City Council Minutes – April 6, 2021

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 2021. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session at its regular meeting place, on Tuesday , April 6, 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 Mr. Rubin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Ms. Perry the minutes taken from a regular Co unc il m eeting held March 23, 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 TENNIS COURT COMPLEX FENCING REPAIR 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 SCHOOL BOARD RELATIVE TO THE USES OF BALL FIELDS, PROPERTY AND FACILITIES AND PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR EACH POLITICAL SUBDIVISION TO USE THE OTHERS FIELDS, PROPERTY AND FACILITIES AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT 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 LSUA FOUNDATION FOR ASSISTANCE IN RESPECT TO LSUA ALLIED HEALTH DOWNTOWN EXPANSION 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 ALEXANDRIA DIXIE GIRLS SOFTBALL FOR THE SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES FROM JULY 30 – AUGUST 6, 2021 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 CONTRACT WITH ONLINE UTILITY EXCHANGE 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 CONTRACT WITH CENTRAL LOUISIANA JUNETEENTH ASSOCIATION INC. FOR 2021 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THERETO. RESOLUTIONS

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0152-2021

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 6 th day of April, 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0153-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR FIRE HYDRANTS AND RELATED ACCESSORIES.

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 resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 6 th day of April, 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0154-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – BAND SHELL/COVER AT THE EXISTING AMPHITHEATRE.

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 6 th day of April, 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. 49-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 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 6 th day of April, 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. 50-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR ELECTRIC METERS AND 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 6 th day of April, 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. 51-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS 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 6 th day of April, 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. 52-2021

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR HERBICIDES 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 6 th day of April, 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. 53-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR OPERATING CHEMICALS 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 6 th day of April, 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Ms. Davidson all bids were rejected on the following item:

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 OTHER MATTERS RELATED 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. 54-2021

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 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 6 th day of April, 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. 55-2021

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE EXISTING CONTRACT FOR THE ANNUAL UNIFORM BID FOR PUBLIC SAFETY 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 6 th day of April, 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. 56-2021

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 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 6 th day of April, 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. 57-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE EXISTING CONTRACT WITH BONNETTE AUCTION COMPANY FOR PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEERING SERVICES 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 6 th day of April, 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. 58-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2020-2021 CAPITAL BUDGET BY ADDING FUNDS FOR LSU-A DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 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 6 th day of April, 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. 59-2021

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 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 6 th day of April, 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.

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 MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

YEAS: Fowler, Rubin, Villard.

NAYS: Porter, Davidson, Washington, Perry.

ABSENT: None.

This item 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. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 60-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE RAPIDES PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT 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 6 th day of April, 2021.

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the Public Hearing was opened at 5:40 p.m.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0155-2021

RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION ON STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 1918 MONROE

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 6 th day of April 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the Public Hearing was closed at 5:43 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the Public Hearing was opened at 5:43 p.m.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0156-2021

RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION ON THE COST OF DEMOLITION OF 26 RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.

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 6 th day of April 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin the Public Hearing was closed at 6:03 p.m.

COMMITTEES

There were no reports from Utility 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. Finance/Legal Affairs Committee Chair, Mr. Rubin requested that WinterFête come before the Council in two weeks. He asked for a report from the Administration concerning the city taking care of demolitions with city crews and equipment. Personnel/Insurance Committee Chair, Mr. Porter gave an update o n COVID 19. He asked everyone to please get vaccinated and reminded all to maintain 6 feet distance, wear a mask and to avoid crowds of more than ten people.

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