City Council - Regular Meeting

We're going to call this city council meeting to order. Going to be led in the pledge by Mr. Wel and we're going to be led by prayer by Mr. Bilbo. Oh, I got Great. Caught me off guard. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with a gratitude for the gift of community and the responsibility of leadership. Grant us the wisdom, the fairness, and the unity for this council to make decisions that affect our lives of many. Bless our discussions with clarity, our actions with justice, our hearts with compassion. May everything done here today serve the common good and honor that was trusted upon us. Amen. Amen.

Please repeat with me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Mr. Bilbo here. Mr. Mr. Young here. Mr. Harvey here. Mr. Marks here. Mr. Viso here. Mr. Fondell here. Mr. Weatherford here. We have a quum.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Renee. Before we get started, we're going to take a uh point of personal privilege. Uh we want to recognize uh a servant leader from our community that's been around for the last 38 years at Abraham's Tent, uh Miss Pearl Cole. she wouldn't be able to be here today because of some health issues. But the mayor is going to issue a a proclamation from the city uh with the uh the brothers of the Masonic Temple. Y'all want to come forward? They're accepting on behalf of Miss Cole.

Thank you. Thank you. Um, gentlemen, I appreciate you being here on behalf of Miss Pearl Co. You know, sometimes God sends angels in human form. And Miss uh Miss Pearl, I've been knowing her for all of my life, uh, she understood, she understands that, uh, that when God said, "Feed my people." She made sure that happened. She also understood that one of the greatest uh, miracles that was performed was feeding the masses. Um and and for all those years, she's come in every day and fed everyone no matter whether who they were, where they were, housed and unhoused because feeding is is not a privilege, it's a right. And as a result of that, Miss Pearl also was very straight about she didn't put up with any mess either. And she was very strict about the respect that needed to be done that you you could feed people no matter what their circumstance are with uh respect and dignity. So even people that came in and volunteered who it it appeared that they were doing it more for their own accomplishment than to feed people, she would ask them kindly to leave. But she always started every every work time with whoever was volunteering with a prayer to make sure that that not only was the blessing on the food but also in those that serve because what whatever goes in your body and is stored in your body is going to dictate your outcomes from your body. And so Miss Pearl is not here today. Uh she's she's uh she told me she said, "Marshall, I I would appreciate that you help because I I really she's very she's a a good and prideful woman and she wants to present herself correctly." So, the Lake Charles City Council, on behalf of the Lake Charles City Council, seven men who understand dearly the the the the call for service uh put together a certificate that says, "Let it be known

that on this 18th day of March, 2026. This certificate of recognition is presented to Miss Pearl Cole for your 38 years of dedication to Abraham's tent and for your humanitarian service to the Lake Charles community. Signed this day for all citizens of this city by Councilman Craig Marks, President Councilman Ryden Harvey, vice president, Councilman Donald W. Fondell, District B, Councilman Matt Young, District D, Councilman Tommy Bilbo, District C, Councilman Matt Vizino, District G, and Council Stu, Councilman Stewart Weather for District E. So on behalf of uh the Lake Charles, city of Lake Charles and our leaders on the Lake Charles city council, we present this award of recognition to Miss Pearl Cove for 38 years and we ask her God's speed as she continues her journey of this life. might be easier.

Yeah, see all the faces. All the faces. One, two, three.

You wanted to say something? All right. At this time, we're going to defer number five and number 10 to April 15, 2026. And we're going to delete number six. We're going to defer number five, 10, five, and 10 to April 15, 2026. And we're going to delete number six. Oh, please vote to approve the minutes. Please vote.

74. Miss Rene, are we still deleting? Even though he had a call six. Still delete. All right. All right. Number one, appointments. Appoint a chairman to review bids to purchase firet truck equipment for use by the Lake Charles fire department. Number two, Mr. Visnol. Number two, I appoint a chairman to review bids for project number CP 3309 Ham Reed Road Waterline Extension Elliot Road to Big Lake Road. Mr. Visol.

Public hearings. An ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for demolition of a structure located at 1517 Martha Street. Don Eric Muhamd owner We do have a card. Uh, Mr. Don Muhammed, please state your name and address for the record. regular updates on this particular property.

Yes, I have. Right, Mr. Harvey? Yes. Um, I've been in constant communication with Mr. Muhamd. He's done a phenomenal job of just communicating and trying to do his best to uh get the property right. Um, instead of Mr. Muhammad coming back every 30 days. Can we just say he come back in 90 days just to save him some time? June 17th. That's fine. So, this will be the only time there be no uh notification. Please vote. 74. An ordinance number four, an ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter agreement for demolition of a structure located at 1621 2nd Avenue Judith Lynn Pon Estate and Amber Henry owners. Mr. H.

And this is another storm damaged structure and you can send the pictures. There's some roof damage, some exterior siding damage. Turn it over to Mr. Fund. Are these accurate updated pictures? Yes. Okay. And they did secure the structure, the doors. They put all new locks. Okay. Yeah. Um, did they ever pull a permit to work?

No. I know he he put locks on her that the homeless is not hanging out there no more and he it was a judge that day attorney attorney they have called Mr. uh Mr. Fondell and indicated that they're I mean one of the property owners Larry Pon is actually an attorney in this area and they've called and indicated that they're working on a succession. I have no independent verification to that but we have received that phone call. You said they were working on Yes, sir. that they're working on a succession. They're doing a good job. 90 days. That would be June 17th. Give them 90 days. 90 days. Please vote. 74.

Number five has been deferred. Number six has been deleted. Number seven, an ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for demolition of a structure located at 1400 North Shadic Street, Cleveland Nash and Elvara Nash owners. Mr. pastor. This is have a card for Mr. Brian Nash and he said he would only speak if uh information was was requested. So, Mr. Harvey,

yes. I I guess the information I would like what's the plans for the property? Um I know we've we've had some things for property standards. Uh

come on up to the mics. Come on. Um you want to go ahead and read what you got on the back? deferred for 30 days. Please vote.

74. Number eight, an ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for demolition of a structure located at 2116 18th Street. Randall Booth Whitaker and Cheryl Patrice Whitaker owners. Okay, this is a um res.

Oh, yes. What what's what's the shortest? The shortest would be June I mean, excuse me, April 15th. No, it's a Oh, 15:30. I know I know a relative of the owner and their son, Todd Whitaker. I thought he might be here. I know he talked about family member trying to acquire it or something. What? And I thought he would be here because I reminded his cousin that it would be on today's agenda. If he's not here, I'm not going to ask for any preference or treatment, but Well, I'll just give you a little bit of background, Mr. V. This house I've been reporting on for about almost four years. Oh, I've been seen on the less. I It's been posted. Uh, is Mr. Whitaker here?

He knew it was coming today, too, cuz I I sent it to his cousin. Okay. 1515. Please vote. 74. Uh, number nine, an ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for demolition of a structure located at 1505 McNab Street, Tyrron, Gerardo Nicholson owners, Mr. Hester. And this is another house that's in a flood zone. It's a hurricane damaged structure. You can see in the pictures there's severe roof damage to the back of the house. There's exterior wall damage. There's broken windows. All exposing the interior to severe weather damage of the structure. And we've had lots of complaints on this one.

Mr. President, this time I'd like to offer into the record photographs of the subject property and proof of service through certified mail. Tyrone Nickerson. Tyrone. Tyrone Nickerson. Yes, sir. Please state your name and address for the rest. Tyrone Nickerson. Uh Tyrone Gerard Nickerson. Um we're in the process of getting 1505 Magnav Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Uh we're in the process of getting bids. We only got one bid to get the structure of the roof get taken care of and wait for the other bids to come in. So we actually extended uh uh time to get the house together. So you planning on refurbishing it? Yes, sir. Okay. Mr. Bilbo. Magnabis. Mr. Font.

Mr. Fondale. What's fun? Magnabis. Um how long you need sir before you can pull up? If it's mine, I give him I think it's McNab is McNab is over there behind U-Haul. Yes, sir. Behind U-Haul. Part of it. That part of U-Haul. Yeah. Ha. And half of it north of Bron. Yeah. Uh give him time to pull a permit and prove that he going to start working. What? How long will it take you? Uh like I said, we put out several bids. We'll have one bid in. Give us at least 90 days. Um cuz I haven't left yet and so I got to Well, how about we start with 30 days so we can config and find out about what's going to happen with the roof. Okay, that's fine. Good with that. Good. What? 30 days. Deferred for 30 days.

April 15th. April 15th. This will be your only notice. Deferred for 30 days. Please vote 74. Number 10 has been deferred. You good with that, Mr. Nichson? Yes, sir. All right. Thank you. We'll see you back on April 15th. Thank you. Thank you. Number 11. Number 10 has been deferred. An ordinance ordering demolition and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for demolition of a structure located at 317 South Louisiana Avenue front house only. Grace Smith Urick Urick Yprice Charles Ypric Monica Mer Russell Marshall Mer Gregory Mer owners Mr. Hester

storm damaged residential structure. You can see in the pictures there's severe roof damage to this structure. There's exterior wall damage, broken windows, all exposing the interior to severe weather damage of the structure. Mr. President, at this time I'd like to offer into the record photographs of the subject property and proof of service to the marshall's office and by certified mail. Uh, Miss Dolores Price put in a card, but she doesn't wish to speak. Uh, Mr. Harvey. Yes. Um, I I've been in communication with uh with the Price family. Um, before we make a decision, I would like to go back and sit down and actually talk with them before we make a decision. Um, I I do know there was a couple uh organizations that was willing to chime in.

Miss Price is she unless something change. We did receive a phone call this afternoon indicating they were trying to pull the permit. Yeah, that's why I was saying I I didn't want Thank you, Mr. Sus. I don't want to speak for her though, but I just wanted to let you know she did call.

Price. Would you state your name and address for the record? I am Dolores Price, wife of Frank Wy Price. I live at 319 South Louisiana Avenue, which is the rear house. I am the only one that seemed to be interested in trying to keep up the property. In fact, I pay all the taxes and everything else. So, I'm just tired and neighbors are complaining about it being, you know, so I was ready to demolish it, but I don't know other family members have other ideas, but I came here today to make the final decision.

What do we do now? Miss Price, we give we're going to contact him and we're going to give him 30 days to pull a permit. If he doesn't pull a per permit in 30 days, we'll be back to this situation in 30 days. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Harvey. You You won't have to come back neither. Miss Price, I'll come to your house and have a conver. I appreciate that. Thank you. Right. 30 days. Deferred for 30 days. Please vote 74. Ordinance is for final action. Number 12, an ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement to purchase one new three-wheel sweeper for use by public works department streets division. Mr. Bilbo.

All right. They had the lowest bid successor bid was UTC Enterprise $288,000. It was open on March 3rd and final action took March 18th. Any questions or comments? Please vote 74 number 13. An ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for project number LCR 401 lock park inclusive playground and amend the budget as necessary. Mr. Young.

Uh yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Um according to the designer's estimate, this project came in under budget. We received two responsible bids. Uh I move that we award to the lowest of the responsive bids to Perk Development. This is inclusive of the base bid, alternate one, and alternate 2. It totals 1,674,438.60. Any questions or comments? Please vote. 74. Number 14, an ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for project number CP 3140 Millennium Park Fall Surface Replacement. Mr. Harvey.

Yes, Mr. President. Uh, I recommend Swift Recreation with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder with the base bid of $246,910,000. I'm sorry, I said it wrong. base bid of $246,910 with an alternate number one of $31,500. I recommend that we accept this bid. Any questions or comments? Please vote. 74,

an ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid and authorizing the city of Lake Charles to enter an agreement for project number DR002, public works new facility phase 2, and amend the budget as necessary. The lowest responsible bid was Keelin Construction for 19,774,000. I move that this bid be accepted. Any questions or comments? Please vote.

74. Number 16, an ordinance authorizing the removal of the yield sign on Center Street at the Sycamore Street and authorizing the installation of a stop sign on Center Street at its intersection and Sycamore Street creating a three-way stop. Any questions or comments? Mr. District, it's not in my district, but I do work at that school right there, and there's a lot of traffic in and out to St. Margaret's. I think that's the reason for this request, I'm sure. where a resident called by Steven and she thought that that's the parents that are late for school. Exactly what it is.

And uh uh and we went out and and and they recommended that we put a four-way stop. So a three-way stop. Three way. Yes. Any other questions or comments? Please vote. 74.

All right. Anybody need to pull anything? Following resolutions may be adopted by consent. Number 17. The hearing date is April 1st, 2026. A resolution setting date for public hearing on consideration of the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission's decision to deny a request for a spec special exception in order to reduce the required four parking spaces to three parking spaces for existing all changes businesses business with a business zoning district at 4820 Nelson Road. Point of order, just a question. Did you have something you want to say about this?

Well, I think Doug has some information that might change this, but if not, I do want to talk about it. Yes. Okay. Well, now is the time because we supposed to pull it if you wanted to rece. Do you have those pictures? Well, this is just this is to set the date. I thought y'all was setting the date. So, this is just setting the date. This is just setting the date for the year. Okay. All right. All right. My bad. My bad. My my bad. All right. Number 18, the res Oh, yeah. Number 18, a resolution authorizing the city of Lake Charles to advertise to receive seal bids for project number CP 3520, wastewater treatment plant A, basin A-02, sewer rehabilitation. Mr. Weatherford, would you take that one? Yes, sir.

Number 19, a resolution authorizing the city of Lake Charles to advertise to receive seal bids to purchase bus stop signage for use by the public works department transit division. Mr. Visol, would you take that one? Please vote. 74. The following ordinance is off for introduction by consent and will be read into the record the day following the meeting at 1 p.m. in the city council chambers. This meeting is adjourned. All right. Appreciate you. I remember I didn't want to slip by for something. What's going on? Matt