City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 27, 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, August 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Brian Hammons Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Don Williams, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Jeff Free and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilor, Jeffery Darby Also Present: Mayor, Thomas Chandler, City Attorney, Charles Jacobs, Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw Deputy City Clerk, Amyanna Germany read the statement about decorum during the meeting and public participation in the meeting. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Smith Audience member David Crockett started speaking on financials. Mr. Williams told him he would give him an opportunity during the Financial Report. Audience member Wes Marriott read a Resolution from the Louisiana Republican Party concerning term limits petition. City Attorney, Charles Jacobs reported that all Council are represented by attorney’s concerning the term limits law suit and he would advise them to follow their attorney’s advice. Mr. Montgomery reported that at the advice of his Counsel he would not speak on Resolution due to pending litigation. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve minutes of the August 13, 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 Bid P24-06 Municipal Building Chiller No. 3 replacement Angela Williamson, Finance Director opened and read the following bids. Boyer’s Mechanical Service $405,000.00 Premier Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors $448,000.00 The Payne Company $410,000.00 By Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays: none Absent: Mr. Darby Abstain: Mr. Hammons Agenda item called – Witness Opening of Sealed Bids for Bid #735-2024 1711 Green Street Demolition Angela Williamson, Finance Director opened and read the following bids. Eagle Industries LLC $16,913.00 By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve reading of the bids. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Mr. Hammons and Ms. Williamson discussed the lack of bids No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous New Business – Agenda item called - Adopt an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 133 of 2018, by changing the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 5.305 acres, more or less, from R-A (Residential Agriculture) to R-LD (Residential Low Density) located north of Rossie Lee Drive and west of Longstreet Place, Bossier City, Louisiana, for a proposed single family residential development, Parkway Place. Property developer, Kurt Nixon with Nixon Engineers on hand. Mr. Hammons asked about this item citing he had received numerous calls concerning current width of street and striping. Wade Rich, Public Works Director spoke about upcoming upgrades to Rosie Lee. Audience member, Ronald Cheatham spoke about flooding to his property. Mr. Nixon and Mr. Hammons discussed building of retention ponds. Mr. Hammons will go look at Mr. Cheatham’s property with Mr. Rich to see if ditches need to be cleaned. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 90 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R-A (RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE) TO R-LD (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) BEING 5.305 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, FOR A PROPOSED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, PARKWAY PLACE. LOCATED IN SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, 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-A (Residential Agriculture) to R-LD (Residential Low Density) for the following: 5.305 acres, more or less, located in section 13, township 17 north, range 13 west, Bossier City, Louisiana, more particularly described as: Beginning at the SW corner of the property proceed N10°33'53"W a distance of 200'; Thence proceed S79°26'07"W a distance of 135.00'; Thence proceed N10°33'53"W a distance of 184.60'; Thence proceed S89°47'36"W a distance of 49.40'; Thence proceed N0°58'43"W a distance of 98.70'; Thence proceed N89°37'21"E a distance of 369.95'; Thence proceed S0°57'27"W a distance of 81.56'; Thence proceed N88°40'56"E a distance of 377.82'; Thence proceed S0°54'20"W a distance of 290.50'; Thence proceed S79°25'48"W a distance of 495.81' to the Point of Beginning of the property herein described containing 231146.8 sq. ft. or 5.31 acres more or less.  The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 27th of August, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 4, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons ,Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ZON-000084-2024 The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 91 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT EMERGENCIES DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED PROPERTY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO REPLACE AND REPAIR THE INFLUENT GRAVITY SEWER MANHOLES AND CONNECTION TO BENOIST LIFT STATION THAT COLLAPSED AT A COST OF $526,000.00 TO COME FROM SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND. WHEREAS, gravity sewer manhole’s and influent connections to lift stations are critical infrastructure in Bossier’s wastewater collection system and were badly damaged from excessive use and poor soil conditions; and WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Department needs emergency support to repair and replace these sewer manholes while reestablishing the connection to Benoist Lift Station and stabilizing the ground around it; 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 $526,000.00 in labor, equipment, and materials to complete the repair efforts; and WHEREAS, $526,000.00 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 $526,000.00 to come from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund to be used for the purpose of replacing and repairing gravity sewer manholes and influent connections to Benoist Lift Station; 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 $526,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $526,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 27th of August, 2024. Further this Ordinance will become legal immediately. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr.  Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract with HALFF Associates, Inc. to provide FEMA Community Rating System Program analysis services associated with the National Flood Insurance Program. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 69 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A SUPERINTENDENT OF MAINTENANCE 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 Superintendent of Maintenance 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. David Montgomery and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 27th day of August, 2024. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr.Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 70 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK II DUE TO TERMINATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITIONS THIS MAY CREATE 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 termination of an employee; and WHEREAS, this termination provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement or promote from within 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 an Accounts Clerk II 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 of Mr. David Montgomery and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 27th day of August, 2024. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to adopt a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current City Charter of the City of Bossier City; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Audience members David Crockett, Wes Marriott, Robert Wright and Alice Boyer spoke in favor of Resolution covered various topics including welcoming new members of charter commission, need to adopt Resolution and place item on ballot for citizens to decide, continued cost of lawsuit, continued litigations, term limits, parliamentary procedure and possible Charter violations. Mr. Free asked about the cost of election and CAO Amanda Nottingham reported around $14,000 since other items were on the ballot. Mr. Smith asked if this Resolution passed today would lawsuit go away and Mr. Jacobs reported that it possibly could but he could not be sure. No further comment Motion failed with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Darby Abstain: none Reports – Angela Williamson went over Monthly Financial Report, noting that city is currently 8% under budget in expenses and that sales tax revenues were down 1.9% compared to July of 2023, and 13 more full time employees than last month. Mr. Montgomery asked Ms. Williamson and Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray about the Haliburton issue. They reported that outside Council feels that Haliburton’s claim is not valid and denying their request for a refund and Haliburton will have to file suit if they continue to want to pursue refund in the Board of Tax Appeals. They have been lowering payments to city since 2023. Audience member, David Crockett made comments on need for more public safety and salary study, possible millage increases, various individual funds and potential worsening recession that he forecasts. Audience member, Robert Wright commended Police and Marshal Office. Wants to spend money to increase Police salaries and wants to give each Police Officer a $20,000 per year raise. Engineering Department, Ben Rauschenbach gave Council Monthly Project Update noting that there hasn’t been much change in the last month. Carriageway should tentatively be open to traffic by September 16, 2024 and he and Mr. Hammons discussed punch list cleanup items. He also gave update on municipal building upgrades. Mr. Smith asked about Hamilton Road and Mr. Rauschenbach reported almost completed. Audience member, Robert Wright spoke concerning ART Parkway and Shady Grove believes it’s a dangerous intersection and asks Council to look at it. He does not want to see a red light placed there. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 4:05 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish September 4, 2024