BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
BENTON, LOUISIANA
MINUTES
March 2, 2022
www.bossierparishla.gov
The Bossier Parish Police Jury met in regular and legal session on the 2nd day of March, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., in the Police Jury Meeting Room, Bossier Parish Courthouse, Benton, Louisiana. The President, Mr. Tom Salzer, called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Ms. Julianna Parks, and the pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Glenn Benton. Ms. Rachel Hauser, Parish Secretary, called the roll, with all members present as follows:
Mr. Glenn Benton Mr. Chris Marsiglia
Mr. Bob Brotherton Ms. Julianna Parks
Mr. Jimmy Cochran Mr. Mac Plummer
Mr. Jerome Darby Mr. Doug Rimmer
Mr. Charles Gray Mr. Philip Rodgers
Mr. John Ed Jorden, Absent Mr. Tom Salzer
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Others present were Mr. Joe E. “Butch” Ford, Jr., Parish Administrator; Mr. Patrick Jackson, Parish Attorney; Mr. Eric Hudson, Parish Engineer; Ms. Rachel Hauser, Parish Secretary; Ms. Stacie Fernandez, Parish Treasurer.
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Mr. Salzer asked if anyone was present that would like to address the police jury to discuss an item that is currently not on the agenda. No one was present.
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Ms. Hauser advised that Mr. Andre Wilson, Northwest Louisiana Trail Riders Association, could not attend today’s meeting.
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Ms. Hauser announced the public hearing to consider abandonment of Hinton Road, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA. She stated that Hinton Road is located in Kingston Crossing Subdivision. This matter was tabled on February 16, 2022.
Mr. Michael Kelsh, Raley and Associates, Inc., requested that this matter be removed from the agenda. Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Mr. Gray, to remove the public hearing to consider abandonment of Hinton Road, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA, from the agenda.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Ms. Hauser announced the public hearing to consider the application of The Vue at Kingston to the Bossier City-Parish MPC, for a zoning amendment to change the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 30 acres, more or less, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA, from R-A, Residence-Agricultural District, to R-HD, Residential, High Density District, for a proposed multi-family apartment complex; Located on Kingston Road next to Kingston Crossing. This application (Case P-51-21) received a favorable recommendation from the Bossier City-Parish MPC.
Mr. Michael Kelsh, Raley and Associates, Inc., was present. Mr. Hudson recommended approval.
Ms. Parks asked if anyone was present that would like to speak on this matter. No one was present.
There being no objection, motion was made by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Rodgers, to approve the application of The Vue at Kingston to the Bossier City-Parish MPC, for a zoning amendment to change the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 30 acres, more or less, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA, from R-A, Residence-Agricultural District, to R-HD, Residential, High Density District, for a proposed multi-family apartment complex; located on Kingston Road next to Kingston Crossing Apartments. (Case P-51-21)
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO. 4879
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND BOSSIER PARISH ORDINANCE NO. 4705 OF 2018, WHICH ADOPTED AN AMENDED UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE FOR THE BOSSIER CITY-PARISH METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE PARISH OF BOSSIER, LOUISIANA, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND BEING 30 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, BOSSIER PARISH, LA, FROM R-A, RESIDENCE-AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT, TO R-HD, RESIDENTIAL, HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT, FOR A PROPOSED MULTI-FAMILY APARTMENT COMPLEX; LOCATED ON KINGSTON ROAD NEXT TO KINGSTON CROSSING APARTMENTS. (CASE P-51-21)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session convened on this 2nd day of March, 2022, that Ordinance No. 4705 of 2018 (Amended Unified Development Code) of the Police Jury of Bossier Parish, is hereby amended to change the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 30 acres, more or less, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA, from R-A, Residence-Agricultural District, to R-HD, Residential, High Density District, for a proposed multi-family apartment complex; located on Kingston Road next to Kingston Crossing Apartments, being more particularly described as follows:
TRACT 1:
BEING A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA. SAID TRACT BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF HINTON ROAD WITH SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY OF KINGSTON ROAD, RUN THENCE NORTH 67°26’10” EAST A DISTANCE OF 34.84 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 89°16’38” EAST A DISTANCE OF 139.39 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 86°46’58” EAST A DISTANCE OF 417.69 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 00°49’33” WEST A DISTANCE OF 529.65 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 89°10’27” EAST A DISTANCE OF 155.78 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 01°07’50” WEST A DISTANCE OF 1167.67 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 89°33’19” WEST A DISTANCE OF 843.20 FEET TO THE APPROXIMATE CENTERLINE OF WILLOW CHUTE BAYOU, THENCE RUN ALONG SAID APPROXIMATE CENTERLINE THE FOLLOWING SIX CALLS: NORTH 11°14’23” WEST A DISTANCE OF 10.47 FEET, NORTH 24°01’52” WEST A DISTANCE OF 41.63 FEET, NORTH 12°49’05” WEST A DISTANCE OF 35.95 FEET, NORTH 25°01’50” WEST A DISTANCE OF 61.03 FEET, NORTH 15°31’38” WEST A DISTANCE OF 68.17 FEET, NORTH 29°03’59” WEST A DISTANCE OF 40.31 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 89°49’28” EAST A DISTANCE OF 131.21 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 01°07’50” EAST A DISTANCE OF 1137.53 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 88°52’10” EAST A DISTANCE OF 60.00 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 01°07’50” EAST A DISTANCE OF 328.54 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
SAID TRACT CONTAINING 29.742 ACRES
TRACT 2:
BEING A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 13 WEST, BOSSIER PARISH, LOUISIANA, SAID TRACT BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF HINTON ROAD WITH THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY OF KINGSTON ROAD, RUN THENCE NORTH 67°26’10” EAST A DISTANCE OF 34.84 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 89°16’38” EAST A DISTANCE OF 139.39 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 86°46’58” EAST A DISTANCE OF 417.69 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 00°49’33” WEST A DISTANCE OF 529.65 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 89°10’27” EAST A DISTANCE OF 165.40 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 01°07’50” WEST A DISTANCE OF 1167.61 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 89°33’19” WEST A DISTANCE OF 852.82 FEET TO THE APPROXIMATE CENTERLINE OF WILLOW CHUTE BAYOU, THENCE RUN ALONG SAID APPROXIMATE CENTERLINE THE FOLLOWING SIX CALLS: NORTH 11°14’23” WEST A DISTANCE OF 10.47 FEET, NORTH 24°01’52” WEST A DISTANCE OF 41.63 FEET, NORTH 12°49’05” WEST A DISTANCE OF 35.95 FEET, NORTH 25°01’50” WEST A DISTANCE OF 61.03 FEET, NORTH 15°31’38” WEST A DISTANCE OF 68.17 FEET, NORTH 29°03’59” WEST A DISTANCE OF 40.31 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 89°49’28” EAST A DISTANCE OF 131.21 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 01°07’50” EAST A DISTANCE OF 1137.53 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTH 88°52’10” EAST A DISTANCE OF 60.00 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTH 01°07’50” EAST A DISTANCE OF 328.54 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
SAID TRACT CONTAINING 30.000 ACRES
Applicant: The Vue at Kingston
Purpose: Multi-family apartment complex
The ordinance was offered by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Rodgers. Upon unanimous vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022.
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
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Ms. Hauser announced the public hearing to consider approval of the plat of the proposed development of The Vue at Kingston Subdivision, Unit No. 1, a commercial subdivision, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA; located on Kingston Road next to Kingston Crossing Apartments. She stated that the public hearing will also be to consider approval of the site plan for The Vue at Kingston Subdivision, Unit No. 1. This application (Case P-52-21) received a favorable recommendation from the Bossier City-Parish MPC.
Mr. Michael Kelsh, Raley and Associates, Inc., was present. He stated that it is planned that the development will consist of two phases with each consisting of 275 lots. He further stated that development of phase two does not have a set date when construction will begin.
Mr. Hudson stated that a drainage study has been completed with the drainage being split to go into two detention ponds. He stated that a cul-de-sac is planned at the end of Hinton Road and that portion of the roadway will be dedicated to the parish. He further stated that this will create an internal cul-de-sac access to the existing apartment complex.
Mr. Kelsh stated that a paved emergency access is planned off Airline Drive to the proposed apartment complex, but will not be built to parish road standards at this time. He stated that once development of Unit No. 2 begins, the proposed emergency access could become a public access from Airline Drive. Mr. Cochran expressed concern that the property that the proposed emergency access is planned is not owned by the developer. Mr. Hudson stated that a servitude of passage has been secured by the developer as shown on the proposed plat being considered today. He stated that this access is for emergency access only and is not required to be built to parish road standards at this time.
There was extensive conversation regarding the proposed emergency access. Mr. Rimmer asked if a gate will be placed on the emergency access. Mr. Kelsh stated that it is likely that a gate will be placed on the apartment complex property at the emergency access road. There was discussion as to whether the proposed emergency access would be used as a construction entrance.
Ms. Parks asked about additional traffic on Kingston Road. Mr. Hudson stated that a traffic study was done for this proposed development, and it was determined that there would be some delays on Hinton Road, but the secondary ingress/egress off Airline Drive should alleviate some of the traffic issues on Hinton Road.
Mr. Ford stated that originally, there was no ingress/egress off Airline Drive to the proposed apartment complex. He stated that the parish engineering department requested that at a minimum, an emergency access be located off Airline Drive to the proposed apartment complex. He further stated that in the future when there is additional development, the parish will require that the proposed emergency access be improved and be dedicated to the parish or remain a private ingress/egress. Mr. Ford stated that the access will always serve as an emergency access for the proposed apartment complex.
Mr. Ford stated that the traffic study did not require any improvements on Kingston Road. Mr. Benton stated that the developer participated in improvements to Kingston Road due to a traffic study done previously which widened the road to three lanes.
After further discussion, motion was made by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Rodgers, to table the public hearing to consider approval of the site plan and plat of the proposed development of The Vue at Kingston Subdivision, Unit No. 1, a commercial subdivision, located in Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA; located on Kingston Road next to Kingston Crossing (Bossier MPC Case P-52-21), to be considered at the March 16, 2022, regular meeting.
Votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Mr. Brotherton, seconded by Mr. Darby, to adopt the minutes of the January 19, 2022, regular meeting, and the January 19, 2022, Finance Committee meeting, as published.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Mr. Darby, seconded by Mr. Plummer, to schedule a public hearing on April 6, 2022, to consider the application of Jeff Raley, Raley & Associates, Inc., to the Bossier City-Parish MPC for a zoning amendment to change the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 15.47 acres, more or less, located in Section 5, Township 16 North, Range 12 West, Bossier Parish, LA, from R-A, Residence-Agricultural District, to B-2, Limited Business District, for commercial development; Case P-50-21–Favorable recommendation by the Bossier City-Parish MPC; located west of Barksdale Boulevard, south of Cotton Gin Road.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Mr. Benton, seconded by Mr. Rimmer, to schedule a public hearing on April 6, 2022, to consider the application of Tammy Johnson to the Bossier City-Parish MPC for a zoning amendment to change the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being 1.921 acres, more or less, located in Section 9, Township 18 North, Range 12 West, Bossier Parish, LA, from R-A, Residence-Agricultural District, to R-LD, Residential, Low Density District, for a proposed manufactured home; Case P-63-21-Favorable recommendation by the Bossier City-Parish MPC; located on the east side of Bellevue Road, .25 miles south of the intersection of Adner Road.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Plummer, to schedule a public hearing on April 6, 2022, to consider the application of Christian Mudd, Mudd Sibley Enterprises, LLC, to the Bossier City-Parish MPC for a zoning amendment to change the zoning classification of a certain tract of land being .899 acres, more or less, located at 3501 Swan Lake Road from B-2, Limited Business District, to B-3, General Business District, for a proposed multi-tenant commercial retail development; Case P-2-22–Favorable recommendation by the Bossier City-Parish MPC; located at the northwest corner of Swan Lake Road and Duckwater Landing.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Marsiglia, to schedule a public hearing on April 6, 2022, to consider the application of Christian Mudd, Mudd Sibley Enterprises, LLC, to the Bossier City-Parish MPC for a Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol for off-premise consumption at a proposed liquor store with daiquiri sales located at 3501 Swan Lake Road, Suite C, Bossier Parish, LA; Case P-3-22–Favorable recommendation by the Bossier City-Parish MPC; located at the northwest corner of Swan Lake Road and Duckwater Landing.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Mr. Rimmer, seconded by Mr. Darby, to schedule a public hearing on April 6, 2022, to consider the application of the Bossier City-Parish MPC to revise the Unified Development Code, Subdivision Land Development Design – Drainage Easements, Article 11.4.C.2 in reference to eaves, overhangs, and projections over servitudes and easements, and to consider adoption of an ordinance approving the same.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Mr. Rimmer, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures Committee, reported on the meeting of that committee held today at 11:30 a.m. Committee members attending the Policy and Procedures Committee meeting were Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Salzer, Mr. Gray, Mr. Marsiglia, Ms. Parks, Mr. Benton, and Mr. Darby. Mr. Pat Culverhouse, Mr. Jackson, Ms. Jessica Aldridge, Mr. Ford, Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Stephanie Agee, Mr. Matthew Rhodes, Mr. Jerry Gould, Ms. Julie Gill, Mr. Heath Lyles, Mr. Mark Coutee, Ms. Hauser, and Mr. Mike Hefner via Zoom were also present. Other jurors present were Mr. Plummer, Mr. Brotherton, and Mr. Rodgers.
Mr. Rimmer stated that the Policy and Procedures Committee met with Mr. Mike Hefner, Geographic Planning & Demographic Services, LLC, to discuss proposed redistricting maps. He stated that one change was recommended to the redistricting maps, and it is anticipated that adoption of the new redistricting maps will be done in the next few months.
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Mr. Plummer, Chairman of the Parks and Recreations Committee, reported on the meeting of that committee held today at 12:00 p.m. Committee members attending the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting were Mr. Plummer, Mr. Marsiglia, Mr. Benton, Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Salzer, and Ms. Parks. Mr. Ford, Mr. Gary Clark, Mr. Warren Saucier, Mr. Jackson, Ms. Julie Gill, Mr. Pat Culverhouse, Ms. Fernandez, Mr. Hudson, and Ms. Hauser were also present. Other jurors present were Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Gray, Mr. Darby, and Mr. Cochran.
Mr. Plummer stated that Mr. Saucier provided the Parks and Recreation Committee with an update on current and upcoming park projects.
Mr. Plummer stated that the committee authorized police jury staff to research a request from an oil and gas company to locate a site at South Bossier Park.
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Mr. Rodgers, Chairman of the Road/Subdivision Regulations Committee, reported on the meeting of that committee held today at 1:00 p.m. Committee members attending the Road/Subdivision Regulations Committee meeting were Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Salzer, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Benton, Mr. Marsiglia, Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Hudson. Mr. Ford, Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Monica Grappe, Mr. Nguyen Kha, Ms. Carlotta Askew-Brown, Mr. Daniel Besinaiz, Mr. Matt Redmon, Mr. Mark Coutee, Mr. Sam Marsiglia, Ms. Jessica Aldridge, Mr. Pat Culverhouse, Mr. Larry Landy, and Ms. Hauser were also present. Other jurors present were Ms. Parks, Mr. Darby, Mr. Gray, and Mr. Cochran.
Mr. Rodgers stated that the committee discussed a request from the Bossier Parish School Board for assistance with repairing a road. He stated that the committee was provided with an update on sidewalks and open ditch drainage in subdivisions in rural areas of the parish.
Mr. Rodgers stated that the committee discussed the North/South Corridor project. He stated that the committee also discussed requests from towns for assistance with projects.
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Mr. Jack Skaggs, President and CEO of The Coordinating & Development Corporation (CDC), requested the police jury’s consideration in adoption of a resolution to support the development of passenger rail service from Fort Worth, Texas, through the Parish of Bossier to Atlanta, Georgia, along the I-20 corridor and related issues. He stated that the CDC has been tasked by the I-20 Corridor Council, the Southern Railway Commission, and Transportation for America to coordinate a merger between Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railroad and Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway. He further stated that KCS is up for bid and it is anticipated that CP will be acquiring KCS.
Mr. Skaggs stated that in the past KCS has refused to negotiate for Amtrak’s usage of some 300 miles of track between Bossier City and Meridian, Mississippi, but CP has agreed to allow the usage.
After further discussion, motion was made by Mr. Benton, seconded by Mr. Darby, to adopt a resolution to support the development of passenger rail service from Fort Worth, Texas, through the Parish of Bossier to Atlanta, Georgia, along the I-20 corridor and related issues.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE FROM FORT WORTH, TEXAS THROUGH THE PARISH OF BOSSIER TO ATLANTA, GEORGIA ALONG THE I-20 CORRIDOR AND RELATED ISSUES
WHEREAS, the Congress has recently passed a major infrastructure bill, which includes some sixty-six (66) billion dollar allocation for passenger rail and Amtrak; and
WHEREAS, connecting Fort Worth, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, with points along the Interstate 20 Corridor including the Parish of Bossier, would establish a passenger rail connection joining more than 14,000,000 residents throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, and connecting these states with the East Coast and onward north to New York; and
WHEREAS, the existing Interstate 20 was constructed almost sixty years ago, and there has been no material increase in capacity, despite the population growth throughout these states of two to three times during the last two generations, and there appear to be no present plans to materially expand the existing four lanes of Interstate 20 for the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, the I-20 Corridor Council, representing many cities and councils of governments along the proposed route obtained federal funding and has completed two important studies, including:
(1) a 2015 Amtrack feasibility study which determined that a long-distance passenger rail connection could operate profitably over the existing railroad infrastructure would require no annual governmental subsidy; and
(2) a 2017 capacity study suggested that a capital expenditure investment of less than $80 million in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This would represent a fraction of the cost of conventional highway construction and would enable new passenger rail service on the route without adversely affecting freight traffic along the host railroad; and
WHEREAS, I-20 Rail Corridor service would provide an east-west connection consisting of two daily passenger trains for the regions of Dallas, Fort Worth and Atlanta and would run through the City of Shreveport; and the proposed railway service will connect surrounding regions and result in increased economic viability for cities along the railway route for tourism and increased mobility by providing an alternative means of transportation; and
WHEREAS, grassroots, multi-state coalitions including mayors, local, state and federal officials, business and economic leaders and many other stakeholders have shown great support for this opportunity along the I-20 Corridor, and creating an economical and environmentally attractive addition to highway travel; and
WHEREAS, the proposed acquisition of the Kanas City Southern Railway (“KCS”) by Canadian Pacific Railway (“CP”) is pending before the United States Surface Transportation Board, and Canadian Pacific and Amtrak have announced plans to conduct a study to finalize a cooperative agreement to operate the passenger train for the I-20 Corridor along the trackage being acquired by Canadian Pacific; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in legal session convened, hereby recognizes and supports the efforts to construct and operate a long-distance passenger rail connection along the I-20 Corridor, also supports the approval of the Surface Transportation Board of the merger between Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific Railways, and further supports the efforts to improve on-time performance of Amtrak passenger trains with the host railroad carriers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications; and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared servable; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Benton, seconded by Darby. Upon vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022, with the following votes recorded:
AYES: Mr. Benton, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Darby, Mr. Gray, Mr.
Marsiglia, Ms. Parks, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Salzer
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mr. Jorden
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
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Motion was made by Mr. Cochran, seconded by Mr. Rimmer, to approve an amendment to Policy 320 – Sick Leave Benefits of the Bossier Parish Police Jury Policy and Procedures Manual, as recommended by the Policy and Procedures Committee.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
Policy 320 of the Bossier Parish Police Jury Policy and Procedures Manual is hereby amended to read as follows:
320 SICK LEAVE BENEFITS
The Police Jury provides paid sick leave benefits to all eligible employees for periods of temporary absence due to illnesses or injuries. Eligible employee classification(s):
* Regular full time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week consistently
* Regular part-time employees who work a minimum of 28 hours per week consistently but less than 30 hours per week consistently shall accrue sick leave at one-half the amount listed below.
Eligible employees will receive sick leave benefits at the rate of 12 days per year (96-hours). Sick leave benefits begin at hire date and are given each year thereafter on the employee’s anniversary date. Employees may request use of paid sick leave after 90 days of employment. However, an employee who experiences extenuating circumstances may request sick pay prior to the 90-day term, to be approved at the discretion of his/her supervisor.
Eligible employees may use sick leave benefits for an absence commensurate to FMLA for their own illness or injury or that of an immediate family member.
Employees who are unable to report to work due to illness or injury should notify their direct supervisor before the scheduled start of their workday if possible. The direct supervisor must also be contacted on each additional day of absence before the scheduled start of their workday unless other arrangements have been made ahead of time. If an employee calls in sick three (3) workdays in a year, a doctor’s excuse is required.
The employee will not be disciplined for legitimate use of sick days, if taken with procedural guidelines. Evidence of illness, including a doctor’s statement, may be required if there is reason to believe that such leave days were not used for the purpose set forth, including an employee’s use of a sick day on the day before or after a holiday or weekend. An employee may be placed on proof of illness or injury status by notifying the employee that future use of sick time must be substantiated. The supervisor will state the reasons for placing the employee on proof status and will specify the type of substantiation required in addition to the length of proof status. If an employee on proof fails to provide a medical statement which verifies he/she was seen by a medical practitioner on the date in question, the employee will not be allowed to use accumulated sick leave and may be subject to docking and/or discipline. If a supervisor demands an additional form of proof different from that which is furnished and involves cost to the employee, the Police Jury shall reimburse the employee the cost of such professional charges, when such verifies the employee was not abusing sick leave.
Sick leave benefits will be calculated based on the employee’s base pay rate at the time of absence and will not include any special forms of compensation, such as overtime.
Unused sick leave will be allowed to accumulate without limit. Accumulated sick leave, or a portion thereof, may be converted to additional retirement benefit credit upon application for normal retirement, based on the rules and regulations determined by the retirement system to which they contribute.
If an employee uses all of his available sick leave and vacation time, he/she may make a written request (through his/her supervisor) to the Administrator for consideration for a maximum of 10 additional sick days for an extended illness or hospital stay (documentation will be required).
Sick leave benefits are intended solely to provide income protection in the event of illness or injury, and may not be used for any other absence. Misuse of sick leave benefits may result in disciplinary action. Unused sick leave benefits will not be paid to employees while they are employed or upon termination of employment.
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Motion was made by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Mr. Rodgers, to authorize execution of a Letter of Support for Sierra Frac Sand, LLC, to remove property comprising of the Expansion Project as identified in the company’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application filed with respect to its ITEP Advance Notification-20180592-ITE from the taxable rolls of Bossier Parish should the ITEP application for the property be granted by the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry.
The President called for public comment. There being none, motion carried with the following votes recorded:
YEAS: Mr. Benton, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Darby, Mr. Gray, Mr. Marsiglia, Ms. Parks, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Salzer
NAYS: Mr. Cochran
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mr. Jorden
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session on this 2nd day of March, 2022, that the Parish Administrator or Parish President, be and is hereby authorized to execute a Letter of Support for Sierra Frac Sand, LLC, to remove property comprising of the Expansion Project as identified in the company’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application filed with respect to its ITEP Advance Notification-20180592-ITE from the taxable rolls of Bossier Parish should the ITEP application for the property be granted by the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Mr. Rodgers. Upon vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022, with the following votes recorded:
AYES: Mr. Benton, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Darby, Mr. Gray, Mr. Marsiglia, Ms. Parks, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Salzer
NAYS: Mr. Cochran
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mr. Jorden
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
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Motion was made by Mr. Benton, seconded by Mr. Plummer, to declare the following items as surplus:
a. Toshiba Strata PBX Phone System;
b. Approximately 200 phones;
c. Various computers;
d. Various computer monitors; and
e. Various other electronics
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Motion was made by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Gray, to approve an amendment to the proposal of Beast Engineering, LLC, in the amount of $22,000.00 for engineering services for Project No. 2019-127, Realignment of Linton Road Bridge over Flat River, and to authorize the execution of documents.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session on this 2nd day of March, 2022, that it does hereby approve an amendment to the proposal of Beast Engineering, LLC, in the amount of $22,000.00 for engineering services for Project No. 2019-127, Realignment of Linton Road Bridge over Flat River.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish Administrator or Parish President is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents in connection with said amended proposal.
The resolution was offered by Ms. Parks, seconded by Mr. Gray. Upon unanimous vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022.
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
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Mr. Ford stated that several requests have been received from oil and gas companies to lease parish owned mineral rights on parish property and road rights-of-way. He stated that staff is working to confirm the total amount of acreage being requested. Mr. Ford stated that it needs to be determined if the parish wishes to go through the State Mineral Board to lease or the police jury negotiate the leases.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Mr. Plummer, to approve a lease agreement with Empresa Operating, LLC, for mineral rights in Sections 13, 14, 23, and 24, Township 20 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA, and to authorize the execution of documents.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session on this 2nd day of March, 2022, that it does hereby approve a lease agreement with Empresa Operating, LLC, for mineral rights in Sections 13, 14, 23, and 24, Township 20 North, Range 13 West, Bossier Parish, LA.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish Administrator or Parish President is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents in connection with said lease agreements.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Mr. Plummer. Upon unanimous vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022.
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
***
Motion was made by Mr. Gray, seconded by Mr. Rimmer, to ratify approval of a Consultant Mental Health Clinician Services Agreement by and between Morgan Matthews and the Bossier Parish Police Jury for mental health counseling services at the Bossier Parish Maximum Facility, and to authorize the execution of documents.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session on this 2nd day of March, 2022, that it does hereby approve a Consultant Mental Health Clinician Services Agreement by and between Morgan Matthews and the Bossier Parish Police Jury for mental health counseling services at the Bossier Parish Maximum Facility.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish Administrator or Parish President is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents in connection with said agreement.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Gray, seconded by Mr. Rimmer. Upon unanimous vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022.
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
***
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Ms. Parks, to accept the proposal of Pulley Construction, Inc., in the amount of $43,000.00 for emergency repair of an 8-inch gravity sewer main at 108 Magnolia Chase Drive, Magnolia Chase Subdivision, on behalf of Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier, and to authorize execution of documents.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session on this 2nd day of March, 2022, that it does hereby accept the proposal of Pulley Construction, Inc., in the amount of $43,000.00 for emergency repair of an 8-inch gravity sewer main at 108 Magnolia Chase Drive, Magnolia Chase Subdivision, on behalf of Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish Administrator or Parish President is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents in connection with said proposal.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Ms. Parks. Upon unanimous vote, it was duly adopted on this 2nd day of March, 2022.
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
***
Jurors were provided a copy of district highway reports.
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Mr. Ford reported on a meeting held with Red River National Wildlife Refuge to discuss possible federal land grant applications in the near future to improve roadways in south Bossier, to expand Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, and a pedestrian bridge over Arthur Ray Teague Parkway to Red River National Wildlife Refuge.
***
Mr. Ford stated that Mr. Tommy Jones, Red River Valley Association, has requested that the police jury submit an application for federal funding to repair Bodcau Dam Road from Highway 157 to the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area.
***
Mr. Ford stated that The Coordinating & Development Corporation recently submitted an application for Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) funds for improvements to Gray Lake Estates/Gray Duck North Sewer Facilities.
Mr. Austin Vaughn, COO of The Coordinating & Development Corporation, provided information pertaining to the LCDBG application submitted. He stated that funding awards should be announced in August or September of 2022.
***
Mr. Ford stated that the Police Jury Association Convention will be held March 9-11, 2022, in Lake Charles, and stated that Mr. Brotherton will be sworn in as President for the PJAL for the year 2022-2023.
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Mr. Hudson provided information on three sewer projects that have been advertised for bids.
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Mr. Hudson provided photographs of the Linton Road Bridge over Flat River project. He stated that the bridge is now open and the dual left turn lanes heading west on Linton Road off Airline Drive are complete. He further stated that Linton Road has been overlayed to Jesse Jones Drive.
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Mr. Hudson stated that the Red River Waterway Commission has completed the walking trail from Parkway High School to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge off Arthur Ray Teague Parkway.
***
Mr. Hudson stated that BPX Energy invited him to the Liberty Oilfield Services Office off Mansfield Road in Shreveport, LA, to discuss noise issues at oil and gas sites. He stated that Liberty Oilfield Services has a series of quiet fleets and presented photographs of these fleets. There was further discussion on the quiet fleets.
***
Mr. Mark Coutee, Public Works Director, presented an update on activities of the highway department and on several road projects in the parish.
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Mr. Darby stated that he visited the Bossier Parish Communications District No. 1 headquarters. He stated that he was impressed with the staff and the new Director. He encouraged the police jurors to tour the facility.
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Mr. Jackson requested that the agenda be amended to authorize him to file a lawsuit against Ms. Krystal Dawn Granger and Elephant Insurance Services, for damage to barricades on the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway.
Motion was made by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Mr. Darby, to amend the agenda to authorize the Parish Attorney to file a lawsuit against Ms. Krystal Dawn Granger and Elephant Insurance Services for damage to barricades on the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway.
The President called for public comment. There being none, motion carried, with the following votes recorded:
AYES: Mr. Benton, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Darby, Mr. Gray, Mr.
Marsiglia, Ms. Parks, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Rimmer, Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Salzer
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mr. Jorden
***
Motion was made by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Mr. Darby, to authorize the Parish Attorney to file a lawsuit against Ms. Krystal Dawn Granger and Elephant Insurance Services for damage to barricades on the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway.
The President called for public comment. There being none, votes were cast, and the motion carried unanimously.
***
Mr. Jackson stated that he has received several complaints from judicial offices, Sheriff’s Office, and other departments within the courthouse of employees smoking in employee entrances throughout the building. He stated that he will be discussing with the police jury designated smoking areas and requested that smokers not smoke in the employee entrances of the courthouse.
Mr. Jackson stated that there is a policy in place regarding designated smoking areas, and requested that all smokers be respectful of other employees and not smoke in employee or public entrances of the courthouse. Mr. Salzer recommended signage be placed regarding no smoking areas and designated smoking areas. Mr. Jackson stated that he will be submitting recommendations on this matter at a later date.
***
There being no further business to come before the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session on this 2nd day of March, 2022, the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Salzer at 3:00 p.m.
RACHEL D. HAUSER THOMAS D. SALZER, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY
March 30, 2022
Bossier Press-Tribune