City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING MAY 21, 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, May 21, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Vince Maggio Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, Vice President Chris Smith, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby, Don Williams and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Council President, Jeff Free Also Present: Mayor, Thomas Chandler, Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray, Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw 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. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve minutes of the May 7, 2024, Regular Council and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 63 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ADDITION AND HIRING OF ONE ACCOUNTANT II POSITION IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT AND AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND 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 any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Finance Department is in need of one additional Accountant II to cross train on payroll and general ledger accounting, to strengthen internal controls by improving separation of duties and workflow, to assist with increased responsibilities related to processing and paying state supplemental pay, to assist with increased workload in the Finance Department, and to have a subject matter expert on the financial, payroll and timekeeping software to address issues and assist end users; and  WHEREAS, an amendment to the General Fund budget is required to appropriate $44,000 for the salary and benefits of the additional position for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, hereby authorizes the administration to add and hire one additional Accountant II position in the Finance Department. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2024 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for Finance Department Salaries and Benefits by $44,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $44,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 21st, day of May, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 29, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 64 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 74 OF 2023 TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($275,000.00) DOLLARS FROM THE RIVERBOAT GAMING FUND. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance 74 or 2023 appropriated $60,000 to make improvements to the North Gate entrance to Barksdale Air Force Base; and WHEREAS, through collaborative planning with Base personnel and the City’s Traffic Engineering Department, an enhanced design was developed that encapsulates a permanent paved solution in lieu of the temporary measure as outlined in Ordinance 74 of 2023; and WHEREAS, said improvements are more particularly described in the Northgate Road Modifications at Barksdale Air Force Base Entrance plans prepared by Civil Design Group, LLC; and WHEREAS, said improvements will not affect the public convenience of the citizens of the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, said improvements will be constructed on property owned and/or subject to the control of the City of Bossier City and the Department of the Air Force is not allowed to expend funds for the construction of improvements on property not owned by the United State of America; and WHEREAS, an additional $275,000 is needed to cover the costs of said improvements; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that Ordinance No. 74 of 2023 is hereby amended to include an additional $275,000 to be appropriated from the River Boat Gaming Fund to cover construction and associated project costs. 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 by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 21st, day of May, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 29, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 65 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2024 DISASTER RESERVE FUND BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET ACT ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Local Government Budget Act requires budget amendment when total revenue and other sources plus projected revenue and other sources within a fund are failing to meet total budgeted revenues and other sources by five percent or more, when total actual expenditures and other uses plus projected expenditures and other uses, within a fund, are exceeding the total budgeted expenditures and other uses by five percent or more, and when actual beginning fund balance, within a fund, fails to meet estimated beginning fund balance by five percent or more and fund balance is being used to fund current year expenditures; and WHEREAS, the Disaster Reserve Fund actual beginning fund balance is nine percent below the 2024 budgeted estimated beginning fund balance and fund balance is being used to fund current year expenditures. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby amend the 2024 Disaster Reserve Fund budget to decrease estimated Beginning Fund Balance by 372,453. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 21st, day of May, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 29, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 66 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $260,000 FROM THE DISASTER RESERVE FUND FOR THE 2024 ARCTIC BLAST _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Louisiana experienced a severe winter storm from January 15th – January th 19 , 2024; and WHEREAS, the City has incurred significant expenses to prepare for the storm and to protect and safeguard the City’s infrastructure and the Citizens of the City of Bossier City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that the Council does hereby appropriate $260,000 from the Disaster Reserve Fund for expenditures related to the 2024 Arctic Blast. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 Disaster Reserve Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for 2024 Arctic Blast by $260,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $260,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 21st, day of May, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 29, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute an agreement with Tyler Technologies for processing payments for the Bossier City diversion program. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating the sum of two hundred eighty thousand dollars ($280,000.00) from the EMS Capital Fund for the purchase of supplemental radio equipment for the Bossier City Police Department. Seconded by Mr. Darby Mr. Hammons asked Chief Haugen for some clarification of the recent crime statistics. Chief Haugen reported that numbers are based on how police are required to report incidents. That all the homicides reported were solved within 48 hours and they have over a 90% solve rate on violent offenses. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Ordinance 120 of 2022 to appropriate an additional $150,000 for improvements to the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal to come from the Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons asked about possible funding from Waterway Commission. Todd Thompson, Engineering department would get more information for Council, No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 36 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A INDUSTRIAL WASTE INSPECTOR FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIR DIVISION IN PUBLIC UTILTIES. 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. WHEREAS, the position of Industrial Waste Inspector 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 21st, day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 37 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A MAINTENANCE MECHANIC FOR THE RED RIVER TREATMENT PLANT IN PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPT. 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. WHEREAS, the position of Maintenance Mechanic 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on the 21st, day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 38 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK II IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DUE TO A TRANSFER ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 the transfer of an employee to another department; and WHEREAS, this transfer 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 in the Customer Service Department due to a transfer, 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 21st, day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of an Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation in advance of a retirement to allow for sufficient training of a replacement. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to continue until June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Only comment was from Richard Ray clarifying date. No further comments Motion in favor of motion is unanimous The following resolution was offered by Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Don Williams: RESOLUTION 39 of 2024 A resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein. 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. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the special election held in the City on SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 (the "Election"), to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein pursuant to the following propositions (the "Propositions"): 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? This Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns of the Election thereof. SECTION 2. Election Results. According to the official certified tabulation of votes cast at said Election, (i) there was a total of 2,179 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1 and a total of 581 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 1, resulting in a majority of 1,598 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1; and  (ii) there was a total of 2,135 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2 and a total of 610 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 2, resulting in a majority of 1,525 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2. The Propositions were therefore duly CARRIED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the Election. SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Result. The results of said Election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law, after receipt from the Secretary of State’s office of the actual costs of the Election, as required by §18:1292 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. SECTION 4. Declaration. The foregoing results of the Election are hereby declared by this Governing Authority and shall be published as required by law. SECTION 5. Procès Verbal. A Procès Verbal of the canvass of the returns of the Election shall be made and a certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall record the same in her office; another certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and for the Parish of Bossier, who shall record the same in the Mortgage Records of said Parish; and another copy thereof shall be retained in the archives of this Governing Authority. 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 and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 21st day of May, 2024. City Clerk Vice President PROCÈS VERBAL OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024. BE IT KNOWN AND REMEMBERED that on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at its regular meeting place, the Council Chambers, Municipal Complex, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, 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"), and being the authority ordering the special election held therein on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with a quorum being present, did examine the official certified tabulations of votes cast at the said election, and did examine and canvass the returns of said election, there having been submitted at said election 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? There was found by said count and canvass that (i) there was a total of 2,179 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1 and a total of 581 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 1, as hereinabove set forth, and it was further found and determined that there was a majority of 1,598 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1 as hereinabove set forth and (ii) there was a total of 2,135 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2 and a total of 610 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 2, as hereinabove set forth, and it was further found and determined that there was a majority of 1,525 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2 as hereinabove set forth. Therefore, the Governing Authority did declare and proclaim and does hereby declare and proclaim in open and public session that the Propositions as hereinabove set forth were duly CARRIED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the said special election held in the City on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Results by precinct are available from the City Clerk of this Governing Authority during regular business hours or via the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website (voterportal.sos.la.gov). Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part of this Procès Verbal is a copy of the Notice of Special Election and proof of publication thereof. THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Bossier City, Louisiana, on this, the 21st day of May, 2024. ATTEST: Vice President City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A UTILITIES BILLING AND COLLECTIONS SUPERVISOR AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANCIES THIS CREATES 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 promotion of an employee; and WHEREAS, this promotion provides an opportunity to hire or promote from within a replacement and backfill any vacancies 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 a Utilities Billing and Collections Supervisor and backfill any vacancies this may create 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. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on the 21st, day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 41 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A PROPERTY STANDARDS INSPECTOR WITHIN THE PROPERTY STANDARDS DIVISION DUE TO 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 labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the position of Property Standards Inspector will be vacant due to retirement on May 31st, 2024; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assure that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded; and WHEREAS, to keep a smooth and seamless transition, the department would like to start the job advertising, interview, and hiring process with a new hire start date no sooner than June 1, 2024. 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on the 21st, day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 42 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 22 OF EACH YEAR TO BE DESIGNATED AND KNOWN AS NATIONAL MARITIME DAY WHEREAS, on May 22, 1819, the steamship The Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first successful transoceanic voyage under steam propulsion, thus making a material contribution to the advancement of ocean transportation; and WHEREAS, on May 20, 1933, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America assembled and designated May 22nd of each year as National Maritime Day; and WHEREAS, during WW II in what became the world’s largest sealift operation, more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marines served their country, with over 6,700 losing their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war and in excess of 800 ships being sunk or damaged; and WHEREAS, waterways have greatly contributed to expanding America's economy, developing cities near waterways, and facilitating vast domestic and international commerce crucial to our economy today; and WHEREAS, merchant mariners have served America with distinction throughout our history, but especially at critical moments of war and natural disaster; and WHEREAS, the United States Merchant Marines and thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry continue to make immeasurable contributions to our economic strength and ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world; and WHEREAS, the United States Merchant Marines also shepherd the safe passage of American goods, move exports to customers around the world, support the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways, strengthen our Nation's economy, bolster job creation, and, along with the transportation industry, employ Americans on ships and tugs, and in ports, like our Port of Caddo Bossier; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City of Bossier City to increase the awareness of the maritime industry within Caddo and Bossier Parishes and the State of Louisiana.  NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Bossier City Council and the Mayor joins the President of the United States of America in proclaiming, May 22, 2024, as National Maritime Day and calls upon the citizens of Bossier City to celebrate this observance. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on the 21st, day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Chris Smith, Vice President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Reports – Finance Director Angela Williamson went over the Monthly Finance Report noting that revenues were 18% over budget and expenses were 13% under budget. She also noted that sales tax from were down 7.6% Engineering Department Todd Thompson provided drone footage and gave an update on the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Announcements – Mayor Chandler reminded everyone about the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday and wished everyone a great holiday. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council Vice President Smith adjourned the meeting at 3:26 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish May 29, 2024