City Council

November 12, 2024 The City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, met in regular session at its temporary location located at 1551 East Napoleon Street in the Council Chambers, Sulphur, Louisiana, on November 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., after full compliance with the convening of said meeting with the following members present: DRU ELLENDER, Council Representative of District 1 NICK NEZAT, Council Representative of District 2 MELINDA HARDY, Council Representative of District 3 JOY ABSHIRE, Council Representative of District 4 MANDY THOMAS, Council Representative of District 5 After the meeting was called to order and the roll called with the above result, prayer was led by Mrs. Hardy, followed by the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mrs. Thomas. The Chairman asked if there were any changes to the minutes of the previous meeting. With no changes made, motion was made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Hardy that the minutes stand as written. Motion carried unanimously. Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Thomas that item #8D be removed from the agenda: RULE TO SHOW CAUSE for the condition of the following addresses: d. To condemn building or structure located at 611 West Elizabeth Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Motion carried unanimously. Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the agenda stand as amended. Motion carried unanimously. The first item on the agenda is a public hearing on ordinance authorizing Mayor Danahay to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Calcasieu Parish Public Safety Communications District for GIS Pictometry. Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the following ordinance be adopted to-wit:  ORDINANCE NO. 1937, M-C SERIES ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR DANAHAY TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH CALCASIEU PARISH PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT FOR GIS PICTOMETRY. WHEREAS, the endeavor contemplated herein is to provide for the Communications District to purchase Geo-referenced, Aerial, Oblique image libraries and related software detailing the Parish of Calcasieu on the behalf of Sulphur and the City of Sulphur further agrees to compensate the Communications District in the amount of Nine thousand dollars and no cents ($9,000). BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, that they do hereby authorize Mayor Mike Danahay to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Calcasieu Parish Public Safety Communications District for GIS Pictometry. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall become effective upon the Mayor's approval, or upon proper re-adoption by the Council pursuant to Section 2-13(C) of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur. A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: None ABSENT: None And the said ordinance was declared duly adopted on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman The next item on the agenda is a public hearing on ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1469, M-C Series to enter into a First Amendment and Restatement of Servitude Agreements between the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District and the City of Sulphur and authorizing Mayor Danahay to execute documents related thereto. Mr. Nezat stated that this amendment replaces all references to Lake Charles Methanol, LLC with Lake Charles Methanol II, LLC. Motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the following ordinance be adopted to-wit:  ORDINANCE NO. 1938, M-C SERIES ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1469, M-C SERIES TO ENTER INTO A FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF SERVITUDE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LAKE CHARLES HARBOR AND TERMINAL DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF SULPHUR AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR DANAHAY TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS RELATED THERETO. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, that they do hereby amend Ordinance No. 1469, M-C Series to enter into a First Amendment and Restatement of Servitude Agreements between the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District and the City of Sulphur and authorize Mayor Danahay to execute documents related thereto. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall become effective upon the Mayor’s approval, or upon proper re-adoption by the Council pursuant to Section 2-13(C) of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur. A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: None ABSENT: None And the said ordinance was declared duly adopted on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance authorizing Mayor Mike Danahay to sign Buy/Sell Agreement with LOLC, LLC for property located south of 110 North Huntington Street. Mayor Danahay stated that this property fronts North Huntington Street and is next to the Municipal Services Center and the Verdine Water Plant. This is contiguous to city property which the city property extends east almost to Doiron Street. Mr. Nezat asked if there were any plans for this property. Mayor Danahay stated that later on it may be used for DMV. DMV currently leases the building they’re in and it costs the city quite a bit of money since the State doesn’t fund much of it. The new building that will be built on the corner of Beglis Parkway and Hwy. 90 will not have a place for DMV. Mr. Nezat stated that he’d like to keep DMV in Sulphur. After discussion, motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the following ordinance be introduced:  ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR MIKE DANAHAY TO SIGN BUY/SELL AGREEMENT WITH LOLC, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF 110 NORTH HUNTINGTON STREET. Motion was then made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the “American Press”, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form: PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance: ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR MIKE DANAHAY TO SIGN BUY/SELL AGREEMENT WITH LOLC, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF 110 NORTH HUNTINGTON STREET. A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 9th day of December, 2024, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 1551 East Napoleon Street, Sulphur, Louisiana. CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA BY:________________________________ NICK NEZAT, Chairman A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: Mr. Nezat ABSENT: None And the said ordinance was declared duly introduced on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman The next item on the agenda is an introduction of ordinance authorizing the acquisition of property from LOLC, LLC for property located south of 110 North Huntington Street, appropriating funds for the purchase, and setting a public hearing date on said ordinance. David Nezat, Oak Street, asked the size of this property. Mrs. Blanchard, Council Clerk, stated 13,608 sq. ft. Motion was then made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the following ordinance be introduced: ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FROM LOLC, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF 110 NORTH HUNTINGTON STREET, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING DATE ON SAID ORDINANCE. Motion was then made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the said ordinance be filed and remain on file with the Clerk of the Council, in final form, for public inspection and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and instructed to publish the Public Notice of Introduction of the above proposed ordinance in the “American Press”, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, and that the said Notice of Introduction of the above ordinance is substantially in the following form: PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in accordance with Section 2-12B of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sulphur, the following ordinance: ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FROM LOLC, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF 110 NORTH HUNTINGTON STREET, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING DATE ON SAID ORDINANCE. A public hearing on said ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 9th day of December, 2024, in the Council Chambers at their temporary location, 1551 East Napoleon Street, Sulphur, Louisiana. CITY OF SULPHUR, LOUISIANA BY:________________________________ NICK NEZAT, Chairman A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: Mr. Nezat ABSENT: None And the said ordinance was declared duly introduced on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman  The next item on the agenda is a resolution appointing a member to the Sulphur Housing Authority. Motion was made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the following resolution be amended to nominate Becky Venissat. Motion carried unanimously. Motion was then made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the following resolution be adopted to-wit: RESOLUTION NO. 3615, M-C SERIES AS AMENDED Resolution appointing Becky Venissat to the Sulphur Housing Authority Board of Directors. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, that they do hereby appoint Becky Venissat to the Sulphur Housing Authority Board of Directors which term will expire November, 2029. A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: None ABSENT: None And the said resolution was declared duly adopted on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman The next item on the agenda is a resolution authorizing the advertisement of bids for the annual supply of pipes and fittings, limestone & asphalt, chemicals, and office supplies for the City of Sulphur. Motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the following resolution be adopted to-wit: RESOLUTION NO. 3616, M-C SERIES Resolution authorizing the advertisement of bids for the annual supply of pipes and fittings, limestone & asphalt, chemicals, and office supplies for the City of Sulphur. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, that they do hereby authorize advertisement for bids for the annual supply of pipes and fittings, limestone & asphalt, chemicals, and office supplies for the City of Sulphur, said bid to be in accordance with the quantities and specifications on file with the City of Sulphur Finance Department.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advertisement of bids will be in “The American Press, the official journal of the City of Sulphur, in three separate publications, giving notice as follows: NOTICE TO BIDDERS Separate and sealed bids for the advertisement of bids for the annual supply of pipes and fittings, limestone & asphalt, chemicals, and office supplies for the City of Sulphur, will be received by the Clerk of the Council until 10:30 a.m. on the 3rd day of December 2024, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in an open and public bid opening session to be conducted by the Director of Finance in the Conference Room at City Hall, and the City Council shall at a regular meeting on the 9th day of December 2024, at 5:30 p.m. proceed to award the bid to the lowest bidder, to waive irregularities, or to reject any and all bids, or otherwise proceed thereto as provided by law. Bids are also available electronically at www.centralbidding.com; free membership is required to access. Said bids to be in accordance with the quantities and specifications on file with the City of Sulphur Finance Department located at 101 North Huntington Street, Sulphur, Louisiana A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: None ABSENT: None And the said resolution was declared duly adopted on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman The next item on the agenda is a resolution approving liquor license for El Viejo Tony Mexican Grill Sulphur, Inc. located at 535 North Cities Service. Motion was made by Mrs. Thomas seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the following resolution be adopted to-wit: RESOLUTION NO. 3617, M-C SERIES Resolution approving liquor license for El Viejo Tony Mexican Grill Sulphur, Inc. located at 535 North Cities Service. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sulphur, Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, that they do hereby approve liquor license for El Viejo Tony Mexican Grill Sulphur, Inc. located at 535 North Cities Service. A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas NAYS: None ABSENT: None And the said resolution was declared duly adopted on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman The next item on the agenda is Rule to Show Cause for the condition of the following addresses: a. To condemn building or structure located at 1404 Peachtree Road, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Mrs. Abshire asked that this address be removed from the list of condemnations. The owners have worked diligently to get it livable. It was in deplorable condition but through the last few months they’ve revitalized it. Rather than removing it from the agenda Council can vote not to condemn it. Motion was made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Ellender that the above address be condemned. A vote was then called with the results as follows: YEAS: None NAYS: Mrs. Ellender, Mr. Nezat, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Abshire, Mrs. Thomas ABSENT: None And the above condemnation failed on this 12th day of November, 2024. ATTEST: __________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman b. To condemn building or structure located at 615 West Carlton Street, Lot 8, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. John Carista, owner of the mobile home, asked for an extension until January 1, 2025. They want to tear it down themselves but need extra time. Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the above address be condemned but give owners until January 1, 2025, for them to tear it down themselves. Motion carried unanimously. c. To condemn building or structure located at 102 Louisiana Avenue, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances.  Mrs. Ellender stated that the letter that the owner received stated that the home needed to be secure within 30 days. The owner did secure it. The owner wants to rezone the property back to residential so he can repair the home and make it livable. In the rezone ordinance, adopted in 2023, it states that if the development doesn’t occur within 2 years of the ordinance being adopted, it shall revert back to Residential District. The owner doesn’t want to tear it down. As long as it’s secured, and the two years pass then it should revert back to residential. Cade Cole, City Attorney, stated that this is based on whether it’s a public nuisance. Mrs. Abshire stated that this home is in deplorable condition and the neighbors have complained about it. This corridor needs to be zoned Business. Mrs. Hardy stated that she doesn’t want this piecemealed. There’s lots of activity going on at this home. Dominique Valenti, representing the owner Lee Marsalise, stated that when this property was rezoned in 2023 Mr. Marsalise didn’t realize that the home would be torn down. He’s 87 years old and he was confused and wasn’t fully engaged. The property is secure and it’s much easier to get a residential permit than a business permit. Mrs. Abshire asked Mr. Valenti if he’d want this home in his neighborhood. Mr. Valenti stated, no he wouldn’t. Mrs. Abshire also stated that this isn’t Mr. Marsalise’s first rodeo. He’s been doing this for many, many years. Mr. Nezat stated that this is like putting lipstick on a pig. At this time Mr. Abrahams, Land Use Administrator, stated that Mr. Marsalise wouldn’t have to rezone the property back to Residential. He could ask for an Exception to allow for living in a Business District. Mrs. Fontenot, Municipal Services Director, stated that they’ve done work inside the home, but no permits were pulled. Mr. Valenti stated that the owner filled up two dumpsters with trash and it’s all cleaned out. Mrs. VanderHey, Ordinance Enforcement, stated that this house can’t sit there for another year just being boarded up. Mr. Nezat suggested that the owner get with Administration and go before the Land Use and Council for an Exception. After much discussion, motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Thomas that the above address be postponed to the January 13, 2024, City Council meeting so the owner can get with administration on a game plan. Motion carried unanimously.  d. To condemn building or structure located at 725 Pitre Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Joe Colombo, contractor, asked for a 90-day extension. The home is in bad shape, and he needs extra time. He was just hired by the owner to remodel. Mrs. Fontenot, Municipal Services Director, stated that there’s too much mold in the home for the Inspector’s to go inside to do an inspection. Rebecca, also representing the owner, stated that they’ll suit up with PPE gear and get the mold out. That part is not hard. We need a new roof, take out all the sheetrock and re-sheetrock, probably will have to redo all the electrical, new flooring, need all new doors and windows. They’ll have to go down to the studs. Mrs. Abshire stated that this home can be treated just like the home on Peachtree. Give them month to month extensions and see how they progress. Mrs. VanderHey, Ordinance Enforcement, stated that permits must be bought ASAP if they want to start working on it. Motion was then made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the above address be postponed to the December 9, 2024, City Couuncil meeting. Motion carried unanimously. e. To condemn building or structure located at 221 Canal Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Motion was made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the above address be condemned. Motion carried unanimously. f. To condemn building or structure located at 414 Pinecrest Drive, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the above address be condemned. Motion carried unanimously. g. To condemn building or structure located at 2580 Ruth Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Mr. Nezat stated that this is the first thing you see when you exit into Sulphur coming from Texas. Mrs. VanderHey, Ordinance Enforcement, stated that the owners have no desire in repairing it. Motion was made by Mrs. Hardy seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the above address be condemned. Motion carried unanimously.  h. To condemn building or structure located at 919 Lewis Street, in accordance with Article IX, Section 5-286 through 5-296 of the Code of Ordinances. Mrs. VanderHey, Ordinance Enforcement, stated that the owner doesn’t have the finances to tear it down. The owner is aware that the city will move forward with condemnation. Josh Baden, Alabama Street, stated that there’s a lot of asbestos on this home. Will it have to be remediated? Mrs. VanderHey, Ordinance Enforcement, stated that residential doesn’t have to be remediated you just have to keep it wet when tearing it down. Motion was then made by Mrs. Ellender seconded by Mrs. Abshire that the above address be condemned. Motion carried unanimously. The next item on the agenda is Rule to Show Cause for Dead or Diseased Tree Removal on private property for the following addresses: a. To remove dead or diseased tree located at 222 Madison Street, in accordance with Chapter 17, Article I of the Code of Ordinances. Mrs. Thomas stated that she has not heard from the property owner since the October Council meeting. Motion was then made by Mrs. Thomas seconded by Mrs. Abshire that tree at the above address be removed. Motion carried unanimously. b. To remove dead or diseased tree located at 213 McArthur Street, in accordance with Chapter 17, Article I of the Code of Ordinances. Motion was made by Mrs. Abshire seconded by Mrs. Hardy that the tree at the above address be removed. Motion carried unanimously. The next item on the agenda is Public Comment. Danny DiPetta, Bonin Drive, spoke against the de- annexation that will be on December Council agenda. Josh Baden, Alabama Street, asked when the Land Use and Council will vote to remove the stipulations placed on his property on Carr Lane. Mayor Danahay stated that the Car Show that was held on Saturday, October 19 was a great success. He thanked everyone involved. He also stated that Christmas Under the Oaks will be held December 6th and 7th.  There being no further business to come before the Council, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned. ATTEST: ______________________________ ______________________________ ARLENE BLANCHARD, Clerk NICK NEZAT, Chairman 11/12/24 6:45 P.M.