The Natchitoches City Council meeting on Dec. 8 had three resolutions on the agenda that would have waived all conflict, allowing City Attorney Alex Washington to represent Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., Finance Director Clarissa Brown Smith, and Grant Writer Nicole Gray in a Louisiana Board of Ethics inquiry. The discussion was tense and protracted, ultimately resulting in all three resolutions being rejected.
Washington is appointed as the city’s chief legal advisor and serves at the mayor’s pleasure, representing the city in all legal proceedings and performing other duties as prescribed by city charter or ordinance.
Mayor Williams addressed the council before the vote, emphasizing that the resolutions would not involve taxpayer funds. He framed the request as a matter of efficiency and consistent legal guidance, not a financial decision.
“No one is asking for taxpayer dollars to pay my legal bills,” he said, adding that he would pay privately if he needed counsel. He also praised the subpoenaed officials, highlighting their professionalism and contributions to the city:
- Finance Director Clarissa Brown Smith, lauded for her meticulous management and strong audits.
- Assistant Utility Director Bukram Muhammad, recognized for steady leadership in a critical department.
- Grant Writer Nicole Gray, credited with securing millions in grants for local projects, including $5 million for community initiatives and $400,000 for park renovations.
The mayor stressed that the investigation was legally confidential, limiting what could be publicly discussed, and urged a prompt and thorough inquiry to clarify the facts.
Despite these assurances, council members raised serious legal and ethical concerns. Councilman Eddie Harrington explained that under Louisiana ethics law and the Rules of Professional Conduct, municipal attorneys cannot represent individual officials in matters potentially adverse to the public entity. He emphasized that an “informed waiver” of conflict was legally impossible because confidentiality rules prevent the city from fully understanding the risks or liabilities involved. “A city cannot waive a conflict that it does not fully understand,” he said, citing Louisiana Supreme Court decisions, Attorney General opinions, and professional conduct rules. (Councilman Eddie Harrington statement attached)
Council members noted that allowing the city attorney to represent both the city and the individuals could create ethical dilemmas. If an individual admits wrongdoing to the attorney while the city is also a client, privileged communication could conflict with the city’s interests. Washington and other council members disagreed about whether the situation was fact-specific and argued that dual representation was possible in some cases, but the council ultimately sided with the legal and ethical concerns.
Public comment reflected the divisive nature of the issue. Supporters praised the officials’ character and contributions to the city. James Below, a former mayoral candidate, urged transparency and suggested that individuals under investigation should secure private counsel rather than rely on the city attorney.
Other audience members expressed frustration with perceived misinformation and political motivations surrounding the inquiry.
All three resolutions were ultimately rejected, leaving the subpoenaed officials to secure independent legal representation.
VOTE:
Resolution ONE:
Harrington, Nielsen, Smith-Kirkendall – REJECTED RESOLUTION
Washington-Elie and Petite – APPROVED RESOLUTION
Resolution TWO:
Harrington, Nielsen, Smith-Kirkendall – REJECTED RESOLUTION
Washington-Elie and Petite – APPROVED RESOLUTION
Resolution THREE:
Harrington, Nielsen, Smith-Kirkendall & Washington-Elie – REJECTED RESOLUTION
Petite – APPROVED RESOLUTION
The meeting highlighted the tension between council oversight, legal ethics, and public perception, with members emphasizing their duty to protect the integrity of the city’s legal representation while navigating a high-profile ethics inquiry.
Other agenda business included the introduction of two zoning amendments. One involved rezoning a 6.2-acre tract between Mill Street and the Union Pacific Railroad submitted by Brian Briggs. The other concerned a lot on the north side of Poete Street near Bayou Amulet, submitted by Frank Griffin, which was recommended for rezoning to allow a short-term rental. Council members noted the property aligns with surrounding uses, including nearby bed-and-breakfasts.
The council introduced an ordinance authorizing the mayor to award the bid for the new Fire Station No. 3 on University Parkway. The project, long anticipated by city officials, received $1.8 million in state funding, with the remaining funds covered by the city. Chief John Wynn highlighted that the new station would improve response times across the district, enhance safety for residents and firefighters, and replace the aging MLK Drive facility. The winning bid from Pat Williams Construction LLC totaled $3.25 million.
Another ordinance introduced approved a 10-year lease between the city and Nor-Wes, Inc., covering a 0.801-acre tract at the Natchitoches Regional Airport. The lease, required by FAA regulations, allows Nor-Wes to maintain its private hangar while the city retains ownership of the land. The annual lease payment is $3,489.
The council also approved multiple resolutions affecting city operations and capital projects. These included contracts for workers’ compensation excess coverage and airport liability insurance. Council members approved resolutions covering the Second Street and Touline Street concrete pavement replacement project, as well as water infrastructure improvements.
The water projects included Change Order No. 3 for Phase 1 of the water treatment facility improvements with Lemoine Company, LLC, extending the project timeline by 17 days at no additional cost, and Change Order No. 2 for the Breda Town Phase 2 water distribution system improvements with CDE Construction, LLC. Council members noted these updates would expand water capacity, modernize aging infrastructure, and address persistent issues like discolored water, all while remaining within original budgets.
