City Council - Regular Meeting

You got an agenda? Sure.

Yes. I'll take Uh I mean if we approve yet

standard every Historically, you kind of do 3%. And you know, there's a there's 2% built in every year. Publica public nonpublic safety is only here. Now, what can happen is that, let's say you've got someone who [laughter]

Yeah. Yeah, someone doesn't mechanic one's cash on there. Someone someone could be here 20 years and ever need to do mechanic. That's why I sent the agenda out so late. I was waiting for you to finish it. passing some legislation. That's why there's different levels of just

you know what they won't be able to do more changes. Yeah. So, yeah, basically 3% raise

someone give that raise because you'll get 3% now for the rest of the year and then whenever the step increase comes 2% will be on two call this agenda meeting to order. Um, Mr. Fairboard, you lead us in prayer. Mr. Fun, I mean in the pledge, Mr. Fund, you lead us in prayer.

Lord God, we stand at thy presence and invite the community to guide us in our meeting. And Lord God, we ask that you look down upon our city and bless all of us in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. Faith flag. I aliance 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. Mr. Renee,

appoint a chairman to review bids for project number CP 3242, Southern Sewer Loop Golf Highway Lift Station. Appointed chairman to review bids to purchase road-based limestone aggregate per specifications for use by the public works department. Appointed chairman to review bids to purchase 400 PSI readymix material for use by the public works department streets division. appointed chairman to review bids to purchase replacement retractable telescopic riser seating in the coliseum at the Lake Charles Event Center. Public hearings public hearing and consideration of the Lake Charles planning and zoning commission's decision to deny request for a special exception in order to reduce required four parking spaces to three parking spaces for existing all change business within a business zoning district at 4820 Nelson Road. An ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter into an agreement for demolition of a structure located at 1610 Graham Street. Alan J. Mitchell owner. Another demolition at 601 Church Street. Richard Logan, Senior and Dora Lee Bro Logan, owners. Another demolition at 202 Armstrong Street. Kevin Andre Carl Carlin, owner. Another demolition at 1528 Pine Street. Thelma Hill, Willie Mayill, Sadie Dodson, Ed Lee Leoo Jr. and Floyd Michael Leoo owner subject to attack sale to the state of Louisiana. Another demolition at 1900 Prejan Drive burned apartments only plus Vendon Apartment Homes LLC owner. Another demolition at 1514 Graham Street, Joseph Howard Beverly owner subject to a tax sale to the state of Louisiana. Another demolition at 2645 Aaloosa Street, Dolores Simeon Estate and Lisa Gail Simeon owners. Another demolition at 2039 Willowick Street.

Chris Wayne Athetherton owner and Twilight Keith of McCain Rishard estate owner subject to tax sales to Central Properties with Union Bank as secure party state of Louisiana and Cash Street Capital with Union Bank. Another demolition at 2011 Fry Street, Kings Roofing LLC, owner. Another demolition at 2716 General Travis Construction Commerce and Maintenance LLC. Valerie L. Dennis, Kathy J. Williams, and John A. Lee Jr. owners subject to a tax sale to the state of Louisiana. Another demolition at 2036 Street. Walter Joseph Brigack III and Monica Marie Clark Brrignack owners. Or ordinances for final action. An ordinance accepting the lowest responsive and responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter into an agreement to purchase firetruck equipment for use by the Lake Charles fire department. An ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles enter into an agreement for project number CP 3309 Hamry Road Waterline Extension Elliott Road to Big Lake Road. an ordinance modifying chapter 21-2B of the code of ordinances for the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana to adopt a rate structure commensurate with the 2025 water rate study. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to implement a pay increase to W3 Marshall's office employees and to adjust the W 3 Marshall's office pay plan accordingly. an ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to implement a pay increase to Lake Charles city court employees and to adjust the Lake Charles city court plan pay plan accordingly an ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to implement a pay increase to career service non-career part-time and temporary employees and to adjust the city of Lake Charles pay plan accordingly an ordinance authorizing the

city of Lake Charles to implement a pay plan to civil service employees within the Lake Charles fire department and to adjust the Lake Charles fire department pay matrix accordingly. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to implement a pay increase to civil service employees within the Lake Charles police department. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles enter into a professional services agreement with Moffett and Nickel. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles enter into a professional services agreement with Providence Engineering. [music] An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter into a professional services agreement with Spell Structural Consulting LLC. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter into a professional services agreement with Lonso Engineers Incorporated. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter into a professional services agreement with ELOS Environmental. An ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter into a professional services agreement with Blue Wing Civil Consulting LLC. resolutions. A resolution accepting project number CP 3381, Center West Water Treatment Plant, electrical starter replacement as substantially complete and authorizing the advertising of the 45day lean period. A resolution accepting project number DR00009 LCPD annex as substantially complete and authorizing the advertising of the 45day lean period. A resolution accepting project number CP 3423 WWTPA basin A-05 sewer rehabilitation as substantially complete and authorizing the advertising of the 45day lean period. A resolution setting date for public hearing on condemnation of a structure located at 8/19 M Street Brian Keith Design LLC owner with the companion ordinance. A resolution setting date for public hearing on combination of a structure located 17516th

Avenue burn structure Rose M. George Sas owner with a companion ordinance. A resolution setting date for public hearing on condonation of a structure located at 1701 and a half North Adam Street burn structure. Robert Billings Pooie [music] Robert Billings Poochie Senior Nancy Twe Gri Poochie Brenda Diggs Arf Richard I mean Robert Willie Poochie Alvin Willie Poochie Jr. and Onet or Puchi Gatewood owners with a companion ordinance. A resolution setting date for public hearing on condemnation of a structure located at 2310 Channel Street, Lewis Green Estate owner with a companion ordinance. A resolution setting date for public hearing on condemnation of a structure located at 2401 Wood Street, Lara L. Stinson, owner subject to attack sale to the state of Louisiana with a companion [clears throat] ordinance. [music] A resolution setting date for public hearing on condemnation of a structure located at 1206 Hunter Drive. Brandy Alexis Henderson and Edward Joseph Henderson owner subject to attack sale to the state of Louisiana with a companion ordinance. A resolution setting date for public hearing on condemnation of a structure located at 1716 22nd Street. Brian Keith Gillery, owner with a companion ordinance. A resolution authorizing the city of Lake Charles to advertise to receive seal bids for project number CP 3242 South Park lift station force main and gravity extension with a comparion ordinance. A resolution authorizing the city of Lake Charles to advertise to receive seal bids for project number CP 3503 2025 asphalt overlays with the companion ordinance. A resolution authorizing the city of Lake Charles to advertise to receive seal bids for the purchase of one new service body crane for use by the public works department wastewater division with a companion ordinance. A resolution designating the honorable

Marshall J. Simeon Jr., Mayor of the city of Lake Charles as the official project representative for any project administered through the drinking water revolving loan fund by the Louisiana Department of Health or the Clean Water State Revolving [music] Fund by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and given signature author authority for all relative documents on behalf of the city of Lake Charles. a resolution setting date for appointment of a member to the personnel board to fill the expired term of Jason Bell for a period of six years. The date will be set to receive resumes through April 17th, 2026 and the actual appointment will be made at the May 6, 2026 meeting. introduction of an ordinance creating the positions of chief of administration and chief of operations within administrative division of the Lake Charles fire department and to provide for the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities for such positions and other related matters. Introduction of an ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles enter into an agreement for project number CP 353A Buddy Prajan softball lighting [music] introduction of an ordinance enlarging the boundaries of the city of Lake Charles Louisiana by annex annexing properly general described as south side of the 4600 block of East Cran Lake Road containing 96 acres more or less defining with certainty and precision the territory to be included in the corporate limits to the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and otherwise providing with respect there to introduction of an ordinance assigning zoning classification of business to property general described as south side of the 4600 block of East Pran Lake Road containing 96 acres more or less defining with certainty and precision the territory to be included in the corporate limits of the city of

Lake Charles, Louisiana, and otherwise providing with respect there too introduction of an ordinance assigning council manic district B to property June described as south side of the 4600 block of East Pran Lake Road containing 97 acres more or less defining with certainty and precision the territory to be included in the corporate limits of the city to of Lake Charles, Louisiana and otherwise providing with respect there too and skip to number 61 because the rest of these are companion ordinances. Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the city of Lake Charles to purchase property bearing Kushu Parish assessor's parcels numbers 00593001 01343244 and 00599689 from the record owner. Mr. Bilbo requested that these two items be placed on tonight's agenda. a resolution setting date for public hearing and consideration of the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission's decision to approve a request for a major conditional use permit in order to establish a runway matting facility in an existing commercial structure, including variances to one allow use on local street versus required location adjacent to and has access to an Ontario or collector street and two allow resin and paint application to matting product within a mixeduse zoning district at 2925 Industrial Avenue and a resolution setting date for public hearing and consideration of the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission's decision to approve a request for a major conditional use permit in order to construct six town home units with variance for front setback of 20 ft versus the required 25 ft within a mixeduse zoning district at the north side of the 2200 block of East Crown Lake Road. And that's all that I have.

Before we get started, I don't know if anybody was collecting cards. Did we have any cards? I didn't receive cards. All right, Mr. Weatherford, I don't have anything. Mr. Bilbo, I don't have anything. Mr. Fondelle, I don't have anything. Excuse. Mr. Bezog, I'mma mess it up. Yes. I'm just curious. Number 32, Miss Renee, the LCP annex. I'm just curious if that is the investigation building or is that the annex on common street? Can somebody answer that? The latest one. The annex 32 that's under a 45day leave period now. Is that the annex on common street?

That would be the Yeah. The the Dixon building investigations is already I know which one. I thought investigation was done. Yes, sir. And the 45day period is over. This is that one. Yes. So Chris, I know it's it's late, so I was just curious building constructed by There's no doubt. I I I'm aware of that. Oh, great.

Uh, one more thing. Uh, Miss Wendy, I'm asking on with the road the closure on sale road, which is near and dear to my heart and also Mr. Cardone. Uh, I've got a few phone calls. Of course, the only request I've gotten was when you're south on Lake Street and you get to sail, there's no detour sign there. So, people are still taking that right and then they realize. So, if we could put something on Lake Street that says detour, continue south, I think would make a big difference. Just a suggestion.

Okay. cuz I was I was down there earlier today going south on No, I was headed north and there is a there's an illuminated sign, but there's nothing if you're going south. So, yeah. Okay. I'll make sure I'll make sure something goes up there. And thank you. I got several phone calls about the Cob Lane traffic circle leak and I got a call yesterday from our police and I was happy to say that I reported it. We checked it out. We know what it is. So like and we're working on is just west. That's all it has. West. Okay. Yes. Mr. Fondale. Yeah. Um were you there when they removed the homeless people? You were the officer talking to mayor. Mr. Kirkman. Yeah.

Oh Kman Street. On Kirkman Street. I saw that. Uh uh no sir. I wasn't there but I did receive pictures and so that property has been clean. Clean mileage as of today. You wanted to make it public. what happened if you don't mind um repeating it what what the investigation found and well the investigation was handled by DC goday that that well was there he just notified me today that uh their investigation was complete and that uh the homeless shelters that were temporarily set up bulldozers came in and that they they've cleaned it all up and uh I he would have to be the one to tell you where those people have been displaced

well on it also what it was. It was six people living there and one of the guys was a homeless veteran. Okay. He did tell me about the veteran and the police department went there and told him that they had to move and this homeless veteran had all of his living there in that spot and they offered to take him to sulfur. And what is that? Venton, is it Venton? Venton. Vent. Yes. What is that? That's a veterans homeless. Yeah. a place where where they shelter veterans who who unhoused. Yes. So they came back the next day and he was still there and they wind up taking him and took a picture of him outside the veterans home. Right.

So we actually got him a place to live. And I just wanted to congratulate the uh Lake Charles police department on Thank you. I'll pass it on to DC Goaker. I think he's the one that actually he and Sergeant Aean actually gave him a ride to uh well we received a a letter from a resident saying don't don't to feel have some sympathy for the homeless and we do by by y'all actions. I just wanted to acknowledge that. All right. Thank you sir. Thank you for that observation. That was that was I think that was above and beyond the call of duty for them to actually take the gentleman to Venton because he served his country honorably and he should have been treated with dignity and respect. Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Craig. And I' I'd like for us to um maybe keep note of DOTD did an excellent job cleaning that area up, but there's some other areas throughout town next to the interstates that we can get them to work on as well. Let's get together on that because that DOTD has been very cooperative on a number of things. Now we've got lights back on on the interstates and everything. So they're willing to work with us. One other question. Uh this might be for uh Mr. Stouts. We can't put addresses instead of these parcels. We can put both. Okay. Sometimes it's it's a better specification to use the parcel. I'm just

because sometimes a piece of property when structured they sometimes don't have Well, I'm just saying for the edification of the council so we'll know. Yeah. Hey, that's on whatever street it is. Exact. But those very well could not have they might have addresses. All right. Has an address. That's fine. Uh, the other thing I have [music] is the I got a call from a resident that purchased some property on Goss Boulevard and they want to do something on the property, but they're concerned whether or not they fall into the uh the area what we're going to purchase. It's 1511 North Goss Boulevard. So, if we can get some information on that so I can pass on to him.

Yeah, he he contacted me. He also sent a picture with the property and pointed it out. So, I'm getting that to the rightway people to make sure that I think it's a little further away from where the uh where the road is coming. I told them I thought too. I told them we're going to confirm it. Yeah. Okay. Uh place, I know we got it on the agenda for the burn buildings, but we were supposed to check into the other buildings. Have we found anything out on that? They're all there are everything that was left was included and Paula might want to speak on that but we met and um looked at the map of all the apartment buildings which ones had been demolished and which ones were repaired and which were left

and so those are all the ones on this upcoming they have two buildings that were repaired that don't meet uh condemnation standards that we did not include. So it's going to be torn down. They have two buildings that will not be torn down. the rest of them will be. I thought we were supposed to get I don't know if it was you, but I thought we were supposed to get with them to haggle that out for those two buildings because [music] I don't want that property just sitting there with them two buildings. I mean, that does nothing for us as a city. Listen, I I agree. First off, it's not going to be our property. We're going to tear it down and we're going to put a lean against it. We may end up with it,

but the and then the building be could become ours. The problem is they pulled a permit and they've repaired two buildings. Those are the two that we can't demolish. That's my understanding of it. Okay. They still need code. They code now. [clears throat] But okay, let me ask you that. And that might be you, Mr. Sto. [music] Can they separate those two properties without what we're asking them for? The whole property. In other words, can they say, "Okay, we going to fix those two properties. That's going to keep us from anything with the others." Mr. Marks, we're not asking them for the property. We are going through the condemnation process and we don't know what's going to they may tear it down. If they don't tear it down, we'll tear it down and place a lean against it.

I understand that. But what I'm asking is, can those two properties hold up anything that the city does like condemnation or anything like that going forward? No. Okay. I'm sorry. No, it's okay. I didn't mean to. Yeah, it's fine. Uh, has the um the street study that we did, has it been completed? Cuz we were supposed to get a list of the streets priorities, the ones that needed the most repairs. Yes, sir. I'm going to let uh Mr. Herman speak to that if he would. [clears throat] Herman Stevens, engineering manager. Please repeat that. Mr. Marks,

you remember we did a study? Y'all did a study, went around and and [snorts] examined the streets, and we were supposed to, the council was supposed to get a list of the priorities, the most damaged, the ones that needed [music] to work with that priority list. Has it been completed yet? Um, the initial pass on the city has been completed. That's the vast majority of the streets. Um, we have to review the data to make sure annexed portions of the city are included. Um, I'm sure some things have been missed. We will do a change order. They will come back. They will finish doing the study, and then we can try to organize that data and get it to the council.

Okay. Appreciate it. The That's all I have at this moment. Anybody else got anything else? We'll move to the portion for community. Leseawn Jones. Please state your name and address for the record, please. Lean Jones, 3985 Green Oaks Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70611. Okay. What? Tell us what you want or what you want to say. Well, I wrote it all out. That's fine. Read it. I have three minutes, right? Yes.

Okay. Okay. Good evening, honorable members of city council, staff, and fellow residents of Lake Charles. My name is Leseawn Jones, proud owner and operator of Cousins Bundles LLC, a small business that served communities in Michigan and Louisiana for over 13 years. Cousins Bundles is dedicated to helping families, individuals, and local businesses save money on everyday essentials. A mission grounded in compassion and community service. Cousins Bundles LC model centers around extreme couponing and discount distribution, allowing residents, especially those facing financial hardship, to purchase name brand products at affordable prices. This work has brought hope and relief to seniors, tirelessly working families, and countless members across of community members across Kashu Parish. Unfortunately, I'm here today because recent actions have jeopardized that mission. On March 10th, 2026, a private meeting was reportedly held by members of the city council concerning complaints about Cousins Bundles and other local entrepreneurs. I was not notified of this meeting, nor given the opportunity to represent myself or clarify how my how my business operates. Later, I was informed by local entrepreneurs that we were labeled a blight. 3 days later on March 13th, I was contacted by law enforcement and instructed to cease operations. I immediately complied and visited the city council offices to seek clarification. I was told that no occupational license was required without but that I would need written permission from the

property owner notorized and kept on hand. I agreed to those conditions and began making the necessary arrangements. After diligent effort, I was able to contact Mr. Brandon Levington, owner of the Altitude Property on March 17th, to request permission to operate from his parking lot. Unfortunately, I learned that he had already been contacted by city council member on Monday, March 16th, and was advised not to grant me that authorization. It was deeply discouraging to hear that local leadership interfere in my lawful attempts to operate transparently and in good faith. Cousins Bundles has never sought to disrupt the community, but rather to uplift it, to offer affordable resources to an impoverished community, to obtain the bare minimum essentials for its households, build trust, and promote small business growth. Here in Lake Charles, there are many in the community that have created an outpour over the services provided being halted that would otherwise be [laughter] um detrimentally impacting. My goal is to continue serving the communities of Lake Charles and beyond. During my three years as a resident of Kapushu Parish, I've worked diligently in relationships with law enforcement, public service workers, educators, and countless local families. My aim has always been simple, to serve and contribute. I urge the city council and community leaders to recognize the value that small minority owned businesses bring to this city. Instead of barriers, I ask for support and guidance. We need policies that encourage economic inclusion so that businesses like Cousins Bundles and many others struggling to make a difference

can flourish openly and compliantly. Lake Charles is a city rich in culture community. How much time you think you need? 38 seconds. Okay. If please vote to give her 38 seconds a minute. Please vote. The voting she didn't know. You'd have to just do by raise your hands.

Thank you. Um, Lake Charles is a city rich in culture, community, and opportunity. Let's work together to preserve that spirit and ensure that every entrepreneur who seeks to serve residents has a fair chance to do so. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued commitment to the people of Lake Charles. Tell me your name again. Lean Jones. Miss Jones. First, I want to address the fact that you [music] said that the city council had a private meeting. That was a public meeting that anybody could come to. The second thing I want to address is [music] you say you spoke to the owner, correct? Did he say you could operate on that property?

He pretty much was intrigued by the conversation, but he said that someone from city council told him not to grant me permission because we were already I was already given permission months ago. Um he just by whom? By the owner. Um he just had a problem with the food trucks that were up there. Okay.

See, I only come once a week, maybe 3 4 hours of my time because I have other businesses that I do. Um but it's a mutual spot where uh I guess people in the inner city can get to because I live over the bridge. I'm too far for them to travel to. So, I make a time to come to them and they and everybody can just partake and I can service a lot more people in need.

Well, I'll give you a little bit of clarity of what took place in our meeting and if I say anything wrong, the council or the administration can correct me. We encouraged people operating without a license to not that's what we wanted removed from there. If you don't have a license, you can't operate anywhere. If you have permission from the owner to be there and you have an occupational license, then you're good. We can only control what somebody is doing in opposition of the law. You follow what I'm saying? Now, that may not encompass everybody that's in that parking lot. But those people that are operating without an occupational license, they can't function nowhere in the city like that. And when I went for clarity with that, they told me I didn't need an occupational license because I am a LLC. Um, at first it was told like I had to switch my business to a Louisiana business. I said that doesn't make sense cuz federal trunk type state anytime. Then it was like, "Okay, you got to get written um permission on letterhead or written permission from the owner and get it notorized and keep and file a copy with city council and keep a copy on you." And I said, "Okay." No one gave me the owner's information and they called him on Monday. I didn't find through all the channels I could until Tuesday when he said that I needed to contact city council back because he was told not to grant me that permission and I said were what was it you were threatened because that spot according to locals has been empty since the hurricane

but empty don't mean that you can just go do what you want to do on the property right but I had verbal permission but I needed written permission and someone told him not to give it to me. Okay. Mr. Stoops, what she's saying about the law, is that correct? I don't know of any exception for her operating in the city of Lake Charles without an occupational license. I think uh maybe Mrs. Bear could uh shed some light on that. That's an artinerate fender license that she needs to apply for through occupational license. Okay. So, say what it again, Doug. Itinerate. Yeah. Artinate itinerate vendor's license. So there is a license required license.

Okay. So you have to [music] get that license. You go up on the seventh floor. Sixth floor. Sixth floor and apply for that license. All right. That would allow you to [music] operate. If I'm saying it right there without Go ahead. Property owner. She has to have

Okay. That's probably what they were asking for. I don't I miss that itinerate just allows her to operate on that particular piece of property or anywhere in the city. Um I think it has it has a uh it has the actual address where they authorized to uh so just for that she would have to get a written uh written permission from the property owner and submit that with to get the itinerate vendor license and that license would actually have the the area where she can operate a business. Can I can I Yes, go ahead.

I I think we're talking about the c the highway for Incorporate. I don't think the guy I'm assuming the altitude was a tenant. Now, he may still have a lease on that property and he may may or may not be able to subleasase it, but the owner, I think the same person owns basically from Northern Tool all the way to uh what Oak Park, whatever the whatever Oak Park comes when you cross Highway 14. standard says it's one owner for the whole park. The whole Yeah. Yeah. There's one owner that owns it. Just for clarity, if Altitude guy don't own it, but what if if Altitude gives her permission because they're tenant there,

can they give them permission to operate what is considered altitude? I would assume if if she's in [music] the building, but not in the park. Not in the parking lot right. Yeah. Okay. So, you understand what we're telling you? You're going to have to contact the owner again, get him to give you a a a statement in writing that you can do business on that lot, come to the sixth floor and apply for an itinerate license. [music] That's what I was trying to do the whole time. It's just that he pretty much was blocked regardless. Yes. Um the city council can't block him if he want to let you do that. So that's what's so weird. I don't know. That's why I'm here today

just going just going forward cuz he he said oh well I said well what about the spaces he said they're rather big and they go for 5 to7000 a month I don't what I'm doing is nowhere near that just for just for clarification Miss Jones get get a statement from him first you need that in order to come up here and get the license okay so once he gives you that statement it has to be notorized should it be notoriized Is it possible that whoever he spoke to the counselor what not to let him know that it's okay now that you I'm in front of you all and you saying that because he was under the impression that did he say who spoke to him?

No, he wouldn't give a name cuz I told him I would like to come and address and let people know who I am and my business. Well, that statement if I don't know how we get that the um all I can tell you is [clears throat] call him if he tells you it's okay. I mean that all well except the two councilmen that's absent. All of us are here. Did anybody up here call? No. Mhm. [clears throat] I was called from the people own the building and wanted the people off the property and I told him they couldn't be out there without I didn't give him any information. He called me to call the cops to get them off his property,

but it wasn't the guy who owned uh Altitude. It was the guy who owns the whole building. And I said, "Well, I don't I don't want to do that." And he said, "Well, I'm calling you. You the counselor. I need you to bring it up." before he was coming down here and that's how I got brought up but he called me. So you can is there a way where city council and its members give me some type of um I think support and guide yeah because because he called me and then he the people from the area called him first then he called me Jones is to have him call the city city will tell him that we don't have any opposition

and if it re if he refuses for his own I don't know cuz I don't know it's only weird cuz I'm complex. Are you talking about two different people? I think so. One is a renter and one is the owner. What what we're trying to get clarification on is that a renter can't give permission for the owner. So, she needs to get permission from the owner and the owner, you need to bring that verification to the city to get an itinerate license so that you can participate or run your business on that line.

Not the leasing company, the person who owns the building. The person who owns a building. All right, let me back it all the way up. People in Opark called the people who own the building. They came to city council to complain. So I called before they was I told them I would take care of it to see what the rules was. I didn't know the rules. So when they found out the rules, it was put out that everybody on that parking lot who didn't have permission from the owner. Somebody had permission from Northern Tools. Somebody had permission from uh the trampoline place. Somebody had permission from somebody else that was closed years ago. And I said, "Well, I can't give you comm permission. It has to come from the owner once you find out the rules."

To make this simple, Miss Jones, get that note giving you permission. Come to the sixth floor, get the itinerate uh letter, and then you can function. There's guys out of Houston, but it can't come from the guy who own the trampoline place. You don't own the LLC right now. So, how do I get information LLC like Charles? So, it's probably used. Well, you're going to have We're about to get We're about to get that for you. Thank you. That That's actually It's actually It's [laughter] actually It's actually a a company LLC that owns that property, [music] right? Which is the agency based in Houston or Yes, we think it's in Houston. I I think that LLC, the owners of that LLC are the Brandon Levington that I spoke with. We don't know, but they're going to give you the information of some contract where you can call. Okay.

All right. All right. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Ma'am, can you come back? Can you write this down? Can we just give it to it? They'll give it to you. Okay. Mr. Miles Brown before Mr. Brown is Mr. Terrence Prudam in All right. You donating. Okay. State your name and address for the record. Miles Brown, one204th Avenue. Uh, I just had some concerns. Is the city of Lake Charles still planning on building the sports complex at one Lakeshore Drive? Yes,

they are. Is there been approval documents that show that it's been approved to go there? They're going to turn in all the documents at one time like the mayor stated in the last meeting. Okay. And [music] there's no there's nothing that can show that it is been approved for sure. like it's just just they do it all at one time. I I I couldn't answer that. I just know that the mayor instructed us that we will get the approval of everything at one time. Okay. Only reason I'm I'm cons I'm I'm concerned is because if I recall listening to these meetings, you have a deadline to build that complex. Is it November still? No, it was never November. November 27th.

Um I think August of 27 or 28, huh? Yeah. August of 2027. and uh and the the state has already said that that that on a case-byase basis [music] they would consider extensions uh based on what we request. Okay. So basically August of 27. Yes. Okay. So what I'm concerned is that if you listening you haven't had an architect yet if you haven't still have an architect and here it is August that you have a timeline to do that. That's less than 18 months. So based off of how y'all supposed to be building this complex, similar to the one in Bryant, Texas, it took around 17 to 18 months to build and there still hasn't been no construction on it yet.

So I'm just hoping that this project gets done in time to where at the last minute somebody says, "Well, oh, we got some paperwork. They said that we could do it, but then you find out you can't or whatever the case may be, and it's just going to look like a big debacle." I would hate to see that $30 million or whatever amount is given has to get be brought back to the government because it failed to be done in time. Yeah. And we can assure you, Mr. Mr. Brown, that nothing will be done without proper approval and everything will be followed the letter to the T.

And and here's the thing, too. I hope so. That is a great thing is that there should be some kind of paperwork that says that it's been approved. I'm not I'm just going off people's word because if let's say you apply to go to college, they give you a paper saying, "Oh, it's been you've been approved to go to college." Um, somebody does your taxes, they should give you something that says, "Oh, your taxes have been filed." Whatever the case may be. I can tell you this, Mr. Brown. I would encourage you file a Freedom of Information Act for all documents relative to the sports complex and come back if something is there is not Yeah. I I just Yeah. I just don't I hope this is this isn't a last minute thing where you realize this isn't not going to get built or it's not going to get built. No, I don't think that would be the case.

I hope I I hope so based off of the timing cuz it takes longer than uh till August to get that thing built in time. So that's why I'm just hoping. But just for clarification, the mayor just clarified that on a case-byase basis, we can apply for an extension if we should have to run. If Yeah. If Okay. And last but not least, um I've noticed uh quite a few times when I come up here that not only do I get interrupted when I speak, but my time runs con consecutively, but then there's other times that people have less time than me. And not only do they not get interrupted, but I'll give them extra time and they end up speaking longer and it's not even voted on. Well, Mr. Brown, I'll clarify this. I'll clarify this. Interrupting me again, but okay.

You want to answer or you you just want to talk? Go ahead. I'm sorry. I just I just I just want trying to finish what I was trying to say first is that uh yeah so I just ask that in the future whatever rules that apply to me in the Robert's rules of order hopefully your city attorney knows these rules of order and he follows them consecutive with everyone and not just me I would like that to be going on that's all I ask so what were you going to say Mr. Marks are you through yes sir I appreciate you Mr. Thank you. Oh, that's You don't have nothing to say. No, I don't have anything to say. That's fine. Well, thank you. Let's go. All right. Any other things that we missed? I have one thing, Mr. M.

Go ahead, Mr. Mayor. Okay. U we have just want to notify the council that uh one of our members of the planning and zoning board, Mr. Adam McBride, uh submitted his letter resignation for personal reasons. he has to go and take care of his elderly parents. And so we get to appoint another person uh to on that place. And and I I wanted to uh put on the the um the agenda a resolution to appoint Mr. Nathaniel Rap Jr. uh to late Charles Border Zoning Adjustment. Mr. Rap is the plant manager at at KMA derivatives and uh he's eminently qualified. Of course, we we'll provide his resume and everything to everyone, but he's indicate that he's willing to serve on the board of zoning adjustment.

Just for clarification, mayor, is he finishing out a term or are we pointing him for a new term as well? I think his term was supposed to end uh this this year. I'll find out the exact date. So, I wanted to appoint him for a a new term, not to finish it. Not to finish the new term. Okay. So, just for [music] clarification, do we have to send that out or No, that's appointment. That's appointment. Yes. Okay. All right. I I'm in favor of the mayor adding it [music] to Um I Yeah. Okay. Thank you. And we'll uh Cory said he'll get together the fact sheet on it. Okay. Anything else? Meeting a journal. [clears throat]