City Council - Regular Meeting

Here to the stand indivisible. All right. To begin this evening, we have a presentation of a proclamation by the city of Cington Mayor Mark Johnson. Hello. Can you hear me? The city of Covington, Louisiana proclamation. Whereas a safe and adequate blood supply is vital to the health and well-being of our community, saving countless lives each year through transfusions needed for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, childirth, and chronic illnesses. And whereas volunteer blood donors are essential to maintaining this life-saving resource, generously generously giving of their time and compassion to help ensure that blood is available whenever needed. And whereas every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. Yet only a small percentage of eligible donors give blood each year, creating an ongoing need for greater community participation. Whereas the residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations of the city of Cington have long demonstrated a spirit of generosity, compassion, and civic responsibility by supporting one another in times of need. And whereas encouraging blood donations among the city of Covington residents helps strengthen our local health care system,

supports hospitals across the region, and contributes to the safety and resilience of communities. hand. Whereas the city of Covington recognizes the extraordinary contributions of volunteer blood donors and calls upon all citizens to participate in this life-saving act of kindness. Now therefore, we the city of Covington and Mark Johnson, Mayor, City of Covington, do by hereby proclaim the month of January 2026 blood donor awareness month in the city of Covington and call upon all citizens, businesses, churches, schools, and organizations to participate in and promote blood donation efforts throughout the year recognizing the life-saving power of this simple yet profound act of kindness. Thank you.

Excellent. Thank you. All right, we have peers this evening. Coington High School

FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team. Welcome. And Councilman, uh, yes. Uh, this is our parliamentary procedure team at the the local high school and, uh, they focus on Robert's rules of order. So, this evening, they wanted to come in and see it. in practice and I said, "Well, that's that's not good enough. You need to come up here and be an appear." So, fortunately, they're gracing our presence and they're going to give us a little synopsis of what it means to be on this parliamentary procedure team. Thank you. You want to introduce yourselves first? Yes, sir. We are the Coington High FFA parliamentary procedure team. My name is Bianca Childris.

My name is Tristan Angel. My name is Bentley Terabella. Abigail Pelgrren.

We are ninth grade members of the Coington I high FFA chapter except for Abigail who is a sophomore. And we are here to talk about Roberts of order, how it is implemented in our competition, how the competition works, and why order and structure are essential to our daily lives. Tristan would like to start. Today I will talk to you about something something that's fundamental to our success as assembly, as an organization, and even as a society. The essential role of structure. Structure is something that we use in our everyday lives, whether it be driving, going to school, or even a job. We always have some structure-based way of doing things. And without structure, they wouldn't be any order of peace. One example in my life where I use structure every day is in Mr. Inman's classroom. We have a system where we go and get our documents by row and this ensures that when we get our documents there isn't any infraction or chaos and it's all organized. Now you're probably wondering how does this relate to FFA and what we do in FFA. Well, I could sit here talk for hours about the how we use structure in our organization. But one really good way we use structure is in the competition called pardon law. We have to abide by the bylaws that are written in Robert's rules of order as explains in the 18th chapter. We must follow the bylaws/constitution of parliamentary law to be able to run a wellorganized meeting and this goes along with everyday society. If we want to be a wellorganized and peaceful society, we must obey the bylaws and follow structure. Thank you. In the parliamentary law competition, we are tasked with creating a realistic demonstration of a chapter meeting which includes fulfilling debate requirements. Two debates per person on main motions and two debates on extras. And in addition to that, we also have to

fulfill our motion requirements. So we have to we are assigned a main motion and then we are also signed an extra motion and this must be done in addition to crafting well-formed debates. Do you have any questions for us?

I don't have any questions for you, but I have a statement. I used to be a chapter farmer and I was on the parliamentary debate team uh for in Sladel for SL High and I really appreciate what y'all do. that's really kind of stepping up, especially, you know, being in ninth grade. Uh, that's a great thing. Uh, I know my daughter's following or my granddaughter is actually following into the same footsteps in 4 and so hopefully hopefully soon um she'll be in FFA and continue that. Thank you. Question. Have y'all in any of your competitions ever seen a team that wasn't very well prepared and didn't have their rules of order down and therefore the structure and

Yes, sir. How'd that go for them? Um, not not not too well. Chaotic. Well, thank you all for being here. I enjoyed hearing what you can't say. Compliments to you for being here. Compliments for you doing it and hope you stay and see a little fireworks, right? No, there's no fire. Um, well, let's hope not. Councilman Enman,

look, thank you all for being here. It takes a lot to uh put yourselves out in front of people and uh what you're doing is uh well learning about how this process takes place and again you'll see it in action tonight and hopefully you can model your behavior off of what you see. So thank you again for coming out. Yes sir. Thank you.

Thank you. Under our consent calendar this evening, we have our regular meeting minutes of November 4th, 2025. An introduction of item number 2025-12-01, an ordinance of the city of Covington providing for an increase in compensation for the city council for the city of Covington, which increase would become effective on July 1st, 2027. We also have introduction of item number 2025-12-02, an ordinance amending the official zoning map of the city of Covington to reszone lots five and six and the portion of the revoked alley uh square 2006 division of New Covington, city of Covington from neighborhood commercial to regional commercial. I need a motion to accept the consent calendar. So move.

I'd like a second. Second. Second. Can I get a roll call? Councilman Bushnell, yes. Councilman Roberts, yes. Councilman Inman, yes. Councilman Burrell, yes. Councilman Boxford, yes. Councilman Barrett,

yes. Under our regular agenda, unfinished business, items to be voted on. Public hearing in action on item number 2025-11-01, an ordinance of the city of Covington enlarging the boundaries of the city of Covington describing the property to be annexed and added thereto as tracks B1 A, B1B, and B1 C. That is section 29, Township 6 South, range 11 East. and also classifying this property as regional commercial under the zoning laws of the city of Covington. Uh first of all I need to address there is per section of the ordinance this property is actually within district C. It is on page two referred as district A. So I need a motion to amend that to district C.

Motion to amend. Second. I need a second. A roll call please. Councilman Roberts. Yes. Councilman Inman. Yes. Councilman Burrell. Yes. Councilman Bodzford. Yes. Councilman Barrett. Yes. Councilman Bushnell. Yes. All right. Councilman Roberts.

Yes. Thank you. U. So this is the, if you're not familiar with this, a track of land, 12 acres that's going to be in front of OALI Meadows in District C right before you hit Cington High. Uh, they're looking to put a baseball training facility there. I think it's the best use of land we can use because it's least resistance to our wastewater treatment what we have. So I know annexing becomes a key word there, do we do this or do we not? But I think it's probably the best fit for what we're trying to do. It was voted 50 unanimously for zoning commission meeting and I just ask that y'all approve it as well. Are there any public comments? Are there any further council comments? I would just echo those comments made by Councilman Roberts. I think it's an excellent use of the property and for the reasons that um that he put forth. I'll make a motion to close the public hearing and I need a second.

Second. I need a motion to adopt. So moved. I need a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilman Inman, yes. Councilman Burrell, yes. Councilman Bodzford, yes. Councilman Barrett, yes. Councilman Bushnell, yes. Councilman Robert, yes.

Under new business, we have items to be voted on. Specifically, resolution number 2025-26, a resolution of the Covington City Council authorizing the mayor of the city of Covington to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana. Councilman Lewis is not here and he has asked another councilman to address it. Yes, this is uh basically allowing the mayor uh to uh distribute funds uh for the Boys and Girls Club, which is long overdue and um a great thing and a great thing for the city of Covington. And uh beyond that, uh I'm going to turn it over to the administration for comments.

Yes. So, if you recall, we we received a state appropriation for a million dollars um for the construction of a Boys and Girls Club, and the funding is basically going to go directly to them toward the cost of the project. So, we last month, you approved the resolution to allow us to enter into the funding agreement with the state for the million dollars and this month, this resolution is our agreement directly with the Boys and Girls Club for the funding. Any u public comment? Any further council comment? I I'll say I'm excited for the Boys and Girls Club. It's amazing. I'm so glad to see where they're going and where they were and what their future looks like. So, good kudos to them and for Cington as well. So, thank you.

A new new site, um you know, new construction, uh you know, new beginnings. It's a wonderful thing. Permanent home. As I was there for the groundbreaking, I can tell you that that excitement is shared by the entire community, especially those in that area. So, um, kudos to all that made this happen. I need a motion to accept. Moved. I need a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilman Burrell, yes. Councilman Bodford, yes. Councilman Barrett, yes. Councilman Bushnell, yes. Councilman Roberts, yes. Councilman, yes.

We wish Councilman Lewis um well wishes this evening. He is not here for a family matter. And so we will move on to council district reports from district B. Councilman Bushnell.

Thank you, Councilman. Few Christmas events coming on in the city this week. Uh this month, excuse me. The Lollipop's Christmas parade will be Saturday, December 13th, starting at 3. You can go Covenant's uh website and check out the route for that. And after the parade at the trail head, it will be Christmas in Covenant with a guest appearance by Santa Claus and be lighting the Christmas tree at 5:30. Uh on Friday, December 19th at 6 PM at the trail head, uh be candle covenant by candle light music by the Zion Harmonizers. So come and check some Christmas carols out there and uh remember to shop local this holiday season and hope everybody has a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you, sir. Councilman Roberts.

Yeah. Um, I'm I'm light as far as District C goes. U, no complaints, no speeding, no anything. So, I appreciate, you know, police presence. Uh, everything was good. And Jim, you always think public works is amazing. So, without jinxing myself, thank you'all for what you do in District C. For sure. Excellent. Good to hear. Councilman Henry.

Uh, yes. Real quick, uh, potholes and ruts along Jefferson Minry have been addressed. Uh, speed data studies are are being implemented and requested. um South Taylor and 23rd uh is another one. Um lines have been repaired whether they're water lines or sewer lines on 19th and 24th respectively. Uh in terms of Gallagher Park, a real quick update. Uh the not all oaks have been planted. They look wonderful. Uh so thank you to the administration uh for going above and beyond there. When I say above and beyond, I think these trees are pushing 20 feet tall already. So it's quite impressive. the tennis court is uh well it's even closer than it's been in the past. So that's a wonderful thing. And then uh the Covington High School a department is going to work with the city to install a picket fence along 15th Avenue. This is a public safety measure uh as well as a beautifification measure. So that's that's a wonderful thing. at the library. Uh, Councilman Bushnell would probably, you know, be uh uh the perfect representative over there given his uh beautiful jacket this evening. Uh December 13th, they have the holiday picked. You can show up with your camera and they'll have the background ready. Uh Councilman Bushnell not withstanding. Uh 10:00 a.m. to noon uh is that is that uh that um session December 15th, Mrs. Claus tea. So, if you want to go have tea with Mrs. Claus, 11:00 a.m. to noon. December 17th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. is the kids Santa event. So, Santa will be there. And if you want to kick it up a notch on December 19th, yeah, Harry Potter, the Ule Ball, it'll be 2 to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon. So, go scope that out. Um, and uh, you know, well wishes to my Mes. So, um, she's on the mend and I appreciate all of the, uh, people reaching out. Merry Christmas to everyone. Thank you,

Councilman Burrell.

All right, District E has been a little bit busy. Uh, in November, Three Rivers Art Festival, another success. Seems to be every year. It was fantastic weather. So, that was a great event. Hope everybody was able to attend. If not, mark your calendar for next year. Uh, this past weekend, we had the Porch Fest. Weather was a little dicey in the morning, but turned out to be a beautiful afternoon. And so, thank you to all the homeowners that opened up their porches and their front yards and all the musicians that shared their talents for a great cause. That was a really wonderful event and look forward to it again next year. John, thank you for helping put that on. Um, I think people have covered most of the Christmas events except for the holiday home tour also in District E this year. So, that's on Sunday the 14th. Always a great event. Other than that, city looks wonderful. I love the Christmas decorations. I love the 12 nights of Christmas. I said this last year, the boys want to do this scavenger hunt for the 12 nights of Christmas every year. So, the kids enjoy that. Take them out on a bike or ride around your golf cart, whatever. Look for the the 12 nights of Christmas. That's always fun. So, merry Christmas. Happy New Year, everybody. And thank you all.

Council member Lord.

Yeah. Um, first off, I wanted to go over the updates from the uh the food bank. They wanted to put a big shout out to Coington High, uh, the local high schools and the food drives from just local individuals, businesses, and everything that they actually met their goal. And that's, uh, that's a great thing for because of, you know, especially with the shutdown and everything that was going on. Um, their November stats, average, uh, for November 2025 was 113 daily households served. Uh total for November was 1,259 households. New household res registrations uh 116 new house signups uh for food. Uh holiday meal boxes in 2025 is 500 were distributed for Thanksgiving and holiday meal boxes for 2024 was only 400. So they're up by 100 on that. uh comparison averages for November 2025 is 113 daily households uh versus 2024 which is 94. Once again, numbers are up. Uh comparison total for 2025 is 1,259 total households. Only 937 2024. Once again, it's up. Uh the amount of food drives our community has been uh breathtaking. November the donations was 29,862 pounds of food. Uh versus 2025, which is was only uh excuse me, that was in 2024. 2025 was 55,394 pounds. That's amazing. Our community really stepped up.

Uh so they're going to do the trim the trail head. The trees are up. Uh they're getting decorated this week or they pretty much are done with that. So go by the trail head and stop and look check that out. Also go by the trail head on Wednesdays uh for the farmers market as well as right by us behind here on Saturdays. Uh like Todd said, Porchfest was Dicey as usual. It rains every year, but it was a great success. Um, mind everybody to shop local. Also, for the admin, I want to give you guys a kudos because of that rain event that we had that washed everything out and stuff. Uh, all the bumps and lumps and stuff and it seemed I don't know if y'all had anything to do with that or not, but they they filled it back in from that last big rain event we had uh where they did the

Yeah, kudos to public works. I mean, they soon as they saw it and recognized it, the guys were out there uh crews refilling those potholes that washed out and other crews raking up autumn leaves out of the culverts that that that wash out of people's yards and start blocking it. So, they were just Johnny on the spot. So, very fortunate. Yeah, we're very fortunate for that. And with that, uh I just want to wish everybody a merry Christmas and happy new year. That's it.

All right. As Councilman Burrell said, on Sunday is the History and Holly home tour put on by the Covenant Heritage Foundation. It'll be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The registration will be at St. Paul's Chapel. We encourage you to go out and u it's always a good time. And um I was at the Rotary Club Feed the Needy today. It was a good reminder of keep in your prayers those that are less fortunate than we are. It's a privilege to serve city of Coington and it's a privilege to work with you all. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. And with that, we will turn it over to administration.

Like to add just a couple of little tidbits to some of the things you guys mentioned. Uh kudos to the Lollipop Dance Group uh who came to us a few years ago with the idea of doing a Christmas parade which the city of Covington did not have. And uh and we acquiesced and uh laid out some stringent guidelines. You do it, you organize it, you pay for it. Um over the time uh the city has gotten a little bit more and a little bit more involved and they've earned it. And so, uh, if you haven't been to the to the the, uh, their their parade on Saturday, City of Coington's Christmas parade on Saturday, do that three o'clock to four o'clock, uh, right in downtown. Uh, as Councilman Bushnell mentioned, it ends at the trail head. Uh, Santa Claus will be there. Uh, lots of arts and crafts for the kids. Uh, there will be a petting zoo. And a big hit is karaoke, ch children's karaoke Christmas songs. And they get to get up on the stage and sing. and we had no idea how popular that would be. So, that's worked out really well. And we do a lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30. Um, there will probably be a mayor from South Louisiana marching in the parade with the lollipops and uh doing the dance moves. So, that that'll probably take place, too. Um, on uh the the the uh Heritage Foundation has done a really great job this year with the History and Holly home tour. Uh they'll have five members of the LOO there. uh playing. The Knights of Columbus will be uh walking around caroling. Kho Francis Children's Choir will be caroling. There'll be a Christmas market spread out and uh your ticket includes libations. So, uh as always, just one of Coington's signature events. On Friday evening, uh the Zion Harmonizers were mentioned. Uh they'll be doing a concert at the trail head on Friday the 19th. And the last song that they do will be Silent Night. and it'll be an audience

participation song with candles, lit candles passed out through the audience. So, really, really a nice way to kick off the Christmas season. And another nice gift for kicking off the Christmas season would be tomorrow morning, Santa Claus is coming a little bit early. We should start paving Gibson Street and uh and then moving on to Rutland. And hopefully by the end of the week, Santa Claus will be gone and we'll have two nice new shiny smooth streets uh in downtown. So looking forward to that.

Administration. In regards to the proclamation, was there someone here that you wanted to take a photo with provide the proclamation? And if you'd like to say a few words.

Thank you. Yes. My name is Michael. So going through life, right? Yeah. 864 days ago realized how truly important that is. My three-year-old was diagnos 19 or 20 at this point. She's had two tumor resection. She's had small procedures and every time you're getting that chemo, it just it's so tough for your blood. I mean, she's getting blood transfusions. She got 84 and think about 84 times that someone went in there and gave their time so she can continue treatment and stay alive. I tell you like one of our scariest moments was when her playlist were getting low because she called gas blood and we had to drive across the drive across the lake to the back hospital and I remember I remember my wife saying don't you think about that so low it's not like get a cutle out anything like that and you're done. You're done. And that was a real realization of how dangerous and that she could not have done it without all these people. When we got down there, she had bloody sitting there just waiting and waiting for blood to get there because this time of year it's pretty challenging.

And so I'm so So thankful for the council for bringing to life the need for blood and for the people of that take their time to go out there for the blood center providing that avenue to get blood and she's doing well she's about six months remission but the key thing to remember is I mean there's still kids but there's hundreds hundreds of kids out the state that are in the hospital they're going to be Just here to encourage anyone and everyone here at time.

Thank you. Thank you.

My name is Billy Wheels. I'm the president and CEO of the Blood Center. I asked Michael to be here tonight because I think it's really important that you all hear the impact from an individual whose lives was impeded by what you all do, what we all do. Take a few minutes out of your life every day and donate blood. It makes a huge difference. Everybody who donated blood once a year, donated twice, we could avert most blood shortages in this country. The overwhelming majority of the blood shortages would be averted. So, in my mind, I've been doing this for 37 years. I'm a 49y year resident of Coington, Louisiana. So, let me say clearly in my mind when you when you think about it, the life you saved today could be yours. It could be one of your loved ones. So, get out and donate. It really is not difficult. We appreciate this. Mayor Mark, thank you so much. We appreciate the proclamation. We appreciate your support. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you very much. All right. Well, with that, um, I will remind everybody that our next city council meeting will be Tuesday, January 13th. There are any problems, let's wait till next year.