City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 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 24, 2024, at 3:00 PM Invocation was given by Council Member Chris Smith Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Vince Maggio Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Don Williams, Honorable Councilors, Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., and 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. Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – President of Bossier City Commission for Women, Rae Powell thanked the Council for their support of the Commission and spoke about what is about program. Mentoring Committee Chair, Sonja Bailes also thanked the Council, talked about the City Hall tour they had and had each of the young ladies to introduce themselves and state what school they attend. By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve agenda. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Audience member, Alice Boyer questioned why an item she felt was important wasn’t on Agenda and Mr. Williams reported that is not something for Council. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve minutes of the September 10, 2024, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Agenda item called “Witness Bid Opening for Demolition – Bid #777-2024, 2321 Foster Street. Purchasing Agent,, Denna Beauchemin read the following bids: Eagle Industries, LLC $13,104.00 Lathan Construction, LLC $ 6,800.00 By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve reading of bids. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business: Agenda Item called – Adopt 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. Audience member, David Crockett asked more explanation on this item. Finance Director, Angela Williamson explained that the millage rates were going down and that property taxes would not be going up. City will just collect same amount as last year. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 95 OF 2024 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 ______________________________________________________________________________ BE IT ORDERED by the City Council of the City of Bossier, Louisiana, in regular session convened that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2024 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the City of Bossier City, Louisiana: MILLAGE Mill Key #5078001 General Alimony (Bossier City) 5.25 Mills Mill Key #5078002 Fire & Police Department 7.85 Mills Mill Key #5078004 Fire & Police Salaries 5.84 Mills Mill Key #5078005 Fire & Police Departments 2.56 Mills BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the proper administrative officials be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll for the year 2024, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. 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. Jeffery Darby and adopted on this the 24th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 2, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. & Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called - Adopt 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. Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach explained need for this item and need to send mailers to residents to get more info on residential lines. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 96 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE ALLOCATING $37,927.96 TO COME FROM THE WATER CAPITAL AND CONTENGECY FUND FOR 120WATER TO FACILATE THE  REQUIRED NOTIFICATION AND DATA COLLECTION FOR THE EPA’S/LDH’S LEAD AND COPPER RULE IMPROVEMENTS INITIATIVE ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandated and administered by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH); and WHEREAS, it is required that all community water systems (CWSs) and non-transient non-community (NTNC) water systems develop an inventory of all service line connections, regardless of ownership. Systems must prepare and submit an inventory that includes the system- owned and customer-owned portions of all service lines in the system’s distribution system to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) by October 16, 2024; and WHEREAS, the inventory of service lines has been developed, 120Water will administer the required notifications to all Bossier City Water Customers; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby approve the allocation of $37,927.96 for the attached agreement with 120Water to facilitate the notifications and data collection required by EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvement Program, to be funded by Water Capital and Contingency Fund. 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 24th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 2, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. & Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 97 OF 2024 ADOPT 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 SERVICE AND SANITATION AND GENERAL FUND BUDGETS TO TRANSFER $2,532.00 FROM THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT TO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR SALARIES AND BENEFITS WHEREAS, one Laborer I position in the Solid Waste Department has been vacant for all of 2024; and WHERAS, one Assistant Superintendent position is needed to fulfill duties within the Solid Waste Department; and WHEREAS, elimination of this Laborer I position would allow for salary increases within the Solid Waste and Public Works Departments; and WHEREAS, a budget amendment is needed to transfer $2,532.00 from the Solid Waste Department to the Public Works 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 Laborer I position, change one Laborer I position to an Assistant Superintendent position and hire or promote from within and backfill any vacancies this may create in the Solid Waste Department, and adjust salaries in the Public Works and Solid Waste Departments. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2024 Public Service and Sanitation Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase Transfers Out to the General Fund $2,532.00 and decrease the Solid Waste Department Salaries and Benefits $2,532.00 and the 2024 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase Transfers In from the Public Service and Sanitation Fund $2,532.00 and increase Solid Waste Department Salaries and Benefits $2,532.00. 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. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 24th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 2, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. & Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 98 OF 2024 ADOPT 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 $474,008.27 AND ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City was selected by the Division of Administration of the State of Louisiana as a recipient of $5,000,000.00 in Water Sector Program; and WHEREAS; Wicker Construction was awarded a Construction Contract in the Amount of $5,161,351.00; and WHEREAS; per Ordinance 52 of 2023 the City of Bossier City allocated $2,500,000.00 from Water Capital and Contingency to meet the required match of the Water Sector Program Funds; and WHEREAS; a surplus of funds will be available to support the need for additional railroad observation and flagging as required per KCS Railroad as well as construction matting to protect the shallow depth high pressure gas main per CenterPoint Energy; and WHEREAS; Change Order #1 includes an increase in project cost by $474,008.27 to comply with federal and state regulatory agencies to ensure the health and safety of Bossier City Citizens during the construction of the watermain; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #1 for the Barksdale South 24” Watermain and Consolidation Project with an increase in project cost of 474,008.27 and adding 60 days to the contract; and 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 and seconded by and adopted on this the 24th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 2, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. & Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Agenda item called – Adopt an Ordinance approving a Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of high and low content alcohol for on and off premise consumption at a proposed restaurant and bar, The Hanger Taphouse and Kitchen, located at 310 Mansfield Road, Bossier City, Louisiana. Mr. Williams and Mr. Hammons asked questions about take out alcohol and hours of operation, since all other businesses in that area will close earlier. MPC Director, Carlotta Askew-Brown explained that this location is in the East Bank Entertainment District which allows take out alcohol and that they can stay open until 2 AM by right if they want. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 99 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON AND OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A RESTAURANT AND BAR LOCATED AT 310 MANSFIELD ROAD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Brandon Dorse, The Hanger Taphouse and Kitchen, 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 and off premise consumption at an restaurant and bar, located at 310 Mansfield, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on September 9, 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 and off premise consumption at 310 Mansfield Road, 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. Chris Smith and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 24th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 2, 2024 and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. & Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000127-2024 (SC) Agenda Item called – Adopt an Ordinance to declare that an emergency did exist in the City of Bossier City which affected property, structure and safety due to the requirement for pipe rehab in the Shady Grove Subdivision at a cost of $171,305.00 to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund. Mr. Smith asked about this Ordinance and Public Works Director, Wade Rich reported that issue was a sinkhole between 2 homes due to leaking drainage joint and was a hazard. City had to hire contractor. Mr. Smith and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed other issues that was being addressed on Norman Street. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 100 OF 2024 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY DID EXIST IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WHICH AFFECTED PROPERTY, STRUCTURE AND SAFETY DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR PIPE REHAB IN THE SHADY GROVE SUBDIVISION AT A COST OF $171,305.00 TO COME FROM THE STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND WHEREAS, an emergency did exist which affected property, structure and safety within the City WHEREAS, the Public Works Department needs emergency support to have components replaced; and WHEREAS, the scope of work is beyond the expertise of the Public Works Department staff; and WHEREAS, it will be a cost of $171,305.00 in labor, equipment, and material to complete the repair efforts; and WHEREAS, $171,305.00 shall be appropriated from the Streets and Drainage Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to appropriate $171,305.00 to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for the purpose of restoring the property, structure and safety of the Shady Grove Subdivision; 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 Streets and Drainage Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the required repairs by $171,305.00 and decrease the fund balance to declare that an emergency by $171,305.00. 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 24th of September, 2024. Further this Ordinance will become legal immediately. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. & Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none _____________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending ordinance 12 of 24 appropriating an additional $17,077.81 from the water capital and contingency fund to replace the reservoir pump station generator. Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed item and that it’s a generator at Reservoir North of I-220 and not the one that will be needed behind the new Casino. No further comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the transfer of the Oshkosh Defense Maxxpro MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) Vehicle to Louisiana Federal Property Assistance Program. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Chief Haugen explained that this vehicle was acquired from the Federal Property Assistance Program and that the Police Department no longer needs it and would like to return it. No further comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Sewer Fund Budget Seconded by Mr. Williams Mr. Rauschenbach and CAO, Amanda Nottingham explained Ordinance. Minor budget adjustments, especially in overtime line item. Hard to find qualified individuals due to certification requirements and salary. Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons asked further questions concerning education and salary. Ms. Nottingham explained that the next Agenda Item was needed for the same reason. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Water Fund Budget. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Hammons discussed with Mr. Rauschenbach if the City was still supplying water to Barksdale Airforce Base and if those sales are included in the 2025 Budget, the new meter, and if the City of Shreveport might owe Bossier money. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance enacting Section 110-115 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances prohibiting the parking of vehicles in front and side yards. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Motion failed with the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Mr. Free Abstain: none The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 75 OF 2024 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF CITY WATER TO SERVE THE REDWOOD PLACE UNIT 13 DEVELOPMENT. WHEREAS; The Redwood Place Unit 13 development is being built outside the Bossier City limits; and WHEREAS; the Parish of Bossier will be providing sewer service for the subdivision; and WHEREAS; it is within the City’s capacity and requested for permission for the City of Bossier City to serve the development with water; and WHEREAS; all permit fees, impact fees, and all other rules and regulations shall apply. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, resolves to approve the use of city water to serve The Redwood Place Unit 13 development. 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 24th day of September, 2024. AYES: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., and Mr. Free ABSTAIN: none ___________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Smith  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, Wes Marriot, David Crockett, Cassie Rogers, Kara Lowrie and Ronald Cheatham spoke about wanting Council to pass Resolution and let voters decide, about legal fees citizens are having to pay by Council not placing it on ballot and by a recent poll that was done. Mr. Hammons urged Council members to vote to pass this Resolution to stop spending tax payer money and instead of paying legal fees, give it to the City Departments that desperately need it. Motion failed with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Mr. Free Abstain: none By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Bossier High School Homecoming Parade, Oct. 24, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Williams No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Airline High School Homecoming Parade, Oct. 24, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Ms. Williamson gave the Council the Monthly Financial Report. She noted that Revenues were up 15% over budget, expenses were under 9% of budget and that Sales Taxes were down 8% from this time last year and went over reasons for those numbers. Mr. Rauschenbach went over the Monthly Project Report and some items of note are the upcoming ribbon cutting for Walter O. Bigby Carriageway on Monday, September 30th and that City Hall Security Upgrades are on schedule and possible grant awards for projects. Mr. Maggio asked about Brownlee Road, Mr. Rauschenbach reported that getting ready to bid out and that plans are complete but that were projected to cost more than budgeted. Mr. Hammons spoke that if plans are coming in over budget, may need to hold off and not spend the money. Mr. Smith asked about current road projects and discussed current traffic issues with all the road construction. Announcements - Mayor Chandler acknowledged National Hispanic Heritage Month and thanked them for their many contributions to our community. He noted that lots of events going on at Tinsley and thanked PIO, Louis Johnson for setting up tour of City Hall for Bossier City Commission for Women. Thanks citizens that came to meeting today to express views. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 4:13 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish October 2, 2024