Metropolitan Council - Regular Meeting

It was not a.

Hey, everybody. Look, we're going to have a late presentation. I thank everybody for being here today. And I'm glad that it's late because I believe that this is something that needs to be heard by the entire city, the entire council. Because we have some amazing talent and some great things going on inside the city of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge. My home church, UCFM, off of Jewel Road, has one of the best choirs in the United States of America. And today I would like to provide a certificate of celebration presented to a Blaze Youth Choir. Whereas the Metropolitan Council of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge takes great pride in recognizing individuals and organizations whose extraordinary accomplishments bring honor and distinction to our community. And whereas the Ablaze Choir, based at United Christian Faith Ministries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has demonstrated exceptional musical talent, dedication to ministry, and a commitment to inspiring others through the power of gospel music. And whereas under the leadership and direction of Minister Mark Ellis Jr., Ablaze Youth Choir has elevated the voices of young people and represented Baton Rouge on one of the gospel music's most celebrated stages. I won't read this whole thing, but they won a stellar award, which is a Grammy Award in the gospel arena. And so they represented not only the church, not only the word of God, but the city of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge about the amazing things. You see on the news, all we hear is murders, and we hear gunshots, and we hear the negative stuff that's happening in our city parish. But he has taken an old school approach to choir. Mark, how many members do you have, man?

We have 80 plus members.

80 members that sing in a choir to worship God, serve his kingdom, and to spread the goodness that he does on this earth. And so today, I honor Mr. Mark Ellis Jr. and the Ablaze Choir. Y'all give him a round of applause. And council members, this is very important to our city parents. I'm going to ask y'all to take a picture and Brandon will make a frown. But I want everybody to come down once we finish speaking.

I just want to say thank you so much for recognizing this. And like you said, there's so much negativity going on with the young people and the young generation that we always push light to. But it's definitely nice for a young group of people, all ages 12 to around 22, who just want to serve God and push his message. And so I've been cultivating this group for so long. It's been about five years now. And we see so many young people come from backgrounds and families that neglected families, or rough backgrounds, and they come in and their life does a complete 180 flip. They're dedicated to Christ, they're happy to serve, and they're excited to be in Louisiana. And so I definitely want to continue to push and make way for positivity in the young community, especially in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And I'm so excited to have won the Stella Award, and now we have attention from youth all over the world who want to do positive things and sing for the glory of God. And turn their lives around. And that's my mission. It will always be to bring Jesus glory. And to change the narrative of the community. And that's what I'll continue to do. So thank you all so much for this recognition.

All right.

Big smile for everybody.

Hello, everybody. Welcome to the Council Chamber of East Baton Rouge Parish. Good to have all of you watching wherever you are today. We're coming off a big weekend, big win for the Tigers and Jaguars, and it was exciting at LSU and out on the bluff at Southern. Good to have you tuned in on AT&T, on Cox. Metro 21, YouTube, Facebook Live. Good to have you with us. The council's glad to have you watching this afternoon. And at this time, here is the Mayor-President Pro Tem of East Baton Rouge Parish, Councilman Brandon Noel. Councilman?

Thank you, Dennis. Welcome, everybody, to the Metropolitan Council meeting this Wednesday, September 9, 2026. We're going to call the meeting to order. Ashley, do we have a quorum?

We have a quorum.

All right. We're going to have the Baton Rouge Fire Department Honor Guard and St. George Fire Department Honor Guard lead us in invocation and pledge.

Let us pray the Heavenly Father, we come giving you thanks for all that you've done most of all for who you've been and who you shall always be in our lives. Got to come praying tonight that you would come into this meeting, make your presence known and felt in every heart and every mind. So that when things get accomplished, they're accomplished inside of your wheel inside of your way. So that it is a productive thing that is done not just for 1, but for unity, unified community. and a unified heart, mind, and soul. For we are one body, many different members, all striving to accomplish one goal. So let us come together tonight to do that in your will, your way, your eyes, and with your heart and mind. Jesus' name we pray, amen. That was a Southern Lab prayer.

Present on.

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which we stand, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Order. Forward. March.

Council members, a quick point of personal privilege. At the meeting, the first meeting in September, we always have the honor guard from the Baton Rouge Fire and St. George Fire in an effort to commemorate the meeting that happens prior to September 11th. I think it's a great opportunity. a great view of sort of the spirit that America had on September 11th whenever we came together as a community, different fire departments, different walks of life from all over the country that came to support us. And so that's our small way of commemorating that here today. So thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. All right. Approval and adoption of the Metropolitan Council meeting of August 26, 2026 and the Special Metropolitan Council meeting of August 31, 2026 and the Greater Baton Rouge Airport Commission meeting of September 1, 2026 by the Council Administrative Treasurer. Do we have a motion to approve? Motion by Councilman Moog, seconded by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. Ashley, can you please read the introductions?

Section 2.12 introductions number 2. The Metropolitan Council sitting as the board review on Paris assessments by council administrator, treasurer number 3, authorizing the mayor president to execute an amended. And restated cooperative endeavor agreement between the city of Baton Rouge, Paris of East Baton Rouge, the capital house, economic development district, the capital house, taxing authority and North Shore resorts. and with the City Parish ED District and Taxing Authority, collectively the parties, to consolidate and manage all terms and conditions of prior cooperative endeavor agreements amending the parties... clarify the prior intention of the parties with respect to the prior cea ratify and confirm all of the prior terms and conditions with respect to the prior cea to simplify the contractual framework and eliminate the need to reconcile separate agreements going forward as to govern the increase in outstanding project obligations to be paid by the ed district to the developer which will be tied to the renovation of the baton rouge capital house center facilities To acknowledge the intention of the district to levy new sales use and hotel motel occupancy taxes. In the future to govern the collection of taxes to extend the outside termination date to July 31st, 2058. Or is otherwise provided by the to provide for developers lenders rights all effective as of October 1st, 2026, and to provide further related for further related matters. By Councilman, Carolyn Coleman, Councilman, Laurie Adams and Councilman Jen Rocca number 4. Enacting an ordinance and authorizing the Mayor-President to execute an agreement granting Conterra Networks a franchise for the initial term of 10 years, providing the right to lay, construct, lease, and or operate fiber optic cables and all appurtenances and appendages to it for the provision of services in the City Parish right-of-way and the operation of a fiber network. Throughout the term of this agreement, Contrera Network shall pay to the City Parish as compensation for use of the City Parish right-of-way a franchise fee equal to 5% of gross revenues by Councilman Rowdy Goday. Number 5, adopting and levying an ad valorem property tax millage rate of 9.5 mills on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries. of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, for a period of 10 years, beginning with the tax collection year 2026, and annually thereafter to and including year 2035, with the proceeds of the tax to be used entirely and exclusively for the provision of maintaining and operating the public library system of the parish and its branches, and improving services, acquiring land, and constructing new library facilities, titles to which is and shall be in the public, with the avails or proceeds of the tax to be administered by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control by the Council Administrator-Treasurer. Condemnation introductions number 6, the estate of Alice Montgomery 2, 1, 1, 3, 72nd Avenue council district to Kenny number 7, Elvin sterling 3, 5, 1, 3, Maribel drive council district 5 Hearst number 8, Karen James and Denise William James 3, 2, 4, 7 Shelly street council district 5 Hearst. Number nine, Andrea Chase Ward, 7571 Hanks Drive, Council District 5, Hearst. Number 10, Katherine Pipes Fields, 4074 Pitcher Street, Council District 7, Harris. Number 11, Kayandra Lashae Watkins, 365 Lefaso Street, Council District 7, Harris. Number 12, Evans Joseph Walker, 693 North 37th Street, Council District 7, Harris. Number 13, Tarshawn Mecheon Johnson, 1557 Apple Street, Council District 10, Coleman. Number 14, Willie Robinson Sr., 1217 and 1219 Thomas H. Delpit Drive, Council District 10, Coleman. Number 15, Charlie Davison Jr., 1347 and 1349 Thomas H. Delpit Drive, Council District 10, Coleman. All items that require reading have been read and a motion to introduce all items is in order.

We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Dunn, Jr. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. That has been introduced. See your separate sheet for condemnations. I'm going to read them as DPW recommends first. Then we'll go through corrections, and then we'll have a public hearing. Recommendations are to proceed with items 51, 52, 53, 56... 58, 60, 64, and 65. 90 days on items 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, and 63. I have a recommendation from District 7 for two weeks on item 64. Are there any other changes? 30 days on 53. 30 on 53? Okay. Anybody else? Good. Good. Councilman Coleman, good. Good, okay. All right, anyone here wishing to speak on these items? Okay. I'm going to go back to council. I'm going to read them back. We are to proceed with items 51, 52, 56, 58, 60, and 65. Two weeks on item 64. 30 days on item 53. 90 days on items 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, and 63. Do we have a motion? I don't know.

53 is district 7.

Is my sheet wrong? No, my list, the numbers are misnumbered on my paper. Look at that protein.

It's all for 1.

Yeah, this starts on 51 on the condemnation sheet.

I have 51. Condemnation is 51. I think you're... You might have a wrong agenda.

Yeah, I think the agenda's been updated. Councilman Dunn.

District 6, even on electronics. So which one is it?

What I have matches the agenda.

Look at the agenda electronically. 53.

The recommendation is off one from the agenda. So he wants on the recommendation sheet it's number 52, but on the agenda it's number 53. You want me to edit that real fast and we can take it back up? or verify that the numbers that we changed are correct?

Yeah, we probably need to, if I can get Justin and Rachel to take the agenda and the recommendations and make sure that they're correct. I can change the recommendation real quick and we can send it out. Thank you. Thank you. We're going to have to come back.

All right, we'll come back to condemnations. Is the rest of this agenda off by one then? What's the electronic public hearing, first public hearing? AND I HAVE THAT AT 66. OKAY. WE'RE COMING BACK TO CONDEMNATIONS. WE'VE GOT TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT. ALL RIGHT, ITEM... THIS IS GOING TO THROW ME OFF. ITEM 67. A resolution authorizing imposition and collection within the South Burbank Crime Prevention and Development District of an annual fee on each improved parcel of land located within the boundaries of the district in the amount of $100 for a residential or commercial structure or $25 for each unit in a condominium. residential or commercial structure with four or more units which fee shall be levied for a period of four years commencing January 1st, 2026 to be used to aid in crime prevention and to enhance the security of the district of district residents by providing for an increase of law enforcement or contracted security personnel in the district and creation of a crime fee crime free housing program and for other purposes permitted by applicable law by council administrative treasurer. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Hurst, seconded by Councilman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries.

Okay.

I'm 68 a resolution authorizing the imposition and collection within the Concord estates crime prevention district. I'm an annual fee in the amount of 69 and. $50 69 dollars and 50 cents on each lot subdivided portion of ground or individual track in the district for a period of 6 years, beginning with year 2026. and for the purpose of aiding in crime prevention and adding to the security of the district residents by providing for an increase in the presence of law enforcement personnel in the district in accordance with Act 617 of the 2004 Louisiana Legislature by the Council Administrative Treasurer. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to Council.

Are we on Item 67?

We just did 67.

Every item is going to be off by one because what we see is one number and it's one number less than what's up there.

Okay.

If you printed the agenda on Friday morning when it was first put out, there was a duplicate item that a department had put in. They went in and removed it. Okay. That threw the numbering off, but there wasn't a subsequent email that went out. The item they put on had already been approved.

Did we just approve the South Burbank?

Yes. Item 67 was South Burbank.

Did I make the motion to approve that?

You did not. You were standing behind me when that occurred.

Okay. Appreciate y'all very much. Sorry. Motion to reconsider.

But you're welcome to make it on item 60. Motion by Councilwoman Harris. Second by Councilman Godey. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 69, authorizing the finance director to refund an erroneous remittance of sales taxes to Walgreen Louisiana Company in amount of $291,398.69 for remitting sales tax on non-taxable prescription drug purchases for the audit period of January 1st, 2021 through January 31st, 2023 by the finance director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Amorosa, second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 70, authorizing finance director to refund erroneous remittance of sales tax on Cardinal Health 108 LLC in an amount of $275,672.77 for remitting sales tax on sales to a customer who subsequently presented a resale exemption certificate for the period of June 1st, 2022 through March 31st, 2023 by the finance director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Dean, I'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Adams. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Any opposition? Motion carries.

Ms. Pro Tem. Angie. Can you walk through us the process on this and any deadlines or is it open-ended that a vendor or a business can submit this, what did you call it, certificate of exemption?

So this vendor is a wholesaler in addition to sells products to individuals on their own. So what they did was they sold a product to a wholesaler, which then the wholesaler obtains the sales tax at the point of sale that he then incurs. But the Cardinal Health vendor submitted sales tax assuming just in totality looked at their total sales, submitted sales tax. Then as they went through, their finance office went through, said that they didn't owe the sales tax, made a request to us. We have 90 days to review. And then we did deem that they had the appropriate documentation. And so the sales tax was actually duplicated, if you think about it that way. Gotcha.

And this could be redeemed at any time? There's no deadline?

Agreed. Just yes.

Okay. That's what I want to know. Thanks.

All right. Item 71, authorizing settlement in the matter entitled Monica Hollins v. City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and Kenneth Smith in an amount of $25,000 plus court costs in an amount of $450.28 for a total amount of $25,450.28 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing no one, go to council. Motion. Motion by Councilwoman Harris. Second by Councilman Kenney. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 72, authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claim of Justin Thornton for damages resulting from an auto accident caused by Baton Rouge police officer in the amount of $35,000 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Goday. Second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. 73, authorizing settlement on the claim of Patty Merrick for damages resulting from a sewer backup in the claimant's home for a total amount of $21,207.65 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. I have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Harris. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. 74, rescind any direct and clerk of court to cancel a notice to attend recorded on October 22nd, 2025 and decision and order recorded on February 18th, 2026 in the matter of City of Baton Rouge versus State of Larry Webb Worthy Jr. 14832 Old Hammond Highway by Councilman Moak. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to Council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Moog, second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 75, authorization for the Mayor, President, and our Chairman of the Airport Commission to execute supplemental agreement number one with Stanley Consultants for taxiway F reconstruction in an amount of $281,984.66 for a total contract amount not to exceed $981,535.81 by the Aviation Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? I'm going to go to council. I have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Amoroso, second by Councilman Dunn, Jr., any opposition? Motion carries and I'm 76 authorization from the mayor president and our chairman of the airport commission execute and other transaction agreement with transportation security administration to provide partial reimbursement to the Baton Rouge metropolitan airport to offset the cost of carrying out aviation law enforcement responsibilities in support of passenger screening activities in an amount not to exceed 173,375 dollars. By the aviation director, anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Dunn, Jr. Second by Councilman Goday. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 77, authorization from the Mayor, President, and our Chairman of the Air Force Commission to submit and execute grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration and our State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Office of Aviation for the Taxiway F Reconstruction Project in the amount of $10,514,409 by the Aviation Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Yes. Please come to the mic.

Is it possible to move the slides ahead with your motions?

Oh, is it not moving?

All right, thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Motion by Councilman Dunn, Jr. Second by Councilman Kenney. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 78, authorizing Mayor President to execute supplemental agreement number one to a contract for professional engineering services with Evans Graves Engineers Inc. for design services associated with the Mubiard New Capacity Project, Mickens Road, Hooper Road to Joy Road in an amount not to exceed $1,189,458.65, bringing the total contract amount not to exceed $2,250,693.86 by the Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to Council. Motion by Councilwoman Harris. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 79, authorizing Mayor President to execute a contract for professional services with AllSouth Consulting Engineers for the CLY-10 Westridge Drive Subsurface System Improvements Grant Project. An amount not to exceed $236,087 by the Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing no one, go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst, seconded by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? motion carries and maybe authorizing their president of men car professional services agreement with trace infrared asphalt restoration l c to add an additional amount of fifty thousand dollars bring the total contract amount uh... to amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars by the main director anyone here was to speak on this item they know the council the motion motion by a couple of adam second by councilman hurts any opposition Motion carries. Item 81, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the buildings and grounds building maintenance to amend the contract between the City of Baton Rouge and the lead professional commercial to increase the contract amount by $22,096.80 for a revised not to exceed amount of $296,015.19 by the building and grounds director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Harris, second by Councilwoman Coleman. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 82, authorizing the mayor-president to execute supplemental agreement number two to the contract with WTD Architecture LLC for additional design services in connection with their contract for Baton Rouge Fire Department's SARS building in an amount not to exceed $9,000,000. Is that right? No. $9,500 for a total contract amount of $130,125 by the building and grounds director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item?

Council members, you should have received one email comment in opposition to item 82.

I have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst. Second by Councilwoman Harris. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 83, authorizing Mayor President to execute supplemental agreement number three to a contract for construction inspection services with Vectura Consulting Services, LLC, for additional construction inspection services associated with the MoveBR enhancement project, Baton Rouge Bus Rapid Transit, an amount not to exceed $120,000, bringing the total contract amount not to exceed $670,375 by the Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item?

Council members, you should have received one email comment in opposition to item 83.

Seeing none, we'll go to council. Move a motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst. Second by Councilwoman Amarosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. Excuse me. Item 84, authorizing Mayor President to execute a supplemental agreement, number one, an existing contract for professional services with Carbo Landscape Architecture LLC for construction phase support services for the construction of the Perkins Overpass District Enhancement Project, an amount not to exceed $7,750, bringing the total contract amount not to exceed $142,000 by the Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to Council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Adams, seconded by Councilwoman Coleman. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 85, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to amend the contract with Franklin Associates LLC to extend the contract term from August 31st, 2026 through December 31st, 2026 and to execute all related documents by Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'm going to go to council. Motion by Councilman Kennedy, second by Councilwoman Harris. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 86, authorizing the Mayor-President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute an amendment to the contract between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and Public Construction, extending the contract through August 30, 2027, and further authorizing the execution of all necessary documents by Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 87 is a recommendation to delete this item. I think it was the amount that was put on was improper. Authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute an amendment to the contract between City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and URAC. Extending contract term through July 31st 2027 and increasing the contract amount by a hundred thousand not to exceed four hundred and eighty thousand my community development director Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council, entertain a motion to delete. Motion by Councilwoman Adams, second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 88, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute an amendment to the contract between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and Penn Construction, extending the contract term through July 31st, 2027, and increasing the contract amount by $100,000, not to exceed $739,250 by Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We'll have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hudson. Second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. 89, authorizing the Mayor-President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute an amendment to the contract between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and EDR Construction extending the contract term through July 31st, 2027 and increasing the contract amount by $100,000 not to exceed $839,250 by the Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to council. Move a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Amorosa, second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 90, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute an amendment to the contract between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and LSU Ag Center, extending the contract term through July 1st, 2027, and increasing the contract amount by $93,943, not to exceed $187,886 by the Community Development Director. Anyone here wish to speak on this item? Seeing no one go to council, we have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 91, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute an amendment to the contract between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and ACSI extending the contract term through June 30th, 2027 and further authorizing the execution of all necessary documents by the Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item?

Council members, you should have received one email comment in opposition to item 91.

I'm going to go to council.

I have a question. Councilman Coleman. ACSI, what is this?

Okay.

Yes, ma'am this is for our lead capacity grant phase. 1, this extension is for the supervisor certification training. So we just apply for phase 2 phase. 1 has a certain amount of requirements that have to happen to go into phase 2. and so this is extension of of that.

And what's the amount of this thing?

The extension amount is. I'm sorry, this one was just an extension of terms, no funds.

All right, good. Thank you.

You got me stumbling, Councilwoman.

Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 92. Authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute a contract between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation to construct new single-family homes on the 4700 block of Hollywood Street for a total of $550,000 by Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing no one go to council. Kelly, I have a question. Can you explain how the funding for this works and what part on the construction project, who oversees the construction?

Yeah, so URIC's a little different. They're our choice housing development organization, which they have more latitude with us. So we go direct to them. We identify certain projects. It's not like a normal contractor because of their total obligation. So on this one, this is the full project. We're funding it. They'll manage it, and it creates program funds for community development.

So the funds are Do we give them the full funds and they handle disbursement through a draw schedule that's determined by them by the contractor?

We determine it. So we control all of it. Um, but again, with their total obligation, it's not like a normal RFQ RFP. So they do most of our large developments. So this particular lot, they had ownership of what this allows us to do is just build these multi family homes on this vacant lot and create the program dollars off of it that the city retains.

So who monitors the construction and draw process?

URIC does.

They do? Yes. Okay, so they send a report to us saying, hey, this is where we are on the project, ready to release the next draw.

Yep, and then we have milestones in our contract that they have to follow in our office.

Okay.

That answers your question?

Yep. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else? The motion needs to be contingent on grants and contracts review. Motion by Councilman Hurst. Second by Councilman Kinney. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 93, in case presidential declaration of a major disaster or emergency, the Metropolitan Council of the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge hereby authorizes a waiver of the land use regulations relative to applicable provisions of the Unified Development Code as well as enforcement of all applicable provisions of Title 8A of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge in order to allow temporary housing in the form of mobile homes. recreational vehicles, and other temporary housing following a declared state of emergency by Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to council. I have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst, second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Appointments number 94, Brownfield Volunteer Fire Civil Service Board, consideration of reappointing or replacing Justin Riddle. Current ballot is Justin Riddle requesting reappointment. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing no, I'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Adams, second by Councilman Hurst to reappoint Justin Riddle. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 95, Complete Streets Citizens Advisory Committee. One appointment to concur with the nomination of the Downtown Development District. Current ballot is Nick Lanata with the letter from DDD requesting this appointment. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item?

Council Members, you should have received three emails in support of Nick Lanata.

Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Adams, second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. All right, we're gonna take items 96 through 100 together. Fire Protection District, number one, advisory board consideration of reappointing or replacing T. Jordan Charlay, whose term expires on September 17th, 2026, requesting reappointment. Consideration of reappointing or replacing Charles Hall, Who is requesting reappointment consideration of replacing Christie grow? Who's requesting reappointment consideration of reappointing or replacing Larry? Who is requesting reappointment and consideration of report reappointing or replacing Thomas Scott? Who's requesting reappointment? Anyone here wishing to speak on these items. They don't go to council motion by chair 2nd, my councilman Hurst any opposition. Motion carries.

Just a quick question on these, whether it's the administrator or DDD. Why none of these stagger? Why so many at the same time?

This is the Fire Protection District, number one. That's how the ordinance was written.

Okay.

All right, we're going to take items 101 through 105 together. Downtown Development District, concurring with the Mayor President's recommendation to reappoint or replace Gary Black, to replace Eric Dexter, to fill an unexpired term of Phillip Jordan, to reappoint or replace Joshua Hollands, to reappoint or replace Suzanne Turner. Anyone here wishing to speak on these items? Seeing none, we'll go to council. There's been a request to defer these until September 23rd if we need the recommendations from the mayor-president. Yeah, we have to have actual recommendations from the mayor-president, which we do not have that recommendation yet on any of them. So their request was to defer to the September 23rd meeting.

And this one is the same? The ordinance was written to not stagger?

Some of these. So the DVD is a little bit different in that there's a state statute, and it was actually amended at the last legislative session to help correct the fact that all of these are, so many of these are appointed at one time.

So when does that take effect?

With these new terms.

Gotcha. Thank you.

We have a motion by Councilwoman Adams. Do we have a second? Second, huh?

Yeah.

Is that a second, Councilman Goday? Any opposition? Motion carries. All right, item 106 is a request to defer this to the October 14th meeting. Capital area human services district to replace James Jefferson, who is not seeking reappointment. He met the criteria being a member representing judiciary with emphasis on special courts. We must submit 2 names to the governor for consideration and appointment for each vacancy.

Council members, if I can just ask that if y'all have any constituents or people in your district who may qualify for this seat and who might be interested in this seat, if you would please ask them to reach out to my office to let us know that they're interested in serving. We have to submit, the Metro Council has to submit two names to the governor for him to then make the appointment. This board is unique and requires some specialized expertise. So if you know of anybody or if you want to reach out to anybody, we would appreciate it. Thanks.

Yeah. Do we have a motion to defer for 30 days? Motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilman Hudson. Any opposition? Motion carries. All right, change orders. We're going to take 107 through 109 together. DHDS, BRPD, up one roof replacement contractor, apartment roofing, LLC. Change order $0 description to add additional time to reconcile the date of final acceptance. Baker, Zachary, Pride, Cheneyville, and Central Branch Libraries. Chiller replacement, contractor Gallo Mechanical Services, LLC. Change order amount $37,385.00. Plank Road Corridor Enhancement, Segment 2, Dawson Drive to Harding. Contractor Command Construction Industries, LLC. Change order amount $20,500. $20,563.99. Anyone here wishing to speak on these items? Seeing none, we'll go to Council. Motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa.

Any opposition?

Motion carries. Final acceptances, we'll do 110 and 111 together. DHGS, BRPD, up on roof replacement contractor, part and roofing, LLC, final cost $1,074,437.62. Baker, Zachary, Pryor, Cheneyville, and Central Branch Libraries, chiller replacement contractor, Gallo Mechanical Services, LLC, final cost $986,385. Anyone here wishing to speak on these items? See no one go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst, second by Councilwoman Amarosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. Acceptance of low bids. We'll do 112 through 114 together. Public Safety Complex, H2 Fire Alarm Replacement, low bid, James Construction, LLC, $400,000. Tornell Drive, Sidewalk Project, low bid, Grady Crawford Construction, $526,540. Glasgow Avenue, Sidewalks, High Ascent through Perkins Street Project, low bid, Luster Group, LLC, $950,089. Anyone here wishing to speak on these items? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilwoman Amorosa, seconded. Do we have a second? Second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Emergency items. Items 115, 116, 117. In accordance with Ordinance 16442, these items must be declared emergency by two-thirds vote of Metropolitan Council. Do we have a motion to declare them an emergency? motion by com for madame second my comes from her senior oppositional motion to climb emergency the non and the declared emergency one fifteen was in in resolution five nine six one oh which executed the agreement between city of baton rouge passion east baton rouge and louisiana office of community development in connection with the monticello by your drainage project in the mount not take the two million three hundred three hundred eighty thousand eight hundred sixty dollars fifty two cents and authorizing the mayor president executed green between city of baton rouge Parish of East Baton Rouge and Louisiana Office of Community Development in connection with the Montesano Bayou Drainage Project, an amount not to exceed $2,399,760.80 by the Transportation and Drainage Director. The reason for the emergency is to correct the dollar amount on Resolution 59610 to make the agreement amount. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? I think now I'm going to go to council. Motion by Councilman Kenney. Second by Councilman Goday. Any opposition? Motion carries. 116, rescinding Resolution 59461 because the contract authorized by the resolution was never executed in order to allow the Department of Emergency Medical Services to enter into a contract with a new provider of services for blood products by the Emergency Medical Services Director. The reason is to allow the Department of EMS to move forward with the new vendor. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? I'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilman Dunn, Jr. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 117, authorizing Mayor President to contract for the Department of Emergency Medical Services with the Blood Center. This contract is for the Blood Center to provide the Department of EMS with blood, blood components, and certain lab services, enabling the Department of EMS to provide life-saving treatment when clinically indicated, not to exceed $235,000 by Emergency Medical Services Director. The reason is to allow the contract to be put in place as soon as possible. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Motion by Councilwoman Coleman. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. Okay, let's go back to condemnations. Recommendations are to proceed with items 52, 53, 54, 57, 59, 61, 65, 66. ninety days on our fifty five fifty six fifty eight sixty sixty two sixty three and sixty four i do have recommendations for sixty days on item sixty one thirty days on item fifty two and two weeks on item sixty five and then thirty days on our fifty three

yeah pro temp um do we put 57 for 90 days 57 for 90 yes 65 i had two weeks is that not accurate

Which one? That's 66. That one is proceeding. What do you want to happen with that one? Leave it, let it go? Let it go.

Okay, I see what it was with this new one. So 94.56, 94.57, and 94.60. Cutting numbers was off on my original request.

All right. You want 90 on 60? 60 is already 90 days. That was the recommendation by DPW.

Do we just defer this condemnation item to the next meeting? I was, I was joking at 1st, but I think we might need to seriously consider deferring this item to for 2 weeks to the numbers get correct.

61 that's right. It was just the 1.

I would request that we don't defer because I won't be able to complete all of the re inspections before the next meeting with the volume that will be on the agenda.

So, you did want 60 days on 61. Okay. All right. I'm going to read them back. I'm going to attempt. So y'all pay attention and make sure this is accurate. We are proceeding with items 54, 59, 66. Two weeks on item 65. 30 days on items 52 and 53. 60 days on item 61. 90 days on items 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62, 63, and 64. Feel good? Anyone wishing to speak on these items? Seeing none, motion by Councilman Hurst, second by Councilwoman Harris. Any opposition? Motion carries. Councilwoman Amorosa. Meeting's adjourned. Thank you for your continued service. God bless.