City Council Meeting Minutes – November 26, 2024

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 26, 2024. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session in the City Council Chambers, on Tuesday, November 26, 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, Assistant City Attorney Daniel Smith, 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 Mr. Rubin.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson the minutes taken from a regular Council Meeting held on November 12, 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. Washington seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried by the Council. Bids were received for Electric Utility Right-of Way Emergency Services.

Name of Bidders Looks Great Services of Mississippi SolScapes

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. Washington to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR ELECTRIC UTILITY RIGHT-OF-WAY EMERGENCY SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for Petroleum Products. Name of Bidders Lott Oil Company McCartney Oil Company Petro Pangea Inc.

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. Washington to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for Elevator Modernization at City Hall and Customer Service Building. Name of Bidders Kone Elevators Escalators Integrity Elevators Solutions

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. Washington to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AT CITY HALL AND CUSTOMER SERVICE BUILDING AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE EXISTING CONTRACT WITH SCRD WOOD PRODUCTS, LLC FOR MIXED DEBRIS REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REENACT CHAPTER 13 OF THE ALEXANDRIA CODE OF ORDINANCES, ARTICLE V. “AMBULANCE SERVICES”, AMENDING SECTIONS 13-54, 13-55 AND ADDING SECTION 13-56; TO AUTHORIZE THE RAPIDES PARISH AMBULANCE SERVICE ADVISORY BOARD AND THE RAPIDES PARISH POLICE JURY TO SELECT AMBULANCE SERVICES FOR RAPIDES PARISH AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA FOR EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR TERM, RENEWAL AND MINIMUM CRITERIA; REQUIRING IMPLEMENTATION AND PERIODIC MEETINGS OF THE RAPIDES PARISH AMBULANCE SERVICE ADVISORY BOARD WITH REPRESENTATION FROM THE CITY; MANDATING PENALTIES AND TERMINATION PROVISIONS IN ANY AMBULANCE SERVICES CONTRACT AND THE RIGHT OF THE CITY TO WITHDRAW AUTHORIZATION AND PARTICIPATION IF PENALTIES OR TERMINATION IS NOT ENFORCED AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH BLACKOUT POWER, LLC FOR QUALIFIED ELECTRIC LINE WORKER SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST PROPOSALS RECEIVED FROM DEBRIS TECH AND TETRA-TECH FOR EMERGENCY DEBRIS REMOVAL MONITORING SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST PROPOSALS RECEIVED FROM CROWDER GULF AND CERES FOR DISASTER DEBRIS REMOVAL, REDUCTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT TO PURCHASE A 106.66 X 106.66 SITE, TRACT OR PARCEL OF GROUND LOCATED AT SIXTH STREET AND DESOTO STREET FROM STETH, LLC AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Washington the following ordinance was introduced to wit: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR GENERAL UTILITY REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

RESOLUTIONS

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0605-2024

RESOLUTION

CONFIRMING THE DATES OF THE ALEXANDRIA CITY

COUNCIL MEETINGS IN THE YEAR 2025. 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 26th day of November, 2024.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0606-2024

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR BULK FUEL

FOR VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. 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 resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 26th day of November, 2024.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION

SUBJECT TO A PUBLIC HEARING

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

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR KISATCHIE 24” BYPASS PHASE I 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 Mr. Fowler. ORDINANCE NO. 179-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION UNIT AND HOURLY PRICING FOR THE ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT 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 26th day of November, 2024.

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

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR SPARE PARTS FOR DG HUNTER UNITS 5 THROUGH 11 FOR WARTSILA ELECTRIC PRODUCTION ENGINES AND GENERATORS 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 Mr. Rubin. ORDINANCE NO. 180-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH LOTT OIL COMPANY FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND CHEMICAL ADDITIVES FOR WARTSILA ENGINES AT DG HUNTER POWER PLANT 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 26th day of November, 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. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 181-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE FORMER WEISS AND GOLDRING BUILDING 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 26th day of November, 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. 182-2024

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF

ALEXANDRIA AND THE CENTRAL LOUISIANA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE CENTRAL LOUISIANA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION INC 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 26th day of November, 2024.

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

AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE SURPLUS A CERTAIN CITY OWNED 8.231 ACRE TRACT, PARCEL AND LOT OF GROUND TOGETHER WITH IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED ADJACENT TO INDUSTRIAL PORT ROAD BEING A PORTION OF TRACT B-1 AS PER PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 30 AND PAGE 63 RECORDS OF RAPIDES PARISH SITUATED IN SECTIONS TEN AND ELEVEN, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, SOUTHWESTERN LAND DISTRICT, CITY OF ALEXANDRIA; AUTHORIZING AN APPRAISAL OF PROPERTIES; TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY TO SELL THE 8.231 ACRE TRACT TO THE CENTRAL LOUISIANA REGIONAL PORT FOR FAIR MARKET VALUE AND A MINIMUM PRICE OF $20,776 AN ACRE; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING AN ACT OF SALE, WITH THE PORT UNDER REASONABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE RELATED AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO GRANT SERVITUDES AND RELATED RIGHTS IN AGREEMENTS WITH CENTRAL LOUISIANA REGIONAL PORT RELATED TO THE SALE AND TRANSACTION; AND OTHERWISE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE RELATED AGREEMENTS TO ENABLE THE CITY TO SALE PROPERTY DECLARED SURPLUS AND OTHERWISE TO PROVIDE 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. 183-2024

AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE SURPLUS CERTAIN CITY OWNED TRACTS, PARCELS AND LOTS OF GROUND TOGETHER WITH IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED IN LOTS FIVE (5), SIX (6) AND TEN (10) OF POWER CENTER , A SUBDIVISION OF TRACT 1A OF A PORTION OF METROCENTER AND BEING PROPERTIES COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE CITY CALL WIMBLEDON DRIVE) PROPERTIES AND RELATED TRACTS AND PARCELS; AUTHORIZING APPRAISALS OF PROPERTIES; TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION TO MARKET AND OFFER FOR SALE TRACTS, PARCELS AND LOTS WITH IMPROVEMENTS FOR FAIR MARKET VALUE; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE BINDING PURCHASE AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS AND FIXING THE MINIMUM PRICE AND TERMS OF SALE RELATED THERETO AND OTHERWISE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE RELATED AGREEMENTS TO ENABLE THE CITY TO SALE PROPERTIES DECLARED SURPLUS AND OTHERWISE TO PROVIDE 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 26th day of November, 2024.

Mr. Washington briefly spoke on his attendance at the National League of Cities Conference.

The President adjourned the meeting at 5:23p.m.

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