City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING APRIL 22, 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 22, 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 Brian Hammons 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. Ceremonial Matters/Recognition of Guests – LaToria Thomas and Florence Jackson with the United Way spoke to the Council about Financial Literacy Month and the programs they offer and parishes they cover. By: Mr. Smith Motion to amend agenda to add New Business #10 – Introduce an Ordinance appropriating $100,000 to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission. This item was requested due to the necessity to get Ordinance approved as soon as possible due to the State Legislature being in session. Seconded: Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve the agenda Seconded by Mr. Hammons Audience member Cassie Rogers spoke out against the Canvass election Resolution No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve Minutes of April 8, 2025, Regular Council meeting and April 17, 2025, Special Council meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Montgomery, Jr. No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Bids – Purchasing Director opened sealed bids for Bid#2025-2227 – 4711 Jeb Stuart Place Eagle Industries $14,760.00 Lathan Construction, LLC $10,000.00 By: Mr. Smith Motion to approve reading of bids Second by Mr. Hammons No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business: The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 52 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 42 OF 2025. WHEREAS; the Ordinance 42 of 2025 allocated $600,000 from the 2025 Jail and Municipal Building Fund for use toward modernizing the Bossier City Council Chambers; and WHEREAS; there is a surplus of $681,135 in the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund that can be used towards the Bossier City Council Chambers project eliminating the need to use the 2025 Jail and Municipal Building Fund for this project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the Mayor to use the remaining balance of $681,135 in the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund in lieu of the 2025 Jail and Municipal Building Fund to complete the proposed renovation of the City Hall Council Chambers as outlined in Ordinance 42 of 2025. 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. Brian Hammons and seconded Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 22nd, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 30, 2025 and will become legal 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. 53 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO CONTRACT MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE FOR A RADIOS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Motorola Solutions has provided a Service Agreement for maintenance and support services for radios and related equipment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that in the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions for the purpose of providing maintenance and support services for radios and related equipment. 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. Don Williams and seconded Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on this the 22nd, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 30, 2025 and will become legal 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. 54 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO CONTRACT SHREVEPORT COMMUNICATIONS TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE FOR A VARIETY OF CITY SYSTEMS ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Shreveport Communications has provided a Service and Product Support Agreement for the provisions of maintenance and support services for the items described in the agreement in Exhibit A. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that in the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes to enter into an agreement with Shreveport Communications for the purpose of providing maintenance and support services for a variety of city systems. 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. Chris Smith and seconded Mr. Jeff Free, and adopted on this the 22nd, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 30, 2025 and will become legal 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. 55 OF 2025 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 WHEREAS, the existing digital sign located at Benton Road and POW-MIA Boulevard has reached the end of its functional life and can no longer be repaired; and WHEREAS, a new digital board can be installed in the same location on the existing structure and will enhance the recently opened “public entrance” to Municipal Complex as well as provide City-related information and events to the public; and WHEREAS, the project will include cost and labor for a new digital board, refurbishment of the existing support structure, necessary electrical upgrades, and landscaping enhancements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City does hereby appropriate $200,000.00 to come from the Parkway Capital Projects Fund to purchase and replace the digital sign at Municipal Complex and cover all associated project costs; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 Parkway Capital Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase the City Hall Digital Sign project $200,000.00 and decrease Fund balance $200,000.00. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is hereby 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. Brian Hammons and seconded Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 22nd, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 30, 2025 and will become legal 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. 56 OF 2025 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 ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, The Finance Department is requesting to add a part time Accountant position to the position control; and 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, an additional appropriation of 13,275 is requested to fund the new position for the current fiscal year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, that the administration is authorized to add to the position control and hire a part time Accountant in the Finance Department. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2025 General Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase Finance Department Part Time Salaries and Payroll Taxes 13,275 and decrease Fund Balance 13,275. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Chris Smith and seconded Mr. Brian Hammons, and adopted on this the 22nd, day of April 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on April 30, 2025 and will become legal 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 New Business – By: Mr. Free Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Report of Change Order 1 for the Carriage Oaks Drainage Improvements Project, with an increase of $8,957.50, for a total contract price of $147,070.50. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $120,000 to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for Central Plaza Ditch improvements. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Williams Motion to introduce an Ordinance to appropriate $100,000.00 to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for Burns Drive drainage improvements. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $1,200,000.00 from the Equipment Replacement Fund to convert the Alternative Fuel Stations to serve the City's fleet. Seconded by Mr. Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve report of reconciliation and project construction closeout for the bossier watermain improvement project with an increase in project cost of $283,598.87 and an additional 53 days. Surplus Funding will be supplemented to the water capital and contingency fund. Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Hammons and City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach discussed Change Order and it’s various parts. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Smith Motion to introduce an Ordinance to require that any possible payments from the Risk Management Office or the City Attorney's Department over Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) must require prior Council notice. Seconded by Mr. Hammons Discussion from Mayor asking for item to be continued until May 22, 2025 meeting. Mr. Hammons and Mr. Smith explained their rational behind Ordinance and just wanted to set a policy to know if there would be large expenditures. Audience member, David Crockett spoke against Ordinance. Audience member, Wes Marriott and City Attorney Charles Jacobs discussed current policy and limits. No further comment Motion fails with the following votes Yeas: Mr. Smith and Mr. Hammons Nays: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Williams, Mr. Free and Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Darby Abstain: none By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the reclassification of a senior water treatment plant operator position to an assistant superintendent in the public utilities department water treatment division resulting in a $9,880.95 increase to the operating budget Seconded by Mr. Maggio Mr. Hammons and Mr. Rauschenbach discussed item No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating an additional $52,500.00 from the 2025 Hotel/Motel Taxes Fund to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission to support 2025 events Seconded by Mr. Williams No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Agenda item called – Adopt a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current City Charter of the City of Bossier City. Audience members Cassie Rogers & David Crockett objected to the Council passing this Resolution because Council shouldn’t get to vote on this again and felt it could be handled differently. Several Council members and City Attorney Charles Jacobs tried explaining The following resolution was offered by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio RESOLUTION 22 of 2025 A resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current City Charter of the City of Bossier City. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana (the "City"), that: SECTION 1. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the special election held in the City of Bossier City, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, March 29, 2025 (the "Election"), to vote upon the adoption of amendments to the current City Charter of the City of Bossier City pursuant to the following propositions (the "Propositions"): CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 3 Shall the City Charter of the City of Bossier City, Louisiana, be amended and restated, in its entirety, pursuant to Article VI, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana, as set forth in the revisions prepared and submitted by the Citizens Charter Review Commission as advertised in the Bossier Press Tribune on January 15, 22, and 29, and February 5, 2025? CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 3 Shall Section 3.01(b) of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the amended and restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be amended to read as follows: Members of the City Council shall be eligible for re-election except that no person who has been elected to serve as a member of the City Council for more than two and one-half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of office that began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to the City Council for the succeeding term? CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSITION NO. 3 OF 3 Shall Section 4.01 of the existing City Charter for Bossier City or the amended and restated City Charter set forth in Proposition No. 1, if approved, be amended to read as follows: (a)The Mayor shall be elected according to the laws of the state and serve a term of four (4) years. The term of office shall begin on July 1 of the year in which they were elected. (b)No person who has been elected to serve as the Mayor for more than two and one-half terms in three consecutive terms, that service being during a term of office that began on or after January 1, 2025, shall be elected to Mayor for the succeeding term?  This Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns of the Election thereof. SECTION 2. Election Results. According to the official certified tabulation of votes cast at said Election, (i) there was a total of 2,939 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1 and a total of 3,529 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 1, resulting in a majority of 590 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 1; (ii) there was a total of 3,471 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2 and a total of 3,132 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 2, resulting in a majority of 339 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2; and (iii) there was a total of 3,747 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 3 and a total of 2,880 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 3, resulting in a majority of 867 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 3. Proposition No. 1 was therefore duly DEFEATED and Proposition No. 2 and Proposition No. 3 were therefore duly CARRIED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the Election. SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Result. The results of said election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law, after receipt from the Secretary of State’s office of the actual costs of the election, as required by §18:1292 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. SECTION 4. Declaration. The foregoing results of the Election are hereby declared by this Governing Authority and shall be published as required by law. SECTION 5. Procès Verbal. A Procès Verbal of the canvass of the returns of the Election shall be made and a certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall record the same in her office; another certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and for the Parish of Bossier, who shall record the same in the Mortgage Records of said Parish; and another copy thereof shall be retained in the archives of this Governing Authority. This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows: YEAS: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Darby And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 22nd day of April, 2025. Phyllis McGraw Don W. Williams City Clerk President By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to introduce an Ordinance appropriating $100,000.00 to the Bossier City- Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission. Seconded by Mr. Brian Hammons Mr. Williams had CAO, Amanda Nottingham to explain Ordinance. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports – Finance Director, Angela Williamson went over the Monthly Budget Report for month ending March 2025. She explained the variances over and under the budgeted amounts. City Engineer, Ben Rauschenbach went over Monthly Project Report, noting that the Brownlee road improvements are almost complete and that the Lateral B-1 Ditch repairs should begin this week. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 3:57PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish April 30, 2025