COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

JANUARY 8, 2002

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, was called to order by Chairman John David Stewart, at 3:05 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2002, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Spigener.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio (3:30), 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 December 20, 2001 and the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 27, 2001. Motion approved by the following vote: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.

Awards and Recognitions of Distinguished Guests of the Mayor and the Council Which Are Required By Law. Councilman Shyne: I would like to just take a moment to congratulate the Mayor and Mr. Antee for an excellent job that was done at Independence Stadium. I saw an article in the paper on, I can't remember what day, I believe it was Monday, front page. And I do want you all to know that we have one of the best papers in the country and I wouldn't dare say anything derogatory about the Shreveport Times because the next time I open the paper up, I'll be on the front page. But I do want to let them know that, as a member of the City Council and as a citizen of Shreveport, I do appreciate the fine job that done out at the Independence Stadium. I had an opportunity to kind of walk around and to look and to talk to people and to see what kind of comments that they would make, and I guess it is almost impossible to satisfy one hundred percent of the people all the time, if you do, then it is something wrong that you are doing. But most of the comments that I got, even from people who were from Iowa and from Alabama, who said that this is one of the finest facilities that they had been to, anywhere and I think that we have something that we can be extremely proud of here in Shreveport. This is the first, Ken, Independence Bowl that I had gone to where it seems like that I was at a real stadium. The other games that I had gone to, we had good ball games but it kind of remind me of being in a high school stadium. This time you got the feeling of being at a bowl game, you got the feeling of being at a quality event and I just want to let you all know that we appreciate the fine job.

Public Hearing: None.

Confirmations and/or Appointments: Motion by Councilman Shyne to confirm (1) Bessie Smith to the Metropolitan Planning Commission and (2) Randy Keene to the Metropolitan Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Burrell. Motion approved by the following vote: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to Be Adopted). Councilman Shyne: Ms. Dianne, what about the gentleman who I brought up who said, he wanted to speak? Ms. Lee: He since changed his mind.

Councilman Burrell: I had gotten a call from one of my constituents out in Greenwood Acres, Ms. Josie Harris. I didn't get a chance to call her back because I just got back to the office and I know she had stated that she may want to comment, but you would have to feel out a form if you aregoing to do that.

Adding Legislation to the Agenda: Ms. Lee: We received this resolution, I don't have any other information on it, to add one regarding an agreement with the Krewe of Centaur and the Krewe of Gemini. Councilman Stewart: Are you indicating that it is inadequate information? Ms. Lee: No, I just understand that it needs to be added, I don't have any further information. Councilman Stewart: Mr. Thompson, would it be appropriate add at this time? Mr. Thompson: If that is the desire of the Council. Councilman Stewart: I believe everyone has a Fact Sheet in front of them.

Councilman Carmody: I just want to make sure that we had received it and had time to review it. Councilman Stewart: These are the only two, is that correct Madame Clerk? Ms. Lee: Yes,

Councilman Spigener: I would recommend that we go ahead and add them, we are not going to vote on them today.

Motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Huckaby to add and Introduce the the following entitled resolutions to the agenda: (1) Resolution No. 1 of 2002: A resolution authorizing amendments to the agreement with the Krewe of Centaur, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (2) Resolution No. 2 of 2002: A resolution authorizing amendments to the agreement with the Krewe of Gemini, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Councilman Burrell: I support these resolutions but also, given the fact that, on last year what happened during that period, could we not have representative of this organization maybe that could back before us and give us some comfort level that there has been things put in place in order to deal with some of the problems that we had on last year so that, I know I would be comfortable that, that they would not be repeated? Maybe, I should address that to the Mayor more than to the Council. Mayor Hightower: We can do that.

Councilman Stewart: Mayor Hightower, would you like to extend that in writing to these two groups or would you prefer that we have Mr. Thompson advise them? Mayor Hightower: We can do that. Shelly has been meeting with them over the past several weeks and we'll ask them to come to the next meeting.

Councilman Stewart: Would you be kind enough to have somebody confirm that in writing with a copy to members of the Council, Mr. Mayor? Mayor Hightower: We'll do that,

Councilman Burrell: Since, from what I can gather through the papers, both of these parades will be in Shreveport this time instead of one being in Bossier and one being in Shreveport and that even makes it more of a concern that we assure the public that what took place last year during the parade, that it will not occur this year. And I'm hoping that too, that the bands which was involved in this and the children that was involved in this, I know Councilman Shyne made a statement last year concerning this matter, that the parents would have a comfort level that they can allow their children to perform at these parades because I know that that is a big part of their lives when they are a part of the band. I was in the band for a number of years and I now that that was the highlight of my whole year in the band was to participate in parades, so hopefully we'll give that assurance to the parents.

Motion to add the legislation approved by the following vote: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION:

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTION: None.

ORDINANCE: None.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTION: None.

ORDINANCE: None.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION:

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 189 OF 2001

A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PAY SCHEDULE FOR MUNICIPAL FIRE CIVIL PERSONNEL, AND OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Mayor that the current pay schedule for Municipal Fire Civil Service personnel be revised to reflect an education incentive pay effective January 1, 2002.

WHEREAS, the pay schedule attached hereto as Appendix "A" reflects said education pay incentive.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that the pay schedule attached hereto as Appendix "A" be and hereby is approved, effective January 1, 2002.

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 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 for passage.

Councilman Burrell: On yesterday, I think Mr. Carmody asked for information. Has he received that information and if so, I know that we did not get a copy of it not that it was said that we needed a copy, but it would be well that we would get a copy of it.

Councilman Carmody: I believe that this was just handed out as we entered the Chamber, and I have not had a chance to read through the information in its entirety, but I was going to ask if the Chief could come forward and maybe give us a summary of the information that we got in front of us.

Chief Cochran: Members of the Council, in the interest of time, I will just scan through the document prepared for the Council and Mayor Hightower and Mr. Antee, andstop any time you have questions that we need to clarify the information (the text of the memo follows):

"The "Southern Regional Average" is very much as Mayor Hightower stated, "a moving target." For our purposes, and in order to lessen the dynamic nature of the Southern Regional Average, we will compare SFD pay with similar departments in our region as is found in Fire Service Labor Monthly, "Salary Tracker".

According to the publishers of Salary Tracker, items such as tech pay are not taken into account. Tech Pay is only considered if it is linked to a certification that all members are required to attain as is the case with our EMT tech pay. For our purposes, we will compare based on the following: Base Pay, EMT Tech Pay, FLSA, and State Pay. These items have been selected due to their application to all members of the Fire Service.

The latest Salary Tracker publication surveyed 50 cities for the period which covers April 1999 through April 2000. The next survey covering April 2000 through April 2001 is due out next month. The 50 cities are broken down nationally based on population size, category 1 being the largest and category 9 being the smallest. The following is a break down for the Southern region:

Category City Population(000) Dept. Size

1 Houston, TX 1,631 2,953

2 Baltimore, MD 736 1,830

3 Birmingham, AL 266 624

4 Knoxville, TN 165 352

5 Hollywood, FL 122 207

6 Grand Prairie, TX 100 136

7 Gainesville, FL 85 150

8 Norman, OK 80 121

9 High Point, NC 69 182

Shreveport best compares with Birmingham, AL, due to department size and Knoxville, TN based on population density. For national comparison that would place us in category 3 or 4, or cities with a population of 173,000 to 340,000.

By Comparison, Category 3 low salary for Firefighter is $34,968 per annum and Category 4 low salary is $30,840. Category 3 high salary is $44,229 per annum and Category 4 high salary is $40,579 . This would place the average for Firefighter at somewhere between $32,904 and $42,404. These figures produce an arithmetic mean of $37,654.

The most junior fully certified member of the Shreveport Fire Department earns $29,771 or $1,069 below the category 4 low, $5,197 below the category 3 low and $7,883 below the mean. An increase of $90 per month would reach the Category 4 low point, $433 per month would reach the Category 3 low, and $656 to reach the arithmetic mean.

In contrast, the most senior fully certified firefighter earns $32,836, or $11,393 below the Category 3 high point, $7,743 below the Category 4 high point and $4,818 below thearithmetic mean. An increase to reach the high point would be $949 per month for Category 3, 645 per month for category 4, and $401 per month to reach the arithmetic mean.

I believe that as long as we focus on fully certified members and include the previously mentioned items in the calculation we should be able to reasonably assure ourselves that we are comparing apples to apples.

Some years ago the members of Local 514 surveyed southern region cities by telephone and arrived very similar results. We have maintained the shortfall of about $400 per month for some 6 to 8 years now.

I believe that the best answer to, "What is the Southern Regional Average?", is, somewhere between $32,904 and $42,404. I believe that the base figure to shoot for is $37,654. This figure is about $400 per month above what we now pay."

Councilman Carmody: Chief, I want to make sure that I understood what you just said, that figure, for the Southern Regional Average, that would be for us taking all the compensation that our firefighters receive regardless of whether it is base pay or tech pay or educational incentive? Chief Cochran: No, Sir, if you will turn back to the first page, you'll see the first bolded statement in paragraph 2: For these purpose we compare base pay, EMT tech pay, FLSA pay and tech pay.

Councilman Carmody: So, we are including al of the incentives over and above what our base salary is, in this number? Chief Cochran: There are incentives beyond these that are listed, but these are pays that the greatest population of the Shreveport Fire Department have benefit of, so we included those things that the majority of the population actually achieve as a financial benefit to bring some reality to the goals that we are pursuing.

Councilman Carmody: What is the size of your Department? Chief Cochran: Five hundred and ninety-eight (598) authorized positions.

Councilman Carmody: In the legislation that we are voting on today, for the educational incentive pay, how many fire line personnel are going to be affected and I hoping that I am asking that correctly? How many of the Department's are going to actually receive the benefit, right now? I think you said $60,000 is what is allocated in the budget for this? Chief Cochran: Yes. The first year I think we have about between 47 and 50 (I can't remember the exact number) no, that is too high, what's that? Forty-nine (49), between 47 and 50. So, 49 of our personnel have either Associates, Bachelor's or Master's degree. The vast majority of them have Associates degrees, we have a few with Bachelor's and only about three with Master's.

Councilman Carmody: And we've budgeted about $60,000 a year then to affect the pay for these 49 members of the Department? Chief Cochran: Yes, sir.

Councilman Carmody: Chief, if we are basically in agreement that we are $400 below, based upon what the Union has given us as a survey and then again the information that is provided by the Salary Tracker and our analysis, what is the-I guess what is your hope and what the Administration's game plan for trying to get us up to that level? Chief Cochran: Well, on the issue of education of incentive pay, let me first say that because we have not reached nor do we have a projected date of accomplishing the Southern Regional Average, I feel that the education incentive pay is warranted today, to pass, for the members thatqualify for it. The Mayor has expressed interest in pursuing ways that we can accomplish the southern regional average. There has been no specific date or specific plans, to my knowledge, that he has developed to help us reach that. I know that he is very interested in doing so.

I also believe that it is prudent for our city government when the time comes that we see that reaching the Southern Regional goal is at hand, that we as city government need to join a body of people, comprised of Council members, City Administration, personnel, Fire and Police and look at all the pay issues and bring everything in line so that other councils, mayors, administrations, fire and police chief, will not have to deal with these issues in the future.

Councilman Carmody: Do you find as Chief that the starting base pay is somewhat a non-incentive to get persons interested in the type of work that you've made your career? Chief Cochran: Yes, sir. It is very difficult. Our applicant pool continues to shrink and people with college educations, we still are not drawing those people into our services and that is going to hurt us in the long term and this would definitely prove to be beneficial in drawing in new members with degrees and it is going to be a tremendous encouragement for current members who have not completed their higher education degrees or began that process to do so.

Councilman Carmody: Do we have any idea of what the passage of this legislation might do in the future towards your budget, if $60,000 for this year is going to cover basically 49 and you've got 598 positions, do you have an idea what of escalation in your budget is going to be required by this new incentive? Chief Cochran: There's no way that we can project it at this point, but I can say that we will have an increase in that item on an annual basis. We will have more member interested in getting college degrees and we will draw in more new hires based on this benefit, so it will increase in the future years.

Councilman Burrell: Let me go back and see if we can recap something that you said, 49 percent of your present---Chief Cochran: Forty-nine people. Forty nine of the 598 will be eligible.

Councilman Burrell: Will be eligible. What do you mean by "eligible" because I am thinking---Chief Cochran: Forty-nine (49) either have Associates, Bachelor's or Master's degree currently.

Councilman Burrell: Okay, so the $60,000 that we are talking about then would only affect those 49? Chief Cochran: Yes.

Councilman Burrell: Maybe I'm missing something. The remainder of the personnel that you have, over and above the 49, they are not eligible because they don't have a degree? Chief Cochran: That's right.

Councilman Burrell: This is for advanced degrees? Chief Cochran: Yes, sir this is only for Associates, Bachelor's and Master's: $100 a month for Associates degree, $150 for Bachelor's degree, and $200 for Master's degrees.

Councilman Burrell: In looking at this Southern Regional average that they are talking about here and our comparison to Birmingham and Knoxville, are there any other factors other than the population density that goes into making a determination of how we fit into this scheme between those two things? Chief Cochran: Other than the fields that we have identified, now this is based on Salary Tracker and Fire Service Labor Monthly, these are the areas that they calculate into the regional averages when they are doing their analysis. Wejust wanted to give the Council a realistic look at how Shreveport compared, so we intentionally included the base pay, the bottom line base pay, the EMT incentive pay, the FLSA pay and the state supplemental pay because one hundred percent or the vast majority-for example, one percent of our members have a bottom line base pay and receive state supplemental pay, so based on that we felt that it was fair to include it into the calculation. We have about 98% of our members that receive basic EMT incentive pay and then we have about 66% of our population that receives FLSA pay, so anything that the vast majority of our members receive as a financial benefit, we included as a bottom line pay for this study.

Councilman Burrell: Let me just, one other fact to make sure that, when you talk about apples and apples. When you talk about population density as it relates to the Southern Regional Average, we are talking about the number of persons per area, land area? Chief Cochran: You know, I knew Councilman Burrell was a mathematician, I was afraid he was going to start throwing---Councilman Burrell: Because it is a function of distance too, you know. Chief Cochran: Yes, sir you are right.

Councilman Burrell: We are talking about the same thing? Chief Cochran: Yes.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, I think that goes to show you that the better educated a person is, the better public servant he will become. So, Roy is a good example of having a City Council member who is well educated and he is more productive. Chief Cochran: Absolutely.

Councilman Shyne: So, looking at it from the standpoint of the Fire Department, the more educated your firefighters are, the more productive they will be for the citizens of Shreveport, am I right or wrong? Chief Cochran: Yes, sir.

Councilman Shyne: I rest my case. Councilman Burrell: Thank you, Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Stewart: Chief, thank you for your excellent work and your information. We appreciate you sharing with us, very much.

Councilman Shyne: I call for the question, Mr. Chairman (seconded by Councilman Spigener).

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

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS:

1. Resolution No. 1 of 2002: A resolution authorizing amendments to the agreement with the Krewe of Centaur, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 2 of 2002: A resolution authorizing amendments to the agreement with the Krewe of Gemini, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for Introduction of the Resolutions to lay over until the January 22, 2002 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.

Councilman Carmody: For a point of clarification, I juste wanted to make sure, parliamentarily, if we are calling for the question, we are actually calling to end the debate not to vote on the question itself, is that not correct? Mrs. Glass: The Council has not always done it that way but under Roberts Rules of Order that is technically the way.

Councilman Carmody: I just wanted to make sure that I understood. Mrs. Glass: I was under the impression that that was a vote on the item itself.

Councilman Carmody: I think that it was.

Councilman Stewart: And Mr. Carmody, you are exactly correct and so is Mrs. Julie. I think it would be wise for us to deal with it, appropriately, in the future.

Councilman Shyne: Looking at Roberts Rules of Order and when you are dealing with a legislative body, there are some flexibilities in there that you don't necessarily and I think we are kind of getting caught up that we just have to go right down the line, by Roberts Rules of Order but if you would read a little bit further, I don't know whether she included that in her paper, if you read a little bit further, there is some flexibility when it comes to a legislative body. This body is a little bit different from let's say a board meeting that you would conduct at the Water and Sewerage Department or at a bank or whatever. I wanted to make, `cause sometimes we get a little hung up on, hey, we need to follow, right down the Roberts Rules of Order. I understand and I just wanted to make that clear to our members that we do, as a legislative body, we have that flexibility.

Councilman Stewart: Thank you Mr. Shyne, I think you are correct, but the only flexibility that can be employed is with a majority vote or a 2/3rds vote of the members of the body in order to operate outside of those rules or amend it in some fashion but I believe that is correct Mrs. Glass today but if you would reaffirm what's appropriate, in writing for us on that issue, next time, please. Mrs. Glass: I don't understand.

Councilman Stewart: The issue of flexibility that Mr. Shyne questions, how appropriate it is and under what matters or do we need a specific vote to change those rules or to operate outside of them? Mrs. Glass: I think I can address it right now. I think Roberts Rules of Order speaks of a suspension of the rules by virtue of there being no objection to it, that is what Mr. Shyne is referring to. But then if any member objects then you are to the point you talk about, where it take a vote to suspend. Councilman Stewart: Thank you very much for the clarification.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:

1. Ordinance No. 1 of 2002: An ordinance to amend and reenact Article VII of Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances relative to disposal of public property and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 2 of 2002: An ordinance revising Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Ordinance No. 3 of 2002: 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 Milam Street, 100 feet west of Arkansas, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-1, Buffer Business District to B-2, Neighborhood Business District and to otherwise providewith respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Huckaby for Introduction of the Ordinances to lay over until the January 22, 2002 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. 185 of 2001: An ordinance authorizing the execution of an agreement with Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Shreveport and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Burrell to postpone the ordinance until the January 22, 2002 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

2. Ordinance No. 194 of 2001: An ordinance to reverse the decision rendered by the Metropolitan Planning Commission during their public hearing meeting of November 7, 2001, by closing and abandoning the portion of Glen Iris Boulevard located north of Ontario Street in the Glen Iris Addition Subdivision, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Clerk's Note: Mr. Thompson, I believe 194 has already been postponed (until Jan 22, 2002).

Having passed first reading on December 27, 2001 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Huckaby to postpone Ordinances 196 through 201 of 2001 until the January 22, 2002 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearl Huckaby, Stewart, Carmody, Serio, Spigener, Shyne and Burrell. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 196 of 2001: An ordinance closing and abandoning all of one alleyway and a portion of another alleyway in the two blocks bounded by Exposition and Alabama Avenues and by Penick and Jackson Streets in the Exposition Heights Subdivision, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 197 of 2001: An ordinance amending the 2002 Budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 198 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 Martin Luther King Drive 500 feet west of Legardy Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban One-family Residence District to B-1, Buffer Business Districtand to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 199 of 2001: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by approving the continuation of B-2-E, Neighborhood Business/Extended Use District, limited to "radio and television store and repair shop with auto audio and security installation" only, on property located on the NW corner of Youree and University Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 200 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 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, 150 feet east of Laurie Lane, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from B-1, Buffer Business District to B-1-E, Buffer Business/Extended Use District, limited to "a pet care facility as described at the public hearing" only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 201 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 Greenwood Road and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-3, Community Business District and B-3(SP1-2), Community Business (Industrial Park Overlay) District to I-1 (SPI-2), Light Industry (Industrial Park Overlay) District and I-1, Light Industry District and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Discussion and/or Action Relative to the Public Safety Committee (remained tabled).

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Alcohol Retail Permit: Mr. Shah Mir (Employer: G/Burrell - 2506 Lakeshore Dr.) (Postponed until January 21)

2. Alcohol Retail Permit: Ms. Deborah Hawkins (Employer: 2901 Milam St. [Take-A-Bag Grocery] G/Burrell)

Councilman Stewart: When will we consider that, Mr. Thompson? Mr. Thompson: That was the one that is going to be postponed, I believe we postponed it on yesterday. And they are suppose to try to set a new date and if they don't, it will appear on the agenda for the next meeting unless a new date has been set.

3. Taxi Driver License: Brandon Terrell Smith (Residence - F/Shyne)

Mr. Thompson: Our office tried to reach Mr. Brandon Smith, I don't know whether or not he is in attendance today. [Councilman Stewart: Is a Mr. Brandon Smith attendingtoday. Would you please rise or raise your hand [no response]. Mr. Thompson, I see no response what is your guidance?

Mr. Thompson: I believe that the Chair indicated yesterday, that he would move to dismiss the appeal if he did not appear today. Mr. Shyne, I would be happy to entertain that motion from you. This person appears to reside in your district, what are your wishes, Sir?

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I'll second it if you would make the motion. I don't know whether I'm comfortable with that position at this particular time just because he is not here. I mean he could not be here because of an emergency that we might not understand and I'm kind of a person that like to give due process to anybody. And, I don't really see any problems that is going to cause, do you Mr. Thompson, if we leave it on the agenda and see if he will show up at the next Council meeting?

Councilman Stewart: Mr. Shyne, do you want to leave it on the agenda, is that your preference? Councilman Shyne: I would appreciate it if we could leave it on the agenda.

Councilman Stewart: Mr. Thompson, any problems, in allowing it to remain? Mr. Thompson: It is perfectly okay if that is what the Council wants to do.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES. None.

CLERK'S REPORT. None.

THE COMMITTEE RISES AND REPORT.

There was no Committee Report.

ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the Council, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Serio to adjourn the meeting at approximately 4:13 p.m.

/s/John David Stewart, Chairman

/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council