City Council - Regular Meeting

Calling our regular August 19th meeting to order

Mr. Mark, could you lead us in the prayer?

Mr. Yes. The President.

Mr. Oh, Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for another day, Lord. Pray and ask that you strengthen us and guide us. Never let us be weary in well-doing, Lord. Pray and ask that you touch every family representative today, the administration, my fellow colleagues, Lord. Bless this meeting, that it may be productive and fruitful. In Jesus Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Alright, let's go ahead and do our roll call and then I'm going to is Chief Carter here. Call him up. We're going to be making a presentation. Let's go ahead and do our roll call first. We'll call first, and then we're going to do the presentation with Chief Carter. Mr. Bilbo? Here.

Mr. Young? Here. Mr. Harvey? Here. Mr. Weatherford? Here. Mr. Vezina? Here. Mr. Pondell? Here. And Mr. Marks? Here. Thank you.

Chief Carter?

Good evening. I'm Chief Carter, Fire Chief, Lake Charles Fire Department. It is my honor to submit this recommendation for honors and commendations for Lake Charles Fire Department personnel as written in this report. At 0933, the LCFD communications divisions received a report of a structure fire at 711 Fox Run Drive. While companies were en route, communications advised that a possible victim remained inside and could not escape because of the fire conditions. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy fire conditions in a multifamily dwelling, and with fire already extending towards an adjacent multifamily dwelling on the Bravo side, the heat, smoke, and fire conditions progressively worsened with each moment. From the time the first of companies arrived, the mission was clear. A life was in danger. Radio traffic was reduced to only essential emergency communications. Engine seven forced entry, established fire attack, and worked towards the reported victim's location at the rear of the structure. Engine six secured the water supply and then joined the suppression operations. Engine eight had command and operations and supported the team effort to control the fire. protect the exposure, and assist the rescue crew with the best possible chance to reach the trapped occupant. Ladder 6's crew was assigned to search and rescue. With the primary access points cut off by heat and fire conditions, the Ladder 6 captain made the decision to conduct a vent-enter-isolate search operation from the Bravo Charlie side of the structure. The crew encountered a privacy fence and other obstacles, but they did not allow those obstacles to delay the rescue effort. They removed a section of the fence, reached the bedroom window, entered the structure, located the trapped occupant, and brought her out through the window to safety. The victim was moved to an adjacent parking area where the crew began assessing her condition. Firefighters performed under conditions that demanded immediate decisions and courage. There was no hesitation in any of their efforts. Ladder six carried out the direct rescue, but that life-saving outcome was made possible by the coordinated work of every company and officer on the scene. Fire attack, water supply, command, exposure protection, search and rescue, and patient care all had to happen at the same time, and these crews made it happen. This incident may be to them just doing their job, but their actions could not be seen as just simply doing their job. The life was saved because these firefighters trusted their training, trusted in each other, and were willing to place themselves in danger as they would for anyone at any time when called upon. Because Ladder 6 performed the direct rescue, I believe that crew deserves specific recognition for the life-saving action. I also recommend commendation for every member whose coordinated work made the rescue possible in keeping the incident from being a bigger loss. And I would like to commend every last one of them for a job well done. But tonight, Ladder 6 crew is the crew that we're going to recognize, though internally, the department will recognize everybody on the scene. So if you would, Captain Jameson Welch, fire engineer driver Brandon Ware, and firefighter Jacob Ludeman.

You sure you want to come up here? And I'm telling you, I'm telling you.

Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Get in. You guys kind of get in the middle. That's all.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Thank you.

Good deal.

We're ready. All right. You want any comments? All right. Let's go ahead and Approve our minutes. Everyone had an opportunity to read the minutes. Any questions, concerns about them? Please vote.

Mr. Weatherford, right now the voting equipment is not working, so you'll have to raise your hand to vote or either say aye.

Say aye if you're in favor. Aye. Any opposed? All right. Thank you. All right. We're going to be deferring items 6 and 21. And that will be to our September 2nd, 2026 meeting. And we're also deferring items 11 and 18. And we don't have a date on those.

Got a question, Mr. President? We might be deleting 11.

Do I? Or deleting 11? Yeah. It says defer, but we're going to. So we're deleting item 11? Yes, sir, please. Okay, so item 11 is deleted. And are we deferring item 21, Mr. Bilbo? And we're deferring item 21 as well.

I have a question, Mr. President.

Yes, sir.

Can I get some information about why we're deferring it? It's the second time.

On number 21? Yeah. We're waiting for a response back from HUD. A response? Yeah.

Do we know what we're waiting for the response for?

Where not, they're going to be able for us to actually move it. Okay. The funding. The funding. Okay. It's not our decision. It comes from HUD.

Okay.

You know the questions all right so that Mister Bilbo if we make a week at least for that for 30 days I think instead of it going back up again please 30 days okay thank you thank you very much.

All right let's go and get started I remember too. And are on the militia are silly chose enters green for demolition stretch located 1751 6th Avenue burn structure rose in George size owner.

I'm going to offer the record progress subject property proof of service to serve on mail this re hearing from a 20th.

Good evening Council. This is a burnt structure means in the pictures. It's severely burnt. You have total roof collapse on the structure exterior wall collapse when the damage all was in the interior to severe weather damage of the structure.

All right, we do have one part on this item. We have one card here do Miss Alyssa Stevens Lisa And man if you could state your name and address for the record and let us know what you would like to see happen with this property

sure good evening council my name is elisa stevens i am the home i am the homeless outreach coordinator for catholic charities of southwest louisiana i'm here today representing catholic charities the address is 1225 second street in lake charles the resident that lives at 1751 6th avenue became a client of the Homeless Outreach Program for Catholic Charities back in January. Since January, we have been able to work with the Acadiana Law Center to secure a succession. So Rose Sias has passed away. So a succession has been secured for the current resident and his sister that was filed in court. The recording was filed on August the 10th. So it took several months to complete that. We have also filed for application with the community development reconstruction home reconstruction program. So that is now in the working its way through the approval process. I would ask you all to defer your vote on this item. If you all vote to demolish this structure, this resident will be disqualified from the Community Development Home Reconstruction Program. There has to be a home there to demolish to be able to qualify for the program.

Are any questions or comments from the guy I've been keeping up with miss Stevens she had been keeping me updated and I asked her to come. 2 reasons just explain the process and how diligent she been working and she also works with we've been talking about homeless. the last couple of meetings, and that's what her and her program do. So I said, if anybody had any questions, you know, we had the guys that was underneath the bridge. We had guys laundering, guys in the village. She maybe could be a direct contact for the city. I mean, that's what she actually do. But I'm willing to give her the time frame because I'd rather see Mr. Sires with a home than it be torn down and he be somebody else that we have to take care of. So how much time you think you really need?

Um, I believe that we should know something by mid September. Okay.

If I may, it would seem, and I don't know who runs that program. It would seem if they saw the condition of this, they would go ahead and acknowledge that there is a home there and let them tear it down.

Well, that would be, that would be what one would think. But when it comes to hood, that is not the process for hood in their regulations, unfortunately.

It just looks like it may be dangerous. That's my only point.

So 90 days, 90 days will give them enough time and just contact me and I'm gonna contact the city.

sounds good 90 days or any other questions or comments witness city contact her this is her notice yeah this is going to be her notice what day is that shelly it is november 18th november 18th you need to show back up now yeah this is the only notice you'll get we're going to defer this to november 18th same time same place

All right. Please vote. In favor? In favor? Say aye or raise your hand.

I'm ready to hit the button.

Item three, an orange orange demolition of the I.C. Lake Charles Indoor and Green River Demolition Structure located at 2105 Clorinda Street. Judas Lee Fontenot and Jennifer Valmont Fontenot Owners.

OK this structure is a residential structure you had roof damage you have an exterior wall damage yet when the damage and you had interior weather damage to the interior. They have pulled a permit on this structure repair permit. They have started repairs and the permit expires November the 11th.

All right, we do have one court on this. Junious font knows so much by the good station name. Yes, the address for the record. So how you like to proceed with this.

Julius Lee Fontenot Sr., 2209 Clorinda Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, of course, 70601. We have started working on it. One, the deck was completely torn up on the backside of the house. So these are old pictures? We changed this. These are recent pictures here. These pictures here, because we just changed that wall probably about maybe a month ago. That wall was coming down. The deck was rotted. The windows are covered because they started getting some damages. I mean, people started laddering and tearing up, throwing stuff at the windows. So all I'm asking is for an extension. We're getting there. We're slowly but surely getting there. But we have some roof damage. We're in the process of looking for a roofer. I don't know where the interior damage part come from, but the house is dry. There's furniture, there's clothes, there's stuff all inside the house, and it's well protected. But, of course, we need to change the roof.

And there is an active permit. When does it expire?

November the 10th. Okay.

You finished by November the 10th?

Mr. Harvey? Mr.

Yeah. I spoke with Mr. Fonda already before the meeting. His permit does not expire to November, as Mr. Hester said. So I'm willing to extend as much time as he need. And I'm just going to ask that he does not have to come back until the permit expire.

Yeah. Mr. Horvath, I'm sorry, that would be the November 18. He said it expires the 10th. Yes, in November 18.

So you want to come back into November 18 is upon. Absolutely.

Thank you guys for the record photographs subject property proof service the marshal office. And November 18 is your hearing reading date is the only notice that hearing you'll get.

Okay.

Here.

Yes, sir. Thank you very much.

No problem.

All right.

So please vote.

All right.

You good? We're good. I am for an art on the list. All right. So I told him to agree for demolition structure located 711 Fall Street, Rose Young, Fontenot and Frank Fontenot owners.

This is a residential structure unions in the pictures of roof damage to exterior wall damage when the damage all exposed the interior to severe weather damage of the structure and the owner has secured the property it was open to the public. Yes, I did talk with the owner. She's working with Skipper Drost.

Yeah, so Skipper was working on trying to get a donation. There's kind of some issues going on there. He wasn't able to get the signatures on it, so I think the lady's just moving for herself. Her plans are currently under review, is my understanding. Let's see, I had another note. She asked for a deferral to September 16th to see if she can have some time to quiet title on it.

you go with that okay so we'll defer that to september 16th any other questions or comments on this please vote seven four all right item five march on demolition all that city of lake charles entered an agreement for demolition structure of a 1900 parisian drive burn apartments only plots been drawn apartment homes llc

And this is a commercial apartment complex and use in the pictures there burnt structures they have pie every kind of a violation there is there's a roof damage exterior wall damage when the damage. Interior damage tall grass building piles. There's a lot of violations in this property.

I'm gonna offer a record photograph subject property proof service through certified mail. This is rehearing for July 1st. We had previously deferred this a few times. They had postponed a sheriff sale when it was about to be sold. That has kind of fallen through. They were notified that that might result in demolition and the attorney indicated that they understood that that was a possible consequence.

And I don't think he was here for that.

When the more I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but I would clarify for the record what you're voting on this evening. I passed out a diagram of what is before you tonight. The structure circled in red those four items are what you're voting on the items with an x through them already there is an existing ordinance in place for demolitions for those so a majority of the property is ready for for demolition the four that are circled in black or have been posted on monday as unsafe structures also so with those remaining four being posted the entire property is going to be recommended for for demolition. So just when do we expect to have hearing on the four that are not as soon as they've been posted on Monday notice they had repair permits. So over the last two or three years, they were making progress since they stopped. Those properties that were being worked on are now back in disrepair. So we're we're moving forward with those getting 1515.

All right, please vote.

All right. I'm six of the third item 7 are torn demolition or silly Charles in return agreement for demolition structure located at 7.38 every real street swimming pool. The key that you that gilrey owner.

Okay Council on look we've had a pool before the but this is a swimming pool and we get a lot of complaints about pools from neighbors. Some of the complaints are like critters in you have snakes you have frogs you have mosquitoes you have the smell of the water and you can see in this in the pictures of this pool that that pool is in disrepair. I gave you a flyer right here. This flyer shows the ordinance for the pool. You have two options. You can clean, get the pool back into working order, or you can demolish the pool. So those are the two options that we have right now for the homeowner.

I want to ask any questions to her but the owners here to speak to a son was ma'am or into the record for a subject property under the service of the marshals office. Rehearing from July 15th.

Thank you. If you could please state your name and address for a record and your request would you like to see happen.

Hi, my name's Makiya Guillory, and my address is 738 Iberville Street, and I'm in the process of having my pool finished. We've already started work. It's already been cleaned out completely, and all the liner is out of it. We just have to wait for it to dry out now, or the deep end, because the deep end is eight feet. I didn't know that. So we're waiting for it to dry out completely so that we can. They're going to kill all the weeds in the bottom because anything that grows up will just put back through the liner. And as soon as all that's done, then they're going to put a liner in. I'm working with outdoor services with Shane and Sandy, and I'm getting my pool face right now. I'm disabled. I can't get in and out of it, so I wasn't worried about it, but I didn't realize it was that bad.

This marks as my district. Oh.

Here we go. So we're well, that's in Gulfgate, isn't it? Yes.

OK. OK. What I request for you is we need to get the sign, get the fence posted, you know, to no entrance, because if somebody jumped that fence or do something that you're going to be held liable. OK. How long do you anticipate them doing?

He said it should be finished by next month. It's not taking long. We just have to get away for that dry out so they can rebuild the walls and the floor and then they have to go to clear kill the roots. They're not going to rebuild the walls on the floor and then they're going to do the the measurements for the liner. And then once that comes in, we'll just put the liner in.

Mr Stutes, what is the second meeting in September?

So we've got September 16th and October 21st. I have pictures.

She said a month. September 16th would be good for you to come back and give us an update. Yes, sir. So I want to defer to September 16th.

It should be finished by then. September 16th, same time, same place. Yes. It's the only notice you'll get at that hearing.

I'll be there. Thank you.

Thank you. You can vote now. Okay. Oh, we can vote. Okay. We can vote by machine now.

Yes, sir. Please vote. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 7-4. That's it. Thank you.

Thank you very much. All right. I am a an art on demolition. Although I say like Charles in return agreement for demolition trucks located 304 Coxview Street. Betty Jane Jefferson, Lisa S. Jefferson, Leslie M. Jefferson and Jessica L. Jefferson owners.

And this is a residential house. And you can see in the house, the house has collapsed. So the roof has collapsed. The exterior walls have collapsed. And it's in bad shape. So we need to do something about this one.

Offering of the record photographs of subject property, proof of service to the Marshal's Office, certified mail. This is a rehearing from July 15.

All right. We do not have a card on this item.

1515 we have 1515 she had spoken with our staff on july 29th she stated that her contractor was pulling a permit for demo but as of today no permit has been pulled and she called like literally a while ago about 30 minutes before the meeting and her contractor we will be pulling the permit she said that they could have it demolished in 30 days okay just the contractor is tanya price

Gotcha.

Do you want to do 15, 15 or 15, 30? So it is a demolition, just to be clear?

Yes. Okay. Okay.

And so the permit will be taken over tomorrow, so 15, 15. Okay. Any questions, comments?

Mr. Stokes, if they're saying it's going to take 30 days, you might want to make it 15, 30. Okay.

I'm going to recommend 15, 30.

15, 30. Okay. Please vote. Number four. All right. Item 9. An ordinance on demolition of the Lake Charles-Anderton agreement for demolition of the structure located at 312 Maple Street, Marlene, Johnson, Marks.

Do you have a residential structure? You have roof damage to the structure, exterior wall damage, window damage, all exposed in the interior to severe weather damage of this structure.

Offer to the record photographs of the subject property and proof of service to a certified mail. This is a rehearing from July 15th.

I do have a car on this. Craven please state your name and address for record and what you like see happen.

Crystal Craven, realtor, 202 West Walnut Street, Suite 3, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Currently, this property is under contract. I am working with investors right now, and we are currently clear to close based on title work that we're getting cleared up. That title work was filed about a month ago, and now Bayou Title is handling the title transfer. The current investor is working with a home bank, and he has been approved to go forward with doing a reconstruction loan on the property. In good faith, we have already notarized the trespassing police form and submitted it to LC Police Department, posted a no trespassing sign, boarded the home up, and submitted proof that 312 is under contract currently. There have been several issues, but the bank completed the last property inspection And closing is supposed to be on or before August 31st. If no extensions are given, then we would have to try to push it as close as possible.

All right, Mr. Fondell.

And how much time before you can pull a permit?

No, it was on the 31st, so 10 days or so.

And transferred to a new owner who will then do a construction loan on the property. And he has been approved by Home Bank.

So when you expect to close.

I would say we're trying to close on it before the 31st of August. But in worst case scenario, an additional 15 to 30 days.

And how long to get financing after that? I'm sorry to interrupt.

He's already been approved. We're just waiting on title work to be complete.

So as I've done, he has access to his phone.

Yes, sir. Our current extension is for August 31st.

OK. OK. We've given you 30 days and then come back and give us an update. Yes, sir. OK. All right.

So when will that 30 days of September 16? That's the only notice y'all will get to this hearing. Same time, same place. Thank you.

You know, the questions, please vote. All right, item 10. And our foreign intellectuals say like Charles Henry Green for demolition structure located 1400 North Shattuck Street, Cleveland, Nash and Elvira Nash owners.

In council, this one is a residential structure. It's in a flood zone. You can see in the pictures, there's roof damage, exterior wall damage, window damage, all exposing the interior to severe weather damage of the structure.

Excuse me.

There's only nine. We do not have a card on this. We don't have pictures. Do we not have pictures of the structure? Okay, our screen is back up.

Where's the screen? Is it there?

This is nor shag is Mister Harvey's decision is in our book that the president recommend not normal delays all delays any other comments or questions on that photographs but I know we have an email there was this got deferred because there was a pastor Lawrence was a death in the family and he was trying to see what they wanted to do about the property. I think they've had a little bit of a kind of snowball on another death happened and it's just been kind of a mess from the sort through so so again that's the status all right so we're we're just going to normal age which is

with us 3060 3060 all right.

Just just for the record Mister president we we've deferred this about 4 times we've also tried to reach out to the family. And this property is also on a fluid zone which is going to require elevation so just for the record.

All right, thank you very much, you know the comments questions please vote. Okay, I'll tie 11 was deferred. On item 12. Actually, I'm sorry, 11 was deleted. Move on to item 12. And I would say like Charles Inerton contract with soup kitchen media LLC for the airing of city council meetings for a three year period. Any questions on this item? All right, I guess. Are we ready to vote? Please vote. 7, 4. All right, item 13. An ordinance on the Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lake Charles and Grand Delta, South Louisiana Gas Company, LLC, the right to construct, install, remove, replace, operate, and maintain facilities for transportation, distribution, and sale of gas in the City of Lake Charles, and for such purposes to use, operate in, and excavate in the public highways, streets, Sidewalks, alleys, squares, commons, grounds, and other publicly owned areas and levying a franchise mill is taxed for the purpose. I believe what they basically acquired Centerpoint or whoever the current gas. True statement. Okay. Any questions or comments on this item? Please vote. All right. Item 14, Orange Hall, Lake Charles Energy Agreement with Thomas Reuters for the West, ProFlex Legal Research Subscription Service for a period of four years by the City of Lake Charles Legal Department. Any questions on this item?

Yes, I have a question. Is this what we were using before, or is this a new company we're changing over to?

Y'all been on Westlaw? Yeah, it's a renewal. Oh, it's a renewal. Westlaw's the best one. Yeah, they've been around forever. Most people use it.

All right. Please vote. All right. Item 15. An artist renaming the portion of 5th Street between 1st Avenue and Enterprise Boulevard to Coach Herman Weston Street. And we do have a card on that. Um, for himself, and they would like to speak, and we'll provide information if requested. Mr. Eric Dozier, are you? OK, there you are. You know the drill. Name and address for the record.

Eric Dozier, 2525 20th Street, Lake Charles, 70601. I just wanted to first thank you guys for this opportunity. I need to recognize Coach Weston's wife, daughter, and son-in-law. uh and also i just wanted to just give a little impact so that you really realize what what it is that you guys are voting for uh i had the privilege of knowing coach pastor western for over 50 years and i know some of you guys may not have known him whatever the case may be and now on a lighter note if you knew him you knew he was a character so i'm gonna start with an apology uh because everybody didn't have an opportunity to go to wo boston but i did So it's not always where you start, it's a lot of times it's where you finish. So with that said, Coach Edmund Western started his educational career at W.O. Boston in 1965. He introduced the high school driver's education program to Calcasieu Parish school system. His initial focus was for teaching driver's education skills and safety to the students. When Calcasieu Parish discontinued this program, his focus became social studies and coaching. Assistant football coach, the W.L. Boston Panthers filled the trophy case in 1972, winning state championships in boys basketball, girls track and field, in the spring semester. In December, the Panthers completed their trio of titles by winning the football state championship with a thrilling 11-6 win over two-time defending champion Haynesville. Coach Herman Weston dedicated 42 years to teaching and coaching at W.O. Boston and Lake Charles Boston High. During his distinguished career, he served as the boys head basketball coach, leading teams to two state championships, head girls basketball coach, winning one state championship, and girls track coach, where teams captured 15 consecutive district championships, multiple regional championships, and two state runner-up titles. Because of his extraordinary accomplishments and leadership, he was honored as Coach of the Year at both the district and the state level. When W.O. Boston closed and merged with Lake Charles Boston, it was titled Lake Charles Boston High School, he continued to teach and coach until the school closed in 2007. So this to me is significant, uh, effort and it's going to be something that will be lasting. And so I definitely, again, I appreciate this opportunity to thank you guys for your service and, uh, hope the vote goes well.

Any questions?

No, I'd just like to make a comment, Mr. President. Uh, like Mr. Dosa said, not many people went to WL boss and got that. got that chance to go there, but we were one of the people that went there. And I wish we could have named the whole street Coach Weston Street, but he was very instrumental in a lot of lives. He taught me civics. I didn't get to play sports under him because he crossed over to the girls by the time we got to school. So, but I think it's well worth and it's a good momentum to his legacy.

Yeah, the comments I do have a note someone gave me right before technically do have an ordinance on in memoriam street names. There are a number of criteria. They have been loosely enforced historically. But technically, this is on the lines of two of them. One of them is that it when we do these it should only be the person's last name the ordinances should does not say must so there's discretion there on your end. And then the other one is that it can't be it when you rename it you're supposed to rename the whole street is opposed to a block here we are renaming a block. The people on the the 2 resident or properties on that block have said they're in favor of this but And that also says should, not must. So it is still within your discretion. But someone told me right before the meeting, so I wanted to put that note for you.

So I have a question. So we can vote to name the whole street.

I mean, I don't think that's in front of y'all today. What's in front of y'all would be just the ordinance to rename the block.

He's just saying, Norm, we can do this.

I understand what he's saying, but he also said for us to be in compliance, we could name the whole street.

I think you would have to do a lot. You'd have no follow the it is residents and all that. It would be much, much more complicated.

I'm just asking. Yeah. I mean, you could have to reintroduce the ordinance and kind of restart.

Mr. Marks, you could do the entire street, but typically when we do that, we notify the people along the street prior to taking that kind of action because, again, they've been getting their mail at a certain location, and once you change it, it changes all that. So typically when that happens, we notify all the residents so they have an opportunity to be heard as well. But like Mr. Stude said before you this evening, it's just that one block. Okay.

I'm just asking. For item number one, can you call it Coach Weston Street and take off his first name?

I don't know.

At least that item problem, right?

I mean, it should. I mean, we have Dr. Michael DeBakey. I mean.

Yeah, I mean. we looked back pretty much every time we've done this there's been one of these criteria that is it has stepped on a little bit and i think that's why they use the word should and not must or shall you know if there's little discretion given to you all in the criteria to answer your question mr councilman marks you'd have to get every signature if you wanted to name rename the whole street every signature on fifth street from this end of the city to the the west end which would be hundreds

Okay. I have another question. Based upon what Mr. Wiesenau said, whether it be Herman Weston or Coach Weston is still two names. So I would like to have this opportunity to ask Mr. Dosa and maybe the family, which would they prefer, Coach Weston or Herman Weston? If if the council would have would approve with it.

Craig, I don't see it should be a problem. You got Dr. Michael DeBakey, right? Drive this for. I think he's just asking for. He's just saying it should be no issue. You know, I would just vote on it as it is. Yeah. And that's something to talk about later. He's a very honorable man. I was fortunate enough to go to school with him at Lake Charles, Boston, because some of y'all got more gray hair than me. You know what I'm saying? But if we can, he's saying you could, right? And we have proof that we're going to name other streets with longer names. Let's just say let's go into Coach Herman Weston Street as it was planned, and if something changed.

I just wanna be clear, what was the proposal? Was it Coach Weston? Coach Herman Weston Street. Okay, okay.

So I think that's what, unless the family is changing minds, I say we go with what the request is.

Okay, cool. All right, that's it. Thank you guys.

Please vote. Mr. Harvey.

Yes, I'm sorry, Mr. President. I'd like to ask for a point of personal privilege. Being that we just approved this, I would not like to not take the opportunity to acknowledge Ms. Weston, Mr. and Mrs. Dozier, and the family that's here. I also would like to ask that they please come forward and please take a picture with the council.

I think he taught me civics too. I think that's fine. Yeah, probably.

That works. Good.

Yes, we got to see everybody. Yep. Everybody in there. One, two, three. Thank you. All right. Good job, bro. Come back. Miss West. Thank you. Appreciate you. All right. Here.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. All right. Where are we now? We are 16. 16. 16. OK. Good deal. An ordinance accepting the lowest responsive and responsible bid for an authorized city of Lake Charles to enter into an agreement for project number CP3544 Hodges Street Water Line Extension.

Mr. Marks. Mr. President, Wagner Engineering reviewed the bids open on August 4th, 2026 for the subject project. The lowest responsible bidder was MPB Construction LLC, located in Westlake, Louisiana. MPB Construction submitted a base bid in the amount of $295,597.95. I move that this proposal be accepted. All right.

Any other questions or comments on this item?

Please vote. I do have one question. If I can ask a question.

Of course.

That will encompass 16 and 17. Are all of these projects fully funded? Yes. I spoke to Miss Wendy about the other one, but I want to take the opportunity to encompass both of them. So go ahead.

Yes, both those projects are fully funded. OK, appreciate you. All right. Thank you very much.

Please vote. All right, I am 17 and are aren't accepting the lowest responsive responsible bid authorize it like Charles and written agreement for project number CP 2894. WWTP a McNabb and clients street emergency sewer system rehabilitation. Mr. visa.

Yes. I will read it. Wagner engineering reviewed the bids on August 4. And the lowest responsible bidder is Horseshoe Construction for a base bid of $762,892 with an alternate of $43,700 for a total of $806,592. My only question is, as I spoke to the Public Works Director earlier, in looking at the bid document, which is microfilm, by the way, it's very difficult to read and I meant to grab my glasses. The bids range from 762,000 to a high bid of 1.8. And I know normally my history, my experience tells me when they're that far different, maybe somebody didn't fully understand the project or maybe somebody, knew more about the project than others. And the fact that the estimate on it was under 600,000 just caused me some concern. And I wanted to make sure that we I know it's an emergency project.

Good question.

But I think there were good things to take a look at.

Councilman these you know after I spoke with you I did speak with the consultant on that and I've also spoken with my engineer and one of the reasons that the the lowest bidder is as low as the others is because they are actually stationed here right now doing a project for us So they do not have the expense of actually relocating here with new equipment and everything else. Everyone else would have to come with travel in to set up this. And it is a reasonable it is a reasonable, you know, I guess difference. And also looking at it, if you go line by line, I had to use my my magnifying glass to do that. But there are some disparities in the the lowest bidder. I think for one item is really low and the other ones are really high. And that's a lot of that's because they're actually doing work here in the city already. So a question, Mr. Sir.

So based upon what you said, so there's no construction companies in the city that could have done this.

None of them bid for it.

I understand that, but I'm just saying, based upon your experience, do we have other contractors in the city that can do this type of job?

I would veer on saying, yes, they are, but they didn't bid. And also... A lot of times people bid just because they really don't want it. If they get it, great, but they didn't bid on it. They bid high. There you go.

If they get it, they make enough money to jump through the hoops they need to.

Correct. Okay. Well, my recommendation goes that we accept the lowest bid. Thank you for those answers. Thank you.

All right.

Any other questions or comments? Please vote. All right. Now we have a resolution. I know that we we will need to pull item 20 because we're appointing a person to finish out the remainder of a term on the Commission Visitors Bureau board. And we also have appointment That's item 20. We have item 19, which is appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. I guess we need to at least consider those two separately. Do we have any, and we need to appoint a chairman on item 28. So do we have any other items that we need to look at separately?

I might have missed it, Mr. President, but we were supposed to have Maybe it's later on. I was looking for the one for the property on Lakeshore Drive that has been deferred. The proposal? Yes.

Right, yeah, that's been deferred.

All right.

All right. So let's go ahead and take them in order. Item 19, a resolution approving the mayor's appointment of a member to the Historic Preservation Commission.

And who is the is who is this just to do we actually make an appointment tonight or we're just Yes, the the proposed appointment is Joel Davidson and he is here this evening to answer any questions you may he was originally an regular member that was filled by Willie Mount and he is agreed to serve as an alternate now on the board so it is an alternate position. Okay. He doesn't want to work full-time. He wants to work part-time.

Well, it's good because you want to make sure you can have a quorum at these meetings.

Exactly. And actually, this month, we missed a quorum because we're short a member. OK, great.

Any questions or comments on this?

OK.

Please vote. Would you like to speak?

It's an honor to be a part of it. Was, you know, name and address of the record and Joel Davidson, 703 West Cell Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Now, I just want you all to know that it's an honor to be a part of the Historic Preservation Commission and what it represents to our community. It is by far attraction to people visiting our community seeing our community and enjoying our downtown and historic districts so it's just can't say enough that it's in a very important part of our community and thank you I appreciate it thank you very much all right

Item 20, a resolution appointing members of Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau Board to fill the remainder of Tiffany Celestine's term. And I believe as protocol calls it, we the I believe it's the Lodging Association submitted three names for us to consider as as required. And could you state the three names of the people that were I know they are, but I was. Why does it is Aaron's a very Nick saver, I believe. And just in jays are very Jason Murray.

That's the three.

And I think really the recommendation from the laws is for air.

Yes, sir. Okay. I'm sorry.

core as we do. That's right. Okay, we do have a card from here is a very. And if you could approach by state your name and address for the record, please.

Here is a very 5915 sawgrass circle Lake Charles, Louisiana 7 0 6 0 5. Yeah, just my name is here is a very you know, thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm, you know, I'm here for two reasons. First, introduce myself and second to express my interest in being considered for the seat to fill the vacancy for visit Lake Charles. a little bit of background about me i'm a hotel owner and operator here in lake charles i currently own and operate the home two suites in the hampton inn and i'm in the process of developing the new homewood suites that's where the former in on the bayou used to be i build my career around the hospitality and tourism industry and specifically around this community i have previously served on this board and i remain familiar with this work i would bring that continuity along with my ongoing operational experience across multiple properties and brands in this market My family, they've invested in this community over the past 50 years, and I want to see Lake Charles continue to succeed as a destination. I understand this is an appointed position, and I respect the decision rests with the council. I simply want to introduce myself, share my background, and let you know that I'm ready and willing to serve again if you will have me. Thank you.

Thank you. Any questions?

Mr. Weatherford, I want to, for the record, say that I'm going to be abstaining on this vote. I'm employed by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Any other questions or comments? Please vote.

6-4, one extension. Matt Young is the extension.

All right. Item 21 was deferred. Item 22, the resolution accepting project number CP 3140 Millennium Park fall service replacement is substantially complete and authorizing the advertising of the 45-day lien period. Item 23 through 27, the hearing dates for all these will be October 7, 2026. Resolution setting date, for public hearing on accommodation structure located at 1809 Legion Street, T.O. Moore, Henry, owner. Resolution setting day for public hearing, accommodation structure located at 1925 9th Street. William, no middle name, Walker, William Eric Walker, Louis Anthony Walker, Connie Ruth Walker, Tutson, Ada Jones Hamilton Estate, Patricia Jones Franklin Estate, Brenda Cormier Jones Estate, Brenda Jones, aka Cormie Estate, and Greta Faye Walker, Bruce Hart owner, subject to tax lien held by the state of Louisiana. Also, resident setting day for public hearing. Accommodation structure located at 2415 Fitz and Rider Road, Juan Martinez, on subject tax lien held by State of Louisiana. Resident setting day for public hearing. Accommodation structure located at 2338 C Street, garage only, item Washington owner. And item 27, resident setting day for public hearing. Accommodation structure located at 2202 Commercial Street, Beretta, Tasha Jones and James Charles Simpson owners of the tax lien held by state of Louisiana. Any questions on these? Please vote. All right, we do have one last resolution. Malico Golf Club, whose district is that Mr. fondles or Mr. Bilbo? Mr. Bilbo? All right, Mr. Will you take that one?

Yeah.

Resolutions are they say like Charles out how to see seal bid for project number CP 3492 Mallaco golf club driving range improvements. Please vote on these resolutions. All right, and I'm 29 through 40 are for introduction consent and will be read into the record. They follow this meeting at 1pm in these chambers.

Please vote. We don't vote. We don't vote.

I'm sorry.