City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 31, 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, October 31, 2023 at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Brian Hammons Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, 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, Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray, 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. Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – none By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve agenda Seconded by: Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Minutes - By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve Minutes of October 17, 2023, Regular Council Meeting and dispense with the reading Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Agenda item called - Witness Opening of Sealed Bids for P23-15 Municipal Fire Station and Parking Lot Lighting Camus Electric Company $143,510.00 Feazel Electrical Company $177,823.00 Hope Contractors of Shreveport, Inc. $200,000.00 Wilhite Electric Co., Inc $185,135.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of bids Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 115 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2023 SALES TAX CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATION UPGRADES. ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 Traffic Engineering Department has incurred capital expenditures for signalization improvements more than those budgeted for 2023; and WHEREAS, these increases were related to actual costs for the required work increasing beyond pricing as well as software costs not originally accounted for in the budget planning process during the budgeting cycle; and WHEREAS, the 2023 Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund 400 needs to be amended to appropriate $300,000 in additional funding to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover anticipated expenses associated with the Traffic Engineering Communications Upgrades Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate $300,000 to the Traffic Engineering Communications Upgrades Project. 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 Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the Traffic Engineering Communications Upgrades Project by $300,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $300,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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. 116 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 76 OF 2023 APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $700,000 IN FUNDS FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND TO SUPPLEMENT THE 2023 PUBLIC UTILITIES CAPITAL BUDGET FOR MISCELLANEOUS WATER LOOPS NECESSARY FOR IMPROVING WATER FLOW FOR FIRE PROTECTION __________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS the Public Utilities Department appropriated $500,000 in the 2023 Capital Budget for miscellaneous water loops necessary for improving fire flow for fire protection; and WHEREAS the Ordinance 76 of 2023 appropriated an additional $200,000 from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to supplement the Public Utilities Department 2023 Capital Budget; and  WHEREAS the low bidder for construction of the proposed project, Wicker Construction, Inc., base bid including additive alternative no. 1 was $1,289,075.75; and WHEREAS there are funds available to supplement the difference between the budgeted amount and final project costs in the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund; and WHEREAS an additional $700,000 is needed to complete the project; and WHEREAS these funds will be used for the miscellaneous water loop project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $700,000 is hereby appropriated from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to provide the required supplemental funds for the miscellaneous water loop project. 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 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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. 117 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023 STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND BUDGET BY SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($700,000.00) TO INCREASE THE CAPITAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. WHEREAS; $1,500,000.00 was budgeted for 2023 capital street improvements; and WHEREAS; there is $1,048,910.46 remaining in the project; and WHEREAS; the engineer’s estimate for probable construction cost for the Phase 1 Citywide Street Improvements Project is $1,495,004.50; and WHEREAS; an additional $200,000 in contingency funding is needed to accommodate unforeseen subsurface and field conditions; and WHEREAS; $700,000.00 is needed to supplement the Streets and Drainage Fund Budget to complete the Capital Street Improvement Project based on the engineer’s estimate and required contingencies. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate $700,000.00 from the Streets and Drainage Fund to complete the Capital Street Improvements Project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2023 Streets and Drainage Fund is hereby amended to increase expenditures for Capital Street Improvements Project by $700,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $700,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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 - Adopt an Ordinance to amend Ordinance 8 of 2019 appropriating an additional $250,000.00 from the 2017 Sales Tax Bond towards the Tinsley Park Baseball Renovations for the completion of the Tinsley Park Dugout Replacement Project, awarding the base bid to Delta Specialty Contractors, LLC in the amount of $885,700.00, and approving the Report of Deductive Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $115,700. Audience Member David Crockett spoke against project, against city spending money for this and conditions at Hooter Park. Parks Department, Louis Cook spoke on need for project, number of kids in the Parks program, Hooter Park improvements, indirect revenue from taxes on tournament weekends and upcoming events. Mr. Williams thanked Parks for the job they do. Mr. Hammons and Mr. Cook discussed need for this project, total spending in Tinsley Park upgrades and Parks Committee recommendations for raising funds. Resident Debra Ross spoke on issues at Hooter Park and gym that need to be addressed. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 118 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 8 OF 2019 APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $250,000.00 FROM THE 2017 SALES TAX BOND TOWARDS THE TINSLEY PARK BASEBALL RENOVATIONS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE TINSLEY PARK DUGOUT REPLACEMENT PROJECT, AWARDING THE BASE BID TO DELTA SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $885,700.00, AND APPROVING THE REPORT OF DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER No. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF $115,700. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City Parks and Recreation Department implemented the design, construction, and completion of Tinsley Park Baseball Renovation Project; and WHEREAS; additional funds were available in the 2018 LCDA Bond after the project was completed to pursue additional Park renovations; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City Parks and Recreation Department works hard to remain competitive with surrounding markets and saw a need to replace the existing dugouts that were not part of the original renovation project; and WHEREAS; Bids were received for the Tinsley Park Dugout Replacement Project on September 19, 2023 and Delta Specialty Contractors, LLC submitted the lowest responsive base bid in the amount of $885,700.00; and WHEREAS; an additional appropriation of $250,000.00 from the 2017 Sales Tax Bond is needed to supplement 2018 LCDA Bond appropriation to complete the project; and WHEREAS; to control project costs, deductive Change Order #1 which includes a decrease in project cost by $115,700 was developed based on backstop design modifications, modifying the excavated material disposal location, modifying the construction entrance to eliminate the need for construction mats, and eliminating new benches and bat bag hangers in the dugouts; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves the appropriation of an additional $250,000.00 from the 2017 Sales Tax Bond towards the Tinsley Park Baseball Renovations for the completion of the Tinsley Park Dugout Replacement Project, awarding the base bid to Delta Specialty Contractors, LLC in the amount of $885,700.00, and approving the report of deductive Change Order 1 in the amount of $115,700; 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. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance to approve report of Change Order 1 for the Tinsley Ballpark Parking Lot Expansion Phase I & II with an increase in project cost of $99,631.52 and adding an additional 21 days. Resident Mary Giles spoke on previous Agenda Item asking where all money was going and was instructed to contact Parks to get more information on her request. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 119 OF 2023 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 1 FOR THE TINSLEY BALLPARK PARKING LOT EXPANSION PHASE I & II WITH AN INCREASE IN PROJECT COST OF $99,631.52 AND ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 21 DAYS. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City Parks and Recreation Department has been promoting and utilizing the new Tinsley Ball Fields; and WHEREAS; there is a need for additional parking capacity associated with the popularity of the Tinsley Park facilities; and WHEREAS; Ordinance 119 of 2022 appropriated $3,000,000.00 for additional parking facilities at the Tinsley Park using the 2018 LCDA Bond and no additional money is being requested; and WHEREAS; McInnis Brothers Construction was awarded a Construction Contract in the Amount of $2,239,000.00; and WHEREAS; through the course of construction, drainage and electrical revisions have been necessary; and WHEREAS; Change Order #1 includes an increase in project cost by $99,631.52 for several modifications and revisions to the electrical and drainage plans, including catch basins, furnishing and installing drainage pipe under pavement, installing swale ditches, and relocating the gate and motor keypad. The additional work will require an additional 21 days. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #1 for the Tinsley Ballpark Parking Lot Expansion Phase I & II with an increase in project cost of $99,631.52 and adding 21 days to the contract; 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. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 2023 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Hammons ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No.120 Of 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2023 GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO INCREASE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT OVERTIME EXPENDITURES $10,000 ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Information Services Department is on call twenty-four hours per day seven days per week for critical infrastructure for public safety and is required to perform the following duties: cyber security and operating software updates with minimal interruption to end users, troubleshooting, break fix and routine maintenance on data center equipment, troubleshooting and vendor notification on telecommunications (voice and data) circuits; and WHEREAS, the 2023 Information Services Overtime budget has been exhausted and it is estimated that an additional appropriation of $10,000 is needed to cover overtime expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2023 General Fund operating budget needs to be amended to appropriate additional funding to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover anticipated overtime expenditures 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 General Fund Budget to increase Information Services Department Overtime expenditures $10,000 and decrease Fund Balance $10,000. 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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 New Business – Agenda item called – Mr. Williams asked where would it this be located and MPC Carlotta Askew Brown updated on location. Adopt an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 133 of 2018, by changing the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 1.608 acres, more or less, from R-A (Residential Agriculture) to B-3 (General Business) for a proposed car wash facility, located in Section 33, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier City, Louisiana. (First and Final Reading) (Favorable by MPC) The following ordinance offered and adopted:  ORDINANCE NO. 121 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R-A (RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE) TO B-3(GENERAL BUSINESS) BEING 1.608 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, FOR AN PROPOSED CAR WASH FACILITY LOCATED IN SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, BOSSIER CITY, LOUSIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-A (Residential Agriculture) to B-3 (General Business) for the following: 1.608 acres, more or less, located in Section 33, Township 19 North, Range 13 West Bossier City, Louisiana, more particularly described as: Commence on the east right of way line of Airline Drive at the southwest corner of Lot 1, BGC Commercial Subdivision, as recorded in instrument no.1278843, Conveyance records of Bossier Parish, Louisiana thence South 00°17’57” West a distance of 18.00 feet along the east line of said Airline Drive to the Point of Beginning; Thence South 89°42’03” East a distance of 345.00 feet; Thence South 00°17’57” West a distance of 203.00 feet; Thence North 89°42’03” West a distance of 345.00 feet to the east right of way line of said Airline Drive; Thence North 00°17’57” East a distance of 203.00 feet along said east right of way line to the Point of Beginning. 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 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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-ZON-000139-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 122 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R-A (RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE) TO B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS), BEING 2 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED AT 1064, 1072, 1080, 1088 WHITEHURST STREET BOSSIER CITY SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-A (Residential Agriculture) to B-3 (General Business) for the following: 1064, 1072, 1080, 1088 Whitehurst Street Bossier City, more particularly described as: LOTS FOURTEEN (14), FIFTEEN (15), SIXTEEN (16) AND SEVENTEEN (17), WHITEHURST SUBDIVISION, a subdivision of Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana 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 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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-ZON-000041-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 123 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R-A (RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE) TO B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS), BEING 4.3 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED AT 1096, 1104, 1112, 1120, 1128, 1136, 1144, 1152 WHITEHURST STREET, BOSSIER CITY, LOUSIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-A (Residential Agriculture) to B-3 (General Business) for the following: More particularly described as: LOTS EIGHTEEN (18), NINETEEN (19), TWENTY (20), TWENTY-ONE (21), TWENTY- TWO (22), TWENTY-THREE (23), TWENTY-FOUR (24) and TWENTY-FIVE (25), WHITEHURST SUBDIVISION, a subdivision of Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana. 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 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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-ZON-000040-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 124 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A PIANO BAR, SWEET CAROLINE’S DUELING PIANO BAR, LOCATED AT 360 BOARDWALK BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Manuel Roman, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption at a piano bar located at 360 Boardwalk Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on October 16 2023; and WHEREAS; The Planning Department has submitted the results of said public hearing to the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Bossier City. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for sale of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 360 Boardwalk Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby approved. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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-000178-2023 Adopt an Ordinance approving a Conditional Use Approval for a Community Center and Coffee Shop in an RFD (Riverfront Development) located at 310 and 315 Montgomery Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. Project representative, Allison Hammett on hand to answer questions and provided Council with a pamphlet of what their organization does. Mr. Maggio thanked them for what they do. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 125 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE ON A TRACT OF LAND ZONED RFD (RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 310 MONTGOMERY STREET AND 315 MONTGOMERY STREET, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA FOR A COMMUNITY CENTER AND COFFEE SHOP. WHEREAS; Mark Rodie, Men of Courage, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for a community center and coffee shop for Men of Courage and being located at 310 and 315 Montgomery Street, Bossier City, LA; and WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on October 16, 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. Favorable recommendations by the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission with the following conditions:  No trees required but a minimum of 12 shrubs shall be planted with a front buffer of 0’.   Parking (310 Montgomery Street) - 3 parking stalls shall be required.  Coffee Shop (315 Montgomery Street) operating hours shall be from 6:00am until 7:00pm.  Community Center (310 Montgomery Street) shall be open no later than 10:00pm. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use, for Mark Rodie, Men of Courage, located at 310 and 315 Montgomery 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. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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-USE-000164-2023 The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 126 OF 2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON AND OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A BREWERY/MICROBREWERY, THE SEVENTH TAP, LOCATED AT 525 BARKSDALE BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Janelle Beasley, The Seventh Tap, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol, for on and off premise consumption at 525 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana. The Seventh Tap will operate a new malt beverage brewery “brewer/brewery” or “brewery”, as defined under LSA – R.S. 26:241(15), and classified under Appendix A of the Bossier City Cide of Ordinances, The Unified Development Code Sections 5.3 and 5.4 as a Microbrewery, which is to be located at 525 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111. At this location, Seventh Tap will operate a malt beverage production facility and a taproom. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on October 16 2023; and WHEREAS; The Planning Department has submitted the results of said public hearing to the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Bossier City. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for retail sales of high and low content alcohol for on and off premise consumption at 525 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. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 2023. Further this Ordinance will publish on November 8, 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-000142-2023 Resolution # 86 of 2023 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY’S CURRENT INVESTMENT POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTE 33:2955 (D) AND SECTION 16.02 (J) OF THE BOSSIER CITY CHARTER. ______________________________________________________________________________ I. Introduction In accordance with the provision of R.S. 33:2955 (D) and the authority of Section 16.02 (J) of the Charter of the City of Bossier City, the Director of Finance is authorized and required to make rules and regulations and to establish administrative policies and procedures relating to the cash management and investment policies of the City. It is anticipated that this policy statement will be reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis, to ensure that the policies and procedures expressed herein are responsive to the prevailing cash management and investment environment. This policy statement must, therefore, be appropriately amended, expanded, or purged on continuing basis. II. General Policies In general, the City of Bossier (City) shall operate under the “Prudent Person” rule, exercising judgement and care, under the circumstances prevailing, which people of ordinary prudence would employ in the management of their own affairs – not in regard to speculation, but as to the permanent disposition of their funds, considering both income and safety of capital. The assets of the City shall be held in trust by the fiduciary (fiduciaries) designated by the City. This policy is not intended to remain static. Normally, the City will review this policy at least annually and, if deemed advisable, recommend changes. Recommendations from outside professionals leading to improvements in policies, procedures, and operations are always welcome. OBJECTIVES The primary investment objective of the City is to ensure that the current and future obligations are adequately funded in a cost-effective manner. The goals of this investment policy shall be (1) safety of principal, (2) liquidity, and (3) yield. Preservation of capital and the realization of sufficient total return to ensure the ongoing financial integrity of the funds are essential. Preservation of capital encompasses two goals: Managing the risk of loss of principal for the fund as a whole. Managing the erosion of principal value through inflation. The City shall prohibit the use of derivative investments due to the inherently risky nature of these financial instruments. For purposes of this policy, “derivative” means any financial instrument created from or whose value depends on the value of one or more underlying assets or indexes of asset value. RESPONSIBILITY The investment of funds shall be managed by the Comptroller, subject to the approval of the Director of Finance, and may be accomplished by the selection of an investment manager(s). The selection must be approved by the City Council in accordance with the criteria established by the Director of Finance. The investment manager(s) must acknowledge in writing their obligations as a fiduciary responsible for the investment of the City’s assets. Prospective investment managers shall be registered investment advisors with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Act of 1940 or bank trust department regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. GUIDELINES The assets of the City shall be invested, as provided in Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2955 (A) (1), as amended, in the following: 1. Direct United States Treasury obligations, the principal and interest of which are fully guaranteed by the government of the United States. 2. Bonds, debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and provided such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America, which obligations include but are not limited to: U.S. Export-Import Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Federal Housing Administration Debentures, General Services Administration, Government National Mortgage Association - guaranteed mortgage-backed bonds and guaranteed pass-through obligations, U.S. Maritime Administration - guaranteed Title XI financing, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 3. Bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by U.S. government instrumentalities, which are federally sponsored, and such obligations include but are not limited to Federal Home Loan Bank System, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, and Resolution Funding Corporation. 4. Direct security repurchase agreements of any federal book entry only securities enumerated in paragraphs (1) through (3) above. “Direct security repurchase agreement” means an agreement under which the political subdivision buys, holds for a specific time, and the sells back those securities and obligations enumerated in paragraphs (1) through (3). 5. Time certificates of deposit of any bank domiciled or having a branch office in the state of Louisiana, savings accounts or shares of savings and loan associations and savings banks, as defined by Louisiana Revised Statute 6:703(16) or (17), or share accounts and share certificate accounts of federally or state chartered credit unions issuing time certificates of deposit. For those funds made available for investment in time certificates of deposit, the rate of interest paid by the banks shall be established by contract between the bank and the political subdivision; however, the interest rate at the time of investment shall be a rate not less than fifty basis points below the prevailing market interest rate on direct obligations of the United States Treasury with a similar length of maturity. Funds invested in accordance with this paragraph shall not exceed at any time the amount insure by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in any one banking institution, or in any one savings and loan association, or National Credit Union Administration, unless the uninsured portion is collateralized by the pledge of securities in the manner provided in Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1221. 6. Mutual or trust fund institutions which are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Act of 1940, and which have underlying investments consisting solely of and limited to securities of the United States government or its agencies. Investment of funds in such mutual or trust fund institutions shall be limited to twenty-five percent of the monies considered available for investment as provided by Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2955 (A) (2). In no event shall monies be considered available for investment under Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2955 (A) (2) unless and until such funds are determined by the treasurer or chief financial officer, in the exercise of prudent judgment, to be in excess of the immediate cash requirements of the fund, to which the monies are credited. 7. Guaranteed investment contracts issued by a bank, financial institution, insurance company, or other entity having one of the two highest short-term rating categories of either Standard &  Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Service, provided that no such investment may be made except in connection with a financing program for political subdivisions which financing program is approved by the State Bond Commission and offered by a public trust having the state as its beneficiary, provided further that no such investment shall be for a term longer than eighteen months, and provided further that any such guaranteed investment contract shall contain a provision providing that in the event the issuer of the guaranteed investment contract is at any time no longer rated in either of the two highest short-term rating categories of Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Service, the investing unit of local government may either be released from the guaranteed investment contract without penalty, or be entitled to require that the guaranteed investment provider collateralize the guaranteed investment contract with any bonds or other obligations which as to principal and interest constitute direct general obligations of, or are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America, including obligations set forth in paragraphs (1) through (3) to the extent unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America. 8. Investment grade commercial paper issued in the United States, traded in the United States markets, denominated in United States dollars, with a short-term rating of at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC or P-1 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or the equivalent rating by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO). 9. A Business and Industrial Development Company (BIDCO), as authorized by Louisiana Revised Statute 51:2395.1. 10. Bonds, debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the State of Louisiana or any of its political subdivisions with the exception of those of the City provided that all of the following conditions are met: (i) the indebtedness shall have a long-term rating of Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, a long-term rating of BBB- or higher by the Standard & Poor’s or a long-term rating of BBB- or higher by Fitch, Inc., or a short-term rating of MIG1 or VMIG1 by Moody’s Investors Service, a short-term rating of A-1 or A-1+ by Standard & Poor’s, or a short-term rating of F1 or F1+ by Fitch, Inc, and (ii) the indebtedness has a final maturity, mandatory tender, or a continuing optional tender of no more than five years, except that such five-year limitation shall not apply to (a) funds held by a trustee, escrow agent, paying agent, or other third party custodian in connection with a bond issue or (b) investment of funds held by either a hospital service district, a governmental 501(c)(3), or a public trust authority. 11. Bonds, debentures, notes, or other indebtedness issued by a state of the United States of America other than Louisiana or any such state’s political subdivisions provided that all of the following conditions are met: (i) The indebtedness shall have a long-term rating of A3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, a long-term rating of A- or higher by Standard & Poor’s or a long-term rating of A- or higher by Fitch, Inc., or a short-term rating of MIG1 or VMIG1 by Moody’s Investors Service, a short-term rating of A-1 or A-1+ by Standard & Poor’s, or a short-term rating of F1 or F1+ by Fitch, Inc. (ii) The indebtedness has a final maturity, mandatory tender, or a continuing optional tender of no more than five years, except that such five-year limitation shall not apply to funds held by a trustee, escrow agent, paying agent, or other third-party custodian in connection with a bond issue nor to investment of funds held by either a hospital service district, a governmental 501(c)(3) organization, or a public trust authority. (iii) Prior to purchase of any such indebtedness and at all times during which such indebtedness is owned, the purchasing Louisiana political subdivision retains the services of an investment advisor registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; a trust department of an institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, that exercises trust powers in Louisiana, and that has a main office or a bank branch in Louisiana; or a trust company that has offices in Louisiana, that is regulated by the Office of Financial Institutions or the applicable federal agency, and that owes a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interest of the political subdivision. 12. Bonds, debentures, notes, or other indebtedness issued by domestic United States corporations provided that all of the following conditions are met: (i) The indebtedness shall have a long- term rating of Aa3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service, a long-term rating of AA- or higher by Standard & Poor's, or a long-term rating of AA- or higher by Fitch Ratings, Inc. (ii) The indebtedness has a final maturity, mandatory tender, or a continuing optional tender of no more than five years. (iii) Prior to purchase of any such indebtedness and at all times during which such indebtedness is owned, the purchasing Louisiana political subdivision retains the services  of an investment advisor registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; a trust department of an institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, that exercises trust powers in Louisiana, and that has a main office or a bank branch in Louisiana; or a trust company that has offices in Louisiana, that is regulated by the Office of Financial Institutions or the applicable federal agency, and that owes a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interest of the political subdivision. Notwithstanding the foregoing list of investments, in no instance shall the City invest in obligations described in items (2) and (3) above which are collateralized mortgage obligations that have been stripped into interest only or principal only obligations, inverse floaters, or structured notes. For the purposes of this policy “structured notes” shall mean securities of U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities, or government-sponsored enterprises which have been restructured, modified, and/or reissued by private entities. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed as to abrogate, impair, or supersede the ability to combine monies from several funds in order to invest such monies at a better rate of return. The interest earned on bonds, notes or certificates, time certificates of deposit, or mutual or trust fund investments, so purchased shall be credited to the fund from which the bonds, notes or certificates, time certificates of deposit, or mutual or trust fund investments, were acquired, or it may be applied to the payment of the principal and interest of the outstanding bonded indebtedness of the City. At any time that may be deemed advisable the City may cash and liquidate any of the investments authorized herein which are purchased for any particular fund. The proceeds of any such liquidation shall be credited to the fund from which the authorized investments were originally purchased. The City shall also include in the notes to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report the disclosures required by Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statements 3 and 40. These notes shall address the common deposit and investments risks related to credit risk, concentration of credit risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. In addition, the notes shall include disclosures required by Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement 72. These disclosures include fair value measurements, the level of fair value hierarchy, and valuation techniques related to investments. BE IT RESOLVED that the Investment Policy referenced herein is hereby adopted. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 31st day of October, 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 The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO 87 OF 2023 A RESOLUTION REVOKING ITEP STATUS OF J&R JUNEAU, LLC AND A.W. CHESTERTON COMPANY. WHEREAS, J&R Juneau, L.L.C. and A.W. Chesterton Company were approved for participation in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) by the City of Bossier City on or about December 1, 2020; and  WHEREAS, said above described entities have failed to meet the requirements imposed by the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry (Board) and the Industrial Tax Exemption Program Review Committee (Committee) for qualification of ITEP status; and WHEREAS, the Committee in its special meeting of October 24, 2023 voted unanimously to revoke the ITEP status of said above described entities retroactive to initial date of approval of ITEP status due to the above described failure; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the City of Bossier City approves and adopts the recommendation and actions of the ITEP Review Committee taken in its special meeting of October 24, 2023 revoking the ITEP status of the entities known as J&R Juneau, L.L.C. and A.W. Chesterton Company retroactive to the initial date of approval of said status/membership. 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 31st day of October, 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 Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Bossier City, Koran Post #388 of the American Legion, District Four, Department of Louisiana, and Women Veterans of the Ark- La-Tex for expansion of the monument honoring women veterans located on the grounds of Municipal Complex. Mr. Williams asked for specifics of project and Mayor Chandler and CAO Amanda Nottingham reported on project. Mr. Darby verified that this was State Funds and not City Funds. Ms. Nottingham reported funds were from State. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 88 Of 2023 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, KORAN POST #388 OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, DISTRICT FOUR, DEPARTMENT OF LOUISIANA, AND WOMEN VETERANS OF THE ARK-LA-TEX FOR EXPANSION OF THE MONUMENT HONORING WOMEN VETERANS LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF MUNICIPAL COMPLEX. WHEREAS, the Women Veterans of the Ark-La-Tex has placed upon the City of Bossier City property at monument honoring female veterans of the Ark-La-Tex, including Bossier City. WHEREAS, Koran Post #388 of the American Legion, District Four, Department of Louisiana, has secured funding from the State of Louisiana for improvements and expansion of said monument. WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana requires a formal agreement between the City of Bossier City, Koran Post #388, and Women Veterans of the Ark-La-Tex to expand and maintain said monument on City property in order to release said funding. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute the attached Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “A”. The above and foregoing 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 31st day of October, 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 By Mr. Hammons Motion to Appoint Beau Hays to the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Commission as a representative for the City of Bossier City for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Maggio. Audience member, David Crockett asked about term limits on committees. Ms. Nottingham reported this Board, by State Statute, only allows (2) consecutive 3-year terms. Mr. Crockett also spoke about feeling disrespected by some Council Members. Mr. Beau Hays thanked Council and Mayor for opportunity and answered questions from Council members. Council members thanked him for his service. Resident Mary Giles, spoke and asked for contact information to get more information on where the money collected from the World Series goes. No further questions Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Ben Rauschenbach went over Monthly Project Report. He reported on status of Tinsley Ditch Repairs and reported that the Contractor mobilized on the Scott Street Drainage improvements today. He noted that the Golden Meadows/U.S. 71 Turn-lane project is waiting on DOTD approval. He also went over various private developments and current City Projects in design or bids. He also reported he would be happy to meet with Parks and see if he can help spruce up Hooter Park. Announcements- Mr. Darby asked Mayor for update on issues concerning Hooter Park that were discussed at last meeting. Mr. Cook reported to Council that the City only leases a portion of Hooter Park and that it’s owned by CADA. Council members Mr. Williams and Mr. Smith asked about property, improvements, the lease and responsibility for upkeep. Mr. Darby and Mr. Cook spoke on how management and maintenance of parks is handled. Mr. Cook spoke about the Parks that the City maintains. Mr. Cook went over the improvements over the last 10 years and tried to address issues that were brought up and answered Council questions. Audience member David Crockett spoke on park Mr. Darby asked Mr. Rich from Public Works to come up and update on the drainage issues reported last meeting on Fullilove Drive. Mr. Rich reported it has been completed. Resident, Debra Ross thanked the crew for the repair and reported that she does not feel it was done correctly. Mr. Montgomery advised that regular maintenance items need to go thru the Mayor’s office. Mayor Chandler praised the Firefighters on the great job they did with the large fire on Benton Road and wished everyone a Happy Halloween. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 4:16PM Respectfully submitted: Phyllis McGraw City Clerk Publish: November 8, 2023 Bossier Press Tribune