City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 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, February 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM Council President, Don Williams called the meeting to order. 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, Jeff Free and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilor Jeffery Darby 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. Add on request – New Business #12 – Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of one Building Maintenance employee due to vacancy from retirement. (First and Final Reading) (Zagone) (This item is being requested due to need to fill position) By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve add on. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Not Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve the agenda as amended Seconded by Mr. Hammons Audience member David Crockett furiously addressed his concerns about items he feels should be on the agenda No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve minutes of February 11, 2025, and dispense with reading. Seconded by Mr. Smith No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 24 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE ENGAGEMENT OF HEARD, MCELROY, & VESTAL, LLC TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO AUDIT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE FIREMEN’S PENSION AND RELIEF FUND AND POLICEMEN’S PENSION AND RELIEF FUND ______________________________________________________________________________  WHEREAS, Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLC, has conducted audits of the finances of the referenced entities in previous years; and WHEREAS, the referenced entities are required to have annual audits and prepare audited financial statements and schedules for the year ended December 31, 2024; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that Mr. Don Williams, is hereby authorized to execute letters of engagement with Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLC and said letters of engagement are hereby approved. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 25th, day of February 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 5, 2025, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 25 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF A 4-WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF GREENACRES BOULEVARD AND FAIRMONT DRIVE WITHIN THE GREENACRES SUBDIVISION WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bossier City desires to install a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Greenacres Boulevard and Fairmont Drive to be able to control speeding and other unsafe driving. NOW , THEREFORE, BE IT ORDANED that the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, in Regular Session convened, does hereby authorize the installation of a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Greenacres Boulevard and Fairmont Drive in the Greenacres Neighborhood. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 25th, day of February 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 5, 2025, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 26 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CONTRACT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES TO ADD PLANNED ANNUAL CONTINUING EDUCATION (PACE) AND STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SERVICES ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City has the opportunity to add Planned Annual Continuing Education (PACE) and Strategic Account Management services to the Tyler Technologies Software Contract for one year at no cost; and  WHEREAS, these services are expected to enhance knowledge and usability of the software, improve processes within the system allowing for greater efficiency, and provide dedicated assistance as needed; and WHEREAS, these services will be evaluated after one year to determine if they should be purchased after expiration of the initial period. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, approves the addition of Planned Annual Continuing Education (PACE) and Strategic Account Management services to the Tyler Technologies Software contract at no cost to the City; 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 by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 25th, day of February 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 5, 2025, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 27 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO SIGN A SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WITH MUNICODE-CIVICPLUS FOR THE ANNUAL CODIFICATION OF CODE OF ORDINANCE SUPPLEMENTS _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, each year all Ordinances are sent to Municode-Civicplus to update the City’s Code of Ordinance books (City Laws); and WHEREAS, with the cost of goods and services increasing, Municode-Civicplus plans to implement an increase in the City’s per page rate by 30%; and WHEREAS, Municode-Civicplus has offered the city a subscription service that will reduce the page rate increase to only a 20% increase; and WHEREAS, this subscription service will be a flat rate of $2,137 per year as long as the page count stays within the average; and WHEREAS, this subscription can be cancelled at any time; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that Mayor Thomas H. Chandler does hereby have permission to sign any and all necessary documents to enact the subscription service with Municode-Civicplus The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 25th, day of February 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 5, 2025, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk  The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 28 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A BILLARDS ARENA, RED RIVER BILLIARDS LLC, LOCATED AT 2090 BROOKSHIRE ARENA DRIVE SUITE 100, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Josh Morvant, Red River Billiards, 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 billiards arena, Red River Billiards LLC, located at 2090 Brookshire Arena Drive Suite 100, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on January 21, 2025; 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 2090 Brookshire Arena Drive Suite 100, 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 by Mr. Brian Hammons. and seconded Mr. David Montgomery, Jr., and adopted on this the 25th, day of February 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 5, 2025, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000227-2024 New Business – Agenda item called - Adopt an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 133 of 2018, by changing the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 1.227 acres, more or less, from R-LD (Residential Low Density) and B-2 (Limited Business) to B-3 (General Business) located at 1819 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana, for a proposed Murphy Oil USA convenience store with fuel sales. Mr. Hammons and Ms. Askew-Brown discussed project. Applicant Matt Peterson discussed his companies plan and the efforts to help neighbors such as extending sidewalks. The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 29 OF 2025 A ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 133 OF 2018, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND FROM R-LD (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) AND B-2 (GENERAL BUSINESS) TO B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) BEING 1.227 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, FOR AN PROPOSED MURPHY OIL USA CONVENIENCE STORE WITH FUEL SALES, LOCATED AT 1819 AIRLINE DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. SECTION 1. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 133 of 2018 of the City Council of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, is hereby amended to provide that the zoning classification is hereby changed from R-LD (Residential Low Density) and B-2 (Limited Business) to B-3 (General Business) for the following: A certain piece, parcel or tract of land including all improvements, rights, ways, and privileges located in Section 27, Township 18 North, Range 13 West, Northwestern Land District, Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly described as follows, to-wit: Commencing at the intersection of the southern right of way of Old Minden Road (LA Hwy 72) and the eastern right of way of Jacquelyn Street, being marked by a found LDOTD aluminum cap, being the POINT OF COMMENCEMENT; From the POINT OF COMMENCEMENT, proceed along the southern right of way line of Old Minden Road, North 73 degrees 07 minutes 00 seconds East a distance of 478.02 feet to a set 1/2" iron rod, and also being the POINT OF BEGINNING; From the POINT OF BEGINNING, continue along the southern right of way line of Old Minden Road, North 73 degrees 07 minutes 00 seconds East a distance of 78.19 feet to a found 5/8” iron rod; Thence continue along the southern right of way line of Old Minden Road, North 73 degrees 07 minutes 00 seconds East a distance of 197.97 feet to a found “X” in concrete located on the western right of way of Airline Drive (LA Hwy 3105); Thence proceed along the western right of way line of Airline Drive along an arc of a curve having a radius of 25.00 feet, arc length of 16.11 feet, bearing a chord of South 33 degrees 06 minutes 43 seconds East, 15.83 feet to a found “X" in concrete; Thence proceed along the western right of way line of Airline Drive, South 15 degrees 19 minutes 45 seconds East a distance of 177.03 feet to a found “Punch Hole” in concrete; Thence proceed South 73 degrees 07 minutes 26 seconds West a distance of 275.53 feet along the northern line of Coleman Park Subdivision to a point being monumented by a set 1/2" iron rod located North 16 degrees 57 minutes 36 seconds West a distance of 5.00 feet from said point; Thence proceed North 16 degrees 57 minutes 36 seconds West a distance of 192.13 feet back to the POINT OF BEGINNING; The above described tract contains 1.227 acres more or less. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 25th, day of February 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on March 5, 2025, and will not become legal until 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ZON-000235-2024 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating the sum of two million five hundred thousand from the 2025 Emergency Medical Services Capital Fund to build a vehicle maintenance building/garage for the Bossier City Fire Department. Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached agreement with Beast Engineering to provide design services for improvements to Benton Road (LA 3) Seconded by Mr. Maggio No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached agreement with Beast Engineering to provide design services for the 2025 Citywide Street Improvements Project Seconded by Mr. Maggio No Comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance whereby the Bossier City Council authorizes the Mayor to renew the cooperative endeavor agreement with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to dedicate and use the proceeds from the hotel/motel occupancy tax exclusively for the operation and maintenance of Bossier City's Civic Center, a multipurpose arena, and for riverfront and downtown development Seconded by Mr. Smith Audience member David Crockett asked if anything was changing and was informed it would be the same as it has been. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating the sum of two million five hundred thousand from the 2025 Emergency Medical Services Capital Fund to build a vehicle maintenance building/garage for the Bossier City Fire Department Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Hammons and Finance Director, Angela Williamson discussed that this was the last of the unappropriated amount for the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 11 OF 2025 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR AUDIT ENGAGEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THE CITY’S ANSWERS THERETO ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire is a required part of a financial audit of Louisiana state and local government agencies; and WHEREAS, the completed and signed questionnaire must be presented to and adopted by the governing body, of the organization by means of a formal resolution in an open meeting; and WHEREAS, the completed and signed questionnaire and a copy of the adoption instrument must be given to the auditor at the beginning of the audit. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire covering the period of 1-1-2024 through 12-31-2024, and the City’s answers thereto, all of which are on file with the City Clerk, are hereby adopted. A copy of the questionnaire and answers will be furnished to the City’s auditors, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC.  The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 25th day of February, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Don Williams, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called - Adopt a Resolution to adopt the Five Year Capital Projects Plan Audience member David Crockett wants to see a strategic plan and to see more money for road improvements. Council on Aging Director Tamara Crane discussed plans for new Council on Aging facility. Council members would like to see a commitment from Police Jury to help with the project. Mr. Rauschenbach spoke about the list of projects and possible other options the administration is looking at for a new Council on Aging facility. Council and Mr. Rauschenbach continued to discuss possible ways to get the most out of existing funds. Mr. Smith noted that this plan is not actually appropriating funds. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 12 OF 2025 A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PROJECTS PLAN _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Section 6.09 of the Bossier City Charter requires adoption of a five-year capital improvement projects program; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the attached Five Year Capital Projects Plan for 2025- 2029 is hereby adopted. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Don Williams and adopted on this the 25th day of February, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Don Williams, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: Resolution No. 13 Of 2025 A RESOLUTION DECLARING CERTAIN FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND APPAREL SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OT THE BOSSIER CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND DONATING SAME TO THE SIMPLE CHURCH. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Bossier City Fire Department is in possession of certain firefighting equipment and apparel i.e. “bunker gear” that can be no longer be certified for current or future use pursuant to Louisiana State and Federal standards, rules, and regulations; and WHEREAS, “The Simple Church” is a designated 501 3(c) religious organization located in the City of Bossier City and possesses relationships with firefighting organizations located in the country of Honduras; and  WHEREAS, “The Simple Church” has the logistical capability to transport said equipment to said Honduran organizations at its sole expense and costs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that Bossier City Fire Department shall be allowed to donate the above described equipment to “The Simple Church” so that “The Simple Church” may transport and donate said non-certified equipment to firefighting organizations located in the country of Honduras. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 25th day of February, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Don Williams, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk By: Mr. Free Motion to approve placement in the Official Minutes the reappointment of Steve Moran as the Governing Authority Board Member of the Bossier City Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. This appointment will be effective March 6, 2025, and expires on March 6, 2028. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Parade Permit Fee Waiver for Fat Tuesday Children’s Parade, March 4, 2025 Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 14 OF 2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ONE BUILDING MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE DUE TO VACANCY FROM RETIREMENT: WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a budgetary control requiring a resolution to be approved by the Bossier City Council prior to hiring or employment of any individual; and WHEREAS, one vacancy exist in the Building Maintenance Division due to Retirement and filling this position will allow operations to continue; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular and legal session convened, that the administration is authorized to replace one Building Maintenance position. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith and adopted on this the 25th day of February, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby ABSTAIN: none _________________________________________________ Don Williams, President __________________________________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Reports – Finance Director, Angela Williamson, went over the monthly project report and noted that sales tax numbers are higher this month. Ben Rauschenbach, Engineering Department went over the monthly project report. CAO, Amanda Nottingham and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed the possible locations for the EV Charging Stations. Mr. Rauschenbach also discussed the amount that the City has applied for and received in Grant funds. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 3:54PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish March 5, 2025