every legislative body across the state. 1244 01:48:28,719 --> 01:48:36,719 There may be exceptions to that where the state has passed a law that says, 1245 01:48:33,040 --> 01:48:41,360 "Hey, mayors have this power or certain other officials, boards and commissions 1246 01:48:38,480 --> 01:48:47,040 have this power." You look at the individual grants of power and see who 1247 01:48:44,000 --> 01:48:52,239 they're obscribed to. In this case, said from the beginning, y'all have the power 1248 01:48:49,520 --> 01:48:56,880 over incurring debt. Nobody's arguing that here. I think you're taking this 1249 01:48:54,159 --> 01:49:00,000 particular item that's on the agenda and trying to 1250 01:48:58,320 --> 01:49:02,239 » graft it onto some big broader discussion that we're not having here 1251 01:49:01,920 --> 01:49:05,920 tonight. >> One side, one size fit all. But no. 1252 01:49:04,239 --> 01:49:13,119 Yeah. But it's but at the end of the day, you know, I still say 1253 01:49:10,560 --> 01:49:17,360 when it's convenient when it's convenient. 1254 01:49:15,920 --> 01:49:21,520 And I'm going to leave that and we're going to go on. Bishop, you 1255 01:49:19,040 --> 01:49:25,360 » I got one other thing. And I know Mr. Chairman, you you anxious 1256 01:49:23,600 --> 01:49:29,679 to to get this passed. >> No, I want to say something when Mr. 1257 01:49:27,840 --> 01:49:35,199 » BS, as [clears throat] I said to you 1258 01:49:30,800 --> 01:49:41,360 earlier, I trust you. Are you saying in the ordinance that we 1259 01:49:38,159 --> 01:49:47,040 could put the language in there to make it law 1260 01:49:44,000 --> 01:49:53,280 to make those others that's in charge 1261 01:49:50,239 --> 01:49:58,080 to make sure that all of these projects are moving at the same time? Can that 1262 01:49:55,520 --> 01:50:00,560 type of language be in there and be lawful? 1263 01:49:58,960 --> 01:50:07,920 » I believe it can. >> No, Mr. Mr. M I I want to know Mr. 1264 01:50:05,520 --> 01:50:11,920 is it a yes or no we can make what you do and you pass will become law. It will 1265 01:50:10,320 --> 01:50:16,480 be there. The language in there is there. Now if if it's no discretion 1266 01:50:15,199 --> 01:50:20,320 which it won't be you can bring a mandamus to enforce it. If it's not 1267 01:50:18,960 --> 01:50:24,320 there's no discretion. It's only ministerial. But we put in there 1268 01:50:22,480 --> 01:50:30,159 language that these projects have to proceed with all due speed each and all 1269 01:50:28,320 --> 01:50:35,600 of them to the extent that you know there's weather and you know building 1270 01:50:33,280 --> 01:50:40,320 things that come in is that would affect everything I would think not that but we 1271 01:50:38,000 --> 01:50:44,159 we can put that language in there and we know what you're saying and you all have 1272 01:50:42,159 --> 01:50:46,239 to approve it. It's got to be or we don't 1273 01:50:44,480 --> 01:50:52,239 » and all projects will happen at the same time. It'll be in the ordinance. they 1274 01:50:49,040 --> 01:50:55,520 shall break ground at the same time that will be in there, 1275 01:50:54,080 --> 01:50:58,000 » right? And the ones that's on the books need 1276 01:50:56,080 --> 01:51:03,440 » we can put all of that. I just don't know if I don't know if 1277 01:51:01,360 --> 01:51:06,800 » we'll have to work with the with the >> Well, well, the thing about it, this 1278 01:51:05,760 --> 01:51:12,400 » we can put it in there. >> This is your catch 22. 1279 01:51:09,760 --> 01:51:15,837 I can support this tonight, >> but nothing. 1280 01:51:13,360 --> 01:51:22,000 » But wait a minute now. I can [clears throat] support this tonight and 1281 01:51:18,239 --> 01:51:25,280 then when you come back from Baton Rouge if it's not written correct the 1282 01:51:24,560 --> 01:51:28,159 ordinance >> then I can vote it down 1283 01:51:27,760 --> 01:51:33,360 » right >> my thing is 1284 01:51:30,639 --> 01:51:40,599 it's trust factor things that should have already happened has not happened 1285 01:51:37,119 --> 01:51:40,599 » so maybe 1286 01:51:40,960 --> 01:51:49,840 these other projects that should have been completed. Maybe 1287 01:51:46,960 --> 01:51:55,920 they get completed now before you get back before this council cuz I'm going 1288 01:51:53,360 --> 01:52:01,119 to have a no vote. I'm going to vote for this tonight. Well, I'm going to have a 1289 01:51:58,480 --> 01:52:07,199 no vote for it when you come back 1290 01:52:03,679 --> 01:52:12,239 and I hear the same and see the same attitude. 1291 01:52:09,440 --> 01:52:17,400 what they're telling the mayor this that and the other that is not priority 1292 01:52:14,400 --> 01:52:17,400 anymore. 1293 01:52:17,840 --> 01:52:21,960 That's that's a promise. 1294 01:52:22,719 --> 01:52:31,880 I'm I'm supporting it. I'm going to support it tonight on your strength on 1295 01:52:28,159 --> 01:52:31,880 what you have said. 1296 01:52:32,159 --> 01:52:40,320 Yes, I said that and I say what I want to say and I do 1297 01:52:37,679 --> 01:52:45,840 what I want to do. because you have never 1298 01:52:43,440 --> 01:52:48,960 lied to me and that stands for something. Thank 1299 01:52:47,599 --> 01:52:54,000 you. >> Okay. Um 1300 01:52:52,080 --> 01:53:00,239 I'm we're going to call for the question and uh 1301 01:52:56,080 --> 01:53:05,280 I'll just say this. Uh yes, Mayor Ellis is not here. Uh 1302 01:53:02,800 --> 01:53:13,360 he see your word is your bond. Now you so if 1303 01:53:10,400 --> 01:53:18,080 you break that word then that's you know we heard what he said and we we going to 1304 01:53:16,000 --> 01:53:23,520 we going to follow what he said we come back in the orders put everything in 1305 01:53:20,239 --> 01:53:28,400 there how this council wanted projects to look this is just I think we getting 1306 01:53:26,080 --> 01:53:35,840 it we just want them to have go down to Baton Rouge and get the permission and 1307 01:53:31,280 --> 01:53:42,159 then we come back this 110 million is divided over a two-year period. The 1308 01:53:38,719 --> 01:53:47,840 first round of projects, we saw a preliminary project list that's not in 1309 01:53:44,719 --> 01:53:53,920 stone. So once we come back in, we can get together and figure out what 1310 01:53:50,480 --> 01:54:00,080 projects will roll out first, how much projects will roll out, what type of 1311 01:53:56,400 --> 01:54:06,960 projects shall go out, uh what streets, what particular streets in our district 1312 01:54:01,920 --> 01:54:12,000 will that's the after we come back. So, uh, you know, 1313 01:54:09,760 --> 01:54:14,480 as far as Mr. Ellis, I mean, he don't have to be here. In my opinion, he 1314 01:54:13,679 --> 01:54:16,320 » That's your opinion. >> Yeah. Right. Well, in my opinion, he 1315 01:54:15,920 --> 01:54:19,440 don't. >> But, but it was the three of us in the 1316 01:54:18,239 --> 01:54:26,000 same room together. >> He gave us He gave I know what he said. 1317 01:54:21,520 --> 01:54:31,840 » Okay. But it's better that Mr. Mr. Ellis would have been here tonight to amen 1318 01:54:28,719 --> 01:54:38,080 everything that we're saying to give his support publicly, not behind closed 1319 01:54:35,360 --> 01:54:41,080 doors. That's what I'm saying. >> Okay, 1320 01:54:41,199 --> 01:54:51,679 Mr. Mr. McAllister, the project down at uh Madison Foster, is that moving? 1321 01:54:49,199 --> 01:54:58,639 That's the project that Mr. Mr. McFaren is concerned about. that project can 1322 01:54:55,040 --> 01:55:03,599 move now through the CIC. And let me explain, Mr. McFarland, if you recall, 1323 01:55:01,520 --> 01:55:08,080 we did submit a capital outlay application for that particular project. 1324 01:55:06,400 --> 01:55:14,800 Whenever you submit a capital outlay project, then you are issued P1, P2, or 1325 01:55:11,280 --> 01:55:19,440 P5. If you move on that project without getting a cash line of credit through 1326 01:55:16,560 --> 01:55:25,520 the state bond commission and getting approval to bid the project and then 1327 01:55:22,080 --> 01:55:29,440 getting approval of whatever um bid you receive and accept that bid, there are 1328 01:55:27,840 --> 01:55:35,199 steps that you have to take with the with FPNC before you move forward. That 1329 01:55:32,320 --> 01:55:42,560 project was wrapped up in capital outlay until July of this year. state bond 1330 01:55:38,320 --> 01:55:48,159 commission pulled um our FPNC pulled four of our nine projects and that was 1331 01:55:44,880 --> 01:55:52,719 one of them. And so if they had not pulled that and had issued a line of 1332 01:55:50,159 --> 01:55:57,599 credit and we had already started that project, we would not have received any 1333 01:55:55,440 --> 01:56:00,560 funds from state capital outlay. We would have been on the hook for 1334 01:55:58,639 --> 01:56:05,440 everything that we spent. That is with every project. We have to advertise it 1335 01:56:03,040 --> 01:56:10,400 after their approval. we could only sign that contract after their approval. So 1336 01:56:08,560 --> 01:56:14,320 since it is now one of the projects that they have not allocated funds to, they 1337 01:56:12,560 --> 01:56:19,760 have removed it from the capital outlay act 4 as of July of this year. That is a 1338 01:56:17,360 --> 01:56:24,480 project that we can move on and pay cash for out of this 1% sales tax that we 1339 01:56:22,560 --> 01:56:29,360 currently have not as a part of this bond package but as a part of the money 1340 01:56:26,800 --> 01:56:34,800 that we currently have in the account. So that is the update on that particular 1341 01:56:32,000 --> 01:56:38,159 project. Um, that's why we've not moved that project. 1342 01:56:35,520 --> 01:56:43,440 » Mr. McCelie, you know just as well as Miss Woods know that what you're saying 1343 01:56:39,920 --> 01:56:51,119 is not true. You look me square in my eyes in the council conference room and 1344 01:56:46,960 --> 01:56:54,880 told me that's not priority anymore. >> Now I have a witness. No sir. No sir. 1345 01:56:53,280 --> 01:56:57,360 Now you you trying you trying to smooth it over. Don't mess up this vote 1346 01:56:56,800 --> 01:57:00,320 tonight. >> No. No. Don't mess it up. Absolutely. 1347 01:56:59,119 --> 01:57:05,840 Because you about to mess it up. >> It appears that I'm not um Because you 1348 01:57:02,719 --> 01:57:10,719 know that is not true. You know that's not true. You told me in front of Miss 1349 01:57:09,040 --> 01:57:17,360 Woods >> that it was not priority anymore. 1350 01:57:14,719 --> 01:57:22,560 You did not say any of what you're saying tonight. 1351 01:57:19,920 --> 01:57:23,599 » And yes, you're right. You know I'm correct. 1352 01:57:23,119 --> 01:57:30,719 » Yes, sir. >> So So don't mess up this vote tonight on 1353 01:57:26,320 --> 01:57:37,280 on trying to polish this. All I'm saying if things 1354 01:57:34,560 --> 01:57:41,199 doesn't happen between now and when they come back, 1355 01:57:39,199 --> 01:57:47,360 as grandma say, it's going to be trouble at the river for me because I'm not 1356 01:57:44,480 --> 01:57:51,760 going to support it. I'm going to support this tonight on the 1357 01:57:50,239 --> 01:57:57,040 strength of Mr. B 1358 01:57:54,480 --> 01:58:01,280 of what he said and how we can craft this. 1359 01:57:58,560 --> 01:58:07,440 And I'm praying that you will do the right thing and get those other projects 1360 01:58:04,080 --> 01:58:13,920 that we have already voted for completed cuz it shouldn't come out of 1361 01:58:10,480 --> 01:58:17,760 any of this money that we going to be bonding out in the future. That's what 1362 01:58:16,880 --> 01:58:18,719 I'm saying. >> Yes, sir. 1363 01:58:18,400 --> 01:58:22,719 » Thank you. >> I'm going jump in on my project, too. 1364 01:58:20,239 --> 01:58:27,520 What about the ditch in Booati? >> We've been talking I was in Baton Rouge. 1365 01:58:25,840 --> 01:58:32,239 I was in Baton Rouge a couple of weeks ago advocating for that 1 million 1366 01:58:29,840 --> 01:58:36,800 surplus to be put back in the project. Um I believe we're going to be able to 1367 01:58:34,239 --> 01:58:40,560 get that. Um I'm not sure, 1368 01:58:38,239 --> 01:58:47,119 » but as I stated in our meeting that Mr. McFarland is is referring to, I did say 1369 01:58:44,320 --> 01:58:51,440 priority. I did. But out of those fives that are out of those five projects that 1370 01:58:49,040 --> 01:58:55,760 are on there, Georgia Street pump station was the priority. And that's 1371 01:58:53,280 --> 01:59:00,159 what I shared and it still is. It's a project that is under construction right 1372 01:58:57,679 --> 01:59:05,280 now that we anticipate being done in May. Your project is a great project. 1373 01:59:02,639 --> 01:59:09,360 It's a roadway project, but Georgia Street Pump Station is a project we have 1374 01:59:07,199 --> 01:59:14,080 been fighting for for years. We are finally under construction. I myself, 1375 01:59:11,840 --> 01:59:17,760 council members, you were there during the last major rain event a year ago, 1376 01:59:16,320 --> 01:59:22,960 April. I [clears throat] was standing waist deep in water. That project is 1377 01:59:20,560 --> 01:59:27,520 priority and it is still priority. We will finish that project in May. We're 1378 01:59:25,119 --> 01:59:33,520 very thankful for that. But [snorts] to your point, sir, I did make that 1379 01:59:29,760 --> 01:59:39,520 statement. Priority. That's the the what I just stated is um the the premise for 1380 01:59:37,040 --> 01:59:42,800 making that that comment. Georgia Street Pump Station is priority. 1381 01:59:41,280 --> 01:59:49,119 » Nothing about that. You you you're getting yourself in in in in deep water 1382 01:59:46,960 --> 01:59:53,440 and you're going to cause me to just vote no on this. 1383 01:59:51,119 --> 01:59:56,800 » Forgive me, sir. Forgive me. Thank you. >> All right. Listen, we going to call for 1384 01:59:54,880 --> 02:00:03,679 the question. Thank you, Mr. Bones, Mr. Lamb, and Mr. Anti for your input. Um, 1385 02:00:01,360 --> 02:00:07,080 Madame Clerk, >> Mr. McFarland, 1386 02:00:09,119 --> 02:00:12,400 » I, >> Mr. Harvey, 1387 02:00:11,840 --> 02:00:14,239 » I, >> Mr. Muhammed, 1388 02:00:13,440 --> 02:00:15,920 » I, >> Mrs. Ezren, 1389 02:00:15,360 --> 02:00:17,920 » I, >> Miss Woods, 1390 02:00:16,960 --> 02:00:22,159 » I. >> Motion carries. Adopt a resolution 1391 02:00:20,080 --> 02:00:25,920 authorizing agreement with travels and move. Second 1392 02:00:23,760 --> 02:00:29,360 » been moved and properly several that we consider this resolution. Any comments 1393 02:00:27,520 --> 02:00:34,320 from the audience? Any from council? 1394 02:00:32,159 --> 02:00:39,599 » I did notice u you did send us the email, Mr. Thank you, sir. Y'all have a 1395 02:00:36,000 --> 02:00:46,159 good evening. Uh Mr. um more about the uh the increase here with the travelers. 1396 02:00:43,920 --> 02:00:51,119 » Yes sir, I did. Correct. what you >> in the packet it was just uh included 1397 02:00:48,159 --> 02:00:57,119 the premium summary and then the markets that they had went to uh but on the 1398 02:00:53,760 --> 02:01:03,360 premium summary it um give some um some of the reasons for the um increase 1399 02:01:00,480 --> 02:01:07,040 » okay all right thank you sir any comment from council madam clerk 1400 02:01:06,080 --> 02:01:08,560 » Mr. Muhammed >> I 1401 02:01:07,520 --> 02:01:09,920 » Mrs. Ezernette >> I 1402 02:01:08,960 --> 02:01:11,599 » miss woods >> I 1403 02:01:10,400 --> 02:01:12,960 » Mr. McFarland >> I 1404 02:01:12,000 --> 02:01:15,520 » Mr. Harvey >> I that motion [snorts] carries 1405 02:01:14,400 --> 02:01:20,159 department of plann and urban development none legal department none 1406 02:01:18,239 --> 02:01:24,639 mayor's office a adopt a resolution authorizing 1407 02:01:22,719 --> 02:01:29,520 » be moved and properly second that we consider this resolution 1408 02:01:26,880 --> 02:01:37,840 any comments from the audience any from council 1409 02:01:31,920 --> 02:01:40,639 Mr. uh m uh Mr. uh creek bomb. This um is is it designated for a lawnmower or 1410 02:01:40,239 --> 02:01:44,159 is it >> Yeah, that's the designated and the all 1411 02:01:42,719 --> 02:01:48,960 of this is straight from the appropriation language that was used. 1412 02:01:46,080 --> 02:01:51,199 » Okay. All right. Okay. All right. Madam clerk, 1413 02:01:50,000 --> 02:01:52,960 » Mr. Harvey, >> I 1414 02:01:51,679 --> 02:01:54,880 » Mr. McFarland >> I 1415 02:01:53,440 --> 02:01:56,639 » Mrs. Zernac, >> Miss Woods, 1416 02:01:56,159 --> 02:02:00,639 » I >> Mr. Muhammad, 1417 02:01:57,599 --> 02:02:04,400 » I motion carries B. adopt the resolution authorizing cooperative endeavor 1418 02:02:02,159 --> 02:02:10,960 agreement. Been moved and properly second that we consider this resolution. 1419 02:02:08,719 --> 02:02:14,000 This is for United Way. Any comments from the audience? 1420 02:02:12,960 --> 02:02:19,760 Any from council? >> Yes. For the purpose of those that are 1421 02:02:17,199 --> 02:02:25,760 in the audience and for the purpose of those that are at home. 1422 02:02:23,199 --> 02:02:30,800 Mr. Creek Bomb, will you tell them where this money is coming from? And it is not 1423 02:02:28,480 --> 02:02:34,080 the city doing this. This we are just a pass through. Correct. 1424 02:02:32,239 --> 02:02:38,800 » That is correct. We are a pass through for um [snorts] the line item 1425 02:02:36,639 --> 02:02:42,560 appropriations to non-governmental organizations 1426 02:02:40,400 --> 02:02:45,199 uh that were allocated money by the state legislature in the last 1427 02:02:43,920 --> 02:02:50,239 legislative session. >> So why did they do this? Because 1428 02:02:47,599 --> 02:02:54,960 typically I've not seen this before. So t help me understand why are we a pass 1429 02:02:52,960 --> 02:02:58,800 through for this money? it. So, the legislature can actually do it both 1430 02:02:56,639 --> 02:03:04,719 ways. They can do direct appropriations. They can do pass through appropriations. 1431 02:03:01,599 --> 02:03:08,800 They have used both um really no rhyme or reason historically. I think there's 1432 02:03:07,119 --> 02:03:14,400 uh we have four this year that I think there were 17 pass through allocations 1433 02:03:12,000 --> 02:03:19,520 statewide this year. If I remember right when I was talking to the treasury about 1434 02:03:16,000 --> 02:03:23,440 how many there were. Um, in the past it seems like the local legislators 1435 02:03:21,760 --> 02:03:27,840 typically used the pass through allocations through the city of Monroe. 1436 02:03:24,960 --> 02:03:30,480 We went back in 2023, there was pass through allocations that were done 1437 02:03:29,119 --> 02:03:34,239 through the city of Monroe to other entities. It's up to the individual 1438 02:03:32,639 --> 02:03:37,440 legislature when they're getting these funds appropriated, how whether they 1439 02:03:36,080 --> 02:03:42,639 want to do it direct or whether they want to do it um as a pass through. So, 1440 02:03:40,719 --> 02:03:46,080 you'd have to ask the legislature, the legislator that 1441 02:03:44,159 --> 02:03:51,920 » I guess was behind the appropriation, why they chose which method. But, but 1442 02:03:48,480 --> 02:03:53,440 both have happened both ways um in the past. 1443 02:03:52,800 --> 02:03:59,040 » Okay. >> Now, has this money um I think we've 1444 02:03:56,000 --> 02:04:03,280 talked about it uh this resolution, this corporate agreement, 1445 02:04:01,840 --> 02:04:07,119 this money is not sitting in our treasury yet, is it? 1446 02:04:04,239 --> 02:04:11,040 » No, it is not. So what what will what will happen is we'll sign the 1447 02:04:09,599 --> 02:04:15,280 cooperative endeavor agreement with the state and the money will go to the 1448 02:04:13,119 --> 02:04:18,480 entity. So we won't get the money until we get the agreement with the state and 1449 02:04:17,119 --> 02:04:23,840 the money comes and then it goes to the nonprofit. 1450 02:04:20,320 --> 02:04:30,320 » So the money actually comes to us and and then we write the check for 1451 02:04:27,199 --> 02:04:34,880 » to the nonprofit. So what we did in 2023 was when the last time that I saw that 1452 02:04:32,159 --> 02:04:38,080 we had these direct appropriations, the forms that we filled out basically said, 1453 02:04:36,560 --> 02:04:42,239 "Hey, as soon as it gets the money, the city gets the money, we'll send it on to 1454 02:04:40,239 --> 02:04:45,360 the next person." Um, >> so that's a line item 1455 02:04:43,920 --> 02:04:47,679 » that these are Yeah, these are line items that were done at the state level 1456 02:04:47,119 --> 02:04:51,280 that that >> I'm talking about for us. 1457 02:04:49,440 --> 02:04:54,639 » Yeah. So it's actually part of So you fill out a whole lot of paperwork for 1458 02:04:52,800 --> 02:04:58,239 these agreements and it's part you explained you know I looked back at the 1459 02:04:56,480 --> 02:05:01,199 ones we did from 2023 and we would literally put in there you know the 1460 02:04:59,760 --> 02:05:05,119 intended use of the money the city will receive and disperse to x entity and 1461 02:05:03,440 --> 02:05:12,560 then that's how we did it just straight. >> So so it it seems that u 1462 02:05:09,520 --> 02:05:18,480 we won't even get the money if we vote no tonight 1463 02:05:15,520 --> 02:05:23,760 is it's not coming to us anyway. Right. >> That is correct. And it's and this is 1464 02:05:20,560 --> 02:05:28,239 the first process of just saying, "Hey, we're gonna allow it to pass through us 1465 02:05:26,400 --> 02:05:30,719 and and pass it on to them." >> Yeah. And and and they have to do that 1466 02:05:29,840 --> 02:05:34,000 because that's the way the appropriations were written. If we 1467 02:05:32,320 --> 02:05:36,080 didn't accept this and enter into these agreements, then the money would never 1468 02:05:35,199 --> 02:05:41,199 reach its entire >> and there's no such thing as collecting 1469 02:05:38,800 --> 02:05:45,360 the money and then holding the money that Right. 1470 02:05:42,480 --> 02:05:49,920 » So the only the only the only caveat to that again, yes. So what when I looked 1471 02:05:47,520 --> 02:05:55,119 back in 2023, we we got the money and we sent it straight out the door. To the 1472 02:05:52,719 --> 02:05:58,639 extent that there are any operational requirements, and I'm verifying this 1473 02:05:57,199 --> 02:06:03,920 with the state, that we can do it the exact same way that we did it in 2023 in 1474 02:06:01,199 --> 02:06:07,119 straight out. Um I don't think that there should be any oversight 1475 02:06:05,760 --> 02:06:11,440 obligations with respect to the expenditures because we are the pass 1476 02:06:08,639 --> 02:06:14,320 through entity. But in the event that there's paperwork that needs to be 1477 02:06:12,880 --> 02:06:18,000 filled out and we've got to rely on these organizations to fill out the 1478 02:06:15,760 --> 02:06:21,360 paperwork, I do need the flexibility to impose those obligations on them. And so 1479 02:06:19,920 --> 02:06:26,239 that's what this resolution does. All right. So, and then my question now 1480 02:06:23,360 --> 02:06:32,480 because I kind of remember maybe some money coming and we it was a pass 1481 02:06:28,560 --> 02:06:38,639 through for us and I think with that oversight if there was some scrutiny and 1482 02:06:35,920 --> 02:06:41,920 I think it was SEDD and we held on to their money and they had to do do you 1483 02:06:41,119 --> 02:06:44,480 recall that was >> I don't recall that. 1484 02:06:42,880 --> 02:06:47,760 » Okay. I think I recall >> that was if I remember correctly that 1485 02:06:46,079 --> 02:06:51,599 was passed through money from Senator Jackson either in 2020. 1486 02:06:49,920 --> 02:06:55,280 » Well, isn't that the same thing? You know, it it just she chose to pass it 1487 02:06:54,239 --> 02:07:00,079 through right >> her versus the treasurer department, you 1488 02:06:59,040 --> 02:07:03,760 know. >> Yeah, the treasury department. 1489 02:07:01,599 --> 02:07:06,719 » So, I'm not familiar with So, that's not one of the ones that I looked at. I 1490 02:07:04,960 --> 02:07:10,480 looked at the 2023 ones and I don't know if SCDV was in the 2023 trunch or it may 1491 02:07:09,520 --> 02:07:12,560 have been before that. >> Do you remember? 1492 02:07:11,280 --> 02:07:14,880 » I remember a couple passing through. I don't remember SEDD. I remember one was 1493 02:07:14,159 --> 02:07:18,400 like >> there was like some BMX stuff that was 1494 02:07:16,560 --> 02:07:20,800 in one thing. There was another charity that went to another and they were 1495 02:07:19,360 --> 02:07:24,880 passing through here and there were people asking why we were awarding that 1496 02:07:23,440 --> 02:07:28,159 money when it was really just a pass through at the legislator level. 1497 02:07:26,400 --> 02:07:30,400 » Yeah. And legislators certainly have that option 1498 02:07:28,639 --> 02:07:34,079 » which each specific spend was. I remember us getting challenged on it. 1499 02:07:32,320 --> 02:07:39,040 » Yeah. And so to the extent that there are any closeout obligations I and what 1500 02:07:36,960 --> 02:07:45,119 these resolutions do and I'm not getting ahead of myself but they're all largely 1501 02:07:40,560 --> 02:07:48,960 identical B and D. Uh we'll focus on B for this purpose. It says hey to the 1502 02:07:47,520 --> 02:07:51,520 extent that we can we're going to just straight pass it through accept it and 1503 02:07:50,480 --> 02:07:54,880 pass it through. But if the state is going to require any 1504 02:07:53,360 --> 02:07:59,599 closeout paperwork or anything like that, I have the authority to enter an 1505 02:07:57,440 --> 02:08:03,040 agreement with the nonprofit that will also impose those obligations on them to 1506 02:08:01,840 --> 02:08:06,639 make sure the eyes are dotted and the tees are crossed because we really just 1507 02:08:05,119 --> 02:08:10,159 want to be the intermediary here that just passes everything through. And if 1508 02:08:08,159 --> 02:08:14,239 there's obligations with respect to the funds, we need to make sure that those 1509 02:08:12,239 --> 02:08:20,920 obligations are imposed on the ultimate recipient as well. 1510 02:08:16,480 --> 02:08:20,920 » All right. Thank you, sir. Madame clerk, 1511 02:08:21,679 --> 02:08:25,440 » Mrs. Ezernette, >> I 1512 02:08:24,159 --> 02:08:26,800 » Mr. McFarland, >> I 1513 02:08:25,840 --> 02:08:28,400 » Mr. Harvey, >> I, 1514 02:08:27,119 --> 02:08:30,159 » Miss Woods, >> I, 1515 02:08:28,800 --> 02:08:34,159 » Mr. Muhammed, >> I c adopt a resolution. 1516 02:08:33,199 --> 02:08:37,520 » Second >> this corporate in grief with the state 1517 02:08:35,840 --> 02:08:42,079 of Louisiana is moved and properly second. This is for Strauss youth 1518 02:08:39,840 --> 02:08:47,280 academy and for arts. Anyone in the audience to speak for against this item? 1519 02:08:44,480 --> 02:08:49,599 Seeing none cler councel madame clerk 1520 02:08:48,639 --> 02:08:50,960 » miss woods >> I 1521 02:08:50,000 --> 02:08:52,480 » Mr. Muhammed >> I 1522 02:08:51,360 --> 02:08:54,079 » Mrs. Ezernac >> I 1523 02:08:53,040 --> 02:08:55,760 » Mr. Harvey >> I 1524 02:08:54,560 --> 02:08:58,239 » Mr. McFarland >> I 1525 02:08:56,400 --> 02:09:01,520 » motion carries adopt the resolution >> so move 1526 02:08:59,199 --> 02:09:05,199 » second >> who move you you 1527 02:09:03,520 --> 02:09:09,360 » y got at the gate together >> got together 1528 02:09:06,560 --> 02:09:13,360 » who you got miss Mrs. Who? Who? >> McFarland. 1529 02:09:10,400 --> 02:09:16,079 » Okay. What? I heard one Woods leave it to me. So, put 1530 02:09:14,320 --> 02:09:21,440 » I I'll give it to you. [laughter] >> You guys can have it. 1531 02:09:17,760 --> 02:09:23,040 » You You can take the motion. She wants the motion. 1532 02:09:22,079 --> 02:09:24,719 » I'm not attached to anything. >> I'll let I'll let I'll let you have 1533 02:09:24,400 --> 02:09:29,199 that. >> Miss Woods made the motion. Okay. Miss 1534 02:09:26,400 --> 02:09:32,079 Woods and Mr. Harvey. Anyone in ought to speak for against this particular 1535 02:09:30,639 --> 02:09:35,199 resolution? >> Seeing none, council, you have any 1536 02:09:33,440 --> 02:09:38,159 discussion on it? >> Madame clerk, 1537 02:09:36,880 --> 02:09:39,760 » Mr. Mr. McFarland >> I 1538 02:09:38,560 --> 02:09:41,280 » Mrs. Ezernac >> I 1539 02:09:40,320 --> 02:09:43,199 » Mr. Muhammed >> I 1540 02:09:41,920 --> 02:09:45,199 » Miss Woods >> I 1541 02:09:44,159 --> 02:09:47,920 » Mr. Harvey >> I 1542 02:09:46,239 --> 02:09:52,079 » motion carries department of public works none department community affairs 1543 02:09:50,079 --> 02:09:56,960 none police department none fire department a adopt the resolution 1544 02:09:54,159 --> 02:10:00,320 authorized forever agreement >> right been moved and second that we 1545 02:09:58,800 --> 02:10:05,440 enter into into this agreement with the state of Louisiana um we've got Chief 1546 02:10:04,000 --> 02:10:08,639 Maxi you want to talk a little bit about this chief 1547 02:10:10,239 --> 02:10:16,400 Before we do that, is anyone else in the audience to speak for against this item? 1548 02:10:15,520 --> 02:10:20,159 » Okay, chief. >> Uh, good evening, council. This is the 1549 02:10:18,560 --> 02:10:25,280 same thing we did last year. The state of Louisiana appropriated funds for USAR 1550 02:10:22,800 --> 02:10:30,560 teams. There's four in the state. The idea of this is for them to furnish 1551 02:10:27,040 --> 02:10:34,719 funds so that all the four USR teams are equipped alike. So, when we deploy, 1552 02:10:33,199 --> 02:10:39,679 we'll all have the equipment that we need. And this year we're focusing on 1553 02:10:37,199 --> 02:10:43,840 some vehicles to pull trailers and some uh additional trailers to house the 1554 02:10:41,520 --> 02:10:48,320 equipment. >> Okay. All right. U any questions for Mr. 1555 02:10:47,280 --> 02:10:52,400 Maxi? >> I don't have any questions for you, 1556 02:10:50,000 --> 02:10:56,719 Chief, but I do want to say thank you. Um you always keep me informed on 1557 02:10:55,199 --> 02:11:01,280 everything that's going on in my district and I really do appreciate it. 1558 02:10:58,639 --> 02:11:05,520 It gives me the opportunity to go follow up with families that have been impacted 1559 02:11:03,440 --> 02:11:07,520 by fire or whatever it is. >> So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1560 02:11:06,880 --> 02:11:12,400 » Yes, ma'am. >> Well, let me say he don't only keep you 1561 02:11:10,719 --> 02:11:15,440 informed. [laughter] >> He keeps everybody informed. 1562 02:11:13,845 --> 02:11:16,719 [clears throat] >> So, 1563 02:11:16,000 --> 02:11:18,719 » no special. >> Thank you. [laughter] 1564 02:11:18,000 --> 02:11:22,400 » All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. 1565 02:11:19,280 --> 02:11:24,079 » Thank you. Appreciate it. Madame Clerk, >> Mr. Muhammed. 1566 02:11:23,360 --> 02:11:25,440 » Hi, >> Mr. Harvey. 1567 02:11:25,040 --> 02:11:27,280 » Hi, >> Mr. McFarland. 1568 02:11:26,639 --> 02:11:28,800 » I >> Mrs. Ezra 1569 02:11:28,320 --> 02:11:30,400 » I. >> Miss Woods 1570 02:11:30,000 --> 02:11:34,480 » I. >> That motion carries engineering 1571 02:11:31,840 --> 02:11:36,560 services. None. Y'all need a break? >> No. 1572 02:11:34,960 --> 02:11:41,760 » No. No. No. >> Okay. Introduce introduction resolution 1573 02:11:39,280 --> 02:11:44,159 and ordinance. A introducing ordinance approving collective bargaining 1574 02:11:43,599 --> 02:11:47,280 agreement. >> Second. 1575 02:11:44,560 --> 02:11:52,239 » Been moved and second that we approve this agreement uh for collective 1576 02:11:49,760 --> 02:11:56,639 bargaining with transit. Any comment from the audience? 1577 02:11:54,480 --> 02:11:59,639 » Yes. State your name and address, please. 1578 02:12:01,679 --> 02:12:12,079 My name is James Tatum. Uh, address 69, >> Highway 139 here, Chris Apartment, 1579 02:12:09,840 --> 02:12:18,239 » 904. Uh, I have a 1580 02:12:15,280 --> 02:12:24,560 bunch of paperwork dating back uh with the communication between uh the union 1581 02:12:21,040 --> 02:12:30,000 and uh PE bomb. So, I know I don't have we don't have time, you know, to go 1582 02:12:26,800 --> 02:12:35,560 through all of this. So, what I've done was that I just uh 1583 02:12:35,679 --> 02:12:44,560 picked out a certain things that need to be talked about based on the contract in 1584 02:12:41,199 --> 02:12:54,239 our races and that the contract that uh CBA and uh and uh Cream Bomb had with uh 1585 02:12:50,239 --> 02:13:03,040 our IVP. Uh I I noticed upon the raises and stuff that cream bomb he wants to do 1586 02:12:57,440 --> 02:13:08,639 the raise it for five years. We want to do the raise. 1587 02:13:06,239 --> 02:13:12,000 » We are asking for 1588 02:13:10,159 --> 02:13:15,960 8% for each year 1589 02:13:17,280 --> 02:13:27,840 for three years. Greenbomb wants to do it I think for 1590 02:13:24,560 --> 02:13:31,599 » 6% over five years but four years but not even counting 1591 02:13:30,560 --> 02:13:35,520 2026. >> Did y'all get in and hammer this out? 1592 02:13:33,840 --> 02:13:38,159 » So I guess we need to withdraw this tonight and again 1593 02:13:36,560 --> 02:13:40,480 » see cuz see see I'm ready to vote on it because 1594 02:13:38,560 --> 02:13:43,280 » me I am the conduit for negotiations. I'm not 1595 02:13:41,440 --> 02:13:47,520 » you know cuz see when it gets here to this point we ready to vote. Now if 1596 02:13:45,280 --> 02:13:51,040 y'all ain't ready I mean you on that. >> I mean if Huh. I I different with you 1597 02:13:50,400 --> 02:13:52,320 all. >> Hold on a minute. 1598 02:13:51,840 --> 02:13:58,800 » Hold on. >> So if you all are not ready, uh I mean 1599 02:13:57,360 --> 02:14:01,360 go ahead. Go ahead and say what you got to say, Mr. Anthony. Because 1600 02:13:59,760 --> 02:14:06,800 » I'm Horses Anthony, president of local 1160, 1401 Alabama Street. What he's 1601 02:14:04,320 --> 02:14:11,760 offering us is a five-year contract. It's over five years at 6% a year for 1602 02:14:09,920 --> 02:14:16,800 four years. That's what we get paid for. 26 is not considered in it. The last 1603 02:14:13,760 --> 02:14:22,239 raise we received was in 2025. Okay. I've been trying to get with them 1604 02:14:18,800 --> 02:14:25,520 to negotiate a contract since July June of 25 and we just coming to the point to 1605 02:14:24,960 --> 02:14:27,040 we getting >> to this point. 1606 02:14:26,400 --> 02:14:32,400 » Yes. Okay. >> So the whole deal of 26 is gone. They 1607 02:14:29,679 --> 02:14:35,760 don't they don't they don't retro. So >> we done lost a year. So instead of 1608 02:14:34,239 --> 02:14:40,400 asking for four years which he considered but put 26 in there is five. 1609 02:14:38,639 --> 02:14:44,159 We asking for a three-year raise >> because you lost a year. 1610 02:14:41,520 --> 02:14:47,520 » Yes. Instead of instead of a four year >> which I say it's five because of 26. 1611 02:14:46,068 --> 02:14:50,719 [clears throat] We asking for a three a threeyear 8% raise which still would be 1612 02:14:49,760 --> 02:14:53,199 24%. >> Okay, 1613 02:14:51,040 --> 02:14:58,880 » the same thing that's all we asking. >> So a couple of things just for 1614 02:14:55,840 --> 02:15:03,760 clarification purposes. Number one, I am the conduit by which through which 1615 02:15:01,119 --> 02:15:07,840 proposals are made. I don't drive proposals or make them. I am not the 1616 02:15:06,239 --> 02:15:13,679 source of any of these obligations. >> So who are you talking with? So I deal 1617 02:15:11,280 --> 02:15:16,880 these negotiations were conducted with Horus at the table and with 1618 02:15:15,119 --> 02:15:22,400 international vice president Anthony Garland. Mr. Garland has conducted the 1619 02:15:20,159 --> 02:15:27,760 majority of these negotiations and is my understanding by virtue of the union 1620 02:15:25,440 --> 02:15:31,119 that they are part of. The national organization can drive these 1621 02:15:29,520 --> 02:15:34,480 negotiations and make determinations that they believe are in the best 1622 02:15:32,480 --> 02:15:39,119 interest of the employees that they represent ultimately. Mr. Garland has 1623 02:15:37,520 --> 02:15:42,880 been in communication with me on a lot of these issues. These proposals were 1624 02:15:41,119 --> 02:15:48,960 approved by the international vice president for this local union. And so 1625 02:15:46,560 --> 02:15:53,440 this is the first that I am hearing that this proposal is not acceptable by the 1626 02:15:51,199 --> 02:15:57,199 local union because Mr. Garland as far as I understood and the international 1627 02:15:55,679 --> 02:16:00,079 union has approved it. If this is not the case, it can be withdrawn. 1628 02:15:58,800 --> 02:16:04,480 » Right. Right. Have you all been talking with Mr. Garland? Your international 1629 02:16:02,320 --> 02:16:08,079 » Okay. So this is what this is what we going to do. I'm going to amend the 1630 02:16:06,560 --> 02:16:10,800 motion that we withdraw cuz we going to move on. So we can go y'all go back to 1631 02:16:10,000 --> 02:16:16,159 the table. >> He he he still got so deliberate on the 1632 02:16:14,159 --> 02:16:19,360 matter because it's a open motion. >> Okay, we're going to come back. But 1633 02:16:17,199 --> 02:16:23,599 that's that's going to be what I'm going to suggest that we do cuz I you know 1634 02:16:22,480 --> 02:16:28,040 y'all not ready. >> I withdraw my motion for introduction. 1635 02:16:29,679 --> 02:16:37,920 » I move to table it. Okay, that's a motion to table. 1636 02:16:35,359 --> 02:16:40,479 » Is there a second? >> I second. 1637 02:16:39,120 --> 02:16:47,840 » Okay, >> got second. I got it. Any discussion 1638 02:16:44,240 --> 02:16:52,000 from the audience on that motion? >> Seeing none council. 1639 02:16:49,120 --> 02:16:57,519 » Thank you so much. Now, one thing we got to get straight. We got to understand 1640 02:16:55,200 --> 02:17:04,479 that we won't know that there's an issue if you don't hear it from them. 1641 02:17:01,679 --> 02:17:09,679 Now, under my tenure, I have tried and you all have worked around me on a on 1642 02:17:08,160 --> 02:17:15,599 contracts with employees with union contracts to 1643 02:17:12,960 --> 02:17:21,040 do it your way. And I keep saying the same thing. These 1644 02:17:18,319 --> 02:17:28,800 contracts come out better if you had a council member to sit there while all of 1645 02:17:23,760 --> 02:17:33,359 this going on to try to work through it. But y'all just want to keep doing things 1646 02:17:30,319 --> 02:17:39,359 your way. You always run into this brick wall. 1647 02:17:34,960 --> 02:17:45,599 Now, let's understand something. I heard one gentleman say retroactive that you 1648 02:17:43,040 --> 02:17:53,599 can't get it retroactive. Hogwash. And y'all know it's hogwash 1649 02:17:50,800 --> 02:18:00,000 because I know that there was another contract 1650 02:17:55,760 --> 02:18:04,160 that never came across this board table that the raises was given to them 1651 02:18:02,000 --> 02:18:07,160 anyway. Hogwash. 1652 02:18:07,920 --> 02:18:18,399 Don't make me pull it out cuz I know. 1653 02:18:14,880 --> 02:18:23,280 But we take certain unions, certain groups, 1654 02:18:20,479 --> 02:18:27,679 and certain people, and we decide if we're going to do this 1655 02:18:25,679 --> 02:18:33,040 for them, no, we're going to do this for these 1656 02:18:29,519 --> 02:18:36,960 folks over here. I'm going to call a ace of ace and a 1657 02:18:34,800 --> 02:18:42,639 spade of spade. You all can do better with these 1658 02:18:39,840 --> 02:18:48,160 contracts. You can work through this just like 1659 02:18:45,359 --> 02:18:52,080 y'all did before when you tried to bring a contract 1660 02:18:49,920 --> 02:18:57,840 through me and I wouldn't allow it to come through. 1661 02:18:54,880 --> 02:19:03,120 You worked around me and you did your thing and you thought I'd never find out 1662 02:19:00,880 --> 02:19:10,960 about it. I call you out tonight. Hogwash. 1663 02:19:08,080 --> 02:19:16,559 We hear what they're saying. We have a motion now to withdraw this that they go 1664 02:19:14,000 --> 02:19:19,559 back to the drawing board and work this out. 1665 02:19:20,160 --> 02:19:30,639 Still say the same. It'd be better that somebody from this council 1666 02:19:28,000 --> 02:19:35,200 sit there with them, too. But y'all don't want to do that because of that P 1667 02:19:33,040 --> 02:19:39,040 R I D. You got so much pride that you don't 1668 02:19:37,040 --> 02:19:43,679 want to just say, "Hey, maybe we all need to work together and get this thing 1669 02:19:41,840 --> 02:19:47,120 done." You got too much pick [clears throat] 1670 02:19:44,880 --> 02:19:52,399 and chooses. The ones that you want to do for and the 1671 02:19:48,960 --> 02:19:56,479 ones you don't want to do for. I'm going to end with this statement 1672 02:19:53,760 --> 02:20:02,080 again. I want to say what I want to say and I want to do what I want to do. 1673 02:19:58,800 --> 02:20:07,200 Thank you so kindly. >> Uh, what's the motion, Madame Clerk? 1674 02:20:04,479 --> 02:20:10,319 » Harvey Woods. >> Wait, wait. 1675 02:20:08,399 --> 02:20:12,960 » No, no. Wait, wait. I'm asking the clerk. 1676 02:20:11,359 --> 02:20:19,680 » What's the motion? >> Harvey Woods to um table or withdraw? 1677 02:20:17,280 --> 02:20:21,600 » Which one is it? Table or withdraw? >> I got table. 1678 02:20:20,560 --> 02:20:24,000 » What is your motion, Mr. Har? >> I withdrew my original motion and I made 1679 02:20:23,040 --> 02:20:26,240 a motion to table it. >> Okay, there's a 1680 02:20:25,600 --> 02:20:28,720 » That's what I had. >> Point order, M. Mr. 1681 02:20:27,760 --> 02:20:35,040 » You got Mr. there. >> Just a minute. You got two instructions 1682 02:20:31,920 --> 02:20:39,840 in there. Mr. Creek Bond, >> he withdrew his motion 1683 02:20:38,080 --> 02:20:43,359 » and he he voluntarily withdrew his motion and then he made a separate 1684 02:20:41,600 --> 02:20:47,600 motion to table. >> That is and that was second. That is the 1685 02:20:45,520 --> 02:20:50,800 motion that is on for you all to vote on. 1686 02:20:48,960 --> 02:20:54,399 » He withdrew it and tabled it. >> He he withdrew it first. He voluntarily 1687 02:20:53,120 --> 02:20:57,680 withdrew his bill. >> Okay. Then he made a motion to table. 1688 02:20:56,319 --> 02:20:59,120 » Then he made a motion to table. All right. 1689 02:20:58,560 --> 02:21:00,720 » And that's it. >> All right. 1690 02:20:59,359 --> 02:21:03,359 » Can't do it. >> And that's it. 1691 02:21:01,600 --> 02:21:07,359 » Can't do it. Then you know you can't do that. 1692 02:21:04,800 --> 02:21:12,479 » Due due to the fact if you table this matter according to Robert rules of 1693 02:21:10,000 --> 02:21:15,120 order, you have to pick it up before the close of this meeting. 1694 02:21:13,359 --> 02:21:21,600 » I didn't make the motion. >> You should Mr. Creep, you should be 1695 02:21:18,479 --> 02:21:24,319 telling them that that's wrong. >> You know, you know Robert rules of 1696 02:21:23,680 --> 02:21:29,520 order. >> Just a minute. Just a minute. No. No. No 1697 02:21:26,960 --> 02:21:32,880 sir. You sat right there and we're going to let that go through. And that's why 1698 02:21:31,600 --> 02:21:38,160 that's why I ask for clarity. >> That's not problem procedure. 1699 02:21:34,960 --> 02:21:43,920 » If if he say table, we have to take this up before the end 1700 02:21:40,800 --> 02:21:52,640 of this meeting. We would have to pass over or just withdraw the motion and it 1701 02:21:49,040 --> 02:21:55,760 dies until it comes back again. >> That's correct. 1702 02:21:53,840 --> 02:21:59,120 » I don't know Mr. Harvey's intent and I can't assume his intent. If Mr. Harvey, 1703 02:21:57,680 --> 02:22:01,200 if that is what you intended, then just withdraw it. 1704 02:21:59,840 --> 02:22:04,479 » I'm going to withdraw my motion to table and I'll let Mr. McFarland decide how he 1705 02:22:03,200 --> 02:22:08,720 wants to run with this going forward. >> No, no, no. That just a minute. Just a 1706 02:22:07,040 --> 02:22:12,479 minute. Cuz we not going to get in the weeds. There's a motion to do what? M 1707 02:22:11,120 --> 02:22:14,880 » I've withdrew my motion. I've withdrawn both of them. 1708 02:22:13,120 --> 02:22:18,479 » You withdrew it. So we through with it. >> Withdrawn both. 1709 02:22:15,760 --> 02:22:21,359 » Okay. So you all go back. We if it's withdrawn, it's been second. 1710 02:22:20,560 --> 02:22:24,399 » Did you withdraw it? >> A volunteer. 1711 02:22:22,080 --> 02:22:29,280 » Just withdrew it. So it's there's no motion. So it was nothing. Now there's 1712 02:22:27,200 --> 02:22:31,680 » we don't want it to die and it be lost. Now 1713 02:22:30,399 --> 02:22:34,800 » the floor's open. >> You can make a motion yourself. 1714 02:22:33,200 --> 02:22:38,880 » I know what I can do, Bishop. But I'm trying to see. I'm trying to make sure 1715 02:22:36,319 --> 02:22:43,920 that y'all know what's going on here. >> If you're asking if you're asking 1716 02:22:42,000 --> 02:22:46,880 » cuz if you with God and don't make a motion, it's going to die. 1717 02:22:45,120 --> 02:22:49,439 » Unless somebody does something. >> If you're asking, this is this is for 1718 02:22:48,720 --> 02:22:53,760 introduction. >> Well, it's going to be lost, brother. 1719 02:22:50,800 --> 02:22:58,240 » No, this is for introduction. Okay. >> If we're going back to the table, then 1720 02:22:56,560 --> 02:22:59,439 just remove it from the agenda for tonight. 1721 02:22:58,880 --> 02:23:02,399 » Okay. >> We proceed and come back because it's 1722 02:23:00,800 --> 02:23:06,080 not even been introduced yet. There's no pending legal consequences. 1723 02:23:03,920 --> 02:23:07,600 » Mr. Chairman, I move that we remove this item from the agenda. 1724 02:23:07,200 --> 02:23:09,840 » Okay. >> Second motion. 1725 02:23:08,479 --> 02:23:14,800 » Moved and promptly second. Any discussion on that from the audience? 1726 02:23:12,319 --> 02:23:17,040 » Seeing none, any from councel? Madame clerk? 1727 02:23:16,000 --> 02:23:18,880 » Mr. Harvey. >> I. 1728 02:23:17,840 --> 02:23:21,120 » Mr. Muhammad. >> I. 1729 02:23:19,439 --> 02:23:22,399 » Mrs. I. >> Miss. Woods. 1730 02:23:22,000 --> 02:23:25,280 » Hi, >> Mr. McFarland. 1731 02:23:23,680 --> 02:23:29,080 » I motion carries. Okay. 1732 02:23:30,240 --> 02:23:38,399 » So, so what it means uh gentlemen that that you all going to go back to the to 1733 02:23:35,280 --> 02:23:43,000 the table and negotiate. All right. Okay. Thank you. 1734 02:23:44,240 --> 02:23:50,800 » That's right. That's right. So, we took it all. All right. So uh B introduce an 1735 02:23:49,120 --> 02:23:52,319 ordinance authorizing the city of Monroe to 1736 02:23:51,040 --> 02:23:54,800 » move >> second 1737 02:23:52,720 --> 02:23:59,600 » to okay been moved and properly second on this introduction of ordinance. Any 1738 02:23:57,280 --> 02:24:03,840 comment from the audience? Any from council? 1739 02:24:02,240 --> 02:24:05,680 » Madame clerk. >> Mrs. Ezernette 1740 02:24:05,280 --> 02:24:07,920 » I. >> Mr. McFarland 1741 02:24:07,040 --> 02:24:10,160 » I. >> Miss Woods 1742 02:24:09,280 --> 02:24:11,680 » I. >> Mr. Muhammed 1743 02:24:11,200 --> 02:24:15,600 » I. >> Mr. Harvey 1744 02:24:12,720 --> 02:24:19,359 » I. Motion carries. C. He introduced an ordinance authorizing city of Monroe to 1745 02:24:17,280 --> 02:24:24,000 take corporate possession of and sell to San Diego Group. Been moved and properly 1746 02:24:21,920 --> 02:24:29,040 second that we introduce this ordinance. >> Any comment from the audience? Any from 1747 02:24:26,560 --> 02:24:32,160 councel? Madame clerk. >> Miss Woods. 1748 02:24:30,399 --> 02:24:33,760 » I. >> Mr. Muhammed. 1749 02:24:33,120 --> 02:24:35,439 » I >> Mr. Harvey. 1750 02:24:34,960 --> 02:24:37,040 » I >> Mr. McFarland. 1751 02:24:36,640 --> 02:24:38,640 » I >> Mrs. Internet. 1752 02:24:38,000 --> 02:24:42,160 » I. >> That motion carries D. Induce an 1753 02:24:40,399 --> 02:24:45,359 ordinance authorizing the city of Monroe to take corporation. 1754 02:24:42,960 --> 02:24:50,160 » Second motion. Been moved and properly second that we introduce this ordinance. 1755 02:24:47,600 --> 02:24:53,520 Any comment from the audience? Any from councel? 1756 02:24:51,920 --> 02:24:55,439 Madame clerk. >> Mr. McFarland. 1757 02:24:54,800 --> 02:24:57,520 » I. >> Mrs. Zernette. 1758 02:24:56,640 --> 02:24:58,960 » I. >> Mr. Muhammad. 1759 02:24:58,560 --> 02:25:00,160 » I. >> Miss. Woods. 1760 02:24:59,760 --> 02:25:02,800 » Hi. >> Mr. Harvey. 1761 02:25:01,200 --> 02:25:07,200 » I. >> That motion carries. E. Introduce an 1762 02:25:05,600 --> 02:25:12,000 ordinance amending the city of Monroe operating budget for fiscal year 2627. 1763 02:25:10,240 --> 02:25:17,359 Second. to been moved and properly second that we introduce this ordinance 1764 02:25:13,920 --> 02:25:20,800 to amend the budget. Any comments from the audience? 1765 02:25:19,120 --> 02:25:26,600 Any from council? >> Yes. 1766 02:25:22,479 --> 02:25:26,600 Who going to speak on this matter? 1767 02:25:28,319 --> 02:25:37,359 » I'll speak on it. Mr. McFarland, >> put it on the record for us, please. Why 1768 02:25:34,880 --> 02:25:43,520 are you asking for this amendment? The reason for the amendment, sir, let 1769 02:25:39,439 --> 02:25:46,520 me get back to it in in here. Um, first off, 1770 02:25:48,160 --> 02:25:58,160 the uh amendment was based on there there's two different 1771 02:25:54,399 --> 02:26:05,520 things that we requesting a um budget amendment on. Uh, one had to do 1772 02:26:00,960 --> 02:26:11,760 with the um salary and wages for transit. Uh, based on the calculation 1773 02:26:08,720 --> 02:26:18,000 and it was based on the assumption that the it was going to get introduced um 1774 02:26:14,560 --> 02:26:23,680 with the contract, but it had to do with um the calculation for this fiscal year 1775 02:26:21,120 --> 02:26:28,880 for the salary and wages, payroll taxes, pensions 1776 02:26:25,280 --> 02:26:34,800 um and then set on down the line. Uh and then the other was to increase the line 1777 02:26:31,280 --> 02:26:40,640 item for the transit um insurance which was budgeted at 668,980 1778 02:26:38,399 --> 02:26:44,120 and it was to increase it for the cost of the insurance. 1779 02:26:44,160 --> 02:26:50,600 » So what was the increase? >> The increase was $170,78 1780 02:26:50,640 --> 02:26:55,200 » more. >> More. That's correct. 1781 02:26:53,120 --> 02:26:59,479 » You're making a total what? a total of eight um $839,688 1782 02:26:59,760 --> 02:27:06,240 on on the insurance. And overall this particular budget of 1783 02:27:04,640 --> 02:27:12,720 amendment, you know, looking at the um the salaries 1784 02:27:10,160 --> 02:27:18,960 and and um benefits on that. Uh and then on the 1785 02:27:16,720 --> 02:27:23,960 insurance the total net change that we were proposing was 22 2,972,788. 1786 02:27:26,160 --> 02:27:34,479 So portions of this budget amendment were based on the union contract that 1787 02:27:31,200 --> 02:27:37,600 was just removed to fund the raises that were contained within that union 1788 02:27:36,000 --> 02:27:42,479 contract. So a portion of this budget amendment um may may no longer be 1789 02:27:40,960 --> 02:27:51,040 necessary. Well, let me say this because again, 1790 02:27:48,160 --> 02:27:56,800 y'all got double standards. And I say what I say about that because 1791 02:27:53,920 --> 02:28:03,120 there was another union. You went right around me and this 1792 02:27:59,680 --> 02:28:07,840 council and they got their raises anyway. 1793 02:28:04,880 --> 02:28:12,640 And when it came down to this one, you don't want to do it. 1794 02:28:10,800 --> 02:28:16,240 And you knew I'm telling the truth. >> The the the raises were funded by this 1795 02:28:15,439 --> 02:28:21,760 amendment. >> Oh, yes. But you didn't want to 1796 02:28:19,920 --> 02:28:25,600 retroactive these raises. 1797 02:28:23,120 --> 02:28:29,439 » The union I don't know where that came from. I But I don't normally discuss 1798 02:28:27,520 --> 02:28:33,200 union negotiations in public because union negotiations are just that 1799 02:28:31,840 --> 02:28:35,920 confidential negotiations. >> You don't want to discuss a lot of 1800 02:28:34,479 --> 02:28:41,680 things. That's what it is. >> Hold on. I would appreciate not being 1801 02:28:38,479 --> 02:28:47,040 interrupted, sir. So this agreement does not get on this 1802 02:28:44,560 --> 02:28:50,960 agenda without the approval of the international vice president of that 1803 02:28:49,200 --> 02:28:55,600 union. >> So the document that was presented here 1804 02:28:54,000 --> 02:29:02,640 matters that you are addressing right now were discussed and the agreement 1805 02:28:59,280 --> 02:29:06,560 that was reached is in front of y'all. So, two union members coming tonight and 1806 02:29:05,120 --> 02:29:11,280 discussing that and saying something different is not anything that was 1807 02:29:09,359 --> 02:29:15,280 discussed at the table. It was not anything that was brought up with the 1808 02:29:13,760 --> 02:29:20,240 international vice president. And the international vice president 1809 02:29:16,960 --> 02:29:24,240 specifically agreed to the term of the raises, the amounts of the raises, and 1810 02:29:22,160 --> 02:29:29,200 the length of the contract before it went on this agenda. 1811 02:29:26,399 --> 02:29:32,560 So, what I heard tonight was the first that I have heard of that particular 1812 02:29:30,800 --> 02:29:36,319 complaint. And I've already reached out to the international vice president 1813 02:29:34,000 --> 02:29:39,600 about what I heard tonight. So that is a matter that I will discuss with him 1814 02:29:37,920 --> 02:29:43,040 because there's clearly a disconnect between what the international is 1815 02:29:41,200 --> 02:29:47,520 approving and what the local is expecting. How that gets resolved 1816 02:29:45,120 --> 02:29:52,240 internally with their union is an internal matter for their union. But I 1817 02:29:50,560 --> 02:29:57,120 need clarity on that before I can move forward. 1818 02:29:54,319 --> 02:30:02,800 That's what you going to say on record and you know that's not factual cuz you 1819 02:30:00,160 --> 02:30:09,520 and I Wait a minute now. Don't you don't now you don't interrupt me 1820 02:30:04,800 --> 02:30:16,080 » because we had a discussion about this a couple weeks back 1821 02:30:11,920 --> 02:30:21,760 » and you said everything wasn't clear yet and you're the one who brought it to me 1822 02:30:18,560 --> 02:30:26,800 about the retroactive >> raising. Now you act like it's all a 1823 02:30:24,240 --> 02:30:32,720 surprise to you. It's not. It's not a surprise to you, Mr. Creek Bum. You are 1824 02:30:30,080 --> 02:30:38,880 the one of the main negotiators in those contracts and you knew exactly what they 1825 02:30:35,600 --> 02:30:42,319 were seeking and you all desired not to do it for them, but you did it for 1826 02:30:41,280 --> 02:30:43,840 another union. >> Okay. 1827 02:30:42,880 --> 02:30:45,760 » Hogwash. >> Hold on. No, cuz I do want to explain 1828 02:30:45,439 --> 02:30:48,720 this. >> Okay. Just a minute. 1829 02:30:46,399 --> 02:30:51,760 » So, the surprise over 1830 02:30:49,200 --> 02:30:55,680 » just just a minute. What are we talking about? No, 1831 02:30:53,439 --> 02:30:58,800 » I want I want to clarify here because now because now there is a public issue 1832 02:30:57,280 --> 02:31:02,399 with this. The surprise tonight was asking for 8% over three years. The 1833 02:31:00,880 --> 02:31:06,080 surprise was not the request for retroactive pay. So I want to be very 1834 02:31:04,479 --> 02:31:10,640 clear about what the surprise was tonight. The change in the material 1835 02:31:08,319 --> 02:31:15,359 terms of the compensation. What I shared with you privately a couple of weeks ago 1836 02:31:13,200 --> 02:31:20,720 is at the last minute there was an issue about retroactive pay. Immediately 1837 02:31:18,240 --> 02:31:24,479 before the meeting, and I can give you a time and date, happy to do it. The 1838 02:31:22,720 --> 02:31:28,560 international vice president called me and said, "I spoke with another 1839 02:31:26,720 --> 02:31:32,720 international vice president about how raises had typically been structured at 1840 02:31:30,479 --> 02:31:37,520 the city of Monroe. You were correct, Mr. Creekbomb. We have not historically 1841 02:31:34,880 --> 02:31:41,760 done retroactive pay in our unions. Therefore, I withdraw that request for 1842 02:31:39,680 --> 02:31:46,880 retroactive pay." So that was a voluntary concession by the 1843 02:31:44,160 --> 02:31:52,479 international vice president with with regards to retroactive pay. Now again, 1844 02:31:50,399 --> 02:31:56,880 these are not things that we typically discuss publicly. There is a process for 1845 02:31:54,880 --> 02:32:00,880 negotiating raises. But now I've been accused of doing certain things and 1846 02:31:58,560 --> 02:32:05,439 favoring certain things when number one, all I am is a conduit for negotiations. 1847 02:32:03,359 --> 02:32:10,880 And number two, I am privy to information concerning those 1848 02:32:07,280 --> 02:32:14,880 negotiations. So I will happily discuss whatever issue it is with the union just 1849 02:32:13,040 --> 02:32:17,680 like I was willing to discuss it last time with the union. 1850 02:32:15,680 --> 02:32:22,240 » I mean what you do not present >> we just passed over that item. 1851 02:32:19,520 --> 02:32:25,680 » No. No it's not. It's in this item. It's it's in this 1852 02:32:23,439 --> 02:32:28,640 » with the the transit. >> Okay. 1853 02:32:26,080 --> 02:32:32,880 » So again I do not present an agreement to you without the blessing of the 1854 02:32:30,560 --> 02:32:37,680 international vice president. The surprise tonight was that the union is 1855 02:32:35,200 --> 02:32:42,640 asking for a different raise structure than that than what was agreed to. That 1856 02:32:40,479 --> 02:32:46,960 was the surprising element. So, I'll get clarity on that matter just like I 1857 02:32:44,720 --> 02:32:51,840 always do, just like I did last time. And when I got clarity on the issue, the 1858 02:32:49,200 --> 02:32:54,399 revised agreement was presented to you. If there are other issues that need to 1859 02:32:53,200 --> 02:32:59,520 be ironed out, that's what we're going to do. My point with respect to this was 1860 02:32:57,520 --> 02:33:04,319 that there are portions of this budget amendment that may no longer be 1861 02:33:01,600 --> 02:33:10,240 necessary either because we're going to renegotiate something or 1862 02:33:07,280 --> 02:33:14,800 some other outcome might occur. But the raises that are in this budget amendment 1863 02:33:12,720 --> 02:33:19,520 for that particular item were based on the union agreement as presented. 1864 02:33:18,000 --> 02:33:23,600 » Okay. What y'all want to do with this item? 1865 02:33:22,240 --> 02:33:27,200 » What are you saying? What do you all want to do with this 1866 02:33:25,280 --> 02:33:32,560 agenda item? >> We still need to make sure that 1867 02:33:30,399 --> 02:33:37,359 transparency is priority, Mr. Muhammad. 1868 02:33:35,680 --> 02:33:40,640 Transparency. >> What do you all want to do with this 1869 02:33:38,880 --> 02:33:45,920 agenda item tonight? >> We're going to have to 1870 02:33:43,040 --> 02:33:52,240 vote on this item because there's a motion and a second on it. 1871 02:33:48,960 --> 02:33:57,680 So, it's going to have to be disposed of some kind of way. Either we're going to 1872 02:33:54,319 --> 02:34:01,760 vote it up or vote it down. >> There's a motion in a second. Who made 1873 02:33:59,680 --> 02:34:03,200 the motion? You second it. >> I like it. 1874 02:34:02,399 --> 02:34:05,359 » Isn't it? >> Did you second it? 1875 02:34:04,479 --> 02:34:09,439 » Well, I was just going to >> So, let me ask this. With them passing 1876 02:34:07,280 --> 02:34:12,800 with with us passing over the transit contract, we need to just probably do 1877 02:34:11,280 --> 02:34:16,160 the same here because it may affect affect the numbers. 1878 02:34:14,240 --> 02:34:19,200 » So, the budget amendment portion related to the insurance. Yes, 1879 02:34:17,600 --> 02:34:23,840 » y'all did approve already the expenditure for the insurance which is 1880 02:34:21,439 --> 02:34:29,680 almost $180,000 >> mail cost. 1881 02:34:24,960 --> 02:34:34,319 » So I think if you are inclined to do anything with this budget amendment, it 1882 02:34:31,680 --> 02:34:37,920 would be it would be only to address the portion related to the transit insurance 1883 02:34:36,399 --> 02:34:43,200 expenditures which y'all have already authorized tonight. I'd like to amend my 1884 02:34:40,240 --> 02:34:46,319 motion to just include only the transit portion for the insurance the insurance 1885 02:34:45,680 --> 02:34:49,640 portion of the >> second the motion 1886 02:34:49,920 --> 02:34:58,000 » been moved and properly second that this motion be amended uh with only the 1887 02:34:55,840 --> 02:35:00,160 vehicle insurance premiums >> correct 1888 02:34:58,479 --> 02:35:04,960 » is there anyone any order to speak for against this amended motion hearing none 1889 02:35:03,280 --> 02:35:09,600 councel creek bomb so what will have so you will 1890 02:35:07,439 --> 02:35:13,600 bring back the transit personnel cost once you hammer out and we they work out 1891 02:35:12,160 --> 02:35:17,120 the details >> and then because this is an introduction 1892 02:35:15,200 --> 02:35:23,200 for a budget amendment we'll revise the the ordinance so it's only addressing 1893 02:35:19,840 --> 02:35:26,880 the transit insurance portion of this amendment 1894 02:35:23,840 --> 02:35:29,040 » okay madam madam clerk >> Mr. Muhammed 1895 02:35:27,920 --> 02:35:30,560 » I >> miss woods 1896 02:35:30,080 --> 02:35:32,160 » I >> Mrs. Desernac 1897 02:35:31,680 --> 02:35:33,520 » I >> Mr. Harvey 1898 02:35:33,200 --> 02:35:35,120 » I >> Mr. I Forland 1899 02:35:34,720 --> 02:35:41,319 » I >> motion carries. 1900 02:35:37,280 --> 02:35:41,319 We are now in the public hearing. 1901 02:35:41,359 --> 02:35:48,080 Finally adopt the ordinance approving the annexation of.3 acres extending 1902 02:35:46,479 --> 02:35:54,479 enlarging the boundaries of city of Monroe, Louisiana providing for re 1903 02:35:51,359 --> 02:36:00,640 recordation recordation of the revised boundary establish an effective date 1904 02:35:56,800 --> 02:36:04,479 otherwise providing for related matters. Anyone in the audience speak for against 1905 02:36:02,399 --> 02:36:08,680 this particular item? This final adoption of this ordinance 1906 02:36:10,319 --> 02:36:18,479 public hearing is now closed. A finally adopt an ordinance approving an exation 1907 02:36:15,439 --> 02:36:22,880 of 38 acres extending and enlarging the boundaries of the city of Monroe, 1908 02:36:19,840 --> 02:36:26,640 Louisiana providing for coordation recordation of the revised boundary 1909 02:36:25,040 --> 02:36:30,240 establishing effective date and otherwise and providing for related 1910 02:36:29,040 --> 02:36:34,399 matters. Is there a motion? >> So move for final adoption. 1911 02:36:32,720 --> 02:36:38,080 » Is there a second? >> Second. 1912 02:36:35,200 --> 02:36:42,319 » Moved and properly second that this ordinance be finally adopted. Anyone in 1913 02:36:40,319 --> 02:36:46,720 order to speak for or against it? Seeing none, any from councel? Madame clerk. 1914 02:36:45,760 --> 02:36:48,479 » Mr. Harvey. >> Hi. 1915 02:36:47,600 --> 02:36:49,840 » Miss Woods. >> Hi. 1916 02:36:48,960 --> 02:36:51,439 » Mr. Muhammed. >> I. 1917 02:36:50,240 --> 02:36:52,960 » Mrs. Zernette. >> I. 1918 02:36:51,760 --> 02:36:57,760 » Mr. McFarland. >> I. 1919 02:36:55,439 --> 02:37:03,040 » We are now in the public hearing B. Finally, adopting orders amending 1920 02:36:59,359 --> 02:37:09,600 section 924 permit fees. City of Monroe code to provide relative to permits 1921 02:37:07,439 --> 02:37:14,399 uh for the placement and transportation of mobile homes, manufactured homes, 1922 02:37:11,920 --> 02:37:19,120 buildings, and other structures to require applicable state license to 1923 02:37:16,399 --> 02:37:23,840 require transport moving permit for the movement of certain structures over 1924 02:37:21,120 --> 02:37:28,640 public streets, alleys, and rightaways. and further providing with respect there 1925 02:37:26,319 --> 02:37:32,319 too. Is there anyone in order to speak for against this final adoption of this 1926 02:37:30,399 --> 02:37:38,640 ordinance? Seeing none, any from council, 1927 02:37:35,600 --> 02:37:42,399 » Mr. Mohammed, >> did did he close it? You didn't close. 1928 02:37:40,880 --> 02:37:47,280 Okay. >> Public hear is now closed. Finally, 1929 02:37:44,240 --> 02:37:52,560 adopt an ordinance amending section 924 permit fees of the city of Monroe code 1930 02:37:49,359 --> 02:37:56,479 to provide relative to permits for placement and transportation of mobile 1931 02:37:54,319 --> 02:38:01,840 homes, manufactured home, buildings, and other structures to require state 1932 02:37:59,600 --> 02:38:06,560 license to require transport moving permit for the movement of certain 1933 02:38:03,600 --> 02:38:12,080 structures over public streets, alleys, and right of way uh and providing with 1934 02:38:09,840 --> 02:38:15,280 respect there too. There a motion to finally adopt this ordinance. 1935 02:38:13,680 --> 02:38:18,560 » So move to finally adopt this. >> Second motion 1936 02:38:16,080 --> 02:38:22,080 » moved and fought the second to finally adopt this ordinance. Any comment from 1937 02:38:20,080 --> 02:38:27,920 the audience? Seeing none, any from councel? Madame clerk. 1938 02:38:25,520 --> 02:38:30,479 » Mrs. Ezernette [clears throat] >> I. 1939 02:38:29,120 --> 02:38:32,080 » Mr. McFarland >> I. 1940 02:38:30,960 --> 02:38:33,760 » Mr. Harvey >> I. 1941 02:38:32,640 --> 02:38:35,200 » Mr. Muhammed >> I. 1942 02:38:34,080 --> 02:38:38,560 » Miss Woods >> I. 1943 02:38:35,600 --> 02:38:41,760 » I've been asked to pass over item C. >> So move to pass over. 1944 02:38:39,840 --> 02:38:47,840 » Second. It moved and properly second that we pass over this item. 1945 02:38:44,960 --> 02:38:54,399 Any comment from the audience? Any from councel? Madame clerk, 1946 02:38:51,920 --> 02:38:59,280 » do we have a when we going to put this back on? This is on for final adoption. 1947 02:38:57,920 --> 02:39:06,319 » When we going to put it back on for final adoption to the next meeting? 1948 02:39:02,560 --> 02:39:11,760 Okay. Pass over to the next meeting. We'll bring it back. Madame clerk. 1949 02:39:10,560 --> 02:39:13,359 Miss Woods. >> Hi, 1950 02:39:12,399 --> 02:39:14,640 » Mr. Harvey. >> Hi, 1951 02:39:13,760 --> 02:39:17,120 » Mr. Muhammed. >> Hi, 1952 02:39:15,920 --> 02:39:18,800 » Mr. McFarland. >> Hi, 1953 02:39:17,600 --> 02:39:23,120 » Mrs. Ezernac. >> I 1954 02:39:21,120 --> 02:39:26,640 We are now in the public hearing D. Finally, Finally, Dr. [clears throat] 1955 02:39:24,640 --> 02:39:30,479 Norton is approving a collective bargain agreement 1956 02:39:28,160 --> 02:39:36,560 by the by and between the city of Monroe and the International Union of Operating 1957 02:39:32,080 --> 02:39:41,040 Engineers, AFL CIO Local 407. send one in order to speak for against 1958 02:39:38,800 --> 02:39:47,280 this final adoption. Any from C? Oh, good. 1959 02:39:43,520 --> 02:39:52,479 Get out of it. We're now out of a public hearing. D finally adopt an order 1960 02:39:49,920 --> 02:39:57,040 approving a collective bargain agreement by this in between the city of Monroe 1961 02:39:54,880 --> 02:40:04,399 and the International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL CIO Local 407. 1962 02:40:01,920 --> 02:40:09,200 Is there a motion to finally adopt it? >> Some move for final adoption. Second. 1963 02:40:07,520 --> 02:40:14,880 » Been moved and properly second that we finally adopt this ordinance. Any 1964 02:40:11,840 --> 02:40:18,160 comments from the audience? Audience? None from the audit council? 1965 02:40:16,800 --> 02:40:21,600 » Yes, I have a question. >> Okay. 1966 02:40:19,040 --> 02:40:27,120 » So, Mr. Creek, help me understand. 1967 02:40:24,160 --> 02:40:33,160 When when we get to these when we have these um collective bargaining 1968 02:40:30,160 --> 02:40:33,160 agreements, 1969 02:40:33,840 --> 02:40:42,479 the members of the local uh union, 1970 02:40:39,439 --> 02:40:48,080 do they have any input? Are they in the negotiations? Are they in the talks? Or 1971 02:40:44,720 --> 02:40:53,840 is it someone from another location that comes in and does all the talking for 1972 02:40:50,240 --> 02:40:58,000 them? And then does this person talk to the members that are part of our 1973 02:40:56,240 --> 02:41:03,359 local unions. >> So I I can't 1974 02:41:01,120 --> 02:41:07,200 speak precisely about the internal governing structures of each union. So I 1975 02:41:05,439 --> 02:41:12,800 can speak from my experience. >> Okay. 1976 02:41:08,160 --> 02:41:16,640 » Um we have in my eight years here I've had the opportunity to negotiate I think 1977 02:41:14,479 --> 02:41:22,000 at least two contracts or be part of the negotiations. I didn't personally 1978 02:41:18,160 --> 02:41:26,399 negotiate some of the older ones um with I think at least two from each union. 1979 02:41:24,399 --> 02:41:33,520 Some of the unions handle everything locally. Um we 1980 02:41:29,840 --> 02:41:39,200 don't see any state or international representatives in those negotiations at 1981 02:41:35,680 --> 02:41:43,280 all. Some of the unions have had exclusively 1982 02:41:41,120 --> 02:41:50,000 international or state level negotiators. They send up negotiating 1983 02:41:45,280 --> 02:41:54,399 teams who have general authority over, you know, the outcome of the agreement 1984 02:41:51,680 --> 02:42:03,120 subject to local ratification by the local union. Um I think each union's 1985 02:42:00,479 --> 02:42:08,720 structure is different about who has what authority and we are typically told 1986 02:42:06,080 --> 02:42:14,000 at the outset of negotiations who is going to be speaking with authority over 1987 02:42:11,600 --> 02:42:18,880 those particular negotiations. So, you know, I've walked into 1988 02:42:15,600 --> 02:42:24,240 negotiations where a person from international um has been present and 1989 02:42:21,600 --> 02:42:27,600 has said, "Hey, all final approvals will come directly from me." Now, what 1990 02:42:26,000 --> 02:42:31,760 they're doing on their back end before they get those final approvals, I do not 1991 02:42:29,600 --> 02:42:36,000 know. All I know is I am told at the outset, this is the person who's going 1992 02:42:34,240 --> 02:42:40,880 to be telling me yes or no on these proposals, and that's where I'm going to 1993 02:42:38,399 --> 02:42:45,520 take my direction from. I do not know what level of involvement. Now, I've sat 1994 02:42:42,800 --> 02:42:49,520 at at negotiating tables where, you know, a state level official was there 1995 02:42:47,040 --> 02:42:55,120 along with all the people from the local um I've sat in negotiations where we've 1996 02:42:52,319 --> 02:42:58,080 had local involvement and then later on it's hey, we're close enough that I'm 1997 02:42:56,960 --> 02:43:02,479 going to handle the rest of this contract on behalf of the international 1998 02:43:00,160 --> 02:43:08,399 given what provisions are left because the international or state level unions 1999 02:43:05,439 --> 02:43:12,800 have interest in uniformity across contracts in making sure that certain 2000 02:43:11,200 --> 02:43:16,880 things are not disperate across those things. And so that's a long way of 2001 02:43:14,880 --> 02:43:20,080 saying each union does their own thing and I just listen to who they tell me at 2002 02:43:18,640 --> 02:43:23,920 the beginning who I'm talking to. >> I got you. 2003 02:43:21,439 --> 02:43:29,120 » Cuz you know sometimes look like you know it looks like it's been consistent 2004 02:43:26,080 --> 02:43:35,680 coming before council. You the local unions are sometimes not in agreement 2005 02:43:32,640 --> 02:43:42,560 with what is being said and what's being communicated to council. So, I was 2006 02:43:38,240 --> 02:43:48,520 really just wondering what type of input uh was being offered by our local union 2007 02:43:45,520 --> 02:43:48,520 representatives. 2008 02:43:49,040 --> 02:43:53,200 » Yeah, that's just a matter of internal governance. I can't 2009 02:43:52,240 --> 02:43:55,920 » I [clears throat] can't speak to their internal governance. 2010 02:43:54,080 --> 02:44:03,479 » Gotcha. Not a problem. >> All right, Madam Clerk. 2011 02:44:00,080 --> 02:44:03,479 » Mr. McFarland. 2012 02:44:10,960 --> 02:44:14,399 I >> Mr. Harvey 2013 02:44:14,080 --> 02:44:15,840 » I >> Mr. Muhammed 2014 02:44:15,439 --> 02:44:17,520 » I >> Miss Woods 2015 02:44:16,960 --> 02:44:19,760 » I >> Mrs. Ezette 2016 02:44:18,720 --> 02:44:26,640 » I >> that motion carries. [clears throat] 2017 02:44:23,200 --> 02:44:31,760 Uh we're down to the end of our meeting tonight. We're into uh citizens 2018 02:44:29,520 --> 02:44:36,720 participation. the most important part of the meeting 2019 02:44:33,600 --> 02:44:41,160 I would say and the first one on our list tonight Mr. Robert Johnson. 2020 02:44:44,399 --> 02:44:48,200 » Do you want me to 2021 02:44:52,479 --> 02:44:58,160 » You ain't started yet. And I just got sir. Set it up. 2022 02:44:56,160 --> 02:45:03,040 » I need all my minutes. >> Please. I need my minutes. 2023 02:45:00,479 --> 02:45:09,439 Robert Johnson, 2608 Street, Monroe, Louisiana, 2024 02:45:05,120 --> 02:45:15,359 city employee, president of Local 2388. Before I get started, I need to make an 2025 02:45:11,520 --> 02:45:19,840 apology to you, Mr. Harvey. [snorts] I'm that type of man. I made a mistake 2026 02:45:17,600 --> 02:45:24,240 saying that he sent out I sent a message to him. He never got it. I sent it to 2027 02:45:21,520 --> 02:45:31,439 Doug Lambert, but also sent one to you, miss just to talk. I got it on my 2028 02:45:26,880 --> 02:45:36,479 folder. But let's get down to our contract. 2029 02:45:33,520 --> 02:45:39,479 We've been out of a contract ever since 2022. 2030 02:45:40,399 --> 02:45:51,680 That's when it end. It's going to be 27. And I do know that Brandon is the voice 2031 02:45:49,840 --> 02:45:58,240 of all contracts. That's who do the negotiation cuz Angie done it. But 2032 02:45:55,040 --> 02:46:04,479 however, Mr. Mallows came in. He assured me that we going to make it priority. 2033 02:46:01,520 --> 02:46:11,120 Then I got Mr. Jones just came on board. 2034 02:46:07,600 --> 02:46:18,520 We didn't miss no one to come in for the community fast director. He just came 2035 02:46:13,200 --> 02:46:18,520 in. So it's no blister on him. 2036 02:46:18,960 --> 02:46:26,319 Doug Harvey, not Doug Harvey, Doug Seagars was dismissed. 2037 02:46:24,479 --> 02:46:33,600 No one came and talked for giving us raises and then they hired Mr. Gerard in 2038 02:46:29,200 --> 02:46:39,359 October coming up to negotiation for money. We never was put in the package. 2039 02:46:36,479 --> 02:46:46,960 But what I'm saying is Brandon Creek, 2040 02:46:42,479 --> 02:46:54,720 he knew that in 2025 that they came over to negotiate a 2041 02:46:50,160 --> 02:47:00,080 contract with Brian Drayton. was the president at that particular time. They 2042 02:46:57,760 --> 02:47:04,960 negotiate an agreement with Jimmy Bryan and Brandon. They got the paperwork 2043 02:47:02,399 --> 02:47:10,720 right now today as we speak. We're talking about 4 and a half years us 2044 02:47:07,920 --> 02:47:14,479 without a contract. That's a problem. 2045 02:47:12,800 --> 02:47:20,720 Now, we work those peoples that up under me. 2046 02:47:18,880 --> 02:47:26,240 You come and tell them they're doing a good job. We can't even get a decent 2047 02:47:23,120 --> 02:47:32,800 contract. We can't even get a pay scale in our contract. We deal with Gallagher. 2048 02:47:29,439 --> 02:47:38,560 So, you know, it's not to say that um we're not doing our work, 2049 02:47:35,439 --> 02:47:43,600 but it's to say that we is in negotiation for a contract and we do not 2050 02:47:41,279 --> 02:47:50,000 even have one. And that's saying 2051 02:47:46,399 --> 02:47:55,279 what is the terms of where we need to be at for is us 2052 02:47:52,640 --> 02:48:01,359 getting a contract a waste living contract. 2053 02:47:58,800 --> 02:48:06,160 I look at Mr. Toiver. He was in the back. Oh my god. This will be continued. 2054 02:48:05,600 --> 02:48:12,240 Um >> finish your point. Finish your point. 2055 02:48:08,000 --> 02:48:17,120 » Mr. Toiver in the back. He gave all his guys 2056 02:48:14,000 --> 02:48:20,960 raises, substantial raises over than what we got. 2057 02:48:18,720 --> 02:48:25,760 » They got new equipment. It's in the record. Look at it. It's in they got 2058 02:48:22,720 --> 02:48:29,840 equipment. And yet we still trying to get where we need to be at. 2059 02:48:27,520 --> 02:48:34,800 » So far as Mr. Taliviver taking care of his fleet, I'm praying that Mr. Gerard 2060 02:48:31,760 --> 02:48:39,120 Jones would do the same thing with us as we go. 2061 02:48:35,680 --> 02:48:43,120 » All right. Now, when you pray and you come in and that's where you do local 2062 02:48:41,200 --> 02:48:48,720 2388, mind you, local 2388 supported the tax 2063 02:48:45,920 --> 02:48:52,720 for the fire and the police right out there with them. But yet, we can't even 2064 02:48:50,800 --> 02:48:57,520 get a good contract. >> Well, we'll see to it that that happen. 2065 02:48:54,479 --> 02:49:01,840 » I pray so. And I listen at Mr. Creek Bond say that he tired of people 2066 02:48:59,600 --> 02:49:06,479 carrying him the wrong way. But then what about me? I was told I was the 2067 02:49:04,720 --> 02:49:10,800 baddest person to watch him. I do recordings. Uh oh, not to be trusted, 2068 02:49:09,040 --> 02:49:14,720 but All right. I rest for the extra minute. Thank you. I rest. Mr. Har, did 2069 02:49:13,200 --> 02:49:17,840 you accept my apologies? >> Apologies like I did last time. 2070 02:49:16,399 --> 02:49:21,359 » Okay. You did. >> I just wanted to put it on records. 2071 02:49:19,120 --> 02:49:24,000 » Mr. Johnson, before you leave, when does your contract come up again for 2072 02:49:23,200 --> 02:49:27,040 negotiations? >> It's been up ever since 2022. 2073 02:49:26,160 --> 02:49:30,319 » They have a contract. >> Oh, so y'all don't y'all are not even 2074 02:49:28,479 --> 02:49:33,680 working under a contract? No, we we under we're operating on the old 2075 02:49:32,319 --> 02:49:35,760 contract. >> Okay. 2076 02:49:34,319 --> 02:49:38,319 » But we don't have a contract that need to be where it need to be here. 2077 02:49:37,120 --> 02:49:40,319 » Okay. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. >> All right. 2078 02:49:38,800 --> 02:49:45,399 » Okay. Let's see. A lot of people have left. U Quinton McFarland. 2079 02:49:52,479 --> 02:49:56,279 » Give us your name and address. 2080 02:49:56,399 --> 02:50:06,560 Quinn McFarland, 1204 Stone Avenue. Good evening, council, staff, administration. 2081 02:50:05,600 --> 02:50:12,399 » Good evening. >> I call the permitting office, the 2082 02:50:09,439 --> 02:50:16,479 engineering, water, sewer department so much that they know my voice and 2083 02:50:14,399 --> 02:50:21,520 concerns. It has [snorts] been frustrating process trying to do the 2084 02:50:18,720 --> 02:50:26,160 right thing by following the proper procedure for new construction in the 2085 02:50:23,279 --> 02:50:30,479 city of Monroe. I purchased land. I made the decision to put my future double 2086 02:50:27,920 --> 02:50:36,560 wide home on this property, which is 1204 Stone Avenue. 2087 02:50:34,000 --> 02:50:42,000 I made calls, walk-in visits to learn what needed to be done and how. 2088 02:50:39,840 --> 02:50:47,279 I arranged a sit down meeting with Mr. Morgan to get the understanding to make 2089 02:50:44,080 --> 02:50:53,520 sure I was taking the right path and expressed my concerns about the property 2090 02:50:50,080 --> 02:51:00,800 and its needs. The previous owner of the property already had approved survey 2091 02:50:56,399 --> 02:51:07,600 plans and also um it included the extension of Stone Avenue. I requested 2092 02:51:03,760 --> 02:51:13,040 insight on how this process worked. Still no true answer on this matter, but 2093 02:51:10,080 --> 02:51:16,960 I received a little answer to get me to stop investigating. 2094 02:51:14,880 --> 02:51:22,000 I knew that this process would be a learning experience and there would be a 2095 02:51:20,160 --> 02:51:28,240 lot to do. But I'm not discouraged when I set my 2096 02:51:25,040 --> 02:51:31,680 mind to it. God will surely guide me to the right answers and I will find my 2097 02:51:30,560 --> 02:51:38,160 answer. >> My frustration is with communication of 2098 02:51:35,279 --> 02:51:44,160 information. The same thing that you see here tonight at every meeting when 2099 02:51:41,279 --> 02:51:49,920 council members do not answer or ask questions, we don't get the true details 2100 02:51:47,120 --> 02:51:54,319 of the information. Just like at a previous meeting, you know, y'all asked 2101 02:51:52,560 --> 02:52:00,479 the question where the money come from, but you know, you were voting on it, but 2102 02:51:57,600 --> 02:52:05,200 nobody had the insight of it of where is the money coming from. 2103 02:52:02,800 --> 02:52:10,960 That's a problem that's going on in this city. When people ask questions, it 2104 02:52:08,880 --> 02:52:17,359 seemed like it's really hard to get those true answers, the information. 2105 02:52:14,319 --> 02:52:25,160 That is a concerning factor. I started this process March 2026. 2106 02:52:21,040 --> 02:52:25,160 I applied for every permit 2107 02:52:25,200 --> 02:52:33,760 as instructed June 1st and I uploaded all the documents that are needed and I 2108 02:52:31,120 --> 02:52:39,359 paid all necessary fees. I will continue to learn and I will continue to press 2109 02:52:36,880 --> 02:52:45,840 and I'm speaking today just to put it on record. 1204 Stone Avenue. Thank you. 2110 02:52:43,680 --> 02:52:52,479 » Thank you, Mr. McFarland. Um, I do pray that uh we can work out 2111 02:52:49,680 --> 02:52:59,439 whatever communication or concerns that Mr. McFarland has with uh getting this 2112 02:52:56,479 --> 02:53:04,800 property situated. So, we'll keep monitoring it and we'll we'll keep our 2113 02:53:01,120 --> 02:53:07,800 eyes close on it. All right. Uh Herbert Gillery. 2114 02:53:14,314 --> 02:53:19,840 » [clears throat] >> Good evening y'all. Herb Gillery, 1801 2115 02:53:17,600 --> 02:53:24,560 Wood Haven Drive, Monroe, Louisiana. Excuse my dress, but uh I usually a 2116 02:53:22,240 --> 02:53:29,520 little fly in this, but not tonight. So, sorry. I [clears throat] come um tonight 2117 02:53:27,279 --> 02:53:35,840 on behalf of uh the Northeast Louisiana Cathemia Foundation. I am the vice 2118 02:53:32,960 --> 02:53:40,560 president and I just want everybody to know that we have our banquet coming up 2119 02:53:38,080 --> 02:53:45,920 this Thursday and we encourage everyone to be able to attend and get a chance to 2120 02:53:42,479 --> 02:53:52,000 see what sickel does and what they have been doing throughout the years when it 2121 02:53:48,319 --> 02:53:57,200 comes to um supporting and helping a population that has been suffering for a 2122 02:53:53,760 --> 02:54:00,720 long time when it comes to sickale. Now, at one point, it it came to a point 2123 02:53:59,120 --> 02:54:05,600 where we almost didn't have the the banquet this year because it was a 2124 02:54:02,160 --> 02:54:10,000 conflict. Okay? A conflict which happened with with human error. You 2125 02:54:07,840 --> 02:54:14,240 know, you have rumblings in the air or people saying different things. But, you 2126 02:54:12,160 --> 02:54:18,479 know, the best thing is to always when you want some answers is to make sure it 2127 02:54:16,319 --> 02:54:22,880 comes out the horse's mouth. Well, I'm one of the horses. Okay. We had some 2128 02:54:21,040 --> 02:54:28,560 discussion. We had professional discussion. We had nonprofessional 2129 02:54:26,000 --> 02:54:33,279 discussion when it came to it. Okay? Back and forth, back and forth, uh, 2130 02:54:30,960 --> 02:54:38,560 opinions, different thoughts and everything, but we came to a solution 2131 02:54:35,840 --> 02:54:43,520 that will be able to help everybody. And because of it, we're going to have the 2132 02:54:40,000 --> 02:54:50,399 the U banquet at the hub this year. And I just wanted to come and personally 2133 02:54:45,920 --> 02:54:55,279 thank Mr. Gerard Jones for emptying the kitchen cabinets, the sink. Uh what 2134 02:54:53,840 --> 02:55:00,720 else? What else in the cabinet? The cupboards, everything for for for 2135 02:54:58,319 --> 02:55:04,960 looking out and making sure that we're going to have a great and positive 2136 02:55:02,720 --> 02:55:10,160 event. That's one thing about the SECell Banker. We always want to make sure that 2137 02:55:06,640 --> 02:55:14,800 we are having a a a good exciting and positive time. And you know, we just 2138 02:55:12,560 --> 02:55:18,640 don't want any type of like negative publicity or anything when it comes to 2139 02:55:16,800 --> 02:55:23,200 what was going on. Hey, like I said, it's human error, but we made it work. 2140 02:55:21,200 --> 02:55:28,160 And I promise you, if you attend, you're going to enjoy yourself. And a lot of 2141 02:55:25,520 --> 02:55:33,840 that is going to be on behalf of because of what Mr. Gerard or Mr. Jones has done 2142 02:55:30,880 --> 02:55:38,479 to assist us, accommodate us and all parties in that's in play, especially 2143 02:55:35,840 --> 02:55:42,560 with us are happy and we are going to have a good time and we want everybody 2144 02:55:40,479 --> 02:55:47,600 else to come in and smile and see what we have been doing to help those that 2145 02:55:45,279 --> 02:55:51,520 has been in sick cell disease and has been in need and what we're going to 2146 02:55:49,520 --> 02:55:55,359 continue to do throughout the years. So, thank you. 2147 02:55:52,479 --> 02:55:58,920 » Thank you, Mr. Gillery. >> We stand adjourned.