City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 27, 2023 The City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, met in Special session in Council Chambers, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, June 27, 2023 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery D. Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Vince Maggio Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable, President Jeffery D. Darby, Honorable Councilors Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Don Williams, Jeff Free and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilor David Montgomery, Jr. Also Present: Mayor, Thomas H. Chandler, City Attorney, Charles Jacobs, City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw and Deputy Clerk, Amyanna Germany City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw, read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting and stated why a Special Meeting was called. By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Minutes of June 6, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 64 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #6, #7, & #8 FOR THE WALTER O. BIGBY CARRIAGEWAY PHASE 2 PROJECT WITH J.B. JAMES CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $289,099.22 USING THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND. WHEREAS; Change Order #6 in the amount of $190,547.28 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 Project includes increasing the quantity of the item for Mechanically Stabilized Wall (MSE wall), create a new item for material escalation and engineering fees, and create item for additional structural excavation and backfill. These costs are associated with the redesign of the MSE Wall because of the City’s agreement to build Citizens Bank Drive extension; and WHEREAS; Change order #7 in the amount of $74,650.84 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 Project includes revising the traffic signal mast arm lengths of 3 of the signal locations, while allowing Bossier City Traffic Engineering division to stockpile the designed traffic signal mast arms to utilize throughout City; and WHEREAS; Change Order #8 in the amount of $23,901.10 for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase 2 Project includes creating an item for a 4” wide solid line temporary pavement marking using Type 1 removable tape. This material is used for temporary striping placed on permanent pavement where the temporary marking is not placed in the final location; and WHEREAS; the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund will be used for all costs associated with Change Orders #6, #7, and #8 increasing the contract price to J.B. James Construction, LLC by $289,099.22. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #6, #7, and #8. 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 $289,099.22 and decrease Fund Balance by $289,099.22. 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 27th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on July 5, 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: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ____________________________ _____________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 65 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 Ford Crown Victoria VIN# 2FAHP71V79X100554 WHEREAS, vehicle #1 2009 Ford Crown Victoria VIN# 2FAHP71V79X100554 is a high mileage vehicle and is 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 Minden Police 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 27th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on July 5, 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: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 66 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR THE 2021 CITYWIDE STRIPING PROJECT. WHEREAS; additional striping is necessary throughout the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS; funding is available to complete the additional striping as required WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City takes pride in ensuring the safety of its citizens by addressing and maintaining citywide striping; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to adopt an Ordinance to amend the contract for a total contract price of $975,000.00. 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 27th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on July 5, 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: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 67 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR THE CITY WIDE STREET IMPROVEMENT PHASE II PROJECT FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,118,879.21. WHEREAS; it has been assessed that additional work was necessary; and WHEREAS; an increased amount of $78,602.21 is to be added to the contract price to allow for the additional work; and  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order 2 for the City Wide Street Improvement Phase II Project for a total contract price of $1,118,879.21; and 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on July 5, 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: ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 68 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANLDER 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. WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana operating through the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recommend and request that the City of Bossier City amend the above entitled cooperative endeavor agreement to allow certain remote employees to be included in the definition of “employees” and/or “jobs” to allow for qualification for certain Louisiana State payroll tax exemptions; 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 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on July 5, 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: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 69 Of 2023 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 __________________________________________________________________________ BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2023 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the City of Bossier City, Louisiana: MILLAGE Mill Key #5078001 General Alimony (Bossier City) 5.57 Mills Mill Key #5078002 Fire & Police Departments 8.32 Mills Mill Key #5078004 Fire & Police Salaries 5.98 Mills Mill Key #5078005 Fire and Police Departments 2.71 Mills BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the proper administrative officials be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll for the year 2023, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. 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 27th day of June, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on July 5, 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: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President ______________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called: Public Hearing for Reprogramming of CDBG Funds. Mr. Darby called the meeting to order. Bob Brown, Community Services Director, spoke on need to move funds around that were currently being used. President Darby opened the floor for public comments. Hearing no comments, Mr. Darby closed the Public Hearing at 3:12 PM. New Business – RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDEMENT TO THE FY 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 ACTION PLANS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND THE CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT (PUBLIC LAW 116-1360 (CARES ACT) . 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 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; The Coronavirus Aid, Relief And Economic Security Act (Cares Act) (Public Law 116-136) that makes available supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for grants to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus: 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 possess legal authority to apply for this grant amendment: 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 to transfer funds in the following amounts: Funding will be transferred from the following activities: Funding will be transferred from the following: Name FY HUD# ID# Amount Elderly Ombudsman Program 2019 415 0011 $4,968.36 MCDC Homebuyer Education & Financial Literacy 2020 438 0013 $8,168.00 Compassion for Lives 2020 441 0018 $5,100.00 Low Income Youth Program 2019 412 0008 $1,662.00 Low Income Youth Sports Program 2020 433 0008 $2,894.00 Plant a Seed Youth Foundation 2020 439 0014 $320.45 VOA Lighthouse 2021 451 0006 $369.92 Plant a Seed in our Youth Foundation 2021 457 0012 $424.18 Dress for Success 2021 458 0013 $4,665.00 Compassion for Lives 2021 459 0014 $2,281.92 TOTAL: $30,853.83 $30,853.83 will be transferred to the FY 2022 Lead Paint Name FY HUD# ID# Amount Owner Lead Paint 2019 408 0004 $30,853.83 Location: Community Wide Total New Funding Amount: $43,928.00 + $30,853.83= $74,781.83 Outcome/Objective Number: 14I Lead Based/Lead Hazard Test/Abate Performance Indicator: Number of households that have been assisted by Lead Paint Mitigation and Abatement Rehabilitation Regulatory Cites: 24 CFR 570.202(f) Funding will be transferred from the following: Name FY HUD# ID# Amount CV-Planning and Administration 2019 425 21 $40,000 Funding will be transferred to the following: Name FY HUD# ID# Amount CV-Special Needs Transportation 2019 422 18 $40,000 Location: Community Wide Total New Funding Amount: $15.000.00 + $40,000.00 = $55,000.00 Outcome/Objective Number: O5E Transportation Services Performance Indicator: Number of Persons that have been assisted by CV-Special Needs Transportation Regulatory Cites: 24CFR 570.201(e) 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda called: Motion to introduce and Ordinance to Repeal Ord. 76 of 2019. By: Mr. Williams Motion to continue Ordinance until August 15, 2023, Regular Meeting. Seconded by Mr. Smith Mayor Chandler spoke on issue and the delay and had Amanda Nottingham, CAO speak on the City’s position and opinion by a third party hired by the Administration to review. Council members spoke on Ordinances and need for oversight. Mr. Hammons requested an Attorney General’s Opinion. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract Shreveport Communications to provide maintenance for a variety of City systems. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons asked Ms. Williamson, Finance Director if this was already budgeted or increase. She reported it was currently in budget. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 58 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER 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 Recreation Maintenance Worker 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. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to nominate and elect Jeff Free for Bossier City Council President effective July 1, 2023 thru June 30, 2024 Seconded by Mr. Darby Mr. Free thanked the Council. No further comments Motion carried with following vote: Yeas: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio Nays: none Absent: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Abstain: Mr. Free By: Mr. Hammons  Motion to nominate and elect Chris Smith for Bossier City Council Vice President effective July 1, 2023 thru June 30, 2024 Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Smith thanked the Council for the faith they have instilled in him. No further comments Motion carried with following vote: Yeas: Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays: none Absent: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Abstain: Mr. Smith By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Right of Entry Agreement related to the construction of the new Jimmie Davis Bridge. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons and Mr. Jacobs spoke on Ordinance. Mayor Chandler reported bridge would still happen. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item called: Adopt a Resolution ratifying the State of Emergency declared in the City of Bossier City by Mayor Thomas H. Chandler due to severe weather and power outages that occurred on June 16, 2023. Mr. Hammons thanked Department Heads and Fire and Police for a fantastic job during storm response and their professionalism. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 59 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY BY MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER AND POWER OUTAGES THAT OCCURRED ON JUNE 16, 2023. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, as Thomas H. Chandler, Mayor of the City of Bossier City has declared on June 16, 2023 that a state of emergency does exist within the corporate limits of the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, John Bel Edwards, the Governor of the State of Louisiana, likewise has declared that a state of emergency does exist in Bossier Parish on the same day aforesaid; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in Special Session does hereby adopt this Resolution Ratifying the State of Emergency declared in the City of Bossier City by Mayor Thomas H. Chandler due to the extreme weather event that occurred on June 16, 2023 that caused wide spread power outages, damage to public and private property and destruction of the right of ways. 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. Brian Hammons and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted:  RESOLUTION NO. 60 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A LABORER I DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to the hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Customer Service Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire a Laborer I, due to a resignation in the Customer Service Department, with no impact to the existing budget. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 61 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER 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 Recreation Maintenance Worker 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. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 27th day of June, 2023. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 62 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL A LABORER I POSITION IN THE SOLID WASTE DIVISION AND TO FILL AN EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I POSITION IN STREETS AND DRAINAGE DUE TO RESIGNATION AND BACKFILL ANY POSITION LEFT VACANT 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, there are two vacant positions due to resignations: WHEREAS, the administration and the department assures that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded. NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained the administration is hereby authorizing Public Works to fill these vacant positions. The above and foregoing Resolution 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 27th day of June, 2023. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeffery D. Darby, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director, gave Council Monthly Finance Report. She noted that Revenues were up 30% over budget, Expenses were 9% below budget and Sales Taxes were down .5% from the same time last year. Ben Rauschenbach, Engineering Department, gave Council the Monthly Project Report. He updated that the contractor is still waiting on light poles to finish the Hwy. 71 Lighting Project and that the City currently has 72 Million in ongoing project design and construction. Mayor Chandler and Louis Johnson gave update on recent Storms, Storm related challenges and lessons and Storm debris cleanup. Council members thanked the Administration and staff for their hard work and communication during the past week and offered suggestions for any future disasters. Mayor Chandler thanked his Department heads and City staff for their hard work and working together during the days after the storms. Mr. Darby thanked City Clerk for her assistance during his year as Council President. He also thanked Council and Mayor for their cooperation during his tenure. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Darby adjourned the meeting at 4:06PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: July 5, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune