These are not official minutes

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Appreciation To Douglas Downs And His Bloodhound, Honey.

Mayor Posey presented a “You Make a Difference Award” to Natchitoches Fire Fighter, Douglas Downs, and his dog, Honey, for locating a lost boy March 1^st. Downs and his wife were at the Ultimate Stop in Florien grabbing a burger when he received a call from a friend. The friend told him that three-year-old Eli Alcock had gone missing and suggested Downs’ bloodhound, Honey, may be able to help. Honey had never tracked people before but Downs brought her over. In the dark, wind and rain, Downs and Honey searched until they found the little boy. Downs gives all the credit to the big man upstairs. “It is no doubt that God gets all the credit. He gave the dog the ability. His presence was there that night and His work was done,” said Downs. In addition to the award Posey also presented Downs with a gift that included a bone and peanut butter treats for Honey; a gift certificate to Ultimate Stop for more hamburgers; an NSU camo hat; and a gift card to Lucky Village. The mayor did his research into Downs’ favorite place to eat in town and noticed in the photo he could use a new hat. Mr. Downs, his wife, Brittany, and his son, Drew, accepted the award and gifts.

PROCLAMATION:

#013 Presented Resolution Declaring Friday, March 18, 2016 as Leaders Against Litter Day In The City of Natchitoches.

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

#008 Approved Ordinance Approving The Purchase Of A 3,672 Square Foot Tract Of Ground In Town South Subdivision From Amos Payton, Jr., Et Al, For The Consideration of Fifteen Thousand Dollars, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed For The Purchase Of The Tract And All Related Documents, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.

“We’re real close,” said Posey. This purchase brings the City one step closer to completing the interconnector for the Pan-Am and Town South subdivisions.

#009 Approved Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City To Enter Into An Intergovernmental Agreement With Lasalle Corrections To Provide Inmate Labor Services To The City For The Purpose Of Maintenance And Upkeep Of Public Street Rights Of Way And Other Public Property And Authorizing The Mayor To Sign The Contract On Behalf Of The City Of Natchitoches.

#010 Approved Ordinance Approving The Purchase Of Tract Of Lot 26 Of Natchitoches Industrial Air Park From C. Daniel Joseph Roque, Jr. For The Consideration Of Seventy Thousand Dollars, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed For The Purchase Of The Tract And All Related Documents, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.

This purchase will provide space for the new animal shelter.

#011 Approved Ordinance Amending The 2015-2016 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

#012 Introduced Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Award The Bid For The Electrical Distribution Along Hwy 478to I-49, Phase II (Bid No. 0574).

#013 Introduced Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Award The Bid For The Christmas Lighting Supplies

(Bid No. 0578).

RESOLUTIONS:

#014 Passed Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Diamond Enterprise, Inc. For the Amulet Street Elevated Tank Rehabilitation Project (Bid No. 0551).

#015 Passed Resolution Committing Funding For the Highland Park Road Bridge, Environmental, Planning And Construction FP&C

Project No. 50-MK9-15-01

The City Council created this simplification of the resolution:

The entire process boils down to two things:

1. A YES vote puts Natchitoches in a great position to be ready for whatever comes forth from the DOTD process on the Church Street Bridge replacement project. The Environmental clearance process that additionally requires a National Environmental Protection Act, Section 106 clearance since Church Street Bridge is in the Landmark District, will direct DOTD to the most feasible location for either a temporary detour bridge or a new permanent bridge that serves as a detour bridge for the Church Street project. This practically guarantees the City having the $5,060,000 ready and available two years out when DOTD is ready to commence the project.

2. A NO vote deprives the City of $5,060,000 in potential state funding that will be lost. With the current condition of the state budget, it is highly unlikely that the City will ever get access to these funds in the foreseeable future.

It was clear to NPJ that despite the title of the resolution the location of the bridge has not been designated. This resolution only guarantees funding for the much-needed Church Street bridge project. The wording is as such to match the current language used in the application for funding. The City plans to amend the title Nov. 1^st when continuing the application process with the State. The Public hearing for the proposed bridge site will be widely publicized so the people of Natchitoches can share input with the DOTD. The DOTD has been responsive to the public’s input in the past.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be March 28, 2016.

The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Friday,March 25, 2016 for Good Friday.