Marksville council approves LCDBG demolition awards, $200 donation and five‑year lease for new brush truck

The Marksville City Council voted on several routine and procurement items during the meeting. Key votes included awarding LCDBG clearance (demolition) work, approving small local licenses and events, and authorizing a lease purchase for a replacement brush truck for the fire department.

LCDBG clearance awards: Staff reported the clearance list had been reduced to 16 structures and eight contractors bid. The council approved awarding packages to the lowest bidders (Farm and Mulching at $15,350; Desk Excavation and Construction Services at $15,493; 4K Farms and Trucking at $16,820; Park Land Development at $38,850), contingent on each contractor providing SAM.gov registration and proof of insurance. The city manager/engineer said two contractors already had SAM.gov registration; the other two were given 60 days to complete federal registration paperwork and insurance before notice to proceed.

Donation and licenses: The council approved a $200 donation for the spring National Guard bass tournament and granted permission for owners Roy Gilbo and Tara Rodney to apply to the state for an alcohol license for their downtown cafe. The council also approved an occupational license for a new Louisiana Kidney Specialist clinic; a representative named Danielle spoke about plans to expand local kidney care.

Brush truck lease purchase: Fire department staff reported that the city’s 2003 brush truck had repeated mechanical problems and proposed a replacement priced at about $70,000–$73,000 under state contract. Council approved a lease purchase on a five‑year term; staff recorded semiannual payment estimates and said the first payment would not be due until 2027.

Why it matters: The LCDBG awards move demolition of blighted or unsafe structures forward, the donation and licenses support local small businesses and events, and the brush truck replacement addresses an equipment reliability issue for public safety.

What comes next: Contractors must provide SAM.gov registration and proof of insurance per federal requirements before city staff issues a notice to proceed; the fire department expects delivery in roughly 180 days and will begin lease payments after receiving the vehicle per the financing schedule the council approved.