Natchitoches Times
September 21, 2024
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES, STATE OF LOUISIANA,
MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024 AT 5:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Natchitoches met in legal and regular session at the Natchitoches Council Chambers, 716 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
There were present:
Mayor Ronnie Williams
Councilwoman At Large
Betty Sawyer-Smith
Councilman Eddie Harrington
Councilman Dale Nielsen
Councilman Christopher Petite
Councilwoman Rosemary Elie
Guest: None
Absent: None
Mayor Ronnie Williams called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone for coming. Mayor Williams led the invocation and Councilwoman Nielsen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Williams then called for the reading and approval of the minutes for the August 12, 2024 meeting. Councilwoman At Large Smith moved that we dispense with the reading of the minutes and approval of same. Seconded by Councilman Petite.
A roll call vote was as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Special Guest: Brent Merchant and Jane Reffelt
Special Recognition: Late Mike LaCaze
The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Petite and Seconded by Mrs. Smith as follows, to Ðwit:
RESOLUTION NO. 075 OF 2024
A PROCLAMATION DECLARING
SEPTEMBER 2024 AS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF
NATCHITOCHES
WHEREAS, September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The observance, unanimously passed by Congressional resolution in 1983, was endorsed through presidential proclamation, which spoke to the national progress that had been made to diagnose and treat sickle cell disease (SCD).
WHEREAS, the proclamation also cited the success of Comprehensive Sickle-Cell Centers across the United States in establishing programs of research, training, and community service to address SCD, a blood disorder causing abnormalities in hemoglobin, leading to the telltale sickle shape in sufferersÕ red-blood cells.
WHEREAS, In the past decade, there has been substantial progress in research on sickle-cell disease. Diagnostic procedures have been greatly improved. Measures to ameliorate excruciatingly painful sickle-cell crises have been introduced for those afflicted with the disease.
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease (SCD) presents grave health challenges for an estimated 100,000 Americans. For some, it triggers intermittent episodes of pain, difficulty with vision, and serious fatigue. Other survivors experience this disease more acutelyÑSCD can cause infections, strokes, and even organ failure.
WHEREAS, for almost everyone impacted, coping with inherited red blood cell disorders means putting plans on pause, living with excruciating pain, paying for expensive treatments, and hoping for a day when medications and doctor visits no longer interrupt life.
WHEREAS, during National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we recognize the perseverance of SCD patients, and we recommit to working with our partners in State and local government, the nonprofit space, and the private sector to develop treatments and cures for this debilitating disease.
WHEREAS, SCD affects our population unevenly. Black and Brown Americans are disproportionately affected. About 1 in 13 Black children tests positive for the sickle cell trait, and about 1 in 365 Black Americans develops the disease over the course of their lifetime. Due to persistent systemic inequities in our health care system, these same patients are also often the last to get help.
WHEREAS, as we continue research to find a cure for sickle cell disease, let us celebrate the strides our health experts have made in understanding and treating this condition. Let us continue to offer support to those battling its effects today.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor, and the Natchitoches City Council, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as:
NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH
in the City of Natchitoches, and call upon the residents of the Natchitoches, Louisiana to learn more about the progress we are making to reduce the burden of this disease on our fellow residents.
This Resolution was then presented for a vote, and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Resolution passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays on this 26th day of August, 2024.
The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Nielsen and Seconded by Mrs. Smith as follows, to Ðwit:
RESOLUTION NO. 076 OF 2024
PROCLAMATION DECLARING
SEPTEMBER 13 AND 14, 2024
AS NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE FESTIVAL DAYÕS
IN THE CITY OF
NATCHITOCHES
WHEREAS, Records show that the concept of the meat pie took shape in the mid-1700's in Louisiana by Native Americans and later enhanced by the Spanish; and
WHEREAS, 55 years ago, James LasyoneÕs - opened his meat pie kitchen which is still in operation today in Historic Downtown Natchitoches; and
WHEREAS, the recipe of the meat pie has changed slightly from its inception and has been handed down from generation to generation; however, the basic ingredients and the process for creating a meat pie remains the same; and
WHEREAS, with an abundance of excitement in 2002, the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival was formed to celebrate the noted culinary staple in Natchitoches, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, the Natchitoches meat pie was named Louisiana 's official meat pie, and Natchitoches was one of the last cities to not have an identified food festival until 2002; and
WHEREAS, the annual Festival attracts visitors from throughout the state and over a dozen of other states as well each year; and
WHEREAS, the festival has always been a family-oriented, non-admission required event over a two-day period in Downtown Natchitoches, helping to enhance the area's economy with individual activities that can be enjoyed at a small fee; and
WHEREAS, the organizing committee for the Festival is a complete volunteer committee; and
WHEREAS, the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival is returning by popular demand after a two-year break due to the novel coronavirus.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor, and the Natchitoches City Council, do hereby proclaim September 13 and 14, 2024 as:
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE FESTIVAL DAYÕS
in the City of Natchitoches, and invite all residents to participate and enjoy the two-day Festival, that will include various bands, fireworks, vendors, childrenÕs performances and play area, and a Òhow toÓ workshop will encompass this yearÕs celebration.
This Resolution was then presented for a vote, and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Resolution passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays on this 26th day of August, 2024.
_________________________
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
?
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ORDINANCE NO. 020 of 2024 ADOPTING THE
MILLAGE RATE FOR THE TAX YEAR 2024
The following Ordinance was Introduced by Mr. Harrington and Seconded by Mrs. Smith as follows, to-wit:
ORDINANCE NO. 020 OF 2024
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE MILLAGE RATE FOR THE TAX YEAR 2024
BE IT ORDAINED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2024 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the City of Natchitoches:
MILLAGE
Public Safety Tax 9.350 mills
General Alimony Tax 6.570 mills
TOTAL MILLAGE 15.92 mills
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2024, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that cognizance is taken by the City Council that this Ordinance was introduced on the 12th day of August, 2024 and published in the Natchitoches Times on August 17, 2024.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, the foregoing ordinance was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the ordinance was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: None
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of the ordinance adopted at the board meeting held on August 26, 2024, at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, this _____day of ________________.
_________________________
Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor _________________________
Betty Smith, Mayor Pro Tempore
?
The following Ordinance was Introduced by Mrs. Smith and Seconded by Mr. Nielsen as follows, to-wit:
ORDINANCE NO. 021 OF 2024
AN ORDINANCE
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY
OF NATCHITOCHES TO AWARD THE BID FOR A BUCKET TRUCK FOR THE CITY OF
NATCHITOCHES
UTILITY DEPARTMENT
BID NO. 0668
WHEREAS, Resolution No.050 of 2024 was passed by the Natchitoches City Council on June 24, 2024 authorizing the Mayor to advertise for bids for a Bucket Truck for The City of Natchitoches Utility Department (Bid No. 0668)
WHEREAS, this bid was advertised in the Natchitoches Times on, June 27, July 4, and July 11, 2024 in accordance with law; and
WHEREAS, two bid proposals were received and opened as follows:
(1)Global Rental Co., Inc.
Birmingham, AL. $223,000.00
(2) Versalift
Waco, TXÉ$270,432.00
WHEREAS, on August 5, 2024 the appointed committee of Clarissa Smith, Finance Director; Edd Lee, Director of Purchasing; Matt Anderson, Director of Utilities; and Eddie Harrington, Councilman, reviewed the bid proposals for bids for a Bucket Truck for the City of Natchitoches Utility Department Bid No. 0668; and
WHEREAS, the above appointed committee members unanimously recommend the City award the bid to the lowest bidder Global Rental Co. Inc., in the amount of $223,000.00.
THIS ORDINANCE was introduced on August 12, 2024 and published in the Natchitoches Times on August 17, 2024.
The above Ordinance having been duly advertised in accordance with law and public hearing had on same, was put to a vote by the Mayor and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Ordinance passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays this 26th day of August, 2024.
_________________________
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
_________________________BETTY SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
Delivered to the Mayor on the 27th day of August, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
The following Ordinance was Introduced by Mrs. Elie at the August 26, 2024 City Council meeting as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 022 OF 2024
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LEASE OF A 125 ACRE TRACT AT THE NATCHITOCHES SEWER TREATMENT PLANT FOR HAY
OPERATIONS WITH MCNEELY CATTLE, LLC, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, RONNIE WILLIAMS, TO EXECUTE SAID LEASE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR
ADVERTISING.
WHEREAS, the City of Natchitoches is the owner of a tract of land situated in Sections 20, 29 and 30, Township 9 North, Range 6 West, which is the location of the Natchitoches Sewer Treatment Plant and a shooting range currently used by the City of Natchitoches Police Department; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, approximately 125 acres of the above described property is not currently in use as a portion of the Sewer Treatment Plant or shooting range and is not currently being used by the City of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, the 125 acre tract is currently leased to McNeely Cattle, LLC (sometimes hereinafter referred to as ÒMcNeelyÓ), and McNeely has fulfilled all of its obligations under the current lease; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City of Natchitoches has negotiated a renewal of the Hayfield Lease with McNeely, and is of the opinion that McNeely will satisfactorily fulfill its obligations under the lease, and is of the opinion that a lease should be entered into for a five year term with McNeely; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, a lease has been prepared setting forth the terms, conditions, and consideration for the proposed hay field lease, and a copy of which said lease is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, under the provisions of Louisiana R. S. 33:4712, any property owned by the City can be leased to any person after due advertisement and compliance with the law;
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City Council is of the opinion that the hay field rights are not needed by the City for any public purpose, but are a potential source of revenue if leased;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Natchitoches, that the Council is of the opinion that the hay field rights are not needed by the City for any public purpose, but are a potential source of revenue if lease
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor of the City of Natchitoches, be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to enter into a lease agreement with McNeely Cattle, LLC, for hay field operations, all in substantial compliance with the lease agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED That notice of this proposed ordinance be published three (3) times in fifteen (15) days, one (1) week apart, in the Natchitoches Times, the legal journal for the City, and that ordinance be posted in the City Hall.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any opposition to this ordinance shall be made in writing, filed with the Clerk for the City of Natchitoches within fifteen (15) days after the first publication of this ordinance, and that a public hearing be held after the advertisements have been completed.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the City Clerk be authorized to advertise this proposed lease in accordance with law, i.e., three times in fifteen days, one week apart and to report to the City Council if any opposition is made in writing prior to the time of final adoption.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the City takes cognizance of the fact that the rights to the property described above is not needed for public purposes by the City.
Said Ordinance having been introduced on the day of , 2024, notice of public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion by , and seconded by , to adopt the ordinance, a record vote was taken and the following result was had:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
?
The following Ordinance was Introduced by Mr. Harrington and Seconded by Mrs. Smith as follows, to-wit:
ORDINANCE NUMBER 023 OF 2024
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND RE-ENACT SECTION 8-4 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES, WHICH SECTION PROVIDES FOR PERMIT FEES FOR
PERMITS FOR NEW
CONSTRUCTION,
ALTERATION, REPAIR AND REMODELING OF STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES, PROVIDING FOR ADVERTISING,
FURTHER PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND FURTHER PROVIDING FOR A REPEALER AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE.
WHEREAS, Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Natchitoches provides for the regulation of buildings and building regulations in the City of Natchitoches; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, Section 8.4 of Chapter 8 provides for permit fees for the issuance of permits for new construction, alteration, repair and remodeling of structures in the City of Natchitoches; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, Sections 8-4 of the Code of Ordinances was amended by Ordinance No. 051 of 2021 adopted by the council on October 11, 2021; the Director of Planning and Zoning has now recommended that Section 8-4 be amended to provide for a new schedule of fees; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, Section 8-4 of the Code of Ordinances currently provides as follows, to-wit:
ÒSection 8-4. - Permit fees generally.
(a) No permit, as required by the code adopted by section 8-1 of this chapter, shall be issued until the fees described in this section shall have been paid; nor, shall an amendment to a permit be approved until the additional fee, if any, due to an increase in the estimated cost of the building or structure, shall have been paid.
(b) There shall be no fee for work less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
(c) Residential. Seventy-five one-hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%) of the estimated cost.
(d) Commercial. Seventy-five one-hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%) of the estimated cost.
(e) Alteration, repair, remodeling, removal or demolition. For a permit for the alteration, repair or remodeling of an existing structure, the fee shall be fixed and graded as follows:
(1) Residential. Seventy-five one-hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%) of the estimated cost.
(2) Commercial. Seventy-five one-hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%) of the estimated cost.
(f) Swimming pools. For a permit for the construction of a swimming pool, the fee shall be ten cents ($0.10) per square foot.
(g)House-moving permit. For a permit for the moving of a house or other structure, the fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per section.
(h)Mobile home permit. For a permit for the locating or placing of a mobile home, the fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00).
(i) The term "estimated cost", as used in this section, means the reasonable value of all services, labor, materials and use of scaffolding and other appliances or devices entering into and necessary to the prosecution and completion of the work ready for occupancy; provided that the cost of excavation or grading, and of painting, decorating or other work that is merely for embellishment or not necessary for the safe and lawful use of the building or structure, is not deemed a part of such estimated cost.
(j) When a building or structure is constructed by the owner and no contract is involved, the building permit fee shall be based on the valuation of average current building costs per square foot, multiplied by thirty-five hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%).
(k) A double permit fee shall be paid for all construction, alteration, repair or remodeling of a building or structure if work is begun before first securing a permit from the building official as provided for in this chapter.Ó
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City Council of the City of Natchitoches is of the opinion that the changes to the schedule of fees for building permits should be updated as recommended by the Director of Planning and Zoning; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City Council of the City of Natchitoches has reviewed the proposed amendment to Section 8-4 of the Code of Ordinances, and agrees that the amendments are advisable and in the best interest of the City of Natchitoches and its citizens; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Natchitoches, Louisiana, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 8-4 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Natchitoches is hereby amended to provide as follows:
ÒSection 8-4. - Permit fees generally.
(a) No permit, as required by the code adopted by section 8-1 of this chapter, shall be issued until the fees described in this section shall have been paid; nor, shall an amendment to a permit be approved until the additional fee, if any, due to an increase in the estimated cost of the building or structure, shall have been paid.
(b) For work less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) the permit fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c) Residential. Seventy-five one-hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%) of the estimated cost.
(d) Commercial. Seventy-five one-hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%) of the estimated cost.
(e) Alteration, repair, remodeling, removal or demolition. For a permit for the alteration, repair or remodeling of an existing structure, the fee shall be fixed and graded as follows:
(1) Residential. Seven Dollars and fifty cents ($7.50) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of the estimated cost.
(2) Commercial. Seven Dollars and fifty cents ($7.50) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of the estimated cost.
(f) Swimming pools. For a permit for the construction of a swimming pool, the fee shall be fifty cents ($0.50) per square foot.
(g)House-moving permit. For a permit for the moving of a house or other structure, the fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) per section.
(h)Mobile home permit. For a permit for the locating or placing of a mobile home, the fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(i) The term "estimated cost", as used in this section, means the reasonable value of all services, labor, materials and use of scaffolding and other appliances or devices entering into and necessary to the prosecution and completion of the work ready for occupancy; provided that the cost of excavation or grading, and of painting, decorating or other work that is merely for embellishment or not necessary for the safe and lawful use of the building or structure, is not deemed a part of such estimated cost.
(j) When a building or structure is constructed by the owner and no contract is involved, the building permit fee shall be based on the valuation of average current building costs per square foot, multiplied by seventy-five hundredths of one percent (.75 of 1%).
(k)A double permit fee shall be paid for all construction, alteration, repair or remodeling of a building or structure if work is begun before first securing a permit from the building official as provided for in this chapter.
(l) All permits for construction, alteration, repair or remodeling are subject to inspection and re-inspection fees. The number of required inspections shall be determined by the Building Official. The fees for inspections shall be Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00) per inspection.
(m) The fee for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy shall be Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).
(n) There shall be the following fees for residential new construction or additions:
Plan review fee - $150.00
Driveway Drainage - $50.00Ó
(o) Builds over the Two Million-Dollars ($2,000,000) threshold will be permitted as follows:
(1) $5.50 per thousand of the first Two Million-Dollars ($2,000,000) of the fair market value
(2) $3.50 per thousand fair market value thereafter
SECTION 2. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. If any portion of this Ordinance is declared to be invalid or unconstitutional in any manner, the invalidity shall be limited to that particular section or provision, and shall not affect the remaining portions of the ordinance, which shall remain valid and enforceable, it being the intention of the City Council that each separate provision shall be deemed independent of all other provisions herein.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall go into effect upon publication and in accordance with law.
THIS ORDINANCE was introduced on August 26, 2024 and published in the Natchitoches Times on August 31, 2024.
The above Ordinance having been duly advertised in accordance with law and public hearing had on same, was put to a vote by the Mayor and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Ordinance passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays this 9th day of September, 2024.
_________________________
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
_________________________
BETTY SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
Delivered to the Mayor on the 10th day of September, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Petite and Seconded by Mrs. Smith as follows, to Ðwit:
RESOLUTION NO. 077 OF 2024
A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF
THE CITY OF
NATCHITOCHES,
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR.,
TO AWARD A GRANT ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES CONTRACT AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FRYE MAGEE, LLC, FOR THE SOUTH
NATCHITOCHES DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS
RFP#0137
WHEREAS, the City of Natchitoches was conditionally awarded $3,162,500.00 in Louisiana Watershed Initiative Round 2 funding for planning and construction of a project known as ÒSouth Natchitoches Drainage Improvements;Ó and
WHEREAS, the available funding includes the cost of grant administration services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Natchitoches issued a Request for Proposals (RFP #0317) dated June 5, 2024, to procure said grant administration services; and
WHEREAS, only one response to this Request for Proposals was received; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Office of Community Development directed that the Request for Proposals be re-advertised; and
WHEREAS, upon re-advertisement, one additional proposal was received; and
WHEREAS, the Request for Proposals contained detailed criteria by which submittals are to be evaluated; and
WHEREAS, a Review Team consisting of Nicole Gray, City Grants Manager; Clarissa Brown-Smith, City Finance Director; Edd Lee, City Purchasing Director; and Nick Verret, City Engineer; reviewed and evaluated the two submittals that were received, based on the selection criteria contained in the Request for Proposals; and
WHEREAS, based on their evaluation, the Review Team recommends selection of Frye Magee, LLC, for these services; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Office of Community Development has approved the selection of Frye Magee, LLC;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Natchitoches City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., to award a grant administration services contract to Frye Magee, LLC, and to execute a contract agreement with Frye Magee, LLC, for these services, all within the guidelines of the Louisiana Watershed Initiative Round 2 Program and the requirements of the Louisiana Office of Community Development.
This Resolution was then presented for a vote, and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Resolution passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays on this 26th day of August, 2024.
_________________________
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
?
The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Nielsen and Seconded by Mr. Harrington as follows, to Ðwit:
RESOLUTION NO. 078 OF 2024
A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 FOR THE 2023-24 STREET REHABILITATION
PROJECT
BID NO. 0663
WHEREAS, the City of Natchitoches (CITY) awarded the bid to Regional Construction, LLC on September 25, 2023 by Ordinance No. 056 of 2023 in the amount of $802,099.90 for the 2023-24 Street Rehabilitation Project, (Bid no. 0663); and
WHEREAS, on November 13, 2023, the City Council approved Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $8,003.50 making the revised contract total $810,103.40; and
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2024, the City Council approved Change Order No. 2, in the amount of $18,600.00 making the revised contract total $828,703.40; and
WHEREAS, on August 15, 2024 the City Engineer, Nick Verret issued Change Order No. 3, fully described in Attachment ÒAÓ; and
WHEREAS, the contract sum will be decreased by this Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $66,947.34 and the revised contract total will be $761,756.06; and
WHEREAS, the CITY is of the opinion that Change Order No. 3 is in the best interest of the CITY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Natchitoches, in legal session convened, that the Honorable Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor, be and is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to execute the referenced Change Order No. 3 to the agreement between the City of Natchitoches and Regional Construction, LLC.
This Resolution was then presented for a vote, and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Resolution passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays on this 26th day of August, 2024.
_________________________
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
?
The following Resolution was introduced by Mr. Harrington and Seconded by Mrs. Smith as follows, to Ðwit:
RESOLUTION NO. 079 OF 2024
A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A
CERTIFICATE OF
SUBSTANTIAL
COMPLETION TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
NATCHITOCHES AND REGIONAL
CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR THE AG RAMP/WASH RACK AT THE
NATCHITOCHES REGIONAL AIRPORT
(BID NO. 0665)
WHEREAS, the City of Natchitoches has contracted with Regional Construction, Inc., for the AG Ramp/Wash Rack at Natchitoches Regional Airport (Bid No. 0665); and
WHEREAS, this work has been completed; and
WHEREAS, a substantial completion inspection has been performed by KSA Engineer, Jonathan Farmer and a representative of the City of Natchitoches, and they find the project to be complete.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Natchitoches, in legal session convened, that the Honorable Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor, be and is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to execute the referenced Certificate of Substantial Completion for Regional Construction, Inc.
This Resolution was then presented for a vote, and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Resolution passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays on this 26th day of August, 2024.
_________________________
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
The following Resolution was introduced by Mrs. Smith and Seconded by Mr. Nielsen as follows, to Ðwit:
RESOLUTION NO. 080 OF 2024
A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES,
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., TO EXECUTE
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT, INCLUDING MOWING AND
LITTER PICKUP, WITH THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT, FOR ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS FOR
MAINTENANCE OF DOTD RIGHT-OF ÐWAY STATEWIDE.
WHEREAS, the City of Natchitoches approved Resolution No. 053 of 2024 on June 24, 2024 for the Maintenance Agreement, including mowing and litter pickup, with the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development, Office of Engineering beginning July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, additional state funds have become available for maintenance of DOTD right-of-way statewide; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, DOTD proposes to make some of the funds available to the City of Natchitoches to offset in part one (1) additional maintenance cycle completed by the City of Natchitoches during Fiscal Year 2025; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City of Natchitoches desires to accept the offer to make supplemental funding available to the City and agrees to perform one additional maintenance cycle to remove litter and mow vegetation on certain state right-of-way within the jurisdiction of the City; and
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City of Natchitoches and the State of Louisiana DOTD agree to Amendment No. 1 of the referenced Agreement to increase the stipulated minimum number of maintenance cycles in Fiscal Year 2025 from 4 to 5.
WHEREAS FURTHER, the City Council of the City of Natchitoches, Louisiana has reviewed and approved the attached Amendment No. 1, and desires to authorize Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., to execute same; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESLOVED, by the City Council of the City of Natchitoches, Louisiana, that the Mayor of the City of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr., is hereby authorized to execute the attached Amendment No. 1 to the Maintenance Agreement, including mowing and litter pickup with the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
This Resolution was then presented for a vote, and the vote was recorded as follows:
AYES: Elie, Nielsen, Smith, Harrington, Petite
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
THEREUPON, Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., declared the Resolution passed by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays on this 26th day of August, 2024.
_________________________RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
Financial Report-Clarissa Smith
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
¥ The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, September 9, 2024.
¥ The City of Natchitoches offices will be closed on Friday, August 30, 2024 for Employee Appreciation Day and Monday, September 2, 2024 in honor of Labor Day.
With no further discussion, Mayor Williams, Jr., made a motion for adjournment and all were in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. _________________/s/______
RONNIE WILLIAMS, JR., MAYOR
_________________/s/______
BETTY SMITH, MAYOR PRO-TEMPORE
560-24 9/21