COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

APRIL 8, 2003

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, was called to order by Chairman James Green at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2003, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Councilman Lester led the Council in the Invocation.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Green, Gibson, Hogan, and Jackson (3:12). 7. Absent: None.

Approve Minutes. Motion by Councilman Gibson, seconded by Councilman Walford to approve the Administrative Conference Summary Minutes of March 24, 2003 and the Council Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2003. Motion approved by the following vote: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, and Green. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Jackson. 1.

Awards, Recognition of Distinguished Guests, and Communications of the Mayor Which Are Required By Law.

Mayor Hightower: I do have a couple of communications I would like to present today.

We have got a group on the front row, all dressed in green, its Masters Weeks. I don’t think they know exactly what the Masters, maybe they know what the Masters is, right? No, golf tournament. They have their green jackets on today, they are visiting Rotarians from India, and they from a city called Kuna which is about 100 miles away from Bombay. They are over here with Rotary International and they are learning a little bit about our government and how similar things are or maybe how different things are in the United States versus in India but they are in a state much like ours, their government, I think is pretty similar to our’s. There is private sector, there is the government sector and it is interesting to talk. And as you know, we’ve got a pretty substantial Indian community in Shreveport as well so it is good to have them over visiting and learning a little bit and really interacting with some people from homeland as well as some of the rest of us to learn a little bit more about what we do in the United States. And so we welcome and Dr. would you like to stand up and say a few words?

Dr. Kyddis, I’m a gynecologist by profession: I been over here since 9 years and I’m leading this team of young professionals from India for an (inaudible) in a sort of exchange program wherein we stay with American families and we try to learn the way Americans live. A similar American team will be coming to India and they stay with us.

Mayor Hightower: They will be in Shreveport for 7 days, so you may see them around town. Again, welcome you to Shreveport.

Councilman Carmody: I have to ask this question, do we have any badminton players? You must come and play with us while ya’ll are here in Shreveport at LSU-S.

Dr. Kyddis: Sure, I would like to.

Councilman Carmody: Monday and Thursday nights.

Dr. Kyddis: Yeah, sure, thank you for the invitation.

Councilman Green: Dr., I didn’t quite understand. Did you offer us an invitation to come to stay with you all, awhile?

Mayor Hightower: We’ve also got Ron Morieau, Gary Norman, and also Richard Varseal, He is the one in the middle that most of you probably don’t recognize. I’d like to recognize these guy but specifically Richard.

He has been on board with us for just a short while as the Pro at Querbes Tennis Center and has done a remarkable job in turning that facility around and not only impressing the locals that go out there to take tennis lessons and league play and play for recreational purposes, but he has also been able to bring home the bacon to Shreveport in the fact that he has been been named the Tennis Professional of the Year in the entire south, right. And then also he took on the Louisiana awards for the Special Tennis Event of the year, the Educational Merit Award, the Junior League Coordinator of the Year, 2002 USA Tennis All-American team, and the facility at Querbes has been named the Facility of the Year. So Richard has done a remarkable job in a short period of time and just wanted to bring you before the Council and so we could all offer him our congratulations and thanks for what he has been able to do with a public facility. Thank you Richard, and congratulations.

Councilman Green: We have Sam Giadono. Sam has a little information he would like to give us today. He has been a long time friend of mine.

Sam Giadono, General Manager out at State Fair Grounds: We are doing something that Shreveport hadn’t had in a long time and that’s an Easter festival. We are going to do it on the State Fairgrounds next weekend. Now, it will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 17 through 20). We are calling it the Festival of Easter Egg-citement; so we are going to have egg hunts.

We’ve have egg hunts Friday, Saturday and Sunday for everyone. We’ve got two carnivals, two small carnivals not a huge carnival like the State Fair, but two carnivals are coming in. The Lourie Shows out of Louisiana and the Miller Shows out of Arkansas, so all together we’ll have over 45 rides. The Carson and Barnes Circus is coming in so they’ll have their big top on the Fairgrounds. We have all kind of food and drink and egg hunts and it should be a lot of fun. I think the people of our neighborhood and throughout the City and outside the City will have a place to come on Easter and have a good time.

I think we have our Easter bunny with or at least should be here. The Easter bunny has something for the Councilmen, come on up please. Paige, would you come up with our Easter Bunny. I have Lisa Washington that works with the State Fair and Paige Powell and our Easter Bunny and he’s got an egg. But look inside the egg, Mayor. There is a little surprise (a good surprise) inside each egg and so that you can invite some of the people from your area to come out. We are keeping this very affordable, the gate is only $2 to get in. We want everybody to come and have a place to have fun during Easter weekend.

And of course, the State Fair people can’t down to address the Council without bringing a stuffed animal. That is our official State Fair cow that we have passed out such places as the Olympics last year and the only toy that the winning gold medalist figure skater stopped and picked up. She picked this up and it has been recorded on t.v., so that is great and she has a State Fair cow. But tell your friends about our event please and come out to see us. We hope you can come and some of the friends with the passes we gave you.

Councilman Jackson: I just wanted to thank you. Thank you Mr. Cotton Tail.

Mr. Giadono: As you know, last year the State Fair was a great state fair. It was probably the wettest state fair we’ve had, so we are doing a lot of things different this year trying to make up and trying to keep the Fairgrounds. I wish you’d come out. Shreveport Green early in the year blessed us with planting some flowers. They are now coming out of the ground. We were a part of that. The Fairgrounds look real good, now we got to keep the grass cut the rest of the summer, but we are there when we need you. Plus, and I’m sure the Mayor is glad to hear this and the Council, we’ve got some events coming up in the Coliseum. Looks like we’ve got a rock show coming to town, looks like that we have a Rhythm and Blues Show coming into town. All the Caddo graduations will be held in Hirsch Coliseum. Its old, but like we say, it is a good old building; so, come see us whenever you can.

Councilman Gibson: Sam, first of all, I hadn’t had the chance and this is remiss on my part, but on behalf of District D–seeing an opportunity to have you up front, I want to commend you and your staff for an outstanding job when President Bush was here.

Ya’ll jumped through some major hoops to make that happen out at the Hirsch Coliseum. I know a lot of times, you don’t get enough attaboys, but you did one heck- of-a-job and I know the Republican Party in town was as nervous as cats making sure that we pacify the Secret Service and everything of that nature, but ya’ll really did one heck-of-a job out there and you are to be commended.

But my real question, the time on Sunday out at the Fairgrounds. What time is that going to be?

Mr. Giadono: We won’t open Sunday until afternoon because we definitely want everybody to go to their own churches and have their Easter service and then come out after that, afternoon to have a good time out at the Fairground.

Councilman Gibson: The egg hunt will be?

Mr. Giadono: The egg hunt is at 3:30 each day so we don’t want to interfere with church in anyway. But, I will for our board and for our staff, I accept that thank you about having the President here. And I want you to know something, one of the first calls I got was from our Mayor saying Sam, make it work. Do whatever you can and if you need the City’s help, call on us so, I appreciate that, Mayor.

Councilman Green: Yesterday, Mr. Johnny Wessler was here with a presentation and so that we won’t have to keep you until the whole meeting, you may have to go, you can come up now if you’d like to give your presentation.

Mr. John Wessler, Chairman of the Friends of the Municipal Auditorium: I brought a show and tell thing, if you want to pass it around. Our group formed about 2 years ago, we are a non-profit organization and our mission statement is to create a quality tourism destination in Municipal Auditorium to highlight and influence the Municipal Auditorium has had in the surrounding areas, in fact, it is a national influence it has had. Ya’ll pardon my cold, I’m having a difficult time talking today. But we have a strong Board of Directors and we have had some big plans for this neighborhood, with the FAME organization, but we feel like we are on the (inaudible) of making an initial impact to create a destination over there, by creating a museum inside the Municipal Auditorium and we have a certain amount of space that we are trying to get in there. I don’t think we are on there for the 29^th, you kind of caught me off guard to come up here but I’ll be happy to answer any questions. I know Mr. Lester had some questions, yesterday.

Councilman Lester: I had an opportunity to look through the resolution and the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City and your organization, I wanted to ask a few questions, if I might.

As I appreciate, the City is suppose to be designating 780 square feet. Where approximately will that square footage be? I mean, is that in one particular area of the Municipal Auditorium or are we talking about the front or what?

Mr. Wessler: When you go into the foyer, when you first come into the front door, when you go off to the right, it used to be like a ticket promotion area (where people are putting on concerts). They is still another one on the left-hand side, the mirrors the one on right hand side, but the right hand side one is the one we are going to use. It was the one, where SPAR was using it to take photographs and process their employees that were going out and working at the pools and so forth this summer.

Councilman Lester: So, when we are talking about restricting access, that is going to be a space that is for the exclusive use of The Friends?

M r. Wessler: Right what we want to do, is we don’t want to take away from the use of the Municipal as a venue for concerts and cotillions and so forth like that, we just want a little bit of space to showcase some of the people and the music memorabilia that has come from this area.

Councilman Lester: The other thing that I saw that the City would agree to, would be, at no cost to Friends, the use of the Municipal Auditorium. How do you envision the use of the Municipal Auditorium in terms of scheduling other events? In other words, will you guys have an automatic superior right to use the Municipal Auditorium or do you consider yourself just part of scheduling of the overall event?

Mr. Wessler: No, eventually maybe that would happen but not initially. Right now what has happened is, we would be secondary. We would not interfere with anything that has gone on or scheduled there, as is.

Right now, you have a beautiful building. One of the most historical art deco building in the state and there is no one there, I mean the building is empty and there is very few events scheduled there. What we want to do is promote more usage there, more traffic there. And, the creation of a museum, I think, would be the first step. What we would like to do is add a gift shop to it, add regular tours to it and then there is a ballroom upstairs that is the exact same square footage as the foyer there and do mini-concerts there in conjunction with tours. I mean I have a number of local musicians here that are willing to do that on a weekly basis.

Councilman Lester: Those were some of, the meat of my questions. I was concerned what give and take was going to be because certainly it looks like what we are talking about is the development of a museum. Now, as far as the funds for the museum, that is going to be derived from funds raised by your organization?

Mr. Wessler: Exactly, we’ve already had some unsolicited grants given to us. Once we get a location and once we are secure in that with the City and the Administration, we want to make sure that we can start receiving more memorabilia. One of the things, that’s a criteria, people want to know where it is, if it is going to be safe, and how it is going to be managed and that is one of the –we have a lot of stuff tentatively promised to us but that is going to be the next step, as soon as we get that done, we can move forward on that.

Councilman Lester: If there are going to be any upgrades to the security in and around the Municipal. . . .

Mr. Wessler: It will incumbent upon the Friends of the Municipal. This will be a minimum cost to the City although it would be the recommendation of our group probably eventually to have somebody that is managing the building, that would be there to oversee the building on a day-to-day basis, but that is not necessary right now.

We have a group from the Caddo Council on Aging, the AARP, the retired senior volunteer program–I’m sorry it is RSV (Retired Senior Volunteer) Program and a group called Elvis Angels have agreed to help us with volunteer work during the opening of the museum so we can open on a regular basis to provide that venue as another attraction for the City and I think it is a lot of cities have done a whole lot more with a whole lot less.

Councilman Lester: And so you would envision this museum being opened during the normal operating hours of the. . . .

Mr. Wessler: Yes, and even on the weekends because I really think that is when we get the bulk of the tourist that come here, and music is a vital part of our everyday lives and the influence that came out of there would be very appealing to a lot of people, so I think the group is very important. We would like to do it on the weekends in conjunction with an organized tour.

Councilman Lester: And as I also appreciate it, you as part of the agreement, that you are going to and when I say you, you are talking about the Friends are going to indemnify the City against any liability, or anybody that is an invitee that happens to slip or fall or anything like that consistent with the Museum.

Mr. Wessler: Exactly, we are going to cover our own insurance.

Councilman Walford: Very briefly, I meet with Mr. Wessler and shortly afer that, got a tour of the Municipal and I would urge each of you if you have the opportunity to tour it and don’t miss the projection room where they spot light was because all over the walls, people have penciled back into the ‘40s, I know, whenever there was a show the light operators would write on the walls what the show was and. . . .

Mr. Wessler: The spot lighters up there was don on these carbon rods and they used the carbon rods to write on the walls who was performing on any given day, pretty neat.

Councilman Walford: But the whole place is well worth a tour and I think it would be a success.

Mr. Wessler: And there is a long way to go to get up to the caliber, I think, that it deserves but there has been three phases that has been proposed, two of them have being completed–by air conditioning and re-furbishing so we are a long way into the process and I think it is a shame to let the building to just stand there idle.

Councilman Green: We would like to recognize some Distinguished Guest: Councilman Joe Shyne (good to see you, Councilman), and Mr. Willie X (a legend in his own day) and Mr. Howard Huckaby and his lovely wife. Thank you all for coming today.

Convention Center and Convention Center Hotel Project Report: Mayor Hightower: I can. I guess today is a major step in getting to where we have talked about going. Bid packets are available today at the office of Slack, Alost, Miremont. Also, available through the AGC (isn’t that correct, Mike) and available on-line , as well. So, they will hopefully start picking up bid packets and 30 days from now and start bringing those bid packets back in so that we can get to the number that we’ve been looking for, for several months now.

Councilman Gibson: Mr. Mayor, in addition and I do appreciate the City of Shreveport providing those plans and specifications for Associated General Contractors, but they are also provided to the National Association of Minority Contractors, Allied Minority Contractors Association here locally for them to be able to come by their respected offices. It is more of a benefit for the subs and suppliers here locally to be able to look and do take-offs from those plans and specifications but they were made available as you said, this morning and we appreciate that.

The bid date has been established as May 7 and 8^th. I would encourage my City Councilmen on both of those afternoons because I believe Mr. Maddox (I don’t’ think he is in the audience) head of procurement for the City of Shreveport will be there in these City Chambers opening up the first 23 packages on May 7 and the last 23 packages (I see a shake on that), but there are packages being opened on both days, correct?

Mr. Antee: The correction is the Chamber is being used, so it will be at the old Council Chamber at the Police station.

Councilman Gibson: Okay, I stand corrected. But each day I would encourage you to be there because obviously it is the next step in moving forward to get this project in the ground.

I would also like to encourage all small businesses, both minority and majority firms out there to bid this project, to come by and look at those plans and specifications. I will say on a little bit of a concern note, our construction manager has done everything possible within their professional means to make sure that information is available out there working with the City of Shreveport. I’d mentioned something about last month, about March 18 there was a roll-out meeting by Bart Malow at the Municipal Auditorium. Unfortunately, because of some weather issues and a couple of major projects, we did not get the kind of turn out that we were looking for. I’m specifically concerned about the minority turn out, minority business owners, that were at that meeting and we are working through Associated General Contractors and the Minority Contractors Association and the City of Shreveport and the Fair Share Department, to get the information out on the street to get the minority contractors to step up and bid the projects like our local small business. Two things, I think everybody is interested in, seeing local participation and local minority participation on this large stuff, bond issue project the City has every had.

I would encourage anyone out there to come by AGC’s Office, Minority Contractors Offices, City of Shreveport, Slack, Alost and McSwain’s offices. Look at those plans and specs, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the drawings and the value-engineering that went into getting this project where we think we can get the right numbers so the Mayor and Ken Antee can do their job working with the bond company.

Councilman Lester: I’m very excited about where we are today. Obviously by putting the bid packages on the street, we are that much closer to starting this project, that is very important to our community.

My question is, back to the issue of construction management and my question would be to the Administration. Where do we stand—I know at the last meeting I asked whether or not the proposed construction manager had come to the City with a plan on how they intended to do, comport with the edicts of the Fair Share Program and I was wondering have we gotten anything from the proposed construction manager, Bart Malow, to say exactly what their plan is in term so how they are going to meet their numbers as it relates to Fair Share. I know that is something that the Administration has said is important to them and certainly is something that is important to myself. So, have we gotten any commentary from anybody at Bart Malow, on that issue?

Mayor Hightower: We have although we don’t have a final agreement with them, we have meet with them and they come with several proposals and ideas of how they are going to get there. They are, one hundred percent full understanding that we have the Fair Share Ordinance and they are to comply with it, but we’ll continue to work through that process to get to where, at least to get to a point to, where I feel like what they want to do is going to accomplish what we expect to happen. So, I think we are getting closer and they are putting a lot of time into it to be sure that we do get there.

Councilman Lester: Well, I appreciate that and I would ask that once they give you a writing, if you could share that with the Council, we would appreciate it.

Councilman Carmody: It is exciting that we are getting to the point where we are going to take our bids and see where we are with our Convention Center. What I wanted to ask was, has the Hotel Authority had the chance to meet yet, do we know?

Mr. Antee: The Hotel Authority has meet twice, has authorized the Mayor (as Chairman of that Authority) to execute the contracts with HRI but it has not meet in the last—well, probably since last November.

Councilman Carmody: Could I ask to go ahead and apprize the Council of when the next meeting would occur and what I would ask is, if we could get a presentation from the Administration at our next meeting of the financing for the hotel portion of the project.

The question was asked as to whether or not, and I know we talked about it at our last meeting that 12 to 18 months out, we should be selling bonds. Will that require a referendum to go before the public?

Mr. Antee: No.

Councilman Carmody: So, the Authority then will have the ability to go sell the bonds without having to take that to the public?

Mr. Antee: That is correct, nor will it be required to come before the City Council.

Councilman Carmody: Can I ask that we would have a presentation on the financing of the hotel portion at our next Council meeting?

Mr. Antee: I’m not sure exactly what you are asking for, but that is something that Solomon, Smith, Barney will do once the hotel has been designed and there has been a guarantee maximum price contract. I mean, we can go back through the process as to how it would work that we did to the prior Council.

Councilman Carmody: I would appreciate it. I think for the benefit of those persons who were not on the prior Council to be educated.

Mr. Antee: Sure.

Councilman Carmody: Thank you.

Councilman Jackson: Mayor and Mr. Antee, in answer and I don’t know just a clarification, I don’t know, it may be redundant. But at the risk of being redundant, was the answer to the question—I heard early there were references made to a construction manager. Have we selected a construction manager or is this just, we are just using this language as it relates to the person we are in conversation with?

Mr. Antee: For the hotel or the convention center?

Councilman Jackson: No, no, the convention center. I heard, we referred to as the construction manager, at least twice, today.

Mr. Antee: We have an interim agreement that includes Barton Malow to get the project to bid.

Councilman Jackson: I was assuming that it was just bid packets, a situation where they were doing bid packages for us?

Mr. Antee: It is the intent of everybody that was parties to the interim agreement that assuming the numbers come in at a level that we can reach an agreement with Safeco, then a contract would be entered into with Barton Malow as the construction manager for the project.

We have a separate agreement---because it cost a lot of money to get to the point of getting it out for bid---so we had a separate contract with Barton Malow or separate agreement with Barton Malow to pay them to get it to bid.

So, to answer your question, yes there is a construction manager on the Convention Center as of today and that’s Whitaker. No, they will not be the construction manager when the project gets going.

Councilman Jackson: Alright. Well, my question just came because of the references to construction manager. I knew they were performing one of the functional duties of what we would have expected a construction manager to do which is to get the bid packages together, but they in fact—I guess my question is, are they laboring under the assumption that, all things being equal, they already have the job?

Mr. Antee: They are laboring under the hope and the pray and the wish that they will have the job.

Councilman Jackson: But not the assumption?

Mr. Antee: But not the assurances.

Councilman Jackson: Because if I am correct, I didn’t know if we meant that the intent of everybody involved. All of the parties engaged in this, at least initial stage of it all had an understanding that, all things being equal, these would be the people.

And I guess my concern was to be sure that if in fact, that was the case, that we were not–there was no ambiguity involved that we knew specifically what everybody’s role was going to be and since we have not articulated that, I want to assume then that they are not the construction managers, right now. Because at the time that they assume that, then I’m assuming that we would have talked about the 25% or the whatever the percentage is of minority participation, as well?

Mr. Antee: There can be no construction manager until there is a project, and they will be no project until there a resolution with Safeco.

Councilman Lester: Just to piggyback on something that Councilman Jackson just said and I made my note and I forgot to ask this question. As I appreciate it, we won’t get the final number on what the cost of the project will be until May 7 and May 8?

Mr. Antee: Yes.

Councilman Lester: My question is, can you guarantee us. . . (Mayor Hightower: No.) Hold on. I know lawyers and the word "guarantee" are like oil and water, but let me ask this any way. Can you give us, from the Council’s standpoint, some documentation from whoever that construction manager is going to be prior to May 7 to show what their Fair Share numbers are going to be? I know that that is something that is important to me and I suspect that it might be important to other members of the Council before it is a foregone conclusion that, this is the party that we are going to go to. So can you articulate to us that you will in fact give us something from whoever the construction manager is going to be, whether it is Barton Malow or whoever is chosen that says, this is how we plan to accomplish the Fair Share Agreement. We are going to do a, b, c, d, e, f, and g, and this is what we are going to do?

Mayor Hightower: Yes, we can do that.

Property Standards Program Report. Councilman Lester: I think we’ve gotten some material from Code Enforcement. We are continuing to meet. We don’t have a written report, but I would like to say I would like to throw some roses and they might be a little bit premature, but nonetheless, for the work that has been done by Mr. Bowie and Code Enforcement, by the Chief of Police, by the City Attorney’s Office. We have a pretty tough case, two tough cases in the MLK area, that all three of these organizations have been working very hard to resolve and I believe that we will have some resolution on those issues this week and once. . . .on those issues, I think at our next Council meeting we can show where we are doing something positive in terms of Code Enforcement and Property Standards.

Councilman Walford: Before we leave that, I’ve got some questions. I was hoping maybe Mr. Ferdinand or Mr. Bowie would be available to answer a few questions.

Mr. Bowie, I’m having trouble getting questions answered. Am I doing something wrong in my requests?

Mr. Bowie: On what, Mr. Walford?

Councilman Walford: Well, I’m not going to beat on you for all of Community Development, but I asked for information on 4-1 about the towing contract. I’ve got no answer.

Mr. Bowie: Right now, the towing contract it’s a RFP. It will be back on April 15, and we’ll have a contractor selected by then. Right now, we have a temporary company in place right now to do the hauling for us

Councilman Walford: So, we are towing?

Mr. Bowie: Yes, sir.

Councilman Walford: And that was the question I asked and couldn’t get an answer to.

Mr. Bowie: Who did you ask, Mr. Walford?

Councilman Walford: I do it through Council Office, I’m sure that they were forwarded. I had a question about some properties, like 516 Rutherford and that was on 3-31.

Mr. Bowie: We had a public request when all that information was in there and we just mailed that out last week. We sent it to the attorney’s office and from my understanding, they turned it lose yesterday. It was a public request from Mr. Moore in the Highland group and I think you was included in that. We had several houses. . . .

Councilman Walford: I think you know where all my request are coming from then, right. But I need answers to give my constituents and in the system, they don’t accept that is not quite enough for them and that was the reason I requested the information on that one. I had another group wanting to know about, I wrote 438 Stoner, but it maybe 436 Stoner. Can you help me on that one?

Mr. Bowie: Yes, sir. All those houses that was in that package. It was 6 houses, I believe in that package and it was 40-pages of information, just turned it lose last week.

Councilman Walford: To Highland?

Mr. Bowie: Yes, sir.

Councilman Walford: If you would, in the future, do a quick reply to my e-mail so I have an answer because I get at least as many phone calls about it as you do if not more.

Mr. Bowie: I thought we did, Councilman. If we didn’t, I apologize.

Councilman Walford: It would be easier for me to be able to answer them if we you would.

Mr. Bowie: Alright.

Councilman Carmody: Mr. Bowie, I know that I’ve gotten a number of calls from constituents who were really concerned about the mosquito problems again this year, especially in regards to the West Nile virus. Can I ask that we go through our records and look at the different swimming pools that were not being maintained last year that we had to cite, and go ahead and do a little pro-active reconnaissance work to see if these persons have kept up their swimming pool so that if we got a problem that at least maybe we can address on the front end instead of waiting until the back end.

Mr. Bowie: I think we had three cases like that.

Councilman Carmody: I think so and I want to say, maybe all three were in my district.

Mr. Bowie: Okay.

Councilman Carmody: But if we could go ahead and do that, I think it would certainly help us in keeping the neighbors concerns down.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Bowie, I attended a community town hall meeting in the MLK area on last night and I have a long list of properties that some citizens in the area would like to take a look at. I just want you to get with me at the end of the meeting because I don’t want to take up, because it is a long list. Not that you need more work, however, we want to give you that list so if you could get with me after the Council meeting, I would appreciate that.

Councilman Walford: Let me throw a rose while I’m at it there, Mr. Bowie. A hot tub with the same problem that Mr. Carmody was discussing, you and I discussed this when we were riding, but they were very quick to cite it and get the residents attention to take care of it and I appreciate that and the neighbors I’m sure, appreciate it.

Public Hearings: None.

Confirmations and/or Appointments: Motion by Councilman Gibson, seconded by Councilman Walford to confirm to the Plumbing and Gas Piping Board: Thomas M. McKinney and Bobby R. Burns.

Councilman Gibson: I got a question for the Administration. Mr. McKinney and Mr. Burns, do we know what company they are working for, are they retired? I don’t have any information on those two reps.

Mayor Hightower: Mike, do you know? I don’t personally know either one of them?

Councilman Lester: There was something in the book.

Mr. Strong: Mr. McKinney is an Environmental Services Manager for the Caddo Parish Health Unit, supervises nine employees (and I thought you would have had these attached to).

Councilman Gibson: I mean, if that was distributed, I didn’t see a copy.

Mr. Strong: And then Bobby Burns is employed by Center Point Energy. He is District Operations Manager.

Councilman Gibson: I appreciate it and if I overlooked it, I apologize to the Administration.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Gibson, seconded by Councilman Walford to confirm to the

Mechanical Board: Merv Magee. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Adding Legislation to the Agenda. Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Gibson to add the following to the agenda (*with the exception of the resolution). Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

1. Resolution No. 56 of of 2003 by Councilman Walford and Lester: A resolution opposing Senate Bill No. 447 relative to the disposal of sewage sludge and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

* A resolution opposing legislative changes to municipal annexation of territory included within Special Service Districts in Caddo Parish and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Mr. Antee: I’d ask that you not add that one. I had a conversation with Representative Hoppy Hopkins and we are going to try and get together and work something out so I’d ask that that not be added at this date.

2. Resolution No. 57 of 2003 by Councilman Lester: A resolution creating the Convention Center Complex Local and Minority Participation Committee to monitor the construction and operation of the Shreveport Convention Center Project and the Shreveport Convention Center Hotel Project and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Resolution No. 58 of 2003 by Councilman Gibson: A resolution suspending the effects of certain provisions of Chapter 10 and Chapter 106 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances on April 25, 2003 for the Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSU-S) Office of Student Activities "Spring Fling" and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

4. Resolution No. 53 of 2003: A resolution authorizing purchase of Snap II Properties from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and to to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

5. Resolution No. 54 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to convey to the Caddo/Bossier Port Commission all servitude obtained by the City of Shreveport in connection with the Southern Loop Water Main Extension Project, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

6. Resolution No. 55 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the employment of special legal counsel to represent the City of Shreveport, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 40 of 2003 by Councilman Lester: An ordinance changing the names of the Shreveport Blanchard Road from the Roy Road to North Hearne Avenue, and of Ford Street from North Hearne Avenue to Pete Harris Drive, and of Caddo Street from Pete Harris Drive to the Clyde Fant Parkway to Hilry Huckaby III Avenue, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 41 of 2003: An ordinance authorizing a servitude and an encroachment on a portion of the Clyde E. Fant Memorial Parkway Right-of-way by the United States of America and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Public Comments: The Chairman recognized the request of Mr. King who preferred to wait until later in the meeting. The Chairman also recognized the request of Mr. Pannell to address the Council regarding the ordinance to re-name streets Hilry Huckaby III Avenue. [Mr. Pannell’s comments to be heard during the Committee of the Whole under Public Comments.]

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION:

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

Motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Lester for Adoption of Ordinance No. 28 and 29 of 2003. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES:

ORDINANCE NO. 28 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF AQUARIUS DRIVE AND TWILIGHT LANE IN THE TWILIGHT MEADOWS UNIT NO. 2 SUBDIVISION, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal, and regular session convened, that a portions of Aquarius Drive and Twilight Lane in the Twilight Meadows Unit no. 2 Subdivision in Section 11 (T17N-R15W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and as shown on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned. And be it ordained that a sanitary sewer servitude be retained on the closed Aquarius Drive.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the original plat reflecting the closing and abandoning street right-of- ways be and recorded in the official records of the District Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

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

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

ORDINANCE NO. 29 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE APPARENT 40 FOOT WIDE DESOTO STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY RUNNING BETWEEN MANSFIELD ROAD AND THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD IN THE SE/4 OF THE SW/4 OF SECTION 11 (T17N-R14W), CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the apparent 40 foot wide Desoto Street right-of-way running between Mansfield Road and the Southern Pacific Railroad located in the SE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 11(T17N-R14W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned, and be it ordained that utility and drainage servitudes be retained throughout the closed and abandoned street right-of-way.

CONTINUED - ORDINANCE NO. 29 OF 2003

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a certified copy of this ordinance be filed and recorded in the official records of the District Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof is invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without 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 resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION:

RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 29 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Shreveport Redevelopment Agency and Shreveport Urban Renaissance Corporation, Inc., and to otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Carmody to postpone the resolution until the April 22, 2003 meeting.

Councilman Jackson: This execution of agreement was in fact the contract with the SURC. Is that correct, is that what we are talking about?

Councilman Lester: Correct.

Councilman Jackson: I know at one point, we were talking about doing something with it and then at our last meeting the Administration asked for us to postpone it and it is back here on our agenda. Do we have any idea of where we are going or what kind of time frame we are talking about looking at this?

Councilman Lester: As I appreciate it, the Administration approached and requested that this matter be postponed.

As I appreciate it there were some questions that the Administration posed and that we wanted to get some resolution on. I suspect that we will be able to put this on the next agenda. As I appreciate it, the Administration is pulling together a meeting, I believe this week to deal with the issues that they approached me about regarding this matter and certainly I would invite you to participate in this process. I don’t think, we are not looking at a inordinate delay. I think that we are talking about maybe to the next Council meeting.

Councilman Gibson: Reading on the background information on this particular issue: Shreveport City Council has adopted a redevelopment plan intended to stimulate housing and economic development in seven targeted neighborhoods: Allendale, Lakeside, Ledbetter Heights, Mooretown, Ingleside, Stoner Hill and Queensborough. If I could, I would like to have some opportunity between now and the next meeting to where we could explore the opportunity to include Cedar Grove in that list of targeted neighborhoods. And give me the ability to understand, how as City Council representative in District D to have Cedar Grove part of that process and I would be more than happy to work with those, to make that happen but I think from my constituents in Cedar Grove, it is clear to me that they want to be part of this process and I would like that assistance.

Councilman Carmody: Mr. Gibson, I can respond, at least in part, to your request because it was the same one that I had made when I was on the Council and had represented a portion of Cedar Grove.

As I understood it and I would ask from Mr. Thompson to correct me if I’m wrong I believe that there was the J-QUAD Study that was picked up that targeted these several different neighborhoods and the rational that I was given as to why no other neighborhoods were included was because there were other social problems already enacted in different parts of town that were not in these seven neighborhoods. And I would certainly be glad to work with you to try and facilitate adding those areas of town that need assistance as badly as these seven.

Councilman Lester: And quite obviously, representing the MLK neighborhood and the fact that the MLK was never included either, that was a concern that I had. So I think, I’m hopefully that in consultation with the Administration and folks at Community Development, we can work with some of those issues.

But again, to Councilman Jackson and others, I’m not anticipating at least I’m hoping not anticipating, an inordinate delay because certainly some of the programs that have advanced by SURC are very important and we want to not be obstructionist and help them get along their way, but certainly there were some questions that I think, need to be addressed.

Councilman Gibson: My comments are specific in the fact that, all these neighborhoods obviously need attention there is no doubt about that in my mind. But as we discussed revitalization in and obviously this City Council has had in it’s a short time done a lot of discussion in a variety of different fashions on different committees and things of that nature.

But for us to be effective in what we are doing as the City of Shreveport, that whether something had programs in it in the past or not, it is obvious to me in driving through this city naming these seven targeted neighborhoods that there are several others out there that it is imperative that we have them part of that process and obviously Cedar Grove is one that whatever programs were in the past haven’t met the full expectations of the residents of Cedar Grove.

And, that is why, again, I’m struggling with what information and what other things I can do and Councilman Carmody, I do appreciate your offering assistance on that because obviously you are experience and tenure on this Council is valued, but I am committed based on the meetings that I’ve had in the Cedar Grove area with my Pastor-Counsel and also the residents out there that we want to be a full-fledged partner in this process.

Councilman Carmody: I was going to ask Mr. Thompson, do you recall when the J-QUAD Study was completed?

Mr. Thompson: No I don’t.

Councilman Carmody: The mid-‘90s sometimes, maybe?

Mayor Hightower: We actually did a revision that was completed about 2-years ago.

Mr. Thompson: About 2 or 3 years ago, but the study had been completed for some time before that. We found that study after we came back from Kansas City and used it as a basis for doing the redevelopment plan, but it had been completed and was in Community Development.

Councilman Carmody: If I could ask Mr. Mayor, if he could have Mr. Ferdinand here to kind of apprize the Council of again, of how we got to just the seven targeted neighborhoods as opposed to these other areas of town, I would appreciate it.

Mayor Hightower: Pretty simply. You have to go out, the federal government makes you go out and do your homework ahead of time. But when I ran for Mayor almost 5 years ago, one thing I pledged not to do was, study everything to death, that we were going to spring into action and get things done.

So, like Art just said, one of the things we did after Councilman Burrell organized a trip to Kansas City to visually take a look at how successful they had been in their inner city revitalization and revitalization of their housing stock, we came back and instead of going out and contracting to do another study, we went and found one that was done, I don’t know, 7 or 8 or 9 years prior. Pulled it off the shelf, dusted it off, read up on it, called the people back, did pay for an upgrade to that particular study which was necessary to show HUD what we were going to do with their money, that we had a plan in place. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know, it doesn’t take anybody that can see real good to know that whatever we had going on in the past wasn’t working.

We had a shotgun approach, spending, you know, millions of dollars that virtually had no impact on any neighborhood. Individually, you know I think you could have some people step and say, hey my house got painted or yeah put replaced a window for me or something like that, but no visually enhanced neighborhoods as a result.

When I became Mayor we initiated a new program that was the Model Blocks area that started in Queensborough and I know that most of you had an opportunity to see that revitalization of one block at a time that are actually impacting not only visually the neighborhoods, all the way from sidewalk repair and replacement to street replacement to street lights to every single home on every single block having work done to it, homes that are non-repairable, torn down, new homes being rebuilt in their place and for the most part, sold. Now, we have some that are not sold and that is part of what Councilman Lester was referring to a minute ago. I think we’ve got to take a look at what our strategy is going to be going forward and we were all meophites. Councilman Burrell at the time, Councilman Shyne got involved in it at the time and Mr. Thompson over there, was instrumental in helping us put together SURC and the mechanisms that we had to have to expropriate property, to revitalize property, to entice builders to come in . But as a result although the progress has been slow, property values in the Model Blocks area are sky high compared to anywhere else in Queensborough including two or three blocks over and certainly 30 blocks away.

So, I think the program is working but it is still slow go. And even though it is slow go, there is visual evidence that the program is working. There are people out there in new homes, there are people out there that were previous homeowners in better homes than they were before and we hope that the method is contagious.

Now, the amount of dollars we have to spend, have not increased. As a matter of fact, they decreased. So, our real challenge is to get the private sector to buy into what we’ve been able to do and be able to show them that property value obviously increase when we use the method that we are using now and to move that into neighborhoods. Our next neighborhood that we are moving the Model Blocks program into although we are not through with Queensborough by any means. Queensborough is huge and we’ve done 3 or 4 or 5 blocks there and we’ve got 4- or 500 blocks left to go but we want to move into Mooretown, was the second suggested neighborhood and then we move into the third. But I think everybody has got to understand that progress is going to be slow.

We’ve not cut off funds for emergency home repairs in Cedar Grove or anywhere else, so if there are citizens in need out there we still have the application process to go through, so we are not leaving any neighborhoods out, we are just focusing more on blocks at a time to truly try to re-build the inner city, and again, I think it is working. But the biggest challenge we have is to bring more partners in, to bring more CDCs in, get them up and running, get the private sector interested in reinvesting in the inner City and then as much as anything, convincing potential homeowners that these neighborhoods are going to hold their value and that is the reason that we spent street money and street light money and are doing the things that we are doing.

We’ve not gated the community yet, that was an initial goal of mine. We’ve run into some resistance in the neighborhood on actually gating the model blocks area. But I am a believer that if it can work in Southern Trace and people want to buy there, it can work in other gated communities in not only our City but throughout this country, that why can’t it work in the low to moderate income neighborhoods as well.

And I think when we start to create an environment to where neighbors look after neighbors because they have common investment, common interest, common property to protect so to speak, they do that. And when you just shot gun, citywide, you are just going to have those that may take advantage of somebody that got something that they didn’t get whether they be jealous or whether they need whatever that item may be to finance whatever habit they may be into, I don’t know. But, I know the experience I had that lead me to at least this direction in revitalization of the housing stock in inner city neighborhoods, was the shotgun approach of a woman that had got a house totally redone. No one else on the street did. We put a central air conditioning unit in her house. The night before we cut the ribbon and gave her the key and we came back that morning and, it was gone and it was just pure jealousy. Neighbors that didn’t have a reason to look out for her interest and we turned that around in Model Blocks. As far as I know, we hadn’t had one theft, any vandalism, we’ve had quite the opposite. We have got a couple of houses out there that haven’t sold yet and the neighbors–I drove up and was going to show a house to someone out there. I drove up and a neighbor two doors down the street came and wanted to know, what I was doing in the neighborhood. She knew I didn’t belong there and asked what I was doing and when she got there, thank goodness she recognized me and of course, voted for me. But it showed me that the program is working, not only is it visually better out there, but the neighbors have bought in and hopefully other constituents will as well.

And again our challenge, Calvin and I are going to meet one day this week and any of you that are interested in listening to that conversation, are welcome.

But obviously Mike I want you to know and your constituents to know that Cedar Grove is as important to me as it is to you and it is to anybody else to the City, as it is to Queensborough or anywhere else, but we can only do so much at time but Cedar Grove or Stoner Hill or any of the neighborhoods that are not targeted by J-QUAD are not left out of our overall development plan, they are certainly not left out of our emergency plan, they are not left out of Paint Your Heart Out, they are not left out of the day-to-day things that we do in Community Development. So, if there are specific problems, emergency repair needs, there is no need to tell constituents that the money is all being spent in Queensborough, that simply not the case.

Councilman Jackson: I wanted to just echo some of what the Mayor said. I think that, certainly to my colleagues here and the people who live in our communities that we don’t want to rush to judgment to think that, in fact, neighborhoods are being left out but I do think there is a process.

We’ve got a huge problem because of historical dis-investment. And as are result of that then, the problem wasn’t created over night and the solution won’t be intact, if you will, overnight. But I want to encourage the Council members who are concerned about their districts, whether they are left out of that targeted number or they are in that targeted number, to get prepared because each of these communities have needs but we have to begin to, begin to build neighborhood infrastructure that makes sense and build capacity within our neighborhoods because if Model Blocks program or SURC or anybody else comes in that area to begin to do anything it can’t just be a city project. The people in those communities have to be a part of making that happen which means as Council people, we have an incumbent responsibility to be sure that the people who live in our communities have the capacity to be able–some people can’t handle change, others don’t want change--and so I would suggest that we begin to do what we can from an educational perspective of bringing these folks in, Community Development and other folks who are here now. May not have the Model Blocks in their neighborhood now, but when it is time, I think we need to do what we can to be sure when they come, we will be ready which means neighborhood organizations that are strong and not parochial and not talking about their street, they understand the big picture, being able to build capacity. And just remember that, and I think building that capacity is what will give each of our community what we can call, a competitive advantage, if you will, when it is time for the city to come. And I think that if we do that and have a good plan and follow the plan, you know that there are limited funds and unlimited needs and so I would encourage you to not only just be patient but also while we are being patient begin to build some infrastructure and capacity in our people as well so that they won’t fret. I know as Council men, we fret because we see the limited resources but we are not necessarily the victims and so we have to be sure that they understand that we are concerned and in this time of waiting, if you would, that we are still doing something.

Because, the City and I applaud the Administration and Community Development for what they are doing but that is not the only game in town. I mean, there are a lot of other monies out there from foundations and the federal government that neighborhood associations could apply for and the City could be a partner in that application but we have to be pro-active in creating the kind of communities that we want and not wait for someone to tell us, how it ought to be. So, I would just encourage you all not to be discouraged, but to begin taking this time to build capacity in our people so that when change comes they will be prepared to sustain that.

Councilman Gibson: Let me be clear, I’m not suggesting that this issue be studied. Like any plan, plans can be amended. I’m looking for some information where while this process goes forward that Cedar Grove has the opportunity to be able to, as I understand it from talking with several people that are close to this situation, a plan may not be something where you have to spend a lot of money. It could be just a, it doesn’t have to be very complex, lets put it that way, and I don’t think the federal government is looking for something of that complexity to be able to meet what their criteria is. Obviously there is a baseline of which these seven neighborhoods have put into play based on the studies that have been already done, but there may be an opportunity in the interim while we launch this particular effort to have Cedar Grove and other neighborhoods put together a plan of action to attach to this at a later date, not hold it up, but provide the opportunity. That is what I’m asking for is for some assistance and some information that I can work with that particular neighborhood which is the core of District D of which all neighborhoods spin off of and I think that we can meet a time frame to attach to this at a later date that could include them and expand that from seven to however many neighborhoods we are talking about.

Motion to postpone the resolution approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2003

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

RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City of Shreveport to retain the services of outside legal counsel to represent the City of Shreveport in litigation and all other matters involving D. V. II - Shreveport, L.L.C. (DeJa Vu).

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the City Charter, the City Attorney recommends that Neil T. Erwin, with the law firm, Jeansonne and Remondet, Attorneys at Law, be retained for the purpose of said representation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the mayor be and he is hereby authorized to execute, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport, a retainer agreement with Neil T. Erwin, with the law firm, Jeansonne and Remondet, Attorneys at Law, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of the draft thereof which was filed for public inspection, together with the original copy of this resolution in the office of the Clerk of Council on March 11, 2003.

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

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

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

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Carmody passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 41 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN "OZONE FLEX AGREEMENT" FOR THE SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY MSA, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the Shreveport Metropolitan Statistical area is currently in attainment with federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone (smog), but is near non-attainment;

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport, along with the City of Bossier City, Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish and Webster Parish desire to maintain compliance with air quality standards;

WHEREAS, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has offered a program known as "Ozone Flex" which is designed to provide protection against a non-attainment designation under the EPA’s currently enforceable 1 hour ozone standard, in return for a commitment to implement some voluntary programs which benefit local air quality; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 60 of 2001 (a copy of which is attached hereto), the City has committed to executing and submitting such a plan to EPA;

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

That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport an Ozone Flex Agreement, also to be executed by the City of Bossier City and the Parishes of Bossier, Caddo and Webster, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, substantially in accordance with the draft thereof filed for public inspection with the original of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on March 25, 2003.

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 Lester, seconded by Councilman Jackson passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 42 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT ACCEPTING A GRANT ON BEHALF OF LIBBEY GLASS INC. AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, Libbey Glass Inc. is a glass manufacturer who is relocating its glass decorating operations to Shreveport, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Libbey Glass Inc. made application to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development Award Program which resulted in an award of a five hundred thousand dollar ($500,000.00) grant; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development Award Program requires a local political subdivision of the state to serve as a Sponsoring Entity and execute the contract accepting the grant awarded to Libbey Glass Inc.; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport will serve as the Sponsoring Entity for Libbey Glass Inc.

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 a contract as Sponsoring Entity accepting the Libbey Glass Inc. grant awarded by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development Award Program, effective April 8, 2003, substantially the same as the document filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council on March 25, 2003.

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

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

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Carmody passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE APPLICATION WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE , AND OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the Department of Justice has authorized the City of Shreveport Police Department to apply for grant funds for the Highland/Stoner and Queensborough/Ingleside Weed and Seed sites; and

WHEREAS, the awards, if approved will be for $175,000 for Highland/Stoner and $125,000 for Queensborough/Ingleside, for a total of $300,000 with no cash match required by the City of Shreveport; and

WHEREAS, these funds will be used to strengthen the Weed and Seed strategy currently in place within the Highland/Stoner and Queensborough/Ingleside communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, regular and legal session convened, that it does hereby authorize the execution by Keith P. Hightower, Mayor, those grant documents necessary to apply and receive funding established within the program administered by the United States Department of Justice.

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 affect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this Resolution are hereby declared severable.

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

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

Councilman Lester: To the Administration, again, I want to be clear, this application for Department of Justice Weed and Seed, is this a continuation of the funding of the project that we already have or are we talking about expanding to new frontiers? The reason I ask is that certainly that is something that we are interested in north Shreveport and have been for some time. So I’m just trying to find out, is this for continuation of the funding that is already out there for the programs that we have or are their opportunities for us to create new Weed and Seed Programs?

Mayor Hightower: I believe this in particular is just to, a continuation application. It is a long drawn out then to get into Weed and Seed and it is also an expensive proposition to get into Weed and Seed and I’ll be glad to talk with you about that outside the meeting, if you’d like to do that.

Councilman Lester: Okay, thank you.

Resolution passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 47 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY’S INTEREST IN A CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTY AS SURPLUS AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, there are numerous parcels of property which have been adjudicated to the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish for non-payment of ad valorem taxes; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Caddo Parish under which Caddo Parish will undertake to sell or donate said properties as authorized in R.S. 33:4720.11 or R.S. 33:4720.25; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26-294 of the Code of Ordinances, the city’s interests in said properties can be sold after the City Council declares them to be surplus; and

WHEREAS, the purchasing agent has inquired of all city departments regarding the property described herein and has not received any indication that it is needed for city purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the following described property is hereby declared surplus:

Lots 29, Woodland Hills Subdivision Geographic Number 171408-017-0029

Unit #1

Municipal Address: None

Council District "A"

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

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

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Jackson passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 48 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CANVASSING THE RETURNS AND DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2003 RELATIVE TO AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED LEVY AND COLLECTION OF SPECIAL AD VALOREM TAXES AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BE IT RESOLVED by the 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 the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, (the "City"), on SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2003, relative to authorizing the continued levy and collection of special ad valorem taxes and said Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the special election. SECTION 2. Proces Verbal. A Proves 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 Caddo and Bossier 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 results of said election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law.

PROCES VERBAL OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2003

BE IT KNOWN AND REMEMBERED that on Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at three (3:00) o'clock p.m., at its regular meeting place, the City Hall, Shreveport, Louisiana, the 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 April 5, 2003 and with the following members present:

There being absent: None.

did, in 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 propositions, to wit:

CONTINUED - RESOLUTION NO. 48 OF 2003

CITY OF SHREVEPORT TAX CONTINUATION PROPOSITION NO. 1

SUMMARY: 5 YEAR 1.31 MILL PROPERTY TAX CONTINUATION FOR IMPROVING, REPAIRING AND MAINTAINING STREETS.

Shall the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a 1.31 mill tax on all the property subject to taxation within said City for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the year 2003 and ending with the year 2007, being a continuation of the tax approved by the voters on July 19, 1997, for the purpose of improving, repairing and maintaining the streets of the City, title to which shall be in the public?

CITY OF SHREVEPORT TAX CONTINUATION PROPOSITION NO. 2

SUMMARY: 5 YEAR .98 MILL PROPERTY TAX CONTINUATION FOR OPERATING AND SUPPLYING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND APPURTENANCES AND MAINTAINING THE SAME.

Shall the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a .98 mill tax on all the property subject to taxation within said City for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the year 2003 and ending with the year 2007, being a continuation of the tax approved by the voters on July 19, 1997, for the purpose of operating and supplying recreational facilities and appurtenances and maintaining the same, title to which shall be in the public?

CITY OF SHREVEPORT TAX CONTINUATION PROPOSITION NO. 3

SUMMARY: 5 YEAR 1.31 MILL PROPERTY TAX CONTINUATION FOR CONTINUING SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE OF CITY EMPLOYEES.

Shall the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a 1.31 mill tax on all the property subject to taxation within said City for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the year 2003 and ending with the year 2007, being a continuation of the tax approved by the voters on July 19, 1997, for the purpose of continuing salary and wage schedule of City employees and for no other purpose?

CITY OF SHREVEPORT TAX CONTINUATION PROPOSITION NO. 4

SUMMARY: 5 YEAR 1.31 MILL PROPERTY TAX CONTINUATION FOR INCREASING POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL AND ALLOWANCE FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT FOR SAID DEPARTMENTS.

Shall the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a 1.31 mill tax on all the property subject to taxation within said City for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the year 2003 and ending with the year 2007, being a continuation of the tax approved by the voters on July 19, 1997, for the purpose of increasing Police and Fire personnel and allowance for uniforms and equipment for said Departments and for no other purpose?

CITY OF SHREVEPORT TAX CONTINUATION PROPOSITION NO. 5

SUMMARY: 5 YEAR 1.99 MILL PROPERTY TAX CONTINUATION FOR PROVIDING FUNDS FOR CITY'S PORTION OF PENSIONS, EMPLOYEE LIFE INSURANCE AND HOSPITAL PLAN FOR CITY EMPLOYEES.

Shall the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "City"), continue to levy a 1.99 mill tax on all the property subject to taxation within said City for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the year 2003 and ending with the year 2007, being a continuation of the tax approved by the voters on July 19, 1997, for the purpose of providing funds for City's portion of pensions, employee life insurance and hospital plan for City employees?

There was found by said count and canvass that the votes had been cast at the said special election IN FAVOR OF and AGAINST, respectively, the aforesaid proposition at the respective polling places as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, such exhibit being incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.

The polling places specified on said Exhibit A, being the only polling places designated at which to hold the said election, it was therefore shown that the following votes were cast in favor of and against the propositions:

Proposition No. 1	For (Majority for)		Against
	Caddo Parish	2631	Caddo Parish	1883
	Bossier Parish	9	Bossier Parish	4
	Total	2640	Total	1887

Proposition No. 2	For (Majority for)		Against
	Caddo Parish	2412	Caddo Parish	2097
	Bossier Parish	3	Bossier Parish	0
	Total	2415	Total	2097

Proposition No. 3	For (Majority for)		Against
	Caddo Parish	2472	Caddo Parish	2009
	Bossier	8	Bossier	5
	Total	2480	Total	2014

Proposition No. 4	For (Majority for)		Against
	Caddo Parish	2574	Caddo Parish	1908
	Bossier Parish	3	Bossier Parish	0
	Total	2577	Total	1908

Proposition No. 5	For (Majority for)		Against
	Caddo Parish	2476	Caddo Parish	2014
	Bossier Parish	3	Bossier Parish	0
	Total	2479	Total	2014

THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the City, did declare and proclaim and does hereby declare and proclaim in open and public session that the Propositions hereinabove set forth were duly CARRIED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the said special election held in the City on April 5, 2003

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Shreveport, Louisiana, on this, the 8th day of April, 2003.

/s/Arthur Thompson

Clerk of Council

/s/James Green

Council Chairman

Council of the City of Shreveport

/s/Calvin Lester

/s/Thomas Carmody

/s/Jeffery Hogan

/s/Monty Walford

/s/Mike Gibson

/s/Theron Jackson

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Jackson passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Mayor Hightower: I do think that a thank you on behalf of all the City employees should go out to all the registered voters in Shreveport, especially those that took time to go out and vote on Saturday for giving us the opportunity to continue the status quo, at least, on property taxes to fund operations in the departments that were on the ballot, so I know the employees appreciate that.

Councilman Gibson: I too would like to thank the citizens for their vote on Saturday. I think there are a couple of things though that we had to make note of. 1. We had less than 5,000 citizens vote in that election.

2. My district, District D, sent a loud and clear message. We had a significant number of no votes on this particular issue. I think it is is imperative that we continue to strive to listen and meet the expectations of our citizens in this City in terms of how we spend money and I know that we all up here are committed to doing that along with the Administration, but obviously I heard from a great deal of constituents on this issue leading up to Saturday.

It disturbs me, the cross section that I heard through District D and obviously I’m looking at the statistics and I appreciate Mrs. Washington giving me the statistically break-out of the different precincts and how they voted. I think if it was left up to District D, District D would have voted it down across the board based on the statistics that are in front of me and I have to pay attention loud and clear to the situation. So, I would be remiss without making those comments.

Councilman Jackson: I want also thank the people who did got out and vote because I think it meant a lot to our city workers and not only to our city workers but to the City in general, so we certainly thank everybody who did.

I think that, as Mr. Gibson has said, we have to listen to the voices of our electorate but not just at times of elections. All the time. And I want to say to the residents of District D that Councilman Gibson referred to that I think this Administration and I think, certainly this Council is doing a job worthy of their trust and worthy of their–I don’t know whatever else may be at issue, but we certainly got some resolutions here to try to help District D coming up in just a minute so I hope this Council won’t hold that against District D whenever they come up on this agenda in a few minutes.

The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 46 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a lease agreement with Libbey Glass, Inc and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Councilman Green: Is there a motion to postpone Resolution 46 or are we voting on it today?

Mayor Hightower: I think on 46, I think we need to have that passed, I think. . . .(Councilman Gibson motioned for passage.)

Councilman Jackson: I think there is an issue of needing to lay over until the next meeting?

Mrs. Glass: According to the fact sheet we are doing this under a statute that requires an additional. . . (Councilman Gibson withdrew his motion.)

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Gibson to postpone the resolution until the April 22, 2003 meeting.

Councilman Lester: Before I vote, if this can not be adopted prior to April 22^nd. If we vote yes all it says is it is going to be back on the agenda on the 22^nd like the items we have in B., isn’t that correct?

Mr. Thompson: It is a motion to postpone, yes.

Councilman Lester: So, for instance for the items that we have under B. Introduction of Resolutions not to be adopted prior to April 22 (please inform me) those matters that we are going to vote for at that particular time that just merely says we are in favor of them but we are going to vote for them again on the 22^nd, isn’t that how that works?

Mr. Thompson: It is just a motion to postpone the item until the date that can be adopted.

Councilman Lester: Okay, as opposed to what we are doing below, it is a different scenario?

Mr. Thompson: This is the same scenario for this one, it is just that the law says that there is a certain time that you have to advertise. It is a period for which you have to advertise and it has to remain on our agenda, during that period. So, you are postponing it until we are able to adopt it according to state law.

Motion to postpone passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 56 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION OPPOSING SENATE BILL NO. 447 RELATIVE TO THE DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE SLUDGE AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By: Councilmen Walford and Lester

WHEREAS, Senate Bill No. 447 has been introduced at the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature which requires local governing authorities:

To obtain an annual permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) before disposing of sewage sludge in a location outside the boundaries of the governing authority;

To notify the governing officials of the parish which is the intended site of disposal; and

To hold a public hearing in the parish which is the intended site of disposal; and

WHEREAS, the present law provides for DEQ to regulate and permit the disposal of solid waste, including sewage sludge; and

WHEREAS, the proposed addition to the present law is very costly, time consuming and it is unnecessary.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that it opposes the enactment of Senate Bill No. 447 introduced at the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

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

CONTINUED - RESOLUTION NO. 56 OF 2003

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

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

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

Councilman Jackson: These that we are voting on now is for adoption, as I correct?

Ms. Lee: Yes, you are correct.

Councilman Lester: Are these to be adopted today or not prior to. . . .

Mr. Thompson: Yes, on this particular one, this is just sending a message to the Legislature that you are opposed to a particular bill.

Resolution passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION CREATING THE CONVENTION CENTER COMPLEX LOCAL AND MINORITY PARTICIPATION COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE SHREVEPORT CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT AND THE SHREVEPORT CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL PROJECT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, on Saturday, July 17, 1999, the Citizens of Shreveport authorized the City of Shreveport to issue 20-year General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $85,000,000 for a new convention center; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 259 of 1999 authorized the issuance of the General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $85,000,000 to build the new convention center; and

WHEREAS, $22,151,800 has been spent on the Shreveport Convention Center Project to date and the project site consist of cleared land only; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 26 of 2002 authorized the creation of a Public Trust , known as the Shreveport Convention Center Hotel Authority to issue debt and to build and manage a Convention Center Hotel; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport owns the land on which the hotel is to be built and the City of Shreveport is the beneficiary of the Public Trust: and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23 of 2003, the City Council authorized the City to borrow $2,500,000 to provide interim financing for the Convention Center Hotel; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No.23 of 2003, the City Council authorized the Mayor to sign a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana and the Shreveport Convention Center Hotel Authority which provides for the State of Louisiana to allocate $12,000,000 for the Convention Center Hotel: and

WHEREAS, because of the investment in these projects by the citizens of Shreveport, it is necessary and desirable for local and minority citizens to receive as much of the economic benefit from the construction and operation of these facilities as possible and for disadvantaged businesses to receive the percentages required by the City’s Fair Share Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable to have a committee of citizens to receive and review reports concerning the construction and operation of the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel, and to make recommendations to the City Council, the Mayor and his administration, the Convention Center Hotel Authority and the Agents who will construct and operate the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel to insure the maximum participation possible by local and minority persons and disadvantaged businesses in the construction and operation of these facilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the Convention Center Complex Local and Minority Committee is established to receive and review reports concerning the construction and operation of the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel, and to make recommendations to the City Council, the Mayor and his administration, the Convention Center Hotel Authority and the Agents who will construct and operate the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel to insure the maximum participation possible by local and minority persons and disadvantaged businesses in the construction and operation of these facilities.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Local and Minority Committee for the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel shall consist of eight members one of whom shall be Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the Fair Share Office the other members shall be selected, one each, by the following entities:

- Minority Construction Association

- Associated General Contractors (AGC)

- Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

- Shreveport African-American Chamber of Commerce

- Shreveport Bar Association

CONTINUED - RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2003

- Shreveport-Bossier Black Lawyers Association

- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

BE IT RESOLVED that no committee member shall contract or do business with the Convention Center or the Convention Center Hotel relative to the construction and operation of these facilities for at least two years after the membership on the committee has ended.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of the 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 declared severable and repealed.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Gibson for passage.

Councilman Jackson: Mr. Lester, are you the author?

Councilman Lester: Yes, I was.

Councilman Jackson: Do we have, I don’t know, I didn’t see specifically and I don’t have it in front of me anymore, I gave it to the Clerk and they are using that to read but are there, I didn’t see the parameters. I heard the word monitor but I didn’t see if there were parameters for that that meant. Obviously I think there probably needs to be a line that is drawn very specifically so that our duties or our monitoring doesn’t go beyond the scope of what a council’s powers are to be in that situation but I’m assuming that it is addressed in the resolution?

Councilman Lester: Yes, Mr. Jackson. Thank you, that is a good question. The purpose of the committee is not to usurp any authority that we have as a Council. We are creating this Council to review reports of Fair Share as well as local participation on the construction and operational phase of both the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel.

This committee is an advisory committee made up of representatives from, I believe eight organizations, they are enumerated in the resolution: Minority Contractors, Associated General Contractors, NAACP, Black Lawyers Association, Shreveport Bar Association, African-American Chamber, Greater Shreveport Chamber and Mr. Gilliam’s Office with the Fair Share Office.

They will receive the same reports that we have been receiving as well as reports from the construction manager, when that time is appropriate, about the Convention Center as well as the Hotel Project as well as getting the reports on the management aspects of those to kind of bring some more eyes and ears to look into the idea of what we can do to increase local and minority participation in those two projects.

But, that committee is not created to supercede any authority that is given by us, given to us by the citizens. They are merely an advisory committee of this body that will be looking on those issues and report back to us in a timely fashion.

Councilman Jackson: So they will be any issues and concerns that that group has, will come to this Council?

Councilman Lester: That is correct.

Councilman Gibson: I seconded this motion that Councilman Lester has put before us.

I think that it is important that there obviously have information out there, obviously from a Convention Center standpoint. Convention Center is, a lot of people have worked hard, I commend Mr. Antee and Mayor Hightower for walking us through a very long process of which obviously we would have liked to have had this thing go 2 ½ years ago, obviously the bonds were sold in 1999 and it is high time that we put it into play.

We’ve got bid dates coming up, obviously the public bid law under the state of Louisiana is governing the Convention Center and the packages that are enclosed in that particular process. Obviously there is a policy of this City, in the Fair Share Program, in having companies work to make their efforts to have inclusiveness of minorities and women-owned businesses and any other recognized federal groups under a small business definition.

My interest in this is, obviously we are still the the very infant stages of the Convention Center Hotel of which is going to push close to $50 million dollars which obviously this Convention Center is going to be extremely dependent on having a Convention Center Hotel in order to meet the full goals and design of that facility. Myself, I believe that that Convention Center can help quadruple our tourism to this marketplace once it is in place, but we have to be clear and understand that we have to have a Convention Center Hotel to make that Convention Center an attractive venue for conventions around the region and around the country to come into. But I do believe that we have past history to show us that we need to have some additional involvement for that hotel.

I’ve been clear on record, before I ran for City Council on the Convention Center Hotel. I believe it is a pro-active step of which the guidance and the leadership of Mayor Hightower is been the reason why we are even sitting here talking about that. But, at the same time, I think we are going to only have a one time shot at this opportunity and we have five persons on a public-private quasi-governmental agency that is overseeing that facility and I think that this Council committee will only enhance the success of that hotel in the near future and obviously with the challenges that we’ve got with tourism market nationwide with the people who are now driving to their destinations but versus driving, that is a positive for our hotel and our Convention Center. Obviously we will be able to attractive the regional facilities and be able to take advantage of that opportunity.

Plus, the timing of being able to do these facilities with interest rates as low as they are is going to be another benefit, but I am definitely a big supporter of having some additional assistance in this process.

Councilman Walford: Will we have Council confirmation or how are the individuals going to be picked from the organizations?

Councilman Lester: Each organization will submit the name of the person that is going to represent that body. This is an effort that that is not new, I can not claim complete intellectually authorship of this idea. It is something that is modeled, that was done successfully in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as they put together a very similar committee in the creation of their American Airlines and that committee was very successful in helping both the private industry and the public entity in terms of bringing qualified minority companies to the (inaudible) and supporting the idea of having fair share inclusiveness.

So, this not a scenario where the Council is looking to tie the hands of these organizations, because certainly these organizations have a vested interested in having obviously as much local participation as possible and having as much minority participation as possible but it is not going to be a scenario where we are going to be handicap in terms of that, they are just going to be appointed their members.

Now, one of the caveats as laid out in the particular resolution is, any person that is appointed by the particular organization has to understand that they are not going to be in a position to do business with either the Convention Center Hotel or the Convention Center complex because it is very important that as we do these type of good government things we don’t get into a scenario where we have the appearance of any impropriety or any inside deals and that is something that is spelled out very particularly in the resolution.

Councilman Gibson: Just one last comment. I think any time we assist and obviously maintaining or keeping as much monies here and obviously we are talking about a facility and again I’m talking more in terms, right now, of the hotel because obviously it has some flexibility that the Convention Center does not have governed by the public bid law and having adhere to that statute on public bids.

But on the hotel, obviously for every dollar we can keep your economic development will benefit four or fives times in circulating that money that obviously we need the assistance of some of those organizations that you listed there Councilman Lester in order to leverage that investment and leverage that venue which will obviously give the Convention and Tourism Bureau the ability to be better versus not being better in terms of enhancing more conventions into this community and obviously getting more economic impact to the area.

So, local small business participation, local minority participation makes good sense and obviously this group would help in working with the quasi-governmental agency to make that happen.

Resolution passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION 58 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 10 AND CHAPTER 106 OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT CODE OF ORDINANCES ON APRIL 25, 2003 FOR THE LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY SHREVEPORT (LSU-S) OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES "SPRING FLING" AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY: Councilman Mike Gibson

WHEREAS, Louisiana State University-Shreveport ("LSU-S") Office of Student Activities will sponsor the Spring Fling on April 25, 2003 on the campus of the university; and

WHEREAS, LSU-S maintains a permit for the sale of low alcoholic content beverages (beer) on the campus; and

WHEREAS, the permit does not authorize alcoholic beverages to be sold, dispensed, or consumed outside of the licensed premises; and

WHEREAS, Section 106-130 (6) provides that unless otherwise excepted, all uses shall be operated entirely within a completely enclosed structure; and

WHEREAS, Section 10-80 (a) provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to sell, barter, exchange or otherwise dispense alcoholic beverages, except within those sections of the city wherein such sale is permitted by the applicable zoning ordinance; and

WHEREAS, LSU-S desires to dispense, and allow the serving and consumption of low alcoholic content beverages (beer) on the grounds of the university outside of the licensed premises between the hour of 9:00 a.m. and 3 :00 p.m. on April 25, 2003 in conjunction with the Spring Fling event.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, Section 106-130 (6) and 10-80(a) are hereby suspended on April 25, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to permit the consumption of low alcoholic content beverages (beer) on the grounds of Louisiana State University-Shreveport outside of the licensed premises during the Spring Fling event.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all other applicable provisions of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances shall remain in full force and effect.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provisions or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or application, 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 Gibson, seconded by Councilman Lester passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, and Green. 6. Nays: Councilman Jackson. 1.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS:

1. Resolution No. 49 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Friends of the Municipal Auditorium, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 50 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Donation Agreement between the City of Shreveport and Braemar Village, LLC, represented by Michael J. Penn for private water and sanitary sewer mains located in Braemar Village Units 1 and 2 and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

3. Resolution No. 51of 2003: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Donation Agreement between the City of Shreveport and Southern Trace, A Limited Partnership by Southern Trace Development Corp., it’s general partner for private water mains, sanitary sewer mains and related facilities located in Southern Trace Phase IV - Section XVI and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

4. Resolution No. 52 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Donation Agreement between the City of Shreveport and Donnie Juneau, President, Shreveport Development Corporation for private water and sewer main extensions located in perimeter business park, unit 2 and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

5. Resolution No. 53 of 2003: A resolution authorizing purchase of Snap II Properties from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and to to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

6. Resolution No. 54 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to convey to the Caddo/Bossier Port Commission all servitude obtained by the City of Shreveport in connection with the Southern Loop Water Main Extension Project, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

7. Resolution No. 55 of 2003: A resolution authorizing the employment of special legal counsel to represent the City of Shreveport, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Gibson, seconded by Councilman Hogan for Introduction of the Resolutions to lay over until the April 22, 2003 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:

1. Ordinance No. 36 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 budget for the police grants special revenue fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 37 of 2003: A supplemental ordinance amended and supplementing Ordinance No. 132 of 2002 (the "Bond Ordinance") setting forth certain provisions requested by Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (the "Bond Insurer") and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., the trustee (the "Trustee"); and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

3. Ordinance No. 38 of 2003: an ordinance declaring certain adjudicated properties to be surplus and to authorize the mayor of the City of Shreveport to sell the city of Shreveport’s tax interest in certain surplus adjudicated properties, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 39 of 2003:

An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by approving the continuation of I-1-E Light Industrial/Extended Use District, for a Type III Landfill, limited to "construction debris and wood waste products," only on property located on the north side of Mt. Zion Road, 1330 feet west of Linwood, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 40 of 2003 by Councilman Lester: An ordinance changing the names of the Shreveport Blanchard Road from the Roy Road to North Hearne Avenue, and of Ford Street from North Hearne Avenue to Pete Harris Drive, and of Caddo Street from Pete Harris Drive to the Clyde Fant Parkway to Hilry Huckaby III Avenue, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 41 of 2003: An ordinance authorizing a servitude and an encroachment on a portion of the Clyde E. Fant Memorial Parkway Right-of-way by the United States of America and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Gibson, seconded by Councilman Walford for Introduction of the Ordinances to lay over until the April 22, 2003 meeting. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Lester: I would ask this question for someone in the Department of Community Development particularly as it relates to the purchasing of the SNAP II properties from HUD. I don’t know if anyone is available to answer any questions on that but I do have some concerns.

As I appreciate, a number of these properties, some have already been transferred back into the inventory of the City and are in a state of horrendous disrepair and I’m concerned about some of the liability, particularly I know there are about four or five that are there on Sprague Street that are falling in and several have fallen in. And I’d hope that we would be in a situation where someone could give us, from the Council, a plan of what we plan to do with these properties.

I’m certainly concerned as it relates to those properties in the Allendale area, particularly in the Clay Street, Holtzman, Patzman, North Dale, and North Pierre, and North Allen Avene areas. As many of you may or may not have recalled, these are properties that the late Councilman Huckaby objected to in terms of historical renovation of the shotgun houses. And certainly if he objected 15-years ago, I think I will renew his objection to the further restoration and potential occupancy of shotgun houses in the 21^st Century. I think it is an embarrassment and an enathma to this community for us to consider shotgun houses as some place that people want to live.

So, certainly I would ask that someone from the Department of Community Development come to this Council and certainly to me since many of these are in my district, with a plan of what we are going to do with these properties.

I guess I would caution that if you are telling me that you are prepared to renovate and put some new paint on some shotgun houses, you can pretty much guess where my vote is going to be.

Mayor Hightower: Mr. Lester, I think I can pretty well answer your question. Now, whether it is something you approve of or not, its maybe a different matter.

But the only thing that we as a City want to do is be a conduit between taking back of the properties and essentially, the same day, closing on those properties with two non-profits: Christian Services and Shreveport Community Renewal. They have both expressed interest in taking those properties over, renovating them and putting them back into commerce, that’s our plan.

It is not to hold them. We don’t want the liability. We don’t have the money to renovate them or plans to renovate them. So, that is our plan, to take those over and turn them over immediate.

Councilman Lester: Well, I guess Mr. Mayor that if any of those two organizations have plans that they forward some of those plans to us, so that we can take a look at them. Certainly, I would be very interested in what they are going to do with those properties.

ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:

1. Ordinance No. 25 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning the south 150 feet of the north 350 feet of Lot 1, Dean Terrace Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District to B-1, Buffer Business District and by rezoning the north 350 feet of Lot 2, Dean Terrace Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District and B-2,Neighborhood Business District to B-3, Community Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 25, 2003 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Hogan seconded by Councilman Carmody for passage.

The Deputy Clerk read the following amendment:

Amendment No. 2:

Delete page 1 and substitute the attached page 1.

Motion by Councilman Hogan, seconded by Councilman Carmody for adoption of Amendment No. 2.

Mr. Richard King, I represent Canatella Investments: I came before the Council last meeting. We adjourned this so that the amendment could be made to the caption itself because we thought that the caption didn’t include the proper language for the final reading. We did that. I answered questions before this. This simply gives Mr. Canatella approximately 400 feet of B-3 zoning. We talked with Mr. Hogan. There was no objections to that. And there were some concerns which we did address and we addressed each of those individual. I don’t think is anyone here in opposition to this.

Amendment No. 2 adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Carmody, seconded by Councilman Jackson for adoption of the ordinance as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

2. Ordinance No. 27 of 2003: NINETEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL ORDINANCE: A Supplemental Ordinance amending and supplementing Resolution No. 131 of 1984 (the "General Bond Resolution") adopted on June 12, 1984, as amended; providing for the issuance of $19,600,000 principal amount of Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, 2003 Refunding Series B, of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, pursuant to the General Bond Resolution; approving and confirming the sale of such bonds; prescribing the form, fixing the details and providing for the payment of principal of and interest on such bonds and the application of the proceeds thereof for refunding certain bonds issued for the purpose of constructing and acquiring extensions and improvements to the City's combined waterworks plant and system and sewer plant and system (the "System") of the City; making application to the State Bond Commission; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

Having passed first reading on March 11, 2003 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 Gibson to postpone the ordinance until the April 22 2003 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 30 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the northeast corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Hill Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-1, Buffer Business District, to B-2, Neighborhood Business District with Planned Building Group approval and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 25, 2003 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Jackson adopted by following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Lester: I would like to thank the Council for voting to give this zoning. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins operate a day care center, they named the daycare center for their granddaughter.

They have been operating and in fact the property that they are wanting to expand to is property they have been maintaining for quite some type even before they actually acquired it. And I think it is a good thing for us to support any time we can help a business owner in an area like MLK expand, I think is a positive thing, so I would just like to thank the Council for their support of the Hawkins and what they are trying to do with their business in the MLK area.

4. Ordinance No. 31 of 2003: An ordinance authorizing the donation of city-owned property to qualified non-profit organizations, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 25, 2003 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Carmody to postpone the ordinance until the April 22, 2003 meeting. Motion approved by following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 32 of 2003: An ordinance to amend Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, as amended, the City of Shreveport Zoning ordinance, by amending Section 106–1130 (g) (2) i., by modifying the requirements for temporary telecommunication towers allowed as specific administratively approved uses, and by otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 25, 2003 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Gibson adopted by following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

6. Ordinance No. 33 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 25, 2003 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Gibson, seconded by Councilman Jackson adopted by following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

7. Ordinance No. 34 of 2003 by Councilman Lester and Walford: An ordinance to amend Chapter 38 of the Code of Ordinances to add Section 38-87 and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 25, 2003 was read by title and on motion ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Lester adopted by following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Lester: Again, I would like to thank the Council. This particular ordinance comes as a direct response to some things that we worked on the Property Standards Committee, particularly as it relates to bringing our administrative costs into line with what we believe is a realistic figure. Thank the Councilmen for the participation in that process, that was a very, one of our most aggressive and invigorating meetings. We got a lot done and I think this is going to show, bring our standards or our administrative costs into more reality or a more realistic situation as opposed to the $40 dollar cost. I think this $125 is more in line of what the City si actually paying and I think it is going to inure to the benefit of the City.

Councilman Jackson: Again, I would commend this committee for the work that they’ve done on this. I wanted to say and I think I said before and just for purposes of reiteration, I think communication is going to very important. I think we need to be sure that we’ve taken the due diligence and taken the steps necessary to be sure that the citizens know what to expect and that we advertise or promote well, if you will, publish if you will this change so that people will know what’s coming and then I think it can work out . So, I appreciate your work. Just want to be sure that people know about it.

Councilman Carmody: And not to be redundant along the lines of Councilman Lester and Councilman Jackson, bu I am certainly hoping that Ms. Benefield is taking note that any person that will be found in violation of property standards, is going to be assessed $125 dollars which they will be required to pay as opposed to $40 dollars which was the previous cost. And I think that it is the hope and the desire of Administration and this Council that person’s avoid that additional expenditure by taking care of their property without requiring the City to take action to have them address it.

Councilman Gibson: I won’t belabor it in terms of the good work that my fellow Councilmen done on this, but obviously the cost of business doesn’t remain the same.

The City is obviously committed to providing proper services and things of that nature but not at the expense of subsidizing from other areas. And, I think that we have properly priced or cost this thing out to include today’s affects whether it be fuel cost or whether it be insurance cost, especially insurance costs in what the City has been dealing with, but do it in a fair and equitable way to where the City isn’t caught in the business of subsidizing.

So, I do appreciate Councilman Walford, Councilman Lester, and (Councilman Jackson, I think you were on that committee, is that correct? Councilman Jackson: No, Councilman Carmody.), Councilman Carmody for a job well done and bringing this issue into today’s 2003 environment.

Councilman Walford: I too want to thank the Council members and I hope Kerry is listening as well. But Mr. Gibson is thanking everybody, but he was a big part of this particular part of our committee meetings and gave us valuable input and we came up with, I think a very realistic figure, so the taxpayers are not subsidizing on this, so that those who are violation actually pay and I thank everyone for their vote.

8. Ordinance No. 35 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the southwest corner of Stratford Avenue & Youree Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from SPI-3-E(B-1), Commercial Corridor Overlay/Extended Use (Buffer Business) District to SPI-3-E (B-1), Commercial Corridor Overlay/Extended Use (Buffer Business) District, Limited to "Cellular Phone Sales" Only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 25, 2003 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 Walford adopted by following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

The adopted Ordinances, as amended, follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 25 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PORTION OF LOTS 1 AND 2, DEAN TERRACE SUBDIVISION, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA FROM R-1D, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO B-1, BUFFER BUSINESS DISTRICT AND FROM R-1D, FROM R-1D, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT TO B-3, COMMUNITY 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 :

TRACT 1: (R-1D to B-1)

The south 200 feet of the north 400 feet of Lot 1, Dean Terrace Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and

TRACT 2: (R-1D and B-2 to B-3):

The North 885 feet of Lot 2, Dean Terrace Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, both tracts generally located on the southwest corner of Walker Road and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop;

be and the same is hereby changed from R-1D, Urban 0ne-Family Residence District to B-1, Buffer Business District (TRACT 1), and from R-1D, Urban One-Family Residence District and B-2, Neighborhood Business District to B-3, Community Business District (TRACT 2):

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

CONTINUED - ORDINANCE NO. 25 OF 2003

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with a revised plan to be submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission, showing all improvements on the south 200' of the north 400' of Lot 1, Dean Terrace Subdivision, and the north 885' of Lot 2, Dean Terrace Subdivision, 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.

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

ORDINANCE NO. 30 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE AND HILL STREET, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-1, BUFFER BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT WITH PLANNED BUILDING GROUP APPROVAL, 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 south 150 feet of Lot 1 Haley’s Learning Play Corner, located on the northeast corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Hill Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, be and the same is hereby changed from B-1, Buffer Business District to B-2, Neighborhood Business District.

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

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

2. Approval shall be limited to 120 children.

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.

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

ORDINANCE NO. 32 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY AMENDING SECTION 106–1130 (g) (2) i., BY MODIFYING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS ALLOWED AS SPECIFIC ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVED USES, AND BY OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that Section 106-1130 (g) (2) i., of Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, as amended, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:

1. "Locating a temporary (not to exceed six months) tower whose height does not exceed 100 feet in any district. Extensions of the six-month temporary permit may be approved by the planning director upon receipt of a written request explaining the reasons for the additional time.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held CONTINUED - ORDINANCE NO. 32 OF 2003

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.

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

ORDINANCE NO. 33 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City Charter provides for the amendment of any previously adopted budget; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2003 General Fund budget, to appropriate funds from an economic development grant and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 161 of 2002, the 2003 General Fund budget, is hereby amended as follows:

In Section 1 (Estimated Receipts):

Increase Miscellaneous by $500,000.

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

In General Government, appropriate $500,000 to Improvements and Equipment.

Adjust all totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance No. 161 of 2002 shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

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 to be severable.

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

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

ORDINANCE NUMBER 34 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 38 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD SECTION 38-87 AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY: COUNCILMAN LESTER/COUNCILMAN WALFORD

BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that Section 38-87 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to now read as follows:

Sec. 38-87. Administrative charges; lien and privilege for cost of performing work.

(a) If the owner shall fail to comply with any notice sent pursuant to any provision of this chapter or applicable provisions of state law, or shall fail to comply with any order, decision or determination rendered by the board, a hearings officer or the administrator as provided in this chapter, the city may cause such work to be performed by city forces or a private contractor, and in such case, the city shall be entitled to assess and collect all costs incurred in performing such work, together with an administrative charge of $125.00.

CONTINUED - ORDINANCE NO. 34 OF 2003

2. The city shall have a lien and privilege for the cost of performing any work pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or applicable provisions of state law against the lot and improvements upon which the work was performed and shall be entitled to enforce its lien in accordance with the provisions of section 38-49 and applicable provisions of state law.

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. 35 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF STRATFORD AVENUE & YOUREE DRIVE, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM SPI-3-E(B-1), COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR OVERLAY/EXTENDED USE (BUFFER BUSINESS) DISTRICT TO SPI-3-E(B-1), COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR OVERLAY/EXTENDED USE (BUFFER BUSINESS) DISTRICT, LIMITED TO "CELLULAR PHONE SALES" ONLY, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of Lot 386 and the N/2 of Lot 387and an 8 foot strip adjoining to the west, Broadmoor Subdivision, Unit #2, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, be and the same is hereby changed from SPI-3-E (B-1) Commercial Corridor Overlay /Extended Use (Buffer Business) District to SPI-3-E(B-1) Commercial Corridor Overlay/Extended Use (Buffer Business) District limited to "cellular phone sales" only.

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

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

2. Location of landscaping is subject to final approval by the Planning Director.

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.

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Alcohol Retail Permit: Ms. Deborah Hawkins [Employer: 2901 Milam St. (Take-A-Bag Grocery)] (G/Jackson) (Special Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 3:00 p.m.)

2. Resolution 203 of 2002: Authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Parish of Caddo relative to the development and operation of a park and related facilities in the MLK area. (A/Lester) (Tabled on Feb. 11)

3. Resolution No. 28 of 2003: Authorizing the Mayor to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with PACE International Union. (Tabled on March 25)

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Taxi Driver License Appeal: Douglas Palmer (Employer: Action Taxi)

2. Taxi Driver License Appeal: Raymond Spilker, Jr. (Employer: Action Taxi - Appeal decided on April 7).

Mr. Thompson: I believe the one that you did not do yesterday, Mr. Palmer, he called the office and I don’t know whether he is here today or not.

Ms. Lee: He’s in the very back corner.

Councilman Green: Mr. Palmer, would you be here on the next Council Meeting (the 21^st, the Work Session) at 3:00 and we will deal with your case.

The Executive Session that we were suppose to have today, the attorney called, someone from his office called and he had to be rushed to hospital so he won’t be here so if in fact, you would still like to have it, then you can.

Mr. Antee: We were going to ask that it be postponed anyway because the City’s attorney, Michelle Perkins is out of town and so that works, good.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: None.

CLERK’S REPORT: None.

THE COMMITTEE RISES AND REPORTS (reconvenes Regular Council Meeting).

ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:37 p.m.

___________________________

James Green, Chairman

__________________________________

Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council