City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 3, 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, October 3, 2017, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Thomas Harvey Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor Jeffery Darby, President, Honorable Councilors, Scott Irwin, Don Williams, Jeff Free and Thomas Harvey Absent: Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr. and Timothy Larkin Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and acting Deputy Clerk, Jennifer Emert. By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2107, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Larkin entered meeting at 3:03 PM By: Mr. Williams Motion to delete Item #38 under New Business and replace it with item #38 Under New Business - Adopt a Resolution authorizing promotions and hiring of one employee due to a resignation and restructuring of the Customer Service Department all within the existing budget. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/ Recognition of Guests: Kelly Wells, Executive Director - Shreveport Bossier Sports Commission - updated Council and Mayor on events going on at Sports Commission. Committee Reports: none Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 119 OF 2017 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 ______________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is the owner of the Centurylink Center; and WHEREAS, funds are needed to meet the basic operational needs of the Centurylink Center for the remainder of 2017; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate $450,000 to come from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund for the operational needs of the Centurylink Center. The above and foregoing Ordinance, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Scott Irwin and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ________________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk New Business: Witness opening of sealed bids for Downtown Street Program 1. Benton & Brown, L.L.C. $219,497.00 2. Best Yet Builders, LLC. $209,335.00 3. Boggs & Poole Contracting Group, Inc. $249,921.18 4. CW&W Contractors, Inc. $297,523.50 5. Dale's Paving, Inc. $325,755.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Harvey 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: 1312 Airline Dr., Bossier City, LA. Mickey Frazier, Property Standards and Robin Harvill, City Appointed Attorney reported steps leading up to this hearing. Faheem Shams, 1107 Blueridge, Longview, Tx, property owner, requested 45 days and a list of contractors to demolish property himself. By: Mr. Williams Motion to give property owner 45 days to demolish or the City to proceed with demolition immediately following those 45 days. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 120 OF 2017 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 126 OF 2003, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A PORTION OF BEAUCLAIR SUBDIVISION, UNITS 1 AND 1-A FROM B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) TO R-LD (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY), BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 126 of 2003 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from B-3, General Business, to R-LD, Residential Low Density, for the following: Beauclair Subdivision, Units 1 and 1-A, Bossier City, Louisiana Motion was made by Mr. Scott Irwin and seconded by Mr. Timothy Larkin adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 3rd day of October, 2017. YEAS: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSTAIN: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. _____________________________________ JEFFERY D. DARBY, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk C-29-17 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 121 OF 2017 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE AT 521 BARKSDALE BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LA, FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A COFFE BAR AND EVENT CENTER. WHEREAS; Kristi Tift and Kandie Winchester, Retro 521, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption, at a coffee bar and event center located at 521 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, LA; and WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on September 11, 2017; and WHEREAS; The Planning Department has submitted the results of said public hearing to the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Bossier City. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for retail sales of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption, at a coffee bar and event center located at 521 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, LA 71111 is hereby approved. Motion was made by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Thomas Harvey to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 3rd day of October, 2017. YEAS: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSTAIN: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. _____________________________________ JEFFERY D. DARBY, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk C-39-17 Agenda Item Called: Introduce an Ordinance to adopt the General Fund Budget for 2018. By: Mr. Larkin Motion to combine Budget agenda items 5-23 into one reading Seconded by Mr. Williams No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Larkin Motion to introduce 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets. Seconded by Mr. Williams No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds to cover construction cost for the Sewer Sub-Basin BC-27 Rehabilitation Project for a total of $1,199,605.00 to come from the 2014 Sewer Bond Fund (22M). Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating not to exceed $70,000 from the 2016 Revenue Bond Capital Projects Fund to initiate a Feasibility Study for a YMCA Facility to be located at the North Bossier Park to be facilitated through JWH Project Consulting, LLC. Seconded by Mr. Harvey Brief discussion on timeline - 60 days Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend 2017 Utility Department Capital Budget line item of Sludge Drying Bed Improvements to include additional items. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to introduce an Ordinance to abandon a section of Kelly Street and section of Public Alley. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 122 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED, PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO GOLDEN MEADOWS #2 FORCE MAIN AT A COST OF $20,000.00 WHEREAS, we were notified by the Levee Board of a force main leak near the RRWWTP at the levee. This is a 24” main from Golden Meadows 2. It is recommended we move forward quickly with the needed repairs to prevent sanitary sewer overflows; and WHEREAS, $20,000.00 may be appropriated from the sewer capital contingency fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby declare that an emergency exists and appropriates $20,000 to come from the sewer capital contingency fund for repairs to the Golden Meadows #2 force main. 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 84 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION TO REPLACE A WWTP OPERATOR AT THE NORTHEAST TREATMENT PLANT IN PUBLIC UTILITIES. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bossier City authorizes the replacement of a WWTP Operator at the Northeast Treatment Plant 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 replacement of a WWTP Operator at the Northeast Treatment Plant in Public Utilities. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 85 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE REPLACEMENT POLICE OFFICER 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 Officer. 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 86 of 2017 A RESOLTUION AUTHORIZING THE COMBINING THE BOOKING MANAGER AND CATERING/CONCESSION MANAGER POSITIONS AND CREATING A NEW TITLE OF “EVENT SERVICES MANAGER” AND TO ELIMINATE ONE JOB POSITION AT THE BOSSIER CIVIC CENTER. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, it is necessary to replace the Booking Manager at the Civic Center; and WHEREAS, combining the two positions of Booking Manager and Cater/Concession Manager and creating a new title of Event Services Manager will be in the best interest of the City both in employee work distribution and accounting practices; and WHEREAS, the reduction of one Civic Center employee will reduce the annual budget in payroll and benefits; and 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 Event Coordinator II position and create a new position of an Event Services Manager for the Bossier Civic Center. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Scott Irwin, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted:  RESOLUTION NO. 87 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF TWO 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 two Police Officer replacements. 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. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ________________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 88 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION TO HIRE OR PROMOTE TWO RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER II TO REPLACE VACANT POSITIONS IN PARKS AND RECREATION. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bossier City authorizes the hiring of two Recreation Maintenance Worker II 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 two Recreation Maintenance Worker II to replace vacant position in Parks and Recreation and backfill any vacancies created by transfer or promotion.  The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ________________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 89 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION TO FILL ONE VACANCY 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, 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 Laborer I position. 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. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none __________________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk Agenda Item called - Public Hearing for the City's Application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding (Entitlement Status) under authority of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 174 (42 U.S.C. 3535) (d) and (42 U.S.C. 5301) (et. seq) Bob Brown, Community Development Director, went over the City's application and funding. No public comment. Mr. Darby closed the public hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 90 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CITY’S APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR FUNDING (ENTITLEMENT STATUS) UNDER AUTHORITY OF TITLE I OF THEHOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 (42 U.S.C. 3535) (d)and (42 U.S.C. 5301) (et.seq.) BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana that the City of Bossier City Council hereby supports the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Strategy Plan and 2018 Action Plan and application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding (Entitlement Status) under authority of the Consolidation for the following: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS): title I of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 12702-12711; Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5304-5320; Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG): title VI, subtitle B, of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 11371-11378; HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME): title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez Nation Affordable Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 12741-12839; Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA): the AIDS; Housing Opportunity Act, 42 U.S.C. 12901-12912; Also serving as a basis for determining requirements in this rule are the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3619), title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u). WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Community Development Entitlement Program is the development of viable urban communities, including decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income, and whereas, consistent with this primary objective, the Federal Assistance realized from this application is for the support of community development activities which are directed toward the following specific objectives: (1) The elimination of slums and blight and the prevention of blighting influences and the deterioration of property and neighborhood and community facilities of importance to the welfare of the community, principally persons of low and moderate income; (2) The elimination of conditions which are detrimental to health, safety and public welfare, through code enforcement, demolition, interim rehabilitation assistance, and related activities;  (3) The conversation of the city’s housing stock in order to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for all persons, but principally those of low and moderate income; (4) The improvement of the quality of community services, principally for persons of low and moderate income, which are essential for sound community development; (5) The reduction of the isolation of income groups within communities and geographical areas and the promotion of an increase in the diversity and vitality of neighborhoods of housing opportunities for person of lower income and the revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods to attract persons of higher income; and (6) The restoration and preservation of properties of special value or historic, architecture or aesthetic reasons. WHEREAS, THE City of Bossier City possesses legal authority to apply for this grant, and all other related Housing Urban Development Programs to execute all proposed projects and whereas, this City is now established as an “Entitlement City”; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Bossier City hereby supports Lorenz Walker, Mayor of Bossier City, Louisiana, the chief official of Bossier City, to apply for and sign all document as necessary and appropriate in the City’s application of Housing and Urban Development Programs. This resolution having been submitted to a vote and declared adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017 by the following vote is on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin. AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ________________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Bossier School/American Heart Association District Heart Challenge, November 4, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 91 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROMOTIONS AND HIRING OF ONE EMPLOYEE DUE TO A RESIGNATION, AND RESTRUCTURING OF THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ALL WITHIN THE EXISTING BUDGET  ______________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Customer Service Department has an available position due to a resignation; and WHEREAS, this promotion provides for an opportunity to promote other individuals and adjust salaries according to responsibility; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the following restructuring of the Customer Service Department and salaries and adjustments are hereby established as follows: Utility Billing & Collections Supervisor $40,000.00 Office Manager I $26,572.21 Office Manager I $25,084.80 Accounts Clerk I $22,443.20 The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 3rd day of October, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: David Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ______________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Jennifer Emert, Acting Deputy Clerk Mr. Darby thanked Jennifer Emert for assisting the City Council in today's meeting. There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:39 P.M. by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: October 18, 2017 Bossier Press Tribune