City Council - Regular Meeting

Steelcat. Uh-huh. Roof, electrical, plumbing. Um, Miss Mandarino. That's something totally different, though. Miss Mandarindo. Yeah, we can't have you just talk from the floor cuz we do have an audience at at home that can't hear you if you're not at the microphone. Any other comments about this? I think we've got a motion to go ahead and condemn both to move forward to to adopt to move forward with this one. Yeah. All right. No other comments on the motion that we have before us. Mr. Stacy roll Nelson. Yes. Smith Kirkindaw. Yes. Harrington. Yes. PT. Yes.

All right. That motion carries which condemns both the Second Street and the Fourth Street building. All right. Um we have another piece that's for final and is read by Councilwoman at large Smith Kirkindor.

Thank you, Mayor. This is ordinance number 007 of 2026, an ordinance authorizing the mayor of the city of Nacades to award the bid for water treatment facility improvements phase two and this is up for final. This was read uh the meeting on March I'm sorry February 23rd 2026. uh whereas bids were taken and advertised on January 15, 22nd and January 29th in accordance with the law and whereas the three bid proposals were received and opened as follows which was Lemon Company of Lafayette Louisiana $6,250,000 Dixie Overland Construction Sibly Louisiana $6,413,000 Senlaw Utility Contractors LLC 7,22 $23,810. And whereas the appointed committee unanimously could recommend that the city award the bid to the lowest bidder being Le Moine Company LLC in the amount of $6,250,000. This ordinance was introduced again on February 23rd and published in the February 26 News Nish Times. And I move for adoption of ordinance number 007. All right, we got a second. Second motion made and seconded to

um accept this low bid that we got from the Le Moine Company. And just as Tim stated probably a couple of weeks ago, they're the same company that won the bid to construct plant number four. Um I think everything has been positive and going well, regular meetings. Um, and certainly we want Tim to say something in just a moment if he wants to. Um, but they're the low bid by 163,000 from the next lowest and then the low bid by almost 2 million, excuse me, by almost a million from the high bid, which again, we got three bids on this one. So, everything's been going well. They got the low bid there. So, Timmy, any other thing you want to say?

No, same as the last time. It's it's just the second part of the water treatment plant expansion and rehabilitation of uh plant two and plant three. Le Moine's been really they they've worked really good with us. They they like change orders, which I know y'all don't like, but they they have been real accommodating to us. They've they've helped us out a lot. Yep. That's a that's been a good project for us. So, you'll see that plan for it. I mean, it's up. Um, I don't think it's operational just yet. I know we have to do something one one night or something.

We do have a uh electric I mean, a yeah, electrical shutdown at the water plant coming. We're tentatively scheduling it on the 27th where we'll be shutting down the the entire water plant to tie in the electrical for the plant 4. Uh so that's going to put us starting up plant for sometime the beginning of April. I think we're trying to do that when people when water usage is as low as midnight. Yep. So on Friday night that way Pilgrims is shut down. They're one of our biggest water users.

Yep. So, so trying to even though the water has to turn off for some time to make the necessary connections, we're doing it at a time that's most convenient for the customers, residents type of thing. But looking at those pictures again that I remember that vividly, the the one that's on the right here all the way to the right, I mean, that's that's just plywood holding the floor together. So certainly not a safe place to to have to work. So yeah, these renovations are needed and we got the low bid which is a company that has really good rapport with us now. So council, you got any comments or questions? Still on a good timeline

so far? Yes, we're on a good timeline. Okay. Any any public comments or questions about this about this um item ordinance? It's a good project for the city. So again, give giving us more capacity. So that's great. It's one of those infrastructure projects that um we sometimes take for granted, right? Not even thinking about it. Um but it's a it's it's a badly needed one. So we're happy about it progressing the way it should. All right, Mrs. Stacy. And there are no other comments or questions. Roll call vote. Nelson, yes. Smith Kirkindall, yes. Harrington, yes. PG, yes.

All right, that motion carries. Great project for us. Um, next we've got something for introduction. Um, I know through email Chief Collins has kind of led this one and we'll give him an opportunity in just a moment to kind of say where this is coming from. But, uh, Councilman PT, it's on you, sir.

Thank you, Mayor. Ordinance number 008 of 2026, an ordinance to adopt a human trafficking prevention and reporting policy for the city of negative personnel policies manual and to provide for related man matters. Whereas human trafficking whether for labor labor or commercial sexual purposes is unlawful under Louisiana revised statutes. Whereas the city of Nagis finds it necessary to establish standards and reporting requirements for personnel related to the prevention and reporting of human trafficking in city operations. Whereas the city council wishes to adopt the attached formal policy consistent with Louisiana and federal law and this is for introduction only.

Okie dokie. I think it pretty it pretty much reads straightforward uh no tricks or gimmicks, anything like that to I think you said amend our personnel manual to include this uh language. Chief Collins, kind of give us a little little bit of a rundown on why we need to do this. Real briefly, as you know, there's been several laws that have come out in recent years that um really hone in on human trafficking and how it leads to so many other things from prostitution to uh child abuse to um uh property um theft and and and I guess extortion. Um these human trafficking is a very serious uh offense both nationally and in Louisiana. and to just be in compliance. This ordinance would allow the city to take appropriate actions to make sure that each and every employees meeting the requirements. And it also extends to all vendors, contractors, um subcontractors, uh we have to hold them accountable as well. in any any deviation or participation as y'all seen nationally with some top top members. Um it it it is something that's farreaching and this just puts in a condition to allow our city to make sure we maintain the the standards that are required.

Okay. All right. Comments or questions? Council, just real quick, Chief, are we seeing like any cases in like North Louisiana far as like human trafficking? You see a lot of cases of that?

Well, yes, sir. do because we have corridors of the interstate and a lot of people don't realize interstate trafficking of of young adults and they have campaigns that are out to help educate folks to know what to look for. I I I I actually saw a commercial the other day where people could indicate that they need help and and and encourage folks to be aware of their surroundings somewhere a store, a casino. you can if you see individuals that are being groomed or managed or watched very closely by other individuals. Those are things that we need to be aware of. So yes sir, there there are instances where it is propagating in this north part of the state because of the corridors we have between states. We we have a lot of people traveling and they do stop in Nacades. So we have to be aware uh the chair that's over the human trafficking for the Louisiana Chiefs Association is actually a chief in the north part of the state. So, uh, we recently met on campus in reference to some of those, um, the enforcement of that and also making sure we're educating our staff to be aware of what to look for.

Okay, good. Again, this is just for introduction. So, if there are no burning questions right now, certainly reach out to Chief Collins, but we'll see this on the 23rd when we meet again. Okay. Lastly, we've got two resolutions. Um, and resolution number 12 of 2026, Councilman Harrington is taking that one for us.

Uh, resolution 12, 2026, a resolution authorizing the mayor to advertise and accept bids for Second Street and Twoline Street concrete pavement replacement. Whereas the city of Nacades was appropriated $200,000 in state capital outlay funds during the 2023 Louisiana legislative session for planning and construction of a project known as Second Street and Tulon Street concrete pavement replacement. And whereas an additional $2 million in state capital outlay funds was appropriated for this project during the 2025 state legislative session. And whereas the state of Louisiana office of facility planning and control has authorized the city of nacadish to proceed to the construction phase of this project. I move to adopt resolution 12 2026.

Second. All right. Motion made and seconded to um adopt this. Again, this is to advertise for bids. Uh Councilman Harrington kind of read the breakdown. uh 2023, we were able to get some planning money in the state budget uh to do, you know, design work for it. Um then um the following year, I believe we got we got 2 million to actually do the construction. Um either the following year or the whatever it says.

Oh, 25. It says 25. Okay. So, we got planning money from the state and now we have construction dollars. We will have a match because that's how it works with the with the state. So, we've got a a 20% match of that. But, uh um you know, and we were talking, Clarissa, Nick and I, you know, we got a lot of match dollars this fiscal year coming up. But, that's a good thing because the majority of it these are either being play paid by the state depending on what project it is or by uh the federal government. So, that's a that's a good problem to kind of have cuz these are projects we need to get done. Remember the rationale for this project was that um you know, the bridge is coming on two line, a temporary bridge. just go ahead and get that street um go ahead and rehab it cuz it is in poor shape. So, um excited about that getting uh getting done again that most of it most of the funding is coming from the state. Council, if you would just allow me quickly to Nick couldn't be here today, but there are some other things. Um I I I'll try to say this as quickly as possible. I I tell you what, I let me just forge y'all the email. He's given a a breakdown on some of the other projects and I'll just forge y'all that email. um the raise grant where that is reservicing of St. Maurice Lane um which got 100,000 for the state for that. Um South Williams drainage improvements. South Nagadish I think that is drainage improvements. So that construction should start either late this year or early 2027 and he just gives SS4A breakdown route to Gabriel. So I I'll send that to you. Even the bridge, the Church Street bridge, uh there was a big meeting here uh about 2 or 3 weeks ago, a plan and final plan review meeting that was held. But um he put all that in the email along with some of the description for today. But that's what that's about. So bid date is April 21st. That's the proposed bid date. And um he says, "I've set up a base bid for which the actual low bid hopefully will come in under the budget

uh project." So we're hope hopeful that it come in under and uh we'll have some some decisions to make when that happens if that happens. So all that to say this is a good project for us mostly paid for by the state. So any comment or question about it? All right. Again to do a a critical street downtown. All right. See there no no no comments or questions. Uh Mr. Stacy roll call vote. Nelson. Yes. Smith Kirkindall. Yes. Harington. Yes. PT.

Yes. All right. That motion carries. Again, we'll be looking forward to that coming and there'll be a time when we um accept or you know make a decision on the bids that we do receive. Okay. Hopefully, we get some competitive bids. And the last item on the agenda is uh it's a resolution uh we see all the time, but this read by Councilman Nielson.

Thank you, Mayor. Resolution number 13 of 2026, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a certificate of substantial completion of the contract between the city of Nacades and Regional Construction LLC for the fiscal year 2023 LCDBG street improvements project bid number 0671. Whereas the city of Nacades has contracted with regional construction LLC for fiscal year 2023 LCDBG street improvement projects. And whereas this work has been substantially completed. And whereas a substantial completion inspection has been performed by the city engineer has found the project to be substantially complete in accordance, excuse me, with the attached certificate of substantial completion. And I move to adopt resolution number 13 of 2026.

Second. All right. Motion made and seconded to adopt this resolution. It's it's another uh win for us. This one was about a $1.1 million win and it really focused on um you can see it's LCDBG. It focused on those housing developments in the in the city. Um you know we try to document so we did some Facebook stuff with it but that's going to be your Brahma Drive housing development, your one on Wel Street uh which is JCW. I think that's one in Highland Park. And then you also have the one that's um a part of the road that's going back to the one on Woodyard. Is that Kenny Square back there?

Yeah, the one on Woodyard. So you have about four or five different areas in the city and we actually had some funds left over um and went back and did some more work on JCW if y'all recall that. So now the project is is is done. It's complete. Those roads have been rehabbed. And um this one I believe was a no match from the city. So we we love to see those. We know we have to deal with the ones that have a match, but I believe that this one was a no match from the city. So we're just going to keep plowing ahead and um using our own local dollars, but also uh the dollars from state, federal level to uh improve our infrastructure, improve quality of life, improve everything we need to improve. So that's what we're going to continue to do. All right. Uh any comments about this particular item? All right. See none. Mr. Cravo

Nelson. Yes. Smith Kirkind Doll. Yes. Harington. Yes. PT. Yes.

All righty. I believe we have so our next meeting is on the 23rd. So some of the things well everything we introduce will come back up on at that time. Um we always encourage we're getting into the spring so uh go nakedish we had blooming on the bricks on uh Saturday but we have um some some things going on. I think we'll see this in the announcements and we also encourage people to do uh to download regroup. This one has come to us uh from the chamber. So uh 20 year anniversary of boom bank 5:30 to 7:30 and that's going to be on tomorrow. That's going to be on tomorrow. So, they're going to have a ribbon cutting schedule for 5:45 on um Washington Street here.

But there something else from uh BLM and that is on Thursday and it's at 11:00 a.m. So, they've got the grand opening of their I think y'all saw some construction at the building on Kais Avenue. Used to be doctor's offices or something like that. um you you notice it across the street from the skating rink, but POM has moved some of the operations there. I mean, they're growing. So, um I mean, they got banks going in Texas and other parts of Louisiana. So, just some more office space for them. Reading on the River is this week, I'm sorry, this Saturday, I should say, um the 14th. And that's always a fun day. Free books, free admission, uh from 10 to 1. Uh you have different people from the community that participate, go and read the children, arts, crafts. So, it's a good time. Uh we always pray for good weather and if that happens I think it'll be a really good day. All right. Also on the same day a little bit later on is going to be the 11th annual pub crawl. I believe this is the first year FA has taken over. I don't know if this is the second year. Oh. Oh year number two. Okay. So FA has taken over this uh from the chamber. Uh you see that alliance is sponsoring the event. So um that's taking place again this uh Saturday. Um historic nakisto historic downtown. So hopefully people will have an opportunity to attend and take part in that. The Steel Magnolia run put on by the NRMC Foundation. Um not this Saturday, but the Saturday after that, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. I participated in this before, believe it or not. I know it doesn't look like it these days, but I actually have. All right. Um so, and then they have pickup. So they have when the pickup is going to be on the day before from 3 to 6. All right. Uh and that's basically at the NRMC uh human resource building. Okay. So uh the race is taking place on the 21st. All right. Um what is this?

Resurrection firm life and times Marie Theres Coincoin. All right. So this is the 9th annual Cane River uh film festival historic downtown Nakites. It's going to be March 21st. So, a couple things happening on the 21st. Um, and put on by Kelly Jackson. Um, and there's going to be 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at uh the Parkway Cinema. And there's a celebration uh VIP celebration at the Cantina and Grill on Front Street. And there's um, you know, there's fees of Mission, but it's open to the public. So, it's open to the public. Uh, so public is welcome to buy a ticket, I guess, is what they're saying. This is something that's been promoted um through us. We've been sent some emails about it. I know Sean and Nick have uh sit on the advocacy group along with some others, but I think this used to happen some years ago. There's a desire to bring it back and u it's nagish day at the capital. So really trying to push nagish, promote nitish. Um the city is a sponsor. This is the first year bringing it back. Again, I don't know the the gap in years, but um you know, you see the the other sponsors that are going to be there along with Parish government, North State University and RMC and and some of those others as well. Tourism I'm sure is a part of it. Uh Cambridge U um Heritage um but yeah, just really trying to promote Nage. So, there's going to be uh several people from Nagage who are going to be down at the capital on the 25th meeting with legislators. they will announce us that we're there. Um, you know, just all kind of things, but trying to, you know, get as much as we can uh from the legislature um here in terms of dollars so we can continue to improve our city. All right, we're putting on this is kind of an inaugural event. We did see an

Easter egg hunt that's happening I think the week before that last week in March, but this is actually on Good Friday from 1 to 4 at Park Nagatish. Um and just looking at um you know uh food vendors, DJ, just something to do as you get ready for Easter. Um and uh so again, Golden Egg. So we got some sponsors hopefully will participate with us. Photos with the Easter Bunny. Just some some type of community event uh to do um as we're approaching um Easter Sunday. Like I said, I think there's another Easter egg hunt happening downtown. This one, I mean, Park Nack is kind of perfect for it um as well. people can get there and come out and just have a good time. Okay. So, you'll see more advertisement about that. All right. Uh step back in time. The Great Gatsby uh experience. This is I'm trying to read the flyer, but it's taking place on April 11th, 2026. Put on by the NRMC Foundation. Can we tell where this going to be? I see it's an evening of elegance and and glamour, tireless elegance and all of that. Where is it taking place? Oh, it's going to be at the event center. Okay. Uh 7 7 7:30 I guess when it starts. Uh the grander begins 7:30. This is what they I think they always do this. Yeah. They raised money for cancer for the cancer center and they've made some really good progress there. I hear a lot of great compliments what the cancer center is doing. So, um that I mean people can get their treatments in accuratives, you know. I mean, you heard it here the days where they had to go to MD Anderson, these other places, but they can go through the whole process in the city of Nacades. That's a big deal. So, I I think um well, I saw I know NRMC just got a big earmark about $4 million uh PET scan. Believe that's related to the cancer center. I think that is. Is it? Is it? I think it is. I don't know. All

right. Love the Boo Week is coming up. We're pushing that y'all. Um, April 24th at noon, we've got a community cleanup. Uh, this sponsored by somebody, but it's on the Riverbank stage. Does it say who's sponsored by? May not say who sponsored by. I see a logo. Is that us? We're doing this. Tourism. Tourism. Okay. Tourism. So, you have a coalition of organizations.

All right. And of course, they got the 250 250 years of America, 100 years of Christmas fest happening this year. So, a lot happening this year. But really pushing that, try to get people and we've got an initiative we're going to push as well. We know public works has a lot of litter pickup in the city. But we're we're trying to get it to where you know people take more pride in the city. So we got an initiative we're going to we're going to put we're going to put through. All right. That's what you got, Nick. I mean not Nick, Steve, that what you got. Okay. So a lot of announcements today. So you'll see those on social media. See it on our Go Nish app. All right. Um at this time uh yes ma'am uh one thing that I didn't see tomorrow at five o'clock nod and bloom is going to be dedicating the next metal flower which is the tulip and it's going to be over at the b courtyard by the fountain and it's honoring sharing step.

All right thank you for saying that. All right. So, the announcement just for those who may be listening, I don't know if we have that many viewers, but may be listening. Um, tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at the BOM location on Washington Street, there's what do you call it again? It's called the Bloom. What you Nagish and Bloom. Nagadish and Bloom. And it is a tulip. And I know we've had Northwestern a part of that. um whether it's students or professors helping to develop these um I don't know do you call it sculptures maybe you call it a sculpture. Okay. All right. So that's happening tomorrow at 5:00. In honor of Sharon Gahhagen. In honor.

Okay. Good. In honor of Miss Gahhagen, Mrs. Gahagen's dedication to the historic district. All right. Great. All righty. Okay. Now we will hear a motion to adjurnn. I so move we adjourn. Second. Motion made and seconded to adjurnn. All in favor? I. Meeting is adjourned.