City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JULY 30, 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, July 30, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jeff Free Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Don Williams, Honorable Councilors, Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, and Jeff Free Absent: Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Jeffery Darby, Vince Maggio Also Present: Mayor, Thomas Chandler, City Attorney, Charles Jacobs, 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 and informed since there are only four members present, in order for anything to pass, the vote must be unanimous By: Mr. Smith Add on #4 under Unfinished Business – Adopt an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to shelter residents at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. Ms. McGraw noted that this item was left off inadvertently. Second by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Add on #9 under New Business – Introduce an Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 154 of 2023. Seconded by: Mr. Smith Mayor Chandler spoke on why he has asked for this Ordinance to be added and passed. Mr. Williams asked about future Charter Commissions. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve minutes of the July 16, 2024, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Free No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids - Agenda item called – Witness opening of sealed bids for P24-04 Lateral B-1 Ditch Paving Construction. Denna Beauchemin, Purchasing Agent reported that no bids were submitted and that the correct bid number was P24-05. Mr. Williams asked Ben Rauschenbach, Engineer if he knew what was going on with no bidders. Mr. Rauschenbach reported that there was really good pre-bid meeting but in the last few days contractors are getting other jobs. He reported it was a much needed project. Mr. Hammons asked about allotted time for job, Mr. Rauschenbach reported 270 days. He will look for other contractors and put out for bid again. Unfinished Business – The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 82 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $100,000 FROM THE EMS CAPITAL FUND TO INCREASE THE LINE ITEM IN THE 2024 GENERAL FUND BUDGET BY $100,000 FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURES _____________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, additional funds are needed for vehicle repair and maintenance due to the increase in the costs of parts and general maintenance; and WHEREAS, the current conditions of the supply chain and the inability of the City to secure the purchase of new vehicles requires increased repair and maintenance expenditures for the older existing vehicles to keep them in service; and WHEREAS, the 2024 EMS Capital Fund and 2024 General Fund operating budgets need to be amended to appropriate additional funding to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover anticipated vehicle repair and maintenance expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the Bossier City Council, in regular session convened, does hereby amend the 2024 EMS Capital Budget to increase Transfers Out for Fire Department vehicle repair and maintenance expenditures $100,000 and decrease Fund Balance $100,000 and does hereby amend the 2024 General Fund Budget to increase Transfers In and Fire Department Vehicle Repair and Maintenance expenditures $100,000 The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons and adopted on this the 30th of July, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 7, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 83 OF 2024 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ELIMINATE A LABORER I POSITION IN THE STREET SWEEPING AND GRASS CUTTING DIVISION FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND CHANGE AN EXISTING LABORER I POSITION TO A LABORER II POSITION WITH A PAY INCREASE RESULTING IN A NET NEUTRAL CHANGE TO THE OPERATING BUDGET, TO PROMOTE A LABORER II AND BACKFILL ANY VACANT POSITION THIS CREATES IN THE SOLID WASTE DIVISION. 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 Laborer I is being eliminated; and  WHEREAS, a Laborer II position is needed to facilitate a transfer between divisions and promotion within the Public Works Department. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve an ordinance to eliminate one Laborer I position in the Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting Division and change one remaining Laborer I position to a Laborer II position resulting in a net neutral change to the operating budget. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Administration is authorized to promote and transfer an employee from the Solid Waste Division to the Laborer II position in the Street Sweeping and Grass Cutting Division and backfill any vacancies created in the Solid Waste Division. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 30th of July, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 7, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 84 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR THE 2023 CITY WIDE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, WITH AN INCREASE OF $7,098.82, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,583,886.95. WHEREAS; $2,200,000.00 has been budgeted for 2023 capital street improvements; and WHEREAS; an additional $100,000 in funding was budgeted in Ordinance No. 33 of 2024; 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 was added to the contract price to allow for additional work under Change Order #1, and WHEREAS: an additional amount of $7,098.82 needs to be added to the contract price to allow for additional work under Change Order #2, and WHEREAS: an additional funding allocation is not needed to complete the work under Change Order #2. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #2. 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 Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free and adopted on this the 30th of July, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 7, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk  Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to shelter residents at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. Mr. Smith and Ms. Nottingham discussed this item and Mr. Montgomery’s concerns from last week. Ms. Nottingham reported that we would be reimbursed to contractually agreed upon amounts by the Department of Children and Family Services. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 85 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES TO SHELTER RESIDENTS AT THE BROOKSHIRE GROCERY ARENA. WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (“DCFS”) is in need of a location to provide temporary shelter to Critical Transportation Needs Evacuees from three parishes in the event of an emergency declaration; and WHEREAS, Bossier City Officials can better prepare for those needs if they can coordinate with DCFS and reserve the necessary facilities: WHEREAS, the proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, would assist both Bossier City Officials and DCFS in the coordination of efforts and would allow for the Brookshire Grocery Arena to be utilized by DCFS as a Critical Transportation Needs shelter for certain evacuees from the Parishes of Cameron, Calcasieu, and Jefferson in the event of an emergency declaration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Brookshire Grocery Arena shall be reserved solely for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to utilize as a Critical Transportation Needs Shelter for evacuees from Cameron, Calcasieu, and Jefferson Parishes upon an emergency declaration. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to operate a Critical Transportation Needs Shelter for the Parishes of Cameron, Calcasieu, and Jefferson at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in the event of an emergency declaration. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 30th of July, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on August 7, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – By: Mr. Smith Introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Water Fund Budget. Seconded by Mr. Williams Discussion between Council members and Mr. Rauschenbach concerning this Ordinance. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Introduce an Ordinance to contract Diligent Services to provide video streaming and automated live captioning services to the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Smith Ms. McGraw explained what project was for and cost and answered questions from Council on project. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Introduce an Ordinance proposing amendments to Section 3.01(b) and Section 4.01 of the City Charter of the City of Bossier City. Seconded by Mr. Smith Mr. Williams and Charles Jacobs, City Attorney, discussed how petition must be acted on and needed steps. Mr. Williams against the retroactive part of the petition and asked about Constitutionality of the retroactive part. Mr. Jacobs explained that this would be the first litigation of its kind in Louisiana if it passes and someone sues. Mr. Smith asked about Charter requirements to move forward, if petition was legal and the previous legal opinion from outside attorney. Mr. Jacobs addressed his questions. Mr. Hammons discussed his thoughts on moving it forward and just letting the courts decide. Audience member David Crockett made comments concerning Term Limits Ordinance. Mr. Jacobs explained the Charter Commission was started by Ordinance and must be repealed by Ordinance. Audience members, Rex Moncrief, Robert Wright and Wes Marriot made comments on the Term Limits Ordinance and getting it done. No further comments Motion failed with the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Williams and Mr. Free Absent: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio Abstain: none By: Mr. Smith Introduce an Ordinance to declare the completion of the Bardot Lane Sewer Line Project including Change Order No.1 in the amount of $24,847.80; and to appropriate an additional $21,047.80 from Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund to complete the project. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed what Ordinance is for. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda item called - Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Bossier City Fire Department to accept the donation of a 2009 Chevy C4500 with an Excellence Ambulance Box from the Bienville Parish Wards 4 and 5 Fire District. Mr. Williams, Mr. Hammons and Brad Zagone, Fire Chief discussed Resolution and what the ambulance would be used for. The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 64 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOSSIER CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A 2009 CHEVY C4500 WITH AN EXCELLANCE AMBULANCE BOX FROM THE BIENVILLE PARISH WARDS 4 AND 5 FIRE DISTRICT WHEREAS, The Bienville Parish Wards 4 and 5 Fire District were no longer in need of their 2009 Chevy C4500 with an Excellance Ambulance Box and offered to donate this vehicle to the Bossier City Fire Department; and WHEREAS, this resolution will allow the Fire Department to accept this donation and remount the Excellance Ambulance box to a new chassis to produce a new ambulance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized the to accept this donation; The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Chris Smith. and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free and adopted on this the 30th day of July, 2024. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 65 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A RECREATION MAINTENANCE WORKER I AND BACKFILLING ANY POSITION THIS MAY CREATE FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION 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 position of a Recreation Maintenance Worker I is vacant due to promotion, retirement, resignation or termination; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assure 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 30th day of July, 2024. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 66 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A UTILITY WORKER FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION 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 Utility Worker is vacant due to transfer 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 of Mr. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free and adopted on this the 30th day of July, 2024. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called – Adopt a Resolution to change the name of portions of Old Benton and Hamilton Road to Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Audience member Wes Marriot made comments on Resolution and his concerns on how it was named. Discussion from Mr. Free, Mr. Williams and Ms. Nottingham discussing when the name was changed. Audience member David Crockett spoke on Resolution and need for term limits and how failed Term Limits Ordinance from earlier would be handled and Mr. Jacobs explained the process. Mr. Williams noted he would not be running for reelection. Mr. Free and Audience member David Crockett debated the term limits petition. Audience member, Rex Moncrief spoke on signatures on petition in his district which is also Mr. Free’s District. Mr. Hammons and Ms. Nottingham discussed need and how original name was adopted. No further comments. Motion failed by the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Smith, Mr. Williams and Mr. Free Nays: Mr. Hammons Absent: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio Abstain: none Reports – Angela Williamson, Finance Director went over the monthly Financial Report for the Month ending June 2024. Mr. Hammons discussed with her about the bad debt expenses and the timing of the write-offs. Mr. Rauschenbach went over the Monthly Project Report noting that the Carriageway is 98% complete with $82 Million in design or construction phase. Mr. Williams asked about the shopping center entrance ways figured out. Mr. Rauschenbach reported they have asked DOTD to look at proposals to have a shared access entrance. He thinks any other issues can be mitigated. Further questions from Council Members about these issues and getting rid of the city owned shopping center properties. Mr. Jacobs reported that we could but he advises not to sell until we get the final design for access to those properties will look at final plans following substantial completion on Parkway. He also spoke on other City projects. Announcements – Mayor Chandler spoke about the joint city clean up initiative with the City of Shreveport. He also spoke about the LMA Convention that will start Wednesday and be hosted by Bossier City and Shreveport. He also reported on the Little League World Series that Bossier City is hosting at Tinsley Park. He thanked the Parks leadership and staff for getting the fields ready for the Tournament. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 4:34 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish August 14, 2024