Council Minutes

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 18, 2008.

The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in a regular meeting session at its regular meeting place, on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 5:00 P.M. There were present the Honorable Roosevelt L. Johnson, Louis J. Marshall, Everett Hobbs, Charles F. Smith, Jr., Harry B. Silver, Chuck Fowler and Myron K. Lawson. Also present were Mayor Jacques M. Roy, City Attorney Chuck Johnson, Chief Operating Officer Kay Michiels, Council Attorney Trey Gist and City Clerk Nancy L. Thiels.

The Council of the City of Alexandria, State of Louisiana, was duly convened as the governing authority of said City by the Honorable Louis J. Marshall, who stated that the Council was ready for the transaction of business. The Invocation was pronounced by Reverend Mickey Cathey with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Everett Hobbs.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Council next read all items found under the heading Consent Calendar and assigned them to committees.

Mr. Lawson moved for the adoption or introduction of all items appearing under the heading of Consent Calendar.

Mr. Lawson moved that the Clerk be instructed to set each consent item out in the minutes separately to reflect the proper movers and votes.

Mr. Fowler seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried by the Council.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the minutes taken from meeting which was held November 5, 2008 was unanimously approved by the Council.

Bids were received for St. Mary’s Bar Screen project.

Name of Bidders Bid Amount
Rylee Contracting, Inc. $168,820.00
Wastewater Services, Inc. $179,775.00

The above bids were referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR
ST. MARY’S BAR SCREEN PROJECT, AS
REFLECTED BY BIDS RECEIVED AND TO
ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR SAID PROJECT
AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for park improvements and spray grounds for City Park, Cheatham Park and Harmon Park.

Name of Bidders Bid Amount
Petron $636,041.28 City Park
$269,178.76 Cheatham
$313,254.30 Harmon
$1,273,637.53 Total

Rylee Contracting Company $890,792.00 City Park
$461,416.00 Cheatham
$531,564.00 Harmon
$1,883,772.00 Total

The above bids were referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR
PARK IMPROVEMENTS AND SPRAY GROUNDS
FOR CITY PARK, CHEATHAM PARK AND HARMON
PARK, AS REFLECTED BY BIDS RECEIVED AND TO
ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR SAID PROJECT
AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for construction of a wash rack for the Electric Distribution department.

Name of Bidders Bid Amount
James A. Decker Builders $77,700.00
Rylee Contracting $67,325.00
Whitlock & Shelton Construction $51,281.10

The above bids were referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A WASH RACK FOR THE
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT, AS
REFLECTED BY BIDS RECEIVED AND TO
ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR SAID PROJECT
AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for brass fittings & miscellaneous items for a six month period.

Name of Bidders
H.D. Supply Waterworks
Lafayette Winwater Works
Coburn’s Supply

The above bids were referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR
BRASS FITTINGS & MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
FOR A SIX MONTH PERIOD, AS REFLECTED
BY BIDS RECEIVED AND TO ENTER INTO
CONTRACT FOR SAID ITEMS AND OTHER
MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Bids were received for wire and cable for the Electric Distribution department.

Name of Bidders
Techline
Wesco
Stuart Irby

The above bids were referred to the Mayor and appropriate committee for tabulation and recommendation. The following ordinance was introduced by Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ACCEPT THE LOW BID SUBMITTED FOR
WIRE AND CABLE FOR THE ELECTRIC
DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT, AS REFLECTED
BY BIDS RECEIVED AND TO ENTER INTO
CONTRACT FOR SAID WIRE AND CABLE
AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following ordinance was introduced:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ALEXANDRIA
FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION, LOCAL 540
PAY MATRIX AND OTHER MATTERS WITH
RESPECT THERETO.

The above item was referred to the Finance Committee.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following ordinance was introduced:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN COOPERATIVE
ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE SICKLE
CELL ANEMIA FOUNDATION, INC., TO
PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM
ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE THROUGH
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS, SCREENING,
COUNSELING AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
WITH THE INTENT TO ENHANCE THE CARE
OF SICKLE CELL PATIENTS AND THOSE AT
RISK OF THE DISEASE AND OTHER MATTERS
WITH RESPECT THERETO.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following ordinance was introduced:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH DANIEL T. SMITH FOR
SERVICES AS A PLANNER I AND OTHER
MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The above item was referred to the Legal committee.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following ordinance was introduced:

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO ENTER INTO AN EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
PROGRAM SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH
STERLING WELLNESS SOLUTIONS, LLC AND
WELLNESS WORKS IN CENLA, INC. AND
OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The above item was referred to the Legal committee.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following ordinance was introduced:

AN ORDINANCE REZONING 921, 929 AND
933 SOUTH STREET AS REQUESTED BY
JOHN AND IRMA LOTTS, FROM “SF-2”
SINGLE-FAMILY MODERATE DENSITY
DISTRICT TO “B-3” GENERAL BUSINESS
DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPENING
A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT AND OTHER
MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The above item was referred to the Public Works committee.

On motion of Mr. Lawson, seconded by Mr. Fowler, the following ordinance was introduced:

AN ORDINANCE REZONING 726 LINCOLN
DRIVE AS REQUESTED BY CURTIS C. AND
DELPHINE D. GREMILLION FROM “SF-2”
SINGLE FAMILY MODERATE DENSITY
DISTRICT TO “C-2” GENERAL COMMERCIAL
DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPENING
A TEMPORARY VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITY
AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT
THERETO.

The above item was referred to the Public Works committee.

Mr. Lawson moved for the adoption of the following resolution which was seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

RESOLUTION NO. 8505-2008

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN APPLICATION
FOR THE CREATION OF A CULTURAL ARTS
DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA.

The President called for any discussion. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

The next item on the agenda that being to consider adoption of a resolution confirming the appointment of Darnell G. (Di) Dean to serve on the Alexandria-Pineville Hotel/Motel Association, as Mr. Roosevelt Johnson’s appointee was pulled from the agenda.

Mr. Lawson moved for the adoption of the following resolution which was seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

RESOLUTION NO. 8506-2008

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT
FOR BIDS FOR A MINIMUM OF SIXTY (60) WIRELESS
MODEMS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

The resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 158h day of November, 2008.

Mr. Lawson moved for the adoption of the following resolution which was seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

RESOLUTION NO. 8507-2008

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT
FOR BIDS FOR NET DATA ACQUISITION &
HANDLING SYSTEMS UPGRADE REQUIRED FOR
EXISTING PREDICTIVE ADMISSION MONITORING
SYSTEMS FOR EPA MANDATED EMISSIONS
COLLECTION MONITORING SYSTEMS FOR THE
ELECTRIC PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT.

The resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

FINANCE

The next item on the agenda that being to hear a financial report from the Director of Finance concerning status of the City of Alexandria was heard in Finance Committee and recommended for approval with a motion made by Mr. Lawson and seconded by Mr. Fowler.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION
SUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING

The President skipped to item number 31 on this agenda and the following action was taken as follows.

LEGAL COMMITTEE

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Fowler and seconded by Mr. Johnson, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 359-2008

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
SIGN AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 TO THE
COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BY
AND AMONG STATE OF LOUISIANA AND UNION
TANK CAR AND UTLX MANUFACTURING, INC.
AND LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMMENT AND CITY OF ALEXANDRIA,
STATE OF LOUISIANA AND ENGLAND ECONOMIC
AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.

The President called for any discussion. The Legal committee recommended approval of this item. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

Mr. Fowler moved for the adoption of the following resolution which was seconded by Mr. Hobbs, to wit:

RESOLUTION NO. 8508-2008

A RESOLUTION REJECTING BIDS RECEIVED
AND AUTHORIZING RE-ADVERTISEMENT
FOR BIDS FOR VERSAILLES BOULEVARD STREET
AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 2,
PACKAGE 4.

The President called for any discussion. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for and resulted as follows:

YEAS: Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
RENEW THE EXISTING CONTRACT WITH
BELSCO, INC. FOR THE CONCEALABLE SOFT
BODY ARMOR FOR THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE
DEPARTMENT AND OTHER MATTERS WITH
RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Hobbs, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 348-2008

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING OPERATING BUDGET
FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE DIVISION TO INCLUDE
FUNDING FOR THE NEWLY CREATED JOB
POSITIONS OF COMPENSATION ANALYST AND
EXAMINATION ANALYST AND OTHER MATTERS
WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson, Fowler, Johnson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Hobbs, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 349-2008

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING REVOCATION OF
THE 50’ RIGHT OF WAY OF BOOKER STREET
LOCATED BETWEEN CLINTON STREET AND
BROWN STREET IN DIXIE PLACE SUBDIVISION
AND RETAINING A UTILITY SERVITUDE OVER
THE RIGHT OF WAY BEING REVOKED AND
OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson, Fowler, Johnson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Lawson and seconded by Mr. Hobbs, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 350-2008

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION
OF LOT 7, ODEA SUBDIVISION FOR THE
PURPOSES OF SECURING PROPERTY FOR THE
PROPSED ATRANS BUS DEPOT AND OTHER
MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Lawson and seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 351-2008

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION
OF ONE UTILITY SERVITUDE AND ONE
CONSTRUCTION SERVITUDE REQUIRED FOR
THE COMPLETION OF THE HIGHWAY 28 WEST
FORCE MAIN SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Lawson and seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:
ORDINANCE NO. 352-2008

AN ORDINANCE REZONING 3631 EVERGREEN
DRIVE AS REQUESTED BY JAMES THOMASSEE
FROM “SF-2” SINGLE FAMILY MODERATE
DENSITY DISTRICT TO “SF-3” SINGLE FAMILY
HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE
OF HOUSING A DUPLEX AND OTHER MATTERS
WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion. The Public Works committee recommended approval of this item. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Lawson and seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 353-2008

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE LA DOTD
FOR THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM
FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
AROUND RUGG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND
OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion. The Public Works committee recommended approval of this item. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
TO PURCHASE AND TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF 13.24 ACRES OF PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 3500 THIRD STREET, KNOWN AS
DOMINIQUE AND MILLER STOCKYARD FOR
REDEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SPARC CRA 1 PLAN AND OTHER MATTERS
WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Lawson and seconded by Mr. Fowler, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 355-2008

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ALEXANDRIA
POLICE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE FUNDS
FROM THE LOUISIANA HIGHWAY SAFETY
COMMISSION FOR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT,
TRAINING AND TRAFFIC EQUIPMENT AND
OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR
AGREEMENT WITH THE RED RIVER WATERWAY
COMMISSION FOR THE REMOVAL OF AN
ABANDONED HOUSEBOAT AND OTHER MATTERS
WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES FOR THE REMOVAL OF AN
ABANDONED HOUSEBOAT AND OTHER MATTERS
WITH RESPECT THERETO.

The President called for any discussion, there being further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver, Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

PERSONNEL/INSURANCE COMMITTEE

The following ordinance which was previously introduced and laid over for publication of notice and no objection having been filed there to was brought up for final adoption on motion of Mr. Hobbs and seconded by Mr. Smith, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. 358-2008

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 2008/2009 ANNUAL
OPERATING BUDGET TO INCREASE SALARIES
OF THE CITY CLERK AND DEPUTY CITY CLERK
AND TO INCREASE CERTAIN FRINNGE BENEFITS
INCLUDING PENSION AND OTHER RELATED
MATTERS.

The President called for any discussion. The Personnel/Insurance committee recommended approval of this item. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for and the following recorded:

YEAS: Hobbs, Marshall, Lawson, Fowler, Johnson, Smith, Silver.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.

The ordinance was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

COMMITTEES

There were no reports from the Finance, Public Works, Legal, Utility, Community Development, Personnel/Insurance, Public Safety/Transportation, A & E Review and Economic Development committees.

Any other business

The President called on the first speaker. It was Sonya McCullen of Bush Avenue who spoke about the status of the Alexander Fulton Hotel.

Ms. Alainna Williams next spoke to the Council concerning her City of Alexandria utility bill.

Ms. Bridgett Brown was next recognized. She reported that her law office had moved in the downtown area on Third Street between the New York Hi Style department store and the Sentry Drug building. She asked the Council to pass a resolution congratulating President-elect Barack Obama and she also stated that the resolution should ask him to visit our City.

Unanimous consent

Mr. Johnson moved that the above resolution be added to the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. Fowler. The President asked for any public comment. The following action was taken.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 8509-2008

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULING PRESIDENT-ELECT
BARACK OBAMA AND INVITING HIM TO VISIT THE
CITY OF ALEXANDRIA.

The resolution was thereupon declared adopted on this the 18th day of November, 2008.

Ms. Betty Jones was next recognized.

Mr. Lawson next presented plaques to the two out-going councilmen (Louis Marshall and Charles Smith) who were defeated in the October election.

Mr. Marshall spoke first and next Mr. Smith was recognized.

There being no further business to come before the
Council, on motion properly seconded, the meeting was adjourned.

/S/ LOUIS J. MARSHALL
President
ATTEST:

/S/ NANCY L. THIELS
City Clerk

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