City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING JULY 21, 2015 The City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, met in regular session in Council Chambers, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, July 21, 2015, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Scott Irwin Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jeff Free Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr, Scott Irwin, Jeffery Darby, Thomas Harvey and Jeff Free Absent: Honorable Councilors Timothy Larkin and Don Williams Also Present: Mayor Lorenz Walker, City Attorney Jimmy Hall and City Clerk Phyllis McGraw By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve the minutes of the July 7, 2015, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to amend Agenda to add #16 under New Business - Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of two Fire Department Line employees to replace two due to retirement. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to amend Agenda to add #17 under New Business - Introduce an Ordinance to declare certain movable equipment owned by City of Bossier City as surplus to the City's need and provide for salvage and disposal according to law. Discussion Seconded by Mr. Darby Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No Comment Vote in favor or motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests: Lisa Johnson, President of Bossier Chamber of Commerce, introduced the Bossier Youth Leadership students in the audience to the Council. Committee Reports: Joe Buffington, Finance Director, went over Monthly Financial Report with the Council Old Business: No Old Business New Business: Witness Opening of sealed bids for Fire Station #5 Bay Door by Finance Director Joe Buffington: 1. Avallone Door $155,740.00 2. Yor-Wic $178,300.00 By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating additional overtime for Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance approving the acquisition of the property described as (1) Lot 334 East Shreveport Subdivision, (2) Lot 339 & S/2 of 338 East Shreveport Subdivision, (3) Lot 308 East Shreveport Subdivision, (4) Lot 271 East Shreveport Subdivision, (5) Lot 23 Evans Place Subdivision, (6) Lot 18, Block D, Curtis Park Subdivision, and (7) Lot 19, Bock D Curtis Park Subdivision authorizing the Mayor to sign any and all documents necessary to acquire property necessary for property acquisition in the old Downtown Area of Bossier City for the Bossier Re-Envisioning Project. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Department of Transportation and Development and the City of Bossier City, and any amendments thereto, memorializing the agreement between the parties relative to the right- sizing of Barksdale Boulevard (LA 72). Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating Seven Million Dollars from the September 16, 2014 LCDA Bond Issue to engineer the civil and electrical site design and construct the improvements for the Downtown Re-Visioning Plan. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds to provide for Professional Services for certain sewer improvements. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 67 OF 2015 A RESOLUTION TO HIRE OR PROMOTE ONE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR AND ONE ASSISTANT  SUPERINTENDENT AT THE NORTHEAST TREATMENT PLANT AND ONE UTILITY WORKER FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION TO REPLACE VACANT POSITIONS IN PUBLIC UTILITIES. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bossier City authorizes the hiring or promotion of one Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and one Assistant Superintendent at the Northeast Treatment Plant and one Utility Worker for Water Distribution to replace vacant positions in Public Utilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize the hiring or promotion of one Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and one Assistant Superintendent at the Northeast Treatment Plant and one Utility Worker for Water Distribution to replace vacant positions in Public Utilities. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Thomas Harvey and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 68 OF 2015 A RESOLUTION TO HIRE A LABORER II AND A LABORER I TO FILL VACANT POSITIONS IN PUBLIC WORKS WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, one vacancy exists in the Streets & Drainage division and one vacancy exists in the Animal Control division and filling these positions will allow operations to continue. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire one Laborer II and one Laborer I. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeffery Darby, and second by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 69 OF 2015 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF A VACATED TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNICIAN POSITION FOR THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION. __________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in Traffic Engineering division. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize the hiring of a vacated Traffic Control Technician position for the Traffic Engineering Division. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ____________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 70 OF 2015 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF A LEAD TRAFFIC TECHNICIAN WITHIN THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION. __________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in Traffic Engineering division. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize the hiring of a Lead Traffic technician position for the Traffic Engineering Division. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free, and seconded by Mr. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 71 OF 2015 A RESOLUTION TO HIRE ONE RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER TO REPLACE VACANT POSITION IN PARKS AND RECREATION. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bossier City authorizes the Hiring of one Recreation Maintenance Worker to replace vacant position in Parks and Recreation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize the hiring of one Recreation Maintenance Worker to replace vacant position in Parks and Recreation. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Scott Irwin and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Irwin Approve Report of Change Order for Meadowview Pool House and increase of $73,042.70. Total cost of Contract with increase $648,042.70. Seconded by Mr. Free No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to appoint Terrilyn Hooks as a commissioner of the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority of the City of Bossier City. Appointment effective July1, 2015 and expires July 1, 2020. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 68 OF 2015 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND SAFETY DUE TO THE CONTINUED THREAT OF IMMINENT FLOODING WHEREAS, June 2015 saw historic Red River levels, unseen in seventy five years and, WHEREAS, various water bodies in and around the area were at critical levels and flood levels, causing high water elevations in various water bodies throughout Bossier City, and WHEREAS, the high water elevations and imminent threat of flooding necessitated the action of flooding preparation, and WHEREAS, extensive pumping capacity was required in addition to plugging various drainage culverts as well as the use of extensive manpower to protect property, public health, and safety, and WHEREAS, the Red River upon cresting at approximately 37 gauge feet, did go down, and crest again at approximately 31 gauge feet, necessitating the ongoing efforts funded herein. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, hereby declares that this situation affected property, health, and safety due to the imminent flood threat. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that funds providing for the procurement of the goods and services needed to provide flood threat response be appropriated from the Sewer Capital and Contingency account in an amount not to exceed $750,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, to incur debt and to borrow from the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development authority not exceeding $15,000,000 to mature not later than thirty (30) years from date of original issue, at a rate or rates not exceeding six (6%) percent per annum, for the purpose of financing the cost of acquisitions, repairs and/or expansions needed to maintain city owned works of public improvement, and paying the costs of issuance of the bonds; and providing for other matters in connection with the foregoing. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted:  RESOLUTION NO. 72 OF 2015 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TWO FIRE DEPARTMENT LINE EMPLOYEES TO BE REPLACED DUE TO UPCOMING RETIREMENTS; WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, two vacancies now exist in the Fire Department due to the impending departure of two Fire Line employees and filling these positions will allow operations to continue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized to replace two Firefighter positions; The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeffery Darby, and second by Mr. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on the 21st day of July, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., Vice President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance to declare certain movable equipment owned by City of Bossier City as surplus to the City's need and provide for salvage and disposal according to law. Seconded by Mr. Free Vote in favor of motion is unanimous There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:24 PM by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: July 29, 2015 Bossier Press Tribune