City Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON APRIL 2, 2024. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session in the City Council Chambers, on Tuesday, April 2, 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 Jonathon Goins, Assistant City Attorney Daniel Smith 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. Jonathon Goins and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Perry. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the minutes taken from a regular Council Meeting held on March 19, 2024 were unanimously approved by the Council.

PRESENTATION

Mr. Rubin commended Dr. Paul Coreil on the good work happening at LSUA under his leadership.

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. Ms. Felter seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried by the Council. On request from the Administration and a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following item was delayed for two weeks: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR PUBLIC BUILDING HVAC IMPROVEMENT FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE BUILDING AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for striping for public streets and other public properties. Name of Bidders Nation Services Company

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 Ms. Felter to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FOR THE STRIPING SIGNAGE FOR PUBLIC STREETS AND OTHER PUBLIC PROPERTIES 2024/2025 AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

No bids were received for the following item so the Administration requested re-advertisement.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FOR CHLORINATION EQUIPMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0539-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING READVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR CHLORINATION EQUIPMENT.

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 2nd day of April, 2024.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025; 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 2024/2025; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 AND PROVIDING FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES; AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT TO APPROPRIATIONS AND THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS PERTAINING THERETO AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH FLUID PROCESS AND PUMPS, LLC FOR CHLORINATION AND DECHLORINATION EQUIPMENT FOR WASTEWATER AND WATER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023/2024 CAPITAL BUDGET ADDING FUNDS FOR ELLIOTT STREET RECONSTRUCTION AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID RECEIVED FROM PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR ELLIOTT STREET REHAB AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH BONNETTE AUCTION COMPANY, LLC AND BRISTAR AUCTION, LLC FOR PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEERING SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH CHICK-FIL-A, INC. FOR RELOCATION OF MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On request from the Administration and a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the following item was removed from the agenda:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 26-2024 PERTAINING TO DATES AND LOCATION FOR THE PRODUCTIONS OF BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE AND COWBOY OFF BROADWAY STAGE PLAYS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2108 BOLTON AVENUE FROM “MF-1” (MULTIFAMILY DISTRICT) AND AN I-1 (INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT) TO A “SF-3” (SINGLE FAMILY HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT) TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Felter the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CENTRAL LOUISIANA 2024 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION 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. 0533-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR ANNUAL WORK UNIFORMS FOR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS.

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 2nd day of April, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0534-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID FOR READY MIX CONCRETE.

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 2nd day of April, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0535-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR CLAMPS AND COUPLINGS.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0536-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR FIRE HYDRANTS AND ACCESSORIES.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0537-2024

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA TO CO-SPONSOR THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CENLA PRIDE 2024 ON JUNE 7 - 8 2024.

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 2nd day of April, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0538-2024

RESOLUTION TO CO-SPONSOR POPS IN THE PARK IN APRIL, 2024 PRESENTED BY THE RAPIDES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

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 2nd day of April, 2024.

PUBLIC HEARING

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the public hearing was opened at 5:16 p.m.

A PUBLIC HEARING AMENDING CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 153-2022 RELATIVE TO BOUNDARIES OF CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS TWO (2), THREE (3) AND FOUR (4); REITERATING AND REENACTING THE BOUNDARIES IN ORDINANCE NO. 153- 2022 FOR DISTRICTS ONE (1) AND FIVE (5) AND OTHERWISE AMENDING AND REENACTING ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 2, SECTIONS 2-46 THROUGH 2-50 OF THE ALEXANDRIA CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS; AMENDING, REDISTRICTING AND REAPPORTIONING RELATIVE TO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT TWO, THREE AND FOUR AND OTHERWISE TO PROVIDE FOR EFFECTIVENESS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler the public hearing was closed at 5:27 p.m.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION

SUBJECT TO A PUBLIC HEARING

The President recessed the meeting at 5:28 p.m. and asked for the room to be cleared. It was announced that the public would be able to v iew the remainder of the meeting from Convention Hall.

The President called the meeting back to order at 5:50 p.m. The roll was called and all Councilmembers were present.

Mr. Washington made a motion to request that the original Council rules be enforced with no changes and to allow citizens to speak again on redistricting even if they spoke last week. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion.

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

NAYS: Rubin, Villard, Fowler.

ABSENT: None.

The motion passed.

Mr. Washington made a motion to allow the public back into the public meeting in compliance with public laws. Ms. Perry seconded the motion.

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

NAYS: Rubin, Villard.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: Fowler.

The motion passed.

The public returned to the Council Chambers.

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. 37-2024

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 153-2022 RELATIVE TO BOUNDARIES OF CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS TWO (2), THREE (3) AND FOUR (4); REITERATING AND REENACTING THE BOUNDARIES IN ORDINANCE NO. 153- 2022 FOR DISTRICTS ONE (1) AND FIVE(5) AND OTHERWISE AMENDING AND REENACTING ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 2, SECTIONS 2-46 THROUGH 2-50 OF THE ALEXANDRIA CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS; AMENDING, REDISTRICTING AND REAPPORTIONING RELATIVE TO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT TWO, THREE AND FOUR AND OTHERWISE TO PROVIDE FOR EFFECTIVENESS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

YEAS: Rubin, Villard, Felter, Fowler.

NAYS: Perry, Johnson, Washington.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 2024.

Mr. Washington made a motion to add getting an opinion from the Attorney General on the redistricting to the agenda and the motion was seconded by Ms. Perry.

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

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

ABSENT: None.

The motion to add to the agenda failed.

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 Ms. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 38-2024

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

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 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. Rubin and seconded by Ms. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 39-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 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. Rubin and seconded by Ms. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 40-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE DISTR ICT ATTORNEY, NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT RELATED TO PROVIDING SERVICES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, CRIMINAL PROCEDURES, COOPERATIVE ASSISTANCE AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES RELATED AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 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. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Villard. ORDINANCE NO. 41-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH EVERBRIDGE, INC. FOR A MASS COMMUNICATION MESSAGING PLATFORM AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 2024.

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

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR ELECTRIC METERS AND ACCESSORIES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

A N ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR SEWER REPLACEMENT ON MARYE STREET 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. Rubin and seconded by Ms. Felter. ORDINANCE NO. 42-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR JANITORIAL SUPPLIES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 2nd day of April, 2024.

The President adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.

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