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Council Proceedings of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana

April 10, 2007

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, April 10, 2007, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Wooley.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Bowman.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Absent: None.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to approve the minutes of the Administrative Conference, Monday, March 26, 2007 and Council Meeting, Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Awards, Recognition of Distinguished Guests, and Communications of the Mayor which are required by law.

Councilman Walford: Mayor Glover?

Mr. Dark: He is walking up as we speak - - - we’ll stall until he gets here.

Councilman Shyne: He’s got his Easter Shirt on and his Easter tie on. Pink.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely, absolutely. Real men wear pink. I’ll make those from here Mr. Chairman if you don’t mind. If you all will recall there were two things I mentioned on yesterday that I wanted to get a chance to share with you all just briefly about. The first one has to do with the recognition of the celebration of the 100^th celebration or centennial celebration of our neighbors to the east, the City of Bossier. We want to wish them a very wonderful, wonderful 100^th birthday. I join them in celebrating the great history and lore and legacy of Bossier City, and also want to ask that you all would join me in a moment of silence of recognition and honor of a great Gramblingite, a great Louisianian, and a great American, Eddie G. Robinson, the former head coach of Grambling State University.

Councilman Shyne: I’d ask everybody to stand Mr. Mayor, would you all please in honor of the great Eddie Robinson, Sr.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would ask that you all keep Coach Robinson’s family in your prayer. As you all know the services will be tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in Grambling. We will be leaving here with a group from Shreveport between 8 and 8:30 on tomorrow as I mentioned on yesterday, we certainly would welcome any of you all who would be interested in traveling over with us. Thank you so much Mr. Chairman, members of the Council, and look forward to a great meeting.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I have a question for the Mayor. Mr. Mayor, you were talking about taking some people with you, and the last time I saw you riding around town, you were riding around in pick up truck, and I was wondering if you’d put a top over that?

Mayor Glover: No, no. Being an old country boy Mr. Shyne, you know there are some folks who have those pick up trucks with those nice little lids on them, that tells you, you probably don’t have an occasion to have to make use of that bed. Being an old country boy, I never know when there might be a hog I might have to haul, or I might come across something on the side of the road that might be worth taking home and fixing up, or you never know. So, it’s a working truck. Not just a styling truck.

Councilman Shyne: Alright.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Walford: Does any Council Member have any communication or distinguished guests?

Councilman Long: I’d like to recognize my friend Lou Burnett in the back of the room back there. Welcome Lou.

Councilman Walford: He’s let me know he usually watches us on T.V.

Councilman Long: Yeah, but he’s here live and in person.

Councilman Walford: Right. Live and in person.

Councilman Shyne: And Mike, I don’t know why you wanted to be selfish, why don’t you say “our” friend.

Councilman Long: Oh, okay. Well, our friend.

Councilman Lester: Well judging by the amount of ink, he’s “my” friend, not to pull rank.

Councilman Walford: You got me on that one Mr. Lester. I do have a distinguished guest. And with the Council’s permission, I would like to call Mr. James Gardner to the podium please.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I ask that everybody stand. Mr. Gardner has been such an asset.

Mr. James Gardner: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor, Members of the Council. My purpose in being here today is to express my appreciation to you for the ordinance that you adopted at your last regular meeting, to name the building at the corner of Texas and Murphy for me, subject of course, to the approval of the State Legislature. This is a signal honor, and I’m most grateful that you have made this gesture for me, and my family joins me in expressing our appreciation to you, and I just wanted to come up to you and thank you in person for what you’ve done for me, and at the same time to extend my best wishes to all of you as you continue to serve the city that we all love so much. Thank you.

Councilman Walford: Well Mr. Gardner, if you would, stay right there, I’m going to ask Councilman Shyne, who co-sponsored this legislation with me and the Mayor to come down with me, and I have a copy of it for you.

Mr. Gardner: Oh, thank you.

Councilman Shyne: And do we have any photographers in the house?

Councilman Long: Yeah. No cameras.

Councilman Walford: With that, have one other surprise presentation that was requested by some constituents of one of the Council Members, and so if you would indulge me for a few minutes, and Sharon, I believe you can take over and show ‘em what we’re talking about.

DVD TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF COUNCILMAN CALVIN LESTER

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester, I don’t know if you could get any nicer tribute.

Councilman Lester: No, and uh, it’s not very often that I’m at a lost for words. I will say this Mr. Chairman, Council Members, and Mayor. One of the things that makes this job worthwhile, is when you know you can do your part to make a difference in somebody else’s life, and I’ve been fortunate in my life to have grandparents who helped shape who I am, whatever that is, and anytime that you get an opportunity to pass that on to folks, that’s something that you always try to do. And my thanks and my sincerest appreciation goes out to Mr. Lewis, Fred Lewis. He’s done an outstanding job with that computer literacy class out at the Lakeside SPAR Center. In fact, as fate would have it, I was just over there before I came here today. So now, I understand why when I came in the building, everybody was looking at me, kinda crazy so. Like, why are you here? Like I just happen to come by to get this Coke. No, I really do appreciate what they’ve done, and the fact that they’ve made a commitment to lifelong learning, and anything certainly that I can do that we can do from a Council’s perspective to encourage that is always something that is rewarding. And I cannot take complete credit for that, because in order to get anything done for your constituents, it requires the help of at least three other people on the Council, and we were able to get those funds through the previous Council, and the previous Administration to help the folks in Lakeside, the senior citizens do some really outstanding and amazing things. So, I’m very impressed, and I want to tell them thank you. You have touched me today and that’s my blessing for today. So, I really appreciate everything. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Calvin, as I was looking at that group, I kinda felt like maybe Councilman Webb and myself could have been included in that senior group. You think we could have?

Councilman Lester: I’m sure we could find some space for you Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: You all didn’t hear what Councilman Webb said huh? Tell them again Mr. Webb.

Councilman Webb: I said for him to speak for himself.

Councilman Walford: Bea, you need to mark that tape like the one where Councilman Shyne and Mr. Dark agreed. Where Councilman Lester was at a lost for words, mark that for historical purposes.

Councilman Lester: There you go. Save that.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, at this point, if it’s alright with the Council, I’d like to suspend the rules, and bring a couple of people up. We had an incident and I think the Mayor knows about it. About two weeks ago out at Calumet. And we just kinda want to get a report on the situation out at Calumet. I’ve had a number of calls, and maybe some of you all may have gotten some calls. I saw where it was in the paper, and I saw where Michael Long had it down on it Parish Commission. But I would indulge just a few minutes on the Council to suspend the rules and bring a couple of people up and let ‘em tell us about the situation and conditions.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Webb to suspend the rules.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, may I? Before you go forward with that motion, I do have one additional special guest I’d like for us to get through if you all would indulge me? I’d like to go ahead if you don’t mind. Thank you Mr. Shyne, thank you Mr. Chairman. I’m at your direction Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: The floor is yours Mr. Mayor.

Mayor Glover: And while I’m still standing, I have here with me Mr. Neil Johnson, and I’m going back to the podium if you don’t mind.

Councilman Walford: Fine sir.

Councilman Shyne: Chief Cochran, you saw how quick I gave into the Mayor huh? Alright, I hope you learn from that.

Mayor Glover: That’s one of the last things you taught me when I first got here Mr. Shyne. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Council, I’m sorry that Mayor Gardner left before we got a chance to get to this portion of our presentation here today. Because I think in many ways as I have heard some folks tell me, he was one of the great visionary mayors of this city, and I know he was one of the last mayors to push for a master plan for the City of Shreveport, essentially a vision of what it is he thought the City of Shreveport ought to go. Many of you all have heard me talk about envisioning Shreveport as the next great city of the south. And in part and parcel to that, I believe is developing in sharing and exposing not only those of us who are here, but those who may come here, to the great images of this city. And in line with that, a great man, a great friend Neil Johnson is here today to present to me and to this city a great, great image that will hang in my office. I guess the first step toward decorating, I’m going to end up doing Tom, a new image of this city that he has so masterfully captured. And he is here today to present it to me, and to you and to the rest of Shreveport. So, at this point Neil, would you please join me. And I’m at your direction.

Mr. Neil Johnson: Well, this was taken in October of last year.

Mayor Glover: We’ll get you to the mic, we want it on the record.

Mr. Johnson: I’m honored to be here Councilmen, ladies and gentlemen. I love this city, and I hope that this single image, if I can do that will show you that. And I hope also that this image will inspire others to love this city even more than they do. And I’m proud to be a citizen of this city and it’s my donation to the office of the Mayor whether he’s here for four years or eight years, we don’t know. And to donate it to his office. And I think also a larger print is going to hang in the conference room upstairs, a 10 foot version of it. And I believe it’s also going on the business cards of department heads and folks like that around city hall. So, I’m proud to be here to present this image to you, this first print of it to come outside my office. So, I appreciate that and lets take her down.

Mayor Glover: Drum roll please?

Councilman Lester: Well that’s the second time the mayor saved the city this week. I learned too Joe!

Councilman Walford: With that, we have one more guest. I believe some of the Council Members had asked to have Mr. Fred Fuller from Comcast here. You may as well come on up, and just briefly state your name and address for the record. And then I assume we have questions from the Council.

Mr. Fred Fuller: (Comcast) And as I asked when I was here last month, I wanted to come and bring you up to date with where we were with the migration from the former Time Warner to Comcast Network. And we have come a long way in the last 30 days on our changes. At this point, we’ve migrated on the engineering network side, all of our 50,000 customers on the Comcast Network. We’ve moved approximately 5,000 of the customers in the old, one of the old digital packages for Time Warner and added 35 digital channels for those customer service, at the same current price as we mentioned last month. We migrated approximately 11,000 (inaudible) that had old digital services, to add 15 new digital channels, and all of our HDTV customers we completed the additional seven channels so now, we’ve gone from 15 to 22 HDTV channels, and more coming soon. We’ve also completed the phone feature upgrades, so now customers in Shreveport can get an added phone line on our service, and free voice mail option available. We completed all the power supply installs for the back up powering throughout the community, and we are now working on the monitoring system for that network. We have purchased and received our monitoring system for our node areas or our serving areas throughout the community, and we’re in the process of installing that right now, and I’ll talk about that in little bit, in a moment. So, the largest part of this as far as the service affecting changes that we had to make have been completed. The - - - we’ve completed hiring as I mentioned the last time I was here, we’re adding about 30% of our staff. We are at full staff now, and we just brought or promoted four new supervisors to manage those technical employees, a new manager and we have a new director of our engineering group starting this month. A few changes that have caused some challenges for us through this has been our billing migration that affected all of our customers, at least onto our new system. As we were making that change, there were roughly 16,000 accounts in that system that were not mapped correctly, maybe the easiest way to put it in the old billing system. And we’ve been working very hard over the last 30 days to correct all of those accounts. We managed to get 9,000 fixed programmatically through the computer changes, but manually had to go in and correct 5,000 accounts here at our local office. So, our people have been busy. Due to the billing change, and those errors in the old system have delayed us about two weeks on our billing to customers. But we both felt that it was well worth the time so that we had fewer errors go out on customers bills. And in that total, that were about 800 customers that we had to hold off the billing on until April. And we’ve provided notice to those customers informing them that they would receive two months of billing with their April statement. At that same time as I mentioned last month, we’ve made certain that customers were not affected with any late charges of any type. We are still working on some of the final additions to our website. We do have our channel lineup available, and we have our EFT payments available if customers want to pay checking, and we’re still working on some of the other billing (inaudible) options and packages and prices. So those will be available soon. And our response time through our call center has been very challenging. The last few weeks, we’ve basically experienced more than double the normal activity, and while we’ve brought in help from several other systems, it was still very challenging learning all of the packaging and discounts, and of course several thousand of the accounts that were in error from the old billing system. But our group has been working as fast as they can through those changes. The call volume today is about a third of what it was when I came to visit you last month. So, we are making a lot of progress there. As mentioned, this is roughly a 90 day process on the migrations. Certainly it’ll slow each day, but as far as getting back to sort of a normal level of activity, we’re still not out of the woods, and probably have another 60 days to get through those migrations. We’ve not forced customers to change their email to Comcast. We’ve sent out voluntary notices via email, but we will start to inform customers more and more over the next 60 days to make those changes. We’re trying to spread that out, so that any customers have unique problems with lost passwords, email address names, and those types of things that we can handle those responses timely. Our focus over the next 60 days besides getting beyond some of the billing challenges, challenges I mentioned is to finish our plant monitoring that I talked about, and we have all the equipment in. Within the next 60 days, we do expect to have all the monitoring active. So that we can see when we have outages and problems in our plant or internet customers lose their service, which would be a great benefit to improve the reliability of our plant. And we have a lot of work to do in developing the new employees we have as well as our existing technical staff. And have launched new progression plans for that group, so that we can bring hopefully 90% of our group up to a three product skill level before the end of this year, and that’ll continue to be a focus. And as we get closer to the end of the kinda 90 day period, two months from now, we’ll provide more notice to the city, and of course our customers when we get to a point where we need to ask customers to migrate off of their former Road Runner Service to Comcast. It’ll be so more communications to come. And with that, I’ll just open it up for any questions that you may have.

Councilman Long: Mr. Fuller, thank you for coming down today. How many total customers do you guys have in this district?

Mr. Fuller: Just over 50,000.

Councilman Long: Okay, so your call volume percentage of your customer base, call volume is approximately what right now, would you guesstimate?

Mr. Fuller: Number of actual calls we’ve received?

Councilman Long: Right.

Mr. Fuller: I don’t have an exact count for you. I can tell you of the current pending trouble calls that we have. We roughly have 300 that have to deal with the migration change today.

Councilman Long: Okay, so a pretty small number then.

Mr. Fuller: It’s come down a lot in the last 30 days. We were at roughly 1700 when I visited with you the last time.

Councilman Webb: I know they were out at my house, and the particular day that they were out at my house, Southern Oaks, Southern - - - I’m trying to think of what the name of the neighborhood is. Burgundy Oaks, the entire neighborhood was out, I don’t know if you knew about that or not.

Mr. Fuller: I’m not familiar with that neighborhood, but I can tell you that - - -

Councilman Webb: What about Williamson Way.

Mr. Fuller: Pardon me?

Councilman Webb: Williamson Way in Southern Hills?

Mr. Fuller: I haven’t gotten around town much in the last - - - since I got here a few months ago, now five months, excuse me. Let me tell you, I know during the last 30 days though, we did have a couple of lengthy outages. We had a lift truck take down a fiber line that knocked out some areas in about 15 poles that had to be totally rebuilt. We had another fiber incident just last week in the south area that was cut with a developer. It’s kinda that time of the year where we’ve got to do a good job of reminding people to call before you dig. And then last night we had a developer actually around 8:00 in the south area cut through three cable lines, but our employees worked through the night and got that back up around 2:30 in the morning.

Councilman Webb: I know my phone had quit ringing, so I know y’all have to be making a lot of head way, so I’m not getting anymore complaints which is good. But I hope you will come back again, maybe in about three months, and maybe everything will just be perfect then.

Mr. Fuller: I would like to, I mean we want to keep everyone informed of the changes. We knew we had quite a task ahead of us with all the things especially considering some of the unique challenges here in the last 90 days with the billing system as I mentioned and some of the other technical needs, but I made a commitment to you when I came last time I was here, that we weren’t going to slow down until we got every customer taken care of. We do have a lot of work yet to do, and particularly through some of the technical changes with the internet and the email addresses. We’ve got some hard work yet over the next 60 days, but I anticipate when I visit you next time, maybe I can come back at the end of that 60 days and let you know what we’re about.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thanks for coming again Mr. Fuller. I thin the biggest concern I have and it definitely has been expressed to me, because unfortunately, I guess I’m not as fortunate as Councilman Webb, I’m still getting some calls. Is the type of communication being given to the residents. Like I have an email here from a resident in the Long Lake Subdivision. And he said that - - - this is dated April 6^th. He said when I initially called to report a problem a week ago, the told me since no one else called a service issue in my area, they couldn’t fix the problem. So, that would be a concern, since I’m a resident myself. And with that type of communication going out, and obviously you had already mentioned, and I did take note that you’re working with that personnel to obviously have everyone on the same page. Also I think we were given some (inaudible) information from you guys, and I’ve been working with one of your Comcast representative whose been very helpful in the past, but unfortunately the last four or five days or four or five attempts, I should say, he’s been unable to be reached by the same number I’ve been calling him at. So, you know I as the Councilman who have residents calling me, needing help and when I’ve used this gentleman in the past, he was excellent, I mean when I was able to reach him, he was very quick to respond to the inquiries I had. But now, I can’t get a hold of him at all. And now that concerns me, now I have a breakdown in communication with the rep whose supposed to be assisting us. So, I just think communication is the key. It needs to be communicated to the residents, it needs to be consistent, and it needs to be factual. Nothing that’s misleading or nothing that’s misrepresentative of Comcast.

Mr. Fuller: Thanks, I would like to share again, please, and I may have not gotten my number to everyone here, but I certainly would like to do that to offer anyone here the number to contact me. I’ve provided a number to the Mayor’s office. Any complaints that are received, they provide my office number so that we can handle those, and I think in 99% of the cases, we’re able to resolve those issues the same day. It’s always a challenge hiring a large number of new people at the same time, and getting them trained, and to do the right things with the customers. But I can tell you that is our big focus, and it will be throughout the year, on our customer service side answering the phone as well as the technicians. I’d certainly be available to you if there’s anytime I can help.

Councilwoman Bowman: Yes sir, during your presentation I’m not exactly sure if you mentioned anything about the phone representatives. And I can recall the last time that you were here, and calls were being taken from maybe Nashville, or somewhere like that in reference to the problems that the citizens in Shreveport might have. Has that changed any? Do we have local representatives here to take care of our local people about their local problems?

Mr. Fuller: The last time I was here I mentioned, we were making a change from a third party vendor to our own Comcast call center. And that has been done. The volume over the lat 30 days of course is not typical. And that has been challenging. There’s been lengthy hold times. We have - - - you know we spent a lot of time training that group when we started hiring in late 2006, to improve the quality of the calls coming in, and that volume now as I mentioned with the internet migration is starting to slow quite a bit. We’re still not where we want to be though, and we know that we still got probably the next 60 days to kinda get everything back to the standards that we like to see, and certainly that you would like to see, and Councilman mentioned the last visit.

Councilwoman Bowman: But I don’t think I got the answer I was looking for. Locally, do you have any - - - have you hired people here to handle the local calls. I mean, I know you’re speaking about your call center somewhere, but I mean, here.

Mr. Fuller: Our calls are now being received in what we call our regional call center that’s in Nashville. Calls were previously handled by a third party vendor, not managed by Comcast out of Kansas. And we’re using that larger call center, because it provides a lot more advantages and opportunity for customers to get through. For example, right now, we can take up to 69 calls at one time into our Nashville call center. When there was a call center here that you could only receive about 19 calls at one time, which is typical in a smaller mid sized cable system. It’s not very functional when you have big problem, outages that you need to handle calls quicker. And that’s the advantages of having a regional center. At that same time though, we have hired a lot of new people here. We brought in roughly, I believe around 35 new employees here, as well as some additional supervisors and managers as I mentioned earlier.

Councilwoman Bowman: How many totals local people have you hired now? And I’m not speaking of the call center, because I want to get back to that. I understand the regional deal, but I’m speaking as a citizen who uses cable, or Comcast. I would certainly appreciate speaking to someone local. I certainly would like to you know - - - you’re located here, and these are the people I would like to see on your payroll. People from Shreveport. And I’m sure (inaudible) at some point, you’ll be able to provide a little bit more services as far as local is concerned. That’s my main concern. I feel better speaking to someone that lives here in Shreveport.

Mr. Fuller: It would be a very - - - it would put us at a major disadvantage.

Councilwoman Bowman: Really?

Mr. Fuller: To bring the calls locally. What we’ve focused on is our local additions are with our operations, so that we could hire more technical employees for example, to improve the response time. We’d like to be able to respond to service calls within two days. With the staff that was here prior to the change, the days average 5, 6, sometimes 30 days for drop areas. This is not a typical time with these migration changes, but as we come out of this, we expect to be able to deliver that kind of service locally. So, we’ve added roughly 35 people just on our as far as Comcast employees. And we have of course hired several contractors for outsourcing roughly 30% of our work for again local employees here.

Councilwoman Bowman: Did you have a layoff, when you switch over from cablevision to Comcast? Time Warner to Comcast, how many people were basically laid off here?

Mr. Fuller: The only group that was affected here was the call center group. There were about 19 employees, if I recall. I wasn’t here at the time, but I believe that’s the right number.

Councilwoman Bowman: Thank you.

Councilman Walford: Any other questions? I’ve got a couple, if I may. The most complaints I’m getting now is, I spoke to at the end of last week or whatever, is regarding customer service. How many Comcast service areas like Shreveport are in this region? That are served by Nashville? How many cities?

Mr. Fuller: I don’t know the exact number. I want to say, we probably have three different cities now being supported by Nashville, at different levels. They don’t take all of the calls from those different cities. But we have different support groups for some of the internet services and phone services. Right now Shreveport calls are - - - all of our Shreveport calls are now going into our call center in Nashville. Nashville also out-sources of its calls to a third party for billing.

Councilman Walford: Again, I’ll reiterate I’m getting more complaints, one just before Council today about trying to contact your customer service. And as I’ve relayed to you on the phone, when that happens, I tried the number, and I got the ‘due to call volume, they couldn’t take the call, they hoped that I’d try again later.’ That’s what my constituent had just told me.

Mr. Fuller: We have through this whole migration, it’s been our goal to work as quickly as we can. We knew that the volume would be much heavier than normal, and it has created some longer hold times. Today, for example, we were at about eight minutes. That’s considerably better than where we were last week with the call volume. The number that you were dialing, our national 800 number or 888 number, I think you were using, that number is - - - we have a local phone number here, 213-4100. But that number is used more for marketing and advertising. And actually that number can be affected from a lot of other systems. And it just so happens that last week a lot of systems had launched some of their new packages like we did here in February, and have just had an overwhelming response that drove up the calls that week.

Councilman Long: From what I’m hearing as far as these calls are concerned, depending on the nature of call, it will get routed to a particular area or center. Is that kinda how it works?

Mr. Fuller: That’s correct in the other areas served in this region. Right now, really now probably 95% of all calls go right into Nashville. We have a new group that we just started, it’s a Comcast support group that’s a little higher level on the internet side that’s supporting our business customers so that we can improve our response there. One of the changes with the monitoring of the entire system is that we also can start watching all of our commercial accounts. And that’s a group based out of Westchester.

Councilman Long: Joyce and I were discussing a second ago, was that you fired roughly 20, and hired 30. Were the 30 hires predominantly in the technical area? Is that what we’re hearing?

Mr. Fuller: That’s right.

Councilman Long: So, your technical staff has been increased to be able to reduce the response time to the technical calls, and people calling having physically has to go to the address and deal with the problem?

Mr. Fuller: Correct. Really, two fold. We want to 1) increase our local technical staff and improve the development of that group, so that we can respond quicker and resolve the problem (inaudible). That’s the focus with out training. The call center change was to also improve the response time. And this is typical across the country. A smaller call center simply can’t support the kind of technical changes and expertise that’s required. Let alone just the availability and size. Where you have a call center in Nashville with a few hundred employees, and we have a problem in Shreveport and it’s not saying that in Knoxville and in other systems going on there, there’s more people that we can use to help those customers. This is a major advantage for us on both sides. I don’t want you to use the last 30 days as an example, because this migration is just an usual in a short term change. But certainly after we get passed this, I would expect you to see much better response times with out technical response time.

Councilman Long: Okay, last question, how many total employees y’all have here?

Mr. Fuller: I believe we’re at 125 here locally now.

Councilman Long: Okay, so from the Time Warner migration to you guys, y’all’ve added roughly 10 or 20 or so?

Mr. Fuller: Roughly about 35.

Councilman Long: 35?

Mr. Fuller: And then the call center change that there’s more people available on the line in Nashville, than the 19.

Councilwoman Bowman: Just one more thing, with the calls that we received have been those last 30 days, and with the calls going to the call center that’s in Nashville, you are assuring us and the citizens of Shreveport that we won’t be experiencing what we experienced then and even a little bit right now?

Mr. Fuller: Well, hopefully - - - I’m not sure I totally understand.

Councilwoman Bowman: Well, let me repeat that.

Mr. Fuller: Okay.

Councilwoman Bowman: Because everyone of us were pretty upset with you because you came to represent your company. Because our citizens and most of us were without cable. And with the call center being in Nashville, and we were not able to speak to anyone locally. We were routed somewhere else, and didn’t get answers, or got hang ups and all this stuff. Alright? And I’m questioning you today on behalf of the citizens, are you assuring us that we will not experience the same problems that we had with the call center in the last 30 days?

Mr. Fuller: Well, that’s a pretty tall order. We’re going to - - - you know that’s a - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: It was pretty rough the calls that we were getting. It was pretty rough being without cable for a while. That was - - - well I think we mentioned the last time. You know I’ve been doing this for 25 years and that’s the first time we’ve ever lost a controller device like that. This is if you can picture this system, it’s totally mirrored with 30 drivers, 15 on each side to have the kind of back up capability. And the one part of that whole system failed was not duplicated, or could not be duplicated which was the unusual failure. So, I wouldn’t expect for the rest of probably my career to experience a problem like that. But that’d be a tall order to promise you. I will tell you, you have my complete commitment. We have 125 employees over at our office that have given it everything they can to handle the problems as fast as they can and get through this migration, and will continue to work hard to improve where we were not only 30 days ago, but six months ago, through this change. And you’ve got my full commitment on that.

Councilwoman Bowman: I hope so. One more thing. For the citizens who were without service, and I recall you mentioning that there was a number that they could call to have those charges taken off of their bill. Is that still in effect? Can they in fact do that for the number of days that they were without service.

Mr. Fuller: We do that typically any day. But they can simply call the local number, the 213 number or the 800 number to get to a representative, and they’ll credit the customers for any days that they were without service, yes ma’am.

Councilwoman Bowman: Hassle free. Sir, they’ll get that hassle free?

Mr. Fuller: I’m sorry.

Councilwoman Bowman: They’ll get the services as far as the bills are concerned, the credits, yeah hassle free? They won’t have to - - - it won’t take an act of congress for them to get that removed?

Mr. Fuller: No, we empower our CEs to handle that with a customer. They don’t require any other approval.

Councilman Walford: Thank you very much for coming. And I will thank you. I have called you as you know on a number of occasions, and you’ve resolved every problem. I appreciate that. And I’m sure some of the others have had to call you as well, but appreciate you coming and helping us let the folks know what the problem is, and that the solutions hopefully, the end is in sight. Mr. Shyne, I believe you had another guest who might not be a stranger.

Councilman Shyne: I do, and I see that we have different problems. I haven’t had as many problems with cablevision in my district. I don’t know if it’s because we’re all using Direct TV.

Mayor Glover: That means they missed you Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Yeah. But I have had a problem with Calumet. And I think we have a couple of representatives from Calumet here, and I would appreciate it if they would come up and could kinda give us some information and make sure that the citizens in that area could feel safe about living in the same proximity to the plant. We want to make sure that our citizens are taken care of and Mr. Mayor, we want to make sure that we keep those jobs here in the city. They are extremely important, and I guess I’ve never been qualified to work there, but I’m told that they pay some big salaries out there, and I see two people in front of me who look very healthy and very happy. So, I know that’s got to be a sign of economic security. So, I’m going to turn it over to the persons from Calumet.

Ms. Liz Swaine: I’m driving a new Honda, what can I tell you? Guess where the Honda came from? I do appreciate the opportunity to be here in front of the Council today. Thank you very much, Councilman Shyne for inviting us to come forward, and we are excited to be here. I took the job with Calumet about four weeks ago, and boy have things been exciting for me. And thank you all very much for not coming up to me and saying ‘hey Liz, straight from the frying pan into the fire’, thank you for not saying that. If you’ll take a look at this picture that I’ve pulled up out of our archives, the refinery was built in 1923. That predates even Councilman Shyne, who has lived - - - I’m sorry in Mooretown about four blocks away for about 45 years. So that factory or refinery has been there for going on now 84 years, and that’s what it looked like in the 1930s. This plant has had it’s, as you well know, all of you, a number of different owners throughout its history. We all remember Atlas and Pennzoil, and Quaker State and Shell, and when I was in the Mayor’s office, back in the year 2000-2001, there was some serious discussion that the plant was going to close down. At that point, I believe it was Pennzoil-Quaker State, and they were losing money to the tune of about $10,000,000 a month. That’s real money no matter how you look at it. So there were some real problems that they were having at the plant. Well in ’01, Calumet purchased that plant. Calumet is out of Indianapolis. The first thing that they did was they got rid of that process that was causing everyone sleepless nights because of the smell. They got rid of that. And then they started doing some things that would turn the plant profitability.

Councilman Lester: Wait a minute Liz. You mean you can cut the smell and make money?

Ms. Swaine: Yes sir.

Councilman Shyne: That’s not a chicken plant though.

Councilman Lester: After the meeting, I want to introduce you to some people in North Shreveport.

Ms. Swaine: Thankfully, we do not render chickens. The plant is undergoing currently a $150,000,000 expansion. That’s going to include the production of 40,000 barrels of oil to 65,000 barrels of oil a day, a day.

Councilman Shyne: Can we just clap on that for just a minute?

Ms. Swaine: Yes we can. And that’s also going to mean an estimated 50 new employees will need to be hired. And Councilman, you are exactly right. Here are some of the employees. Currently, right now we have 134 employees. Some of the highest paid employees, certainly in the city, and definitely in the district. And these are the types of jobs that we need in the city of Shreveport. These are very good jobs for our economy. Calumet’s current local impact $51,000,.000 a year. Those are all the things, salaries and purchases, and keeping on the lights, and paying Mike Strong for the water, and all those other things that we have to do everyday. But folks if you add the daily crude purchases into that list, our economic impact per year goes up to $927,000,000. That’s real money even to Tom Dark. Tom says “Huh? What? Are you talking to me?”

Mr. Dark: She’s going to make me pay attention.

Ms. Swaine: Chances are very good that if you fill up at the pump, any pump or most pumps, you are using a Calumet product. We produce 75% of the gasoline used in the Ark-La-Tex, not just in the Shreveport, but in all of northwest Louisiana, and Texas, and south Arkansas, Calumet products. Barksdale is a big JPH user and Jet A that we produce goes to both Shreveport Regional Airport and the Downtown Airport in Shreveport. And first this is the story, this is the untold story of Calumet. And this is one of the reasons that I wanted to work here to get this story out. Calumet produces the base products. We know it as a refinery for petroleum products, but they produce the base for chap stick, for chewing gum, for hair care products, dura-flame fireplace logs, pharmaceutical ointments, candles, and all sorts of different motor oils. I mean who would have thunk it? But for those especially bad days, we also produce the base for Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. And petroleum jelly. So Council Members on those days when you have constituents who have chewed you out a little too much, call me, and I can get you some ointment. Unfortunately the plant has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. For the negative reasons, and that’s too bad because there are a lot of positive things that are happening, and are going to be happening out there, but certainly the negatives are things that we tend to hear about more. I’ve been at the job now for about four weeks, but have a lot on my plate. Some of those things are again, reinstituting an advisory council made of representatives of local neighborhood groups, and I’m not wanting to put her on the spot, and I don’t want to embarrass her at all, but I’m hoping that Ms. White will serve on that group, and I’m going to be talking to her about that later. We’re going to be initiating even more community outreach. We are going to join the City’s Ozone Action Program. Continue working with the Caddo-Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on first call. And continue training with the Fire Department, the Police Department and others. I’m going to bring up Lyndon Johnson. Lyndon has been with the plant for 15 years. He’s our Director of Quality Management, and Safety Manager. Lyndon is just very briefly, going to chat about some of the safety issues and angles at the plant, and then I believe Chief Cochran is going to come up and do the same thing. So, here’s Lyndon.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, this is an old and dear friend. And I’m sorry, I’ve known him most of my life, and I just cannot allow him to begin his comments with just being simply referred to as Lyndon. I have been envious of this young man the entirety of my life. We met each other as young CMEs running up and down the isle of Williams Temple, and Washington Temple and other churches throughout the Shreveport district. He’s actually Lyndon Baines Johnson. And a great name for a great man.

Councilman Lester: A good Omega Man.

Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson. Thank you Mr. Mayor and the rest of the Council for having us out here today. As Liz said I am Lyndon B. Johnson, that’s what I normally go by. I don’t normally say the Baines part. I have been at the refinery for 15 years. My position there is Director of Quality Management and also the Safety Manager. Basically what I wanted to talk about is some of the few things that we have accomplished in the past and for the year 2006. Basically if we do have a case of emergency, we do have personnel on site that can respond that we call the first responders. And what they do is they go and secure the area, and make sure that nothing goes from being from one area to another part of the plant and to keep it isolated to one particular part. If it’s something that we cannot control, then we would utilize the Shreveport Fire Department, and also the Shreveport Police Department to handle the outside boundaries of the refinery. And the Fire Department comes in, and then basically look for me when they first get to the site. We also do the training with the public officials. The Fire Department comes through, and we do a walk through of the plant. At that particular time, they are given the potential hazard in each part of the unit, so it’s not like they’re coming in blind, not knowing what’s going on. We also utilize the first call. The first call system basically goes through the office of Homeland Security. We haven’t had to actually use it because nothing has went outside the boundaries of the refinery. And that’s basically the only time that we would actually use it, if we had to do an evacuation or say shelter in place. One thing that I am proud of that we did go 488 days without having a recordable injury for 2006 and part of 2005. And we started into 2007 as well. That ended on March 26^th about the incident that Mr. Shyne had brought up. Another thing that I’m proud about is that we are receiving an award. Actually three awards from the National Petro Chemical and Refiners Association. The first one is the Gold Award, the second is the Merit Award, and the final one is the Achievement Award. So, we are doing some things good and being recognized for that within our peers.

Councilman Shyne: First of all Mr. Mayor, he did grow up in District F, in Mooretown area. When they said good things can’t come out of Mooretown, I think Ms. Bowman and myself would disagree with that because she selected a good husband out of Mooretown. And another thing, we do encourage businesses in our area to hire from that area. And he’s a good old Fair Park Graduate. Lyndon, I was kinda concerned, and I think you kinda hit it on the head about the safety record at Calumet. Have we had any incidents at Calumet where citizens outside of the plant either have been injured, or either had any property damage?

Mr. Johnson: No, not to my knowledge, and like I said, I’ve been there for 15 years, and I’ve heard stories from back into the ‘70s and some parts of the ‘60s. So, I would say no.

Councilman Shyne: Alright, the other thing that I’m concerned about, have you all been meeting all of the Federal, State and Local regulations that these kinds of facilities have to abide by?

Mr. Johnson: Yes we have.

Councilman Shyne: About how often does OSHA come in and maybe take a look at the safety aspect of the plant?

Mr. Johnson: Basically right now, OSHA only comes in if there is a incident that would trigger them to come into the facility. They came in on the March 26^th incident, and they came in the 2004 incident. And those were the last couple of times they came in. So, they’ve been here three times in this decade.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, have you all been penalized? Can you remember whether you all have been penalized for violating any safety measures?

Mr. Johnson: There was a General Clause fine that was issued in 2004. A citation.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, have you all corrected whatever the condition was that needed to be corrected?

Mr. Johnson: Yes, we have so many days in order to rectify that problem, and give them proof that you have. So, that was done.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, so the bottom line is I’m understanding you to say that there has been no property damage to any of the citizens that live around the plant, and there has not been any personal damage to any of the citizens that live around the plant?

Mr. Johnson: Correct.

Councilman Shyne: Okay Lyndon, unless somebody - - - any other Council Member might have a question for Lyndon before I call the Fire Chief up?

Councilman Long: I just want to make a comment. I’m sure that your insurers and other folks that are involved with the monitoring of your business, there’s all sorts of safety requirements, and annual inspections and all that sort of stuff that occurs at your facility. Is that correct?

Mr. Johnson: Yes sir, that’s correct.

Councilman Long: So, OSHA doesn’t have to come in every time, but on the private side, especially with insurance companies and other folks that write these policies, they have very stringent requirements, that in some cases are more stringent than what OSHA requires. So, it’s a very interesting situation as a petro chemical process like this, there are many eyes watching this making sure that things are done right and done properly. So, I think people need to understand that this is not just government looking at this, there’s a bunch of other people looking at this as well. So, I just wanted to make that point.

Councilman Shyne: And Mr. Mayor, to you, I just wanted to make sure that in District F, we’re kinda staying on top of our situation. We don’t want it to get out of hand like it did in District A with the chicken smell.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, I was going to sit quietly by and be constructive in this process. Now, but if Mr. Shyne chooses to compare this refinery situation with a chicken waste rendering operation, then we’re going to obviously have to filet both sides of this issue, but I don’t think that would be in the best interest of either Calumet or the good folks that work there or the City of Shreveport, so - - -.

Councilman Walford: I don’t think there’d be a winner there Mr. Mayor.

Mayor Glover: So, in the interest of restraint and executive discipline, we’re going to move on.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you very much. At this time, I’d like to call the Chief up, and Chief, have you done any investigative kind of work looking into the situation out at Calumet?

Chief Cochran: Yes sir, and I also had the privilege of addressing this issue with the Caddo Parish Commission on last Thursday, Mr. Shyne. And there were a number of citizens there and their concerns fall primarily in three categories. Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Evacuation Procedures, and the Emergency Response Capabilities, if something, the worse case scenario were to happen. From the Emergency Preparedness Perspective, the Shreveport Fire Department, well let me say the City of Shreveport, and it’s public safety entities have had a long standing relationship partnering with the different owners of the refinery through the years. And that relationship stands with Calumet. Because of the relationship between the office of - - - the local office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the support we have received from our City Administration through the years, and the emergency preparedness resources that we have, we have assessed all the hazard potential through a process we call risk assessment. And we have emergency response plans commensurate with all of the hazards potential that exist at the Calumet refinery. From an emergency evacuation standpoint, they were concerned about the ability to be notified in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, with the type hazards that exist there, there is no warning prior to an accident occurring. So, if there were an event that would affect the surrounding communities, we use the system that you have commonly heard referred to as first call, that notifies the residents by telephone calls, and it rings approximately 400 phones every 60 seconds. And it could go mile, 2 miles, 3 miles as many as necessary until it reaches the citizens in the affected area that’s actually designated in the system. In addition to the first call notifications, we have the emergency broadcast system that is tested on a very frequent basis on radio and television. And it simply interrupts the radio channels in our area, and the CB programming in our area to send out a message of a pending need for evacuation. But there’s two forms of evacuation. But there’s two forms of evacuation. Sheltering In Place, which notifies them of a pending situation or a current situation, and that we want them to stay in their houses, because we think that that’s best under the circumstances. And that they will be notified further when the hazard has minimized or increased. If there’s a need for evacuation or leaving their homes, then we use the same system, first call or the emergency broadcast system to actually notify residents, and do that on a repeating basis. Now the worst case scenario of evacuation would call for people actually leaving their homes. And the citizens on last week were concerned about the elderly, and those incapable of leaving their homes on their own, either due to their physical condition, illness, or the lack of transportation. We have procedures in place that utilizes resources from the Shreveport Fire Department, Shreveport Police Department locally, and regionally, we can use the Parishes of Caddo and Bossier Parish resources, law enforcement, and fire department agencies if necessary. If the incident was large enough that warranted that, we have relationships that we can give that kind of support to give our citizens in those affected areas to safety.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, let me interrupt you one minute because that’s a very important point that you brought up. And I wonder if there is some kind of way or some kind of mechanism by which when - - - lets say when people move within a 2 or 3 block area of the plant that they could notify your department that - - - lets say at 1620 Judson Avenue, there might be a person in there that might need some help. You know because you might would have some people that would move in, just like you say, that would need some help in getting out of the area. Might not have any private transportation, but would need public transportation to come in and move them out. Do you have any kind of system where you would be able to identify?

Chief Cochran: Our system does have a feature that we refer to as flagging certain addresses. I’m not sure if it’s capable of flagging a large number. We can definitely check into that Mr. Shyne, and if that capability exist, we will definitely employ it. I can assure you of that.

Councilman Shyne: Please check into that.

Chief Cochran: But one of the recommendations for some air horn type warning system, as we are familiar with back in the Civil Defense Days, and that would not be appropriate for the type of facility because it would just generate panic, it would not give specific information, as it relates to shelter places or evacuation procedures, and the worse thing we could do in an emergency is to create panic and to have residents confused on what to do and then choosing to do a different thing.

Councilman Shyne: It’s not like a tornado warning. You know some communities have these horns where there’s a tornado in town or in the community, or whatever it is, and then you have this certain warning, and everybody would know to go and take shelter. But in this particular case, it wouldn’t necessarily use that, because you wouldn’t know how big the incident would be.

Chief Cochran: Exactly, and the system I’ve described is more specific. It’s more efficient than just a bland general alarm that would go for miles and would confuse citizens even beyond that immediately impacted area. So, we have the most effective system in place. Then the final concern that they had was the emergency response. Do we have enough resources to respond to meet the needs in the worst case scenario? And the short answer is yes we do. And it actually circles back to the first concern, Emergency Preparedness. We have built the relationships, locally, regional, and on a statewide basis even to get fire and law enforcement, and emergency medical services if necessary to come to our area to meet the worst case scenario. Obviously in the worst case scenario, we’re talking an event that’s beyond the capabilities of the training of Calumet Fire Brigade, that we would immediately go in and establish control, and command of the incident. We’re talking workers seriously injured or killed, and the residents in the immediate area, seriously injured and killed, due to the classification of the worst case scenario. Obviously, our partnership is geared to minimizing the potential of the worst case scenario, and based on the track record that we have, their safety track record, and our collective emergency preparedness track record, thank God, we’ve never had to experience the worst case scenario.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, I want to ask you one more question before I ask the person from Calumet to come back, and I want to make a statement to you all. Do we have anywhere on record where we’ve had any property damage or any personal damage to any citizens in that area since you - - - I think you’ve got about 25 years?

Chief Cochran: 26 years. In our records Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: That’s going to make you as old as Cedric then.

Chief Cochran: In our records, there are three levels of responses. The first record of response, Calumet’s fire brigade handled it without notifying the Shreveport Fire Department. The second level of response, is there’s an event that has the potential where we could be needed. So we’re actually dispatched. We respond five engines, two rescue trucks, two ladder trucks two district chiefs, a medic unit and a hazmat team. Lots of resources, and we are in a standby or support mode. Calumet’s fire brigade workers are doing most of the work. That’s about 95-97% of what we do. The level three response is they’re pulling out, we’re pulling in and taking the entire operation. We have spent several years, I think I was a young firefighter, the last time we had a level three type of an event. But even that level three event was confined within the boundaries of the property of Calumet.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, well Chief, I’m going to suggest this, and I had a meeting with the persons from Calumet, and I’ve talked to Ms. White and I’ve talked to some other people in that area, and will not call their names over the air, but what we’re looking at doing Mr. Mayor is putting together an advisory committee so that we can make sure that the persons that live in that area are comfortably aware and kept up with what’s going on in the plant, and we want to give them an opportunity to make some suggestions from time to time on how they feel about the situation. And Chief, I’d like for you or someone from your office to be designated to serve on that advisory committee. We have not finalize things, but I’m basically looking at maybe we will probably meet once every three months, and it would give the plant an opportunity to bring the citizens up to par, and Mr. Mayor, I’m going to ask you to appoint someone maybe Dale Sibley, Executive Assistant to serve on that committee where you would be aware as the mayor of the city on what’s going on in that area. So, Chief, I want you to think about it. Mr. Mayor, I want you to think about it and members from Calumet I’d like for you all to think about it, and I appreciate you all coming today. I appreciate you all giving us this information, and this is the kind of information that we need to get out to the citizens in that area. To let them know that there is a certain amount of safety, and that Calumet you all are concerned about their health and safety. Chief, in that we are concerned as a city about their health and safety. Because we want to make sure the citizens in that area are taken care of, and Calumet, we want you all to know that we want that tax base to stay here in Shreveport. And unless Mr. Mayor has something better planned that he can supplement or substitute that tax base with and those jobs with, we want you all to continue to expand in a very safe environment, because we want to see Shreveport grow. Any of my colleagues might have questions. If not Mr. Chairman, at this particular point, I believe we have one person from the community who would want to come forward, and since we’re doing Calumet right now, could I impose on the Council to give this persona an opportunity to come up?

Councilman Walford: You’re asking for a suspension of the rules, I’ll be happy to second it.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Walford to suspend the rules to allow one speaker relative to Calumet. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Walford: And would that be Ms. Velma White?

Councilman Shyne: And Council Members, I appreciate y’all’s hospitality.

Councilman Walford: Our motion was actually to suspend the rules. Would you give me a quick motion to give Ms. White, and I’ll second.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Walford to suspend the rules to allow one speaker relative to Calumet. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Ms. Velma White: (3116 Fulton Street) I would like to say good evening to Mr. Mayor, and to the Councilmen for listening at Liz Swaine speak, and maybe since she has gotten on the board with Calumet, I don’t know, maybe some type of solution can be worked out. But let me just clarify a few things. That the residents are just not running around making accusations. I heard you ask about fines. I have record that Calumet been in non compliance several times. Actually during the last 12 quarters, Calumet has been in non compliance the Clean Air Act for all 12 quarters, and nine quarters for the Clean Water Act. So, we’re not just making accusations or because we don’t want that refinery there. By all means we need y’all here in Shreveport, and I’m the first one not trying to contest it, but not at the residents’ safety. So, let me clear that up. Chief Cochran spoke about he has never known an incident where evacuation was ordered. Well, I sure can and I have record of it. In 1984, I’m not for sure he was the Chief at that time, but we did have evacuation. And at that time, none of us knew anything about where to go. The only thing we know is that the person at that facility was some men on the truck with these bullhorns telling us to be on standby for evacuation. Now, we didn’t know where to go. So, this is why I’m concerned about the evacuation plan in that area. So we have been faced with evacuation. There’s a lot going on at that plant, that If feel like is a threat to the residents’ health and safety. The production, the chemicals that they deal with. Yeah, if you look at what the risk factor is, yes it’s a threat to the health and safety to the people surrounding that facility. So, I just wanted to clear that up about that. That we’re just not making accusations. I’ve done my homework, and if you all need records of all the non compliances, then I will be more than glad to give them to you.

Councilman Shyne: Ms. White, before you go - - - Chief, I would like for Ms. White to give you a copy of the records and if she doesn’t have a second copy, Mr. Mayor, I would hope that you would have somebody go and make a copy of those records. Give them to the Chief. Chief, I would like for you to follow that up. It’s not that we - - -

Chief Cochran: I just want to confirm something. That incident that I was referring to, I’m not saying that it did not warrant some type of warning of pending evacuation, or evacuation, but the hazard was confined within the property of Calumet was my point. That it did not impact the health or the property of the citizens in the surrounding areas.

Councilman Shyne: I agree with that, but she also made some allegations about 12 violations that the Clear Air Act. She didn’t say what period that was, but I’d like for you to get that information Chief. Wherever she got the information from or whoever - - - if it was a State Agency that they violated, or if it was OSHA that they violated. If she got that information, you ought to be able to get it. And I’d like for you to get it, because we have to have this information validated. It’s not that we disagree with what Ms. White said, and I know Ms. White is a good Christian lady, and I know she would tell the truth, but you know as I look at Ms. White, and I look at you, both of you all mouth kinda cut like this, and usually when you see it documented on paper, then that gives some type of credibility to it so, if you would get a copy of that, and Chief if you could check into that, and find out when that occurred, how many if it did occur. And please get it back to us, because we want to make sure.

Chief Cochran: Yes sir, I’d be happy to do that, but I wanted you to know for the record, those are environmental issues and fall under the purview of my brother Mr. Mike Strong in the Department of Operational Services.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, Thank you. Mr. Strong, please come forward. Chief, you are smart. Mike would you please come forward?

Mr. Strong: I’ll handle it.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, you are so smart.

Councilman Lester: Not since Magic Johnson have I seen - - -

Councilman Shyne: You probably learned that from Calvin Lester.

Councilman Lester: No, I was just going to say I haven’t seen a ‘no look pass’ like that since Magic Johnson with the Lakers.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, okay. Ms. White - - - Mike would you raise your hand back there? Okay, you all know one another? Mike would you get that information, and would you verify and bring it back to us and Ms. White, again I appreciate you coming down. I want to make sure that we do have your name and address and phone number. I have it and we want to make sure that you are a part of that committee, or you will let Calumet know what your feelings are. Not that they’re going to do what you say now. I don’t want you to think that because you’re there, you tell them to jump so high, cause Ms. White say it. But we do want your input. We do want Calumet to know how you and other residents feel in that area. So, Liz and Lyndon in the next couple of weeks, we will be meeting to put together this committee, and we want to make sure that Ms. White is one of the first persons that we call. So that you can be involved, and I want to make sure that you all are safe in that area. Because I love you all, and you’re doing the right thing. You have to be concerned about your health and safety. Because if you’re not concerned about your health and safety, you don’t leave that to somebody else. You be concerned about that. And I admire you Ms. White for doing that. And I do want you to know that I’m going to work with you all to make sure that Calumet does what they need to do, and that Mike Strong would do this investigation. Chief thank you for getting it straight so I would know who to look forward to. Thank y’all again.

Councilman Walford: With that we’ll return to our regular agenda and move on to Property Standards Report. Well wait a minute Mr. Bowie, lets see if you’re safe. Come on up Mr. Bowie, I’m getting it from both sides. So, I’ll start with Mr. Webb when you get here.

Reports: Property Standards Report

Councilman Webb: 2857 Lynda Lane, I drove by there and looked at this property, and I’d gotten a call about this property, and I think they are in violation of property codes, and 2648 Hoyt, I drove by and looked at that one, after I got a call. The grass is over two feet tall, and the house is empty.

Councilwoman Bowman: Mr. Bowie, in reference to the activities that took place this morning, I had another citizen that contacted me in reference to the 70^th street mess. Were you there?

Mr. Bowie: No Ma’am I was not.

Councilwoman Bowman: Who else from the city was there? Were you not invited?

Mr. Bowie: No Ma’am I was not invited?

Councilwoman Bowman: Where is Mr. Strong?

Councilman Walford: He got away.

Councilwoman Bowman: He got away? I need to know what transpired in my district.

Mr. Bowman: Yes Ma’am, I was not invited to that party.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, when Mr. Strong returns, Mr. Chairman, I would certainly like to get a full report.

Councilman Walford: Well, I’ll tell you what, here he comes running in the door. Don’t go away too far Mr. Bowie.

Councilwoman Bowman: Mr. Strong, Mr. Bowie just mentioned that he wasn’t a part of whatever transpired earlier today in my district on 70^th Street. For the benefit of not only myself, but citizens that live in that area, can you basically give me a brief synopsis of what actually took place?

Mr. Strong: What we did, we went out and investigated what you’d brought up yesterday about the white goods being set onto the right of way. And in fact it was that way so we went out and the person there was advised at the time to get it off the right of way now or either we would be out with a truck hauling it off, and that was told today. We’re going back and check by the end of the week what’s been done, and if it hadn’t been done, then we’re going to physically remove it and they will be billed for whatever actions we’re taking.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, in reference to the comments made yesterday, I mean cause I don’t expect him to do what you requested.

Mr. Strong: We consider this as litter, trash, junk on right of way as we would any other section of right of way, that’s picking up litter on it. If it is on the right of way, we will pick it up. If it is signs, on the right of way, we will pick it up, and that’s the way we’re set. We have citation authority about right of ways on signage. We’re looking at getting it for other items of how we react to that. But we will be handling this. If you’re using the City’s right of way, or the right of way that’s being maintained by the City, then we have actions that we can - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: And this was mentioned yesterday. I think Mr. Bowie mentioned so many different times that he had been cited, and he knows what he can do, and that we the City basically, you know that we’re not going to do anything to an extent other than give him citation after citations. So, when did we find out if he does own property in this city?

Mr. Strong: No, and I’ll just say this too. If it’s on a right of way, if this is something that is of value to the individual, they’re going to get it off. They don’t want us to take it. So that may be of more value, of it being disappearing with the city out there doing that. So we are going to react, and we are going to handle under our authority as far as the right of way is concerned.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, and that’s basically just picking it up. Right? And giving him the citation.

Mr. Strong: That would be it and we would cite him after that, try to recoup. But main thing, if it’s of any value, we’ll see what we can do. But the main thing is to get it off the right of way, and I think that’s the key of the issue as related to the right of way. You’d like to do more, but we can address the right of way.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Mr. Bowie, I know I spoke to you I think the last Council Meeting, I did have the address. Did you check on those garages operating on Fairfield?

Mr. Bowie: The inspector hasn’t - - -

Councilman Wooley: I mean - - - I’m sorry, not Fairfield, E. 70^th?

Mr. Bowie: No, I hadn’t. I hadn’t gotten - - - I’ll have you an answer in the morning on that. Several answers I have to give out to the Council.

Councilman Wooley: That’s fine.

Councilman Long: Question on W. 75^th Street. Has anybody had a chance to go out there and look at that yet?

Mr. Bowie: No sir, not yet.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, and I will need your indulgence and maybe the Council’s, or certainly the Council’s indulgence if I could. I would like to move to suspend the rules of the Council Meeting to take up the issue of the Property Standards Appeal that we started on yesterday, relative to the tearing down of the houses in Allendale. I think the gentleman is here, and he’s been here and if we could, I think we can dispense with this pretty issue.

Councilwoman Bowman: I’ll second.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester, could I ask you to hold that motion until we just finish with the report, and then prior to the public hearing, we’ll go into that, would you mind?

Councilman Lester: That’s fine. The only reason I wanted to do that is because Mr. Bowie was up here at this particular time, but I’ll hold.

Councilman Walford: Did somebody else have anything for Mr. Bowie? I do. Mr. Bowie, this is not for you particularly, this is Shreveport Shame. I had some people after our local daily wrote about it asked if I would show it again? And I will do that, and just ask you to please timely continue with the citations on these two. 1127 Milam as well. And please ask your inspectors be careful if they go in there, because I’m convinced the roof could fall on them. And then the one everybody wants to see is the one with the magic of Photo Shop. That’s what I want to see Mr. Bowie, one of these days. I’m going to frame you one of those and give to you. And with that unless - - - did you have something?

Mr. Bowie: I’ve got something for Mrs. Bowman. Also today we weren’t invited, but an inspector went back out and we followed up Mr. White will be in City Court on the 24^th of this month for arraignment on his activities on 70^th Street.

Councilwoman Bowman: On the 24^th of?

Mr. Bowie: This month. At 9:00.

Councilwoman Bowman: 9:00 a.m.?

Mr. Bowie: Yes Ma’am.

Councilman Walford: Okay, if nobody has anything else for Mr. Bowie, if you’ll stay right there I have a motion from Mr. Lester to suspend the rules to consider the Property Standards Appeal seconded by Ms. Bowman.

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to suspend the rules to consider the Property Standards Appeal. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEAL:

HBO0700013 - 2007 Talbot St., Lot 2 & 3, Blk. 7, Talbot & Perrin Subdivision), Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) Mr. Robert Thornton, Jackson’s, LLC, 2114 Laurel Street

Shreveport, La 71103 (A/Lester) Postponed until April 10, 2007.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Thornton, if you could come up sir?

Councilman Walford: Don’t go away Mr. Bowie, we may need you on this one.

Councilman Lester: No, I didn’t want to, I just wanted you to be there real quick. Mr. Bowie, just for the Council and our constituent’s edification, on yesterday we had the issue of 2007 Talbot Street and the demolition of I guess Shreveport’s other shame, a row of shotgun houses in the Allendale area. On yesterday, Mr. Thornton indicated that he and the company that he is representing, Jackson Construction have taken control of that property as well as I believe, six other properties, that the City has already cited, and he indicated on yesterday that he would be amenable if the City would grant him 45 days to tear down the property that is the subject of this hearing. He could also tear down the six others. And what I asked the Council to do was postpone moving forward on that issue on yesterday until today, so that Mr. Bowie could make a record of those additional properties. So, with the Council’s indulgence I would ask Mr. Bowie to read into the record those additional properties that have already been cited, that are currently being in processed to be cited for further demolition.

Mr. Bowie: They were part of the group for the address at 2007 Talbot. They were going to be demo’d with that.

Councilman Lester: Okay, alright so we’re talking about 2007 Talbot Street, Lots 2 and 3, and that’s the one that we’re here for today, that brings us up. What are the descriptions that you have in your office relative to those other shotgun houses?

Mr. Bowie: There were seven houses altogether at the address of 2007 Talbot.

Councilman Lester: Okay. So all seven houses have the address of 2007 Talbot?

Mr. Bowie: Correct.

Councilman Lester: Okay, Mr. Thornton, just so that the record is clear, you are aware of those other seven properties that the city has cited, the other six that have been cited for demolition?

Mr. Thornton: Yes sir.

Councilman Lester: And it is your position that if the city grants you the 45 days that you or your company is going to implore a program where you’re going to actually get some students and teach them about the demolition process and you’re going to demolish, not only the house that’s the subject of our conversation on yesterday, but the other six? And you’re going to have all of that done within 45 days?

Mr. Thornton: That’s correct.

Councilman Lester: Okay, and Mr. Bowie, you understand that he is going to not only be responsible for the one house that he is actually demolishing all seven?

Mr. Bowie: Correct.

Councilman Lester: And Mr. Thornton, do you understand that with this agreement today, there is going to be no further legal action, i.e., we’re going to save the citizens and taxpayers some additional money sending you notices as it relates to those other six?

Mr. Thornton: I discussed the matter with Mr. Bowie, gave him the information that we had the actual physical addresses, and it is our understanding and I believe that in a very short amount of time, once we mobilize that we can achieve what you’re talking about, which is removal and then prepping the area which is considered grassing of the area after the operation. We feel that by tearing these houses down completely, and we can incorporate it into this program in conjunction with Southern University, that we can teach something in the process and improve the neighborhood at the same time.

Councilman Lester: Okay, and you do understand that we are doing this in 45 days?

Mr. Thornton: Yes sir. Or less!

Councilman Lester: Okay. Ms. Scott, come forward please.

Councilman Shyne: If you need some other properties in order to teach more students, lets get together. I mean this - - - Mr. Mayor, this sounds great what he’s doing.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Shyne, I believe you’re out of order. If you need some other properties, we have some in District B. We have a lot of ‘em.

Mr. Thornton: Well, it’s our contention that there’s no shortage of properties in Shreveport that could fit into the guise of this program.

Councilman Walford: I believe you could go across the dais.

Mr. Thornton: Let’s do seven first and see how that goes.

Councilman Shyne: Right and lets get together with the Administration and see what we can do in order to provide more educational experience.

Councilman Lester: I understand where you’re coming from the levity, but in all seriousness and I can say this, I have spoken with the folks at Louisiana Technical Center, otherwise known as VOTECH which is in the District, relative to doing just that. And they have expressed a sincere desire to come together with a program that would actually take those students from not only the Technical Center, but potentially even Job Corps from your district Ms. Bowman, and fold them into that process. Not to let the cat out of the bag, but we’ve also talked with the lobbyist for the State Contractors and Carpenters Association, whose a good personal friend of mine from law school, who has also indicated that they have a willingness to make that work. And that’s something that I’ve been talking with Ms. Moore about, and that will probably part and parcel of the discussion that comes out on the 30^th as it relates to that whole code enforcement piece just to let you know that there is some homework being done, and it’s almost providential that this is being offered. But I saw Ms. Scott in the background, and she was making that move to say don’t do this just yet, and being a lawyer, I wanted to please make sure we don’t do anything.

Ms. Scott: I was making that move to say that we should make sure that we get on the record that Mr. Thornton on behalf of Jackson Development is waiving all appeal delays, all delays, and he is also waiving any notice they may be entitled to under the ordinance.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Mayor, good hire.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely.

Councilman Shyne: That’s why he hired her, wasn’t it Mr. Mayor?

Mayor Glover: Of course.

Councilman Lester: And Mr. Thornton, you do understand that as the City Attorney says, by agreeing to this on behalf of Jackson Development, there are going to be no appeal delays, you’re waiving any notice requirement, you’re waiving any further requirement that’s out there under the code, city code and state code that we serve you notice so everyone’s clear that once we say yes you have 45 days, we’re not going to have serve you with any other additional documents?

Mr. Thornton: Yes, we understand that and we would do everything in our power to work directly with our office, since that’s your district. I just found that out yesterday, I’m not from Shreveport. But we can do this. Work directly with your office to let you know the date that that takes place. I mean it’s seven shotgun styled houses, and with the equipment that they have available, and the market place today, it should not take 45 days, but we would incorporate any students in the program in doing the right responsible thing. I believe that we can make it an example since there are seven houses in one area, to remove them expeditiously, and then improve that property as an example of what can happen if - - - especially if we get some people to work with us. It is actually possible for it not to cost our company anything, to take the houses down and you know we have taken this burden on from a person with the idea that that portion of the community would be developed after this portion is taken down. We have to completely remove to build up. So, we understand that that’s the case, and we will work directly with your office, and give you the proper notices of when that’s going to take place.

Councilman Lester: Trust me, anytime anybody wants to tear a shotgun houses, I’m your guy. Having said that Mr. Chairman, my motion is to grant 45 days by which Jackson Development Company is going to demolish all seven shotgun houses, as opposed to just one, and understanding that they’re going to waive any delays, and within 45 days, we’re going to have this - - -

Councilman Shyne: I second that motion and I have a question.

Substitute motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Shyne to grant 45 days by which Jackson Development Company is going to demolish all seven shotgun houses, as opposed to just one, and understanding that they’re going to waive any delays.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Lester, I just wanted to ask you, look like you’re going to destroy a whole lot of history, huh?

Councilman Lester As fast as humanly possible.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, what happens if the houses are not torn down in 45 days, and for the record, 45 days will be approximately May 25^th.

Councilman Lester: Okay, well I will like to clarify my motion that if the houses are not destroyed in 45 days and the lot cleared that Mr. Bowie would be authorized to have a contractor go in without any further action.

Councilman Shyne: The same second.

Substitute motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Shyne to grant 45 days by which Jackson Development Company is going to demolish all seven shotgun houses, as opposed to just one, and understanding that they’re going to waive any delays, and if the houses are not destroyed in 45 days and the lot cleared, that Mr. Bowie would be authorized to have a contractor go in without any further action. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Walford: Okay, we’re back to our regular session, and if y’all would indulge me for just a moment. Mr. Mayor?

Mayor Glover: Yes sir.

Councilman Walford: I would urge you before we meet on the 30^th to have your staff review Section 58 of our Code of Ordinances relative to blight elimination.

Mayor Glover: Done so Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: I think we can put some real teeth to some of Councilman Lester’s and my favorite folks names we see. Poster children we fan make them Mr. Lester?

Councilman Lester: Yes.

Councilman Walford: But I believe incorporating this into our overall code enforcement plan, could really give us some teeth, and help us make a real difference. So, I would urge you to - - - we will task the one vote person from City Council Staff, if you would take care of the ones from the City and the coordination with the Parish, then I believe we can really do some good with that. With that we move to a public hearing.

Mr. Mayor: Just in response, we are and have reviewed that. That particular statute is a part of the process that we’re in the midst of right now, and in addition to that, we also encourage you all as individual Council Members to be prepared to bring forth either before or on the 30^th any additional ideas, suggestions, viewpoints, opinions and thoughts you may have in terms of how we approach the whole property standards issue. And certainly welcome any additional input from the citizens of the city and anybody else who may have some thoughts in terms of how and where it is we need to go in that area. But certainly, a part of where we started was the review of that particular portion of our Code of Ordinances right now.

Councilman Walford: Well Mr. Mayor, I believe that there will be some property owners who’ve abdicated their total responsibility to the city who that might just be real unhappy if we begin to enforce Section 58. They may get very familiar with some of our City Court Judges. While I appreciate hearing that that’s been done, and I look forward to the 30^th. With that, we’ll move to our Public Hearing.

The Chairman read the following:

Public Hearing: Proposed Annexation – TAG NO. 06-04: Enlarging the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport a 39.499 acre tract of land located east of Youree Drive and South of Regal Drive in Section 37 (T17N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Councilman Walford: This public hearing is now open. Is there a presentation from the Administration?

Mr. Dark: Mr. Chair, the only thing we would say is that this is a commercial area under construction that would generate a great deal of sales tax to our community and we look forward to seeing it annexed.

Councilman Walford: Do we have anyone here to speak in favor of the annexation? Do we have anyone to speak in opposition to the annexation? Does the Councilman from the District wish to make any comments?

Councilman Wooley: I do. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Just like to echo Mr. Dark’s comments. This is a great opportunity for the City of Shreveport to not only provide new restaurants and new venues for our citizens and from the surrounding area, and from the region. Would also bring in more money for the city, so I think this is a big win/win for our community. Thank you.

Councilman Walford: Any other Council Member have comments? With that, the public hearing is now closed.

Confirmations and/or Appointments, Adding Legislation to the Agenda, and Public Comments.

Confirmations and/or Appointments:

Adding Legislation to the Agenda

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 55 of 2007: A resolution ratifying the use of certain equipment by Loyola College Prep and to otherwise provide with respect thereto

2. Resolution No. 56 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the use of certain equipment by the American Cancer Society and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

3. Resolution No. 57 of 2007: A resolution requesting the Mayor to provide the City Council with quarterly reports listing current written contracts to which the City is a party and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

4. Resolution No. 58 of 2007: A resolution to commemorate the life of Grambling Coach Eddie Robinson and to record his accomplishments in perpetuity for future generations in the official records of the City of Shreveport

5. Ordinance No. 58 of 2007: Ordinance No. 58: ZONING C-24-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance by rezoning property located on the West Side of Southern 150 feet north of 63rd Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1D-E, Urban One-Family Residence/Extended Use District Limited to an office, 14' x 25' Storage Building, and Parking for five vehicles only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 65 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 General Fund budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 66 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Capital Improvements budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 67 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to add Resolution Nos. 55, 56, 57, and 58 of 2007, and Ordinance Nos. 58, 65, 66, and 67 of 2007.

Councilman Wooley: Mr. Chairman, just for the sake of those that are watching television, can we get an explanation for them for 6, 7, and 8 since we’re making budget amendments.

Councilman Walford: We’re just adding them, we can do that when we discuss them, either way.

Councilman Wooley: Okay, that’s fine. We can wait then.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman?

Councilman Walford: Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Thompson, will you get a copy of that proclamation or resolution, and the Mayor will deliver it tomorrow?

Mr. Thompson: If it’s adopted today, then Lynette will be down for the Chairman to sign and the Mayor to sign. And I believe all of you have already signed it. So, it will be ready for the Mayor to take with him.

Councilman Shyne: I just wanted to make sure Mr. Mayor to remember that because I know he’ll have a full plate, and I wanted him to start eating on that first.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to be Adopted)

Mr. Jerry Edwards: (400 Texas Street) Good afternoon Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor and Council Members. I’m just here to be available for any questions that you might have. Seeing none, I respect your time, and will take my seat.

Councilman Walford: Very good. Thank you sir.

Councilman Lester: Good lawyer.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES:

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES:

RESOLUTIONS:

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 49 of 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOMMY R. SMITH BUILDERS, INC., LOCATED AT 2819 FALMOTH DR., TO CONNECT TO THE WATER & SEWER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, Tommy R. Smith Builders, Inc. have agreed to secure all permits and inspections required by the Shreveport Comprehensive Building Code. Said party having submitted a petition for annexation to the City of Shreveport, and having agreed to fully comply with the regulations of the City of Shreveport in connection with said property, all as set forth in Section 94-1, et. Seq., of the Shreveport City Code. Said request and petition are attached hereto.

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that Tommy R. Smith Builders, Inc., be authorized to connect the proposed building to be located at 2819 Falmoth Dr., to the water & sewer system of the City of Shreveport.

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 resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 6. Nays: Councilman Walford. 1.

ORDINANCES: None.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION

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

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 35 of 2007: Authorizing the mayor to execute an amendment to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation and Stageworks of Louisiana, LLC in connection with an Economic Development Award Program loan; to authorize the mayor to execute all documents on behalf of the City of Shreveport with regard to the amendment; and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Postponed March 26, 2007)

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to postpone.

Councilman Lester: I got my email sometime today, I looked at their overview just in the body of the meeting. I requested this information before. I did get a phone call from the gentleman that is the spokesperson for Stageworks, and I have several very specific questions relative to the changes. I’ve written those down. I’m going to provide those to him through the Mayor’s office, and ask that he respond to those in writing, and after doing that, I will be more comfortable voting. At that point, I will have done my due diligence.

Councilman Walford: Would you share those questions and answers with the Council?

Councilman Lester: Sure, absolutely.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 39 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEELSCAPE, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, Steelscape is being constructed as economic development of the Caddo/Bossier Port; and

WHEREAS, the benefit to the City of Shreveport by the construction of Steelscape far exceeds any revenue which would be generated by any permit, inspection and other related fees; and

WHEREAS, Eric England, Executive Port Director of the Caddo/Bossier Port Commission, has requested that the City of Shreveport waive any permit, inspection and other related fees associated with the construction of Steelscape; and

WHEREAS, Mr. H. M. Strong, Director of Operational Services, has no objection to this request.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal, and regular session convened, that the waiver of permit, inspection and other related fees for the construction of Steelscape is hereby authorized.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 42 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF ALL BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF UP TO SIX SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF NORTHWEST LOUISIANA, INC., AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, nondenominational organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing and homelessness in Northwest Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the organization intends to construct up to six (6) single family residences for low-income individuals in various neighborhoods in the City of Shreveport within the next year; and

WHEREAS, all homes will be built by volunteers under trained supervision and in accordance with all applicable provisions of the City of Shreveport Comprehensive Building Code and other applicable codes, regulations and requirements; and

WHEREAS, the organization has constructed in excess of thirty (30) homes in the City to date; and

WHEREAS, after construction , all of the homes will be occupied by a low income family that has assisted in the construction; and

WHEREAS, waiver of the building permit fees for the construction of the homes will assist families achieve their dream of homeownership, 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 for construction of up to six (6) single family residences by Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana, Inc., 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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Walford to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS AND/OR COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE VILLAGE OF GILLIAM, AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE VILLAGE OF RODESSA, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 14(c) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana provides that “for a public purpose, the state and its political subdivisions…may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other, with the United States or its agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation, or individual”; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature has enacted the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code providing for the mandatory adoption by Parishes and Municipalities of certain building codes; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Gilliam and the Village of Rodessa each desire to cooperate with the City of Shreveport in the implementation of these certain building codes as hereinafter provided; and

WHEREAS, the public purpose is described as the enforcement of certain building codes required to be in compliance with the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport agrees to provide the services necessary to be in compliance with the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code through inspections of all Village buildings and issuance of building permits and the Village of Gilliam and the Village of Rodessa each agree to require all persons issued said permits to pay directly to the City of Shreveport its required fees for such inspections.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal, and regular session convened, that Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute Intergovernmental Agreements and/or Cooperative Endeavor Agreements between the City of Shreveport and the Village of Gilliam, and between the City of Shreveport and the Village of Rodessa, substantially in accordance with the drafts thereof filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council on March 19, 2007 and attached hereto as Exhibits A and B respectively.

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 Webb, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt.

Councilman Walford: Discussion Mr. Webb?

Councilman Webb: No, they answered my question a few weeks ago, when they brought this up.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I was going to ask for a favorable vote, since I know the big family of Bradfords that live up that way.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 44 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AND/OR COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE TOWN OF GREENWOOD, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 14(c) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana provides that “for a public purpose, the state and its political subdivisions…may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other, with the United States or its agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation, or individual”; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature by Act 12 of the First Extraordinary Session of 2005 enacted Part IV-B of Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statues providing for the mandatory adoption by Parishes and Municipalities of certain building codes; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Greenwood desires to cooperate with the City of Shreveport in the implementation of these certain building codes as hereinafter provided; and

WHEREAS, the public purpose is described as the implementation of certain building codes required to be in compliance with Act 12; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport agrees to provide the services necessary to be in compliance with Act 12 through inspections of all Town buildings and issuance of building permits and the Town of Greenwood agrees to require all persons issued said permits to pay directly to the City of Shreveport its required fees for such inspections.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal, and regular session convened, that Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement and/or Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Shreveport and the Town of Greenwood, substantially in accordance with the draft thereof filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council on March 21, 2007 and attached hereto as Exhibit A.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 47 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CADDO PARISH SCHOOL BOARD IN CONNECTION WITH ITS "CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS" EVENT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish School Board ("Board") will hold an 11 day "Celebration of the Arts and Achievement" event at the Convention Center, April 19-29, 2007; and

WHEREAS, the event will highlight a number of arts, educational, and recognition events including but not limited to ArtBreak, a reading program for 2^nd grade students and two evening events honoring outstanding graduating senior and star achievers from other grades; and

WHEREAS, the events contribute to the cultural and educational development and enhancement of Caddo Parish school children and therefore serves a public purpose; and

WHEREAS, organizers estimate that thousands of out of town visitors and guests will participate in the event during the eleven (11) day period resulting in a significant economic impact to the City; and

WHEREAS, the City desires to participate with the Board in sponsoring the event.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the Mayor of the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized, on behalf of the City of Shreveport, to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Caddo Parish School Board relative to the Board’s "Celebration of the Arts and Achievements" event, substantially in accord with the draft hereof filed for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council on March 27, 2007.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorize to execute any and all other documents on behalf of the City of Shreveport with regard to this Agreement.

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 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 Bowman, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 48 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF TWELVE COMPUTERS AND TWELVE PRINTERS VALUED IN THE AMOUNT OF TEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY THREE DOLLARS FROM THE SHACK HARRIS & DOUG WILLIAMS FOUNDATION, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport desires to support recreation and after school tutoring programs in its sixteen recreation centers which serve the public and render a public service; and

WHEREAS, the Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation desires to support the growth of SPAR’s after school tutoring and computer programs in its recreation centers and the use of computers to further the educational component of these programs; and

WHEREAS, the Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation desires to donate twelve computers and twelve printers valued in the amount of ten thousand two hundred twenty three dollars; and

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

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, is hereby authorized to accept the donation of twelve computers and twelve printers valued at ten thousand two hundred twenty three dollars from the Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the equipment donated by the Foundation shall be used by for programming purposes in SPAR’s recreation centers.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 50 OF 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lot 45, Perrin & Zeigler Subdivision Geographic Number 181436-039-004500

Municipal Address: 1111 Zeigler Street

Council District “A”

Lot 4, Lincoln Memorial Subdivision Geographic Number 181421-032-000400

Municipal Address: 1929 Booker T. Washington Street

Council District “A”

Lot 3, Lincoln Memorial Subdivision Geographic Number 181421-032-000300

Municipal Address: 1933 Booker T. Washington Street

Council District “A”

Lot 110, Lieb Subdivision, 2^nd Filing Geographic Number 181435-097-011000

Municipal Address: 1810 Murphy Street

Council District “A”

Lot 36, Block G, Ingersoll Heights Subdivision Geographic Number 181435-061-003600

Municipal Address: 1626 Templeman Street

Council District “A”

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith

are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

9. Resolution No. 51 of 2007: Supporting the Employee Free Choice Act, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Walford to postpone.

Councilman Lester: And Mr. Chairman and Members, you will get some information about that from me before the week is out.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 52 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT’S INTENTION TO PROVIDE NONDISCRIMINATORY FRANCHISE AGREEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PROVIDERS OF CABLE SERVICES WITHIN ITS MUNICIPAL LIMITS AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport (“City”) desires to encourage and promote competition within its municipal limits for cable services (as that term is presently commonly understood within the cable service industry) and other video programming (“Cable Services”) for its citizens;

WHEREAS, City desires to promote nonexclusive opportunities for Cable Service providers to operate within its municipal limits;

WHEREAS, City desires to provide nondiscriminatory franchise agreement opportunities for all providers of Cable Services within its municipal limits; and

WHEREAS, City desires to cooperate with the Louisiana Municipal Association and other municipalities within the State of Louisiana in order to meet the foregoing goals throughout the state.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the Council did meet in open and regular session in order to consider this Resolution and to hereby state the intent of the City of Shreveport regarding franchise agreements for Cable Services and the encouragement of access to and competition among Cable Service providers with its municipal limits.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, should any Cable Service provider desire to provide Cable Services within the municipal limits of the City, the City intends to consider adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a cable franchise agreement substantially similar to that agreement attached hereto and made apart hereof as Exhibit A (the “Cable Franchise Agreement”).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should any non-incumbent provider of Cable Services agree to and execute the Cable Franchise Agreement, City does hereby intend to consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement substantially similar to the Cable Franchise Agreement with any incumbent provider of Cable Services.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City intends to provide nondiscriminatory franchise agreement opportunities for all providers of Cable Services within its municipal limits.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Lester to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MAYOR TO PROVIDE THE CITY COUNCIL WITH QUARTERLY REPORTS LISTING CURRENT WRITTEN CONTRACTS TO WHICH THE CITY IS A PARTY AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

By: Councilman Wooley

WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 17 of 2007, requesting the Mayor to provide the City Council with a report listing all current written contracts to which the city is a party and for which the amount is in excess of $10,000; and

WHEREAS, said report was received on March 26, 2007, but it did not contain all of the information requested in Resolution No. 17 of 2007 for all departments; and the report was not in a consistent format for all departments; and

WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to receive the report in a consistent format with orderly spreadsheets, similar to the reports submitted for Property Management, Permits and Inspections, and Solid Waste by the Department of Operational Services, attached hereto, in order to facilitate the review of the report; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to reduce time and effort, the administration shall determine if the report described above can be generated from the contract tracking system of the City: and

WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to continue to receive said reports each quarter.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that the Mayor is hereby requested to provide the City Council with quarterly reports listing all current written contracts to which the city is a party and for which the amount is in excess of $10,000, to include the names of the parties, the commencement and termination dates, a brief description of the purpose of the contract, the amount of the contract, and the department which administers the contract. The reports shall be submitted in a format similar to the reports submitted for Property Management, Permits and Inspections, and Solid Waste by the Department of Operational Services, attached hereto; and said reports shall be generated from the Contract Tracking System, if feasible.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reports shall be submitted to the Council beginning with the quarter ending March 31, June 30, 2007 and each quarter thereafter.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said reports shall be delivered to each member of the City Council and the office of the Clerk of Council on or before the fifteenth day of April, July, October, January and April of each year.

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed including Resolution No. 17 of 2007.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None

RESOLUTION NO. 58 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE LIFE OF GRAMBLING COACH EDDIE ROBINSON AND TO RECORD HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN PERPETUITY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT

BY: COUNCILMEN SHYNE AND LESTER

WHEREAS, Coach Eddie Robinson died on April 3, 2007 at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Coach Eddie Robinson was a true American hero. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco called him a “great Louisianan and a true American hero … (who) became the most successful college coach of all time…”; and

WHEREAS, Coach Eddie Robinson was Mr. Football. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: “Eddie Robinson’s name is synonymous with the sport of football. We will be forever grateful for the more than 200 young men he developed at Grambling who starred in the NFL and those who later coached the next generation of NFL players”; and

WHEREAS, Coach Eddie Robinson made Grambling famous. The Reverend Jesse Jackson said: “He took black college football to the big stadiums nationally and internationally. The Grambling Tigers Football Team…became a worldwide frame of reference”; and

WHEREAS, Coach Eddie Robinson was an extraordinary man. George Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees owner, said: “He was a legendary coach, a great teacher and an extraordinary man”; and

WHEREAS, Coach Eddie Robinson’s players and students are his greatest gift to this country. Grant Teaff, executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, said: “Though he was best known for winning more football games than any other coach… He …touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of young men in his 57 years at Grambling. That will be his greatest legacy”; and

WHEREAS, because Coach Eddie Robinson’s contributions had a direct positive impact on the Citizens of Shreveport, the City of Shreveport wishes to preserve the name, accomplishments and legacy of Coach Eddie Robinson in perpetuity for future generations.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due regular and legal session convened, that the City of Shreveport memorializes Coach Eddie Robinson by listing the timeline for his life and his major accomplishments on Attachment A, attached hereto and made a part hereof, so that his life and accomplishments will be recorded for future generations in the official records of the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution, including “Attachment

A”, shall be published in the Official Journal of the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution, including “Attachment

A”, shall be executed in duplicate originals with one original presented to the family of Eddie Robinson and the other filed in perpetuity in the office of the Clerk of Council for the City of Shreveport.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Lester: Let the record reflect that I worked with Councilman Shyne on that. Just to let him know I have no malice in my heart.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS (Not to be adopted prior to April 24, 2007)

1. Resolution No. 53 of 2007: A resolution acknowledging that the City Council has reviewed the 2007 Internal “municipal Water Pollution Prevention Report” concerning the North Regional and Lucas Wastewater Plants, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 54 of 2007: A resolution ratifying the Mayor’s execution of an amendment to a cooperative agreement dated March 23, 2006 between the City and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Resolution No. 55 of 2007: A resolution ratifying the use of certain equipment by Loyola College Prep and to otherwise provide with respect thereto

4. Resolution No. 56 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the use of certain equipment by the American Cancer Society and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Bowman to introduce Resolution No(s). 53, 54, 55, and 56 of 2007 to lay over until April 24, 2007 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES (Not to be adopted prior to April 24, 2007)

1. Ordinance No. 59 of 2007: An ordinance declaring certain adjudicated property to be surplus and to authorize the Mayor of the City of Shreveport to donate the City of Shreveport’s tax interest in a certain surplus adjudicated property, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (F/Shyne)

2. Ordinance No. 60 of 2007: An ordinance declaring certain adjudicated properties to be surplus and to authorize the Mayor of the City of Shreveport to sell the City of Shreveport’s tax interest in certain surplus adjudicated properties, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester/B/Walford/F/Shyne/G/Bowman)

3. Ordinance No. 61 of 2007: An ordinance amending certain sections of Ordinance No. 66 of 1963, Stop Intersections, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 62 of 2007: An ordinance levying a tax of eight and thirteen one hundredths (8 and 13/100ths) mills per dollar on all property subject to ad valorem taxation within the bounds of the Downtown Development District of the City of Shreveport as defined by Act 554 of 1978, as amended, for the purposes as set forth herein, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 63 of 2007: Levying various taxes totaling eighteen and eighty-two one hundredths (18 and 82/100ths) mills per dollar on all property subject to ad valorem taxation within the City of Shreveport for the year 2007 in the amounts and for the purposes described herein, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 64 of 2007: An ordinance levying a tax of twenty-seven and eighty-two one hundredths (27 and 82/100ths) mills per dollar on all property subject to ad valorem taxation within the City of Shreveport for the year 2007 for the purpose of paying principal and interest on the outstanding general obligation bonds of the City of Shreveport, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 65 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 General Fund budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

8. Ordinance No. 66 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Capital Improvements budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

9. Ordinance No. 67 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to introduce Ordinance No(s). 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 of 2007 to lay over until April 24, 2007 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE (Numbers are assigned Ordinance Numbers)

1. Ordinance No. 51 of 2007: An ordinance creating Section 94-23, Termination of Water Service for Violations of Louisiana State Plumbing Code, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, and Shyne. 6. Nays: Councilwoman Bowman. 1.

2. Ordinance No. 52 of 2007: An ordinance amending and replacing Section 66-103, Death Before Retirement, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley.

Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 52 of 2007

In Section 66-103(b), delete the phrase “Should a member leave an eligible widow” and substitute the following:

Should a member with ten or more years of creditable service die before the earliest normal retirement age and leave an eligible widow as his/her beneficiary

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 52 of 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long Ordinance No. 52 of 2007 as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 53 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Lester to postpone until the next meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

4. Ordinance No. 54 of 2007: ANNEXATION – Tag No. 06-04: An ordinance enlarging the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport a 39.499 acre tract of land located east of Youree Drive and South of Regal Drive in Section 37 (T17N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 55 of 2007: ZONING – C-17-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinances, by rezoning property located at the end of Shannon Drive 340 feet west of Moray Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from R-1C, Suburban, One-Family Residence District, to R1D, Urban One-Family Residence District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (E/Webb)

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

6. Ordinance No. 56 of 2007: ZONING – C-23-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinances, by rezoning property on the northeast corner of Audrey Lane and Peach Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban One-Family Residence District to R-1H-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended Use District, Limited to “Leasing/Management Office and Community Center/Computer Lab” only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 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 Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 6. Nays: Councilman Lester. 1.

7. Ordinance No. 57 of 2007: ZONING – C-25-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinances, by rezoning property on the north side of Mount Zion Road, 1240 feet east of Kingston Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish Louisiana, from I-1, Light Industry District, and B-1 Buffer Business District to R-1D (PUD) Urban, One-Family Residence (Planned Unit Development) District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

8. Ordinance No. 58 of 2007: Ordinance No. 58: ZONING C-24-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance by rezoning property located on the West Side of Southern 150 feet north of 63rd Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1D-E, Urban One-Family Residence/Extended Use District Limited to an office, 14' x 25' Storage Building, and Parking for five vehicles only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on March 27, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

The adopted ordinances and amendments follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 51 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE CREATING SECTION 94-23, TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE FOR VIOLATIONS OF LOUISIANA STATE PLUMBING CODE, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened that Section 94-23, Termination of Water Service for Violations of Louisiana State Plumbing Code, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport, is hereby created to read as follows:

Sec. 94-23. Termination of Water Service for Violations of Louisiana State Plumbing Code.

In the event any building, facility or connection is found to be in violation of any provision of the Louisiana State Plumbing Code, 2000 Edition, incorporated by reference into this Code of Ordinances by the provisions of Section 22-26 (or such later edition as may be specified by said Section), in addition to other penalties or sanctions which may be applicable, the City may suspend or terminate water service to said building, facility or connection until the violation is corrected.

Secs. 92-24 – 94-40. Reserved.

* * * * * * * * * * *

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 resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 52 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REPLACING SECTION 66-103, DEATH BEFORE RETIREMENT, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that Section 66-103 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Shreveport pertaining to death before retirement is hereby amended and replaced to read as follows:

Sec. 66-103. Death before retirement.

(a) Should a member with ten or more years of creditable service die before the earliest normal retirement age and leave a widow as his/her beneficiary, who has been married to the member for not less than two years immediately preceding his death, he/she shall be deemed to have automatically exercised Option 2 under section 66-100 of this article for the benefit of his/her widow, with adjustments made to the Option 2 benefit as though the member had already attained the earliest normal retirement age, who shall be paid said benefits under this article. Should the widow desire to receive, in lieu of said benefits, a refund of the member’s unused contributions, then he/she may do so by specifying his/her choice in writing, properly notarized, to the board of trustees of the retirement system. If the widow remarries, his/her payments shall be terminated.

(b) Should a member leave an eligible widow and dependent child/children less than 18 years of age, he/she shall be deemed to have automatically exercised Option 2 under section 66-100 of this article for the benefit of his/her widow and dependent child/children, with adjustments made to the Option 2 benefit as though the member had already attained the earliest normal retirement age, and the benefits shall be paid one-half to the eligible spouse and one-half to such dependent child/children less than 18 years of age. If there is more than one dependent child under the age of 18 years, the payment shall be equally divided among the children. When each such dependent child shall reach the age of 18 years, his/her payment shall be discontinued, but thereafter, such payment shall be divided equally among the remaining dependent children of such member. If there are no remaining dependent children less than 18 years of age, the whole of the child’s payment shall be made to the eligible spouse. If an eligible spouse remarries, his/her payments shall be terminated.

(c) Should a member with ten or more years of creditable service die before the earliest normal retirement age and leave a surviving child or children, but no eligible surviving spouse, he/she shall be deemed to have automatically exercised Option 2 under section 66-100 of this article for the benefit of his/her surviving child or children, with adjustments made to the Option 2 benefit as though the member had already attained the earliest normal retirement age, who shall be paid said benefits under this article. Such benefits for a surviving child shall cease upon the attainment of 18 years or upon marriage, whichever is earlier, except that benefits shall continue for a child to age 23, provided that he/she is a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher education or an approved state secondary and/or vocational-technical school, and except that benefits shall continue for a child who is mentally retarded or totally depended on the deceased member and/or his/her spouse, and if the mental or physical incapacity is certified to by a licensed physician selected by the board, and he is not receiving assistance from state agencies in excess of 50 percent of the benefit payable to such child. No surviving child shall receive more than one survivor’s benefit at any one time. If two benefits are applicable, only the larger shall be paid. If there is more than one surviving child, the benefit payable under Option 2 as adjusted shall be equally distributed among the eligible children.

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

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

Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 52 of 2007

In Section 66-103(b), delete the phrase “Should a member leave an eligible widow” and substitute the following:

Should a member with ten or more years of creditable service die before the earliest normal retirement age and leave an eligible widow as his/her beneficiary

ORDINANCE NO. 54 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO ENLARGE THE LIMITS AND BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT – A 39.499-ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED EAST OF YOUREE DRIVE AND SOUTH OF REGAL DRIVE IN SECTION 37(T17N-R13W), CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

TAG NO. 06-04

BY: COUNCILMAN

WHEREAS, Section 172 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 provides for annexation by petition; and

WHEREAS, petitions signed by more than the required percentage in number of registered voters and in number of resident property owners and by more than the required percentage in property value of resident owners of the area described below have been filed with the City Council to annex and bring within the corporate limits of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana, the following described property, to wit:

39.499 acres more or less – A TRACT OF LAND IN LOT 1, HARTS ISLAND LYING SOUTH OF KINGS RED RIVER SUBDIVISION PER ASSESSORS PLAT 171329-1-45, as recorded in Book 3898, Page 42 of the conveyance records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal, and regular session convened, that the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport are hereby changed to include within the limits and boundaries of said City the above-described property.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the annexed area contained herein be and is hereby assigned to Council District D.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Clerk of Council be and is hereby authorized to file, within ten (10) days of the final passage of this ordinance, with the Clerk of the District Court

for Caddo Parish a description of the entire boundary of the municipality as changed by this ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Clerk of Council be and is hereby authorized to record a certified copy of this ordinance in the official records of the District Court for Caddo 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 resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 55 OF 2007

BY:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE END OF SHANNON DRIVE, 340 FEET WEST OF MORAY DRIVE, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-1C, SUBURBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT, TO R-1D, URBAN, ONE-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 at the end of Shannon Drive 340 feet W of Moray Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from R-1C, Suburban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District.

A parcel of land in the SW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 1, T16N-R15W, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, said parcel being more fully described as follows: From the center of said Section1, run N00°22’17”W along the N-S centerline of said Section 1 a distance of 239.32 feet to the P- O-B. Thence from said Point, continue N00°22’17”W along said centerline a distance of 845 feet, thence run E a distance of 128.52 feet, thence run S00°07’05”E a distance of 325 feet, thence run S89°56’43”E a distance of 450 feet, thence run S00°07’05”E a distance of 260 feet, thence run N89°56’43”W a distance of 450 feet, thence run S00°07’05”E a distance of 260 feet, thence run W a distance of 125 feet to the P-O-B, said parcel containing 5.15 acres, M/L.

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. 56 OF 2007

BY:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF AUDREY LANE AND PEACH STREET, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-1H, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO R-1H-E, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE/EXTENDED USE DISTRICT, LIMITED TO “LEASING/MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND COMMUNITY CENTER/COMPUTER LAB”, ONLY, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of Lot 39 of the Audrey Park Subdivision, property located on the northeast corner of Audrey Lane and Peach Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from R-1H, Urban-One-Family Residence District, to R-1H-E, limited to “leasing/management office and community center/computer lab”only.

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

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

2. Approval of the community center component is contingent upon the continuous operation of the management/leasing component at this same location.

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. 57 OF 2007

BY:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF MOUNT ZION ROAD, 1240 FEET EAST OF KINGSTON ROAD, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM I-1, LIGHT INDUSTRY DISTRICT, AND B-1, BUFFER BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO R-1D (PUD) URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT) 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 north side of Mount Zion Road, 1240 feet east of Kingston Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from I-1, Light, Industry District, and B-1, Buffer Business District, to R-1D(PUD) Urban, One-Family Residence (Planned Unit Development) District.

Twenty-one acres M/L in the SW/4 of Section 35, T17N-R14W, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, begin at a point on the N line of the Mt. Zion Road that is 927.4 feet E of the W line of Section 35, T17N-R14W and run N 518.4 feet. Thence run N55°54E 731.4 feet. Thence E to a point 740.00 feet W of Brush Bayou. Thence SW’ly along the W edge of the R-O-W for Brush Bayou a distance of 978.6 feet to the N line of Mt. Zion Road. Thence W along said road to the P-O-B, less and except a tract measuring 15 feet x 120.78 feet.

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. 58 OF 2007

BY:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF SOUTHERN, 150 FEET NORTH OF 63^RD STREET, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM R-1D, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT, TO R-1D-E, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE/EXTENDED USE DISTRICT, LIMITED TO AN “OFFICE, 14’ X 26’ STORAGE BUILDING, AND PARKING FOR FIVE VEHICLES” ONLY, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of Lot 87, located on the west side of Southern, 150 feet north of 63^rd Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1D-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended Use District, limited to an “office, 14’ x 26’ storage building, and parking for five vehicles”, only.

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

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

2. Outside storage of any materials shall not be allowed.

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. Resolution No. 100 of 2007: Authorizing the release of mortgages and cancellation of promissory notes executed by Shreveport Publishing Corporation (now Snap Property, LLC) in favor of the City of Shreveport in connection with the neighborhood improvement leveraging project and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Introduced June 13, 2006 – Tabled - November 28, 2006)

2. Ordinance No. 122 of 2006: An Ordinance to amend portions of Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances relative to traffic and vehicles and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester) (Introduced August 22, 2006 – Tabled - November 28, 2006)

3. Ordinance No. 131 of 2006: Amending certain sections of Chapter 38 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances relative to housing and property standards and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Introduced August 22, 2006 – Tabled November 28, 2006)

4. Ordinance No. 204 of 2006: An ordinance amending the 2006 Budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Disparity Study) (A/Lester) (Introduced November 14, 2006 – Tabled December 12, 2006)

5. Ordinance No. 205 of 2006: An ordinance amending the 2006 Capital Improvements Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Introduced November 14, 2006 – Tabled December 12, 2006)

6. ABO APPEAL: Mr. Marcus Stephens, 8500 Jackson Square Apt., #18E, Shreveport, LA 71115 (D/Wooley) GiGi’s Martini Room, Commerce Street, Shreveport, LA) (B/Walford) (Postponed until outcome of upcoming trial)

7. Ordinance No. 13 of 2007: ZONING APPEAL – C-101-06: Amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, the City of Shreveport by rezoning property located on the south side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop 1500 feet east of Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-A, Residence Agriculture, to B-2 Neighborhood Business District, with PBG (Planned Building Group) approval, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley) (Remanded to MPC February 13, 2007)

8. Resolution No. 184 of 2006: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into, or request the Authority to enter into, one or more Swap Agreements, all in connection with certain outstanding bonds of the City or the Authority and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Tabled February 27, 2007)

NEW BUSINESS:

ABO APPEALS:

Ruby Bratton, 7000 Fern Ave #126, Shreveport, LA 71105 (C/Long); Brookshire Super One, Shreveport Barksdale Hwy, Shreveport, LA (C/Long) Decision rendered April 9, 2007.

Bradden Bullock, 239 Rutherford St., Shreveport, La 71104 (B/Walford) Applebee’s Restaurant, 1517 E. Bert Kouns, Shreveport, LA (D/Wooley) Decision rendered April 9, 2007.

PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEALS:

HBO070006 - 1901 Perrin St., Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) Rev. Wilbert L. Malone, 7819 Gideon Street, Shreveport, La 71106 (D/Wooley) Postponed until October 8, 2007.

HBO0500136 - 2171 David Raines Road, Shreveport, LA (A/Lester), Mr. Luther Moore

3946 Trent Drive, Shreveport, La 71119 (A/Lester) Postponed until April 23, 2007

ZONING APPEAL - C-14-07: Property located on the northwest corner of E. 70^th Street and Clyde Fant Parkway. (C/Long)

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Bowman to postpone until the next meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

SUBDIVISION REQUEST - SC-15-07: Property located on the northwest corner of Green Terrace Road and Dean Road – Summer Grove Neighborhood. (E/Webb)

Motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Bowman to postpone until the next meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - BAC-23-07: Charles Ray Lombardino, 620 Milam Street, north side of Milam, 100 feet easterly of Louisiana, Special Exception Use in a B-4 District (B/Walford)

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Webb to uphold the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Councilman Walford: And if you would indulge me for just a minute, since there were some concerns yesterday, I would ask Mr. Kirkland first if he would come forward. Mr. Kirkland from what I heard yesterday from the gentleman who filed the appeal was really not in total opposition, I think he was looking for assurance that what the Board has approved is what is going to go into this location. Can you discuss the stips and what exactly we will be confirming if you would.

Mr. Kirkland: The Board spent quite a bit of time on this case in the Public Hearing. It was a good proposal by Mr. Lombardino, that is as you all know, and Mr. Walford you’ve been on that board, so you know, we don’t zone people, we zone property. And the rights go with the property. And so the person standing before you might be able to be the best people in our community in terms of what they do, but we’ve got to look hard at what are they proposing and what rights could be transferred to someone else. Mr. Shyne, I know you and I are young enough to remember the old Capri Theatre, and when it was revitalized many, many years ago, great when it started out, not so good when it went out. And our police department helped to make it go out. But then it went through a number of hands, and long story made short, Mr. Lombardino in my opinion, in the DDA’s opinion, and obviously and in almost every property owner’s opinion close to that. Did you look very carefully at the notification map for example, and I don’t know if the camera’s on, but the Strand Theatre is within that notification circle, which is right here. The property is right here, the café well known is right here, next door to it. A number of business offices and Mr. Underwood, they are (inaudible) across the street, or really it’s right here. I would bet any Shreveport Policeman land five boxes of donuts that we’d had about 10 or 20 people in opposition at that hearing. We had one, and I think Mr. Chairman, you stated it rather well. I think Mr. Underwood and he expressed to me personally prior to the hearing, and during the hearing, and then after, he’s really concerned because he remembers well the checkered history if you will, of that site. As you probably know in downtown Shreveport, you either apply for the right to sell alcohol. Most of the time, that is a lounge or a bar, whatever we want to call it. Mr. Lombardino agreed to all of the restrictions that the board placed on him and the additional expense that he will have to pay for three days per week, he can host special events. Now that could be Ms. Bowman’s birthday at lunch, it could be Mr. Lester’s breakfast group, trying to raise money for some cause. It could be an evening affair for a bunch of Hollywood actors and actresses having a wrap up party that night. So, the entire facility could be used throughout a full day, and into the evening, but only three days a week. And the additional - - - most of the Board members were (inaudible) not to know trash pick up and other public problems, which I won’t mention what they are, but they’re not pleasant to a business to have to pick up and have to clean up the next day is close to that theatre, there are provisions for that to be done by Mr. Lombardino, or whomever is managing the property. In addition to the two licensed uniformed police officers or I’ll say, I think Ms. Scott and others have a term for that, post certified I believe is the term, but the bottom line is in addition to what Mr. Lombardino said he was going to do in managing and monitoring the facility, and even if it transfers, it should be able to be monitored, and hopefully will not ever present the problems that we had in its past. It’s a good sized facility. It’s a good location downtown. But I think most of you may know there is a well furniture company right across the street, and a long time son of a furniture business owner, he would have - - - I know that young man rather well, and he would have been over there knocking on my door really loud, and to the Board, if there’s been a problem in his perception. So, (inaudible) Council Members, it essentially was, it was one person apprehension, I would use, in his concern. The Board and the Staff feel we will be able to manage this, and we feel like we got a good use for our downtown. And I think DDA said it well. They’re trying to see this part of the city developed to help bring it back to some level of prosperity, more than what’s there now, and the West Edge is a good place for this sort of a venue, and this sort of activity. And so, hopefully you will approve it and we’ve gotten one of our leading citizens whose basically leading the charge to use the building. So.

Councilman Walford: Alright, let me put you on the spot. I think you said it when you said Staff, but with the stipulations that are provided, are you comfortable that we will not - - - it won’t fall back to the uses that were unfavorable some years ago. I remember that well.

Mr. Kirkland: And as you know too, most of you may not know we normally have two of Shreveport’s finest sitting in our audience, and you know Mr. Collins, and several others, sit in on our meetings. And they advise us, and they are not bashful people. So, if they see a problem, they tell us about it. I don’t think they saw a problem with this one either.

Councilman Walford: You were in the Chamber yesterday. You heard Mr. Underwood’s concerns.

Mr. Kirkland: He’s a Civil Engineer.

Councilman Walford: And you’re comfortable that we - - -

Mr. Kirkland: It’s not what he wanted. He wanted a sunset of a two or three year provision where it goes away and has to reapply, so that effectively can be terminated at some point. The Board considered that, but with the investment that’s being made as you well know, you’ve got to amortize those improvements out, and two or three years just wouldn’t do it, in our opinion. So, and frankly it’s going to have to struggle some is my guess. I hope it hits the ground running, and very profitable. But my guess is, he’s going to have to build the clientele and let people know that it’s available. We need those sort of venues available in our downtown. And so at some point, we have to trust that it will be done well, put our best sense in it as far as conditions and steps. And in terms of our Police Department, I think we can handle it.

Councilman Lester: I have a couple of questions. Use shall be limited to special events not only to exceed three days per week. Who decides what is a special event.

Mr. Kirkland: It’s another term I guess we could have used would be multi-purpose. Which literally is inclusive of almost anything you can think of. Lets go to the worst case. Some sort of a bad rap group if you will, that’s got a bad image or a bad record (inaudible).

Councilman Lester: Well lets say a bad Country Western group.

Mr. Kirkland: Well that might work.

Councilman Lester: Lets change the pyridine.

Councilman Shyne: Now I don’t have nothing to do with that, (inaudible).

Mr. Kirkland: But the key Councilman is the usually the patrol, and with post certified officers there to control any outside problems, that’s usually where the problems occur.

Councilman Lester: I guess my question is I don’t want people to think that this clause is a protection that is not.

Mr. Kirkland: I agree with you.

Councilman Lester: Yeah, I don’t want - - - and obviously I was not there at the ZBA meeting, so I don’t know what the dynamic was. I know I have an idea of what the legislative intent was, but I don’t know that this necessarily prevents that. In other words lets say this Country Western Group comes, and I don’t like the crowd that this Country Western group caters to. Am I now going to call the ZBA or am I now going to call you - - - you know are you going to get a rash of calls Monday morning? Mr. Kirkland, that rowdy line dancing group was down there, they’ve got boot marks all over the place.

Mr. Kirkland: It could happen, and the reality of it is the owner or the manager of the establishment will really call the shots of what level of activities are permitted based on whatever contract they sign as you well know. But we’ve got venues all over this city and parish, that if managers and owners were to allow it, they could stage events that would get out of hand, that would not be welcomed, would not be popular, would create problems for the Police Department, and everybody else. The real world that we live in though is that by having special events, and good responsible owners/operators, that’s not the typical response. If this application had been for - - - we want six, seven days a week, and alcohol, basically a bar, I don’t think they would have agreed to the stips and conditions. But I think the point you’re making is right on target. It could happen, it could be something that could be very unpleasant, but I do believe that our Shreveport Police Department would be all over them. I know we would be doing everything we could to shut it down within the legal rights that we could use. So.

Councilman Lester: And I wanted to engage in that because I just wanted everyone to understand the idea that this clause that says ‘you shall be limited to special events only, not to exceed three days a week’, I don’t want people thinking well, you know what this clause in and of itself is going to prevent this group that I don’t like from coming down here, because it’s not. And if that group, whatever that group decides to be, you know it could be someone listening to jazz, or something - - -

Mr. Kirkland: It could be a high school graduation party.

Councilman Lester: Hey, it could be something that’s annoying to somebody. Because there is something that’s annoying to somebody. I just don’t want people to leave here thinking that the Council voted that it’s only going to be this and it’s not going to be that when the reality of it is, we have approved a lounge for high content beverages, and they’re going to be open three days a week. And I ask that question because the gentleman that was here, and I forget his name, asked for in the letter that’s on our electronic agenda, asked for some clarity as to what a special event was. And reading between the lines, I kinda see that there is an attempt to kinda steer us in a particular direction, that I don’t think that we can go.

Mr. Kirkland: It’s a little bit like what y’all were discussing a couple of weeks ago at the Municipal Auditorium, what’s the special event there? Who is that going to be. Some people don’t like maybe whose going to show up or maybe whose it’s leased to. That’s unfortunately part of our culture. But as long as we deal with the problems, the impact, and that’s where the two officers come in, and that’s where the at least limited three days a week, and some of the other conditions hopefully will limit it and keep those things from happening. If they do, I do think we can deal with it.

Councilman Lester: Final question. If for instance one of the stipulations is not adhered to, what then? Lets say for instance, there is a concert that’s there, because that place is pretty large, and there’s a concert. And someone says well a concert is not a special event, we want them shut down or there weren’t two police officers there. I guess where I’m trying to - - - I’m trying to in a clumsy kinda way, kinda inform the public, and more importantly the property owners around there, that we are allowing a lounge. And I think the most that we can say is that they’re going to operate three days a week. Those three days might be Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Mr. Kirkland: It could be Sunday night.

Councilman Lester: Sunday night, you know what have you. But I just want to make as abundantly clear as possible, that’s what they’re going to have.

Mr. Kirkland: That’s why I made reference to the notification area, and I personally have been at the hearings on at least five of the prior uses at that site. When they were approved, when they were denied at the Council Meetings, when they were dealt with. And the Strand Theatre, and the reason I say that specifically, that Board of Directors does not let anything pass them if they think it’s going to create a negative problem. I know personally about six of those property owners that own property right now, they didn’t show up. They got the notices, we know they did. I personally think they like most of us had the thought that well, this is worth taking a chance on. And it is always that when you are dealing with consumption of alcohol, but the sequence of that would be if somebody would say, well that’s not a special event. They’d probably come to me or the MPC Staff would make a call. They didn’t like it, they could appeal to the ZBA to get an interpretation. It’d come to you ultimately, if somebody wanted to take it that far. Otherwise, if they’re not meeting the stips, we’d go to Ms. Scott, and we would see what the City Attorney’s office could help us do to shut it down. And again, there’s a lot of trust in these decisions. I wish they could be written in a way that would be iron clad, absolutely stop do this, and today, we’d shut down. But at some point at you all know, we trust our business folks, and we hope they’re going to do right, but we’re here to try to make ‘em see what doing right is if that’s necessary.

Councilman Lester: And I appreciate you answering my question. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: And that’s where the word integrity comes in.

Councilman Wooley: Just one quick question. What is the seating capacity of the (inaudible) room? Has that been calculated for that facility?

Mr. Kirkland: What’s - - -

Councilman Wooley: The seating capacity or the amount of people that can be - - -?

Mr. Kirkland: Oh, I don’t know, but I assure our Fire Department will before the CO is issued, because they have to sign off on that Certificate of Occupancy, and they will determine based on the seating configuration, and isles and a lot of things the exact capacity, both standing and seated for that location. It was an old movie theatre, and I’m going to guess at least 150 or more. I don’t know. Mr. Lombardino’s here. He might could tell you. But the Fire Department would be the one who will make that call. And they will post that on the inside of that facility. Just like this room is 300 and something standing I think.

Councilman Walford: Any other questions? Mr. Lombardino, would you mind coming forward for just a minute? There is some concern about what’s going to go there. You and I’ve had this conversation, we had this conversation with Mr. Underwood yesterday, and then I left the two of you discussing it. You understand the stipulations that have been put on this approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Mr. Charles Lombardino: (104 Southwood Drive, Bossier City, LA) Yes sir, I do. I agreed to those. This is a building that I’ve owned for going on eight years. I bought it to be a part of the vision of the West Edge, I had some renderings drawn in 2000 by Chris (inaudible) who was the artist that did a lot of work in the Hollywood Casino. And it wasn’t until now that I feel like the opportunity is there to make this thing successful. I agree with Mr. Kirkland, it’s going to be some hard knocks, and you’re going to have to work at it, and I intend to do that. But I’ve had a lot of interest from the film industry that would be interested in bringing this venue. It is a unique venue to that area. There’s not a lot of - - - there’s not anything else like it over there, other than the Strand, of course that’s a lot more grandeur. It’s a beautiful place. But this was owned by Sanger people at one time. But what I envisioned is that the film industry utilizing this facility very much, and also have set in some meetings with the Red River District every Wednesday, discussing with the Vice Chair Shelly Ragle, and the public facilities with Stageworks having come in, there’s not a lot of venues to rent for these types of events. And so, I know that the market is there. I need to prove that it’s going to be a nice facility, operated correctly. I’m not interested in being in the night club business. I have two night clubs, they’re in the Red River District, but that’s not what this is going to be. I have a - - - if I could use this, I could show you. This is Chris Opt, he’s the guy who did the renderings here, and he’s the one who worked on the Hollywood Casino. That’s his logo there.

Councilman Wooley: A little quick advertising?

Mayor Glover: That could get you in trouble with a certain task force in the area.

Councilman Lester: That’s not one of the special uses, right?

Councilman Long: Yeah, that’s kinda of what we’re worried about.

Mr. Lombardino: Well, this is what the theatre looks like right now, still an eyesore. Property value I’m sure would be enhanced with the improvements that I’m going to make there. This is the inside the lobby area. This is what it looks like on the inside currently. Long and narrow, and you can see anything that’s happened in the past, this is kinda of what they looked like, and the problems that existed at that time. I mean, look what they were running. It wasn’t anything special, they didn’t put any money in the thing, and they really didn’t have anything to lose. So, that’s where we’ve been, and this is where we’re going. I asked Chris Opt to - - - I told him I wanted something with an art deco style, and to do some research. And he did, and we had several meetings. This is a picture of (inaudible) Theatre, you can see the concession stand right down here. This is a ceiling that’s been painted, and that’s something that he has put in a proposal for me, and we’ll get to that in just a minute. And I’ll go through this pretty quickly. These are some examples of ticket booths that he gave me to chose from, so that we can pick some styles and colors. This is an example of the detail that he researched and (inaudible) that we can use on the front of the building around the side. Also demonstrates some colors, and you can see the art deco influence. This a picture of some historic theatres that were saved, and that’s kinda of what I considered doing here, that’s what I am doing Here’s some examples of colors that were of that era, that we’re going to use in the color scheme on the front of the building. This is a theatre that looks a lot like the interior or shaped like the interior of the Capri Theatre. It’s long and narrow, and has a balcony right here, and there’s not theatre seating in it. It’s a good expression of what we’d like to get to obviously, this is a multi-million dollars, but our investment is +$300,000. And these are the renderings that he came up with. This is an example of the outside, the doors won’t be there but you can see the detail that’s in the other examples that he pulled from and how he applied it to the face of this building. We have since then found the old Capri sign, and the big letters that go down the sides where it says ‘now appearing’, that would be in place of the Capri letters going up, (inaudible) historically correct. This is an example of a logo. This is one of the logs that he came up with. You can see the art deco lettering, kind of a Broadway image that he’s trying to project. You’ll see dated February 2000, but that’s when I started working on this project, and that’s when I had (inaudible) at that point promoting the West Edge, and I really want to be a part of this, and have something you can be proud of. This is an example of the interior renderings. This would be looking from the movie screen looking backwards, in the back like that. And it has that shape right now. This is an old air conditioning duct that runs through that. That would be decorated with some ornate things. This is just another example of (inaudible) a little more detail on it, curtains and some more explanation. This is a picture of some historic restaurants in Chicago, which some of the artwork like you see here could be typical of what we’d want to do inside to jazz the place up and make it look good. And this picture kinda says it all. It’s really what we’re trying to get to. This is a 1920s picture of events that may have been going on in those days, in it’s grandeur, and some of the kind of things that I would like to bring to the West Edge. You have to work hard at things to make them happen. The West Edge’s momentum I’d feel like is starting to move forward, and I just want to be a part of that. And I want to be a part of the community of Shreveport. I want to add some things that hopefully I’ll be remembered for, and this is one of those projects. I’ve talked to some Mardi Gras Krewes and met with them. Billy Watson, he works at Center Point right down the street. He’s the Captain of Centaur, and he likes the facility, and would be interested in doing some fundraisers there. It’s too small for their ball of course, because they’re a big Krewe. But some of the things that I’d like to do is solicit the Krewe of Justinians and put the Harmon Drew Band in there, which I know and you know he’s a second circuit judge I believe. And that would be an event that I would encourage to or that I would like to have there. Of course there are other things, High School Reunions, Wedding Receptions, things of that sort. And you’re right. Someone could put something in there, a Rap group or a bad Country band, but these kinds of things even happen in City buildings where they weren’t aware of what was going on, and maybe had a problem. So, you do have to screen these people, and I’m not interested in having just anything in there. I want something that adds value to the West Edge.

Councilman Lester: The most important question of the day. Is it true that Councilman Webb used to take your lunch money, because that’s all I’ve been hearing for the last 30 minutes.

Mr. Lombardino: It’s true.

Councilman Walford: Any other questions? Let me say one thing about Mr. Lombardino. For what three years, I had a Riverfront Task Force that met monthly, you attended every meeting. You were very interested, you were a contributor into what improvements we made. You made some very good suggestions that the police adopted. You cared about the area around your facilities. And I appreciate that. Every meeting I’ve been to, Shelly’s Wednesday morning group, you’ve been at.

Mr. Lombardino: Thank you very much I appreciate that. I’ve been down there 25 years in the location that I’m at, now the Chicago Night Club. I’ve dedicated a lot to that district, and I hope to do a lot for the West Edge. The only place I’ve ever worked ever in my life other than a summer job in high school has been on the Riverfront, either at TGI Fridays, opening Chelsea Square or moving to the location I’m at now, and I’ve been there for 25 years.

Councilman Walford: And I have something I’ll give you. You can have the name of Shreveport Shame 2 for your next door neighbor. We’ll fight that battle later. But thank you for showing us that. Any other comments from Council?

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Williams, just before you leave I wanted to ask - - - it’s not on this, but would you come up and we’ll let you go. No, you can just come up for just a minute. Mr. Evans, please come forward, I was just wondering if you’d had a chance to get with Mr. Evans, I think Mr. Evans was here maybe like five or six weeks ago in relation to your business on Milam Street. Have you had a chance to get with Mr. Williams and you all kinda together with what you wanted to do and maybe have a meeting of the minds. Have you all talked Mr. Williams?

Mr. Fred Williams: (Downtown Development Association) We talked earlier with him, but we’ve not talked since he’s been open. I think he’s been open since we talked.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, do you all think it’d be good for the two of you all to gether and talk?

Mr. Evans: I’m not open yet sir.

Councilman Shyne: You haven’t opened yet?

Mr. Evans: No sir.

Councilman Shyne: Well Mr. Will8iams, I’m not going to ask you to give him a date here, but could the two of you all find out when it would be convenient?

Mr. Williams: Absolutely, I can meet with him tomorrow.

Councilman Shyne: Since all that’s a part of the DDA, downtown. Thank you Mr. Williams. Thank you Mr. Evans.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES: None.

CLERK’S REPORT: None.

Mr. Thompson: We have none.

Mayor Glover: Before you do that, there are a couple of comments that I’d like to make, that I’d prefer to have as a part of our official record. Just some general comments I want to add before we wrap up today. I don’t know if Chief is still here with the Police Department, I so see we have a gentleman here. There we go, there he is, couldn’t see you behind Tom. Chief, I want to commend you and the men and women of the Police Department for apprehending a burglary ring that was broken today. Many of you may have gotten calls, because I know I have, because some of my neighbors and maybe some of your have been the victims of these particular individuals. But just since February until this past Friday, we had three young men, which I’m sure if they were so inclined could manage to achieve excellence in some other worthwhile endeavors, but unfortunately since February, they have chosen to commit some 44 + burglaries here in our fine city, in neighborhoods scattered across this great community of ours. Their activity resulted in a 20+ % spike in the number of home burglaries for the month of February and March alone. Three young men, all of them under the age of 20, well not only did we catch them once, we caught them before. They were bonded out of jail, and went back to committing burglaries, while they were out. But Chief, your folks caught them yet again today, hopefully we won’t let them back out so quickly again. But I wanted to commend you Chief and your folks for catching these three young men. Hopefully we will be able to return back to the citizens of this city the merchandise that was stolen from them. All sorts of things, flat screens televisions, and everything else that you can imagine. Interestingly enough much of it was not sold at pawn shops, but unfortunately being purchased by lots of individuals here in this city. But thanks to the fine works of SPD, they have been captured and apprehended, and hopefully, will give them something to think about, and give them some time to hopefully give some consideration to the real future that they want to build for themselves. The second thing I wanted to mention before we convened into the Committee of the Whole, is to commend Lawrence Guidry and the great folks over at the Caddo Community Action Agency. It was just announced today that the children in the areas Head Start Program, and we talk about trying to make Shreveport a great city, and part of where we’ve got to start Councilman Shyne, as you have often mentioned, is with our children. The folks at the Caddo Parish Head Start, and I know you all Council Members Bowman, Webb, and Long coming from the Parish Commission, you all were intimately involved in supporting and facilitating the efforts of the Caddo Community Action Agency and the Head Start Program there, well they have just gotten back their test results from last year, and not only have they met the Louisiana average, they have exceeded the National Average. So, it is possible for us to find excellence ladies, and gentlemen, and achieve it. And hopefully replicate it so. Just two different observations from two different ends of the spectrum, that I wanted to be a part of your official record of today’s proceedings. Thank you Mr. Mayor.

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 6:00 p.m.

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//s// R.M. Walford, Chairman

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//s// Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council

Clerk Note(s):

*** The special meeting to address an appeal for the denial of application to sell alcoholic beverages at Kim’s Lunch Box, 426 North Market, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71107, has been rescheduled for April 9, 2007. The meeting will be held in the Governmental Chambers, 505 Travis Street, Shreveport, Louisiana, at 4:00 p.m. or immediately following the regular Shreveport City Council Administrative Conference, whichever occurs later. (A/Lester) Decision rendered April 9, 2007.

** The special meeting to address an appeal for the revocation of permit to sell alcoholic beverages at Phat Katz Lounge, 4303 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, has been rescheduled for April 9, 2007. The meeting will be held in the Governmental Chambers, 505 Travis Street, Shreveport, Louisiana, at 4:00 p.m. or immediately following the regular Shreveport City Council Administrative Conference, whichever occurs later. (G/Bowman) Decision rendered April 9, 2007.

*** Items postponed until a specific date may be considered prior to the postponed date.