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2008 Meeting Agendas and Minutes

2009 Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

City of Mansfield

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA  71052

(318)872-0406

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{July 12}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

July 12, 2010 – 4:30PM

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Troy N. Terrell

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member Alvin R. Woodley

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the June 28, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Approval by council to pay current outstanding bills for this period. 

7. Public Comments Period

8. OLD BUSINESS  

9. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Discuss the request of Citizens National Bank (represented by Jane Leone) to abandon and close the entire length of Commerce Street located in the City of Mansfield. (need motion to authorize advertisement)

   2. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the LA State Mineral Board to accept nominations, advertise for bids and lease for mineral rights on lands owned by the City of Mansfield as described in Exhibit A.

   3. Presentation by Capt. Dennis Reed of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to water tanks located in back of old parish jail. 

   4. Any other new business

10. Reports from Department Heads

    1. Public Works –Jim W. Ruffin

    2. Fire Chief – Lee M. Shaver

    3. Police Chief –Don R. English

11. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

12. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk 

{July 12, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

July 12, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, July 12th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman Troy N. Terrell.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Alvin R. Woodley.   Following the pledge, the roll was called by the City Clerk and these officials were recorded as Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A, Troy N. Terrell –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.  Absent:  None.  Press Present:  Coleman Robison (The Enterprise) and Vickie Welborn (The Times).   

It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY  to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve the payment of all outstanding bills for this period. 

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed. 

Old Business:   None.

New Business:

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by JOSEPH HALL, JR.  to approve the advertisement of a public hearing on the closure and abandonment of Commerce Street.  A public notice will be placed in the legal section of our local journal (The Enterprise) to run for three (3) consecutive weeks, and then in an upcoming council meeting, an ordinance will be adopted to officially close the street, if no objections are received during the advertisement period.   Earlier this month, a request from Citizens National Bank, represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Woody C. Schick, was received to ask the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to consider closing this city street to accommodate a new bank.  It is an unused street that is essentially a one-lane, alley-like strip located behind a gas station/convenience store.  Commerce Street formerly served another bank’s drive-through, which was demolished last year to make way for the U.S. Highway 84 extension to the realigned U. S. Highway 171.    Passed Unanimously.

Item B.   It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and seconded by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt a Resolution authorizing the LA State Mineral and Energy Board and the Office of Mineral Resources  to accept nominations, and advertise for oil, gas and mineral leases, accepts bids and award oil, gas and mineral leases on approximately 95 acres of city-owned property—all acreage being in and under city streets in various subdivisions.  Chesapeake Energy Corporation will nominate the lands and pay all associated costs.  Passed Unanimously.

Item C.  Capt. Dennis Reed, jail warden at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office made a plea to the city’s Board of Aldermen to consider possibly donating city-owned property behind the old parish jail where presently two (2) unused concrete water storage tanks are situated.  In the interim, the aldermen gave verbal approval to Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle to obtain bids on the costs associated with removal of the concrete tanks.  If donated (or purchased), the parcel would be used for the construction of a maintenance facility for the sheriff’s office and could also possibly be used for additional parking in and around the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.  The maintenance facility, Arbuckle said, would not detract from the aesthetics of the existing downtown buildings, but would blend with the façade of those already there.  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and seconded by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to take this request under advertisement, giving the city’s legal counsel an opportunity to research the feasibility of this matter further.  Passed Unanimously.

Item D.  No other new business discussed.

Next on the agenda was the reception of reports from the City’s Department Heads.  Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin, was first up and reported on the status of the various contractors performing infrastructure improvements in the City.  Mr. Ruffin stated that to date, Wicker Construction, Inc. is roughly 50% complete with their work.  They are constructing improvements to the City’s water distribution system.  TGS Contractors, Inc. was contracted by the City to install three (3) emergency generators at various specified locations.  At this point, they have installed two (2) generators –one at the Stanley Booster Station and the other at the South Mansfield Booster Station.  The third generator for the water treatment plant at Toledo Bend is slated for installation in approximately three to four weeks.  Trenchless Methods, Inc., the contractor awarded the contract for city-wide improvements to our wastewater collection system improvements, is about 75% complete.  Thielsch Group, Inc. was awarded the contract to install new water meters throughout a large percentage of the City.  To date, they are roughly 25% complete with their work.  The new meters will provide a more accurate reading and obtaining meter readings will be a much faster process.  Finally, Milco Utilities, Inc., the contractor awarded a construction contract for improvements to the sewer system at the DeSoto Plaza Shopping Center, has delivered some material at the site and has preliminarily begun their work.   They have been given a scheduled completion date of August 19, 2010.   The next department head to report was Fire Chief, Lee Shaver.   Chief Shaver informed the Council that since the last council meeting, he and his crew have been busy assisting the LA Army National Guard with water needs at the City Park Ballfields.  The ballfields, concession stand and park restrooms are being constructed behind the new Wal Mart shopping center at LA Highway 509.   The Guard is affording the City free labor on the construction of the ballfields as they consider this project a training exercise for some of the officers in the battalion charged with construction of this project.  Finally reporting was Police Chief, Don English who began by informing the attendants of a rash of business burglaries in the area.  A suspect in these burglaries had been recently apprehended, and the burglaries stopped soon after the suspect’s arrest.  Merchants are encouraged to take precautions with respect to monies left on the premises at night.  Deposits should be made daily or as regularly as possible. 

During the Comment Period for the Mayor and Council Members, Alderman G. B. Hall III thanked Chief English for offering prompt assistance to him with some problems he had been experiencing in his district.  Mayor McCoy welcomed new councilman, Troy N. Terrell.  This was Mr. Terrell’s first official meeting since he took his oath of office to become alderman for District B.  Alderman Terrell replaces Alderman J. Dudley Kemper as councilman for this district.  Mr. Kemper had faithfully served the constituents in District B for twenty-one years, and recently decided to retire this position.   

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:50p.m., by MOTION from JOSEPH HALL, JR. and was SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS.    Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, Clerk

( Back to Meeting List )

{June 28}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

June 28, 2010 – 4:30PM

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Joseph Hall, Jr.

3. Posting of Colors:  Mansfield Honor Guard

4. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member G. B. Hall III

5. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

6. Approval of minutes from the June 14, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

7. Public Comments Period

8. OLD BUSINESS  

9. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Approval of recommendation by the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Granting the request of Mr. Ivy D. Pea to place a mobile home at 1203 Old Jefferson Hwy.

   2. Approval of recommendation by the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission granting the request of Mr. Davis Jackson to place a mobile home at 807 Willard Street.

   3. Approval of recommendation by the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission granting the request of Shedrick and Joann Adkins to place a mobile home at 710 Louise Street. 

   4. Adopt a Ordinance approving the recommendation by the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission to grant the request of Belle Smart, LLC to change property located at 1313 McArthur Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family Residence District) to B-3 (Community & Central Business District

   5. Approval of Change Order No. 1 as submitted by Trenchless Methods, Inc. related to the Wastewater Collection System Improvements Project. (ARRA “Stimulus” Project) BPN 09040

   6. Approval authorizing the Mayor to enter into the Annual Maintenance Agreement as submitted by the LA DOTD for Traffic Signal Lights for FY ending June 30, 2011.

   7. Approval authorizing the Mayor to act as Official Signatory for execution of an Act of Donation with the LA DOTD for intersection improvements at US Hwy. 84 and LA Hwy. 175. 

   8. Approval of request from Builders Supply Company, Inc. (represented by Mr. G. Carlton Golden) to provide water service on an  “emergency” basis to their business located at 13146 Hwy. 171 South, Mansfield, LA.

   9. Any other new business.

10. Reports from Department Heads

    1. Public Works –Jim W. Ruffin

    2. Fire Chief – Lee M. Shaver

    3. Police Chief –Don R. English

11. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

12. Adjournment

• Presentations to Alderman Kemper by Mayor and Alderman G.B. Hall III.

• Mayor and Aldermen sworn in after presentations to Alderman Kemper. (Judge Robert E. Burgess officiating -42nd Judicial Dist.)

• Please join us for refreshments after officials are sworn in to commemorate Alderman   Kemper’s retirement after 21 years of service to the City and its  citizens.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{June 28, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

June 28, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, June 28th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman Joseph Hall, Jr.  The posting of the colors was directed by the Mansfield Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman G. B Hall III.   The oral roll call by the City Clerk was suspended at the Mayor’s request.  The following officials were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, and Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, Alvin R. Woodley –District E.  Absent:  None.  Press Present:  Bennie Hall (The Enterprise) and Vickie Welborn (The Times).   

It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS  to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed. 

Old Business:   None.

New Business:

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by J. D. KEMPER and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS  to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission granting the request of Mr. Ivy D. Pea to place a mobile home at 1203 Old Jefferson Highway.  Passed Unanimously.

Item B.   It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS  and seconded by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission granting the request of Mr. Davis Jackson to place a mobile home at 807 Willard Street.  Passed Unanimously.

Item C.  It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and seconded by G. B. HALL III to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission granting the request of Mr. Shedrick Adkins and Mrs. Joann Adkins to place a mobile home at 710 Louise Street.  Passed Unanimously.

Item D.  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt an Ordinance approving the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission granting the request of Belle Smart, LLC to change property located at 1313 McArthur Drive from an R-2 District (Multi-Family Residence District) to a B-3 (Community & Central Business District). Passed Unanimously. (Full Ordinance recited below).

City of Mansfield

ORDINANCE  NO.    5    of  2010

AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE FROM DISTRICT R-2 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT) TO DISTRICT B-3 (COMMUNITY AND CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY:

BEG 1364.4 FT W & 657.6 FT S OF NE COR SW SEC 10 T12 R13, RUN W 48.28 FT, S TO N/R/W OF MFLD-NATCHITOCHES RD, NELY ALONG SD R/W TO PT DUE S OF BEG, RUN N 509 FT TO BEG, & LOT 37 PINE CREST SUBD, MFLD (1313 McArthur Dr.)

WHEREAS, a petition to the Mansfield Planning/Zoning Commission was properly filed requesting that the property described here-in-above be rezoned and all proper notices and procedures have been followed:

AND WHEREAS, the Mansfield Planning/Zoning Commission has recommended that said property be rezoned:

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Mansfield, in regular session convened:

SECTION 1.  The property shall be rezoned from District R-2 (Multi-Family Residence District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District) said property being described as herein above.

SECTION 2.  All parts of ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

UPON MOTION OF    G. B. Hall III    , SECONDED BY Alderman _  Mitchell L. Lewis  , The above and foregoing ordinance was adopted on this the  28th   of June, 2010 with the votes as follows:

Yeas:  5                   Nays:  0                 Absent:  0                 Abstain:  0 

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor  

City of Mansfield, LA

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

City of Mansfield, LA                                                                       

Item E.  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. to approve Change Order No. 1 as submitted by Trenchless Methods, Inc. for the Wastewater Collection System Improvements Project (ARRA “Stimulus” Project).  This was a deductive change order in the amount of -$30,252.50 adjusting the original contract price to $925,601.50 from $955,854.00.  Passed Unanimously.

Item F.  It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to authorize the Mayor to enter into and execute the Annual Maintenance Agreement as submitted by the LA DOTD for Traffic Signal Lights for fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.  Passed Unanimously.

Item G.  It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to act as Official Signatory and representative for the City to execute an Act of Donation between the City of Mansfield and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for the construction of intersection improvements at US Highway 84 (McArthur Drive) and LA Highway 175 (The Lake Road). Passed Unanimously. (Full copy of Resolution on file at City Hall).

Item H.  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the request of Builders Supply Company, Inc. to provide water service on an “emergency” basis to their business located at 13146 Highway 171 South, Mansfield, LA.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item I.  No other new business discussed. 

Next on the agenda was the reception of reports from the City’s Department Heads.  Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin, was first up and reported on the status of the various contractors performing infrastructure improvements in the City.  Mr. Ruffin stated that to date, Wicker Construction, Inc. is roughly 40% complete with their work.  They are constructing improvements to the City’s water distribution system.  TGS Contractors, Inc. was contracted by the City to install three (3) emergency generators at various specified locations.  At this point, they have installed two (2) generators –one at the Stanley Booster Station and the other at the South Mansfield Booster Station.  The third generator for the water treatment plant at Toledo Bend is slated for installation in approximately four to five weeks.  Trenchless Methods, Inc., the contractor awarded the contract for city-wide improvements to our wastewater collection system improvements, is about 70% complete.  Finally, a construction contract was recently awarded to Milco Utilities, Inc. for improvements to the sewer system at the DeSoto Plaza Shopping Center.  They are scheduled to begin their work on Monday, July 5th, with a scheduled completion date of August 19, 2010.   The next department head to report was Fire Chief, Lee Shaver.   Chief Shaver informed the Council and attendants that we are currently experiencing a very dry, early summer season.  He cautioned everyone to exercise safety measures when burning trash and other debris in the City.  Chief Shaver also forewarned the citizens present that with the upcoming Independence Day weekend, the shooting of fireworks may be banned if dry weather conditions persist.  Finally reporting was Police Chief, Don English.  Chief English reported that citizens and residents of the parish should see improvements to the intersection at US Hwy. 84 and LA Hwy. 175 soon.  Intersection improvements constructed by the LA DOTD are expected to commence soon to help alleviate some of the congestion at this busy thoroughfare.  He closed by reporting on the rash of robberies and burglaries in the area recently.  Chief English urged citizens to lock vehicle doors and windows at night in those cases where an enclosed garage is not a part of the residential structure.  

During the Comment Period for the Mayor and Council Members, Mayor McCoy and each of the councilmen expressed their thoughts and sentiments in working with Alderman J. Dudley Kemper during his tenure as alderman for District B.  Alderman Kemper began his term as alderman for District B twenty-one years ago and has faithfully served the constituents in that district.  This would be his last meeting in his official capacity as alderman.  Mr. Kemper is

retiring from this post.  Mayor McCoy remarked that Mr. Kemper had done an outstanding job in his service to the City and its citizens.  He has had the pleasure of working side by side with Mr. Kemper for two terms (8yrs.).  Each councilman offered their best wishes and words of encouragement for the retiring alderman.   After adjournment, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen were slated to be sworn in (by Judge Robert E. Burgess of the 42nd Judicial District Court) for their next four-year term (July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2014).  Included in the aldermen being sworn in would be Troy N. Terrell, who is Mr. Kemper’s successor as alderman for District B. Following that ceremony, an intimate farewell event had been planned for Mr. Kemper.  All attendants were invited to remain to fellowship. 

                                    . 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:50p.m., by MOTION from MITCHELL L. LEWIS  and was SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY.    Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, Clerk

( Back to Meeting List )

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{May 10, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

May 10, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, May 10th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman J. Dudley Kemper.  Alderman Alvin R. Woodley led the Pledge of Allegiance.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,   J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D.  Press Present:  Coleman Robinson (The Enterprise).  Also present was Councilman elect, Troy N. Terrell (District B).  Mr. Terrell will replace Alderman Kemper (effective June 1st), and will attend his first city council meeting on June 14th in his official capacity as Alderman for District B. 

It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to approve the minutes of the April 26, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to pay current outstanding bills for the current period.  Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  Mansfield resident, Ms. Chassidy Robinson, voiced concern over Item A under old business regarding the abandonment of the alley in Block 6 of Crosby Subdivision.  A request was presented to the city council from the owner of the parcel of land where the alley is located, to abandon it to make way for a new commercial development.  Mayor McCoy responded to Ms. Robinson’s trepidation by assuring her that the new development would not infringe on the peace and tranquility enjoyed by the residents in that nearby neighborhood.  When no other comments were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.  

Old Business:  

Item A:   It was MOTIONED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt an Ordinance to abandoning an alley in Crosby Subdivision.  Passed Unanimously.  The Ordinance is fully recited below:

ORDINANCE NO.  3  of 2010

AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING AN

ALLEY IN CROSBY SUBDIVISION

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Mansfield, Louisiana, in regular session convened:

SECTION 1.

The following described portion of the alley located in Crosby Subdivision has never been used for public purposes and is declared to be no longer needed for public purposes and is hereby closed and abandoned:

The entire alley running East and West in Block 6 of Crosby Subdivision.

SECTION 2.

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Upon motion of Alderman J. Dudley Kemper, seconded by Alderman   the above and foregoing Ordinance was adopted on this the 10th  day of May 2010, with the votes as follows:

            YEAS   4                  NAYS  0                  ABSENT  1             ABSTAIN  0 

         G. B. Hall III                                                                Joseph Hall, Jr.

            J. Dudley Kemper

            Mitchell L. Lewis

            Alvin R. Woodley

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

City of Mansfield, Louisiana

Item B:  No other old business discussed.

New Business:

Item A:  Mayor McCoy made the request to have Chief Don English’s recommendation to hire officer Nathan T. Brewer full-time in the Mansfield Police Department postponed until the May 24th council meeting.

Item B.   Mayor McCoy made the request to have Chief Don English’s recommendation to hire officer Dustin B. Hasty full-time in the Mansfield Police Department postponed until the May 24th council meeting.

Item C.  Mayor McCoy made the request to have the City Clerk’s recommendation to offer Cynthia Williams full-time employment with the City of Mansfield postponed until the May 24th council meeting.

Item D. It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER to adopt a Resolution making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of issuance of $2,280,000 of Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2010A, pursuant to State Bond Commission Approval L09-547.  The City was issued  $4,120,000 of such Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2010, on February 11, 2010, and now wishes to issue the remaining $2,280,000 of the approved Bonds under the designation “Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2010A”, within the terms and parameters of the SBC approval, which Series 2010A Bonds are to be purchased by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and to be issued on a parity of the Series 2010 Bonds.  Passed Unanimously.

Item E.  It was MOTIONED by G B. HALL III and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to adopt a Resolution revising the Project Description set forth as Exhibit A to the Loan Agreement by and between the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority and the City of Mansfield, dated as of June 1, 2001, relating to the Authority’s $1,000,000 of Revenue Bonds, Series 2001.  The Project Description set forth as Exhibit A to the Loan Agreement is hereby revised to provide that the proceeds of the Bonds can be used for the additional purposes of paying costs of acquiring, constructing and improving parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities, including equipment and fixtures.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item F.  It was MOTIONED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board to accept nominations, and advertise for oil, gas and mineral leases, accept bids and award oil, gas and mineral leases on the said tract (s) as described in Exhibit A, in the manner prescribed by law.  Passed Unanimously.

Item G. No other new business discussed.  

Next on the agenda was the reception of reports from the City’s Department Heads.  First to report was Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin providing the council with an update of the city-wide Water Distribution System Improvements project.  Jim reported that the contractor, Wicker Construction, Inc., had nearly completed installing new water pipes in Rives Subdivision.  However, before the water is ready for public consumption, all the pipes would need to be pressure checked then water samples taken by the parish sanitarian for routine testing.   Simultaneously, the city has sewer improvements and upgrades underway in a good portion of the city limits.  The contractor for this project, Trenchless Methods, Inc., has just completed installation of new sewer lines on Martin Luther King Drive and will next move to Hillsdale Subdivision.  To date, this project is roughly 23% complete, Jim said. Slated to report next was Police Chief, Don English.  Chief English reported that approximately seventy to eighty thousand dollars worth of the equipment was recently stolen from the site where contractor Trenchless Methods had stored their equipment.  Chief English also stated that a 4-way stop sign had been installed recently on Chamberlin Street.  Due to this installation, traffic speed has shown a notable reduction.  District A Councilman, G. B. Hall III, expressed thanks to Chief English and the entire police department for their efforts in helping to recover the stolen merchandise owned by Trenchless Methods, Inc.  He also expressed gratitude to the police department for taking measures to help better manage vehicular traffic.  Fire Chief, Lee Shaver was absent from this meeting but had previously been excused by the Mayor from having to offer a formal report. 

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, Mayor McCoy recognized the councilman elect for District B, Troy N. Terrell. Mr. Terrell will formally take office as the Councilman for District B on June 1st, succeeding incumbent J. Dudley Kemper to represent this district.  He attends his first council meeting in his new capacity on June 14th.  Mr. Kemper’s last official council meeting is May 24th.  He has served his district well for the past twenty years.  Alderman G. B. Hall III commented that traffic on Polk Street continues to be a problem. He suggested hiring an independent firm to conduct a thorough traffic study as evidence of the increased traffic on Polk Street and other main thoroughfares in the City.   This issue will be discussed further in future council meetings. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:19p.m., by MOTION from ALVIN R. WOODLEY was SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, Clerk

( Back to Meeting List )

{April 26}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

April 26, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Mitchell L. Lewis

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member J. Dudley Kemper

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the April 12, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Public Comments Period

7. OLD BUSINESS 

8. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Adopt a Resolution approving the 2009-2010 revised and the 2010-2011 Sales & Use Tax Commission Budget.

   2. Adopt an Ordinance to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission to grant the request of the DeSoto Parish Council on Aging to change property located at 1228 Polk Street from B-2 (Neighborhood Business District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District).

   3. Approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission to grant the request of Harris and Mary Green to place a mobile home at 1502 McArthur Drive #A.

   4. Presentation by Mr. Brian Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer).

9. Reports from Department Heads

        Public Works –Jim Ruffin

        Police Chief – Don English

        Fire Chief –Lee Shaver

10. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

11. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{April 26, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

April 26, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, April 26th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman Mitchell L. Lewis.  Alderman J. Dudley Kemper led the Pledge of Allegiance.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present: Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent: G. B. Hall III –District A.  Press Present:  Coleman Robinson (The Enterprise). 

It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:   None.

New Business:

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt a Resolution approving the 2009-2010 revised and the 2010-2011 Sales & Use Tax Commission as submitted by Mr. Chris W. Robinette, administrator for the commission.   Passed Unanimously.  (Full copy of Resolution on file at City Hall).

Item B.  It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt an Ordinance to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission to grant the request of the DeSoto Parish Council on Aging to change property located at 1228 Polk Street from B-2 (Neighborhood Business District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District).  Passed Unanimously.  The full Ordinance is recited below: 

City of Mansfield

ORDINANCE  NO. 2  of  2010

AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE FROM DISTRICT B-2 (NEIGBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT) TO DISTRICT B-3 (COMMUNITY AND CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY:

LOTS 3-24 & THE E 20 FT OF LOT 25 OF BLK 6 OF CROSBY SUBD. TO THE CITY OF MFLD, TOGETHER WITH ALL THAT PORTION OF THE ALLEY RUNNING IN AN EAST-WEST DIRECTION THROUGH THE SD BLK 6 OF CROSBY SUBD. FROM FIELD ST TO A LINE EXTENDINGING NLY FROM A PT 20 FT W OF THE NE COR OF LOT 25 OF BLK 6 OF CROSBY SUBD., TO A PT 20 FT W OF THE SE COR. OF LOT 8 BLK 6 OF CROSBY SUBD., TOGETHER WITH ALL THE N 10 FT OF SD ALLEY LYING S OF AND ADJACENT TO LOTS 5, 6, & 7 & THE W 5 FT OF LOT 8 OF BLK 6 CROSBY SUBD.,

TOGETHER WITH ALL BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED THEREON. (762-318)  (1228 Polk Street)

WHEREAS, a petition to the Mansfield Planning/Zoning Commission was properly filed requesting that the property described here-in-above be rezoned and all proper notices and procedures have been followed:

AND WHEREAS, the Mansfield Planning/Zoning Commission has recommended that said property be rezoned:

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Mansfield, in regular session convened:

SECTION 1.  The property shall be rezoned from District B-2 (Neighborhood Business District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District) said property being described as here in above.

SECTION 2.  All parts of ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

UPON MOTION OF Alderman Alvin R. Woodley SECONDED BY Alderman Mitchell L. Lewis, The above and foregoing ordinance was adopted on this the 26th of April 2010, with the votes as follows:

Yeas:  4                  Nays:   0                 Absent :1                      Abstain: 0

J. Dudley Kemper                                                      G. B. Hall III

Mitchell L. Lewis                       

Joseph Hall, Jr.

Alvin R. Woodley

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor           

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

Item C:  It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission to grant the request of Harris and Mary Green to place a mobile home at 1502 McArthur Drive #A, Mansfield, LA.  Passed Unanimously.

Item D:  A presentation was made by the City’s Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Brian M. Phillips to update the Board of Aldermen and meeting attendants of the Mayor’s on-going efforts to ‘clean up’ the City.  This clean-up initiative includes both the controlled burning and/or clearing of junk/abandoned houses, and the removal of junk/abandoned vehicles.  During the 1st quarter of 2010, Mr. Phillips reported that 40 citations had been issued regarding junk/abandoned vehicles, with forty-three (43) pending citations for the May 10th Mayor’s Court.   Mr. Phillips distributed to the Mayor and councilmen, a summation of his efforts to date regarding violations to the following ordinances of record contained in the Code of Ordinances for the City of Mansfield:   Chapter 8, Article I (Fire Prevention and Protection), Chapter 10, Article II -Division 3 (Garbage, Trash and Weeds) and Chapter 14, Article VIII (Abandonment of Junk and Used Automobiles).  He is scheduled to present another report on the progress of this initiative sometime during the 2nd quarter of 2010. 

Next on the agenda was the reception of reports from the City’s Department Heads.  First to report was Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin.  Jim reported that the Wastewater Collection System Improvements project, funded by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), was approximately 40% complete.  In late fall of 2009, the City was awarded over $1.2 million in ARRA ‘Stimulus Funds’ to construct infrastructure improvements to its aging sewer system.  Simultaneously, the City also has underway a major overhaul to Phase I of its water distribution system.  That project, reported Mr. Ruffin, is roughly 15% complete.  Slated to report next was Police Chief, Don English.  Chief English was unable to attend this session.  Finally to report was Fire Chief, Lee Shaver. Chief Shave reported that his crews had begun annual maintenance to the City’s fire hydrants.  That maintenance entailed the abatement of weeds and other obnoxious growth around these appertunances. 

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, no comments were offered. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:47p.m., by MOTION from J. DUDLEY KEMPER and was SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk 

( Back to Meeting List )

{April 12}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

April 12, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member J. Dudley Kemper

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member G. B. Hall III

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the March 22, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Approval by council to pay current outstanding bills for this period.

7. Public Comments Period

8. OLD BUSINESS           

9. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Approval of recommendation by Fire Chief Lee Shaver to hire Coy W. English full-time in the Mansfield Fire Dept.

   2. Discuss the request of the DeSoto Parish Council on Aging to abandon and close an alley in Block 6 of Crosby Subdivision.

   3. Adopt a Resolution implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (grievance procedures)

   4. Any other new business

10. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

11. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{April 12, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

April 12, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, April 12th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman Mitchell L. Lewis.  Alderman G. B. Hall III  led the Pledge of Allegiance.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  J.Dudley Kemper –District B and Joseph Hall, Jr. -District D.   Press:  Coleman Robinson (The Enterprise).  Others present:   James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), Lee M. Shaver (City’s Fire Chief), Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer), Brian Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer), Gwen Jones (Mayor’s Administrative Assistant), A.J. Williams, Jr. (Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission), Coy W. English (Mansfield Fire Dept.) and Robert Mitchell (DeSoto Parish Council on Aging).

It was MOTIONED by  G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to approve the minutes of the March 22, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to pay current outstanding bills for this period.  Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:   None

New Business:

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS  to approve the recommendation Fire Chief Lee M. Shaver to hire Coy Wesley English full-time in the Mansfield Fire Department.  Mr. English’s employment with the City began January 1, 2010, and he has successfully completed his mandatory 90-day probationary period.  He is also a certified Firefighter II.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item B:  It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve the request of the DeSoto Parish Council on Aging (COA) to abandon an alley in Crosby Subdivision.   More particularly, the request was to abandon the entire alley running East and West in Block 6 of Crosby Subdivision.   A public notice will be published in our local journal on April 22nd, April 29th, and May 6th informing the residents in that area of the COA’s request.  If the Mayor and Board of Aldermen receive no objections to the request, an ordinance to abandon the aforementioned alley will be adopted at the Council’s May 10th meeting.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item C:  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by ALVIN WOODLEY to adopt a Resolution approving equal opportunity and Section 504 grievance procedures.   The Louisiana Division of Administration requires that all recipients of Community Development Block Grant funds adopt grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints concerning equal opportunity and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.   Passed Unanimously.

Item D:   No other business discussed.

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, no comments were offered. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m., by MOTION from MITCHELL L. LEWIS  and was SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk    

( Back to Meeting List )

{March 22}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

March 22, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Joseph Hall, Jr.

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member Alvin R. Woodley

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the March  8, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Approval of minutes from the March 12, 2010 special council meeting and dispense with the reading.

7. Public Comments Period

8. OLD BUSINESS   

   1. A.  Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion as submitted by David Lawler Construction, Inc. for the 2008 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project (BPN 08072)

   2. Any other old business

9. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Adopt an Ordinance to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission to grant the request of the DeSoto Parish School Board to change property located at 400 Jenkins St. from R-2 (Multi-Family Residence District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District). 

   2. Approval by council of Hold Harmless Agreement with DeSoto Plaza Associates for Miller Spectacular Shows, Inc. situated at the Old Wal Mart Shopping Plaza (1043 Washington Ave.).

   3. Any other new business

10. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

11. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{March 22, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

March 22, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, March 22nd, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman Joseph Hall, Jr.  Alderman Alvin R. Woodley led the Pledge of Allegiance.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  G. B. Hall III –District A and J. Dudley Kemper - District B.   Press:  Coleman Robinson (The Enterprise) and Vickie Welborn (The Times).  Others present:   James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer), Richard Johnson, Jr. (City’s Attorney), John L. Freeman (CLECO Corp.), and Rev. Roy Jones (NAACP rep.).

It was MOTIONED by  G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2010 special city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.  Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:  

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the Certificate of Substantial Completion as submitted by David Lawler Construction, Inc. for the 2008 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.  The date of substantial completion as reflected on the certificate was March 18, 2010.  The document will be endorsed by the Mayor then returned to BALAR Associates, Inc. for further handling.  Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin, informed the Council that a walk-through of the wastewater treatment facility had been performed by him and select members of his crew on March 18th to make certain the recently installed upgrades were performing satisfactorily.  The walk-through confirmed that all improvements made were functioning as they should.   Passed Unanimously.

Item B:  No other old business discussed. 

New Business:

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by and SECONDED G. B. HALL III to adopt an Ordinance approving the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission to grant the request of the DeSoto Parish School Board to change property located at 400 Jenkins Street from R-2 (Multi-Family Residence District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District).  Passed Unanimously.  The full ordinance is recited below:

City of Mansfield

ORDINANCE  NO. __1__  of  2010

AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE FROM DISTRICT R-2 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT) TO DISTRICT B-3 (COMMUNITY AND CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY:

COMM. 35 YDS W FROM THE NE COR. OR SEC. 17, T12 N, R13 W, AND RUN W 340 FT; TH S 35 YDS; TH E 340 FT; TH N 35 YDS TO PT OF BEG.

COMM. AT THE SE COR. OF SEC. 8, T12, R13, AND RUN W TO WESTERN BANK OF BAYOU “NA BONNE CHESSE,” TH IN A SWLY DIRECTION TO SEC. LINE BETWEEN SECS. 8 & 17 IN SD TOWNSHIP AND RANGE; TH ALONG SD SEC. LINE TO THE PLACE OF BEG.

LOT 1 COMM. AT THE NE COR. OF SEC.17, T12N., R13 W. AND RUN S ALONG SEC LINE BETWEEN SECS 16 & 17, 35 YDS; TH W 35 YDS; TH N 35 YDS; TH E 35 YDS TO POB.

COMM. AT THE CTR OF THE NE ¼ OF THE NE ¼ OF SEC. 17, T12N, R13 W, IN THE CITY OF MFLD,LA., AND RUN E TO SEC. LINE BETWEEN SECS 16 & 17; TH N 155 FT; TH W 40 RODS; TH S 155 FT. TO PT. OF BEG.

COMM. AT A PT. 495.14 FT. S OF THE NE COR. OF SEC 17, T12 N, R 13 W, AND RUN S 10 FT., TH W BETWEEN PARALL LINES TO THE RAVINE, IN THE CITY OF MANSFIELD, LA. (BLK97/P43) LESS 1.842 ACRES (929-362)   (400 Jenkins St.)   

WHEREAS, a petition to the Mansfield Planning/Zoning Commission was properly filed requesting that the property described here-in-above be rezoned and all proper notices and procedures have been followed:

AND WHEREAS, the Mansfield Planning/Zoning Commission has recommended that said property be rezoned:

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Mansfield, in regular session convened:

SECTION 1.  The property shall be rezoned from District r-1 (Multi-Family Residence District) to B-3 (Community and Central Business District) said property being described as here in above.

SECTION 2.  All parts of ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

UPON MOTION OF __Alvin R. Woodley   , SECONDED BY Alderman __Joseph Hall, Jr.     , The above and foregoing ordinance was adopted on this the _ 22nd   of _ March  ,   2010_, with the votes as follows:

Yeas:  _ 3                 Nays:   __0                  Absent: __2                      Abstain: __0__

Mitchell L. Lewis                                           G. B. Hall III

 Joseph Hall, Jr.                                            J. Dudley Kemper

 Alvin R. Woodley

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor   

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

Item B:  It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. to approve the Hold Harmless Agreement between the City of Mansfield and DeSoto Plaza Associates, Inc. for situating a carnival on the parking lot of the DeSoto Plaza Shopping Center (Old Wal Mart store site -1043 Washington Ave.).  Essentially, the agreement was entered into to indemnify the DeSoto Plaza Associates from any claims and/or litigation arising out of the City’s use of the property for the purpose specified.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item C:  No other new business discussed.

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, no comments were offered. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m., by MOTION from JOSEPH HALL, JR. and was SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk   

( Back to Meeting List )

{March 12}

NOTICE  of  SPECIAL MEETING

March 12, 2010 – 4:00 PM

TO:  Board of Aldermen

City Attorney

News Media

General Public

You are hereby notified that Mayor Curtis W. McCoy has called a Special City Council Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen pursuant to the provisions of R.S.: 42.7.  The meeting will be held in Mansfield City Hall located at 705 Polk Street, in Mansfield, Louisiana, on Friday, March 12, 2010, at 4:00 p.m.

A G E N D A

1. Approval authorizing the Mayor to make and sign a pre-application for 2010 grant funds through the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), and to act as Official Signatory for any DRA grant documents requiring execution.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary. 

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{March 12, 2010}

CITY OF MANSFIELD

MINUTES OF SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING

March 12, 2010

In a special meeting called pursuant to the provisions of R.S.: 42.7, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen met on Friday, March 12th, in Mansfield City Hall located at 705 Polk Street.  The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Mayor McCoy, after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman J. Dudley Kemper.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Mitchell L. Lewis.  In the interest of time, the roll call was suspended, but the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B,  Mitchell L. Lewis –District C and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.     Absent:  Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D.  Press Present:  None.  Also present:  Brian M. Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer) and Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer). 

This special meeting was called to discuss the adoption of a Resolution which would give the Mayor authority to make and sign a pre-application for 2010 grant funds available through the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) federal grant program, and to act as the official signatory for any and all DRA grant documents requiring execution.  The grant would be administered through The Coordinating and Development Corporation, and the City’s consulting engineering firm (BALAR Associates, Inc.) would perform engineering duties as required in the implementation of our specified project.  If approved, the grant would be used to fund street improvements and repairs to better than forty-five (45) City streets.   After a brief discussion, it was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to adopt the aforementioned Resolution for inclusion in the City’s 2010 DRA Pre-Application Grant package.  Passed Unanimously. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m. by MOTION from ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy,  Mayor          

Marvin R. Jackson, Clerk

( Back to Meeting List )

{March 8}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

March 8, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member G. B. Hall III

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member Joseph Hall, Jr.

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the February 22, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Approval by council to pay current outstanding bills for this period.

7. Public Comments Period

8. OLD BUSINESS           

9. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Approval of recommendation by Jim Ruffin (Public Works Director) to hire Jeffrey J. Freeman full-time in the Public Works Department.

   2. Discussion of Hotel Tax Bill proposition.

   3. Any other new business

10. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

11. Adjournment 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{March 8, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

March 8, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, March 8th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman G. B. Hall III.  Alderman Joseph Hall, Jr. led the Pledge of Allegiance.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  None.   Press:  John Blanchard (The Enterprise).  Others present:   James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), Brian M. Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer), Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer), Richard Johnson, Jr. (City’s Attorney), John L. Freeman (CLECO Corp), and Jeffrey J. Freeman (City Employee).

It was MOTIONED by  G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the minutes of the February 22, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTION ED by  MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER to pay current outstanding bills for this period.  Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:  

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the recommendation by the City’s Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin, to hire Jeffrey L. Freeman full-time in the Public Works Department.  Mr. Freeman’s hire date was November 30, 2009.   A 90-day employee performance appraisal, conducted by Mr. Ruffin, resulted in an overall ‘very good’ rating for this employee.  Mr. Freeman takes the initiative to perform tasks relative to his position without being told and assumes additional duties, when necessary.  He has also demonstrated an ability to work well with coworkers and supervisors.  Passed Unanimously.

Item B:  A discussion ensued regarding notice of intention to introduce in this year’s Legislative session (convenes March 29th), authority to levy and collect a hotel occupancy tax subject to voter approval.  LA State Representative Richard Burford authored House Bill No. 538 and pre-filed it with eh State Legislature.  This levy would apply to the paid occupancy of hotels, motels and other lodging located within the city, and would not exceed three (3) percent of the rent or fee charged for such occupancy.  This new tax would be in addition to any sales tax already collected by the City, but would only be paid by anyone renting a room at one of the City’s overnight lodging establishments.  It does not, however, encompass any hospital, convalescent or nursing home or sanitarium, or any hotel-like facility operated by or in connection with a hospital or medical clinic providing rooms exclusively for patients and their families.  Further, the new hotel tax, if passed, would impact establishments, public or private, that are currently operating in the City, as well as any which are later constructed and situated within the City’s corporate limits.   It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to grant Mayor McCoy the authority to further pursue this initiative and seek permission from the Legislature to levy and collect a hotel occupancy tax.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item C:  It was MOTIONED by and SECONDED G. B. HALL III to approve the Resolution on page 17 of the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Environmental Audit Report.  Specifically, the Resolution informs the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) that certain actions were taken by the City’s Board of Aldermen which are necessary to maintain permit requirements contained in the Louisiana Pollution Discharge Elimination System under permit number LA0038962.  Primarily, the Board of Aldermen resolve to continue to annually review user charges and adjust as necessary to ensure sufficient funds for operation, maintenance, debt service, and repairs to equipment within the system.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item D:  No other new business. 

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, Alderman G. B. Hall III remarked that we should continue our efforts through the LA DOTD to seek relief for vehicular traffic at the intersection of U. S. Hwy. 84 and LA Hwy. 175.   Reconstruction and modifications to this current intersection are badly needed to ease the flow of traffic there.  He also requested that we research our ordinances to see if travel by unusually large trucks on narrow City streets, namely Gibbs Street, is prohibited.   Repeated, heavy traffic on streets not designed to accommodate these type vehicles accelerates their deterioration and other buried infrastructure. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:44 p.m., by MOTION from J. DUDLEY KEMPER and was SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk 

( Back to Meeting List )  

{February 22}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

February 22, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Joseph Hall, Jr.

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member G. B. Hall III

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the February 8, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Public Comments Period

7. OLD BUSINESS   

8. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Approval by council authorizing the extension of water service to the estate of Frank Matthews at 122 Oakhill Road, Mansfield, LA for installation of a sprinkler system. 

   2. Approval of recommendation by Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission to grant the request of Joyce Dennis to place at mobile home at 270 Kavanaugh St., Mansfield, LA.

   3. Any other new business

9. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

10. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{February 22, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

February 22, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, February 22nd, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman Mitchell L. Lewis.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman G. B. Hall III.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D.   Press:  John Blanchard and Coleman Robinson (The Enterprise).  Others present:   James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), Brian M. Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer), Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer), Arthur J. Williams, Jr. (Vice-President of Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission) John L. Freeman (CLECO Corp.) and Joyce Dennis.

It was MOTIONED by  MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance on any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:   None.

New Business:

Item A:    It was MOTIONED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY and SECONDED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER to approve a request for the extension of water service to the estate of Frank Matthews at 122 Oakhill Road, Mansfield, LA for installation of a sprinkler system.  Passed Unanimously.

Item B:  It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve the recommendation of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission to grant the request of Ms. Joyce Dennis to place a mobile home at 270 Kavanaugh Street, Mansfield, LA.  Passed Unanimously.

Item C:  No other New Business.

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, no comments or remarks were offered.  

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m., by MOTION from J. DUDLEY KEMPER and was SECONDED by G. B. HALL III.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

( Back to Meeting List )                

{February 8}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

February 8, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member J. Dudley Kemper

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member Alvin R. Woodley

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the January 25, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Approval by council to pay current outstanding bills for this period.

7. Public Comments Period

8. OLD BUSINESS           

   1. Approval of recommendation by BALAR Associates to award a construction contract to Wicker Construction, Inc. for the replacement of City Water Lines (BPN 08035). - Water Distrib. System Improvement Project

   2. Approval of recommendation by BALAR Associates to award a construction contract to TGS Contractors, Inc. for the installation of Emergency Generators for the City (BPN 08035).-Water Distrib. Sys. Improvements Project.

   3. Approval of recommendation by BALAR Associates to award a construction contract to Thielsch Group, Inc. for the replacement of the City’s Water Meters (BPN 08035) –Water Distrib. Sys. Improvements Project.

   4. Approval of Change Order No. 3 as submitted by David Lawler Construction, Inc. for the 2008-09 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project (BPN 08072).

9. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Presentation to Mayor and Councilmen by Mr. Benjamin Rauschenbach of BALAR Associates, Inc.

   2. Any other new business  

10. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

11. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk 

{February 8, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

February 8, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, February 8th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman J. Dudley Kemper.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Alvin R. Woodley.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  None.   Press:  Coleman Robinson (The Enterprise).  Others present:   James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), Brian M. Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer), Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer), Richard Johnson, Jr. (City’s Attorney), Ben Rauschenbach (BALAR Associates, Inc.), Arthur J. Williams, Jr. (Vice-President of Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission) and Fletcher Carter (citizen).

It was MOTIONED by  MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the minutes of the January 25, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTION ED by  JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to pay current outstanding bills for this period.  Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered, the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:  

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the recommendation by BALAR Associates, Inc. to award a construction contract to Wicker Construction, Inc. for the replacement of city water lines as part of the Water Distribution System Improvements Project.  This contractor submitted the lowest responsive bid of $2,388,842.05 for this work (Total Base Bid and Alternate No. 2).   All sealed bids for this component of the aforementioned project were opened and read aloud by a representative of BALAR Associates, Inc. on Tuesday, January 26th at 10:00 am C.S.T. at Mansfield City Hall.  The remaining contractors submitting sealed bids included:  Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. – $2,422,749.79 (Total Base Bid and Alternate No. 2),  Digco Utility Company, L.P. -$3,055,175.00 (Total Base Bid and Alternate No. 2).  All bid bonds were in place.  Passed Unanimously.

Item B:  It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve the recommendation by BALAR Associates, Inc. to award a construction contract to TGS Contractors, Inc. for the installation of emergency generators for the City as part of the Water Distribution Systems Improvements Project.  This contractor submitted the lowest responsive bid of $191,636.55 for this work.  Bids submitted for this component of the project were opened and read aloud by a representative of BALAR Associates, Inc. on Tuesday, January 26th at 10:00 am. C.S.T. at Mansfield City Hall.  The remaining bidders included:  Valley Electric, L.L.C. -$217,448.00, Yor-Wic Construction Company, Inc. -$219,020.50, Pro-Build Construction, Inc. -$220,638.00, and Hope Contractors of Shreveport, Inc. -$221,542.00.  All bid bonds were in place.  Passed Unanimously.

Item C:  It was MOTIONED by and SECONDED G. B. HALL III to approve the recommendation by BALAR Associates, Inc. to award a construction contract to Thielsch Group, Inc. for the replacement of water meters in the City as part of the Water Distribution System Improvements Project.  This contractor submitted the lowest responsive bid of $767,327.68 for this work.  Bids received for this component of the project were opened and read aloud by a representative of BALAR Associates, Inc. on Tuesday, January 26th at 10:00 am C.S.T. at Mansfield City Hall.  The remaining bidders included:  Vanguard Utility Service, Inc. -$991,827.00, Valentine & Leblanc, L.L.C. -$1,011,699.00, and Digco Utility Construction, L.P. -$1,195,775.00.  All bid bonds were in place.  Passed Unanimously. 

Item D:   It was MOTIONED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS and SECONDED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER to approve Change Order No. 3 as submitted by David Lawler Construction, Inc. in the amount of $12,483.42 for the 2008-2009 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements.  This was an additive change order increasing the contract price to $803,272.42 from $790,789.00.  The contract price was last adjusted to $790,789.00 at the Council’s January 25th meeting.  Passed Unanimously. 

New Business:

Item A:    Mr. Benjamin C. Rauschenbach, one of BALAR Associates’ project engineers, appeared before the Council to offer explanation for Change Orders 2 and 3 as submitted by David Lawler Construction, Inc. for the 2008-09 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements.  After some prior discussions with City staff, BALAR believed that the Council may have been misinformed as to how these Change Orders would be financed.  The original contract amount awarded for this project was $834,000.00.  To date, there has been three (3) Change Orders prepared for this project.  Change Order No. 1 decreased the construction cost by $46,483.00.  Change Orders 2 and 3 increased the construction cost by $15,755.42.  With the approval of Change Order No. 3, the final construction cost for the project will be $803,272.42.  This price is $28,272.42 above the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) available funds for construction (AFC) of $775,000.00.  Therefore, the additional costs above the AFC will need to be financed by the City of Mansfield.  It was originally intended for existing electrical components at the treatment plant be used, but these two Change Orders became necessary when BALAR concluded that this would not be feasible.  Certain equipment had to be replaced to ensure the safety and reliability of the Treatment Plant’s functions.  Mr. Rauschenbach further explained that Block Grants typically do not include contingency funds and therefore, unforeseen costs must be satisfied by the owner (the City of Mansfield).  Mayor McCoy stated that a budget amendment would have to be prepared and approved to cover these unanticipated expenses.  Conclusively, as of the date of this meeting, the project is 98% complete. 

Item B:  No other New Business.

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, Mayor McCoy congratulated those councilmen who were re-elected unopposed for another four-year term and wished well those incumbents who must campaign prior to the upcoming March 27th election. 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m., by MOTION from ALVIN R. WOODLEY and was SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk              

( Back to Meeting List )

{January 25}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

January 25, 2010 – 4:30PM

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Joseph Hall, Jr.

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member J. Dudley Kemper

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the January 11, 2010 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Public Comments Period

7. OLD BUSINESS

   1. Approval of Change Order No. 2 as submitted by David Lawler Construction, Inc. for the 2008-2009 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project (BPN 08072)

   2. Any other old business

8. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Approval of the Annual Financial Audit of the DeSoto Parish Sales & Use Tax Commission for fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

   2. Any other new business.

9. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

10. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk 

{January 25, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

January 25, 2010

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, January 25th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  Mayor McCoy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m., after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman G. B. Hall III.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman J. Dudley Kemper.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  None.   Press:  None.  Others present:   James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), Brian M. Phillips (City’s Code Enforcement Officer), Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (City’s Public Relations Officer), Richard Johnson, Jr. (City’s Attorney), and Joe Sampite’ (Louisiana Municipal Assn.).

It was MOTIONED by  JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2010 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.   Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:  

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III and SECONDED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. to approve Change Order No. Two (2) as submitted by contractor David Lawler Construction, Inc. for the 2008-09 LCDBG Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project.  This was an additive Change Order in the amount of $3,272.00 thereby increasing the formerly adjusted contract price of $787,517.00 (adjusted @ 07/13/09 meeting) to $790,789.00. Passed Unanimously.

Item B:    No other Old Business.

New Business:

Item A:    It was MOTIONED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to approve the Annual Financial Audit of the DeSoto Parish Sales & Use Tax Commission for fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. 

Item B:   No other New Business

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, Alderman Mitchell Lewis complimented Public Works Director, Jim Ruffin, on a job well done on recent repairs to certain utilities at Susan and Jane Streets. Aldermen Joseph Hall, Jr., G. B. Hall III and Alvin R. Woodley then informed Mr. Ruffin of other maintenance issues to various city utilities in their respective districts. Mr. Ruffin agreed to inspect each issue as presented by the Council.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m., by MOTION from JOSEPH HALL, JR. and was SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor           

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk   

( Back to Meeting List ) 

{January 11}

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETING

January 11, 2010 – 4:30PM 

AGENDA

Mansfield City Hall –Council Room

705 Polk Street/Mansfield, LA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation:  Council Member Joseph Hall, Jr.

3. Pledge of Allegiance:  Council Member Mitchell L. Lewis

4. Roll Call (by City Clerk)

5. Approval of minutes from the December 14, 2009 regular council meeting and dispense with the reading.

6. Public Comments Period

7. OLD BUSINESS

   1. Approval of Change Order No. 1 as submitted by Ronald G. Carlson for the Phase 5 Sidewalk Improvements Project (BPN 09029).

   2. Any other old business

8. NEW BUSINESS

   1. Presentation by Ms. LaBetha Casey, Census Recruiting Agent for the 2010 U. S. Census.

   2. Any other new business

9. Comments from Mayor McCoy and Council Members

10. Adjournment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance, please contact Marvin Jackson, City Clerk at 318/872-0406 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk

{January 11, 2010}

City of Mansfield

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

January 11, 2010 

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, January 11th, in Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street.  The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Mayor McCoy, after which an Invocation was offered by Alderman G. B. Hall III.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Mitchell L. Lewis.   The roll was called by the City Clerk and the following were Present:  Honorable Curtis W. McCoy, G. B. Hall III –District A,  J. Dudley Kemper –District B, Mitchell L. Lewis –District C, Joseph Hall, Jr. –District D, and Alvin R. Woodley –District E.   Absent:  None.   Press:  Cynthia “Cindy” Williams (The Enterprise)  Others present:  Rev. Roy Jones (City Chaplain), James “Jim” Ruffin (City’s Public Works Director), John Freeman (CLECO Corp.), Paul A. Pratt and Katie McCullin (Chesapeake Energy Corp.), Clay Baskin (Twin Cities Development), LaBetha Casey (U.S. Census Recruiting Agent) and A. J. Williams, Jr. (member of Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission).

It was MOTIONED by  JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2009 regular city council meeting and to dispense with the reading.  The City’s December 28th regular meeting was cancelled since no quorum was present.  Passed Unanimously.

It was MOTIONED by G. B. HALL III. and SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY to pay current outstanding bills for the current period.  Passed Unanimously.

The Mayor next opened the floor to hear public comments from those in attendance to any item outlined on the meeting agenda.  When none were offered the Public Comments Period was then closed.

Old Business:  

Item A:  It was MOTIONED by JOSEPH HALL, JR. and SECONDED by G. B. HALL III to approve Change Order No. One (1) as submitted by contractor Ronald G. Carlson for Phase 5 of the Sidewalk Improvements Project.  This was an additive Change Order in the amount of $1,730.00 thereby increasing the original contract price of $18,840.00 to $20,570.00. Passed Unanimously.

Item B:    It was MOTIONED by J. DUDLEY KEMPER and SECONDED by MITCHELL L. LEWIS to approve and authorize the advertisement of bids for the Wastewater Collection System Extensions/Improvements at the DeSoto Plaza Shopping Plaza.  An advertisement is expected to be published for the first time in the January 18th edition of The Enterprise.  Passed Unanimously.

New Business:

Item A:    A presentation was offered by Chesapeake Energy Corporation representatives Katie McCullin and Paul Pratt, along with Clay Baskin, a representative of Twin Cities Development (one of Chesapeake’s leasing agents).  The representatives were in attendance to present to the Mayor and City Council a framed, miniature version of the billboards that have been placed along several interstate highways.   A photo of the Mayor, City Council and representatives of Chesapeake and Twin Cities was choreographed by The Enterprise’s  editor, Cindy Williams.  The framed art will be placed conspicuously in the lobby area of City Hall.  Mayor McCoy expressed thanks to these companies for underwriting this effort in promotion of Mansfield as a growing city, through the installation of a series of well-placed billboards.

Item B:  A presentation was offered by LaBetha Casey, as a recruiting agent for the 2010 U. S. Census Bureau.  She informed those present that there are part-time positions available with this initiative that should run from January to May 2010.  Some positions will provide enough work to last until late summer.  Available positions include census takers, crew leaders,  crew leader assistants, recruiting assistants and census clerks.  Persons interested in any of the positions would be subject to testing and training.  Tests are administered one to two times per week at all four DeSoto Parish libraries.  The Census Bureau covers all training expenses, offers a salary for the positions available and provides a travel allowance reimbursement. 

During the Comments Period for the Mayor and Council members, Mayor McCoy remarked that the City ended 2009 in a strong, healthy financial position.  With the continued prudent management by the Mayor and City Council of the City’s financial affairs, 2010 should also result with the municipality in sound financial shape.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m., by MOTION from JOSEPH HALL, JR. and was SECONDED by ALVIN R. WOODLEY.   Passed Unanimously.

Curtis W. McCoy, Mayor           

Marvin R. Jackson, City Clerk