City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT THE REGULAR MEETING MAY 21, 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, May 21, 2019, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Don Williams Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor Jeff Free, President, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr, Scott Irwin, Jeffery Darby, Don Williams and Thomas Harvey Absent: Honorable Councilor Timothy Larkin Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and Office Manager II, Jayme Gilmour. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve minutes May 7, 2019, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Harvey No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve the Agenda with the amendment of the removal of item #11 of New Business. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests- Mr. Montgomery, Jr. introduced the new Bonding Company, Foley & Judell, L.L.P. and recognized two of their representative in the audience, Jerry Osborn and Brennon Black. Both gentlemen spoke on their appreciation to be a part of Bossier City’s growth. Committee Reports- Stacie Fernandez, Finance Director, gave the Council the monthly Financial Report for month ending April 2019. She noted that Revenues were at 112% to budget and expenses were at 93%. Mark Hudson gave the monthly Project Report, noting that Shed Road should be complete in 6 weeks. He went over various other projects going on within the City. Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 56 Of 2019 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER CONSTRUCTION COST FOR THE SEWER SUB-BASIN BC-15 REHABILITATION PROJECT FOR A TOTAL OF $2,422,000.00 TO COME FROM THE SEWER CONTINGENCY FUND WHEREAS the final opinion of construction costs for the Sewer Sub-Basin BC-15 Rehabilitation Project is $2,422,000.00. (see attachment Sewer Sub Basin BC-15 Rehabilitation Project – Final Opinion of Construction Cost for estimated detailed breakdown of the costs); and WHEREAS, $2,422,000.00 may be appropriated from the Sewer 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 $2,422,000.00 may be appropriated from the Sewer Contingency Fund to cover the construction costs for the Sewer Sub-Basin BC-15 Rehabilitation Project. 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. Don Williams, and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 57 Of 2019 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER ANY AND ALL COST FOR THE HR14-C-42 (SHED ROAD TO AIRLINE) WATER MAIN PROJECT FOR A TOTAL OF $7,500,000.00 TO COME FROM THE 2019 LDH LOAN WHEREAS the final opinion of construction costs for the HR14-C-42 42” Water Main project is $6,133,162.00 (see attachment 42” Water Main Project(HR14-C-42) – Final Opinion of Construction Cost for estimated detailed breakdown of the costs) The balance of the funds could be used for miscellaneous water system projects and/or engineering fees related to this project; and WHEREAS, $7,500,000.00 shall be appropriated from the 2019 LDH Loan. 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 $7,500,000.00 to come from the 2019 LDH loan.to cover any and all costs for the 42” Water Main Project (HR14-C-42 – Shed Road to Airline).  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 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 58 Of 2019 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER REPAIRS TO VALVES IN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AT A COST OF $100,000.00 TO COME FROM WATER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS, the city will be contracting with Utiliserve to replace the operating nut in the identified valves; and WHEREAS, $100,000.00 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 appropriate $100,000.00 to come from the water capital contingency fund for repairs to the valves in the water distribution system. 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 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 59 Of 2019 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER CONSTRUCTION COST FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS SEWER LIFT STATION (LS) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (2018 LIFT STATIONS) FOR A TOTAL OF $1,255,900.00 TO COME FROM THE SEWER CONTINGENCY FUND WHEREAS the final opinion of construction costs for the Miscellaneous Sewer Lift Station project is $1,255,900.00. (see attachment Final Opinion of Construction Costs 15-Apr- 19 for estimated detailed breakdown of the costs); and WHEREAS, the lift stations included are: Glassell LS; Lakewood LS; Rivera LS; Joe Mason LS; Laural Lane LS; LeBossier LS; WHEREAS, $1,255,900.00 may be appropriated from the Sewer 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 $1,255,900.00 to come from the Sewer Contingency Fund to cover the construction costs for the Miscelleaneous Sewer Lift Station Improvement Project. 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 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ___________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 60 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE TERMINATING GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. AS A CONSULTANT AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY. _____________________________________________________________________________  WHEREAS, Government Consultants, Inc. has previously served as a consultant and financial advisor for the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the services of Government Consultants, Inc. are no longer needed by the City of Bossier City; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana in regular session convened, that the services of: Government Consultants, Inc. 700 North 10th Street Annex Building Baton Rouge, LA 70802 as a consultant and / or financial advisor are hereby terminated and any authorization to act on behalf of the City of Bossier City is hereby revoked and canceled. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Williams and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 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 The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 61 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE TERMINATING AND CANCELING ANY AGREEMENT OR AUTHORIZATION FOR JOSEPH “JAY” DELAFIELD TO ACT AS BOND COUNSEL OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Joseph “Jay” Delafield has previously represented the City of Bossier City as Bond Counsel; and WHEREAS, the services of Joseph “Jay” Delafield are no longer needed by the City of Bossier City; and  NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana in regular session convened, that the services of: Joseph “Jay” Delafield Whitney Bank Building 3401 Ryan Street, Ste. 307 Lake Charles, LA 70605 as bond counsel are hereby terminated and any authorization to act on behalf of the City of Bossier City is hereby revoked and canceled. 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. Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 62 Of 2019 AN ORDINANCE EMPLOYING AS BOND COUNSEL THE FIRM FOLEY & JUDELL, L. L. P. FOR ANY AND ALL BOND ISSUES OR FINANCING PROJECTS OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City desires to employ the firm Foley & Judell, L. L. P. as Bond Counsel for any and all bond issues or financing projects of the City of Bossier City; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana in regular session convened, that the firm of Foley & Judell, L. L. P. is hereby employed as Bond Counsel for any and all bond issues or financing projects of the City of Bossier City.  The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Williams and seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 63 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE TO REAPPROPRIATE $150,290.00 FROM THE HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX FUND, ORIGINALLY ASSIGNED IN ORDINANCE NO. 43 OF 2018, TO BE USED FOR CONCRETE REPAIRS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS REPAIRS TO PUBLIC INFRUSTRUCTURE AT THE LOUISIANA BOARDWALK. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 43 of 2018 appropriated $345,000.00 from the Hotel Motel Tax Fund for river wall and parking striping at Louisiana Boardwalk, with $150,290.00 remaining after all work being done; WHEREAS; Parking lot concrete repairs and other miscellaneous repairs are now required at Louisiana Boardwalk; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby reappropriate $150,290.00 from the Hotel Motel Tax Fund originally assigned in Ordinance No. 43 of 2018 to be used for concrete repairs and other miscellaneous repairs to public infrastructure at the 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. Irwin and seconded by Mr. Harvey, and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Witness opening of sealed bids for – Bid#P19-12– 2019 City Wide Concrete Repairs. 2R Construction, LLC. $1,045,687.50 3Gen Construction $ 997,865.00 CW&W Contractors, Inc $1,078,250.00 J.R. Pope $1,505,300.00 Karma Contractors, LLC. $1,002,814.00 RVP Construction, Inc. $ 968,615.00 By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Hearing of appeal for Arnold Merry, 226 Melissa, Lane, Bossier City, LA, 71112 for violation of City Ordinance Section 14- Vicious and Dangerous Dog. Dale Keeler, City Animal Control Supervisor, told Council exactly what led up to designation. Owners Arnold Merry and Susan Merry apologized and discussed what they could do to keep it from happening again. Ms. Laura Connerly spoke about her experience and her fear of the dogs. Jennifer from Animal Control spoke on the bites on Ms. Connerly’s hands. No Action was taken on this item. Dangerous Dog declaration stands. By: Mr. Irwin Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing $130,000 to come from the General Fund Balance for new Tax Software for the Property Tax Department. 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 repairs to the Boardwalk Pump Station for a total of $25,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2019 Sewer Maintenance Account in the Sewer Operating Budget (601-7300-501-2320) by an increase of $75,000.00. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $1,750,000 (One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand) from the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund and the EMS Capital and Contingency Fund to purchase a Digital Radio System to replace an analog radio system for all Non-Public Safety City Departments and to provide a back-up system for the Bossier City Fire Department and Bossier City Police Department. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 33 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER II, FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT (WALKER PLACE) 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 Recreation Maintenance Worker II 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. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 34 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF CITY SEWER TO SERVE THE PROPERTIES AT 3909 AND 3925 BENTON ROAD, WITH EACH PROPERTY BEING LOCATED OUTSIDE THE BOSSIER CITY LIMITS.  WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 79 of 2014 requires that commercial building outside the Bossier City limits requires City Council approval to use city services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council resolves to approve the use of city sewer to serve the properties at 3909 and 3925 Benton Road, with each property being located outside the Bossier City limits. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 35 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. Thomas Harvey, and second by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 36 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 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 Animal Control Officer 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. Don Williams, and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 37 Of 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A TAX AUDITOR DUE TO RESIGNATION ______________________________________________  WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, one of the current Tax Auditors will be leaving, due to resignation, and advertising and interviews need to be conducted to find a qualified replacement; 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 a person to fill the position of Tax Auditor. 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 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 38 OF 2019 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ONE FIRE INSPECTOR POSITION TO BE REPLACED, ONE PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT CHIEF OF FIRE PREVENTION AND ONE PROMOTED TO CHIEF OF FIRE PREVENTION 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 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 replace one Fire Inspector position, to promote one Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention and to promote one Chief of Fire Prevention; 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 21st, day of May, 2019 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 ____________________________ Jeff Free, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Bossier Press Tribune as the City of Bossier City’s Official Journal for a one year period effective June 1, 2019 through June 1, 2020 in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 43:[4]. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous There being no further business to come before this Council, meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM by Mr. Free Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: May 29, 2019 Bossier Press Tribune