City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING MARCH 5, 2019 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, March 5, 2019, 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 Jeff Free, President, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr, Timothy Larkin, Scott Irwin, Don Williams and Thomas Harvey Absent: Honorable Councilor Jeffery Darby Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw. By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve minutes February 19, 2019, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to add to Agenda Item #15 under New Business – Adopt a Resolution to promote from with in the Traffic Engineering Division, two Traffic Control Lead Technicians and hire one Traffic Control Technician. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to add to Agenda Item #16 under New Business – Approve Report of Change Order #2 for the Reservoir Fence Replacement Project for an increase of $4,747.31. Total cost of contract with increase $413,628.52. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests Mayor Walker, Councilman Montgomery and Councilman Williams presented the Parkway State Champion Wrestling Team with City Proclamations. They also recognized each individual State Champion. Committee Reports- None Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 24 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE AND 40/100 ($6,555.40) FROM THE 2019 ALTERNATIVE FUEL STATION FUND BALANCE FOR NECESSARY UPGRADES TO THE E85 FUEL PUMPS. WHEREAS, upgrades are needed for the E85 fuel pumps to repair hoses and nozzles; and WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana requires that these upgrades be completed; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Six Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Five and NO/100 ($6,555.40) is hereby appropriated from the 2019 Alternative Fuel Station Fund Balance to make the necessary upgrades to the E85 fuel pumps to be in compliance with the State of Louisiana. 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. Timothy Larkin, on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 25 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO INSTALL A WATER MAIN TO AN EXISTING IRRIGATION METER LOCATED AT THE LaCROSSE APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE IS BEING RECONFIGURED AS REQUIRED BY ORDINANCE 63 OF 2017. THE TOTAL COST OF THIS PROJECT IS $30,000.00 TO COME FROM WATER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS WHEREAS prior to the initial construction of the LaCrosse apartment complex, the City approved plans that included a meter to be used for subtracting sewer usage from water used to irrigate landscaping and filling the pool. Investigation prompted by the Property Owner performed by Customer Service indicates that this customer has not been properly billed since November of 2012. The billing system has since been corrected. The requested Ordinance will allow the City to reconfigure the existing water infrastructure to maintain compliance with Ordinance 63 of 2017. Specifically, this work will provide for a separate water main to be used for water purposes only and will be billed separately. (See attached proposals); and  WHEREAS, $30,000.00 may be appropriated from the Water Capital and 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 appropriate $30,000.00 to come from the Water Capital and Contingency Fund to install a water main to an existing irrigation meter located at the LaCrosse Apartment Complex. 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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 26 Of 2019 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER CONSTRUCTION COST FOR THE CENTRAL PLAZA SEWER LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR A TOTAL OF $165,300.00 TO COME FROM THE 2016 LDEQ LOAN CS-221103-02 FUND WHEREAS The final opinion of construction costs for the Central Plaza Lift Station project is $165,300.00. (see attachment Final Opinion of Construction Costs 28 Jan 19 for estimated detailed breakdown of the costs); and WHEREAS, $165,300.00 may be appropriated from the 2016 LDEQ Loan CS-221103- 02 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 $165,300.00 to come from the 2016 LDEQ Loan CS-221103-02 Fund to cover the construction costs for the Central Plaza Lift Station. 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 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 27 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE APPROPIATING $88,000 FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICES AND SANITATION FUND FOR TWO LABORER I EMPLOYEES FOR THE STREET SWEEPING AND GRASS CUTTING DIVISION _______________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, grass cutting services benefit citizens of Bossier City and are contractually required along certain state routes; and WHEREAS, a budget oversight inadvertently omitted two employees from the previously approved head count for the Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting division; and WHEREAS, these employees will be required to maintain services at the levels of the past nine years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED $88,000 is hereby appropriated from the Public Services and Sanitation fund to provide for two Laborer I employees for the Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting division in the 2019 operational budget. The above and foregoing Ordinance 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 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted:  Ordinance No. 28 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS ($1,500,000.00) FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND ISSUE TO WIDEN THE UNDERPASS AT SWAN LAKE ROAD AND I-220 ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the property at the South East corner of Swan Lake and I-220 will be developed into a campus by Word of God Ministries; and WHEREAS, traffic flow will increase significantly with this development; and WHEREAS, the proposed improvement will facilitate the flow of traffic on Swan Lake Road. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS ($1,500,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the 2018 LCDA Bond Issue to widen the underpass at Swan Lake Road and I-220. 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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 29 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO ABANDON A PORTION OF GREENACRES BOULEVARD WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY DEDICATED IN VOL. 1601 PAGE 92 OF THE RECORDS OF BOSSIER PARISH, AND WHICH IS LOCATED IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA.  WHEREAS; a portion of Greenacres Blvd. right of way located west of Benton Road. Serves no useful purpose; WHEREAS; a “Greenacres Boulevard Street Abandonment,” plat 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 hereby abandon a portion of Greenacres Boulevard which was originally dedicated in Vol. 1601 page 92 of the records of Bossier Parish, and which is located in Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, Louisiana BE IT FURTHR 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 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President _____________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Witness opening of sealed bids for – Bid#D01-19 1016 Hamilton Road - Demolition Lathan Construction, LLC Non – Responsive Lou Chandler, Inc. Non-Responsive Sem’s Inc. $25,157.00 Strong’s Construction $26,130.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Hearing of Appeal for Patrick Lynn Harper, 2422 River Street, Bossier City, LA, 71111 for violation of City Ordinance Section 14-Vicious and Dangerous Dog. Animal Control Supervisor Dale Keeler explained the events leading up to the dog being declared as dangerous. No one present to appeal. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to uphold the Dangerous Dog Declaration by Animal Control. Seconded by Mr. Williams No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 30 Of 2019 ADOPT 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 PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION OF CHEMICAL BOOSTING STATIONS FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT A COST OF $700,000.00 TO COME FROM WATER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS. WHEREAS, The City recommends the approval of procurement and installation of Chemical Boosting Stations. With warmer months around the corner, combined with long delivery times for this equipment, expediting the procurement and installation of this equipment is vitally important to ensuring excellent disinfection through the summer months. Additionally, these improvements were recommended by LDH.; and WHEREAS, $700,000.00 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 $700,000.00 to come from the water capital contingency fund for procurement and installation of Chemical Boosting Stations. 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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $500,000.00 to come from the Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund to be used to pay for Shed Road Construction cost over runs, various change orders, and to supplement engineering design. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to introduce an establishing regulations, fees and procedures for Street Performers by enacting Section 22-2 through 22-11 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 12 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE LABORER I FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS 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, one Laborer I 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. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 13 OF 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A UTILITY WORKER IN THE LIFT STATION DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT DUE TO A PROMOTION. _____________________________________________________ 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 Utility Worker will be vacant due to promotion, 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 the hiring to fill this position. 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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 14 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REPLACING OF A MAINTENANCE MECHANIC IN THE GARAGE. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of personnel; and WHEREAS, the position of maintenance mechanic II is vacant due to a retirement; and WHEREAS, the administration and department assures that current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration can proceed with hiring or promoting 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. Timothy Larkin, and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 15 OF 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT LINE EMPLOYEE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO 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, a 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 Firefighter 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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, 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 _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Larkin Motion to approve the reappointment of John Mark Robertson & Billy Jordan to the E-911 Board. Appointments effective March 1, 2019 through March 1, 2023. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Walk with the Cross, April 19, 2019 Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to approve Change Order 1st and Final for 2018 City Wide Concrete Repairs an Increase of $24,227.42. Total cost of contract with Change Order $999,977.42. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Change Order 1st and Final for 2018 Asphalt Street Program an Increase of $3,748.46. Total cost of contract with Change Order $392,752.46. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 16 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF LABORER 1, FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION 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 LABORER 1 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. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President _____________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 17 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE FROM WITH IN THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION TWO TRAFFIC CONTROL LEAD TECHICIANS AND HIRE ONE TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNICIAN. 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 Traffic Control Lead Technician is vacant due to retirement, resignation or termination; and WHEREAS, this resolution shall supersede the previously approved Resolution No. 86 of 2018 and Resolution No. 95 of 2018 ; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assures that all current budgets have been verified and not 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 promote Traffic Control Lead Technician (b) to Traffic Control Lead Technician (a), and promote a Traffic Control Technician to Traffic Control Lead Technician (b), then to hire a Traffic Control Technician to fill the vacancy created by promoting a Traffic Control Technician to a Traffic Control Lead Technician (b). The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Timothy Larkin, and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Larkin Motion to approve Report of Change Order #2 for the Reservoir Fence Replacement Project for an increase of $4,747.31. Total cost of contract with increase $413,628.52. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Questions for Ben Rauschenbach about street repairs after water leak. He reported that a company is on contract to do that. Mayor reported on the upcoming retirement of Civic Center Director Kathy Davis Mr. Williams congratulated City Clerk Phyllis McGraw on her upcoming appointment as President of the Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association. Mr. Free reminded everyone on the Walter O’Bigby Carriageway groundbreaking, Monday, March 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM at 1549 East Texas Street in Bossier City. There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 3:34 PM by Mr. Free Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: March 13, 2019 Bossier Press Tribune