City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 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, December 17, 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, David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, Jeffery Darby, Jeff Free, and Vince Maggio 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. Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – Stacy Brown, President/CEO – Visit Shreveport Bossier went over visitor statistics for 2024 and upcoming events in 2025. She also noted some events are booked thru 2031. Mr. Darby asked about Independence Bowl lineup change and how it would affect, she reported it will still be good, but they will change their advertising campaign some. Mr. Hammons asked for a list of events for 2025 and for them to be broken down by what’s in Shreveport and what’s in Bossier. She will provide. Ronald McDonald House – Representatives of the Ronald McDonald House spoke to the Council and explained what the Ronald McDonald House was all about and that they had already broken ground on it. They noted that thru the end of 2024 there was a company that would match donations dollar for dollar and they asked for support from community and City. Assistant City Attorney, Richard Ray updated Council on the recent Bond Commission meeting vote, and that the Charter recommendations from the Charter Commission would be placed on the March ballot. After questions from Council members Mr. Ray reported that the Peoples Petition is still in Second Circuit Court of Appeals awaiting decision. Mr. Williams reminded public and Council that the December 31, 2024 City Council meeting has been moved to January 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM. By: Mr. Darby Motion to approve Agenda. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Audience member, David Crockett asked that the Council address the Fire and Police shortages and place it on the agenda for a future meeting and see what it would take to hire and retain officers. Audience member, Cassie Rogers asked Council to reconsider and vote to place the Peoples Petition on the agenda and vote for it to also be on the March ballot. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend minutes of December 3, 2024, and dispense with reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Comment No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 152 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE COMPETITIVE POSITION OF CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE BOSSIER CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO LOUISIANA REVISED STATUE 33:2481.6. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2481.6 the City of Bossier City, may create the position of Chief of Administration of the Fire Department, pursuant to the provisions thereof, which position shall be filed on a competitive basis from a list of eligible provided for therein, and the right of selection, appointment, supervision, and discharge of such position shall be vested in the Fire Chief, subject to the approval of the appointing authority; and WHEREAS, upon approval, this Ordinance shall be forwarded to the Fire and Police Civil Service Board and the Office of the State Examiner for appropriate action; and WHEREAS, the administration and department assure that the proposed change is net neutral to the department budget and that the current budget has been verified and that funding available in the total budgeted salaries is not exceeded. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Bossier City Council, in regular session convened that the competitive position of Chief of Administration of the Bossier City Fire Department is hereby created and established as a competitive position within the Bossier City Fire Department in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2481.6. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, upon approval, this Ordinance shall be forwarded to the Fire and Police Civil Service Board and the Office of the State Examiner for appropriate action. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda Item called - Adopt an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to enter into the attached amended Local Services Agreement with the Parish of Bossier and to execute any documents in furtherance thereof. Audience members David Crockett, Alice Boyer and Ruth Post Johnson expressed their concerns about debt, doing projects outside city limits, public trust issues, lack of strategic plan by the Mayor and Ms. Boyer also requested an apology for being removed at a previous meeting. These audience members were also concerned about the power granted to the City Attorney in the Ordinance. City Attorney, Charles Jacobs, noted that any appropriation of funds must come thru the Council. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 153 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO ENTER INTO THE ATTACHED AMENDED LOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE PARISH OF BOSSIER AND TO EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS IN FURTHERANCE THEREOF.  WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier mutually benefit from the development of infrastructure which enhances existing businesses and encourages the development of new business entities in both the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier have engaged in joint endeavors regarding the development of industrial parks, juvenile detention facilities, jail operations, research parks, street, highway or road projects, water and sewer system improvement projects, zoning master plans and a uniform development code, which benefit the citizens of Bossier Parish and the City of Bossier; and WHEREAS, a local services agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Parish of Bossier will facilitate intergovernmental functions to provide greater economy and efficiency in the operation of local services; and WHEREAS, the citizens of the Parish of Bossier and the City of Bossier will benefit by the development created by improving traffic and utilities across the parish including the City by improving streets, roads and utilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler is hereby authorized to execute the amended local services agreement with Bossier Parish, and to execute any documents in furtherance thereof. BE IT FUTHER ORDAINED that the City of Bossier City and Parish of Bossier, in entering into this agreement, authorize their respective attorneys to take whatever action necessary in furtherance of the joint projects set forth in the agreement attached hereto. If any provision or item of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are hereby declared severable. BE IT FUTHER ORDAINED that the City of Bossier City authorizes the City Attorney to take whatever action necessary in furtherance of the joint project set forth in the agreement attached hereto. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 154 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 49 OF 24 APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $52,379.62 FROM THE SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO REPLACE THE NORTHEAST WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT GENERATOR. WHEREAS, Ordinance 49 of 2024 appropriated $250,000 from water capital and contingency fund to replace the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant generator; and WHEREAS, ARCO provided an option for an upgraded 42-hour fuel tank and blue pillar monitoring system package; and WHEREAS, this generator is critical in providing emergency power during emergency power outage events, increased runtime is warranted; and WHEREAS, the cost to include the upgraded fuel capacity with diesel and electrical install while discarding existing equipment is $52,379.62 for labor, equipment, and material; and WHEREAS, $52,379.62shall be appropriated from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $52,379.62 is hereby appropriated from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund to upgrade fuel package and electrical install on the reservoir generator.  BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 Sewer Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures to included upgraded fuel package and electrical install on the reservoir generator by $52,379.62 and decrease Fund Balance by $52,379.62. 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, Jr. by and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 155 Of 2024 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE FIRE SAFETY TRAILER SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE BOSSIER CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND DONATING SAME TO THE EAST 80 FIRE DEPARTMENT. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City through the Bossier City Fire Department has accumulated certain movable equipment which is now surplus to the City’s needs and it is in the best interest of the city to dispose of said equipment according to law; and WHEREAS, the attached list of equipment described below is surplus to the City’s needs: DESCRIPTION: 1. Fire Safety Trailer (VIN# 1SSTT35T3A11SS314) WHEREAS, the Fire Safety Trailer was used for education but is no longer suitable for use; and WHEREAS, the condition and age of the Fire Safety Trailer makes it unfit and impractical for sale at auction; and WHEREAS, the maintenance costs and expenses of said Fire Safety Trailer has become burdensome and expensive; said costs outweighing the utility of said vehicle; and WHEREAS, the East 80 Fire Department has expressed a need for the Fire Safety Trailer; and WHEREAS, Chief Brad Zagone needs authority to donate said vehicle to East 80 Fire Department and execute any and all documents necessary to effect said donation; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Fire Safety Trailer (VIN# 1SSTT35T3A11SS314) has been declared surplus to the needs of the Bossier City Fire Department and shall be donated to the East 80 Fire Department. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that Chief Brad Zagone is authorized to execute any and all documentation necessary to effect said donations. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 156 OF 2024 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF RECONCILATION AND PROJECT CONSTRUCTION CLOSEOUT FOR THE BARKSDALE SOUTH 24” WATERMAIN AND CONSOLIDATION PROJECT WITH AN INCREASE IN PROJECT COST OF $283,631.61 AND ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 7 DAYS IN CHANGE ORDER #2. SURPLUS FUNDING FROM WATER SECTOR PROGRAM’S REQUIRED MATCHING CONTRIBUTION WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED TO THE WATER CAPTIAL AND CONTINGECY FUND. 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; the project’s original cost estimate was $7,356,818, Wicker Construction completed all original and additional construction scope in the Amount of $5,918,990.88; 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; due to project completion under original estimate an expected surplus of funding from the required matching contribution is to be supplemented to Water capital and contingency fund; and WHEREAS; Change Order #2 includes an increase in project cost by $283,631.61 to account for project reconciliation, unforeseen subsurface issues, future improvements, compliance with federal and state regulatory agencies, and to ensure the health and safety of South Bossier City Citizens during the construction and isolation of the watermain; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #2 for the Barksdale South 24” Watermain and Consolidation Project with an increase in project cost of $283,631.61 and adding 7 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 by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 157 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE COMPLETION OF THE CITIZENS BANK DRIVE PUMP STATION PROJECT INCLUDING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,161.73 AND ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 96 DAYS; AND TO AMEND ORDINANCE 105 OF 2022 LEAVING A SURPLUS OF FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENT THE 2018 LCDA BOND AND CONSTRUCTION OF CITIZEN’S BANK ROADWAY EXTENSION PROJECT. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 105 of 2022 appropriated $6,000,000.00 to complete the storm water pump station for the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Phase II Project.  WHEREAS; an increase in contract price to Belt Construction, INC. Via Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $48,161.73 for unforeseen subsurface requirements associated with WOBC Phase II project and reconciling final project quantities was required; and WHEREAS; an increase in contract time of ninety six (96) days will be included in Change Order No. 1; WHEREAS; a total project construction cost of $3,320,161.73 left a surplus of construction funds; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare the completion of the CBD Pump Station Project with a total construction cost of $3,320,161.73, and to amend their contract with Belt Construction, Inc. for an increase in price of $48,161.73 and increase of 96 days. The remaining surplus funds in Ordinance 105 of 2022 are to be used to supplement 2018 LCDA Bond and Construction of Citizens Bank Roadway Extension. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 158 OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER $3,960.22 FROM THE DIVERSON SPECIAL REVENUE FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, a transfer of $3,960.22 from the Diversion Special Revenue Fund to the General Fund is needed to fund expenses associated with the establishment and administration of the City Prosecutor’s Pretrial Diversion Program; and WHEREAS, a budget amendment is required to transfer appropriations between funds. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that the Council approves a transfer of $3,960.22 from the Diversion Special Revenue Fund to the General Fund for the expenses associated with the establishment and administration of the City Prosecutor’s Pretrial Diversion Program. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2024 Diversion Special Revenue Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase Transfers Out by $3,960.22 and decrease Fund Balance by $3,960.22 and the 2024 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase Transfer In by $3,960.22 and increase Legal Department Expenditures by $3,960.22. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 159 OF 2024  AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2025 GENERAL FUND CITY COUNCIL OPERATING BUDGET TO REDRESS THE SALARY OF THE CURRENT CITY CLERK WHEREAS; the current City Clerk has been with the City of Bossier for 20 plus years and total municipal experience of over 28 years; and WHEREAS; in the proposed 2025 General Fund Budget there was a salary increase that was included for the City Clerk in order to make the position in line with other Council Clerks across the State; and WHEREAS; due to the motion made and approved to amend the proposed budget, that salary increase was cut; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve an additional $12,000 salary increase for the City Clerk in order to make the position in line with other Council Clerks across the State and to redress the salary change that the budget amendment created. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase City Council salaries and benefits $14,598 and decrease Fund Balance $14,598. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on this the 17th, day of December 2024. Further this Ordinance will publish on December 20, 2024, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – Agenda item called - introduce an Ordinance to amend Sections 114-4 and 114-32 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana to adjust water and deposit rates in the Public Utilities Department. Mr. Darby asked CAO, Amanda Nottingham to explained why this is necessary. Rate study conducted by State since City is grant recipient. State did not recommend rate amount increase for 2026, just that the city would need to be increased. This Ordinance also would start charging deposit on meters for new or previous customers coming back. Mr. Smith asked about what would happen if the city did not comply. Ms. Nottingham reported that the city’s water grade was tied to this and also future grant dollars. Mr. Smith also asked about the vendor that performed the rate study and she noted the State hired them and as soon as results came in, State gave the city 7 days to make a decision. Mr. Smith is concerned about the 2% increase annually after 2026 and Ms. Nottingham explained why Administration chose that path. They also discussed the dollar amounts on the rate increases for 2025 and 2026. By: Mr. Smith Motion to amend Ordinance to increase water rates to the rate study recommendations for 2025 and to increase rates in 2026 to the Administration recommended 2% and to assess at the end of 2026 to see if further rate increases are necessary. Seconded Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Discussions and concerns among Council Members about rate increases and what happens if rate increases don’t happen. Audience member, David Crockett spoke on his concerns about why his rate is higher outside City limits than those inside City limits and what determined the amount that the City is raising the rates. He asked if it was due to City not having reserves and why is State coming after the City. Ms. Nottingham noted that rates are 1.5 times outside City limits as in and that those customers don’t have any of the other City fees such as Sanitation fees, Ambulance fees or Beautification fees. Mr. Hammons noted that there has been building development increases in South Bossier since the City did the project with the $5 Million dollar grant funds. Mr. Crockett still concerned about why his rates are higher since he lives outside City limits. Engineer Director, Ben Rauschenbach, discussed the City’s Capital Plan. State wants to see 15% increase in Reserve funds and be able to pay for their operating cost. Audience member, Cassie Rogers questioned if current customers would be required to pay $100 deposit. Ms. Nottingham clarified only if they move or if the water is turned off. No further comment Motion carries with the following votes: Ayes – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Darby Absent – none Abstain - none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Sections 114-4 and 114-32 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana to adjust water and deposit rates in the Public Utilities Department as amended. Seconded by Mr. Smith Audience member, David Crockett discussed wanting his rates changed to the same rates the citizens of Bossier pays. He also noted he has 1st Amendment Rights to speak in a meeting on any subject. No further comment Motion carries with the following votes: Ayes – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Darby Absent – none Abstain - none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Section 94-76 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana to adjust sanitation rates. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Mr. Smith and Mr. Nottingham discussed that now in multi-family units, the fee will be based on each unit and not just on the meter. No further comment Motion carries with the following votes: Ayes – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Darby Absent – none Abstain - none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $1,455,700 in matching funds from the 2018 LCDA Bond for the $2,000,000 American Rescue Plan Act Water Sector Program Phase 2. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Audience member, David Crockett questioned Ms. Nottingham about need for Reserves to be higher and concerns about where all the money is coming from to do these projects. Ms. Nottingham reported a percentage of revenue goes to Contingency Funds. Mr. Smith and Ms. Nottingham discussed the Rate Study increases wouldn’t be going into Capital Projects. It only covers operating expenses such as labor, chemicals, electricity, etc. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $10,000,000 of American Rescue Plan Act Funds for the first phase of Water Treatment Facility Improvements required for the implementation of nanofiltration. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Rauschenbach gave the Council and audience a presentation on the project. Mr. Smith and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed this project and noted that the city’s current equipment is about 30 years old and that the lifespan is usually only about 20 years. They also discussed how the manganese grows, utility fees and quality of product. Mr. Darby and Mr. Rauchenbach discussed possibility of future grant funds requiring City to do additional upgrades. Audience member David Crockett argued against doing this project and just saving the City’s money. Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed that this project would get rid of the chlorine burn. Mr. Hammons noted that he gets hundreds of calls from concerned citizens about their water and bodies smelling like chlorine and that the City has to do these type projects to get more people and businesses to come and that if these funds aren’t used, they would have to be sent back. Audience member, Ruth Post Johnson asked about other municipalities using this technology and whether the City could monetize this financially since we would be the first in Louisiana and Ben explained to her why that was not possible. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $4,500,000 in funds from the General Fund for the South Bossier Water Booster Pump Station Project. Mr. Smith noted his concerns on the funding mechanism from the General Fund and would like to take from other funds, he was also concerned about keeping track of the money going back into the General Fund. Mr. Hammons reminded everyone that the Port will reimburse half. Mr. Montgomery discussed why the Council has historically not used Trust Funds due to interest accruing, whereas very little interest is gained on the General Fund funds and that the Utility Department would pay back these funds to the General Fund. Finance Director, Angela Williamson noted that it could be paid off in 4.5 years depending on how much is designated. Mr. Hammons also noted that the water line goes to much more than the port. People on wanting to come to South Bossier. Audience member, David Crockett thanked everyone for their explanation, chastised media for not covering and asking questions and voiced his concern again about the City’s debt. Mr. Rauschenbach noted that there are other cities with the same type and size of Bossier’s system that spend 3 to 4 times what Bossier does. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Sewer Fund Budget. Seconded by Mr. Smith Mr. Darby asked if this was in relation to the items under New Business #1 and #2. Mr. Rauschenbach discussed that this is only due to lack of funds for Electric fees thru the end of the year. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the Bossier City Code of Ordinances to add Section 98-6 to Chapter 98 and provide for the ceremonial naming of streets. Seconded by Mr. Free Audience member Cassie Rogers objected to this Ordinance citing her concerns. She worries it will be confusing drivers even further, the type and location of the sign and who will pay the signs. Mr. Ray and Mr. Darby reported on how this came about and that it was modeled after what was found in other cities and that it isn’t in the Ordinance but the agreement was that the requestor would pay for it. No further comment Motion carried with the following vote: Yeas – Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays – Mr. Hammons Absent – none Abstain - none By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for - 2024 Faith and Freedom Parade - November 3, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Free Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Plantation Park Elementary Christmas Parade - December 18, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Mr. Rauschenbach went over the Monthly Project report, specifically noting the grants that the City has received and what the City has been applying for. Ms. Williamson went over the Monthly Financial Report noting that revenue exceeded budgeted amounts, expenses were below budgeted amounts and that sales taxes were up 17.1% from the same period last year. Announcements - Mayor wished everyone a Merry Christmas. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 5:26PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish December 20, 2024