The Minden City Council unanimously approved all agenda items during its regular meeting Wednesday morning, July 8, including resolutions supporting infrastructure improvements, airport projects, personnel promotions, and appointments to the Minden Planning Commission.
The meeting, originally scheduled for Monday evening, was postponed because of citywide power outages and severe weather.
One of the council’s major actions authorized Mayor Nick Cox to execute documents related to a Delta Regional Authority Fiscal Year 2026 grant application for a new municipal water well.
Cox said the city’s existing wells range in age from 30 to 75 years old and that replacing one has become a priority.
“It’s time to get a new well in the city. I think it’s a wise investment,” Cox said.
He explained that the city is seeking approximately $500,000 in grant funding toward what is expected to be a $1.5 million project.
“Tyler [Wallace] has found an opportunity for us to get half a million toward a $1.5 million, roughly, project, but he needs our authority to pursue that,” Cox said.
Cox added that he believes the remaining project cost could potentially be covered through state matching funds.
The council also declared two surplus police vehicles — a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT and a 2008 Ford F-150 XL — for sale. Cox said both vehicles have reached the end of their practical service lives.
Council members approved new airport hangar rental fees as demand for hangar space continues to grow.
Councilman Michael Roy noted the airport’s popularity.
“People don’t realize how busy that place is,” Roy said.
Officials said there are currently between 20 and 30 people on the waiting list for hangar space.
The council also awarded the bid for Phase 1 of the Minden Airport perimeter fencing project.
Cox said the project has been in development for several years and is being funded through a grant.
“This is a grant project that we’ve been looking at for several years,” he said. “You don’t realize the value of a perimeter fence until there’s animals on the runway, and you’re trying to land.”
The council reappointed Morris Busby to the Minden Planning Commission for a term expiring in July 2031 and appointed Juan Rangel to fill a vacant seat with a term expiring in July 2029.
Several promotions within the police and fire departments were also approved.
In the Minden Police Department, Benjamin Sparks was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, Matthew Hicks Jr. was promoted from first-class officer to sergeant, and Johnna Traylor and Cody James were each promoted from officer to first-class officer.
The council also approved two promotions within the Minden Fire Department. Wesley Mandino was promoted from captain to battalion chief, and Henry Ashley was promoted from firefighter/operator to captain.
Council members received the city’s May financial report, which showed sales tax collections increased 3.54% compared to the same period last year, driven primarily by motor vehicle and retail sales.
Fire Chief Brian Williams reported the department responded to 34 incidents during June, including five emergency fire calls, six public service calls, five rescue calls, 10 false alarms, and eight fire alarms. Williams also said firefighters continue working with local businesses to ensure compliance with the city’s emergency access ordinance, which allows firefighters to gain access to commercial buildings during emergencies.
The council also received the Minden Police Department’s June activity report, which showed officers responded to 1,430 calls for service, made 61 arrests, investigated four traffic accidents, and handled eight animal-related calls.
Before adjourning, Cox thanked city employees, utility crews, first responders, and residents for their efforts and patience following Monday’s severe weather and power outage, which prompted the meeting’s rescheduling.
“Thank you to the citizens for being so patient and understanding,” Cox said. “We are able and thankful to serve in the best city there is.”
Minden City Council meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6 PM at the Minden Civic Center. Meetings are open to the public and, for those who cannot attend in person, are also livestreamed on the City of Minden’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, both titled “City of Minden.”