BPPJ July 23 Regular Agenda Meeting Notes

Open Roads Fellowship Church Honored for Service at 2025 Freedom Fest

During the July 23 meeting of the Bossier Parish Police Jury, President Glenn Benton presented a formal resolution recognizing Open Roads Fellowship Church for its exceptional community service during the KTBS Freedom Fest held at South Bossier Park on July 4, 2025.

In his remarks, Benton praised the church’s volunteers, led by Pastor Raymond Wilkerson, for their dedication and generosity throughout the event. “Freedom Fest was a tremendous success this year, and much of that is thanks to the selfless efforts of Open Roads Fellowship Church,” Benton said. “Their commitment to serving our community is a shining example of what makes Bossier Parish special.”

The resolution highlighted several key contributions made by the church:

• The Open Roads Fellowship Praise Band provided live musical entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere enjoyed by attendees of all ages.
• Volunteers distributed bottled water and maintained hydration stations, ensuring comfort and safety during the evening’s festivities.
• Church members supervised inflatable attractions, offering a safe and fun environment for children.
• Additional support was provided through traffic control and parking coordination, helping guests navigate the event smoothly.

The Police Jury unanimously adopted the resolution, extending its sincere gratitude to the church and Pastor Wilkerson for their meaningful role in the celebration and their ongoing service to the residents of Bossier Parish.

Bossier Parish Police Jury Honors Renee McKinney on Retirement After 30 Years of Service

The Bossier Parish Police Jury officially recognized and celebrated the retirement of Mrs. Renee McKinney, who has served as the Parish’s Accounts Payable Specialist for over 30 years. A resolution honoring her decades of dedication was presented during the Jury’s regular meeting this week.

Mrs. McKinney began her career with the Police Jury on January 30, 1995, bringing with her 13 years of prior experience from the Wallace and Southerland Law Firm. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, Renee became a trusted steward of the Parish’s finances.

Her official retirement date is set for August 1. The resolution concluded with heartfelt thanks and best wishes for Renee as she embarks on her well-earned next chapter.

BPPJ Moves Forward with Drainage Improvements in Lucky Estates Neighborhood

The Bossier Parish Police Jury has taken a significant step toward improving flood protection in the Lucky Estates neighborhood in south Bossier Parish. During the July 23 meeting, the Jury voted to authorize the advertising for bids on Project No. 2025-134: Lucky Estates Drainage Improvements.

This long-anticipated project is the result of a drainage study commissioned in 2011, which identified key vulnerabilities in the neighborhood’s stormwater infrastructure. The goal is to reduce the risk of flooding for about 130 homes in the area, which have faced recurring drainage issues during heavy rain events.

The project has received a major boost through $1.1 million in Federal funding from the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, underscoring its importance in protecting residents and property.

The drainage improvements will focus on two critical areas:

• Summer Lake Outfall at Red Chute Bayou: Enhancing the outfall system to improve water flow and reduce backflow during high water events.
• Drainage improvements at Lucky Lane and Flat River Road: Upgrading culverts and drainage channels to better control runoff and reduce area yard flooding.

These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the neighborhood’s resilience to severe weather and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

With the authorization to advertise for bids now in place, contractors will soon be invited to submit proposals.

The Police Jury’s action marks a major milestone in a project that reflects the parish’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and community safety.