By Bonnie Culverhouse

If the Webster Parish Police Jury agrees, a parcel of land at 700 Constable Street, owned by the City of Minden, will become their property soon.

The council voted unanimously Monday to donate the building and land – assessed value of more than $47,000 and market value of more than $270,000 – to the jury, pending attorney approval. All financial responsibility and upkeep will transfer to the jury.

The empty National Guard Armory building, was donated by the State of Louisiana to the City of Minden where it has served in several capacities.

Brian Williams, executive director of Webster Parish Homeland Security, said he would like to repurpose the building to a 911 headquarters building and warehouse.

“From a parish point of view, what we are trying to do is consolidate that in one location,” Williams said.

He said for the past year, Homeland Security has been seeking a warehouse for Region 7 – “all the parishes except Caddo and Bossier, because they have their own warehouses,” he added. “They have water and other aid that are also scattered in other places, so we would all benefit from this.”

Williams will also pursue grant funding to rehabilitate the building.

In other business, the council unanimously approved the following:

• Audit presentation for fiscal year 2023-2024 by Allen, Green & Williamson;

• An ordinance authorizing act of sale by City of Minden to sell certain addicted properties;

• A resolution declaring surplus certain miscellaneous items and fixing the terms of sale;

• A resolution for municipal water pollution prevention;

• Appointment of Kasi Kendrick to fill the unexpired term of Sarah Overall on  Minden Main Street Program/Downtown Development Commission;

• Appointment of Derek Peris (Downtown) and re-appointment of Elizabeth Hollingsworth (Residential) to Minden Downtown/Residential Historic Commission;

• Authorization for Mayor Cox to execute an engagement agreement to retain the services of Michael J. Bused of Butler Snow to serve as “outside counsel” for the City of Minden under the supervision of City Attorney Jimbo Yocom;

• Decommissioning and leveling of dilapidated structure located at 1401 Talton Street;

• Condemnations at 806 Peach Street and 700 Sibley Road; and,

• Reports for budget, fire and police.

The Minden City Council meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month, preceded by a workshop at 5 p.m., at Minden City Hall, 503 Broadway. Minden. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings.