City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 2, 2025 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, January 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM Council President, Don Williams called the meeting to order. Mayor Chandler expressed the City’s deepest sympathy, prayers and support to the City of New Orleans following the tragedy in the early hours of New Years Day morning. He asks for everyone to pray for the families of those killed and injured. He asked that everyone please have a moment of silence. Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jeff Free 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. By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to add New Business #9 – Introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Water and Sewer Fund Budget. (This add-on Ordinance is being requested by Administration to cover some outstanding 2024 invoices) Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to add New Business #10 – Adopt a Resolution recognizing the life, achievements, and public service of former President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. (This Resolution is being added on so that Speaker Johnson can deliver at funeral for President Carter on January 9, 2025.) Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Agenda as amended. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve minutes of December 17, 2024, and dispense with reading. Seconded by Mr. Darby No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Witness opening of sealed bids for P25-01 On-Demand Concrete Utility Dept. James R. Martin Building & Remodeling, LLC $496,795.00  RVP Construction Inc. $367,777.00 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. 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 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 expressed concerns about rate increases on the elderly and those on a fixed income. He asked how the 2 percent came about, who made that decision, and asks if the administration knew it would be stipulated if the City gets grants, rates would be required to be raised. CAO, Amanda Nottingham and Mr. Darby discussed rates, requirements to pay bills, meter upgrades, sanitation rate increases and the trash contract. City Attorney, Charles Jacobs reported that the garbage contract is month to month but the City would be entering into negotiations for a new contract. Mr. Darby asked for the city to put out an RFP to try to save money. Mr. Hammons verified with the administration that these increases will keep the city from operating these enterprise funds at a loss. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 1 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTIONS 114-4 AND 114-32 OF THE CODE OF RDINANCES OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA TO ADJUST WATER AND DEPOSIT RATES IN PUBLIC UTILITIES WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana commissioned a water rate study for the City of Bossier City’s Public Utility; and WHEREAS, the study concluded an increase to water rates is necessary in order for the City of Bossier City to demonstrate the required financial sustainability factor of 1.15; and WHEREAS, compliance with the recommendation is required to keep current funds awarded by the State and to be eligible for future grant opportunities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Section 114-4 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby amended to read as follows: 114-4. Usage charges generally. (b) Water charge: Inside City Outside City Flat Charge: $10.16 $18.80 Per thousand gallons: $3.61 $5.41 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Section 114-32 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby amended to read as follows: 114-32. Cash deposits for utility consumers. All consumers of city utilities and services shall comply with the following: Residential Customers.  (1) First-time customers and previous customers in good-standing (a customer in good-standing is one who has paid their bill in-full and on-time the last 12-month period of service) must pay a deposit of $100.00. The deposit is to be paid up-front, but no later than the due date of the first bill. (2) Previous customers in bad-standing (a customer in bad-standing has had an interruption in previous water service due to non-payment, attempted payment with insufficient funds, a remaining balance on their former account, or had other security-related issues with their previous account) must pay the full amount of all outstanding balance(s) on their previous account(s) in addition to a deposit of $150.00. The balance on any prior account(s) must be paid in-full prior to activation of new service. The deposit is to be paid up-front, but no later than the due date of the first bill. Commercial Customers. (1) First-time customers and previous customers in good-standing (a customer in good-standing is one who has paid their bill in-full and on-time the last 12-month period of service) must pay a deposit of $100.00. The deposit is to be paid up-front, but no later than the due date of the first bill. (2) Previous customers in bad-standing (a customer in bad-standing has had an interruption in previous water service due to non-payment, attempted payment with insufficient funds, or had other security-related issues with their previous account) must pay the full amount of all outstanding balance(s) on their previous account(s) and, in addition, will pay a deposit according to the meter size based on the chart below, or an amount equal to the average bill based on the final six-months of service, whichever is greater: Meter Size Deposit Amount 1 inch $100.00 1½ inch $275.00 2-inch flange $400.00 3-inch turbine $600.00 4-inch turbine $1,175.00 6-inch turbine $2,200.00 8-inch turbine $3,200.00 10-inch turbine $4,700.00 Compound Meters Deposit Amount 2-inch $1,150.00 3-inch $1,600.00 4-inch $2,250.00 6 x 8-inch $4,000.00 All Customers (1) After February 1, 2025, all existing customers whose accounts are disconnected for any reason must pay a deposit, as outlined above, in order for their water service to be restored. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall take effect on February 1, 2025, and be in force from and after its approval as required by law; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the water rates shall increase 2% effective January 1 of 2026. At the end of 2026 and each subsequent year thereafter, rates will be assessed to determine if rate increases are necessary. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Darby ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called - Adopt an Ordinance to amend Section 94-76 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana to adjust sanitation rates. Mr. Hammons expressed his concerns to Ms. Nottingham about churches and commercial establishments having more than the allotted number of cans and that citizens have to pay for additional cans and wants to make sure the churches and commercial businesses are charged accordingly. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 2 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 94-76 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA TO ADJUST SANITATION RATES WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council desire to continue providing the citizens of Bossier City with acceptable solid waste collection and disposal, an effective herbicide and mosquito control program, animal services, street sweeping and grass cutting and to further maintain the general cleanliness of the City; and WHEREAS, the current service charges are not adequate to cover the costs to provide these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Section 94-76 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 94-76. Levied. In order to provide for the health and welfare of the citizens of the city, there is hereby levied service charges to defray the expenses of maintaining the general cleanliness and sanitation of the city, including mowing, street sweeping, animal control, herbicide and mosquito control, litter, recycling/drop-off and container distribution and maintenance in addition to, fees for the collection and disposal of solid waste generated by residents, churches and authorized commercial establishments as follows: (1) Upon each commercial establishment, governmental entity, religious, charitable and non- profit institution, and each individual apartment unit receiving water and sewer service and not receiving solid waste service from the city, the basic charge will be $12.00. (2) Upon each resident that receives curbside collection of solid waste, the basic monthly charge is $36.00. (3) Upon each resident that is receiving side yard collection of solid waste, the basic monthly charge is $36.00. Note: Under the current and future contract, there is no new side yard collection except that which is allowed under the conditions of the solid waste contract. (4) Upon each resident that receives handicapped side yard collection of solid waste, the basic monthly charge is 36.00. Handicapped side yard service will only be allowed when a form is completed by a doctor on behalf of the applicant. (5) Upon each authorized commercial establishment that receives collection of solid waste, the basic monthly charge is $40.00.  (6) Upon each church that receives collection of solid waste, the basic monthly charge of is $36.00. (7) Upon each resident receiving curbside service, authorized commercial establishment and church, there is a charge of $8.50 for each 96-gallon roll-out container registered to each account after the first container. Upon each resident receiving side yard or handicapped side yard service, a charge there is a charge of $8.50 for each 96-gallon roll-out container registered to each account. All residents will be limited to four containers. Authorized commercial establishments and churches will be limited to four containers unless additional containers are allowed by the contractor. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall take effect on February 1, 2025, and be in force from and after its approval as required by law; and 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 2nd, day of January, 2025. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: Mr. Darby ABSENT: none ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 3 Of 2025 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. __________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is applying to the Division of Administration of the State of Louisiana for $2,000,000 in Water Sector Program Phase 2 funds; and WHEREAS, this funding requires a $1,455,700 match of local funds; and WHEREAS, there are funds available to mee the required match from the 2018 LCDA Bond; and WHEREAS, these funds will be used for the Shady Grove and Normand Street Pump Station and Force Main project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $1,455,700 is hereby appropriated from the 2018 LCDA Bond to provide the required match for the $2,000,000 Water Sector Program Phase 2 grant to be used for the Shady Grove and Normand Street Pump Station and Force Main project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents, including permits, professional services agreements, and other related materials as may be needed to complete this project 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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. 4 Of 2025 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. __________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS in October of 2018 Bossier City’s water tested positive for naegleria fowleri, a brain eating amoeba; and WHEREAS multiple deaths in Louisiana have been associated with presence of naegleria fowleri in drinking water; and WHEREAS free chlorine disinfection is the best prevention measure to eliminate naegleria fowleri in drinking water; and WHEREAS free chlorine alone increases harmful disinfection byproducts when exposed to organic compounds in water; and WHEREAS the City began piloting the use of nanofiltration membranes in May of 2020 to determine the feasibility of full-scale use on Bossier’s Water Treatment Facility for the removal of organic compounds associated with disinfection byproducts; and WHEREAS the pilot study found the use of oxidants, like ozone, combined with nanofiltration membranes to be an effective organic removal process; and WHEREAS the City has set aside $10,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to implement improvements necessary for the elimination of naegleria fowleri in Bossier’s drinking water; and WHEREAS these funds will be used for the first phase of Water Treatment Facility improvements required for the implementation of nanofiltration including the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing ozonation system required for oxidizing organics; and WHEREAS all planning, design, survey, permitting, construction administration and related project costs necessary to implement the first phase of these improvements shall be included in the American Rescue Plan Act appropriation for the first phase of planned improvements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $10,000,000 is hereby appropriated from the American Rescue Plan Act funding to provide the required funding to implement the first phase of the nanofiltration project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents, including permits, professional services agreements, and other related materials as may be needed to complete this project 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. Jeff Free, and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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. 5 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $4,500,000 IN FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE SOUTH BOSSIER WATER BOOSTER PUMP STATION PROJECT. __________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS the City has implemented a comprehensive plan to improve and expand water delivery from the Water Treatment Facility out to the extremities of the water distribution system to improve water quality and meet current and future water demands; and WHEREAS the priority in water delivery has been the systematic expansion and upgrade of Bossier’s water transmission network including the completion of multiple water main projects focused on increasing distribution capabilities; and  WHEREAS the City recently completed the Barksdale South Water Main Project utilizing a $5,000,0000 grant from the Division of Administration of the State of Louisiana focused on improving water quality and delivery in south Bossier; and WHEREAS the City recently completed the Port of Caddo Bossier Alternative Water Supply Project utilizing Port funding that targets the delivery of additional and alternative water supply to the Port of Caddo Bossier; and WHEREAS the anticipated water demands of South Bossier combined with the Port of Caddo Bossier are expected to exceed current delivery capabilities in the near future; and WHEREAS the implementation of a South Bossier Booster Pump Station and associated water main work will provide the necessary infrastructure to meet the water demands of South Bossier and the Port of Caddo Bossier well into the future providing the capacity to deliver an excess of 5 million gallons of water to South Bossier daily; and WHEREAS the South Bossier Booster Pump Station Project will require $4,500,000 of funding to complete; and WHEREAS there are funds available in the General Fund to complete the project; and WHEREAS these funds will be reimbursed with excess Water Operating Fund revenue as it becomes available. WHEREAS the Port of Caddo Bossier will reimburse the City’s General Fund in the amount of 50% of the contracted construction costs of the project upon final completion of the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened that $4,500,000 is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to provide the required funding to be used for the South Bossier Water Booster Pump Station Project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the funds appropriated from the General Fund will be reimbursed by the Water Operating Fund as excess revenue becomes available. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Port of Caddo Bossier will reimburse the City’s General Fund in the amount of 50% of the contracted construction costs of the project upon final completion of the project. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 General Fund budget is hereby amended to increase Transfers Out to the Water Capital and Contingency Fund $4,500,000 and decrease Fund balance $4,500,000 and the 2025 Water Capital and Contingency Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase transfers in of $4,500,000 and increase expenditures for the South Bossier Water Booster Pump Station Project by $4,500,000. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents, including permits, professional services agreements, and other related materials as may be needed to complete this project 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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. 6 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2024 SEWER FUND BUDGET ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Bossier City Charter Section 6.06 Additional appropriations and budget amendments require that additional appropriations be made by amending the respective budgets by ordinance; and  WHEREAS, the wastewater treatment facilities (Lift Stations) have seen an increase in electricity costs; and WHEREAS, it is estimated that an additional appropriation of $45,000 from the Sewer Fund is needed to cover operational and electrical costs for the remainder of the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2024 Sewer Fund operating budget needs to be amended to appropriate additional funding to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover anticipated expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby amend the 2024 Sewer Fund operating budget to increase the appropriations in division 74 Lift Stations by $45,000 for a total decrease net fund position by $45,000. 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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 ORDINANCE NO. 7 OF 2025 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. WHEREAS, the Bossier City Council desires to recognize individuals and philanthropic organizations that are of particular importance to the City of Bossier City or have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life in Bossier City by ceremonially naming sections of public streets in their honor; and WHEREAS, currently, there is no formal policy addressing guidelines for the content or placement of ceremonial street signs and an amendment to the Bossier City Code of Ordinances is needed to ensure consistency, traffic safety, and appropriate sign content; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance will amend the Bossier City Code of Ordinances to add Sec. 98-6 to provide for the ceremonial naming of streets and authorize the City Council, by majority vote, to confer ceremonial names on public streets and allow for the installation of appropriate signage, which shall be distinct from, and not change or replace, existing legal street names and signs; and WHEREAS, Section 98-6 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances is hereby added to Chapter 98 of the Bossier City Code to read in its entirety as follows: Sec. 98-6. - Ceremonial Street Naming (a) The purpose of this article is to commemorate the service, lives, and achievements of individuals, philanthropic groups of individuals, or a landmark event, affiliated with the City of Bossier City where the individual(s) or event have had a significant and clearly defined cultural, humanitarian or historic impact on the City by recognizing them with a ceremonial street name that does not cause any disruption of the existing legal street names and abutting uses. (b) Only entire blocks of public streets or intersections may be granted ceremonial street names. (c) An ordinance to provide for a ceremonial street naming may only be initiated by a currently serving member of the Bossier City Council.  (d) Notice to Owners. Within three (3) calendar days of introduction of any proposed Ordinance to adopt a ceremonial street application, the city shall provide written notice to the legal owners of the property abutting the proposed ceremonial street or intersection by depositing the notice, properly addressed and postage paid in the United States mail to the mailing address of such owners. The written notice shall include the following: 1. The proposed name of the street or intersection; and 2. The location of the proposed street or intersection. (e) Candidates for ceremonial street names shall be limited to the name of an individual, philanthropic organization, significant event or landmark. (f) Candidates for ceremonial street names must exhibit a minimum of 10 years of community involvement or demonstrated an extraordinary, consistent and voluntary commitment to the community, or have had contributed significantly to the City of Bossier City. Significant historic events or City of Bossier City landmarks may also be considered if supported by significant and clearly defined cultural, humanitarian, or historical impact to the City. (g) An Individual to be honored must have been dead for at least two years prior to the date of application. (h) Candidates, who have already been honored on one street, whether ceremonial or official, may not be honored on another street. (i) Ceremonial street names cannot be an ideology or a commercial interest. (j) Ceremonial street names shall be in the form of a "Sign Topper," which is a sheet metal sign that is placed on top of the standard City street sign identification and shall adhere to the following specifications: (1) Ceremonial street naming cannot contain a product name or be used for a commercial purpose; (2) Ceremonial street naming must be a name of an individual, philanthropic organization, landmarks or an event; (3) A ceremonial street Sign Topper must include the word "Honorary"; (4) No more than one ceremonial Sign Topper per street block; (5) Only one Sign Topper may be placed on any pole; (6) Sign Toppers shall not be attached to traffic signal mast arms or traffic signal poles; and (7) Ceremonial names shall not duplicate any currently existing official street names. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Bossier City Council does hereby amend the above referenced Chapter 98 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances to provide for the ceremonial naming of streets. 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. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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 – Adopt an Ordinance approving a Conditional Use Approval for the retail sale of low content alcohol for on premise consumption at a hotel, Home2Suites & Tru by Hilton, located at 2507 Viking Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jacobs and MPC Director, Carlotta Askew-Brown discussed sales and handling of alcohol. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 8 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A HOTEL, HOME2 SUITES & TRU, LOCATED AT 2507 VIKING DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Charlie Coyle, Coyle Engineering, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of low content alcohol, for on premise consumption at hotel, located at 2507 Viking Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on December 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 low content alcohol for on premise consumption at 2507 Viking Drive, 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 by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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. 9 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A CASINO AND HOTEL, LIVE! CASINO AND HOTEL, LOCATED AT 711 LIVE CASINO BOULEVARD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Susan Yocum, Live Casino and Hotel, 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 premise consumption at a casino and hotel, located at 711 Live Casino Boulevard, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on December 23, 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 premise consumption at 711 Live Casino Boulevard, 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 by Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 2nd, day of January, 2025. Further this Ordinance will publish on January 8, 2025, 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 C-ALC-000196-2024 By Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance amending the 2025 General Fund Budget for transfers in and Engineering Department Salaries and Benefits for a raise funded by the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating an additional $35,000 from the 2025 General Fund Budget to the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council for the 2025 Barksdale Defenders of Liberty Air Show Seconded by Mr. Maggio No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to enlarge the limits and boundaries of the City of Bossier City by annexing approximately 6.459 acres adjacent to the current city limits west of Barksdale Boulevard and south of Curtis Elementary School. (North Caddo Medical Center - South Bossier) Seconded by Mr. Maggio No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 1 Of 2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOSSIER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HIRE A TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE AT THE POLICE TRAINING CENTER ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the administrative assistant/records clerk at the City of Bossier City Police Department Training Center has announced that she plans to retire in the month of April of 2025; and WHEREAS, said position is crucial in order to maintain all proper record certifications and qualifications of BCPD employees/officers to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements, regulations, ordinances and statutes; and  WHEREAS, said position requires an intensive period of training and education of the incoming replacement administrative assistant/records clerk that is best provided by the current records clerk; and WHEREAS, the hiring of a temporary employee for said position is necessary as that said employee may be properly educated and trained in the next 90 days in order to ensure a smooth transition; and WHEREAS, the hiring of said temporary employee is net budget neutral will not result in any increase to the 2025 operating budget of the BCPD; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the BCPD is hereby authorized to hire/employ a temporary administrative assistant/records clerk for the BCPD Training Center. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr and adopted on this the 2nd day of January, 2025, by the following vote: 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 Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 2 OF 2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A TAX AUDIT SUPERVISOR DUE TO SEPARATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITIONS THIS MAY CREATE IN THE SALES TAX DEPARTMENT ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to the hiring or employment of any individual receiving wages, compensation, or remuneration for any labor including temporary or contractual employment; and WHEREAS, the Sales Tax Department has an available position due to separation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this separation provides for an opportunity to hire a replacement or promote from within and backfill any vacancies created; and WHEREAS, this action will have no impact on the existing budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to hire or promote a Tax Audit Supervisor and backfill any vacancies this may create in the Sales Tax Department with no impact to the existing budget. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 2nd day of January, 2025, by the following vote: 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 By Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Water and Sewer Fund Budget. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 3 Of 2025  A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LIFE, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER PRESIDENT JAMES EARL “JIMMY” CARTER, JR. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr., 39th President of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. President Carter was 100 year old at his death making him the longest- lived president in U.S. history; and WHEREAS, he was a no-frills and steel willed Southern governor who was elected President in 1976, and then defeated in 1980 by Ronald Regan. While only serving one term as President, this one-term President went on to an extraordinary post-presidential life; and WHEREAS, he was a man deeply committed to social justice and basic human rights, President Carter dedicated himself to alleviating human suffering. In addition to promoting peace and human rights through the Carter Center, President and Mrs. Carter led the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity for more than 30 years. Together, they worked alongside over 108,100 volunteers who have built, renovated, or repaired more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries, all while raising awareness of the critical need for affordable housing; and WHEREAS, President Carter even personally campaigned in Bossier City while running for President, knocking on doors and meeting voters and returned to our local area on various occasions including June 2014 when he served as the keynote speaker for Community Renewal International's 20th anniversary celebration. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Bossier City recognizes the life, achievements, and public service of former President Jimmy Carter. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr and adopted on this the 2nd day of January, 2025, by the following vote: 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 There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 1:31PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish January 8, 2025