City Council Minutes – June 15, 2021

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JUNE 15, 2021. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session at its regular meeting place, on Tuesday , June 15, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. Those present were the Honorable James “Jim” Villard, Chuck Fowler, Gerber Porter, Catherine Davidson, REDDEX Washington, Lee Rubin and Cynthia Perry. Also present were Mayor Hall, City Attorney Shane Williams, Trey Gist and Council Staff. The Council of the City of Alexandria, State of Louisiana, was duly convened as the governing authority of said City by the Honorable Jim Villard, who stated that the Council was ready for the transaction of business. The Invocation was pronounced by Ms. Perry and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Davidson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the minutes taken from a regular Co unc il m eeting held June 1, 2021 were unanimously approved by the Council. CONSENT CALENDAR The Council next read all items found under the heading Consent Calendar and assigned them to committees. Mr. Fowler moved for the adoption or introduction of all items appearing under the heading of Consent Calendar. Mr. Rubin seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried by the Council. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR PRESTRESSED WOOD POLE EQUIVALENT CONCRETE POLES AN D OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR SINGLE PHASE POLEMOUNT TRANSFORMERS AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH PEST AID FOR PEST CONTROL SERVICES AND OTHE R MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST PROPOSAL RECEIVED FROM TRANSFORMATION JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR ATRANS BUS TERMINAL AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR WATER SERVICES FOR THE OLDE TOWN AT RED RIVER SUBDIVISION LOCATED ALONG BAYOU RAPIDES ROAD AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: FROM “B-3” (GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) TO “C -2” (GENERAL COMMERCI AL DISTRICT) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EVENT CENTER AND TO OBTAIN A LIQUOR LICENSE AT SAID PROPERTY AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ATTORNEY RUBY NORRIS FREEMAN AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH CENTRAL LOUISIANA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE 2021 SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE RAPIDES PARISH POLICE JURY TO PROVIDE FOR STATE FUNDS FOR ROAD AND DRAINAGE AND RELATED CAPI TAL PROJECTS AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION

SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Ms. Davidson and seconded by Ms. Perry.

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2021/2022 OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 71-2021 BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 4, 2021 AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. The President called for any discussion:

On a motion of Ms. Davidson and seconded by Ms. Perry the following was brought to a vote:

A NEW LINE ITEM IS HEREBY CREATED IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION, SPECIFICALLY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER SALARIES AS “SALARY-RAISES” WHICH THE LINE ITEM SHALL BEAR THE COST CENTER NUMBER ASSIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE.

A vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Davidson, Porter, Washington, Perry, Rubin.

NAYS: Fowler.

ABSTAIN: Villard.

ABSENT: None.

On a motion of Ms. Davidson and seconded by Ms. Perry the following was brought to a vote:

ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,200,000.00) IS HEREBY ALLOCATED FROM THE USE OF PRIOR YEAR’S REVENUE, SPECIFICALLY REFERENCED BY THE MAYOR AND FINANCE DIRECTOR, TO THE NEW LINE ITEM CREATED BY 1. ABOVE IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION, SPECIFICALLY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER SALARIES AS “SALARY-RAISES” WHICH LINE ITEM SHALL BEAR THE COST CENTER NUMBER ASSIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE. A vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Davidson, Porter, Washington, Perry.

NAYS: Rubin, Fowler.

ABSTAIN: Villard.

ABSENT: None.

On a motion of Ms. Davidson and seconded by Ms. Perry the following was brought to a vote:

A NEW LINE ITEM IS HEREBY CREATED IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION, SPECIFICALLY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER FRINGE AS “FRINGE-RAISES” WHICH LINE ITEM SHALL BEAR THE COST CENTER NUMBER ASSIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE.

A vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Davidson, Porter, Washington, Perry, Rubin.

NAYS: Fowler.

ABSTAIN: Villard.

ABSENT: None.

On a motion of Ms. Davidson and seconded by Ms. Perry the following was brought to a vote:

EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($800,000) IS HEREBY ALLOCATED FROM USE OF PRIOR YEAR’S REVENUE, SPECIFICALLY REFERENCED BY THE MAYOR AND FINANCE DIRECTOR, TO THE NEW LINE ITEM CREATED BY 3 ABOVE IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION, SPECIFICALLY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER FRINGE AS “FRINGE-RAISES” WHICH LINE ITEM SHALL BEAR THE COST CENTER NUMBER ASSIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE.

A vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Davidson, Porter, Washington, Perry.

NAYS: Rubin, Fowler.

ABSTAIN: Villard.

ABSENT: None.

A final vote was not taken on the published ordinance for final adoption.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 104-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID

SUBMITTED FOR SULFUR DIOXIDE, TECHNICAL GRADE, LIQUID ONE (1) TON CYLINDERS FOR THE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard, Fowler, Perry.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 105-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PURCHASE THREE ELKHART

EC11 PARATRANSIT VEHICLES FROM THE STATE OF LOUISIANA PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE FOR FTA MODIFIED VEHICLES AND BUSES FOR ATRANS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard, Fowler, Perry.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 106-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSALS

RECEIVED FROM ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, LLC AND TERR ACON CONSULTANTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING SERVI CES FOR THE UTILITY AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISIONS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 107-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH

THE STATE OF LA-VETERANS AFFAIRS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard, Fowler, Perry.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 108-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH

MGT CONSULTING FOR COST ALLOCATION AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard, Fowler, Perry.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 109-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH

FONTENOT BENEFITS AND ACTUARIAL SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 110-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL

SUBMITTED BY MEYER, MEYER, LACROIX AND HIXSON FOR THE WATER WE LL RECLAMATION PSA FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 111-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSALS

RECEIVED FOR ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR THE ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard, Fowler, Perry.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 112-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST

PROPOSAL RECEIVED FROM CONTROL DEVICES, INCORPORATED FOR TESTING, CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SUBSTATIONS AND D. G. HUNTE R GENERATING STATION’S RELAYS, METERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 113-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A STRONG

SOUTHERN COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE (SSCI) MICRO-GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES THROUGH THE INSTITUTE FOR YOUTH EDUCATION AND FAMILIES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

The following ordinance, which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed thereto, was brought up for final adoption on a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 114-2021

AN ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE COOPERATIVE

ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY SENIOR CITIZENS MULTIPURPOSE RESOURCE CENTER INCORPORATED (SAGE) AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Davidson the public hearing was opened at 5:23 p.m.

Mr. Fowler moved for the adoption of the following resolution, whic h was seconded by Ms. Perry.

RESOLUTION NO. 0172-2021

RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION ON STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 3907 LAKESIDE.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of June, 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Villard and seconded by Mr. Fowler the public hearing was closed at 5:25 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Davidson the public hearing was opened at 5:25 p.m.

Mr. Fowler moved for the adoption of the following resolution, whic h was seconded by Ms. Davidson.

RESOLUTION NO. 0173-2021

RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION ON THE COST OF DEMOLITION OF 23 STRUCTURES.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson, Porter, Washington, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15 th day of June, 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Davidson the public hearing was closed at 5:45 p.m.

ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PROMOTE THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA BY ENTERING INTO ALL CONTRACTS FOR FIREWORKS ON JUL Y 4, 2021 AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

COMMITTEES

Mr. Villard stated that new topics were not to be introduced and discussed in Committee Reports. He said any new topic should be referenced to a Committee for discussion at the next scheduled Committee Meeting. There was much discussion. Mr. Gist read the pertinent section of the state public meetings law. There were no reports from Finance/Legal Affairs Committee, Utility Committee, Personnel/Insurance Committee, Public Safety, Works and Transportation Committee, Economic, Workforce and Planning Development Committee, Property and Zoning Committee, Community Affairs, Services and Events Committee and A&E Committee. Ms. Perry announced that she would like to make a statement. Mr. Porter moved and Mr. Washington seconded to allow Ms. Perry to make a statement. A vote was called and resulted as follows: YEAS: Porter, Washington, Villard, Fowler, Perry, Rubin, Davidson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

The motion passed. Ms. Perry stated that she was not a follower. Her votes were determined by what was best to serve her constituents.

/S/ James Villard President ATTEST: /S/ Donna P. Jones City Clerk