City Council Meeting Minutes – October 15, 2024

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 15, 2024. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session in the City Council Chambers, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. Those present were the Honorable Jim Villard, Lizzie Felter, Cynthia Perry, Gary Johnson, Chuck Fowler, REDDEX Washington and Lee Rubin. Also present were Mayor Roy, City Attorney Jonathan Goins, Michael Caffery 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 Ms. Perry.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the minutes taken from a regular Council Meeting held on October 1, 2024 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 introduction of all items appearing under the heading Consent Calendar. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried by the Council. Upon request from the Administration, the following item was delayed for two weeks: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR SWAT TEAM BUILDING RENOVATION AND WATERPROOFING AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for wire and cable. Name of Bidders American Wire Group Gresco Wesco Utility and Industrial Supply Black Star

The above bid was referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR WIRE AND CABLE AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for new 2020 model rapid deployment vehicle for the Police Department. Name of Bidders St. Martin Parish Acquisitions, LLC/dba Courtesy Ford Techops Specialty Vehicle, LLC

The above bid was referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR NEW 2020 MODEL RAPID DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BRADDOCK COMPANIES, LLC FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND GENERAL SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO HIVE POWER ENGINEERING, LLC FOR THE ELECTRICAL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO .

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO ASSOCIATED DESIGN GROUP, INC. FOR THE ELECTRIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO MONCEAUX-BULLER AND ASSOCIATES, LLC FOR THE GAS PORTION OF THE ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO PAN AMERICAN ENGINEERS, LLC FOR THE WASTEWATER PORTION OF THE ANNUAL REQUIREMENT S CONTRACT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD KCMIL COMPACT ROUND, CLASS B STRAND COPPER, FILLED STRAND FOR THE ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO MEYER, MEYER, LACROIX AND HIXSON, INC. FOR THE WATER PORTION OF THE ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH NATURE CONSERVANCY AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

RESOLUTIONS

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0596-2024

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR ELECTRIC

UTILITY RIGHT-OF -WAY EMERGENCY SERVICES.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows: YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0597-2024

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PETROLEUM

PRODUCTS.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows: YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0598-2024

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE

ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AT CITY HALL AND CUSTOMER SERVICE BUILDING. The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows: YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION

SUBJECT TO A 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. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 160-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR DG HUNTER UNITS 5, 6, AND 9 WARTSILA OVERHAUL MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

Upon request from the Administration and a motion of Mr. Washington and seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following item was delayed for two weeks:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE REAR LOADING REFUSE TRUCK 25 CUBIC YARD CAPACITY AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Upon request from the Administration and a motion of Mr. Washington and seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following item was delayed for two weeks:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE SHUTTLE TRUCK AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Upon request from the Administration and a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington, the following item was delayed for two weeks:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE GRAPPLE TRUCK FOR THE SANITATION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 161-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR BRASS FITTINGS AND MISCELLANEOUS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

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. 162-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST PROPOSAL RECEIVED FROM JANITRESS CLEANING AND STAFFING LLC FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR THE ALEXANDRIA ZOOLOGICAL PARK AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows: YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

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. 163-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY AND THE STATE OF LOUISIANA RELATED TO FUNDING APPROPRIATED BY LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE ACT 776 AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

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. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Fowler. ORDINANCE NO. 164-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT USED IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS RELATED TO VIOLENT CRIMES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

YEAS: Johnson, Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

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. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 165-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS WITH THE RAPIDES PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE RELATED TO FUNDS AVAILABLE FROM THE RECOVERY ACT EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

YEAS: Fowler, Washington, Rubin, Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024. PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the public hearing was opened at 5:23 p.m.

Mr. Villard moved for the adoption of the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Washington.

RESOLUTION NO. 0599-2024

RESOLUTION

TAKING ACTION ON 22 STRUCTURES FOR COST OF

DEMOLITION.

The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows: YEAS: Villard, Felter, Perry, Johnson, Fowler, Washington, Rubin.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 15th day of October, 2024.

On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler the public hearing was closed at 5:35 p.m.

Mr. Johnson made brief remarks concerning Coach Smith’s induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The President adjourned the meeting at 5:38 p.m.

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