Town of Kentwood
TOWN OF KENTWOOD
March 31, 2025
REGULAR MEETING for APRIL 2025
The Town Council of the Town of Kentwood, Louisiana held its regular session on Monday, March 31, 2025 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 and Jakoiya Wilkerson.
Absent: None.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Diamond and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of last month meeting.
Financial Reports will be emailed to the Council Members.
Mayor Gordon and the Town Officials recognized the Late Fire Chief Gerald Griffith’s Dedicated Years of Service and Leadership to the Town of Kentwood Fire Department. They presented a plaque to his family and one to the Kentwood Fire Department.
Michael Sumerford discussed Employee Benefits and proposed ways that his company can save the Town money.
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously carried to table Mr. Sumerford’s proposal as hiring him as our agent until our May 1st council meeting.
Robert Hendricks was not present to give an update on his property.
The Late Fire Chief’s Gerald Griffith’s term ending December 31, 2025 as Fire Chief, was next discussed.
Michael Summerford discussed Employee Benefits and proposed ways that his company can save the Town money.
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously carried to table Mr. Summerford’s proposal to hire him as our agent, to our May 1st meeting.
Mayor Gordon and the Council discussed Fire Chief Griffith’s term as Fire Chief, ending December 31, 2025.
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously carried to appoint James Allen Schrimsher as Interim Fire Chief, to complete Fire Chief Griffth’s term ending December 31, 2025.
The roll was called with the following results:
Yeas: Gary Callihan, Xavier Diamond, Michael Hall, Paul Stewart and Jakoiya Wilkerson.
Nays: None.
Abstained: None.
Absent: None.
Timmy Lemoine, with Louisiana Rural Water, discussed the Water Rate Analysis, via telephone.
David Higgenbotham requested to get utility services in a tiny home that will be used as an office building on the Service Road. The property is owned by Walter Travis Estate.
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried to table Mr. Higgenbotham’s request to sell storage buildings on the property.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried to approve Chief Kazerooni’s recommendation, accepting the resignation of Michael Callahan, effective March 7, 2025.
There was only 1 sealed bid for the Nursing Home property that came from Collis B. Temple, Harmony Properties, LLC.
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously carried to table the bid until it is reviewed by Attorney Simpson.
The Mayor and Council discussed the financial records paid out to O&M Management Services, LLC.
A motion was offered by Councilman Stewart, second by Councilman Hall and unanimously carried to table Walter D. King as our new Gas Operator until our May 1st agenda.
A motion was offered by Councilman Stewart, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and unanimously carried to table Richard Hebert with R&R Training, to handle the Town’s gas paperwork, until our May 1st agenda.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Diamond and unanimously carried to give Mayor Gordon authorization to advertise for bids under the procurement standards, for the Town of Kentwood’s parks.
Rajesh Sanger requested that the Town’s abandoned property at 213 Ave E is donated to him.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried to have Attorney Simpson draw up an abandoned property ordinance for introduction, at our May 1st meeting.
Mayor Gordon gave updates on our 3 parks – Hwy 1051 Park, Ave F Park, and MLK Park.
Diamond Crawford informed everyone of her new business in Town, a mental health clinic.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Callihan and unanimously carried to amend the agenda.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Stewart and unanimously carried to amend the agenda and add Dorothy Robbins to it.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Diamond and unanimously carried to approve Ms. Robbins placing her new mobile home in the spot where the pad is already placed at.
A motion was offered by Councilman Callihan, second by Councilman Diamond and unanimously carried to adjourn.
Fredrika M. Ruffin, Town Clerk Irma T. Gordon, Mayor
Cost of notice: $ 85.25