Council approves energy incentive agreement, airport lease and water projects; adopts MLK and Delta proclamations

The Natchitoches City Council on Jan. 13 approved several measures affecting the city’s utilities, airport property and civic events, including an incentive agreement with the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA), a new lease at the Natchitoches Regional Airport and authorizations for water‑system procurement and a water‑treatment change order.

LEPA agreement: The council adopted Ordinance No. 049‑2024 approving a full‑requirements incentive agreement between the city and LEPA. Council members said the agreement is intended to lower power costs for the city by pooling purchases with other LEPA members; the ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote recorded as unanimous. Councilman PT introduced the ordinance and moved its adoption.

Airport lease: The council adopted Ordinance No. 050‑2024 authorizing the mayor to terminate an existing lease and enter a new lease for a roughly 21,746‑square‑foot lot at the Natchitoches Regional Airport in favor of Mark Milliken, and to approve a sublease to Air Data Solutions LLC. City discussion said the arrangement seeks a longer lease term to create a mutually beneficial arrangement for the operator and the city; the ordinance passed unanimously.

Water projects and procurement: The council adopted Resolution No. 002‑2025 authorizing advertisement and acceptance of bids for Water Distribution System Improvements, Town Phase 2 (bid no. 0672). Staff estimated the work at roughly $640,000 and said multiple phases will be required to replace distribution lines across the Breedertown area. The council also approved a change order that reduced the previously awarded rehab contract for the clear‑water side of the water treatment plant by approximately $67,000; staff characterized the change order as a favorable reduction to the contract price.

American Rescue Plan equipment purchase: Council introduced Ordinance No. 001‑2025 to designate ARPA funds for equipment purchases (including an additional street sweeper) and set the item for formal action at the Jan. 27 meeting.

Veterans cooperative agreement: The council adopted Resolution No. 003‑2025 authorizing a cooperative agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to provide $10,796 for operating the Natchitoches Parish Veterans Service Office for the July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 period.

Proclamations and recognitions: The council adopted a proclamation (Resolution No. 001‑2025) designating Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and approved a proclamation (Resolution No. 005‑2025) designating Jan. 13, 2025 as Delta Day recognizing the Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The mayor presented plaques and the chamber of commerce and community groups were recognized during the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance No. 049‑2024 (LEPA incentive agreement) — Adopted unanimously 5–0. Outcome: approved. - Ordinance No. 050‑2024 (airport lease termination and new lease; sublease to Air Data Solutions LLC) — Adopted unanimously 5–0. Outcome: approved. - Resolution No. 002‑2025 (advertise/accept bids for water distribution improvements, Town Phase 2, bid 0672) — Adopted unanimously 5–0. Outcome: approved; estimated $640,000 project budget noted. - Resolution No. 00? (change order No. 1 to water treatment plant rehab contract) — Adopted unanimously 5–0; contract decreased by $67,100 (revised contract ~ $976,000). Outcome: approved. - Ordinance No. 001‑2025 (ARPA equipment purchases including street sweeper) — Introduced; action scheduled for Jan. 27, 2025. - Resolution No. 003‑2025 (cooperative agreement with Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs) — Adopted unanimously 5–0; city payment $10,796 for FY 2024–25. - Resolution No. 001‑2025 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day proclamation) — Adopted unanimously 5–0. - Resolution No. 005‑2025 (Delta Day proclamation) — Adopted unanimously 5–0.

Process and context: City staff described the LEPA incentive as a rebate funded by other LEPA members that should lower retail power costs as the city joins a full‑requirements membership. The airport lease was described as an effort to provide a longer term to a returning operator while protecting city interests. On water infrastructure staff and the mayor emphasized that distribution‑line replacement is expensive and will require multiple phases and additional funding sources; staff said engineers (Baylor and EJES) prepared the designs and estimates.

Ending: Several items were routine adoptions; the ARPA equipment ordinance will return for final action. The council urged continued outreach for water‑system funding and reminded the public of upcoming community observances for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.