City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 30, 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 30, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Chris Smith 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. By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve minutes of the January 16, 2024, Regular Council and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Lynn Bryan, Keep Bossier Beautiful, gave an overview of events and collections in 2023 and gave some insight into upcoming plans for 2024. Preston Friedley, Bossier City Charter Commission Chair, updated Council on previous meetings and the future meeting schedules and also asked Council to please share with their Commission appointees any changes they wish to see in the City Charter. Approve Agenda By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 11 OF 2024 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 FUND. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLC, has conducted audits of the finances of the referenced entities in previous years; and WHEREAS, the referenced entities are required to have annual audits and receive an annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended December 31, 2023;  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that Mr. Jeff Free, is hereby authorized to execute letters of engagement with Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLC and said letters of engagement are 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. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 30th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on February 7, 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. 12 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $250,000 FROM THE WATER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO REPLACE THE RESERVOIR PUMP STATION GENERATOR. WHEREAS, the existing generator located at the water reservoir used to supply raw water to Bossier’s water treatment facility is beyond the intended service life; and WHEREAS, this generator is critical in providing emergency power during emergency power outage events that seem to be occurring more frequently; and WHEREAS, Bossier’s Public Utilities Department is more frequently having to dedicated additional resources in keeping the generator operational; and WHEREAS, the cost to replace this generator is estimated at $250,000 for labor, equipment, and material; and WHEREAS, $250,000 shall be appropriated from the Water Capital Contingency Fund; and WHEREAS, it is expected to take a minimum of 12 months to deliver the new equipment facilitating the need to formalize funding necessary to implement this project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $250,000 is hereby appropriated from the Water Capital and Contingency Fund to provide the required funding to replace the reservoir generator. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 Water Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures to replace the reservoir generator by $250,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $250,000.00. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 30th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on February 7, 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. 13 OF 2024 ADOPT 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. WHEREAS; the Beene Boulevard Bridge is nearly 20 years old and growing aesthetically less pleasing; and WHEREAS; the opinion of probable costs for improving the aesthetics of the Beene Boulevard Bridge via pressure washing the concrete and repainting the exposed metal is $35,000; and WHEREAS; $35,000 may be appropriated from the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby appropriate $35,000.00 to come from the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund to cover the costs for improvements to the Beene Boulevard Bridge. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 Sales Tax Capital Improvement Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the Beene Boulevard Bridge Refresh Project by $35,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $35,000. 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 30th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on February 7, 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 New Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 14 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO RESTORE A 42-INCH WATER MAIN BLOWOUT NEAR MONTGOMERY LANE AT A COST OF $107,840.34 TO COME FROM WATER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS. WHEREAS, on November 1st, 2023, the Public Utilities Department responded to an emergency 42-inch water main rupture near the intersection of Montgomery Lane and Benton Road requiring immediate action to repair a short section of this main; and WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department needed additional emergency support to make the repair due to the size and scale of the pipe geometry, material, and repair location; and WHEREAS, Pulley Construction of Bossier City, Louisiana was called and immediately responded to aid Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the cost for the repair was $107,840.34 including labor, equipment, and materials; and WHEREAS, $107,840.34 shall be appropriated from the Water Capital Contingency Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $107,840.34 to come from the Water Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of making repairs to the 42-inch water main near the intersection of Montgomery Lane and Benton Road; and authorizes the City to enter into any necessary contracts for completion of the work.  BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2023 Water Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for repairs to the 42-inch water main by $107,840.34 and decrease Fund Balance by $107,840.34. 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 30th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will become legal immediately. 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. 15 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO REPLACE AND RELOCATE GRAVITY SEWER MAINS AT THE HAMILTON RD & HWY 80 INTERSECTION AND ALONG HWY 3 TO COME FROM FUND 498 2018 LCDA BOND. WHEREAS, WOBC Phase II project calls for improvements along Hamilton Road and HWY 80 intersection, and improvements along HWY 3 for the new access onto the carriageway; and WHEREAS, unforeseen subsurface conflicts appeared during roadway improvements that resulted in sanitary sewer overflows and extended HWY closures. Public Utilities Department needed additional emergency support to expedite the relocation efforts; and WHEREAS, Pulley Construction of Bossier City, Louisiana was called and immediately responded to aid Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the cost for the repair was $40,552.93 including labor, equipment, and materials; and WHEREAS, $40,552.93 shall be appropriated from Fund 498 2018 LCDA Bond. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $40,552.93 to come from Fund 498 2018 LCDA Bond to be used for the purpose of replacing and relocating the gravity sewer main along Hamilton Rd and HWY 80 and HWY 3; and authorizes the City to enter into any necessary contracts for completion of the work. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that Fund 498 2018 LCDA Bond appropriate expenditures for gravity sewer main relocation and replacement in the amount of $40,552.93. 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 Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 30th, day of January, 2024. Further this Ordinance will become legal immediately. 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. 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 Firemen's Pension and Relief Fund and Policemen's Pension and Relief Fund. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute an agreement between the City of Bossier City and SSA Consultants to conduct a Compensation Plan Study. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Darby, Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons all spoke about the Salary Study and asked when it will start, what will be included, total cost and how long will it take. Mr. Ray and Mayor Chandler addressed their questions but noted Ms. Nottingham is out of town and she is lead on project. Mr. Ray did report that the study would include 100 job positions and that the Fire and Police would be easier since they are Civil Service and rules dictate increases. Contract should be finished by September 2024. Mr. Smith raised concerns that would cause issues since 2025 Budget would have already been calculated. Mr. Montgomery reminded that budget could be amended and noted the city would continue to look for alternative sources of revenue for any salary adjustments. Mr. Darby asked that someone from SSA be at the next Council meeting on February 13, 2024 to address some of the Council’s concerns. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate the sum of six hundred fifty thousand dollars ($650,000.00) from the 2024 EMS Capital and Contingency Budget for the purchase of a new pumper fire truck for the Bossier City Fire Department. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Hammons asked if this was one that was already budgeted to replace. Deputy Fire Chief, Wendell Holmes reported that this is to replace a backup pumper that is in poor condition and was not already budgeted. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing positions to be filled in the Bossier City Maintenance Division of the Public Utilities Department as a result of a retirement and promotions, to increase the salaries for all Maintenance Division employees using the salary surplus available from staffing adjustments and to amend the 2024 Water and Sewer Operating Budgets. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Darby and Ben Rauschenbach, City Engineer, discussed proposal and how many individuals were included. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 10 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL A PART TIME 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, a part time Kennel Worker position is vacant due to a resignation 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 a position 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 Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on the 30th, 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 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve reappointment of Walt Bigby, Jr. to Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission's Board of Commissioners. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee waiver for Sun City Elementary, February 13, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director, went over month Financial Report for month ending December 2023. She noted that revenues for the month were 31% over budget, expenses were 5% below budget and Sales Taxes were up 1.8% and went over the reasons for each. She also went over the Manning Report and the Water and Sewer Fund Report. Ben Rauschenbach, Engineering Department, provided an in-depth look at the current and future projects, of the city. He noted that the city currently has $88 Million in ongoing design and construction. He also went over some of the grants the city has received and currently applying for. Mr. Darby asked for an update on how the city handled the recent heavy rainfall. Mr. Rauschenbach and Wade Rich, Public Works Director, gave and update on how it was handled and reported even though it was better, there is still more work to be done. Mr. Hammons asked Administration for an update on the appraisal for the Alternative Fuel Stations and the Oil Change facility on Benton Road at the next meeting. Announcements- None There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 3:58PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish February 7, 2024