COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

MARCH 27, 2001

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, was called to order by Chairman Joe Shyne at 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 27, 2001, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Reverend McClain.

On roll call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Absent: None.

Motion by Councilman Serio, seconded by Councilman Stewart for approval of the Summary Minutes of the Administrative Conference of March 12, 2001 and Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2001. Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Awards and Recognitions of Distinguished Guests of the Mayor and the Council Which Are Required By Law. None.

Councilman Shyne: We have Reverend McClain, who is down and he has another engagement and we would like for him to come forward as a member of the Ministerial Council and he wants to share a few thoughts with us about the Mardi Gras Parade.

Motion by Councilman Huckaby to suspend the rules, seconded by Councilman Carmody; motion unanimously approved.

Councilman Shyne: Mayor, I think you have a letter from Reverend McClain. Reverend McClain: I think he has not seen it, it was delivered today. Is Chief Roberts here? Tell him we would like to have him in here to hear what you got to say.

Reverend A. G. McClain: I lived here until about the 1970s, I moved away to attend college and graduate school. I have recently moved back to this area. I presently pastor Red. . .

Former resident of Shreveport. I moved away about 25 years ago. I have since moved back. I live in Shreveport though I Pastor in Haughton, I have members that live in Shreveport; so, I speak not only as Pastor, but as a citizen and as parent that I was concerned about the recent incident with the Mardi Gra parade. Our Ministerial Council has sent a letter condemning the whole event, but I also wanted to voice my personal sentiments because I have five children and one of them is looking forward to moving here in the Fall and to play in the band.

Let me, if I may go back in time, to an incident that happened to me as a 10-year old boy at the corner of Milam and Texas in the 1960s: It was a hot day and my mother had gone shopping to what I call the sort of, ritzy part of town, to Goldring’s, Rubensten, and told us to wait in the car. I was out with a cousin and it got so hot, that we decided to go into a business and asked just for a swallow of water, to cool off. And we were run out of the store and things (inaudible) and were called nigger. I’m saying that because I hope that this town, this City that I love has evolved from those attitudes.

Many of us in this town look forward to the day when Shreveport can rival Dallas or Atlanta. I heard the call, come home, but the question I must ask myself, what am I coming home to? If Shreveport is to be another Atlanta, she must leave Tara the plantation mentality where Shreveport for all and all for Shreveport. I hope and pray and it is a modern pray that we all work to put an end to these kind of events, because that is really not the spirit of Mardi Gras. I lived in New Orleans also, where everybody has a good time.

So, I am hoping that we all work toward the day when that type if display of prejudice in the age where our children use to take toy guns to school, they are taking real guns to school. In an age of a global economy, if this town wants to compete and be the queen city of this state, to rival New Orleans, Dallas and Houstin and other cities, we’ve got to come together as one and not tolerate this. I’m concerned as a Pastor, number 1, I’ve not heard enough from our public officials and I’m dismayed I have not heard enough from the church to condemn this because Dr. King said, injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere. God bless you my brothers and sisters.

Councilman Shyne: Reverend Jackson, did you have a few words you would like to say? Reverend Theron Jackson (6001 Foxborough Circle): I apologize, I guess I’m at the end of what the particular matter before us is and I’d like to kind of get an idea of what. . . .? Councilman Shyne: We were talking about the incident that happened at the Mardi Gras parade and I guess we took for granted that you were down as a part of the Ministerial Delegation.

Reverend Theron Jackson: Right. Well, let me first say, preface anything that I’m going to say by saying that I don’t have any particular jurisdiction or any particular authority from any group to say anything on behalf of any group, but I’ll just echo the sentiments as were given by Reverend McClain. But, certainly, I think it goes without saying and I certainly hope that I’m not being facetious when I say, I just assume that everybody who is seated on this Council, it is probably with unanimity that we say that, that it is something that is unacceptable in Shreveport and all of us feel bad about.

I don’t know, I’m not here to suggest any particular action relative to how to resolve it. Some things that are moral issues, I don’t know that it is up to a legislative body to try to say what to do. I think you can do the smart thing and do what you can to make sure that it doesn’t happen again, but your hands, to some degree are tied to what you can and can not do.

I certainly want to say that it is just one of the negative things that don’t need to continue to exasberate in this community and I hope that whatever happens that, that we leave with a sentiment, all of us, that this is something that when we hear about it, it is not acceptable to anybody. So, I think anything that the Council does and I know don’t know the perimeters that you may have and what latitude you have to do anything about it, but just as a person who is a citizen, I think it is certainly appalling that it would happen in the year 2001 just like it would have been appalling 40 years ago, that the same thing would happen. I think it is equaling or more appalling that it would happen now. And, as a person who is concerned about our children, I think whatever action you take, certainly sends a signal to the children in this community that you are on their side or not. So, I would certainly hope that whatever the Council decides to do, it would send–you would remember that it sends a signal to all of our children about where you stand relative to their personal safety and their ability to rise to whatever level they could in this particular community.

Councilman Shyne: Reverend, we appreciate you coming down, but we do feel like as leaders in this community we have to step out, take charge and we can’t afford to let incidents like that give our City a black eye. Who knows, next time it could cause a riot and we don’t need that from an economic standpoint. Councilman Huckaby, did you have something that you would like to say?

Councilman Huckaby: While you are on this matter, if it appropriate, I’d like to speak to the Chief of Police about the matter.

Councilman Shyne: Well, since we are on this matter and then we’ll get rid of this matter if you’d like to say something to the Chief.

Councilman Carmody: Are there others who would be interested in speaking on the same issue, that are in the audience. Councilman Shyne: Is there anybody else that is in the audience that would like to speak on this same issue? It will not come up again, is there anybody else. If not, Councilman.

Councilman Huckaby: I’d like to speak to the Chief. Chief Roberts: Good afternoon. Councilman Huckaby: Good afternoon, Chief. At the last Council meeting, I spoke to one of your officers and asked him to request that you appear at this meeting so that I could ask you some questions about the parade incidents.

One question I had in mind was the fact that I’ve mentioned to you, I believe, two weeks ago that one Mr. Robert Piper, Jr. had offered to put up a Crime Stoppers Recovery Fund with a $5,000 donation to try to get information to lead to the arrest and prosecution of the persons who have may have been guilty of the criminal activities at the parade. I did not hear back from the Police Department as to whether or not you were interested in such a fund or how we could set it up or if you, or anything. Is the Police Department not interested in setting up such a fund?

Chief Roberts: No, the Police Department is interested in anything like that. Crime Stoppers works with its own separate board. Now, I’m not really sure if that’s the correct avenue to follow in this or not. To my knowledge, Crime Stoppers has not gotten any information on this, but we are always open to funds like this to obtain information.

Councilman Huckaby: If the gentleman, Mr. Piper, is still interested in putting up $5,000 and other persons are interested in contributing to such a fund, what is the mechanism for us to set up such a fund and to get it rolling? How do we go about it?

Chief Roberts: The best thing to do is contact the Crime Stoppers board and I will have one of the board members contact Mr. Piper if that is agreeable, if that’s the way you’d like to do that.

Councilman Huckaby: All right, I’ll have Mr. Piper call Crime Stoppers and see if we can set up the fund.

Its important Chief to the black community and I think to much of Shreveport that the criminals who conducted themselves in the way they did at the parade site ought to be bought to justice. I think I read a comment in the paper this morning where you said that, these persons do have a right of free speech under the Constitution and I agree with you, they do have a right of free speech. They can speak and they can talk, but they can not touch. For them to throw bottles and cans at these persons, at the band members, for them to throw bottles and cans at these young people in the band, to me can amount to aggravated battery and they should be bought to justice. They have no constitutional right to assault those young people.

So, we are concerned in the community, especially the black community and I am sure a lot of white people are concerned that everything be possible done to bring these thugs to justice. I have not heard anything from the Police Department from a positive standpoint as to whether or not you are making progress in doing this.

And I was discouraged by the fact that no one called me to react to the offer made by Mr. Piper to put up $5,000 to catch these people. I’m also privy to have in my possession, I think Mr. Shyne just gave you a copy of a letter that purports to be a report from your Department, wherein one of your officer’s son is suppose to have been involved in one of these racist incidents. And I wish to ask if you, if you are familiar with this letter, and if so has it been investigated? Chief Roberts: Yes, sir I am familiar with this memo. These people have been talked to. This portion of it is under investigation. We’ve talked to this young man. We’ve got some additional names and we are making attempts to interview all of the people that are named.

Councilman Huckaby: Do you believe that some money in a reward fund, would help to bring forward persons who might have some names of the persons who actually attacked, threw bottles and cans at the members of the bands as they marched in the parade?

Chief Roberts: It would not hurt to have such a fund set up and, we do have that through Crime Stoppers.

Councilman Huckaby: I’m going to speak to Mr. Piper and ask him to call Crime Stoppers and do whatever is necessary to get the fund set up. And I want to ask you Chief, to do all that you possible can and I know you’ve done a great job so far as Chief of Police, I’ve supported you. I think you’ve done an excellent job in policing the communities. I’m aware of the fact that there are Gestapo officers on your force would like to be released into the black community and you’ve probably been condemned for not turning them lose. I want to say to you that, I commend you for that.

After we had the killings several months ago, and we criticized your department or some of the officers of that department for that kind of conduct, the next shooting that involved police officers and members of the black community, I recall that a gentleman was shooting at the police and he probably should have been killed, but he was shot in the leg rather than killed by one of your officers and I commend him for that. So, I commend you for the way that you’ve conducted the force up to this point, but this is a very serious matter to me and particularly to the black community that this be thoroughly investigated from top to bottom and that somebody be bought to justice because this kind of conduct in the Year 2000 in a city were we are a majority black city, we will not condone and we will not tolerate black people being brutalized by a bunch of racist thugs in a parade.

Chief Roberts: And I agree with you, this will be investigated throughly. It is being investigated thoroughly. Many people have been interviewed and talked to by the Police Department. We are trying to ascertain exactly what happened. We have talked to many of the people who rented lots from the City. We are in the process of doing that as we speak. We will be talking to both parades, the people that were in the parades, the people that were in floats before, in the middle, and after the bands when through. It is a very intensive, exhaustive investigation, if you can imagine with all the people that were involved and we will not stop until we turn over every stone. Councilman Huckaby: I appreciate that. Chief Roberts: That is what we are suppose to do.

Councilman Huckaby: Thank you very much. One other thing. My position on this, and I’m just an individual, but my position is that the Caddo Parish School Board made a mistake by banning the bands from the parades. Before that happens, I would rather see the Police Department march with the bands if necessary because those kids have a right to march in peace, unmolested, down the streets, and for persons to enjoy those bands, and we can not afford to let a handful of racists people attack those kids and get away with it. So, I hope that you will take the necessary steps to ensure the Caddo Parish School Board that those bands can march in parades and not be attacked and molested by criminal thugs.

Chief Roberts: We will do that.

Councilman Huckaby: Thank you sir.

Councilman Shyne: I’m concerned about the long-range impact that this will have on our City. Here we are trying to recruit industry to come into the City and then we are going to let a bunch of thugs deter new businesses that would probably come into this City because of the racial climate. I’m also concerned because of that element who did that, next time they might get a little bit more violent and they could get hurt or they could hurt somebody.

They information that I passed out to you, believe it or not, it was brought to me by a white officer. You do have some officers in your department who don’t necessarily appreciate what has gone on. Now, I was told and I don’t know how true it is and this is why we are giving this to you, so you can investigate it and look at it, that because of who the ring leader or gang leader was, that he had made some statements and I guess you can read it in the little printout there where he said, you must don’t know who my daddy is, because I’m going to tell my daddy and your job is going to be in jeopardy. Chief, that’s not good; that’s not good for you and its not good for me. And I can understand what Reverend said when he came up, but as a leader of this City, I plan to step out and be bold.

And you are one of the finest Chiefs that we’ve had. Now, I’m told that there is a little segment that’s in the department and like I told you on Sunday the officers that were out working the park were extremely professional, extremely professional. Those that worked the park last summer, did an excellent job. I’d put them up against anybody. But you know it is a funny thing about it, one rotten apple in a barrel can eventually ruin that whole barrel. I would appreciate it and the officers in your department would appreciate it, if you would investigate that and lets start weeding those out because I’m told that the officer who wrote the report, I don’t know whether it was a male or female, but the officer who wrote the report, that they have been harassed because they wrote the report because a high ranking official in the Police Department son was involved in it, and Chief, that is not good. If it is my boys, if it is Joe and Jacobi, if they do something wrong, lets get at them because in the long run, it will benefit them. So I am asking you, to lets check this out. Lets investigate it and just like I got this information and the officer brought it to you, he said look–I’m bringing it to you because I know you are concerned. I know you will speak out about it. He says, it is about to be swept up under the rug and he said, Councilman we don’t need this. He said you can look at me and tell that I’m a white officer. I said, you are exactly right, but I said, I like your tan. You got a beautiful tan and we just kind of laughed at it. But he said, I want something done about this. He said now, if I step out. I’m going to be harassed. I said, well if I step out, I am probably be harassed too, but I don’t mind it.

Chief, we’ve got to do something about it, because you got some good officers in that department who are supporting you. I supported you. I support you now and I will continue to support you, but we got to make sure that our streets are safe not only for people to go shopping, but for those little kids that are marching in those parades. I would appreciate it, ‘cause Chief, we just can’t tolerate it. Whoever it is. If it is your son. I almost said, if it’s the Mayor’s son, but he doesn’t have a child old enough to be out doing that.

Chief Roberts: Let me say this Mr. Shyne. You have known me for many years now. Councilman Shyne: Right. Chief Roberts: I don’t sweep things under the rug. Councilman Shyne: Good. Chief Roberts: I don’t tolerate that. This memo is in the Investigative Report. Councilman Shyne: Good. Chief Roberts: The officer that wrote this, I commend that officer for putting this on paper. Councilman Shyne: Good Chief. Chief Roberts: She did an outstanding job and she created a barrier between some of this crowd that was out there, placing herself in harm’s way, if you will and I commend her for doing that and I commend her for writing this report, and this is part of the investigative package. And I can assure you and the rest of the Council members sitting in front of me, nothing will be swept under the rug.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, I believe you. I just didn’t want it to happen before it got to you. This is what that officer was concerned about, that it maybe would happen before it got to you.

Councilman Carmody: Chief, very quickly. This is the first time I’ve seen this memo and I realize it is part of your investigation. But in reading it, I’m not sure that I understand, was the officer referring the incident took place in a resident’s yard along East Kings Highway or that it occurred in the park across from the residences?

Chief Roberts: This occurred in the park from them.

Councilman Carmody: This was in the City park? Chief Roberts: Yes.

Councilman Carmody: Okay, and I would certainly think that we have the citizens who were utilizing those spaces names on record so that we can talk to them as well?

Chief Roberts: Exactly. And that was my comment earlier, that is what we are doing now is checking with those people.

Councilman Carmody: Do you know when we might anticipate a copy of the final report?

Chief Roberts: This is a criminal case, you will not get a copy of this report until we deem it a closed case whether we make, if there is some pending arrests or charges that stem from our investigative report, you will not get a copy of that. There will be arrests made and it will proceed through the court system just like any other criminal case but if we come up on a dead end and close this case, of course you will have access to the report. Councilman Carmody: Thank you.

Councilman Burrell: I know that there have been a number of things that has already been said, so I won’t repeat any of that. When I brought the issue up several Council meetings ago, I was definitely infuriated and there is still a couple of questions. Chief, you probably will not be able to answer, but I know I am going to contact the media. I know there is a couple of issues that I am going to bring up before the media, which does not have to do with you, but as it relates to this letter here that does relate to your department, I would definitely recommend that you keep a close watch on this situation here as it relates to this officer who was brave enough to put together this report because many times, these persons are harassed or they may be fraudulently written up or something like because they did have the guts to come forth on a issue like this. This is a very, very volatile issue. Nobody every wants to talk about it. It is one of those things that we should have been talking about where now people would be more at ease in talking about these issues and doing something about it. But it is only in these crisis that we wind up having to talk about these issues and bringing them forth and many of the people in this city, again, they do not condone this type of thing, and I’m glad to hear that.

That is one of the reasons why I proposed an ordinance from this Council to unanimously condemn that type of action and I applaud our Council here for supporting it wholeheartedly, because I think they realize too that until such time that we can get a handle on this, then this City is in jeopardy of losing a lot of commerce and industry that would have normally come to this City. All you have to do is go to your Wall Street and talk to some of the investors up there, and they’ll tell you that they keep a close tab on any City that they give any decent rating to, to lend money. So, they know more about what goes on in Shreveport many times than we do, because they stay on top of it and this could definitely be a detriment to it.

And while we are on the subject, Chief that’s all I had for you but, Mayor I know that the Krewe of Centaur came up and apologized for the incident on yesterday, but I still have yet to see anybody from Gemini to even come before us to talk on this issue since we do waive the fees associated with, I have a letter here that says that we waive the fees for the Expo Hall for one of their events and also, I know we waive the fees for police protection. Is that correct, Chief? Chief Roberts: Yes.

Councilman Burrell: So, we have an investment in this too, so we feel a sense of liability on this issue also.

Councilman Carmody: . . . point of clarification, I’m not sure the other Council members received it. My mail did not come directly to me, but I did receive a copy dated March 18 from the Krewe of Gemini.

Councilman Burrell: I don’t, I only have one from Centaur.

Councilman Spigener: I received that also. I had my information yesterday.

Councilman Burrell: I don’t have this copy. Councilman Carmody: My mail was misplaced, but I did receive it.

Councilman Burrell: Thank you, I apologize to Gemini. I’m sorry.

Chief Roberts: Councilman Burrell, before you leave the matter, let me ease your mind a little bit. This officer will not be harassed, I will not tolerate that. (Councilman Shyne: Thank you, Chief.) And I might also add that there were many other white and black officers, submit reports on this incident that were equally as frustrated with the situation as I am. So, we are not talking about one officer here. (Councilman Burrell: Okay, good.) There were many officers and we will get to the bottom of this.

Councilman Burrell: Just one other situation, Councilman Huckaby had pointed to the fact that there was a reward. I understand that there was a lot of video cameras out there too, and maybe that reward may bring forth maybe a video tape. People have a tendency now when you have situations like this, to video everything, so it may be out there Chief somewhere.

Chief Roberts: And there were many, many people out there that heard what was going on and we urge anyone that has any information to come forward and do their civic duty to let us know what happened out there.

Mayor Hightower: I just wanted to say, I want to make it clear that both krewes have been overly apologetic. It was certainly something out of their control and they want to do everything and have indicated that they would do everything to work with the City, the City Council, the Police Department , the School Board, the schools themselves to be sure that all the parades go without a hitch. And we all know that they don’t condone, as none of us condone what went on and I think you guys are right. Over the past two years, we’ve worked to hard to let something like this stunt our growth, stunt our ability to sell our City, not only to those on the outside but to those of us that live here. And this is a definite black eye for our City, but I’ve got to think that if there is one good thing that has come out of it, is the message from the krewes, from the Police Chief, from the general public, from the Mayor, from the City Council, is that we will not be divided and conquered, that those of us that believe in the right thing stand together and we will be the conqueror and our City will prosper as a result of that.

Lets put a positive spin on it. None of us condone it. The Chief is going to do everything he can within his power to be sure that those that were a part of that, are dealt with and that we do everything we can to be sure that it does not happen again. But I think instead of an event of division, this has really become an event of togetherness and I’m proud to see so many people, on both sides of the fence, black and white, stand up and say it is ridiculous. We are not going to tolerate it, not in this City. If that is what you believe and that’s the way you want to live. I said it when we campaigned, those that want to do things the old way, please get out of the way. We’ve got a long way to go and we are on a fast track to get there and we just won’t condone that type of stuff. Two hundred thousand of us together, can grow a whole lot quicker, and be a whole lot more prosperous than half of us fighting each other. The enemy doesn’t live in this City. The enemy lives outside this City and for us to grow our City, we need to go and fight. I see the Chamber of Commerce sitting here today. We are not fighting over whether a business locates on Line Avenue or Greenwood Road, we are fighting over whether a business locates in Shreveport, Louisiana or Dallas, Texas. I commend everybody that is, the ministers and everybody that have stood up, spoke up and said that we will not be divided by this issue, but will only grow stronger because of it.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor thank you and Chief, and I know you will, but some times talking to your officers and let them know that the bottom line can mean money out of their pockets. I’ve had an opportunity to go to Wall Street to even, at a bond hearing and trying to recruit industry. I remember when we had the little ordeal out in Cedar Grove, as a matter of fact, that was first thing that they wanted to know about. We heard about the riot in Cedar Grove and really that really wasn’t a riot. To me, it was kind of like a drug bust that went bad and you had a house or two that was on fire. But, believe it or not, that keeps us from being able to recruit industry into this area. That means less jobs, that means less money going into the public coffers, and then that means that when it comes times to give this super Fire Department and this wonderful Police Department a raise, we don’t have the funds because we don’t have the tax dollars. So, let them know that it is very, very important for us to identify, especially when it comes to incidents like this but it always, it is always good for us to identify any time there is a violent criminal act in our community because it impacts us from recruiting industry. Chief, I love you. Appreciate you coming up and I almost said, I’m sorry that we took so much of your time, but you are still on the payroll.

Public Hearing: None.

Confirmations and Appointments: Motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Carmody confirmation to the Airport Authority: William Howard Malpass. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener and Burrell. 5. Nays: Councilmen Huckaby and Shyne. 2.

Motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Spigener for confirmation to the Housing Authority (reappointment): Rev. Murphy L. Hunt and Mr. Bob Owens. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Adding Legislation to the Agenda: Councilman Serio: I have an Ordinance No. 21 of 2001 to be put on the agenda. Motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Serio to suspend the rules to add the ordinance to agenda..

Councilman Burrell: This ordinance on annexation, again, this is the same one that we defeated the last time? Councilman Serio: Yes, sir it is. We are re-introducing this for next Council meeting.

Councilman Burrell: Has anything changed on this? Councilman Serio: No it hasn’t. It is the same development. This program has been brought to us several months ago, it has been up here. It is a development that is consist with the two neighborhoods that it adjoins. We have gone through a full analysis of the traffic flow and how the traffic flow will impact the adjoining neighborhood. The streets will come out, how the streets will come out to Highway 1. We’ve actually added a red light to the street as well to Highway 1, about a year ago. So, we’ve got everything in line for this, for this particular development to take place. In fact we are actually at the point tin this particular development, we have the water lines in place as well. And at the last meeting, this was denied and the fact that this particular group has been here for almost a year bringing this particular piece of legislation forward and we have approved every piece of it along the way. And I think if Mr. Kirkland is here, if you might have a few things that you can add to it, the development of this particular neighborhood, that we have seen this development and go through a lot of meetings and a lot of issues and hoops to jump through for the City and so this is a re-introduction of that same ordinance.

Councilman Shyne: Before Mr. Kirkland comes up, unless if what he is going to say is impact whether you vote to put this on the agenda or not, I would ask us to vote at this particular point to put this on the agenda, but if it is going to impact whether it goes on the agenda or not, we would ask him to come up. Will it impact?

Councilman Burrell: I was just asking as it relates to a point of clarification because I know this was an ordinance that was voted down because it appears that we must have changed or policies on annexation, because we had another annexation just prior to this that we voted down which if you really look at it and compare it to our annexation policies for the City of Shreveport, it was more conducive for annexation than this particular one here. The only difference is that it was in a different part of town. So, I thought maybe there may have been something different where we are annexing this, because it is in southeast Shreveport and we could not annex another piece of property which was closer into the interior of the City of Shreveport and we denied that annexation. And by so doing, there is some question of whether or not there is a Justice Department investigation that needs to be looked into these two different types of annexation; so that was the only point. I was just getting a point of clarification, but no, there is no objection to introducing it.

Councilman Spigener: This may not be the appropriate time to just ask this question or discuss this if we are just voting to put this on the agenda. Had that property been zoned for the use for what it was going to be used for, did it have the zoning on it for what it was going to be used for?

Councilman Serio: For this particular property? Councilman Spigener: Huh, huh.

Councilman Serio: Yes. I mean this particular property matches the two adjacent properties as far as the neighborhoods. It is not, in fact in size and in housing, it matches the two neighborhoods that it adjoins. It is not contrary to the two neighborhoods.

Councilman Spigener: And as I said, we probably need to go into that discussion after we. . .

Councilman Shyne: Right, let me do this. Lets vote to put it on the agenda, now if you have any discussion after we get it on the agenda, we’ll do that, but this to put it on the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Carmody: If I could ask for a correction and it does appear to be a typo, this is actually in Councilman Serio’s district and it is being introduced by Councilman Serio. It indicates Councilman Carmody, I ask that it be changed on the agenda.

Councilman Shyne: Would you all please correct that. Because it seems like ya’ll want to give everything to Councilman Carmody. I don’t know why. Mr. Mayor, do you have anything to do with that? Seems like they want to give everything to Councilman Carmody. I was just wondering if you and Councilman Burrell have anything to do with that, it is really in Phil’s district; so, Mr. Thompson, you all make sure that you all correct that.

Councilman Burrell: I just want to make a clarification, there is no problem in introducing it but I don’t want, and this Council and the public to not be aware that we recently had two annexations and it appears that we are using double standards as to how or when we will annex or when we will not annex according to where it is located in the City. And that’s an issue that we can discuss later on when we vote on the annexation because I think there is, annexation according to Mr. Kirkland has nothing to do with zoning so given that fact based upon our City policy of annexation, then both pieces of property should have been annexed in the growth of this City, but they were not; so, I think those points of difference must be discussed. If we can not discuss them here, then they need to be investigated by the Justice Department to see why; that’s my point.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Kirkland, I hope you didn’t mind me not asking you to come up. You come up enough and last time you were up, they had me throwing up. I felt some of the pain. Councilman Serio, I don’t know if that was directed at you or not, but if so, did you have anything else that you wanted to add? Councilman Serio: I have no rebuttal on that.

Councilman Shyne: Is that the only piece of legislation that you would like to. . . Councilman Serio: That is the only piece of legislation I’ve got for today.

The Council considered the CONSENT AGENDA legislation.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE OR WHICH REQUIRE ONLY ONE READING:

RESOLUTION NO. 23 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO DISPOSE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF CERTAIN SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 107 of 1980 authorizes the Purchasing Agent to dispose of certain supplies, materials, equipment and vehicles determined to be surplus, after consultation with the head of the department concerned; and

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to retain responsibility for the disposition of all surplus supplies, materials, equipment and vehicles having an acquisition value of $10,000 or more; and

WHEREAS, the City desires to dispose of, by public auction, the supplies, materials, equipment and vehicles described in Exhibits A and B, attached hereto and made a part hereof, which have been determined to be surplus, obsolete or unusable for present and future City needs; and

WHEREAS, the City Council concurs in the finding that the supplies, materials, equipment and vehicles described in Exhibit A and B are surplus and no longer needed for public purposes and that the acquisition value of said property is greater than $10,000.

CONTINUED - RESOLUTION NO. 23 OF 2001

NOW BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to dispose of, by public auction, the surplus supplies, materials, equipment and vehicles described in Exhibits A and B, attached.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Burrell passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 24 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE KIWANIS CLUB OF SHREVEPORT, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport desires to support leisure activity programs in the East Kings Highway Park which serve the public and render a public service; and

WHEREAS, the Shreveport Kiwanis Club of Shreveport desires to support the growth and use of the East Kings Highway Park and the surrounding area; and

WHEREAS, the Shreveport Kiwanis Club of Shreveport desires to donate an amount of Eight Thousand dollars (8,000.00) to be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the East Kings Highway Park; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has established an Enrichment Fund as a trust fund for donations of funds and/or goods by any persons or groups. The Enrichment Fund ordinance is contained in Section 26-186 et seq., of the Code of Ordinances; and

WHEREAS, the ordinance provides that donations over $5,000.00 shall be accepted only with the approval of the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Keith Hightower, Mayor, is hereby authorized to accept a donation in the amount of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) from the Shreveport Kiwanis Club.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the funds donated by the Shreveport Kiwanis Club of Shreveport shall be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the East Kings Highway Park.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Serio for passage.

Councilman Carmody: Again, just a word of thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Shreveport for their generous donation to the City. This is for improvements to the park along East Kings Highway which is across from the new library and I think it will be a wonderful benefit to the citizens of the community; appreciate your support.

Resolution passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 31 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SHREVEPORT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND SHREVEPORT URBAN RENAISSANCE CORPORATION, INC., AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the Shreveport Redevelopment Agency (SRA) is a redevelopment agency created pursuant to authority contained in the Parish Redevelopment Law (R.S. 33:4625 et seq) and as such is granted the authority to expropriate property in furtherance of a general redevelopment plan; and

WHEREAS, Shreveport Urban Renaissance Corporation, Inc (SURC) is a non-profit corporation whose purpose includes housing and economic development; and

WHEREAS, the Shreveport City Council has adopted a General Redevelopment Plan intended to stimulate housing and economic redevelopment in seven (7) targeted neighborhoods: Allendale, Lakeside, Ledbetter Heights, Mooretown, Ingleside, Stoner Hill, and Queensborough; and

WHEREAS, the City intends to contract with SRA and SURC to provide certain services related to facilitating the redevelopment plan.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that the Mayor of the City of Shreveport is authorized to execute a contract between the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Redevelopment Agency and Shreveport Urban Renaissance Corporation, Inc., substantially in accord with the draft hereof filed for public inspection with the original of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on March 13, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

CONTINUED - RESOLUTION NO. 31 OF 2001

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Spigener passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 32 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City of Shreveport to retain the services of outside legal counsel to represent the interest of the City of Shreveport in lawsuits involving Sportran bus accident with more than one plaintiff and one defendant, where the injuries sustained by plaintiff are not serious and do not involve a fatality and other general liability and employment discrimination cases.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the City Charter, the City Attorney recommends that the law firm ABRAMS & LAFARGUE, L.L.C., Attorneys at Law, be retained for the purpose of said representation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the mayor be and he is hereby authorized to execute, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport, a retainer agreement with the law firm, ABRAMS & LAFARGUE, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of the draft thereof which was filed for public inspection, together with the original copy of this resolution in the office of the Clerk of Council on March 13, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this contract shall be paid out of the general government legal expense fund.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Carmody passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 33 of 2001: A resolution amending the pay schedule for municipal fire civil service personnel, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Carmody to postpone the resolution until the April 10, 2001 meeting.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, I see a question mark on your face. I guess we will give you an explanation after the Council meeting.

Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 34 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LOCAL COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION OF LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Louisiana grants local governments the right to both levy and collect local sales and use taxes; and

WHEREAS, the Caddo-Shreveport Sales and Use Tax Commission, its Administrator and Attorney, have fought a long and expensive court battle to protect that right; and

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of the State of Louisiana has affirmed that right in a seven to zero decision; and

WHEREAS, sales and use tax revenues represent over 50% of the City’s total General Fund revenues; and

WHEREAS, local collection and administration of local sales and use tax are the best means of protecting this most important revenue source; and

WHEREAS, the City believes that it is in the best interest of its citizens to locally manage, control, and monitor this critical local function; and

WHEREAS, Senator Michael J. Michot has prefiled proposed legislation in the form of three bills, Senate Bills No. 170, No. 171, and No. 193, which provide for the withdrawal of the constitutional right and authority granted local governments to collect their own sales tax; and have local sales and use tax collected by the state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that it vigorously supports local collection and administration of local sales and use tax.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to each member of the Caddo Parish Legislative delegation and each member of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee so they will be aware of our position on this matter.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Spigener passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION:

1. Resolution No. 35 of 2001 by Councilman Huckaby: A resolution authorizing the waiver of the entire building rental fee for the Convention Hall to allow the NAACP to hold its Freedom Fund Banquet and otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Huckaby seconded by Councilman Burrell for Introduction of the Resolution to lay over until the April 10, 2001 meeting.

Councilman Carmody: I’d asked SPAR to provide us with some information as the Council is aware of last year, we had formed a committee to look into the fee schedules for all municipal venues and had reduced the fee for non-profit organization. And have complied some information that, again I know that we are not going to vote on this today, if you will note the memorandum from Gary Norman, this Council during the calendar year 1999 waived a total of $83,932.50 worth of fees to the municipality.

Since the enactment of the new ordinance, in the year 2000, we have been diligent in that we have not allowed any fee waiver for any organization and reduced fees for non-profits of course do not cover the expense to the City to open the venue up. You’ll note that the cost to the venue for the City is $960.29. The cost for a non-profit to utilize the facility is $425.00. So I would ask that the other Council members, please, take a look and read through this information because we will be voting again to waive a fee which could take us back to the scenario of having the City lose revenue by in essence, waiving those funds.

Motion for Introduction passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Serio, Shyne and Burrell. 4. Nays: Councilmen Carmody and Spigener. 2. Did not cast a vote: Councilman Stewart. 1.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:

1. Ordinance No. 21 of 2001 by Councilman Serio: An ordinance to enlarge the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport - A tract of land located south of Sophia Lane and west of Village Green Drive in Sections 4 and 5 (T16N-R13W), and in Sections 32 and 33 (T17N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and providing with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 30 of 2001: An ordinance to enact Article IX of Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances relative to naming and renaming public property and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

3. Ordinance No. 31 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by approving the continuation of I-1-E, Light Industry/Extended Use District limited to "a Type III landfill limited to construction debris and wood waste products" only, on property located on the north side of Mt. Zion Road, 1330 feet west of Linwood, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 32 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the NE corner of Martin Luther King Drive and David Raines, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District to B-2, Neighborhood Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 33 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the NE corner of Greenwood Road and Marston, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-1, Buffer Business District and B-3, Community Business District to I-1, Light Industry District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 34 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the NE corner of Fuller and Bernstein, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended Use District (grocery store) to R-1H-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended Use District limited to "a day care center only" and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 35 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the east side of Line Avenue, 275 feet North of Young Place, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District to B-1, Buffer Business District and B-1-E, Buffer Business/Extended Use District limited to "the storage of materials needed for the real estate office" only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 36 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the south side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, 750 feet east of Kingston Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-2, Neighborhood Business District to B-3, Community Business District and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

9. Ordinance No. 37 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the SW corner of Savanna and Industrial Loop, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District to B-1, Buffer Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Serio for Introduction of the Ordinances to lay over until the April 10, 2001 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Stewart for Introduction of the Ordinances No. 38 through 66 of 2001 in globo to lay over until the April 10, 2001 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

10. Ordinance No. 38 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3060 Meriwether, Tract in Sec 33 as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

11. Ordinance No. 39 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8439 Birchwood, Lot 3, Block E as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

12. Ordinance No. 40 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8449 Birchwood, Lot 1, Block E as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

13. Ordinance No. 41 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3122 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 27 Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

14. Ordinance No. 42 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3123 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 4 Block E as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

15. Ordinance No. 43 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3130 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 29 as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

16. Ordinance No. 44 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3139 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 6, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

17. Ordinance No. 45 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3142 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 32 Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

18. Ordinance No. 46 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3143 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 5, Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

19. Ordinance No. 47 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3147 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 4, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

20. Ordinance No. 48 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3153 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 2, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

21. Ordinance No. 49 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3154 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 35, Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

22. Ordinance No. 50 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3155 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 2, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

23. Ordinance No. 51 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8432 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 36, Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

24. Ordinance No. 52 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8468 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 26, Block H as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

25. Ordinance No. 53 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8470 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 25, Block H as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

26. Ordinance No. 54 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8471 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 13, Block I as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

27. Ordinance No. 55 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8479 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 12, Block I as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

28. Ordinance No. 56 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8483 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 10, Block I as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

29. Ordinance No. 57 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 8487 Meadow Pkwy, Lot 9, Block I as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

30. Ordinance No. 58 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3136 Castlewood, Lot 10, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

31. Ordinance No. 59 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3140 Castlewood, Lot 11, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

32. Ordinance No. 60 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3144 Castlewood, Lot 12, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

33. Ordinance No. 61 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3148 Castlewood, Lot 13, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

34. Ordinance No. 62 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3152 Castlewood, Lot 14, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

35. Ordinance No. 63 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3156 Castlewood, Lot 1, Block F as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

36. Ordinance No. 64 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3200 Castlewood, Lot 40, Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

37. Ordinance No. 65 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3201 Castlewood, Lot 27, Block H as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

38. Ordinance No. 66 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to dispose of the improvements located on 3204 Castlewood, Lot 41, Block D as described herein as surplus property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:

1. Ordinance No. 197 of 2000: An ordinance to repeal Section 2-1 of the Code of Ordinances relative to residency requirements for city officials and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 14, 2000 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Serio to postpone the ordinance until the April 10, 2001 meeting.

Councilman Burrell: I am postponing this again. At least on yesterday at the work session, we finally got to the point where we discussed it a bit, but at least Councilman Stewart and Councilman Serio was not here at that time to, I think in the Chambers, to do that and maybe next time around.

Councilman Shyne: Councilman, I don’t want to speak for anybody, but it seems like to me the indication that I’ve gotten from a majority of the Council members, they might be ready to vote on this ordinance at this particular time, so we don’t want to hold you up but it has on the agenda for. . . .

Councilman Burrell: The motion is on the floor. Councilman Shyne: I understand, but I am at the question point where we can speak on the motion in case. Did you all get him that Robert Rules of Order book. If you didn’t, please.

Councilman Burrell: I was the only one that read it.

Councilman Huckaby: If we want to vote down the motion to continue, we could do that.

Councilman Shyne: That’s why I asked him if he got that Robert Rules of Order book. What is the pleasure of. . . .? We are at the point where you can either vote "yea" or "nay" in order to postpone this.

Motion to postpone approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Stewart, Serio, Spigener and Burrell. 4. Nays: Councilmen Huckaby, Carmody and Shyne. 3.

Councilman Shyne: We’ll have to postpone this again for another two weeks. Was there any additional information, Councilman Burrell, that you wanted to get to any of the Council members? Councilman Burrell: As I stated before, there was two of the Council members who were out and it would give us an opportunity to discuss it, it was just a courtesy to do that, Mr. Chairman, that’s all; thank you.

Councilman Shyne: If it is alright with the Council, we’ll discuss it at this particular juncture. Councilman Stewart: I would like to suggest that we continue on in as much as we voted.

Councilman Burrell: I agree, Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: You wouldn’t like to discuss it at this particular meeting and we’ll discuss it at the next meeting? Councilman Stewart: Unfortunately, I don’t think that it would be in order to discuss it since we’ve already vote.

Councilman Shyne: Well, . . . Councilman Stewart: Except under discussion, later on.

Councilman Shyne: Well, you know we have the right to discuss it if we wanted to. I mean there are a number of ways that we could discuss it, if there was some additional information at this particular point. I wanted to give Councilman Burrell an opportunity to bring forth any additional information that he had at this particular point. But if you are comfortable, Councilman Burrell, we will—I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity for you to make some more remarks.

Councilman Burrell: I am very comfortable with the suggestion that Councilman Stewart made that we would just move on with the agenda, and we can discuss it a later point unless there is some other objection.

2. Ordinance No. 23 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Purchasing Agent to dispose of surplus real property Lots 119 and 120, of Greenlawn Terrace Subdivision, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Councilman Stewart: Is this property situated within someone’s City Council District and if so, I’d appreciate some guidance as to who, I think we’d take our directions from. Councilman Shyne: Councilman Stewart: I’d appreciate it if we could kind of wait until we get to that juncture where we are asking question. I think now I need a motion and a second and we’ll will get to where we can . . .

Having passed first reading on February 27, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Burrell for passage.

Councilman Carmody: Mr. Stewart, it appears that this is on Murphy Street in the 2000 block. Councilman Huckaby: Greenlawn Terrace? Councilman Carmody: Greenlawn Terrace Subdivision. Councilman Huckaby: On Murphy Street?

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Kirkland, you might need to come forward now or either Mr. Holt. Councilman Burrell: Murphy Street extends into two if not three districts; so, I’m not sure where it is. Councilman Shyne: Charles, you might want to come forward and ask, or either you or Mr. Holt one and answer Councilman Stewart’s question. Mr. Kirkland: Sorry, I thought you were going to save me again, Mr. Chairman. Councilman Shyne: I tried to, but John David just pushed me.

Councilman Stewart: I was just merely concerned about whose district, therefore whose responsibility. Mr. Kirkland: I’m sorry, which case? I wasn’t paying attention. Councilman Shyne: No. 23, Greenlawn Terrace. Mr. Kirkland: I can’t really answer that one for you either, not from memory. I’d have to look at maps. But maybe the Finance Department can answer that for you, it comes out of them; so, Zoning doesn’t know all of the answers; thank you.

Councilman Burrell: Would it be in order, although a motion has been made before and a second, that a substitute motion can be entered at this point, to postpone this, and then maybe when we come back we may be able to have those names associated with that, because I think that they are important. Councilman Shyne: We can always entertain a substitute motion to postpone.

Councilman Huckaby: This is property in my district, I didn’t recognize that subdivision name. I withdraw my motion and move to postpone.

Motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Burrell to postpone the ordinance until the April 10, 2001 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Did not cast a vote: Councilman Serio. 1.

3. Ordinance No. 24 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Purchasing Agent to dispose of surplus real property Lot 4, Unit 2, of South Forest Subdivision and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 27, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Burrell adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

4. Ordinance No. 25 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the use of City Equipment and services by the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Vehicle Museum, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 27, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Spigener adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 27 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by approving the continuation of B-2-E, Neighborhood Business/Extended Use District zoning limited to an air conditioning, heating, and sheet metal shop" only, on property located on the NW corner of St. Vincent Avenue and Natalie Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 27, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Stewart adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

6. Ordinance No. 28 of 2001: An ordinance to amend and reenact Article VII of Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances relative to stopping, standing, and parking and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 13, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Serio, seconded by Councilman Burrell for adoption. The Deputy Clerk read the following amendment:

Amend the ordinance as follows:

Delete pages 1 and 2 of the March 13, 2001 reading and substitute pages 1 and 2 (attached).

Motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Stewart for adoption of the amendment. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Spigener, and Shyne. 5. Nays: None. Did not cast a vote: Councilmen Serio and Burrell. 2.

Motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Carmody to postpone the ordinance as amended until the April 10, 2001 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

7. Ordinance No. 29 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the west side of Line Avenue, 115 feet north of Prospect, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from SPI-1, Highland, Urban Conservation District to SPI-1-E, Highland Urban Conversation/Extended Use District limited to a "beauty salon with 3 employees only" and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 13, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Huckaby adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Shyne and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Did not cast a vote: Councilman Spigener. 1.

The adopted Ordinances, follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 24 OF 2001

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY LOT 4, UNIT 2, OF SOUTH FOREST SUBDIVISION AND

OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the city of Shreveport has acquired certain real property; and

WHEREAS, the property listed herein is no longer needed for public purposes and should, therefore, be declared surplus and excess; and,

WHEREAS, Section 26-292 of the Shreveport Code of Ordinances provides that the sale of surplus property shall be by competitive bids after public notice.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the Purchasing Agent be and he is hereby authorized to advertise for bids for the following surplus real property owned by the City of Shreveport.

Lot 4, Unit 2, 880 Melba Drive, South Forest Subdivision, a subdivision of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, bearing Assessor’s geographical number 161402-008-0004.

Purchasers acknowledge and agree that the City of Shreveport shall retain, in perpetuity, a permanent servitude of drain encompassing the entirety of said lot, for use by the City, at its direction and/or discretion. Purchasers and their heirs, assigns or successor owners are prohibited from constructing or placing buildings, structures or other personal property, moveable or immoveable, on the above described property, as said property has been determined to be prone to flooding. Furthermore, purchasers and their heirs, assigns, or successor owners shall make no alteration of existing ground cover or topography without the express written consent of the Shreveport City Engineer’s Office. Additionally, purchasers and their heirs, assigns, or successor owners shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Shreveport from any losses or damages or any action or proceeding of any nature whatsoever resulting from or caused by flooding of the property

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the city reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive any informalities.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the above described property is offered on an "as is, where is" basis without warranty of title or recourse whatsoever.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the sale of the above described surplus property.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby declared.

______________________________

JOE SHYNE, CHAIRMAN

_______________________________________________

ARTHUR G. THOMPSON, CLERK OF COUNCIL

ORDINANCE NO. 25 OF 2001

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES BY THE ARK-LA-TEX ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC VEHICLE MUSEUM, INC., AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Vehicle Museum, Inc., will sponsor the Kruse International (vehicle) Auction on April 14 and 15, 2001, at Festival Plaza; and

CONTINUED - ORDINANCE NO. 25 OF 2001

WHEREAS, the auction will attract patron who reside outside the corporate limits of the City of Shreveport thereby increasing tourism; and

WHEREAS, the sponsor of the event has requested the use of a stage, tables, chairs, bleachers, a trash trailer, and a public address system during the event; and

WHEREAS, the sponsor has also requested the City provide the assistance of City personnel to assist in the installation and removal of plumbing and electrical services as required for the auction and has agreed to pay overtime costs for such personnel at a rate of 1 ½ times the regular salary of these employees.

WHEREAS, the use of the equipment and services is for a public purpose and is authorized by LSA-R. S. 33:4712.2 and the procedural provisions of LSA-R. S. 33:4712.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that the use of a stage, tables, chairs, bleachers, a trash trailer, and a public address system by Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Vehicle Museum, Inc., on April 14 and 15, 2001, is authorized .

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation is authorized to provide City personnel to assist in the installation and removal of plumbing and electrical services as approved by the Director or his designee, and that Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Vehicle Museum, Inc., shall be responsible for the payment of overtime costs for such personnel at a rate of 1 ½ times the regular salary of these employees.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the event sponsor shall be required execute an indemnity agreement, in a form approved by the Office of the City Attorney, prior to use of any equipment or service authorized by this ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

______________________________

JOE SHYNE, CHAIRMAN

_______________________________________________

ARTHUR G. THOMPSON, CLERK OF COUNCIL

ORDINANCE NO. 27 OF 2001

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY APPROVING THE CONTINUATION OF B-2-E, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS/EXTENDED USE DISTRICT ZONING LIMITED TO "AN AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING, AND SHEET METAL SHOP" ONLY, ON PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NW CORNER OF ST. VINCENT AVENUE AND NATALIE STREET, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of Lot 214 and all that part of Lots 212 and 213 lying SW of Norris Ferry Road (St. Vincent Avenue), Caddo Heights Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, property located on the NW corner of St. Vincent Avenue and Natalie Street, be and the same is hereby approved for the continuation of B-2-E, Neighborhood Business/Extended Use District zoning limited to "an air conditioning, heating, and sheet metal shop" only.

SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with the following stipulations:

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with the submitted site plan, with any significant changes or additions requiring further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

2. There shall be no outside storage of any materials unless approved by the Planning Commission.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

______________________________

JOE SHYNE, CHAIRMAN

_______________________________________________

ARTHUR G. THOMPSON, CLERK OF COUNCIL

ORDINANCE NO. 29 OF 2001

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF LINE AVENUE, 115 FEET NORTH OF PROSPECT, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM SPI-1, HIGHLAND URBAN CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO SPI-1-E, HIGHLAND URBAN CONSERVATION/EXTENDED USE DISTRICT LIMITED TO A "BEAUTY SALON WITH 3 EMPLOYEES" ONLY, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of the north 60 feet of Lots 11 and 12, and the north CONTINUED - ORDINANCE NO. 29 OF 2001

60 feet of the east 48 feet of Lot 10, Block H, Thornhill Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, property located on the west side of Line Avenue, 115 feet north of Prospect, be and the same is hereby changed from SPI-1, Highland Urban Conservation District to SPI-1-E, Highland Urban Conservation/Extended Use District limited to a "beauty salon with 3 employees" only.

SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with the following stipulations:

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with a revised site plan showing compliance with the Landscape Ordinance, to be submitted to and approved by the Planning Director, with any significant changes or additions requiring further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

2. Approval is limited to a maximum of 3 Louisiana licensed cosmetologists only, with no other employees.

3. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

______________________________

JOE SHYNE, CHAIRMAN

_______________________________________________

ARTHUR G. THOMPSON, CLERK OF COUNCIL

UNFINISHED BUSINESS. None.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

CLERK’S REPORT:   None.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

The Council resolved itself into Committee of the Whole on motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Serio. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Carmody, Serio, Spigener and Shyne. 4. Nays: None. Did not cast a vote: Councilmen Huckaby, Stewart and Burrell. 3.

There being no report from the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

______________________________

JOE SHYNE, CHAIRMAN

_______________________________________________

ARTHUR G. THOMPSON, CLERK OF COUNCIL