City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 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, April 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM Council President, Don Williams called the meeting to order. Invocation was given by Council Member Jeffery Darby Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Brian Hammons Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Don Williams, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Jeffery Darby, Brian Hammons, 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 - none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to amend agenda to add New Business #10 – Adopt a Resolution repealing and re-enacting Resolution 1 of 2024 for the organization of the City Council, providing rules for the Council and otherwise providing with respect thereto. Seconded: Mr. Williams Audience member Wes Marriott objected to the addition of this item and listed reasons why. David Crockett & Cody McKellar spoke against the Council going into executive session on the agenda. Motion failed 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. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve the agenda Seconded by Mr. Williams Audience Members David Crockett and Wes Marriot objected to the Council going into executive session. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve minutes of March 25, 2025, and dispense with reading. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 44 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2025 STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND BUDGET BY SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($75,000.00) TO INCREASE EXPENDITURES FOR UNPLANNED STREETS AND DRAINAGE PROJECTS. WHEREAS; $1,000,000.00 was budgeted for 2025 unplanned streets and drainage improvements; and WHEREAS; Public Works has identified an additional $75,000.00 in projects that require additional funding; and WHEREAS; $75,000.00 is needed to supplement the 2025 Streets and Drainage Fund Budget to expand Public Works capability to make needed improvements to Bossier’s stormwater drainage systems; and WHEREAS; $75,000.00 is available in the Streets and Drainage Fund and can be used for this effort. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, agrees to appropriate an additional $75,000.00 from the Streets and Drainage Fund to expand Public Works capability to make needed improvements to Bossier’s stormwater drainage systems. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 Streets and Drainage Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for 2025 Unplanned Streets and Drainage by $75,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $75,000.00. 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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. 45 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $42,558.00 FROM THE SEWER CAPITAL AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO PERFROM SCICORP BIOLOG SLUDGE REDUCTION, ENERGY SAVING, IMPROVED TREATMENT PERFROMANCE AND ODOR CONTROL PILOT AT NORTHEAST WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. WHEREAS, the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant has an opportunity to conduct a pilot project to combat odor complaints and improve treatment efficiency; and WHEREAS, The goal of the trial is to significantly reduce the accumulation of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), reduce energy consumption, reduce biosolids generation, reduce odor, and improve treatment performance at the Northeast WWTP; and WHEREAS, the pilot will supply liquid micronutrient product known as Biologic SR2 for 3 months, and if proven successful it is expected to provide a net cost savings of $68,557.65 per year; and WHEREAS, the cost to perform this pilot which included all associated labor, equipment, and material is $42,588.00; and WHEREAS, $42,588.00 shall 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 $42,558.00 is hereby appropriated from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund to perform SciCorp Biolog Sludge Reduction, Energy Saving, Improved Treatment Performance and Odor Control Pilot. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 Sewer Capital and Contingency Budget is hereby amended to perform SciCorp Biolog Sludge Reduction, Energy Saving, Improved Treatment Performance and Odor Control Pilot by $42,558.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $42,558.00. 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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. 46 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF CHANGE ORDER 1 FOR THE BROWNLEE ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT, WITH AN INCREASE OF $212,903.00, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,327,577.75. WHEREAS; through the Brownlee Road Rehabilitation Project the City has an opportunity to partner with the Bossier Parish Police Jury to share the costs of rehabilitating a portion of Wemple Road between Airline Drive and Old Brownlee Road; and WHEREAS; the rehabilitation of this section of road will require an additional $212,903.00; and WHEREAS; the Bossier Parish Police Jury will cover 50% of the construction costs associated with the proposed improvements; and WHEREAS; an additional $212,903.00 will be added to the contract price, for a total contract of $1,327,577.75 for this project; and WHEREAS; no additional funding is needed to complete the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby approve report of Change Order 1 for the Brownlee Road Rehabilitation Project, with an increase of $212,903.00, for a total contract price of $1,327,577.75; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any and all instruments 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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. 47 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2025 WATER 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 administration division requires an increase in building maintenance and repairs funds due to recent security upgrades to the complex; and  WHEREAS, the building repairs and maintenance, and supplies require additional appropriations of $6,000 from Water Fund are needed to cover operational costs for the remainder of the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Water 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 2025 Water Fund operating budget to increase the appropriation in division 61 Administration division for building repairs and maintenance and supplies by $6,000. For a total decrease net position by $6,000. 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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. 48 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE CERTAIN MOVABLE EQUIPMENT OWNED BY THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AS SURPLUS TO THE CITY’S NEEDS AND PROVIDE FOR DISPOSAL ACCORDING TO LAW. ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City 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. See attachment A, which includes specific details including: Equipment #, VIN/SN, year, make, model, mileage/hours, and condition. 2. See attachment B, which includes specific details including: Equipment #, VIN/SN, year, make, model, mileage/hours, and condition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the equipment described in Attachment A and B are surplus to the City of Bossier City and the Purchasing Agent is authorized to dispose of said equipment in accordance to law. 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. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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. 49 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2025 SEWER FUND BUDGET ______________________________________________________________________________  WHEREAS, the Bossier City Charter Section 6.06 Additional appropriations and budget amendments requires that additional appropriations be made by amending the respective budgets by ordinance; and WHEREAS, the environmental affairs division requires computer software equipment for state and federal compliance requirements like stormwater permits, outfall monitoring, and illicit discharges (grease); and WHEREAS, it is estimated that an additional appropriation of $5,000 from the Sewer Fund is needed to cover for CloudCompli and related programs for the remainder of the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2025 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 2025 Sewer Fund operating budget to increase the appropriations in division 76 Environmental Affairs for computer software maintenance and subscriptions by $5,000 for a total decrease net fund position by $5,000. 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 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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. 50 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2024 STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS FUND, DIVERSION PROGRAM FUND AND RIVERBOAT GAMING TRUST FUND BUDGETS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET ACT ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Local Government Budget Act requires budget amendment when total revenue and other sources plus projected revenue and other sources within a fund are failing to meet total budgeted revenues and other sources by five percent or more, when total actual expenditures and other uses plus projected expenditures and other uses, within a fund, are exceeding the total budgeted expenditures and other uses by five percent or more, and when actual beginning fund balance, within a fund, fails to meet estimated beginning fund balance by five percent or more and fund balance is being used to fund current year expenditures; and WHEREAS, the State and Federal Grants Fund revenue and expenditures for 2024 exceed the 2024 budgeted revenues and expenditures by 18% due to more federal award program expenditures and reimbursements than estimated; and WHEREAS, the Diversion Program Fund expenditures for 2024 exceed the 2024 budgeted expenditures by 79% due to more diversion revenue and distributions than estimated; and WHEREAS, the Riverboat Gaming Trust Fund expenditures for 2024 exceed the 2024 budgeted expenditures by 13% due to higher investment advisory services fees than estimated; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby amend the 2024 State and Federal Grants Fund budget to increase Federal Grant Revenue and Federal Grant Expenditures by $90,000, the 2024 Diversion Program Fund budget to increase Police Distributions by $52,000 and City Court Distributions by $52,000, and the 2024 Riverboat Gaming Trust Fund budget to increase Investment Advisory Services by $5,000. 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. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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 – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 51 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE SALE OF HIGH AND LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, CHASING ACES, LOCATED AT 1111 WEST SECOND STREET, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; John Dudley, 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 sports entertainment center, Chasing Aces, located at 1111 West Second Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on March 17, 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 being: Favorable recommendation by the Bossier Metropolitan Planning Commission. 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 1111 West Second Street, 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. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 8th, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 16, 2025 and will become legal 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-000019-2025 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Ordinance 42 of 2025 Seconded by: Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons, Mr. Montgomery, Jr. and Ben Rauschenbach, City Engineer discussed funding change from already approved expenditure. Audience member David Crockett objected to spending any money on repairing chambers and feels its an unnecessary expense just like improving dugouts so people with bigger bottoms and their bags could sit. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Darby Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract Motorola Solutions to provide maintenance for radios and related equipment Seconded by: Mr. Hammons Mr. Hammons discussed item with Finance Director, Angela Williamson No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance to contract Shreveport Communications to provide maintenance for a variety of City systems. Seconded by: Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $200,000.00 from the Parkway Capital Projects Fund to replace the digital sign at Municipal Complex and cover all associated project costs. Seconded by: Mr. Williams Mr. Hammons discussed item, sign size, and clarity with CAO, Amanda Nottingham. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the addition and hiring of a part time Accountant in the Finance Department and amending the 2025 General Fund Finance Department Budget Seconded by: Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO 19 of 2025 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY AND SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY (SWEPCO) WHEREAS, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) currently owns a tract of land on Swan Lake Road, adjacent to the I-220 on-ramp; and, WHEREAS, SWEPCO has identified a parcel of land that is jointly-owned by the City of Bossier City and Bossier Parish Police Jury that will better suit their current long-term plans to support rebuild and resiliency projects in the area; and, WHEREAS, SWEPCO has proposed to exchange their current property on Swan Lake Road with the identified parcel on Commerce Drive; and, WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is agreeable to SWEPCO’s proposed exchange and, in conjunction with the Bossier Parish Police Jury, desires to take the necessary steps to move forward. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby support the exchange of property between the City of Bossier City, Bossier Parish Police Jury, and Southwestern Electric Power Company. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 8th day of April, 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 Agenda Item called - Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Hiring of a Wastewater Plant Operator for the Red River Plant in Public Utilities Dept. Backfilling any vacancy this may create. Audience member David Crockett questioned Resolution and discussion between Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach about need for position and verification that this wouldn’t be a position that later will be eliminated just to give raises The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION 20 OF 2025  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF A WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR FOR THE RED RIVER PLANT IN PUBLIC UTILTIES DEPT. BACKFILLING ANY VACANCY THIS MAY CREATE. 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. WHEREAS, the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is vacant due to resignation; and WHEREAS, the administration and the department assure that all current budgets have been verified and that no authorized salary has been exceeded; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to proceed with hiring procedures for the fulfillment of this position. The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and adopted on this the 8th day of April, 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. Free Motion to approve Crosswalk/Walk with the Cross Parade Permit Fee Waiver for April 18, 2025 Seconded by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Executive Session – By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to L.S.A. 42:17(A.)(2.) to discuss negotiations with respect to prospective litigation arising from the construction and completion of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway Project. Pursuant to L.S.A. 42:19(A.)(1.)(b.)(iii)(bb.), the parties to any prospective litigation are identified as the City of Bossier City, Bossier Power Equipment, Scot’s Audio, and John Settle. To include City Attorneys Richard Ray and Charles Jacobs into meeting. Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons noted they would not be attending Executive Session. Seconded by: Mr. Williams Audience members David Crockett and Wes Marriott again objected to Council entering Executive Session. Mr. Hammons noted that no other Council members knew about the parking lot issues until he brought it up at last meeting. Audience member Ronald Cheatham noted he felt Council were not doing their jobs and that all but two would not be going to heaven. No further comment Motion carried with the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Nays: Mr. Smith Absent: none Abstain: Mr. Hammons Council exited Executive Session at 4:40PM. Upon exiting Executive Session, it was noted that no action would be taken. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 4:41PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish April 23, 2025