The Bogalusa City Council, after receiving a brief, but somewhat positive 2010 audit report from CPA Robert Nielsen, finished its agenda in a total of six minutes — which had it on a pace to beat the record of eight minutes, set back in 2008.
But then it was time for public participation.
Before reaching that point in the agenda, Neilsen said that his 90-page report accurately reflected the city's position and described it as "an unqualified report" which, he said, meant "the City of Bogalusa's financial information they are providing to the citizens" is properly reflected.
There were no questions from the council.
The council also unanimously approved a resolution renewing a five mil ad valorem tax for the purpose of funding the city's portion of the Choctaw Landfill
And after two public hearings resulted in no public comment, they unanimously approved an ordinance to amend and re-enact Sect. 12-109 of the Bogalusa Code regarding amplified music and another, which set the millage rate for 2011 at 42.13 mils and a rate for the bond retirement sinking fund at 7.70 mils.
And with that business handled, it was time for public participation.
First up was District E resident Ken Bush, who first complained about the courtroom sound system before once again complaining to the council about Article 77, which, he claims, restricts his ability to make a living.
Bush asked the council to rescind Article 77, which prohibits divination, palm reading, psychics or character reading in the city.
Bush said he had rented business space on Austin Street, where he was planning to operate what has been described as a dating/matchmaking service based on psychic readings, but that when city officials discovered his plans, he was forced to close or be in violation of the law.
On Monday, Councilwoman Oneita Graham asked Bush why it had taken him eight years — from the closure of his business in 2003 until now — to complain.
His response that it had taken him this long to gather his courage (to appear) brought chuckles from the audience.
District E Councilman Randy Hodges asked Bush where he would locate his business, if he received approval
"On Austin Street ... or in my home," Bush replied.
Hodge then asked the nature of Bush's business and when both Graham and Council President Wendy Perrette said, "dating service," Hodge was quick to respond with, "Not in my district."
Bush then alleged the council was restricting business development and sat down.
Council also heard complaints that the time between the receipt of water bills and the due date — in this specific case, July 2 and July 10 — was too short and didn't allow sufficient time for someone to pay their bill by mail.
Gayle McCants asked the council if any consideration had been given to increasing the base allowable water usage in the bill and reducing the sewer percentage.
Perrette told McCants that consideration was being given to upping the gallons, but that no consideration was being given to reducing the sewer rate.
Fate Ferrell then repeated McCants' question about sewer rates and added the resolving of issues with the water bill to the list of complaints.
"We elected ya'll to get this fixed," Ferrell said. "When can we expect to get an answer?"
Perrette said there was no timeline, only to get the problems and concerns addressed as quickly as possible.
"I don't think that the 95 percent for sewerage is going to change ... I think the gallons, there is a possibility of that changing."
When Ferrell shot back that the rates weren't fair, Perrette was quick to respond: "Mr. Ferrell, we're all paying it. There are two people in my house, a 35-year-old and an 8-year-old and I don't think they're air ... my aunt pays it, we all (gesturing to the council) pay it. I don't know anyone that's getting a break."
When given the chance, Mayor Charles Mizell thanked everybody for coming "and bringing such a positive attitude."
He pointed out, "for those of you who don't remember, we inherited a few problems, but we're working to address them."
Mizell thanked everyone who helped with the planning, organization and execution of the community's July 4 celebration and encouraged others to participate.
"Feel free to get involved and help address some of the concerns you are voicing," he said.
The issue at hand is about 'character reading' and not "psychic reading". I have never used the word, "psychic" at any Bogalusa council meeting.
ReplyDeleteAs you know "character reading" is used by police, psychiatry, and in doing an intake for a job interview.
It is about gathering data, like for my dating service, i.e., using eye color, height, handedness (left, right or both handed) nationality, hair color and texture, location born, music love or played, and sports tried or watched.
These keyword searches tell me who matches best in a soul mate or marriage relationship.
Example: Light blue eyes, right handed, does match best with green eyes and left handed in leading to a long term marriage.
This is science and math, not "voodoo hoodoo psychic divinitions".
City council needs to step up and cancel this article 77 law. The charge can be 90 days in jail or $100.00 fine or both.
I have given vocal examples of my so called "character reading" at the city council meeting several times; and, how come I was not arrested then?