City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JUNE 4, 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, June 4, 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, 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. Hammons Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve minutes of the May 21, 2024, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids - Agenda Item called – Witness opening of sealed bids for on-demand concrete – Public Utilities Department A & H Building and Construction, LLC $246,750.00 H & H Contracting Co., INC $278,700.00 By: Mr. Williams Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 67 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANLDER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING PAYMENTS FOR THE BOSSIER CITY DIVERSION PROGRAM.  WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and Development (“DOTD”) authorized construction on Interstate 20 in Bossier City and the major project began in late 2023. In December 2023, DOTD issued a directive prohibiting commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers from driving the section of Interstate 20 under construction due to the repeated incidents or crashes caused by the large commercial vehicles violating the DOTD directive; and WHEREAS, as police have begun enforcement efforts, numerous commercial drivers have been issued citations for disregarding this prohibition; and WHEREAS, it was necessary to implement a diversion program in the City of Bossier City to provide first time offenders with an alternative to incarceration or other consequences while still providing education and accountability; and WHEREAS, other local jurisdictions have had similar diversion programs in place for years and provide an alternative to prosecution for certain offenders; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City diversion program has been implemented pursuant to the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association guidelines for diversion programs; and WHEREAS, Tyler Technologies has presented a proposal whereby the payment portion of this program would be implemented at no cost to the City of Bossier City; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute any documents necessary with Tyler Technologies to implement a payment portal for the Bossier City diversion program. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 4th, day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 12, 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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 68 of 2024 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. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Bossier City Police Department utilizes radio equipment to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, due to advancing technology some of the existing radio equipment is no longer optimal for the current needs of the Bossier City Police Department; and WHEREAS, it is vital to public safety, officer safety, and law enforcement operations that the Bossier City Police Department utilize radio equipment that meet the current and projected future needs of the department; and WHEREAS, some of the radio equipment need upgrades in order to provide the citizens of Bossier City with the best possible protection and it is recommended that radio upgrades and equipment be purchased to standardize and modernize the current radio equipment; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Police Department is hereby given authority to expend the sum of Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($280,000.00) from the 2024 EMS Capital Fund for the purchase of supplemental radio equipment for the Bossier City Police Department. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2024 EMS Capital Fund budget is hereby amended to increase Other Equipment by Two Hundred Eight Thousand Dollars ($280,000.00) and to decrease Fund Balance Two Hundred Eight Thousand Dollars ($280,000.00). The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 4th , day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 12, 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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 69 OF 2024 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. WHEREAS; Ordinance 67 of 2022 appropriated $35,000 for the design and study of potential improvements to the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal; and WHEREAS; Ordinance 120 of 2022 appropriated $1,000,000 for the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal project; and WHEREAS; the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal is a vital artery within the flood plains of the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS; the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal suffers from instability and unchecked erosion of the channel embankments; and WHEREAS; the plans are complete and this project is ready for bid; and WHEREAS; final opinion of probable construction cost increased from $1,737,478 during the initial design efforts to $2,039,351.00 requiring the additional funding; and WHEREAS; the area in question is currently under Bossier Parish Levee Board Jurisdiction; and WHEREAS; the Bossier Parish Levee Board has proposed to provide 50% of project and construction costs; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that $150,000 is hereby appropriated from the Riverboat Gaming Capital Fund. 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 Riverboat Capital Gaming Fund is hereby amended to allocate for expenditures for the Lateral B-1 Drainage Canal by $150,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $150,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 4th , day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 12, 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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 70 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R- MD (RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY) TO B-2 (LIMITED BUSINESS) BEING  .4790 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, FOR AN PROPOSED DAYCARE FACILITY, LOCATED AT 1329 AIRLINE DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUSIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-MD (Residential Medium Density) to B-1 (Limited Business) for the following: .4790 acres, more or less, located at 1329 Airline Drive Bossier City, Louisiana, more particularly described as: Lot 5 and 6 Waller Subdivision, second filing. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 4th , day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 12, 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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ZON-000030-2024 The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 71 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 A GRAVITY SEWER MAIN SEGEMENT ON DELHI ST. THAT COLLAPSED AT A COST OF $90,050.00 TO COME FROM SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS, gravity sewer mains are critical infrastructure in Bossier’s wastewater collection system and overtime the vitrified clay material has deteriorated from excessive use; and WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department needed emergency support to replace this sewer segment as it collapsed in 4 locations; and WHEREAS, the scope of work involved is beyond the Utility Department’s capabilities due to the size and scale of the equipment, material, and labor required; and WHEREAS, it will cost $90,050.00 in labor, equipment, and materials to complete the replacement of the main; and WHEREAS, $90,050.00 shall be appropriated from the Sewer Capital and 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 $90,050.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund to be used for the purpose of replacing and repairing the gravity sewer main segment; 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 required repairs by $90,050.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $90,050.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 4th , day of June, 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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to enter into the attached amended local services agreement with the Parish of Bossier and to execute any documents in furtherance thereof. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Discussion from Mr. Darby, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Ben Rauschenbach, and Richard Ray concerning need for this and projects on the list that are outside City limits. Mr. Rauschenbach and Mr. Ray noted it’s an annual Ordinance that’s updated each year with any new projects regardless of location but that it seems none are ever removed. Could be for bond purposes for the Parish. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to eliminate an Equipment Operator I position in the Streets and Drainage Department for Public Works and amend the General Fund and Public Services and Sanitation fund budgets to transfer funds from the Streets and Drainage Department to the Streets and Grass Cutting Department for Salaries and Benefits. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Shreveport and the Caddo- Bossier Parishes Port Commission. Seconded by Mr. Williams Audience member David Crockett commented on lack of information presented on plan. Mr. Darby, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Rauschenbach and Mr. Ray discussed the need for agreement, status of new water connection and length of contract, 99 years. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve Bossier Press Tribune as the City of Bossier City's Official Journal for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 43:141. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Engineering Department – Monthly Project Report – Ben Rauschenbach delivered the Monthly Project Report and updated the Council on the status of many of the current projects. He noted that the WOB Carriageway is 94% complete. Mr. Montgomery discussed concerns for a business located along the new section. Mr. Ray and Mr. Rauschenbach will look into issue. Mr. Hammons asked about the status of the Hwy. 71 turn lane. Mr. Rauschenbach doesn’t believe it will be completed before school resumes. Announcements – Mr. Darby asked on the status of the salary survey. Ms. Nottingham reported that they are still waiting on revisions but the company plans to have a report to the Council sometime July. Mayor Chandler asked everyone to stay safe in the weather. He asked for patience as city crews work to clean up debris and clear drains from all the recent storms the City has experienced. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 3:44 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish June 12, 2024