City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING December 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, December 19, 2017, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Scott Irwin Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Thomas Harvey Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor Jeffery Darby, President, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr, Scott Irwin, Don Williams, Jeff Free and Thomas Harvey Absent: Honorable Councilor Timothy Larkin Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw. By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve the minutes of the December 5, 2107, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend the Agenda to include item #12 under New Business - Introduce an Ordinance to limit vehicle access into Beauclaire Subdivision, Bossier City, LA Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/ Recognition of Guests: Mr. Darby welcomed the Bossier Youth Leadership student to the final 2017 Council Meeting Committee Reports: Stacie Fernandez, Finance Director, gave Council and Mayor monthly Financial Report for month ending Nov. 2017. Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 161 OF 2017 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE AN ADDITIONAL $100,000 FROM THE RIVER BOAT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND TO SUPPLEMENT THE PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED $600,000 TO BE USED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, RIGHT-OF-WAY SURVEYING AND OTHER CONTINGENCIES FOR THE VIKING DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS AS IT RUNS FROM AIRLINE DRIVE TO SWAN LAKE ROAD. ________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 119 of 2015 provided for $600,000 to be used for design of Viking Drive Urban Systems Project No. H012013; and WHEREAS, D.O.T.D. now requires an Environmental Impact Study be done and right-of way maps shall be required to purchase additional right-of-way. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session does hereby appropriate an additional $100,000 to be used for environmental studies, right-of-way surveying and other contingencies for the Viking Drive Improvements as it runs from Airline Drive to Swan Lake Road. 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. Thomas Harvey and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 162 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR LORENZ WALKER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH GINGER ADAM CORLEY, L.L.C. FOR 2018. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ginger Adam Corley, L.L.C. has served as a government relations coordinator to and before the Louisiana State Legislature and state agencies, boards, and commissions and is a valuable resource in dealing with the State Legislature; and  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mayor Lorenz Walker is hereby authorized to execute the attached contract. 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 163 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 78-10 OF THE BOSSIER CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO COMPLY WITH THE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF LOUISIANA REQUIREMENTS. _____________________________________________________________________________ _ WHEREAS, the Municipal Employee’s Retirement System requires that unused leave may only be converted to retirement credit when a member actually terminates his employment not at the time of entry into the deferred retirement option plan (DROP); and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Section 78-10 (b) (2) is hereby amended by repealing and reenacting it as follows: (b) Sick leave shall be governed by the following provisions:  (2) Unused sick leave shall be cumulative up to a maximum of 800 hours. Employees with less than ten years’ completed service who have accumulated at least 760 hours as of December 31 may, prior to January 15 of the following year, request their sick leave balance be reduced by 120 hours and that they be credited with an additional 24 hours’ vacation leave. Employees with over ten years’ completed service who have accumulated at least 760 hours as of December 31 may, prior to January 15 of the following year, request their sick leave balance be reduced by 80 hours and that they be credited with an additional 16 hours’ vacation leave. Such additional vacation leave will be in addition to the maximum allowable accumulation, will not be eligible for lump sum payment, and must be taken in the year credited. Any employee who requests retirement from the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Louisiana to commence on the day after their last date of active employment and who has at least 760 hours cumulative sick leave shall be allowed to exchange that sick leave for 160 hours of paid vacation leave, such vacation leave to be taken immediately prior to the effective date of retirement, or in the case of those employees participating in the delayed retirement option plan (DROP) immediately prior to the last day of active service. An exchange cannot be made for the purpose of increasing accumulated vacation time for the objective of receiving lump sum payment. In lieu of the exchange an employee can elect to convert his accumulated sick leave of at least 760 to 800 hours to retirement credit of 40 percent of one year in the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Louisiana. The conversion must be made at time of either retirement and all sick leave will be converted. The cost of this conversion shall be paid by the city at time of conversion. Only one election may be made during an employee’s service with the city. 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. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 164 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN AERIAL EASEMENT OVER AN ALLEY LOCATED BEHIND 145 EVANS PLACE A SUBDIVSION OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, an existing bill board hangs over an alley between Lot 145 Evans Place and I-20 and the owner is seeking an aerial easement for the same; and  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that an aerial easement is hereby granted over the following described property: LOCATING A GRANT OF EASEMENT RECORDED AT INSTRUMENT NO. 1176013, RECORDS OF BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA, BEING THE SOUTH 53 FEET OF LOT 145, EVANS PLACE A SUBDIVISION OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA RECORDED IN BOOK 60, PAGE 39 RECORDS OF BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA, MUNICIPAL ADDRESS IS 924 DELHI STREET, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA 71111, EASEMENT CONTAINS 2122.48 SQUARE FEET. AND AN EASEMENT 20 FEET IN WIDTH ADJOINING THE SOUTH LINE OF LOT 145, IN THE 25 FOOT ALLEY, SHOWN ON PLAT OF EVANS PLACE A SUBDIVISION OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA RECORDED IN BOOK 60, PAGE 39 RECORDS OF BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS; BEGIN AT A ONE INCH IRON PIPE FOUND FOR THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 145, THENCE RUN 50°38’47”W A DISTANCE OF 20 FEET TO A POINT FOR CORNER IN THE ALLEY, THENCE RUN 589°36’49”E PARALLEL TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 145 A DISTANCE OF 40.05 FEET TO A POINT FOR CORNER IN THE SAID ALLEY, THENCE RUN NO °38’47”E A DISTANCE OF 20 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 145, THENCE RUN N89°36’49”W ALONG THE SAID SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 145 A DISTANCE OF 40.05 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTAINING 800.93 SQUARE FEET. For as long as the billboard remains in existence. 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. Don Williams, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Ordinance No. 165 of 2017 AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP TO LA D.O.T.D. A SECTION OF SWAN LAKE SPUR IN EXCHANGE FOR A PORTION OF LA 782-2. __________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, The City Council – City of Bossier City agrees to relinquish ownership rights it may own in and to the following described property, and to relinquish all duties, obligations and responsibilities for the operation and maintenance and liabilities associated therewith to the State of Louisiana through the Department of Transportation and Development (“Department”): The portion of Swan Lake Spur from its intersection with Rue Lebossier St. and proceeding northerly approximately 0.18 miles to its junction with US 79/80 EB, known as E Texas St., and further identified as Parcel No. P-80 in the attached Exhibit “A”. WHEREAS, The City Council – City of Bossier City, in exchange for the acceptance by the Department of the aforesaid described property, agrees to accept ownership of whatever rights the Department may own, with the exception of any and all mineral rights, in and to the following described property, and agrees to accept all duties, obligations, and responsibilities for the operation and maintenance and liabilities associated therewith, for their use as a city street: The portion of State Route LA 782-2, known as Industrial Dr., from its junction with relocated LA 782-2 and proceeding northeasterly approximately 0.17 miles to its junction with US 79/80, known as E Texas St. BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Council – City of Bossier City shall accept ownership of whatever rights that the Department may own in and to the aforesaid described portion of State Route LA 782-2, known as Industrial Drive, and assume the maintenance thereof as a binding agreement between the State of Louisiana and the City Council – City of Bossier City, provided that in exchange therefor the State of Louisiana through the Department of Transportation and Development accepts the aforesaid described portion of Swan Lake Spur. BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Council – City of Bossier City hereby represents that it has received approval from a majority of the state legislative delegation from Bossier City of the actions contemplated herein. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Council – City of Bossier City, authorizes the presiding Mayor of Bossier City to execute any and all documents necessary to transfer the aforesaid described properties as set forth herein. On motion by Mr. Jeff Free, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, the above and foregoing Ordinance was declared duly adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ ______________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No.166 Of 2017 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALEF LOT 4 COMMERCE INDIST6RIAL AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF LOT 4, COMMERCE INDUSTRIAL PARK, UNIT NO. 2 TO C J COMMERCIAL CO., LLC, AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR LORENZ WALKER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the referenced property is owned jointly by the Bossier Parish Police Jury and the City of Bossier City, and C J Commercial Co., LLC desires to purchase a 8.626 acre tract of land for EIGHTY THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($80,000) DOLLARS per acre ; and WHEREAS, said purchase is contingent on the creation of 30 new, full time equivalent jobs at its facility within 24 months. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mayor Lorenz Walker is authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the sale of Lot 4, Commerce Industrial Park, Unit No. 2, Bossier Parish, Louisiana (being 8.626 acres more or less) to C J Commercial Co., LLC. 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. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business: Witness opening of sealed bids for Mike Wood Memorial Park Renovations 1. A & H Building & Construction $245,720.00 2. Boggs & Poole Contracting Group, Inc. $242,000.00 3. Cochran Construction Company, Inc. $301,884.00 4. Dale's Paving, Inc. $272,634.00 5. Douglas Construction & Remodeling, Inc. $275,287.00 6. Hope Construction of Shreveport $271,000.00 7. M & M Builders, Inc. $223,700.00 8. Testament Construction Services $249,000.00 9. Whitlock & Shelton Construction, Inc. $258,000.00 10. Wood's Contracting LLC. $279,880.00 By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve reading of bids Seconded by Mr. Williams 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: 2004 Scott St., Bossier City, LA Roger Voet, Property Standards, reported steps leading up to condemnation. City Appointed Attorney, Robin Harvill reported that owner had been contacted and they couldn't repair. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to demolish property as soon as legally possibly. Seconded by Mr. Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 167 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 REPAIRS TO A DAMAGED WATER MAIN AT THE INTERSECTION OF WESTGATE AND BARKSDALE BOULEVARD AT A COST OF $31,808.42 WHEREAS, immediate repairs are needed to a damaged water main. A communication company running lines throughout the city damaged the water main at the intersection of Westgate and Barksdale Boulevard. The location of the main was not on the city’s GIS system and, therefore was not properly marked in the field. The depth of the work, combined with the complexity of the location requires emergency assistance from a utility contractor. It is recommended we move forward quickly with the needed repairs to ensure there is no disruption in water service to the citizens of Bossier; and  WHEREAS, $31,808.42 may be appropriated from the water 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 $31,808.42 to come from the water capital contingency fund for repairs to the damaged water main at the intersection of Westgate and Barksdale Boulevard. 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. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Harvey Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate an additional $185,000 to come from the River Boat Gaming Capital Improvements Fund to be used to supplement the $3.3 Million already appropriated for design and survey of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to introduce an Ordinance declaring the Ft. Smith Pool and Pool House building surplus and authorizing the demolition of the pool and pool house building and the re- authorization of $75,000 from the 2016 Capital Funds for this use. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds for the construction cost for the Northeast Waste Water Treatment Plant (NE WWTP) Upgrade Project for an estimated cost of $14,000,000 funds to come from the 2017 LDEQ Loan CS-221103-03 and the 2014 Utility Bond. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 111 OF 2017 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING ONE POLICE OFFICER AND THE PROMOTION OF TWO POLICE SERGEANTS.  WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, to follow common practices adopted by the department to keep employees in line with time and grade, filling this position will allow all 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 (1) Police Officer and to promote two (2) Police Officers to Police Sergeants. 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 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 112 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. Don Williams, and adopted on the 19th, day of December, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Walk-On's Independence Bowl Parade, December 26, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to reappoint Michael Vercher as a representative for the MPC Board of Adjustments appointment effective November 1, 2017 and expires October 31, 2022. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to approve meeting change of Bossier City Council Regular Meeting from January 2, 2018 to January 3, 2018, 3:00 PM due to declared holiday by Governor and Mayor. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to limit vehicle access into Beauclaire Subdivision. Bossier City, LA Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:28 P.M. by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: December 27, 2017 Bossier Press Tribune