By Jim Smilie
An Alexandria resident was ordered to be removed by police officers from the Alexandria City Council meeting Tuesday evening while objecting to a proposed appointment.
When council members were considering a resolution to appoint City of Alexandria Utility Director Michael Marcotte to serve as a director on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA), city resident Patrick Lacour stepped to the podium when Council President Lee Rubin asked if there was any public comment. As he approached the podium, Lacour was asked if his comments would be germane to the motion, to which he replied that he opposed the resolution.
Once at the podium, Lacour began to explain his reasons for opposing the appointment, at which time he was told by Rubin that his explanation was not needed, and that the objection to the appointment was noted. Rubin made reference to legal matters involving the City and Lacour. Lacour asked why he couldn’t give an explanation for his objection, at which time City Attorney Jonathan Goins advised Rubin that the remarks were “not germane to the motion” and advised him to have Lacour take a seat.
When Lacour remained at the podium, Rubin asked if he needed to have him removed. When Lacour continued to try to give his explanation, Rubin ordered APD officers to remove him. As the officer approached, Lacour noted that he was leaving under protest and then peacefully left the meeting.
The council ultimately unanimously approved the appointment of Marcotte to the LEPA Board of Directors.
In other business, the council approved an ordinance to rezone property at 226 North Bolton Avenue from Light Industrial District to Single Family High Density District. The rezoning was requested in preparation for plans to build new housing on the property. During a meeting of the Legal Affairs Committee prior to the main council meeting, Mayor Jacques Roy said the administration originally opposed the rezoning out of concerns about flooding in the area. Roy stressed that the city has learned from previous housing projects the importance of building above the Basic Flood Elevation.
However, Roy said he understands that effective August 1, FEMA will be requiring builders to build at least 1 foot above the basic flood elevation. With that caveat, Roy said he didn’t object to the rezoning.
The council also approved two ordinances related to the recruitment and retention of police officers. Roy explained the motions are part of the administration’s broader plan to recruit and retain police officers. The plan involves a marketing campaign as well as improvements to benefits and pay for officers.
Roy cited the increased difficulty cities across the country are facing to recruit candidates for commissioned officer positions. He also said that, from a planning standpoint, the city must assume that the number of officers leaving due to retirements, resignations and dismissals will outpace the number of officers being hired and that extraordinary measures must be taken to ensure public safety.