Metropolitan Council - Regular Meeting

Alright, we're ready. Come on, give God some praise.

Put your hands together. Give God some praise. Yeah. Yeah.

Thank you. I'm a believer.

I'm a believer. I'm a believer. I'm a believer. I'm a believer.

I'm a believer.

I'm a believer.

I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord.

I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord. I love you Lord, I love you Lord, I love you Lord. He has done great things for me. He has done great things for me. He has done great things for me. She has done great things for me Great things, great things She has done great things for me She has made a way for me Made a way, made a way She has made a way for me I'm gonna let my little light shine. I'm gonna set the fire for him. He has done great things for me. Great things, great things, she has done great things for me. I'm going to be your witness. I'm going to be your witness. He has done great things for me Great things Great things Great things He has done great things for me She has done great things for me. She has done great things for me. She has done great things for me. I'm going to let my little light shine. I'm going to let my little light shine. I'm going to be a witness for him.

Listen. I know it went a little bit longer, but...

Thank you. y'all come on

I just want to give y'all a second round of applause for the audience. Y'all give them a round of applause. Listen, this is how they bless us once a month. We have standing room only in the choir performances. They go from church to church, event to event, but they are spreading the word of God, and we thank them for that. Thank you, Brandon, for allowing us to do that, man. Appreciate it, man. Oh, absolutely.

I just want to look. Sometimes I come to the meetings. Sometimes I watch it in my chamber. I'm going to watch in my chamber. But I heard the spirit from my office and I had to come. And Lord knows this place needs the Holy Ghost. And you brought it today. And I got to mention also that my new barber is in this choir. Mr. Buckles from Buckles Hair Dynasty, corner of Wimborne and Plank Road. Thank you all.

We'll start a meeting in five minutes. Okay.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

You want to hit me? Yeah.

It's been a very festive council chamber this afternoon. Thanks to our beautiful choir that sang for us. And we're so glad to see all of you tuning in to the Metropolitan Council meeting. We are in the chamber of the East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council. And we're on vrla.gov. You can go there and watch us streaming. R-A-T-N-T, Cox, Facebook, YouTube. We're all over and we're glad you're with us. And at this time, here is the Mayor, President Pro Tem, of East Baton Rouge Parish, Councilman Brandon Noel.

Thank you, Dennis. Welcome, everybody, to the Metropolitan Council meeting this Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Ashley, do we have a quorum?

We have a quorum.

We're going to have invocation led by Pastor Gladys Johnson of Toccoa Worship Center, followed by the pledge by Lindbergh Williams.

Let us pray. Most gracious and kind God, we come, Lord God, just to say thank you. Thank you, Lord God, for everything that you have done here today. Thank you, Lord God, for everything that you're going to do, Lord God. Lord God, we thank you for every head official here today, Lord God, asking you to look down and have mercy up in this place. Lord, we thank you, Lord God, that somebody may have gotten blessed, Lord God, through singing, Lord God, or through whatever that's going on here today, Lord God. And Lord God, we just thank you for our councilman, Lord God, Darrell Hurst. Lord, we ask your blessings upon him, Lord God. We thank you, Lord God, for everything that he's done for Charles R. Kelly Center, Lord God, and all the good things that he's going to do. And, Lord God, we just praise your name, Lord God, for everything that you're doing, everything that you're going to do, Lord God. We just give you the highest, Lord God. We praise your name, Lord God. In your name, Jesus, bless everybody who assembled here. Whether it's a visitor, Lord God, or some official, Lord God. Please have mercy upon us, Lord God. God, we give you glory. We give you honor. We give you praise. These blessings we ask in Jesus' name. Let everybody say amen.

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.

Thank you all so much. All right, adoption and approval of the minutes. Approval and adoption of the minutes of the Metropolitan Council meeting of May 13th, 2026 and the Metropolitan Council zoning meeting of May 20th, 2026 and the Greater Baton Rouge Airport Commission meeting of May 12th, 2026 by Council Administrative Treasurer. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Amarosa. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Ashley, can you please read the introductions?

Section 2.12 introductions number 2 amending the 2026 annual operating budget for the South Burbank crime prevention district so as to appropriate 100,000 dollars from the district fund balance unassigned and to aid in crime prevention in the district by the South Burbank crime prevention district number 3. Authorizing the mayor president to execute an amendment to the professional services contract with a Westwood company for American rescue plan act related coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds, grant management and administration. So was to increase the amount from 1,823,375 dollars to an amount not to exceed 2,123,375 dollars. exercise the one renewal option through 12-31-27 and appropriate $300,000 from ARPA interest earnings for said purpose by the finance director. Number four, amend the 2026 allotment of positions for the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, so as to change the allotment of the retirement office effective June 11, 2026 at one administrative specialist by the human resources director and the interim retirement administrator. Number five, a resolution approving the extension of the maturity on the Bond Anticipation Note Series 2022A and Bond Anticipation Note Series 2022B of the Hospital Services District Number 1 of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, providing for other matters relating thereto by Hospital Services District Number 1, Lane Memorial Hospital. Condemnation introductions. Number six, Clifton J. Pearson, 762 Curlew Street, Council District 2, Kenney. Number seven, DK Fashion, LLC, 4472 Clayton Street, Council District 7, Harris. Number eight, the estate of Geraldine West, 1738 North 28th Street, Council District 7, Harris. Number nine, Charlie Johnson, 979 North 39th Street, Council District 7, Harris. Number 10, Freddie Isaac Jr., 596 Education Street, Council District 10 Coleman. Number 11, Cecilia Bazile, 243 Washington Street, Council District 10 Coleman. Number 12, James Riley, 261 West Washington Street, Council District 10 Coleman. Number 13, Roland Paul Fulce Jr., 1964 Thomas H. Delpit Drive, Council District 10, Coleman. Number 14, Woodrow Robinson et al., 1707 North 44th Street, Council District 7, Harris. Adjudicated Property Introductions. Number 15, Lot 13, Square 3, Subdivision Magnolia Place, Council District 10, Coleman. Number 16, Lot 342, Subdivision Greendale, Council District 5, Hearst. Number 17, Lot 31 and 32, Square 4, Subdivision Scotland Heights, Council District 2, Kinney. Number 18, lot 18, square 29, subdivision East Fairfields, Council District 7 Harris. Number 19, lot 19, square 26, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10 Coleman. Number 20, lot 34, square 16, South Baton Rouge, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10 Coleman. Number 21, lot 6, square 41, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10 Coleman. 22. Lot 32, square 16, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10, Coleman. 23. Lot 267A, subdivision Highland Creek, Council District 12, Rocca. 24. Lot 17 and 18, square 26, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10, Coleman. Number 25 lot 14 square 29 subdivision Greenville extension council district 7 Harris. Number 26 lot 11 and 12 square 43 subdivision fortune council district 5 Hearst. Number 27 lot 10 subdivision Prescott council district 7 Harris number 28 lot 35 subdivision Baker field council district 2 Kenny number 29 lot 31 subdivision Belfort council district 7 Harris. Number 30, Lots 6 and 7, Square 12, Subdivision Progress Park. Council District 10, Coleman. Number 31, Lots 5 and 6, Square 1, Subdivision St. Irma Lee. Council District 2, Kenney. Number 32, Lot 73, Subdivision East Dayton, Council District 7, Harris. Number 33, Lot 19, Park, Subdivision Sword Edition, Council District 10, Coleman. Number 34, Lot D, Subdivision Robert A. Bryantrack, Council District 4, Moog. Number 35, Lot 3, Square 54, Subdivision Greenville Extension, Council District 7, Harris. All items that require reading have been read, and a motion to introduce all items is in order.

Motion by Councilman Dunn, Jr., second by Councilman Kinney. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. All right, go to your separate sheet for condemnations. I'm gonna read DPW's recommendations first, then I'll go through recommendations from the council members, then we'll have a public hearing. Excuse me. Recommendations are to proceed with items 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61. There's no recommendation for deferral from DPW. Going forward with council recommendations, I have District 7 recommending items 58 and 59 to have a 30-day deferral. Anybody else?

Yes. Councilman Amorosa? Number 61, defer till August 12, please.

90 days.

Okay.

Councilman Coleman.

Yes, sir. For 54, 60 days, they are demoing themselves. And the same thing for 57. So that's 54 and 57, 60 days, they are demoing themselves. Got it.

All right, anybody else? All right, anyone wishing to speak on items 52 through 61? Anybody from the public wishing to speak? Just come on up to the podium and state your name and address.

All right. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Byron Jasper. I'm a physician here in Baton Rouge. I own my own direct primary care practice off of Burbank Drive, right next door to the property at 7272 Burbank Drive. It is number 60 on the actual agenda. And it has been a problem in the area for at least 8 years, almost 10 years. The 1st story that I encountered with it was in 2018, where the then owner who's still the owner. Had problems with tenants not being able to get their. Repairs done toilets, not flushing and things of that nature being an ongoing problem. If you look at the property now, it doesn't look much better. The property is actually trash bags in the front. And it actually has it to where people can't enter from the front. Yet people live in this facility. I know that because I practice medicine in this building 5 days a week, and sometimes on Saturdays and Sundays, seeing patients that are underserved that don't have insurance that are in wheelchairs and barely can get around. And once. specifically in April of 2025, maybe March of 2025. One of those patients was in a wheelchair when strike force rolls in and the SWAT team had a standoff in March of 2025 for approximately five hours trying to get someone out of that property. This property stays in bad condition. Out of the 24 units they have, 12 of the units are in disarray. Many people, even one of the state senators has come by and actually been on the news with myself saying he had no idea it looked that bad. So, the fact that the property is still standing, I have no idea why and the fact that people are somehow made to live there. I don't understand why and I'm pretty sure the owner is in the in the room. He is going to have his say. I'm sure. And there is always going to be a story about why it should stand because these people have nowhere to go. Let me be clear. I have no problem with people that are underserved needing a place to stay. But it doesn't make sense to me to take advantage of people often are black and brown. I don't have a place and can't argue. And they are basically made to stay in bad conditions. So I am in huge support. of having this property condemned. So something better can be put not only next door to my business, but next door to other people in the businesses around us on Burbank Drive. And I actually have a bunch of people, patients, other business owners, and other people who are in my building That are constantly asking, what are they doing next door? And the only answer I can give them is, I have no idea. So, at this point, it's been a problem for almost 10 years. And I'm pretty sure there are more stories like this, where they're a SWAT team strike force and anything else that comes to that property takes over our parking lot. And it continues, and there's always going to be a story on why it should be let slide or pass or whatever. So, at this point, I wanted to come here, cancel my clinic, stop seeing patients to physically be here and attest to how bad this is and how much it needs to be handled. Thank you.

Thank you.

Um, good evening. My name is George back now. 1st of all, I'd like to thank you all for giving me an opportunity to speak on this issue. I'm also speaking on issue number 60. The, uh, the property at 72 72 Burbank drive. I am a patient of Dr. Jasper's. I go to that facility all the time. That's where I get my health care. I also utilize the conference room next door to do a lot of work. And it's very, very concerning to me as somebody who's at this property once a week, a few times a month, where I feel like it could be raided by the federal police at any point in time. You know, there's been at least 3 or 4 documented times where Dr Jasper showed me on the security cameras. What has been a standoff for guns and drugs and whatnot. And it's just not a place that. I want next to somewhere I go to get health care. Somewhere that I go to get, uh, to do work. Right and and the place is an eyesore. And that's a big deal, but. What's more important to me is is the safety of. Myself Dr Jasper and other patients and. I think it's a, it's a dangerous place to have next to the clinic and I'm in full support of a condemnation. So, thank you.

Good afternoon. My name is Brandon Weber and I'm speaking on item number 67272 Burbank. I'd like to thank you all for the opportunity to speak. And as a patient of Dr Jasper, 1 of the things that's most important. To me is the overall safety and understanding the purpose of this building serving a population that is traditionally underserved. I think there is serving and then there's this service. And I'd say that this property on its face provides a disservice and I think collectively the city, the parish and all entities involved can work together to come up with an equitable solution. And if that includes condemnation, I think that is appropriate. 1 of these instances, myself and my son, my son was 11 at the time. One of the reasons that we go and visit Dr. Jasper is because of his business model, but his attention to detail and his care and concern for patients. So much so that I've entrusted my son, one of the most important things to me, to also be a patient of Dr. Jasper. So you can imagine my surprise every time that, or in a back-to-back string of instances, going and not knowing what this child will be exposed to. When we're simply trying to get the type of health care that typically is not afforded to communities of representatives and look like myself. So, while I'm sensitive to the needs of an owner, a property owner, and also the residents of said property. I think that when you are trying to seek care. And you have to be concerned whether or not a unit. Of on a mounted tank with full armor coming into the property next door where you're within minutes of leaving. You can imagine what that can do to not only the psyche of myself as a patient, but also to. The purview of a child who's growing up in this community that wants to see this community represented a certain way, because that child is going to go and call back home. But those memories are seared into his mind. So I speak up on behalf of him to advocate for him in particular, but also for Dr. Jasper, as we've grown a relationship. And when you see the approach, the attention to detail, the fervor that he approaches his business only to be stifled by what's happening next door. I think that's a disservice to the residents, but I also think that's a disservice to him, his practice and what he intends to do. So I'm in full support of condemnation for this property. And I thank you all for your time.

Good evening. I'm Brent Honore. I'm the owner of BRH Consultants and the owner of the 12 units that they want to take down. There's 24 condos on the property. 12 of them were renovated when I got a permit on both buildings before, maybe four or five years ago. And 12 of them have been renovated completely, like brand new. When I built the project in 2008, The 24 units was worth $6.8 million. Now, I house people and help them, and I'll be the first to say there's some that I shouldn't have helped. But that being said, the back building, I have a purchase agreement on all 24 units. And they were trying to close on the deal the first week in June. But the bank actually notified the purchaser and he notified me. I didn't even know the building was up for condemnation. We've been trying, I've been trying to renovate the property for the last year, year and a half. What happened was, or two years, the bank actually called in the note on the property. I had about 800,000 in that particular bank. They took the 800,000. My house, they appraised my house at 2.6 million. I owe them 1.8 million. And they took my house because they said they didn't have the house. They were going to try to take both properties. Or I had the judge give them both properties. So I gave them my house, but they gave me not a penny. And that was in a lawsuit and still is. But the issue is I put in for a permit. And then nothing happened. I found out that I tried to get a renewal on an existing permit, and they said I had to apply for a new permit. So I did that about a week and a half ago, applied for a new permit. And I can tell you, I can totally renovate the project again with the help of Mr. Davis, because he has the funds. And it'll be like new again. And actually, the building was appraised, the first 12 units was appraised at $2.65 million. The back building was appraised for a million as it's standing right now. And with the renovation, it will also go up in value. So basically, it's about over a $5.3 million deal. And so I'm asking for, it depends on the permit office, because as soon as we get a permit, we can start renovating. St. George is a little bit different. I did a project over there in their district, got a permit in 45 minutes to renovate a project.

You have 10 seconds.

It would take a little long, but the bottom line is I'm asking for a 60 to 90 day extension to show the council what I can do to the project.

Anyone else wishing to speak on item 52 through 61? Yes.

Good evening. I'm Mr. Burnell Davis, the guy that's investing in the property. I was almost finished the financing part until the the bank actually pulled up the condemnation. So I was mailed out a letter also that I received. I'm the owner of Affordable Housing Investment Group. So through that message, somehow, they thought by the name of my private entity of Affordable Housing Investment Group that I was actually, I think, the program for affordable housing. And I wasn't. I'm not. I'm nowhere affiliated with the government. But within the next 60 days or less. I would have been finished about 2 weeks ago. Until they saw that it was being condemned. To start the renovation process, so now they want to know that either is going to be extended or off the list in order to finish the funding. To get the building remodeled. Even as I spoke to Mr on array about the investment part. The whole outlook of it's going to change and it's for. Qualified and individuals who actually make at least 100 grand a year. Not affordable housing people or a lower income area. And that was my plans for the investment side of it in the first place. So we're definitely trying to get it refinanced, fixed up, cleaned up, and get it back functioning and be an improvement to the area. And so I'm opposed to the condemnation, and I am in the process of almost having the funds to have the whole thing remodeled and cleaned up.

Anyone else wish to speak on items 52 through 61? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Motion to approve. Oh, I need to read them back, I apologize. Recommendations to proceed with items 52, 53, 55, 56, and 60, 30 days on items 58 and 59, 60 days on items 54 and 57, and August 12th on item 61. Motion. Second. Motion by Councilwoman Rocca. Second by Councilwoman Coleman. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 62, authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claim of Crystal Leaf for damages resulting from an auto accident caused by Baton Rouge police officer in the amount of $10,379.51 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Goday. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. 63, authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claim of Triana Hamilton for damages resulting from an auto accident caused by Baton Rouge police officer in the amount of $35,000 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Goday. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 64, authorizing settlement of the matter entitled Chiquita Morgan v. Joseph Butler in the amount of $85,000 plus court costs in the amount of $127.53 for a total amount of $85,127.53 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing no, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. 65, amend the 2026 pay plan for the classified, unclassified, non-classified contract firing police employees in the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, so as to make the following changes effective May 16th, 2026. Increased pay grade for the parish attorney classification by Councilwoman Laurie Adams, Councilman Dwight Hudson, and Human Resources Director. There's a request to delete this item as the pay increases that we already made actually increased the pay scale beyond what this is calling for. So actually the word increase is improper in this use and it would be pointless. So recommendation is to delete. Do we have a motion in that regard? Motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries, item's been deleted. Item 66, authorizing, I don't know, dead or not, I apologize. Anyone wishing to speak on item 65? Seeing no council motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item's deleted. 66, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Baton Rouge Police Department to accept a grant sub-award from Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement in the amount of $27,460 to purchase law enforcement equipment by the police chief. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Goday, seconded by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 67, authorizing the Mayor-President on behalf of the Baton Rouge Police Department to amend the 2026 current expense budget to appropriate an amount not to exceed $1,700,000 from the Police Department fund balance for the purchase of essential police vehicles by the Police Chief. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilwoman Adams, seconded by Councilman Goday. Any opposition? Motion carries. 68, authorizing Mayor President or his designee on behalf of the Baton Rouge Police Department to accept a grant award from the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women in the amount of $500,000 for a period of 36 months and to execute any and all documents necessary to implement and administer said grant by the police chief. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Goday, seconded by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. All heavy lifting on one side tonight. Item 69, authorizing Mayor President to accept, enter into, and execute a $1 million grant on behalf of the Purchasing Division, awarded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative by the Purchasing Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Goday, seconded by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 70, authorizing the Mayor-President to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with the Luster Group, LLC, for Demolition and Abatement Services, Package A18, to increase the contract amount by $6,298.59 for a total contract amount not to exceed $85,533.59 by the Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Adams. Second by Councilwoman Harris. Any opposition? Motion carries. 71, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to amend the contract with Set Free Indeed Ministry to execute the contract term from June 30th, 2026 through December 31st, 2026 and execute all related documents by Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? I'm going to go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hurst, second by Councilman Adams. Is there any opposition?

Yes, ma'am. It is indeed here, and I want to know the amount here. You're amending the contract. but there's no amount. You're extending it, but there's no amount. You're executing it, and there's no amount.

I think it's just a date extension.

Okay, let me hear that from Deb. Good afternoon.

Previously, this contract was executed and approved by the council, and all we're doing is allowing them more time to perform services, no extra money. Okay, thank you.

Thank you It's been probably motion and second by councilman Hurst and councilwoman Adams there any opposition I

Motion carries.

Item 72, authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to execute a memorandum of understanding between the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, and Division of Human Development and Services on a mountain not to exceed $600,000 for the administration of housing opportunities for persons with AIDS, short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance by the Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll go to council. Move a motion. Motion by Councilman Mote. Second by Councilwoman Harris. Is there any opposition? Councilman Harris. Have a quick.

Okay. Quick question, Kelly. If our office received calls in regards to rental assistance, where do we direct them? Do we direct them to your office?

So it's two different things. This is specifically for housing persons with AIDS, our HOPWA funds. They would go to OSS. That's located in DHDS. Normal, traditional rental assistance, they can call OCD, and we have caseworkers that are managing that.

Okay, I should have said that. Any persons who are HIV, just contact OSS.

Social Services on Plain Road.

Okay, that's what I need to know. Thank you.

No problem.

It's been properly motioned and seconded by Councilman Moak and Councilwoman Harris. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. 73 authorizing mayor president on behalf of the office community development to execute amendment number one for service provider between City of Baton Rouge Paris of East Baton Rouge and United BR LLC Increasing the contract amount by 50,000 for a new total not to exceed 250,000 by the community development director anyone here wishing to speak on this item See now we're going to council motion. No, I got a question Councilman Coleman

Someone come and tell me about this. Is this the healthy homes thing that came before us before that gentleman? What is this?

Hello again. This is a contract that involved the collaboration of United VR and the Grove working with law enforcement. They've been having boots on the ground since I believe August of last year, and it's adding an additional 50,000 to engage more law enforcement officers to work with those nonprofits. For instance, 79 people have been provided bus tickets that have opted to go return to their jurisdictions versus being homeless. 18 people have been provided mental health service through treatment facilities. Encampments have been addressed and several other activities of that nature. So this is to really expand their operations And engage law enforcement to assist them.

So, is this being done in addition to and maybe you can't answer this someone else? Maybe we're supposed to have a homeless group that's supposed to be dealing with the encampments. And. So you're talking about this in addition to the encampments that's under that, you know, under the interstate over there. Talk to me about that. Talk to me. Okay.

Councilwoman Mason, that's the mayor's office what this is this 50,000 specifically for this will allow those groups like the grove to contract directly with to get extra duty officers to go with them when they're going to these encampments and things. Sometimes, as you, as you know, there, it can be quite dangerous. So this is just funding for them to get extra duty officers to go with them when they go to clear the encampments and try to help the homeless people. Yes, ma'am.

Anybody else? Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Hudson. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 74... Yes. Authorizing Mayor President on behalf of the Office of Community Development to amend contract with EECO Behavioral Health Coalition to revise the scope of work by removing the reference to rental assistance from the internal crisis budget and to extend the contract term from May 31st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026 by Community Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to Council. Councilman Dunn, Jr.?

Someone from community development come tell me what the purpose of removing rental systems and what impact that makes on the services Would be happy to

When this contract was, initially the scope was discussed, it was discussed with it in mind that people who were homeless would be provided, there were two facilities under one roof. But after realizing that individuals were not paying for rental services and then the entity, ECO Behavioral Health, Requesting reimbursement, then that was removed. Because it's basically the service was not being provided rental assistance per se. So. after consulting with the auditors and also the legislative, Louisiana legislators, the auditing department, Louisiana legislative auditors, it was recommended that we remove that.

So correct me if I'm wrong, is it your understanding that this language limits your ability to help them in other capacities and by removing it, it expands your reach to help?

I can't say that that's exactly the case. The case is, is that the individuals were provided the nonprofit or service. The facility fee was being paid. So, to pay have rental existence in there as well, just was not appropriate. So all other services were being provided to the facility in terms of utilities, rental assistance and. and being able to afford the individuals other services, mental health, and treatment and recovery as well.

So, you will no longer be able to use these funds of real assistance or you was limited to use them for real assistance. I'm not following.

Well, here's here's the situation. If the office of community development, or the city per se was paying utilities. For the facility and rent.

Okay.

Then what were the individuals paying?

Well, I don't know. So are you saying that you could only well, the individual has to have some responsibility is what you're saying?

Exactly. The rental assistance portion. Well, maybe Kelly can explain it better. But the rental was there was no rental assistance being provided for these individuals.

Okay.

So that had to be removed from the contract.

Okay.

Go ahead Kelly, so, and I know when you go on councilman done, let me make this point. So these are the opioid funds. Okay. This is not the traditional rental assistance has no impact on that. This was a service specific for that. And it just didn't meet the guidelines that I was comfortable with upon going out to the site and understand what they were doing. So. Cut it off, but all other services will be provided.

So this was a duplication of alpha. So we still have rental assistance. Absolutely dollars and capacity to help residents with that. Totally different thing.

This is opioid funds. Not the TV. It's a tenant based from assistance.

All right. Thank you.

My else we have a motion. Motion my councilman done junior 2nd, my councilwoman Harris in the opposition. Motion carries. Item 75, authorizing Mayor President to execute an amendment to Resolution 57140 on behalf of the Baton Rouge Fire Department to add $7,400 annually to the contract with first due locality media for RMS and scheduling services for a revised total not to exceed the annual amount of $146,500 in 2026 by the Fire Chief. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Okay, now we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Kinney. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 76, authorizing the Mayor-President to execute an agreement with Cornerstone Governmental Affairs in the amount of $156,000 for federal governmental relation services and the option for a one-year renewal contingent upon available budget by the Mayor's Office. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? We have Millie Janae Jones. Question to speak? No? All right. We'll go to Council. Councilman Hurst.

And I may be wrong, but didn't we do one for like $100,000 a few months back? Yeah, we're going to... Yeah, I know we did 2 and we did 1 for course and Nichols and we didn't want the cornerstone. At the same time, or somebody from the mayor's office, please. And if I'm correct, the previous 1, they were both 100,000 dollars. So, I want to understand what the increase is and why are we renewing both of them simultaneously if they want the same timeframe.

Councilman to the best of my knowledge, we did increase the course in nickel contract. 223 months ago from 115,000, 150,000, this cornerstone contract we did not do at that time. And when we did it last year, it was for the same amount as today.

56,000, I just want to know what are the results. Of the federal lobby, and that's in money back down to us. That justifies the increases.

Well, there's no increase to this particular contract, but I will share a couple results.

That justifies the payment.

So last year, and remember we brought this to you last year, this was a decrease of about $75,000 over the previous contract before. But Cornerstone, through our work with them last year, we got $2 million from Congresswoman Letlow for Stormwater, which I know all of you know we need in the parish. From Senator Cassie, through our work with them, we got $1.2 million for our crime intelligence program. In addition, we got probably $250,000 for police vehicles out of a $2 million grant that Congresswoman Letlow gave us, as well as several other parishes, so we got about $250,000 out of that. So altogether, somewhere in the realm of $3 million worth of value.

Okay, follow-up question. Who was our previous federal lobbyist?

It was... It was John Breaux. I can't remember the name of the group.

I got you. So how much did they bring in previous years?

It was less than that, significantly.

Okay, good. I just wanted to know.

I will get it to you, though. I do have a file that shows it year over year. I'll get it to you.

All right, thanks.

Thank you.

Anyone else? Motion by Councilman Hudson, second by Councilman Goday. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. I'm 77 authorizing mayor president to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city of Baton Rouge, Paris of East Baton Rouge and the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District for purpose of promoting economic development in the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District and provided for related matters by Councilwoman Jennifer Rocca. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item?

Hello, thank you for letting me speak. My name is Lisa Duplantier. I am here today as a property owner and a concerned citizen. I know that we all sent you a letter yesterday. I hope you've had a chance to review it. What I'm here today to do is to respectfully request that this council defer the vote on this cooperative endeavor agreement with the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District. Our family believes transparency, truthfulness, and open communication is key to any successful endeavor. We encourage thoughtful and well-planned economic growth for Baton Rouge and the parish. However, being blindsided with this EDD by being completely left out of the process that directly impacts us as tax-paying property owners is highly disturbing. Our family owns approximately 57% of the total acreage within the Bayou Fountain EDD. I don't believe it is necessary for good things to be done in the wrong way. We have raised generations of our family in Baton Rouge. Our commitment to this city and parish and loving this area is very steadfast. Please defer this vote until all the involved parties can get together to find a better way to move forward. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak on this item?

Thank you, Metro Council. My name is Charlie Kaplinger. I was born in Baton Rouge, went to LSU, and I am a member of the DePlancher family. And the DePlancher family can trace its roots back to the earliest days of Baton Rouge. In fact, They've owned this property for over 150 years. It is sacred to them. They care about this. They have spent... Generations of deplanters have grown up on this property, recreating, doing business, raising cattle, horse riding. This is a very special piece of property. And now it is time to consider development for it. Well... The one consistent theme that the family has always requested and required of developers in the dozen or so meetings we've had is that this... Whatever goes on this property is... the highest quality and would make the family proud but also would make Baton Rouge proud. The family is rooted in Baton Rouge and cares about what is going to go there. It is one of the largest tracks closest to LSU left. It is an active oil field right now. So the family does not oppose a sports complex, the family opposes this cooperative endeavor agreement because it does not like the EDD. And the reason it does not like the EDD is because they had no idea this economic development district was going to basically cover up their entire piece of property, which, as Lisa said, is the bulk of the economic development district. This whole EDD was brought up kind of in the cloak of darkness. No family member knew about it. No family member was alerted about it. And we were alerted through a proposal that was made by the Elite Sports Complex. Now, you have the Elite Sports Complex. You have the president who is... Pitching or trying to go after this property He also started a development company and now he is in charge of the EDD which can direct taxpayer funds For sports related events sports related development this property may never see a sports related event You may be taxing this property imposing this tax on this property and the money may be spent somewhere else and The family would like to pull its property out of this EDD. We feel that we were completely blindsided that there was no vote and that this whole thing was brought up. for the sole purpose to pressure the family and to reduce the value of this property. So with due respect, we would like to defer this at a minimum. But most importantly, we would like to remove the DePlantia property from the Economic Development District.

Thank you.

Do you have any questions?

This is the public hearing portion. If we have questions, once we go to the council, if anybody has questions, they can call anybody up who spoke or otherwise to ask those. Very good. Thank you for your time. Sure thing. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak on this item?

Good evening council. I'm Steve. I represent the family. Appreciate y'all hearing us tonight. Here tonight on behalf of the family, 8 generation landowners in East parish. I want to talk about something that I think. deserves this council's attention, not just as it relates to the DePlantier family, but as a matter of responsible use of time, resources, and professional effort. To put together an economic development district of this scope requires a significant investment. You need attorneys to draft the ordinance and the cooperative endeavor agreement. You need consultants and planners. You need feasibility study. And in this case, the development group commissioned exactly that from Synergy Sports Global in October of 2025. You'll need bond counsel. You'll need financial advisors to structure the TIF. By the time an NDD reaches this council for a vote, the professional fees alone, legal, financial, and consulting can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. That's a substantial investment, and it raises a straightforward question. How do you spend that kind of money putting together a district built around 175 acres of land without first securing that land? This is not a rhetorical question. The feasibility study commissioned by the development group answers it directly on page for that study under site location. The following recommendation is made and I'm quoting directly from the document included in your packet tonight in order to present. A viable project, it is our recommendation that the ownership group secure the proposed land under a letter of intent pending project approval and funding. So, as to show elected officials and city staff, their commitment to the project. Their own consultants told them before doing anything else, secure the land, get a letter of intent, show this council that the foundation of the project is in place before you ask for its approval. That did not happen. The attorneys drafted the ordinance, the consultants prepared the reports, the financials were structured, the cooperative endeavor agreement was written, and all of it was built around 175 acres of land representing 57% of the entire district whose owners were never directly contacted, never presented with a serious proposal for their full property, and never signed so much as a letter of intent. I want to put that in perspective. for a moment. In East Baton Rouge Parish, a simple rezoning request requires signs posted on the property, direct notification to adjoining landowners, and signatures as part of the process. I've done this, you know, always hear from the council person, if my neighbors are okay with it, I'm gonna be okay with it. The formation of an EDD, a governing body with the authority to levy taxes and shape the future of private property for decades, requires only two published notices in the official journal. The Duplancher family is not interested in further offers or negotiations in connection with this project. Their position is clear and it's firm. What they're asking of this council is equally clear. Defer the vote on the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. Immediately begin the process of amending Ordinance 19859 to remove the Duplancher family property from the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District permanently. The rights of an eighth generation Louisiana family deserves nothing less. Thank you. Thank you.

Anyone else wishing to speak on this item?

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Kristen Beale. My name was on the letter that you all should have received yesterday. I thank you for taking the time to hear from us today. I'm one of the many DePlantier family members that are here today, 14 in total regarding this. we are tax paying owners of approximately 175 acres of land within the boundaries of the recently formed by youth fountain economic development district that's subject to this uh vote this evening my family is extremely troubled extremely troubled to learn that mr stringfellow has been publicly promoting and presenting this development project including Depictions of our land, press releases, courting people about our land, without our knowledge, without our consent, without absolutely any agreement in place. It is not. We do not have an agreement. We have never authorized any such use of our beloved land. We find it wholly unacceptable that our family's property is being showcased publicly as part of a private commercial venture that we have never agreed to and do not support. We are also aware that Louisiana's Constitution provides strong protections against exactly this type of situation where private land is targeted for transfer to another private party under the guise of such economic development. We take those precautions seriously. We are prepared to pursue every remedy available to us under state and federal law to defend our family's property. And I'd like to reiterate what Lisa said to you. We have been a member of the Baton Rouge community for 10 generations. We have been wholeheartedly a part of the LSU environment 10 generations. We want the absolute very best for Baton Rouge. That has never come into question. But the way at which this was developed, the way at which it's been misled and brought, I believe to all of you, it's alarming to say the least. And I would just like you to know we are very willing to talk with you all about our plans for our property and hope that you will defer this vote and know that it is very wrong to do. And we care about Baton Rouge. If we didn't, we wouldn't be here. Thank you for hearing us.

Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak on the side? I had Rebel, Kaplinger, Denise DuPont, Charlotte, DuPontier, William, Terry DuPontier, and Jack Jones. Anybody wishing to speak or all good? All right. See you now. We'll go to Council. Councilwoman Rocca.

Hi, everyone, thank you so much for coming out to speak tonight. I do want to clear a few things up and this council is aware of it, especially those ones that went to several of the meetings. But for the public, and the people that will later be writing stories about this. So, Mr string fellow couldn't make it tonight. He and his attorney are out of town. But every time that he came and discussed this particular project with us, he led and started with one thing. And that was, this project is elite sports, Bayou Fountain EDD. There has to be a public purpose behind it. That public purpose has to meet the laws required to form an EDD. But one thing he reiterated to everyone that would listen to him and take the time to hear him was, that he had not yet purchased the property. And that the plan that he was putting forth before us was ultimately the best possible plan for that particular area. That that was the most ideal plan. He also mentioned that he had several other plans for that particular area that did not include the property or the land. contained in the EDD, but that was the best possible footprint. He made mention to us that the family that owned the property that's here tonight, and thank you for being here, that had owned it for generations and generations. He mentioned that he thought it would be a tough sell to be able to get the property from these people, but that he was talking to one of the many sisters that owned this land. I also had one of the sister's husbands reach out and talk to me. I don't know, his name was Tommy. He called me regarding the sale of the property. We've had other council members that have had husbands reach out to them to talk about what this property looks like, and it appears that maybe there may be some miscommunication with some of the family members and what's happening. But at any rate, for the public purposes, with an EDD, we are not required to go out and post. I don't want anyone to be confused. This is not a planning matter. We don't have to post signs. We don't have to give notice to the public. That was not required of my colleagues, so they did nothing wrong with moving forward on this EDD. The other piece is no 1 is my understanding that no 1 occupies a home. No 1 is a resident within these boundaries. Had there been residents or occupants in this, then obviously the rules would change. We had several. businesses in the area that reached out that will be impacted by the incremental taxes and they were very supportive of the EDD. We had letters that we were hearing. I think that the real estate agent that talked to us, Mr. Lejeune, was here the night the EDD was passed. We had, I think, one letter of opposition that came that night. We considered it as a body. We had conversations. We had multiple meetings. But to allude that something was nefarious or anyone was taking anyone's land, that is absolutely not true, and I want to clear that up right now. In fact, an economic development district is not taking property from anyone. We have a base tax level and any funds that are spent in this particular area by the people that are patrons of this area receive a percentage of those tax dollars that are spent. When those tax dollars are spent in this EDD in District 12, those tax dollars stay there. So whenever you have an economic development district and there is a need for lighting or sidewalks or drainage or any other type of infrastructure, I don't have to go to the mayor's office and ask them and beg them to give me some attention in District 12 and help this particular area or this particular property. the board with the EDD can do it. And Fred Rayford is shaking his head back there because he knows how often I beg him for improvements in District 12. He also knows what District 12 constituents are like whenever they want something done. So that is the purpose of an EDD. It is not to take anyone's land. If the boundaries need to be redrawn, that is not what we do here with the CEA. That has to be an and I'll let the parish attorney speak, our brand new parish attorney come up and speak to this. If the boundaries need to be redrawn, then that is a change of the ordinance and has nothing to do with this particular CEA. And this CEA cannot change the boundaries of this EDD tonight by amendment or the like or otherwise. Now, if we want to allow for 30 days for the parties to continue to communicate, I'm absolutely okay with that. But what I'm not okay with is sharing misinformation and acts like this council did anything nefarious when we all worked very, very hard for what we thought was a good project in a great area. We have had, yes please, we have had very many news outlets cover this. We have had several stories published from the inception of the conversations that we have had with the elite facility. We've had Business Report write a phenomenal story today about what an impact a sportsplex, a youth sports facility would be in District 12. That is a very family-centric area. Anybody that comes to these meetings regularly, our planning commission guy is not here, can tell you that District 12, my colleagues can tell you that District 12 is very, very picky whenever it comes to the developments in this district. They do not support large apartment complexes. They do not support large retailers. They do not support... particularly anything in their backyard, they don't want anything built. Generally speaking, they're anti-development. And I understand that. I understand the preservation of land. But for this particular project, we had no opposition from residents. It was very well supported in District 12. So it comes as a surprise to me that we are getting opposition now. And I understand if the family wants to preserve their land and keep their land for another 200 years untouched, their family and preserve it for their families later on decades to come I understand that that's their right that's their property and they absolutely have the option to do that but currently as it stands I just want the public to know that we all worked what we thought was in the best interest we did what we were obligated to do by law and I will make a motion for a 30-day deferral and I hope that my colleagues support me on that

Councilman Dunn, Jr., did you? You okay?

No, I was going to make a motion for a 30-day deferral, but she did.

We have a motion by Councilwoman Rocca, second by Councilwoman Coleman for a 30-day deferral. This would be for the second meeting in June. Is there any opposition? Councilwoman Amorosa.

May I ask Councilwoman Rock a question? So the way, help us to understand, so the way that this property is now, is this property going to be affected any way, shape, or form of an EDD?

No.

It's not going to be taxed, it's not going to be...

Would our parish attorney's office like to come and give an official legal opinion? But no, it's not. They don't currently have a retail spot or a restaurant on the property unless they're going to say someone will state otherwise. But currently it is not impacted. They do not levy taxes.

I just wanted to make sure that was clear. Yep. We're good. Nope, it's fine. Thank you. All right.

That was Ms. Delaposte. She can answer the question in her sleep. Ms. Delaposte, do you want to say something?

Hang on.

Okay.

Councilwoman Amorosa?

I mean, she was correct, right? Councilwoman was correct that this property under this EDD will not be affected in any way, shape, or form right now.

Can we get the parish attorney's office to come to the mic, please? And the parish attorney, too.

The taxes that are being levied by the EDD are sales taxes. So any taxable transactions that were to occur on this property would be subject to the sales tax, but there are no property taxes levied. So if it is undeveloped property and there is no residential property, you know, property on it, then currently the taxes that were levied would not impact that property specifically.

Okay. Just want to make sure everybody understands that. Thank you. Sure. Thank you. We're good. Thank you.

Thank you. All right. The item has been properly motioned and seconded. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 78, as a request to delete this item, authorizing the Mayor-President on behalf of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge to enter into a lease agreement with Admiral Land LLC for the lease of space at 445 North 12th Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802 for a term of five years at a rate of $13.59 per square foot by the Parish Attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to Council. Motion by Councilman Goday. To delete?

Yeah.

This item already came through as an emergency item, so it's already been passed, which is why we're deleting it. Motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. 79, authorizing the finance director to refund sewer user fees paid in excess due to the erroneous billing of sewer user fees on a meter serving an irrigation system in amount of $172,075.23 by Baton Rouge GSA LLC by the finance director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Hudson, second by Councilwoman Rocca. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 80, Amending Title 12, Nuisances, Chapter 6, Miscellaneous Section 12405, Maintenance of Property so as to Provide for an Increase in the Penalties and Fines for Violations by Development Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to Council.

On the last item.

Oh, I apologize.

Angie, could you come up, please, and give us an explanation of why we, was it $176,000? Item 79.

So, 172,000, the business owner had a plumber common install and irrigation meter. And what happened was the plumber switched the meter that service that. The business with the irrigation, so they erroneously paid sewer on an irrigation meter that never deposits into the sewer system. So we went back the prescription period. and looked at it, and we did agree. The business owner actually hired a consultant to do a report on it, and then we did our own analysis, and we agreed, and this is the result of it.

How long did that take place?

The refund is from 23 to March 26. January of 23 to March 26. All right. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Okay, I'll do it again. Item 80, amending Title 12, instances, Chapter 6, miscellaneous, Section 12, 405, maintenance of property so as to provide for an increase in the penalties and fines for violations by development director. Anyone wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Do we have a motion? Motion by Councilman Hurst, seconded by Councilwoman Amorosa. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 81, authorize Mayor President to execute a contract for appraisal services with Alpha Omega Appraisal Services, LLC, for services associated with Mooby Art Capacity Project, Mickens Road, Hooper Road, and Jewel Road, in an amount not to exceed $61,120 by Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. Motion by Councilman Hurst. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Any opposition? Motion carries. 82, authorizing the Mayor-President to execute a contract for appraisal services with BDS Enterprises, Inc. for services associated with the Mubi Archipelago Project, Mickens Road, Hooper Road, DeJure, in an amount not to exceed $61,120 by Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Kinney, second by Councilman Hurst. Any opposition? Motion carries. 83, authorizing the Mayor-President to execute a contract for acquisition and relocation services with Diadem Appraisals, LLC, for services associated with the MoveBR Capacity Project, Mickens Road, Hooper, DeJore, in an amount not to exceed $117,120 by Transportation and Drainage Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. Motion by Councilman Hurst, second by Councilman Godey. Any opposition? Motion carries. 84, authorizing Mayor President to execute amendments to contracts with Ashbred, Inc., Crowder Golf, LLC, and DRC Emergency Services, LLC for disaster, street cleaning, debris collection, removal, processing, disposal, and management services by the Environmental Services Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilman Moog, second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 85, authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claim of Cheryl Woods for damages resulting from the automobile accident for a total amount of $17,000 by the parish attorney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Harris. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. 86, authorizing the Mayor-President to execute supplemental agreement number two to the contract with Moget Architecture LLC for additional design services in connection with their contract for the Pride Fire District number eight Indian Mountain Station in an amount not to exceed $14,086.38 by Building and Grounds Director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to Council. Motion by Chair. Second by Councilwoman Harris. Any opposition? Motion carries. 87, authorizing Mayor President to execute professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting Inc. in the amount of 300,000 to provide engineering services and appropriate interest earning from the Capital Improvement Fund for said purpose by transportation and drainage director. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. Move a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Amorosa. Second by Councilman Godey. Any opposition? Motion carries. Item 88, a resolution approving the annual payment in lieu of tax to the Sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish in an amount not to exceed $12,281.09 in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Capital Area Finance Authority and Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, LLC, for the Howell Senior Village Project by Councilman Anthony Kinney. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? So, you know, go to council. Councilman Kenny.

Council members, this is a very exciting project coming to my district and area. Gulf Coast housing does a lot of great affordable housing, but general great housing projects across Louisiana and across the country. And so they're coming in to do a 72 unit senior village and district 2 in Scotlandville, 72nd Avenue. I have a represent up here today. Miss Jenga for Gulf Coast house. If you just want to briefly talk about the project.

At this time.

Hi, good evening everyone. Thank you. Councilman Kenny. I'm a project manager with golf, close housing partnership as Councilman Kenny said golf, close housing partnership has been working across the South. Uh, since 2006, after the after hurricane Katrina, we produce over 4500 units. Of affordable housing, this is an exciting project. It's 100% for seniors, all new construction built to fortified multifamily gold standards, which is the highest and so resiliency. Um, we expect to, um, hopefully reach financial closing by the end of this year and begin starting construction on the project next year. Um, the pilot would obviously greatly help an affordable housing project.

All right, thank you motion to approve motion by councilman Kenny.

2nd, my councilman done junior. Any opposition motion cares. Adjudicated properties. We're going to take 89 through 107 together. Lot 9, square 1, subdivision Lehman Place, Metro Council District 10, Coleman, high bidder, Hayes Gray Management, LLC, $100. Lot 21, square 23, subdivision Hickeytown, Metro Council District 10, Coleman, high bidder, Demetrius Chambers, $100. Lot 8, square 89, subdivision of Strumer, Council District 10, Coleman, high bidder, Garnesha Williams, $3,000. Lot 1A1, square 20-A, subdivision Scotland Edition, Council District 2, Kinney, high bidder, it's been redeemed. Lot 8, square 2, subdivision Plank Road, Council District 7, Harris, high bidder Daniel Sharon Avey, $100. Lot 20, square 39, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10, Coleman, high bidder B. Noble, LLC, $100. Lot 15, square 2, subdivision Richmond Park, Council District 10, Coleman, high bidder Nicholas Stewart and Diana Oliver, $100. LOT 14, SQUARE 5, SUBDIVISION SCOTT, COUNCIL DISTRICT 10, COLEMAN, HIGHBITTER, ERIC SANDERS, $100. LOT 10, SQUARE 6, SUBDIVISION SCOTT, COUNCIL DISTRICT 10, COLEMAN, HIGHBITTER, LAFAYETTE COMPANY, $6,000. LOT 68, SUBDIVISION HIGHLAND GARDENS ADDITION, COUNCIL DISTRICT 7, HARRIS, HIGHBITTER, LAFAYETTE COMPANY, $25,000. LOT 41, SUBDIVISION CYPRESS PARK, COUNCIL DISTRICT 9, HUDSON, REDEEMED. Lot 44, subdivision Cypress Park, Council District 9, Hudson. High bidder, M Investments, $21,000. Lot 10, square 4, subdivision North Baton Rouge, Council District 2, Kinney. High bidder, Nakia White, $15,000. Lot 34, square 39, subdivision South Baton Rouge, Council District 10, Coleman. High bidder, Clyde Forbes, $100.00. Lot 1B, square 5, subdivision Dayton, council district 10 Coleman, high bidder rebuilding together Baton Rouge, $100. Lot 133, subdivision Victoria Gardens, council district 7 Harris, motor owned. Lot X, subdivision JJ Burke Estate, council district 10 Coleman, motor owned. Lot 9, square 164, subdivision South Baton Rouge, council district 10 Coleman, high bidder Farrell Johnson III, $3,200.00. Lot 367, subdivision Belfair Homes, Council District 7, Harris, in my father's house. Anyone here wishing to speak on items 89 through 107? Seeing none, we'll go to council.

I'm sorry, I missed it. Could you read 90? I don't think I have clarification on that. 90?

Yes.

Lot 21, Square 23, Subdivision Hickietown, Council District 10, Coleman, High Bidder, Demetrius Chambers, $100?

Yes, thank you. Just wanted to make sure. Okay.

He just wanted to be in my business, that's all. Yeah, yeah. Do we have a motion? I'd like to make a motion for all except 95 and 97. No response from those two. 95 and 97.

So the motion is to approve all with the deletion of items 95 and 97? Correct. Motion, oh, Councilwoman Harris? Okay, motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Harris to approve all items with the deletion of items 95 and 97. Any opposition? Motion carries. Appointments. Industrial Development Board consideration of reappointing or replacing Thomas Love Jr. This appointment is a six-year term. Appointment must be submitted by Louisiana Attorney General Contractors. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Now we'll go to council. I don't think we have.

Council members, we haven't received any response. So if we could defer this one for 60 days, I think that would give us some time to hear back from the LAGC.

Motion by Councilman Dunn, Jr. Second by Councilwoman Adams to defer for 60 days. Any opposition? Motion carries. 109, Board of Appeals concurring the Mayor-President's replacement of Michael Abbas, who is not seeking reappointment. It's a three-year term. Anyone here wish to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. I don't think we have, I had gotten with the mayor's office, they don't have a pick yet. We're gonna ask to defer this to the second meeting in June. Motion by the chair, second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Motion carries. 110, Bill Baton Rouge, Board of Commissioners, filling the unexpired term of Suzanne Turney. Turner, current ballot, Christelle Slaughter. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. Motion by Councilman Gode. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 111, Bill Baton Rouge, Board of Commissioners, filling the unexpired term of Rodney Braxton, current ballot Carolyn Coleman. There's been a request to defer this item until the second meeting in June by Councilwoman Coleman. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, go to council. Motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Harris to defer to the second meeting in June. Any opposition? Motion carries. Change orders, we're going to take 112 through 115 together. 112, Plank Road Corridor Enhancement, Segment 2, Dawson Drive to Harding, Contractor Command Construction and Industries, LLC, change order amount $293,269.94. 113, Blue Bonnet Boulevard, Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossing, Contractor Diamond Electric Company, change order amount credit of $1,806.21. 114 Mohican Street Area ADA Transition Project Contractor Triumph Construction LLC. Change order amount is a credit of $91,805.68. 115 Registrar of Voters Tenant Buildout Contractor Capital Construction LLC. Change order amount $128,554.10. Anyone here wish to speak on items 112 through 115? If not, we'll go to council. Motion motion by councilman Kenny 2nd, my councilwoman Harris, any opposition. Motion carries final acceptance is 116 and 117 blue bonnet Boulevard, mid block, pedestrian, crossing contractor, diamond electric company, final calls, 290000, 406,092 cents. 117 Mohican street area transition project, contractor, triumph, construction, LLC, final cost, 330,000, 181 dollars and 92 cents. Anyone here wishing to speak on these items? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Amorosa. Second by Councilwoman Coleman. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 118, recognizing June 2nd as National Mississippi River Day and urging all people to celebrate, protect, and restore the Mississippi River and its watershed. By Mayor President Sid Edwards, Councilman Rowdy Goday, Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman, and myself. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item?

they know what a couple couple go to council members indulge me please for about ninety seconds this uh... came to our attention through visit baton rouge which i'm the council representative on that board and so uh... myself the two other council members uh... whose districts touch the mississippi river in the parish president are the sponsors of this uh... i'm gonna read from the organization that made this request on behalf of the organization one mississippi Thank you to the East Baton Rouge Parish and the Metropolitan Council for this meaningful proclamation recognizing June 2nd as Mississippi River Day. As the proclamation reads, the Mississippi River is more than a waterway. It's a lifeline that sustains over 20 million Americans with drinking water, provides diverse wildlife habitats, drives our local and national economies, and holds deep cultural significance for many people and communities throughout its 2,350-mile journey forward. Across and across the 1.2M square miles watershed, this proclamation not only acknowledges the river's vital role in our lives, but also affirms our collective responsibility to protect and restore it. And then from our vantage point council, the, as we roll out plan, Baton Rouge 3. for the heart of our community. Let's truly look at the Mississippi as our front porch, as an important quality of life and quality of place driver in addition to the economic powerhouse it has remained for many decades. Certainly ask for your favorable passage of this. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Goday. I'll add that where the Mississippi River touches District 1, it's a fantastic awning. Killed my first deer right there.

There you go. Perfect. Good addition.

Motion by Councilman Gode. Second by Councilwoman Amorosa. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. 119, receiving a report from the Employees Retirement System on plan design and change recommendations by Councilman Hurst. Who's not here. We're going to receive the report and then we'll have a public hearing.

Mayor Pro Tem council members, Jay Daniels. I'm the chair of the. At this point, we do not have a document to present right now. Our board meeting is tomorrow at which time that report that we commissioned a year ago. This should be reviewed. We've sent it through our committee structure, which is the administrative and benefit committee. And so we will be receiving that recommendation at tomorrow's board meeting. At which time we'll follow up and have be able to present that those findings in that report to the council.

So you're just requesting a deferral on this item. That would be great. Perfect anyone wishing to speak on this item. You know, we'll go to call you motion to defer. 30 days 2nd meeting in June. Okay, most of my councilman rock a 2nd, my couple woman Harris. Is there any opposition? MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 120, ACTUALLY 120 AND 121 EMERGENCY ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDINANCE 16442, THESE ITEMS MUST BE DECLARED AN EMERGENCY BY TWO-THIRDS. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, I NEED A MOTION TO DECLARE THESE ITEMS AN EMERGENCY. ANYBODY WANT TO MAKE A MOTION? MOTION BY COUNCILMAN HUDSON. Second by Councilwoman Adams. Any opposition? Items that declare an emergency. Item 120, authorizing the Office of Mayor-President on behalf of the Department of Public Works to enter into a contract with Care Plus Ventures for an amount not to exceed $140,000 to implement their AI platform, Grace, for use with city parishes through on one system by the Mayor's Office. Reason for the emergency was to expedite implementation of the contract. Anyone here wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we'll go to council. We have a motion. Motion by Councilwoman Amorosa, second by Councilwoman Adams. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Item 121, resolution of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge on behalf of the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District authorizing the Mayor, President, and our Chairman of the Airport Commission to execute any and all agreements and documents with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Office of Multimodal Commerce pertaining to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport by the aviation director reason for the emergency on this one is item is deemed emergency to authorize execution of documents to ensure compliance with new FFA FAA DoTD DocuSign mandate anyone here wishing to speak on this item? See no more go to council with motion motion my councilman Dunn jr. Second my councilman moak. Is there any opposition? Motion carries. Councilwoman Amorosa. Meeting's adjourned. Meeting's adjourned. Thank you all for your continued service. God bless.