City Council - Regular Meeting

Okay. Ready. All right. Good evening and welcome to tonight's city council meeting, February 3rd, 2026. This meeting is hereby called to order. Can I get a roll call? Councilman Lewis, Councilman Bushnell, here. Councilman Roberts, here. Councilman Inman, here. Councilman Burrell here.

Councilman Bosford here. Councilman Barrett here. If you can all rise for a moment of silence which will be followed by the pledge of allegiance. And would Patrick Brooks please lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. As our first order of business this evening, we have with us co- captain of the crew of Boga Fallayia, a man that is no stranger to this building, Mr. Larry Ro.

As you know, you have to give us your name and address prior to speaking.

And I don't mind doing that. Larry Rowling um 226 West 22nd Avenue in Covington, right down from the mayor down the street actually. Um thank you so much council president for inviting me here tonight. Also all the council members, y'all do a great job for the city. Miss my council on the Covington city council. I do miss it. But I'm glad to serve as the parish representative that includes the municipality of Covington. But yes, I am the captain of the crew of Bogafallayia parade. And I wanted to just give you kind of a little bit of a rundown of what's going to happen very soon in the city and it's catching up with us. I know the Fools opened things up for 12th night and it was a great event, great night for the city. Um and then you know Olympia is this Saturday and it's going to be a beautiful night. It looks like they deserve it and uh it I think the streets are going to be packed obviously. I think people want to get out there. So let me tell you a little bit of what's going on with the crew logo parade. This year's grand marshall, you probably heard, is someone we all know and love. It's um the owner of the English Tea Room, Tim Lant. And he is going to be a great grand marshal coming into the streets of Covington. We we can we can't wait to see him coming down Columbia Street and Boston Street and Jefferson and Tyler Street. So, we can't wait for him to reign as this year's grand marshall. Welld deserved. So, first what's going to happen is Lundy Gro. It's February 16th. Again, this is our third year at the Boof Fallayia Park. At 400 PM sharp, our grand marshall will be arriving on riverboat um to see the public. The public's going to welcome him coming off the river riverboat. Last year we had approximate like a thousand people there, which we were very very proud of to have th those people out there and they came from Southshore, Northshore. So, we're really excited about that. Then we second line to the southern hotel where on the steps of the

historic seven southern hotel the officers welcomed the grand marshall also with the mayor with a toast from the city. Um and then we all enjoyed a beautiful time at the Southern Hotel with a king cake and champagne celebration free open to the public. So, we invite the public to be out there to enjoy this great event against a historic event that happened in the late 1800s and early 1900s that the king of Carnival of the city of Covington would come on the riverboat, go to the Southern Hotel again while the mayor would toast him or her, I guess him at the time. Um, now we have brand marshals that could be him or her, right? So, we'll see what next year's looks like. But, uh, again, we wanted to bring that back. um bring a little light to Lundy Gro which I think the city is thrilled for us to thank the city of Covington all the directors and everything they do to make this happen the council of administration so we thank the mayor for that and the administration then the big day of course is Marty Gradard day which is going to be on the 17th at 10:00 a.m. Sharp in the streets of Covington. We're going to have of course the the Lions Club and the crew of Covington that will start things off and then followed by the crew of Bogafallayia. We have a really great parade in store for everyone in the city, the Northshore, and also people from the Southshore to come over. This year's title is reality of imagination with 23 traditional floats. um 650 Rody members. We also going to have the St. Tam special, the signature float that we had last year. They'll be back right behind the grand marshals float. We'll have eight high school marching bands. These marching bands are coming from Baton Rouge, Mississippi, Bogaloosa,

Covington, and New Orleans. So, we have a really great music extravaganza coming to the streets of Covington. Also, we have 10 marching groups uh that will also be participating. So, we are excited about that. Also returning is the Wii mobile, the Oscamaya Wiener Mobile. So, it's going to be coming down Colombia making that turn on Boston. Something to see, right? So, we're excited to have them back, too. This year, we have the inaugural crew of carts, and we know that the city of Coington is known for their golf carts, right? So Amy came up with the idea of let's get uh maybe like a crew like a marching group but it's golf carts that would decorate their golf carts could be a business individuals uh families etc organizations and uh they would just ride their golf carts in this group. So we have a nice banner um displaying crew of carts and we're going to have like 20 golf carts that follow as a group and they're going to be throwing their own stuff out to the crowd. So I think it's going to be fun. It's going to look great. So, we're excited about that group this year. So, now I want to talk about our signature throw. We unveiling this year. Um, most of the organizations have a signature throw, especially in New Orleans, uh, different things from shoes to purses to sunglasses, etc., etc. So, at the last few years, the officers uh, which Joanne Rucker is one of our officers, and we thank her for everything she does on our committee. Um, but we came up, I think as a joint, I think Amy might have came up with this, but we all agreed is why not do a golf cart and decorate it. And they all different. None of them are the same. And I have one here just to kind of give you a little bit of a look what it is. It's a miniature golf cart and they all decorated differently. So, this is our signature throw that I think is going to be a major hit on the streets of

Covington. So, uh, I know the officers float this year will have these. Um, next year we're going to open it up to the members. So, they'll buy the plane golf carts from the crew. So, we want them consistent and they will decorate them how they see fit um for their theme of the float and also Martyra colors and etc. This thing is unique. It's beautiful. Joanne Rucker, I want to thank her. Uh, she has worked very hard on getting a lot of these decorated. uh the members um the officers decorated some each. She probably um decorated 80% of them, I would I would say. So, at this time, um I want to talk about a couple other things, but really quick, I know Joanne has a presentation um she wants to do right now on our signature throw.

It's to our mayor. Sorry, the mayor. It's the mayor. It's the mayor. Thank you. You're welcome. So, enjoy it. So, it's got slow your roll and it's got your picture. I know, right? I love And then your picture. Show them the back.

Show the back. It's got and I Thank you, Jo. And that's the beautiful thing. That's the beautiful thing. They're going to be very unique. We have some Saints stuff, LSU stuff, just Marty GR stuff in general. The um uh we have a couple that's the anniversary, the 250th anniversary that's coming this year, you know, that we celebrating. There are so many unique um cards. And again, this is this is one just this is that's nice, right? You decorate it. Yes. I think I did. That's right. I didn't do a bad job. Anyway, okay. So, real quick, and I'm not going to hold y'all up any longer.

The after parade party again will be at the trail head, and we thank Sarata, her team, uh, public works, the police department, the fire department, everything they do to make this happen in the city of Coington. We have a lot of people coming to town. So, that's going to be at the trail head 1 to4. The entertainment is Soul Revival. We have a costume party. It's sponsored by the CBA. They've been very very kind to our organization every year with this event. So, we're so proud um for to have this event again. So, I want everybody to come out and enjoy the parade, enjoy Lundy. And again, you know, Covington is on the map for a destination. Now, we did see a lot of people from the Southshore come over. Their families live here now and they just want to enjoy a safe environment and a family environment. And I thank again the administration and all the directors, everything that you do, we appreciate it very much. So again, I want to thank all of y'all for being here to welcome me and I'm so glad to talk about a great event and um and with that said,

we'll see you Lundigra and Mardigra, right? Hail to Mardigra and Coington.

Hail the crew of Ogafallayia and Larry. You have done a tremendous job. We are all very pleased with the growth and responsible growth of the parade to to go from where we were to where we are now. Um you deserve a lot of credit. Uh mayor and the administration, Mike Cooper and the parish all working together to build carnival in Coington and the Bogafallayia is part of that and with Olympia and naturally the fools kicking it off on 12th night. But when you look at the lineup, we had a great logistical meeting last night. So, thanks for doing that. And um I think our lieutenant governor in fact is going to be part of the parade.

Thank you for mentioning that. The lieutenant governor has a float. This is very interesting. Thank you so much. If I can have another 30 seconds. Um the lieutenant governor has been always very good to our organization, right? So every year he would give us a float that the same super fans would would ride on. He would kind of give us that lend us that float. This year his river boats come and I don't know how big it is. It's a traditional float, I'm sure. But the unique thing is he's invited the riders all over the state of Louisiana to ride in this parade and write about this parade. So this that's who's going to be riding on this float and he will be riding too. So how great is that? Our Lieutenant Governor Pic Cington to ride. So thank you so much. Uh I have a seven o'clock meeting. I'm gonna have to leave but thank y'all very much for everything you do. Mayor, thank you. I know you have um respect for our organization and confidence in us to put something really good on the street and we thank all of y'all. Thank you.

Good deal. Thanks.

All right. Under our consent calendar this evening, we have regular meeting minutes of January 13, 2026. An introduction of item number 2026-02-01, an ordinance of the city of Covington, amending the provisions of the Covington code of ordinances, chapter 42, environment article 1, general section 42-2, dealing with noise control. Uh, accompanying that and part thereof is introduction of item number 2026-02-02, an ordinance of the city of Covington amending the provisions of the Covington code, chapter 66, offenses against public morals section 66-106 in layman's terms, the disturbing the peace ordinance. We also will introduce item number 2026-02-03 which is an ordinance of the city of Covington to amend the 2026 operating and capital budget. I would like a motion to accept the consent calendar.

So moved. I need a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilman Bushnell, yes. Councilman Roberts, yes. Councilman Inman, yes. Councilman Burrell, yes. Councilman Bosford, yes. Councilman Barrett, yes. Under our regular agenda this evening, items to be voted on. Public hearing and action on item number 2026-01-01. This is an ordinance of the city of Covington to amend the 2026 operating and capital budget. C. Uh, Councilman Burrell.

Thank you. Um, so this amendment is a $300,000 repaving of North Taylor from Columbia to West 26th. The money is coming out of the GMA fund, which is that fund that we share with the the parish. They contribute a portion of their sales tax in the unincorporate areas around Covington. Um so I think it's a great project well needed and uh they anticipate to get the work either kicked off or completed by summertime kicked off by the summertime. So it's good to do Cali cover it. All right. Is there any further public comment and is there any council comment?

The only thing I have to add to that is I've had a number of residents reach out about that section. So, it is sorely needed and I'm glad the city uh administration is certainly putting their eyeballs on it and we'll be putting it to put putting the work in come the summer. So, absolutely well done. Good news and thanks for sponsoring the um the action item. I need a motion to close the public hearing. So, move. I need a second. Second. I need a motion to adopt. Motion. Is there a second? Second. Roll call, please. Councilman Roberts? Yes. Councilman Inman? Yes. Councilman Burrell? Yes. Councilman Bodzford, yes. Councilman Verrett, yes. Councilman Bushnell, yes.

Moving on, public hearing in action on item number 2025-09-02. I would remind uh everyone this ordinance was previously tabled at the October 14th, 2025 council meeting to allow an opportunity for further review. It is now ripe uh for action. It is an ordinance of the city of Covington amending the Covington code of ordinances, chapter 18, buildings and building regulations, chapter 102 dealing with vegetation and appendix B. It is part of the comprehensive zoning ordinance of 2010. We have someone with us that will say a few words. And while she's coming up, I just want to remind everybody this is part of a um very unique and special program where we have experts, and I mean that in a nice way, dealing with updating each of our ordinances. As great as Coington is, that is long overdue. So, ma'am, if you come up and give us your name.

This is Evelyn Campo with Desire Line. I just wanted to let youall know she's here representing.

Thank you so much. And just before I start off, does anyone from the administration have anything they want to say on this? Okay, you all good? Just didn't want to jump in. Um I'm here from Desireine. We are um a consulting firm that supports many of the communities on the Northshore with just as you said, updating um our land use regulations and our code of ordinances to make sure that we're kind of keeping up with um basically the newest and greatest building science and zoning practice. So, that's why we're here on this item. We're also supporting the city. Um, in other code update items, um, and I know we've all kind of discussed that as they come along. Um, so this item in particular is really what we call a housekeeping text amendment, which is pretty much um, just making like minor tweaks to references, um, clarifying existing uh, intent. So, not necessarily changing the intent of any of the standards, but bringing them in line with um the international building code and international residential code. Um they issue new releases every couple years. And so the state has a practice of adopting those, but the local jurisdictions also have to adopt them. So that basically shows that um we are using the best practices with um building design, construction, and inspection. So, that's pretty much what this is for, right? Is to update those references. Um, we also updated some fees to keep those in line with the cost of um administrating the the um building codes and the zoning codes. Um, and we clarified um some specific language relevant to like positions in the city like the certified building official um and code enforcement department. So really this is kind of a preview is how I would frame it of some code updates that are more to come but this is just

the tip of the iceberg just making sure that we're in line with um what the state has adopted. Excellent. But if y'all have any questions let me know. Well it great opportunity for me to also say and I don't mind saying it that you've been a joy to work with Desire Line. Thank you guys so much. People don't realize the number of meetings that we have. Wow. So when we talk about a streamlined council meeting, it is because we've done our homework and you make it easy. Very true. And as everyone goes, you I know you're doing a great job because everyone's going around saying, "Oh, well, we're going to we're going to tackle this. We're going to tackle that. We're going to do trees. We're going to do ordinance. We're going to do all the we got all these things." And when in reality, we're doing it step by step with you. And so, thank you.

That's right on. And thanks so much to the staff who has been arduous in making sure that we know all of the things that the city wants to change at once so that we're not like wasting time going back and forth. So great job. Any council questions or comments for Yeah, I'd also like to point out that I think it's really great how you present this to the public too uh by having the meetings and it's uh I've heard a lot of feedback from that. They're very grateful. Um it's not like a surprise that u thrown upon them and they really appreciate y'all doing that. That's great to hear. We have had a number of public meetings and we have one coming up, too. So, everybody's been really good at being engaged. Good timing. We have a community open house on Tuesday, February 24th,

5 to 7:00 p.m. It'll be at the Firehouse Event Center. Join us for food, drinks, and land use activities. That sounds fun, right? To develop code amendments to support our city. So, um, thanks to department heads for working with Desire Line. Thank you. Uh we're gonna tackle all this and we're going to get it done. Great work, y'all. Thank you. Any public comment hearing? None. I need a motion to close. So moved. I need a second. Second. Is there a motion to adopt? Motion to adopt. I need a second. Second. Roll call. Councilman Enman. Yes. Councilman Barrell. Yes. Councilman Botzford. Yes. Councilman Barrett. Yes. Councilman Bushnell. Yes. Councilman Roberts.

Yes. Under new business, we have an item to be voted on. Resolution number 2026-01. It is a resolution of the city of Covington which authorizes the use of an unconstructed portion of East 34th Avenue. Councilman Bushnell.

Thank you, Councilman Verrett. This resolution gives uh Sharp nine properties permission to uh construct a driveway on a portion of unconstructed rightway of East 34th Avenue with certain conditions such as a maximum of 50 foot uh east from the southwest corner of lot one. No access from the Lee Road will be permitted and the petitioner shall install two 42inch equivalent arch pipes in the ditch located on East 34th on the rightway approved by the city engineering public works department. In the event of any construction goes on on lot one, the city reserves the right to make any additional uh improvements to the roadway as necessary. And also like to note to attach this the department head's comments that we received.

Thank you sir. Any public comment? Any additional council comment? Hearing none, I will make a motion to accept. Is there a second? Second. Roll call, please. Councilman Brell, yes. Councilman Bodzford, yes. Councilman Brett, yes. Councilman Bushnell, yes. Councilman Roberts, yes. Councilman En? Yes. We will move on to council district and committee reports. Council district A. Uh I talked to Councilman Lewis today. He has a family issue and we hope um and we wish him the best with that. Uh District B, Councilman Push,

District B, I just want to say I hope everybody has a uh enjoys our Marty Groth festivities kicking off this Saturday with Olympia. Hope everybody has a safe, responsible time and uh be safe. Happy Marty Gro. Thank you, sir. District C.

Yes. Um I was absent so I want to apologize for my absence. Now I have twice the notes to written. I'm joking that um one, sorry for being absent. too. I missed the uh Steven Michelle being welcomed for fire chief. So Stephen, congratulations. Sorry I wasn't here to be there, but seriously uh very proud. Happy for you and I know you you're the man for the job. So thank you so much. U public works their response time is insane. We get the text message and it feels like 15 minutes later it's fixed. I don't know how but they do it. So kudos to public works out there. Uh but something on a serious note. Um this past month on a couple of occasions we had school lockdowns. Uh lockdowns are drills that they will run but sometimes they're not drills. I've been a part of the school system for about 14 years. I know the reason they run the drills and I know how mundane it can get. But the two things you can control is response time and coordinated communication. And when the school in our area went into lockdown mode for something that was serious, the response time and coord communication was unbelievable. I want to give all the props to Chief and all of his staff, men and women who serve what they do because there's a lot of kids out there that don't know what's going on in that moment and you guys do and I truly appreciate how fast you guys can take a a situation under control. So, thank you for what you did for us. Um, other than that, we live in a great place, a great city. It's unbelievable how many people have come together to help each other. So, uh, kudos to Cington for what they do. Happy Marty Gro, everybody. Stay safe.

Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. District D.

Uh, thank you, Council President. Um, I'd like to reiterate what Joey said really quickly. I can attest with firsthand knowledge how quickly that our uh Cington Police Department showed up. Uh, by my count, around 60 seconds. Uh, that's that's impressive. Uh, on to District D. I do want to mention that we do have a uh a new library director. Trevor Collins Collins is coming in. He was with the Ottoman Regional Library. Every every month I get up and I la what our local library does for our residents. So, uh, the outgoing director, uh, Miss Kelly Loraca, thank you for her service. Uh, she created a juvenile tiered card system in an attempt to keep explicit material out of the hands of minors. uh and without that I don't know that the the the tax renewal actually uh was a would would have been a success, but kudos to her and welcome to him. Um let's see. There's a thrift store opening up out just outside of Covington, but I did want to mention it. Um this is at 1936 Robin Hood Lane. Uh Allison Tommpkins and the Pink Ladies open this door. uh they are there to raise awareness and assist others uh that have been uh unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer. So if uh if you want to do some shopping, help out or assist, you can call them at 9852768900 or you can reach out at ampkins123gmail.com. So a very noble cause uh in the district in terms of infrastructure drainage on West St. Mary. I would like to thank uh our our public works department. It is still a work in progress, but you can easily see the work that's that's been done. Uh I would like to thank the mayor for uh the police building across the way. It looks fantastic. So maybe maybe

the police chief will give us the dime store tour at some point. I would appreciate that. And uh our tennis court may uh he doesn't know this yet. Uh we're planning an open house. He knows that. What he doesn't know is that I'm going to speak to him at staff on Thursday about hosting the open house at the new PDNX just before next month's council meeting. So, you know, something like 4:30 to 5:30 or whatever. We're all going to be here anyway. We can go across the street and check it out. Much appreciated.

Your service is appreciated both in 60-second timelines and uh you know, hosting. So, uh, the other thing is our tennis courts that it's still a work in progress to a degree. Uh, we did have a, uh, an entry point that went to a fence, not a gate. That is in the process of being remedied. I know that sounds silly, but that's some of the things that you come up against. And last, but not least, as a former soccer coach, I do want to wish all of our local programs uh, good luck in the playoffs. St. Paul, Hannon, North Lake Christian, and Covington are all in the playoffs on the boy side. And I certainly want to give a shout out to the coaching staff at Covington High School, uh Warren Guillot, uh Rick O'Donald, and AJ Lang. It's the first time since 2018 that Coington's been in the playoffs. So, uh that's kind of a big deal for them. And uh I also want to compliment the ladies side, SSA, North Lake Christian, uh Christ Episcopal, and Archbishop Hannon, who is the top seed in division three. So, good luck to the ladies as well. So, represent the the city of Covington and our residents and it'll be greatly appreciated. Good luck to all.

Thank you, sir. District E. All right. Some exciting stuff in District E. So, my very first meeting as a councilman, I was able to vote on the Columbia Street landing stage. Well, today they had the pre-bid meeting with the contractors to actually start constructing the stage after 18 months of of

diligent planning. Diligent planning. making sure we had everything just right. So, very excited to talk about that. Uh, bids are due next week, a week from today on the 10th. So, hope we get some some good quotes and some good bids and um have a great project there. The old stage has been demolished. It's no longer there. Thank you, Jim, and your crew for handling that. Um, but yeah, excited about that project. Um, the first uh Sunset the Landing concert for this year is scheduled for March 20th. So, we're not so sure that's going to be ready by then. So, we already have plan B. The city's temporary stage is on standby, ready to be deployed out there. Um, so we have a plan B and everything should should go great. Um, two exciting new uh additions to the dining and drinking scene in District E. Feliciana and Paradise. I had a little sneak peek some of us did on Sunday and that place looks fantastic. It's opening on February the 11th. And then uh the little blue door on Courthouse Alley next to Dne's Books kind of between Matina Bella and Boston. Um that's going to be a great little cocktail lounge and that's opening also on uh February 11th. So two new places in town in District E to go hang out. So let's go support them. Um let's see. Baseball registration shifting gears from eating and drinking to baseball. Uh baseball registration ends on February 14th. Cost is $55 a player. Lots of openings still available. So, if your kids are interested in baseball or softball, um, get them signed up for that. And otherwise, uh, everyone have a great, safe, and happy Marty Gro.

Thank you, sir. Councilman and Lord.

All right. Uh, want to give a shout out for the trace finally being open. Uh, I know that's a it's been a long time and I know it's a great economic impact for our city and for our local businesses. Uh, so, you know, congratulations on that one. Uh, Keep Cumington Beautiful is going to do their Arbor Day tree giveaway February 7th. If you don't have a tree or a place to plant a tree in your yard, maybe just green space. Go by and pick them up. They're free trees. Uh, it'll be here at the Covington farmers market. Uh, which brings me to that. Uh, the Coington's farmers market is on Wednesdays at the trail head and on Saturdays right behind us here. Uh they're also the Masonic Lodge is doing their fourth annual gumbo cookoff and that is Saturday, February 12th, hosted uh at 1:30 North Columbia Street. Uh come on out and all the gumbo you can eat for $10. So uh it's for a very worthy cause. It's for their uh tutoring for uh dyslexia program. So that's a a great uh thing to come out and support. And with my updates really quick for the food bank, um January 2, uh 6, they did an average of 114 houses a day. Uh 1,485 boxes. Uh February's most needed items are cereal, mac and cheese, canned fruit, and canned peas. And they want to remind everybody to save the date for all the golfers out there. They're having their golf tournament May 5th, 2026. And in 2025 uh year-end data, they served 9,300 individuals served. 41,142 kids food packs uh were distributed and it was a 35% increase especially in the kids programs and a 14% increase in

stapled food. Other than that, everybody have a safe Migra and uh that's it. Thank you. Oh, one last thing and don't forget line dancing with the mayor before the Olympia parade by the sun and and migra morning. Yes. My wife is very excited.

Well, based on pre based on previous uh um comments, I think it's before, during, and after the parade, isn't it? But no, that is that is fun. Um all right, so Mike's here uh with the uh gumbo cook off and the fourth annual Coington Lodge. he wants to say a few words and um since it was passed the agenda um I'm u deferring a little bit of time but it's cautionary it's a little bit of time good evening thank you for your time as mentioned it's that time of year again gumbo cook off this is our fourth to be held at the uh Covington Masonic Lodge this is an annual event that we put on to raise money to support the Masonic Learning C Center's free dyslexia tutoring program. This program is for children a grades three and up who are having difficulty with learning. We provide them intense four hours of instruction tutoring each week. Program lasts about two years. Class sizes are small so they get individual attention. Our students have done fantastic. We have in St. Contamin parish parishes we have a total of 17 classes right now. This is making a huge difference in the lives of these children. So

gumbo cook off. Everybody likes gumbo. For $10 you get all of the gumbo you can eat. We start serving the public at noon. I urge everyone to come out and support this cause because you can make a difference in a child's life. Thank you. Thank you, Mike. I will accept the challenge to help such a good cause to eat all the gumbo I can eat for $10. Thank you.

Thank you, Mike. Um just as a piggybacking off of Councilman Burrell's comments, we had a we had few of us were lucky enough to go to Feliciana in Paradise, new um new restaurant and uh top-notch top-notch job. And what it does, it reminds us as much as complaints we get about Rouse's grocery prices and the water bills that all of our restaurants are completely full at any given moment. And we're very fortunate with that. So, the reason I bring that up is I want to say here tonight that the administration and council continue to look for ways to improve parking downtown and we will continue to do that. So, with that, um I believe the mayor has a few comments this evening. This um this past week we had a surprise inspection as is typical by DEEQ of the wastewater treatment plant and uh to explain the results of that uh inspection. I'd like to ask director of public works Jim Oberry because you actually met with the the DEQ guy afterwards. Would you come up and and kind of share that with us? Good evening.

Good evening. So, so like the mayor said, we had our 5-year DEQ inspection, which is always dreaded. Uh, it is the inspector's job to find something wrong. So, I can't take any of the credit whatsoever. This is 100% Mike Brandt and his people. But the DEQ inspector found zero violations. And his exact words were, "I've never seen a better plant than what you have here in Covington." Uh most people don't even know that we have a sewer plant because it runs that well. And it's it's all because Mike Brandt and his people.

Great news. Great news. Now, now for the bad news. No, we don't have any bad news. That's awesome. Okay, he's scaring me a little bit. Straight.

Uh, as Councilman Bosford mentioned, we do have line dancing with the mayor uh before the Olympia parade. 5:45 in front of the Southern Hotel, 9:45 uh Marty Garde. Um, depending on who you ask, last year we had between 70 and 100 people on Boston Street moving somewhat in unison, not all together in unison, but uh, but uh, yeah, we we we do the wobble. So, uh, anyway, a lot of fun. So, come on out and join us if you can. Um, Collins Boulevard has opened. We got the four lanes, two lanes in each direction. And Cington PD has taken note that with the new open lanes, it's not the Indianapolis 500. People are really going too fast over the bridge. It's I think it's sort of a sense of relief. It's like releasing some frustration, but um you know, I was I was going 4550 over it the other day and somebody passed me like I was standing still. Uh they do have some adjustments to make with the traffic signals that was brought to my attention. I' I've communicated to DOTD particularly in the morning the left turn lane into village walk um you can now only turn on the arrow which previously you could turn uh if no traffic was coming. This is causing traffic to back all the way up to the crest of the bridge. So if you're coming from Clayurn Hill over the bridge too quickly, you're going to rear in somebody and it's going to be a a dangerous situation. So, I'd like to ask everybody, look, just enjoy the 45 miles an hour over the bridge and don't feel like you have to go any faster than that. Um, budget money is returning to the general fund. Often times, the council throughout the year, we do budget amendments. We allocate additional money for additional projects. But every once in a while, from time to time, um, the

administration actually returns money back to the general fund. And this is one of those times based on some recommendations by engineer Cali Baker. Uh Ceiling Drive, which is just a small little road, sewer improvements, uh the council budgeted $40,000 for that. Turned out it was going to be about five times that much and the return on investment for the taxpayer was really not going to be justified. So that money is now being returned back to the general fund. Um, we had drainage problems in river forest, particularly in the Kho France area, Patricia Ditch, grading and cleaning. The council had budgeted $225,000 for that. But as we went out to River Forest and we put those millions of dollars into road improvements and drainage improvements, that drainage problem subsided, pun intended. And uh, so so that $225,000 is going back. Savannah pond number two, we did a cooperative uh project with the parish, completed that. We've got another $5,000 going back to the general fund. Tam trace beautifification, the council had budgeted $156,000 of GMA funds uh for the trace drainage, but we were able to correct the drainage behind Lola and D Christina's inhouse through public works. So that money will now be returned to the to the general fund. So, in total, uh, we will be returning back to the mothership $425,000. So, uh, we always talk about what we're allocating, what we're spending. It's kind of nice to hear when things um, get go get to go back to the general fund. And that's what I got.

Good stuff, administration. Um, thank everybody for coming out tonight. Uh we are as a public service announcement going to move the uh April 7th council meeting to March 31st with Easter holidays and we are going to move the July I believe it's 7th meeting to July 14th. And with that um let's go have a good Marty girl.