Police Jury Meeting Notes March 20, 2024

At the beginning of the meeting, the police jurors acknowledged Judge Michael Craig and Court Administrator Melissa Fox, who expressed their satisfaction with the recent digital upgrades to the courtroom.

“The problems we were experiencing happened when lawyers would connect their laptops or any other equipment to ours, and it wasn’t compatible,” said Judge Craig. “Now, we don’t experience any technical glitches during court, which helps things run smoothly,” said Judge Craig.

He also thanked Bossier Parish Police Jury employees Jim Firth and Heath Lyles for their work on the upgrade.

Here is the link to the story highlighting the upgrades to the courtrooms.

https://youtu.be/KOKbjoFkor8?si=5MqzOnEcCL4DCmn_

Bossier Parish Police Juror Julianna Parks, District 5, presented the Cope Middle School Youth Legislature team with a resolution for their achievements during the state competition in Baton Rouge.

On March 6-7, the group participated in mock legislative sessions at the Old State Capitol. The Youth Legislature aims to introduce students to the legislative process in fun and exciting ways.

Mrs. Parks appreciated the students’ efforts to learn and understand the governing process. In a separate interview, Mrs. Parks said, “I am proud of these students and their accomplishments, and I hope that they may fill the seats of the Bossier Parish Police Jury.”

More than 250 middle school students from six schools elected Cooper Fontaine as Lt. Governor, Alex Perez as Secretary of the Senate, and Addalyn Allen as Chaplain of the House of Representatives.

Two of the students’ bills passed and signed by the Governor: Eliminating Giant Salvinia by Sponsor Zach Kolniak and Co-Sponsor Conner Jackson and Lowering Teen Suicide by Sponsor Rebecca Williams and Co-sponsor Kaylee Cooper.
 
Additionally, 10 Cope Middle School students made the Legislative Hall of Fame. Roslyn Dabkowski was honored with the Ripple Effect Award, given to those whose small actions can make a big difference.

The 8th graders include Addalyn Allen, Carter Ashby, Kaylee Cooper, Roslyn Dabkowski, Cole East, Cooper Fontaine, Alexis Grayson, Kinsley Hall, Evie Henagan, Claire Jacobsen, Jackson Lawrence, Anjole Morris, Alexa O’Have, Alex Perez, and Rebecca Williams. The 7th graders include Roxanne Carlisle, Makenna Gilbert, Connor Jackson, Elise Johnson, Zachary Kolnisk, Alexis Leblanc, Elijah Peterson, Jackson Rose, Hunter Rushing, Marissa Salinas and Will Vance.

This is the eighth year Cope Middle School has participated in the event.

Also, during Wednesday’s meeting, police jury members:  

Authorized the advertising for bids for Scada Controls for the Sewer Lift Station, Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 2. 

They approved the advertising for a Request for Proposals, Project No. 2024-116, Potable Water Treatment Chemicals, with a bid date to be determined.

Awarded a bid for Water Sector Program - Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 by bids received on March 14, 2024.

Awarded a bid for the Covington Road Extension, Phase I, by bids that were received on March 14, 2024.

PUBLIC HEARINGS TO BE SCHEDULED:

Approved a recommendation by the Benton MPC to schedule a public hearing on April 17, 2024, to consider approval of the plat of the proposed development of Ace Acres in Bossier Parish.

Approved a recommendation by the Benton MPC to schedule a public hearing on April 17, 2024, to consider approval of the Minor Plat for Lisa Greer in Bossier Parish.

COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS:

During the Fire District Committee's meeting, Mr. Glenn Benton reported that Fire Chief JT Wallace of Benton's Fire Department requested to establish a Fire Prevention Bureau in Fire District 4. The jurors approved a motion to conduct a public hearing on April 30, 2024, to discuss the establishment of the bureau and the scope of work it will be responsible for.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The jurors denied a request from store owner Robin Dickson’s to sell beer and liquor at Countryside Exxon, 7980 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, LA, at a special Easter Sunday event, March 31, 2024, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Adopted a resolution proclaiming April 20, 2024, as The Arc Caddo-Bossier Day.

Approved the Service Agreement between the Bossier Parish Police Jury and Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc., for consulting and advocacy services, effective February 1, 2024, with the contract set to expire on January 31, 2025.

Approved the application of Cody Williams for renewal of a 2024 Bossier Parish beer/liquor license at Swamp Daddy's, 104 Bill's Lane, Haughton.

Approved a motion to accept the streets and drainage in Cane's Landing, Unit No. 3, into the parish road system for permanent maintenance.