City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JUNE 16, 2020 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, June 16, 2020, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Scott Irwin Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Timothy Larkin Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable, President Scott Irwin, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Timothy Larkin, Jeffery Darby (conference call), Don Williams, Jeff Free and Thomas Harvey Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and Acting City Clerk, Jennifer Emert By: Mr. Montgomery Motion to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2020, Regular Meeting and June 12, 2020, Special 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 approve Agenda. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Committee Reports – Stacie Fernandez, City Finance Director, gave Council Monthly Financial Report for month ending May 2020. She reported that Audit Collections have help to keep Sales Tax amounts up. She also reported that the City has received an AA Rating with the S & P Index with a stable forecast. City is looking to receive same for Water. Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 61 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THIRTY SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($37,500) FROM THE WALTER O. BIGBY CARRIAGEWAY FUND TO INITIATE THE ATTACHED PROPOSAL FROM COYLE ENGINEERING CO. INC., FOR THE CITIZENS BANK DRIVE EXTENSION AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR LORENZ WALKER TO EXECUTE THE REFERENCED CONTRACT. WHEREAS, the Citizens Bank Drive Extension from the north end of the existing Citizens Bank Drive to the south side of Brigham Dentist Office needs to be surveyed and designed; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars ($37,500) shall be appropriated from the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Fund to initiate the attached proposal from Coyle Engineering Co. Inc., for survey and engineering services for the Citizens Bank Drive Extension. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 62 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE A CREDIT TO SUITE HOLDERS, SPONSORS AND/OR CENTERTAINER CLUB MEMBERS OF THE CENTURYLINK CENTER DUE TO CANCELLED OR POSTPONED EVENTS WHEREAS, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, events have been cancelled or postponed from March 23, 2020 through October 31, 2020, resulting in request for refunds to Suite Holders, Sponsors and/or CenterTainer club members; and WHEREAS, in an effort to show a good faith effort to Suite Holders, Sponsors and/or CenterTainer club members all the aforementioned will be given a pro-rata credit towards their 2021 memberships; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby provide a pro- rata credit to Suite Holders, Sponsors and/or CenterTainer club members of the Centurylink Center due to cancelled or postponed events. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 63 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN DOLLARS ($552,311.00) FROM THE WALTER O. BIGBY CARRIAGEWAY FUND TO INITIATE THE ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT #5 CONTRACT FROM NTB ASSOCIATES, INC., AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR LORENZ WALKER TO EXECUTE THE REFERENCED CONTRACT. WHEREAS, the list attached hereto is necessary to get the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway project to 100% completion within 120 calendar days; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that five hundred fifty two thousand three hundred eleven dollars ($552,311.00) is hereby appropriated from the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway fund to initiate the attached Supplement #5 contract from NTB Associates, Inc., and authorizing Mayor Lorenz Walker to execute the referenced contract. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH MANCHAC CONSULTING GROUP, INC., TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF CITY ENGINEER FOR THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY Mr. Darby had some questions about this Ordinance concerning Charter and whether Manchac would be over the engineering process. City Attorney discussed that this does meet the Charter requirements. He also asked if the Mayor would still have to power to terminate the City Engineer as in the Charter. Mr. Hall replied that yes the Mayor could terminate. It’s just implied and not written in the contract. Mr. Larkin also commented on the item since he was the sponsor and stated he appreciated the dialog and discussion. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 64 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH MANCHAC CONSULTING GROUP, INC., TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE OF CITY ENGINEER FOR THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHEREAS, the Bossier City Engineer will be retiring in the near future; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is in need of technical expertise regarding many ongoing projects; and WHEREAS, an extended vacancy in the City Engineer’s position is not conducive to keeping projects progressing in a timely manner; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City entered into a Public-Private Partnership in 2016 with Manchac Consulting Group, Inc., to operate the Bossier City Utility System which produced increased operational efficiencies and significant savings to the taxpayers of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, Manchac Consulting Group, Inc., has significant working knowledge of all of the major projects in the City of Bossier City through coordination with utilities and other construction components; and WHEREAS, attached hereto as Exhibit “K” is “Amendment No. 5” to the P3 contract; and WHEREAS, Manchac Consulting Group, Inc., through its designated representative Benjamin C. Rauschenbach, P. E. shall serve as the head of the City’s Engineering Department together with all the duties and responsibilities as set forth in Chapter 9, Engineering Department of the City Charter; and WHEREAS, the additional compensation for those services shall be $150,000; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby authorize an amendment to the P3 contract with Manchac Consulting Group, Inc., set forth in “Amendment No. 5” attached hereto as Exhibit “K” and Manchac Consulting Group, Inc., through its designated representative Benjamin C. Rauchenbach, P. E. shall serve as the head of the City’s Engineering Department together with all the duties and responsibilities as set forth in Chapter 9, Engineering Department of the City Charter. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that $150,000 is hereby transferred from the general fund to provide for the referenced service. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Larkin, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Harvey NAYS: Mr. Darby ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid#19-2385 – 511 Kelly Street Demolition 3Gen Construction, LLC. $ 7,660.00 Lathan Construction, LLC. $14,500.00 Testament Construction Services, LLC. $ 8,220.00 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid#P19-2497 – 2454 Lamar Street Demolition 3Gen Construction, LLC. $14,533.00 Lathan Construction, LLC. $14,500.00 Testament Construction Services, LLC. $16,500.00 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 65 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTS, PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO REPAIR A COURSE SCREEN AT THE RED RIVER WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (RRWWTP) AT A COST OF $21,470.24 TO COME FROM SEWER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS  WHEREAS, an emergency existed to repair a course screen at the RRWWTP and; WHEREAS, the Utility Department hereby requests $21,470.24 to be appropriated from the Sewer 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 $21,470.24 to come from the Sewer Capital Contingency fund for this declared emergency. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance transferring Sixty Four Thousand ($64,000) from the Police Department 2020 Capital Budget to the Traffic Engineering Budget to accomplish new Electrical Services for Camera Installations in the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance revoking the authorization to Refund Bonds as set forth in Ordinance No. 44 of 2020 and Ordinance 53 of 2020. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 47 Of 2020 A RESOLUTION TO FILL A PART TIME POSITION FOR THE SOLID WASTE DIVISION IN PUBLIC WORKS TO WORK SATURDAYS AT THE DROP-OFF STATION  WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by the hiring of any personnel and other action prohibiting the hiring of any employee receiving pay without council approval; and WHEREAS, one Part Time Worker is needed to work Saturdays at the Solid Waste Drop- off Station; 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 ordained the administration is hereby authorized to refill these vacancies, make this promotion and backfill any vacancy created by promotion. 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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 48 Of 2020 A RESOLUTION TO FILL A VACANCY IN PUBLIC WORKS ALONG WITH RESTRUCTURING OF OTHER POSITIONS FOR A COST SAVINGS OF MORE THAN $13,500.00 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, a vacancy in Public Works has created an opportunity to restructure the organization for better work oversight and improved service to citizens; and  WHEREAS, this restructuring will allow for increasing duties for a number of employees within Public Works while providing a cost savings of more than $13,500.00. NOW, THEREFORE, The Administration is hereby approved to implement the following measures in Public Works: An increase in salary for increased duties for an existing superintendent. A promotion for a Foreman I to Asst. Superintendent A promotion for a Laborer II to Equipment Operator I A promotion for an Eng. Aide III to Eng. Aide IV Refilling the vacant Foreman I position as an Operator I. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 49 OF 2020 A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT A LOAN APPLICATION AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING BOSSIER CITY WATER. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is in need of improvements to the Bossier City Water System whose PWS ID No. is LA1015004; and,  WHEREAS, loans for this project may be available through the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund program operated by the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Bossier City that: Mayor Lorenz “Lo” Walker is hereby authorized to submit a Loan Application Form 100A and accompanying documents to the Department of Health on behalf of the City of Bossier City for the purpose of placing this project on the Comprehensive Priority List for funding through the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund program; and, Mayor Lorenz “Lo” Walker is further authorized to furnish such additional information as may reasonably be required in connection with the Loan Application; and, Mrs. Stacie Fernandez is hereby designated as the Official Project Representative and is hereby given signature authority for all relative documents for the City of Bossier City for any project that may result from the submission of the Loan Application Form 100A and accompanying documents. Furthermore, Mrs. Stacie Fernandez representing the City of Bossier City is hereby given the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend, and renew such documents relative to any such project. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ________________________________________ Scott Irwin, President ________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 50 OF 2020 A RESOLUTION REVOKING THE AUTHORIZATION TO REFUND BONDS AS SET FORTH IN ORDINANCE NO. 44 OF 2020 AND ORDINANCE 53 OF 2020. _________________________________________________________________  WHEREAS, pursuant to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency the State of Louisiana ordered the local economy to close resulting in significant impacts due to the concerns about COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City has adopted ordinances contemplating refunding of separate bond issues as follows; and Ordinance No. 44 of 2020 – April 21 2020 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING ONE HUNDRED THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS ($130,000,000) OF TAXABLE UTILITES REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2020, OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE GENERAL BOND ORDIANCE ADOPTED ON JULY 6, 2010; PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SUCH BONDS; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. Ordinance No. 53 of 2020 – May 19, 2020 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TO PROCEED WITH A NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,000 FINANCING THROUGH THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFUNDING CERTAIN BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. WHEREAS, after a review of the economic effect caused by the COVID-19 Crisis on various sources of revenue to the City of Bossier City it is prudent to review the debts structure of the City of Bossier City and adopt a comprehensive debt management plan; and WHEREAS, it is prudent to monitor the return of the economy and the impacts on revenue streams for the City of Bossier City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that authorization for the following bond refunding’s;  Ordinance No. 44 of 2020 – April 21 2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING ONE HUNDRED THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS ($130,000,000) OF TAXABLE UTILITES REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2020, OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE GENERAL BOND ORDIANCE ADOPTED ON JULY 6, 2010; PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SUCH BONDS; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. Ordinance No. 53 of 2020 – May 19, 2020 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TO PROCEED WITH A NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,000 FINANCING THROUGH THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFUNDING CERTAIN BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. is hereby revoked and any further actions by agents or contractors of the City of Bossier City are hereby requested to cease. 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 16th, day of June, 2020, 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 ____________________________ Scott Irwin, President ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Report of Change Order #1 for the Sewer-Sub Basin BC-20 Project for an increase of $31,598.00. Total cost of contract with increase $433,053.00. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr.  Motion to approve Report of Change Order No. 1 for the Tinsley Park Expansion with an increase of 62 calendar days added to the contract time for rain or too wet to work, from January 13, 2020 to April 31, 2020 Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Harvey Motion to approve Report of Change Order No. 1 for the U.S. Hwy 80 Improvements Project an increase of $427,619.00 for a contract price with changer order of $11,418,691.92 with an increase of 121 calendar days. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Report of Final Change Order for the Meadowview Concessions Building an increase of $14,133.13. Final Contract with Change Order $515,283.13. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve placement in the Official Minutes the Reappointment of William Schwartz and Lou Chandler as College List Board Members of the Bossier City Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. Appointments effective March 7, 2020 and expire March 6, 2023. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Reappointment of Walter Bigby, Jr. as a representative for the Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District Board of Commissioners. Reappointment effective July 31, 2020 and expires July 31, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Council thanked Mr. Bigby for his service on the Board. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Mr. Larkin nominated Mr. Don “Bubba” Williams for position as Vice-President for year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2020. Nominations were closed and Council Congratulated him. Mr. Williams and Mr. Larkin nominated Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. as President of Council for year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2020. Nominations were closed and Council Congratulated him. By: Mr. Larkin Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for 2 City Walk for Justice and Equality, Sunday, June 21, 2021. Insurance certificate requirement had already been waived by the Mayor. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to purchase rotating assemblies for the 14” and 8” pumps and to repair and replace 14” Pump that failed at a cost of $120,000 from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Funds. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Irwin thanked the Council for their support during his Presidency and thanked them also for stepping up and working together during this Covid Pandemic. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 3:32PM by Mr. Irwin Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: June 24, 2020 Bossier Press Tribune