City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 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, September 19, 2017, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Scott Irwin Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Timothy Larkin Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor Jeffery Darby, President, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Timothy Larkin, Scott Irwin, Don Williams and Thomas Harvey Absent: Honorable Councilor Jeff Free Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall, City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw and acting Deputy Clerk, Jennifer Emert. By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve the minutes of the August 29, 2017, Special Meeting and September 5, 2107, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion approve Agenda. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/ Recognition of Guests: None Committee Reports: Stacie Fernandez, Finance Director, presented Council with Monthly Financial Report noting that there has been an increase in sales tax revenues. Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 114 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $150,000 FROM THE 2017 EMS CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO PAY TUITION AND OVERTIME FOR 10 FIREFIGHTERS TO ATTEND PARAMEDIC SCHOOL AND PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THEIR POSITIONS. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, it is anticipated 10 firefighters will be attending paramedic school which will provide for the capabilities needed by the Bossier City Fire Department ; and  WHEREAS these positions will need to be covered with overtime to provide for services while paramedic school is in session; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that $150,000 is hereby appropriated from the 2017 EMS Capital and Contingency Fund to provide tuition and overtime for 10 firefighters to attend paramedic school. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 115 Of 2017 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 68 OF 2017 FOR THE RRWWTP MISCELLANEOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WHEREAS, the original ordinance included the following: 1. Old Admin Building Demolition - $14,564.00 2. Influent & Effluent Pump Seal Reconfiguration - $14,300.00 3. WWTP Division SCADA Calibration & Modifications- $8,000.00 4. Instrumentation Calibration - $6,154.00 5. Contingencies - $4,301.80 WHEREAS, this amendment proposes to delete the item: Influent & Effluent Pump Seal Reconfiguration - $14,300.00; and WHEREAS, to now include a new item: UV Water Disinfection System -$10,414.00 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve an ordinance to amend ordinance 68 of 2017 as stated above.  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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 116 Of 2017 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE ADDITONAL FUNDS TO THE UTILITY DEPARTMENT 2017 CAPITAL BUDGET TO COVER NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS TO MOTOR CONTROL CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT FOR THE NORTH RIVER PUMP STATION TO ENSURE RELIABLE MONITORING AND CONTROL CAPABILITIES FOR A TOTAL OF $100,000.00. WHEREAS, This Pump Station is the main water supply for the COBC water system. The 2017 Utility Department Capital Budget allocated $200,000 for this project. However, the scope of work was expanded to include SCADA, Telemetry, and Control Improvements required to ensure reliable monitoring and control capabilities; and WHEREAS, the additional improvements added $100,000 to the Engineer’s Construction Estimate. Therefore, this Ordinance is required to appropriate an additional $100,000 to the 2017 Capital Budget to complete the project. 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 $100,000.00 to come from the 2017 Utility Capital Budget to cover the additional costs for the Motor Control Center Replacement for the North River Pump Station. 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 this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 117 OF 2017 AN 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.___________________ SECTION 1: BE IT ORDAINED BY THE City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that a tax of 23.36 Mills be and the same is hereby levied on all taxable property located within the limits of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, for the year 2017. SECTION 2: BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that said tax so levied on all taxable property shall be apportioned as follows: 1) 5.76 Mills for the payment of all necessary expenses for the operation of the affairs of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana. Mill Key #5078001 2) 8.61 Mills for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Fire and Police Departments of the City of Bossier City. Mill Key #5078002 3) 6.19 Mills for the purpose of operation and maintenance of the Fire and Police Departments including salaries. Mill Key #5078004 4) 2.80 Mills for the purpose of operation and maintenance of the Fire and Police Department including salaries for the Fire and Police for the City of Bossier City, Louisiana. Mill Key #5078005 SECTION 3: BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the tax assessment roll covering the 23.36 Mills are estimated by the Tax Collector and the City of Bossier City, for taxes for the year of 2017, and are hereby adopted and approved. SECTION 4: BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Tax collector for the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, be and he is hereby instructed to collect said taxes according to law. SECTION 5: BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk ORDINANCE NO. 118 OF 2017 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. WHEREAS, the City has accumulated certain movable equipment which is now surplus to the City’s need and it is in the best interest of the City to salvage and dispose of said equipment according to law. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the following equipment described is surplus to the City’s needs: DESCRIPTION REF. NO. SERIAL NUMBER DEPT. MILEAGE 1. 2012 Mac trailer 08714 C021167 Sanitation N/A 2. 2012 Mac trailer 08715 C021168 Sanitation N/A NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the Purchasing Agent is authorized to dispose of said equipment in accordance to law. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and regular session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business: Witness opening of sealed bids for Landau Pump Station 1. Axis Construction, LLC. $123,500.00 2. CDG Energy, LLC. $199,000.00 3. Dixie Overland Construction, LLC. $162,408.00 4. DNA Underground $278,625.00 5. Fh Management $182,330.00 6. Pulley Construction, Inc. $186,400.00 7. Yor-Wic Construction Company, Inc. $223,150.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item Called: Hearing to review the recommendation of demolition and removal of a dilapidated structure located at the following legal address: 411 Wyche Street, Bossier City, LA. Roger Voet, Property Standards, updated Council on process. Robin Harvill, City Appointed Attorney, reported that the owners were notified and were here to speak. Lewis Raley, Property Owner, reported that he hasn't been able to tear down or sell property and is willing to donate it to the city. Randy Miller, Neighbor Property Owner, reported that he has had difficulty renting his property due to the poor condition of the neighbor's house. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to proceed with demolition. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $450,000 to come from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to be used for the operational needs of the Centurylink Center. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item Called: Adopt a Resolution revoking Resolution No. 18 of 1993 providing for landscaping street cul-de-sacs in new or expanding residential subdivisions. Lengthy discussion held concerning this Resolution. Questions about what meters and areas were identified, ownership of property where meters are being used, who pays bills now and who will after this passes and how will owners be notified. Audio of discussion on file in the Clerk's Office. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 77 Of 2017 A RESOLUTION REVOKING RESOLUTION NO. 18 OF 1993 PROVIDING FOR LANDSCAPING STREET CUL-DE-SACS IN NEW OR EXPANDING RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS. ________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, this resolution has created significant loss to the general fund due to the need to pay the utility system for the unbilled water; and WHEREAS, the lack of control in deployment of this resolution has led to meters being installed that are not being billed; and WHEREAS, the revocation of this resolution is in the best interest of the Citizens of Bossier City as it will place the responsibility for payment on the users of the utility; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Resolution 18 of 1993 is hereby revoked and billing for the use of water shall begin immediately to the responsible parties. The above and foregoing Resolution 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 this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: Mr. Larkin Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 78 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION TO FILL THREE VACANCIES IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, one Laborer I vacancy exists in the Solid Waste division, one Laborer I in Street Sweeping & Grass Cutting, one Laborer II in Streets & Drainage 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 two Laborer I positions and one Laborer II position. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and second by Mr. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 79 Of 2017 A RESOLUTION TO REPLACE ONE DEPUTY MARSHAL DUE TO RESIGNATION. ________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, one individual has resigned from service in the Bossier City Marshal’s office and this position needs to be replaced.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Marshal is hereby authorized to replace one deputy marshal due to resignation. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 80 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT LINE EMPLOYEE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A VACANCY FROM RESIGNATION: WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, one vacancy will exist in the Fire Department due to a Resignation 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 replace one Firefighter position; The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Scott Irwin, and second by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 81 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE MECHANIC DUE TO A VACANCY FROM RETIREMENT: WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, one vacancy will exist in the Fire Department due to a Retirement 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 replace one Mechanic position; The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams, and second by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 82 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. Thomas Harvey, and second by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 83 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ONE PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS EMPLOYEE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A VACANCY FROM RETIREMENT: WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, one vacancy will exist in Permits and Inspections due to a Retirement 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 replace one Inspection position; The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams, and second by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 19th day of September 2017. Vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Harvey Nays: none Abstain: none Absent: Mr. Free _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President _____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Harvey Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Bossier High School Homecoming Parade, September 28, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Report of Change Order 1st and Final for 2017 Asphalt Street Program an increase of $62,285.55. Total cost of contract with Change Order $651,930.80. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:59 P.M. by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: September 27, 2017 Bossier Press Tribune