The Town Council of the Town of Kentwood, Louisiana held its regular session on Thursday, December
5, 2024 at 6:00 P.M., at the Kentwood City Hall with Mayor Irma T. Gordon presiding. Mayor Gordon
called the meeting to order following opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
The roll was called with the following results:
Present: Gary Callihan, Xavier Diamond, Michael Hall, Paul Stewart, Jakoiya Wilkerson
Absent: None.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Hall and unanimously carried to
approve the minutes of last month’s regular meeting.
A motion was offered by Councilman Stewart, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously
carried to approve the minutes of last month’s special meeting.
Financial Reports were emailed to the Council Members.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously
carried to set the Public Hearing and Budget Meeting date for December 23, 20024, with the public
hearing starting at 5:00 p.m. and the budget meeting starting at 5:30 p.m.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously
carried to approve the 2024 Engagement Letter from Ms. Minda Raybourn, for the Agreed-Upon
Procedures.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried
to approve Ms. Minda Raybourn, CPA, LLC of Franklinton, LA as Independent Auditor for the Town of
Kentwood FYE 2024.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Callihan and unanimously
carried to adopt the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously
carried to approve the purchase of an Emergency cemetery plot for Mr. Bryan D. Tate – Section 3, Lot
C, Plot 23, in the amount of $1275.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously
carried to approve the purchase of a cemetery plot for Mrs. Rita Webb Tate – Section 3, Lot C, Plot 25,
in the amount of $1275.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried to
approve the Beer, Liquor, and Tobacco License for I-55 Lounge & Bar.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried
to approve the Beer and Liquor License for FiftyStar LLC dba Star Plus.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously
carried to approve Liquor License Renewal for 2025, incomplete applications or applications not
received, will not be approved. The following were approved: Dollar General, Kentwood VFW (The
Dub), Pilot (Kentwood Food Mart), and Sullivan’s Inc.
Mr. David Atkins, Tangipahoa Parish Fire District No. 2, gave an update on Fire District No. 2 that
relates to Kentwood Fire Department’s financial situation. The 2018 contract renews every year and it
has a $250,000 maximum cap for fire protection. He informed everyone that as of now, the cap will not be
lifted. They are seeking approval from the Fire Board to approve paying half of the remaining salaries
that are due to the fire department through the end of the year, with the Town of Kentwood paying the
other half.
The Board discussed the remaining amount for the firefighters’ pay through the end of 2024. A motion
was made by Councilman Hall, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously carried to
approve paying the other half of the remaining firefighters’ salaries for the remainder of 2024.
Mr. William Lawson discussed the Christmas Festival.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Hall, and unanimously
carried to adjourn.
Fredrika M. Ruffin, Town Clerk Irma T. Gordon, Mayor