The Natchitoches City Council recognized the 250th birthday of the United States Army during its regular meeting on June 9 by unanimously adopting a proclamation declaring June 14, 2025, as the Army’s official birthday in the City of Natchitoches.

The proclamation acknowledges the establishment of the U.S. Army by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, and honored the many local citizens who have served in the Army and sacrificed for the nation’s defense.

The Council also recognized Nicole Oakes as the City’s Employee of the Month. Oakes has served in the Planning and Zoning Department for over 14 years and was praised for her knowledge, reliability, and dedication to public service.

Shontrell Roque, who leads the department, credited Oakes as an instrumental figure in keeping operations running smoothly. “She’s been my backbone,” Roque shared. “Nicole brings historical insight and consistency to our work, and she’s been there every step of the way.”

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. also thanked Oakes for her contributions, noting her commitment not only to her department but to the City as a whole.

Agenda items included:

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:

• Change The Zoning Classification Of Property Located At 119 Sidney Street From R-1 To R-2 Special Exception For The Operation Of A Short Term Rental. The property is in the Historic District and must meet parking and design requirements.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

• Award The Bid For The South Williams Water Line Project (Bid No. 0675) To David Lawler Construction LLC In Shreveport In The Amount Of $837,860.
• Declare Buildings At 801 Dixie Street (fire-damaged, no permits pulled), 412 Martin Luther King Drive (owned by the state; legal ownership clarification needed), and 817 Fourth Street and 852 Second Street (Previously granted 30-day extensions. Updates on repairs and permits were requested. Property owners addressed the council and presented evidence of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the buildings) Unsafe And Recommending That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code

RESOLUTIONS:

• Execute A Fourth Lease Amendment To Water Tower Option And Lease Agreement With New Cingular Wireless Pcs, LLC, Said Amendment Providing For An Extended Term For A Water Tower Site, Increasing Monthly Rent To $4,000 With A 3% Annual Escalation.
• Fix The Time, Day, Date And Place Of Regular Meetings Of The City Council Of The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.
• Establish Meeting Times And Places Of Natchitoches Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No.1.
• Appoint Stacy McQueary As Clerk Of The Council For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Appoint Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway and Todtenbier As The Auditor For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Appoint BOM As The Fiscal Agent For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Designate The Natchitoches Times As the Official Legal Journal For The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.
• Appoint Charles Whitehead III, Rev. Bobby Claiborne, Michael D. Lewis, Rickey McCalister, Walter Johnson, Isaac Lewis, Alexia Conday, Anita Dubois, and Sadie Sawyer To The City Planning Commission For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Advertise For Bids For Equipment Replacement, Sludge Thickner No. 1, City Of Natchitoches Wastewater Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0674)
• Designate Thursday, June 19, 2025 As An Official Holiday For The Employees Of The City Of Natchitoches In Observation Of Juneteenth.
• Commit The Required Match Contribution For A Safe Streets And Roads For All (SS4A) Grant Application with a $1.8 million match (potentially offset by external funding).
• Enter Into A Contract With Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC, For The Euclid Casualty Package Insurance Renewal Effective June 30, 2025 Through June 30, 2026. The Council approved renewal of general and liability insurance with a slight increase due to prior claims.
• Execute An Agreement With The Louisiana Office Of Community Development For The 2023 – 2024 Community Water Enrichment Fund Grant Application (CWEF) For Improvements To The Natchitoches Water System. The City will accept $25,926 from the Community Water Enrichment Fund to replace outdated water lines on Douglas Drive.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be June 23, 2025.