City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING MARCH 15, 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, March 15, 2022 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Chris Smith 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 Council Smith and Mayor Chandler made presentation to Parkway High School Basketball Jr. Makayla Williams. City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw, read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting. By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve minutes from the March 1, 2022, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Agenda Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Agenda Item called: Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid #P22-02 – Bossier City Municipal Annex Parking Lot Improvements. Boggs & Poole Contracting Group, Inc. $297,200.00 $41,700.00 Daren Bailey, Inc. $300,776.00 $45,544.00 Grindstone Construction $349,000.00 $75,000.00 James R. Martin Building & Remodeling, LLC $300,791.00 $40,296.00 RVP Construction, Inc. $348,777.00 $43,000.00 By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 34 Of 2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENT OF THE ANNUAL SALARY OF THE BOSSIER CITY MARSHAL AND AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Louisiana Revised Statute 13:1881 General powers and duties of marshal; deputy marshals states that in no event shall the salary of any deputy exceed that of his city marshal; and WHEREAS, as of January 1, 2022 the salary of the Chief Deputy Marshal exceeds the salary of the City Marshal; and WHEREAS, adjustment to the City Marshal salary is required to ensure compliance with Louisiana Revised Statute 13:1881; and WHEREAS, an amendment to the General Fund budget is required to appropriate $7,635 for the salary adjustment and related benefits; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, hereby authorizes an annual salary adjustment in the amount of $6,200 for the City Marshal retroactive to January 1, 2022. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2022 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for City Marshal Department Salaries and Benefits by $7,635 and decrease Fund Balance by $7,635. The above and foregoing Ordinance was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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 35 Of 2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF THE FULL SUM OF ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY- SEVEN DOLLARS ($1,645,937) FROM THE SHUTTERED VENUE OPERATORS GRANT SUPPLEMENTAL AWARD ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City has received a supplemental award for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG); and WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the SVOG, eligible award costs must be incurred by June 30, 2022 and funds must be fully expended by February 10, 2023; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the City of Bossier City releases the supplemental SVOG funds to be used for any such purpose, items, repairs, materials, projects, and works necessary and appropriate and in accordance with the terms and conditions or the SVOG. 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 15th, day of March, 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. 36 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR THE SOUTH BOSSIER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, WITH AN ADDITIONAL 5 DAYS, AND AN INCREASE OF $8,119.10 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $2,774,119.10. WHEREAS; the South Bossier Redevelopment Project had some weather delays and some delays due to underground conduit and service disconnects; and WHEREAS; an additional Five (5) days are requested, to add to the contract price; and  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve the report of Change Order 2 for the South Bossier Redevelopment Project with an additional $8,119.10, and an increase of Five (5) days; and 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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. 37 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR THE EASTBANK FIRE STATION PROJECT WITH AN INCREASE OF $17,974.56 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $2,876,632.56. WHEREAS; the Eastbank Fire Station Project had some required changes; and WHEREAS; an additional $17,974.56 is required to make the changes per ASI 02; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve the report of Change Order 2 for the Eastbank Fire Station Project with an additional $17,974.56 for a total contract price of $2,876,632.56; and 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. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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. 38 OF 2022 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER FOR THE LOUISIANA TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (LTRI) WITH AN ADDITIONAL FIFTY FOUR (54) DAYS, AND AN INCREASE OF $385,632.65 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $20,069,865.55. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 41 of 2020 appropriated $1,000,000.00 to come from the 2016 Sales Tax Bond Issue to Fund Part of the Required $2.5 Million for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment for Construction; and WHEREAS; the State of Louisiana Facility Planning and Control Division of Administration is reimbursing the construction costs at 100%, excluding change orders, and being that there is funds available from Ordinance 41 of 2020 to cover change order increase in Contract price to Boggs & Poole Contracting Group, via Changer Order No. 4 in the amount of $385,632.65; and WHEREAS; fifty four (54) days where added to the contract via Change Order No. 4; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to adopt an Ordinance to amend the Construction Contract with an additional fifty four (54) day and an increase of $385,632.65 for a total contract price of $20,069,865.55. The above and foregoing Ordinance 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 15th, day of March, 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. 39 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 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER/KENNEL TRAINER 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, this position is created to promote a Kennel Worker II and increase pay rate by $1.15/HR to total $14.50/HR WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has sufficient budgeted funds to support the above described increase in pay and said increase will not require any amendment to the existing 2022 City Budget Ordinance WHEREAS, the needs of the Animal Control Department will be better served by an Animal Control Officer/Kennel Trainer NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, authorizes administration to create a new position of an Animal Control Office/Kennel Trainer retroactive to February 24, 2022. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Classification Plan Assignment of Job Classes to Grade Levels is amended to include the position of Animal Control Officer/Kennel Trainer in Grade 5. 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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 – Agenda Item called: Approve appointment of Charles C. Grubb or Paul Marshall as the joint appointee to the Bossier Parish Communications District No. 1 Board of Directors. Discussion among Council Members on item. Mr. Paul Marshall spoke that he was the nominee from the parish. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to continue item until the March 29, 2022, meeting to discuss with Parish and have everything straightened out. Seconded by Mr. Williams No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to repeal and replace section 14-33 in the Bossier City Code of Ordinances. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion from audience members and Council on poultry issue. Audience members both for and against spoke on issue. No further comment Motion defeated unanimously By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance prohibiting payment to a solicitor for the purpose of securing a public works contract. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Discussion among Council members, Mayor and City Attorney on issue Motion defeated as follows: Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Abstain: none Absent: none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2021 Riverboat Gaming Trust Fund in accordance with the Local Government Budget Act. Seconded by Mr. Williams Finance Director Angela Williamson explained issue and Mr. Montgomery reported on new steps in the Finance Department to keep from having issue again. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2021 Hotel Motel Taxes Fund in accordance with the Local Government Budget Act. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Williams commented same as previous item No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending the Bossier City, Louisiana Code of Ordinances Section 78-7 - Classified and Unclassified Service generally to include the position of Flood Plain Analyst in the Classification Plan Assignment of Job Classes to Grade Levels. Seconded by Mr. Williams City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach reported on what the item was. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution of support for Amtrak passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor through Bossier City. Jack Skaggs, Coordinating and Development Corporation, explained what project would entail and that this was just first step. RESOLUTION NO. 23 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE FROM FORT WORTH, TEXAS THROUGH THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA TO ATLANTA, GEORGIA ALONG THE I-20 CORRIDOR AND RELATED ISSUES RESOLUTION MADE BY: CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHEREAS, the Congress has recently passed a major infrastructure bill, which includes some sixty-six (66) billion dollar allocation for passenger rail and Amtrak; WHEREAS, connecting Fort Worth, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, with points along the Interstate 20 Corridor including the CITY OF BOSSIER CITY , would establish a passenger rail connection joining more than 14,000,000 residents throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, and connecting these states with the East Coast and onward north to New York; WHEREAS, the existing Interstate 20 was constructed almost sixty years ago, and there has been no material increase in capacity, despite the population growth throughout these states of two to three times during the last two generations, and there appear to be no present plans to materially expand the existing four lanes of Interstate 20 for the foreseeable future; WHEREAS, the I-20 Corridor Council, representing many cities and councils of governments along the proposed route obtained federal funding and has completed two important studies, including (1) a 2015 Amtrak feasibility study which determined that a long-distance passenger rail connection could operate profitably over the existing railroad infrastructure would require no annual governmental subsidy, and (2) a 2017 capacity study suggested that a capital expenditure investment of less than $80 million in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This would represent a fraction of the cost of conventional highway construction and would enable new passenger rail service on the route without adversely affecting freight traffic along the host railroad; and WHEREAS, the I-20 Rail Corridor service would provide an east-west connection consisting of two daily passenger trains for the regions of Dallas, Fort Worth and Atlanta and would run through the City of Shreveport; and the proposed railway service will connect surrounding regions and result in increased economic viability for cities along the railway route for tourism and increased mobility by providing an alternative means of transportation; and WHEREAS, grassroots, multi-state coalitions including mayors, local, state and federal officials, business and economic leaders and many other stakeholders have shown great support for this opportunity along the I-20 corridor, and creating an economical and environmentally attractive addition to highway travel; WHEREAS, the proposed acquisition of the Kansas City Southern Railway (“KCS”) by Canadian Pacific Railway (“CP”) is pending before the United States Surface Transportation Board, and Canadian Pacific and Amtrak have announced plans to conduct a study to finalize a cooperative agreement to operate the passenger train for the I 20 Corridor along the trackage being acquired by Canadian Pacific; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the CITY OF BOSSIER CITY in legal session convened, hereby recognizes and supports the efforts to construct and operate a long- distance passenger rail connection along the I-20 corridor, also supports the approval of the Surface Transportation Board of the merger between Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific Railways, and further supports the efforts to improve on-time performance of Amtrak passenger trains with the host railroad carriers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications; and, to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. The above and foregoing Resolution was adopted on motion of Mr. Jeffery Darby, and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 15th day of March, 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. 24 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROMOTION FROM WITHIN DUE TO THE RESIGNATION OF THE PURCHASING AGENT AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITION THIS MAY CREATE FOR THE FINANCE 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 Purchasing Department has an available position due to the resignation of the Purchasing Agent; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides an opportunity to promote from within and backfill a position to replace that individual; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to promote from within to fill the Purchasing Agent position and backfill a position in the Finance Department. 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. Don Williams, and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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 25 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A LABORER I 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 Laborer 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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 a Resolution to approve the use of City Water and Sewer to serve the Vue at Kingston Development near the existing Kingston Crossing Apartments located on Kingston Road. City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach, explained what this was for and that it would only be water as the Parish would be suppling sewer service The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLTION NO. 26 OF 2022  ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF CITY WATER AND SEWER TO SERVE THE VUE AT KINGSTON DEVELOPMENT NEAR THE EXISTING KINGSTON CROSSING APARTMENTS LOCATED ON KINGSTON ROAD. WHEREAS; The Vue at Kingston is a development located outside the Bossier City limits; and WHEREAS; it is requested for permission for the City of Bossier City to serve the development with water and sewer; and WHEREAS; all permit fees, impact fees, and all other rules and regulations shall apply. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, resolves to approve the use of city water and sewer to serve the Vue at Kingston development. 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 15th, day of March, 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 27 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE (1) JAILER 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 of one (1) Jailer due to Retirement 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. Brian Hammons, and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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. 28 OF 2022 ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADWAY LIGHTING AT THE SHED ROAD & INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 220 INTERCHANGE. WHEREAS; the Louisiana Department of Transportation will provide for the installation of roadway lighting at the interchange of Interstate Highway 220 and Shed Road; and WHEREAS; prior to the installation of said lighting system, the City of Bossier City must enter into an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation which obligates the City to pay 10% of the construction cost, and take the garde, and assume all legal liability for, and all maintenance and energy costs of said system; and WHEREAS; in order to proceed with the design of said roadway lighting system, the Department of Transportation and Development requires that the governing authority authorize the Mayor to execute the subject agreement on behalf of the City; and, WHEREAS; Ordinance 123 of 2018 appropriated $400,000 in the 2019 Riverboat Gaming Capital Projects Budget to be used for design and construction of high mast style lighting for the Shed / I-220 Interchange; and, WHEREAS; Ordinance 46 of 2021 appropriated an additional $150,000 from the Riverboat Capital Projects Fund for a total of $535,200 for the design and construction of high mast style lighting for the Shed Road / I-220 Interchange; and, WHEREAS; the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has a Preliminary Opinion of Probably Cost associated with the proposed project of $2,000,000.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, resolves to authorize the Mayor to execute on behalf of the City of Bossier City, an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development which obligates the City to pay 10% of the construction cost, and assume all legal liability for, and all maintenance and operating cost, of the subject lighting system. 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 15th, day of March, 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. 29 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF EIGHT (8) FIREFIGHTERS DUE TO VACANCY FROM RESIGNATION / RETIREMENT: WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, eight vacancies exist in the Fire Department due to Resignation / Retirement and filling these positions will allow operations to continue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized to replace eight (8) Firefighter positions. 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 15th, day of March, 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 the placement in the official minutes the appointment of Steve Moran as the Governing Authority Board Member of the Bossier City Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. This appointment was effective March 7, 2022 and expires on March 6, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Moran came up and introduced himself to Council No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director, gave Council the Monthly Financial Report for Month ending February 2022. She noted that they were still not finished with 2021 and would be making changes until the end of April and that February 2022 still contained preliminary numbers. Mayor Chandler updated Council on upcoming Civil Service Test for all Police Chief candidates and that he would interview all. He also reported that he had been getting a lot of good feedback on the new Tinsley Ballfields. Bossier Schools are painting murals in hallways of City Hall and he asked that people go and see them. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 4:11 PM by Mr. Williams Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: March 23, 2022 Bossier Press Tribune