Monroe council set for final vote tonight on transit union contract; $3.25 million drainage project could go out for bids

The Monroe City Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in the council chambers at City Hall, 400 Lea Joyner Expressway. The meeting was moved up a day because of Veterans Day on Wednesday. Here’s what’s on the agenda. Meetings are broadcast live, the agenda says.

Transit union contract

The council is set to take a final vote on a collective bargaining agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1160, the union for city transit workers. Two related budget amendments are also up for final adoption: one adds money for transit insurance premiums, and the other adds money for salaries, payroll taxes and pension contributions in the Transit Fund.

After the Oct. 27 meeting, reports differed on how the contract was handled. A KTVE/KARD report said the council introduced it, while the Ouachita Citizen reported the council approved an ordinance raising transit workers’ wages. Tonight’s agenda lists the contract under second reading and final adoption, which matches the Oct. 27 agenda listing it as introduced. We will report the outcome.

Drainage

The Purchasing Division is asking for permission to advertise for bids on the West Parkview Drainage Improvements Project. The estimate is $3,253,086.70.

Settlements

• A resolution to take part in class action settlements with certain defendants in the national litigation over PFAS, the long lasting “forever chemicals,” by declining to opt out.
• A resolution to settle the city’s opioid epidemic claims with Albertsons Companies and related businesses.

Also on the agenda

• A budget amendment recognizing additional revenue and adding money for prisoner housing, Louisiana Municipal Association expenses and Winter Storm Fern expenses.
• Three ordinances selling lots the city took over for unpaid property taxes: two on South 22nd Street, including 415 South 22nd St., and one at 2205 Grammont St.
• Renewals of 2027 alcoholic beverage permits, including 35 Class A and 35 Class B permits. The agenda says police found no disqualifying records and sales taxes were cleared.
• Approval of the Oct. 27 minutes.

Citizens can speak at the end of the meeting. For help under the Americans with Disabilities Act, call the City Council Office at 318-329-2252. Our story on the Oct. 27 meeting is here.