City of Alexandria Building Services Department

The Council meeting addressed several key items, including the consideration of the Mayor's veto message regarding Ordinance No. 129-2025, which ultimately failed to be overridden. Under the Consent Calendar, bids for the playground improvements project were received and referred for tabulation. An ordinance concerning the Jackson Street gas main replacement was removed from the agenda as no bids were received. Several new ordinances were introduced authorizing contracts for qualified electric line worker services, the 2025-2026 major budget amendment, a service agreement with Hansen Banner, LLC for utility software upgrades, acceptance of a proposal for water well reclamation project professional services, and declaring surplus and authorizing the sale of city-owned land. Resolutions adopted included authorizing advertisement for bids for bulk fuel, drafting comprehensive affordable housing and economic development plans, canceling the December 30, 2025 meeting, confirming an appointment to the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority, and studying the Restore Alexandria Neighborhood Program. Ordinances for final adoption included accepting low bids for petroleum products and service utility bodies, authorizing funding for the Louisiana Watershed Initiative Project local match, rescinding an ordinance for qualified valve exercise program services, authorizing a cooperative endeavor agreement for emergency medical training, and renewing contracts for disaster debris removal, reduction, disposal, and monitoring services, and gas system compliance services. A change order for Fire Station No. 4 roof leak repairs was also adopted.

The Council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. An ordinance was amended to correct the bid amount for the Masonic Sports Court. A public hearing was held concerning amendments to the Alexandria Code of Ordinances regarding City Council Districts. Bids were received and referred to committees for petroleum products, electric utility right-of-way emergency services, and a service utility body. The council also introduced ordinances related to funding for the Louisiana Watershed Initiative Project, rescinding an ordinance for qualified valve exercise program services, rezoning property on Albert Street, a cooperative endeavor agreement with Pafford Emergency Medical Services, and contract renewals for disaster debris removal services. Resolutions were adopted to confirm the dates for the 2026 City Council meetings, declare certain dates as city holidays, and authorize the city to partner and host events commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. The council also discussed and adopted several ordinances related to final adoptions, including those for petroleum products, underground electric construction, a cooperative endeavor agreement for a golf tournament, and the Alexandria Healthcare Initiative. Public hearings were held for community development, and resolutions were adopted regarding structures on Overton Street and Tennessee, as well as the condemnation of twenty-five structures. Finally, the council elected Cynthia Perry as President and Gary Johnson as Vice President.

This Consolidated Plan for the City of Alexandria outlines a strategic roadmap from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2024, focusing on addressing housing and community development needs for low- to moderate-income families. The plan's primary goals are to provide decent, affordable housing, create suitable living environments, and expand economic opportunities. Key strategic pillars include providing for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, increasing affordable housing opportunities, addressing slum and blight, and offering emergency assistance, particularly in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The plan leverages federal funds such as CDBG and HOME programs to achieve these objectives.

The council held an executive session to discuss a legal dispute. A public hearing was held concerning the amendment and reenactment of Alexandria Code of Ordinances relative to City Council Districts. Bids were received for treated wood poles, a rear loading refuse truck, a grapple truck, and a shuttle truck. An ordinance was introduced to authorize the City Attorney to settle a dispute. The council also discussed and introduced ordinances related to accepting proposals for a water distribution flushing program and awarding an engine overhaul service contract. A resolution was adopted confirming the Director of Planning and another resolution authorizing advertisement for bids for a playground improvements project. Additionally, ordinances were adopted concerning the acceptance of bids for wire and cable, valve exercising program services, and a cooperative endeavor agreement for fire and emergency training programs.

The Council convened for a session that included an executive session to discuss legal matters pertaining to ongoing disputes and judgments. The Council addressed bids for brass fittings and miscellaneous items, authorized the Mayor to renew a contract for janitorial services at the Alexandria Zoological Park, and authorized the City Attorney to settle judgments in consolidated court matters. Additionally, the Council approved the rezoning of a property on MacArthur Drive to allow for heavy industrial retail sales. Resolutions were adopted to co-sponsor events such as the YWCA Girls on the Run and the Louisiana Women in Agriculture Lunch and Learn, as well as to authorize bidding for petroleum products and chemical additives for Wartsila engines. A public hearing was set for December 2, 2025, to consider the condemnation of twenty-five structures within the city. The council also took action on the condemnation of structures located at 2211 N. MacArthur Drive, declaring a grave public emergency due to the condition of the structures.