City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 16, 2024 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, January 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member David Montgomery, Jr. Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Jeff Free, Honorable Councilors David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby, Don Williams and Vince Maggio Also Present: Mayor, Thomas Chandler, Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw read statement about decorum during meeting and public participation in the meeting. Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Ms. McGraw noted that Ms. Bryan had requested to be placed on next agenda due to road conditions. Ms. McGraw further noted that she had, had no communication with Mr. Epperson today. Agenda Item called: Approve Agenda By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr Audience member, Wes Marriott spoke in opposition of continuing with todays meeting due to the hazardous weather and lack of citizen participation. Mr. Smith had Ms. McGraw to explain the reasoning for having to continue with today’s meeting. Ms. McGraw read law concerning millage renewals and elections and noted if not voted on today, additional publication would not meet Bond Commission deadline and push renewal to November ballot. Mr. Smith, thanked for clarification. He noted Council could criticize for waiting to last minute but must address this item today. By: Mr. Hammons Motion to continue all items on Agenda except Item #4 under Unfinished Business and Item #7 under New Business until the January 30, 2024 Meeting. Seconded by Mr. Smith Mr. Hammons first motioned to continue all items except New Business #7 and expressed his concern about lack of citizen participation due to the hazardous road conditions. Mr. Williams asked why to continue. Mr. Hammons explained his position. Mr. Smith asked to include Item #4 under Unfinished Business. Mr. Hammons amended his motion to include it and further explained those two items are needed for Fire and Police but everything else could be continued. Mr. Williams noted that all Council were present, so why continue it. Mr. Hammons responded to Mr. Williams question. Audience member, David Crockett spoke in opposition due to the weather as well and misinformation in community and need for citizen participation. Mr. Free noted that there was no information was ever sent out that the City Council Meeting would be canceled. Mayor Chandler asked Mr. Louis Johnson, PIO to state what was published in the media concerning meetings. Mr. Johnson reported that the public statement noted that City Hall would be closed but that the City Council Meeting and Charter Commission meeting would not be canceled and that he included times and location of both meetings in that statement. He also noted where notices were sent. Motion failed with the 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 Mr. Free called the previous motion that needed to be voted on. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve minutes of the January 2, 2024, Regular Council and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – Agenda Item called – Adopt an Ordinance authorizing the attached Amendment with Manchac Consulting Group, Inc. extending their services to the City of Bossier City. Audience Members, Wes Marriott and David Crockett spoke in opposition to adopting this Ordinance. Mr. Marriott spoke on his research on why he felt Mr. Ray was incorrect in his interpretations of the law concerning RFPs. Mr. Crockett spoke on his research and his interpretations of laws and what he feels are misstatements from Assistant City Attorney and Administration. Mr. Darby asked Mayor about the request he sent for an RFQ. Mayor responded that it was same as RFP and still couldn’t be done and had Mr. Ray to further explain it. Mayor further noted about work Mr. Rauschenbach completed over the that last few days and the fact Mr. Rauschenbach hasn’t been home. Mayor felt that we already have someone good doing it so why change, he further stated reasons he felt that way. Mr. Darby didn’t dispute Mr. Rauschenbach’ s ability to do the job, but he also explained why he felt this RFQ is necessary to make sure the City is getting the best cost and services for that investment. Mr. Darby and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed increase and how it was calculated. Mr. Darby, Mr. Rauschenbach and Mayor discussed on whether negotiations for fees were done. Mayor noted that there were some but felt amount requested was warranted. Mr. Rauschenbach further explained that the cost would be more for City to hire Engineer doing what Manchac already does. Mayor further discussed difficulty City has had trying to hire engineer. Mr. Smith noted that Mr. Rauschenbach has helped him the most of anyone in the City in his transition into government. He further discussed the law he researched and the need to get an Attorney General’s opinion on this issue since the law has changed. He further discussed possible violation of City Laws and discussions held when last contact was renewed. Mr. Ray responded on the Administrations position and that City laws are old and not current with State Law and ultimately City must follow State Law due to when City became Home Rule Charter. Mr. Smith noted City should change these laws when a conflict is found with State Law. Mr. Ray further noted that City doesn’t need Attorney General’s opinion due to City having two City Attorneys on staff to give opinions and that his opinion is that it would a violation of the law to ask for bids for engineering services. Mr. Hammons reported that Manchac does a fantastic job but asked where is the money that this 30 percent increase is coming from? He also noted that all City employees especially Fire and Police needs a pay raise and that one of the reasons people move to Bossier is because how good the Fire and Police are here and that the City needs to figure out how to increase Fire and Police salaries to keep those employees. He further noted it is a needed service that Manchac provides but it is a lot of money. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 5 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ATTACHED AMENDMENT WITH MANCHAC CONSULTING GROUP, INC. EXTENDING THEIR SERVICES TO THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY. __________________________________________________________________________  WHEREAS, the attached amendment has been negotiated with Manchac Consulting Group, Inc., to modify and extend their services to the City of Bossier City: Amendment No. 7: Owner Engineering Agreement (P3 Agreement); and WHEREAS, incremental costs will be rebudgeted as required. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve Amendment No. 7: Owner Engineering Agreement (P3 Agreement) with incremental costs rebudgeted as required: 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 16th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 24, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons and Mr. Darby ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called – Adopt an Ordinance appropriating $582,150.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act Grant Fund for premium pay allowances to eligible full-time employees of the City of Bossier City. Mr. Hammons asked about clearing out this account. Mr. Montgomery reported that money from General Fund would be transferred back to cover the money for the nano filtration program that was already appropriated. Ms. Nottingham reported when employees should see the Premium Pay. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 6 of 2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $582,150.00 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT GRANT FUND FOR PREMIUM PAY ALLOWANCES TO ELIGIBLE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHEREAS, in recent years, a public health emergency resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic that affected state and local governments including the City of Bossier City. The national emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic was terminated by President Joe Biden when H.J. Res. 7 was signed into law with an effective date of April 10, 2023. This terminated the COVID- 19 public health emergency; and WHEREAS, the employees and departments of the City of Bossier City continued to provide in-person interactions with the public during the declared national health emergency in order to maintain continuity of operations of critical infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City has received grant funds pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) and the United States Treasury has promulgated rules for the use of such ARPA funds; and WHEREAS, a local government workforce is necessary to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure such as the employees of the City of Bossier City who continued to provide in-person interactions with the public or whose co-workers continued to provide in-person interactions with the public during the declared national health emergency are eligible for a premium pay allowance to be appropriated from ARPA funds; and WHEREAS, full-time employees of the city who were employed on or before April 10, 2023, and who have remained employed as full-time employees through the effective date of this ordinance in service to the Bossier City Police Department, the Bossier City Fire Department, or as a classified or unclassified employee of the city are eligible to receive a uniform premium pay allowance to be calculated by the total amount of funds available. Persons employed as temporary, elected, seasonal, contract, inactive, or part-time employees are not eligible for a premium pay allowance; and WHEREAS, each eligible employee will receive a uniform amount and the total amount of funds needed to be appropriated from the available ARPA Grant Fund for a premium pay allowance to eligible full-time city employees is $582,150.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the City of Bossier City appropriate $582,150.00 from the available ARPA Grant Fund to provide a uniform premium pay allowance to eligible current employees. The above and foregoing Ordinance 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 16th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 24, 2024, 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. 7 OF 2024 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 49 OF 2023 APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $360,000.00 FROM THE JAIL AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING FUND TOWARDS THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND AWARDING THE BASE BID TO PRECISION BUILDERS, INC IN THE AMOUNT OF $818,000.00. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City Administration implemented the design, construction, and completion of Municipal Complex Security Improvements Project; and WHEREAS; Bids were received for the Municipal Complex Security Improvements Project on December 5, 2023, and Precision Builders, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive base bid in the amount of $818,000.00; and WHEREAS; an additional appropriation of $360,000.00 from the Jail and Municipal Building Fund is needed to supplement the original appropriation to complete the project; and WHEREAS; to control project costs, value engineering items will be developed for review and consideration by the City Administration; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves the appropriation of an additional $360,000.00 from the Jail and Municipal Building Fund towards the Municipal Complex Security Improvements Project and awarding the base bid to Precision Builders, Inc. in the amount of $818,000.00; and 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 2024 Jail and Municipal Building Fund is hereby amended to increase the Municipal Complex Security Improvements project by $360,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $360,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance 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 16th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 24, 2024, 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. 8 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS AND VEHICLE MOUNTED VIDEO DEVICES _____________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, technology such as body worn cameras and vehicle mounted video devices have become essential tools of law enforcement. The Safe Fleet body worn cameras for the Bossier City Police Department have reached end of life and replacements are not compatible with the existing fleet video ecosystem; and WHEREAS, Axon Enterprise, Inc. provides a comprehensive public safety hardware, software, and training ecosystem; and WHEREAS, these services are essential to ensure that the Bossier City Police Department is able to enhance evidence management and continue to properly maintain a factual audiovisual record of police-community interactions which ensures the safety its officers and the public; and WHEREAS, an executed agreement is required to allow for these services to be established and the cost to establish these services were included in the previously approved 2024 capital and operating budgets of the Bossier City Police Department; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Bossier City Council, in regular session convened that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute the agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and said agreement 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 16th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 24, 2024, 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. 9 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AND STATE OF LOUISIANA. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is the recipient of a line-item appropriation in ACT 397 of the 2023 Regular Legislative Session in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); and WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of the Treasury is administering the funds appropriated in ACT 397 of the 2023 Regular Legislative Session; and  WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana requires the execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Louisiana Department of the Treasury in order to receive appropriated funds. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, complete in all their terms and provisions, on behalf of the City of Bossier City. The above and foregoing Ordinance 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. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 16th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 24, 2024, 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. 10 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2024 WATER AND SEWER FUND BUDGETS WHEREAS, the Bossier City Charter requires that additional appropriations be made by amending the respective budgets by ordinance; and WHEREAS, the contractual service agreement for the Public-Private Partnership with Manchac Consulting for management of the Public Utilities Department will increase on June 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, the 2024 Water and Sewer Fund operating budgets need to be amended to appropriate additional funding to cover the increased expenses. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby amend the 2024 Water and Sewer Fund operating budgets to increase appropriations for Consulting Services: Division 61 – Water Administration by $136,500.00 and decrease Net Position Division 71 - Sewer Administration by $136,500.00 and decrease Net Position The above and foregoing Ordinance 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 16th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 24, 2024, 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 New Business – By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing and approving the engagement of Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLC to provide professional services to audit the financial statements of the City of Bossier City and Brookshire Grocery Arena. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons asked about contract and cost. Ms. Nottingham reported that this is the standard contract for audit services that they do each year. Mr. Montgomery reported on the costs of those services. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $250,000 from the Water Capital and Contingency Fund to replace the Reservoir Pump Station generator. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate funds to cover construction costs to refresh the Beene Boulevard Bridge for a total of $35,000.00 to come from the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Following vote, Mr. Montgomery asked about the islands in the development and that they needed attention. Mr. Rauschenbach reported that those are the responsibility of the real estate company and they would be handling it. Agenda item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of an Information Services Manager due to vacancy from retirement. Mr. Montgomery discussed the necessity and importance of this position and urged Charter Commission members in attendance to add this position as an Executive Management position in Charter and adjust the compensation to reflect that. Mr. Ray responded why it wasn’t included in Charter before and Ms. Nottingham reported that it currently falls under Finance but she and Mayor feel like it needs to be changed as well but would require Charter Change. Mr. Williams reported that in the recent meetings with Tad Hamilton it was noted that this position should be top tier. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 5 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER DUE TO VACANCY FROM RETIREMENT ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 Information Services Department has an available position due to retirement of an employee; and WHEREAS, this retirement 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 Information Services Manager, due to a retirement in the Information Services 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. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 16th day of January, 2024. 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. 6 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL A CLERK TYPIST I POSITION AND A KENNEL WORKER POSITION IN THE ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION AND BACKFILL ANY VACANT POSITION THIS CREATES. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, two positions are vacant due to employees not returning from leaves of absence creating the need to fulfill by hiring or promoting from within and backfill any position this creates; and WHEREAS, the administration and department assure that the current budget has been verified and that funding available in the total budgeted salaries is not exceeded; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to replace two positions due to openings and backfill any position this creates by hiring or promoting within the Department of Public Works 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons and adopted on this the 16th day of January, 2024. 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. 7 of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LOUISIANA OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY. FURTHERMORE, THIS RESOLUTION WILL DESIGNATE AMANDA NOTTINGHAM AS AN AUTHORIZED PROJECT SIGNEE TO SUBMIT REMAINING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE LOUISIANA WATERSHED INITIATIVE ROUND 2 GRANT APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City needs to submit contract documents for a previously submitted grant application for a drainage improvement project along Bardot Lane; and, WHEREAS, grant dollars for this project were awarded and are available through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) program operated by the Louisiana Office of Community Development; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana in regular session convened, does hereby authorize Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the cooperative endeavor agreement required in connection with the Grant Application; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mrs. Amanda Nottingham is hereby designated as the Official Project Representative and is hereby given signature authority for all relative documents for the City of Bossier City for this project resulting from the submission of the Grant Application and accompanying contract documents. Furthermore, Mrs. Amanda Nottingham representing the City of Bossier City is hereby given the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend, and renew such documents relative to this project. 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 16th day of January, 2024. 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 ordering and calling a Special Election to be held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana to authorize the renewal of special taxes there in, making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Audience member, David Crockett noted he is in favor of this Resolution but spoke on items he felt will make citizens not support future tax increases. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Ray about when citizens would have another opportunity to discuss this item. Mr. Ray reported that the Bond Commission meeting would a public meeting where anyone could comment on this millage renewal and also it’s an election where citizens would vote on it. Mr. Darby asked Ms. McGraw about the request he sent to Mayor about the possibility of increasing the millage. Mr. Ray reminded Ms. McGraw when response was sent. Ms. McGraw read email response from Mr. Ray concerning a possible Millage increase and the administration and both chiefs stand on it. Mr. Darby discussed his thought process on asking for the higher millage and that he felt the increase could be used to help retain officers. He noted city needed to find a way to retain Fire and Police. The following resolution was offered by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio: RESOLUTION 8 of 2024 A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), that: SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including Article VI, Section 27 thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the City on SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said election there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit: PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 2 (MILLAGE RENEWAL)  Shall the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy an 8.32 mills tax on all property subject to taxation in the City, for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035 (an estimated $6,116,150 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Fire and Police Departments of the City? PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 2 (MILLAGE RENEWAL) Shall the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a 2.71 mills tax on all property subject to taxation in the City, for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035 (an estimated $1,992,160 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Fire and Police Departments of the City? SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be published in official journal of the City once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Special Election, the Mayor is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing propositions that may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies. SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Council Chambers, Municipal Complex, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024, at THREE O'CLOCK (3:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. SECTION 4. Polling Place. The polling places for the precincts set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Election are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioner-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated in accordance with law. SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the City will be entitled to vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be used. SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The City Clerk of the City is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said election and the Mayor and/or City Clerk of the City are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the election. SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of Bossier Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Bossier Parish, as notification of the special election, in order that each may prepare for said election and perform their respective functions as required by law.  SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and in the event said election carries for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the special taxes provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application. This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows: YEAS: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 16th day of January, 2024. Jeff Free, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk EXHIBIT "A" NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), on January 16, 2024, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the City on SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the City qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit: PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 2 (MILLAGE RENEWAL) Shall the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy an 8.32 mills tax on all property subject to taxation in the City, for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035 (an estimated $6,116,150 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Fire and Police Departments of the City? PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 2 (MILLAGE RENEWAL) Shall the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a 2.71 mills tax on all property subject to taxation in the City, for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035 (an estimated $1,992,160 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Fire and Police Departments of the City? The said special election shall be held at the polling place for the following precincts, which polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to wit: PRECINCTS 01-01 01-02 01-03  01-03A 01-03B(PART) 01-04(PART) 01-05 02-02 02-03 02-03A 02-04-1 02-04-2 02-05A(PART) 02-06(PART) 02-07 02-08(PART) 02-09(PART) 02-10 02-11(PART) 02-12A(PART) 02-12B 02-13 02-14 02-15(PART) 02-16(PART) 02-17A(PART) 02-17B 02-18C-1(PART) 02-18C-2(PART) 02-19(PART) 02-20 02-21A(PART) 02-21B(PART) 02-21C-1(PART) 02-21C-2(PART) 02-21D-1(PART) 02-21D-2(PART) 02-21E(PART) 04-08A(PART) 04-08B-1(PART) 04-08B-2(PART) 04-08C(PART) 04-08D 04-08G(PART) 04-10-1(PART) 04-10-2(PART) 04-11C(PART) The polling places for the precincts set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioner-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law. The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $80,500. Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the taxes described in the Propositions shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law. The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Council Chambers, Municipal Complex, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024, at THREE O'CLOCK (3:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the City are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used. Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution to contract with HNTB and Nixon Engineering to provide Additional support related to Stormwater Master Planning. Mr. Hammons asked Mr. Rauschenbach whether this would be for City or for residential as well. Mr. Rauschenbach discussed history of this initiative and reported that this would be city wide. He also discussed various areas they were working on and possible grants to help with these projects. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 9 OF 2024 ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO CONTRACT WITH HNTB AND NIXON ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT RELATED TO STORMWATER MASTER PLANING. WHEREAS; $150,000 was allocated in the 2024 Sales Tax Capital Fund to continue stormwater master planning efforts; and WHEREAS; HNTB and Nixon Engineering have previously supported the City Engineering Department with these efforts, have excellent qualifications and resources necessary for this work, and have a history of performing excellent work for the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS; this Ordinance would allow the City Engineering Department to contract with HNTB and Nixon Engineering as necessary for stormwater master planning efforts along with grant writing efforts targeted at FEMA BRIC, FMA, and DOTD programs seeking funding in excess of $3M in 2024 targeting stormwater enhancements in the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City continues to grow in commercial and residential development; and WHEREAS; with the increase in development comes the need for proper stormwater planning to ensure existing structures are not being affected by the growth of impervious areas; and WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City will benefit from continued stormwater planning that provides guidance for responsible development practices to developers and those looking to call Bossier City home; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with HNTB and Nixon Engineering for the purposes of providing support in Stormwater Master Planning and grant writing for the City of Bossier City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 16th, day of January 2024, by the following vote: 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 Announcements- Mayor read statement concerning weather, roads conditions, trash collection and reported that City Hall would remain closed on Wednesday and thanked Fire, Police and city crews for the great job they are doing. 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 January 24, 2024