City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 15, 2017 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, August 15, 2017, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jeff Free Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor Jeffery Darby, President, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Timothy Larkin, Scott Irwin, Don Williams, Jeff Free and Thomas Harvey Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve the minutes of the August 1, 2017, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to add #9 to Agenda under New Business - Introduce an Ordinance repealing and reenacting Section 114-5 Emergency Medical Funding: Service Charge on Utility Bills. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/ Recognition of Guests: Lisa Johnson, President, Bossier Chamber of Commerce updated Council on various upcoming legislative events across the City and invited them to attend. Committee Reports: Stacie Fernandez, Finance Director, gave Council Monthly Financial Report noting that Sales Taxes are improving. Mr. Montgomery asked Ms. Fernandez to work on numbers to see where the City would be if we were fully funded. Ben Rauschenbach, Manchac, updated the Council on the status of the Public Private Partnership in the Utility Department after 1 year. Council complimented Mr. Rauschenbach on the wonderful attentive work Manchac has done. Mr. Darby and Council welcomed members of the Bossier Youth Leadership and allowed them to introduce themselves. Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 104 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,500.00 FROM GENERAL FUND – FUND BALANCE TO SUPPORT THE 2017 VETERAN’S PARADE AND HONOR CEREMONY ON NOVEMEBER 12, 2017. WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Commission and its Veteran’s Weekend Celebration Committee desires to host the 2017 Veteran’s Celebration Parade and Honor Ceremony at the Louisiana Fairgrounds on November 12, 2017; and WHEREAS, each of the local governing authorities are being asked to appropriate $2500.00 each to cover expenses associated with this event pursuant to the letter attached; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby appropriate $2500.00 from the General Fund – Fund Balance to support the 2017 Veteran’s Celebration Parade and Honor Ceremony. 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. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 105 OF 2017 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $250,000.00 FROM THE 2016 SALES TAX BOND FUND TO BE USED TO REHABILITATE VARIOUS CITY STREETS WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE BOSSIER DOWNTOWN RE-ENVISIONING PROJECT. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Bossier City streets within the vicinity of the Bossier Downtown Re- Envisioning Project are in need of rehabilitation with a construction estimate of $250.000.00; and WHEREAS, streets in need of rehabilitation include, but are not limited to, Ogilvie Street, Monroe Street, Minden Street, and associated alleys.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened does hereby appropriate $250,000.00 from the 2016 Sales Tax Bond Fund to be used to rehabilitate various streets within the vicinity of the Bossier Downtown Re-Envisioning Project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any and all instruments in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Scott Irwin and seconded by Mr. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on the 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Ordinance No. 106 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF THE REMAINDER AREAS OF LOTS 2, 3, 4, & 5 OF BLOCK 7 AND THE REMAINDER AREAS LOTS 2 & 15 OF BLOCK 12 OF THE EAST McCORMICK ANNEX SUBDIVISION TO REVA HOSPITALITY OF BOSSIER, LLC FOR THE APPRAISED VALUE PURSUANT TO LOUISIANA R. S. 33:4712.2 ______________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City owns land as the remainder parcels from the construction of Traffic Street known as Lots 2, 3 ,4 & 5 of Block 7 and Lots 2 & 15 of Block 12 of East McCormick Subdivision, (approximately 23,565 square feet) in Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the referenced property has been appraised by David Volentine, MAI and the market value of the subject property as of July 24, 2017 is Three hundred twenty-five thousand Dollars and no cents ($325,000.00); and WHEREAS, Reva Hospitality of Bossier, LLC proposes to use the property to build and construct a 128 room hotel on the assembled property in the area, which will be located in Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the new construction of this hotel will employee 30 fulltime positions and will allow future growth of job creation and new economic opportunities in downtown Bossier City thereby creating additional economic opportunities in Bossier City; and WHEREAS, Reva Hospitality of Bossier, LLC shall be responsible for all closing costs including advertising costs, closing costs, and recording fees and any other fees that are required to complete the transfer of property and the City of Bossier will be responsible for the appraisal cost of the property; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana in regular session convened, that the City of Bossier City, after due notice intends to transfer said property pursuant to the provisions of La. R. S. 33:4717.2 in consideration of the economic benefit created as a result of the said transfer; and  BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that this ordinance will be on file in the office of the Bossier City Council Clerk for public inspection and it constitutes the entirety of the contract between the Reva Hospitality of Bossier, LLC; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any and all objections to said transaction shall be filed in the office of the Bossier City Council Clerk, prior to August 15, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. before the second reading of this ordinance and/or by appearing at the Bossier City Council meeting at which this ordinance will be considered for adoption; The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on the 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 107 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING $100,000.00 FROM THE 2017 FIRE DEPARTMENT SALARY LINE TO THE 2017 OVERTIME LINE WITHIN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget but is simply a reallocation of funds within the 2017 Fire Department Operations Budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that $100,000.00 is hereby transferred from the Salary Line to the Overtime Line within the Fire Department Budget; The above and foregoing Ordinance 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 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business: Witness opening of sealed bids for Wemple Road Reconstruction 1. Benton & Brown, LLC. $1,538,811.50 2. Best Yet Builders, LLC. $1,438,928.10 3. Specialty Trackhoe & Dozer Service, Inc. $1,523,531.75 By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce a Supplemental Bond Ordinance authorizing issuance of not exceeding Thirteen Million Dollars ($13,000,000) of Taxable Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2017, of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, in accordance with the terms of a General Bond Ordinance adopted on July 6, 2010; prescribing the form, and certain terms and conditions of said Bonds and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Seconded by Mr. Williams City Attorney, Jimmy Hall, explained that this is a DEQ Loan for Utilities Projects. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating an additional $51,500 from the General Fund Fund Balance to continue analysis, diagnosis and monitoring of the Information Services and Systems of the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Irwin Council discussed workshop that was held week prior and praised I.T. for their handling of the flood. Ms. Fernandez updated that money was appropriated in the upcoming budget for consideration, to continue the monitoring services. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve the exchange of a City owned Survey Level and Tripod for a privately owned Hamilton Drafting Table. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 69 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION TO REPLACE AN INDUSTRIAL WASTE INSPECTOR IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION IN PUBLIC UTILITIES. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bossier City authorizes the replacement of an Industrial Waste Inspector in the Environmental Affairs division. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize the replacement of an Industrial Waste Inspector in the Environmental Affairs division. 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 70 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE REPLACEMENT POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER ONE DUE TO A RESIGNATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, a vacancy now exists in the Police Department, and filling this position 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 replacement Police Communications Officer One. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free and second by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 71 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF THREE REPLACEMENT POLICE OFFICERS WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, vacancies now exist in the Police Department, 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 three replacement Police Officers. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free, and second by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 15th, day of August, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. 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 to exceed $10,000,000 to mature not later than thirty (30) years from date of original issue, at a fixed rate or rates not to exceed six (6%) percent per annum, for the purpose of financing the cost of additions, acquisitions, repairs and/or expansions needed for restoration of the Centurylink Center, and paying the costs of issuance of the bonds; and providing for other matters in connection with the foregoing. Seconded by Mr. Irwin Questions about how long and how much will be borrowed. Ms. Fernandez reported that would be around 20 years and 7.5 to 8 Million. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr Motion to introduce an Ordinance repealing and reenacting Section 114-5 Emergency Medical Funding: Service Charge on Utility Bills. Seconded by Mr. Williams Fire Chief, Brad Zagone, updated Council on request. He reported that there would be no changes to the current monthly fees residents pay. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous. Announcement - A Special Call Council Meeting will be held August 29, 1017, immediately following the Bossier City Council Agenda Meeting at 3:00 P.M., in the Bossier City Council Chambers located at 620 Benton Rd., Bossier City, LA. to hold a Public Hearing and Consider for adoption a Resolution endorsing the City's Application to the United States Department of Justice to participate in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. (First and Final Reading) Announcement - A Public Hearing will be held on September 19, 2017, in the Bossier City Council Chambers located at 620 Benton Rd., Bossier City, LA 71111, during the Bossier City Council Meeting at 3:00P.M., to consider the adoption of the proposed Ordinance levying a tax of 23.36 mills on all taxable property within the limits of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, for the year 2017, and providing the manner of assessment and collection thereof. Announcement - No meeting the week of August 21-25, 2017. There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:46P.M. by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: August 23, 2017 Bossier Press Tribune