Council Meeting Minutes (Special Session) - 2011-12-01

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 1, 2011.

The Council of the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, met in special meeting session at its regular meeting place, on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers.

There were present the Honorable Roosevelt L. Johnson, Chuck Fowler, Harry B. Silver, Jonathan Goins, Jim Villard, Mitzi Gibson and Ed Larvadain, III.  Also present was City Attorney Chuck Johnson and City Clerk Nancy L. Thiels.

The Council of the City of Alexandria, State of Louisiana, was duly convened as the governing authority of said City by the Honorable Roosevelt L. Johnson, who stated that the Council was ready for the transaction of business. 

For the record, members present from the Administration were as follows: Mayor Jacques Roy and his attorney Chris Roy, Jr., Mr. T.W. Thompson with his attorney Mark Gravel, Ms. Kay Michiels with her attorney John Flynn, Mr. David Johnson and Mr. Michael Marcotte with their attorney Misty Antoon.

The first and only item on the agenda was to discuss the financial status into the investigation of the Alexander Fulton Hotel, as per the subpoenas issued.

Mr. Johnson first spoke and stated that he would not allow any outbursts in this meeting.  He read Section 2-08 of the City Charter  and made a statement about accountability and certain actions that were raised with a red flag concerning the above item.  He stated that the Council received information from the Administration and was not pleased or satisfied with it.  He next turned the meeting over to Mr. Larvadain, Chairman of the Finance committee.

Mr. Larvadain stated that he was not happy with the hotel when the Rural Water Association had their convention.  He stated that the Council had to do an investigation to find certain items.   He read off a time line leading up to this meeting. 

There was so much discussion and back and forth between members present and the attorneys that it is very hard to type exactly what happened at this meeting.  It would be best if anyone wants to know exactly what was said and done at this meeting, they can obtain a copy of the DVD from the City Council Office at a minimum cost. 

Mr. Larvadain did conduct a short power point presentation showing several receipts and statements that were obtained from the hotel.  The Mayor was present and explained each receipt or statement that was shown.  If the Mayor could not explain, he called on someone from his Administration to explain the item. 

There were lots and lots of discussion that continued.  Mr. Johnson, City Attorney was among the one in discussion.  The Mayor spoke and stated he and his staff will begin at the next regular council meeting attending all meetings. 

Ms. Gibson asked the City Attorney if he will offer his legal services and legal representation to the Council whenever needed.  He stated in the affirmative.

After a three-hour meeting, there was no action taken.

       There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.

/S/  ROOSEVELT L. JOHNSON
PRESIDENT

 ATTEST:

/S/  NANCY L. THIELS

CITY CLERK