City Council Minutes – February 9, 2021

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 9, 2021. The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regularly scheduled meeting session at its regular meeting place, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. Those present were the Honorable James “Jim” Villard, Chuck Fowler, REDDEX Washington, Gerber Porter, Lee Rubin and Cynthia Perry. Harry Silver attended electronically. 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 Mrs. Perry and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Rubin. TO HEAR FROM COUNCILMAN SILVER Mr. Villard read the following letter into the record on behalf of Mr. Silver: Mayor Hall, President Villard, Fellow Council Members, my Fellow Citizens of Alexandria: Having just celebrated my 99th birthday, I had time to reflect on my life, our City, and the place I should hold in it. While there is hope that the pandemic will soon recede and a more normal life can resume, such will not occur overnight. With the recent elections having been conducted and concluded, the will of the electorate has been heard and I feel now is a good time to hand the mantle of leadership for District 4 over to another from a younger generation. I came to Central Louisiana over Three Fourths of a Century ago in service to our nation and met the love of my life. Together we raised a family, continued and modernized the family business, and did all we could to be of service to the people of the area. Whether you or your parents, grandparents, or great grandparents agreed with me or not over the years, I hope everyone agrees that I acted only as I felt was best for our mutual home. In the waning years of my life I will now pivot from service to our community and focus more on service to my family. It is my intention to resign the office of council member effective 11:59PM February 28, 2021. I commend to you Maria Losavio as a recommendation of a person I feel would take up my mantle of service and continue doing what she feels is best for the City, the only measure that really matters. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler the minutes taken from a regular Council meeting held January 26, 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 TWO GRIT SCREW CONVEYOR WITH PARALLEL PLATE SEPARATORS FOR THE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT 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 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSION AL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HAMMONDS, SILLS, ADKINS AND GUICE LLP LAW FIRM 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 EXECUTE ENTITY-STATE AGREEMENT FOR THE MPO ALEXANDRIA BIKE/PEDESTRIAN PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, PHASE 1 (LA 1208-3, US 165 AND LA 28) 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 PROFESSION AL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SPARKHOUND TO PERFORM NETWORK VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT SERVICES 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 ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING FUNDING AGREEMENTS WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIE S FOR RECEIPT OF FUNDING DUE TO DISASTER DECLARATIONS AND OTHER M ATERS 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 PROFESSION AL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VERMILLION ANALYTICS LLC TO PERFORM A SALARY SURVEY PERTAINING TO THE ALEXANDRIA FIRE DEPARTMENT AN D THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE 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 ENTER INTO A CONTACT WI TH EE CONSULTANTS, INCORPORATED FOR GENERAL ELECTRICAL DES IGN AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND OTHER MATERS WITH RESPECT THE RETO.

RESOLUTIONS

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0123-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR JANITOR IAL SUPPLIES.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

Mr. Rubin moved for the adoption of the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Fowler. RESOLUTION NO. 0124-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR ELECTR IC METERS AND ACCESSORIES.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0125-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR CONSTR UCTION AND MAINTENANCE MATERIALS.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0126-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR HERBICIDE S.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0127-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR OPERATI NG CHEMICALS FOR WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0128-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR REPAIR OF CMU WALL AND ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PL ANT, PLANT SHOP, VEHICLE STORAGE BUILDING.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO.0129 -2021

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. FRANCIS J. POWELL TO SERVE ON THE ALEXANDRIA MUNICIPAL FIRE AND POLICE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0130-2021

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR A HYDR AULIC DRIVEN PORTABLE STORM WATER PUMP WITH TRAILER FOR THE WASTEWAT ER DEPARTMENT.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0131-2021

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF CHARLES GREEN TO SERVE ON THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0132-2021

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL WYNN TO SERVE ON THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0133-2021

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF LAWRENCE HOBDY TO S ERVE ON THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0134-2021

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF PAULA KATZ TO SERVE ON THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCE NO. 17-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR RENOVATIONS TO SNORKEL TRUCK BUILDING AND DRIV EWAY FOR FIRE STATION #4 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, Silver, Washington.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin all bids were rejected on the following item and re-advertisement will be at a later date.

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR RIVERFRONT CENTER ROOF REPLACEMENT AND WATERPROOFING OF EXTERIOR WALL SYSTEM 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. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 18-2021

AN

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

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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. 19-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW THE EXISTING CONTRA CT WITH CBS CLEANING SERVICES FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR T HE 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, Silver, Washington.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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 Mrs. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 20-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO COMPROMISE AND SETTLE THE WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM OF DONALD ROY AGAINST T HE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA; PROVIDING FOR THE FUNDING OF THE COMPROM ISE SETTLEMENT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING 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, Silver, Washington, Rubin, Perry, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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. 21-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PURCHASE TWO GILLIG BUS ASSIGNMENT FROM CAPITAL AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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 Mrs. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 22-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WIT H L&J EXTERMINATING, INCORPORATED FOR PEST CONTROL AND RELA TED SERVICES 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, Silver, Washington.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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 Mrs. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 23-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE QUOTE OFFERING THE HIGHEST DISCOUNT PERCENTAGE OFF MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE FOR SAFARILAND AND GOULD AND GOODRICH’S BRAND POLICE UNIFORM 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, Silver, Washington.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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. 24-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTOPHER BOWMAN 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, Silver, Washington.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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 Mrs. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST PROPOSAL RECEIVED FROM BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS, LLC FOR THE TRANSIT TIRE LEASE FOR ATRANS 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, Silver, Washington.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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. 26-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH LSUA FOR THE LAUNCHPAD PROGRAM AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 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 Mrs. Perry.

ORDINANCE NO. 27-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN OPEN ENDED PILOT CONTRACT FOR A CONTACTLESS FARE PROGRAM FOR ATRANS AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin, the following item was delayed for two weeks.

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CYCLOMEDIA FOR STREET LEVEL IMAG ERY/LIDAR DATA 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. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin.

ORDINANCE NO. 28-2021

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH QUALIFYING BUSINESSES FOR LEASING OF SPACE AT 1501 WIMBLEDO N BOULEVARD 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, Silver, Washington, Rubin, Perry, Villard.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

This ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

On a motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Rubin, the following item was delayed for two weeks.

AN

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR DOT OPERATOR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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

RESOLUTION NO. 0135-2021

RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION ON TWENTY-FIVE RESIDENTIAL STRUC TURES.

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

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

NAYS: Silver.

ABSENT: None.

This resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 9th day of February 2021.

AUDIT REPORT

On a motion of Mr. Rubin and seconded by Mr. Fowler the Audit Report was approved as presented in the Finance and Legal Affairs Committee.

COMMITTEES

There were no reports from Finance/Legal Affairs Committee, Utility Committee, Personnel/Insurance Committee, Economic, Workforce and Planning Development Committee, Community Affairs, Services and Events Committee and A&E Committee. Public Safety, Works and Transportation Committee Chair, Mrs. Perry thanked Donta Howard for clearing up several issues. Property and Zoning Committee Chair, Mr. Washington thanked the Administration for working with him and stated he was happy the condemned houses were being worked on. Mr. Washington made a motion to allow Ms. Shicola Jones to speak before the Council and it was seconded by Mr. Villard. The President called for any discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

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

NAYS: Porter.

ABSENT: None.

The motion failed, therefore she was not allowed to speak.

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