New Northwestern State University president Jimmy Genovese’s visit to Monday evening’s City Council meeting got a perfect introduction before the session officially kicked off.
Longtime local banker and businessman Roger Williams addressed the mayor and council in the pre-meeting segment, stressing the importance of the city embracing the university and its new leader. Williams cited Northwestern’s impact on the local economy, explaining that the university’s budgeted operating amount multiplies by five times as the money works its way through local residents and businesses to provide over $200 million annual economic impact for Natchitoches before taxes add another $5-6 million for the city.
“I think it’s important for all of us to understand we can’t afford to lose Northwestern State University,” said Williams, who noted he is a 1962 Northwestern graduate, “and it’s incumbent upon all of us to do what we can do to help the new president see our university grow. I urge all of you on the city council to do all you can to help our new president succeed, and I wish you the best of luck.”
Genovese, speaking at the outset of the official council session, said he was thrilled to accept the call to action as the university president, to spur revitalization that extends not only across campus, but around Natchitoches and the surrounding area.
“Give me some patience to do what I need to do to get Northwestern back going strongly. If I am successful in my endeavor, you will benefit. It’s a win-win situation and that’s why I came here today, to let you know, I love you, man, and I need you, man,” said the energetic 74-year-old. “It’s got to be a group effort. We are all in it together, and I think we can do better than we are doing now.
“I am the new kid on the block. I am the oldest new kid anywhere, and that’s alright, because we can do this together. I want to bring Northwestern back to a state of prominence all around Louisiana.”
Genovese urged city officials and the community to rally around the university, its outstanding faculty and its most prominent external vehicle, the athletic program and particularly the struggling football program, which is in a reset mode under new coach Blaine McCorkle. He touted the 250-member Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band as among the best in the country, and asked for a groundswell of community support at home games that are showcases for the quality of student life and a reflection of the involvement of alumni, local residents and businesses with the university.
Agenda items included:
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Declare Certain Buildings Unsafe And Recommending That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code, Authorizing Notice To Be Served, Fixing Hearing Date And Appointing Curator To Represent Absentees
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Adopt the Millage Rate For The Tax Year 2024 with Public Safety Tax at 9.350 mills and General Alimony Tax at 6.570 mills for a total of 15.92 mills.
Award The Bid For A Bucket Truck For The City Of Natchitoches Utility Department (Bid No. 0668)
RESOLUTIONS:
Advertise And Accept Bids For Rehabilitation Of Existing Clearwell At The Water Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0669)
Designate Friday, August 30, 2024 As An Official Holiday For The Employees Of The City Of Natchitoches For The Year 2024.
Enter Into And Execute A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With The State Of Louisiana, Department Of Transportation And Development, Whereby The City Of Natchitoches Will Receive Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement From The State Of Louisiana.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be August 26, 2024.
