Baker council designates mayor to sign off on Baker Boulevard, Bentley Drive project

The City of Baker on April 22 adopted a resolution naming Mayor Darnell Waits the city’s authorized representative for state and federal disbursements tied to the Baker Boulevard and Bentley Drive Improvements, catalogued in the resolution as project number H015126.

The resolution, read aloud at the meeting by the city attorney, said the city had received state and federal funding through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development “for Baker Boulevard and Bentley Drive Improvements in the amount of $808,100,000 $821,253.23.” The reading quoted the city charter in support of authorizing the mayor: “all executive and administrative authority shall be exercised by and through the mayor.”

Council President Dr. Charles Vincent moved adoption of the resolution and the council approved it by voice vote; the presiding officer declared “Ayes have it. Motion carries.” The resolution directs that a copy be provided to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Why it matters: the designation allows the mayor to certify requests for reimbursement and other paperwork required by the state and federal funding agencies before project funds are disbursed. The resolution ties the authorization to project number H015126 and cites Article 3, section 3-01 of the city charter as the basis for executive authority.

Implementation details and outstanding items: the resolution text as read at the meeting includes two numeric amounts in immediate succession ("$808,100,000 $821,253.23"). The council did not clarify the apparent discrepancy during the meeting; the resolution record will be provided to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as written. The resolution does not specify a project timeline, contractors, or a breakdown of how the stated funds will be spent.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the resolution by voice vote; the presiding officer declared the motion carried.