City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOSSIER CITY STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 21, 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, October 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM Council President, Chris Smith called the meeting to order. Invocation was given by Council Member Debra W. Ross Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Craton Cochran Roll Call as follows: Present: Honorable Councilor, President Chris Smith, Honorable Councilors Craton Cochran, Brian Hammons, Debra W. Ross, Cliff Smith and Vince Maggio Absent: Honorable Councilor Joel Girouard Also Present: Mayor, Thomas Chandler, City Attorney, Charles Jacobs, and City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw City Clerk, Phyllis McGraw read the statement about public participation in the meeting and disclosure of conflicts. By: Mr. Cochran Motion to approve Agenda Seconded by Mr. Maggio Audience members Cody McKeller and David Crockett spoke on the need to settle the Red Rover lawsuit and possible lack of Council knowledge on the information that was presented to the Administration. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mrs. Ross Motion to approve Minutes of October 7, 2025, Regular Meeting and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Chris Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Public Hearings/Actions on Unfinished Business The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 121 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $100,000 FROM THE HOTEL/MOTEL TAX FUND FOR PROFESSIONAL MARKETING SERVICES _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, Resolution 42 of 2025 endorsed and encouraged the administration to engage a professional marketing firm; and WHEREAS, funds are needed to move forward with this endeavor. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, that the City Council does hereby appropriate $100,000 from the Hotel/Motel Tax fund for professional marketing services. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the 2025 Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures for professional marketing services by $100,000 and decrease Fund Balance by $100,000.  BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to sign any and all documents related to the engagement of a professional marketing firm. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Cliff Smith and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 122 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE CERTAIN MISCELLANEOUS FURNITURE AND FIXTURE ITEMS 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 outdated miscellaneous furniture over the years that is being stored at the Building Maintenance Department warehouse; and WHEREAS, the Building Maintenance Department is in need of the warehouse storage space; and WHEREAS, these items are no longer needed for City of Bossier City’s purposes and consist of old desks, filing cabinets, pictures and chairs: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, miscellaneous furniture and fixture items stored at the Building Maintenance Department warehouse are surplus to the City of Bossier City’s need and the Purchasing Agent is authorized to dispose of said items in accordance to law. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mrs. Debra W. Ross and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 123 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR THOMAS H. CHANDLER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AND STATE OF LOUISIANA WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is the recipient of two line-item appropriations in ACT 461 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session in the amount of four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($450,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of the Treasury is administering the funds appropriated in ACT 461 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session; and  WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana requires the execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Bossier City and the Louisiana Department of the Treasury for each line-item appropriation; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of Bossier City, in regular session convened, does hereby authorize Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute the attached Cooperative Endeavor Agreements, complete in all their terms and provisions, on behalf of the City of Bossier City. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 124 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF $13,362,739.69 FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND TO VARIOUS CAPITAL FUNDS AND THE TRANSFER OF EXISTING PROJECTS FROM THE 2018 LCDA BOND FUND ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, due to delays in various projects and required timelines for expenditure of bond proceeds, a transfer of bond proceeds to other projects will accelerate the use of the bond proceeds; and WHEREAS, existing projects funded through the Parkway Capital Projects Fund, the Walter O Bigby Carriageway Fund and Sewer Capital Fund will be reimbursed with bond proceeds; and WHEREAS, projects in process funded with 2018 LCDA Bond proceeds should be transferred to other capital funds for completion. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in regular session convened, that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the transfer of $13,362,739.69 from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to the following funds in the amounts set forth below: Parkway Capital Projects Fund: $11,364,323.29 Walter O Bigby Carriageway Fund $544,342.81 Sewer Capital Fund: $1,454,073.59 $13,362,739.69 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, in regular session convened, that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, authorizes the transfer of projects from the 2018 LCDA Bond Fund to the following funds in the amounts set forth below: Parkway Capital Projects Fund: City Council Chambers Remodel $1,581,135 PD Range Shoot House and Improvements $268,004 Sewer Capital Fund: Shady Grove and Normand Pump Station and Force Main $1,453,905 The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Cliff Smith and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No 125 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 81 OF 2025 DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO BIG AIRLINE LIFT STATION PUMP AND MANHOLE REPAIR, WET WELL CLEANING, AND INVESTIGATION OF INFLUENT SEWER MAIN UNDER STATE HIGHWAY FOR A TOTAL COST OF $213,649.23 WHEREAS, the city of Bossier City is authorized by public bid law R.S.38:2212 to declare local emergency; and WHEREAS, on Sunday May 24th the Public Utilities Lift Station Division Department responded to pump failure, high level, and power surge alarms at the Big Airline Lift Station; and WHEREAS, taking this station offline and gravity main investigations have caused disruption to essential services and created threats to public health and safety; and WHEREAS, Solicitations for pump repairs, wet well cleaning, gravity main investigations, bypass and traffic control operations, and MH modifications are complete; and WHEREAS, it will cost $213,649.23 to formalize and execute all required repairs and modifications in which funds will be appropriated from the Sewer Capital and Contingency Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in regular session convened that the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, does hereby declare that an emergency exists and authorizes the Mayor to exercise all powers necessary to protect life and property, preserve critical resources, and ensure the continuation of essential services, The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mrs. Debra W. Ross and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE 126 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2025 STREETS AND DRAINAGE FUND BUDGET BY THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($300,000.00) TO INCREASE EXPENDITURES FOR UNPLANNED STREETS AND DRAINAGE PROJECTS ______________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, $1,000,000.00 was budgeted for 2025 unplanned streets and drainage improvements; WHEREAS, supplemental funds are needed for additional repairs; and WHEREAS, funds are available in the Streets and Drainage Fund for this purpose. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, does hereby appropriate an additional $300,000.00 from the Streets and Drainage Fund for additional unplanned streets and drainage repairs; and 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 $300,000.00 and decrease Fund Balance by $300,000.00. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mrs. Debra W. Ross and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: ORDINANCE 127 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $600,000 FROM THE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENTS FOR CNG ONLY VEHICLES WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City is converting the Alternative Fuel Stations to serve the City’s Fleet and CNG fuel will no longer be available; and WHEREAS, Building Maintenance and Public Utilities have CNG fuel vehicles that are at or beyond the estimated useful life and are in need of replacement with regular or diesel fuel vehicles. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bossier City, Louisiana, in regular session convened, $600,000 is appropriated from the Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase of replacement vehicles for existing CNG fuel vehicles. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public input at open and legal session convened, was on motion of Mr. Brian Hammons, and seconded by Mr. Craton Cochran, and adopted on the 21st, day of October, 2025 by the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication YEAS: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith and Mr. Maggio NAYS: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: None ___________________________ _______________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk The following Ordinance offered and adopted: Ordinance No. 128 Of 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2025 WATER OPERATING, SEWER OPERATING, AND WATER CAPITAL FUND BUDGETS ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 water and sewer maintenance divisions have seen an increase in operational, maintenance and capital costs; and WHEREAS, it is estimated that additional appropriations of $85,000 from the Water Operating Fund, $133,000 from the Sewer Operating Fund, and $81,000 from the Water Capital Fund are needed to cover capital projects, operational and maintenance costs for the remainder of the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Water Operating, Sewer Operating, and Water Capital Fund budgets need 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 Operating Fund Budget to increase Water Treatment Plant Equipment Repair and Maintenance $35,000 and Main Repair and Maintenance $50,000 and decrease Net Position $85,000, the 2025 Sewer Operating Fund Budget to increase Sewer Maintenance Equipment Repair and Maintenance $30,000, Lift Stations Electricity $50,000 and Equipment Repair and Maintenance $35,500 and overtime $10,000, Northeast Treatment Plant Overtime $5,000 and Environmental Affairs Laboratory Testing Services $3,000 and decrease Net Position $133,000, and the 2025 Water Capital Fund Budget to increase Water Administration Buildings and Improvements $6,000 and Filter 9 Replacement Project $75,000 and decrease Net Position $81,000. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mr. Vince Maggio and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk ORD 129 OF 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT ADDITIONS TO CHAPTER 2 – ADMINISTRATION IN THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES WHEREAS, Chapter 2 of the City of Bossier City Code of Ordinances deals with Administration of the City of Bossier City; and WHEREAS, the City of Bossier City owns and operates a fleet of vehicles to be used in the conduct of official City business; and WHEREAS, Bossier City Ordinance 21 of 2013 requires that all vehicle purchases made by the City of Bossier City to be purchased from dealers within the city limits of Bossier City provided the costs does not exceed five percent on purchases over Ten Thousand Dollars to Twenty Thousand Dollars or three percent on purchases over Twenty Thousand; and WHEREAS, LSA-R.S. 39:1710 of the Louisiana Procurement Code contemplates local governing authorities being allowed to purchase from local vendors at the state bid price plus a small percentage allowed by the referenced statute; and WHEREAS, the Bossier City Council wishes to add the language of Ordinance 21 of 2013 to the Bossier City Code of Ordinances as well as the State Law reference; and WHEREAS, the Mayor has submitted to the City Council a proposed Vehicle Use Policy to provide for the safe, efficient, and accountable use of City-owned vehicles by City employees; and WHEREAS, after review, the City Council wishes to amend the City of Bossier City, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 – Administration - to include Mayor Thomas Chandler’s, City of Bossier City Vehicle Use Policy and City of Bossier City Ordinance 21 of 2013, along with the State Law reference First City of Bossier City Code of Ordinance addition - Article III - 2-61. CITY OF BOSSIER CITY VEHICLE USE POLICY (a) PURPOSE (1)The Bossier City Vehicle Utilization program aims to establish requirements for efficient, safe, and cost- effective use of city-owned vehicles. The City of Bossier City is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for employees and citizens. Commitment to these policies and procedures is essential  for building a safe driving culture within our city and ensuring the safety of all parties involved. (b) AUTHORIZED DRIVERS (1) Prior to any department assigning an employee to operate City vehicles or equipment, the assigning department shall ensure that the following items are validated: (a) A valid driver's license (completed during pre-employment screening). (b) Acceptable driving record (c) Background check (completed during pre-employment screening). (d) Drug test (completed during pre-employment screening). (e) Complete the Motor Vehicle Record Acknowledgement Form (to check the employee's driving record). (f) Employees shall immediately report any revocation of their driver’s license or any moving violations to their supervisor. Reporting applies whether on a city or personal/private business and whether in a city or personal/private vehicle. (2) Only authorized company employees are permitted to drive company vehicles. Under no circumstances will employees be allowed to operate a company vehicle without meeting the minimum driver eligibility criteria and obtaining prior written authorization. Unauthorized individuals are strictly prohibited from driving a company vehicle at any time. Employees authorized to use company vehicles must sign a Driver Acknowledgement Form (Appendix A). All authorized drivers are expected to be familiar with and adhere to applicable state and federal laws governing driving regulations. B). Only full-time employees of the City of Bossier City will be given a city-owned take home vehicle. (3) Employees with a prescription for medical cannabis are excluded from operating company vehicles. This aligns with safety measures to ensure a drug-free workplace and safeguard against impaired driving. (c) DRIVING GUIDELINES (1) Use of City Vehicles for Business Purposes (a) City vehicles are provided exclusively for business purposes. Employees may not use city vehicles for activities such as ridesharing (driving-for-hire), non-work-related product delivery, or other similar services. The City of Bossier City may take legal and disciplinary action against authorized use of a city vehicle, including allocation of liability to an unauthorized driver, should any arise. (b)Non-business vehicle use is expressly forbidden unless prior written approval from the Department Head is obtained and documented. Documentation must include the employee's name, date, vehicle, reason for non-business use, and location/destination. Disciplinary action, including termination, may be applied for failure to comply with the driver's responsibilities. (c)Only individuals on official City of Bossier City business are permitted to operate or ride in vehicles owned by the City of Bossier City. In order for a non-city employee to be a passenger in a city vehicle, an Indemnification Agreement must be completed prior to departure. (2) Vehicle Operation Requirements (a) Operate company vehicles safely. (b) Comply with traffic laws. (c) Practice defensive driving and avoid driving while distracted or impaired. (d) Maintain a current and valid operator's license. (e) Operate company vehicles safely and in compliance with all applicable laws. (f) The authorized driver and all vehicle occupants are required to wear seat belts when the vehicle is in motion. (g) Transport city personnel and property only, and do not use company vehicles for  personal use. (h) Not allow any unauthorized drivers to drive the company vehicle. (i) Maintain responsibility for all city assets, including but not limited to inventory, supplies, documents, and other relevant materials. (j) Immediately report all incidents, including but not limited to accidents, property damage, theft, loss, etc., suspensions, revoked or suspended licenses, arrests, etc. (k) Report all maintenance and/or safety issues immediately. (l) Maintain the vehicle in a safe and clean condition and ensure it is locked and secured at all times. (m)Do not exceed the posted speed limit. (n) Do not smoke any tobacco products (including vaping) in the vehicle or while driving. (o) Do not text or perform other activities while driving that may cause distractions. (p) Do not disable or interfere with the vehicle's GPS tracking system. (q) Do not drive if medically unable/unfit to operate the vehicle. (r) Report all vehicle issues to the Director of Fleet Services for correction. (s) Do not operate a city owned vehicle while consuming alcohol. (3) Accidents (a) Reporting Automobile Accidents (1) Accidents, personal injuries, defects in equipment, or any unusual condition that may affect the safe and efficient operation of the City, or employees of the City, must be reported immediately to the appropriate authority by the first available means of communication. (2) Written report must follow promptly when required. (b)Reporting Employee Injuries (1) It is the employee's responsibility to report, if feasible, to his supervisor any injury that he/she receives while on the job. Such injuries must be reported the date of the injury. The employee, if able, shall complete the "First Report of Accident Form" at the department office. If the employee is physically unable to do so, the immediate supervisor of the employee shall complete the form. This form shall be sent to the Risk Management Office as soon as possible. (2)The Risk Manager will be notified by phone as soon as feasible after the injury occurs or is reported to the department. (3)Drivers are personally responsible for traffic and parking tickets fines, except those due to the condition of a city vehicle (Example: expired safety inspection sticker). (4) Vehicle/Equipment Accidents Checklist (additional details outlined in Employee Handbook): (a) Call for help, police and/or medical assistance. (b) Provide reasonable assistance to any injured persons. (c) Take all necessary precautions to protect the scene from additional damage. (d) Notify your immediate supervisor, he/she is responsible for advising the Risk Manager. (e) Any employee injured and/or directly or indirectly responsible for an accident will submit to a drug/alcohol test as soon as feasible at the City's Work Care facility or the medical facility where the employee has been transported. (f) City vehicles that are damaged will be driven or towed to the City Fleet Services Department. (g)The Director of Fleet Services will obtain estimates of damage and send copies of the estimates to the Risk Manager. (d) DISCIPLINE (1) Upon the completion of the Department Head's, or Accident Review Board's, investigation of the accident, the Department Head will make a recommendation to the Mayor of one of the following: (a) No disciplinary action required (b) Oral reprimand (c) Written reprimand (d) Suspension without pay (e) Termination (2) The Department Head may also recommend further training such as driving school, Employee assistance, counseling or any other remedial actions. (3) Final Disposition: The final disposition will be the decision of the Mayor who will follow the appropriate personnel protocol. (4) Appeal: The Mayor's decision may be appealed according to the City's appeal process within the guidelines and framework of procedures for an appeal of any disciplinary action whether it be the Personnel Board or the Police and Fire Civil Service Board. Second City of Bossier City Code of Ordinance addition Article V - 2-169. Cooperative Purchasing Paragraph (a) - keep existing language and add the following: (1) Requires all vehicle purchases made by the City of Bossier City to be purchased from dealers within the City Limits of Bossier City provided the costs does not exceed five percent on purchases over Ten Thousand Dollars to Twenty Thousand Dollars or three percent on purchases over Twenty Thousand Dollars (Ord. No. 21-2013, 3-5-2013) (2) Local governing authorities; purchases from local vendors, payment of certain costs (a) When a local governing authority purchases an item at the state bid price through a local vendor, the local governing authority may pay to the local vendor the costs for shipping, preparation, and delivery of the item provided that these costs shall not exceed the state bid price by seven percent on purchases up to ten thousand dollars, five percent on purchases over ten thousand dollars and up to twenty thousand dollars, and three percent on purchases over twenty thousand dollars. (State law reference R.S. 39:1710 - Acts 1993, No. 779, §1; Acts 2014, No. 864, §2, eff. Jan. 1 2015) NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City of Bossier City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 – Administration be amended to include the additional language listed above. The above and foregoing Ordinance was discussed and opened for public comment in open and legal session convened, was adopted on a motion by Mr. Brian Hammons and seconded by Mrs. Debra W. Ross and adopted on the 21st day of October, with the votes listed below. Further this Ordinance will publish on October 29, 2025 and become legal 10 days following publication. AYES: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith, and Mr. Maggio NAYES: none ABSENT: Mr. Girouard ABSTAIN: none ______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Smith, President Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk New Business By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to authorize the installation of all-way stop control at the intersections of Barberry Lane and Pampus Drive and at Anita Street and Impala Drive in the City of Bossier City, Louisiana Seconded by: Mrs. Ross City Engineer, Andy Bajnauth, discussed his concern with Mr. Hammons about adding these signs without a completed intersection traffic study and asked that this Ordinance be postponed. Mr. Hammons noted that the only reason that stop signs come up on Agenda is that the citizens have requested them. Mr. Bajnauth reported that the Federal Highway Administration has rules concerning stop signs and want to make sure things are done correctly. Mr. Hammons wants to go ahead and vote. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Section 14-33 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances relative to the raising of Poultry. Seconded by: Mr. Cliff Smith Audience members Brenda Davis, Robert Davis and David Crockett spoke on behalf of approving chickens and spoke about the benefits of having them. Council members spoke on their thoughts and concerns about allowing chickens in city limits and request residents to call them and let them know how they feel about chickens in city limits. No further comments Motion carries with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Craton Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mr. Cliff Smith and Mrs. Ross Nays: Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Girouard Abstain: none Agenda item called: introduce an Ordinance authorizing the sale of property identified as assessment number 148723 to Delta Airline Drive, LLC for two hundred ninety-five thousand dollars ($295,000.00) pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 33:4712. By: Mr. Cliff Smith Motion to continue for 2 weeks and remove the Delta Airline Drive, LLC to allow more interested parties an opportunity to bid Seconded by Mrs. Ross Mr. Cliff Smith discussed his concerns about already having a buyer and not allowing others to bid. Mr. Hammons noted is for selling the property and how property is sold. City Attorney, Charles Jacobs noted he wasn’t prepared for this question and wasn’t sure about the law but would research it more. Mr. Cochran and Mr. Chris Smith both spoke with Mrs. Nottingham to get more information on the Ordinance and what other properties were possibly for sale. Mr. Cliff Smith is concerned about transparency. Mayor Chandler stated that the City could only sale property for appraised value. Mrs. Nottingham referred that to legal but also noted it would be advertised for 3 weeks and anyone could come forward to offer more money to purchase it. Council members and Mrs. Nottingham spoke about Zoning, need for curb cut and that the property would be sold as-is with no guaranty of permits or zoning. Audience member, Cassie Rogers asked questions about what the business is and concerned it would be a liquor store. Mr. Chris Smith noted that it could not be a liquor store due to proximity of the school. Motion failed with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Chris Smith Nays: Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Cliff Smith and Mr. Maggio Absent: Mr. Girouard Abstain: none By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance authorizing the sale of property identified as assessment number 148723 to Delta Airline Drive, LLC for two hundred ninety-five thousand dollars ($295,000.00) pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 33:4712. Seconded by: Mr. Maggio Mr. Jacobs spoke that the Council wasn’t locked in prior to the adoption of the Ordinance to sell and that the Council could pull Ordinance at any time. No further comment Motion carried with the following votes: Yeas: Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hammons, Mrs. Ross and Mr. Maggio Nays: Mr. Cliff Smith Absent: Mr. Girouard Abstain: none By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Sections 114-4 and 114-32 of the Code of Ordinances of Bossier City, Louisiana to adjust water and deposit rates in Public Utilities. Seconded by: Mr. Cliff Smith Council members discussed Ordinance why it’s needed with Finance Director, Angela Williams and Utility Billing Supervisor, Marissa Jones. It was noted that this was not a rate increase for residents or normal commercial accounts and would affect only bulk water sales. The bulk rates and deposits would increase. No further comment. Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mrs. Ross Motion to introduce an Ordinance to declare certain improvements to immovable property owned by the City of Bossier City as surplus to the City's needs and provide for disposal according to law. Seconded by: Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to approve Report of Change Order 1 for the Lateral B-1 Ditch Paving Project, with an increase of $171,025.00, for a total contact price of $2,136,522. Seconded by: Mrs. Ross No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance limiting financial contributions to non-governmental Organizations and establishing procedures for accountability and repeal all Ordinance in conflict herewith. Seconded by: Mr. Cliff Smith Audience members Nathan Hicks and Jeremy Hefner with the Bossier Arts Council discussed if this would affect their funding, how reports were previously done, how events in the East Bank Plaza are scheduled and that the downtown restaurants do like the food trucks to alleviate some of their clientele overflow. Mrs. Nottingham spoke about an Ordinance that previously passed that recognizes the Bossier Arts Council that would allow them to have full funding each year and that there is already a CEA with them. Mrs. Nottingham spoke about the new Ordinances application process, reporting requirements, funding limits and the effective date. Mr. Cochran noted that the city does need better reports, he has concerns about the information included in previous reports and that the money is ultimately the Bossier tax payers money and that the Council and Administration needs to take a strong look at where the money is going. Mr. Chris Smith noted how much funding that is currently budgeted and also stressed the needs to receive reports to show how Bossier citizens are receiving a benefit. Mr. Hammons discussed with Mr. Hefner about upcoming events and food trucks permits. Mrs. Ross asked that if the Ordinance doesn’t go into effect until 2026, she would like to see about the possibility of the City making a one time donation to a non-profit that would benefit both the citizens of Shreveport and Bossier City and Mr. Chris Smith discussed with her how the process works. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Mr. Chris Smith asked to skip down to finish any other Agenda items other than the budgets. By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce an Ordinance to amend Ordinance 84 of 2025 to appropriate $60,000 Sixty-Thousand Dollars from General Fund, Fund Balance to retain a Professional Services Agreement with the firm Carr, Riggs and Ingram to perform the Tax Reduction Audit Seconded by Mrs. Ross Mr. Chris Smith spoke about the process of selecting this firm, scope of service and financial cost of audit. He also thanked Mrs. Williamson for her assistance with gathering information. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Chris Smith Motion to combine 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Items – 10 – 37 under New Business . Seconded Mr. Cliff Smith No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets. Seconded by Mr. Cliff Smith Mrs. Ross read minutes from the 2025 budget adoption and noted that Mr. Montgomery’s amendment was to give all employees the 2025 raise. She noted that this amendment didn’t designate that it’s only full-time employees and that all part-time should have been included as well. She wants to give all part-time employees a 2% raise and questioned why it was not included in budget already. Mrs. Nottingham noted the number of employees this would affect including unfilled positions. Mr. Chris Smith noted for the record that this 2% does not include City Council members. No vote was taken at this time By: Mrs. Ross Motion to give part-time employees a 2% raise. Seconded by Mr. Cochran Mr. Hammons expressed concerns about the self-proclaimed part-time Assistant City Attorney, upon research, it was discovered that he did receive the raises that only all full-time employees received. Ms. Nottingham noted that the City Charter doesn’t designate the assistant City attorney as a full-time employee. Mrs. Nottingham noted that the Assistant City Attorney is part-time following Mr. Hammons questions. Mr. Hammons demanded that the city vehicle, that the part-time Assistant City attorney drives, be parked since part-time employees should not be driving a city vehicle. Audience member Cassie Rogers spoke about needing a salary study is needed to make sure that the part-time employees are receiving the appropriate amount of what they deserve. No further comments Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to amend the 2026 Budget to reduce the proposed appropriation to the AsBossier Chamber of Commerce for the Be Bossier Program from $25,000 to $10,000. Seconded by Mr. Maggio No comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to amend the 2026 budget to remove the Bossier Arts Council’s $50,000 funding for management of the Eastbank Plaza since a new employee will be appointed to handle the Plaza. Seconded by Mr. Cochran Audience member, Nathan Hicks stated his thoughts on removing that funding and that the Arts Council is the only one able to provide the service to handle the Plaza. He and Mr. Hammons spoke on Mr. Hammons concerns about not receiving the reports as were required in their previous CEA. Mr. Hicks noted that they will have staff hired to make sure the required reports are being completed. Mr. Jacobs spoke about amending the CEA with the Arts Council to require reports. It was noted that in the current CEA they were already required to give the reports that they have failed to provide. Mr. Hammons amended his amendment motion. By: Mr. Hammons Motion to remove the $50,000 from the Bossier Art’s Council for management of the Eastbank Plaza and that the current CEA would be amended to make requirements that a budget amendment Ordinance would be done quarterly following the City receiving required reports Seconded by Mr. Cochran Audience member, David Crockett spoke on the need to have a full list of the events that will be held so that the city would know what to expect. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous By: Mr. Hammons Motion to introduce the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets as amended. Seconded by Mr. Cliff Smith Mr. Chris Smith, Mr. Hammons and Mrs. Nottingham spoke about administration changes to the budget and the RFP’s that will be going out. Mr. Chris Smith and Mr. Cochran thanked the Administration for all their hard work and the Finance Committee for the work they put in for getting this budget prepared. No further comment Vote in favor of motion is unanimous Reports Angela Williamson, Finance Director went over Monthly Finance Report for month ending September 2025. She noted that sales taxes were up 9.7% from this time last year, revenues were up 24% over budget, expenses were 8% under Mrs. Ross thanked the City Officials and staff for attending and supporting the District 2 town hall meeting the previous evening. Mr. Chris Smith gave information from State Representative Dennis Bamburg , inviting everyone to the Veterans Day Tattoo Celebration in the BPCC gym on November 7, 2025, at 10:00AM. Mr. Cliff Smith spoke about the upcoming District 3 2nd Town Hall meeting at the Shady Grove Community Center on November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM There being no further business to come before this Council, Council President Smith adjourned the meeting at 4:53 PM Respectfully submitted: ____________________________ Phyllis McGraw, City Clerk Publish November 5, 2025