The Board of Commissioners of the Bossier Levee District met in regular session on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the Levee Board Office, 3404 Industrial Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
The 1st Vice President, Tim Larkin, called the meeting to order.
PRESENT: ALLEY, LARKIN, MONTGOMERY, MOORE, STELLY, WEBB, TOM ARCENEAUX, ATTORNEY AND ROBERT TOMASEK, DOTD ENGINEER.
ABSENT: BANTLE.
The first order of business was opening prayer by Commissioner Webb and the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Larkin.
On motion by Commissioner Montgomery, seconded by Commissioner Alley, unanimously passed, the Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes and approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on July 12, 2017.
REQUESTS BY VISITORS:
Jacob Champion appeared representing GEP Haynesville, LLC to request a permit for a well location and drill path in Sec 16, T17N-R12W., Bossier Parish, Louisiana.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Moore and unanimously passed the Board approved the permit regarding the encroachment for the well location and drill path, subject to the requirements of the Corps of Engineers, the DOTD and approval by Mark Long, Operations Coordinator. No comments from the public.
Representing Southwestern Electric Power Company, Steve Anderson appeared requesting a permit to cross Willow Chute Bayou and to encroach on the Control Area to provide electricity to Willow Heights Subdivision, Unit 1.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Stelly and unanimously passed the Board approved the channel crossing and the permit to encroach in the BLD’s Control Area of Willow Chute Bayou with a powerline in the Control Area to provide Willow Heights subdivision with electricity, subject to the DOTD’s review and approval. No comments from the public.
Mark Hudson, Bossier City Engineer, appeared requesting a permit to construct a bridge over the Union Pacific Railway adjacent to the Red River Levee.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Stelly and unanimously passed the Board approved the permit to construct a bridge over Union Pacific Railway adjacent to the Red River Levee, subject to the requirements of the Corps of Engineers, Union Pacific Railroad, and DOTD. No comments from the public.
Mr. Neal Lewis, Chief Flood Control & Hydropower & 408 Coordinator appeared on behalf of Colonel Michael C. Derosier, representing The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Vicksburg District, to present a plaque for a Certificate of Merit for the Operation and Maintenance of Flood Control Projects for the year 20016 to the Board. He stated that the Bossier Levee Board fully exemplifies the Corps’s values of Safety, Integrity and Respect by continuing to actively support the flood damage reduction mission and sustaining the public’s trust.
No comments from the public.
OLD BUSINESS:
James Sterritt, attorney with Cook Yancey Law Firm, appeared to continue discussions and the approval process for a Subdivision Plat of Hickory Ridge Estates Unit #3 Resubdivision Lot 2, Block A. He has requested that the Bossier Levee District not require any mention or depiction of any control area on the resubdivision as a condition for approval of the proposed resubdivision plat, as he contends that no such control area exists on the property.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Webb and unanimously passed the Board agreed to continue the discussions regarding servitudes and control areas until next months meeting to enable the Boards Legal Counsel to review additional paperwork that was submitted at this meeting by Mr. Sterritt. No comments from the public.
The Bossier Levee Board delayed the discussion of implementing an Agricultural Fence Policy until the September Board meeting. No comments from the public.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board received a proposal for scope of work from Burns, Cooley Dennis, Inc. and Randy Denmon to conduct a geotechnical exploration for the proposed improvements to the Red River Levee at two locations where the Union Pacific Railroad is located. The Board discussed the Red River Levee Project and flood fight issues and design. Mr. Larkin requested additional engineering information as well as drawings that were needed before recommending possible solutions. No comments from the public.
The Bossier Levee Board along with members on the Easement Committee reviewed a permit request from Texas Eastern Transmission, LLP to abandon enbridge an existing Texas Eastern Transmission, LP 14” line 11G in place.
This request was tabled until the September meeting. No comments from the public.
Mark Long, Operations Manager asked for approval for the following proposed maintenance projects:
Mr. Long proposed Newt Brown Contractors to work on .73 miles of Red Chute Levee Surfacing adding crushed stone for the estimated amount of $55,419.00.
On motion by Stelly, seconded by Moore and unanimously passed the Board approved Newt Brown Contractors to perform said scope of work. No comments from the public.
Mr. Long discussed Newt Brown Contractors to perform work on the Red River Levee Surfacing repairs at Cash Point and the Red River Wildlife Refuge areas (1.24 miles) for an estimated amount of $49,539.00.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Webb and unanimously passed the Board approved Newt Brown Contractors to make these repairs. No comments from the public.
Mr. Long received a proposal from Newt Brown Contractors to perform erosion repair on Flat River near Highway 80 for an estimated cost of $71,255.00.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Webb and unanimously passed the Board approved Newt Brown Contractors to perform the erosion repairs. No comments from the public.
Mr. Long discussed a proposal from F. J. Burnell to perform ditch repairs to the lateral ditch off of Flat River near Sligo Road at an estimated cost of $40,761.00.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Alley and unanimously passed the Board approved F. J. Burnell to perform said ditch repairs. No comments from the public.
Mark Long discussed needed improvements on the Red River Levee at the Union Pacific Railroad crossings, however, more information was needed and this matter was tabled.
Mr. Long proposed Superior Forestry Service to apply backpack herbicide applications on various on various channels for the estimated amount of $35,037.00.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Montgomery and unanimously passed the Board approved Superior Forestry Service to apply backpack herbicide applications to various channels. No comments from the public.
Mr. Long reviewed a proposal from Cambridgemoen LLC, for a 72 inch CMP culvert repairs on the Red Chute Levee for the estimated amount of $144,100.00 On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Webb and unanimously passed the Board approved Cambridgemoen LLC, to make culvert repairs on the Red Chute Levee. No comments from the public.
Timothy Larkin, President announced to the public that the Levee District may roll forward to the new adjusted millage rate of 4.300 mills at the regular meeting held on September 13, 2017.
Yeas: 6
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Abstaining: 0
No comments from the public.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Montgomery and unanimously passed the Board approved a resolution authorizing the Bossier Levee District to provide lunch for DOTD employees, BLB commissioners, and office staff during levee inspections for the fiscal year of
2018. No comments from the public.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Alley and unanimously passed the Board authorized the secretary to transfer $150,000.00 from Huddleston/Smith Investments to the Board’s checking account for expenditures. No comments from the public.
LEVEE AND DRAINAGE:
Red Chute Levee Improvement Project
- July 2, 2015 – submitted final plans to Corps and DOTD for review.
- August 6, 2015 – received letter from Statewide Flood Control for Fiscal Year 2016 Funding; $980,100 for FY 15/16; total to date $2,112,115; balance to complete State’s obligation $2,491,345.
- April 19, 2016 – Met with Vicksburg Corps and discussed 408 review; they advised that the information submitted by Dewberry was inadequate for their review.
- June 15, 2016 – Meeting scheduled with Vicksburg Corps to discuss 408 H&H submittal.
- July 21, 2016 – Met with Statewide Flood Control manager and discussed building the project in two phases; Phase 1 being from ground line up to current levee elevation and Phase 2 being from current levee elevation up to new levee design grade when approved by Corps. Billy Williamson, Statewide Flood Control manager, spoke favorable of the plan for 2 phases of construction; at this time, we have not received an official approval.
- July 29, 2016 – Approved contract for Dewberry for additional work required for Corps 408 permit H&H submittal in the amount of $71,210.00.
- October 11, 2016 – Submitted plans for Red Chute Levee Widening Project to the Vicksburg Corps for permit approval.
- November 7, 2016 – Received Letter dated July 21, 2016 advising of additional funding from Statewide Flood Control for Fiscal Year 2017 in the amount of $2,491,345 bring the project to be fully funded at $4,603,460.00.00.
- December 6, 2016 – Received call from Vicksburg Corps, Neal Lewis, Ray Wilson, and James Harper advising that the levee widening permit request requires an H&H study. Randy Denmon and Jacob Lesue are working on an estimate for the study.
- February 14, 2017 – Received call from Mike Miller with Vicksburg USACE Regulatory advising that we need to submit a new 404 permit request.
- February 27, 2017 – Vicksburg Corps members by conference call advised that the proposed levee widening project would require a H&H Analysis as currently designed; they implied that if the levee widening could be shifted to the land side of the levee the H&H Analysis would not be needed.
- April 25, 2017 – Dewberry submitted an additional H&H analysis for the levee widening project to the Vicksburg Corps.
- June 2, 2017 – Received call from Neal Lewis with Vicksburg Corp; he stated that he thought the levee widening permit would be approved; additional reviews are required by MVD; estimated time to receive 408 permit 30-45 days. In addition, a 404 permit is required and will not be approved until after the 408 permit is received.
- August 7, 2017 – Vicksburg Corps Senior Staff, James Ross, Henry Dulaney and others meet with BLD and discussed the ongoing 408 review for the Red Chute Bayou Levee Improvement Project; they made suggestions for revising the permit request letter and funding needs for the Corps 408 review.
Flat River Erosion Repair
- Received quotes for channel slope repair on Flat River on the north side of US 80, with a low quote of $71,255.00 from Newt Brown Contractor. Requesting approval for work.
- Received quotes of ditch repairs on Flat River Later Ditch located on the north side of Sligo Rd on the south side of Golden Meadows Subdivision, with a low quote of $40,761.00 from F.J. Burnell. Requesting approval for work.
Red River Corps Study
- March 15, 2017 – Received email from Rich Brontoli advising that the Vicksburg Corps had received funding for the Sediment Survey and Hydraulic Model for the Red River.
- March 29, 2017 – Received schedule of activities for Corps Sediment Study and Hydraulic Analysis for the Red River; estimated time for Hydraulic Model to be finalized is July 2019 and the estimated time for the Sediment Model to be finalized is December 2019.
Bossier Drainage Maintenance Initiative
- Work ongoing, with BLD crew and equipment, clearing brush and small trees from banks of Red Chute Bayou between Hwy 80 and Dogwood Trail.
Drainage Channel – Herbicide Maintenance
- Received quote from Superior Forestry Service to back pack spray 206.1 acres at $170.00 per acre; total $35,037.00. Requesting approval for work.
Levee Surfacing
- Red River Levee surfacing repairs, approximate station 520+00 to 567+50 and station 1453+00 to 1471+00, combined length 6,550 feet. Received quotes for work with a low quote of $55,419.00 from Newt Brown Contractor. Requesting approval for work.
- Red Chute Levee Surfacing; 0.73 miles of levee surfacing at north end of Red Chute Bayou Levee (State Levee). Received quotes for work with a low quote of $49,539.00 from Newt Brown Contractor. Requesting approval for work.
Red Chute Bayou
- Red Chute Bayou CMP Repair; requested quotes to install HDPE Pipe Liners for repair of existing 72 inch diameter CMP culverts; received low quote of $144,100.00 from Cambridgemoen LLC. Requesting approval for work.
Red River Levee Improvements
- Hired Denmon Engineering to survey and develop a preliminary plan for gap closures at two locations where the Red River Levee alignment and UP Rail Road cross between Viking Drive and Shed Road. During the June 2015 flood event the water surface elevation was within approximately 1.9 feet of low points of the Rail Road crossings.
- Requesting approval to move forward with project; estimated cost for geotechnical work is $8,084.00; based on Denmon’s preliminary design the estimated cost for construction is $303,000.00. Requesting approval for geotechnical work and general scope of work.
Red River Levee PL 84-99 Repairs
- August 18, 2015 – PL 84-99 Eligibility Determination site visit with Vicksburg USACE to inspect bank caving near Red River Levee station 1080+00 to 1087+00; also area near levee station 2385+00 stability berm is eroding.
- February 3, 2016 – Spoke with Barry Moore with the Vicksburg Corps and he advised that the PL 84-99 request has been approved and funds are available for the bank stability repairs at levee station 10+80 to 10+87. He anticipates that a notice to proceed will be given in June of this year and the estimated completion date is September 15, 2016.
- March 31, 2016 – Sent Authorization for Entry to Corps for PL 84-99 survey work.
- June 8, 2016 - Furnished construction RW document for repair work.
- July 12, 2016 – Verbal commitment from Corps for work to begin mid-September with Corps Hired Labor Crew.
- October 31, 2016 - Barry Moore with Vicksburg Corps advised that funding for PL 84-99 repairs is on hold.
- February 23, 2017 – Spoke with Katy Breaux with the Vicksburg USACE who advised that funding for the Red River Levee Bank Caving Repairs was available through supplemental funding received by the Corps.
- April 11, 2017 – spoke with Katy Breaux and she advised that the Corps had ordered the riprap for the levee repairs at Red River Levee station 1080+00 to 1087+00 near A.R. Teague Parkway and it should be delivered in approximately one month; she said work should begin soon after riprap is received depending on Corps hired labor crew schedule.
Equipment
- Ordered two new John Deere 6145M Cab Tractors thru state contract in the amount of $91,972.64 each; total $183,945.28. Estimated delivery date January 2018.
Levee and Drainage Crews
- Clearing brush and small trees from banks of Red Chute Bayou between Hwy 80 and Dogwood Trail.
- Herbicide application on channels and levees.
- Inspecting levees, channels, and drainage structures; cleaning outfall pipes and flap gates.
- Cleaning debris from bridges on Red Chute Bayou and Flat River.
- Mowing levees, drainage easements and channels.
- Removing trees and brush on west side of Red Chute Bayou between Hwy 80 and Shed Road.
- Servicing and repairing equipment.
APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Secretary for the district be and she is hereby authorized to make the payments set forth above in the amount of $130,691.34.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Alley the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
__________________________ _____________________________
Tim Larkin, President Mary Jane Easterly, Secretary