City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 30, 2021 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 30, 2021 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Scott Irwin Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Vince Maggio Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable, President Don Williams., Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Scott Irwin, Jeffery Darby, Jeff Free and Vince Maggio Also Present: Mayor, Thomas Chandler, City Attorney, Charles Jacobs and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw, read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting. By: Mr. Irwin Motion to approve Minutes of the November 16, 2021, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading Seconded by Mr. Smith Audience Member, Davy Crockett spoke against minutes as written No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Irwin Motion to Approve Agenda Seconded by: Mr. Maggio No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Mr. Williams and Council welcomed Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell to the meeting. Mayor Chandler read statement on his thoughts of Shed Road Railway crossing closure. Unfinished Business – Agenda Item called: Adopt a Resolution permanently closing Union Pacific Railway located at Old Shed, City of Bossier and authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute any and all documents necessary to effect said closing. (Final Reading) (Jacobs) Audience members speaking on issue: Public Service Commissioner, Foster Campbell ( concerned on the position the railway has put the Council in), David Crockett (against closing crossing) & Robert Wright (against closing unless there is information he doesn’t know). Questions and Discussion among Council Members on issue and a timeline of events from Ben Rauschenbach, City Engineer. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 134 Of 2021 A RESOLUTION PERMANENTLY CLOSING UNION PACIFIC RAILWAY LOCATED AT OLD SHED, CITY OF BOSSIER AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECT SAID CLOSING. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Union Pacific Railroad is requesting the permanent closure of the at-grade crossing of the Union Pacific Railway located on Old Shed, City of Bossier as a condition of executing certain construction easements necessary for the completion of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Project; and WHEREAS, the completion of the said Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Project is essential to the future traffic flow of the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, as the location of the above described at-grade crossing has been the site of numerous train/vehicular accidents spanning the last several decades; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier, in regular session convened, that the above described at-grade crossing of the Union Pacific Rail line/railway shall be forever permanently closed and abandoned by the City of Bossier City upon substantial completion of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Project and the Mayor of the City of Bossier City shall be authorized to execute any further documentation necessary to effect said permanent closing. 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Irwin, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; Mr. Smith and Mr. Darby ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 163 Of 2021 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF A 2002 E-ONE HEAVY RESCUE TRUCK FOR FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000.00) TO NORTHEAST BOSSIER FIRE DISTRICT #5 WHEREAS, the Bossier City Fire Department has declared a 2002 E-One Heavy Rescue Truck (VIN# 4ENRBCA8821004849) surplus to the needs of the department; and  WHEREAS, Northeast Bossier Fire District #5 desires to purchase the 2002 E-One Heavy Rescue Truck (VIN# 4ENRBCA8821004849) for the appraised value of fifty thousand and no/100 ($50,000.00); and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council declares the 2002 E-One Heavy Rescue Truck (VIN# 4ENRBCA8821004849) surplus to the needs of the City; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that Northeast Bossier Fire District #5 is authorized to purchase the 2002 E-One Heavy Rescue Truck (VIN# 4ENRBCA8821004849) for the appraised value of $50,000.00. 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. Chris Smith, and adopted this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; none ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 164 OF 2021 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE COMPLETION OF THE WOBC UTILITY RELOCATION AT GREENACRES OFFICE PARK PROJECT BY DON BARRON CONTRACTOR, INC. AT A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $438,046.56, INCLUDING DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF ($29,326.44); AND TO AMEND ORDINANCE 25 OF 2021 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENT THE WATER CAPTIAL & CONTENGENCY FUND. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 25 of 2021 appropriated $600,000.00 to complete the relocation of the 20” Water Main along Benton Rd and avoid future storm drainage conflicts with the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase II Project. WHEREAS; a decrease in contract price to Don Barron Contractor, Inc. via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $29,326.44 from reconciling final project quantities was required;  WHEREAS; a decrease in contract time of sixteen (16) days will be included in Change Order No. 1; WHEREAS; total project cost of $438,046.56 left a surplus of construction funds; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare the completion of the WOBC Utility Relocation at Greenacres Office Park & Benton Road Project with a total project cost of $438,046.56, and to amend their contract with Don Barron Contractor, Inc. for a decrease in price of $29,326.44 and a decrease of sixteen (16) days. The remaining surplus funds in Ordinance 25 of 2021 are to be used to supplement the Water Capital & Contingency Fund. The above and foregoing Report was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; none ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 165 OF 2021 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE COMPLETION OF THE 42” WATER MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT BY S&J CONSTRUCTION CO. INC/ASB UTILITY CONSTRUCTION, LLC AT A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $5,493,880.09, INCLUDING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF $483,328.60; AND TO AMEND ORDINANCE 57 OF 2019 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF FUNDING IN THE 2019 LDH LOAN. WHEREAS; Resolution 66 of 2018 authorized the city of Bossier City to proceed with the development of water distribution system improvements involving the issuance of not exceeding $8,000,000 taxable water revenue bonds, series 2019.; and WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 57 of 2019 appropriated $7,500,000.00 to cover any and all cost for the HR14-C-42 (Shed Road to Airline) Water Main Project; and WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 137 of 2020 reallocated $2,072,750.00 of surplus funding in Ordinance No. 57 of 2019 towards the Northeast Water Tower Rehabilitation Project.; and  WHEREAS; the low bid for the HR14-C-42 (Shed Road to Airline) Water Main Project was $4,995,464.59; and WHEREAS; an increase in contract price to S&J Construction Co. Inc, via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $483,328.60 is required to cover the cost of the additional scope of work added to the HR14-C-42 (Shed Road to Airline) Water Main Project; and WHEREAS; total project cost of $5,493,880.09 including reconciliation of final contract quantities left a surplus of construction funds; and WHEREAS; an additional one hundred seventy three (173) days needs to be added to the Contract via Change Order No. 1; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare the completion of the HR14-C-42 (Shed Road to Airline) Water Main Project with a total project cost of $5,493,880.09, and to amend their contract with S&J Construction Co. Inc for an increase in price of $483,328.60 and an increase of one hundred seventy three (173) days. The remaining surplus funds in Resolution 66 of 2018 are to be used on miscellaneous water distribution projects. The above and foregoing Report 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 this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; none ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 166 OF 2021 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 1 FOR THE 2021 CITY WIDE STREET REHABILITATION PHASE II WITH AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS AND AN INCREASE OF $227,000.00 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT OF $625,000.00. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 144 of 2020 appropriated funding for City wide street rehabilitation; and  WHEREAS; there is added additional paving that is being required, and an increase of $227,000.00 and an additional 60 days is necessary.; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to adopt an Ordinance to approve the report of change order for the 2021 City Wide Street Rehabilitation Phase II, with an additional 60 days, and an increase of $227,00.00 for a total contract of $625,000.00 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. Jeffery Darby, and adopted this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; none ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 167 OF 2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM R-LD (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) TO B-2 (LIMITED BUSINESS), ON A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND BEING .50 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOT 8, BAILEY SUBDIVISION, LOCATED AT 3005 OLD MINDEN ROAD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-LD (Residential Low Density) to B-2 (Limited Business), for the following: .50 acres, more or less, Lot 8, Bailey Subdivision, Bossier City, Louisiana. Motion was made by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 30th day of November, 2021. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ DON WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ PHYLLIS MCGRAW, CITY CLERK C-52-21 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 168 OF 2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM R-A (RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE) TO B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS), ON A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND BEING 8.15 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (SW/4 OF NE/4) OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA, LOCATED AT 3800 VIKING DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-A (Residential Agriculture) to B-3 (General Business), for the following: 8.15 acres, more or less, located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW/4 of NE/4) of Section 15, Township 18 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, more particularly described as follows: Begin at a point in the Center of said Section 15; run thence North 990 feet, thence South 89 degrees, 2 minutes East, 1100 feet; thence South 990 feet; thence North 89 degrees, 2 minutes West 1100 feet to the point of beginning. Motion was made by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 30th day of November, 2021. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ DON WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ PHYLLIS MCGRAW, CITY CLERK C-60-21 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 169 OF 2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM B-2 (LIMITED BUSINESS) TO B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS), ON A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND BEING 1.528 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 16, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST BEING 2555 VIKING DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from B-2 (Limited Business) to B-3 (General Business), for the following: 1.528 acres, more or less, located in the north half of Section 16, Township 18 North, Range 13 West of the Louisiana Prime Meridian, Northwestern Land District, in the City of Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, being a portion of the property currently owned by Home Federal Bank as described in Conveyance Book 1533, Page 506 of the records of Bossier Parish, Louisiana and more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the northeast corner of said Section 16 and proceed South a distance of 800.27 feet; thence proceed North 89°35’29” West a distance of 2,566.48 feet to the southwest corner of the Home Federal Bank tract; thence proceed North 00°31’58” East along the west line of the Home Federal Bank tract a distance of 190.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue North 00°31”58”East along said west line a distance of 235.14 feet to the northwest corner of said Home Federal Bank tract, said point lying on the south right of way of Interstate 220; thence proceed South 78°59’27” East along said south right of way a distance of 330.57 feet to the northeast corner of said Home Federal Bank tract; thence leaving said right of way proceed South 00°30’47” West along the east line of said Home Federal Bank tract a distance of 174.33 feet to the northeast corner of HFB Subdivision, Unit No 1, as recorded in Conveyance Boos 1601, Page 683 of the records of Bossier Parish, Louisiana; thence leaving said east line of Home Federal Bank Tract proceed North 89°35’29” West along the north line of said HFB Subdivision, and an extension thereof, a distance of 325.12 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Motion was made by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 30th day of November, 2021. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ DON WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ PHYLLIS MCGRAW, CITY CLERK C-63-21 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 170 OF 2021 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT / BAR, THE PORT OYSTER BAR, LOCATED AT 711 HORSESHOE BOULEVARD, SUITE P, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Richard Abadisian, PT Capital Management, 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 / bar located at 711 Horseshoe Boulevard, Suite P, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on November 8, 2021; 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 711 Horseshoe Boulevard, Suite P, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. Motion was made by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 30th day of November, 2021. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ DON WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ PHYLLIS MCGRAW, CITY CLERK C-68-21 The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 135 Of 2021 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE (1) POLICE OFFICER FOR THE BOSSIER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT. WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 21 of 2019 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, the Hiring is due to resignation 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 Free, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; none ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 136 OF 2021 ADOPT A RESOLUTION CHANGING TITLE FROM WATER TREATMENT PLANT SENIOR OPERATOR TO WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR FOR THE PUBLIC UTILITIES 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 vacancy was approved as a Sr. Operator position and needs to be changed to an Operator position; and WHEREAS, the salary range will decrease from 42,000 to 27,040; 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted this 30th day of November, 2021 by the following ayes and nays vote: AYES; Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS; none ABSENT; none ABSTAIN; none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve reappointment of Charles Davis, Jr. to Metropolitan Planning Commission Board of Adjustments. Term effective November 2, 2021 until November 1, 2026. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Irwin asked the Mayor to check in to the City App to make sure it was being utilized. Mayor asked for continued prayers for Tracey Ponder. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 3:51 PM by Mr. Williams Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: December 8, 2021 Bossier Press Tribune