City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 20, 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, September 20, 2022 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member David Montgomery, Jr. 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 Acting City Clerk, Jennifer Emert Acting City Clerk, Jennifer Emert, read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Minutes of September 6, 2022, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Agenda. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Sarah Rhodes, President of Commission for Women of Bossier City addressed the Council, discussed the role of the Commission and introduced their students for the year. Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business – Agenda item called - Adopt 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. By: Mr. Williams Motion to delete this item from the Agenda. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item Called - Adopt an Ordinance appropriating Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000.00) from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund for all project related cost for the Citizen Bank Drive Roadway Extension and Citizen Bank Drive Pump Station. Discussion between Councilman Hammons and City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach on issue. Councilman Hammons asked for complete cost on whole Bigby Carriageway Project to date. The following Ordinance offered and adopted:  ORDINANCE NO. 105 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING SIX MILLION DOLLARS ($6,000,000.00) FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND FOR ALL PROJECT RELATED COSTS FOR THE CITIZEN BANK DRIVE ROADWAY EXTENSION AND CITIZEN BANK DRIVE PUMP STATION WHEREAS; Resolution No. 15 of 2020 entered City of Bossier City in an agreement with Greenacres Office Park, LLC. to construct at the City’s cost a two-lane concrete drive that will connect the parking lot of the Greenacres Office Park to the stubbed out end of Citizen’s Bank Drive; and WHEREAS; the alignment of this drive will travel under the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Bridge and construction of this drive shall commence no later than 90 days after substantial completion of the bridge.; and WHEREAS; LADOTD’s hydraulic review determined a storm water pump station is required and referenced in the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Kelly Avenue to Benton Highway (LA 3) Project plans; and WHEREAS; the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund will be used for all costs associated with both Citizens Bank Drive Roadway Extension and Citizen Bank Drive Pump Station. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves funding. 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 2018 LCDA Bond Issue Fund Budget is hereby amended to appropriate funding for Citizens Bank Drive Roadway Extension and Citizens Bank Drive. 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 20th day of September 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Hammons ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Professional Services Agreement with Gary Todd Killen with Killen's Court, LLC. Discussion among Council Members on issue. Mr. Killen also spoke on issue. Mayor Chandler spoke in favor of Mr. Killen. Audience speakers in favor of Mr. Killen’s contract were Mr. Jeff Smith, Mr. Jay Boyd, Mr. Steve Watkins and Mr. Todd Eppler. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 106 Of 2022  AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GARY TODD KILLEN WITH KILLEN’S COURT, LLC. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the current contract has expired; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City wishes to provide quality tennis programming to the citizens of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the Contractor is a professional in the field of tennis and is desirous of providing certain services at the above described facility, but under the direct management and control of the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the Mayor of the City of Bossier City, the Honorable Thomas H. Chandler, is authorized to execute the “Professional Services Agreement” attached hereto as Exhibit A; 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. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 20th day of September 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 D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Council took a 5 minute break and then resumed the meeting The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 107 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000.00) FROM THE RIVERBOAT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHT POLES FOR THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City is ever growing and installing new roadway lighting along major corridors such as US 71 South, Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, etc; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City has an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to maintain roadway lighting on its corridors within Bossier City; and WHEREAS; the Traffic Engineering Department stock of materials has been depleted and is in need of additional materials and storage capabilities; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City takes pride in ensuring roadway lighting is addressed and maintained in a timely fashion; and WHEREAS; supply chain issues are still effecting material delivery estimates; and WHEREAS; there are currently 15-20 light poles that are in need of replacing within the City’s jurisdiction; and  WHEREAS; $150,000 would allow for the purchase of materials to address those lights that are in need of repair, stockpile material for future needs and provide for a storage system to allow for additional stored materials. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate $150,000 from the Riverboat Capital Projects Fund to purchase street light poles for use within the Traffic Engineering Department. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2022 Riverboat Capital Projects Fund is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the purchase of street light materials by $150,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $150,000. 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on this the 20th day of September 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 D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 108 Of 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED, PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO RESTORE A 24-INCH SEWER FORCE MAIN BLOWOUT ALONG MEADOW CREEK DRIVE AT A COST OF $19,090.99 TO COME FROM SEWER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS. WHEREAS, on August 25, 2022, the Public Utilities Department responded to an emergency 24-inch sewer force main rupture just north of Meadow Creek Drive on the east side of Airline Drive requiring immediate action to repair a short section of this main; and WHEREAS, the Maintenance Division, within the Public Utilities Department, self- performed the work avoiding significant labor costs; and WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department does not inventory parts for large diameter force mains requiring the purchase of $19,090.99 in materials to perform the repair as well as inventory critical parts for future repairs of this nature; and WHEREAS, $19,090.99 shall be appropriated from the Sewer Capital Contingency Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $19,090.99 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of making repairs to the 24-inch sewer force main near Meadow Creek Drive; 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 repairs to the 24-inch sewer force main by $19,090.99 and decrease Fund Balance by $19,090.99. The above and foregoing Ordinance 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 20th day of September 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 D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2022 Water and Sewer Fund Budgets. Seconded by Mr. Williams Questions from Mr. Hammons on item. Ben Rauschenbach explained need for Ordinance. No further comment Motion carried unanimously By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to conduct a rate study for the Public Utilities Department at a cost of $32,569.00 to come from Water Capital & Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Questions from Council Members on item. Ben Rauschenbach gave explanation of Ordinance and that it’s an LDH requirement. No further comment Motion carried unanimously By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $100,000 from the 2017 Sales Tax Bond Fund (Innovation Drive Fund) towards a turn lane for Swan Lake Road at Innovation Drive. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Motion carried unanimously By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Honorable Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached franchise agreement with Centerpoint Energy Resources Corp., D/B/A Centerpoint Energy Louisiana Gas. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion by Mr. Smith and City Attorney Jacobs on rates No further comment Motion carried unanimously By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached professional services agreement with Homeland Safety Systems, LLC. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Mr. Carey Chandler asked questions about Ordinance. Mr. Williams and City Attorney Jacobs answered those questions. No further comment Motion carried unanimously Mr. Darby exited the meeting at 3:56PM By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve report of Change Order 6 for the (LTRI) Louisiana Technology Research Institute Bossier with an increase in project costs of $404,916.43 from the 2016 Sales Tax Bond Issue. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons asked questions on opening of facility. Engineering Clinton Patrick reported should be Jan. 4th according to contract No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 87 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A FOREMAN I FOR THE LIFT STATION DIVISION IN 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 Foreman I is vacant due to 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 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 20th day of September, 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Mr. Darby returned to the meeting at 4:00PM Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of Five (5) Police Officers, One (1) Jailer I, and one (1) Police Communications Officer (PCO I) for the Bossier City Police Department. Questions from Mr. Montgomery if this should be voted on in light of the change in the Police Department. City Attorney, Jacobs asked that it be considered as the new chief will need these positions to be filled. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 88 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF FIVE (5) POLICE OFFICERS, ONE (1) JAILER I, AND ONE (1) POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (PCO I) 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 five (5) Police Officers, one (1) Jailer I, and one (1) Police Communications Officer (PCO I); 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 20th day of September, 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 D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 89 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE (1) RECORDS CLERK I 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) Records Clerk I; 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 20th day of September, 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 D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 90 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A 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 the 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 Systems Specialist, due to a resignation in the Information Services 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 20th day of September, 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 D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 91 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A TAX AUDIT CLERK DUE TO A RESIGNATION 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 an available position due to the 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 Tax Audit Clerk, due to a resignation 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 20th day of September, 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 D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 92 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF AN OFFICE MANAGER I DUE TO A RESIGNATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITION THIS MAY CREATE 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 Office Manager I position due to a resignation; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement or promote from within and backfill any vacant positions this may create; 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 or promote from within an Office Manager I and backfill any vacant position this may create in the Customer Service 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 20th day of September, 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 D. Darby, President ___________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Parade Permit for- Marching for Jesus, October 4, 2022. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports - Financial Director, Angela Williamson gave the Council the Monthly Financial Report for month ending August 2022. She reported EMS revenue was up due to new rates and Sales Taxes were up 4.5%. She also noted that the City has 663 employees. City Engineer Department, Clinton Patrick gave the Council the Monthly Project Report. He reported that there is over 95 Million Dollars in ongoing design and constructions projects with over $89 Million of those in ongoing construction. Mr. Darby thanked Ms. Emert, on behalf of the Council, for filling in for Ms. McGraw in her absence. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 4:13 PM by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: September 28, 2022 Bossier Press Tribune