City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 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, November 3, 2020 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jeff Free Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable, President David Montgomery, Jr., Honorable Councilors Scott Irwin, Jeffery Darby (virtual), Don Williams, Jeff Free and Thomas Harvey Absent: Honorable Councilor Timothy Larkin Also Present: Mayor, Lorenz Walker, City Attorney, Jimmy Hall and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw, read statement about where to watch meetings online, that some Council members may be joining remotely and gave a phone number for members of the public wishing to comment on items in the meeting could do so. Hearing no comments from the public watching virtually, the meeting continued. By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Minutes of the September 22, 2020, Regular Meeting and October 20, 2020, and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of guests- Eric Hoffman – Every Warrior - Mr. Hoffman did not appear Committee Reports – Stacie Fernandez, City Finance Director gave the September Monthly Finance Report. She reported that things were trending better. Bids – Mr. Larkin joined the meeting at 3:06 PM Witness opening of sealed bids for – Bid #P20-26 East Bank Fire Station Boggs & Poole $2,199,000 Darren Bailey, Inc. $2,386,000 ELA Group, Inc. $2,165,700 Integrity, Inc. $2,189,400 McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc. $2,394,000 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of bids and take them under advisement. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business –  ORDINANCE NO. 142 OF 2020 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 2012 TAHOE 02546 1GNLC2E02BR274475 POLICE 125,026 NOW, 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. Jeff Free seconded by Mr. Thomas Harvey and adopted on this 3rd day of November, 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 __________________________ David Montgomery Jr, President __________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. Ord 143 OF 2020 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $30,000.00 TO COME FROM THE SALES TAX CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO BE USED TO PERFORM PARKING LOT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR CITY HALL LOCATED AT 620 BENTON ROAD. WHEREAS; the northern parking lot of City Hall has been used since the construction of the building;  WHEREAS; the northern parking lot is heavily used by citizens, Police, Fire, City and Parish personnel; WHEREAS: the parking lot is holding water in certain areas of the parking lot and repairs are estimated to cost $30,000 to complete; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby appropriate $30,000.00 to come from the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund to be used to make drainage improvements for the northern parking lot located at City Hall at 620 Benton Road. 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. Timothy Larkin and seconded by Mr. Scott Irwin, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 144 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $215,000 FROM THE RIVERBOAT GAMING TRUST FUND (810) TO GO TO THE STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND (260) FOR STREET REPAIRS IN ALL FIVE DISTRICTS WHEREAS, additional funds are needed to meet the goals of the City Council; and WHEREAS, street repairs will be made throughout the City; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby approve the appropriation of $215,000 from the Riverboat Gaming Trust Fund (810) to go to the Streets and Drainage Fund (260) for street repairs in all five districts.  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. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 145 Of 2020 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($200,000.00) FROM THE 2016 SALES TAX BOND FOR DOWNTOWN TO IMPROVE LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION IN THE EASTBANK DISTRICT. WHEREAS, the Eastbank District needs major improvements in landscaping and irrigation to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the 2016 Sales Tax Bond for Downtown to improve landscaping and irrigation in the Eastbank District. 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 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 146 OF 2020 AN ORDINANCE TO ENLARGE THE LIMITS AND BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY BY ANNEXING APROXIMATELY 120 ACRES ZONED RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE WHICH AJOINS THE CURRENT CITY LIMITS OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. (COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT) WHEREAS, a petition signed by the property owner has been filed with the City Council of the City of Bossier City, requesting that the property described in Exhibit “A”, attached and made a part hereof, be included in the City Limits of the City of Bossier City Parish of Bossier, Louisiana, subject to the conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that the limits and boundaries of the City of Bossier City are hereby enlarged and extended so as to include with the limits and boundaries of the City of Bossier City, the property described in Exhibit “A”. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the above referenced annexed area shall be in Council District Number 5 of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all Ordinances, or parts of Ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. The above and foregoing Ordinance, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Thomas Harvey, seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 147 OF 2020 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 1835 OLD MINDEN ROAD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Jesus Martinez, Mexican and Latin Food Inc., has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at a restaurant located at 1835 Old Minden Road, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111; and WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on October 12, 2020; and WHEREAS; The Planning Department has submitted the results of said public hearing to the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Bossier City. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for retail sales of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 1835 Old Minden Road, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. Motion was made by Mr. Timothy Larkin and seconded by Mr. Don Williams to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-49-20 By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance approving an amendment to the Unified Development Code creating new regulations for adjoining and abutting lots. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted:  Ordinance No. 148 Of 2020 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 TO REPAIR CATCH BASINS AND SIDEWALKS IN THE EAST BANK DISTRICT AT A COST OF $30,000.00 TO COME FROM THE 2015 LCDA BOND ISSUE; AND AUTHORIZES THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH AXIS CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR COMPLETION OF WORK. WHEREAS, an emergency to repair catch basins and sidewalks exists in the East Bank District and it is necessary to enter into contract with Axis Construction for completion of work and; WHEREAS, the Engineering Department hereby request $30,000.00 to be appropriated from the 2015 LCDA Bond Issue. 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 $30,000.00 to come from the 2015 LCDA Bond Issue for this declared emergency. 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 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to move $500,000 from the Disaster Reserve Fund to the Centurylink Center to cover their expenses through February 2021 and to pay their 2020 Ad Valorem Taxes Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to move the $400,000 allocated for the Swan Lake Park Restroom in Ordinance 125 of 2020 to contingency in the 2021 Sales Tax Capital Improvement Budget. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending Ordinance 135 of 2020 increasing the appropriated amount to $249,850.00 to replace an additional 480 LF of 20” Pipe Line using Sewer Capital Contingency Funds. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams  Motion to introduce an Ordinance to move approximately $2,000,000 in Capital Expense from the WOB Fund 415 to the 2015 LCDA Fund 495 to close out WOB portion of the 2015 LCDA Bond. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Lorenz Walker to enter into the attached Amended Local Services Agreement with the Parish of Bossier and to execute any documents in furtherance thereof. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 89 of 2020 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENGAGEMENT OF AN EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR THE HIRING OF A TEMPORARY CONTRACT TRAFFIC CONTROL TECH EMPLOYEE FOR THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT RESULTING IN A NET NEUTRAL CHANGE TO THE OPERATING BUDGET. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS; the position of Traffic Control Tech is currently vacant due to an employee being out on worker’s compensation; and WHEREAS; the Traffic Control Tech responsibilities are limited due to the lack of current personnel; and WHEREAS; the existing salary for this position will be used to cover the cost of the contract labor resulting in a net neutral impact to the operating budget; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that the Engineering Department is hereby authorized to use an employment service for the hiring of a temporary contract traffic control tech employee, and to utilize the unused salary budgeted as needed to fully fund the temporary position as described. 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 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 90 OF 2020 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REBUDGETING OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 2020 OPERATING BUDGET FOR ENHANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEEDS RESULTING IN A NET NEUTRAL CHANGE TO THE OPERATING BUDGET. WHEREAS; the information technology for the Engineering Department needs to advance in response to an increase in available electronic reporting, permitting, document sharing, and plan review needs; and WHEREAS; there is a surplus of funds available in the recording fees account #27-12; and WHEREAS; reappropriating $6,000 of these funds to the computer equipment account #77-12 for use in purchasing new computer equipment will meet the current technology needs of the Department; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that the Engineering Department is hereby authorized to reappropriate $6,000 of surplus recording fees from account #27-12 to the computer equipment account #77-12 for use in purchasing new computer equipment as needed resulting in a net neutral change to the operating budget. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Timothy Larkin, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 91 Of 2020 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER I 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 a Recreation Maintenance Worker I is vacant due to promotion, 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. Scott Irwin, and seconded by Mr. Timothy Larkin, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 92 OF 2020 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT OWNERSHIP OF 1.4 MILES OF STATE ROAD BY THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY IN EXCHANGE FOR DOTD EXTENDING THE I-20/I-220 INTERCHANGE. __________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, The City of Bossier City is agreeable to accept ownership of whatever rights the State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development (“Department”), may own in and to the following described properties and agrees to accept all duties, obligations, and responsibilities for the operation, maintenance, and future liabilities associated therewith, for its operation and maintenance as a municipal route:  Segment 1 - The portion of existing state route LA 3105, known as McDade St, beginning at its junction with Arthur Ray Teague Pkwy and proceeding northwesterly approximately 0.48 miles to its junction with US 71, known as Barksdale Blvd. Segment 2 - The portion of existing state route LA 3105, known as Airline Dr, beginning at a location approximately 0.26 miles south of Brownlee Rd and proceeding north approximately 0.77 miles to the terminus of existing LA 3105, located approximately 0.50 miles south of Wemple Rd, near the northern corporate limit of the City of Bossier City. WHEREAS, The City of Bossier City is agreeable to accept ownership of whatever rights the Department may own in and to the aforesaid portion of the state routes if and only when the State of Louisiana agrees to the following action(s): CONDITION: Constructs state route LA 1267 beginning at its new connection with the I- 20/I-220 interchange proceeding southerly to its proposed terminus, located just south of the KCS railroad at the Barksdale Air Force Base, in accordance with State Project No. H.003370. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Bossier City shall accept ownership of whatever rights the Department may own in and to the aforesaid portion of the state routes described herein, and further identified in Exhibit “A”, as a binding agreement between the State of Louisiana and the City of Bossier City provided the Department of Transportation and Development complies with the conditions described herein. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Bossier City authorizes the presiding Mayor to execute the instruments necessary to transfer the aforesaid property described herein once the conditions of this agreement are met. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Thomas Harvey, and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 93 Of 2020 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A METER READER FOR THE CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 a METER READER is vacant due to resignation; 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. Jeff Darby, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 3rd day of November, 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 _____________________________________ David Montgomery, Jr., President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve appointment of Jeff Free to replace Don Williams as a representative for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, appointment effective November 3, 2020 and expires August 30, 2021. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Report of Change Order #1 for the Water Tank Rehab – 71 South Water Tower Project for an increase of $17,163.36. Total of contract with increase $1,980,413.36. Seconded by Mr. Larkin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Larkin Motion to approve Report of Change Order No. 3 for the U.S. Hwy 80 Improvements Project with an increase of 75 calendar days. Seconded by Mr. Irwin No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Larkin Motion to reappoint Ashley Davis to the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Commission as a representative for the City of Bossier City, appointment effective January 1, 2021 and expires December 31, 2023. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 3:33 PM by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: November 11, 2020 Bossier Press Tribune