(The Center Square) — The Bossier City Council met this week to discuss unfinished business about drainage projects and improvements.
The council approved a report of change order for the Carriage Oaks drainage improvements project at Tuesday’s meeting. The project needed an increase of $8,957, bringing the total contract price to $147,070. According to the proposal, subsurface utility conflicts were found during construction. The additional cost covers the utility relocation.
The Central Plaza ditch by Gould Drive and Preston Boulevard is being repaired and is estimated to cost $120,000. The council approved an ordinance for the costs to come from the Streets and Drainage Fund for the project. According to reports, the drain will be reshaped and regraded to allow for proper drainage.
Central Plaza ditch is not the only one getting repaired, either.
The council approved appropriating $100,000 from the Streets and Drainage fund to be used for Burns Drive as well. According to City Engineer Ben Rauschenbach, the drainage system is in poor condition, and the 220 feet of corrugated piping needs repair.
A larger sum of $1.2 million from the Equipment Replacement Fund was approved for appropriation to convert alternative fuel stations. The fuel stations will be converted to diesel and unleaded fuel to serve the City’s fleet.
Four other ordinances received final reading from the council, including a report of reconciliation and project construction closeout for the Bossier watermain improvement project. The project cost increased by $283,598, and reports an additional 53 days.
The increased cost is for project reconciliation, unforeseen subsurface issues, improvements in the future for BAFB and industrial requirements, federal and state agency compliance, and health and safety concerns for Bossier City residents during construction. Any surplus funding was approved to be supplemented to the Water Capital and Contingency fund.
An additional $52,500 will be appropriated from the 2025 Hotel/Motel Taxes fund to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. These additional funds will go to support various 2025 events.