City Council Minutes – March 23, 2021

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON MARCH 23, 2021. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session at its regular meeting place, on Tuesday, March 23, 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 Mr. Washington and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Rubin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the minutes taken from a regular Council meeting held March 9, 2021 were unanimously approved by the Council. On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler the Mayor’s Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021/2022 were received 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 JANITORIAL SUPPLIES AND OTHER MATERS WITH RE SPECT 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 ELECTRIC METERS AND ACCESSORIES 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 ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS 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 ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR HERBICIDES AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERET O. 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 OPERATING CHEMICALS FOR WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT 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 ACCEPT THE LOW BID FOR REPAIR OF CMU WALL AND ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, PLANT SHIP, VEHICLE STORAGE BUILDING AND O THER 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 HYDRAULIC DRIVEN PORTABLE STORM WATER PUMP WITH TRAILER FOR THE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATERS WIT H 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 RENEW THE EXISTING CONT RACT FOR THE ANNUAL UNIFORM BID FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER MATERS W ITH RESPECT THERETO. On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following ordinance was introduced, to wit: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022; TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF ALL CITY DIVISIONS, DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES AND AGENCIES, PENSIONS AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT TO THE EXPENDITURES OF APPROPRIATIONS; ADOPTING THE CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022 AND PROVIDING FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES; AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT TO APPROPRIATIONS AND THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS PERTAINING THERETO 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 COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE COUGHLIN-SAUNDERS FOUNDATION TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR AN ART PROJECT AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF GRANT FUNDS AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO 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 RENEW THE EXISTING CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEERING SERVICES 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 AMENDING THE 2020-2021 CAPITAL BUDGET BY ADDING FUNDS FOR LSU-A DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 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 THE RAPIDES FOUNDATION TO FUND CONSTRUCTION OF A WALKING TRAIL AT JOHNNY DOWNS SPORTS COMPLEX 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 ALL CONTRACTS FOR THE ALEX RIVERFETE, DOWNTOWN ROCKS SERIES, ROCK THE RED AND ALEX WINTERFETE 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 COMMUNICATION DISTRICT AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

RESOLUTIONS

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0148-2021

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUNE JOHNSON DAVIS T O THE ALEXANDRIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0149-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR MACARTH UR DRIVE ROADWAY LIGHTING REPLACEMENT PHASE 4.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 2021.

Mr. Fowler moved for the adoption of the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Rubin.

RESOLUTION NO. 0150-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR WATER W ELL METER REPLACEMENT PROJECT.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 2021.

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 Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 38-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR STRIPING AND SIGNAGE FOR PUBLIC STREETS AND O THER PUBLIC PROPERTIES 2021-2022 AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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 Ms. Davidson.

ORDINANCE NO. 39-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR SOCCER EQUIPMENT AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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 Ms. Davidson and seconded by Ms. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 40-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ENTITY-STATE AGREEMENT FOR THE MPO ALEXANDRIA BIKE/PEDESTRIAN PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, PHASE 1 (LA 1208-3, US 165 AND LA 28) AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

YEAS: Davidson, Washington, Perry, Villard.

NAYS: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: Rubin, Fowler.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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. 41-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR OPERATING SUPPLIES FOR WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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. 42-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR CAST/DUCTILE IRON AND RELATED ACCESSORIES AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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. 43-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR CHLORINATION AND DECHLORINATION EQUIPMENT AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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 Ms. Davidson.

ORDINANCE NO. 44-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT FOR THE EXTENSION OF NATURAL GAS SERVICE W ITH OLD TOWN AT RED RIVER, LLC AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: Rubin.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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. 45-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH ALEXANDRIA DIXIE GIRLS SOFTBALL PROGRAM, INCORPORATED FOR INTERIM USE OF CERTAIN FIE LDS AND FACILITIES AT THE ALEXANDRIA YOUTH COMPLEX ON MASONIC DRIVE AN D OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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. 46-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH DIXIE YOUTH BASEBALL OF ALEXANDRIA, INCORPORATED FOR INTERIM USE OF CERTAIN FIELDS AND FACILITIES AT THE ALEXANDRIA YOUTH COMPLEX ON MASONIC DRIVE AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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 Ms. Davidson.

ORDINANCE NO. 47-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH ALEXANDRIA LITTLE LE AGUE FOR INTERIM USE OF CERTAIN FIELDS AND FACILITIES AT THE ALEXANDRIA YOUTH COMPLEX ON MASONIC DRIVE AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THE RETO AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 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 Ms. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 48-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2020-2021 OPERATING BUDGET FOR HUD GRANT ADJUSTMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 2021.

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the Public Hearing was opened at 5:48p.m.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0151-2021

RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION ON THE CONDEMNATION OF 25 STRUCTURES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO .

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 23rd day of March 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler the Public Hearing was closed at 6:18p.m.

COMMITTEES

There were no reports from Finance/Legal Affairs Committee, Utility Committee, Personnel/Insurance Committee, Economic, Workforce and Planning Development Committee, Property and Zoning Committee, Community Affairs, Services and Events Committee and A&E Committee. Public Safety, Works and Transportation Committee Chair, Ms. Perry thanked Mr. Jimmy Washington and asked the Administration to consider working with him on youth programming.

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