The Board of Commissioners of the Bossier Levee District met in regular session on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Levee Board Office, 3404 Industrial Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
The President, Tim Larkin, called the meeting to order.
PRESENT: LARKIN, ALLEY, BANTLE, MONTGOMERY, MOORE, WEBB, TOM ARCENEAUX, ATTORNEY AND ROBERT TOMASEK, DOTD ENGINEER.
ABSENT: STELLY
The first order of business was opening prayer by Commissioner Webb and the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner, Larkin.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Bantle and unanimously passed, the Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes and approved the minutes of the regular board meeting held on August 8, 2018.
AMENDMENT TO AGENDA:
On suggestion of the Chair to add an item to the agenda, Larkin moved and Moore seconded a motion to add the Lakewood Subdivision, Unit No. 4 – G Plat from Coyle Engineering for review. Larkin moved and Bantle seconded a motion to add the item to the
agenda. The President asked if any member of the public wished to speak on whether to add the item to the agenda and there were no requests to speak. The following Commissioners voted yes (being all Commissioners present):
Larkin - Yes
Alley - Yes
Bantle - Yes
Montgomery - Yes
Moore - Yes
Webb - Yes
The Commissioners having voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda, it was added.
On suggestion of the Chair to add an item to the agenda, Larkin moved and Moore seconded a motion to add the McLemore Plantation Subdivision - Unit No. 3 Plat on behalf of French Engineering for discussion. Larkin moved and Alley seconded a motion to add the item to the agenda. The President asked if any member of the public wished to speak on whether to add the item to the agenda and there were no requests to speak. The following Commissioners voted yes (being all Commissioners present):
Larkin - Yes
Alley - Yes
Bantle - Yes
Montgomery - Yes
Moore - Yes
Webb - Yes
The Commissioners having voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda, it was added.
REQUESTS BY VISITORS:
Mr. Mike Defalco, representing Broussard and Company presented and reviewed the Bossier Levee District’s Annual Financial Report and discussed the Audit results for the year ending June 30th, 2018.
Mark Hudson, City Engineer and Donald Clayton, TRC Engineers representing the City of Bossier City, submitted a request for road construction as part of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway improvements to replace an existing intersection with a roundabout at Hamilton Road and Old Benton Highway and to reconstruct the existing road to the Bossier City Water Treatment Plant to an elevation one foot above the existing roadway, which will widen the opening in the Red River Levee.
This item was tabled until the November Board Meeting at the request of the applicant. Mark Hudson, City Engineer and Donald Clayton, TRC Engineers representing the City.
Stanley and Joe Aultman submitted a permit request and Mr. Aultman appeared before the Applications Committee seeking approval to construct a storage building on their residential property located at 137 Southwood Drive, Bossier City inside the District’s Control Area, alongside Benoit Bayou Ditch. The Committee discussed with Mr. Aultman that his proposed building may encroach a pipeline easement and advised him to verify that it complies with his subdivision covenant as well.
The Applications Committee recommended postponement for further review.
Aillet, Fenner, Jolly, & McClelland, Inc. on behalf of the Bossier Parish Police Jury appeared seeking a construction permit for the extension of the existing North Bossier Shared Use Trail, for approximately 1.55 miles, running along the west side of Benoit Bayou and north of Wemple Road. The Applications Committee discussed some slope concerns, however, the applicant presented trail-cross sections that satisfied them. It was noted that Bossier Parish intends to maintain its trail improvements and that the Parish will have to make another request for the bayou crossing as a separate permit application.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Moore and unanimously approved, the Board approved the application from the BPPJ to extend the North Bossier Shared Use Trail with plans to be dated September 13, 2018. No comments from the public.
John Douglas Berry, Berry Plumbing and Ken Smith, Smith Engineering Co., Inc. requested approval for a permit to build a new Berry Plumbing, LLC office building/warehouse located at 5501 Benton Road, Benton, LA. The Applications Committee discussed the permit request and raised concerns about USACOE spacing requirements.
On motion by Webb, seconded by Alley and unanimously carried the Board approved the recommendation from the Applications Committee to approve the permit to construct the new Berry Plumbing office contingent upon approval from LDOTD and USACOE. No comments from the public.
Micha Duffy, Coyle Engineering Co, Inc. representing the Bossier Parish Police Jury appeared before the Applications Committee with plans for the proposed GOHSEP – HMGP Drainage Project and requested approval for additional right of ways and drainage servitudes at Lafitte Lane and Cross Creek Drive (Entrance into the Lakewood Subdivision), along Willow Chute Bayou at Kingston Road. It was stated that the Levee District does not own the property where the parish needs the right of way.
Mr. Duffy requested that this permit request be postponed from the Agenda until further work has been completed. No comments from the public.
Micha Duffy, Coyle Engineering Co, Inc. Texstock, LLC appeared before the Applications Committee and the Board requesting a temporary low water crossing on Red Chute Bayou that would facilitate the hauling of dirt from the east side of the bayou to the west for a 37+ acre development at the north east corner of East Texas Street/Hwy 80 and Stockwell Road and a levee crossing over the Red Chute Bayou Levee.
Mr. Duffy received guidance from the committee on plans and policy considerations. Mr. Long discussed that provision must be made to accommodate the proposed Red Chute Levee Raising Project. In conclusion, the Committee looked upon the application favorably, however, they did not have sufficient information to approve the permit request. This permit request will be discussed at a future Board Meeting. No comments from the public.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mike McSwain, Architect, presented to the Board the projected increase of the cost of the Bossier Levee District’s Facility Improvement Project.
On motion by Bantle, seconded by Alley and unanimously carried the Board authorized a budget of $1,313,541.00 to be expended towards the renovation project. The previous preliminary cost was $888,076.00, a $425,465.00 difference due to additional building costs, professional services, administrative costs, and contingencies. No comments from the public.
Operations Coordinator, Mark Long discussed the previously approved Cordaro Right of Way with the Applications Committee and the Board to clarify that it was a one-year Right of Way and to seek to ratify for a second year option.
On motion by Webb, seconded by Montgomery and unanimously carried the Board approved the Committee’s recommendation to change the permit extension for an additional year at the same rate of $6,000.00. It was also stated that this project was currently out for bid. No comments from the public.
Mr. Long discussed the status of the Red Chute Levee Raising Project and the Levee Widening Project. LDOTD is still reviewing the plans for the Levee Widening Project at the district level. It was stated that the Statewide Flood Control Manager must also review and approve. Discussion to continue on both of these projects as the District obtains more information.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Applications Committee and the Board discussed Reeder Subdivision, Unit 1-A Plat (Lots 15-A, 16-A, & 17-A), submitted By Sandra Davis with FBL & Associates.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Webb and unanimously carried the Board approved the Committee’s recommendation to issue a letter of no objection, subject to the modification of the Control Area language. No comments from the public.
The Applications Committee and the Board reviewed an application from Coyle Engineering for Lakewood Subdivision Plat, Unit No. 4-G.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Moore and unanimously carried the Applications Committee and the Board discussed Lakewood Subdivision Plat, Unit No. 4-G, and approved issuance of a letter of no objection for the subdivision plat as submitted. No comments from the public.
The Applications Committee and the Board reviewed the updated McLemore Subdivision Plat, Unit No. 3, from Joey French owner of French Engineering for an application approval.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Moore and unanimously carried the Applications Committee and the Board approved the issuance of a letter of no objection with the addition of pins at the intersection of lot lines and the Control Area. No comments from the public.
Mr. Marcus Long discussed with the Committee and the Board the need to purchase 2 new utility trailers from Big Tex Trailers – Minden at the cost of $5,269.00 each.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Alley and unanimously carried the Board authorized Mr. Long to proceed with purchase of 2 new utility trailers at the cost of $5,269.00 each from Big Tex Trailers – Minden. No comments from the public.
Mr. Long presented to the Applications Committee and the Board a draft of the proposed Crisis Leave Policy for discussion on behalf of the employees of the Bossier Levee District.
On motion by Webb, seconded by Moore, and unanimously carried the Board approved the adoption of the new Crisis Leave Policy to be utilized by the employees of the Bossier Levee District.
The Applications Committee and the Board reviewed a contribution request for the 2018 year in the amount of $5,000.00 (or less) from the Association of Levee Boards of Louisiana – LA Flood Risk Coalition.
The Committee and the Board all agreed that the funds requested may not be permissible expenditures of the District’s funds, however, funds for education might be an appropriate reason for a contribution. The Board agreed with the Committee’s suggestion to request the BLD’s legal counsel to draft a letter stating that information for review before mailing.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Alley, and unanimously passed the Board authorized the transfer of $300,000.00 from Huddleston Smith to the checking account for expenditures and payroll. No comments from the public.
LEVEE AND DRAINAGE REPORT:
Red Chute Levee Improvement Project
- January 4, 2018 - Obtained new borrow pit lease with L J Earnest.
- May 9, 2018 – Received Corps Permit for levee widening project.
- May 16, 2018 – Sent letter to Vicksburg Corps requesting that they resume their review of our request to raise the Red Chute Levee.
- May 31, 2018 – participated in conference call with PDT Members for the Red Chute Levee Raise Project; the Corps advised the levee district to resubmit all aspects of the Red Chute Levee Raise Permit Request including Plans, Specifications, H&H Study, and etc. in a complete package for their review in accordance with EC 1165-2-216.
- July 9, 2018 – The levee widening project should be ready to advertise for bids in mid to late August 2018.
-July 17, 2018 – Received appraisal for Patrick Cordaro’s temporary access right of way. Mr. Cordaro is requesting $6,000.00 for the temporary right of way.
- July 19, 2018 – received KCS RR Crossing Agreement.
- August 3, 2018 – mailed KCS RR agreement along with $83,571 check, and insurance certificates.
- August 1, 2018 – amended Dewberry contract in the amount of $6500.00 for work associated with shift in levee alignment and additional information requested by BLD.
- August 8, 2018 – board approved advertising for bids for the Red Chute Levee Widening Project; estimated cost $6,000,000.00.
- September 10, 2018 – Plans and Specifications under review by DOTD; awaiting approval from Statewide Flood Control to advertise for bids.
Red River Levee Certification
- Levee certification expires September 30, 2019.
- May 8, 2018 – letter to Corps requesting their services in providing new levee certification.
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.
- Lidar Completed on March 31, 2018
Red River Levee Improvements
- June 6, 2017 - 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.
- September 13, 2017 – Denmon Engineering authorized to provide concept plan details for gap closure designs at two Union Pacific RR crossings at a cost not to exceed $5,000.00.
Bossier Drainage Maintenance Initiative
- July 7, 2018 - BLD Crew resumed tree and brush removal on the east side of Red Chute Bayou between Hwy 80 and I-20; estimated time for completion 4 weeks. Work delayed due to equipment break down.
Pecan Valley Ditch Repair
- September 25, 2017- hired Coyle Engineering to prepare plans and easement description for ditch repairs.
- January 8, 2018 – received final plans.
- August 1, 2018 – received signed right of way servitude from owner.
- August 13, 2018 – FJ Burnell Contractor began work on ditch repair; recent rains have delayed work efforts.
Levee Inspection Videos
- August 17, 2018 – Louisiana Municipal Equipment LLC completed videoing all BLD levee outfall drainage structures at a cost of $7,300.00. USACE requires that all levee outfall structures be videoed at a minimum of every 5 years.
2437 Brookside Drive – on Flat River
- April 24, 2018 – Received a request from John Cordaro who lives at 2437 Brookside Drive for engineer to inspect home and yard, repairs to yard, and possible purchase of home for damages he believes are associated with the Flat River Bank Stabilization Project Phase 5.
- May 15, 2018 – site inspection was made by Mark Long and Robert Tomasek, DOTD Engineer. No visible damage to house, no cracks in brick or slab visible. Back yard has some uneven settlement but no major issues observed.
- July 3, 2018 - received proposed plan of work and estimated cost for repairs from Don Maddox in the amount of $7,332.00.
Flat River Erosion Repairs
- Nixon Engineering – working on survey and preliminary design for erosion control work north of Sligo Road.
Levee Surfacing
- June 20, 2018 – board approved contract levee surfacing on the Red River Levee from levee station 1738+25 to 1782+00 and from station 1853+75 to 1905+50 in South Bossier near Taylor Town; approximate total length 9,550 feet; estimated quantity 2,476 Tons; Low quote of $122,562 from Newt Brown Contractor LLC.
Red Chute Bayou Levee Culvert Rehab
- May 9, 2018 –approval given for contract to line remaining unlined CMP Culverts on Red Chute Bayou Levee in the amount of $138,317.52.
Red Chute Levee High Water Event
- March 1 thru March 8, 2018 - Sandbagged low areas on Red Chute Levee with assistance from the City of Bossier, Bossier Parish, and Bossier Sherriff’s Department.
- April 27, 2018 – Returned Crawler Carriers rented for flood preparations.
- June 20, 2018 – Requesting approval to hire contractor to remove sand bags.
- July 6, 2018 – received quotes for sand bag removal with a low quote of $21.90/CY from Young’s Land Development LLC; estimated total of 1300 CY for a total estimated cost of $28,470.00.
Bridge Cleaning and Channel Tree Removal
- June 20, 2018 - board approved hiring additional bridge cleaning work and channel tree removal work on hourly basis.
- July 25, 2018 – work began on bridge cleaning and channel tree removal.
Equipment
1) To be sold - surplus equipment – equipment numbers: 213 -2001 Rhino 15’ Cutter; 215 005 Rhino 15’ Cutter; 221 – 2008 Bush Hog 15’ Cuter; 222 – 2008 Bush Hog 15’ Cutter; 302 – 2003 Ex Mark 72” Mower; 317 – 2003 Ex Mark 72” Mower; 339 – 2013 Ex Mark 72” Mower.
Levee and Drainage Crews
- Cleaning levee outfall culverts in preparation for inspection videos.
- Mowing levees and channels
- Removing downed trees from levees and channels from recent storms.
- Herbicide application on levees and channels.
- Inspecting levees, channels, and drainage structures; cleaning outfall pipes and flap gates.
- Repairing gates on levees.
- Servicing and repairing equipment.
On motion by Alley, seconded by Montgomery and unanimously approved, the Board authorized the Secretary for the district to make the payments set forth in the attachment to these minutes in the total amount of $176,020.15.
On motion by Montgomery, seconded by Moore, the meeting was adjourned at 11:35.
__________________________ _____________________________
Tim Larkin, President Deanna S. Rabb, Secretary