City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 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, September 19, 2023 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Don Williams Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable, Vice President Chris Smith, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby, Don Williams and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable President, Jeff Free 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. Council Vice President Smith reminded audience about the 2024 Budget Workshop following this Council Meeting. By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Minutes of September 5, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Audience member Wes Marriott objected to wording in the minutes and asked Council to amend. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve agenda Seconded by: Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Agenda Item called - Witness Opening of Sealed Bids - P23-12 Tinsley Park Dugout and Backstop Improvements Bid Alt. #1 Alt. #2 Alt. #3 Boggs & Poole Contracting Group, Inc $951,900 $128,075 $ 52,050 $21,300 Delta Specialty Contractors $885,700 $222,310 $233,000 $30,000 McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc. $960,000 $124,080 $ 46,000 $28,000 By: Mr. Williams Motion to acknowledge the reading of the bids Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Hammons Absent – Mr. Free Abstain – none Agenda Item called - Witness Opening of Sealed Bids - P23-06 Bossier City Water Main Improvements/Water Loops Bid Alt. #1 Alt. #2 Pulley Construction, Inc. $1,219,000.00 $ 97,000.00 $111,000.00 Wicker Construction, Inc $1,177,332.25 $111,743.50 $156,702.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to acknowledge the reading of the bids Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Hammons Absent – Mr. Free Abstain – none Agenda Item called - Witness Opening of Sealed Bids - P23-13 Tinsley Ditch Improvements- Phase II Council members questioned the difference in announced Engineers Estimate versus what was presented on bid sheet. Council will revisit bid opening at end of meeting and allow Purchasing Agent, Denna Beauchemin to get correct information. Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business - The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 96 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 10 FOR THE (LTRI) LOUISIANA TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE BOSSIER WITH AN INCREASE IN PROJECT COST OF $87,170.17 AND TO DECLARE THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 41 of 2020 appropriated $1,000,000.00 to come from the 2016 Sales Tax Bond Issue to Fund Part of the Required $2.5 Million for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment for Construction; and WHEREAS; the State of Louisiana Facility Planning and Control Division of Administration is reimbursing the construction costs at 100%, excluding change orders, and being that there is funds available from Ordinance 41 of 2020 to cover change order increase in Contract price to Boggs & Poole Contracting Group, via Changer Order No. 10 in the amount of $87,170.17; and 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 Construction Contract for an increase in price of $187,170.17 and an increase of fifty-seven (57) calendar days for this project as described and re-appropriate allocation of funding from the furniture, fixtures, and equipment funds. 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. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 19th day of September, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 27, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ _____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 97 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 82 OF 2023 THAT DECLARED THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO RESTORE A COLLAPSED SEWER MAIN ALONG BARDOT LANE ADDING AN ADDITIONAL $50,000.00 TO THE PROJECT TO COME FROM SEWER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS. WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department responded to an emergency sewer main collapse on Bardot Lane requiring immediate action to restore the gravity sewer collection system; and WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department needs emergency support to make the repair due to the size, scale, depth, and repair location; and WHEREAS, Ordinance 82 of 2023 appropriated $600,000 from the Sewer Capital Contingency Fund; and WHEREAS, the total cost to complete the project is estimated to cost an additional $50,000.00; and WHEREAS, an additional $50,000.00 shall be appropriated from the Sewer Capital Contingency Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to appropriate an additional $50,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to supplement Ordinance 82 of 2023 to be used for the purpose of making repairs to restore the sewer collection system on Bardot Lane; and authorizes the City to enter into any necessary contracts for completion of the work. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2023 Sewer Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for required repairs by $50,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $50,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 19th day of September, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 27, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ _____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 98 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE ON A TRACT OF LAND ZONED B-2 (LIMITED BUSINESS) LOCATED AT 1605 BENTON ROAD, SUITES B AND C, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA FOR A PRIVATE EVENT CENTER. WHEREAS; Douglas Smith, Bossier Remodeling, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use approval classified as a Private Event Center in the Unified Development Code and being located at 1605 Benton Road, Suites B and C, Bossier City, LA; and WHEREAS; Douglas Smith, Bossier Remodeling, requested to extend the hours of operation during events to 12:00 am; and WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on August 28, 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; and WHEREAS; the Conditional Use approval shall expire after One (1) year from the date of approval unless the project has begun or the applicant re-submits a complete Conditional Use review application to the MPC. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use, for Douglas Smith, Bossier Remodeling, located at 1605 Benton Road, Suites B ad C, 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 19th day of September, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 27, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ _____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-USE-000160-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 99 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL AT AN EVENT CENTER, SCENE DESIGNS LLC, LOCATED AT 1605 BENTON ROAD, SUITES B AND C, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA WHEREAS; Douglas Smith, Bossier Remodeling, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for on-premise consumption of high and low content alcohol, at an event center, Scene Designs LLC, located at 1605 Benton Road, Suites B and C, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on August 28, 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 Approval for on premise consumption of high and low content alcohol, at an event center, Scene Designs LLC, located at 1605 Benton Road, Suites B and C, 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. Don Williams and adopted on this the 19th day of September, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 27, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ _____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000161-2023 The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 79 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK III DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN SALES TAX 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 Sales Tax 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 an Account Clerk III, due to a resignation in the Sales Tax 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. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 19th day of September, 2023. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 80 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING OFF-SYSTEM BRIDGE PROGRAM COMPLIANCE FOR 2023-2024 FOR THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA WHEREAS, the Code of Federal Regulations as enacted by the United States Congress mandates that all structures defined as bridges located on all public roads shall be inspected and rated for safe load capacity and posted in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards, and that an inventory of these bridges be maintained by each State; and WHEREAS, responsibility to inspect, rate, and load post these bridges under the authority of Bossier City in accordance with those Standards is delegated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to Bossier Parish, and is delegated by Bossier Parish to Bossier City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing authority of Bossier City (herein referred to as the City), that the City in regular meeting assembled does hereby certify to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (herein referred to as the DOTD), to qualify for program participation for the period of 1 October, 2023, through 30 September, 2024: 1. The City has performed all interim inspections on all City owned or maintained bridges in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards. 2. All bridges owned or maintained by the City have been structurally analyzed and rated by the City as to the safe load capacity in accordance with AASHTO Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges. The load posting information that has been determined by the LA DOTD for all bridges, where the maximum legal load under Louisiana State law exceeds the load permitted under the operating rating as determined above, has been critically reviewed by the City. Load posting information has been updated by the City to reflect all structural changes, any obsolete structural ratings or any missing structural ratings. 3. All City owned or maintained bridges which require load posting or closings are load posted or closed in accordance with the table in the DOTD Engineering Directives and Standards Manual Directive No. 1.1.1.8. All DOTD supplied load posting information concerning a bridge has been critically reviewed by the City prior to load posting. 4. All bridges owned or maintained by the City are shown on the attached list in the format specified by the DOTD. Corrections to data supplied to the City by the LA DOTD are noted. These stipulations are prerequisites to participation by Bossier Parish and Bossier City in the Off- System Bridge Replacement Programs. 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 19th day of September, 2023. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Hammons Motion to adopt a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current City Charter of the City of Bossier City; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Seconded by Mr. Smith Audience members David Crockett, Wes Marriott and Alice Boyer spoke in favor of Resolution and urged Council members to pass. Council members Mr. Hammons and Mr. Smith spoke in favor of Resolution and urged Council to vote in favor. Mr. Smith and Mr. Jacobs discussed City’s next steps in legal process. Mayor Chandler spoke in favor and urged Council members to pass. No further comment Motion failed with following vote: Yeas – Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Williams Absent – Mr. Free Abstain – none By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver Bossier High School Homecoming Parade, October 19,2023. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver Veterans for Veterans, November 11, 2023. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Williams left the meeting at 3:35 PM Agenda Item called - Witness Opening of Sealed Bids - P23-13 Tinsley Ditch Improvements- Phase II Purchasing Agent – Denna Beauchemin reported that the corrected Engineer’s estimate is $270,000 Bid 3 Gen Construction, LLC $232,559.00 Beaty Logging Company, Inc. $174,508.50 CW&W Contractors, Inc. $300,484.31 ERS, Inc. $413,892.00 Pulley Construction, Inc. $222,000.00 By: Mr. Hammons Motion to take bids under advisement. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports - Ben Rauschenbach, Engineering Department, went over the monthly Project Report. He noted that the Hwy. 71 Lighting Project is about 95% complete and waiting on Swepco to energize poles. He also went over Elm Grove Ditch, Tinsley Park Parking Improvements and various private development projects. Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed Golden Meadows, Hwy. 71 turn lane project. Angela Williamson, Finance Director, went over the monthly Finance Report. She noted that Revenues were 27% above budget, Expenses were at 5% below budget and Sales taxes were up 17.8% from same period last year. Announcements Mr. Smith announced that they were taking short break and the Budget Workshop would start at 3:55 PM . There being no further business to come before this Council, Council Vice President Smith adjourned the meeting at 3:47PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: September 27, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune