City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING APRIL 19, 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, April 19, 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. Smith Motion to approve minutes from the April 5, 2022, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Agenda Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests- None Bids – Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid #P22-04 - Hwy 71 Street Lighting Project (Phase II) Wilhite Electric Company, Inc. $1,285,491.00 Feazel Electrical Contracting, Inc. $1,588,141.83 By: Mr. Williams Motion to take bids under advisement. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 49 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $80,0000 FOR REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO THE DON PUMP STATION USING THE SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO COVER ALL PROJECT COSTS.  WHEREAS; the Public Utilities Department has experienced significant operation disruptions at the Don Pump Station resulting from equipment malfunctions and mechanical failures that have required temporary measures to ensure operation; and WHEREAS; the Public Utilities Department proposes to replace the original lift station valves, completely service all motors, and improve the operational capabilities of this station, including rebuilding two rotating assemblies to be placed into inventory dedicated to the Don Pump Station for future needs; and WHEREAS; The total cost of the proposed improvements is $80,000.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $80,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of repairing and upgrading the Don Pump Station; and authorizes the City to enter into any necessary contracts 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 Don Pump Station project by $80,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $80,000. The above and foregoing Report 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 19th day of April 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. 50 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $50,000 FOR THE PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL WATER SAMPLE SITES USING THE WATER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO COVER ALL PROJECT COSTS.  WHEREAS; the Louisiana Department of Health approved the Public Utilities Department updated Total Coliform Rule sampling plan as required by the 2021 Sanitary Survey; and WHEREAS; the additional sample sites were required due to the increasing population in Bossier City and the surrounding service area of the Public Utilities Department; and WHEREAS; The total cost of the additional sample sites is $50,000.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $50,000.00 to come from the Water Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of procuring and installing additional water sample sites; and authorizes the City to enter into any necessary contracts 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 Water Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the additional water sample sites by $50,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $50,000. 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. Chris Smith, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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. 51 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO RECONCILE THE AIRLINE & MURPHY ST. EMERGENCY GRAVITY SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT PERFORMED BY WICKER CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR A FINAL CLOSEOUT TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST OF $803,625.00 WHICH INCLDUES A DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER OF $30,975 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF $109,627.80 IN ORDINANCE 102 OF 2021 TO BE PLACED BACK INTO THE SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS; Ordinance 70 of 2021 declared that an emergency did exist in the City of Bossier City which affected property, public health, and safety due to settlement along Airline Drive near Murphy Street and allocating $300,000.00 to come from Sewer Capital & Contingency Fund for emergency traffic control, investigation, and restoration efforts; and  WHEREAS; Ordinance 102 of 2021 allocated an additional $700,000.00 from Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund allowing the City to enter into an emergency contract with Wicker Construction Inc. in the amount of $834,600.00; and WHEREAS; reconciled contract quantities resulted in deductive change order number 1 in the amount of $30,975.00, therefore leaving a total construction cost of $803,625.00; and WHEREAS; other project related cost reductions including bypass pumping, cleaning & CCTV efforts, testing, and a credit from NX Utilities for storm drain conflicts totaled $86,747.20; and WHEREAS; the combined total project cost comes to $890.372.20, afterwards leaving a $109,627.80 surplus that is to go back into Sewer Capital and Contingency fund; 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 Airline Drive and Murphy St Emergency Gravity Sewer Main Replacement Project with a total construction cost of $803,625.00 including deductive change order no. 1 and that the remaining surplus funds from Ordinance 102 of 2021 shall be placed back into the sewer capital and contingency fund. 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 19th day of April 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. 52 Of 2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING REPLACING AN ACCOUNTANT II POSITION WITH AN OFFICE MANAGER I POSITION IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT, HIRING AN OFFICE MANAGER I, AND RESTRUCTURING THE ACCOUNTING DIVISION ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, an Accountant II position is vacant and the Finance Department will be better served by an Office Manager I position; and 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, eliminating the Accountant II position and implementing the Office Manager I position will result in excess budgeted funds available to restructure the Accounting Division; and WHEREAS, the restructure will result in salary adjustments for existing positions commensurate with additional responsibility and assigned duties; and  WHEREAS, these actions will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, hereby authorizes the administration to eliminate the Accountant II position in the Finance Department and replace it with an Office Manager I position. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the administration is authorized to hire an Office Manager I in the Finance Department. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the following restructure of the Accounting Division and adjusted salaries are hereby established as follows: Assistant Comptroller $52,000 Accountant II $48,000 Accountant I $38,912 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 19th day of April 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. 53 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $45,000 FOR REPAIRS TO THE ARMY RESERVE PUMP STATION GRAVITY MAIN USING THE SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO COVER ALL PROJECT COSTS. WHEREAS; the Public Utilities Department observed a major gravity sewer main collapse just upstream of the Army Reserve Pump Station after the major rain event on March 22nd, 2022; and WHEREAS; the Public Utilities Department proposes to replace the 12-inch gravity main that has collapsed; and WHEREAS; the total cost of the proposed improvements is $45,000.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $45,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of replacing the 12-inch gravity Main that has collapsed upstream of the Army Reserve Pump Station; and authorizes the City to enter into any necessary contracts 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 Army Reserve 12-inch gravity main replacement project by $45,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $45,000. 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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. 54 OF 2022 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR THE CITY WIDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS- PHASE III, WITH AN INCREASE OF $52,776.53, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,055,530.61. WHEREAS; the City Wide Street Improvement- Phase III project called for additional work to include drainage improvements along Michael Street; and WHEREAS; Ord. 25 of 2022 approved an increased amount of $219,206.08 to be added to the contract price, for a total contract of $1,002,754.08 for this project; and WHEREAS; the retainage amount of $52,776.53 was not figured into that amount and needs to be adjusted to reflect the total contract amount of $1,055,530.61; 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 City Wide Street Improvements- Phase III, with an increase of $52,776.53 for a total contract price of $1,055,530.61; 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 19th day of April 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. 55 OF 2022 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $225,000 FROM THE 2017 SALES TAX BOND FUND (INNOVATION DRIVE FUND) TOWARDS A TURN LANE FOR SWAN LAKE ROAD AT INNOVATION DRIVE. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City completed the construction of Innovation Drive in 2021; and WHEREAS; DOTD, the Bossier Parish Police Jury and the City of Bossier City completed the construction of Swan Lake Road in 2022; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City and its citizens would benefit from a southbound right-turn lane on Swan Lake Road onto Innovation Drive; and WHEREAS; there is $225,000 available in the 2017 Sales Tax Bond Fund (Innovation Drive Fund); and WHEREAS; the total estimated project costs for the construction of a new southbound, right turn lane is $225,000; and WHEREAS; Raley & Associates proposes to perform survey and design the necessary improvements for a fee of $24,300. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate $225,000 from the 2017 Sales Tax Bond Fund (Innovation Drive Fund) to design and construct a turn lane on Swan Lake Road for Innovation Drive. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents 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. Don Williams and adopted on the 19th day of April 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 – By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance repealing and reenacting Section 114-5 Emergency Medical Funding; Service Charge on Utility Bills. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Discussion on item. Chief Zagone explained Ordinance and after question from Mr. Smith explained that the $10 monthly service charge on Utility Bills would not be changing. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds to purchase GPS Equipment for the use within the Engineering Department at a cost of $25,000 to come from the 2017 Sales Tax Bond Fund. Seconded by Mr. Free Discussion on item about ownership of purchased equipment. Equipment would be owned by City. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to grant an Easement to the United States of America. Seconded by Mr. Williams Questions from resident Cary Chandler requesting more information. Mayor and Attorney Jacobs explained where and how much easement would be given. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to replace High Service Pump No. 9 for Bossier's Water Treatment Facility at a cost of $86,000.00 to come from Water Capital & Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 39 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION FROM WITHIN OF AN INFORMATION SERVICES APPLICATION ANALYST DUE TO A RESIGNATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITION THIS MAY CREATE 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 or promote from within; 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 or promote from within an Application Analyst and backfill any position this may create within the Information Services 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. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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 recognizing Bossier City as a Purple Heart City. Mayor Chandler explained to Council what this designation was. After Resolution was adopted, Timothy Sloan, Commander of VFW, presented Mayor with a plaque in gratitude. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 40 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING BOSSIER CITY AS A PURPLE HEART CITY. ________________________________________________________________________ Whereas, the City of Bossier City, Louisiana and our community have a great admiration and the utmost gratitude and respect for all the men and women who have, and are, selflessly serving their country and this community in the Armed forces; and Whereas, Veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and, Whereas, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and Whereas, many men and women in uniform have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces; and  Whereas, citizens of our country have received the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force, construed as a singularly meritorious act of essential service; and Whereas, the City of Bossier City seeks to remember and recognize veterans who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal; and Therefore be it resolved, that the City of Bossier City, Louisiana to be proclaimed a Purple Heart City, honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform, wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect our freedoms. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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 41 Of 2022 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 of one police officer due to the resignation of one police officer. 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. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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 42 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A UTILITY WORKER IN THE WATER DISTRIBUTION DIVISION FOR THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT _____________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, the position of utility worker 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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. 43 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION ELIMINATING A JAILER POSITION AND A COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER POSITION AND HIRING ONE SECRETARY TO THE POLICE CHIEF. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, there is a need to hire a secretary to the Police Chief; and WHEREAS, there is a vacant jailer position and a vacant communications officer position that is no longer necessary; and WHEREAS, the secretary to the Police Chief salary will be at the same base rate as the secretary to the Fire Chief position; and WHEREAS, this will create a $32,844 savings to the salary line of the Police Operational Budget; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the hiring of one secretary to the Police Chief is hereby approved. 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on the 19th day of April 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. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Great Strides - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, May 21, 2022. Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Hammons and Mayor both thanked Fire Chief, Acting Police Chief, City Marshal and Public Works Director for their quick action in rescuing people and cleanup following the recent tornado in South Bossier. Mr. Smith reminded everyone about Operation Clean Sweep on Saturday, April 23rd from 8- 11AM. Anyone wanting to volunteer is welcome. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 PM by Mr. Williams Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: April 27, 2022 Bossier Press Tribune