Town of Kentwood
TOWN OF KENTWOOD
June 12, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
The Town Council of the Town of Kentwood, Louisiana held its regular session on
Thursday, June 12, 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 the opening
prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
The roll was called with the following results:
Present: Xavier Diamond, Michael Hall, Paul Stewart and Jakoiya Wilkerson.
Absent: Gary Callihan.
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilman Hall and
unanimously carried to approve minutes from last month’s meeting, May 1, 2025.
Financial Reports will be submitted to Council members electronically.
Old Business:
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Diamond and
unanimously carried to adopt Ordinance No. 01 of 2025, to Abandon the Alley in Block
39.
The roll was called with the following results:
Yeas: Xavier Diamond, Michael Hall, Paul Stewart and Jakoiya Wilkerson.
Nays: None.
Absent and Not Voting: Gary Callihan.
Sealed bids for the Official Journal were opened. Two bids were received:
The Daily Star – $5.70 per square of 100 words or a fraction thereof.
The Tangi Times – $5.50 per square of 100 words per insertion.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilwoman Wilkerson and
unanimously carried to approve the lowest bid from the Tangi Times as our Official
Journal for July 2025 – June 2026.
New Business:
A motion was offered by Councilman Diamond, second by Councilman Stewart and
unanimously carried to adopt the millage rates and adopt the Millage Resolution.
Bruce Harrell, CPA, presented the Compiled Financial Statements FYE 12.31.24.
Mayor Gordon and Council discussed setting a deadline for Sher Singh, the Pilot
Store’s owner, to fix the road on MLK, where the 18-wheelers have messed up. No
specific date was set.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Hall and
unanimously carried to approve the advertisement for Bids, for the Construction of
a Restroom, Concession Stand and Storage Building, measuring 22ft X 32 ft, at the
Kentwood Recreation Park, located at 72341 Hwy. 1051, Kentwood, LA 70444.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Stewart and
unanimously carried to approve the advertisement for Bids, for Playground Equipment
at the Kentwood Recreation Park, located at 72341 Hwy. 1051, Kentwood, LA 70444.
A motion was offered by Councilman Stewart, second by Councilman Diamond and
unanimously carried to approve the advertisement for Bids, for Playground Equipment
at the Kentwood MLK Park, located at 913 Ave L, Kentwood, LA 70444.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Stewart
and unanimously carried to approve the advertisement for Bids for the Construction of
a restroom, measuring 14 ft X 15 ft restroom at our MLK Park, located at 913 Ave L,
Kentwood, LA 70444.
Mayor Gordon discussed and gave an update on the Substantial Completion for the
Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation Project. She informed everyone that the project was near
completion. The Town will need to seek additional funding options to cover the lining
issues between G-9 and G-10 manholes.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Stewart and
unanimously carried to approve Chief Kazerooni’s recommendation to hire Addison
Summers as a part-time dispatcher, at a rate of $9.75/hr.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Diamond and
unanimously carried to approve Chief Kazerooni’s recommendation to hire Ketrenna
Hackett as a part-time dispatcher, at a rate of $9.75/hr.
A motion was offered Councilman Stewart, second by Councilman Hall and
unanimously carried to approve Chief Kazerooni’s recommendation to hire Frankie
Solomon as a part-time dispatcher, at a rate of $9.75/hr.
A motion was offered by Councilman Hall, second by Councilman Stewart and
unanimously carried to approve Chief Kazerooni’s recommendation to hire Cote
Licciardi as a full-time police officer, at a rate of $15.50/hr. He will be assigned as our
School Resource Officer (SRO), and DARE Officer.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Hall and
unanimously carried to approve Fire Chief Schrimsher’s recommendation to hire
Christopher James Chaisson as a full-time firefighter at a rate of $10/hr.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Diamond
and unanimously carried to approve Fire Chief Schrimsher’s recommendation to hire
Brendan DiGiovanni as a part-time firefighter, at a rate of $9.75/hr.
A motion was offered by Councilwoman Wilkerson, second by Councilman Hall and
unanimously carried to adjourn.
Fredrika M. Ruffin, Town Clerk Irma T. Gordon, Mayor
Cost of notice:$ 75.90