City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 2023 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, February 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Vince Maggio 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. Free Motion to approve Minutes of February 7, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to remove item #1 under Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business. Seconded by Mr. Free Mr. Montgomery reported that Public Information Officer would read statement from Council on issue after conclusion of meeting. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Amanda Nottingham, CAO, Erin Buchanan, PIO and Mayor Chandler read and presented Proclamations for Black American Leadership Recognition Day to Norman Moore, Winnifred H. Jackson and Alice Jeter to honor their service. Council President Jeffery Darby and Council member Don Williams also made a presentation to each on behalf of the Council. Each honoree spoke and thanked the Council and Mayor for their recognition. All three honorees received a standing ovation. Brad Zagone, Fire Chief, presented Airforce Staff Sergeant Naomi Dubose an Appreciation Award for her assistance during a fire emergency last year. Sergeant Dubose thanked the Mayor, Council and Chief for their acknowledgement and wanted to also thank the others that stopped to help out that day but left before giving their contact information. Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 17 of 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2023 GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE BOSSIER ARTS COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE EAST BANK DISTRICT AND PLAZA. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City has reached an agreement with the Bossier Arts Council to continue management of the East Bank District and Plaza; and WHEREAS, a fee of $50,000 will be paid to the Bossier Arts Council for events management provided agreed upon performance measures and reporting requirements are met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby amend the 2023 General Fund budget to increase Payments to Other Agencies – Arts Council by $50,00 and decrease fund balance by $50,000. 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. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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. 18 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZNG MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, CADDO- BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION, PARISH OF CADDO, DESOTO PARISH POLIC JURY, NORTHWEST LOUISIANA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, CITY OF SHREVEPORT, WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY, AND BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission is submitting the I-69 SIU 15 FY 2023 MPDG MEGA Grant; and WHEREAS, each entity will contribute $12,500 to provide funding for preparation and submission of the I-69 SIU 15 FY 2023 MPDG MEGA Grant; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the grant is to expand the regional interstate roadway network for future economic activities; WHEREAS, an allocation exists in the 2023 Budget for this purpose. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, complete in all its terms and provisions, on behalf of the City of Bossier City. 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 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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. 19 OF 2023  AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $80,000 TO COME FROM THE WATER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND FOR AMI METER READING UPGRADES. WHEREAS; the Customer Service Division is seeking upgrades to the AMI Meter Reading System; and WHEREAS; there is $140,588.40 remaining in the 2022 Public Utilities Capital Budget allocated for these costs; and WHEREAS; the remaining 2022 Public Utilities Capital Budget funds allocated for this effort shall be rolled to 2023; and WHEREAS; an additional $80,000 from the Water Capital and Contingency fund is needed to cover the remaining costs associated with these upgrades; and 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 Water Capital and Contingency fund to be used for needed AMI Meter Reading Upgrades. 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 2023 Water Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the AMI Meter Reading Upgrades by $80,000 and decrease the Water Capital and Contingency Budget by $80,000. 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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. 20 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR THE BOSSIER ARTS COUNCIL BRICK CLADDING PROJECT WITH AN INCREASE OF $49,596.61 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $650,706.56. WHEREAS; Change Order #2 in the amount of $117,109.95 for the Bossier Arts Council Brick Cladding Project includes renovations to the balcony roof and associated roof items; and WHEREAS; Change Order #2 also includes the addition of thirty (30) days to be added to the contract time; and WHEREAS; Ordinance 115 of 2021 approved funding for these additional services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #2 for the Bossier Arts Council Brick Cladding 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. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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. 21 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINSTRATION TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY TO PERFORM IMPROVEMENTS TO OLD BROWNLEE ROAD. WHEREAS; the Bossier Parish Police Jury is currently working on their annual road maintenance schedule; and WHEREAS; Old Brownlee Road is scheduled to receive maintenance; and WHEREAS; there is a section of Old Brownlee Road that is within the City’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS; the Bossier Parish Police Jury has offered to include this in their maintenance project; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City would contribute a maximum of $100,000 from the 2023 Street Program to fund the maintenance of this section of roadway. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby authorize the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bossier Parish Police Jury for the purposes of performing maintenance along Old Brownlee Road to that section that falls within the City limits. 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. Don Williams, and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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. 22 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $195,000 FOR REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO THE NORTH BOSSIER 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 North Bossier 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 two of the original lift station pumps, piping, and electrical systems to improve the operational capabilities of this station; and WHEREAS, the total cost of the proposed improvements is $195,000.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $195,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of repairing and upgrading the North Bossier 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 2023 Sewer Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the North Bossier Pump Station project by $195,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $195,000.00.  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 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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. 23 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #5 FOR THE WALTER O. BIGBY CARRIAGEWAY PHASE 2 PROJECT WITH J.B. JAMES CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,119.25 USING THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND. WHEREAS; Change Order #5 in the amount of $18,119.25 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 Project includes creation of DOTD items not in original contract as well as the increase and decrease of existing bid items; and WHEREAS; increase and decrease of these new and existing items required 40 additional days to be added to J.B. James Construction, LLC contract; and WHEREAS; the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund will be used to for all costs associated with Change Order #5 increasing the contract price to J.B. James Construction, LLC by $18,119.25. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #5. 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 increase expenditures for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 by $18,119.25 and decrease Fund Balance by $18,119.25. 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. Jeff Darby and adopted on this the 21st day of February, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 1, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. 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 to amend Article II of Section 110.43 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Bossier City, “Operation of Vehicles,” to specifically regulate Motor Vehicle Noise and establishing an area of “Prohibition of Unmuffled Compression Brakes, Engine Brakes or Jake Braking” on Benton Road (Exhibit A) and providing penalties for violation thereof and authorizing the City Administration to apply to the Louisiana State Department of Transportation and Development to request permitting for the installation of Regulatory Signage on said State Louisiana Highways. (Final Reading) (Patrick) By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend Ordinance to include a portion of Hwy. 71from I-20 to the Southern City Limits, A portion of Hwy. 3105 from Shed Road to the Northern City Limits and a portion of Hwy. 3 from Shed Road to the Northern City Limits. Seconded by Mr. Smith Council discussed areas they would like to see added to the Ordinance. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to reintroduce Ordinance as amended. Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous. New Business – Agenda Item called - Introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Caddo Bossier Port Commission. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to continue until the March 7, 2023 meeting. Seconded by Mr. Darby Discussion from Council members on issue and need to get more information, Clinton Patrick, Engineering explained how it would affect South Bossier and Mr. Montgomery explained need for Ordinance. Audience members David Crockett discussed issue and asked for more details and John Settle asked if first reading would be on March 7, 2023. Clerk reported it would be first reading on March 7, 2023. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $350,000.00 from the 2017 LCDA Bond Fund to acquire a new Point of Sale System and provide additional Information System Upgrades at Brookshire Grocery Arena. Seconded by Mr. Smith Mr. Hammons and Mr. Patrick discussed life of system and availability of equipment. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve the placement in the official Minutes the reappointment of James A. Newman as a College List Board Member of the Bossier City Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. This reappointment if effective March 6, 2023 and will expire on March 6, 2026. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waivers for Stallion Sprint – April 1, 2023 Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director, went over monthly Finance Report for month ending January 2023. She noted they haven’t closed out 2022 yet as they were still waiting on invoices. She reported that the city if running 60% over budget in Revenues and 18% under budget in Expenses. Clinton Patrick, Engineering Department, went over monthly Project Report. H spoke on the ongoing city projects and private subdivision development. He reported Hwy. 71 Lighting Project was waiting on light poles, Swan Lake Traffic signal is waiting on equipment and that the Carriageway is running 42 days ahead of schedule. Announcements – There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Darby adjourned the meeting at 4:01PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: March 1, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune