Evan M. Alvarez

The meeting included a presentation to the Court Appointed Special Advocate services executive director. The council authorized the Mayor to approve the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Environment audit report and to re-bid for the LCDBG sewer project. Additionally, the Chief of Police was authorized to enter into a contract with LEXIPOL System at an annual cost of $9,600.00. The Director of Finance provided an update on the progress of resolving audit findings and presented the monthly financial report.

The council held a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the Sewer Fund to transfer $179,500 for wastewater treatment equipment, which was subsequently approved. Other actions included the suspension of utility late fees due for a specific date and the approval of a permit request. Additionally, a new Utility Clerk was introduced to the council.

The council authorized the police department to advertise for a certified Detective position and formally recognized the middle school basketball team for their achievements. Infrastructure projects were approved, including a road rehabilitation bid to M-Trak for $260,916.45 and a blower replacement project contract to Grady Crawford Construction for $379,500.00. Additionally, the council approved an annual audit proposal for the wastewater treatment plant and processed a Class A/Beer alcoholic beverage permit for the Knights of Columbus Hall. Property condemnation orders were issued for two locations, requiring cleanup within 120 days. The Director of Finance provided an update on audit findings and presented the monthly financial report.

The Council discussed and acted on several operational and infrastructure items, including the authorization of a blower replacement project, the approval of the next building stage for the Westview Crossing subdivision, and the authorization to solicit engineering services for a pipeline safety grant. The Council also approved engaging a firm to secure a Brownfields Grant, authorized police department hiring, and approved contracts with Facilities Automation and Gallagher Insurance. Additionally, the Council addressed property-related matters, including the appointment of a curator for blighted properties and updates on prospective locations for a new sewer plant. Audit findings and monthly financial reports were presented.

Key discussions included an update on the property at 626 Gladiolus Street, resulting in a consensus to grant the owner 45 days for cleanup. The Council approved resolutions supporting applications for funding through the Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) and the Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF). Authorization was given for the Mayor to enter a cooperative endeavor agreement supporting the 2026 Annual Black History Parade. A budget amendment was introduced to transfer $175,000.00 within the Sewer Fund for improvements in the Wastewater Treatment and Collection departments. Approvals included accepting 2025 AD Valorem Tax payments without interest if received by January 31, 2026, waiving new utility deposit fees for transferring current customers meeting specific criteria, approving a Government Crime Policy contract, updating the city's key coding system, approving repair work at the Maintenance Department building, and approving the promotion of Officer Rushing Juneau to Corporal. The hiring of Philip Mason as Chief Administrative Officer and authorization to advertise for a full-time Utility Clerk were approved, as was the contract renewal with Pest Tech, LLC. A Public Hearing was held regarding an ordinance to increase salaries for elected and appointed officials, which was subsequently approved with differing percentage increases (10% for Mayor/Chief of Police, 6% for others). The Council also approved amending the pay plan stability portion regarding continuous service credit. Finally, the Council ratified the Municipal Clerk co-signing checks during a period when the Chief Administrative Officer position was vacant and approved the 2024-2025 audited financial statements submitted to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, as well as approving several alcoholic beverage permits in globo.