City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JUNE 6, 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, June 6, 2023 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, Vice President Jeffery Darby, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Don Williams, Jeff Free and Vince Maggio Also Present: Mayor, Thomas H. Chandler, Assistant City Attorney, Richard Ray and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw, read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Minutes of May 23, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. William No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Agenda item called – Witness opening of sealed bids for Bid #P23-08 – 2023 On-Demand Concrete Repairs for Public Utilities James R. Martin Building & Remodeling $170,250.00 RVP Construction, Inc. $210,050.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – By: Mr. Hammons Motion to continue Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance to approve change order #6, #7, & #8 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase II Project with J.B. James Construction, LLC for an increase in the amount of $289,099.22 using the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund until the June 20, 2023 meeting. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Ordinance offered and adopted:  ORDINANCE NO. 60 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023 GENERAL FUND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING BUDGET BY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000.00) INCREASING EXPENDITURES FOR STREET LIGHT REPAIR AND GUARD RAIL REPAIR. WHEREAS; Ordinance 107 of 2022 appropriated $150,000 for purchasing street light poles in the Traffic Engineering Department; and WHEREAS; the City has incurred over $48,000 in newly damaged poles and guard rails in 2023; and WHEREAS; the City’s Risk Management Department is seeking payment for those damages; and WHEREAS; the Traffic Engineering Department stock of materials has been depleted and is in need of additional materials; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City takes pride in ensuring roadway lighting is addressed and maintained in a timely fashion; 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 funding the repairs of guardrails. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate $150,000 from the General Fund for Street Light Repairs and Guard Rail Repairs. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2023 General Fund Traffic Engineering Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for Street Light Repair and Maintenance by $120,000 and Guard Rail Repair and Maintenance by $30,000 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 6th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 14, 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. 61 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000.00) FROM THE JAIL AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING FUND – FUND BALANCE TO REMODEL FIRE STATION # 6 ON RIVERSIDE DRIVE FOR THE BOSSIER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT – SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNITS. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Fire Station # 6 is currently not in use; and  WHERAS, Bossier City Police Department is in need of a space for their Special Investigation Units; and WHERAS, this space will house specialized equipment, police units and personnel; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that a budget amendment be added for the Jail and Municipal Building Fund 2023 budget to appropriate five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) to remodel Fire Station # 6 on Riverside Drive for the Bossier City Police Department – Special Investigation Units and decrease Fund Balance by five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00). The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 6th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 14, 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 Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance amending the 2023 General Fund budget to appropriate additional funds for Police and Fire Department salaries and benefits. Discussion among Council Members on this Ordinance and future needs. Mr. Darby thanked Mr. Montgomery for finding the funding source for this money. Mr. Darby asked both Chiefs to report how they would use funds. Each Chief gave update on how funds would be used. Bossier Parish Resident, David Crockett spoke on Ordinance, information he’s gathered and the need to do more for salaries. Council thanked Chiefs for doing great job. After the vote, Mayor Chandler thanked Council for vote. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 62 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023 GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SALARIES AND BENEFITS. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Bossier City is expecting continued growth; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Police Department is in need of additional officers to maintain the current level of services provided; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Fire Department is experiencing an increased amount of calls and; WHEREAS, additional funds are needed to pay overtime; 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 Police Department Salaries and Benefits $250,000.00 and Fire Department Salaries and Benefits $250,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance $500,000.00 The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free and adopted on this the 6th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 14, 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 Agenda item called - Adopt an Ordinance amending Ordinance 76 of 2019 which 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 Labor including Temporary or Contractual Employment. Council members discussed Ordinance and possible changes due to the Ordinance that was just passed to hire more officers. Mr. Ray discussed City’s position on Ordinance. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 63 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 76 OF 2019 WHICH 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 LABOR INCLUDING TEMPORARY OR CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYMENT. WHEREAS, the Bossier City Council still desires to limit the expansion of the budget by approving any and all hiring for labor prior to the employment of the individual; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Police and Fire Departments are having trouble maintaining employment numbers and miss training deadlines due to the need to pass Resolutions thru City Council prior to hiring new recruits or granting promotions; and WHEREAS, both the Bossier City Police and Fire Departments have submitted a list (Exhibit A) of all currently approved manning numbers and positions and request to be allowed to maintain those numbers without the need for individual Resolutions; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Police and Fire Departments will still be required to obtain a Resolution or Ordinance for any additional positions, promotions or increase in manning not listed in Exhibit A; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that effective upon the passage of this ordinance that the Bossier City Fire and Police Departments are exempt from the Resolution requirement and will now be allowed to hire and promote consistently to keep the approved manning numbers and ranks listed in Exhibit A, but must provide a written report to the Council monthly on all hiring and promotions. 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 6th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 14, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance recognizing the attached list of Marshal vehicles surplus to the needs of the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Report of Change Order 2 for the 2021 Citywide Striping Project. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons asked for clarification on Change Order. Mr. Patrick reported money is available and good price on contract. No further comment. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve change order 2 for the City Wide Street Improvements Phase II Project for a total contract price of $1,118,879.21. Seconded by Mr. Smith Bossier City resident, David Crockett asked questions on change order and City’s pledge to spend 3 Million per year on roads. Mr. Patrick reported on the change order and that city does about 2.5- 2.7 miles of street repairs each year with the 3 Million dollar budget. 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 the attached First Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Bossier Parish Police Jury, Cyberspace Innovation Center, Inc., D/B/A Cyber Innovation Center and General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Questions from Council Members on Cooperative Endeavor Agreement this Ordinance is referencing. Mr. Ray gave report of information on it he has. Cyber Innovation Center Director, Craig Spohn reported on need for amendment to current Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. Mr. Darby asked about lease agreement with General Dynamics and City for property near old Hibernia Bank building on Benton Road that is now empty. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance levying Ad Valorem taxes on all property subject to taxation by the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, for the year 2023, and providing the manner of Assessment and collection thereof. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Darby had Ms. Williamson to explain the Ordinance. She reported this is the same mills that were collected by City last year and that this Ordinance does not include a mills increase. Bossier Parish Resident, David Crockett asked about what increased amounts would be and Ms. Williamson reported that mills will remain the same. Following vote, Mayor Chandler thanked Council for not increasing Mills. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda item called – Adopt a Resolution to contract with Beast Engineering to provide Design Services for the 2023 Citywide Street Improvements Project. Mr. Darby asked about need to hire this out versus handle it with existing staff. Mr. Rauschenbach reported to the purpose was to get project implemented faster than the City could currently handle. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 54 OF 2023  A RESOLUTION TO CONTRACT WITH BEAST ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE 2023 CITYWIDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. WHEREAS; Ordinance 135 of 2022 appropriated $1,500,000 for the 2023 Citywide Street Improvements; and WHEREAS; Beast Engineering has provided a proposal for providing design services for the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with Beast Engineering for the purposes of providing design services for the 2023 Citywide Street Improvements Project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. 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 6th day of June, 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 NO. 55 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION TO CONTRACT WITH MANCHAC CONSULTING GROUP TO PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF AIRLINE DRIVE NEAR WEMPLE ROAD. WHEREAS; Ordinance 145 of 2022 appropriated $1,500,000 for the rehabilitation of Airline Drive near Wemple Road; and WHEREAS; Manchac Consulting Group has provided a proposal for providing design services for the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with Manchac Consulting Group for the purposes of providing design services for the Airline Drive Rehabilitation Project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 6th day of June, 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 authorizing the hiring or promotion of a Foreman I and backfilling any position this may create for the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Hammons asked about Resolution and allowing other departments same opportunity to to hire without coming before City Council as Police and Fire were just given. Council members debated issue, potential hiring delays, and need for Council budget control. Mayor Chandler spoke on need to have more flexibility on hiring and issues arising from having to wait for Council meetings. Further discussion on reason for the Resolution requirement and any hiring delays following approvals. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 56 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A FOREMAN I AND BACKFILLING ANY POSITION THIS MAY CREATE FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION 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 a Foreman I 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 6th day of June, 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 By: Mr. Smith Motion to select Bossier Press Tribune as the City of Bossier City's Official Journal for a one-year period effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 43:141. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve the Joint Appointment with the Bossier Parish Police Jury, Jeff Thigpen as a representative for the MPC Board to replace Mark Montgomery. Appointment effective upon approval and will expire on April1, 2024 Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Darby adjourned the meeting at 4:00PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: June 14, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune