City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 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, September 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member David Montgomery, Jr. Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Don Williams, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilor, Jeff Free 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. By: Mr. Smith Motion to amend the Agenda to include Unfinished Business Item #2 – 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. (This item was requested by City Attorney, Charles Jacobs based on the recent Court ruling) Seconded by Mr. Hammons Audience members David Crockett, Cassie Rogers and Alice Boyer spoke in favor of the retroactive term limits and adding this item to the agenda. No further comment Motion failed with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons and Mr. Williams Nays: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby and Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Free Abstain: none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Williams Audience members David Crockett and Cassie Rogers both objected to this agenda without the term limits resolution on it. No further comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio Nays: Mr. Smith Absent: Mr. Free Abstain: none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve minutes of the August 27, 2024, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 92 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO CONTRACT WITH HALFF ASSOCIATES, INC. TO PROVIDE FEMA COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM PROGRAM ANALYSIS SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM. WHEREAS; Bossier City is part of the Community Rating System which is a voluntary program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards; and WHEREAS; HALFF and Associates, Inc. proposes to perform an evaluation of the City’s floodplain management program and provide guidance on increasing points and implementing specific processes and/or programs to support additional CRS points for a fee of $75,000 to be allocated from the Engineering Department operating budget; and WHEREAS; This evaluation and enhancement of Bossier’s CRS rating is expected to reduce insurance premiums for Bossier City residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to contract with HALFF and Associates, Inc. to provide the necessary evaluation, enhancement, and related services to improve Bossier’s Community Rating System. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 General Fund Engineering Department Consulting Services Budget shall be amended up to $50,000 if needed to complete this work. 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. David Montgomery and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 10th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 18, 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 _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Agenda item called – Adopt 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 an 18 inch gravity sewer main segment at 4970 Barksdale Blvd at a cost of $441,331.45 to come from Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund. Mr. Hammons and Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach discussed this Change Order and Mr. Hammons asked for an itemized bill since it was such a large Change Order. No further comments The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 93 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 AN 18 INCH GRAVITY SEWER MAIN SEGEMENT AT 4970 BARKSDALE BLVD. AT A COST OF $441,331.45 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 18 inch sewer segment as it collapsed; 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 $441,331.45 in labor, equipment, and materials to complete the replacement of the main; and WHEREAS, $441,331.45 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 $441,331.45 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 $441,331.45 and decrease Fund Balance by $441,331.45. 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. Brian Hammons and adopted on this the 10th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will become legal immediately. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 94 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A EVENT CENTER LOCATED AT 140 PLAZA LOOP BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Justin Haigler, The Simple Church, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of low content alcohol, for on premise consumption at an event center, located at 140 Plaza Loop, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a Special Call public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on August 26, 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 low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 140 Plaza Loop, 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 of Mr. David Montgomery and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 10th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on September 18, 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 _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000104-2024 (SC) By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr.  Motion to introduce an Ordinance Levying Ad Valorem Taxes on all property subject to taxation by the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, for the year 2024, and providing the manner of assessment and collection thereof. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Montgomery, Jr. noted that the information in the news media is incorrect and that the millage rates would actually be going down and not being raised. No further comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance allocating $37,927.96 to come from the Water Capital and Contingency Fund for 120Water to facilitate the required notification and data collection for the EPS's/LDH's Lead and Copper Rule Improvement Initiative . Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to eliminate one vacant Laborer I position in the Solid Waste Department for Public Works, change one vacant Laborer I position in Solid Waste to Assistant Superintendent, and hire or promote from within and backfill any vacancies created, amend the Public Services and Sanitation and General Fund Budgets to transfer $2,532.00 from the Solid Waste Department to Public Works Department for salaries and benefits. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve report of change order 1 for the Barksdale South 24" watermain and Consolidation Project with an increase in project cost of $474,008.78 and adding an additional 60 days. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach spoke about this Change Order and why it is also so expensive which was higher costs from Centerpoint Energy and KCS. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 72 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO FILL A LABORER I POSITION IN THE SOLID WASTE DIVISION AND BACKFILL ANY VACANT POSITION THIS CREATES. _____________________________________________________________________________ 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, a Laborer I position is vacant, creating the need to fulfill by hiring or promoting from within and backfill any position this creates; and WHEREAS, the administration and department assure that the current budget has been verified and that funding available in the total budgeted salaries is not exceeded; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to replace a position due to openings and backfill any position this creates by hiring or promoting within the Department of Public Works 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. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 10th day of September, 2024. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 73 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REPLACEMENT OF ONE POSITION DUE TO A RESIGNATION AND TO BACK FILL ANY POSITION THIS CREATES BY HIRING OR PROMOTING WITHIN THE BOSSIER CITY MARSHAL’S OFFICE. _____________________________________________________________________________ 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, one position is vacant due to a resignation creating the need to fulfill by hiring or promoting from within and backfill any position this creates; and WHEREAS the administration and department assure that the current budget has been verified and that funding available in the total budgeted salaries is not exceeded. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Marshal’s Office is hereby authorized to replace one position due to a resignation and backfill any position this creates by hiring or promoting within the Bossier City Marshal’s Office. 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 10th day of September, 2024. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 74 Of 2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST DUE TO RESIGNATION IN THE BOSSIER CITY LEGAL 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 position of Risk Management Specialist is vacant due to a resignation; and WHEREAS, the administration and department assures that current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration can proceed with hiring 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 10th day of September, 2024. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Announcements: Mayor Chandler reminded everyone about the 9/11 Ceremony and about the inclement weather contingencies. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 3:33 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish September 18, 2024