City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16, 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, April 16, 2019, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member David Montgomery, Jr. Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor Jeff Free, President, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr, Scott Irwin, Jeffery Darby and Don Williams Absent: Honorable Councilor Timothy Larkin and Thomas Harvey Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve minutes April 2, 2019, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to add #9 Under New Business - Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City Council to execute the attached contract for acquisition and title work for any and all projects requiring Right of Way or Easements for construction. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests Committee Reports- Stacie Fernandez, Finance Director, gave Council the monthly Financial Report for the month of March 2019 Mark Hudson, City Engineer, gave the monthly project report. He updated on all the projects including Shed Road which is still not complete and builder is paying daily liquidated damages. Unfinished Business – Hearing to review the recommendation of demolition and removal of a dilapidated structure located at the following legal address: 1741 School Street, Bossier City, LA. By Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to demolish as soon as legally possible. Seconded by Mr. Irwin City staff updated Council of process that brought the hearing. Property owner, Teresa Martin, Voss Dr. asked for clarification of the process and outcomes. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montogmery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate Six Million Dollars to come from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to be used to design, develop and construct improvements at City Recreation Areas. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 37 OF 2019 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 2019, 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 2019. 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 2019, 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. Scott Irwin and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 38 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE MODIFYING CHAPTER 14, ANIMALS, OF THE BOSSIER CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES. _______________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Bossier City desires to have a comprehensive and up-to-date animal control program; and WHEREAS, occasional modifications are required to maintain animal control regulations to that standard; and WHEREAS, approval of the modifications attached hereto for Chapter 14 will accomplish that purpose. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED The Bossier City Council, in legal session convened, herby approves the modifications attached hereto for Chapter 14, Animal, of the Bossier City Code of Ordinance. 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 39 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $9,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND FUND BALANCE TO COVER THE UPDATE TO CITY OF BOSSIER CODE OF ORDINANCES _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City updates the Code of Ordinances yearly with all Ordinances passed the previous year; WHEREAS, due to the updated Unified Development Code by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the City Council, the fees for the Code update this year are much higher than normal and are higher than budgeted for; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana in regular session convened, that the Ordinance appropriating $9,000 from the General Fund Fund Balance to cover the update to the City of Bossier Code of Ordinances 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 16th day of April, 2019 by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 40 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $148,374 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 remaining balance for 2018; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate $148,374 to come from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund for the operational needs of the Centurylink Center. 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. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on the 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 41 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($350,000.00) FROM THE 2019 EMS CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO PURCHASE 2 CHASSIS FOR AMBULANCE REMOUNTS AND TO FUND A REMOUNT OF AN EXISTING CHASSIS. ______________________________________________________________________________  WHEREAS, backup ambulances have been put in to service on numerous occasions in the past year; WHEREAS, LED lights have eliminated the need for generators on the ambulances which are a major component of ambulances being taken out of service; WHEREAS, with the addition of a fifth ambulance the front line units and backup units need to be updated and chassis need to be acquired due to the length of time to get chassis when they are ordered; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $350,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the 2019 EMS Capital and Contingency Fund to purchase 2 Chassis for ambulance remounts with the following specifications: 2020 Freightliner M2 Single Cab Cummins B 6.7 Diesel Engine Allison 2200 EVS Automatic Transmission And one ambulance remount 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 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ______________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 42 of 2019 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING 3.1 ACRES OF PROPERTY SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” TO THE BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY FOR THE APPRAISED VALUE OF $800,000.00. WHEREAS, the Bossier Parish Police Jury desires to construct a new central library facility that will be larger, provide additional parking, more meeting spaces, additional technology portals to facilitate computer training, and a more adequate space for the Bossier Parish History Center; WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City owns 3.1 acres of property located between the alternative fuel station and Beckett Street which will provide adequate space for construction of the new facility; WHEREAS, Robert Russell, MAI, issued an appraisal of the referenced property on March 7, 2019, valuing the property at $800,000.00; WHEREAS, the library board has endorsed the purchase of the referenced property; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the sale of the property described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto is authorized to be sold to the Bossier Parish Police Jury for the appraised value of $800,000.00 and Mayor Lorenz J. Walker is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents in conjunction therewith. 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. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on the 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 43 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE RE-APPROPRIATING $400,000.00 FROM THE NORTHGATE ROAD CAPITAL PROJECT APPROPRIATION WHEREAS, $440,000.00 was appropriated for construction work along Northgate Drive; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that only $40,000.00 of the appropriated sum may be feasible to implement projects on Northgate Road; WHEREAS, the remaining $400,000.00 can fund much needed street overlay projects in Barksdale Annex; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that $400,000.00 of the $440,000.00 appropriated funds for the Northgate Road project are hereby re-appropriated to fund street overlay projects in Barksdale Annex. 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 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 44 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $250,000 TO COME FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND FOR THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX CAMERA SYSTEM - PHASE I WHEREAS, the current camera system is outdated technology and no longer meets the needs of the City; and WHEREAS, the goal is to have a standardized video system throughout the entire City; and WHEREAS, $250,000 is available from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate $250,000 to come from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to be used for Phase I of the municipal complex camera system. 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 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 45 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $12,200.00 TO COME FROM THE SALES TAX CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUND TO BE USED TO CONTRACT WITH ESRI CONSULTANTS TO FACILITATE MOVING CURRENT GEODATABASES TO NEW SERVERS TO INCLUDE TRAINING AND TECHINICAL SUPPORT.  WHEREAS; G.I.S data bases are presently stored on 2008 vintage servers that are no longer supported; WHEREAS; for a fee of $12,200.00, ESRI Consultants will facilitate the transfer of all data to new and supported servers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby appropriate $12,200.00 to come from the Sales Tax Capital Contingency Fund to be used to contract with ESRI Consultants to facilitate moving current geodatabases to new servers to include training and technical support. 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 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk ORDINANCE NO. 46 OF 2019 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. 2008 Crown Vic 1520 2FAP71V08X159452 Police 91,581 2. 2004 Durango 2367 1D4HD38N94F139686 Utilities 89,548 3. 2006 F250 2449 1FTSF20P06ED35173 Utilities 110,165 4. 2003 Durango 2366 1D4HR38N33F578558 Com Dev 62,919 5. 2005 Crown Vic 1456 2FAFP71W15X158489 Prop Std 104,004 6. 2000 Malibu 1282 1G1ND52J9Y6249296 Tax 66,318 7. 2006 Chevy Truck 2433 3GCEC14XX6G255611 Meter 75,945 8. 1997 Badger 1085C 5558 970103 Street N/A HOW, 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. Jeffery Darby seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. AND ADOPTED ON THE 16TH DAY OF APRIL, 2019, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: MR. MONTGOMERY, JR., MR. IRWIN, MR. DARBY, MR. WILLIAMS AND MR. FREE NAYS: NONE ABSENT: MR. LARKIN AND MR. HARVEY ABSTAIN: NONE ______________________________ JEFF FREE, PRESIDENT ______________________________ PHYLLIS MCGRAW, CITY CLERK The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 47 of 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH KTBS TELEVISION STATION TO PROMOTE THE EAST BANK DISTRICT PLAZA AND FUND TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000) TO COME FROM THE HOTEL MOTEL FUND TO FACILITATE THE FREEDON FEST FRIDAY EVENTS TO BE HELD FROM MAY 31, 2019 THROUGH JUNE 28, 2019. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is desirous of enhancing and promoting the area in the East Bank District and Plaza; and  WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City agrees to work with KTBS Television Station to promote the East Bank area during the period from May 31, 2019 through June 28, 2019 for the celebration of our American freedom. The event shall be called the “Freedom Fest Friday at East Bank”; and WHEREAS, the City hereby agrees to the sponsorship of the events for a lump sum of $10,000 to be used by KTBS to underwrite the costs of the events production and the City hereby agrees to fund $10,000 for the necessary overtime for adequate Bossier City Police security for the events; and WHEREAS, the authorized management for the East Bank is the Bossier Arts Council, represented by Mrs. Robin Jones who will be the single point of contact for all event activities and will coordinate any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to further these events with Bossier City Attorney’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Bossier City Council in regular session convened does hereby authorize the City of Bossier to enter into an agreement and authorize the use of $20,000 from the Hotel/ Motel fund for these events. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT Mayor Lorenz J. Walker is hereby authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with furtherance of this Ordinance. 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 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Witness opening of sealed bids for – Bid#P19-10– Central Plaza Sewer Lift Station Improvement Project. Axis Construction, LLC. $157,000.00 Dixie Overland Construction, LLC $153,108.00 JPD Construction, LLC $151,874.00 Yor-Wic Construction Company $173,500.00 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Hearing of Appeal for Tracy Merritt, 1903 Rossie Lee Lot 1, Bossier City, LA 71112 for violation of City Ordinance Section 14 – Vicious and Dangerous Dog. Dale Keeler, Animal Control Supervisor, reported on events leading up to the Dangerous Dog Declaration. Tracy Merritt, Dog Owner, told Council her version of events and reasons why she feels dog should not be declared dangerous. By: Mr. Williams Motion to uphold Animal Control’s Dangerous Dog Declaration. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. More comment from owner and members of the Council about the dog and steps the owner took to keep future events from happening. Also comments about the necessity to keep the public safe. Motion failed with the following vote and appeal was granted: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Williams and Mr. Free Nays: Mr. Darby and Mr. Irwin Absent: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey Abstain: none By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Lorenz Walker to enter into the attached Local Services Agreement with the Parish of Bossier and to execute any documents in furtherance thereof. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2019 Water Treatment Operating Budget/Laboratory Testing Fund (600-6300-501-25-20) by an increase of $80,000.00 to cover anticipated sampling expenses for 2019. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds to facilitate Water System Improvements in preparation for the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) Inspection for a total of $165,000.00 to come from the Water Capital and Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 24 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF PERMANENT PART TIME GYM MONITOR, FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT (SHADY GROVE) 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 permanent part time gym monitor 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. Jeffery Darby, and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 16th day of April, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Larkin and Mr. Harvey ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ Jeff Free, President ______________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Report of Change Order #1 for the Sewer-Sub Basin BC-19 Project for a decrease of $295,508.93. Contract price with Change Order $1,590,473.07. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Great Strides Shreveport – Bossier City, May 18, 2019. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the City Council to execute the attached contract for acquisition and title work for any and all projects requiring Right of Way or Easements for construction. 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 3:57 PM by Mr. Free Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: May 1, 2019 Bossier Press Tribune