COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

JULY 24, 2001

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, was called to order by Chairman Thomas Carmody at 3:10 p.m., Tuesday, July 24, 2001, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Shyne.

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

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for approval of the Summary Minutes of the Administrative Conference of July 9, 2001, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 10, 2001, and the Agenda as Amended on July 23, 2001. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne, and Burrell. 7. Absent: None.

Awards and Recognitions of Distinguished Guests of the Mayor and the Council Which Are Required By Law.

Mayor Hightower: The only thing that I would like to do today is certainly thank each City Council member and thank the Citizens Bond Committee and those that went out and voted yes on Saturday. I think we’ll see some tremendous improvements in the infrastructure in our City and in particular in our neighborhoods and again, I just want to thank each one of you and the voters for going out to the polls and saying yes, having confidence in the continued growth and rejuvenation of our City; so, thanks again.

Councilman Shyne: Mayor, I would like to thank you and the Administration for putting together the bond package and the strategy that you all came up with in order to get it before the people. I thought that was very important and it showed some creativity.

Councilman Carmody: I think that the Mayor had a distinguished guest that he wanted to introduce at this point.

Councilman Burrell: As it relates to the bond issue, on behalf of the people of West Shreveport, hopefully we will get a new recreation facility out of this. We are one of the only areas left that did not have one, over in West Shreveport, and we are looking forward to having it. Mrs. Clara Farley who is the President of the West Peak Neighborhood Association, was on the Mayor’s Bond Counsel Committee and did a wonderful job in putting that forth and as I said, it is solely needed and we thank the Administration for what they did.

Councilman Serio: Mr. Burrell, just thank goodness that the district–that the whole bond issue passed because if you had not gotten your park and I had not gotten my drainage, you would have come out to my district and we could have had the greatest water park in south Shreveport. But we do have the drainage project of Bayou Pierre and that is important to everybody in the City, so I appreciate the voters all over the City for voting for that because it will help everybody in the City and we did need this drastically; so, I appreciate the voters and their continued support of this Council and the Mayor as well.

Councilman Shyne: I have some letters of commendation that I would like to present to some City employees who I feel like went above and beyond the call of duty. A lot of times we criticize our employees when they maybe do not do their best and I think that if we criticize them when they do not do their best, I think that we should commend them when they go above and beyond the call of duty.

Mr. Ferdinand, you and Mr. Bowie would you all please come up and bring your employees with you. Larry, you are the General and you all are very fortunate to have such a great General and then you have got a Lieutenant Colonel back there, Mr. Bowie.

I will not read all of the letters but this is just a sample of the letter that we put together. It says: Dear Mr. LaCour: Recently you, Joe Thomas, Curtis Ellis, Jeanette Glover, and Melvin Hill were asked to clean up a site of a vacant house and lot located at 7030 Karen Street that was in terrible condition. You and your team members cleaned the site immediately. You responded quickly, professionally, and with a dedication that went beyond the call of duty. I appreciate your dedication to your job and to the citizens of Shreveport. By copy of this letter, I am notifying Larry Ferdinand, the Director of the Department of Community Development of my appreciation for your effort and I am requesting him to place a copy of this letter in your personnel files. Yours sincerely. /s/Joe Shyne. Mr. Mayor, we have some fine City employees here, if you would like to say a word of appreciation, it is up to you.

Mayor Hightower: Mr. Shyne, you are exactly right. We do and this is one example of one job they do. And fortunate for those of us that don’t do what they do, they do it everyday. They are out busting their tails in different neighborhoods all day, every day, fading heat from property owners that don’t understand why somebody shows up and says, your property doesn’t look the way it ought to and then all the way down to, shovels and brooms. So, the citizens do appreciate what each and every one of you have to go through and put up with everyday.

Councilman Shyne: And this happened to be one of those cases where it had kind of fallen through the crack because I think your office had probably gotten a number of calls and I’ll have to give Ms. Glover credit. Within, I think I called her, it must have been about 9 o’clock and Mr. Mayor, by 2 o’clock that afternoon the whole situation was taken care of and that is what I call professionally. Ms. Glover, we appreciate it (presented letters to Mr. La Cour, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ellis, Ms. Glover, and Mr. Hill).

Mr. Ferdinand: I would just like to echo the sentiments that Mayor just said. We do have a real good team over in Community Development. This is a representative of them. They do have a tough job in terms of dealing with the heat, like the Mayor says, outside as well as from owners. And I think that we have made some strides and put some processes in place to take of the citizens’ complaint before it get to you guys; so, thank you Mr. Shyne, thank you Council and thank you Mayor.

Councilman Carmody: Well done ya’ll, congratulation.

Mayor Hightower: I had the privilege of meeting with the Superintendent of the Caddo Parish Schools, I guess about, 30 days ago. And I know that I read in the newspaper on may occasions about the revamping of the school system and the loss of population and those type of things, but I never really had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Schiller and listen to his plan and his strategy and his futuristic thinking over what should happen in the Caddo Parish School system; so I thought it would be enlightening for him to come and spend 15 minutes.

I got to tell you one of the most impressive things that I heard from him was for a man that had been in town for 6 or 8 months, to know every school and every statistic about every school and know the demographics of the neighborhoods really showed me that the man didn’t come to town to do a hatch job in 6 months and leave. He really has put forth a lot of effort to learn about the history of the City and where we are going and what the plan is and I thought he really had done his homework. So, I wanted him to come before the Council and I thought the timing would be appropriate, approaching the new school year, so that when we get asked about, what do you think about the School Board and Dr. Schiller and their new plan, it had been awful tough for me to say any more than I read in the paper, but I think with this 15 minutes, I think we will all be enlightened and better equipped to answer any constituent questions that each of us may have, so with that, Dr. Schiller.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I was just wondering whether he brought my School Board member with him, Mr. Brooks?

Dr. Schiller: They were all invited. Good afternoon Mr. Mayor and members of the Council, thank you for the opportunity to join with you this afternoon. I have several staff with me who will be augmenting what I have to offer. I too enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the Mayor staff and committee to talk a little about where we are, where we are going. When I was hired 18 months, the Board as a condition of my hiring, directed me to put together a plan for overall improvement of academic achievement as well as district effectiveness and that is what has been driving what we are attempting to do.

We have focused this district with an effort to have it realize its full capacity and capability, to close the gap between where it is and where it can be. We have moved the district to become very results centered, placing a great deal of focus on accountability, putting a great deal of effort at looking at the data and using the data to drive decisions. What we have tried to do is based on good solid research and our focus is on all schools.

We all know about the very high performing schools. We have seven schools that are national recognized as blue ribbon schools, but what we have to realize is we have many, many schools that are underperforming and that until such time that we are able to raise those schools that are lower performing to the highest level, we are not going to be highly successful school district.

The Board wanted me to make sure that every aspect of the consent decree was in compliance. It is a long standing order, an opportunity for us to make sure that what was intended 10/15/20 years ago, is now being implemented.

The first 18 months of my tenure, has been a time of transition and change and planning. Now that is behind us, it is now for the forward and the future implementation. Our goal is to be competitive, not in Louisiana, but in the south. I think we recognize that strong economic development and a strong educational program are inextricable linked. If we have a strong educational program, people who are workforce ready, it is going to not only retain the jobs that we have here, but attract the kind of industries. Right now I am working with Bio Med Foundation, Jack Sharp and we are looking to build a partnership that is going to be focusing on creating curriculum program, partnerships, staff development that is going to augment and support the industries that they are attracting, to Intertech and through Bio Med. Those are the jobs that we want for the future, we want the workforce ready for that.

But I would like to share with you today, I think, is some of the background to the decisions we’ve made as a Board and the direction we are going in order to achieve our goals. What you have before you in a packet, I hope that was sent around to you, we put together a goal plan of 82 specific objectives that the Board approved after a series of community forums predicated on 5 overall goals. To date, in the first 18 months, we’ve accomplished 76 of them and they are all based on data. But what is very important is one of the key objectives was to take a look at our demographics and to be pro-active in terms of anticipating changes in our Parish and our City and directing our schools accordingly.

I would like to introduce Mr. Clay Sagely who is our Technology Manager who has for the last year worked intimately with me and looking at the data that we have available and I would like to be able to show to you very quickly here, the changes that we have anticipated in advance of the census and what you will find is that what we anticipated and used to predicate all of our decisions, were actually conservative when you look at the census reports, but I think you need to take a look at this very quickly. Mr. Sagely, good afternoon.

Mr. Sagely: Thank you, Dr. Schiller. We’ll take a brief examination of the data from three perspectives: 1. from a Parish perspective, 2. from a neighborhood perspective and then finally 3. from a school perspective.

We found when we examined the data as it related to the 2000census release when compared to 1990, that we had experienced significant loss in age cohorts that we were particularly interested in. You can see that cohorts 0 to 4 years of age: -11%; 5 to 9: -10%; 10 to 14: -1%. What this tell us is that the loss in enrollment that we are experiencing today, will at least be sustained and has all opportunity to accelerate.

What is particularly discouraging is well as you are looking at age cohorts 25 to 34 and from 35 to 44, what one typically might categorize as those parents of school age children, we see significant loss in that younger age cohorts and then almost a flat line in that 35 to 44 cohort. This is simply a graphic representation of the chart data which you previously viewed comparing the 1990 and 2000 census.

One causal factor for this phenomenon is simply a tremendous decrease in the change of births in Caddo Parish from1980 to 1999. And also an outward migration of individuals 18,931 from the 1990 to 1999 period, that is an outward migration from Caddo Parish.

The effect that that has had upon the school system, you can see a precipitous drop, in fact in earlier ‘80s we were around 52-/53,000 students. We closed the school year at just over 44,000. Right now we are at about 43,000.

Dr. Schiller: I might point out that all of our indices point to us bottoming out at around 37,500 to 38,000–at a loss of 1,000 students per year will continue for the next six years unless of course we could average 2,000 new people moving into town bringing between 1.5 and 2 students with them that would offset our loss and stabilize us and that is why all of the curricular changes is so very important because they are linked with developing jobs and workers to attract industry.

But that kind of statistic is what has been driving us and as I point out to you, nothing had been done to address the decline of enrollment for the pass decade to 15 years. In addition to that, this drives the majority of our funding from the state. For every individual student who is not on roll in October 1, we lose Minimum Foundation grant money from the state.

Mr. Sagely: The data upon which Dr. Schiller formulated a recommendations, of which the Board ultimately approved, were complied from a computer program called ScanUs in which we did population modeling. For 1999, ScanUs estimate for that population modeling.

For 1999, ScanUs estimate for that population was 69,349 youngsters, 0 to 17. The 2000 census headcount come up with 67,507. We actually over estimated our Caddo Parish population among those youngsters by approximately 2. 7%, that gave us a good feeling in terms of validating the data upon which the recommendations were both formulated and subsequently approved.

As we begin to take an examination from kind of a 10,000 foot level, we make a comparison of census data versus ScanUS data from 1990 to 2000, ScanUS data from 1990 to 1999. The legend you can think of it as somewhat as a traffic light legend. Those green areas and shades of green represent a population change of a positive nature, that is from .01% and above. Those areas in the yellow, we could categorize as a cautionary area, those of a moderate loss. Those areas of red, a heavy loss. You can see the comparisons between the actual census data in the northern part of the parish versus ScanUs, this is where we were somewhat conservative as opposed to the red area. What is particularly disturbing, as we look at a triangle formulated by I-20 and I-49, ScanUs we had overestimated the amount of loss in a few census tracts in that area, but it is upheld by the population data. We’ll take a more close examination of that as it relates to particular neighborhoods.

In the northern part of the parish, we tend to identify geographically by schools: Herndon, Oil City, North Caddo, Hosston. You can see tremendous amount of loss from 10% to -52% over the 10 year period. Plus this area is categorized by relatively small parcels of people.

Dr. Schiller: Hence the reason why we chose to close Hosston–59 students attended Hosston’s zoned area for school. We just simple could not maintain an effective elementary school that was cost efficient with 59 students who lived in the attendance zone.

Mr. Sagely: This trend of loss moves down through to the eastern side of the Northwood area, down into the Green Oaks, Linear, Pine Grove, Newton Smith, M. L. K. area. We will take a closer look at that in just a moment and see some of the changes that were recommended and subsequently approved in that particular area.

This is the second area in which we experienced the greatest amount of loss and the greatest effect on loss in student enrollment. The Martin Luther King area, the Hendrix, Ingersoll, Booker T. Washington, West Shreveport, Laurel Street, Central area, just to the side of downtown–significant amount of losses in terms of student enrollment in these particular areas.

Dr. Schiller: We looked at Hendrix, Ingersoll, Central. We found three schools whose enrollments had bottomed out, had lost the greatest percentage of the students. In fact Hendrix had dropped below 200. Ingersoll was running at 50% of its capacity. Central, historically significant school for our community was dropping below 200. By closing Hendrix and re-distributing the students to Ingersoll and Central, all within short distance we are able to maintain the integrity of Central and also provide for Ingersoll a better population number and we’ve also provided, as you will see, programs at those two schools that the parents have choice. They can either have the students to Ingersoll for 20 additional school days or go to Central for an extended school day (a longer school day). So, what we have tried to do, where we’ve had closures, same thing as in the north, is to provide parents with choices, enhanced educational opportunities. Clearly, this particular area where we are bleeding the most of population and we’ve also been able to attract through the census tracts that we have run, census tract by census tract, census tract in this city and parish, we have been able to see where they are moving to which has predicated what some of our decisions have had to be.

Mr. Sagely: Dr. Schillers’ comments lead into the next section of the City, what we categorize as the central section of the City moving up to the Hendrix area and down to Atkins over to Oak Park.

This is an area where we believe the number of individuals from this area have moved into the Werner Park and Sunset Acres and this is where we were bulging at the seams also in the Caddo Heights area. One of the cornerstones, I believe, of the reform plan was the creation of Midway into a new elementary setting.

Dr. Schiller: Arguable, some of our lower performing schools are also are largest. Werner Park, Sunset Acres, we are bursting at the seams at those schools. Whereas, at Midway and Bethune we had two middle schools where the combined population was less than 800, we had 200 some odd students in one school and 500 in the other. We have converted Midway from a middle school to a elementary school, a brand new elementary school fully staffed, brand new in conjunction with LSU as a professional development school. What we are doing there is dynamic. It is also the first school in the state that I put in here where the teachers are on a performance incentive plan where they can earn bonuses for their attendance, student attendance, student achievement, and they can argument their salaries, not just teachers but also the support staff by up to almost $3,000.

Mr. Sagely: The west and southwest sections of the City and the Parish begin to present a different situation for us. We have experienced migration of families of school age children out west, down along the I-20 corridor. This is where we have a large geographical region extending from Keithville, Walnut Hill, over to Turner, with Huntington serving as the high school in that particular area. A number of families in that area with school age children but simply not a lot of school facilities and this has placed tremendous burden on Walnut Hill and some of the boundarying schools there.

Dr. Schiller: And this is a problem that we are looking at for the future. Walnut Hill is bursting at over 1,600 students, K-8. We have been looking at extending our boundary lines from Keithville because we are losing some population in Keithville, and we are going to be looking for, next year, at looking along Colquitt and Spring Ridge Road trying to fan to the west to build Keithville’s population. But our critical points right now is that we do not have an expansion joint in the western area. Walnut Hill is over taxed, Turner is overtaxed. One of the areas we have to look at very carefully is what will occur in the future with Huntington, Southwood, which are also very large, Turner and Walnut Hill if indeed there is a population shift to the west. And, with the G. M. plant expansion and with the subsidiary companies coming in, the likelihood of growth along the I-20 corridor in that area there is high and if so, we would see in 3 years a real problem there, but that is just for your information and what we are trying to work with the Chamber and with you all in terms demographics.

Mr. Sagely: The southeast part of the City is where it is happening and that my present our greatest short term challenge, that corridor along Ellerbe Road is one of the fastest growing in the City. As you can see, our closest school is University. Many of the youngsters who live in this area attend magnet schools or high schools that are well into the City and we simple don’t have viable options in that area.

Dr. Schiller: As I work with the MPC and we see what is happening at Norris Ferry, Norris Ferry Estates, Long Lake Estates, we look at St. Charles Place, we look at the entire growth along the angle of Ellerbe and Norris Ferry, we need and will need an elementary school in that southeast area. I see that in the next 3 to 4 years. However, what we have done is take some intermediary steps.

University is bursting at the seams. We just put 22,000 square foot additional on. We are reaching an elementary school of over 900 students, too large.

I’ve converted Fairfield. Fairfield was running 218, 94.5%, one race, black. As of today, we are up to 300 students, the ratio is 50-50. We converted it into a new magnet school because we have such demand pinned up to go to the No. 1 rated elementary school in the state, South Highlands. The No. 2 rated elementary school in the state, Eden Gardens. What has happened now is that we are being able to attract the students who can not get into those schools, they are waiting lists now to go to our new magnet school.

My second thrust here with the Board is that we have 34.1% of the students who attend Eden Gardens who live in the south, southwest sector so they are being, coming across town. We have got 32% of our students who are attending South Highlands who live on the western side. We are in the process now of developing a dynamic magnet school at the western side for the following school year to try to attract students from the west to relieve some of the pressure on the east. And, between Fairfield, Eden Gardens, and South Highlands, we are hoping to stay the need for elementary school along the Southern Loop area, but that may be in the offing, down the road, in the event that we grow even more dramatically that what we have here. But right now, our population shift is causing a great burden on us because we do not have the facilities south of Bert Kouns to accommodate the needs.

Councilman Carmody: What is your enrollment in those three schools, in the three magnet schools? Dr. Schiller: We are over enrolled at those schools. Right now, at Fairfield we are at, today 300. We have a capacity for about another 75 to 100 students there. At Eden Gardens, I think we are at 468, and at South Highlands we are overtaxed at almost 500.

Mr. Sagely: In conclusion, the areas in which the Board paid attention in terms of closings, of the eight schools that we had that had declined more than 30% in enrollment between 1990 and 2000, one of those schools was George P. Hendrix, one of those school was Hosston Elementary and you can see that both of those enrollments had fallen well below 200. The strategy in terms of George P. Hendrix, was to hopefully divide that student population in the proximity of Central and Ingersoll Elementary to begin to supplement those schools’ population. Hosston, those youngsters were moved to Vivian.

Of our three early childhood centers that are positioned around the Parish, you can see that Laurel Street had decidedly, the lowest enrollment as of 2000, the close of school this year and the decision was made to discontinue that program.

Dr. Schiller: So, where we are, I think is very well positioned from a facilities perspective and to accommodate where we are going. We need to point out that our enrollment at the middle school level and the high school level is dramatically dropping more so than our elementary school level and that is causing another concern because we have some high schools like North Caddo, now down to 418 students. Not long ago it was over 1,200 students and we are seeing other high schools that are dropping below 600, that is a very small number for high schools.

In your packet, ladies and gentleman I know my time is limited here, let me run very quickly. I’ve provided for you the high lights of the strategic plan that the Board approved in terms of creating more choices and options for parents, creating more magnet school at the elementary, at the middle school, creating magnet high schools that we do not have at this time, programs. Implementing at 16 schools a direct instruction, researched based education reform program. We’ve extended the school calendar for 20 more instructural days at 5 schools. We’ve extended the school day at 3 schools. I mentioned to you in conjunction with LSU, we have converted Midway to a professional development school. In conjunction with Centenary, we’ve converted Stoner Hill to a professional development school.

With the exception of Stoner Hill, everyone of our schools has designated under the consent decree are now in compliance, full compliance with the percentage of racial composition as of today. We have one more year to bring Stoner Hill into full compliance.

We have adjusted a great many of our attendance zones that had not been done for 20 years because we’ve had schools that over subscribed and those that are underenrolled. And I think really importantly is that we have restructured our many of our high schools to add programs that will allow our students not only to be prepared for college, community college, technical college, but to be ready to enter the workforce if they chose immediately after high schools because what we’ve been able to offer are additional career magnet programs. For example, at Fair Park, in conjunction with Shreveport Fire and Police, we’ve created the Uniform Services Academy where students will be able to come out of there ready to go into our fire departments, our police departments, emergency medical training or go into law enforcement and we have conjunctive relationships with Bossier Community College that leads to full certification. We know we need good employees to refurbish our retirements in this area and here is an opportunity.

We’ve created for Green Oaks a new fine and performing arts magnet that will open school year 2002 as an effort to try to maintain and stabilize that school.

We have also at Booker T., we have a new business administration magnet scheduled to open next year.

And at Woodlawn, we’ve created a new academic magnet. We’ve created several career academies for hospitality, entrepreneurialship and elder care. We look at the population. We are all getting older. The number of health care workers, elder care workers, we are going to need in the future; so, we are very pleased with these kinds of changes.

And let me close, before I answer any questions, I’ve listed for you, something that the Mayor and I talked about a couple of weeks ago. We need, as you go and as we all go to bring business here and to get the right word out about our school system. We need our brag points, our pride points, our talking points. And I’ve included these in here for you and I think if I could have a few minutes just to talk about some of these for our public.

Did you know that we have seven blue ribbon schools. Now, what does that mean in the nation? There is a total of 300. Seven (7) out of Caddo Parish, is significant. Most recently South Highlands has been awarded that; that is a significant note.

We have the No. 1 ranked elementary school. The No. 1 ranked middle school and the No. 2 ranked elementary school in Louisiana. The highest performing schools in their areas, in Louisiana; that is Middle Magnet, South Highlands, Eden Gardens.

Out of six (6) state teacher finalist for the Presidential Award in Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, we had three (3) of the six (6) this year, teachers; that’s phenomenal.

Our Iowa test scores are equal to the state in grades 3 and 6 and we’ve exceeded the state in grades 5, 7 and 9. The most common point of comparison is East Baton Rouge Parish, our Iowa score test on every grade level exceed East Baton Rouge Parish’s.

Our ACT scores exceed the state average. A very interesting report came out a few months ago that looked at every school in the state of Louisiana and grouped schools according to their poverty level, like in the 80 to 85% within 5 percentiles and you are going to find this very interesting.

South Highlands where its poverty level is almost 13% in terms of poverty level of students who attend there compared to every other school in the state, it is the highest ranked school. Caddo Middle Magnet was the highest ranked school for its level of poverty, between 15 and 19%. Eden Gardens was the highest level performing school for its level of poverty in the state. A. C. Steere ranked 10^th out of 22 schools. Pine Grove, in the Martin Luther King area, out of 102 schools with similar poverty level, between 90 and 95% was the No. 1 highest performing school in the state for its poverty level. Claiborne ranked 3^rd out of 47 schools in the state. It had the highest minority population of any of those schools. Herndon ranked 5^th out of 38 schools. Judson ranked 3^rd in the state. University Elementary ranked 10^th in the state. Forest Hill was ranked 10^th out of the state. That just gives you some idea, but we can’t be satisfied with that because we have schools that are on the other end of the spectrum and one of our driving needs here is to raise and lift all schools, all students, we can’t leave one behind.

We have the highest bond rating from Moody’s of any school system in the state. Just this past month, we enjoy a very strong financial position. In the last 18 months, we’ve been able to build our fund balance to the highest point in the District’s history. Why? Because I don’t trust the state for its funding down the road, I need a rainy day fund. The Board and I have been able to work through and maintain for the second year in a row, the highest paid salary schedule for teachers in the state. It makes our recruitment a lot, lot better and easier. We are now competitive with Dallas, that helps me, sincerely helps me to do that.

Plus, signing bonuses. The Board has given me a quarter of a million dollars so I can use them for signing bonuses so that we can recruit the best math, the best science teachers we can find. If you know of any, we still have openings for an extra couple of thousand dollars for a signing bonus. How many young people do you know walking out of college today, can sign to start for over $30,000 plus a $2,000 signing bonus, and go to one of our lower performing school, get another $1,000 and also get another $3,000 to work and perform well at Midway. How many first year workers can see that? We are attracting.

We have just reduced our class sizes. 1 to 20, K to 3. We’ve reduced down to 22 to 1 in middle school; 23 to 1, high school. You will not find another school district at those kinds of–we are starting now to approach private school numbers.

We have decreased the number of teachers who don’t hold a full teaching certificate by 16%, that is phenomenal when you look across the state when there are school districts with 24 to 33% of teachers not holding full certification.

We, all 11 of our Junior ROTC units have been honor units with distinction since 1993, in the country. We can boast, as we said, a 19.9 ACT score where the state composite is less than that.

And as you know, we are the largest PTA in the state. We are the largest employer in Caddo Parish. We have 43 schools now have adopted uniforms. The choice is the parents and the students and the facility with surveys and just this past month, the Board adopted a brand new discipline code that will be consistent to school, to school, to school because not only do we recognize that schools need to be performing at a higher level, but we also recognized that the quality of the discipline of the students, goes a long way in raising our academic performance.

Ladies and gentlemen, just took a little longer than 15 minutes. Mr. Mayor, I apologize. I am very proud of where we are with Caddo. We have a long way to go because I have one goal, as I said to the Board, it is not to be the best in Louisiana, but to be extremely competitive, if not the best in the southeast and we will be there in five years.

Thank you very much. I would be welcome to answer any questions or go into any of the data, but I know you have a full calendar and schedule.

Councilman Shyne: I’m extremely proud of the progress that you’ve been able to make since you’ve here. I saw the need for some new blood a few years ago, and some times you have to do that. I will continue to be concerned about those schools that are in the inner city neighborhoods. Those are the kids who continuously get lost, even from day to day. I will be asking and monitoring what type of administrative teams that you put together to be at the schools because leadership is very important. If you don’t have the right kind of leadership, then you can’t have the right kind of product. I will also be concerned about what kind of policies that, what kind of creative ideas and methods that these schools will come up with in order to try to reach the parents of the kids who are performing at the lower level. At some point and time, you have to bring mom and dad in, they have to get involved in the educational process. I hope that these schools will come up with creative ideas and programs by which we can continue to reach these kids.

I am proud to see that you are all are working at lowering the teacher-student ratio, especially in those lower performing schools. I would hope that you would come back to the City Council from time-to-time and give us an update on where you are and what we can do to help because I tell people all the time, the underlying fiber of any community is the educational system. If you don’t have it, you are going down the tubes. If you got it, it makes everybody look good.

Councilman Spigener: Dr. Schiller, I appreciate you being here today and sharing this information with us. And the industry I work in, I deal every day with people from out of the City that are inquiring about area and school system and the school system is always the number one point of a priority to people moving in, especially if they have school age children.

I have a specific question, if you are not in a position to answer it at this time, just politely say, well I am not at liberty to answer that. But you mentioned, I believe that I didn’t miss something, that you see a need for a magnet in southwest Shreveport because of so many children going to Eden Gardens and other magnet schools and you mentioned that one of your goals was to open a magnet school. Do you think that this would need to be a middle school or an elementary school?

Dr. Schiller: Well, the Board accepted my recommendation to convert for school year 2002-2003, Keithville Middle School, into a magnet which we are doing. We need an elementary magnet there and we are working on that right now.

Councilman Spigener: So, Keithville will be the magnet next year. Dr. Schiller: For the Middle. Councilman Spigener: Thanks. Dr. Schiller: At this point, in the next couple of months the Board will be asked to consider one of the elementary schools to become a fundamental magnet school as well.

Councilman Spigener: Do you foresee that being there in the heart of Southern Hills, as one of those schools? Dr. Schiller: Well our problem, of course, is looking at when you create a magnet school, those students who are not eligible to go to, where will they go? Councilman Spigener: Right. Dr. Schiller: And we are forced right now to look at schools that are in some cases, bursting at the seams like Forest Oaks. So we are going to have to take a hard look at what we have available to us. We had explored with the Board, Summer Grove last year, a few months ago. Summer Grove provided that opportunity. Summerfield has the expansion area, physical area to do that, but we are going to be looking at this anew this year as well as looking at the attendance zones for all of our middle schools and our high schools, that is one things that we need to do because I think we can come up with a strategy to be able to rebuild the population at Booker T., which we need to do, and also to try to cut down on the numbers of students who are dis-located for middle school from their neighborhoods. We have a great many of students going from far distances to travel to go to a middle school, leaving their neighborhood middle schools, and parents want their children close to home. They want quality programs, but close to home and that is what we are intending to do. And so that is what I see in the horizons, to really look at the Broadmoors, the Linwoods, the Booker T.s, the Clarks, the Huntingtons, and the Fairfields, and try to work within that data to work in there to balance enrollments, cut down on students having to go all over the place unless they chose to do that.

Councilman Huckaby: Dr. Schiller, I want to thank you for being here too. I have one question, it is my understanding that Laurel Street will be shut down and the students will be transferred to, where? I don’t remember. Dr. Schiller: We do not have a need for Laurel Street. What we have done was to move classes where we had room in our elementary schools, so that students who were early childhood can go to a school in their neighborhood who are eligible rather than having to get on a bus and travel, they are able to go to their neighborhood schools. In addition, we’ve opened up additional classes at Mooretown where we had plenty of room. We have in fact today, more classes and more students enrolled in ECE than we did last year with Laurel Street open.

Councilman Huckaby: But Laurel Street is in District A. Mooretown is, your district. Dr. Schiller: Laurel Street was drawing students from all over the parish not from its neighborhood and so what we’ve done, there were students who were not being served who were living in the Queensborough area, who were living in the Newton Smith area, living all over. So, simple rolling it back to the neighborhoods so they could attend school, the little ones, the tiny ones can attend school closer to their home. And where we have a larger number of students living in that movement of the Werner Park, Sunset Acres, going in that area, it was much more feasible to move into Mooretown. By the same token, we had been renting out two wings of classrooms to Caddo Head Start. They vacated that. We have two wings empty there. Laurel Street has a facility. We have not been able to use the second floor for many years, just not physically able to use that facility, the facility was not allowed through the fire marshal and infrastructual problems, we had to vacate that facility.

Councilman Serio: I am very impressed with our report today, Dr. Schiller and I’ve got one of the issues in my district is that you are right, there are not a lot of schools in the district and if you have a lot of population that is continuing to move south in the district. And one of the issues that I have always needed in the district is increase in my transportation. And I hope that as you consider southeast Shreveport for an educational facility, you will take into consideration the Wallace Lake Road area and the reason why is twofold. 1. I know that Ellerbe Road is going to be very tied up and not cost efficient for anything for education purposes. But Wallace Lake Road is imperative to the district in the future as a four-lane highway, a four-lane street and I think that if the education department would look at that area for an educational complex, that the parish would then concede and come forward and look at widening the street that we definitely need to have widened for many years. And I know that that area has abundant property and I always find that it is easier to develop and develop at your will than to try put in the middle of clutter. And I hope that you will consider that because I know that our district, my district in particular, is in a very strong expansive growth mode right now and we do need the educational facilities, but I do wish you would look at the backdoor facility as one that has some of the most–the greatest opportunity for future growth.

Dr. Schiller: I travel that road every day home. Councilman Serio: You do the same thing. You bypass. . . . Dr. Schiller: Yeah, and I know this area as the back of my hand, we know the need exist. Our problem is right now that the timing from our perspective is not right to go forward for a bond issue to build a school when we are losing enrollment and closing schools. ( Councilman Serio: Sure.) It is very hard for folks to understand where a need may exist in one geographic area or another, whereas buildings are being left vacant in areas where we are vacating and so, the timing is not right for that. We also have to watch this enrollment trend in the southeast. In working with the developers there. How many students are coming out of those homes. We are finding, even the largest homes being built there, they are generating few students than ever before. Ordinarily you would see out of a four bedroom/five bedroom home, you might find 3.5 to 3.75 students coming out of it. We are now finding it dropping down to school age children closer to about 1.75 to 2.5; so even the larger homes are not generating the population for the schools, so we have to balance that. The need exist whether we will get there, my best expectation would be not before the year 2005.

Councilman Burrell: Dr. Schiller: I do appreciate you being here too, and as you know I have talked to you before about my concern about the inner city schools although I live somewhat out west and we are experiencing pretty good growth and we are starting to grow again in the west corridor. And as you said with G. M. coming on board, hopefully we will probably have additional development out there. But despite that out west, I know my district touches upon some inner city areas in our school, such as Fair Park and although B. T. W. is not in my area, Midway Middle School is and I just have specific concerns about those schools that are losing enrollment which in many cases are our inner city schools. And I appreciate the fact that you have realized that if we could develop some programs, strong programs and attractive programs, we may be able to bring some students in but also allow some students who are in the community to stay in the community because as you said, that is one of the biggest concerns for many of the parents that are in these areas.

There was a concern that was brought before me and through all of the deliberation that was going on when you were trying to get these things done, having to do with M to M transfers. Where kids are bussed out of their neighborhoods and into neighborhoods to try to fill certain requirements. How do we deal with that?

Dr. Schiller: No, that is a misnomer. That is the choice of the parent and the child. If a child is in the majority race in a given school, they can elect to transfer to a school where they would be the minority; that is not a force, that is part of the consent decree as an option, 20 years ago, to desegregate the schools.

What has happened is that the choices that have been made often times, depletes the home school. Case in point: A third of the students opt of Linnear to go to Donnie Bickham depleting Linnear. We are finding Woodlawn and some of our other high schools losing significant enrollment because the students and the parents are opting to go to Byrd, the Middle Magnet, Shreve. We would not be in this situation of some of our schools on the bridge of not having adequate enrollment if every student was staying in the schools in their neighborhood. So the M to M was an effort through the consent decree to desegregate/integrate one race schools. Its used as option by parents for students to go beyond their borders.

Councilman Burrell: I am familiar with that, but at the same time what I am hearing too that some of the parents are doing this because they don’t feel that the schools in their neighborhood has adequate teachers and adequate programs.

Dr. Schiller: You are absolutely right and that has driven a lot of those decisions, Mr. Burrell and that is why we have invested millions of dollars this year. We’ve poured back every dollar and then some, of every dollar saved through closing, into the very schools that needed the most to offer the options and programs to attract students into the areas to stay in their home areas. That is my strategy right there, is that every dollar that we save by closing a school and that every dollar I could get my hands on, we put programs, extending the school year. Realize this, we extended the salaries of everyone by 20 days and the transportation and the food service and whatever.

So, our whole strategy is in our inner city areas where were are seeing the greatest amount of loss in flight, to offer programs that are not being offered other places, offering class size reductions that’s not being offered anywhere else to try to hold those students rather than having them leave.

Councilman Burrell: Well that would be my next question, because I know you are at many of these schools that was up for a possible closing that they had an option to develop a program there, that would hopefully draw those kids back. (Dr. Schiller: That’s right.) And I would like to say too that I am working at one of those schools, Woodlawn, in the area of entrepreneurialship and I think you have been very proud of the entrepreneurialship camp we had this summer, we were hoping that you were here to see those young people perform in front of CEOs of companies when they presented their business plan and within a two week period, they learned a lot of fantastic information. They came to the Council, the Mayor addressed them, and they did very well.

Dr. Schiller: We have an opportunity at Woodlawn for what we have done in terms of creating these programs in entrepreneurialship, hospitality, elder care, child care as well as an academic magnet. That school offers as much or more than any high school now in the parish. The question is, if you build it, will they come?

We have been successful in Fairfield. We built it and in a matter of three months, they came. Now, the question is, now that we have built it in Woodlawn, will the students return to Woodlawn.

Now that we are rebuilding Green Oaks program, will they come back to Green Oaks. And that’s what our challenge is and that is what I’ve given to these schools as we’ve looked at schools that could very well close based on numbers, was to give these schools, several years now an opportunity and quite a budget to work with to create the programs and the attractions. Now that we’ve built it, the question is will the parents and the students come to it and will we deliver.

Councilman Burrell: One of the questions associated with that is, if you put these programs at these schools, how competitive if any, will other schools be with this particular school. Because if I can get it somewhere else where I would enjoy going or I could stay in that location then I would go there versus going out of my area.

Dr. Schiller: Understand what we’ve done here, every high school has the same requirements for graduation set by the state, the same core requirements. What we have done is diversify the electives. Starting not school year 2001 but 2002, as the second part of my strategy and this addresses Mr. Shyne’s issue, students who are attending 16 of our inner city elementary schools will have a choice of any of those schools. They do not have to attend in their neighborhood. I believe in choice for parents, I believe empowerment and I believe in options and also competition; so there is going to be a lot of competition for those students, No. 1.

No. 2. Starting also next year for 9^th graders and thereafter and for other students in all of our inner core city schools from Green Oaks to Booker T. to Fair Park to Woodlawn, each of them have 3 to 5 different programmatic options. All of the students who are eligible to attend those schools have a choice of what school, what program they want to attend. Choice, empowerment, options, competition. We live in a world that we need to be able to create this kind of internal competition for the students in order for students to understand they have options and choices and I think it is going to work. Its worked elsewhere we put this into place.

It is our best last shot. Let’s face it. If we are going to have workers for our new emerging industries, if we are going to be able to track industry here, the right kind of industry, if we are going to maintain the industry we have here we need to have the workers workforce ready when they graduate high school. What we have created now, are those opportunities if they will take them.

Councilman Burrell: It is my hope and this is the final note is that, these schools that are developing these special programs especially many of our inner city schools hoping to compete with some of the other schools that are more desirable that, they are able to develop that competitive edge which is something that we taught the kids during our entrepreneurialship course, that they develop a competitive edge for advantage where many students from other areas would like to come and attend there. I feel that the City has just as much responsibility in stabilizing these communities as well as providing a safe environment for these parents and youngsters in redeveloping many of our inner core areas because parents are not going to stay where they don’t feel safe or their children are safe and they are going to have to have adequate housing.

Dr. Schiller: Councilman, schools in a vacuum can not improve. The school, the family, the community, together. Our strongest schools have the strongest parental component, the strongest community support level. There is no–there really no silver bullet to high performing schools. Quality teachers, effective, focused administration, focused on results. Parental support, parental engagement and community support. Where we have the lower performing schools that is reflective of that community or that family, the disintegration. We deal with this everyday. The students who need the greatest amount of attention, are the ones where we can not associate the parents or the grandparents or the aunties. They are just not committing and they are not been able to be in touch with. That is where, what you are doing with the Weed and Seed, what you are doing with the Community Renewal, rebuilding. What we are trying to do with the Night Out, what we are trying to do citywide, parish wide or trying to do with the schools, has to mesh together. Social services, health services, community services, education. We can’t do it along.

Councilman Shyne: That is the observation that I was making earlier, these schools have to have programs. They have to have some creativity, some initiatives where they can reach into that community, bring those parents together. In a vacuum, it can not operate. You have to have the support of the parent.

Dr. Schiller: We quadrupled our efforts with parent outreach this year, parent trainings because a lot of our parents, moms can’t help their children with school work. And I can show you, I had to give a report to the Board on it, how many times we have scheduled a meetings, we created atmospheres, we had no parents come. Now, we have moved our parent work out to the communities. We are taking our programs out to the neighborhoods. The computers out to the neighborhoods. We are trying to go out, if we can’t bring them in, we are trying to reach out. But unfortunately, as you know we just have some families that are struggling in such a way that they just, it is generational poverty. Folks who are disenfranchised from schools as well as government that we have to reach out and break that cycle and that one of the most difficult ones that we are having to work with.

We need your help and together, I think between the Mayor, Council, and the Commission and what we are trying to do, we can build these programs and these services but it is going to take a lot of work and It is not going to happen over night.

Councilman Stewart: I enjoyed our two hours the other day together. Dr. Schiller: My pleasure, Mr. Stewart. Councilman Stewart: Clearly underscore the importance of what you suggest and I am certain that all of us, including myself, want to help you in anyway. Thanks for what you do for all of us. Dr. Schiller: Pleasure. I see down the road opportunities for us and partnership to do some great things and as we develop some notions and ideas and share them with you all, Mayor, I think that there is an opportunity here for us to go forward to do some things that we have not dreamed of doing here but that have been done and successful elsewhere and now is the time for us to be bold to do that. The future of Caddo and Shreveport is on the line.

Councilman Carmody: . . . to my education, as I appreciate it. We all work together to facilitate the needs of the citizens of the community. And the economic engine that drives any community, I think its basis better be, education. Because education provides an environment in which businesses would look to for their workforce that creates the residential possibilities which in turn creates commercial development which in term continues to fire the engine for employment. Again, education though being the crucial element to it.

It is obvious that you and the Caddo Parish School Board has done an awful lot of work, very methodically to look at how to address the changes in our population, in our demographic and I do appreciate that many of the voters that I represent do not feel comfortable with change, but change is inevitable and if you plan to address those changes so that they facilitate positive results, then you are doing your job. And I would commend all of ya’ll on the fact that you seen to have set sail in the right direction. I know that it has not been easy going and on behalf of the Council and the Mayor, I would certainly say that we are here to work with you in any way possible to make that journey possible.

Dr. Schiller: Thank you ladies and gentleman.

Councilman Carmody: The Chair has a distinguished guest that I would like to ask to come forward, Yvonne Lee. Yvonne is with Shreve Corp and I believe she is here to introduce us to some of their participants.

Ms. Lee: Good afternoon, I am. We are here to do some bragging of our own. We wanted to take this opportunity, Shreve Corp is an Amer-Corp National Service program that is administered by Shreveport Green and we are in our 8^th year. We brought with us 27 young people who have been spending their summer doing service for the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish. They started on May 9^th and will finish next Friday. We wanted to take an opportunity to say, thank you, for your support and to give you an idea of what we have been able to accomplish this summer. Each one of you have an impact statement that has the facts with us. Again, our program is administered by Shreveport Green, Mrs. Donna Curtis is our Executive Director. Our program is managed by myself and by Lee Jeter who is with us also.

We have done a lot of different things. We have basically five different teams and we want an opportunity to recognize those teams, briefly for you. We have: our Parish team, if they will stand up. This group of young people has been accomplishing a lot. They been out at Eddie Jones. They have constructed 15 miles of trail this summer, built over four bridges and last time I saw them, they were putting together a playground unit at Pinchback park, so they have been working very hard.

Our next group is finally called the Tree team. This group has the duty of working and helping to try and maintain some of the public beautification projects that are around town. One of the projects that we have is a growing out station out at Walker B. Jacobs Nature Park in conjunction with the City and Parish. And we have over 15,000 trees that are potted up there. They have been watering and bumping up the trees, weeding, and they have potted over 700 new trees this year. We give those trees away to neighborhood groups and community organizations to be able to plant free on public property and that has been their assignment this summer.

We have a two member, Oak Camp team. We facilitate a free camp up at Walter B. Jacobs and as well at the Recycling Center and they have had over 258 kids come in, it is a free camp for kids between the ages of 7 and 11. We target 8 different neighborhoods around the City. We provide transportation, pick the kids up in the morning, take them out and do all sorts of fun, environmentally driven games and learning activities with them and that is their assignment.

Our Paint Team. Our Paint Team had a couple of different duties, but their primary responsibility has been painting homes for senior citizens. We got a list of names from the Caddo Parish Council on Aging as well as Bossier. I think all of our houses this year have been in Bossier, but so far they have painted homes for 13 senior citizens.

And our final team is our Corridor Team. This is our largest team. They have been doing intersections clean up as part of the Care Program this year and they have cleaned up 48 intersections; so they have been very busy. If ya’ll see the groups out with the green vest on and the weedeaters and the sweat pouring down them, this group as well as the Paint Team has done the majority of our intersection clean ups.

These young people work very hard. They receive a living allowance which is just basically, just a little bit over minimum wage and they also receive an educational award for college or Vo-Tech which is what most of them are participating in. We are very proud of the program that we run. We have the top program in the state of Louisiana. Over 400 programs that competed nationally we were one of only 11 that received the funding grant for three years because of the reputation that we have been able to build. We are very proud of getting things done and we could not do that without the help of the City. Three of the young people wanted to share something very briefly with you.

Mr. Allen Wallace: I am with the Parish team and I just want to thank you for that support for the funding for Shreveport Green. A lot of us are going to use it as an education award for college and technical school and we really needed it; so, thank ya’ll. I plan to use my educational award for Grambling State University where I will be majoring in electrical engineering.

Mr. James Bedford: I would just like to say thank you. I have enjoyed being a Shreveport member. It is a great program. They teach us team work and team building and sometimes when we are out there in the hot sun and we have a misunderstandings, but it also teaches us respect for one another and as a whole. Myself, we are getting things done for our community.

Ms. Sanbon Sear: Through Shreveport Green, I have been able to work with young children. Not only do we provide education to these young children, we are able to be role models for them which is what they need.

Mr. Jerry Webb: I thank all of ya’ll for just giving us a chance to see. And the education award, for me, I am going to be a teacher and I thought about leaving but this proposal sound good, so I might come back.

Ms. Lee: As you all can see, they are a great group and again we wanted to say, thank you. If ya’ll would excuse us and give us a couple of minutes. As I mentioned earlier, they have been working since 6:30 this morning and they have to start again at 6:30 in the morning so we would like to go ahead and excuse ourselves, but thank you so much for the opportunity to come and share with you and thank you for your support.

Councilman Carmody: Ms. Lee, thank you very much.

Councilman Shyne: Super group.

Councilman Carmody: Thank ya’ll very much.

Adding Legislation to the Agenda

Motion by Councilman Stewart to suspend the Rules to add legislation, seconded by Councilman Shyne. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Stewart to add Resolution No. 103 of 2001 to the agenda, seconded by Councilman Shyne. Motion by Councilman Serio to add Resolution No. 104 of 2001 and Ordinance No. 120 of 2001 to the agenda, seconded by Councilman Stewart. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Stewart: I think you all have either seen this or heard about it, but since we’ve had a very successful bond issue, one of my friends and business constituents, Mr. Grady C. Golden, Sr. did something that I thought was most beneficial and perhaps the Mayor and the rest of the Administration are aware of this. We all received a letter from him. Grady took it upon himself to send 1,400 letters out to Business Leaders, Political Leaders throughout the City with a personal note on all of them. I think each of us got them dated July 10^th, saying neighborhood bond issue; vote yes and would you please send 10 letters to everyone else. I know of approximately 15 other people have sent 10 letters and it is nice to see somebody who has an interest in our community, doing these things. And I thank him as a friend and as a member of the constituency on behalf of the City. We’ll all do more in the future.

Public Hearing: None. Councilman Carmody: Please note Council members, that we will have a public hearing on August 14 regarding the proposed Annexation Ordinance No. 112 of 2001.

Confirmations and/or Appointments:

Motion by Councilman Shyne to confirm to the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission: Frank R. Pernici and Maxine Sarpy; to the Civil Service Board: David Stanford and Norman Lafargue; and to the 911 Board: Dorothy Johnson, seconded by Councilman Spigener. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

Motion by Councilman Serio, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for Introduction of the Resolution on the Consent Agenda to lay over until the August 14, 2001 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne, and Burrell. 7. Absent: None.

RESOLUTION:

1. Resolution 100 of 2001: An resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute grant documents with the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance, an otherwise providing with respect thereto.

ORDINANCES: None.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Spigener for Adoption of the Resolution on the Consent Agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, and Shyne. 6. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilman Burrell. 1.

RESOLUTION:

RESOLUTION NO. 92 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE GRANT DOCUMENTS WITH NORTHWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PLANNING AGENCY FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS, AND OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the Shreveport Police Department has been advised that grant funding is available from Northwest Law Enforcement Planning Agency.

WHEREAS, the award, will reimburse the Shreveport Police Department $6,283 for electronic equipment for the Shreveport Police Academy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that it does hereby authorize the execution by Keith Hightower, Mayor, those grant documents necessary to receive funding.

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.

ORDINANCES: None.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION:

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 93 of 2001: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Redistricting, L.L.C. for redistricting/reapportionments consultant services and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Councilman Shyne: I am going to make the motion, but I would ask for a no vote. I believe Mr. Thompson, this is the group from Baton Rouge? Mr. Thompson: Yes.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Stewart denied by the following vote: Nays: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, and Shyne. 6. Ayes: None. Out of Chamber: Councilman Burrell. 1.

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 94 of 2001: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Herschel Brown for redistricting/reapportionments consultant services and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Councilman Shyne: I’ll make the motion, but I would ask for a no vote on 94.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Stewart denied by the following vote: Nays: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, and Shyne. 6. Ayes: Councilman Burrell. 1.

RESOLUTION NO. 95 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH PRECISION CARTOGRAPHICS FOR REDISTRICTING/ REAPPORTIONMENTS CONSULTANT SERVICES AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has advertised for proposals for redistricting / reapportionment consultant services; and

WHEREAS, three proposals were received and considered and the City Council now wishes to award the contract to Precision Cartographics.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Keith P. Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute an agreement between the City of Shreveport and Precision Cartographics in a form approved by the City Attorney, subject to the following conditions:

1. The agreement shall be substantially in accordance with the proposal submitted by Precision Cartographics, attached hereto and filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council.

2. At least two weeks prior to the execution of the agreement the City Attorney shall file a copy of the proposed agreement and the proposed date of execution with the clerk of the city council, who shall forward the proposed agreement to all members of the council. The agreement shall not be executed if the city council, at a regular or special meeting prior to the proposed date of execution, adopts a resolution altering or disapproving the proposed agreement.

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.

Councilman Shyne: I’ll make a motion on that and I will ask for a yes vote.

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

Councilman Shyne: I believe we discussed on yesterday, at least and I have discussed with this particular company and they will look at doing a joint venture. They are going to do it in a good faith effort. And in case there is some conflict or some confusion, I think they would bring it back to the Council and we will take a look at it, but I would ask for a yes vote.

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

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 96 of 2001: Resolution stating the City of Shreveport’s endorsement of Ark-La-Tex Antique & Classic Vehicle Enterprise, LLC to participate in the benefits of the Louisiana Restoration Tax Abatement Program and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Serio to postpone the resolution until the August 14, 2001 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 97 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 render legal services on an hourly basis to represent the interests of the City of Shreveport and its officers and employees in the lawsuit styled The Coalition For Equal Access To Public Property v City of Shreveport , No. 458,281 in the First Judicial District Court.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the City Charter, the City Attorney recommends that Jerald N. Jones , Attorney 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 is hereby authorized to execute, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport, a retainer agreement with Jerald N. Jones, Attorney at Law, 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 July 10, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that expenses from 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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Huckaby passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 98 of 2001:

A resolution to amend Resolution Number 48 of 2001 to authorize the Mayor to execute amendments to the contract with the Independence Bowl Foundation, Inc. ("Foundation") relative to the purchase, financing and operation of the electronic scoreboard and video board; authorizing the guarantee of a loan to the Foundation in favor of Hibernia National Bank or other financial institutions for the purchase of Same; authorizing the Mayor to request approval from the Louisiana State Bond Commission Relative to the loan guarantee and ratifying certain prior actions in furtherance of such approval; and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Spigener for passage. The Deputy Clerk read the following amendment:

A. Amend the Resolution as follows:

1. Amend line 2 of sub-section 4 of the "NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED" paragraph to add the phrase "...of Title 33..." after the phrase "...Section 2921-2925...".

2. Delete sub-section 8 of the "NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED" paragraph.

B. Amend the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement as follows:

1. Amend Section I. A. 2. g. of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to now read as follows:

I. THE FOUNDATION AGREES TO:

A. Scope of Services

***

2. The FOUNDATION shall provide the following services, equipment, material or personnel at its sole cost and expenses:

***

g. All other services, equipment, material or personnel not enumerated in any other paragraph of this agreement including all personnel and equipment required for the production of any video produced pursuant to Section II. F. of this Agreement.

2. Amend Section II. of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to add Section II. F. to read as follows:

II. THE CITY AGREES:

***

F. All rights relative to the production of any video produced with the equipment is reserves to the FOUNDATION.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Spigener for adoption of the amendment. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Spigener for adoption of the resolution as amended. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 98 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION NUMBER 48 OF 2001 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONTRACT WITH THE INDEPENDENCE BOWL FOUNDATION, INC. ("FOUNDATION") RELATIVE TO THE PURCHASE, FINANCING AND OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD AND VIDEO BOARD; AUTHORIZING THE GUARANTEE OF A LOAN TO THE FOUNDATION IN FAVOR OF HIBERNIA NATIONAL BANK OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SAME; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO REQUEST APPROVAL FROM THE LOUISIANA STATE BOND COMMISSION RELATIVE TO THE LOAN GUARANTEE AND RATIFYING CERTAIN PRIOR ACTIONS IN FURTHERANCE OF SUCH APPROVAL; AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, on May 8, 2001, the Shreveport City Council adopted Resolution Number 48 of 2001 (the "Prior Resolution") which authorized a contract (the "Contract") with The Independence Bowl Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"); and

WHEREAS, the contract authorized by the Prior Resolution did not contain specific authority for the Mayor to request approval for the loan guarantee from the Louisiana State Bond Commission or contain information concerning the terms of the purchase, construction and permanent financing of the scoreboard and video board to be installed at Independence Stadium (the "Video Scoreboard Equipment");

WHEREAS, the Shreveport City Council finds that the benefits and services to be received by the City from the Foundation pursuant to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement referred to in paragraph 1 below are commensurate with the services to be provided by the City, which benefits and services to be received by the City include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) The production by the Foundation at the City owned facility, Independence Stadium, of the annual football game referred to as the Independence Bowl (the "Bowl") along with associated activities and events;

(ii) The provision by the Foundation of services, equipment, and general personnel, necessary for the production of the Bowl;

(iii) Management by the Foundation of the press box and control of tickets and passes for entry into the press box;

(iv) Provision of tickets to the City in the South End-Zone Skybox for the Bowl;

(v) The receipt by the City of all income from the sale of food and beverages at the Bowl;

(vi) The provision by the Foundation of capital improvements in the area of, and to, Independence Stadium, for use by the City at all functions at Independence Stadium, including but not limited to the construction of the Video Scoreboard Equipment, the ownership of which will ultimately inure to the City; and

(vii) The provision to the City of one 30-second commercial advertising spot at no cost during each year’s Bowl television telecast."

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, regular and legal session convened that:

1) The Contract shall be amended to change the name of the "Contract" to "Cooperative Endeavor Agreement" and other amendments as requested by the Foundation. The Mayor is authorized to execute the amended Agreement on behalf of the City, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Agreement");

2) The Non-revolving Line of Credit loan to be obtained by the Foundation pursuant to the Agreement for the purchase and construction of the Video Scoreboard Equipment shall not exceed $1,500,000.00 and shall be guaranteed by the City and shall be for a term not to extend beyond September 3, 2001, and shall bear interest at the rate stipulated in the Loan Agreements with the Lender providing such loan; provided that the City’s guaranty shall include payment of the unpaid principal balance of such loan, together with accrued unpaid interest, together with all other applicable fees, costs and charges, if any, not paid; provided further that he City’s guaranty for the payment of unpaid interest accruing under such loan shall not exceed a rate of ten (10%) percent per annum.

3) The term Loan to be obtained by the Foundation pursuant to the Agreement for the permanent financing of the Video Scoreboard Equipment shall not exceed $1,500,000.00 and shall be guaranteed by the City and shall be for a term not to exceed ten (10) years from the date thereof, and shall bear interest at the rate stipulated in the Loan Agreements with the Lender providing such loan; provided that the City’s guaranty shall include payment of the unpaid principal balance of such loan, together with accrued unpaid interest, together with all other applicable fees, costs and charges, if any, not paid; provided further that the City’s guaranty for the payment of unpaid interest accruing under such loan shall not exceed a rate of ten (10%) percent per annum.

4) The City acknowledges that the Agreement and any related guarantees are being executed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2921-2925 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended and other constitutional and statutory authority.

5) Application be and the same is hereby formally made to the Commission for its consent and authority for the City to execute the Agreement and a certified copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Commission, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this resolution.

6) It is recognized, found and determined that a real necessity exists for the employment of bond counsel in connection with the execution of the Agreement and, accordingly, the firms of Crawford Lewis, P.L.L.C., Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Casten & Pearce, Shreveport, Louisiana, are hereby employed as co-bond counsel to the City to do and to perform comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work with respect to the issuance of the Agreement. The fees to be paid Co-bond Counsel shall be an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred and advanced, subject to the Attorney General’s written approval of said employment and fee.

7) The City hereby authorizes and directs its Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, Clerk, and such other officials with the City to execute the Agreement and to do any and all things necessary and incidental to perform the obligations of the City under the Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Resolution.

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 ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

RESOLUTION No. 102 OF 2001

Offered by Councilman Burrell and seconded by Councilman Serio:

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CANVASSING THE RETURNS AND DECLARING THE RESULT OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA ON SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2001, TO AUTHORIZE THE INCURRING OF DEBT AND ISSUANCE OF BONDS THEREIN.

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), that:

SECTION 1. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the special election held in in the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, (the "City"), on SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2001, to authorize the incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein, and declare the result of the special election.

SECTION 2. Proces Verbal. A Proces Verbal of the canvass of the returns of said election shall be made and a certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall record the same in his office; another certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Clerks of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and for the Parishes of Bossier and Caddo, who shall record the same in the Mortgage Records of said Parishes; and another copy thereof shall be retained in the archives of this Governing Authority.

SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Result. The result of said election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law.

PROCES VERBAL AND PROCLAMATION OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2001.

BE IT KNOWN AND REMEMBERED that on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at three o’clock (3:00) p.m., at its regular meeting place, the City Hall, Shreveport, Louisiana, the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), and being the authority ordering the special election held therein on Saturday, July 21, 2001:

There being absent: None.

did, in open and public session, examine the official certified tabulations of votes, cast at the said election, and did examine and canvass the returns of the said election, there having been submitted at said election the following proposition, to wit:

SHREVEPORT PROPOSITION

 

SUMMARY: AUTHORITY TO ISSUE NOT EXCEEDING $70,000,000 OF 20-YEAR GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING, ACQUIRING AND IMPROVING WORKS OF NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE CITY INCLUDING ROADS, STREETS, DRAINAGE, PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND PUBLIC FACILITIES INCLUDING FACILITIES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES, AND ACQUIRING THE NECESSARY LAND, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS THEREFOR, SAID BONDS TO BE PAYABLE FROM AD VALOREM TAXES.

 

Shall the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), incur debt and issue bonds to the amount of Seventy Million Dollars ($70,000,000), to run twenty (20) years from date thereof, with interest at a rate not exceeding seven per centum (7%) per annum, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, and improving works of neighborhood public improvement for the City, including roads, streets, drainage, parks and recreation facilities and public facilities including facilities for the police department and fire department, and other public purposes, and acquiring the necessary land, equipment and furnishings therefor, which bonds will be general obligations of the City and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto?

There was found by said court and canvass that the following votes had been cast at the said special election IN FAVOR OF and AGAINST, respectively, the proposition as hereinabove set forth at the following polling places, to-wit:

   

POLLING PLACE

VOTE TABULATION

PrecinctLocation	FOR	AGAINST
CADDO PARISH POLLING PLACES
001	Northside Elementary, 2000 Northside Drive	54	16
002	(IN PART) Lakeview United Methodist Church, 5550 S. Lakeshore	51	34
003	Bethune Middle School, 4331 Henry St.	34	19
004	St. Stephens American Lutheran Church, 8400 Kingston Rd	52	24
005	Cherokee Park Elementary School, 2010 E. Algonquin Trail	60	15
006	Stoner Hill Lab School, 2127 C.E. Galloway Blvd.	4	2
007	Knights of Columbus Hall, 220 East Stephenson	45	12
008	Shreve City Baptist Church, 2810 Knight St.	95	64
009	Shreve Island Elementary School, 836 Sewanee Place	119	50
010	A. C. Steere Elementary School, 4009 Youree Drive	106	26
011	Arthur Circle Elementary School, 261 Arthur	94	25
012	Broadmoor Laboratory Middle School, 441 Atlantic	150	41
013	Broadmoor Laboratory Middle School, 441 Atlantic	93	25
014	Knights of Columbus Hall, 220 East Stephenson	70	17
015	New Caddo Parish Health Unit, 1035 Creswell Ave	45	6
016	Haynes Ave Baptist Church, 610 Haynes Ave	214	68
017	New Caddo Parish Health Unit, 1035 Creswell Ave	28	7
018	Byrd High School Learning Ctr., 700 Kings Hwy.	25	9
019	Byrd High School Learning Ctr., 700 Kings Hwy.	32	8
020	Byrd High School Gym, 700 Gladstone	95	14
021	Pierremont Mall, 4801 Line Ave.	135	25
022	Pierremont Mall, 4801 Line Ave.	105	28
023	Pierremont Mall, 4801 Line Ave.	29	9
024	South Highlands Magnet Elementary School, 831 Erie	124	18
025	Werner Park Elementary School (Hearne Entrance), 2715 Corbitt	32	12
026	Betty Virginia Parik Rec. Bldg., 4010 Line	84	25
027	Mall St. Vincent, 1133 St. Vincent Avenue	96	14
028	Shreve Island Elementary School, 836 Sewanee, Suite 200	16	1
029	Old City Court Building, 1234 Texas	6	0
030	Atkins Branch Shreve Mem. Library, 2709 Hassett	67	31
031	Galilee Baptist Church, 1500 Pierre Ave.	40	12
032	Mall St. Vincent, 1133 St. Vincent Ave.	6	1
033	Mall St. Vincent, 1133 St. Vincent Ave.	15	3
034	Caddo Heights Elementary School, 1702 Corbitt	58	20
035	Linwood Middle School, 401 West 70th Street	24	3
036	Sunset Acres Elementary School, 6514 West Canal Blvd.	47	11
037	Fair Park High School Gym, 3222 Greenwood Rd.	10	4
038	Hollywood Middle School, 6310 Clift St.	36	12
039	Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy, 2932 Murphy	49	8
040	Ingersoll Elementary School, 401 N. Holzman	50	10
041	Lakeshore Elementary School, 1807 San Jacinto	36	3
042	Shreveport Job Corps Center, 2800 W. College St.	17	6
043	Werner Park Elem. School (Bibb St. Entrance), 2715 Corbitt	29	6
044	Shreveport Job Corps Center, 2800 West College	41	6
045	Lakeshore Elementary School, 1807 San Jacinto	63	15
046	Fair Park High School, 3222 Greenwood Road	36	7
047	Knights of Columbus Hall, 220 East Stephenson	94	14
048	Haynes Ave Baptist Church, 610 Haynes Ave	136	50
049	Youree Drive Middle School, 6008 Youree Drive	96	26
050	Caddo Middle Magnet School, 7635 Cornelius	40	8
051	Eighty-first St. ECE Center, 8108 Fairfield	51	8
052	Woodlawn High School, 7340 Wyngate	35	12
053	Oak Terrace Special School, 6660 Quilen Blvd.	22	9
054	Judson Street Elementary School, 3809 Judson	54	14
055	(IN PART) Hillsdale Elem. School, 3860 Hutchinson	41	23
056A	(IN PART) University Elem. School, 9900 Smitherman	120	26
056B	(IN PART) University Elem. School, 9900 Smitherman	117	34
057	Pine Grove Elem. School, 1700 Caldwell	38	3
058	Caddo Heights Elem. School, 1702 Corbitt	45	13
059	Linwood Middle School, 401 W 70th St.	25	5
060	Morning Star Baptist Church, 5340 Jewella Rd.	29	8
061	Mooretown ECE Center, 3913 Powell	52	16
062	South Highlands Magnet Elementary School, 831 Erie	136	25
063	Captain Shreve High School, 6115 East Kings Hwy.	131	43
064	Stoner Hill Laboratory School, 2127 C. E. Galloway	22	4
065	Booker T. Washington High School, 2104 Milam	40	9
066	Old City Court Building, 1234 Texas	5	0
067	West Shreveport Elem. School, 2100 Weinstock	52	12
068	Shreve Memorial Library, 8303 Line Ave.	126	26
069	(IN PART) Westwood Elementary School, 7325 Jewella Rd.	54	40
070	Westwood Elementary School, 7325 Jewella Rd.	44	32
071	J. S. Clark Middle School, 351 Hearne	73	12
072	(IN PART) Baptist Student Center, LSU-S, 8701 Youree	146	43
073A	David Raines Center, 2325 David Raines	32	3
073B	David Raines Center, 2325 David Raines	28	10
074	Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, 1915 Grover Place	87	22
075	(IN PART) Shreve Memorial Library, 8303 Line Ave.	164	71
076A	(IN PART) University Elementary School, 9900 Smitherman	98	30
076B	(IN PART) University Elementary School, 9900 Smitherman	117	34
077	(IN PART) Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8895 Youree Dr.	244	59
078	Calvary Baptist Church, 9333 Linwood	14	7
079	(IN PART) Calvary Baptist Church, 9333 Linwood	25	10
080	Mooretown ECE Center, 3913 Powell	28	10
081	Newton Elementary School, 3000 Martin Luther King	22	2
082A	North Highlands Elem. School, 885 Poleman Road	68	29
082B	North Highlands Elem. School, 885 Poleman Road	50	32
083A	(IN PART) Ford Park Baptist Church, 5755 Yarbrough Rd.	92	40
083B	(IN PART) Ford Park Baptist Church, 5755 Yarbrough Rd.	74	21
084	Western Hills Baptist Church, 4153 Pines Rd.	148	30
085A	(IN PART) Huntington High School, 6801 Raspberry Lane	45	18
085B	(IN PART) Huntington High School, 6801 Raspberry Lane	47	6
086	Oak Park Elem. School, 4941 McDaniel	61	20
087	(IN PART) Huntington High School, 6801 Raspberry Lane	48	23
088	(IN PART) Shreveport Bible Church, 4761 Bert Kouns	63	36
089A	(IN PART) Summerfield Elem. School, 3131 Ardis Taylor	68	34
089B	(IN PART) Summerfield Elem. School, 3131 Ardis Taylor	60	31
089C	(IN PART) Summerfield Elem. School, 3131 Ardis Taylor	55	24
090A	Summer Grove Elem. School, 2955 Reisor Road	44	26
090B	Summer Grove Elem. School, 2955 Reisor Road	62	26
091A	Ridgewood Middle School, 2001 Ridgewood	46	22
091B	Ridgewood Middle School, 2001 Ridgewood	52	27
092	Forest Hill Elem. School, 2005 Francais	102	70
093	(IN PART) Southern Hills Elem. School, 9075 Kingston	60	47
094	Summerfield Estates, 9133 Baird Road	105	41
095A	South Caddo Branch Shreve Memorial Library, 9701 Baird	92	54
095B	South Caddo Branch Shreve Memorial Library, 9701 Baird	75	44
096	(IN PART) Western Hills Baptist Church, 4152 Pines Rd.	33	18
097A	(IN PART) Ellerbe Road United Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Church Road	133	37
097B	(IN PART) Ellerbe Road United Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Church Road	116	30
098	Mall, St. Vincent, 1133 St. Vincent Ave., Suite 200	24	11
099	Stoner Hill Lab School, 2127 C. E. Galloway	11	6
122	(IN PART) The Police/Fire Academy, 6440 Greenwood Rd.	3	0

124	(IN PART) Grawood Christian School, 10420 Grawood School Rd.	NA
125	(IN PART) Keithville Elem/Middle School, 12201 Mansfield Rd.	11	6
126	(IN PART) Caddo Fire District Number 6, 10377 Linwood	160	15
127	(IN PART) LSU Pecan Station, La. Hwy. 1 South	89	12
128	(IN PART) Ellerbe Rd. United Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Church Rd.	0	0
129	(IN PART) Dixie Garden Assembly Hall, 4760 Dixie Garden Dr.	NA
133	(IN PART) Calvary Uni Pentecostal Church, 6811 Woolworth Rd.	3	0
137A	(IN PART) Northwood High School, 5939 Old Mooringsport Rd.	2	0
137B	(IN PART) Northwood High School, 5939 Old Mooringsport Rd.	0	0
02-06	Bossier Elementary School	0	0
02-23	Waller Elementary School	13	2
04-08C	Curtis Elementary School	0	0
999	Absentee	183	91

 

The polling places above specified being the only polling places designated at which to hold the said election, it was therefore shown that there was a total of 7,698 votes cast IN FAVOR OF the Proposition and a total of 2,474 votes cast AGAINST the Proposition, as hereinabove set forth, and that there was a majority of 7,698 votes cast FOR the Proposition, as hereinabove set forth.

Therefore, the Governing Authority did declare and proclaim and does hereby declare and proclaim in open and public session that the Proposition as hereinabove set forth was duly carried by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the said special election held in the City of Shreveport on Saturday, July 21, 2001.

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Shreveport, Louisiana, on this, the _____ day of _____, 2001.

 

ATTEST:

___________________________ ________________________

Clerk of Council

PROCLAMATION

I, the undersigned Mayor of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), do hereby declare, proclaim and announce that the proposition submitted at the special election held in the City on Saturday July 21, 2001, was duly carried by a majority of the votes cast at the said special election, all as described and set out in the above Proces Verbal.

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Shreveport, Louisiana, on this, the ____ day of _____, 2001.

___________________________

Mayor

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

RESOLUTION NO. 103 2001

A RESOLUTION TO URGE AND REQUEST GOVERNOR MIKE FOSTER, THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION TO EXPEDITE THE I-49 EXTENSION FROM 1-220 IN SHREVEPORT TO THE ARKANSAS STATE LINE, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY: COUNCILMAN STEWART

WHEREAS, the completion of I-49 from I-220 to the Arkansas state line is essential for the future prosperity and growth of Shreveport, Northwest Louisiana, and the entire state of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the completion of I-49 North will strengthen the transportation system in the area and throughout the region by enhancing the movement and distribution of goods and services; and

WHEREAS, the completion of I-49 North insures the establishment of the Caddo/Bossier Port as a regional multi-modal transportation hub for shippers and insures the maximum use of this $90 million Port Complex and the $1.8 billion Red River Waterway Project (J. Bennett Johnson Waterway); and

WHEREAS, the completion of I-49 North will increase tourism travel into Shreveport, Northwest Louisiana, and the entire state of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the completion of I-49 North will improve traffic flow; provide a safe and convenient transportation route for the citizens of Shreveport and this state, and will improve the quality of the lives of our citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Shreveport City Council in due, regular and legal session convened, that the Shreveport City Council does hereby urge and request Governor Mike Foster, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Federal Highway Administration to expedite the I-49 extension from 1-220 in Shreveport to the Arkansas state line.

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 which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this and, 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 Huckaby passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Burrell: Since some times we are not privy to some of these meetings, I know that they have had a meeting on the I-49 here recently, can we get sort of overview of where they all with this project.

Mayor Hightower: I can tell you briefly that the Governor did authorize a task force that is chaired by Tommy Clark, that meets I know at least once a month over at the DOTD Office in Bossier and they are working on this and they are looking at everything from how can we finance it, to how quick can we get it done. I believe that they have a meeting maybe this week in addition to that, but I know that they are still looking at tolls which apparently don’t seem to be a real option at this point and the other thing that that they are looking at are garby bonds at this point, which is financing through bonding future federal highway allocated dollars to the state. And there maybe some more options that they are kicking around besides that, but I think that shortly they will have a recommendation back to the Governor and hopefully, they Governor will take them up on that recommendation to get that part of the highway under construction.

The following resolution was offered by Councilman Carmody and seconded by Councilman Serio:

RESOLUTION 104 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION GRANTING AUTHORITY TO TAKE PRELIMINARY ACTION RELATIVE TO THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF NOT EXCEEDING $70,000,000 OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2001 OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA , ALL IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE VI, SECTION 33 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA OF 1974, SUB-PART A, PART III, CHAPTER 4 OF TITLE 39 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, AND OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY SUPPLEMENTAL THERETO; MAKING APPLICATION TO THE STATE BOND COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL; PROVIDING FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF BOND COUNSEL AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended

(the "Act") and other constitutional and statutory authority, the City of

Shreveport, Louisiana (the "Issuer") governed by the City Council (the

"Governing Authority") desires to make capital improvements consisting of

acquiring, constructing and improving works of neighborhood public

improvements for the Issuer, including roads, streets, drainage, parks and

recreation facilities and other public facilities including facilities for

the police and fire departments (collectively, the "Project"); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond

Commission, the Issuer desires to accomplish the financing of the Project

through the issuance of not exceeding Seventy Million Dollars ($70,000,000)

General Obligation Bonds, Series 2001 (the "Bonds"), to be payable from ad

valorem taxes; and

WHEREAS, the issuance of the Bonds was approved at a special election held

on July 21, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Authority desires to make formal application to the

State Bond Commission for approval of the Bonds, and further to employ bond

counsel and financial advisor in connection therewith;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of

Shreveport, Louisiana, acting as governing authority of said Issue, that:

SECTION 1. There is hereby preliminarily authorized subject to further

action of the Issuer, and application be and the same is hereby formally

made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority for the Issuer

to issue, sell and deliver not exceeding $70,000,000 of General Obligation

Bonds, Series 2001 (the "Bonds"), in one or more series, to bear interest at

a rate or rates not exceeding seven percent (7%) per annum, to mature over a

period not exceeding 20 years, all in the manner provided for in the Act,

and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, for

the purpose of financing the Project and paying the costs of issuance of the

Bonds, which Bonds shall be payable from and secured by ad valorem taxes

levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the

Louisiana Constitution of 1974 and pursuant to an election held on July 21,

2001.

SECTION 2. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to said

State Bond Commission by bond counsel, defined below, together with a letter

requesting the prompt

consideration and approval of this application.

SECTION 3. This resolution shall be published as soon as possible in the

official journal of the Issuer or in a newspaper of general circulation

within the Issuer. For a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such

publication, any person in interest may contest the legality of this

resolution, any provision of the Bonds to be issued pursuant hereto, and the

provisions made for the security and payment of the Bonds and the validity

of all other provisions and proceedings relating to the authorization and

issuance of the Bonds. After said thirty (30) days, no person may contest

the regularity, formality, legality or effectiveness of this resolution, any

provisions of the Bonds to be issued pursuant hereto, the provisions for the

security and payment of the Bonds and the validity of all other provisions

and proceedings relating to their authorization and issuance, for any cause

whatsoever. Thereafter, it shall be conclusively presumed that the Bonds

are legal and that every legal requirement for the issuance of the Bonds has

been complied with. No court shall have authority to inquire into any of

these matters after said thirty (30) days.

SECTION 4. It is hereby recognized, found and determined that a real

necessity exists for the employment of co-bond counsel in connection with

the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, the firms of Casten & Pearce,

Shreveport, Louisiana and Crawford Lewis, P.L.L.C., Baton Rouge, Louisiana

are hereby employed as co-bond counsel to do and perform comprehensive legal

and coordinate professional work with respect to the issuance of the Bonds.

Said co-bond counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority

for adoption of all the proceedings incidental to the authorization,

issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds, shall counsel and advise this

Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale of the Bonds, shall take all

steps in their opinion necessary or desirable relative to the sale of the

Bonds and shall furnish their opinion covering the legality of the issuance

thereof. The fee of co-bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the

Bonds is hereby fixed at a sum not exceeding eighty (80%) percent of the

maximum fee allowed by the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana's fee

schedule for comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work in the

issuance of general obligation bonds, based on the amount of the Bonds

actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-of-pocket"

expenses, said fee to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of

the Bonds. That pursuant to instructions from this Governing Authority,

said co-bond counsel shall also assist in the preparation of a preliminary

and final official statement containing detailed comprehensive financial and

statistical data required with respect to the sale of the Bonds and the

costs of the preparation and printing of such official statement shall be

paid from the proceeds of the issue for which it has been prepared.

SECTION 5. The firm of Holley, Tucker, Bossier & Nosacka, Baton Rouge,

Louisiana is hereby employed as Financial Advisor to the Issuer. The fee to

be paid to the Financial Advisor shall be negotiated and approved by the

Mayor, and solely payable contingent upon the issuance and delivery of the

Bonds.

SECTION 6. Prior to the delivery of the Bonds, the Issuer anticipates that

it may pay a portion of the costs of the Project from the General Fund.

Upon the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse

any such expenditures of other available funds from a portion of the

proceeds of the Bonds. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Bonds for

reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in

Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made upon the delivery of the Bonds and not

later than one year after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was

paid or (ii) the date on which the Project was placed in service. This

Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the

meaning of Reg. 1.150-2.

SECTION 7. The Mayor and Clerk of the Issuer are hereby authorized to do all

things necessary, on the advice of co-bond counsel to the Issuer, to

effectuate and implement this Resolution, including the publication and

recordation hereof as required by the Act.

SECTION 8. All other resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict

herewith are hereby repealed.

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

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION:

1. Resolution No. 101 of 2001: A resolution authorizing a contract between the City of Shreveport and Red River Road Runners, Inc. and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for Introduction of the Resolution to lay over until the August 14, 2001 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:

1. Ordinance No. 112 of 2001: An ordinance to enlarge the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport – A tract of land located along the Southern Loop and Norris Ferry Roads in the SE/4 of Section 20 and in the NE/4 of Section 29 (T16N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana and providing with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 113 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the developer and residents of Wrenwood Subdivision to remove the connection of Wrenwood Boulevard to Flournoy Lucas Road and constructing a cul-de-sac at the southerly end of Wrenwood Boulevard, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Ordinance No. 114 of 2001: An ordinance amending the 2001 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 115 of 2001: An ordinance amending the 2001 Community Development Special Revenue Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 116 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the SE corner of Lake Bethlehem Street and Willis Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District to R-3, Urban, Multi-Family Residence District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 117 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the NW corner of Texas Avenue and Cedar Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-3, Community Business District to I-1, Light Industry District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 118 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the north side of East College Street, 300 feet west of Youree Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District to R-1H-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended use District limited to "an automotive paint and repair shop as applied for" only and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 119 of 2001: An ordinance to amend certain provisions of Section 10-182 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances relative to alcoholic beverages and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

9. Ordinance No. 120 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an Exchange Deed and an Agreement with Provident Realty Advisors, Inc. and Albertson’s Inc. for the exchange of certain city owned property located at the northeast corner of Kings Highway and Southern Avenue (Thomas Field) and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Serio, seconded by Councilman Burrell for Introduction of the Ordinances to lay over until the August 14, 2001 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:

1. Ordinance No. 108 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an amendment to the amended and restated ground lease and hotel ground lease and related agreements with Red River Entertainment of Shreveport, a Partnership in Commendam.

Having passed first reading on June 26, 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 Stewart adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

2. Ordinance No. 109 of 2001: An ordinance to amend Section 18-64 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinance relative to service animals inside buildings of the municipal airports and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on July 10, 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 Burrell, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for adoption. The Deputy Clerk read the following amendment:

Amend the ordinance as follows:

Amend the title of the ordinance to read as follows:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 18-64, ANIMALS PROHIBITED INSIDE BUILDINGS, TO REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL SERVICE ANIMALS ALLOWED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Amend the "NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED"paragraph to read as follows:

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in regular session duly convened, that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport Section `18-64, Animals Prohibited inside Buildings is hereby amended to read as follows:"

Motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Stewart for adoption of the amendment. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for adoption of the ordinance as amended. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 110 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 Claiborne, 275 feet east of Hearne Avenue, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-2, Suburban, Multi-family Residence District to B-3, Community Business District and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on July 10, 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 to postpone the ordinance until the August 14, 2001 meeting.

Councilman Stewart: I need additional information which I will request, No. 1. No. 2: At my request Mr. Carmody has assisted me with some analysis basis on his professional background. No. 3: I will be ready to make a recommendation at the next meeting.

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

4. Ordinance No. 111 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 Dowdell, 125 feet north of W. 71st Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-family Residence District to B-2, Neighborhood Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Councilman Carmody: Charles, I would just like to make sure my motion is correct. What I would like to do is, uphold the decision. Mr. Kirkland: That is correct. Councilman Carmody: Of the Metropolitan Planning Commission? Mr. Kirkland: That is correct.

Having passed first reading on July 10, 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 for adoption.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Shyne, does that mean that we would need to sample that Classic Chicken, to approve? Councilman Carmody: No, sir I don’t think we are going to have a chance to taste the chicken today.

Councilman Serio: Then, I would ask for a motion to postpone, Mr. Carmody. Councilman Shyne: No chicken, no vote.

Councilman Carmody: I have taken a look at this particular location and I did receive one letter in opposition by a gentleman who owns a piece of property that is behind it. But having looked at the area where they plan to place this business and it appears to be in conjunction with the rest of the commercial zoning in that area. Not to belittle this gentleman’s appeal, but I do feel like that their plan as shown should be developed so that it should not have a tremendous impact on his property; so, at this point. . . .Mr. Thompson: So, is this a motion to adopt the ordinance? Councilman Carmody: Correct. Mr. Thompson: You are asking the Council to vote for it. Councilman Carmody: To vote for it; thank you sir, for that clarification.

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

The adopted Ordinances as amended, follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 108 2001

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED GROUND LEASE AND HOTEL GROUND LEASE AND RELATED AGREEMENTS WITH RED RIVER ENTERTAINMENT OF SHREVEPORT, A PARTNERSHIP IN COMMENDAM

WHEREAS, LA.R.S.33:4712 authorizes a municipality to lease property to a private person when such property is in the opinion of the governing authority not needed for public purposes; and

WHEREAS, the City Of Shreveport and Red River Entertainment of Shreveport, A Partnership in Commendam ("Red River") are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Ground Lease dated March 10, 1998 and Hotel Ground Lease dated March 10, 1998; and

WHEREAS, Red River desires to amend its present lease of certain property of the City of Shreveport located in the riverfront area for a riverboat casino operation and related facilities; and

WHEREAS, Article I of the Amended and Restated Ground Lease excepted from the demised Premises the bank of the Red River lying next to and adjacent to the Shoreside Complex Parcel ("Shoreside Complex-Bank Parcel"); and

WHEREAS, Article I of the Hotel Ground Lease excepted from the demised Premises the bank of the Red River lying next to and adjoining to said Premises ("Premises-Bank Parcel"); and

WHEREAS, Red River has requested that the Lease be amended to include the Shoreside Complex-Bank Parcel and the Premises-Bank Parcel as part of the demised Premises; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to R.S. 9:1102.2 the City of Shreveport has determined that the needs of commerce, navigation and other public purposes respecting the Shoreside Complex-Bank Parcel and Premises-Bank Parcel are being satisfied and would not be unduly interfered with; and

WHEREAS, said property is not currently needed for public purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Keith Hightower, Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Amendment To Amended and Restated Ground Lease and the Amendment To Hotel Ground Lease, substantially in accordance with the drafts thereof which were filed with the original copy of this ordinance in the office of the Clerk of Council on June 26, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that notice of this proposed ordinance shall be published three times in at least fifteen (15) days, one week apart, in the Official Journal of the City of Shreveport, together with notice that the City Council proposes to take final action on this proposed ordinance at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 24, 2001, at 3:00 p.m. or a special meeting of the City Council called for that purpose.

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.

ORDINANCE NO. 109 OF 2001

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 18-64, ANIMALS PROHIBITED INSIDE BUILDINGS, TO REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL SERVICE ANIMALS ALLOWED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the Shreveport Airport Authority (the Authority) has jurisdiction over and administrative control of the Shreveport Regional and Downtown Airports; and

WHEREAS, the Authority desires to amend Section 18-64 of the, City of Shreveport Code of Ordinance to permit service animals at the municipal airports.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in regular session duly convened, that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport Section `18-64, Animals Prohibited inside Buildings is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 18-64. Animals prohibited inside buildings.

Animals required for assistance to blind, hearing-impaired, security

enforcement persons, etc., are permitted in buildings at the Airport. All other

animals, domestic or exotic, are prohibited from Airport buildings, air freight,

facility or other restricted areas except when such animals are containerized

for air shipment. Domestic animals are permitted in other public areas of the

Airport when restrained by leash and kept completely under control.

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 provision, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given affect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 111 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 DOWDELL, 125 FEET NORTH OF W. 71ST STREET, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-1D, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT, 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 22.8 feet of Lots 34, 35, 36, and ½ of the adjacent abandoned alley, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, property located on the east side of Dowdell, 125 feet north of W. 71st Street, be and the same is hereby changed from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District to B-2, Neighborhood Business District.

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

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 Zoning Administrator, with any significant changes or additions requiring further review and approval 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.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. BAC-58-01, RICHARD WASHINGTON, 2017 Nelson St., Special Exception Use and variance in hours of operation in a B-3 District; lounge operating to 2 a.m.

Councilman Huckaby: Mr. Kirkland, I think you have some objections from the residents?

Mr. Kirkland: The Zoning Board of Appeals denied this request and that was based on concerns voiced by those who own businesses and homes in that area. In specific. . . representing Cherokee Park and Highland Park, and quite a number of folks on a petition that has been presented to you, I believe Mrs. Huckaby, to this date were all against that, the lounge. Now, they had not opposed a prior approval of a restaurant with alcohol. Also, the Rite-Aid drug store which is in the same center right almost directly due west of this site and the Reverend Anthony Brown who was also representing the neighborhood group was opposed. So, those were the people that was–the majority of the reason and the plan for the Agurs Business community have pretty well recognizes that other uses, rather than lounges are preferred.

Councilman Huckaby: I have also given to each Council member, petitions that were given to me from the residents of Cherokee Park and based on that, I would like to uphold the denial decision of the ZBA.

Motion by Councilman Huckaby, seconded by Councilman Carmody to uphold the decision of Zoning Board of Appeals. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

2. BAC-61-01, BROADWAY LIQUOR, 4309 Broadway, Special Exception Use and variance in hours of operation in a B-3 District; package liquor store operating to 1 a.m.

Motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Shyne to postpone the application until the August 14, 2001 meeting. Motion to postpone approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES. None.

CLERK’S REPORT:

Appeal Letters (cases not to be considered prior to August 14):

˜ S-27-01, TED & NORMA GATES, Robinson Acres Sub’d., Unit No. 7., to subdivide 51,200 square foot tract into 2 residential lots. (E/Spigener)

˜ C-34-01, SYLVESTER HARDMAN, 8924 Jewellla Ave, MPC approval in B-3 District, dance hall. (E/Spigener)

˜ BAC-68-01, STARZ, 8924 Jewella, variance in hours of operation in a B-3 District, arcade and dance hall operating to 2 a.m. (E/Spigener)

˜ BAC-69-01 ORELL PROPERTIES, LLC, 2809 Truly Lane, Special Exception Use in a B-2 District, restaurant with on-premise consumption of beer. (E/Spigener)

COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

The Council resolved itself into Committee of the Whole on motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Huckaby. Motion adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

There being no report from the Committee, the Council meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

/s/Thomas Carmody, Chairman

/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council