City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING MAY 6, 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, May 6, 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 David Montgomery, Jr. Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Don Williams, Honorable Councilors, David Montgomery, Jr., Chris Smith, Jeffery Darby, Jeff Free and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilor Brian Hammons 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 By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve the agenda Seconded by Mr. Smith Audience member Cassie Rogers spoke about issues she would like on the agenda and wants council apology for issues she felt were handled incorrectly. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Montgomery, Jr. Motion to approve Minutes of May 6, 2025, Regular Council meeting and dispense with the 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. 57 OF 2025 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. WHEREAS; during construction unforeseen subsurface utility conflicts were discovered that needed to be relocated; and WHEREAS; an additional $8,957.50 will be added to the contract price to cover the cost of making the necessary utility relocations, for a total contract of $147,070.50 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 Carriage Oaks Drainage Improvements Project, with an increase of $8,957.50, for a total contract price of $147,070.50; 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 by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 58 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $120,000.00 TO COME FROM THE STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND TO BE USED FOR CENTRAL PLAZA DITCH IMPROVEMENTS. WHEREAS; the Central Plaza Ditch is located west of Gould Drive and east of Preston Boulevard; and WHEREAS; the Central Plaza Ditch facilitates drainage for a large section of property bound to the south by Old Minden Road, to the west by Benton Spur Road, to the east by I-20, and to the north by the KCS railroad; and WHEREAS; the condition of this ditch is poor and has reduced capacity to alleviate storm drainage for this area; and WHEREAS; reshaping and regrading the Central Plaza Ditch will restore proper drainage and allow for better maintenance in the future; and WHEREAS; restoration efforts are estimated to cost $120,000 to complete; and WHEREAS; there is $120,000 available in the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for this project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby appropriate $120,000.00 to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for Central Plaza Ditch restoration efforts. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Streets and Drainage Fund is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the Central Plaza Ditch restoration project by $120,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $120,000. 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 by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 59 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $100,000.00 TO COME FROM THE STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND TO BE USED FOR BURNS DRIVE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS.  WHEREAS; the existing subsurface drainage system along Burns Drive has reached its intended service life; and WHEREAS; the condition of 220 feet of corrugated metal pipe within this drainage system is poor and needs to be rehabilitated; and WHEREAS; restoration efforts are estimated to cost $100,000 to complete; and WHEREAS; there is $100,000 available in the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for this project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the Bossier City Council does hereby appropriate $100,000.00 to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund to be used for Burns Drive subsurface drainage restoration efforts. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Streets and Drainage Fund is hereby amended to increase expenditures for the Burns Drive subsurface drainage restoration project by $100,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $100,000. 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 by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Agenda item called – Adopt an Ordinance appropriating $1,200,000.00 from the Equipment Replacement Fund to convert the alternative fuel stations to serve the city’s fleet. Mr. Williams and CAO, Amanda Nottingham discussed that due to the amount, project would go thru the bid process. The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 60 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,200,000.00 FROM THE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND TO CONVERT THE ALTERNATIVE FUEL STATIONS TO SERVE THE CITY’S FLEET WHEREAS, demand for alternative fuels has significantly decreased in recent years and the economic incentives have been eliminated; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City currently operates two Alternative Fuel Stations that have consistently operated at a deficit and are in need of upgraded dispensers if they remain open to the pubic; and WHEREAS, the existing tanks at the fleet fueling station at Municipal Complex must be replaced and there is no fleet fueling station south of Interstate 20; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that converting the current Alternative Fuel Stations to diesel and unleaded fuels for the City’s fleet and removing the fueling station at Municipal Complex will be cost-effective and meet the growing needs of the City’s fleet. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City does hereby appropriate $1,200,000.00 to come from the Equipment Replacement Fund to convert the Alternative Fuel Stations to diesel and unleaded fuels, remove the existing fuel station at Municipal Complex, and cover all associated project costs; and 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 61 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE REPORT OF RECONCILATION 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 CONTINGECY FUND. WHEREAS; the City of Bossier City appropriated $1,995,848.41 from 2018 LCDA Bond, DWRLF loan, and 2023/2024 Capital Budgets; and WHEREAS; Wicker Construction completed all original and additional construction scope in the Amount of $1,572,674.62; and WHEREAS; Change Order #1 includes an increase in project cost by $283,598.87 to account for project reconciliation, unforeseen subsurface issues, future improvements for BAFB and industrial requirements, compliance with federal and state regulatory agencies, and to ensure the health and safety of Bossier City Citizens during the construction and isolation of the watermains; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, approves Change Order #1 for the Bossier Water Main Improvement Project with an increase in project cost of $283,598.87 and adding 53 days to the contract; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any and all documents in connection with the furtherance of this Ordinance. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Chris Smith, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 62 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RECLASSISIFICATION 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. WHEREAS; Ordinance No. 76 of 2019 implemented a requirement assuring that the City department budgets not be exceeded by hiring of any personnel; and WHEREAS; the position of Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator in the Water Treatment Division of the Public Utilities Department will be reclassified as an Assistant Superintendent; and WHEREAS; the Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator position in the Water Treatment Division of the Public Utilities Department will be reclassified as an Assistant Superintendent position requiring all field and office duties as assigned by the Superintendent and Division Manager of the Water Treatment Division including an on-call rotation, justifying a raise in salary; and WHEREAS; the adjustments in existing salaries of these positions combined will result in an increase of $9,880.95 impact on the operating budget; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, that the Public Utilities Department is hereby authorized to change the classification of the Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator position the Water Treatment Division to an Assistant Superintended position respectively, to promote within and/or hire to fill these positions, and to adjust the salaries to fully fund these positions as described. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 Water Fund operating budget is hereby amended to increase Salaries and Benefits $9,881 and decrease Net Position $9,881. 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 by Mr. Vince Maggio , and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE 63 OF 2025 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 ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission hosts various events in Bossier City and the surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission requested additional funds in 2025 for a variety of events that will be held in Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City benefits from these sporting events in many ways and seeks to continue supporting the work of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate an additional $52,500.00 to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission to support sporting events held in Bossier City; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the 2025 Hotel/Motel Taxes Fund budget is hereby amended to increase Payments to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission by $52,500.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $52,500.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion by Mr. Jeff Free and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 64 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $100,000.00 TO THE BOSSIER CITY-PARISH METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION WHEREAS, the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission desires to hire a consultant to evaluate current and future needs related to services provided by the City of Bossier City in areas inside and outside the corporate limits of the City; and WHEREAS, the information provided at the conclusion of the study will be beneficial to the City of Bossier City by providing objective data that can be used to assist in long-term planning for the various City departments that provide services to citizens of Bossier City and Bossier Parish; and  WHEREAS, the cost of the evaluation is approximately $100,000.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City does hereby appropriate $100,000.00 to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission budget is hereby increased by $100,000.00 and the 2025 General Fund Budget Fund Balance is decreased by $100,000.00. 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 by Mr. Chris Smith,, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business – The following ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 65 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR THE RETAIL SALE OF LOW CONTENT ALCOHOL FOR OFF PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT A CONVENIENCE STORE, MURPHY OIL USA, LOCATED AT 100 BENTON SPUR ROAD, BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA. WHEREAS; Sam Gassiott, Pan American Engineering, has applied to the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of low content alcohol, for off premise consumption at a convenience store, Murphy Oil USA, 100 Benton Spur Road Bossier City, Louisiana. WHEREAS; a public hearing for the Conditional Use application was held on April 14, 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 low content alcohol for off premise consumption at 100 Benton Spur Road, 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. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio, and adopted on this the 6th, day of May 2025, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on May 14, 2025 and will become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ ____________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk C-ALC-000017-2025 The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 23 OF 2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF AN ACCOUNTS CLERK II DUE TO RESIGNATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITIONS THIS MAY CREATE IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 Customer Service Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and  WHEREAS, this resignation 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 an Accounts Clerk II and backfill any vacancies this may create in the Customer Service Department with The above and foregoing Resolution was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. David Montgomery, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Jeffery Darby, and adopted on this the 6th day of May, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none ______________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Resolution offered and adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 24 OF 2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OR PROMOTION OF A LABORER I DUE TO RESIGNATION AND BACKFILLING ANY VACANT POSITIONS THIS MAY CREATE IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 Customer Service Department has an available position due to resignation of an employee; and WHEREAS, this resignation 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 Laborer I and backfill any vacancies this may create in the Customer Service 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. Jeffery Darby and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on this the 6th day of May, 2025, by the following vote: AYES: Mr. Montgomery, Jr., Mr. Smith, Mr. Darby, Mr. Williams, Mr. Free, and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Hammons ABSTAIN: none _____________________________________ _______________________________ Don Williams, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Announcements – Mayor Chandler urged citizens to be safe in the bad weather and noted sandbags were available. There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Williams adjourned the meeting at 3:15PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish May 14, 2025