By Bonnie Culverhouse
Five Minden Police officers were granted promotions by the city council at Tuesday’s meeting.
Promoted from Officer to Officer First Class were Logan Clingan, Lita Hopkins and Benjamin Sparks. Officer First Class Anthony Miller and Officer First Class Jason Lee are now a sergeants.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox thanked the officers for their hard work, as did District E Councilman Andy Pendergrass.
“I want to let y’all (officers) know that we do appreciate the job ya’ll do here in the city,” Pendergrass said. “The people in my district have talked about the increase in the visibility of the police force, not only seeing you, but talking to you and forming relationships.”
Pendergrass said he was aware forming relationships was part of Chief Jared McIver’s plan when he was elected to office.
“We appreciate y’all carrying that out, and we’re thankful y’all are making our city safer,” he said.
In other business, the council passed the following items unanimously:
• Adopt resolution declaring certain City of Minden property and fixing terms of sale for a truck in Animal Control Department;
• Opt out of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness’ Temporary House and Shelter Assistance Program;
• Appoint Jordan Cupples to Minden Main Street Program/Downtown Development Commission and reappoint Diane Silvis and Sarah Overall, who were filling unexpired terms to a regular term on the board;
• Final Plat Approval for a lot split of property facing La. Hwy. 531 and Carey Lane;
• Authority for Mayor Cox to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and Webster Parish Council on Aging to allow financial assistance from the city – $1,000 per month;
• Authority for Mayor Cox to enter into a cooperative agreement between the city and Webster Parish School Board to assist with 2 school resource officers with reimbursement;
• Authority for Mayor Cox to enter into a cooperative agreement between the city and Webster Parish School Board to provide schools with police officers during extracurricular events with reimbursement;
• Budget/Financial report for July 2023;
• Fire report for August 2023; and,
• Police reports for July 2023.
The council also approved the 2023-2024 budget and added to agenda items giving authority for the mayor to enter into 2 class action lawsuits.
See Webster Parish Journal for these stories.
