City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 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, August 16, 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 Jeffery Darby, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Don Williams, 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. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Minutes of August 2, 2022, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to remove Unfinished Business item #1 from agenda at request of City Attorney. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to add Shaun Toups – Government Consultants and Kent Schexnayder – The Sisung Group to the Agenda under Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of guests. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Shaun Toups – Government Consultants, Kent Schexnayder – The Sisung Group and Charlie Sides with Stifel spoke about possibly refinancing some existing bonds. They will be contacting banks to get firm rates and bring information back to the Council Bids – Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid #22-655 – Demolition of 2643 Trichel Street, Bossier City, LA 3 Gen Construction, LLC $24,450.00 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr.  Motion to approve Seconded by: Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 91 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER $35,991 FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO HIRE A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER WHEREAS, the Public Information Officer has been a position authorized in the Police Department’s budget; and WHEREAS, the position of Public Information Officer will now be part of the Public Affairs Department; and WHEREAS, the position of Public Information Officer is vacant due to retirement; WHEREAS, a budget amendment is required to transfer appropriations between departments; WHEREAS, moving the Public Information Officer from the Police Department to the Public Affairs Department creates a need to reduce the Police Department’s 2022 budget by $35,991 and increase the Public Affairs Department’s budget by the same amount in the 2022 General Fund budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that the 2022 General Fund operating budget is hereby amended to transfer budge appropriations totaling $35,991 from the Police Department salaries and expenditures line items to the Public Affairs Department salaries and expenditures line items. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that future appropriations for the Public Information Officer will be part of the Public Affairs budget. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 16th day of August 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 92 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE COMPLETION OF THE WALTER O. BIGBY CARRIAGEWAY PUMP STATION PROJECT BYMAX FOOTE CONSTRUCTION, LLC. AT A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $3,836,000.00, INCLUDING DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF ($64,000.00); AND TO AMEND ORDINANCE 39 OF 2021 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENT FUND 415 WALTER O. BIGBY CARRIAGEWAY FUND. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 39 of 2021 appropriated $3,900,000.00 to complete the storm water pump station for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase II Project. WHEREAS; a decrease in contract price to Max Foote Construction, LLC. Via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $64,000.00 from reconciling final project quantities was required; WHEREAS; a decrease in contract time of seventy seven (77) days will be included in Change Order No. 1; WHEREAS; total project cost of $3,836,000.00 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 Pump Station Project with a total project cost of $3,836,000.00, and to amend their contract with Don Barron Contractor, Inc. for a decrease in price of $64,000.00 and a decrease of seventy seven (77) days. The remaining surplus funds in Ordinance 39 of 2021 are to be used to supplement Fund 415 Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Fund. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr.., and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 16th day of August 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance to transfer Twenty One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty Three Dollars ($21,923.00) from the Police Department to the Legal Department in the 2022 General Fund Budget to fund a part time Police Liaison to the City Attorney. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr Discussion among Council Members and City Attorney, Jacobs about issue, budget and employment timeframes. Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free Nays – Mr. Smith and Mr. Maggio Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $24,600.00 from the General Fund Fund Balance to enter into a contract with CG6 Technology Consulting for a complete assessment of the capability and vulnerability of Information Services and Systems of the City of Bossier City and authorize City Attorney Charles Jacobs to sign any and all documents necessary for this contract. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion among Council members about what this is exactly and what this audit would entail. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Change Orders #1, #2 and #3 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 Project with J.B. James Construction, LLC reducing the total project cost by $19,448.76. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Change Order #4 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 Project with J.B. James Construction, LLC in the amount of $1,403,467.91 for the addition of street lighting using the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion among Council Members, City Attorney, Jacobs and City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach about this Ordinance, the need for this change order, other upcoming change orders and funds for project. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Change Order 3 for the Eastbank Fire Station Project with an increase of $144,124.50 for a total contract price of $3,020,757.06. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance levying Ad Valorem Taxes on all property subject to taxation by the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, for the year 2022, and providing the manner of assessment and collection thereof. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the reclassification of an Electrician III Position to a Control Panel Technician and a reclassification of an Utility Worker I Position to a Foreman I position in the Public Utilities Department resulting in a net Neutral Change to the Operating Budget. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to repair and upgrade the Ozone System for Bossier's Water Treatment Facility at a cost of $100,000.00 to come from Water Capital & Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Discussion by Council Members and City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach about what project entails and how long the upgrade should last. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the reclassification of an ACO/Kennel Trainer Position to Kennel Lead/Animal Programs in the Animal Control Division of Public Works resulting in a net neutral change to the operating budget. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the reclassification of an Assistant Superintendent Position to Operations and Public Programs Manager and a promotion of a Clerk Typist to Operations and Public Programs Manager in the Animal Control Division of Public Works and backfill and position left vacant due to promotion and resulting in a net neutral change to the operating budget. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution to approve the use of City Water and Sewer to serve the Plantation Trace Mobile Home Park Development pending approval of the Louisiana Division of Administration’s Water Sector Program Grant Funding. Discussion among Council and City Engineer Rauschenbach on this issue, the States wanting to Consolidate water systems and potential help for the City with future grants if this one is successful. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 77 OF 2022 ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF CITY WATER AND SEWER TO SERVE THE PLANTATION TRACE MOBILE HOME PARK DEVELOPMENT PENDING APPROVAL OF THE LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINSTRATION’S WATER SECTOR PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING. WHEREAS; the Plantation Trace Mobile Home Park is a residential development located outside the Bossier City limits with approximately seventy-six (76) lots; and WHEREAS; the residential development is currently being serviced by three (3) water wells and individual septic systems; and WHEREAS; the Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality have on-going efforts of supporting systems that are consolidating water and sewer systems; and WHEREAS; the existing private water and sewer infrastructure can only service approximately fifty percent (50%) of the development; and WHEREAS; the Water Sector Program scoring criteria includes the consolidation of water and sewer systems; and  WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City will be applying for the Louisiana Division of Administration’s Water Sector Program; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City will include the consolidation of the Plantation Trace Mobile Home Park Development as part of its Water Sector Program application; and WHEREAS; the proposed improvements to service the development are estimated at $750,000; and WHEREAS; the development shall contribute 25% off all project costs (construction, fees, permits, design, etc.); and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City has the capacity to service both water and sewer to the development; 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 Plantation Trace Mobile Home Park Residential Development pending approval of the Louisiana Division of Administration’s Water Sector Program Grant Funding. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons, and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 16th day of August 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: Mr. Free ___________________________ Jeffery Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of a Public Information Officer. Discussion about what changes will be from the previous position under the Police Department. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 78 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER ___________________________________________________________ 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 Public Information Officer position is vacant due to retirement; 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 discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 16th day of August 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item Called - Adopt a Resolution authorizing City Attorney, E. Charles Jacobs to hire a part time Police Liaison to the City Attorney. Discussion among Council, City Attorney, Jacobs and Assistant City Attorney, Ray concerning this item. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to continue item until the August 30, 2022, Council Meeting. Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 79 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF TWO ACCOUNTS CLERK III’S DUE TO RESIGNATIONS IN THE TAX 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 Tax Department has two available positions due to resignation of employees; and WHEREAS, these resignations provide for an opportunity to hire replacements; 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 two Accounts Clerk III’s, due to resignations in the Tax Department, with no impact to the existing budget. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 16th day of August 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 80 OF 2022 AMEND RESOLUTION 55 OF 2022 AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN OFFICE MANAGER IN THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT AS A RESULT OF A RETIREMENT AND ADJUSTING SALARIES FOR THE OFFICE MANAGER AND ENGINEERING AID IV POSITIONS RESULTING IN A NET NEUTRAL CHANGE TO THE OPERATING BUDGET. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS; Resolution 55 of 2022 provided for the filling of the vacant Office Manager position in Public Utilities due to a retirement; and WHEREAS; the hiring of a new Office Manager will be at a maximum salary of $48,800; and WHEREAS; the hiring of a new Office Manager at the adjusted salary will provide a surplus of $1,870 in the Public Utilities operating budget; and  WHEREAS; the available surplus will be used to adjust the maximum salary of the Engineering Aide IV position to $50,728; and WHEREAS; the Engineering Aid IV position responsibilities have expanded to encompass purchasing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and related efforts which merit an increase in salary; and WHEREAS; the aforementioned hiring and salary adjustments of the existing positions will result in a net neutral impact to the operating budget; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that that the administration is authorized to proceed with hiring procedures for the fulfillment of the Office Manager position at the maximum salary of $48,800 and adjusting the maximum salary of the Engineering Aid IV position to a maximum of $50,728. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 16th day of August 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waivers for Brookshire’s & Super 1 Foods Heros Run, October 15, 2022 and Airline High School Homecoming Parade, September 29, 2022. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Discussion among Council Members about Homecoming Parade route. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports Finance Director, Angela Williamson gave the monthly Financial Report for month of July 2022. She noted that Sales Taxes were up 14% from same period last year. Engineering Assistant Director, Clinton Patrick went over the monthly project report. He noted that the City currently has $102 Million in Ongoing design and construction projects. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 4:11PM by Mr. Darby. Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: August 24, 2022 Bossier Press Tribune