July 1, 2025
The Mayor and City Council of the Town of Amite City, Louisiana came together on the first day of July 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room of City Hall, 212 E. Oak St., Amite, LA 70422 for a public hearing and regular session.
Declaration
City Clerk Jewel McCoy read the public input statement.
Public Hearing
McCoy called the public hearing to order and asked if anyone would like to make a comment on the following proposed Ordinances:
ORDINANCE NO. 10-2025
Amendment to Ordinance governing use of Amite Community Center
ORDINANCE NO. 11-2025
Amendment to Part 10 – Licensing and Regulation, Chapter 5 – Occupational License Tax to add a section governing Event Centers
Ordinance #01-2025
No comments were voiced.
McCoy closed the Public Hearing and turned the gavel over to Mayor Walter Daniels III for the regular council meeting.
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Mayor Daniels called the council meeting to order and asked McCoy for a roll call.
The following council members were present:
Mayor Pro-Tem Rose Sumrall
Maria Coleman
Shirley Core
Charles “Mose” Guzzardo
Kenyetta Richardson
Council members absent:
None
Others in attendance:
City Manager Mark Kolwe, Assistant City Attorney Brad Stevens, City Attorney Chuck Reid, Police Chief Lendrick Francois, Fire Chief J. D. Stevens.
Prayer/Pledge
Guzzardo led the evening prayer followed by Daniels leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Input:
None
Minutes
A motion was made by Guzzardo, seconded by Sumrall to approve the following minutes:
June 3, 2025 - Regular Council meeting
June 17, 2025 – Special Council meeting
June 20, 2025 – Special Council meeting
Motion passed with no objection.
Financial Statements
A motion was made by Sumrall, seconded by Coleman to approve the following financial statements:
Budget to actual – May 31, 2025
Cash disbursements – May 31, 2025
Motion passed with no objection.
Mayor Walter Daniels III
A motion was made by Guzzardo, seconded by Core to approve Ordinance No. 10-2025 Amendment to ordinance governing use of Amite Community Center. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
YEAS: Coleman, Core, Guzzardo, Richardson, Sumrall
NAYS: None, ABSTAIN: None, ABSENT: None
Motion passed.
A motion was made by Richardson, seconded by Sumrall to approve Ordinance No. 11-2025 Amendment to Part 10-Licensing and Regulation, Chapter 5 – Occupational License Tax to add a section governing Event Centers. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
YEAS: Coleman, Core, Guzzardo, Richardson, Sumrall
NAYS: None, ABSTAIN: None, ABSENT: None
Motion passed.
A. - A motion was made by Sumrall, seconded by Guzzardo to approve Occupational License for B. J. Promotions Event Center located at 306 South First Street. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
YEAS: Coleman, Core, Guzzardo, Richardson, Sumrall
NAYS: None, ABSTAIN: None, ABSENT: None
Motion passed.
B. - A motion was made by Sumrall, seconded by Guzzardo to approve Occupational License for Bust Out Bail Bonds located at 211 North First Street, Suite 101. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
YEAS: Coleman, Core, Guzzardo, Richardson, Sumrall
NAYS: None, ABSTAIN: None, ABSENT: None
Motion passed.
Council Member Mose Guzzardo
Guzzardo asked to add an item to the agenda: put 2 ½% annual raises on hold until further notice. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
YEAS: Coleman, Core, Guzzardo, Richardson, Sumrall
NAYS: None, ABSTAIN: None, ABSENT: None
Motion passed.
A motion was made by Guzzardo, seconded by Core to introduced Ordinance No. 12-2025 An amendment to Ordinance No. 19-2022, to suspend the 2 ½% annual pay increase until further notice. Public hearing and vote will be held August 5, 2025.
Mayor Pro-Tem Rose Sumrall
Police – Chief Francois introduced the new police officers hired in the department.
Fire Department - Chief Stevens stated everything was good with his department.
Updates were given on the following projects:
Stevens stated a new corporate endeavor agreement was recently signed between the Parish and City Hall concerning the Mulberry St. extension. The Parish should start working on the project soon.
Kolwe stated the city is still waiting for the grant approval so we can purchase the hydrant valves needed to fix the fire hydrants.
Stevens stated the town is still in talks with Vexus about the Daniel St. Bridge repairs.
Kolwe stated the Parish has done the preliminary work on Duncan Avenue and the main overlaying of the street should begin in approximately 30 days.
Daniels stated Phase I of the Wastewater Treatment Plant is scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2025.
A motion was made by Richardson, seconded by Core to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.
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Jewel McCoy, City Clerk Walter Daniels III, Mayor