Gerald Bailey

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included the adoption of a resolution concerning the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Environmental Audit Report for 2025. Several ordinances were introduced: one honoring Mrs. Valeira Payton Hicks with a street dedication, another to rename the Airport Sports Complex to the Coach Kenny Kellis Airport Sports Complex (scheduled for future vote), and a third regarding the adoption of the City of Bogalusa 2026 Operating Budget (scheduled for future vote). A public hearing resulted in the passage of an ordinance to amend a prior ordinance regarding the waiting period for honorary street name changes for prominent deceased community members.

The meeting primarily focused on ordinance adoptions and public hearings regarding city policy and budget matters. Key discussions involved tabling the 2025 budget adoption following a morning public hearing to incorporate citizen feedback, and tabling an ordinance authorizing an airport management agreement with Lightning Aviation, LLC, pending resolution of federal grant requirements. A new ordinance was adopted establishing a policy for the recoupment of employee overpayments, which sparked extensive discussion regarding retroactivity, the need for internal controls, and specific recoupment amounts, with the council agreeing to review policy amendments based on legal counsel. Administrative remarks addressed upcoming legislative audit meetings and concerns about public discourse and professionalism among council members and the administration.

The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a quorum confirmation. The council introduced an ordinance to honor Mrs. Robert Valeira "Jack" Payton Hicks by dedicating the 700 block of Marx Street in her memory; this ordinance is slated for discussion at the next meeting. Council members provided remarks, acknowledging efforts to address non-functioning streetlights in coordination with Entergy and thanking volunteers who assisted at a local shelter during cold weather. Councilwoman Kates highlighted the United Way's ride-free lift program for essential services. Council updates included progress on making meeting minutes, agendas, and attachments digitally available prior to meetings, the establishment of a City Council Facebook page, and the online posting of the 2026 proposed budget ahead of a scheduled finance meeting. It was also noted that a special election is set for May 16th. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The meeting included the introduction of an ordinance to amend the timeframe requirement for honorary street name changes when no houses or structures exist in the designated area. A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to dedicate the 700 Block of Marx Street in memory of Mrs. Robert Valeira "Jack" Payton Hicks, which ultimately failed to pass. The meeting concluded with general announcements.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary item discussed was the introduction of an ordinance to honor Mrs. Robert Valeira "Jack" Payton Hicks by dedicating the 700 Block of Marx Street to her memory. A vote on this ordinance is scheduled for the next Council meeting on February 17, 2026.