City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 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 26, 2024, at 3:02 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby 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: Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray, City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw and Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany Absent: Mayor Thomas Chandler 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. Williams Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve minutes of the March 12, 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 – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 30 OF 2024 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. WHEREAS; the drainage systems along and surrounding Viking Drive no longer facilitate positive drainage along Viking Drive and the surrounding area; and WHEREAS; the boundary of improvements needed are along and adjacent to Viking Drive between Airline Drive, Swan Lake Road, and I-220; and WHEREAS; $40,000 will be allocated from the Streets and Drainage Fund to initiate corrective measures; and WHEREAS; Nixon Engineering Solutions proposes to perform the necessary survey, study, design, and related services needed to correct the drainage issues within this area for a fee of $33,725.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, allocates $40,000 from the Streets and Drainage Fund for Viking Drive drainage improvements and authorizes the Mayor to contract with Nixon Engineering Solutions to provide design services needed to correct the drainage issues.  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 by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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. 31 OF 2024 ADOPT 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. WHEREAS; Ordinance 124 of 2021 appropriated $100,000 for the completion of a turn lane study at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Golden Meadows Drive; and WHEREAS; Ordinance 48 of 2023 appropriated $300,000 for construction of a left turn lane on US 71 at Golden Meadows; and WHEREAS; Civil Design Group has provided an updated Opinion of Probable Cost of $310,908.00; and WHEREAS; an additional $89,092.00 is being requested to cover miscellaneous and contingency costs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to appropriate an additional $100,000 for the construction of a turn lane on U.S. Highway 71 at Golden Meadows. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to enter into agreements for the purposes of construction and providing design services for a left turn lane on US 71 at Golden Meadows and is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund 2024 Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the design and construction of a left turn lane on U.S. 71 at Golden Meadows by $100,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $100,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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 Resolution offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 32 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO CONTRACT WITH BEAST ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE 2024 CITYWIDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. WHEREAS; Ordinance 149 of 2023 appropriated $1,500,000 for the 2024 Citywide Street Improvements; and  WHEREAS; Beast Engineering has provided a proposal in the amount of $77,625.00 for providing design services for the project; and WHEREAS; Additional services will be required for Construction Administration and Inspection once construction commences; and WHEREAS; the fees associated for these services will be developed upon award of the construction contract and are estimated at $60,000.00 and will be appropriated using the referenced funding. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with Beast Engineering for the purposes of providing design, construction administration, and inspection services for the 2024 Citywide Street Improvements Project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. 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 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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. 33 OF 2024 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. WHEREAS; $2,200,000.00 has been budgeted for 2023 capital street improvements; and WHEREAS; an additional $100,000 in funding is needed to accommodate additional work that can be performed while the construction is ongoing; and WHEREAS; the 2023 City Wide Street Improvement Project bid, dedicated to the rehabilitation of asphalt streets, was accepted at $1,472,177.75, and WHEREAS; an increased amount of $104,610.38 is to be added to the contract price to allow for additional work under Change Order #1. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate $100,000.00 from the Streets and Drainage Fund to complete the 2023 Capital Street Improvements Project and approves Change Order #1. 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 by Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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. 34 OF 2024 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. 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 labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the position of Senior Operator is vacant due to retirement and promotion creating the need to fulfill by hiring or promoting from within and backfill any position this creates; and WHEREAS, the position of Operator has been vacant since 2021 and will be eliminated; and WHEREAS, the combined pay and benefits associated with the eliminated Operator position will be evenly redistributed and assigned to all Water Treatment Division employees; 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. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that the Department of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to implement the proposed staffing and salary changes. 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 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 2024, 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. 35 OF 2024 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING THE BOSSIER CITY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT DRONE SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City Engineering Department owns and is in possession of the following listed equipment: 1. Geo-MMS Tactical Drone with Payload. Vendor Item No 4115042ABA WHEREAS; The Geo-MMS Tactical Drone with Payload is unusable and outside of the capabilities of the City of Bossier City Engineering Department and no longer fit for use; and WHEREAS; the condition of the Geo-MMS Tactical Drone along with its payload is good making it fit and practical for sale at auction; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, declares said drone surplus to the needs of the City and hereby grants the Bossier City Engineering Department the authority to auction the vehicle and ancillary equipment; 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 by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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. 36 OF 2024 ADOPT 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. 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, field observations identified areas of improvement including fencing materials and additional grading improvements; and WHEREAS; Change Order #2 includes an increase in project cost by $42,013.40 for general grading improvements and fencing materials; and WHEREAS; After implementation of Change Order #2 there is a project budget surplus of approximately $370,000. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #2 for the Tinsley Ballpark Parking Lot Expansion Phase I & II with an increase in project cost of $42,013.40; 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 by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 2024, 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. 37 OF 2024 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. WHEREAS; Ordinance 148 of 2023 appropriated $600,000 from the 2024 Sales Tax Capital Improvement fund for the design and construction of a turn lane at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 3 and Chinaberry Drive; and WHEREAS; Civil Design Group, LLC proposes to perform the necessary survey, study, design, and related services for a fee of $58,399.75.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to use the funds appropriated by Ordinance 148 of 2023 to contract with Civil Design Group, LLC to provide the necessary survey, study, design, and related services for a left turn lane at the intersection at Louisiana Highway 3 and Chinaberry Drive. 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 by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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. 38 Of 2024 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 CAPTIAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS; the 2023 Water Capital and Contingency fund budgeted $700,000.00 to complete the Benton Water Tank Rehabilitation and Painting Project.; and WHEREAS; a decrease in contract price to VIP Tanks, LLC via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $2,050.00 from reconciling final project quantities is required; and WHEREAS; a decrease in contract time of ninety two (92) days will be included in Change Order No. 1; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare the completion of the Benton Water Tank Rehabilitation and Painting Project and to amend their contract with VIP Tanks, LLC. for a decrease in price of $2,050.00 and a decrease ninety-two (92) days. The remaining surplus funds in are to be used to supplement water capital and contingency fund. 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 by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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 Resolution offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 39 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO CONTRACT WITH MANCHAC CONSULTING GROUP TO PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF BROWNLEE ROAD. WHEREAS; Ordinance 148 of 2023 appropriated $1,500,000 for the rehabilitation of Brownlee Road between Airline Drive and Benton Road; and  WHEREAS; Manchac Consulting Group has provided a proposal for providing design services for the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with Manchac Consulting Group for the purposes of providing design services for the Brownlee Road Rehabilitation Project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Resolution. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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 – Agenda item called – Adopt an Ordinance approving a conditional use for the sale of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at a liquor store, located at 5520 Shed Road, Bossier City, LA . Mr. Hammons asked MPC Director, Carlotta Askew-Brown about the 24 hours for a liquor store on application. She reported that the liquor store would not be opened 24 hours but the whole project is part of a strip center including a coffee shop that would have ability to stay open 24 hours. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 40 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A LIQUOR STORE, LOCATED AT 5520 SHED ROAD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Jacob Malone, Raley and Associates, 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 off premise consumption at a liquor store, located at 5520 Shed Road, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on March 11, 2024; 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 being: Favorable recommendation by the Bossier City- Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission. 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 off premise consumption at 5520 Shed Road, 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 by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 26th, day of March, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 3, 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 C-ALC-000006-2024 The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 20 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A LABORER I DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 Customer Services Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire a Laborer I, due to a resignation in the Customer 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 Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on the 26th, 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. 21 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK II DUE TO A RESIGNATION IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 Customer Service Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this resignation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire an Accounts Clerk II, due to a resignation in the Customer Service 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. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on the 26th, 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 22 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A FOREMAN FOR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION DIVISION IN PUBLIC UTILTIES. BACKFILLING ANY POSITION THIS MAY CREATE. WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by any hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS, the position of is vacant due to resignation; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assures that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to proceed with hiring procedures for the fulfillment of this position. 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 26th, 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. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve the joint appointment of Mel Allen to the E-911 Board. Appointment effective March 1, 2024 through March 1, 2028. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Allen was presented and went over his experience. Councilors thanked him for volunteering. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director, went over monthly Financial Report for month ending February 2024. Some of the items she noted were that revenues were up 23% over budget, expenses were 16% under budget and manning had decreased by 6 from the last report. The current City staffing is at 661 of the 712 budgeted full time positions. Ben Rauschenbach, Engineering, went over monthly Project Report and discussed all current, in- design and in-bid stage projects. He also answered questions from Council members concerning the traffic light upgrades, building security project and road panel replacements as part of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway project. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 3:38 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish April 3, 2024