City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 15, 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, August 15, 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 Jeff Free, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby, Don Williams and Vince Maggio Also Present: Mayor, Thomas H. Chandler, City Attorney Charles Jacobs, Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw, read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting. Mayor Chandler presented Proclamation to LSU Women’s Championship Basketball player and Bossier City Resident – Emily Ward. With this Proclamation, the Mayor declared August 15, 2023, Emily Ward Day and presented her with a key to the City. Mr. Free recognized the Bossier Youth Leadership students and had them to introduce themselves. Mr. Jacobs updated audience and Council on the recent legal opinion from attorney Katie Bell and also his opinion on the petition the Council received calling for term limits. He advised Council the next step would be for them to ask for an expedited Attorney General’s Opinion on the legality of the Register of Voters certification. He also noted other possible issues he sees with the petition. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Minutes of August 1, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to amend the agenda to add New Business #16 - Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Bossier City Council to request an opinion from the Louisiana Attorney General regarding the validity of the petition delivered on July 10, 2023 by the Bossier Term Limits Coalition. (First and Final Reading) (Jacobs) This item is requested to be added on following receipt of Attorney recommendations and the time sensitivity. Seconded by: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Hammons reminded the Council he had been asking for this all along. Further discussion by Mr. Hammons, Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Mr. Jacobs on events leading to this request. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to amend the agenda to remove New Business #6 and New Business #11 from the agenda. Seconded by Mr. Darby Mr. Smith made statement about getting to final resolution regardless if Council or citizens move it forth. Mr. Montgomery spoke about Charter Commission discussions that are being held with attorneys but wants to make sure it’s done correctly and legally. No further comment Motion carried with the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays: Mr. Smith Absent: none Abstain: none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve agenda as amended. Seconded by: Mr. Maggio David Johnson spoke against Agenda changes. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – None Bids – Agenda item called – Witness Opening of Sealed Bids –Bid #P23-11 – Bardot Sewer Rehabilitation Bid David Lawler Construction $624,405.00 Pulley Construction, Inc. $587,700.00 By: Mr. Smith Motion to take bids under advisement Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Smith and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed this project. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 84 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO COVER CONSTRUCTION COST FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ALONG SCOTT STREET FOR A TOTAL OF $50,000.00 TO COME FROM FUND 496 – 2016 SALES TAX BOND FUND. WHEREAS; Scott Street is in need of drainage improvements to address minor flooding issues; and WHEREAS; the opinion of probable costs for improving the drainage along Scott Street is $50,000; and WHEREAS; $50,000 may be appropriated from Fund 496 – 2016 Sales Tax Bond Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby appropriate $50,000.00 to come from Fund 496 – 2016 Sales Tax Bond Fund to cover the construction costs for drainage improvements along Scott Street. 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. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 85 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER 1 FOR THE 2023 ON-DEMAND CONCRETE PROJECT WITH AN INCREASE OF $140,000.00 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $786,450.00. WHEREAS; the On-Demand Concrete project was bid out to Dale’s Paving for $645,450.00; and WHEREAS; Change Order 1, of $140,000.00, includes required additional street panels, per the specifications; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order 1 for the 2023 On-Demand Concrete project with an increase of $140,000.00 for a total contract price of $786,450.00. 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. Don Williams and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 86 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2023 WATER FUND BUDGET ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Bossier City Charter Section 6.06 Additional appropriations and budget amendments requires that additional appropriations be made by amending the respective budgets by ordinance; and WHEREAS, the water treatment facility has seen an increase in water production in 2023 due to warmer temperatures and supplying water to Barksdale Airforce Base; and WHEREAS, the price of chemicals, laboratory testing, and electricity required to treat City water have increased and it is estimated that additional appropriations of $910,000 for Water Fund are needed to cover operational costs for the remainder of the fiscal year; and  WHEREAS, the 2023 Water Fund operating budget needs to be amended to appropriate additional funding to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover anticipated expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby amend the 2023 Water Fund operating budget to increase the appropriations in division 63 Water Treatment Plant for Chemicals by $650,000, Electricity by $200,000, and Laboratory Testing by $60,000 and decrease net position by $910,000. 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 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 87 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $30,000 FROM THE ARENA CAPITAL FUND TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL PARKING GATES AT THE BROOKSHIRE GROCERY ARENA AND COVER ALL PROJECT COSTS. WHEREAS, public safety is a priority at the Brookshire Grocery Arena; and WHEREAS, gates are needed at six specific access points around the Arena to prevent ram terrorism; and WHEREAS, the total cost of the gates and required installation is approximately $30,000. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City does hereby appropriate $30,000.00 to come from the Arena Capital Fund to be used for the purpose of purchasing and installing parking gates at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. 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 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called – Public Hearing concerning the City’s application to the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program. Mr. Free opened the public hearing and Police Chief Haugen spoke on grant. Mr. Free asked for any public comments. Hearing no comments, Mr. Free closed the hearing at 3:39PM New Business – By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to combine MPC items #1-4 into one reading. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda Item called – Adopt an Ordinance approving a Conditional Use for the sale of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at a neighborhood discount store, Family Dollar, located at 2226 East Texas Street, 4100 Barksdale Boulevard, 5350 East Texas Street and 5362 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, LA. Ms. Askew-Brown spoke on results of MPC meeting and the conditions the board placed on a few of the stores. Questions and discussion from Council members. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 88 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT STORE, FAMILY DOLLAR, LOCATED AT 2226 EAST TEXAS STREET, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Decisions Consulting has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for off premise consumption at Family Dollar located at 2226 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on July 10, 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 being: Favorable recommendation by the Bossier Metropolitan Planning Commission with the following conditions:  The alcohol sales floor space be limited to no more than 1.5% of the total interior square footage.  Require a dumpster enclosure for the existing dumpster.  Require compatibility buffer as outlined in Unified Development Code. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for sales of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at Family Dollar, 2226 East Texas Street, 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000101-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 89 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT STORE, FAMILY DOLLAR, LOCATED AT 4100 BARKSDALE BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Decisions Consulting has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for off premise consumption at Family Dollar located at 4100 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on July 10, 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 being: Favorable recommendation by the Bossier Metropolitan Planning Commission with the following condition:  The alcohol sales floor space be limited to no more than 1.5% of the total interior square footage.  Require dumpster enclosure for the existing dumpster. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for sales of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at Family Dollar, 4100 Barksdale 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000105-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 90 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT STORE, FAMILY DOLLAR, LOCATED AT 5350 EAST TEXAS STREET, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Decisions Consulting has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for off premise consumption at Family Dollar located at 5350 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on July 10, 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 being:  The alcohol sales floor space be limited to no more than 1.5% of the total interior square footage. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for sales of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at Family Dollar, 5350 East Texas Street, 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000070-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 91 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT STORE, FAMILY DOLLAR, LOCATED AT 5362 BARKSDALE BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Decisions Consulting has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for off premise consumption at Family Dollar located at 5362 Barksdale Boulevard Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on July 10, 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 being: Favorable recommendation by the Bossier Metropolitan Planning Commission with the following condition:  The alcohol sales floor space be limited to no more than 1.5% of the total interior square footage. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for sales of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at Family Dollar, 5362 Barksdale 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 23, 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 _____________________________ _____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000071-2023 By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to repeal Ord 76 of 2019. Seconded by: Mr. Smith Council members and Mayor discussed this Ordinance and reason 2019 Ordinance was in place. No further comment Motion failed with following votes: Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Absent: none Abstain: none By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending the 2023 General Fund Engineering Budget by Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) increasing expenditures for demolitions in the Property Standards Division. Seconded by: Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $175,000 to cover project costs for lighting improvements at the City Municipal Complex in reference to the Louisiana Public Service Commission Public Entity Energy Efficiency Grant. Seconded by: Mr. Maggio Discussion between Council members and Mr. Patrick about grant, where lights would be and that the City is thankful for the generous amount the City has received from Foster Campbells office thru the Public Service Commission over the years. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating the sum of four million dollars ($4,000,000.00) from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to provide a new Bossier City Senior Center. Seconded by: Mr. Smith Council on Aging Director, Tamara Crane spoke and thanked Council and will still work to get information needed. She and her board have raised $1 Million to put towards this project. Council members and Mr. Jacobs discussed need for project, project history, possible Police Jury funding, Bond stipulations and need for firm plans. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda item called introduce an Ordinance requiring the submission of a monthly report to the City Council of the City of Bossier City concerning changes in city employee compensation. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to continue this item for 30 days. Seconded by Mr. Smith Council discussed if need for this if Ordinance 76 of 2019 is put back into full force. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 66 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CITY’S APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM WHEREAS, any law enforcement initiative funded by the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program; and WHEREAS, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program was implemented by H.R. 3036 and, in part, supports a broad range of law enforcement activities to prevent and control crime; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City possess legal authority to apply for and receive a JAG grant award; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City will make the application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for a joint award, to be shared between the Parish and the City, under this authorization for the purpose of providing extended law enforcement services to the citizens of Bossier City, Louisiana; and WHEREAS, the Mayor of Bossier City names the Chief of Police as his designee for the purpose of signing this grant application and other grant documents; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City, in conjunction with the Bossier City Police Department, agrees to meet all grant requirements and to execute all proposed projects related thereto in a timely manner. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, hereby supports Mayor Thomas Chandler, Chief Executive Officer of Bossier City, and Chief Daniel Haugen, Chief of Police, in making the application for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. 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 15th day of August, 2023. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing one Fire Department Line employee to be replaced in Mid September due to an upcoming retirement on November 18, 2023. Tamara Crane asked for clarification about this item and Chief Zagone explained. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 67 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT LINE EMPLOYEE TO BE REPLACED IN MID SEPTEMBER DUE TO AN UPCOMING RETIREMENT ON NOVEMBER 18, 2023; WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a hiring freeze requiring Bossier City Council approval for the hiring of any personnel; WHEREAS, one vacancy will exist in the Fire Department due to an upcoming retirement and filling this position will allow operations to continue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized to replace one (1) Firefighter 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 15th day of August, 2023. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called - Adopt a Resolution authorizing the removal of one Auto Mechanic I position and adjustment of salaries for Fleet Services personnel and hiring of one Auto Mechanic II position due to resignation in the Fleet Services Department resulting in a net neutral change to the operating budget. By: Mr. Williams Motion to continue item until the August 29, 2023 meeting. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Council members want to meet and talk to Mr. Oar about department needs. Audience member, Wes Marriott, spoke on his displeasure about departments not being able to hire. No further comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas – Mr. Smith, Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Hammons Absent – none Abstain – none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to appoint Donald J. Wilhite to the Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District Board of Commissioners. The term is effective upon date of approval and will expire July 31, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Darby Mr. Smith reported that he asked Mayor to advertise future open positions in case more citizens wanted to volunteer. Mr. Wilhite introduced himself. No further comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Darby Nays – none Absent – none Abstain – Mr. Free Agenda Item called adopt a Resolution authorizing the Bossier City Council to request an opinion from the Louisiana Attorney General regarding the validity of the petition delivered on July 10, 2023 by the Bossier Term Limits Coalition. Mayor Chandler made comments concerning the need for citizens to vote on term limits. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 68 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOSSIER CITY COUNCIL TO REQUEST AN OPINION FROM THE LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF THE PETITION DELIVERED ON JULY 10, 2023 BY THE BOSSIER TERM LIMITS COALITION. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, a petition purportedly seeking a referendum related to the terms of elected officials in the City of Bossier City was delivered to the Bossier City Council on July 10, 2023, a copy of page 1 which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”; and WHEREAS, said petition was certified by the Bossier Parish Registrar of Voters Stephanie Agee on July 10, 2023, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “B” but the City Attorney has obtained an opinion from outside counsel that calls into question the validity of the petition and the certification of same. A copy of the letter from outside counsel is attached hereto as Exhibit “C”; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Council has been advised by its legal counsel that it cannot proceed until the validity of the petition is determined as any action on an invalid or incorrectly certified petition could subject any resulting legislation to be vulnerable to legal challenge and invalidation. With any such challenge resulting in protracted and costly litigation and an unnecessary expenditure of public funds. A copy of the recommendation from the Bossier City Attorney is attached hereto as Exhibit “D”; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Council is in need of an opinion from The Louisiana Attorney General to determine whether the petition of the Bossier Term Limits Coalition is valid or whether it is invalid as it does not include all of the information mandated by La. R. S. 18:3, a copy of the proposed letter to the Attorney General is attached hereto as Exhibit “E”; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in due, regular and legal session convened, does hereby authorize the Bossier City Attorney to request an opinion from the Louisiana Attorney General regarding the validity of the petition delivered on July 10, 2023 by the Bossier Term Limits Coalition. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 15th day of August, 2023. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Reports – none There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 4:20PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: August 23, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune