City Council
Regular MeetingBossier City, LA · October 10, 2024
Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY
STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 10, 2024
The City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, met in Special session in
Council Chambers, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, October 10, 2024, at 3:41 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, 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, and City Clerk, Phyllis
McGraw
City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw read the statement about decorum during the meeting and public
participation in the meeting.
Assistant City Attorney, Richard Ray explained the need to have this Special Meeting and the
confusion on the agenda times and he provided copies of the Proposed City Charter if approved.
By: Mr. Darby
Motion to approve the agenda
Seconded by Mr. Maggio
Speaking against the agenda without adding the People’s Petition were audience members Alice
Boyer, David Crockett, Wes Marriott, Cassie Rogers
No further comment
Motion carried with the following vote:
Yeas – Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio
Nays – Mr. Hammons
Absent – Mr. Montgomery, Jr and Mr. Free
Agenda Item called – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Mary Ward as Director
of Parks and Recreation to be effective upon retirement of current Director.
Mayor Chandler praised Mary Ward as being the very first female Director and excited about her
ideas and leadership. He asked for Council’s support. Mr. Hammons spoke favorably of Ms.
Ward. Mr. Darby asked about salary. Mayor reported she would make what the existing
director makes.
By: Mr. Darby
Motion to amend the Resolution to authorize the appointment of Mary Ward as Director
of Parks and Recreation following the retirement of current Parks and Recreation Director for 3
months trial basis subject to review and approval by Council and that the salary would be the
market minimum plus 5% according to the recent salary study.
Seconded by Mr. Williams
Mr. Hammons discussed that she works for Mayor and not Council and shouldn’t be an issue for
the Council. Mr. Darby discussed his rationale for amendment. Discussion and debate between
Mayor and Mr. Darby concerning this appointment. Discussion between Council members about
Ms. Ward. Audience members David Johnson, Robert Wright, Tyree Venious, David Crockett,
Mr. Cheatham, Wes Marriott and Cassie Rogers spoke in favor of Ms. Ward and in disagreement
of Mr. Darby’s amendment. Audience member Rex Moncrief spoke on Robert’s Rule of Order.
City Attorney, Charles Jacobs explained how item ended back on agenda and Mr. Ray reported
that Ms. Ward would be confirmed now under this Resolution and wouldn’t be coming back.
Motion failed due to the following votes:
Yeas – Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio
Nays – Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons
Absent – Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Mr. Free
Abstain – none
Discussion on original motion –
Audience members David Crockett and Cassie Rogers spoke on issue. Ms. Ward spoke about
her background and her excitement about starting this position.
The following Resolution offered and adopted:
RESOLUTION 84 OF 2024
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARY
WARD AS DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO BE EFFECTIVE
UPON RETIREMENT OF CURRENT DIRECTOR
___________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, Section 11.02 of the Bossier City Charter provides for the appointment of a
Director of Parks and Recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Parks and Recreation will be retiring in less than 100 days;
and
WHEREAS, Section 11.03 of the Bossier City Charter authorizes the position of Assistant
Director of Parks and Recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department does not currently have an Assistant
Director; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Chandler desires to appoint Mary Ward as the Director of Parks and
Recreation upon the retirement of the current Director; and
WHEREAS, appointing Mary Ward as Assistant Director now allow for sufficient training
and transfer of knowledge to ensure a smooth transition; and
WHEREAS, the position and funds are available in the budget and this action will not
cause an overage in the existing budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City,
Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mary Ward be appointed as Assistant Director of
Parks and Recreation in advance of a planned retirement, with no amendment to the existing
budget.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon retirement of the current Director, Mary Ward
will be appointed as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bossier City.
The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public comment at a
convened meeting, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio,
and adopted on the 10th day of October, 2024 by the following vote:
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, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk
Agenda Item called – 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.
Mr. Ray discussed with the audience and Council about the last two Charter Commissions and
how the current Charter Commission came up with their recommendations. Spoke about the
adoption process and how the other two propositions concerning term limits would work with
either current or the amended and restated City Charter if adopted and this would not impede the
Petition that’s currently tied up in court if court rules that it must move forward. Council
members asked questions and discussed with Mr. Ray about the proposed City Charter and how
current the City Charter reads about what Council has to do once Charter Commission presents
their revisions. Mr. Ray explained how State Law mandates new Charter Commission Members
were elected once some resigned since the City Charter is silent on it. Audience members David
Crockett, Mary Johnston, Cassie Rogers, Wes Marriott spoke against this Resolution without
having the People’s Petition on ballot as well and their issues with this Resolution and the
proposed City Charter and issues with the Special Meeting. Charter Commission members Vicky
Whitman and Lee Jeter spoke about the City Charter revisions the commission put forth and in
favor of getting these revisions on the ballot in December and ask Council to approve. Further
discussions on how City Charter changes could be made and that the current City Charter
requires that Council shall put forth the revisions by the Charter Commission the issue of term
limits on both the Charter Commissions recommendations and the People’s Petition.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Don Williams and seconded by Mr. Vince
Maggio:
RESOLUTION 85 of 2024
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.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana
(the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Bossier City, State
of Louisiana (the "City"), that:
SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and
under the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including
Article VI, Sections 5 and 22 thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code,
and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered
to be held in the City on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, between the hours of seven
o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S.
18:541, and at the said election there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and
entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of this State and the
Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 3
Shall the City Charter of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, be amended
and restated, in its entirety, pursuant to Article VI, Section 5 of the Constitution
of the State of Louisiana as set forth in the revisions prepared and submitted by
the Citizens Charter Review Commission as advertised in the Bossier Press
Tribune on October 16, 23, and 30, 2024?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 3
Shall Section 3.01(b) of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the
amended and restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be
amended to read as follows:
Members of the City Council shall be eligible for re-election except that
no person who has been elected to serve as a member of the City Council for
more than two and one-half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being
during a term of office that began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to
the City Council for the succeeding term?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 3 OF 3
Shall Section 4.01 of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the
amended and restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be
amended to read as follows:
(a) The Mayor shall be elected according to the laws of the state and serve a
term of four (4) years. The term of office shall begin on July 1 of the year in
which they were elected.
(b) No person who has been elected to serve as the Mayor for more than two and
one-half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of
office that began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to Mayor for
the succeeding term?
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be
published in the official journal of the City once a week for four consecutive weeks, with
the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days
prior to the date of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto
as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Election, the
Mayor is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing propositions that
may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.
SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place,
the City Hall, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025,
at THREE O'CLOCK (3:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed
to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election.
SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places for the precincts set forth in the aforesaid
Notice of Special Election are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said
election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same
persons as those designated in accordance with law.
SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to
serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such
substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall
hold the said special election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for
the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered
voters in the City will be entitled to vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be
used.
SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The City Clerk of the City is hereby empowered,
authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for
the holding of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to
the proper holding of said election and the Mayor and/or City Clerk of the City are further
authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or
Federal law to arrange for the election.
SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this
resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish
Custodian of Voting Machines of Bossier Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Bossier Parish,
as notification of the special election, in order that each may prepare for said election and
perform their respective functions as required by law.
SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State
Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and
in the event said election carries for further consent and authority to amend the City Charter of
the City of Bossier City. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond
Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt
consideration and approval of this application.
SECTION 9. Employment of Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines
that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel on matters related to the special
election, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., is hereby employed as special counsel for said
purpose for a term not exceeding one (1) year from the date of this resolution. The fee to be paid
said special counsel shall be an amount computed at hourly rate based on the Attorney General's
then current Maximum Hourly Fee Schedule, together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket
expenses, and the Secretary-Treasurer is authorized to pay such invoices as and when
presented. The scope of this legal representation does not involve federal claims.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was
as follows:
YEAS: Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams and Mr. Maggio
NAYS: none
ABSENT: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Mr. Free
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 10h day of October, 2024.
/s/ Phyllis McGraw /s/ Don Williams
City Clerk President
EXHIBIT "A"
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of
Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority
of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), on October 10, 2024, NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the City on SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 7, 2024, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered
voters in the City qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and
Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following
propositions, to-wit:
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 3
Shall the City Charter of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, be amended
and restated, in its entirety, pursuant to Article VI, Section 5 of the Constitution
of the State of Louisiana as set forth in the revisions prepared and submitted by
the Citizens Charter Review Commission as advertised in the Bossier Press
Tribune on October 16, 23, and 30, 2024?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 3
Shall Section 3.01(b) of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the
amended and restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be
amended to read as follows:
Members of the City Council shall be eligible for re-election except that
no person who has been elected to serve as a member of the City Council for
more than two and one-half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being
during a term of office that began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to
the City Council for the succeeding term?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 3 OF 3
Shall Section 4.01 of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the
amended and restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be
amended to read as follows:
(a) The Mayor shall be elected according to the laws of the state and serve a
term of four (4) years. The term of office shall begin on July 1 of the year in
which they were elected.
(b) No person who has been elected to serve as the Mayor for more than two and
one-half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of
office that began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to Mayor for
the succeeding term?
The said special election shall be held at the polling places for the following precincts,
which polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in
accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to wit:
PRECINCTS
01-01
01-02
01-03
01-03A
01-03B(PART)
01-04(PART)
01-05
02-02
02-03
02-03A
02-04-1
02-04-2
02-05A(PART)
02-06(PART)
02-07
02-08(PART)
02-09(PART)
02-10
02-11(PART)
02-12A(PART)
02-12B
02-13
02-14
02-15(PART)
02-16(PART)
02-17A(PART)
02-17B
02-18C-1(PART)
02-18C-2(PART)
02-19(PART)
02-20
02-21A(PART)
02-21B(PART)
02-21C-1(PART)
02-21C-2(PART)
02-21D-1(PART)
02-21D-2(PART)
02-21E(PART)
04-08A(PART)
04-08B-1(PART)
04-08B-2(PART)
04-08C(PART)
04-08D
04-08G(PART)
04-10-1(PART)
04-10-2(PART)
04-11C(PART)
The polling places for the precincts set forth above are hereby designated as the polling
places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners,
respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon
the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $14,400.
The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of
Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended,
and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said
election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be
selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to
said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing
Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, City Hall, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City,
Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, at THREE O'CLOCK (3:00) P.M., and shall
then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare
the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the City are entitled to vote at said
special election and voting machines will be used.
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
PARISH OF
BOSSIER
I, the undersigned City Clerk of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"),
do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings
taken by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, on October 10, 2024, ordering and calling
a special election to be held in the City, to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current
City Charter of the City; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for
other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Bossier City, Louisiana, on this,
the 10th day of October, 2024.
City Clerk
Announcements -
There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams
adjourned the meeting at 5:56PM
Respectfully submitted:
____________________________
Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk
Publish October 23, 2024
Agenda
AGENDA
Special Council Meeting -
3:35PM - Thursday, October 10, 2024
City Council Chambers, Bossier City Hall
620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana
Page
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. INVOCATION BY: COUNCIL MEMBER CHRIS SMITH
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY COUNCIL MEMBER BRIAN
HAMMONS
IV. ROLL CALL
V. APPROVE AGENDA
VI. NEW BUSINESS
3-4 1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Mary Ward as
Director of Parks and Recreation to be effective upon retirement of
current Director.
(First and Final Reading) (Chandler)
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Mary Ward as
Director of Parks and Recreation to be effective upon retirement of
current Director. ( - Pdf
5 - 12 2. 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.
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
amendmen - Pdf
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Page 1 of 12
VIII. ADJOURN
Livestream provided at https://bossiercity.org/373/Live-Stream
Any member of the public or the designated caregiver of any member of the public with an
ADA-recognized disability may submit a request to provide written comment on an agenda
item remotely via electronic means.
For more information contact: City Clerk Phyllis McGraw, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA
71111, 318-741-8509 or cityclerk@bossiercity.org
Page 2 of 12
City of Bossier City
ITEM FACT SHEET INTRO: Oct 10 2024
Regular Council
Meeting Date: Special Meeting - - Oct 10 2024
Department: Public Affairs
Prepared by: Amanda Nottingham, Chief Administrative Officer
Sponsor: Thomas Chandler, Mayor
Submitted: October 9, 2024
☐ NOTED: ☒ RECOMMENDED BY:
Thomas Chandler, Mayor
TITLE:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Mary Ward as Director of Parks and Recreation
to be effective upon retirement of current Director.
(First and Final Reading) (Chandler)
EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL:
Effective immediately, Mary Ward will be the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation in order to
train with the current Director to ensure a smooth transition. Upon retirement of the current Director,
Mary Ward will become the Director of Parks and Recreation.
COST/BUDGET DATA:
No change to the budget.
COUNCIL DATE REQUESTED:
Special Meeting - - Oct 10 2024
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution to appoint Mary Ward as Director of Parks and Recreation
Reviewed By:
Amanda Nottingham, Chief Administrative Officer Approved - Oct 09 2024
Angela Williamson, Finance Director Approved - Oct 09 2024
Richard Ray, ACA Approved - Oct 09 2024
Thomas Chandler, Mayor Approved - Oct 09 2024
Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Approved - Oct 09 2024
Page 3 of 12
The following Resolution offered and adopted:
RESOLUTION _____ OF 2024
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF
MARY WARD AS DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
TO BE EFFECTIVE UPON RETIREMENT OF CURRENT
DIRECTOR
___________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, Section 11.02 of the Bossier City Charter provides for the
appointment of a Director of Parks and Recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Parks and Recreation will be retiring in less than 100
days; and
WHEREAS, Section 11.03 of the Bossier City Charter authorizes the position of
Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department does not currently have an
Assistant Director; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Chandler desires to appoint Mary Ward as the Director of
Parks and Recreation upon the retirement of the current Director; and
WHEREAS, appointing Mary Ward as Assistant Director now allow for
sufficient training and transfer of knowledge to ensure a smooth transition; and
WHEREAS, the position and funds are available in the budget and this action
will not cause an overage in the existing budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City,
Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Mary Ward be appointed as Assistant
Director of Parks and Recreation in advance of a planned retirement, with no amendment
to the existing budget.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon retirement of the current Director,
Mary Ward will be appointed as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bossier
City.
The above and foregoing Resolution was read in full at open and legal session
convened, was on motion of _________________________________ and seconded by
_________________________________, and adopted on the ______ day of
_________________________________, 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________________ ________________________________
Don Williams, Council President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk
Page 4 of 12
City of Bossier City
ITEM FACT SHEET
Special Council Meeting -
Meeting Date: Special Meeting - - Oct 10 2024
Department: Legal
Prepared by: Jennifer Emert, Secretary
Sponsor: Richard Ray, ACA
Submitted: October 9, 2024
☒ NOTED: ☐ RECOMMENDED BY:
Thomas Chandler, Mayor
TITLE:
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.
COUNCIL DATE REQUESTED:
Special Meeting - - Oct 10 2024
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft Resolution calling for election - Charter Amendments - 10-10-2024 meeting date
Reviewed By:
Richard Ray, ACA Approved - Oct 09 2024
Angela Williamson, Finance Director Approved - Oct 09 2024
Thomas Chandler, Mayor Approved - Oct 09 2024
Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Approved - Oct 09 2024
Page 5 of 12
The following resolution was offered by and seconded by :
RESOLUTION
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.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the
"Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana
(the "City"), that:
SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under
the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including Article VI,
Sections 5 and 22 thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, and other
constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the City
on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock
(8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said election there shall be
submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution
and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 3
Shall the City Charter of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, be amended and restated, in
its entirety, pursuant to Article VI, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana
as set forth in the revisions prepared and submitted by the Citizens Charter Review
Commission as advertised in the Bossier Press Tribune on October 16, 23, and 30, 2024?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 3
Shall Section 3.01(b) of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the amended and
restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be amended to read as
follows:
Members of the City Council shall be eligible for re-election except that no person who
has been elected to serve as a member of the City Council for more than two and one-half
terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of office that began on
or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to the City Council for the succeeding term?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 3 OF 3
Shall Section 4.01 of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the amended and
restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be amended to read as
follows:
(a) The Mayor shall be elected according to the laws of the state and serve a term of
four (4) years. The term of office shall begin on July 1 of the year in which they were
elected.
(b) No person who has been elected to serve as the Mayor for more than two and one-
half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of office that
began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to Mayor for the succeeding term?
Page 6 of 12
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be
published in the official journal of the City once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first
publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date
of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and
incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Election, the Mayor is
authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing propositions that may be required to
comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.
SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the
City Hall, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, at THREE
O'CLOCK (3:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and
canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election.
SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places for the precincts set forth in the aforesaid Notice
of Special Election are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the
Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated
in accordance with law.
SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as
Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor
as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special
election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for the meeting of the Governing
Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the City will be entitled to
vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be used.
SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The City Clerk of the City is hereby empowered,
authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding
of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of
said election and the Mayor and/or City Clerk of the City are further authorized, empowered and directed
to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the election.
SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution
shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting
Machines of Bossier Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Bossier Parish, as notification of the special
election, in order that each may prepare for said election and perform their respective functions as
required by law.
SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond
Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and in the event
said election carries for further consent and authority to amend the City Charter of the City of Bossier
City. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of
this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this
application.
SECTION 9. Employment of Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a
real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel on matters related to the special election, and
accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., is hereby employed as special counsel for said purpose for a term not
exceeding one (1) year from the date of this resolution. The fee to be paid said special counsel shall be an
amount computed at hourly rate based on the Attorney General's then current Maximum Hourly Fee
Schedule, together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, and the Secretary-Treasurer is
authorized to pay such invoices as and when presented. The scope of this legal representation does not
involve federal claims.
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This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 10h day of October, 2024.
/s/ Phyllis McGraw /s/ Don Williams
City Clerk President
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EXHIBIT "A"
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Bossier City,
State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Bossier
City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), on October 10, 2024, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special
election will be held within the City on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, and that at the said election
there will be submitted to all registered voters in the City qualified and entitled to vote at the said election
under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the
following propositions, to-wit:
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 3
Shall the City Charter of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, be amended and restated, in
its entirety, pursuant to Article VI, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana
as set forth in the revisions prepared and submitted by the Citizens Charter Review
Commission as advertised in the Bossier Press Tribune on October 16, 23, and 30, 2024?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 3
Shall Section 3.01(b) of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the amended and
restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be amended to read as
follows:
Members of the City Council shall be eligible for re-election except that no person who
has been elected to serve as a member of the City Council for more than two and one-half
terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of office that began on
or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to the City Council for the succeeding term?
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 3 OF 3
Shall Section 4.01 of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the amended and
restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be amended to read as
follows:
(a) The Mayor shall be elected according to the laws of the state and serve a term of
four (4) years. The term of office shall begin on July 1 of the year in which they were
elected.
(b) No person who has been elected to serve as the Mayor for more than two and one-
half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of office that
began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to Mayor for the succeeding term?
The said special election shall be held at the polling places for the following precincts, which
polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the
provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to wit:
PRECINCTS
01-01
01-02
01-03
01-03A
01-03B(PART)
01-04(PART)
01-05
02-02
02-03
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02-03A
02-04-1
02-04-2
02-05A(PART)
02-06(PART)
02-07
02-08(PART)
02-09(PART)
02-10
02-11(PART)
02-12A(PART)
02-12B
02-13
02-14
02-15(PART)
02-16(PART)
02-17A(PART)
02-17B
02-18C-1(PART)
02-18C-2(PART)
02-19(PART)
02-20
02-21A(PART)
02-21B(PART)
02-21C-1(PART)
02-21C-2(PART)
02-21D-1(PART)
02-21D-2(PART)
02-21E(PART)
04-08A(PART)
04-08B-1(PART)
04-08B-2(PART)
04-08C(PART)
04-08D
04-08G(PART)
04-10-1(PART)
04-10-2(PART)
04-11C(PART)
The polling places for the precincts set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at
which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall
be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the
provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $14,400.
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The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5
and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other
constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in
this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in
accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting
place, City Hall, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, at
THREE O'CLOCK (3:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine
and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the City
are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.
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STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF BOSSIER
I, the undersigned City Clerk of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), do
hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the
City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, on October 10, 2024, ordering and calling a special election to be
held in the City, to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current City Charter of the City; making
application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Bossier City, Louisiana, on this, the 10th
day of October, 2024.
City Clerk
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