Keywords:
PROCEEDINGS OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DERIDDER,
STATE OF LOUISIANA,
TAKEN AT A REGULAR SESSION HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026 AT 5:30 OCLOCK P.M.
The Council of the City of DeRidder, Louisiana met in Regular Session at its meeting place, the Council Chambers, located at City Hall, 200 South Jefferson Street, DeRidder, Louisiana on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 5:30 oclock p.m. President Randy Larken called the meeting to order, Councilmember Woods led the Invocation and Councilmember Labue led the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll was called by the Clerk as follows: Councilmember Marcello, Councilmember Hooper, Councilmember Godfrey, Councilmember Woods, Councilmember Spikes, Councilmember Labue and President Randy Larken. With all Councilmembers present, a quorum was established. Also present were Ashley Nuss, Council Clerk; Shane Williams, City Attorney and Michael Harris, Mayor.
7. Adoption of Minutes. President Randy Larken announced that the August 10, 2026, regular meeting minutes have been distributed and there being no corrections, the minutes were approved by the Council.
11. Condemnations
A. 121 Prickett St., DeRidder
Martin Scott advised of the condition of the home and that he had spoken with the owner of the property and the owner is aware that the property is going to be condemned. Councilmember Marcello made the motion to approve the condemnation and Councilmember Spikes offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been approved, the 121 Prickett Street property will be condemned.
13. ORDINANCES
A. Introductions.
1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF DERIDDER STANDARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PERSONNEL AND PAY ADMINISTRATION, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 6, WORK SCHEDULES, TIME AND ATTENDANCE REPORTING, AND THE APPENDIX; PROVIDING FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE AMENDMENTS INTO THE CITYS PERSONNEL POLICIES; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THERETO.
Councilmember Woods made the motion to introduce the above-entitled Ordinance as read by Mr. Williams and Councilmember Hooper offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Spikes, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been approved, the Ordinance was introduced and set for a public hearing in Regular Session on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5:30 oclock p.m.
2. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF DERIDDER STANDARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PERSONNEL AND PAY ADMINISTRATION TO ADD AND INCORPORATE THE CITY OF DERIDDER EMPLOYEE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
Councilmember Godfrey made the motion to introduce the above-entitled Ordinance as read by Mr. Williams and Councilmember Woods offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been approved, the Ordinance was introduced and set for a public hearing in Regular Session on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5:30 oclock p.m.
3. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DERIDDER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH WINDHAM & REED, L.L.C., TO AUDIT THE CITY OF DERIDDERS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 AND FOR THE YEAR THEN ENDED, AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
Councilmember Hooper made the motion to introduce the above-entitled Ordinance as read by Mr. Williams and Councilmember Marcello offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been approved, the Ordinance was introduced and set for a public hearing in Regular Session on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5:30 oclock p.m.
4. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON 518 NORTH TEXAS STREET, IDENTIFIED BY BEAUREGARD PARISH TAX ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 0337354479 IN DERIDDER, LOUISIANA, AND BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE BODY OF THIS ORDINANCE, SAID PROPERTY BEING PRESENTLY ZONED R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE) TO BE REZONED R-3 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE), AS REQUESTED BY MALCOLM HENRY; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
Councilmember Spikes made the motion to introduce the above-entitled Ordinance as read by Mr. Williams and Councilmember Woods offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been approved, the Ordinance was introduced and set for a public hearing in Regular Session on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 5:30 oclock p.m.
5. AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DERIDDER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH DENNIS DOWNS ELECTRICAL, LLC OF FLORIEN, LOUISIANA, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SEVENTEEN THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($17,000.00), FOR THE EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF AN AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH WHICH WAS DAMAGED BY A LIGHTNING STRIKE; DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF AN EMERGENCY; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
Councilmember Marcello made the motion to introduce the above-entitled Ordinance as read by Mr. Williams and Councilmember Godfrey offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The title of the Ordinance was read by Mr. Williams. President Randy Larken opened the public hearing and there were no public comments. Councilmember Godfrey made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilmember Marcello offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been unanimously approved, the Ordinance was adopted as Ordinance No. O-2026-46; Charter Series, as follows:
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
NO. O-2026-46
CHARTER SERIES
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DERIDDER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH DENNIS DOWNS ELECTRICAL, LLC OF FLORIEN, LOUISIANA, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SEVENTEEN THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($17,500.00), FOR THE EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF AN AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH WHICH WAS DAMAGED BY A LIGHTNING STRIKE; DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF AN EMERGENCY; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
WHEREAS, City of DeRidder (City) owns and maintain certain municipal equipment and electrical infrastructure located in DeRidder, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) serving the City-owned facility was damaged as a result of a lightning strike and requires immediate replacement and installation; and
WHEREAS, the ATS is a critical component of the electrical system because it provides for the automatic transfer of electrical power to an alternate or emergency power source in the event of a loss or interruption of normal electrical service; and
WHEREAS, the failure or continued unavailability of the ATS creates an unacceptable risk of interruption to the operation of the City-owned facility and associated municipal infrastructure and may impair the Citys ability to maintain reliable and continuous operations at the facility; an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) serving the City-owned facility was damaged as a result of a lightning strike and requires immediate replacement and installation; and
WHEREAS, due to the unforeseen nature of the lightning damage and the need to promptly restore the affected City-owned electrical infrastructure to reliable operating condition, the Mayor and City Council find that an emergency exists requiring immediate action and that it is in the best interest of the City of DeRidder to authorize the work without necessary delay; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to enter into a contract with Dennis Downs Electrical, LLC, a Louisiana Limited Liability company qualified to do business in the State of Louisiana, with its principal office located at 391 Toro Church Road, Florien Louisiana 71429, pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the quote, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of DeRidder, authorizes the City of DeRidder, through its Mayor, to enter into a contract with Dennis Downs Electrical, LLC to replace and install its ATS that was damaged by a lightning strike, as set forth and in accordance with the terms and conditions as set forth in Exhibit A hereto.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance is entered into as an emergency to take immediate steps to protect the Citys electrical infrastructure.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith be, and the same are hereby, repealed.
THUS DONE AND ADOPTED as an Emergency Ordinance on this 24th day of August, 2026 in Regular Session duly convened in Council Chambers by the City Council of the City of DeRidder at DeRidder, Louisiana.
ATTEST:
RANDY LARKEN
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
ASHLEY NUSS
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
13. ORDINANCES
B. Public Hearings.
1. AN. AN ORDINANCE DECLARING A CERTAIN CITY-OWNED VEHICLE AS SURPLUS PROPERTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DERIDDER, LOUISIANA, THROUGH ITS MAYOR, TO CONVEY AND SELL SAID SURPLUS PROPERTY VIA AN INTERGOVERMENTAL ACT OF SALE TO THE BEAUREGARD PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
The title of the Ordinance was read by Mr. Williams. President Randy Larken opened the public hearing and there were no public comments. Councilmember Hooper made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilmember Godfrey offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Billy Spikes.
The motion having been unanimously approved, the Ordinance was adopted as Ordinance No. O-2026-47; Charter Series, as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. O-2026-47
CHARTER SERIES
AN ORDINANCE DECLARING A CERTAIN CITY-OWNED VEHICLE AS SURPLUS PROPERTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DERIDDER, LOUISIANA, THROUGH ITS MAYOR, TO CONVEY AND SELL SAID SURPLUS PROPERTY VIA AN INTERGOVERMENTAL ACT OF SALE TO THE BEAUREGARD PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
WHEREAS, the City of DeRidder, Louisiana (City) owns a certain vehicle that is no longer needed, useful, or necessary for any public municipal purpose by the City, and it is in the best economic interest of the City to declare said asset as surplus property; and
WHEREAS, the Beauregard Parish Sheriffs Office has expressed a public need for this equipment and has agreed to purchase the asset at its fair market value; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of DeRidder, Louisiana desires to authorize the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to complete an intergovernmental act of sale and any associated Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles title transfers, conveying the vehicle for the cash purchase price of $28,000.00 dollars and;
WHEREAS, the following described vehicle is hereby officially declared to be surplus property no longer needed for public use by the City of DeRidder:
Year: 2021
Make: Ford
Model: F-150
Configuration:
Four-Door, Four-Wheeled Drive
Package: SXT
VIN: 1FTFW1E58MKE18352
Mileage: Approximately 38,650 miles
WHEREAS, the vehicle shall be transferred explicitly in an As-Is, Where-Is condition, and the final bill of sale must include a full waiver of all redhibitory vices and warranties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of DeRidder, Louisiana, that through its Mayor, enter into an Intergovernmental Act of Sale with the Beauregard Parish Sheriffs Office in accordance with the said Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Mayor of the City of DeRidder, be, and is hereby authorized to do any and all things and to sign any and all documents necessary to effectuate the purposes set forth herein.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith, be and the same are hereby repealed.
THUS DONE AND ADOPTED on this 24th day of August 2026 by the City Council of the City of DeRidder in Regular Session duly convened in Council Chambers at DeRidder, Louisiana.
ATTEST:
RANDY LARKEN
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
ASHLEY NUSS
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
2. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DERIDDER THROUGH ITS MAYOR, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE BANYAN FOUNDATION, FOR PURPOSE OF OCCUPYING OFFICE SPACE IN THE PREMISES COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE FIRST STREET SCHOOL; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
The title of the Ordinance was read by Mr. Williams. President Randy Larken opened the public hearing and there were no public comments. Councilmember Godfrey made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilmember Spikes offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion having been unanimously approved, the Ordinance was adopted as Ordinance No. O-2026-48; Charter Series, as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. O-2026-48
CHARTER SERIES
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DERIDDER THROUGH ITS MAYOR, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE BANYAN FOUNDATION, FOR PURPOSE OF OCCUPYING OFFICE SPACE IN THE PREMISES COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE FIRST STREET SCHOOL; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
WHEREAS, City of DeRidder (City) owns the premises commonly referred to as the First Street School in DeRidder, which said building includes office space;
WHEREAS, the Banyan Foundation is a non-profit organization headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama that works to create affordable housing around the country, including in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the Banyan Foundation is assisting in the administration of the application process for prospective residents of the Capstone at Cedar Street Apartments in DeRidder, an affordable housing development serving the citizens of the City of DeRidder and surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that providing temporary office space within the First Street School building will facilitate the orderly receipt, review, and approval or denial of housing applications, thereby promoting safe, affordable housing opportunities and serving a legitimate public purpose; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement contains reciprocal obligations between the City and The Banyan Foundation and complies with Article VII, Section 14(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and applicable Louisiana law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council declares that it is in the best interest of the City to enter into a CEA with the Banyan Foundation so as to lease office space in the First Street School:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City, through its Mayor, join with the Banyan Foundation so as to lease office space in the First Street School for the purpose of providing temporary office space for the sole purpose of receiving, reviewing, processing, and approving or denying applications for residency at the Capstone at Cedar Street Apartments, as set forth and in accordance with the terms and conditions, and for the consideration in Exhibit A hereto.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the term of this CEA shall begin August 25, 2026 and terminate on November 30, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED Mayor of the City of DeRidder, be, and is hereby authorized to do any and all things and to sign any and all documents necessary to effectuate the purposes set forth herein.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith, be and the same are hereby repealed.
THUS DONE AND ADOPTED on this 24th day of August 2026 by the City Council of the City of DeRidder in Regular Session duly convened in Council Chambers at DeRidder, Louisiana.
ATTEST:
RANDY LARKEN
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
ASHLEY NUSS
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
14. Reports: The Mayor excitedly announced that the pop up with Chick-Fil-A was a success and that they will be back again next week. He was also excited to share about 7 Brews training week this week and that they will officially open soon. The Mayor stated that the Youth Council will be reactivating again shortly. He then wanted to publicly acknowledge MyLisa Bolden for her achievements and award to the National Society of High School Scholars. He reminded the community that there will be a street race in DeRidder next month called Quick 330 that Councilmember Hooper is overseeing and the homecoming parade is also next month. He pleaded that for the Mayors Cup football game against Leesville, that the Dragons need to win so he does not have to wear a Wampus Cat jersey. He recognized Chris Slaydon on his achievements to earn full time employment. Councilmember Hooper announced that Quick 330 will be held on September 26 and that they will donate the proceeds to charity.
15. CONSIDERATION OF OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
President Larken stated that for the rezoning of agenda item 13.A.4. that the public hearing needs to be 30 days from the date of introduction, he noted the need for amendment.
Councilmember Marcello made a motion to amend the public hearing date of agenda 13.A.4. from September 14, 2026, to September 28, 2026, and Councilmember Woods offered a second. The motion having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows, to-wit:
YEAS: Councilmember Monte Woods; Councilmember Billy Spikes, Councilmember John Marcello; Councilmember Wayne Godfrey, Sr.; Councilmember Keith Hooper, Councilmember Vincent Labue, and President Randy Larken.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion to amend agenda item 13.A.4., having been unanimously approved moved the public hearing date to September 28, 2026.
ATTEST:
ASHLEY NUSS
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
RANDY LARKEN
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
There being no further business of the council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 P.M.
Aug 28 1t
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Notice Cost- $597.52