MINUTES
Council
Meeting
City
of Baker
Parish
of East Baton Rouge
State
of Louisiana
December
14, 2004 - 6:00 p.m.
The City Council of the
City of Baker, Louisiana, met in regular session on December14, 2004, with the
following members in attendance at the meeting:
MAYOR
Harold
M. Rideau
COUNCIL
MEMBERS
James
Pourciau
Fred
O. Russell
Dr.
Charles Vincent
A.
J. Walls
J.
E. “Trae” Welch
ABSENT
None
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Rideau Presided
The invocation was given by A. E. Lee.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scooter
Heine.
Disposition of the Minutes of
Previous Meeting(s)
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent,
seconded by Council Member Russell
to approve the minutes of the meeting on November 23, 2004.
YEAS: Pourciau,
Russell, Vincent, Walls, Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
RECOGNITIONS
1. Business
of the Month -Crystal Bible, Book and Gift Store-no one here at this time.
2. Employee
of the Month
3. Other
Recognitions
4. Non-Agenda
Items
Council
Member Walls took this time to wish the
citizens of Baker a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, particularly
District 2, Baker City Employees, Councilmen, Mayor, City Attorney and Clerk.
These sentiments were voiced by all Council Members and Mayor Rideau.
RESOLUTIONS
AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Proclamation declaring December, 2004 as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month in Baker (Vincent)
Council Member Vincent said it is very important at
this time of celebration that we do not overindulge in alcohol and other
activities. He believes strongly in education developing a better person and citizenry. Lt. Knapps
said this month is also the month for an enforcement grant for impaired
driving. Between December 19, January 2, there will be 50 hours of enforcement.
City Attorney
Ron Wall read the proclamation.
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent,
seconded by Council Member Walls
to adopt the resolution.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
2. Proclamation declaring December 26, 2004 thru January 1, 2005 as the Celebration of Kwanzaa Week in Baker (Vincent)
Council Member Vincent said this is a continuation of
desire to educate.
City Attorney Ron Wall read the resolution.
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent,
seconded by Council Member Welch
to adopt the resolution.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Phyllis Tate of the Crystal Bible Book and Gift Store,
was presented a certificate from the Mayor, Council and Team City. The store is
located at 240 Main Street, Baker, in the Winn Dixie shopping center.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Adoption of Ordinance 2004-47-A, an ordinance to amend Ordinance 2004-47, an ordinance to amend the “Fire and Police 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Fund” to “Police 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Fund” and to create a new fund entitled “Fire Department 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Fund”, and to transfer 35% of the Police 1/2 Cent Sales Fund to the Fire Department 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Fund (Mayor) (Introduced 11/23/04)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Pourciau
to adopt Ordinance 2004-47-A.
City Attorney Ron Wall read the ordinance. Public
hearing was held. The vote was called for.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
2. Adoption of Ordinance 2004-48-A, an ordinance to amend Ordinance 2004-48, an ordinance to change the name of the Police Miscellaneous Grant fund to read “Fire Department Grant Fund” (Mayor) (Introduced 11/23/04)
The motion was made by Council Member Pourciau,
seconded by Council Member Welch
to adopt Ordinance 2004-48-A.
City Attorney Ron Wall read the ordinance. Public
hearing was held. The vote was called for.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
3. Adoption of Ordinance 2004-52, an ordinance to create a line item entitled “BFI” in the General Fund Budget for the City of Baker, for the fiscal year 2004-2005 (Mayor)
(Introduced
11/23/04)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Vincent
to adopt Ordinance 2004-52.
City Attorney Ron Wall read the ordinance. Public
Hearing was held. The vote was called for.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
BIDS AND PROPOSALS
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
OLD BUSINESS
1. Update
on Lavey Lane, Thomas Road, Woodard Street Sewer Project - pumping station lot
(standing update) (Russell)
Council Member Russell reported he received letter from PEC indicated they have
contacted the City Parish to see if the sewer tie-in can be at Sunshine Road.
2. Update on nuisance ordinance
enforcement policy and procedures (held over from 11/23/04) (Russell)
City Attorney Ron Wall presented the Council with a
draft of an ordinance. Council Members are to review this information, and this
ordinance will be introduced at the next meeting.
The motion was made by Council Member Russell for the council to review and make any
changes before the next council meeting. City Attorney Ron Wall indicated there
is no need for a motion.
3. Update on installation of sign in front of City Hall listing veterans from Baker that are on active duty (update) (Russell)
Council Member Russell informed the Council Doug Howland is in the process of making the
sign.
4. Condemnation procedures for 5221 Groom Road, Baker (update) (Mayor)
Mayor Rideau indicated the City is in the process of
getting quotes on the demolition, and the selection will be made in January,
2005.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Amend the Council Rules in reference to
the deadline for placing items on the Agenda for Council Consideration (held
over from 11/23/04) (Welch)
Council Member Welch indicated the Observer will print
the agenda at no charge under the Coming Events column of the paper. Council
Member Russell requested Council Member Welch check with Cox Communications to
see if it can be broadcast through this medium as well.
The motion was made by Council Member Welch, seconded
by Council Member Walls to amend the council rules for placing items on the
agenda from Thursday noon before the
council meeting to Thursday of the prior council meeting week, commencing
January 1, 2005 and direct Clerk to submit agenda to the Observer.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
2. Introduction of Ordinance 2004-53, an ordinance to prohibit dogs from being tethered in open area (held over from 11/23 /04) (Russell)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Pourciau
to introduce ordinance 2004-53, as amended to not
tether a dog at all in the City of Baker.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls
NAYS: Welch
ABSENT: None
3. Introduction of Ordinance 2004-55, an ordinance to amend and reenact Chapter 14 of the Baker Code of Ordinances (Mayor)
City Attorney Ron Wall advised the draft of this
ordinance will be introduced at the next council meeting.
4. Introduction of Ordinance 2005-1, sales & use tax (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Pourciau, seconded
by Council Member Vincent
to introduce Ordinance 2005-1.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
5. Introduction of Ordinance 2005-2,
insurance license tax (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent,
seconded by Council Member Russell
to introduce Ordinance 2005-2.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
6. Introduction of Ordinance 2005-3,
occupational license tax (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent,
seconded by Council Member Walls
to introduce Ordinance 2005-3.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
7. Introduction
of Ordinance 2005-4, chain store license
tax (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Pourciau
to introduce Ordinance 2005-4.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The motion was made by Council Member Welch, seconded
by Council Member Vincent
to introduce Ordinance 2005-5.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
9. Introduction of Ordinance 2005-6,
property tax 5.43 mills (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Walls, seconded
by Council Member Welch
to introduce Ordinance 2005-6
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
10. Approval for Mayor to sign contract for Billing and Collecting Contract for Sewer User Fee and Billing and Collecting Contract for Solid Waste User Fee (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Vincent
to authorize Mayor Rideau to sign contract for Billing
and Collecting For Sewer User Fee and Billing and Collecting Contract for Solid
Waste User Fee
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The motion was made by Council Member Pourciau,
seconded by Council Member Walls
to amend the agenda to add addendum items.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
11. Introduction of Ordinance 2004-56, an
ordinance to create a new line item in the Grant Fund 25, to read ”Special
Events Revenue, and to create an expenditure line item entitled “Special Events
Expenditures” (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Vincent
to introduce Ordinance 2004-56.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
12. Receive annexation request by Knights of
Columbus (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Walls
to accept petition and begin the annexation process.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
PLANNING AND ZONING MATTER
REPORTS ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. Planning and Zoning Commission-Council
Member Russell talked to the chairman of P&Z regarding the C-3 zoning referendum, also rural zoning for
annexation of property. They will develop rural zoning rules and get back to
the Council.
2. Annexation Review Committee-12/22/04 is
the next meeting.
3. Economic Development/Team City-911
Lights money being donated by various citizens.
4. Heritage Museum/Related
Committees-Spirit of Christmas was outstanding and well attended, raised over
$3,000 for the Heritage Museum and the Fire Department.
5. Recreation Commission-Snapper Knapps
informed the Council he has two openings for this commission.
6. Parks Commission
7. Other Special Committees
a. Buffalo
Festival-Met last week and decided have festival in August, 2005. Exact date to
be determined at a later date.
b. Prayer
Breakfast
c. Strategic
Planning Committee-Town Hall meeting on Dec. 1 was well attended and good
information was gathered.
d. Citizens
Advisory Board to Law Enforcement-Next meeting January, 2005.
e. Sign
Committee-Carlon Simpson reported she has received information from Zachary,
and is waiting on ordinance from Gonzales.
f. Baker Veterans Memorial Committee-Next meeting in January, 2005.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Mayor Rideau announced:
DARE graduation to be held in Auditorium December 15,
2004 at 9:30 a.m.
The Groom Road Utility Relocation project is 46% into time allowed and only 10% completion
on the project, due to the contractor
having difficulties having to do bores under trees and parking lots.
Christmas Parade was great.
Dedication of the new tree in front of the Municipal
Center was held prior to this meeting. The tree was provided by Council Member
Russell, and dedicated in honor of Paul Russell, his son, who passed away in 1994.
Several City employees made a trip to Texas to look at
computer and software in order to determine the type of upgrades we need to
make in the near future.
The Municipal Annex
building cleanup is completed, and scheduled to be retested Thursday.
The Mobile Home Hardship Committee will meet Thursday.
The motion was made by Council Member Russell,
seconded by Council Member Welch
to adjourn.
YEAS: Pourciau, Russell, Vincent, Walls,
Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
CITY
OF BAKER
PARISH
OF EAST BATON ROUGE
STATE
OF LOUISIANA
I,
Kathleen Stephens, certify that I am acting Clerk of the Council for the City
of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes
of a regular meeting of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana held on
December 14, 2004.
_________________________________________
Kathleen
Stephens, Clerk of Council
MINUTES
Board
of Commissioners
Hillcrest
Memorial Gardens
City
of Baker
Parish
of East Baton Rouge
State
of Louisiana
December
14, 2004
The
City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of
Commissioners for the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, met in regular session on
December 14, 2004,with the following members in attendance at the meeting:
MAYOR
Harold
M. Rideau
COMMISSIONERS
James
Pourciau
Fred
O. Russell
Dr.
Charles Vincent
A.
J. Walls
J.
E. “Trae” Welch
ABSENT
None
The
meeting was called to order and the motion was made by Commissioner
Russell, seconded by Commissioner Welch
to approve the minutes of the November 23, 2004 meeting.
YEAS: Rideau, Pourciau,
Russell, Vincent, Walls, Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
Pam
O’Neil presented the monthly report for the month of November, 2004.
The
report was accepted by the Council. Pam O’Neil indicated she will approach the
Council in January, 2005 to address increasing the fees the cemetery charges.
There
was no further business to come before the commission. The motion was made by
Commissioner Vincent, seconded by Commissioner Russell to adjourn.
YEAS: Rideau, Pourciau,
Russell, Vincent, Walls, Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
CITY
OF BAKER
PARISH
OF EAST BATON ROUGE
STATE
OF LOUISIANA
I,
Kathleen Stephens, certify that I am acting Clerk of the Council for the City
of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes
of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the Hillcrest Memorial
Gardens held on December 14, 2004.
_________________________________________
Kathleen
Stephens, Clerk of Council
MINUTES
Board
of Commissioners
Baker
Consolidated Utilities System
City
of Baker
Parish
of East Baton Rouge
State
of Louisiana
December
14, 2004
The
City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of
Commissioners for the Baker Consolidated Utilities System, met in regular session on December 14, 2004,
with the following members attending:
MAYOR
Harold
M. Rideau
COMMISSIONERS
James
Pourciau
Fred
O. Russell
Dr.
Charles Vincent
A.
J. Walls
J.
E. “Trae” Welch
ABSENT
None
The
meeting was called to order and the motion was made by Commissioner Vincent,
seconded by Commissioner Pourciau to approve the minutes of the meeting held on
November 23, 2004.
YEAS: Rideau, Pourciau,
Russell, Vincent, Walls, Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
Old
Business
New
Business
1. Introduction of Ordinance 2004-54, an
ordinance to set policy and procedures in the instance of inaccessible meters (Mayor)
The motion was made by Commissioner Walls, seconded by
Commissioner Pourciau
to introduce ordinance 2004-54.
YEAS: Rideau, Pourciau,
Russell, Vincent, Walls, Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
2. DHH Water Testing Fee (Mayor)
Mayor Rideau indicated the City sends out bills at end
of year, costing the City $4100 to do so.
Donna Allen indicated the $.27 could not be added to
the utility bills, as previously directed by the Council, due to computer
inadequacies. Once the new computer system is purchased and running, this
problem will be eliminated. There is a delinquency on these fees to the City
Parish of $39,000.00.
There
was no further business to come before the commission. The motion was made by
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to adjourn.
YEAS: Rideau, Pourciau,
Russell, Vincent, Walls, Welch
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING: None
CITY
OF BAKER
PARISH
OF EAST BATON ROUGE
STATE
OF LOUISIANA
I,
Kathleen Stephens, certify that I am acting Clerk of the Council for the City
of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes
of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Baker Consolidated
Utility System held on December 14, 2004.
_________________________________________
Kathleen
Stephens, Clerk of Council