City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING MAY 15, 2018 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, May 15, 2018, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Scott Irwin Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Don Williams 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. Irwin Motion to approve minutes May 1, 2018, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to amend agenda to include item #12 under New Business - Introduce an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 95 of 2017. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/ Recognition of Guests: Mayor Walker and Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler made a surprise presentation to Rick Rowe. They issued a joint Proclamation declaring May, 15, 2018, Rick Rowe Day in the Cities of Bossier and Shreveport. Committee Reports: Councilman David Montgomery, Jr., gave Council an update on HB408 and consequences of had it not passed. Mr. Montgomery thanked everyone that worked so hard on getting the Bill passed. Council thanked Mr. Montgomery and everyone for their hard work. Mark Hudson, City Engineer, updated Council on status of current projects. Stacie Fernandez, Finance Director, gave Council the Monthly Financial Report for month ending April noting a 7.6 percent increase in Tax Collections from this time last year. She also reported that Moody's just upgraded the City's Bond rating from Double A3 to Double A2. Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted:  ORDINANCE NO. 39 OF 2018 AN ORDINANCE TO DISTRIBUTE FUNDS IN MOSQUITO SPRAYING (620-2800- 501-2626) TO OTHER ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE HERBICIDE AND MOSQUITO SPRAYING BUDGET WHEREAS, mosquito spraying was contracted out in 2017 to provide this vital service to citizens; and WHEREAS, the herbicide and mosquito control division, having issued an RFP for these services, has determined a more economical way to provide this service to citizens; and WHEREAS, distributing the funds originally planned for contract spraying into other operational accounts within the Herbicide and Mosquito Spraying budget will allow this vital service to continue in the most economical and effective manner. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened, hereby approves funds from mosquito spraying (620-2800-501-2626) to be distributed to the following accounts within the herbicide and mosquito spraying budget. The remainder of the account balance will remain in its original account. $5,000.00 overtime (620-2800-501-0102) $20,000.00 part time employees (620-2800-501-0103) $20,000.00 chemicals (620-2800-501-1314) The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and second by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 15th, day of May, 2018, 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. 40 OF 2018 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $10,000 TO COME FROM THE SALES TAX CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO BE USED TO CONTRACT WITH AILLET, FENNER, JOLLY, McClelland CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO CONDUCT AN AIRLINE DRIVE UNDERPASS AT KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN RAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY. ________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, an at grade crossing of Airline Drive and KCS Rail being located just south of I.20 experiences significant vehicular and train traffic on a daily basis; WHEREAS, Vehicular at grade crossings is a public safety concern and delays caused by train crossings have negative economic impact; WHEREAS, a project to provide for an Airline Drive underpass at this location has been in the Bossier City 5 year plan and has been assigned a state project number by D.O.T.D. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate $10,000 to come from the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund to be used to contract with Aillet, Fenner, Jolly, McClelland Consulting Engineers to conduct an Airline Drive underpass at Kansas City Southern Rail feasibility study. 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Thomas Harvey, and adopted on the 15th day of May, 2018, 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. 41 OF 2018 AN ORDINANCE TO ABANDON A PUBLIC ALLEY LYING WITHIN THE EAST SHREVEPORT SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED IN THE BOSSIER PARISH RECORDS IN BOOK 60 PAGE 17 AND BEING LOCATED IN SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST _________________________________________________ WHEREAS, The Bossier City Council desires to abandon a public alley as shown on the attached Public Alley Abandonment Map; WHEREAS, The attached Public Alley Abandonment Map is attached to and is a part of this ordinance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Bossier City Council in regular session convened does herby Abandon a public alley lying within the east Shreveport Subdivision as recorded in the Bossier Parish records in book 60 page 17 and being located in section 29, township 18 north, range 13 west. 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 15th day of May, 2018, 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. 42 Of 2018 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER REMOVAL OF DEBRIS FROM THE TWO WATER INTAKE STRUCTURES THE CITY HAS ON THE RED RIVER FOR A TOTAL OF $28,600.00 TO COME FROM THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND WHEREAS As a result of the high water in the Red River, the two raw water intake structures the City of Bossier has on the river have been inundated with debris. This debris induces hydraulic stress on these structures that impact the integrity and longevity of these facilities. This material needs to be removed. (see attached bids for estimated detailed breakdown of the costs); and WHEREAS, $28,600.00 may be appropriated from the Disaster Relief 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 appropriate $28,600.00 to come from Disaster Relief Fund to cover debris removal from the city’s water intake structures. 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 the 15th day of May, 2018, 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. 43 OF 2018 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPORIATE $345,000 TO COME FROM THE HOTEL MOTEL TAX FUND TO BE USED TO FUND REPAIRS TO THE LOUISIANA BOARDWALK RIVER RETAINING WALL AND TO RESTRIPE STREETS AND PARKING LOTS AT LOUISIANA BOARDWALK. ________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Various repairs are required to maintain the Louisiana Boardwalk Retaining Wall to include but not be limited to: install piers to stabilize settlement, remove brick veneer along wall and garage entrance bridge and grout and paint same; and replace light fixtures along wall as required and other miscellaneous repairs on wall as required; WHEREAS, Parking Lot stripes and street stripes are worn and need to be replaced at Louisiana Boardwalk and along Traffic Street at Louisiana Boardwalk entrances;  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session does hereby authorize the Mayor to Appropriate $345,000 to come from the Hotel Motel Tax fund to be used to fuel repairs to the Louisiana Boardwalk River Retaining wall and to restripe streets and parking lots at Louisiana Boardwalk. 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 15th day of May, 2018, 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.44 Of 2018 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZNG MAYOR LORENZ WALKER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED AGREEMENT WITH ATAKAPA SERVICES, LLC FOR STORMWATER/DRAINAGE SYSTEM MASTER PLANNING, STORM DRAIN SYSTEM CLEANING AND INSPECTION, PEER REVIEW SERVICES AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, CCTV equipment shall be used to perform inspections of storm drain lines and record obstructions, defects, offset joints, broken pipe and other pipe defects; and WHEREAS, there are funds available for these services from the 2014 Utility Bond Issue and the 2008 Utility Bond Issue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mayor Lorenz Walker on behalf of the City of Bossier City is hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement between the City of Bossier City and Atakapa Services, LLC.  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 the 15th day of May, 2018, 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 approve Bid option #2 $43,929.66, from low bidder for the Landscape Bids from East Bank District. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote as follows: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey Nays: Mr. Darby Absent: none Abstain: none Motion Carries New Business: Agenda Item Called: Witness Opening of sealed bids for Glen Haven Ct. Reconstruction 3 Gen Construction - $222,645.00 Best Yet Builders, LLC $272,854.50 Bowman Grading & Asphalt, Inc. Bid Rejected/No Addenda Acknowledge C W & W Contractors, Inc. $215,149.50 Dale's Paving, Inc. $214,469.58 North La. Construction Contractors, LLC $184,069.90 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item Called: Witness Opening of sealed bids - Brownlee Rd. @ Airline Dr. Right Turn Lane. Best Yet Builders, LLC $233,739.50 C W & W Contractors, Inc. $211,307.00 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to take bids under advisement. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds to purchase and make repairs to emergency pump at a cost of $20,000 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $25,000 to come from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to be used to replace and repair damaged signage associated with the Louisiana Boardwalk Parking Garage. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) from the Hotel Motel Tax Fund to support the Division of Economic & Workforce Development at Bossier Parish Community College 2nd Annual "2018 Upstate Rising": the North Louisiana Public-Private Partnership, Real Estate Development, and Land Use Planning Law Conference. Seconded by Mr. Irwin Mr. Irwin reported what this item was for Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 36 of 2018 RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY JOINS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN PROCLAIMING MAY 22, 2018 AS NATIONAL MARITIME DAY HONORING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINES WHO HAVE DEFENDED THE FREEDOM OF THE UNITED STATES AND JOIN IN RECOGNITION OF THIS IMPORTANT DATE IN MARITIME HISTORY. WHEREAS, on May 22, 1819, the steamship The Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first successful transoceanic voyage under steam propulsion, thus making a material contribution to the advancement of ocean transportation, and WHEREAS, on May 20, 1933, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled and approved that May 22 of each year shall be designated and known as National Maritime Day, and WHEREAS, during WW II in what became the world’s largest sealift operation, more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6,700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war and more than 800 ships being sunk or damaged, and WHEREAS, waterways have enabled much of the commerce that has expanded America's economy, sprouted cities near waterways and facilitated vast domestic and international commerce crucial to our economy today, and WHEREAS, merchant mariners have served America with distinction throughout our history, but especially at critical moments of war and natural disaster, and WHEREAS, the United States Merchant Marine and thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry continue to make immeasurable contributions to our economic strength and our ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world, and WHEREAS, the United States Merchant Marine also shepherds the safe passage of American goods, move exports to customers around the world, support the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways, strengthen our Nation's economy, bolster job creation and, along with the transportation industry, employ Americans on ships and tugs, and in ports, like our Port of Caddo Bossier, and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission to increase the awareness of the maritime industry within Caddo and Bossier Parishes and the State of Louisiana. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Bossier City joins the President of the United States of America in proclaiming May 22, 2018, as National Maritime Day and calls upon the citizens of Bossier City to celebrate this observance. 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. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 15th day of May, 2018, 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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 37 OF 2018 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A FOREMAN FOR THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, the position of Foreman is vacant due to retirement, resignation or termination; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assures that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to proceed with hiring procedures for the fulfillment of this 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 seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 15th day of May, 2018, 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. Harvey Motion Approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for GreenAcres Place HOA, July 4th Parade, July 4, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $135,000 to come from the Sales Tax Capital Improvements Fund to purchase a new bucket truck for the Traffic Engineering Division. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 38 OF 2018 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR FOR THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT. _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is vacant due to retirement, promotion, resignation, or termination; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assures that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to proceed with hiring procedures for the fulfillment of this 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 seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 15th day of May, 2018, 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. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance declaring surplus to the needs of the City of Bossier City a 77-foot aerial ladder mounted on a 2004 Ferrara Chassis and authorizing sale of the same to the Town of Haughton for the appraised value of the unit. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion introduce an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 95 of 2017. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Darby reminded everyone that there would not be a meeting next week and that all Agenda Items for the May 29, 2018 meeting must be in by noon on May 25, 2018. There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:41 P.M. by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: May 23, 2018 Bossier Press Tribune