Oakgrove public meetings in 2021

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the condemnation of 102 East Main Street. The body will also consider a bond ordinance for a DEQ loan and a resolution to amend an LGAP grant.

• Public hearing for condemnation of 102 East Main Street (Bradley Harris)
• Introduction of Bond Ordinance for DEQ loan
• Resolution to amend LGAP grant
• Authorization for bids for a new ground storage tank
• Spending up to $500 for annual safety meeting lunch

The Council approved several expenditures including insurance renewals and building repairs. They introduced ordinances to revoke a vacant building registration program and issue up to $300,000 in sewer revenue bonds. A resolution was also adopted to repurpose a $14,400 grant for City Hall flooring.

• Approved insurance renewal quote from Lensing, Lensing, Cunningham and Hagar for $89,706.83
• Introduced Ordinance to revoke Ordinance 615 regarding vacant building registration (3-2)
• Adopted Resolution to amend $14,400 LGAP grant to install new flooring in City Hall
• Introduced Ordinance to issue taxable sewer revenue bonds not to exceed $300,000
• Approved alcohol renewal application for Oak Grove Package Liquor (4-1)
• Approved $2,900 quote from Vicki Jones to paint boards at the legion hut
• Approved $960 payment to West Carroll Sheriff’s office for Warrant Now subscription
• Granted property owners at 102 East Main Street 30 days to remove falling marble

City Council

The Oak Grove City Council will hold a public hearing and regular meeting on November 9, 2021. Items include a condemnation at 102 East Main Street, discussion of Ordinance 615 on vacant buildings in the Historic District, and approval of a $480,000 DEQ loan pre-application for sewer line replacement. The council will also consider a one-time payment for three police officers unable to take time off due to a staff shortage.

• Condemnation of property at 102 East Main Street (Bradley Harris)
• Discussion of Ordinance 615 concerning vacant buildings in the Historic District
• Renewal of contract with Ouachita Meter Reading Service
• Authorize mayor to apply for $480,000 DEQ loan pre-application for sewer line replacement
• Approve one-time payment for reimbursement of personal and vacation time for three police officers

The council authorized a loan pre-application for sewer line replacement and approved several service contracts and police department expenses. A public hearing for a property condemnation was rescheduled, and the council accepted a resignation from the Zoning Board.

• Authorized Mayor to apply for $480,000 DEQ loan for sewer line replacement
• Approved $1,411 quote from Infinite Concepts for police firewall protection
• Approved $760 quote from Steve's Striping Service for City Hall parking lot
• Approved one-time payment for unused leave for Chief Russell and three officers
• Renewed contract with Ouachita Meter Reading Service
• Accepted Ron Hayne's resignation from the Zoning Board
• Rescheduled 102 East Main Street condemnation hearing to December 14, 2021
• Approved October 2021 financials and bills for payment

City Council

The Oak Grove City Council will discuss ordinances regarding the Mayor's salary and a vacant building registration program in the Historic District. The body is also reviewing infrastructure projects and funding requests for water, sewer, and community facilities.

• Authorization for sewer line repairs from Park Ave. to East Noble not to exceed $200,000 ARPA
• Applications for 2022 Capital Outlay funds: $5 million for sewer, $5 million for water, $1 million for Industrial Building, and $250,000 for Community House
• Review of demolition quotes for 111 North Front Street
• Ordinance to increase the Mayor's salary
• Appointment of Debra Hawthorn to the Zoning Board

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 614 to increase the Mayor's salary and Ordinance No. 615 to create a registration program for vacant buildings in the Historic District. The body also approved several infrastructure projects and a demolition contract. Other actions included personnel changes and the start of a property condemnation process.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 614 to increase the Mayor's salary (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 615 for vacant building registration in Historic District (3-2, Mayor broke tie)
• Approved $20,000 demolition bid from Dettenhaim Farm Transport for 111 North Front Street
• Authorized Mayor to apply for $11.25M in 2022 Capital Outlay funds for sewer, water, Community House, and industrial building
• Approved condemnation process for 215 East Main Street with hearing set for Nov 9, 2021 (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Authorized Mayor to design project for burst sewer lines from Park Ave. to East Noble using ARPA funds
• Approved $10,000 for Legion Hut roof repairs via Johnny Pardon
• Approved appointment of Debra Hawthorne to the Zoning Board

City Council

The City Council will discuss ordinances regarding the Mayor's salary and a registration program for vacant buildings in the Historic District. The agenda also includes authorizing sewer line repairs and applying for several multi-million dollar capital outlay funds.

• Ordinance to increase the Mayor’s salary
• Ordinance amending Ordinance 558 for a Vacant Buildings Registration Program in the Historic District
• Quotes for demolition of structures at 111 North Front Street
• Sewer line repair project from Park Ave. to East Noble not to exceed $200,000
• Application for $5,000,000 for sewer and $5,000,000 for water in the 2022 Capital Outlay Bill

The meeting was adjourned because only two council members were present, meaning no quorum was reached. No official business was conducted. A special meeting was scheduled for October 14, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.

City Council

The City Council will consider ordinances regarding surplus property and updates to chapters 4 and 8 of the Town's Code of Ordinances. The body will also discuss the use of American Rescue Plan funding and the appointment of an interim council member.

• Ordinance declaring surplus property no longer needed by the Town
• Ordinance amending and supplementing chapters 4 and 8 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances
• Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for generator replacement at Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center
• Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with West Carroll Chamber of Commerce for theater repairs
• Proposed ordinance adding fines for possession of marijuana less than 14 grams

The council approved the sale of two surplus properties on Gaston Street and authorized the Mayor to enter into agreements for state funding. The board also committed to applying for a $5 million Water Sector grant and appointed a new council member.

• Approved appointment of Robin Dunnahoe as Council Member
• Accepted $5,000 bid from Jharon Toston for 917 Gaston Street
• Accepted $2,500 bid from Jharon Toston for 908 Gaston Street
• Approved lower quotes from Johnathan Bolton for tree removal on North Street and in the cemetery
• Authorized MOU with Lingo Center for $15,000 generator funding
• Authorized MOU with West Carroll Chamber of Commerce for $50,000 water/sewer and theatre funds
• Approved application for $5 million Water Sector funding via MB Designs Consultants
• Introduced ordinance adding fines for possession of less than 14 grams of marijuana

City Council

The Oak Grove Town Council will consider a resolution to call an election for continuing ad valorem taxes and an ordinance to declare surplus property. Other items include a memorandum of understanding with the Humane Society, introducing ordinances for surplus buildings at 111 North Front Street, and discussing a proposed ordinance on vacant buildings.

• Resolution ordering election to authorize continuation of ad valorem taxes
• Ordinance declaring surplus immovable property no longer needed by the town
• Memorandum of Understanding with the Humane Society
• Introduce ordinance declaring metal building at 111 North Front Street as surplus
• Discuss proposed ordinance dealing with vacant buildings

The Council approved a resolution to call an election regarding ad valorem taxes and passed an ordinance to sell surplus immovable property. Other actions included appointing a Mayor Pro Tem and approving several municipal service contracts and personnel changes.

• Approved resolution to call election for continuation of ad valorem taxes (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No.610 to sell surplus immovable property to highest bidder (unanimous)
• Named Council Member Allen as Mayor Pro Tem for 2021-2022 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Humane Society of Louisiana for city park cat colonies
• Introduced ordinances to declare buildings at 111 North Front Street as surplus
• Approved $799.50 annual contract with CSDC for nightly program file backups
• Approved 10% pay increase for Mary Biggs for cleaning services
• Accepted resignation of Danny Frasier and hired David McAlpin as police officer

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote to adopt the budget ordinance for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The body will also consider resolutions regarding anti-displacement and ad valorem taxes. Other discussions include broadband capital and vacant buildings in the Historic District.

• Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2021-2022
• Memorandum of Understanding for Broadband Capital with Walter Rinehart of V1 Fiber
• Adoption of Anti-Displacement Resolution
• Proposed Ordinance regarding vacant buildings in the Historic District
• Ordinance declaring surplus property

The Council adopted the budget for the upcoming fiscal year and approved a dispatcher salary agreement with the West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office. Other actions included authorizing a broadband MOU and approving a residential relocation plan for LCDBG grants.

• Adopted budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Memorandum of Understanding with V-1 Fiber (Unanimous)
• Adopted Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Resolution (Unanimous)
• Approved $32,190.36 annual payment to West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office for dispatcher salary (Unanimous)
• Approved line item amendments to the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 (Passed)
• Approved writing off water department account balances for deceased account owners (Passed)
• Introduced Ordinance declaring surplus property and set public hearing for July 13, 2021 (Unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 financial statements and bills for payment (Passed)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to adopt resolutions regarding water and sewer infrastructure funding. Members will also discuss the sale of town-owned properties and a Public Works position.

• Preliminary Resolution to issue Revenue Bonds for two sewer lift station repairs
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for a DRA Grant for water system improvements
• Discussion of properties the town intends to sell
• Adoption of MWPP Resolution
• Discussion of Public Works position

The Council adopted a preliminary resolution to issue $300,000 in taxable sewer revenue bonds for system improvements. The Mayor was authorized to apply for a DRA grant for water system improvements. Personnel transfers between the water and street departments were approved.

• Adopted preliminary Resolution to issue $300,000 in taxable sewer revenue bonds (carried)
• Authorized Mayor to apply for DRA grant for water system improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted annual MWPP Resolution (carried)
• Approved transfer of Sam Hodges from water department to street department (carried)
• Approved transfer of Eddie Seaberry from street department to water department (carried)
• Proclaimed May 23–29, 2021 as Oak Grove Tiger Baseball Week (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will introduce the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget and consider the sale of four town-owned properties. The body is also reviewing water and sewer customer policies and a budget revision for the current fiscal year.

• Notice of Intent to sell properties at 917 Gaston Street, 908 Gaston Street, 111 North Front Street, and the old water plant at Railroad and Noble Street
• Budget Revision No. 2 for FY ending June 30, 2021
• Introduction of Ordinance and public hearing for 2021-2022 FY budget
• Purchase of 3 Sewer Senturys for Old Kilbourne Rd. South and Dye Street
• Hiring of Bill Boles as Bond Attorney for DEQ Loan

The Council approved budget revision no. 2 and a new utilities terms of service policy. They authorized notices of intent to sell four town properties and approved several maintenance contracts and new hires.

• Approved budget revision no. 2 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021
• Approved utilities terms of service policy effective July 1, 2021
• Authorized notice of intent to sell 917 Gaston Street to Randy Ruffin
• Authorized notice of intent to sell 908 Gaston Street to Moses Craft
• Authorized notice of intent to sell 111 North Front Street to Wayne Parker
• Authorized notice of intent to sell old water plant property to Jason-Haley, LLC
• Approved $3,625 quote for stump grinding in town park
• Approved $4,375 for retainer wall at city hall to prevent flooding

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the sale of property at 908 Gaston Street. The body will also review notices of intent to sell three other properties and discuss infrastructure and employee policies.

• Resolution to sell 908 Gaston to Randy W. Ruffin
• Intent to sell 111 North Front Street to Wayne Parker
• Intent to sell old water plant property at Railroad and Noble Street to Jason McDaniel
• Intent to sell 917 Gaston Street to Moses Craft
• Authorization for Robbie Waxman to apply for a DRA grant for elevated water tank improvements

The Council approved the sale of property at 908 Gaston Street and initiated the sale process for three other properties. Other actions included approving LED light replacements, fire ant treatment, and a $10 monthly cell phone allowance for all full-time employees.

• Approved sale of property at 908 Gaston Street to Randy W. Ruffin
• Approved notice of intent to sell 111 North Front Street to Wayne Parker for $15,000.00
• Approved notice of intent to sell old water plant property to Jason McDaniel for $6,000.00
• Approved notice of intent to sell 917 Dye Street to Moses Craft for $1,000.00
• Approved $850.00 total for fire ant treatment in the park and cemetery
• Approved $3,152.00 for LED light replacements on Constitution from Lusby’s
• Approved $10 per month cell phone allowance for all full-time employees
• Approved hiring Paul Robert Jones as part-time dog catcher/park attendant

City Council

The Town of Oak Grove City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss excessive water bills resulting from force majeure. The body will also discuss disaster funding.

• Discussion of excessive water bills due to force majeure
• Discussion of disaster funding

The Town Council approved adjustments to water bills for customers who experienced high meter readings due to pipes bursting during a recent snow and ice storm. Customers must provide proof of damage and repair to qualify. The Mayor also provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act.

• Approved water bill adjustments for customers with proof of storm-damaged and repaired pipes (unanimous)

City Council

The Town of Oak Grove Council will consider the sale of property at 908 Gaston Street and a cooperative agreement with the West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office. The body will also discuss the town's alcohol ordinance and approve February bills for payment.

• Notice of Intent to sell property at 908 Gaston Street to Randy Ruffin
• Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office for sale of police equipment (vest)
• Discussion of Alcohol Ordinance
• Resolution proclaiming April 5-9, 2021 as Community Development Week
• Approval of February bills for payment

The Council approved a mutual aid agreement to provide water to Eudora, Arkansas following an ice storm. Other actions included authorizing the sale of property at 908 Gaston Street and approving financial statements for February 2021.

• Approved mutual aid agreement with Eudora, Arkansas for water access
• Approved Notice of Intent to sell 908 Gaston Street to Randy W. Ruffin for $2,000
• Authorized Mayor to turn on gas for heat at the old water plant
• Approved Endeavor Agreement with West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office for police vest sale
• Adopted Resolution proclaiming April 5-9, 2021 as Community Development Week
• Approved February 2021 financial statements and bills for payment
• Approved February 9, 2021 meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance amending zoning for commercial off-street parking. The body will also consider a budget revision and several infrastructure proposals.

• Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance for commercial off-street parking requirements
• Budget Revision No. 1 for FY 2020-2021
• Request for speed bumps on McIntosh Street
• Proposal to resurface park tennis courts
• Proposal to update cemetery maps and convert to GIS

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 608 to change off-street parking requirements for commercial properties. Members approved budget revisions, town park and cemetery mapping contracts, and the hiring of two full-time employees. The Mayor was authorized to seek appraisals for four specific properties.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 608 amending commercial off-street parking requirements (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Revision No. 1 for FY 2020-2021 (unanimous)
• Approved $4,215.00 contract with David Simmons of Delta Courts for tennis court resurfacing
• Approved $6,375.00 contract and $500.00 annual fee with Omega Mapping Services for cemetery GIS maps
• Approved hiring Ronnie Ward as full-time public works employee
• Approved hiring Randy Aaron as full-time police officer
• Authorized Mayor to appraise Melton Complex, original water plant, 908 Gaston Street, and 917 Gaston Street
• Decided to move council meetings back to City Hall starting in March

City Council

The Town of Oak Grove Council will meet to consider an ordinance amending commercial off-street parking requirements and discuss increasing water reconnect fees. The body will also review bids for surplus property and a grant application for a new HVAC system at the Legion Hut.

• Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance off-street parking requirements for commercial properties
• Application for LCDBG-CV grant for a new HVAC system at the Legion Hut
• Discussion on increasing reconnect fees for water customers disconnected for non-payment
• Bids for surplus property
• Resignation of William Ruffin and approval for employment advertising

The Council introduced an ordinance to change off-street parking requirements from one space per 100 square feet to one space per 1,000 square feet of floor area. The body also approved the sale of surplus equipment and authorized a grant application for a new HVAC system. A public hearing for the zoning change is scheduled for February 9, 2021.

• Approved December 2020 financial statements and bills for payment
• Approved Proclamation honoring 2020 State Champion Oak Grove High School Football Team
• Accepted bids from Bobby Luke Patrick for a cement mixer ($510.00) and side boom ($740.00)
• Introduced Ordinance to amend Zoning Ordinance Article 4; Section 76 D parking requirements
• Scheduled public hearing for zoning ordinance on February 9, 2021
• Approved Mayor to apply for LCDBG-CV grant for Legion Hut HVAC system
• Accepted William Ruffin’s resignation and approved advertising for employment
• No action taken on increasing water reconnect fees