City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING MARCH 12, 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, March 12, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Don Williams 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, City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw and Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany read the statement about decorum during the meeting and public participation in the meeting. Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – none By: Mr. Smith Motion to amend agenda to add New Business item # 18 – Approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver – for Crosswalk I Walk with the Cross – March 29, 2024. This item is being requested to be added due to an email error in the Police Department. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve minutes of the February 27, 2024, Regular Council and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearing/Actions on Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 26 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE CERTAIN MOVABLE EQUIPMENT OWNED BY THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AS SURPLUS TO THE CITY’S NEEDS AND PROVIDE FOR DISPOSAL ACCORDING TO LAW. _____________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City has accumulated certain movable equipment which is now surplus to the City’s needs and it is in the best interest of the City to dispose of said equipment according to law; and WHEREAS, the attached lists of equipment described below are surplus to the City’s needs: DESCRIPTION:  1. See attachment A, which includes specific details including: Equipment #, VIN/SN, year, make, model, mileage/hours, and condition. 2. See attachment B, which includes specific details including: Equipment #, VIN/SN, year, make, model, mileage/hours, and condition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Bossier City Council, in regular session convened that the equipment described in Attachment A and B are surplus to the City of Bossier City and the Purchasing Agent is authorized to dispose of said equipment in accordance to law. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 12th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 20, 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. 27 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $15,000 FROM THE HOTEL / MOTEL TAX FUND TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CONVENTION & TOURIST BUREAU TO SUPPORT LOCAL MARDI GRAS PARADES _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City benefits from visitors to the region who attend local Mardi Gras parades; and WHEREAS, additional security was needed for local parades held on February 3 and February 10, 2024; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is providing funding for the additional security that was provided for the parades. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that the Council does hereby appropriate $15,000 from the Hotel/Motel Tax fund for parade security. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for security for the 2024 Mardi Gras parades by $15,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $15,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 12th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 20, 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. 28 OF 2024  AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION AND DEVELOPMENT. _____________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City (“Bossier City”) and the Department of Transportation and Development (“DOTD”) mutually benefit from the road network and the need for the road network to stay operational during winter weather events in Bossier City; and WHEREAS, Bossier City and DOTD have engaged in joint endeavors which benefit the citizens of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, a local services agreement between Bossier City and DOTD will facilitate intergovernmental functions to provide greater economy and efficiency in the operation of local services; and WHEREAS, the citizens of Bossier City will benefit from the maintenance of the road network during winter weather events by Bossier City providing resources to assist DOTD with winter weather preparations, being a joint project of both entities; and WHEREAS, Bossier City and DOTD are joining together to maintain DOTD owned routes during winter weather events, more specifically Louisiana Highway 3 and Interstate 220 in Bossier Parish, all for and on behalf of the residents of Bossier City. Bossier City will provide resources to assist DOTD with winter preparations as requested by DOTD. This agreement shall be effective from the date of its execution by DOTD and shall remain in effect until the Interstate 20 reconstruction project is complete. 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 the Department of Transportation and Development 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 by Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 12th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 20, 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. 29 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 MCC COMPONENTS AT BOSSIER’S NORTHEAST WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY RESULTING FROM A SINGLE-PHASE EVENT RESULTING FROM STORM RELATED POWER DISRUPTIONS AT A COST OF $20,000.00 TO COME FROM SEWER CAPITAL CONTINGENCY FUNDS. WHEREAS, components for the MCC at Plant 2 at the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility were damaged during a single-phase event resulting from storm related power disruptions; and WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department needs emergency support to purchase and install replacement components; and WHEREAS, the scope of work involved is beyond the expertise of the wastewater treatment operational staff; and WHEREAS, it will cost of $20,000.00 in labor, equipment, and material to complete the repair efforts; and  WHEREAS, $20,000.00 shall be appropriated from the Sewer Capital Contingency Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $20,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund to be used for the purpose of making repairs to the MCC at the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility; 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 2024 Sewer Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for repairs to the MCC at the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility by $20,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $20,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 12th, day of March, 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. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to allocate $40,000 from the Streets and Drainage Fund to contract with Nixon Engineering Solutions to provide design services for Viking Drive Drainage Improvements. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Ordinance 48 of 2023 appropriating an additional $100,000 from the Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund for a left turn lane on US 71 at Golden Meadows. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract with Beast Engineering to provide design services for the 2024 Citywide Street Improvements project. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending the 2024 Streets and Drainage Fund Budget by one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) to increase the Capital Street Improvements Project and to approve Change Order #1 for the 2023 City Wide Street Improvement Project, with an increase of $104,610.38, for a total contract price of $1,576,788.13. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Maggio  Motion to introduce an Ordinance for Public Utilities to fill a Senior Operator position, backfill any vacant position this creates, eliminate a vacant Operator position, and increase the salaries for all Water Treatment Division employees using the salary surplus available from staffing adjustments resulting in a net neutral change to the 2024 Water Fund Operating Budget. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion about this Ordinance and current hiring practices between Mr. Hammons, Mr. Smith, Mr. Williams, Mr. Montgomery and Assistant City Attorney, Richard Ray. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance recognizing the Bossier City Engineering Department drone surplus to the needs of the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve report of Change Order 2 for the Tinsley Ballpark Parking Lot Expansion Phase I & II with an increase in project cost of $42,013.40. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Hammons and Assistant City Engineer, Todd Thompson discussed this change order. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract with Civil Design Group, LLC to provide design services for a turn lane located at the intersection at Louisiana Highway 3 (Benton Road) and Chinaberry Drive. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance to declare the completion of the Benton Water Tank Rehabilitation and Painting Project by VIP Tanks, LLC, including Change Order No.1 in the amount of ($2,050.00) leaving a surplus of funding to supplement the Water Capital and Contingency fund. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract with Manchac Consulting Group to provide design services for the rehabilitation of Brownlee Road. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Hammons asked Mr. Thompson about the need for this Ordinance since the City already has a contract with Manchac. Mr. Thompson explained the need and that services are outside the current managing contract. No further comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Hammons Absent – none Abstain - none RESOLUTION NO. 15 of 2024 A RESOLUTION TO REAPPOINT ANGELA WILLIAMSON TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. WHEREAS, Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, comprised of La. R.S. 33:4548.1 through 33:4548.16, inclusive, is known as the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority Act (the "Act"); and WHEREAS, the Act creates the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the "Authority") for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions, as defined in the Act, and other designated entities in acquiring, financing and constructing certain facilities, including environmental, public infrastructure, community and economic development purposes and to otherwise establish programs to aid in the financing of local government and economic development projects; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City), is a participating political subdivision of the Authority in accordance with the Act; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4548.4 of the Act, this City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, acting as governing authority of the City, desires to approve the appointment of Angela Williamson to serve as a Director of the Authority; NOW, THEREFORE, 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. Pursuant to the Act, the appointment of Angela Williamson to serve as a Director of the Authority for a term of two (2) years from the date hereof is hereby approved. SECTION 2. This Resolution shall become effective immediately, and a certified copy hereof shall be forwarded to the offices of the Authority. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 12th, day of March 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 Agenda item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the possibility of early promotions due to the possible upcoming retirements of the following positions: Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief, Chief of EMS, Chief of Special Operations, Master Mechanic and two Deputy Chiefs. Mr. Darby asked about potential increase in budget with the overlap of positions. Fire Chief Zagone feels it will be net neutral and will have to come back to the Council if additional funding is needed. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 16 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POSSIBILITY OF EARLY PROMOTIONS DUE TO THE POSSIBLE UPCOMING RETIREMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE FIRE CHIEF, CHIEF OF EMS, CHIEF OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS, MASTER MECHANIC AND TWO DEPUTY CHIEFS WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 63 of 2023 amended Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 and requires the Bossier City Fire Department to obtain a Resolution or Ordinance for any additional positions, promotions or increase in manning not listed in Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 63 of 2023; and  WHEREAS, this resolution will allow the employee being promoted to be trained by the employee currently holding the position and make the transition more effective; WHEREAS, if the senior employee chooses not to retire the promotion will be rescinded; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized the possibility to promote the following positions early: Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief, Chief of EMS, Chief of Special Operations, Master Mechanic and two Deputy Chiefs; The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 12th, day of March 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 The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 17 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL A LABORER II POSITION IN THE STREETS AND DRAINAGE DIVISION DUE TO A RESIGNATION 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 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 one 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 12th, day of March 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 The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 18 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL TWO EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I POSITIONS IN THE STREETS AND DRAINAGE DIVISION AND A LABORER I POSITION IN THE STREET SWEEPING AND GRASS CUTTING DIVISION AS APPROVED IN THE 2024 BUDGET _____________________________________________________________________________  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 Equipment Operator I positions and a Laborer I position were approved in the 2024 operating budget and we are ready to fill these positions; 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 fill the additional positions that were approved in the 2024 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 12th, day of March 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 The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 19 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK III DUE TO RESIGNATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITION THIS MAY CREATE IN THE SALES TAX DEPARTMENT ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to the hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Sales Tax Department has an available position due to resignation; and WHEREAS, this vacancy provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement or promote from within and backfill any vacancy created; 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 or promote an Accounts Clerk III and backfill any vacancy this may create in the Sales Tax Department with no impact to the existing budget. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 12th, day of March 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. Darby Motion to place in the official Minutes the appointment of Firefighter Monroe Townsend as the Fire Department Representative of the Bossier City Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. Appointment effective March 7, 2024 and expires March 6, 2027. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver – for Crosswalk I Walk with the Cross – March 29, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Announcements – Mayor Chandler congratulated the Parkway High School Girls Basketball team that just won the State Championship. He announced they have now won it two years in a row. Mr. Darby recognized Women’s Month. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 3:34 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish March 20, 2024