City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 18, 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, October 18, 2022 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith 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. Agenda Item called: Approve Minutes of October 4, 2022, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Audience Member, Mollie Corbett asked that the minutes reflect that Jeremy Hefner worked for Bossier Arts Council and not Bossier Council on Aging. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend Minutes of October 4, 2022, Regular Council meeting to change where Jeremy Hefner worked from Bossier Council on Aging to Bossier Arts Council, to approve minutes as amended and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to Add New Business Item #35 – Adopt a Resolution to re-negotiate the terms and provisions of the existing agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Bossier Arts Council. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to Add New Business Item #36 – Introduce an Ordinance appropriating $1,230,432.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Grant for a one-time Premium Pay allowance of $2,000.00 to eligible Full-Time employees of the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to delete item #26 Under New Business – Introduce an Ordinance to repeal Ordinance 71 of 2018. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters – Recognition of Guests – Wade Rich- Public Works Director and Shari Wood, Animal Services Superintendent – Ms. Wood gave an update on a partnership with and grants from Best Friends Animal Society. She reported that at Bossier City’s 1st National Adoption Event, 28 dogs and 23 cats were adopted. Actions on Unfinished Business – ORDINANCE NO. 115 of 2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING $25,000 TO COME FROM THE HOTEL/MOTEL TAX FUND TO SUPPORT BEBOSSIER THROUGH THE BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. WHEREAS, the BeBossier campaign is in need of funding; and WHEREAS, BeBossier requests matching funding with Bossier Parish at $25,000; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that that $25,000 is authorized to come from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to support BeBossier through the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. 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 18th day of October 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 Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 116 Of 2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH AVAYA AURA AND CAROUSEL INDUSTRIES OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City municipal complex telecommunication system is in need of an upgrade complete with certain replacement of telephonic equipment; and WHEREAS, said system as upgraded with certain replacement of equipment must be maintained on a regular and ongoing basis; and WHEREAS, said system is essential to the functional operations of the City on a daily basis; and WHEREAS, the cost of said upgrade and ongoing maintenance has been allocated in the 2022 City of Bossier City budget; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened shall enter into the attached contract (attached hereto as Exhibit “A”) with Avaya Aura and Carousel Industries of North America, Inc. complete in all its terms, obligations and provisions pursuant to state contract no. 4400025481 without the necessity of complying with the LA Public Bid Law. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 Agenda item called: Adopt an Ordinance to require the Mayor and City Administration to mark all city vehicles under Louisiana R.S. 49:121, Identification of Public Property – by January 1, 2023, except those that are exempt by State Law, and any vehicles found to be in noncompliance with this Ordinance and State Law after January 1, 2023, be parked until those vehicles become compliant and further that anyone in violation of this Ordinance following that date be fined in accordance with R.S. 49:123. Mr. Hammons and Mr. Williams discussed item. ORDINANCE NO. 117 of 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATION TO MARK ALL CITY VEHICLES UNDER LOUISIANA R.S. 49:121, IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY - BY JANUARY 1, 2023, EXCEPT THOSE THAT ARE EXEMPT BY STATE LAW AND ANY VEHICLES FOUND TO BE IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THIS ORDINANCE AND STATE LAW AFTER JANUARY 1. 2023 BE PARKED UNTIL THOSE VEHICLES BECOME COMPLIANT AND FURTHER THAT ANYONE IN VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE FOLLOWING THAT DATE BE FINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH R.S. 49:123 WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana, under R.S. 49:121, requires that all Publicly owned Public Property must be marked as such; and WHEREAS, under R.S. 49:121, every automobile, truck or other vehicle belonging to any political subdivision is required to bear a Louisiana license plate, bear a public license plate and each such vehicle also shall have inscribed, painted, decaled or stenciled conspicuously thereon, either with letters not less than two inches in height and not less than one-quarter inch in width or with an insignia containing not less than one hundred forty-four square inches, or if circular, not less than eight inches in diameter, the name of the political subdivision. The name shall be placed on the outside of the door on each side of every automobile, truck or other vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with more than one door on each side, the name shall be placed on the outside of the doors nearest the front of the vehicle. All paintings, inscriptions or stencils shall be in a color that contrasts sharply with the color over which it is placed; and WHEREAS, under R.S. 49:121 those vehicles used in crime prevention and detection and similar investigative work, which if identified as required by this Section could not be used effectively for such purposes, are exempt from the provisions of this Part; and WHEREAS, no officer or employee of the state or any of its political subdivisions shall drive or operate any publicly owned land vehicle, aircraft or watercraft not marked in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 49:121, and no public officer or employee shall request, direct or permit any other public official or employee or any other person to drive or operate any such vehicle; and  WHEREAS, under R.S. 49:121, The head of any department or board of the state or any of its subdivisions who operates or who orders, requests or permits any employee under his control or supervision or any other person to operate any publicly owned land vehicle, water craft or air craft not marked in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a violation thereof. Each day upon which such a violation is committed shall be considered a separate offense; and WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana, under R.S. 49:123, provides penalties in the amount of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each violation; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier has a large fleet of vehicles and some of those vehicles remain unmarked and in violation of state law, despite repeated verbal request for compliance from Council members; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Council requires that the Mayor and Administration of the City of Bossier City follow all applicable State Laws including R.S. 49:121 and R.S. 49:123 and provide vehicle markings on non-exempt vehicles. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that all City vehicles, except those that are exempt by R.S. 49:121, are required to be marked by January 1, 2023 or shall be parked and that anyone in violation of this Ordinance following that date be fined in accordance with R.S. 49:123 The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 18th day of October 2022. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Free ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ ___________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 118 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE COMPLETION OF THE BRUCE STREET FORCE MAIN PROJECT BY LAWLER CONSTRUCTION, INC. INCLUDING DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF ($3,360.00); AND TO AMEND ORDINANCE 14 OF 2022 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENT FUND SEWER CAPTIAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 14 of 2022 appropriated $195,000.00 to complete the Bruce St. Force Main Project.; and WHEREAS; a decrease in contract price to Lawler Construction, Inc. via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $3,360.00 from reconciling final project quantities was required; and WHEREAS; a decrease in contract time of ninety eight (98) days will be included in Change Order No. 1; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare the completion of the Bruce Street Project with a total construction cost of $122,040.00, and to amend their contract with Lawler Construction, Inc. for a decrease in price of $3,360.00 and a decrease of ninety eight (98) days. The remaining surplus funds in Ordinance 14 of 2022 are to be used to supplement sewer capital and contingency fund. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free, and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance to appropriate $10,000 from Fund 495 2015 LCDA Bond Fund to purchase time clocks. Mr. Montgomery questioned the funding source for this item. Ms. Williamson reported that the clocks should last around 10 years. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to take funding from another account and not a bond fund. Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce the amended Ordinance to appropriate $10,000 from Fund 410 Parkway Capital Projects Fund to purchase timeclocks. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous. Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance to appropriate $3,000,000 from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund towards Parking Lot Improvements/Expansion at Tinsley Ball Park Mr. Darby discussed the conversation from the last meeting and asked Mr. Hammons and Mr. Smith to be on a committee to meet with stakeholders and come up with a solution. He also asked City Attorney Jacobs to provide a Resolution to appoint this committee. Resident and Bossier Little League members Joshua Delcolman and Scotty Davis spoke on issue. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 119 OF 2022 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $3,000,000 FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND TOWARDS PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS/EXPANSION AT TINSLEY BALL PARK. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City recently completed the construction of an expansion project for Tinsley Ball Fields in 2022; and WHEREAS; the Bossier Parks and Recreations Department has been diligent in booking and utilizing the new expanded facility to its full potential; and WHEREAS; a need has arose for additional parking due to the amount of use from the expanded facility as well as the existing facility with baseball, softball, soccer and football; and WHEREAS; Volkert, Inc. has provided a phased Masterplan for the continued expansion of Tinsley Park; and WHEREAS; there is $3,000,000 available in the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund; and WHEREAS; the total estimated project costs for the construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 per Volkert, Inc.’s provided Masterplan is roughly $2,600,000; and  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate $3,000,000 from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to design and construct a parking lot expansion for Tinsley Ball Park. 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 discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free, and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 Agenda item called - Adopt an Ordinance to appropriate funds for improvements to the Lateral B- 1 Drainage Canal for a total of $1,000,000.00 to come from Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund and to authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Nixon Engineering Solutions and CEA with the Bossier Parish Levee Board. Discussion among Council Members and Clinton Patrick with Engineering on issue. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 120 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LATERAL B-1 DRAINAGE CANAL FOR A TOTAL OF $1,000,000 TO COME FROM RIVERBOAT GAMING CAPITAL FUND AND TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECTUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH NIXON ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS AND CEA WITH THE BOSSIER PARISH LEVEE BOARD. WHEREAS; Ordinance 67 of 2022 appropriated $35,000 for the design and study of potential improvements to the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal; and WHEREAS; the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal is a vital artery within the flood plains of the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS; the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal suffers from instability and unchecked erosion of the channel embankments; and WHEREAS; Nixon Engineering Solutions has provided a topographic survey and schematic design for improvements to the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal; and WHEREAS; the area in question is currently under Bossier Parish Levee Board Jurisdiction; and WHEREAS; the Bossier Parish Levee Board has proposed to provide 50% of project and construction costs; and WHEREAS; Nixon Engineering Solutions has provided An Opinion of Probable Cost for $1,737,478.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that $1,000,000 is hereby appropriated from the Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Nixon Engineering Solutions for the completion of Phase 2 and Phase 3 items as detailed in the proposal dated September 22, 2022. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINAED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute the attached CEA with the Bossier Levee Board. 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 Riverboat Capital Gaming Fund is hereby amended to allocate for expenditures for engineering and surveying for improvements to the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal by $1,000,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $1,000,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 Agenda Item called – Adopt an Ordinance appropriating $350,000 from the 2017 LCDA Bond to purchase and install a new generator at the Brookshire Grocery Arena and cover all project costs. Mr. Montgomery and Ben Rauschenbach, City Engineer discussed issue. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 121 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $350,000 FROM THE 2017 LCDA BOND TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL A NEW GENERATOR AT THE BROOKSHIRE GROCERY ARENA AND COVER ALL PROJECT COSTS. WHEREAS, the existing generator at the Brookshire Grocery Arena is no longer functioning to serve the needs of the Arena; and WHEREAS, a new generator is needed to provide back-up power to the Arena in the event of a power outage; and WHEREAS, the total cost of the new generator and required installation is $350,000. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City does hereby appropriate $350,000.00 to come from the 2017 LCDA Bond to be used for the purpose of purchasing and replacing the generator at the Brookshire Grocery Arena; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free, and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 Agenda item called – Adopt an Ordinance to repeal and replace Ordinance 96 of 2022 and to approve revised Change Order 3 for the Eastbank Fire Station Project with an increase of $226,377.21 for a total contract price of $3,103.009.77. Clinton Patrick with Engineering Department discussed need for Ordinance to fix typo on Change Order. No additional funding needed. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 122 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE ORDINANCE 96 OF 2022 AND TO APPROVE REVISED CHANGE ORDER 3 FOR THE EASTBANK FIRE STATION PROJECT WITH AN INCREASE OF $226,377.21 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $3,103,009.77. WHEREAS; there was a typo in Change Order #3 that was included as part of Ordinance 96 of 2022; and WHEREAS; Change Order #3 should be in the amount of $226,377.21 for the Eastbank Fire Station Project includes communication efforts, internal appliances and landscaping; and WHEREAS; Change Order #3 also includes the addition of sixty-seven (67) days to be added to the contract time; and WHEREAS; Ordinance 89 of 2022 approved funding for these additional services and no additional money is being requested. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #3 for the Eastbank Fire Station Project. 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 discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 123 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE COMPLETION OF THE AIRLINE WATER TANK REHABILITATION AND PAINTING PROJECT BY UTILITY  SERVICE COMPANY, INC. INCLUDING DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF ($14,188.19); AND TO AMEND ORDINANCE 30 OF 2021 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENT THE WATER CAPTIAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 30 of 2021 appropriated $1,855,000.00 to complete the Airline Water Tank Rehabilitation and Painting Project.; and WHEREAS; a decrease in contract price to Utility Service Company, Inc. via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $14,188.19 from reconciling final project quantities was required; and WHEREAS; an increase in contract time of one hundred forty five (145) days will be included in Change Order No. 1; 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 Water Tank Rehabilitation and Painting Project with a total construction cost of $1,571,311.81, and to amend their contract with Utility Service Company, Inc. for a decrease in price of $14,188.19 and an increase of one hundred (145) days. The remaining surplus funds in Ordinance 30 of 2021 are to be used to supplement water capital and contingency fund. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith, and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons and adopted on this the 18th day of October 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 – Agenda Item called – Adopt Zoning Ordinance, Petitioner: Eddy Hackleman, Total General Contracting, LLC, Location: 2766 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, LA, Request: Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at a bar. Petitioner, Eddy Hackleman spoke on issue and asked Council to approve with a 2:00AM close instead of the midnight close. Carlotta Askew-Brown, MPC Director spoke on issue and advised Council that there would be another MPC hearing to consider the 2:00AM close. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 124 OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION LOCATED AT 2766 BARKSDALE BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Good Times Billiards LLC dba Big Robbie’s Billiards has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption, located at 2766 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on October 3, 2022; and WHEREAS; The Planning Department has submitted the results of said public hearing to the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Bossier City. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for the sale of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 2766 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. Motion was made by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith to adopt the above ordinance. Upon the following vote, the ordinance was duly adopted this 18th day of October, 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 C-ALC-000086-2022 Agenda Item Called – Introduce an Ordinance to adopt the General Fund Budget for 2023 Discussion from Council and Angela Williamson on amendments needed. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend the General Fund Budget for 2023 to add a part time Salary of $25,000 in the City Council section to hire a part time employee, remove the $55,000 from the part time salary from the City Attorney section, add $9,200 in the Information Services Section for the telephone maintenance contract, transfer $13,655 from travel and training to salaries in finance for a new payroll employee, add $12,315 in the Public Affairs Department salaries for a new Public Information Officer on a one year probation period. Seconded by Mr. Smith Mr. Montgomery and Ms. Williamson reported that the Public Information Officer would be making same as previous Public Information Officer and that it would not be an increase. Discussion also held about the money for the School Board for the School Resource Traffic officer and Mr. Montgomery asked City Attorney, Charles Jacobs to contact School Board attorney to see where contract was at. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce to adopt the General Fund Budget for 2023 as amended. Second by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item Called - Introduce an Ordinance to adopt the Water and Sewer Budget for 2023. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to combine budget items #3-25 into one reading. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item called – Introduce the Ordinances to adopt the Operating and Capital Budgets for 2023. Angela Williamson, Finance Director asked the Council to make amendment to the Alternative Fuel Station. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend Bossier City Operating and Capital Budgets for 2023 to increase revenue in Alternative fuel station $376,000 and expenses $451,828. Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce the Ordinances to adopt the Operating and Capital Budgets for 2023 as amended. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2022 Water and Sewer Fund Budgets. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to replace the water service to 221 Traffic Street due to a dead-end water main causing water quality concerns at a cost of $13,000.00 to come from the Water Capital & Contingency Fund. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2022 Alternative Fuel Stations Fund Budget. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 99 OF 2022 ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF CITY WATER TO SERVE THE ROSEWALK SUBDIVISION RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. WHEREAS; Rosewalk Subdivision is a residential 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 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 to serve the Willow Chute Ranch Residential Development.  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 18th day of October, 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 100 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL A LABORER I POSITION IN THE STREET SWEEPING AND GRASS CUTTING DIVISON DUE TO A TRANSFER WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2 of 2010 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel and Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by the hiring of any personnel and other action prohibiting the hiring of any employee receiving pay without council approval; and WHEREAS, A Laborer I position is available due to a transfer; 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 ordained the administration is hereby authorizing Public Works to fill a Laborer I in the Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting Division. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 18th day of October, 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 101 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROMOTION OF TWO POLICE SERGEANTS AND THE HIRING OF ONE 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 promotion of a Police Officer to Sergeant and hiring one Police Officer to fill the vacancy will allow operations to continue, and to promote another officer to Police Sergeant due to the impending retirement of one who is running out leave time, 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 and promotion procedures for the fulfillment of these positions. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 18th day of October, 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 102 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A FOREMAN FOR THE LIFT STATIONS DIVISION DUE TO RESIGNATION AND BACKFILLING ANY POSITION THIS MAY CREATE. _____________________________________________________ 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 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 discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion Mr. Chris Smith of and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 18th day of October, 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. 103 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING OFF-SYSTEM BRIDGE PROGRAM COMPLIANCE FOR 2022-2023 FOR THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA WHEREAS, the Code of Federal Regulations as enacted by the United States Congress mandates that all structures defined as bridges located on all public roads shall be inspected and rated for safe load capacity and posted in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards, and that an inventory of these bridges be maintained by each State; and WHEREAS, responsibility to inspect, rate, and load post these bridges under the authority of Bossier City in accordance with those Standards is delegated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to Bossier Parish, and is delegated by Bossier Parish to Bossier City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing authority of Bossier City (herein referred to as the City), that the City in regular meeting assembled does hereby certify to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (herein referred to as the DOTD), to qualify for program participation for the period of 1 October, 2022, through 30 September, 2023: 1. The City has performed all interim inspections on all City owned or maintained bridges in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards. 2. All bridges owned or maintained by the City have been structurally analyzed and rated by the City as to the safe load capacity in accordance with AASHTO Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges. The load posting information that has been determined by the LA DOTD for all bridges, where the maximum legal load under Louisiana State law exceeds the load permitted under the operating rating as determined above, has been critically reviewed by the City. Load posting information has been updated by the City to reflect all structural changes, any obsolete structural ratings or any missing structural ratings. 3. All City owned or maintained bridges which require load posting or closings are load posted or closed in accordance with the table in the DOTD Engineering Directives and Standards Manual Directive No. 1.1.1.8. All DOTD supplied load posting information concerning a bridge has been critically reviewed by the City prior to load posting. 4. All bridges owned or maintained by the City are shown on the attached list in the format specified by the DOTD. Corrections to data supplied to the City by the LA DOTD are noted. These stipulations are prerequisites to participation by Bossier Parish and Bossier City in the Off- System Bridge Replacement Programs. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 18th day of October, 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 Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution to re-negotiate the terms and provisions of the existing agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Bossier Arts Council. Jeremy Hefner and Mollie Corbett, both with Bossier Arts Council, spoke on what the Arts Council does in the Eastbank District and in favor of Resolution. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 104 Of 2022 A RESOLUTION TO RE-NEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE EXISITING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND THE BOSSIER ARTS COUNCIL. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is currently a party to an existing agreement that obligates the Bossier Arts Council to provide certain management responsibilities of the East Bank Plaza; and WHEREAS, there is a pending ordinance to cancel and terminate said above described agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Bossier Arts Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires that the City explore and examine the possibility of re-negotiating the terms and provisions of the existing agreement in order to attempt to reach an equitable agreement with said Bossier Arts Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the City of Bossier City shall attempt to meet and re- negotiate the existing terms and provisions of the existing contract and shall, if an agreement is achieved to the satisfaction of the Mayor and City Council enter into a revised agreement with the Bossier Arts Council. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 18th day of October, 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. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $1,230,432.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Grant for a one-time Premium Pay allowance of $2,000.00 to eligible Full-Time employees of the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. At request of Mr. Darby, Mr. Montgomery discussed the history of positions and salary increase cuts in city in 2009 and the recent pandemic issues and on behalf of Mayor and Council, thanked employees for their service. Mr. Darby also thanked employees for their service and happy to be able to do this for employees and Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Williams and Mayor Chandler for spearheading. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings – Public Hearing for the City of Bossier City’s 2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan for application for Community Development Block Grant Funds. Mr. Darby called the Public Hearing to order at 4:07 PM Bob Brown, Community Development Authority went over the application and what funds would be used for. Hearing no public comment, Mr. Darby closed the Public Hearing at 4:10 PM  RESOLUTION NO. 105 OF 2022 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CITY’S APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR FUNDING (ENTITLEMENT STATUS) UNDER AUTHORITY OF TITLE I OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 (42 U.S.C. 3535) (d) and (42 U.S.C. 5301) (et.seq.) BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana that the City of Bossier City Council hereby supports the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Strategy Plan and 2023 Action Plan and application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding (Entitlement Status) under authority of the Consolidation for the following: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS): title I of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 12702-12711; Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5304-5320; Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG): title VI, subtitle B, of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 11371-11378; HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME): title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez Nation Affordable Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 12741-12839; Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA): the AIDS; Housing Opportunity Act, 42 U.S.C. 12901-12912; Also serving as a basis for determining requirements in this rule are the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3619), title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u). WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Community Development Entitlement Program is the development of viable urban communities, including decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income, and whereas, consistent with this primary objective, the Federal Assistance realized from this application is for the support of community development activities which are directed toward the following specific objectives: (1) The elimination of slums and blight and the prevention of blighting influences and the deterioration of property and neighborhood and community facilities of importance to the welfare of the community, principally persons of low and moderate income; (2) The elimination of conditions which are detrimental to health, safety and public welfare, through code enforcement, demolition, interim rehabilitation assistance, and related activities; (3) The conversation of the city’s housing stock in order to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for all persons, but principally those of low and moderate income; (4) The improvement of the quality of community services, principally for persons of low and moderate income, which are essential for sound community development; (5) The reduction of the isolation of income groups within communities and geographical areas and the promotion of an increase in the diversity and vitality of neighborhoods of housing opportunities for person of lower income and the revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods to attract persons of higher income; and (6) The restoration and preservation of properties of special value or historic, architecture or aesthetic reasons. WHEREAS, THE City of Bossier City possesses legal authority to apply for this grant, and all other related Housing Urban Development Programs to execute all proposed projects and whereas, this City is now established as an “Entitlement City”; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Bossier City hereby supports Thomas H. Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City, Louisiana, the chief official of Bossier City, to apply for and sign all document as necessary and appropriate in the City’s application of Housing and Urban Development Programs.  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 18th day of October, 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 Public Hearing concerning the 2023 Operating and Capital Budget Ordinances for the City of Bossier City. Mr. Darby called the hearing to order at 4:11 PM. Hearing no public comments, Mr. Darby closed the hearing at 4:12 PM Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director went over the Monthly Financial Report. She noted that Sales taxes were up 11.4% from same time prior year, Revenues are running 21% over budget and Expenditures are 6% under budget. Clinton Patrick, Engineering Department, went over the Monthly Project Report. He noted that the City had 97 Million in ongoing design and Construction, Bossier Arts Council building is on schedule, Hwy. 71 lighting is waiting on poles and Carriageway is 29 days ahead of schedule. Discussion on tank voting and city did not win People’s Choice Award this year. Mayor Chandler welcomed Bossier Youth Leadership students. Mr. Free had them to come up and introduce themselves and schools. Mayor Chandler thanked Ms. Williamson for her hard work even with being sick, thanked Mr. Darby for the salary survey he is proposing and thanked the Council for the premium pay for the City workers. There being no further business to come before this Council, the meeting adjourned at 4:19 PM by Mr. Darby Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: October 26, 2022 Bossier Press Tribune