City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING February 1, 2022 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, February 1, 2022 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 Don Williams, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, 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. Free Motion to amend the minutes from the January 18, 2022, Regular City Council Meeting to reflect Prayer was led by Council Member Vince Maggio and not Council Member Jeffery Darby. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve minutes from the January 18, 2022, Regular Council meeting as amended and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to amend the agenda to remove New Business Item #3- Red River Navigation Study from the agenda at the request of the City Attorney. Seconded by Mr. Free City Attorney Jacobs explained why he requested to pull it at this time. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to approve Agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Mayor introduced Kaitryana Leinbach, 2021 Miss Louisiana Volunteer. Ms. Leinbach spoke on the pageant system and scholarships awarded. Mayor introduced Colonel Mark C. Dmytryszyn, Commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base and presented him with at key to the City. Colonel Dmytryszyn gave Council an update on 2021 Base happenings and things to look forward to in 2022. Bids – Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid #22-01 – On Demand Concrete Repairs for Public Works F.J. Burnell, Inc. $995,500.00 RVP Construction, Inc. $953,100.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of bids as read. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Lilly Garcia, Purchasing Department explained that the projects would not go over the total appropriated of $900,000 No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 14 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 17 OF 2021 TO REPLACE THE BRUCE STREET FORCE MAIN ADDING $195,000 TO COME FROM THE SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO COVER ALL PROJECT COSTS; AND AUTHORIZES THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH DAVID LAWLER CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR COMPLETION OF THE WORK. WHEREAS; Ordinance 17 of 2021 approved $95,000 to come from the sewer capital and contingency fund to be used for replacing and rerouting the existing force main into a more direct path that will simplify maintenance and operation of the station; and WHEREAS; Planning, design, surveying, permitting, and utility easement acquisition efforts are complete; and WHEREAS; Bids for construction were collected and David Lawler Construction, Inc. submitted a low bid of $125,400.00; and WHEREAS; An additional $195,000 from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund is needed to cover construction and related project costs; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $195,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the design, construction, and utility easement acquisition for the replacement of the Bruce Street Force Main; and authorizes the city to enter into a contract with Lawler Construction for completion of the work. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2022 Sewer Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the Bruce Street Force Main project by $195,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $195,000. The above and foregoing Report 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 on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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. 15 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $300,000 TO COME FROM THE WATER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND FOR ON DEMAND WATER METER PURCHASES. WHEREAS; the Customer Service Division annually replaces or provides approximately 450 water meters of various sizes; and WHEREAS; the average costs annually for purchasing these materials is $300,000; and WHEREAS; $300,000 from the Water Capital and Contingency fund is needed to cover the costs associated with these expenditures; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $300,000.00 to come from the Water Capital and Contingency fund to be used for on demand water meter purchases. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2022 Water Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the on demand water meter purchases by $300,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $300,000. The above and foregoing Report was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ ____________________________________ President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted:  ORDINANCE NO. 16 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 78-7 – CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE GENERALLY TO INCLUDE THE POSITION OF TAX COMPLIANCE AND PROCESSING MANAGER IN THE CLASSIFICATION PLAN ASSIGNMENT OF JOB CLASSES TO GRADE LEVELS. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, The Bossier City, Louisiana Code of Ordinances Section 78-6 – Classification plan paragraph (d) states the approval of the city council is required for the establishment of a new class and/or the changing of any existing class from one pay grade to another; and WHEREAS, a vacancy was created in the Tax Department due to promotion of the Assistant Tax Administrator; and WHEREAS, the needs of the Tax Department will be better served by a Tax Compliance and Processing Manager. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, authorizes administration to create a new position of Tax Compliance and Processing Manager retroactive to December 20, 2021. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Classification Plan Assignment of Job Classes to Grade Levels is amended to include the position of Tax Compliance and Processing Manager in Grade 14. The above and foregoing Ordinance, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called: Adopt an Ordinance to appropriate $12,124 to come from the Hotel/Motel Taxes Fund to be used for the Tree Removal Project for the Brookshire Grocery Arena. Discussion on when project will begin The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 17 Of 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $12,124 TO COME FROM THE HOTEL/MOTEL TAXES FUND TO BE USED FOR THE TREE REMOVAL PROJECT FOR THE BROOKSHIRE GROCERY ARENA ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is the owner of the Brookshire Grocery Arena; and  WHEREAS, funds are needed for the Tree Removal Project for the Brookshire Grocery Arena; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate $12,124 to come from the Hotel/Motel Taxes Fund to be used for the Tree Removal Project for the Brookshire Grocery Arena. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2022 Hotel/Motel Taxes Budget is hereby amended to provide an appropriation of $12,124 to establish the Brookshire Grocery Arena Tree Removal Project and decrease the fund balance by $12,124. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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. 18 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT, PEDROS BOSSIER CITY, LOCATED AT 2400 AIRLINE DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Ruben Chavez, Pedros Bossier City, 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, Pedros Bossier City, located at 2400 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on January 10, 2022; 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 2400 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. Motion was made by Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 1st day of February, 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ DON WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT _____________________________________ PHYLLIS MCGRAW, CITY CLERK C-84-21 By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to establish a Four Way Stop at the intersection of Sunflower Road and Rosemont Place. Seconded by Mr. Smith Discussion among Council, Mayor and City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach on this item Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing and approving the engagement of Fontenot Benefits & Actuarial Consulting to provide the necessary actuarial valuations as required by the published GASB Statements 67/68 for the Policemen's and Firemen's Pension and Relief Funds. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to repeal Ordinance Numbers 126 of 1979, 62 of 1982 and 36 of 1986 and to enact this Ordinance which shall replace Section 28 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances entitled Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal to regulate the use of sanitary sewage facilities serving Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Discussion on what this item was and what were the changes Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 11 of 2022 to correct typographical errors. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to re-appropriate $1,000,000 from the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase I (formally U.S. Highway 80 Improvements - Traffic Street to Kelly Avenue) Project to the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase II. Seconded by Mr. Free Discussion on item and need to re-appropriate money Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Report of Change Order 1, for the South Bossier Redevelopment Project, with an increase of 38 days. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion on item and timetable Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Report of Final Change Order, for the City Wide Street Improvements -Phase III, with an increase of $219,206.08, for a total contract price of $1,002,754.08. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion on item Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Report of Final Change Order for the City Wide Street Improvements - Sidewalks, with an increase of $4,283.67, for a total contract price of $263,058.67. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 11 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A RECREATION SUPERVISOR AND BACKFILLING ANY POSITION THIS MAY CREATE 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 Supervisor 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. Jeff Free, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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 NO. 12 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROMOTION OF ONE E.M.S. SUPERVISOR 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, one vacancy exist in the Fire Department due to Retirement and filling this 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 E.M.S. Supervisor position. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free, and second by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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 13 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A FULL TIME CLERK TYPIST POSITION DUE TO A RESIGNATION. 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, an Clerk Typist position is vacant in the Public Works Animal Control Division due to a resignation; WHEREAS, the administration and the department assures that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded. NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained the administration is hereby authorized to fill a Clerk Typist position in the Public Works Animal Control Division due to a resignation  The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons, and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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 NO. 14 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A METER READER DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ___________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to the hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Customer Service Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire a Meter Reader, due to a resignation in the Customer Service Department, with no impact to the existing budget. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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 NO. 15 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK II DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to the hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Customer Service Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire an Accounts Clerk II, due to a resignation in the Customer Service Department, with no impact to the existing budget. The above and foregoing Resolution, read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, 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 16 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN INFORMATION SERVICES SYSTEMS SPECIALIST DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to the hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Information Services Department has an available position due to resignation within the department: and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to proceed to hire a Information Systems Specialist, due to a resignation in the Information System Department, with no impact to the existing budget. 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. Chris Smith, and adopted on the 1st day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Bossier Parish Community Colleges reappointment of Steve Armitage as a representative for the Personnel Board with required referral letter from Bossier Parish Community College. Appointment effective Feb. 1, 2022 and expires Feb. 1, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Brief discussion on item Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Stockwell Stallion Sprint, April 2, 2022 Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mayor updated that Tinsley Fields opening. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 4:01 PM by Mr. Williams Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: February 9, 2022 Bossier Press Tribune