City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JUNE 18, 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 18, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jeff Free 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 – Mayor Chandler introduced the new operations team at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. Tyler Slanovec Kourtney Washington, Wayne Hodes, and Jason Berry. Mayor Chandler and Councilor Montgomery presented recently retired Party Central owners Bubba and Bernadette Chandler with a Proclamation declaring May 26, 2024, as Party Central Day and presented them with a key to the city. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve minutes of the June 4, 2024, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 72 Of 2024 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. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier mutually benefit from the development of infrastructure which enhances existing businesses and encourages the development of new business entities in both the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier have engaged in joint endeavors regarding the development of industrial parks, juvenile detention facilities, jail operations, research parks, street, highway or road projects, water and sewer system improvement projects, zoning master plans and a uniform development code, which benefit the citizens of Bossier Parish and the City of Bossier; and WHEREAS, a local services agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier will facilitate intergovernmental functions to provide greater economy and efficiency in the operation of local services; and WHEREAS, the citizens of the Parish of Bossier and the City of Bossier will benefit by the development created by improving traffic and utilities across the parish including the City by improving streets, roads and utilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute the amended local services agreement with Bossier Parish, and to execute any documents in furtherance thereof. BE IT FUTHER ORDAINED that the City of Bossier City and Parish of Bossier, in entering into this agreement, authorize their respective attorneys to take whatever action necessary in furtherance of the joint projects set forth in the agreement attached hereto. If any provision or item of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are hereby declared severable. BE IT FUTHER ORDAINED that the City of Bossier City authorizes the City Attorney to take whatever action necessary in furtherance of the joint project set forth in the agreement attached hereto. 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. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on this the 18th, day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 26, 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. 73 OF 2024 ADOPT 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 STREET SWEEPING AND GRASS CUTTING DEPARTMENT FOR SALARIES AND BENEFITS. WHEREAS, one Operator I position has been vacant for all of 2024 and the duties are bring performed by existing employees; and WHEREAS, elimination of this Operator I position would allow for salary increases in the Streets and Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting Departments; and WHEREAS, budget amendments are needed to transfer $5,125from the General Fund Streets and Drainage Department to the Public Services and Sanitation Fund Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting Department to fund salary adjustments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby authorize the Administration, through the Department of Public Works, to eliminate one Operator I position in the Streets and Drainage Department and adjust salaries in the Streets and Drainage and Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting Departments. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2024 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase transfers out to the Public Services and Sanitation Fund $5,125 and decrease Streets and Drainage Department Salaries and Benefits $5,125 and the 2024 Public Services and Sanitation Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase Transfers In from General Fund $5,125 and increase Streets Sweeping and Grass Cutting Department Salaries and Benefits $5,125.  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 18th, day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 26, 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.74 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANLDER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED JOINT COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION. WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City, the City of Shreveport, and Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission desire to enter into a Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Emergency Water Service Transfer; and WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Constitution of the State of Louisiana states, "[f]or a public purpose, the State and its political subdivisions or political corporations may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other, with the United States or its Agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation or individual”; and WHEREAS, the tenants located at The Port generate hundreds of millions of dollars in the annual production of products and commodities at The Port’s Industrial Complex; and WHEREAS, the perpetual and constant access to industrial water is critically important in the production process of The Port’s tenants, directly affecting production efficiency, product quality and economic growth as well as safety of the workers at The Port and the general public; and WHEREAS, Bossier City is working to complete a project that will provide an additional source of water to The Port and, therefore, the Parties desire to implement redundant sources of water to mitigate the potential disruption of water access by providing an emergency waterline connection for the tenants located at The Port; and WHEREAS, a Standard Operating Procedures (“SOP”) has been developed to effectuate the emergency water service transfer to and from the water mains of Bossier City and Shreveport for the purpose of providing continuous water service to the tenants located at The Port; and WHEREAS, it would be economically beneficial to and provide greater safety to The Port’s tenants and the Parties to mitigate the disruption of water access by installing an emergency waterline connection; and WHEREAS, the Parties hereto are authorized by law, specifically La. Const. Art. 7 §14 of 1974; Title 33 and Title 34 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, to enter into this Agreement; and WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into this Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to facilitate their mutual objectives; and 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 the attached Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “A” 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 18th, day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 26, 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. 75 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A POOL HALL/BAR, POOL, HUB LOCATED AT 2790 SHED ROAD SUITE E BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Peter Perhala, Perhala Investments LLC, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol, for on premise consumption and to modify and extend the hours of operation to 2:00am at a pool hall/bar, Pool Hub, located at 2790 Shed Road Suite E, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on June 4, 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. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. That the Conditional Use for the sale of high and low content alcohol for on premise consumption and to modify and extend the hours of operation to 2:00am at 2790 Shed Road Suite E, 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 by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 18th, day of June, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on June 26, 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-ALC-000058-2024 (SC) By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating One Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand and no/100 ($175,000.00) dollars to come from the Jail & Municipal Buildings Fund to make repairs and security upgrades to the Bossier City Municipal Complex. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending and re-enacting a portion of Chapter 6, Section 10, of the Code of Ordinances relative to alcoholic beverages, to allow the sale of packaged beverages of high and low alcoholic content and packaged wine for consumption off the premises on Sunday during designated hours, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Hammons discussed his reason for sponsoring this Ordinance and answered questions from Mr. Maggio. No further comment Motion carries with following votes: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free Nays: Mr. Maggio Absent: none Abstain: none Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 2024  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN ACCOUNTANT I DUE TO A PROMOTION IN THE FINANCE 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 Finance Department has an available position due to promotion of an employee; and WHEREAS, this promotion 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 Accountant I in the Finance 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 of Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 18th day of June, 2024. 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 44 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A FOREMAN FOR THE SEWER MAINTENANCE DIVISION IN PUBLIC UTILITIES. _____________________________________________________ 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 Foreman is vacant due to resignation and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assured 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 of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 18th day of June, 2024. 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 to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support of One Million Four Hundred Thousand and no/100 ($1,400,000.00) dollars of contingent local match funding for the Bossier Parish School Board’s Defense Community Infrastructure Program Leadership Readiness Training Complex Project. Audience Member – David Crockett asked questions about the need for this project and who wanted this. Mr. Hammons, Mr. Montgomery & Mr. Williams along with Richard Ray, City Attorney and Lisa Johnson, Bossier Chamber of Commerce discussed project, funding and where it would be located. The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 45 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER OF SUPPORT OF ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($1,400,000.00) DOLLARS OF CONTINGENT LOCAL MATCH FUNDING FOR THE BOSSIER PARISH SCHOOL BOARD’S DEFENSE COMMUNITY INFRASTUCTURE PROGRAM LEADERSHIP READINESS TRAINING COMPLEX PROJECT. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Bossier Parish Police Jury (BPPJ) in conjunction with the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) is seeking funding for a Leadership Readiness Training Complex to be located in Bossier City as shown in the graphic attached hereto as Exhibit “A”; and WHEREAS, for current and future mission support to Barksdale Air Force Base this project is needed; and WHEREAS, this project will directly support Barksdale Air Force Base and our National Security and will provide a mission ready workforce for the United States Air Force and will also have a positive economic impact on State and local economies; and WHEREAS, the estimated cost of this project is $18 million dollars and will require a local 30% match; $1.4 million has been committed in writing from the Bossier Parish Police Jury and $1.4 million is needed in 2025 from the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the Bossier Parish Police Jury has committed to funding in writing by letter attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and the funding by the City of Bossier City would be contingent upon the passage of an ordinance appropriating the funds by Bossier Parish Police Jury. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the City of Bossier City, in 2025, will commit $1.4 million dollars in funds contingent upon the prior adoption of an ordinance by the Bossier Parish Police Jury appropriating $1.4 million to the project and authorizes the Mayor to provide a letter of support from the City of Bossier City as attached hereto as Exhibit “C”. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to sign any and all documents in furtherance of this Resolution. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 18th day of June, 2024. 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. 46 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A TAX ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST 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 hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Sales Tax Department has an available position due to resignation; and WHEREAS, this vacancy provides 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 a Tax Accounts Specialist and backfill any vacancy this may create in the Sale 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 of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 18th day of June, 2024. 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. Maggio Motion to elect Don Williams as City Council President to serve from July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Motion carries 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 By: Mr. Maggio Motion to elect Chris Smith as City Council Vice President to serve from July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Motion in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Angela Williamson, Monthly Finance Report – Ms. Williamson went over the Monthly Financial Report. She noted that Revenues were 16% over budget and expenses were 8% under budget. Engineering Department – Monthly Project Report – Ben Rauschenbach gave updates on some of the various projects across the city and also State appropriations for city projects from the recent Legislative Session. Discussion between Mr. Rauschenbach and Councilmembers about various projects throughout the city. Announcements – Mr. Williams thanked Mr. Free for his service this past year as President of Council. Mayor Chandler spoke about the recent opening of the Aldi Store in Bossier and a recent visit from U.S. Army Recruiters to City Hall and thanked them for their service. He also spoke about the upcoming Juneteenth Holiday and the significance of it. He noted it was an important day in the history of the nation and it marks the end of slavery and a celebration of freedom and There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Free adjourned the meeting at 3:37 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish June 26, 2024