City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING APRIL 4, 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, April 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith 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. Hammons Motion to approve Minutes of March 21, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Free 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 – Council welcomed Airline High School State Champion Wrestler, Ernie Perry. Councilman Montgomery, Jr. and Mayor Chandler presented Mr. Perry with a Proclamation. Mr. Perry has won 4 State Championships in wrestling in 4 different weight classes. Council welcomed Bossier High School Boys State Champion Basketball Team. Mayor Chandler and Councilman Williams presented the Coach and a Proclamation and had each player to introduce themselves. Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – Agenda item called – Adopt an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Caddo Bossier Parishes Port Commission. Discussion and questions from Council Members, Mr. England with the Port Commission, City Attorney, Jacobs, Ben Rauschenbach and Mayor. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 35 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED JOINT COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CADDO BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION.  WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City and Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission desire to enter into a Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement whereby the City will supply water and waste water treatment services to the Port; and WHEREAS, said agreement is mutually beneficial to both Parties and will promote economic development of both the City and the Port; and WHEREAS, said agreement will improve the overall water quality of the southern area of the City of Bossier City; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute the attached Joint Cooperative Endeavor 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. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Darby and Mr. Williams ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ ___________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 36 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANLDER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED JOINT COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH NINNA’S ROAD TO RESCUE AND ROCKERS RESCUE. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City by and thru the Department of Public Works operates and maintains an animal control shelter for the purposes of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City; and WHEREAS, the City is charged pursuant to certain agreements to take possession and house animals from outside the corporate limits of the City; and WHEREAS, said shelter is in a constant overcrowded state due to the number of animals said shelter is charged to accept; and WHEREAS, in an effort to further promote the rescue and/or adoption of said animals and to avoid euthanasia of said animals; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to enter into the attached Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “A” with Ninna’s Road to Rescue and Rockers Rescue non-profit Rescue/Adoption Organization. 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. Don Williams and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 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. 37 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING THE ATTACHED LIST OF BOSSIER CITY MARSHAL VEHICLES SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY.  WHEREAS, the Bossier City Marshal’s Office owns and is in possession of the following listed vehicles: 1. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN # 1GNEC03089R263569 WHEREAS, vehicle #1 (2009 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN #1GNEC03089R263569 is a high mileage vehicle and are no longer fit for use by the Bossier City Marshal Office; and WHEREAS, the condition and high mileage rates of vehicle #1 makes it unfit and impractical for sale at auction; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council declares said vehicle #1 surplus to the needs of the City and hereby grants the Bossier City Marshal office the authority to donate said vehicle to the Benton Fire Department. City Marshal, Jimmie A. Whitman shall be further authorized to execute any and all documentation necessary to effect said donations; and 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 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 New Business – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 38 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R-LD (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) TO B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) BEING 0.2 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED AT 803 MASON DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUSIANA FOR A COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-LD (Residential Low Density) to B-3 (General Business) for the following: 0.2 acres, more or less, located at 803 Mason Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana, more particularly described as: Westgate Terrace, Tract C. 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 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 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 C-ZON-000175-2023  The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 39 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT, DRAGO’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT 777 MARGARITAVILLE WAY, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Stephen Fullilove, Magaritaville Casino & Resort, has applied to the Bossier City- Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption at a restaurant, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, located at 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on March 13, 2023; 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 retail sales of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. 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. Don Williams and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 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 C-ALC-000027-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 40 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT, THE PORT GRILL, LOCATED AT 2113 AIRLINE DRIVE, SUITE 600, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Ryan Hope, The Port Grill, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption at a restaurant located at 2113 Airline Drive, Suite 600, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on March 13, 2023; 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 retail sales of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 2113 Airline Drive, Suite 600, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. 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. Don Williams and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 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 C-ALC-000021-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 41 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT, THE THREE AMIGOS, LOCATED AT 375 BOARDWALK BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; William Bradford, Blanchard, Walker, O’Quinn and Roberts, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption at a restaurant located at 375 Boardwalk Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on March 20 2023; 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 retail sales of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 375 Boardwalk Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 12, 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 C-ALC-000044-2023 By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute any and all documents necessary for the City of Bossier City to lease a 21.186 acre tract of land to Chasing Aces Sports Entertainment, LLC for the appraised value pursuant to La. R. S. 33:4712. Seconded by: Mr. Maggio John Dudley, Project Developer thanked Council for consideration No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute any and all documents necessary for the sale of 5.33 acres in Stockwell Subdivision to Chasing Aces Sports Entertainment, LLC for appraised value pursuant to La. R. S. 33:4712. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Discussion about the legal description. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) from the EMS Capital and Contingency Fund for the purchase of 40 new portable radios for the Bossier City Fire Department. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of the Treasury and State of Louisiana. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 37 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A LABORER I FOR MIKE WOOD PARK AND BACKFILLING ANY POSITION THIS MAY CREATE FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 21 of 2018 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, the position of a Laborer I for Mike Wood Park is vacant due to promotion, retirement, resignation or 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. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. 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 Items called – adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of a Public Information Officer Council members asked the Mayor to include them in the process since the Public Information Officer would also work for Council. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 38 OF 2023 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 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 of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. 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 establishing a Community Needs Committee/Coalition. Mr. Darby explained Committee and answered questions from Mayor and other Council members. Tamara Crane with Council on Aging spoke on issue and also asked questions. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 39 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A COMMUNITY NEEDS COMMITTEE/COALITION __________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Bossier City has populations of Citizens that are underserved and there is a need to find ways to better meet the needs of these residents; and WHEREAS, among those in need are senior citizens, homeless and those experiencing barriers to basic human needs, including but not limited to financial difficulties; and WHEREAS, Bossier City owns the current Council on Aging facility and it is in need of rebuilding, relocation or major upgrades and Bossier City would benefit from a new Council on Aging facility along with a short-term “temporary shelter” only for use during severe inclement weather as warned by Office of Homeland Security or National Weather Service; and WHEREAS, adopting a Community Needs Committee/Coalition will help find innovative ways to relocate and build a new Council on Aging facility and work with Stakeholders and Community leaders to possibly expand the new facility to provide feeding services for those in need and short-term temporary shelter during warned inclement weather; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Community Needs Committee of the City Council shall be established consisting of the Councilman Vince Maggio, Councilman Don Williams and the President of the Council or his designee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the committee shall work with volunteer Stakeholders and Community Leaders and pursue the various avenues of funding, locations, staffing and offer a plan for implementation of any recommendation. 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 4th day of April, 2023. 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 establishing a Police Research and Resource Committee. Mr. Darby explained Committee and answered questions from Mayor and other Council members By: Mr. Smith Motion to change to a First Responder Committee Seconded by Mr. Williams No further comment Motion in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A FIRST RESPONDERS RESEARCH AND RESOURCE COMMITTEE __________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Bossier City has annexed properties and added citizens and police and Fire protection for all of Bossier including these new areas and citizens are a necessity; and WHEREAS, due to budget constraints police manpower hasn’t increased enough to meet the demands of Bossier City residents and growth; and WHEREAS, adopting a First Responder Research and Resource Committee will help find innovative ways to improve salaries, increase manpower and also provide better long range planning for needs of the citizens of Bossier City, the Bossier City Police Department and the Bossier City Fire Department. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that First Responder Research and Resource Committee shall be established consisting of the Councilman Vince Maggio, Councilman Chris Smith and the President of the Council or his designee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the committee shall pursue the various avenues of funding, staffing, citizens needs and offer a plan for implementation of any recommendation. 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 4th day of April, 2023. 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 41 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A UTILITY WORKER FOR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION DIVISION IN PUBLIC UTILTIES. 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 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 of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 4th day of April, 2023. 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 Announcements – Mayor thanked Council for their vote on Port CEA and thinks it’s a win for the City and also reported that the Diamond Jacks Property has been sold and is excited about the new owner and their plans. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Darby adjourned the meeting at 4:27PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: April 12, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune