COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, was called to order by Chairman Monty Walford at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2003, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Councilman Gibson led the Invocation.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Lester (3:05), Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. (3:10). 7. Absent: None.

Approve Minutes. Motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Gibson to approve the Administrative Conference Summary Minutes of August 25, 2003 and the Council Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2003 as corrected [spelling of ‘CertainTeed, Harlan and minor typographical errors] Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, and Green. 5. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Lester and Jackson. 2.

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

Mayor Hightower: I would like to ask Liz Swaine to come forward. If the Council would be entertained for about 3 or 4 minutes, I think she wants to talk to you a little bit about the Louisiana Purchase.

Ms. Swaine: Hello and thank you for allowing me to come up and speak to you today. You know, in dealing with the weighted issues of the City I know that it is easy for us all to some times belief that there are only problems in the City and nothing tends to go right.

Well, I’m up here to tell you that there is something to ing very right, something that we should definitely be proud of and its called the Louisiana Purchase Project and if you’ve not had the opportunity to see it and I know that Council member Hogan was there last week when we dedicated it, please come down to the Red River District and take a look.

Several years ago, just to give you a little bit of background, the State set aside a pocket of money, a little pot of money to celebrate the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial. It’s a big a deal, only happens every 200 years so they wanted to treat it like the big deal that it is and they started dolling out this money to cities around the state. They gave some to New Orleans and Baton Rouge and Lafayette and Alexandria. Well, we here in Shreveport discovered that we were not getting any of this Louisiana Purchase money. So we decided through the help of all of our partners: Shreveport Regional Arts Council, we teamed up with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, and also the Red River District, came up with this incredible Art Project and I am going to show a little of what we have down at the Red River District:

This was the Plaza. You can see right down the middle of the Red River District. There is Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, she’s the head of the Department of Cultural Recreational and Tourism and they are the folks who gave us the $200,000. And by the way, we got money here in Shreveport for this Art project than any other city in the state. We got more than New Orleans and Baton Rouge, that is something to cheer about. You can see it is such a big deal that President Jefferson, was here for it. You know, he just doesn’t come back to life very often. And what we decided to do was something to show how unique Northwest Louisiana and Shreveport is, so we took a look at all the cultures, all of the heritage that made Northwest Louisiana what it is and we did it in a chronological order.

This is one of the archways representing Native American, the Caddo-Ada tribe. This represents the Spanish heritage of Northwest Louisiana. This, the French heritage of Northwest Louisiana. The African heritage of Northwest Louisiana and the Pioneer which would be the Scots-Irish. We had 10 pieces of art work, all absolutely beautiful in the Red River District.

When the state told us they were going to do this incredible art work for us and pay and the City of Shreveport would have to pay nothing, we said, you know what we are going to do, we are going to have a great party so that we are going to celebrate what we’ve got up here and this past Saturday down at the Red River District, again with the Multicultural Center of the South, being our partner, we had a culture celebration down at the Red River District and all the cultures represented in the art work were there taking part. We had again, the Ada Caddo tribe doing some of their dances, the Pow-Wow. We had Lullack representing our Hispanic group and that is Emilio, by the way, dancing with some of the members of the Ada-Caddo tribe. We dancing, singing, performances, Lullack some of the singers and the dancers and then Promoja, representing our African heritage doing dancing, singing, playing of the different types of instruments and a lot of kids activities. The kids got to play on the African drums and do all sorts of crafts and then representing the Pioneer heritage, we had the Scottish Highlands group, the Red River Pipe and Drum Corp. And you know what is an amazing thing, everyone down there was all Scottish while they were playing the bagpipes. And when Promoja was dancing, everyone had African heritage and when Lullack was dancing, everyone felt their Hispanic heritage. It was a wonderful day in the Red River District and in Shreveport.

But I want to let you know too that the Louisiana Purchase does continue. Friday at 8 o’clock we are going to have Dorsey Summerfield and the Polyphonics at the Red River District. And then Saturday, Thomas Summerfield and the foot stomping Zedyco Band, all of this is free at the Red River District being sponsored again by the City of Shreveport and our partners, the Louisiana Department of Cultural Recreation and Tourism and our other partners.

And also do want to also take this opportunity to invite you to something else that is a big deal for the City of Shreveport. This Thursday, September 11 the City of Shreveport was chosen as one of just a handful of cities across the country to take part of the Nextel American Art Flag Project. It is a flag that’s three stories wide by two stories high and it was made out of 686 squares painted by people in Shreveport, senior citizens, school children and active duty and reserve military. And we are going to b e unfurling that at 6 p.m., Thursday, September 11 and I would like to invite you all down; so, thank you for this opportunity to make a short presentation. This is something, both the Nextel American Art flag and the Louisiana Purchase Project that we can all be proud of.

Mayor Hightower: The next thing I would like to do, I think several of our visitors in the audience today are recognizable to most of us via the work they do in our community, specifically with regards to the homeless and those that are down on their luck. So I would like to recognize Dr. Voohries who is with us today to talk to you just for a few minutes about the Coalition for the Homeless.

Dr. Voohries: It is really a privilege to share some of the things that Hope for the Homeless has been doing. Liz was talking about some of the good news and I have good news too in terms of some of the services that we provide in terms of, for the homeless in this area. You know, we were the first to have host the Annual Conference on Homeless for the State of Louisiana, then we hosted the tent 2 years ago and we had the largest attendance ever.

We are also fortunate enough to have developed an information management system that has spread to like 35 different cities and is the most commonly used information management, data tracking system nationwide which is call Service Point, was developed right here; so, we are just proud. We are proud of the fact that every homeless provider in the City is a member of the coalition and we’ve worked well together. We are talking about $2 million dollars that we’ve been fortunate enough to bring in on an annual basis and of course the Coalition gets not a penny of that. We have all volunteers providing that service, and so it is just something that we should be proud of. The other side of the coin, is that there is still a lot of work to do. But I just wanted to share a little bit about Hope for Homeless today and I brought some of the brochures that we have. Also we have first responder cards that we give like to the police/firemen type thing so that they can, when they encounter someone homeless that they can have some idea of resources that are available and things of that nature.

I do have some members, some providers as well as some consumers with us today (approximately 35 persons). I appreciate you being here and I appreciate the time. You know we get an average of $2 million dollars a year and it is for programs like the people that you see in the room in many cases. You have to have a coalition, you have to have a continuum, you have to have a coalition in order to apply for some of this money so we meet that criteria. Our pro-rata share is like $1.4 million. This year we submitted a proposal for almost $3 million which will be for ‘04 and we are very optimistic that we will be getting that as well. So, we just wanted to share some of the things that we have been doing. We are real proud of. The work is not finished but we are proud of where we are today so thank you so much.

Convention Center Report and Property Standards Program Report. Councilman Walford: Yesterday, we received the Convention Center and Property Standards report.

Public Hearing: ANNEXATION Tag No. 02-07: Tract of land located along N Hearne Ave., N. Market St., Grimmett Dr., Cross Bayou, and 12 Mile Bayou ROW, in Section 23 and 26 and a portion of Grimmett Dr. ROW (LA Hwy. No. 3049).

Councilman Gibson: Under Reports, in terms of committee reports, is there a possibility that I could give an update on infrastructure?

Councilman Walford: Actually, we’ve got a Committee Report place on the agenda.

Councilman Gibson: Oh, do you?

Councilman Walford: And I will get you. . . .

Councilman Gibson: I missed that.

Councilman Walford: . . . and several others when we get to that, if I may.

Councilman Gibson: I appreciate that.

Confirmations and/or Appointments: Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Green to confirm to the Downtown Development Authority Board: 1. Arlena Acree and 2. Bill Bailey.

Councilman Gibson: I would like to amend to ask for a two week postponement. Two weeks ago I asked for a copy of the Downtown Development Authority’s By-Laws in order to be able to determine the criteria for board and I still haven’t seen that information, and I would like to amend to ask for a postponement.

Mayor Hightower: I think every Council member received a synopsis of the conflict between state resolution, state statute, city charter and city ordinance from the City Attorney and also the DDA’s attorney, Jerry Jones who I believe is here with us today. So if there is any clarity that needs to be done, the two guys that has spent a bunch of time on it are here and available to talk to you today.

But I would ask that we go ahead and put these people on the Board. The Board is ready and at a standstill actually at this point because we told them not to proceed any further with any business until we got the Board appointment situation clarified and justified and satisfied in everybody’s mind. So I think at this point, we should have that done; so, if anybody has any questions prior to voting, those two guys are here and certainly entertain any questions you might have.

Councilman Jackson: Councilman Gibson, I don’t know if it is an oversight, I didn’t ask for a copy of the By-Laws, but I did receive a copy of their By-Laws along with a letter that I think President Mr. Hubbard had a letter on front with a list of people who had asked about being on the Board, excuse me, at least had expressed some interest in servicing and attached to that, following that, was their By-Laws. And I saw it. I opened the envelope and saw it and so I didn’t know if I was the only Councilman who asked for it, but I didn’t, I had it, but I didn’t ask for it.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Gibson, if that was motion.

Councilman Gibson: Yes it was.

Councilman Walford: That was a substitute motion.

Councilman Walford: I am sorry. Were you done?

Councilman Jackson: Yeah, I just didn’t know if I was the only Councilman that. . . .

Councilman Carmody: Very good. I just wanted to confirm that I also did receive the information, Councilman Jackson, and I appreciate it Mr. Hubbard. Actually it was I who had asked for anyone who submitted their name expressing interest in serving on the Board. But I did have a question for the Administration was that in that it appeared that the were either four or five other individuals that had put forward their name to serve. Had we given any consideration to any of them or is the Administration still wanting to go ahead and put Ms. Acree and Mr. Bailey up for confirmation today?

Mayor Hightower: I did after you had asked, I think, at the last meeting had we received any requests to serve on the Board and strangely enough the next day, I got two faxes from people from the same firm, actually. It is not that I didn’t consider them, I’ll certainly consider them for other Board appointments and positions but at this point, I would ask that we act on Arlena and Bill Bailey.

Councilman Green: I just like to say that, we went through a process on the last Council meting, we were thinking that we were breaking the law. Now, we have discovered that we are not breaking the law and I think also we found that the Mayor, the Administration has the right to select these folk. I don’t know anything else that we can do because sooner or later we are going to run out of options and I just don’t think—these are citizens, they live here in this City, they are taxpayers, they are doing a great job. And I think it is very unfair to them for every Council meeting something else has to come up and then something else has to come up. I think that what ought to happen, we ought to just say to their face that, ‘I don’t want you on the Board’ and then let the chip fall where it may. Just let us go on and vote and just be man enough to say, ‘I don’t want you two on the Board.’ Because the Mayor has the right to select these two individuals; he’s done that.

So, we didn’t break the law. Before we were afraid we had broke the law, we didn’t break the law. Is Attorney Ramon in, is he here? He is not here. We didn’t break the law and now we are still looking for somebody else. These are the two that have been chosen and I think we ought to go on and accept them and maybe next time, we’ll get the ones we want. It is really. I really think it is basically, some times it seem like we are at church. It is us against them or it is them against us, but we are all in this together. And they are going to come some times when you are going to want some people on certain Boards and I just think that your day will come.

The fight is about this (so that everybody will know), they feel that if you get these two on the Board, that they Mayor will have too much leverage; now that is just the whole basics as to what it is about, and I think that is very unfair.

This is the City of Shreveport and we need to do what we need to do and that is basically all I got to say. Mr. Mayor, if I embarrassed you about what the real deal is, I’m sorry.

Mayor Hightower: I think maybe it should be made clear that every appointment to the board has been made, at this point by, this Mayor and approved by the City Council; so nothing changes. [Councilman Green called for the question, seconded by Councilman Lester and approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 6. Nays: Councilman Gibson. 1.]

Councilman Carmody: Can I ask that we separate the two appointments, please?

Councilman Walford: They was done as one motion and we are beyond debate on that now.

Motion for confirmation approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 5. Nays: Councilman Carmody and Gibson. 2.

Adding Legislation to the Agenda. Motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Carmody to add the following to the agenda:

1. Resolution No. 157 of 2003 by Councilman Gibson: A resolution suspending the effects of certain provisions of Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on October 3, 2003 for the Tony Roma Restaurant sponsored "Kick Off Party (Special Event)" in conjunction with the Shreveport/Bossier Mudbugs Organization and to otherwise with respect thereto.

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

Public Comments.

Harlan Lee, representing CertainTeed Grouping Products up on Aero Drive: I wanted to speak today concerning the proposed annexation. I would like to extend my thanks to the Council for their graciously listening to our petition of, that you would reconsider this annexation process and we appreciate the help that we ‘ve gotten from the City and also from the City, from the Chamber of Commerce. And we do continue to ask that you reconsider this annexation in light of the impact that it is going to have on our area.

Rob Cochran (945 Cochran Street): I am representing Caddo Fab. I brought a petition, yesterday of people that had signed that I’d gone to in this area. Also, today there was four or five people that called me and asked me if they could please sign it and I would bring it up here and let them do it. I would like for these people, some of these people are here today. Would ya’ll stand up. The people that are businesses that are in this district that are against this proposal.

These guys are working hard. They are, most of these guys are have to shut their shop down to be here and Donny had to shut his shop down. He works on trucks for Federal Express. He had to completely close his place down to be here today. It is going to affect him that much. Mr. Meecom had to shut his place down to be here. We would appreciate ya’ll thinking about what they are doing to this, businesses. And, if we lose CertainTeed Grouping there is a lot of people that are on this list that do work for CertainTeed that are going to lose their jobs and it is not right. We appreciate ya’ll thinking about this.

Councilman Lester: Not so much a question, but a statement. I don’t know if that would be proper because I don’t know how long the individuals are going to stay here. This is not a scenario as we communicated at the last meeting that has come about Willie-Nillie or that has happened over a course of a month or so. This is a process that has been going on for 2 years.

On last Council meeting we moved to postpone because I wanted to get an opportunity to speak with some of the folks like yourself that had some objections. And, I just want to state for the record that I have spoken with Mr. Lee and his counsel regarding some concerns that his company has, had regarding the annexation as well as there has been communication with the City with the Mayor’s Office, with the folks at the Department of Economic Development as well as the people with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.

Now, I made a promise to Mr. Lee on yesterday, that we are going to be postponing this simple because we made a request to get some certain documentation in terms of what are going to be the real costs or savings or difference for people coming into the City. I think one of the concern that a lot of people had was that coming into the city in terms of the Agurs area was going to be something that was going to be cost prohibitive and run people out of business. But, we are determining and at least, the primarily figures that I have received is that, in many instances, people are going to receive a tremendous benefit. So, I just wanted to let you know what is going on in terms of those folks that are here that represent companies that are in fact going to be affected by this, that is what we are doing.

This will be postponed. I will move to postpone it and I would hope that my Council colleagues would support me on this because quite obviously we are not going to do anything that is going to run people out of business, but in order for us to make an intelligent decision as opposed to making decisions based on mis-information or dis-information, we want to have true facts and figures. Because we believe 1. the process that we are statutorily required to fulfill, we believe that we have done that. But more than that, we want to make sure to all the business people that are going to be affected, that they have an actual idea of bottom line dollar for dollar, what it is going to either cost them or what it is going to save them in terms of coming into the City as opposed to going on some mis-information.

So I just want to let you and the folks that are here know, that we have begun that process to dialogue and I feel confident that by the time we come to the next Council meeting that, we would have discussed it again and people will know, dollar for dollar, whether you are a large business that is going to do a major expansion like CertainTeed or if you are medium-sized business or a small business, apples to apples what you are going to have to be looking at.

Mr. Cochran: That is fine. And the only thing too is, all the hidden things that we don’t know about and I think that there is an amendment here that says that they got to pay some permit fees for some underground storages, that they just found out about. Those are the things that concern me as a business owner. It is not so much the taxes. The taxes to me are–because property taxes are not that great.

Councilman Lester: They are not.

Mr. Cochran: It is all the hidden agendas that the City has to come in and say, Rob you’ve got to have this permit, you’ve got to have that permit, you have to got to be—we don’t know. And we have been very fortunate to work with the City, to do work for the City. We are an industrial place and we want to keep it that way. I don’t want to lose CertainTeed, I don’t want to lose their 2-, 300, 400 people that they employ every day because the City right now, I think is looking for people to come in to this City to do that and if CertainTeed walks out, what’s that going to tell all these other businesses that are trying to look at coming here.

Councilman Lester: Well, I just want to put you and everyone else at ease as far as we can do, that certainly it is not my position as a Councilman that if Agurs comes in, will be in my district. Our deal is not to put people out of business. We are trying to bring more people into the City. And certainly we want to be as business-friendly as possible when you are talking about incentives for companies to come here. You also have to take recognition and be cognizant of the fact that you have companies that have been here employing people for a number of years and there should be some benefit for those folks. We can’t look to the outside if we don’t take care of home first. And so certainly one of the things---

Mr. Cochran: Are ya’ll going to give us everything that ya’ll give the other people of the city, such as sewer and all of the other amenities?

Councilman Lester: Listen. What is going to happen in this process, I am going to tell you and we can even visit even more, after the meeting, in this process while we are dealing this, we are going to get an apples to apples number so that we could–so you guys will now everything that you will be looking at, coming into the City. Because just like you don’t know, there are other people that don’t know and if you don’t know, you can’t make an informed decision because in fact, you might not be in a situation where those permits or fees or whatever are going to be cost prohibitive. And it could be something that, depending on what your business situation, there might be some things that we can do from the City’s standpoint. I mean so, what we are doing is, we are going to make sure that all of the i’s are dotted and all the ti’s are crossed. And please understand, that procedurally, we’ve done that but we just want to make sure that from business perspective, we want to give you guys every opportunity to know exactly what it is you are going to deal with before we. . . .

Mr. Cochran: I appreciate that. I just want ya’ll to remember that, CertainTeed is fixing to be in a big process of, expansion. I hope we don’t lose them because of this.

Councilman Lester: Well, I think that and if Mr. Lee were to come up, he would tell you that I’ve spoken with him, Ms. Acree has spoken with him. We made them aware of some things that they did not know in terms of workforce training and development for the $13 million dollar plant expansion of re-tooling. So please understand that this Councilman and this Administration is a pro-business Council.

Councilman Gibson: Mr. Cochran, I appreciate you coming forward and I do appreciate the other businesses. I would like to thank Councilman Lester for his leadership in this. Several of those businesses contacted me and I put them over, because it is his district. Obviously the thing that resonants with me is the fact that we are going to annex, we got to make sure that we service those individuals and those companies that we are annexing and I appreciate your leadership on this Councilman Lester for pulling together the data because you are exactly right, unless we know all of the information, it is hard to make those kinds of decisions.

Another thing that I think that came out of this process is that we definitely need to look at the process in terms of annexation. There were some statements and some surveys done that came out of this that seem to me that raised some questions about how we go about informing the individuals who are targeted for annexation to make sure that they are clear in their mind what we are actually talking about. If that means taking up some extra time with individual business owners and residents to explain that either through a public forum or something of that nature.

But there was a lot of confusion, two weeks ago that I heard from several people that stepped up to the podium to talk, and some of the responses that we gave in response to some of the questions that those businesses owners gave indicate that we might want to revisit our overall process in terms of annexation. I think in the future that is something that this Council in working with the Administration to look at to avoid the kind of issues that we are dealing with right now. But again, Councilman Lester I do appreciate your leadership in helping met the concerns of the new constituents that you are looking at taking on.

Craig Lee (3500 Milam Street, District G, Shreveport): It is interesting that the gentleman just sat down and we are talking about annexing businesses geographical area into the City of Shreveport. I am here today to talk about Ordinance No. 124.

I am kind of confused because Councilman Lester’s os sponsoring this legislation to repeal Section 2-1 of the Code of Ordinances. You just finished saying that we are trying to bring more people into the City of Shreveport. I am kind of confused that if we are trying to bring people into the City of Shreveport, why would we allow, whether it be department heads or any person who is an employee of the City of Shreveport to not live in the City of Shreveport, mandate that they live in the City of Shreveport? This issue has really, little to do with Ms. Bonnie Moore. I think Ms. Bonnie Moore is a great employee. I love her. She does a great job.

But this gets down to one basic thing and that is revenue generation, tax dollars for the City of Shreveport to operate. If we are going to pay somebody $90,000 or $100,000 dollars, they need to be staying in the city of Shreveport. They don’t need to stay in Bossier. They don’t need to stay in Waskom. They don’t need to stay in Keatchie. They need to stay in the City of Shreveport. If Mayor Hightower lived in Waskom, Texas and he ran for the Office of Mayor, I think everybody in this City would be appalled if we were paying somebody taxpayer dollars to live in Waskom, Texas and not live in the city of Shreveport.

At the end of the day, if Mike Campbell is made to be head Chief of the Police Department of the City of Shreveport, I talked to him at one of the other meetings. He has agreed that he would be wiling to sell his home and move to the City of Shreveport. Any person, whether it be the head of any department, any city person should be living within this particular geographical area because it gets down to an issue of tax. If you are going to pay somebody public dollars they should be living in the geographically area where the taxpayer dollars are actually paying you.

And I would ask this Council to look at [Ordinance] 124. Vote ‘no’ against this particular ordinance because it doesn’t make any sense that we are using tax payer dollars to actually pay somebody to live outside of the geographical area.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION:

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 155-A OF 2003

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DEDICATION FOR LIBERTY AVENUE IN THE GREATER ZION MISSION BAPTIST CHURCH, 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 the dedication for Liberty Avenue in the greater Zion Mission Baptist Church in Section 38 (T17N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and as shown on the plats attached hereto and made a part hereof, be and the same is hereby accepted as dedicated to the public for public use in the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the original plat reflecting the dedication for Liberty Avenue 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 resolution 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.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 156 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DEDICATION FOR A 15 FOOT UTILITY SERVITUDE DEDICATION LOCATED IN SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 15 WEST, AND TO OTHERWISE, 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 the utility servitude dedication located in Section 11 (T17N-R15W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and as shown on the plats attached hereto and made a part hereof, be and the same is hereby accepted as dedicated to the public for public use in the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the original plat reflecting the utility servitude dedication 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 resolution 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.

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

ORDINANCES:

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

ORDINANCE NO. 121 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF THE 60 FOOT-WIDE SOUTHERN LOOP ROADWAY LOCATED IN THE SW/4 OF SECTION 24 (T16N-R14W), CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport received conveyance of the Southern Loop Right-Of-Way from the Parish of Caddo, in March of 2002 per Bk. 3521, Pg. 124 per the Conveyance Records, Caddo Parish and is now controlled and maintained by the City of Shreveport, and;

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon a portion of the above identified roadway, and;

WHEREAS, the office of the City Engineer has reviewed this request and recommends closure and abandonment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the portion of the 60 foot-wide Southern Loop Roadway, as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned.

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.

REGULAR AGENDA:

RESOLUTION NO. 142 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND BRUNSWICK PLACE, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, THROUGH JON SAYE, OWNER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR UNIT 1, BRUNSWICK PLACE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Brunswick Place, L.L.C. represented by John Saye, Owner, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 143 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND BRUNSWICK PLACE, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, THROUGH JON SAYE, OWNER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR UNIT NO. 2, BRUNSWICK PLACE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Brunswick Place, L.L.C. represented by John Saye, Owner, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 144 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND BRUNSWICK PLACE, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, THROUGH JON E. SAYE, MANAGING PARTNER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR UNIT NO. 3, BRUNSWICK PLACE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Brunswick Place, L.L.C. represented by John E. Saye, Managing Partner, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 145 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND BRUNSWICK PLACE, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, APPEARING HEREIN THROUGH JON E. SAYE, MANAGER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR UNIT NO. 4, BRUNSWICK PLACE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Brunswick Place, L.L.C. represented by John E. Saye, Manager, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO.146 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND BRUNSWICK PLACE, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, APPEARING HEREIN THROUGH JON E. SAYE, MANAGER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR UNIT NO. 5, BRUNSWICK PLACE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Brunswick Place, L.L.C. represented by John E. Saye, Manager, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 147 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND BRUNSWICK PLACE, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, APPEARING HEREIN THROUGH JON E. SAYE, MANAGER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR UNIT NO. 6, BRUNSWICK PLACE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Brunswick Place, L.L.C. represented by John E. Saye, Manager, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 148 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND W. R. PROPERTIES, L.L.C., HEREIN REPRESENTED BY WEYMAN H. ODEN, JR., PRESIDENT FOR WATER AND SEWER MAINS SERVING WILLOW RIDGE AT STONE LAKES, UNIT NO. 4 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with W. R. Properties L.L.C. herein represented by Weyman H. Oden, Jr., President, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 149 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND SEALY ASHLEY RIDGE, LLC, MARKSCO, LLC, MARK P. SEALY, MANAGING PARTNER FOR FORCE LINES, GRAVITY MAINS AND LIFT STATION SERVING THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS ASHLEY RIDGE 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with Sealy Ashley Ridge, LLC, Marksco, LLC represented by Mark P. Sealy, Managing Partner, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 150 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND SOUTH SHREVEPORT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, APPEARING HEREIN THROUGH STEVE SIMON, MANAGING PARTNER FOR WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR PIERREMONT PLACE UNIT NO. 2 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 Keith Hightower, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Shreveport a Donation Agreement with South Shreveport Development Company, L.L.C. represented by Steve Simon, Managing Partner, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the draft of said agreement which was filed for public inspection with the original draft of the resolution in the office of Council on September 9, 2003.

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

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 151 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION MAKING APPLICATION TO THE STATE BOND COMMISSION FOR CONSENT AND AUTHORITY TO ISSUE, SELL AND DELIVER NOT EXCEEDING $40,000,000, OF WATER AND SEWER REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2003, OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ALL IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR BY CHAPTER 14-A OF TITLE 39 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, AND OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY SUPPLEMENTAL THERETO AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

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

SECTION 1. Application be and the same is hereby formally made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority for the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), to issue, sell and deliver not exceeding $40,000,000 of Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2003 of the Issuer (the "Bonds"), to bear interest at a rate or rates not exceeding five percent (5%) per annum, to mature no later than December 1, 2020, to be sold at par or a discount not exceeding 4% thereof, all in the manner provided for by Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, for the purpose of refunding all or part of the Issuer’s outstanding (i) $25,000,000 Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2002 and (ii) $16,000,000 Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2003A (collectively, the "Refunded Bonds") and paying the costs of issuance of the Bonds, which Bonds shall be secured by and payable from a pledge and dedication of revenues derived from the operation of the Issuer’s combined water and sewer system.

SECTION 2. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to said State Bond Commission by the Issuer’s bond counsel, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.

SECTION 3. This Council finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special Bond Counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Casten & Pearce, A.P.L.C. is hereby appointed as Bond Counsel to the Issuer, and requested to do and perform comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work as Bond Counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds shall be fixed by subsequent resolution.

SECTION 4. Stephens, Inc., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is hereby appointed as investment banker/underwriter in connection with refunding the Refunded Bonds, any compensation to be subsequently approved by the Issuer and to be paid from the proceeds of the Bonds and contingent upon the issuance of the Bonds; provided that no compensation shall be due to said investment banker/underwriter unless the Bonds are sold and delivered.

Section 5. King, Bossier, Nosacka & Holley of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is hereby appointed and employed as financial adviser in connection with the Bonds, any compensation to be subsequently approved by the Issuer and to be paid from the proceeds of the Bonds and contingent upon issuance of the Bonds and the Bond Counsel is authorized and directed to prepare necessary documents appertaining thereto and to present them for further action by this Council.

SECTION 6. The Bond Counsel, the Financial Advisor and the Investment Banker/Underwriter are hereby authorized and directed to prosecute the refunding and the Bond Counsel is authorized and directed to prepare necessary documents appertaining thereto and to present them for further action by this Council.

This Resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

YEAS: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: None.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 153 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND GRANT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation has submitted an application for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant in the amount of $100,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the City has received notification of the award of grant funds;

WHEREAS, receipt of the grant funds is subject to the requirement to provide a 50% match from local funds and other conditions as contained in the Project Agreement and other documents; and

WHEREAS, the grant funds will be used to provide lighting at 13 fields at the Cargill Park soccer/football complex. Total project costs are estimated at $200,000.00; and

WHEREAS, this resolution would authorize the Mayor to accept the grant funds and to execute all documents relative to receipt of the funds.

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, regular and legal session convened that the Mayor of the City of Shreveport is hereby authorize to accept grant funds in the amount of $100,000.00 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and to execute all documents on behalf of the City of Shreveport relative to the receipt of these funds.

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, and 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.

And the resolution was declared adopted, on this, the 26th day of August, 2003

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

RESOLUTION NO. 154 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF ALL BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE STATION NUMBER 13 AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, Fire Station Number 13 will be constructed at 5915 West 70th Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, bids for construction of the new fire station were received on December 19, 2002 in response to IFB-02-114; and

WHEREAS, all bids received exceed the amount of funds budgeted for the project; and

WHEREAS, total building permit fees for the project are estimate to cost $9,050.00; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport desires to waive all building permit fees for this project in order to bring construction costs in line with the project budget, which is a public purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that all building permit fees of the construction of Fire Station Number 13 at 5915 West 70th Street are hereby waived.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 157 OF 2003

A RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO THE SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON OCTOBER 3, 2003 FOR THE TONY ROMA RESTAURANT SPONSORED "KICK OFF PARTY (SPECIAL EVENT)" IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER MUDBUGS ORGANIZATION AND TO OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY: Councilman Mike Gibson

WHEREAS, Tony Roma Restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana will sponsor a "Kick Off Party" on October 3, 2003, in conjunction with the Shreveport/Bossier Mudbugs Organization’s first home game; and

WHEREAS, Tony Roma maintains a permit for the sale of beverages of alcoholic content; 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) of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Shreveport (Code) provides that unless otherwise excepted all uses shall be operated entirely within a completely enclosed structure; and

WHEREAS, Section 10-80 (a) of the Code 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, Tony Roma desires to dispense, sell and allow the serving and consumption of beverages of alcoholic content in their parking lot under a 30ft' X 50ft tent outside of the licensed premises between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on October 3, 2003, in conjunction with the "Kick Off Party."

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, Section 106-130 (6) and 10-80(a) of the Code are hereby suspended on October 3, 2003 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to allow the dispensing, selling, serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the parking lot of the Tony Roma Restaurant outside of the licensed premises during the "Kick Off Party."

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

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:

1. Ordinance No. 131 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 132 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 budget for the Retained Risk Internal Service Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Ordinance No. 133 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 budget for the Fleet Services Internal Service Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 134 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 Golf Enterprise Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 135 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 Airports Enterprise Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 136 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 budget for the Water and Sewerage Enterprise Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 137 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 budget for the Environmental Grants Special Revenue Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 138 of 2003: An ordinance to amend Chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport by adding provisions required by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in order to ensure eligibility under the State Revolving Fund Loan Program.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Gibson for Introduction of the Ordinances to lay over until the September 23, 2003 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

9. Ordinance No. 139 of 2003: An ordinance authorizing the lease of certain city-owned property to BellSouth Mobility LLC., d/b/a Cingular Wireless and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Carmody for Introduction of the Ordinance to lay over until the October 14, 2003 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:

1. Ordinance No. 97 of 2003: An ordinance declaring 740 Stephenson Street to be surplus property; authorizing the donation of same to Volunteers of America of North Louisiana; and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Councilman Carmody: I believe we had a request from the Administration yesterday to withdraw this from the agenda.

Having passed first reading on July 8, 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 Green, seconded by Councilman Jackson to remove the ordinance from the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

2. Ordinance No. 116 of 2003: An ordinance to enlarge the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport - a tract of land located along the North Hearne Avenue, North Market Street, Grimmett Drive, Cross Bayou, and Twelve Mile Bayou Rights-of-way in Sections 23 and 26 (T18N-R14W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and a Portion of Grimmett Drive Right-of-way ( La. Hwy. No. 3049), and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 12, 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 Green to postpone the ordinance until the September 23, 2003 meeting.

Councilman Hogan: Mr. Lester, how long of a postponement are you requesting?

Councilman Lester: Until the next Council meeting. I think we will, the City has been working very expeditiously on this. I think we can finish this up by next Council meeting.

Councilman Carmody: Just so that we are aware, then at our next Council meeting we are going to receive the information and I hopefully in some sort of a breakdown format of the benefits to the City of Shreveport by taking action to annex in and also I guess what would be the cost to those businesses that are presently operating in Agurs as a result of our annexation?

Councilman Lester: That is correct. On our last meeting, Mr. Strong gave us a very detailed proposal and showed us what the benefits would be from the City of Shreveport standpoint in terms of cost, in terms of additional revenue and things of that nature.

This postponement is deal with the issue of that has been articulated by Mr. Lee and Mr. Cochran and people that are actual business owners out there. At that meeting we will show you, dollar for dollar, what they are going to be looking at in terms of annexation.

Councilman Carmody: Will we also receive a dollar for dollar explanation of what the City is anticipating as far as its expenditures when we take in that area?

Councilman Lester: Well, to the extent that Mr. Strong has already given us that, I believe it is there but if it is not, I believe that can be supplemented. But I do believe at the last meeting, Mr. Strong and Mr. Stratlander gave a pretty detailed analysis of what we would be looking at in terms of revenue and infrastructure, if I am not mistaken. I mean, they are here, so if they did not supply that information, I am pretty sure it would not be very difficult for them to supplement that.

Councilman Gibson: I just have one question for Mr. Strong, going back to his presentation.

Councilman Walford: Well, we’ve got Mr. Carmody–he is on his way up is the only reason I asked you.

Councilman Carmody: Mr. Strong, can you refresh my memory. I know that we did receive some information from you two weeks ago during the public hearing on this matter. Do we have a breakdown or do you have the information with you that would give us an idea of not only what the City would anticipate as far as additional revenues, but also what our additional expenses might be in taking on the deferred maintenance of the existing infrastructure, in that area?

Mr. Strong: Yes, sir and I think that, it is in your packet. There is a fact sheet that explains to it, that we did through the impact description what the cost start up would be, going through all the items and then also looking at what the annual cost would be. And we also looked at the differences in the tax revenues and then also with the water and sewerage; so you do have all of that as a part of your packet.

Councilman Carmody: And just to answer a question that I believe that, Mr. Cochran had asked about the benefits to those existing businesses and what they can anticipate as a result, I guess he had mentioned water and sewer being a benefit to the businesses in that area. They would receive water and sewer as part of being annexed in?

Mr. Strong: Water and sewerage is a enterprise and as part of that, it is not part of the tax base. So what you are looking at is the taxes that you are going to be bringing in goes for streets, drainage, police, fire, things of that sort. Water and sewerage that you would be looking at, many of the places have water, some have sewerage that is out in there, so if they do not have sewerage, then we could be working with them to see what it is going to take to get it to them. But there probably have to be some participation on their part to get, if we can put sewerage into the area but now there would not be a charge. There is the ordinance that states in there that the sewerage, if it is over 300 feet away, they don’t have to tie onto it. They can still go through their other process.

Councilman Carmody: That does answer one of my other questions. And that was they would not be required or encumbered in having to comply with coming onto our sewer system then if they met a particular criteria of being so far away from existing sewer lines?

Mr. Strong: That is correct. Now, the ordinance also says that if they are within the 300 feet of it and they can tie on at a reasonable way, then they would have a 2-year period to tie on.

Councilman Carmody: That they would be required to tie on?

Mr. Strong: Yes, sir.

Councilman Carmody: And then I think, 2-weeks ago you had reminded us that those businesses that are presently receiving the benefit, I guess, of water are paying the twice the rate right now.

Mr. Strong: Yes, sir.

Councilman Carmody: That, now a citizen or a water user that actually would be within the city limits is currently paying.

Mr. Strong: If I could kind of show something on the overhead that I’ve made up and kind of give you a breakdown. What I have taken is kind of taken a large business and a small business and we’ve made a chart. We did not do it by names, but we did it this way.

If you can see this chart that is up here, and this is basically to give you what would be large business. Of course, the first column is explaining to you what the items that we are talking about it is, for the taxing: land improvements, also the personal property, city supplied water is down at the bottom and then the totals.

The second column on the left is the assessed value. What we have looked at is, a situation of what the assessed value on a large property in the area.

And then the next two columns is showing the current taxes that would be for large business and then a–showing where it coming out to taxes of about $130,000 and then after annexation you’ll see the City’s taxes, that would come out to be about $44,000 with the outside, Parish, would be $127.

On this specific large business, if you will look here, the real key is in the utility chart. Where they are outside right now, paying twice the rate is $190,000 dollars versus if they were inside the City they would only be paying $95,000 for that same water.

Councilman Walford: I can’t read the far right figure on the. . . .

Mr. Strong: It is $190,000.

Councilman Carmody: We are at a strange angle too.

Councilman Walford: There you go, $199,020.

Councilman Carmody: If what we are seeing here is half of the story, then what we are anticipating in two weeks would be the other half of it of what the cost would be to this business as far as the burdens of City permitting and . . . .

Mr. Strong: This specific business would be under the City permitting right now because they are tied onto water so they wouldn’t have to go through the permitting under the Permits and Inspections process today. So, it would not be like that would be something new. They are already there.

Councilman Carmody: Well then where I guess is the down side for the businesses to be taken into the community?

Mr. Strong: There is not going to be any question and I will show you with a small business. This is the same process but using a smaller business and because the other one was due to the water consumption that was in there, but you will see how the taxes flow on this one, very similar that is coming up and what the city taxes are on.

If you will see that this one actually with everything said and done, the taxes do go up a little bit and overall in this area there is increase in taxes that you will see. But when you have a situation that they are not on water at this time, then they are going to have a little more of a tax increase so there is going to be some increases they are going to see but at the same time, what this is not bringing up and if we want to talk a little bit about it that is, also with the fire issue. And I have Chief Willis Carter here today that can go into some of that of what a Class 5 is versus the Class 1 means and then some reductions that they are going to see in insurance on that side of it.

Is it going to be that everybody is going to see a drop, the answer is no. There is going to be some increases that is going to come up, but overall what they are going to see is that the services are going to be there.

Councilman Gibson: Mr. Strong, specifically I’ve heard concerns from these business owners about the sewer side. I am not concerned about the water side, I’m going to talk about sewer. Currently, do we have the infrastructure in the Agurs area that is being proposed for annexation in terms of sewer infrastructure for those businesses?

Mr. Strong: To take care of all of them right now?

Councilman Gibson: Everybody that is being annexed . . .

Mr. Strong: If they can get into the sewer up there, then we would be able to handle it, yes sir.

Councilman Gibson: So we have sewer infrastructure throughout that region that we are talking about and each one of these businesses will have the option, at their expense to tie on that sewer?

Mr. Strong: If mains need to be extended or whatever, they could, yes sir.

Councilman Gibson: And the City is–we’ve got all that in place, there is no additional expenses that or major expenses to run sewer throughout that district?

Mr. Strong: Understand that with the sewer on any extension, that if a business or a subdivision is wanting to do this, the expense of putting that and extending that main, will be at their cost.

Councilman Gibson: Mr. Strong, I understand that and that is why I asked the question. The main infrastructure that the City is responsible for, in terms of sewer, we have that in place in the Agurs area for the businesses to make a decision on their penny, to tie onto?

Mr. Strong: Yes sir.

Councilman Gibson: Is that correct?

Mr. Strong: That is correct.

Mayor Hightower: I want to try and clarify some of Councilman Gibson’s questions. Mr. Strong I think made a statement a while ago talking about inside 300 feet, outside 300 feet. I would assume some of the infrastructure, some of the mains run inside 300 feet, some run outside 300 feet, some may run 3,000 feet maybe 30,000 foot might be a real stretch but maybe so, I don’t know.

But I don’t believe, I want to try to answer your question and in maybe a more practical matter from would I as a business person tie onto the sewer, okay. If I am 30,000 foot away, I’d stay on the septic tank, I would think. If I am 300 foot away, it may well be worth it to me but that would be a decision each business owner has to make, but I think realty is, there would be businesses in the Agurs area that would choose not to tie onto sewer because it would be cost prohibitive. And really, in fairness probably cost prohibitive on both sides of the coin, the city side and the business owner side.

Councilman Gibson: The only reason why I’m asking that question is because that is a major issue within these business owners out there in terms of what cost they are going to have to take on.

Now, obviously they have a choice, but then at the same time, it is coming back and again I applaud Councilman Lester for getting some additional data, but if they have to make a choice on staying on septic tank, then their question comes back again which they threw at us 2-weeks ago, ‘what’s the benefits of coming into the City’? If they have got to spend an inordinate amount of money outside of that 300 foot range of our sewer system, it will be cost prohibitive for that business to take on and they will stay on a septic tank but then they are going to be asking a question, why are we paying all of these additional taxes?

And again I’ll be interested to see what we have in terms of the cost comparison between what Ms. Acree and Economic Development along with the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and Councilman Lester come up with in order to see all of the costs involved for a decision to be made.

But my question being is, when we had the analysis done in terms of where our sewer infrastructure is, if everything was a perfect world of within that 300 foot range for a business nominally to make that decision, I don’t know how many of those businesses have access within a reasonable amount of line or distance from our sewer system. So that is why I was kind of, for clarity from my standpoint, did we have the necessary infrastructure from our standpoint to provide them with a efficient cost measures to be able to tie on. And, right now I don’t’ think we have enough information to be able to make that determination.

Mr. Strong: Oh, I think you do because do you have the infrastructure there to take care of it. The answer is, yes. Are they going to be able to afford to get into it? Possibility, not.

Councilman Gibson: But then that goes back again to the statement that was made 2-weeks ago to us, and again, what is the cost-benefits of what we are dealing with here in terms of the questions those businesses are asking. What am I getting for coming into the City? And again, we have to see more data from what Councilman Lester is gathering to be, all of us, to be up to speed on the merits of this issue.

Councilman Lester: And not to belabor the point because we are moving to postpone it for reasons that were articulated before. But, I think you indicated that water and sewerage, particular sewerage is an enterprise fund so it is not one of those necessary entitlements per se in terms of coming to the City, is that correct.

Mr. Strong: Water and sewerage.

Councilman Lester: Water and sewerage. And there are in fact businesses that are within the confines of the city limits that made a choice that it was cost prohibitive for them not to tie on or for them to tie onto the sewer line and they’ve made a choice to continue to operate inside the City limits without tie ing in. Could you give us some examples of those without maybe giving names?

Mr. Strong: We have different parts of the city that people are either not on sewerage or not on water and sewerage, that is in here. To come up with some, I can just think of----

Councilman Lester: I think you indicated one out by the Airport.

Mr. Strong: On west–on North Market on the west side of the road. I know that there are areas up there that are not on water because of the fact that it is on the other side, it is over the 300 feet from where they would have to go to in there. I can think of a business out at the Airport or near the Airport on the frontage road where there would be Hollywood extension that goes around on the corner there, that is not on water or sewer because of the cost of getting water and sewerage there because we had looked at that at one time and it was too expensive for the City to do and for the business to do also; so, we have businesses and/or residents inside the city limits that are not being served.

Mr. Antee: I might be able to say something that will clear it up to maybe some people in the audience as well as people on t.v. watching.

Councilman Walford: Please, Mr. Antee.

Mr. Antee: If I may, I might be able to say something that will clear it up to maybe some people in the audience as well as people on t.v. watching.

Councilman Walford: Please, Mr. Antee.

Mr. Antee: We all, because of the ordinance, live inside of the city limits. I think we all own property here and we pay property taxes. What we get for the property taxes is not water and sewerage. We get streets, drainage, fire, police, and those things. Water and sewer is a separate item that you get when you pay your water and sewer bill at end of the month. So the fact that you are inside the city of Shreveport and you are paying property tax and sales tax, you are not getting water and sewer for that, it is a separate item like going to the Piccadilly.

I think a lot of people were under the assumption that water and sewer, streets and drainage, fire and police, are all one and you get it when you pay your property taxes and that is not the case—that is about as simple as I can try and explain it.

Motion to postpone approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Carmody. 1.

3. Ordinance No. 119 of 2003: An ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 41 of 2003 relative to authorizing a servitude and an encroachment on a portion of the Clyde E. Fant Memorial parkway right-of-way for the Regional Visitors Center and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Green, seconded by Councilman Carmody for adoption.

Councilman Carmody: I appreciate the Administration getting the map that I’d requested yesterday, it was very helpful.

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

4. Ordinance No. 122 of 2003: An ordinance amending the 2003 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Green, seconded by Councilman Walford adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 123 of 2003: An ordinance to amend Section 74-54 of the Code of Ordinances relative to landfill disposal fees and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Green, seconded by Councilman Jackson for adoption.

Councilman Gibson: Can I get an explanation on this from the Administration in terms of the, are we talking about an increase here on disposal fees on landfill; is that correct?

Mayor Hightower: Correct.

Councilman Gibson: I know we just recently gave an extension, what about 30-days ago on this contract and we are getting hit with an increase already or is this the normal course of when increases come? I just want to make sure that if somebody is tracking out in the audience or on t.v. that, we did pass that extension and all of a sudden now we are being hit with an increase. Is this normal course of business in terms of when those increases come?

Mayor Hightower: Yes, it is and it is accordance with our contract. It allows for a CPI increase.

Councilman Gibson: So it is just coincidental timing on that.

Mayor Hightower: I guess so.

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

6. Ordinance No. 124 of 2003 by Councilman Lester: An ordinance to repeal Section 2-1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport which requires certain Officers and Employees to reside in the City of Shreveport and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 for adoption.

Councilman Gibson: We went through some discussions in terms of residency. We got individuals calling for economic rallies. We’ve got people calling for job creation. We’ve got people calling for and I was at a political debate this morning at Pete Harris, talking about its jobs, jobs, jobs. Economic development, economic development for the state of Louisiana. And it resonated again with one of our speakers who came up earlier, that we are sitting here, the citizens of Shreveport are the ones who foot the tax bill for this community to support those infrastructure needs, those city services needs, and we have department heads that are paid a real good salary and they earn every penny of it. And when you look at the amount of money that is paid and you look at economic impact of monies, those monies circulated four or five times over within the community generating badly needed tax base, of which right now we are dealing with revenue shortfalls, hopefully those are in the midst of turning around but we need to maximize every investment we possible can.

I’ve heard reasons why we should just allow our department heads to live wherever. The only reason that I’ve heard that has any merit in terms of rational is that we don’t get good quality candidates applying for department head openings. At least in the 7 ½ years I’ve been back to Shreveport I haven’t seen one time a department head vacancy has come up that we haven’t had a good cross section of applicants applying for those jobs. Because 1. they know it is a good paying job. 2. The benefits that go along with it. In fact I know one person, the head of SPAR that almost hand- built his house and when had the opportunity and Mayor Hightower gave him that opportunity to step in and take over that department, gladly stepped up because he felt like that was the thing to do in terms of condition of employment, to take over. In fact is probably one of the better SPAR directors, we’ve ever had.

And with that economic impact if people are allowed to live, department heads live wherever they want to, when it comes to pay their salary it is hard for me to look at my constituents and justify supporting something like that when in fact, when I’m looking at my constituents they are the taxpayers, whether it be in Cedar Grove or Southern Trace. And when they want a pay increase, it is Cedar Grove residents and Southern Trace residents and others in the City that are footing the bill, yet those people are receiving a salary from the City of Shreveport and they have a house somewhere else which they pay property taxes on, for example, if they live in Bossier, they are paying their property taxes to Bossier. Bossier doesn’t pay their salary and I said before, about a month ago, department heads are obligated, I demand that they set the example as a City Councilman. I know the Mayor does a good job of making sure that they set the example but as a City Councilman, I demand that they set an example for their employees.

And if we allow for our department heads to live any where, what kind of example are we sending for the other 60% of the employees who chose, who work for the city of Shreveport, who live in the City. We have over 40% that don’t live in the city right now. That’s their choice and I don’t have a problem with that. I would hope that some time in the future they would want to live in the city of Shreveport so that we could capture tax base and support quality of life in terms of infrastructure but this particular ordinance is going way over the call of what I think, the spirit of what the City of Shreveport is all about and I will not be able to support it because again when it comes down to the end of the day, the tax base, the taxpayers of Shreveport are paying the salaries of people who work for the City of Shreveport including City Council and the Mayor. Are we going to look at the next time City Council can live wherever or the Mayor live wherever? I mean, why not?

I’m proud of this City. I expect the people that want to work for the City of Shreveport, especially department heads want to stay in the City of Shreveport and make it their home and support who is supporting their salaries and benefits and by the way, those benefits will be lifelong benefits that we will be paying them well after they retire. But I think we have to draw the line and set the example for the rest of the citizens of Shreveport. And if we don’t then you go back and tell your constituents when we have a shortfall and the Mayor has to make a decision on cutting services, and we have to approve those cuts, because your part of the problem and not part of the solution.

Councilman Jackson: This sounds like here we go again with the same, I think baseless arguments. Because you have got 14 people, less than 5% of the entire salaries of the City, we are talking about crafting ordinances with reference to where the other 95% can live anywhere they want to live.

We talk erroneously about setting an example. I don’t know what example they are necessarily setting because if the department head is mandated to live in the City, I don’t know, are we say, ‘because, I live in the City–because Mike Strong lives in the city then everybody in the Water Department and everybody in DOS says, you know, I want to be like Mike so I am going to move into Shreveport regardless of the cost and anything else. I just want you to know Mike, I want to be like you and if I can move over there on the lake. I want to move by you. To me, it is silly because that is not the example that they set. I think their work ethic and the professionalism that they bring to the job ought to be the example that they set for their employees, not one with regards to their private lives and where they live. Next, we will be saying what kind of cars they must drive and then people will drive those kinds of cars, set the example and I hope that sounds factitious because it is, but it really is foolish in my opinion to think that we can allow this to happen and all of us are going to lose a lot of sleep.

I hope you can look at your constituents and tell them exact what the amount of 40% that live outside of the City, give them the dollar amount for what that is versus the 14 people who make all of this huge amount of money, these millionaire department heads who are taking these millions of dollars in moving them Keithville and to Greenwood and to other places like that. I think when you look at your constituents, you have to understand that, constituents understand making a mountain out of a molehill and I think what we are seeing here is a situation where this is making a mountain out of a mole hill.

There is requirement for residency. The only issue that ever became a major issue was domicile. The word ‘domicile’ versus ‘residence.’ There is still a residency requirement for every person who is there and there is an exception in what Councilman Lester has presented, but I think that we ought to move forward and I think if we were really concerned about capturing and talking about economic development, capturing the full effect of who lives where, who works where, and that money that we lose by them living outside of the City, then we would be proposing some kind of a tax that’s a payroll tax that says if you live outside of the City of Shreveport, you pay this payroll tax. If you live within the City, you are exempted from the payroll tax and we get people who were living outside of the City we still get them to pay their faire share from working in this City. We haven’t talked about those kinds of things, I’m certainly not suggesting it, but I’m saying that if it is such an important thing, nobody has come up with those kind of ideas.

And if we think that we are going to balance the City’s budget on 14 employees’ salaries, then we haven’t look at the budget, we don’t understand the budget, we don’t understand fiscal affairs, and we are just talking to try to scare people into thinking that we are going to go to hell in a handbasket if two people live outside of the City and we can’t afford it because these millionaire department heads are going to take us down quick. And I just think that it is foolish to lie to people, to play games with people to look at them and tell them, I got to look at my constituents—if I got to look at my constituents right now and tell them, 40%of the people live outside of the City of Shreveport, already. And they are taking a huge amount of the payroll with them because the 2., the 3. and the 4. people who work in any department head salaries combined, is more than the department head and all those people could live right outside of the city limits and we wouldn’t’ even say anything about it. To me, I think we are not calling a spade a spade. I mean, it is a comfortable and it is a nice little issue that we can jump on. But to me, it really is not great public policy to sit here and talk about 14 employees when you’ve got thousands of other employees that this does not apply to.

I mean, I just think if you are real serious about it, you ought to mandate everybody live inside the city limits and that way you wouldn’t miss a dollar. You would get all of it. You would be able to recoup all of the tax on all of it.

So I just think that we either are serious about it or we are playing games about it. I don’t have time to come to Council meeting to him and haw about silly issues that affect 14 people when you’ve got thousands of people who don’t make enough money and we are not saying a word about them. We’ve got people who work everyday for less than what I consider a liveable wage. We are not bringing up anything about that, yet we sit around here and play, about 14 people, where they live and about them setting some kind of example when they could be late everyday. We have know idea of what their ethic is, we just know where their addresses are and that’s the most important thing to us and I think that is foolish. And I hope that this Council will not take the posture of running behind molehills and trying to make mountains out of them.

Councilman Carmody: I was just going to mention that I am not going to support 124 and at this point, after having heard through dialogue, I am going to make a motion to withdraw 130 as well.

Councilman Lester: With the exception of the time that I briefly spent in New Orleans and the time that I spent in Baton Rouge at Southern University, I never left Shreveport. Married someone from South Louisiana, came back home. Now doubled the size of my family--I’ve added 3 people to the tax rolls, Mr. Chairman.

This issue isn’t about economic development. We are mixing our applies and our oranges, Mr. Chairman. This is about representatives on one hand and employees on the other. Two separate and distinct issues. We are representatives of the people of District A, I do and the seven City Council districts here. Our employees are our employees.

The issue should be quality versus geography. Are my colleagues going to draw a box around Shreveport, draw an iron gate and say–to take from Marcus Garvey an adaptation–instead of Africa for the Africans, are we going to say, Shreveport for the Shreveporters? I mean, we have a number of people that come in droves from East Texas that don’t live here. Are we going to decline their money at the line? I don’t think so.

I hear us talking about regionalizing our economy, broadening our economic base. I’ve even heard one of my colleagues talk about regionalizing our police department and yet we are telling people that because of where you live, that should be more important than the quality of service that you provide to the citizens of Shreveport.

The issue should be when you come to work, are you giving your best. Are you qualified and are you giving a 110%; that should be the issue. It matters not what you should do when you go home, because when you go home you are with your wife, you are with your children, you are with your husband, you are on your time. For us to extend to that goes into what I think is the bedrock of our society, which is the greatest in the world, we have the freedom of association . It shouldn’t matter where we live.

For those of us that have decided that we want to be representatives of people of a geographical area, yes it matters and for us to say otherwise was less than intellectually honest. But when it comes down to an employee, lets look at the business world. Does General Motors care if their plant is in Detroit or lets look at the plant here, does General Motors care whether you live in Greenwood, Shreveport, Cedar Grove, Mooretown, or Cooper Road? No.

They care that when you come to work, do you give everything you’ve got, do you make a good quality product and do you go home. The citizens of Shreveport don’t care where you live because their concern is, what do you do while you are here. If Shreveport is going to be a City instead of a glorified town, we are going to have to grow up. For one reason or another, some people chose not to live inside the geographic corporate limits of the City of Shreveport, some people chose to live just outside of that, some people make their choice because of the schools, something we have no control over. Some people make that choice because of their family circumstance, that’s personal. As Councilman Hogan alluded to when we talked about this maybe about a month ago, how can we get into somebody’s personal life? I don’t think we can. The only thing that this City should be worried about is quality of service, period. And for us to start talking about we have got to recapture dollars, oh, my goodness the sky is falling because 14 people have a potential of living outside of the city limits, is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, how can we tell those 14 people. What is the compelling interest (now, I’m talking like a lawyer) what is the compelling interest for the 14 department heads being inside the City and us not requiring the people who work here everyday under them not to be? I mean, you’ve got an unbalanced discriminatory situation. You’ve got a 14 Amendment challenge staring you in the face. I think if someone chose to take this to court, I think they would be successful.

At the end of the day, the only thing that should be important is, whoever sitting in that seat should look at that man or woman and say, is this person qualified, does this person have the expertise, does this person or is this person willing to give 110% to the job that they have while they are here? Anything else, what you look like, where you live, that is getting into things that are outside of our purview that we shouldn’t even be dealing with.

And I just would ask that we look at it in terms of those things and lets just be honest with folks. This is not about economic development, it is about giving people, giving the Mayor a chance to hire who he or she wants to hire. There is nothing that says that this Mayor or the next Mayor, whoever he or she may be, they might decide you know what, the law says you don’t have to live within the city confines of Shreveport but I want you to. If the Mayor wants to do that, that’s up to that particular Mayor, but for us as a Council to legislate where you can live, and where you have to live as a department head, I think is putting geography in front of quality and I think that is a mistake.

I can’t speak to the situation to that SPAR Director, that happened before my watch, but I’m here and I think, I’m offering this to correct what I think was a bad idea and an inadequacy and at that point, I would ask that we support this and I move for the question [seconded by Councilman Jackson and approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 5. Nays: None. Councilman Carmody and Gibson. 2.]

Ordinance denied by the following vote: Nays: Councilman Walford, Carmody, Gibson, and Hogan. 4. Ayes: Councilman Lester, Green and Jackson. 3.

7. Ordinance No. 125 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on southeasterly side of Texas Avenue at its intersection with Elvis Presley Boulevard, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-4, Central Business District to B-4-E, Central Business/Extended Use District, limited to "outside storage of materials" only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Walford for adoption.

Councilman Carmody: Mr. Chairman, I do have a question before we vote. In having looked at the information and realizing this is in your district, it does appear that E & E Enterprises who I again, don’t know the proprietors of that business, but I’m sire they are being good neighbors. And my vote is going to reflect the idea that I thought that we had a plan for development for that area around the Municipal Auditorium that encompassed, and again, I don’t think that its probably going to be to the detriment to the aesthetic looks of this part of Shreveport, but I’m going to vote against it. And again, its not a reflection on E & E, its just that it does not appear to be in line with what the City had reportedly wanted to do in the area around the Municipal Auditorium and I just wanted to make that point and clarify to those that are watching and the audience today why I’m going to vote no.

Councilman Walford: Okay, Mr. Kirkland can you help us out on this one. I think we would all benefit from a little more information. As I understand it, there was to be a rather high screening wall, a 15 foot screening wall?

Mr. Kirkland: Yes, and I think that’s all reflected in the information in the packet that E & E Enterprises as I’m sure most of you know is probably been one of the best investments in that area in the past 20 years. And so the bottom line is even though we do have great hopes for Elvis Presley Blvd. and a lot of other things, the bottom line this business invested substantial sums of money.

After it was brought to their attention that they had outside storage and that they needed to deal with that, they applied for the proper zoning, have agreed to the proper screening and frankly, we are somewhat compelled to try to help them find a way to fit into that area. We hope all the other plans will work, FAME. Frankly, I don’t know where we’re going to find the $350,000,000 there. We would hope that somewhere in there that we would, but I suspect that we have other priorities.

Councilman Walford: And correct me if I’m wrong, but this is the property at Wilson Street and there has been storage running along Wilson Street?

Mr. Kirkland: Yes sir, in fact Wilson Street, Electric Supply was just around the corner on Wilson and had been there for 30 some odd years and when they made this investment, it was a welcomed addition to the area, so. . .

Councilman Walford: But it will be properly screened, so it actually will improve, or enhance the appearance from what we have now.

Mr. Kirkland: That’s correct, in fact, it may be the landmark in that area. Hope others would go to school on making similar investments.

Councilman Green: Mr. Kirkland, If there was a no vote on this, what would happen to this particular business?

Mr. Kirkland: Ultimately, if they didn’t go to court and try to prevail there, then they would be cited and would have to remove the outside storage. The business would still be there. While they can enclose that storage, add a new part onto the building or there would be a number of ways to do it, but I’d strongly recommend that you approve this extended use that would appear to be a compatible way to deal with it.

Councilman Lester: Question. Councilman Carmody alluded to a plan for that area, that would be the FAME Plan. Now, as I appreciate it, that plan was passed. It went through the MPC process at some point or at least at some point it was adopted by the City Council. Wasn’t it adopted by the City Council as the plan for that area?

Mr. Kirkland: I believe the presentation was made and it has not been made a part of the formal Master Plan.

Councilman Lester: But wasn’t it adopted by the Council?

Mr. Kirkland: I think all the Council did was hear the presentation, hear what was requested, but I can assure you it’s not part of the Master Plan at this point. And I think all the Council may have done is just simply endorsed the concept.

Councilman Lester: Wasn’t’ it a resolution of support.

Mr. Kirkland: So you didn’t approve it as part of the master plan. So it has no status other than its another one of 350,000,000 other good ideas.

Councilman Lester: Well, my question is the prior Council voted to support that FAME plan and didn’t we in some resolution form, didn’t we go so far as to designate FAME as a redevelopment authority for that particular area?

Mr. Kirkland: I believe that may have been some legislation or something, again. . .Roy, do you recall?

Councilman Lester: Could we ask the Clerk?

Mr. Kirkland: Art, do you recall?

Mr. Thompson: I don’t think we formerly did that. I mean they brought the plans to us and the Council heard the plans and there was some wishy-washy language in the resolution, but I don’t think there was any formal designation or adoption of the plan as I recall, because I was concerned about that when it happened. The Redevelopment Agency, I know they are not the redevelopment agency for the area.

Mr. Kirkland: In fact, I do know Councilman that the FAME individuals, the supporters of that proposal, are clearly coming back to the MPC at some point and will be asking for that formal adoption as part of the master plan and then it would have to come to you for final action, so it has no legal standing to my knowledge.

Councilman Lester: If that plan has been legally adopted, would then this case be considered contrary and non-conforming?

Mr. Kirkland: Not necessarily. Because how the final plan would have evolved. For example, the City jails might not be compatible either.

Councilman Lester: I don’t think it is.

Mr. Kirkland: I mean, we’ve got a major investment for our taxpayers there.

Councilman Lester: I mean, why would you put a jail in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

Councilman Carmody: Good question.

Mr. Kirkland: Right, well, I’m just saying. . .there are a number of things that we would have to deal with if and when that plan is formerly presented. Because there are a number of areas that zoning and other land uses that we would really have to look hard at. Will that plan really work and will we be able to adopt it as it calls for.

Mr. Antee: Mr. Chairman, if I’m not mistaken, the plan that was presented by FAME shows a big hotel where that site is anyway.

Mr. Kirkland: And maybe one of those . . .

Councilman Lester: So, we might be helping them as far as making little . . .

Mr. Kirkland: Maybe one of those three taxpayers you added to the rolls might stay in that hotel one day.

Councilman Lester: No, our taxpayers, we haven’t gotten to that point yet but they will get there.

Mayor Hightower: Mr. Chairman, maybe that would be a nursing home where they could stay.

Councilman Lester: Yes, where they would put me.

Councilman Walford: Thank you Charles. Gentlemen, let me ask you if you would to visualize Texas Avenue and what it looks from the time it separates from Cotton Street and this is an asset to the area. And I think the Mayor made a good point that it’s the first thing that’s been done very positively down there in quite a while. So, I would urge a yes vote and unless there are other comments, a yes vote approves this zoning.

Ordinance adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 6. Nays: Councilman Carmody. 1.

8. Ordinance No. 126 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the east side of East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop at its Intersection with Business Park Drive & 1000 feet east of East Bert Kouns Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-3, Community Business District, to R-3, Urban, Multiple-family Residence District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Carmody adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 127 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located 1500 feet south of the Industrial Loop & 1800 feet west of Pines Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-MHS, Residence Mobile Home Subdivision District, to R-MHP, Residence Mobile Home Park District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Jackson, seconded by Councilman Green adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

9. Ordinance No. 128 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located the south side of West 70^th Street, 1200 Feet East of Glen Leaf Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-A, Residence Agriculture District, to B-2, Neighborhood District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Jackson, seconded by Councilman Green for adoption.

Councilman Jackson: In reading, I could not find out. Mr. Kirkland, maybe you could help. I didn’t see the name of this. . .was this a restaurant?

Mr. Kirkland: Yes.

Councilman Jackson: I was reading through it and everything seemed to be okay, but I didn’t see . . . . .

Mr. Kirkland: I don’t know if it has a name yet, but a restaurant is the proposed use.

Councilman Jackson: So, its not someone relocating from somewhere else?

Mr. Kirkland: I’m not aware that it is, I think its to be a new one. I’m not recalling that anyone was relocating from another space.

Councilman Jackson: Okay.

Mr. Kirkland: But there was no opposition and it looked like a good use of commercial property.

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

10. Ordinance No. 129 of 2003: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located 750 Feet north of Greenwood Road and 800 feet west of Danny R. Wimberly Drive. Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-family Residence District and B-2, Neighborhood Business District, to B-3, Community Business  District, with MPC Approval, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 Jackson, seconded by Councilman Carmody adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays:

None.

11. Ordinance No. 130 of 2003 by Councilman Carmody: An ordinance to amend Section 2-1 (a) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport which requires certain Officers and Employees to reside in the City of Shreveport and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on August 26, 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 withdraw the ordinance. Motion adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

The adopted Ordinances follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 119 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 41 OF 2003 RELATIVE TO AUTHORIZING A SERVITUDE AND AN ENCROACHMENT ON A PORTION OF THE CLYDE E. FANT MEMORIAL PARKWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE REGIONAL VISITORS CENTER 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 Ordinance Number 41 of 2003 is hereby amended to authorize and grant a servitude and encroachment on a portion of the Clyde E. Fant Memorial Parkway right-of-way, more particularly described on the attached Exhibit "A", to the Red River Waterway District("Waterway District"), through its statutorily empowered governing body, the Red River Waterway Commission ("Waterway Commission"), for the purpose of the location, placement, operation and maintenance of a parking lot and/or related facilities to serve the Regional Visitors Center in conjunction with the RiverView Project.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Waterway District is authorized to convey, assign and/or transfer the servitude granted herein to the United States of America, through the U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers, as the acquiring federal agency, to facilitate the Project.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor of the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized to execute and deliver, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport any and all documents relative to the authorization granted herein after review and approval of such document(s) by the Office of the City Attorney.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a certified copy of this ordinance and any and all documents executed by the Mayor of the City of Shreveport relative to the authorization granted herein shall be filed and recorded in the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana and Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

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. 122 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 provide additional funds for street overlay 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 $451,900.

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

In Operational Services, increase Improvements and Equipment by $451,900.

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.

ORDINANCE NO.123 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 74-54 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO LANDFILL DISPOSAL FEES 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 Section 74-54 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 74-54. Disposal fees for city-owned facilities.

a. (2) The minimum fee, regardless of weight, shall be $15.00.

a. (3) The fee per ton shall be $30.00, with any partial fee being prorated on the basis of that basic fee exclusive of the minimum fee requirement.

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 affect 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. 125 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON SOUTHEASTERLY SIDE OF TEXAS AVENUE AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH ELVIS PRESLEY BOULEVARD, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-4, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT TO B-4-E, CENTRAL BUSINESS/EXTENDED USE DISTRICT, LIMITED TO "OUTSIDE STORAGE OF MATERIALS" 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 Lots 1 & 2, Esco North Subd., Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, located on the SE’ly side of Texas Avenue, at its intersection with Elvis Presley Boulevard, be and the same is hereby changed from B-4, Central Business District, to B-4-E, Central Business/Extended Use District limited to "outside storage of materials" only:

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

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with a revised site plan to be submitted to and approved by the Planning Director, which shall include a 15' screening wall, the specifics of which shall be shown on the revised site plan. Said wall to be constructed out of material similar to the building. Any significant changes or additions shall require further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

2. Materials to be stored outside shall not exceed 15' in height.

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. 126 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF EAST BERT KOUNS INDUSTRIAL LOOP AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH BUSINESS PARK DRIVE & 1000 FEET EAST OF EAST BERT KOUNS SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-3, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO R-3, URBAN, MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE 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 property located on the east side of East Bert Kouns Industrial loop at its intersection with Business Park Drive & 1000 feet east of East Bert Kouns, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from B-3, Community Business District, to R-3, Urban, Multiple-Family Residence District:

Commence at the NE corner of Lot 15, Sugarland Subdivision, Unit No 11, thence proceed S71°04'40"E for a distance of 50.00 feet to the P-O-B of the tract herein described; thence proceed N18°56'51"E for a distance of 70.00 feet; thence proceed S71°04'40"E for a distance of 100.00 feet; thence proceed S18°56'51"W for a distance of 70.00 feet; thence proceed S71°04'40"E for a distance of 457.50 feet; thence proceed S29°33'25"E for a distance of 65.00 feet; thence proceed S17°07'36"E for a distance of 377.31 feet; thence proceed S24°18'42"E for a distance of 251.69 feet; thence proceed N89°38'05"W for a distance of 175.00 feet; thence proceed N89°48'15"W for a distance of 881.76 feet; thence proceed N18°56'51"E for a distance of 940.30 feet to the P-O-B located in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

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

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with the site plan submitted 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.

ORDINANCE NO. 127 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED 1500 FEET SOUTH OF THE INDUSTRIAL LOOP & 1800 FEET WEST OF PINES ROAD, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-MHS, RESIDENCE MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION DISTRICT, TO   R-MHP, RESIDENCE MOBILE HOME PARK 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 property located 1500 feet south of the Industrial Loop & 1800 feet west of Pines Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from R-MHS, Residence Mobile Home Subdivision District, to R-MHP, Residence Mobile Home Park District:

Beginning at the E common corner of said Sections 2 and 11 run S along the common line of Sections 12 and 11 a distance of 1324 feet to the SE corner of the NE/4 of the NE/4 of said Section 11; thence run W’ly along the line 1/4 section S of common line of said Sections 2 and 11, a distance of 2640 feet +/- to the N/S centerline of said Section 11; thence run N’ly along said N/S centerline a distance of about 1320 +/- feet to the common line of said Sections 2 and 11; thence run E’ly along the common line of Sections 2 and 11 a distance of about 900 feet to a point midway between Vandyke Drive and Flame Drive; thence run N’ly along mid distance of Flame and Vandyke Drive a distance of about 930 feet +/- to the N side of Zimmer Street paving; thence run E’ly along the N line of Zimmer Drive a distance of about 340 feet to the W edge of McGoldrick Drive; thence run S’ly parallel to Flame Street a distance of 700 feet; thence run E 230 feet; thence run S 230 feet to the common line of said Sections 2 and 11; thence run E’ly along said section line a distance of 1170 feet +/- to the P-O-B, located in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

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

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

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. 128 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED THE SOUTH SIDE OF WEST 70TH STREET, 1200 FEET EAST OF GLEN LEAF ROAD, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-A, RESIDENCE AGRICULTURE DISTRICT, TO B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD 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 property located on the south side of West 70th Street, 1200 feet east of Glen Leaf Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from R-A, Residence Agriculture District, to B-2, Neighborhood Business District:

The N 150 feet of a tract of land in Lot 52 Broadacres Subdivsion, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, further described as the W 165 feet of the E 198 feet of Lot 52 of Broadacres Subdivisoin, LESS AND EXCEPT the N’ly 50 feet thereof for street R-O-W

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. Waiver of solid wood screening fence requirement is granted until such time as the adjacent property is developed residentially.

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. 129 OF 2003

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED 750 FEET NORTH OF GREENWOOD ROAD AND 800 FEET WEST OF DANNY R. WIMBERLY DRIVE. SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-1D, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO B-3, COMMUNITY BUSINESS  DISTRICT, WITH MPC 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 property located 750 feet north of Greenwood Road and 800 feet west of Danny R. Wimberly Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District and B-2, Neighborhood Business District, to B-3, Community Business District with MPC Approval:

A parcel of land in the NW/4 of Section 24,T17N-R15W, said parcel being the N 385.73 feet of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Westwood Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Begin at the NW corner of Lot 1 of said Westwood Subdivision, run S along the W line of said Lot 1 a distance of 385.73 feet, thence run E parallel to N line of said Westwood Subdivision a distance of 707.4 feet to the E line of said Lot 4, thence run N along said E line of Lot 4 a distance of 385.73 feet to the NE corner of said Lot 4, thence run W along the N line of said Lots 4, 3, 2 and 1 a distance of 707.4 feet to the P-O-B. Said parcel containing 6.26 acres +/-.

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

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with a revised site plan to be submitted showing fencing to ordinance standards, and limited to three parking spaces in front for rental vehicles. Any significant changes or additions shall require further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the

application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

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

Councilman Walford: Gentlemen, let me ask Mr. Thompson.

Mr. Thompson: Relative to No. 1, I received a letter from Mr. Ed Jones on September 8^th, and in the letter he says based on the action of the Council relative to the motion to exclude evidence, the Shreveport Police Department will grant the application filed by Mrs. Hawkins and renew her retail alcohol sales permit for the current year.

This action will serve to dismiss the appeal currently pending before the Council. Please take the appropriate action to remove this action from the Council Agenda.

Motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Gibson to remove this action from the Council Agenda. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Lester, Walford, Carmody, Gibson, Hogan, Green and Jackson. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Walford: Gentlemen, I would ask that if you have something under Unfinished Business that’s tabled, that you’re not going to bring forward, that you’re consider removing it. And my reason for asking is four times a month we have to publish these in the minutes. Its an expense. If you feel that you’re going to have the votes and you can bring it forward, certainly you wouldn’t want to remove it. If you don’t, its costing us money and I ask you just to consider that.

2. Resolution No. 88 of 2003: Amending Sections 1.8 and 1.11 of the Rules of Procedure of the City Council (Public Comments). (A/Lester) (Tabled on June 24)

3. Ordinance No. 40 of 2003: 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. (A/Lester) Tabled *As Amended on July 8 - *Changing the name of the Shreveport Blanchard Road from the Roy Road to North Hearne to Hilry Huckaby III Avenue. )

4. Ordinance No. 80 of 2003: Amending the 2003 Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund Budget (disparity study). (G/Jackson) (Tabled on July 8)

5. BAC-39-03, D. Richard Carroll, Jr., 1401 Oden #2: Special Exception Use in a R-3 District - Expanded Home Occupation (home office with one employee). (C/Carmody) (Postponed on July 8 until October 14)

Councilman Carmody: Mr. Kirkland under item 5, BAC 39-03, this is Richard Carroll there along the Clyde Fant Parkway near Shreveport/Barksdale Hwy. Have you received any correspondence from either Mr. Carroll or the Homeowner Association regarding a desire to meet?

Mr. Kirkland: No, I have not.

Councilman Carmody: I have not either, but I know time seems to be a wasting in that I’m going to bring this matter up for consideration on October 14^th.

Mr. Kirkland: I will get in touch with them and see where they are.

Councilman Carmody: And I will try my best to contact them as well, but I would appreciate it if we could stay in concert on. . . . .

Mr. Kirkland: Weren’t they going to invite you to the meeting or something?

Councilman Carmody: That’s my understanding was, but the last time I had communicated with the President of the Homeowner Association, he said he was going to be out of town and would contact me when he got back, but I have not heard back from him.

Mr. Kirkland: I mean I would be happy to go, but I wasn’t invited to the meeting.

Councilman Carmody: I would love for you to come as my guest.

Mr. Kirkland: But I’ll be happy to call and find out.

Councilman Walford: Councilman Carmody, I don’t believe Mr. Salvucci is back from Boston yet.

Councilman Carmody: Thank you. That helps me.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

Ms. Lee: We don’t have any scheduled.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES. None.

Councilman Walford: I am going to ask several of our committees that I know have met to kinda give us an update. Mr. Gibson, I know that your Infrastructure Committee met. Could I ask you just for a very quick synopsis.

Infrastructure Committee Report:

Councilman Gibson: Thank you Mr. Chair. We have met on two occasions and in fact I’m very pleased, in fact we’d like to commend my Council colleagues, Councilman Jackson and Councilman Carmody for service on this committee. I’d also like to commend the Administration specifically Mike Strong and Ron Norwood and their staff. They have done a tremendous job gathering some data for the committee.

Our last meeting was on September 3^rd to review the mid year infrastructure information. Of which, there is some real key elements that the media had picked up on some months ago. The City still is running a shortfall in terms of minimal commitments in terms of infrastructure investment. We should be running $33,000,000 a year and we continue to run from anywhere $8- to $10,000,000 short for those minimal investments on infrastructure being streets, water and sewer, drainage things of that nature which people pay property taxes for and other taxes to make sure that they have quality of life and maintain that quality of life.

Also we discussed the Geographical Information System (GIS) which would help this City manage it resources. And there was a plan put together through a consultant, 3001 of which is a very professional, very thorough in terms of experience and we’re taking that under consideration. And then also the master planning in terms of looking in the future for funding and I believe Mr. Kirkland, you have on your docket in two weeks to come before this body to discuss that and I appreciate Councilman Walford in his request to you on that because it ties in with what we’re discussing.

And I’d like for the audience and for my colleagues, the timing of this infrastructure could not have been better. We formed this in January. It was a kinda piggy back off of what was done on just water and sewer in previous Councils, and Councilman Carmody has been very active on that and I appreciate his involvement in this committee. But a report has just been issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers and it’s a report card on America’s infrastructure. And it basically, and I’ll give some excerpts of this. Basically, it says the ‘nations lack of investment in the most critical infrastructure system is costing the American public time, money, and affecting every citizen’s quality of life. The conditions of our roadways, bridges, drinking water, electrical grids and other public works are all in desperate repair. To make matters worse, will only cost the taxpayer more money in the investments are not made now.’ In terms of every month, every year that goes by, the cost of maintaining aging infrastructure is gonna cost this City dearly.

We can’t have a first class economy without a first class infrastructure. And I think its very clear that when we talk about infrastructure and we talk about economic development and we talk about maximizing taxpayer dollars, that first and foremost this city has got to get focused on updating its infrastructure in order to avoid catastrophic failures. But the report came out earlier this week on a national scale and it ties right in to what this committee is doing which in my opinion over the next few months in the coming years will continue to focus on the critical city services, streets, water and sewer, and drainage and other infrastructure and work with this Administration to make sure that we maximize our investment in order to avoid catastrophic failures to put citizens in a position to where their quality of life is compromised. And I know that the Mayor and the City Council Committee on Infrastructure is committed to focusing our time and budgets on that, and I also encourage each and every one of my colleagues who have reports, that mid year report, that will be what I would hope is our guiding light for budget talks this fall and it will be I think a topic that will be first and foremost on every single item that we will be going into this Fall’s budget, but I appreciate it.

We also had I would say in terms of the short time I’ve been on City Council, we had about 20 citizens or companies that were in attendance at the September 3^rd meeting, so obviously, the community as a whole, both businesses and individuals are very interested in this. And I also want to applaud Don Walker of the Times who was also in attendance of that committee and for his interest in educating the public on the importance of infrastructure; that’s my report Mr. Chair.

Public Safety Committee Report:

Councilman Walford: Thank you Mr. Gibson. Councilman Green, we had a really good Public Safety Meeting, but could I get a quick synopsis on that one?

Councilman Green: I don’t know if I can get the short version Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: Go for it.

Councilman Green: If you’d like to go into executive session, it might take a while till about 6.

Councilman Walford: No, give me the quick version.

Councilman Green: We had a Public Safety Meeting and it was very fruitful. We didn’t have as many cases as we assumed that we would have but we will be meeting again in about another 30 days and we’ll have a report of the investigation.

Property Standards Committee Report:

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester is out of the Chamber. I’ll tell you that Property Standards has not met, but we will be this month and I look forward to meeting with Ms. Moore and her group. Mr. Jackson, can you give us the short . . . . .

Councilman Carmody: Can I ask a question about Property Standards?

Councilman Walford: There is Mr. Lester. You want to give us a quick run down on Property Standards other than the fact that we have a meeting this month.

Councilman Lester: As a matter of fact, we have a meeting next Thursday, the 18^th. Some of the things that have been going on with Property Standards, Mr. Bowie and folks from Community Development have made a trip to Dallas as per our last meeting to review their operations in terms of their Code Enforcement and how to integrate technology that they have into making their department a lot better. And they’re going to discuss those issues at our meeting on next Thursday.

Also in part and parcel of that, the City has contracted as you know, with a group, 3001 relative to the GIS System. I spoke with Mr. Bowie this morning and as I appreciate it, the folks from 3001 are supposed to be coming to Shreveport to make a presentation to kind of review what’s going on with Code Enforcement in terms of what our technology is relative to seeing--one of the proposals that we had at the last meeting was as you can recall laptops versus hand held devices. And so what they’re going to do is review that process, to see what’s going to be most cost effective and what’s going to be most beneficial in terms of equipping the people in Code Enforcement.

There is an agenda that we have and that you Mr. Chairman, are aware of that we had been working toward in terms of how to streamline the process of demolition of homes, how to streamline the process in terms of weed abatement and things of that nature; so, that process will continue.

There are a couple of questions that I asked in relation to some new statutes that have come on board. I have asked Ms. Glass and the folks in the Legal Department to give us a report. There are about four new statutes that went into effect since out last meeting from the state of Louisiana that will affect, I think in a positive way, the things that we’ve been trying to do in terms of disposal of abandoned property and things of that nature. So, there is a laundry list of things that we’re going to be discussing, that we have been discussing over a period of time and I would just invite any of my colleagues to come to our meeting on next Thursday, the 18^th. I believe that meeting is at 2:00 or is it 4:00 o’clock in the Mayor’s Conference Room.

Councilman Walford: I thought we set it for 3:00.

Councilman Lester: Is it 3:00? Well, I can’t remember the time, but I know the date is the 18^th in the Mayor’s Conference Room. It might be 3:00 o’clock.

Councilman Walford: 2:00 o’clock.

Councilman Lester: 2:00 o’clock, well there you go, 2:00 o’clock in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the 18^th. So that’s what’s going on in terms of the Property Standards Committee. If anyone has any questions.

Councilman Walford: I think Mr. Carmody had a question.

Councilman Carmody: Well, I was actually going to ask Ms. Moore to come forward, I had an observation that I was hoping that she might be able to assist us with it.

Councilman Walford: Ms. Moore?

Councilman Carmody: Ms. Moore, how are you Ma’am?

Ms. Moore: I’m fine, thank you.

Councilman Carmody: Very good. Yesterday at the Council Meeting, excuse me our Work Session, we received a copy of the Property Standards Program Report and it appears that your list is growing shorter. What I was going to ask was could we get a copy of the disposition of those matters that are no longer on the list so that we would know whether or not they were resolved, whether or not that. . . . . I’m hoping that what we’ve got is some people that have come forward and settled up their obligations to the community so that Code Enforcement has got some additional revenue coming back in for the work that we’ve already performed.

Ms. Moore: Certainly. We filed about 1800 liens and we’re working with Finance to do the collections. We’re working real good with them.

Councilman Carmody: So, can you give us then, as I say a copy, at least from last, I guess two weeks ago to today as to those that have been turned over? I guess there now would be a third list that’ll be running.

Ms. Moore: Certainly. We’ll get with Finance and get that to you.

Councilman Carmody: Thank you Ms. Moore, I appreciate it.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor, I think one day you told me you were actually getting tired of signing liens, there was such a stack of ‘em; that’s very good.

Councilman Lester: If I can add to use the ministerial phrase, add this in parenthetically. If you live lets say in Allendale and you have some Code Enforcement violations, you might want to take care of those, soon.

Councilman Walford: That sounded like a warning. Mr. Jackson, could I get the quick version of Audit and Finance Committee?

Audit and Finance Committee Report:

Councilman Jackson: Yes sir, how quick?

Councilman Walford: Whatever you’ve got.

Councilman Jackson: Had a good meeting, everything was successful. Come in at the next Council Meeting, we’ll have our recommendation for external auditor.

Councilman Walford: Very good. Thank you very much. Gentlemen, I might ask if the various committees as they do minutes, might have the Clerk include us a copy of the minutes of your meetings and we’ll kinda know where we are.

CLERK’S REPORT: Letter of Appeal: Zoning Case 42-03, Cambridge Court Limited Partnership, 1800 Nelson Street from I-2 to R-3, apartment complex or other permitted uses within this zoning classification.

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 5:30 p.m.

/s/Monty Walford, Chairman

/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council